It's official. The Super Bowl will be played in an outdoor, cold weather venue for the first time when the 2014 game will be played at the new Meadowlands Stadium. The debate has been raging as to should the game be played in the elements, and how those elements will effect the outcome. The weather debate has been mostly about the temperature and the possiblilty of snow. But the main factor, I believe, will be the wind.
Giants Stadium is well known for its swirling winds. When the trash starts blowing around it looks like a tornado has hit inside the stadium. There hasn't been a game played in the new Meadowlands Stadium, so the wind factor and how it will blow inside has yet to be determined. Think about this: If a cold front moves through, you are going to have winds up to 20-30 mph, and you are going to have conditions similar to the Freezer Bowl game in Cincinnati back in January 1982. I watched that game on TV, and it was so cold the wind wasn't the only determining factor.
Now there is a chance that it will be warm that time of year in New Jersey. And if it is the wind will be blowing as well. Upwards of 30-40 mph. The NFL has become a quarterback driven league, and they are putting their most marketable superstars in a situation where they will not be able to perform their best.
When it comes to the Meadowlands stadium, there is a question that only a few have asked. Why didn't they put a roof on the place? I don't see the NCAA wanting to host the BCS Championship game or the NCAA Mens Basketball Championship there, but they probably would if the stadium had a roof. After all, if you are going to spend $1.7 billion on a new stadium, why not add another $100 or $200 million for a roof.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Paying the Players
This is the time of year in the NFL when the best players feel they are underpaid and want more money. They show it by not attending voluntary OTA's, and let it be known through their agents they are unhappy with their contracts. Two of the best players in the game, Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans and Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, want to renegotiate. One has a very good case, the other has a good point but won't get much sympathy.
Chris Johnson rushed for over 2000 yards in 2009, and with inconsistent play at the quarterback position he was their offense. He is also playing out a rookie contract that will pay him $550,000 in 2010. Tennessee is getting a wonderful return on their investment. Johnson is a gamebreaking back who can beat you running the ball and catching it out of the backfield. He has been arguing for more money for a while now and he should get it.
But Tennessee can point to Terrell Davis and Jamal Anderson as to why they should hold off with the new contract. Davis and Anderson lead their teams to the Super Bowl at the end of the 1998 season, then both players got hurt with serious knee injuries in the opening weekend of the 1999 season and never fully recovered. Running backs have a shorter and shorter shelf life in the NFL. Tennessee can argue that handing out a huge signing bonus to Johnson when he has the potential to get hurt the same way is pointless when he still has at least 2 years left on his contract. But when you are not willing to pay your best player it smacks of cheap. Tennessee needs to pony up and pay their thoroughbred back before it's too late.
Andre Johnson has already signed a big extension. 8 years, $60 million, with $15 million in guaranteed money. He has five years left on his contract. Johnson has been one of the best receivers in the league and with the development of Matt Schaub he is only getting better. But how much more money is he worth? He has never played in a playoff game, and only been on one team that has had a winning record. He got the big contract after putting up big numbers. What he needs to do now is get his team in the playoffs. Then he will have more leverage. Chris Johnson led the Titans to the best record in the NFL his rookie season. Andre Johnson has yet to have that effect in Houston.
Looking at their current contracts, Chris Johnson is underpaid. Andre Johnson is undeserving. Chris needs a new contract. Andre needs to put up or shut up.
Chris Johnson rushed for over 2000 yards in 2009, and with inconsistent play at the quarterback position he was their offense. He is also playing out a rookie contract that will pay him $550,000 in 2010. Tennessee is getting a wonderful return on their investment. Johnson is a gamebreaking back who can beat you running the ball and catching it out of the backfield. He has been arguing for more money for a while now and he should get it.
But Tennessee can point to Terrell Davis and Jamal Anderson as to why they should hold off with the new contract. Davis and Anderson lead their teams to the Super Bowl at the end of the 1998 season, then both players got hurt with serious knee injuries in the opening weekend of the 1999 season and never fully recovered. Running backs have a shorter and shorter shelf life in the NFL. Tennessee can argue that handing out a huge signing bonus to Johnson when he has the potential to get hurt the same way is pointless when he still has at least 2 years left on his contract. But when you are not willing to pay your best player it smacks of cheap. Tennessee needs to pony up and pay their thoroughbred back before it's too late.
Andre Johnson has already signed a big extension. 8 years, $60 million, with $15 million in guaranteed money. He has five years left on his contract. Johnson has been one of the best receivers in the league and with the development of Matt Schaub he is only getting better. But how much more money is he worth? He has never played in a playoff game, and only been on one team that has had a winning record. He got the big contract after putting up big numbers. What he needs to do now is get his team in the playoffs. Then he will have more leverage. Chris Johnson led the Titans to the best record in the NFL his rookie season. Andre Johnson has yet to have that effect in Houston.
Looking at their current contracts, Chris Johnson is underpaid. Andre Johnson is undeserving. Chris needs a new contract. Andre needs to put up or shut up.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Reclamation and Redemption in Cincinnati
For years the Cincinnati Bengals were the team of the troublemakers. Chris Henry, Odell Thurman, and others kept getting in trouble with the law and the big sheriff of the league, Commissioner Roger Goddell. Now they seem to be the scrapheap, where the junkyard dogs that everyone else abandoned can find a home.
You can go back to 2008 and find a starting point. Chris Henry was arrested for the 5th time, and the Bengals released him. He was suspended for 8 games but there were no takers. Then Mike Brown, against the wishes of his coach, Marvin Lewis, re-signed the troubled receiver. In doing so Brown said that he is a redeemer, and that he would give Henry one last shot.
The risk seemed to be working out for the best. Henry had difficulty getting back into the flow of the game in 2008, but some of that was seen as Carson Palmer not being on the field. In 2009 Henry showed flashes of his potential before breaking his arm, then tragically died in an accident during the season. Henry had kept himself out of trouble and looked to be on the path to redemption.
When Chris Perry showed that he was not going to be a bell cow ball carrier, the Bengals took in Cedric Benson, who had been a bust with Chicago, found his own trouble with the law and was released by the Bears. When he got a second chance to show that he was deserving of his 4th overall draft selection in 2005 he took the most of it. Benson finished the 2008 season with three 100 yard games, and rushed for over 1200 yards in 2009 despite sitting out 3 games with injuries.
Going into the 2010 season the Bengals have signed Matt Jones and Adam Jones. Matt was released by Jacksonville after being arrested for drug possession, and I don't know if this blog has enough space to list the problems Adam has had since coming into the league in 2005. Both were signed to low risk contracts and will be joining a team coming off of an AFC North Division title. With the efforts the Bengals have put into Henry and Benson, they know how to handle players who have had troubles and are coming off the scrapheap. If they can stay out of trouble as Henry did and can contribute on the field the Bengals will reap the benefits.
But now there is a possibility that the Bengals might sign JaMarcus Russell. Is there a better place for him? I don't think so. With Palmer as the starter, Russell would be strictly a backup. No pressure to carry the franchise, and I'm sure if he signs with any team the financial risk will be very small. Why not take a chance on Russell? If it is going to work out, it will probably happen in Cincinnati.
You can go back to 2008 and find a starting point. Chris Henry was arrested for the 5th time, and the Bengals released him. He was suspended for 8 games but there were no takers. Then Mike Brown, against the wishes of his coach, Marvin Lewis, re-signed the troubled receiver. In doing so Brown said that he is a redeemer, and that he would give Henry one last shot.
The risk seemed to be working out for the best. Henry had difficulty getting back into the flow of the game in 2008, but some of that was seen as Carson Palmer not being on the field. In 2009 Henry showed flashes of his potential before breaking his arm, then tragically died in an accident during the season. Henry had kept himself out of trouble and looked to be on the path to redemption.
When Chris Perry showed that he was not going to be a bell cow ball carrier, the Bengals took in Cedric Benson, who had been a bust with Chicago, found his own trouble with the law and was released by the Bears. When he got a second chance to show that he was deserving of his 4th overall draft selection in 2005 he took the most of it. Benson finished the 2008 season with three 100 yard games, and rushed for over 1200 yards in 2009 despite sitting out 3 games with injuries.
Going into the 2010 season the Bengals have signed Matt Jones and Adam Jones. Matt was released by Jacksonville after being arrested for drug possession, and I don't know if this blog has enough space to list the problems Adam has had since coming into the league in 2005. Both were signed to low risk contracts and will be joining a team coming off of an AFC North Division title. With the efforts the Bengals have put into Henry and Benson, they know how to handle players who have had troubles and are coming off the scrapheap. If they can stay out of trouble as Henry did and can contribute on the field the Bengals will reap the benefits.
But now there is a possibility that the Bengals might sign JaMarcus Russell. Is there a better place for him? I don't think so. With Palmer as the starter, Russell would be strictly a backup. No pressure to carry the franchise, and I'm sure if he signs with any team the financial risk will be very small. Why not take a chance on Russell? If it is going to work out, it will probably happen in Cincinnati.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Preseason Power Rankings
Going into the 2010 NFL season, the top two teams are the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. The teams that faced each other in the Super Bowl look to be the strongest in their respective conferences, as neither took a major hit in personnel losses, and drafted very well to supplement the talent on the roster. The question is 'Who should be ranked #3?'
For my money, the third best team in the NFL going into the 2010 season is the New York Jets. Mark Sanchez is going into his second season, and he looks to only get better. But the focus of the offense is still the running game and the offensive line. But Shonn Greene will be looked to carry the majority of the load, and the loss of Alan Faneca might be overlooked since the rest of the offensive line has been so good. Santonio Holmes will give Sanchez another target, but he will be sitting out a 4 game suspension at the beginning of the season.
The offense will be looked to not lose games. The strength of the team is on defense. The addition of Jason Taylor and Antonio Cromartie makes the pass rush and secondary that much better. Darrelle Revis has become the best cornerback in the game. And the selection of Kyle Wilson gives them the nickel corner they lacked against the Colts in the AFC Championship game.
One thing the Jets have going for them, perhaps more than anyone else, is bravado. With Rex Ryan as the head coach, they just believe they can win. They went into Cincinnati and won a playoff game that was a toss up. They went to San Diego and won a game they had no business winning. They went to Indianapolis and nearly won the AFC title. Ryan has them believing they are the best team in football. It will be seen whether that translates to wins on the field. The Jets have an even bigger target on their backs, and the rest of the league will be taking aim.
For my money, the third best team in the NFL going into the 2010 season is the New York Jets. Mark Sanchez is going into his second season, and he looks to only get better. But the focus of the offense is still the running game and the offensive line. But Shonn Greene will be looked to carry the majority of the load, and the loss of Alan Faneca might be overlooked since the rest of the offensive line has been so good. Santonio Holmes will give Sanchez another target, but he will be sitting out a 4 game suspension at the beginning of the season.
The offense will be looked to not lose games. The strength of the team is on defense. The addition of Jason Taylor and Antonio Cromartie makes the pass rush and secondary that much better. Darrelle Revis has become the best cornerback in the game. And the selection of Kyle Wilson gives them the nickel corner they lacked against the Colts in the AFC Championship game.
One thing the Jets have going for them, perhaps more than anyone else, is bravado. With Rex Ryan as the head coach, they just believe they can win. They went into Cincinnati and won a playoff game that was a toss up. They went to San Diego and won a game they had no business winning. They went to Indianapolis and nearly won the AFC title. Ryan has them believing they are the best team in football. It will be seen whether that translates to wins on the field. The Jets have an even bigger target on their backs, and the rest of the league will be taking aim.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Slow News Day
The NFL is a year round enterprise nowadays. But even the behemoth that the league has become can have a slow news day. Which is what I see today. Nothing to report that hasn't already been reported. But I'm sure something will pop up soon enough. It always does. Have a nice slow news day!!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A Super Bowl in Jersey
The New York Giants and the New York Jets have submitted their combined bid to host the 2014 Super Bowl in the new Meadowlands Stadium. If it gets the approval from the league it would be the first outdoor, cold weather Super Bowl. The big game has been played in domes hosted by Detroit and Minnesota, and it will be in Indianapolis in 2012. But those games were played indoors. I'm hoping the game is played in Jersey.
Think about it. The possibility of snow, sleet, cold rain, wind, all of the above. Bring the elements into play. But what it will do is keep the fair weather fans from even thinking of going. Literally. It will be a game for the real fans. The ones who have watched the Packers at Lambeau Field in the Ice Bowl when it was -15F and in Favre's Last Stand in the NFC Championship in January 2008, when it was -4F. It will be for the fans who watched the Freezer Bowl in Cincinnati in the AFC Championship in January 1982, when the wind chill was -59F. It will be for the fans who were at the Tuck Rule Game in New England in January 2002, when snow blanketed the field.
But the one reason why I'm rooting for an outdoor Super Bowl in the New York Metropolitan Area is that very cold weather will hopefully cancel the stupid halftime show that for me just ruins the Super Bowl. I want to watch the two best teams in football, not some aged, over the hill rock band that probably doesn't know the difference between a Cover 2 and two covers on a bed. Let's get back to real football. And in January and February that means Real Cold Football.
Think about it. The possibility of snow, sleet, cold rain, wind, all of the above. Bring the elements into play. But what it will do is keep the fair weather fans from even thinking of going. Literally. It will be a game for the real fans. The ones who have watched the Packers at Lambeau Field in the Ice Bowl when it was -15F and in Favre's Last Stand in the NFC Championship in January 2008, when it was -4F. It will be for the fans who watched the Freezer Bowl in Cincinnati in the AFC Championship in January 1982, when the wind chill was -59F. It will be for the fans who were at the Tuck Rule Game in New England in January 2002, when snow blanketed the field.
But the one reason why I'm rooting for an outdoor Super Bowl in the New York Metropolitan Area is that very cold weather will hopefully cancel the stupid halftime show that for me just ruins the Super Bowl. I want to watch the two best teams in football, not some aged, over the hill rock band that probably doesn't know the difference between a Cover 2 and two covers on a bed. Let's get back to real football. And in January and February that means Real Cold Football.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Westbrook to the Redskins?
There is speculation going around now that Brian Westbrook may be heading to the Washington Redskins, where he would re-team with quarterback Donovan McNabb. For a long time it looked like Westbrook would be heading to St. Louis. If he lands in Washington it would be a steal.
Westbrook has been sidelined with injuries and concussions, so one big hit could end his career, or worse. But if he goes to Washington he would be sharing the load on an experienced team. It may be the thing his body needs to heal. Rest during the season. The Redskins have Clinton Portis, Willie Parker and Larry Johnson. Westbrook would be a spot player. But he has proven to be a playmaker, just not a durable one.
The Redskins offense needs an infusion of talent, and Westbrook would provide that. In the open field he is, and always has been, a dangerous runner. But my one worry is the history of concussions. Is it worth it for him to return? It may not be. But the will to play is strong in professional athletes. It's tough to get off the field willingly. Just look at Brett Favre. Year after year, the Favre Watch starts. This year it has been reported that he will need surgery on his ankle. Favre is 41 years old. His legacy is set. Does he need to come back and play again. No. But his will to play is still there, and Favre will most likely be wheeled off the field injured and broken.
Brian Westbrook on the Redskins would be a great addition if he can stay healthy. Brian Westbrook retired and doing commentary on the game he loves would be a smart move. Let's hope the smart move is the one he makes.
Westbrook has been sidelined with injuries and concussions, so one big hit could end his career, or worse. But if he goes to Washington he would be sharing the load on an experienced team. It may be the thing his body needs to heal. Rest during the season. The Redskins have Clinton Portis, Willie Parker and Larry Johnson. Westbrook would be a spot player. But he has proven to be a playmaker, just not a durable one.
The Redskins offense needs an infusion of talent, and Westbrook would provide that. In the open field he is, and always has been, a dangerous runner. But my one worry is the history of concussions. Is it worth it for him to return? It may not be. But the will to play is strong in professional athletes. It's tough to get off the field willingly. Just look at Brett Favre. Year after year, the Favre Watch starts. This year it has been reported that he will need surgery on his ankle. Favre is 41 years old. His legacy is set. Does he need to come back and play again. No. But his will to play is still there, and Favre will most likely be wheeled off the field injured and broken.
Brian Westbrook on the Redskins would be a great addition if he can stay healthy. Brian Westbrook retired and doing commentary on the game he loves would be a smart move. Let's hope the smart move is the one he makes.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Busted
Brian Cushing, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year from the Houston Texans, has been suspended for the first four games of the 2010 NFL season after testing positive for a banned performance enhancing substance. There was speculation that he had tested positive at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2009. This suspension looks to have confirmed that point.
A suspension of four games comes after a SECOND positive test. Cushing claims that what he tested positive for was not a PED, but another substance that is on the banned list. I do have a question. If you have already tested positive once, wouldn't you get help from your team, your agent, your doctor, ANYONE, and find out what it is you can and cannot take?
The Texans are facing the toughest schedule of any team in the 2010 season. They have been notorious for being slow starters. Now they have to do it without one of their best players. But beyond that there is the psychological effect of the suspension. How many players are going to be thinking 'Not Again!' If they come out of the gates with just 1, or even zero wins in those first four games, will they be able to overcome the slow start to make a playoff run. It is going to put a load on the offense, and Matt Schaub will need to have an exceptional season if Houston is going to earn it's first playoff appearance.
There have also been some who are calling for the AP to withdraw the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor from Cushing. I say nonsense. Awards are given for play on the field, not behavior off the field afterwards. But I may change my mind when I find out what he tested positive for first. If it was a performance enhancing drug then you can make the argument. But right now it is speculation. But you do not need to speculate what is going to happen the first four games of the 2010 NFL season. Brian Cushing will be on the outside looking in. And the Houston Texans will be in a dogfight to make the playoffs because of it.
A suspension of four games comes after a SECOND positive test. Cushing claims that what he tested positive for was not a PED, but another substance that is on the banned list. I do have a question. If you have already tested positive once, wouldn't you get help from your team, your agent, your doctor, ANYONE, and find out what it is you can and cannot take?
The Texans are facing the toughest schedule of any team in the 2010 season. They have been notorious for being slow starters. Now they have to do it without one of their best players. But beyond that there is the psychological effect of the suspension. How many players are going to be thinking 'Not Again!' If they come out of the gates with just 1, or even zero wins in those first four games, will they be able to overcome the slow start to make a playoff run. It is going to put a load on the offense, and Matt Schaub will need to have an exceptional season if Houston is going to earn it's first playoff appearance.
There have also been some who are calling for the AP to withdraw the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor from Cushing. I say nonsense. Awards are given for play on the field, not behavior off the field afterwards. But I may change my mind when I find out what he tested positive for first. If it was a performance enhancing drug then you can make the argument. But right now it is speculation. But you do not need to speculate what is going to happen the first four games of the 2010 NFL season. Brian Cushing will be on the outside looking in. And the Houston Texans will be in a dogfight to make the playoffs because of it.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Bringing changes with a new coach
Albert Haynesworth is not a happy camper. Although anyone who has signed a contract as big as the one he did in 2009 would be overjoyed to play football. But Albert is not happy.
When Mike Shanahan was announced as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins, the new regime made a decision to change the defensive alignment from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Haynesworth was not pleased with this as he is a 4-3 tackle, and has been since he came into the league with Tennessee. The more I think about this, the more I have to question why Shanahan would do this.
The Redskins problems were greater on the offensive side of the ball than the defensive. Washington was 10th in the NFL in 2009 in yards allowed/game. Brian Orakpo was outstanding in his rookie season, and they were 9th in sacks with 40. Now they want to change their defensive philosophy. It will be a big mistake if they do.
As good as Haynesworth has been, he may not be the dominant force in a 3-4. Orakpo may not be able to get to the quarterback as either a 3-4 end or outside linebacker. As good as these players are, they just can't turn a switch on and off and play a position they are not use to. If the Redskins defense plays the way they did in 2009 during the upcoming season, all they need is an offense to put some points on the board. Isn't that the reason they acquired Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, and drafted Trent Williams.
Washington is making the necessary changes they need to make to be a playoff contender. But they would be better served leaving some things the same.
When Mike Shanahan was announced as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins, the new regime made a decision to change the defensive alignment from a 4-3 to a 3-4. Haynesworth was not pleased with this as he is a 4-3 tackle, and has been since he came into the league with Tennessee. The more I think about this, the more I have to question why Shanahan would do this.
The Redskins problems were greater on the offensive side of the ball than the defensive. Washington was 10th in the NFL in 2009 in yards allowed/game. Brian Orakpo was outstanding in his rookie season, and they were 9th in sacks with 40. Now they want to change their defensive philosophy. It will be a big mistake if they do.
As good as Haynesworth has been, he may not be the dominant force in a 3-4. Orakpo may not be able to get to the quarterback as either a 3-4 end or outside linebacker. As good as these players are, they just can't turn a switch on and off and play a position they are not use to. If the Redskins defense plays the way they did in 2009 during the upcoming season, all they need is an offense to put some points on the board. Isn't that the reason they acquired Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, and drafted Trent Williams.
Washington is making the necessary changes they need to make to be a playoff contender. But they would be better served leaving some things the same.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
1st Overall QBs in the Spotlight
The release of JaMarcus Russell has once again put the spotlight on quarterbacks who have been selected 1st overall in the NFL Draft. Since the Common Draft started in 1967, there have been 18 quarterbacks selected first overall. But 10 of those 18 have been drafted since Peyton Manning went to the Colts in 1998. It makes a good dividing line as to which players have been successful, and which ones did not pan out.
In Group 1 (1967-1997), the picks were Terry Bradshaw, Jim Plunkett, Steve Bartkowski, John Elway, Vinnie Testaverde, Troy Aikman, Jeff George, and Drew Bledsoe. Bradshaw, Elway, and Aikman are Hall of Famers. Plunkett won 2 Super Bowls, and Bledsoe played on the 2001 Super Bowl Champion Patriots. But it was never easy for any one of the eight. Bradshaw started on the bench in 1974, the year Pittsburgh won it's first championship. Elway had to face the criticism of not wanting to play in Baltimore, and it was 14 years before he won the title. Aikman shared the job with Steve Walsh, and took a beating in a 1-15 rookie season. Plunkett didn't pan out in New England, and was traded to San Francisco. He washed out there, and landed in Oakland as a backup. He got his chance and in 1980 led the Raiders to the title, as well as in 1983.
Bartkowski battled injuries and some bad teams in Atlanta, but he made them into winners for the first time in their history. Testaverde had a less than distinguished career, playing for some of the worst teams in the league in Tampa Bay. But he played for nearly 20 years, with a number of teams. Bledsoe turned a bad Patriot franchise into a Super Bowl team in 1996, and it was his injury in 2001 that gave Tom Brady a chance. George was a workot wonder, who his hometown Colts traded a fortune to Atlanta so they could take him in 1990. George had the most problems of any quarterback in this group, mainly because his value was overrated by the team that drafted him.
But the biggest difference between the first 8 and the last 10 is money. The advent of the rookie signing bonus has shined the spotlight even brighter than before. Russell received a $31 million bonus, and won a total of 7 games. But the situations a number of them have been put into is not a recipe for success.
Tim Couch and David Carr were selected by expansion franchises. Both players took a beating playing behind an offensive line of castoffs. Matthew Stafford had his rookie season interrupted by injuries. Alex Smith has also been injured, but he also has had difficutly with the switch from a spread offense to a pro style system, but he show flashes in 2009 that he is ready to fulfill his promise. Michael Vick showed flashes of brilliance, but two years in prison has sidetracked his career. The Manning Brothers each have a Super Bowl title, and Peyton is on his way to rewriting the record books.
What does this hold for Sam Bradford? First of all, the Rams need to have him signed and in training camp on time. Russell was a holdout, and his development was stunted because of it, not to mention his lack of work ethic. It may be in the best interest for the Rams to do with Bradford what Cincinnati did with Carson Palmer. Sit him out his rookie year. Give him a chance to learn the pro system. Give his shoulder a year to get stronger. Is endangering a rookie with a $45 million signing bonus the best thing for the franchise? At this time it may not be. But if the Rams want to stay in St. Louis they may want to put Bradford on the field and get fans in the stands.
One thing Bardford has in his favor at this time is that if he is just an average quarterback he will be held in higher regard than Couch, Vick, Carr, Smith and Russell. But how he handles the spotlight reamins to be seen.
In Group 1 (1967-1997), the picks were Terry Bradshaw, Jim Plunkett, Steve Bartkowski, John Elway, Vinnie Testaverde, Troy Aikman, Jeff George, and Drew Bledsoe. Bradshaw, Elway, and Aikman are Hall of Famers. Plunkett won 2 Super Bowls, and Bledsoe played on the 2001 Super Bowl Champion Patriots. But it was never easy for any one of the eight. Bradshaw started on the bench in 1974, the year Pittsburgh won it's first championship. Elway had to face the criticism of not wanting to play in Baltimore, and it was 14 years before he won the title. Aikman shared the job with Steve Walsh, and took a beating in a 1-15 rookie season. Plunkett didn't pan out in New England, and was traded to San Francisco. He washed out there, and landed in Oakland as a backup. He got his chance and in 1980 led the Raiders to the title, as well as in 1983.
Bartkowski battled injuries and some bad teams in Atlanta, but he made them into winners for the first time in their history. Testaverde had a less than distinguished career, playing for some of the worst teams in the league in Tampa Bay. But he played for nearly 20 years, with a number of teams. Bledsoe turned a bad Patriot franchise into a Super Bowl team in 1996, and it was his injury in 2001 that gave Tom Brady a chance. George was a workot wonder, who his hometown Colts traded a fortune to Atlanta so they could take him in 1990. George had the most problems of any quarterback in this group, mainly because his value was overrated by the team that drafted him.
But the biggest difference between the first 8 and the last 10 is money. The advent of the rookie signing bonus has shined the spotlight even brighter than before. Russell received a $31 million bonus, and won a total of 7 games. But the situations a number of them have been put into is not a recipe for success.
Tim Couch and David Carr were selected by expansion franchises. Both players took a beating playing behind an offensive line of castoffs. Matthew Stafford had his rookie season interrupted by injuries. Alex Smith has also been injured, but he also has had difficutly with the switch from a spread offense to a pro style system, but he show flashes in 2009 that he is ready to fulfill his promise. Michael Vick showed flashes of brilliance, but two years in prison has sidetracked his career. The Manning Brothers each have a Super Bowl title, and Peyton is on his way to rewriting the record books.
What does this hold for Sam Bradford? First of all, the Rams need to have him signed and in training camp on time. Russell was a holdout, and his development was stunted because of it, not to mention his lack of work ethic. It may be in the best interest for the Rams to do with Bradford what Cincinnati did with Carson Palmer. Sit him out his rookie year. Give him a chance to learn the pro system. Give his shoulder a year to get stronger. Is endangering a rookie with a $45 million signing bonus the best thing for the franchise? At this time it may not be. But if the Rams want to stay in St. Louis they may want to put Bradford on the field and get fans in the stands.
One thing Bardford has in his favor at this time is that if he is just an average quarterback he will be held in higher regard than Couch, Vick, Carr, Smith and Russell. But how he handles the spotlight reamins to be seen.
Friday, May 7, 2010
St. Louis Rams beef up the defense
It has been announced that the St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys have finalized a trade that will send offensive tackle Alex Barron from St. Louis to the Cowboys for linebacker Bobby Carpenter. This is one instance that both teams will come out on the good side of the trade, but I like what the Rams are getting for their defense.
Barron will most likely move into the left tackle position left vacant by the release of Flozell Adams. The Cowboys drafted Sam Young from Notre Dame and it is possible he is moving into the position after he gets his legs under him in the NFL. Dallas also drafted Sean Lee in the second round, and he looks to move into the starting lineup as well. But unless Young can make the transition to the pro game Dallas will be looking to find a long term solution to the left tackle position. Barron has been a solid player but his best years seem to be behind him.
Which is one reason why the Rams drafted Rodger Saffold in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. They saw him as the bookend to 2009 first round pick Jason Smith and now they have a pair of young tackles they can build their offense around. Now with Carpenter joining former Ohio State teammate James Laurinaitis in the linebacker corps their defense gets a shot of youth that it will need. The Rams defense was horrific in 2009, and Carpenter can help solidify the unit. He never did find his place in Dallas. A fresh start in St. Louis can help him live up to his first round draft billing.
It's not often that a one-for-one trade helps both teams. This one does. I feel that in the long run it will help the Rams more than most people think at this time.
Barron will most likely move into the left tackle position left vacant by the release of Flozell Adams. The Cowboys drafted Sam Young from Notre Dame and it is possible he is moving into the position after he gets his legs under him in the NFL. Dallas also drafted Sean Lee in the second round, and he looks to move into the starting lineup as well. But unless Young can make the transition to the pro game Dallas will be looking to find a long term solution to the left tackle position. Barron has been a solid player but his best years seem to be behind him.
Which is one reason why the Rams drafted Rodger Saffold in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. They saw him as the bookend to 2009 first round pick Jason Smith and now they have a pair of young tackles they can build their offense around. Now with Carpenter joining former Ohio State teammate James Laurinaitis in the linebacker corps their defense gets a shot of youth that it will need. The Rams defense was horrific in 2009, and Carpenter can help solidify the unit. He never did find his place in Dallas. A fresh start in St. Louis can help him live up to his first round draft billing.
It's not often that a one-for-one trade helps both teams. This one does. I feel that in the long run it will help the Rams more than most people think at this time.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
The Debate over the Biggest Draft Bust Ever
It's official. The JaMarcus Russell era has ended in Oakland. And it may be over for good. As I have written before, I don't see any team picking him up. Why would they? He never did show any semblance of a work ethic, was never in shape and never seemed to pick up the offense of be able to read defenses. Unless there is a miraculous comeback, Russell could very well go down as the biggest draft bust ever.
In the annals of the NFL, the biggest draft busts are quarterbacks. They are the marquee players, and being in the spotlight makes them easy targets for criticism. But when their performance doesn't reflect their draft status, they get the label of draft bust.
You can go back to 1979, when the Cincinnati Bengals selected Jack Thompson #3 overall. It was believed that Ken Anderson was at the end of his career, but Thompson never did play well. Anderson revived his career under Forrest Gregg, and led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 1981. Thompson was eventually traded to Tampa Bay, and was out of the league before you realized he was in.
Twenty years later the Bengals selected Akili Smith with the #3 overall selection. He didn't are any better than Thompson. He held out, never did pick up the offense and had trouble reading defenses (sounds a lot like Russell, doesn't it?) Smith was released when Marvin Lewis came in and drafted Carson Palmer #1 overall in 2003. He failed to find a home in the NFL and like Thompson was out of the league in a hurry.
In the 90's, the quarterback bust list was long. Heath Shuler and Rick Mirer failed badly in the NFL. Tim Couch and Cade McNown were in the same draft class as Smith, and didn't fare any better. But the bust that everyone else is measured against is Ryan Leaf.
His bust status is so high because some people actually had him graded higher than Peyton Manning. I imagine that those personnel staffers are no longer working in the NFL. San Diego traded up 1 spot to draft Leaf, and gave up a number of picks to do it. Which never made sense to me because Arizona already had Jake Plummer at quarterback, and they had no reason to draft Leaf except as leverage. Then Leaf took the field, and was a disaster. He was even worse off the field. The less I say the better. He is simply put the poster boy for bad behavior.
It will be seen as to whether or not Russell will be a bigger draft bust than Russell. But if he doesn't get picked up by another team to prove himself I'd say yes, the Biggest Draft Bust EVER.
In the annals of the NFL, the biggest draft busts are quarterbacks. They are the marquee players, and being in the spotlight makes them easy targets for criticism. But when their performance doesn't reflect their draft status, they get the label of draft bust.
You can go back to 1979, when the Cincinnati Bengals selected Jack Thompson #3 overall. It was believed that Ken Anderson was at the end of his career, but Thompson never did play well. Anderson revived his career under Forrest Gregg, and led the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 1981. Thompson was eventually traded to Tampa Bay, and was out of the league before you realized he was in.
Twenty years later the Bengals selected Akili Smith with the #3 overall selection. He didn't are any better than Thompson. He held out, never did pick up the offense and had trouble reading defenses (sounds a lot like Russell, doesn't it?) Smith was released when Marvin Lewis came in and drafted Carson Palmer #1 overall in 2003. He failed to find a home in the NFL and like Thompson was out of the league in a hurry.
In the 90's, the quarterback bust list was long. Heath Shuler and Rick Mirer failed badly in the NFL. Tim Couch and Cade McNown were in the same draft class as Smith, and didn't fare any better. But the bust that everyone else is measured against is Ryan Leaf.
His bust status is so high because some people actually had him graded higher than Peyton Manning. I imagine that those personnel staffers are no longer working in the NFL. San Diego traded up 1 spot to draft Leaf, and gave up a number of picks to do it. Which never made sense to me because Arizona already had Jake Plummer at quarterback, and they had no reason to draft Leaf except as leverage. Then Leaf took the field, and was a disaster. He was even worse off the field. The less I say the better. He is simply put the poster boy for bad behavior.
It will be seen as to whether or not Russell will be a bigger draft bust than Russell. But if he doesn't get picked up by another team to prove himself I'd say yes, the Biggest Draft Bust EVER.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Pacman and the Bengals. A match made in...?
It has come out that Pacman Jones, the former 6th overall selection of the 2005 NFL Draft, who has been out of the NFL since 2008 because of repeated bad behavior and violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy, is going to sign a contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Many will say that the two deserve each other. The Bengals have had a number of players in trouble with the league and the law, and have taken in just as many who have had problems when they played on other teams. Now it looks like they have another in Jones.
But the question here isn't why the Bengals are signing him. Mike Brown is a self proclaimed 'redeemer.' He took Chris Henry back in after releasing him and after the league suspended the receiver. He has given Cedric Benson, Tank Johnson and Matt Jones another chance. The Bengals even offered Michael Vick a contract, but he signed with Philadelphia instead. Now they are bringing in Adam "Pacman" Jones. Mike Brown will be the patron saint of redeemers if Jones performs well with Cincinnati.
But for me the question is "What position will Jones play, and can he even make the team?" Jones is a cornerback. The Bengals have one of the best pair of young corners in Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall. They have second year player Morgan Trent, and used a 3rd round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft on Brandon Ghee. Jones was a feared punt returner in his time with the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals have Quan Cosby, who averaged nearly 12 yards per punt return in 2009. Bernard Scott returned kickoffs, and ran one back for a touchdown against Pittsburgh that was the difference in the game. They also drafted Jordan Shipley in the 3rd round, and he returned kicks at Texas. The two positions that Jones played the best are well covered.
There is one position he might have a shot with in Cincinnati. Safety. The Bengals did not draft a safety in 2010, but they are looking to sign Gibril Wilson. Jones seemed to have lost a step or 2 when he was in Dallas, and if has bulked up then safety may be the position for him. He may be undersized in run support, but in pass coverage he could excel. He would be covering tight ends and backs who are going to be slower then the receivers on the outside, and if his cover skills are still there he would be perfect for nickel and dime coverage packages.
If the Bengals can bring the tough love to Jones that he needs, and if he buys into the words of Head Coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, then Jones will be a bargain for the Bengals. Now all they have to do is keep him out of trouble off the field. That may be the toughest task awaiting Mike Brown's Team of Redemption.
But the question here isn't why the Bengals are signing him. Mike Brown is a self proclaimed 'redeemer.' He took Chris Henry back in after releasing him and after the league suspended the receiver. He has given Cedric Benson, Tank Johnson and Matt Jones another chance. The Bengals even offered Michael Vick a contract, but he signed with Philadelphia instead. Now they are bringing in Adam "Pacman" Jones. Mike Brown will be the patron saint of redeemers if Jones performs well with Cincinnati.
But for me the question is "What position will Jones play, and can he even make the team?" Jones is a cornerback. The Bengals have one of the best pair of young corners in Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall. They have second year player Morgan Trent, and used a 3rd round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft on Brandon Ghee. Jones was a feared punt returner in his time with the Tennessee Titans. The Bengals have Quan Cosby, who averaged nearly 12 yards per punt return in 2009. Bernard Scott returned kickoffs, and ran one back for a touchdown against Pittsburgh that was the difference in the game. They also drafted Jordan Shipley in the 3rd round, and he returned kicks at Texas. The two positions that Jones played the best are well covered.
There is one position he might have a shot with in Cincinnati. Safety. The Bengals did not draft a safety in 2010, but they are looking to sign Gibril Wilson. Jones seemed to have lost a step or 2 when he was in Dallas, and if has bulked up then safety may be the position for him. He may be undersized in run support, but in pass coverage he could excel. He would be covering tight ends and backs who are going to be slower then the receivers on the outside, and if his cover skills are still there he would be perfect for nickel and dime coverage packages.
If the Bengals can bring the tough love to Jones that he needs, and if he buys into the words of Head Coach Marvin Lewis and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, then Jones will be a bargain for the Bengals. Now all they have to do is keep him out of trouble off the field. That may be the toughest task awaiting Mike Brown's Team of Redemption.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Judged by the Quarterbacks
As it is in every NFL Draft, the marquee players are the quarterbacks. It doesn't matter if they are the highest rated players, or if they are expected to have the most successful careers. The quarterback is the face of the NFL, and when the draft comes around the quarterbacks are caught in the glare.
The 2010 NFL Draft had four quarterbacks that were the focus from the start. Sam Bradford was the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma, but he missed most of the 2009 season with a serious shoulder injury. Tim Tebow was the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner from Florida and a 2-Time National Champion, but was seen as a system quarterback with flawed mechanics.
Jimmy Clausen was the quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. That position shines in the spotlight like no other, and with his physical skills Clausen could not carry Notre Dame to the top of college football. Colt McCoy finished his career at Texas as the winningest quarterback in college history, but he came up short in the BCS National Championship, as he suffered a shoulder injury early in the game against Alabama and did not get his chance to win the title.
The questions started to fly as soon a the season ended. Bradford answered his during his pro day workout. His arm strength was there and the accuracy never went away. At the end of the day it was not a question as to whether St. Louis would select him #1 overall, but whether the would have him signed before the draft.
Tebow began working on his throwing motion and shortening his delivery. His pro day workout showed a more compact delivery, but many wondered if he would revert to his old ways under the pressure of an NFL pass rush. He seemed to convince many that he was on his way to becoming an NFL quarterback.
Clausen had an injury of his own to deal with in 2009, a toe injury that was still bothering him during his pro day workout. But his arm strength and accuracy was still there, and he had prospects of going high in the draft. McCoy showed off his arm strength during his pro day workout, and many were seeing his draft stock rise.
On draft day, Bradford was indeed the #1 overall selection by St. Louis. Washington was out of the quarterback derby when the traded for Donovan McNabb. The next teams looking for a quarterback were Cleveland and Buffalo. They both passed. Many were wondering how far down the first round Clausen would fall. Turns out it was a long way.
Denver pulled the big surprise by selecting Tebow #25 overall. Many had Tebow moving into the first round, but it was a surprise that Denver, who has Kyle Orton as the starter and who traded for Brady Quinn in the offseason, would take Tebow in the first round. They traded three draft picks to move back into the round, and in doing so placed even more expectations on the shoulders of Tebow.
Clausen fell into Round 2, going 48th overall to Carolina. Many feel that he may be in the best situation. He is with a team that has Matt Moore at the starting quarterback position, a strong running game, a playmaker in Steve Smith at wide receiver, and a strong offensive line. Clausen has a luxury of being able to wait and learn without the expectations that are being heaped on Bradford and Tebow.
McCoy had to wait until Round 3, going to Cleveland with the 85th overall selection. Mike Holmgren has come out and said that McCoy won't even play in 2010. He is taking the approach that he will be best served by sitting and learning. But if things are not working out for the Browns I wonder if his timetable will get moved up.
I believed going into the draft that Clausen had the best chance for success in the NFL, and I see that happening under the current circumstances of the four quarterbacks. But even with Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Eric Berry and others, the 2010 NFL Draft will be seen as a success or failure as the fates of the four quarterbacks develop over the years.
The 2010 NFL Draft had four quarterbacks that were the focus from the start. Sam Bradford was the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma, but he missed most of the 2009 season with a serious shoulder injury. Tim Tebow was the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner from Florida and a 2-Time National Champion, but was seen as a system quarterback with flawed mechanics.
Jimmy Clausen was the quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. That position shines in the spotlight like no other, and with his physical skills Clausen could not carry Notre Dame to the top of college football. Colt McCoy finished his career at Texas as the winningest quarterback in college history, but he came up short in the BCS National Championship, as he suffered a shoulder injury early in the game against Alabama and did not get his chance to win the title.
The questions started to fly as soon a the season ended. Bradford answered his during his pro day workout. His arm strength was there and the accuracy never went away. At the end of the day it was not a question as to whether St. Louis would select him #1 overall, but whether the would have him signed before the draft.
Tebow began working on his throwing motion and shortening his delivery. His pro day workout showed a more compact delivery, but many wondered if he would revert to his old ways under the pressure of an NFL pass rush. He seemed to convince many that he was on his way to becoming an NFL quarterback.
Clausen had an injury of his own to deal with in 2009, a toe injury that was still bothering him during his pro day workout. But his arm strength and accuracy was still there, and he had prospects of going high in the draft. McCoy showed off his arm strength during his pro day workout, and many were seeing his draft stock rise.
On draft day, Bradford was indeed the #1 overall selection by St. Louis. Washington was out of the quarterback derby when the traded for Donovan McNabb. The next teams looking for a quarterback were Cleveland and Buffalo. They both passed. Many were wondering how far down the first round Clausen would fall. Turns out it was a long way.
Denver pulled the big surprise by selecting Tebow #25 overall. Many had Tebow moving into the first round, but it was a surprise that Denver, who has Kyle Orton as the starter and who traded for Brady Quinn in the offseason, would take Tebow in the first round. They traded three draft picks to move back into the round, and in doing so placed even more expectations on the shoulders of Tebow.
Clausen fell into Round 2, going 48th overall to Carolina. Many feel that he may be in the best situation. He is with a team that has Matt Moore at the starting quarterback position, a strong running game, a playmaker in Steve Smith at wide receiver, and a strong offensive line. Clausen has a luxury of being able to wait and learn without the expectations that are being heaped on Bradford and Tebow.
McCoy had to wait until Round 3, going to Cleveland with the 85th overall selection. Mike Holmgren has come out and said that McCoy won't even play in 2010. He is taking the approach that he will be best served by sitting and learning. But if things are not working out for the Browns I wonder if his timetable will get moved up.
I believed going into the draft that Clausen had the best chance for success in the NFL, and I see that happening under the current circumstances of the four quarterbacks. But even with Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Eric Berry and others, the 2010 NFL Draft will be seen as a success or failure as the fates of the four quarterbacks develop over the years.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Curious Case of JaMarcus Russell
The Oakland Raiders had, by all accounts, a successful draft. A hard hitting middle linebacker. A versatile defensive lineman. Two promising bookend tackles. And to cap it off they made a trade to settle their quarterback situation.
When it was announced that the Raiders traded for Jason Campbell, Head Coach Tom Cable came out and announced that Campbell would be the starter. The incumbent quarterback, JaMarcus Russell, seemed to be on his way out of town. The only question was when.
Then a curious thing happened. Tom Cable discovered that he does not have as much pull with the team as he thought. Now Cable has come out and stated that there will be an open competition for the starting quarterback job. The man with all the power in the organization had to have told Cable that JaMarcus Russell still has a job, and that man is Al Davis.
When the Russell Release Watch started, you could find video all over the place of Al Davis at the infamous news conference after he fired Lane Kiffen making a statement that Kiffen wanted to draft Calvin Johnson, and that even though Kiffen didn't want Russell, that he was the starting quarterback. Get over it. I wonder how many times Davis watched this.
Davis had to have seen it and thought 'No one tells me what to do here!' So Russell stays with the Raiders and gets his roster bonus. It doesn't matter that Russell has been an unmitigated bust. No one tells Al Davis what to do.
For his credit, Russell has come out ans stated the he is going to work his butt off. The problem is that his lack of work ethic has enabled his butt to get so big that he probably never will be able to work it back into decent playing shape. Now the Raiders have a problem that many teams have had over the years and never did handle properly. They have 2 quarterbacks. And when you have 2 quarterbacks you don't have A QUARTERBACK.
I have always liked Jason Campbell. I think he is in a situation out in Oakland where he can get settled into the starters position and be the quarterback that the Redskins thought he would be when they drafted him in the first round back in 2005. Now his hardest task awaits. He needs to convince Al Davis that he is the man for the job. I don't see it happening any time soon.
When it was announced that the Raiders traded for Jason Campbell, Head Coach Tom Cable came out and announced that Campbell would be the starter. The incumbent quarterback, JaMarcus Russell, seemed to be on his way out of town. The only question was when.
Then a curious thing happened. Tom Cable discovered that he does not have as much pull with the team as he thought. Now Cable has come out and stated that there will be an open competition for the starting quarterback job. The man with all the power in the organization had to have told Cable that JaMarcus Russell still has a job, and that man is Al Davis.
When the Russell Release Watch started, you could find video all over the place of Al Davis at the infamous news conference after he fired Lane Kiffen making a statement that Kiffen wanted to draft Calvin Johnson, and that even though Kiffen didn't want Russell, that he was the starting quarterback. Get over it. I wonder how many times Davis watched this.
Davis had to have seen it and thought 'No one tells me what to do here!' So Russell stays with the Raiders and gets his roster bonus. It doesn't matter that Russell has been an unmitigated bust. No one tells Al Davis what to do.
For his credit, Russell has come out ans stated the he is going to work his butt off. The problem is that his lack of work ethic has enabled his butt to get so big that he probably never will be able to work it back into decent playing shape. Now the Raiders have a problem that many teams have had over the years and never did handle properly. They have 2 quarterbacks. And when you have 2 quarterbacks you don't have A QUARTERBACK.
I have always liked Jason Campbell. I think he is in a situation out in Oakland where he can get settled into the starters position and be the quarterback that the Redskins thought he would be when they drafted him in the first round back in 2005. Now his hardest task awaits. He needs to convince Al Davis that he is the man for the job. I don't see it happening any time soon.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Draft Grades: Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins went into the 2010 NFL Draft with big questions on offense. Was Jason Campbell the quarterback of the future? Who is going to block for whoever was taking snaps at quarterback? One question was answered before the draft, the other on draft day.
The Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb before the draft, and then traded Campbell to Oakland for a 4th round pick in 2012. The offensive line question was answered with the 4th overall selection, as Washington selected Trent Williams. Many draft experts had Russell Okung going to the Redskins, but Williams was the most athletic tackle in the draft, and seen as a better fit for their system.
Because of trades the Redskins did not have another pick until the 4th round. Perry Riley was the pick in Round 4, and he can move into a middle linebacker position on defense.
Late round sleepers look to be Erik Cook and Selvish Capers, a pair of offensive lineman. The line was a major weak spot in 2009, and Cook and Capers may be able to find starting spots along with Williams as the line looks to be revamped.
Draft Grade: C+
The Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb before the draft, and then traded Campbell to Oakland for a 4th round pick in 2012. The offensive line question was answered with the 4th overall selection, as Washington selected Trent Williams. Many draft experts had Russell Okung going to the Redskins, but Williams was the most athletic tackle in the draft, and seen as a better fit for their system.
Because of trades the Redskins did not have another pick until the 4th round. Perry Riley was the pick in Round 4, and he can move into a middle linebacker position on defense.
Late round sleepers look to be Erik Cook and Selvish Capers, a pair of offensive lineman. The line was a major weak spot in 2009, and Cook and Capers may be able to find starting spots along with Williams as the line looks to be revamped.
Draft Grade: C+
Draft Grades: Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans finished the 2008 regular season with the best record in the NFL, but a loss in the divisional round of the playoffs left a sour taste on a season where everything seemed to be coming together. Then the 2009 season started with a long losing streak, and when Vince Young was reinstated as the starter it was too late to salvage the season. The Titans went into the 2010 NFL Draft looking to add to their success at the end of the previous year.
Tennessee needed to add a pass rusher, and they were able to select the player many saw as the best defensive end in the draft in Derrick Morgan. The Titans pass rush has suffered since the departure of Jevon Kearse, and Morgan will help the defense get pressure on the quarterback.
With Chris Johnson in the backfield, the Titans were looking to find a wide receiver to help strengthen the passing game and take some of the pressure off of Johnson. Tennessee selected Damian Williams in the third round. Williams will also be looked upon to return punts and kicks. The Titans traded up to select Alterraun Verner, a cornerback fro UCLA. Verner will be able to compete for a starting position in the secondary.
A late round sleeper pick looks to be Myron Rolle, a safety from Florida State. Rolle may be the first example of a player whose draft stock dropped because he is TOO smart. A Rhodes Scholar, Rolle spent the last year in England studying medicine but he is committed to playing football. Rolle can make an impact on special teams and in nickel packages, and his presence in the locker room can serve as a reminder to other young players what you can accomplish life outside of football.
Draft Grade: B
Tennessee needed to add a pass rusher, and they were able to select the player many saw as the best defensive end in the draft in Derrick Morgan. The Titans pass rush has suffered since the departure of Jevon Kearse, and Morgan will help the defense get pressure on the quarterback.
With Chris Johnson in the backfield, the Titans were looking to find a wide receiver to help strengthen the passing game and take some of the pressure off of Johnson. Tennessee selected Damian Williams in the third round. Williams will also be looked upon to return punts and kicks. The Titans traded up to select Alterraun Verner, a cornerback fro UCLA. Verner will be able to compete for a starting position in the secondary.
A late round sleeper pick looks to be Myron Rolle, a safety from Florida State. Rolle may be the first example of a player whose draft stock dropped because he is TOO smart. A Rhodes Scholar, Rolle spent the last year in England studying medicine but he is committed to playing football. Rolle can make an impact on special teams and in nickel packages, and his presence in the locker room can serve as a reminder to other young players what you can accomplish life outside of football.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just missed the playoffs in 2008, and went into a rebulding mode instead of reloading. A new coach, a rookie quarterback, and changes on both sides of the ball brought the Bucs a 3-13 record, and the third pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. There were holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and Tampa Bay found players who can have an immediate impact.
The 3rd overall selection was used on Gerald McCoy, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma. A number of draft experts had McCoy rated ahead of Ndamukong Suh, and McCoy is seen as the heir apparent to Warren Sapp. The second round brought another defensive tackle in Brian Price. McCoy and Price play different styles, and they should compliment each other well in the middle of the defensive line.
2009 first round selection Josh Freeman discovered that if you don't have quality receivers to throw to the passing game in the NFL can be difficult. That area was addressed with the selection of Arrelious Benn in Round 2. Another receiver, Mike Williams from Syracuse, was taken in the 4th round but he had a number of off the field problems in college, but he was seen by many as possibly the most talented receiver in the draft.
A late round sleeper could be Cody Grimm, a safety from Virginia Tech. The son of former Redskins lineman Russ Grimm, Cody is a hard nosed, tough minded player who plays with a high motor all the time.
Draft Grade: B+
The 3rd overall selection was used on Gerald McCoy, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma. A number of draft experts had McCoy rated ahead of Ndamukong Suh, and McCoy is seen as the heir apparent to Warren Sapp. The second round brought another defensive tackle in Brian Price. McCoy and Price play different styles, and they should compliment each other well in the middle of the defensive line.
2009 first round selection Josh Freeman discovered that if you don't have quality receivers to throw to the passing game in the NFL can be difficult. That area was addressed with the selection of Arrelious Benn in Round 2. Another receiver, Mike Williams from Syracuse, was taken in the 4th round but he had a number of off the field problems in college, but he was seen by many as possibly the most talented receiver in the draft.
A late round sleeper could be Cody Grimm, a safety from Virginia Tech. The son of former Redskins lineman Russ Grimm, Cody is a hard nosed, tough minded player who plays with a high motor all the time.
Draft Grade: B+
Draft Grades: St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams franchise is a shell of its former self. They have won a total of 6 games in the last 3 seasons, and after a 1-15 season in 2009 the Rams had the 1st overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. The previous two drafts had the Rams passing on a franchise quarterback, and after the pro day workout of Sam Bradford there was no question who St. Louis would select at the top of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Bradford was indeed the 1st overall selection, and he is expected to be the face of the franchise. But he will have to get acclimated to taking snaps under center, and there will always be persistent questions about the health of his shoulder. The Rams selected Jason Smith 2nd overall in 2009, and he will be the Rams left tackle protecting Bradford's blind side. The second round in 2010 brought the Rams their right tackle of the future.
Rodger Saffold was seen as a late first round talent, and his selection may end up being more valuable to the Rams over time. Not only will he be able to pass block for Bradford, but he will also be able to open holes for Steven Jackson to run through. The more effective the Rams running game is, the more effective Bradford will be in the passing game.
Bradford also got a couple of targets to throw to later in the draft. Mardy Gilyard fell all the way to the top of the fourth round, and Michael Hoomanawanui should help shore up the tight end position.
The Rams also need help on the defensive side of the ball, and they got a late round sleeper in George Selvie. His production has never matched his talent, and if St. Louis can get him to produce then they can line him up opposite of Chris Long and rush the passer from both sides.
Draft Grade: B+
Bradford was indeed the 1st overall selection, and he is expected to be the face of the franchise. But he will have to get acclimated to taking snaps under center, and there will always be persistent questions about the health of his shoulder. The Rams selected Jason Smith 2nd overall in 2009, and he will be the Rams left tackle protecting Bradford's blind side. The second round in 2010 brought the Rams their right tackle of the future.
Rodger Saffold was seen as a late first round talent, and his selection may end up being more valuable to the Rams over time. Not only will he be able to pass block for Bradford, but he will also be able to open holes for Steven Jackson to run through. The more effective the Rams running game is, the more effective Bradford will be in the passing game.
Bradford also got a couple of targets to throw to later in the draft. Mardy Gilyard fell all the way to the top of the fourth round, and Michael Hoomanawanui should help shore up the tight end position.
The Rams also need help on the defensive side of the ball, and they got a late round sleeper in George Selvie. His production has never matched his talent, and if St. Louis can get him to produce then they can line him up opposite of Chris Long and rush the passer from both sides.
Draft Grade: B+
Draft Grades: Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off of a 4-12 season in which two cornerstones of the franchise spent much of the season injured. Matt Hasslebeck and Walter Jones help lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005, but their lack of playing time in 2009 was evident. Seattle went out during the offseason and acquired Charlie Whitehurst from San Diego. Whitehurst looks to be the quarterback of the future, but he is still a question mark as he has not thrown a pass in 4 NFL seasons.
The draft addressed the void left by the retirement of Jones. You don't replace a Hall of Fame left tackle overnight, but Seattle was able to select the tackle many had at the top of their draft boards in Russell Okung with the 6th overall selection. With a second pick in the first round Seattle was then able to pick Earl Thomas, a safety from Texas that some had rated higher than Eric Berry, who went 5th overall. Thomas is strongest in pass coverage, and he has the ability to play cornerback as well.
The Whitehurst trade cost Seattle their regular second round pick higher up in that round, but it also brought the Chargers pick at near the end of the second round. With that selection Seattle got one of the biggest steals of the draft when they were able to select Golden Tate. The wide receiver from Notre Dame was seen by many as the #1 or #2 wideout in the draft, and with injuries to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch it looks like Tate will get a chance to play right away.
Seattle also got two late round sleepers in Kam Chancellor and Anthony McCoy. Chancellor can team up with Earl Thomas and the two of them will be patrolling the secondary for many years to come. McCoy is a big, physical tight end who can block as well as catch passes, and his draft stock fell due to a positive drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. But his old college coach from USC was Pete Carroll, who now coaches the Seahawks. Carroll knows what he is getting with McCoy, and if he can stay clean then Seattle got a tight end who will help solidify their passing game.
Draft Grade: A+ (Best Draft of any team in 2010)
The draft addressed the void left by the retirement of Jones. You don't replace a Hall of Fame left tackle overnight, but Seattle was able to select the tackle many had at the top of their draft boards in Russell Okung with the 6th overall selection. With a second pick in the first round Seattle was then able to pick Earl Thomas, a safety from Texas that some had rated higher than Eric Berry, who went 5th overall. Thomas is strongest in pass coverage, and he has the ability to play cornerback as well.
The Whitehurst trade cost Seattle their regular second round pick higher up in that round, but it also brought the Chargers pick at near the end of the second round. With that selection Seattle got one of the biggest steals of the draft when they were able to select Golden Tate. The wide receiver from Notre Dame was seen by many as the #1 or #2 wideout in the draft, and with injuries to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch it looks like Tate will get a chance to play right away.
Seattle also got two late round sleepers in Kam Chancellor and Anthony McCoy. Chancellor can team up with Earl Thomas and the two of them will be patrolling the secondary for many years to come. McCoy is a big, physical tight end who can block as well as catch passes, and his draft stock fell due to a positive drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. But his old college coach from USC was Pete Carroll, who now coaches the Seahawks. Carroll knows what he is getting with McCoy, and if he can stay clean then Seattle got a tight end who will help solidify their passing game.
Draft Grade: A+ (Best Draft of any team in 2010)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Draft Grades: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2009 season at 8-8. It marked an improvement and the team looks to be buying into the way Mike Singletary coaches and they are starting to take the field in the image of their coach. The 2010 NFL Draft brought players who fit the mold Singletary of making the 49ers in to.
With two first round selections, the 49ers picked offensive lineman Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. Both are big, physical blockers who will help plow the road for Frank Gore and the running game. With Joe Staley on the left side, Davis and Iupati will provide cornerstones for years to come.
The second round pick brought Taylor Mays, a safety from USC. Many see Mays as a liability in the pass game, but I believe that Singletary wants Mays to swing the hammer and be the hitter at safety that he played with in Chicago, namely Doug Plank and Gary Fencik. With his size and speed, Mays will almost be another linebacker in support of the run. The third round brought Navorro Bowman, a linebacker from Penn State who was graded with late first round/early second round talent who fell due to off the field issues.
A late round sleeper looks to be Anthony Dixon, a running back from Mississippi State. Dixon is the power back who can spell Gore and give the 49ers the punishing ground game that Coach Singletary is looking to establish.
Draft Grade: A
With two first round selections, the 49ers picked offensive lineman Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. Both are big, physical blockers who will help plow the road for Frank Gore and the running game. With Joe Staley on the left side, Davis and Iupati will provide cornerstones for years to come.
The second round pick brought Taylor Mays, a safety from USC. Many see Mays as a liability in the pass game, but I believe that Singletary wants Mays to swing the hammer and be the hitter at safety that he played with in Chicago, namely Doug Plank and Gary Fencik. With his size and speed, Mays will almost be another linebacker in support of the run. The third round brought Navorro Bowman, a linebacker from Penn State who was graded with late first round/early second round talent who fell due to off the field issues.
A late round sleeper looks to be Anthony Dixon, a running back from Mississippi State. Dixon is the power back who can spell Gore and give the 49ers the punishing ground game that Coach Singletary is looking to establish.
Draft Grade: A
Draft Grades: San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers finished the 2009 regular season as a favorite to win the Super Bowl, and two weeks later they were out, falling at home to the New York Jets. The offseason brought a number of changes, most prominent the release of LaDanian Tomlinson, the face of the franchise since 2001. Tomlinson signed with the Jets, who also traded with San Diego to acquire Antonio Cromartie. Jamal Williams leaves a big hole in the middle of the defense, signing as a free agent with Denver.
San Diego made a bold move in the 2010 NFL Draft by trading up from #28 to #12 and selecting Ryan Mathews, a running back from Fresno State. Mathews will be expected to carry the ball and provide the power running to an offense that has one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.
Defense was the focus for the rest of the draft. Donald Butler and Darrell Stuckey were selected in the second and third rounds. Butler can play inside or outside linebacker. Stuckey gives the Chargers depth in the secondary.
The sleeper pick for the Chargers is Cam Thomas, a nose tackle from North Carolina. The departure of Jamal Williams gives Thomas a chance to start right away at nose tackle. If he can stop up the middle the Chargers defense should be solid again.
Draft Grade: B+
San Diego made a bold move in the 2010 NFL Draft by trading up from #28 to #12 and selecting Ryan Mathews, a running back from Fresno State. Mathews will be expected to carry the ball and provide the power running to an offense that has one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.
Defense was the focus for the rest of the draft. Donald Butler and Darrell Stuckey were selected in the second and third rounds. Butler can play inside or outside linebacker. Stuckey gives the Chargers depth in the secondary.
The sleeper pick for the Chargers is Cam Thomas, a nose tackle from North Carolina. The departure of Jamal Williams gives Thomas a chance to start right away at nose tackle. If he can stop up the middle the Chargers defense should be solid again.
Draft Grade: B+
Friday, April 30, 2010
Draft Grades: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the 2009 NFL season as the reigning Super Bowl Champions. They finished out of the playoffs, and head into the offseason with plenty of questions.
Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes was traded to the New York Jets for a 5th Round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Too many off the field problems and a looming 4 game suspension led to the trade of Holmes. Then the big bombshell hit. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was levied with a six game suspension for his off the field indiscretions. The Steelers head into the 2010 NFL season with a lot of questions and still looking for the answers.
The offensive line has been a problem for years, and with their first round selection the Steelers picked Maurkice Pouncey, a center from Florida. Pouncey is a mauler in the middle of the line. He will be looked upon to play guard at first then move to his natural position.
Emmanuel Sanders, a wide receiver from SMU, will be looked upon to help fill the void left by the trading of Holmes. But the draft for the Steelers was heavy on defensive ends and linebackers. The second round brought Jason Worilds from Virginia Tech. The Steelers are strongest at the linebacker position, and many of their draft picks will be looked upon to help on special teams, a unit which gave up way too many touchdowns in the 2009 season.
A late round sleeper looks to be Jonathon Dwyer,a running back from Georgia Tech. Dywer is a physical, pound it between the tackles runner who can help fill the void left by the free agent departure of Willie Parker and back up Rashard Mendenhall.
Draft Grade: C+
Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes was traded to the New York Jets for a 5th Round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Too many off the field problems and a looming 4 game suspension led to the trade of Holmes. Then the big bombshell hit. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was levied with a six game suspension for his off the field indiscretions. The Steelers head into the 2010 NFL season with a lot of questions and still looking for the answers.
The offensive line has been a problem for years, and with their first round selection the Steelers picked Maurkice Pouncey, a center from Florida. Pouncey is a mauler in the middle of the line. He will be looked upon to play guard at first then move to his natural position.
Emmanuel Sanders, a wide receiver from SMU, will be looked upon to help fill the void left by the trading of Holmes. But the draft for the Steelers was heavy on defensive ends and linebackers. The second round brought Jason Worilds from Virginia Tech. The Steelers are strongest at the linebacker position, and many of their draft picks will be looked upon to help on special teams, a unit which gave up way too many touchdowns in the 2009 season.
A late round sleeper looks to be Jonathon Dwyer,a running back from Georgia Tech. Dywer is a physical, pound it between the tackles runner who can help fill the void left by the free agent departure of Willie Parker and back up Rashard Mendenhall.
Draft Grade: C+
Draft Grades: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles went into the 2010 NFL Draft for the first time since 1999 without Donovan McNabb as their quarterback. The face of the franchise was dealt to the Washington Redskins, and the reins have been turned over to Kevin Kolb, who has a total of 2 starts in his three year career.
Much like the New England Patriots, Philadelphia makes a lot of trades before and during the draft, and they moved up from #24 to #13 to select Brandon Graham, a defensive end from Michigan. Graham should provide the Eagles with a solid pass rush, and he plays with a high motor from start to finish. Philadelphia then went looking to fill the void left by the departure of Brian Dawkins the previous season and picked Nate Allen, a safety from South Florida. The offense was not a target of the draft until Round 4, when the Eagles picked Mike Kafka, a quarterback from Northwestern. They then selected Clay Harbor, a tight end from Missouri State, and Riley Cooper, a wide receiver from Florida, who should assist Kolb in transitioning to the starting quarterback position and the new face of the Eagles franchise.
A sleeper pick from the later rounds looks to be Ricky Sapp, a linebacker with exceptional speed who can be used in blitz packages, which has been a staple of the Eagles defense.
Draft Grade: B+
Much like the New England Patriots, Philadelphia makes a lot of trades before and during the draft, and they moved up from #24 to #13 to select Brandon Graham, a defensive end from Michigan. Graham should provide the Eagles with a solid pass rush, and he plays with a high motor from start to finish. Philadelphia then went looking to fill the void left by the departure of Brian Dawkins the previous season and picked Nate Allen, a safety from South Florida. The offense was not a target of the draft until Round 4, when the Eagles picked Mike Kafka, a quarterback from Northwestern. They then selected Clay Harbor, a tight end from Missouri State, and Riley Cooper, a wide receiver from Florida, who should assist Kolb in transitioning to the starting quarterback position and the new face of the Eagles franchise.
A sleeper pick from the later rounds looks to be Ricky Sapp, a linebacker with exceptional speed who can be used in blitz packages, which has been a staple of the Eagles defense.
Draft Grade: B+
Draft Grades: Oakland Raiders
To say that the Oakland Raiders have fallen on hard times is putting it mildly. Since appearing in the Super Bowl after the 2002 season the Raiders have lost at least 11 games in every season. Their lack of success on the field has been reflected in a series of bad picks at the top of the NFL Draft. But in 2010 the Raiders seemed to make all the right picks and left with potentially one of the best draft classes in 2010.
The 8th overall selection was used on Rolando McClain, who was far and away the best linebacker in the draft. He should be a force in the middle of the defense for years to come. The second round selection brought Lamarr Houston, a defensive tackle from Texas.
The next two picks were used for a pair of offensive tackles that have all the physical tools and then some, but who need more experience. Jared Veldeer comes from Hillsdale college, and Bruce Campbell, the Workout Wonder from the NFL Combine, comes in with only a handful of starts at the University of Maryland. Both tackles are in the area of 6'7 and 320 pounds. If they develop then the Raiders have a pair of giant sized bookends on the offensive line.
A late round sleeper could very be an Al Davis selection special, Jacoby Ford. A receiver from Clemson, he posted the fastest 40 times at the Combine. The Raiders are hoping he can hold on to the ball, something their first round selection in 2009, Darrius Heyward-Bey, did not do much of in his rookie season.
The 8th overall selection was used on Rolando McClain, who was far and away the best linebacker in the draft. He should be a force in the middle of the defense for years to come. The second round selection brought Lamarr Houston, a defensive tackle from Texas.
The next two picks were used for a pair of offensive tackles that have all the physical tools and then some, but who need more experience. Jared Veldeer comes from Hillsdale college, and Bruce Campbell, the Workout Wonder from the NFL Combine, comes in with only a handful of starts at the University of Maryland. Both tackles are in the area of 6'7 and 320 pounds. If they develop then the Raiders have a pair of giant sized bookends on the offensive line.
A late round sleeper could very be an Al Davis selection special, Jacoby Ford. A receiver from Clemson, he posted the fastest 40 times at the Combine. The Raiders are hoping he can hold on to the ball, something their first round selection in 2009, Darrius Heyward-Bey, did not do much of in his rookie season.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Draft Grades: New York Jets
The New York Jets were the surprise team of the NFL in 2009. With a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez, they finished with a 9-7 record and a wild card appearance. They then went on the road and won at Cincinnati and San Diego before falling to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game. They were active in the offseason, acquiring LaDanian Tomlinson, , Jason Taylor, Antonio Cromartie, and Santonio Holmes. The Jets look to be ready for another run through the playoffs.
The first round selection of the Jets was Kyle Wilson, considered by many to be either the first or second best corner of the 2010 NFL Draft. Wilson will be the third corner, and that was where the Colts attacked them in the playoffs.
The drafting of Vladimir Ducasse signaled the end of Alan Faneca with the Jets, and Ducasse looks to be able to step in right away at guard. Ducasse has the tools and physical skills, but coming from UMass and playing against lesser competition may hinder him at the start.
A late round sleeper looks to be Joe McKnight. The Jets traded Leon Washington, and McKnight is an open field playmaker who can have an impact on third down and passing situations.
Draft Grade: C+
The first round selection of the Jets was Kyle Wilson, considered by many to be either the first or second best corner of the 2010 NFL Draft. Wilson will be the third corner, and that was where the Colts attacked them in the playoffs.
The drafting of Vladimir Ducasse signaled the end of Alan Faneca with the Jets, and Ducasse looks to be able to step in right away at guard. Ducasse has the tools and physical skills, but coming from UMass and playing against lesser competition may hinder him at the start.
A late round sleeper looks to be Joe McKnight. The Jets traded Leon Washington, and McKnight is an open field playmaker who can have an impact on third down and passing situations.
Draft Grade: C+
Draft Grades: New York Giants
The hallmark of the New York Giants has been defense. In 2009, the defense fell apart and ranked near the worst in the league. A 5-0 start was wasted and the Giants were left looking in when the playoffs came around.
The pass rush was addressed with the selection of Jason Pierre-Paul, the defensive end out of South Florida. His athletic skills have drawn comparisons to Jevon Kearse, but he is far from a finished product and will need work. The interior of the defensive line was the focus in the second round, as the Giants picked Linval Joseph, a big run stuffer at defensive tackle.
The only offensive player selected was Nick Petrus, a guard with the athletic ability to move across the line and get downfield to block.
Chad Jones, a safety out of LSU, was taken in the third round, and he is also a valued special teams player. A late round sleeper can be found in Phillip Dillard, a linebacker out of Nebraska. His role was limited in college, but he has the chance to blossom with the Giants.
Draft Grade: B-
The pass rush was addressed with the selection of Jason Pierre-Paul, the defensive end out of South Florida. His athletic skills have drawn comparisons to Jevon Kearse, but he is far from a finished product and will need work. The interior of the defensive line was the focus in the second round, as the Giants picked Linval Joseph, a big run stuffer at defensive tackle.
The only offensive player selected was Nick Petrus, a guard with the athletic ability to move across the line and get downfield to block.
Chad Jones, a safety out of LSU, was taken in the third round, and he is also a valued special teams player. A late round sleeper can be found in Phillip Dillard, a linebacker out of Nebraska. His role was limited in college, but he has the chance to blossom with the Giants.
Draft Grade: B-
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Draft Grades: New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints capped their 2009 season with the first Super Bowl title in team history. But even with their success the Saints needed to fill some holes that opened up with free agency, and while many of them were not addressed the Saints still had a good draft.
The Saints have not made a decision to re-sign Darren Sharper, and with their first round selection they picked Patrick Robinson, a cornerback out of Florida State. If they play Robinson at corner, which they are deep at, they may move Malcolm Jenkins to the safety position formerly occupied by Sharper.
The Saints are also strong at the offensive tackle position, but Charles Brown was too good of a selection to pass up at the end of the second round. The third round brought Jimmy Graham, a tight end out of Miami who was a basketball player before moving to the gridiron. Jeremy Shockey should be able to mentor his fellow Hurricane at the position and help with his development.
A sleeper pick looks to be Al Woods, a defensive tackle from LSU. A weakness for the Saints on defense was their ability to stop the run, and Woods should help correct that situation.
Draft Grade: B
The Saints have not made a decision to re-sign Darren Sharper, and with their first round selection they picked Patrick Robinson, a cornerback out of Florida State. If they play Robinson at corner, which they are deep at, they may move Malcolm Jenkins to the safety position formerly occupied by Sharper.
The Saints are also strong at the offensive tackle position, but Charles Brown was too good of a selection to pass up at the end of the second round. The third round brought Jimmy Graham, a tight end out of Miami who was a basketball player before moving to the gridiron. Jeremy Shockey should be able to mentor his fellow Hurricane at the position and help with his development.
A sleeper pick looks to be Al Woods, a defensive tackle from LSU. A weakness for the Saints on defense was their ability to stop the run, and Woods should help correct that situation.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are becoming the favorite every year to make the most trades and wind up with the most draft picks. 2010 is no different. The Patriots wound up with 13 draft picks, and with an aging team they may be looking for an infusion of youth to help get them back on top.
Devin McCourtey should step into the secondary and help shore up the pass defense with solid man to man cover skills. He also provides depth in the return game. Second round selection Rob Gronkowski was considered the best blocking tight end in the draft, and he is also a solid pass catcher. Many believe the Patriots will be returning to a more physical attack on offense, and Gronkowski will help open holes in the blocking game and provide Tom Brady with a big target over the middle.
New England then tapped the University of Florida for 3 of of their next 4 picks, taking linebackers Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes, as well as tight end Aaron Hernandez. Cunningham should play on the outside, and Spikes will man the middle. Many were surprised that Hernandez fell to the 4th round, but he revelation that he failed at least one drug test in college explains why he fell as far as he did.
A sleeper pick looks to be punter Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots are looking for a new punter, and Mesko has the big leg to pin opponents back deep in their own territory.
Draft Grade: A-
Devin McCourtey should step into the secondary and help shore up the pass defense with solid man to man cover skills. He also provides depth in the return game. Second round selection Rob Gronkowski was considered the best blocking tight end in the draft, and he is also a solid pass catcher. Many believe the Patriots will be returning to a more physical attack on offense, and Gronkowski will help open holes in the blocking game and provide Tom Brady with a big target over the middle.
New England then tapped the University of Florida for 3 of of their next 4 picks, taking linebackers Jermaine Cunningham and Brandon Spikes, as well as tight end Aaron Hernandez. Cunningham should play on the outside, and Spikes will man the middle. Many were surprised that Hernandez fell to the 4th round, but he revelation that he failed at least one drug test in college explains why he fell as far as he did.
A sleeper pick looks to be punter Zoltan Mesko. The Patriots are looking for a new punter, and Mesko has the big leg to pin opponents back deep in their own territory.
Draft Grade: A-
Draft Grades: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings came an intercepted pass and an overtime field goal away from playing in the Super Bowl. The Brett Favre experiment was a huge success. It looks as if Favre will be back for the 2010 NFL Season, and if he does return the Vikings will be threats to play well into the playoffs once again.
The Vikings traded down out of the first round, and their biggest area of concern was addressed with the selection of Chris Cook, a defensive back out of Virginia. To compensate for the free agency loss of Chester Taylor the Vikings moved up in the second round to pick Toby Gerhart. A bruising runner, there are concerns about his pass catching ability, but Gerhart should be a valuable backup to Adrian Peterson.
The Vikings got a gift in the fourth round when Everson Griffen fell out of the first 3 rounds. Many had him graded with first round talent, but questions about his motor kept him from being selected on the first two days of the draft. If he can live up to pre-draft expectations then Minnesota's will be that much better.
Although deep at the tight end position, a sleeper pick could be Mickey Shuler. His father was an NFL tight end, and he has the abilities to perform at that level as well.
Draft Grade: B
The Vikings traded down out of the first round, and their biggest area of concern was addressed with the selection of Chris Cook, a defensive back out of Virginia. To compensate for the free agency loss of Chester Taylor the Vikings moved up in the second round to pick Toby Gerhart. A bruising runner, there are concerns about his pass catching ability, but Gerhart should be a valuable backup to Adrian Peterson.
The Vikings got a gift in the fourth round when Everson Griffen fell out of the first 3 rounds. Many had him graded with first round talent, but questions about his motor kept him from being selected on the first two days of the draft. If he can live up to pre-draft expectations then Minnesota's will be that much better.
Although deep at the tight end position, a sleeper pick could be Mickey Shuler. His father was an NFL tight end, and he has the abilities to perform at that level as well.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins went into the 2010 NFL Draft looking for help on defense. The offense got an infusion of talent with the trade for Brandon Marshall from Denver. He will be catching passes from Chad Henne, who assumed the starting job after an injury to Chad Pennington and looks to be the quarterback of the future. The running game took a hit with another injury to Ronnie Brown, but Ricky Williams has been playing with renewed vigor. But he has indicated that 2010 will be his final season, and unless Brown can show he can stay injury free the Dolphins will be looking for help in the backfield.
Miami held the 12th Overall selection, but traded down with San Diego to #28 and wound up taking Jared Odrick, a defensive lineman out of Penn State. Odrick can play tackle and end, and the Dolphins are looking for him to play end. Koa Misi looks to give Miami depth at the linebacker position. The only offensive player taken was John Jerry, a guard out of Mississippi, who will be asked to step in right away.
The sleeper pick for Miami looks to be Reshad Jones, a safety who is a big hitter but also a ball hawk, picking off 11 passes at Georgia.
Draft Grade: B
Miami held the 12th Overall selection, but traded down with San Diego to #28 and wound up taking Jared Odrick, a defensive lineman out of Penn State. Odrick can play tackle and end, and the Dolphins are looking for him to play end. Koa Misi looks to give Miami depth at the linebacker position. The only offensive player taken was John Jerry, a guard out of Mississippi, who will be asked to step in right away.
The sleeper pick for Miami looks to be Reshad Jones, a safety who is a big hitter but also a ball hawk, picking off 11 passes at Georgia.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs went into the 2010 NFL Draft looking to fill a lot of holes on both sides of the ball, and the Chiefs looked like the accomplished what they set out to do.
Defense was the first pick, taking Eric Berry with the 5th Overall selection. Many saw Berry as the best player in the draft, and he will step in right away at the safety position. His ability to cover and stop the run makes him a valuable asset and he should step in as a starter right away.
Offense was the pick in the second round, as the Chiefs selected Dexter McCluster. McCluster may be undersized as a running back, but as a slot receiver he has the speed and ability to make plays in the open field, and he can be the playmaker the Chiefs offense lacks in the passing game.
The rest of the draft was solid. Javier Arenas at cornerback is a good pick, and his ability as the best return man should make Chief fans think back to Dante Hall. The offensive line was a concern going into the draft, and it was addressed with the selection of Jon Asamoah, a guard who will help the run and pass game.
A late round sleeper looks to be Tony Moeaki, a tight end out of Iowa. The trade of Tony Gonzalez the year before left a gaping hole in the offense, and Moeaki can step in and, though no one is going to measure up to Gonzalez, he can help down the road.
Draft Grade: B+
Defense was the first pick, taking Eric Berry with the 5th Overall selection. Many saw Berry as the best player in the draft, and he will step in right away at the safety position. His ability to cover and stop the run makes him a valuable asset and he should step in as a starter right away.
Offense was the pick in the second round, as the Chiefs selected Dexter McCluster. McCluster may be undersized as a running back, but as a slot receiver he has the speed and ability to make plays in the open field, and he can be the playmaker the Chiefs offense lacks in the passing game.
The rest of the draft was solid. Javier Arenas at cornerback is a good pick, and his ability as the best return man should make Chief fans think back to Dante Hall. The offensive line was a concern going into the draft, and it was addressed with the selection of Jon Asamoah, a guard who will help the run and pass game.
A late round sleeper looks to be Tony Moeaki, a tight end out of Iowa. The trade of Tony Gonzalez the year before left a gaping hole in the offense, and Moeaki can step in and, though no one is going to measure up to Gonzalez, he can help down the road.
Draft Grade: B+
Draft Grades: Jacksonville Jaguars
The first nine selections of the 2010 NFL Draft went as expected. Then the Jacksonville Jaguars went on the clock. Their pick was a head scratcher, and was the start of a puzzling draft.
It wasn't the selection of Tyson Alualu that was odd. Alualu is a talented player, who will be a starter from Day 1 with the release of John Henderson. What makes you wonder what the Jags were doing is that they could have traded down, accumulated extra picks, and still been able to get Alualu later in the first round. Jacksonville picked 10th, while the teams that picked 11th, 12th and 13th all traded up to those spots. It is reasonable to think that those teams could just have easily made a deal with Jacksonville, especially San Francisco, who moved up from the 13th pick. Alualu would have still been there for the Jags, and they would have gotten more picks later on.
Jacksonville used the rest of their picks to draft a new defensive line, taking DT D'Anthony Smith, and ends Larry Hart and Austen Lane. The offense finally got some help with the selection of Deji Karim in the 6th Round, who looks to be a backup to Maurice Jones-Drew.
A sleeper pick looks to be Scotty McGee, a kick returner who could add a new dimension to the special teams for Jacksonville.
Draft Grade: D+
It wasn't the selection of Tyson Alualu that was odd. Alualu is a talented player, who will be a starter from Day 1 with the release of John Henderson. What makes you wonder what the Jags were doing is that they could have traded down, accumulated extra picks, and still been able to get Alualu later in the first round. Jacksonville picked 10th, while the teams that picked 11th, 12th and 13th all traded up to those spots. It is reasonable to think that those teams could just have easily made a deal with Jacksonville, especially San Francisco, who moved up from the 13th pick. Alualu would have still been there for the Jags, and they would have gotten more picks later on.
Jacksonville used the rest of their picks to draft a new defensive line, taking DT D'Anthony Smith, and ends Larry Hart and Austen Lane. The offense finally got some help with the selection of Deji Karim in the 6th Round, who looks to be a backup to Maurice Jones-Drew.
A sleeper pick looks to be Scotty McGee, a kick returner who could add a new dimension to the special teams for Jacksonville.
Draft Grade: D+
Draft Grades: Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts came up one game short in 2009, losing to the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl. The Colts have been so successful for so long they go into the draft looking to reload and make another championship run. Indianapolis accomplished that in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Offense has never been the problem. With Peyton Manning at quarterback, the Colts have the best in the game. Joseph Addai and Donald Brown share the load at running back, and with Anthony Gonzalez coming back from injury to line up with Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie the weapons are in place. The offensive line was help with the selection of Jacques McClendon, a guard from Tennessee.
The defense was the main focus in the draft, and the Colts got a pair of superb players in Rounds 1 and 2. Jerry Hughes is an edge rusher in the mold of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, and should be able to contribute immediately. Pat Angerer looks to help with the run defense from the middle linebacker position.
A sleeper pick looks to be Ricardo Matthews, a defensive tackle from Cincinnati who should help with the run defense up the middle.
Draft Grade: B+
Offense has never been the problem. With Peyton Manning at quarterback, the Colts have the best in the game. Joseph Addai and Donald Brown share the load at running back, and with Anthony Gonzalez coming back from injury to line up with Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, and Austin Collie the weapons are in place. The offensive line was help with the selection of Jacques McClendon, a guard from Tennessee.
The defense was the main focus in the draft, and the Colts got a pair of superb players in Rounds 1 and 2. Jerry Hughes is an edge rusher in the mold of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, and should be able to contribute immediately. Pat Angerer looks to help with the run defense from the middle linebacker position.
A sleeper pick looks to be Ricardo Matthews, a defensive tackle from Cincinnati who should help with the run defense up the middle.
Draft Grade: B+
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Draft Grades: Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have been on the brink for years now. They keep getting close, but seem to come up short. In 2009 they finished with their first record over .500 at 9-7. Many seem Houston as the team that will break through in 2010.
Cornerback and running back were the main concerns going into the 2010 NFL Draft. Dunta Robinson signed as a free agent with Atlanta, and Steve Slaton has had his share of problems holding onto the ball. With their first round selection Houston picked Kareem Jackson, a cornerback out of Alabama. Big and physical, he will be looked at to step in right away and shore up the pass defense. If his cover skills develop then it should provide more time for Mario Williams to get to the quarterback.
Many saw Houston possibly taking Ryan Mathews in the first round, but San Diego beat them to the punch and traded up to the #12 slot. The Texans got their back in Ben Tate, who they selected in the 2nd Round. The defensive front seven got help with the picks of Earl Mitchell and Daryl Sharpton.
The Texans look to have picked up one of the best late round sleepers in Dorin Dickerson, a tight end out of Pittsburgh. Many had Dickerson listed as one of the top 5 tight ends going into the draft, and he was not selected until the 7th Round.
Draft Grade: B
Cornerback and running back were the main concerns going into the 2010 NFL Draft. Dunta Robinson signed as a free agent with Atlanta, and Steve Slaton has had his share of problems holding onto the ball. With their first round selection Houston picked Kareem Jackson, a cornerback out of Alabama. Big and physical, he will be looked at to step in right away and shore up the pass defense. If his cover skills develop then it should provide more time for Mario Williams to get to the quarterback.
Many saw Houston possibly taking Ryan Mathews in the first round, but San Diego beat them to the punch and traded up to the #12 slot. The Texans got their back in Ben Tate, who they selected in the 2nd Round. The defensive front seven got help with the picks of Earl Mitchell and Daryl Sharpton.
The Texans look to have picked up one of the best late round sleepers in Dorin Dickerson, a tight end out of Pittsburgh. Many had Dickerson listed as one of the top 5 tight ends going into the draft, and he was not selected until the 7th Round.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are coming off of a playoff appearance in 2009, and their foresight and patience concerning Aaron Rodgers is paying off. But after giving up 51 points to Arizona in their playoff game, and watching Rodgers get up off the turf all season as one defensive player after another made their way through the line for a sack, their draft needs were obvious.
The offensive line was addressed as Bryan Bulaga fell all the way to #23. Many saw Bulaga going as high as #4 or #6, and the Packers got a bruiser to man the left side for a long time. Defense was the pick in the second round and third rounds as Mike Neal and Morgan Burnett were selected, but with two aging corners the Packers did not get any help for that position.
With the problems the offensive line had all season, a sleeper pick looks to be Marshall Newhouse, a tackle out of TCU. At 6'4, 320, he has the physical tools and needs some seasoning. If he develops Green Bay could have bookend tackles to keep Rodgers upright for years to come.
Draft Grade: B
The offensive line was addressed as Bryan Bulaga fell all the way to #23. Many saw Bulaga going as high as #4 or #6, and the Packers got a bruiser to man the left side for a long time. Defense was the pick in the second round and third rounds as Mike Neal and Morgan Burnett were selected, but with two aging corners the Packers did not get any help for that position.
With the problems the offensive line had all season, a sleeper pick looks to be Marshall Newhouse, a tackle out of TCU. At 6'4, 320, he has the physical tools and needs some seasoning. If he develops Green Bay could have bookend tackles to keep Rodgers upright for years to come.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have been trying to rebuild and regroup for so long a season where they win 2 games is looked upon as a major improvement. The reason for optimism lies in their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, and his favorite target, Calvin Johnson. There are still many holes to fill, and the Lions did a good job of doing just that.
Ndamukong Suh was the best player in the draft, and he looks to be a force in the middle if the defensive line for years to come. To give Stafford some help on offense Detroit traded up to select Jahvid Best at the end of the first round. Kevin Smith is coming off of knee surgery, and Best is an electric playmaker who can run and catch out of the backfield. But he is coming off of a serious concussion last season. Time will tell how much that is going to effect him.
The Lions also got a great value with cornerback Amari Spievey in the 3rd Round. He will be looked upon to help shore up the pass defense, and help give Suh time to pressure the quarterback.
Detroit had a chance to take Michael Oher in the 2009 NFL Draft, and some see the offensive line as a question mark. Detroit may have gotten a sleeper pick in Jason Fox, who should be able to step in to the lineup down the road.
Draft Grade: A-
Ndamukong Suh was the best player in the draft, and he looks to be a force in the middle if the defensive line for years to come. To give Stafford some help on offense Detroit traded up to select Jahvid Best at the end of the first round. Kevin Smith is coming off of knee surgery, and Best is an electric playmaker who can run and catch out of the backfield. But he is coming off of a serious concussion last season. Time will tell how much that is going to effect him.
The Lions also got a great value with cornerback Amari Spievey in the 3rd Round. He will be looked upon to help shore up the pass defense, and help give Suh time to pressure the quarterback.
Detroit had a chance to take Michael Oher in the 2009 NFL Draft, and some see the offensive line as a question mark. Detroit may have gotten a sleeper pick in Jason Fox, who should be able to step in to the lineup down the road.
Draft Grade: A-
Draft Grades: Denver Broncos
No team has me scratching my head over their draft picks than the Denver Broncos. Denver started out the 2009 season like a house on fire, winning their first 6 games, but falling back in the second half of the season to finish 8-8.
Then the offseason started. Denver went out and traded their best wide receiver in Brandon Marshall and their tight end in Tony Scheffler. They traded for Brady Quinn a year after trading Jay Cutler for Kyle Orton. What was once a high octane offense had been reduced to a sub-compact.
Denver was active in trading, and when Rolando McClain went to Oakland at #8 they traded down in the first round, then traded back up. The Broncos had a chance to draft both Dez Bryant and Jimmy Clausen, and did not make the moves.
Instead, the Broncos selected Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow. Thomas is still recovering from a broken foot, and everyone has seen Tebow as a development project. Considering the players they had at those positions, and the ones they could have drafted, these picks don't make a lot of sense.
The Broncos did address their offensive line with Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton, and added depth at the receiver position with Eric Decker. The area they did not address was the defensive front 7. Denver gave up almost 26 points per game in the last 10 games of 2009, and unless their free agent additions can fill the gaps on defense the Broncos could be in for a long season.
A sleeper pick for Denver looks to be Perrish Cox, and talented cornerback from Oklahoma State. But he has had plenty of off-field problems, which makes you wonder why they passed on Dez Bryant if they didn't draft him for similar reasons.
Draft Grade: D
Then the offseason started. Denver went out and traded their best wide receiver in Brandon Marshall and their tight end in Tony Scheffler. They traded for Brady Quinn a year after trading Jay Cutler for Kyle Orton. What was once a high octane offense had been reduced to a sub-compact.
Denver was active in trading, and when Rolando McClain went to Oakland at #8 they traded down in the first round, then traded back up. The Broncos had a chance to draft both Dez Bryant and Jimmy Clausen, and did not make the moves.
Instead, the Broncos selected Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow. Thomas is still recovering from a broken foot, and everyone has seen Tebow as a development project. Considering the players they had at those positions, and the ones they could have drafted, these picks don't make a lot of sense.
The Broncos did address their offensive line with Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton, and added depth at the receiver position with Eric Decker. The area they did not address was the defensive front 7. Denver gave up almost 26 points per game in the last 10 games of 2009, and unless their free agent additions can fill the gaps on defense the Broncos could be in for a long season.
A sleeper pick for Denver looks to be Perrish Cox, and talented cornerback from Oklahoma State. But he has had plenty of off-field problems, which makes you wonder why they passed on Dez Bryant if they didn't draft him for similar reasons.
Draft Grade: D
Draft Grades: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2010 NFL Draft coming off of an NFC East Division title, and a playoff win over Philadelphia. Their goal was to provide depth as much as fill holes, and the Cowboys got more of the former than the latter.
Dez Bryant feel all the way to the 24th overall selection, where Dallas traded up three spots to take him and keep him away from Baltimore. Having Bryant on one side opposite Miles Austin gives the Cowboys and Tony Romo even more weapons for their passing game. Sean Lee has battled injuries but when he is healthy he can be a factor playing linebacker for Dallas. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is a small school speed burner out if Indiana (Pa.), and has the potential to develop into an very good cornerback.
The Cowboys needed to replace Flozell Adams at offensive tackle, and may have gotten him in Sam Young, a late round sleeper out of Notre Dame. At 6'8, 315, he has the size to play the position, but will need to work on his technique in order to move into the lineup with the Cowboys.
Draft Grade: B
Dez Bryant feel all the way to the 24th overall selection, where Dallas traded up three spots to take him and keep him away from Baltimore. Having Bryant on one side opposite Miles Austin gives the Cowboys and Tony Romo even more weapons for their passing game. Sean Lee has battled injuries but when he is healthy he can be a factor playing linebacker for Dallas. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is a small school speed burner out if Indiana (Pa.), and has the potential to develop into an very good cornerback.
The Cowboys needed to replace Flozell Adams at offensive tackle, and may have gotten him in Sam Young, a late round sleeper out of Notre Dame. At 6'8, 315, he has the size to play the position, but will need to work on his technique in order to move into the lineup with the Cowboys.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns went into the 2010 NFL Draft and attempted to land the big fish on it's first cast. They tried to make a deal with the St. Louis Rams to trade up and take Sam Bradford with the 1st Overall selection. To do so would have gutted the depth of their draft board, and not making the deal is going to be better for them in the long run.
Cleveland passed on Jimmy Clausen to select Joe Haden with the 7th pick. In the second round they reached a bit to select T.J. Ward, a safety out of Oregon. The Browns then moved up take Montario Hardesty late in Round 2. Hardesty should provide depth in the running game behind James Harrison.
In the 3rd Round Cleveland got their quarterback in Colt McCoy. Mike Holmgren has come out and said that McCoy would not be playing in his rookie season, and it will benefit McCoy to do just that. As with Bradford and Tim Tebow, coming from a spread offense in college, it's going to take time to adjust to the pro game. With Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace on the roster, McCoy has the chance to have the best long-term results of the four quarterbacks.
A late round sleeper for Cleveland looks to be Carlton Mitchell, a wide receiver out of South Florida. At 6'3, 215, he provides a tall, athletic target and needed depth for the Browns receiver corps.
Draft Grade: B
Cleveland passed on Jimmy Clausen to select Joe Haden with the 7th pick. In the second round they reached a bit to select T.J. Ward, a safety out of Oregon. The Browns then moved up take Montario Hardesty late in Round 2. Hardesty should provide depth in the running game behind James Harrison.
In the 3rd Round Cleveland got their quarterback in Colt McCoy. Mike Holmgren has come out and said that McCoy would not be playing in his rookie season, and it will benefit McCoy to do just that. As with Bradford and Tim Tebow, coming from a spread offense in college, it's going to take time to adjust to the pro game. With Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace on the roster, McCoy has the chance to have the best long-term results of the four quarterbacks.
A late round sleeper for Cleveland looks to be Carlton Mitchell, a wide receiver out of South Florida. At 6'3, 215, he provides a tall, athletic target and needed depth for the Browns receiver corps.
Draft Grade: B
Monday, April 26, 2010
Draft Grades: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off of a surprise division title in 2009, and went into the draft looking to upgrade the offense. While Cedric Benson had a tremendous season, the passing game suffered, and it was a priority to upgrade the weapons for Carson Palmer.
The selection of Jermaine Gresham did just that. He poses a matchup nightmare for defenders, and gives the Bengals a legitimate red zone threat. In the second round Cincinnati addressed their pass rush by taking Carlos Dunlap. Antwan Odom is coming off of an Achilles injury, and the rap against Dunlap is that he doesn't play with a high motor. But the same thing was said about Michael Johnson last season, and he provided plenty of pass rush for the Bengals in his rookie season in 2009.
Wide receiver was an offseason issue, and the signings of Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones didn't stop Cincinnati from adding in the draft. Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe look to provide depth as slot receivers to take the pressure off the guys on the outside.
A sleeper pick looks to be Reggie Stephens, a guard/center taken in the 7th round. An All-Big 12 selection, he is versatile and at 330 pounds has the size to possibly move into the right guard position upon the retirement of Bobbie Williams.
Draft Grade: B+
The selection of Jermaine Gresham did just that. He poses a matchup nightmare for defenders, and gives the Bengals a legitimate red zone threat. In the second round Cincinnati addressed their pass rush by taking Carlos Dunlap. Antwan Odom is coming off of an Achilles injury, and the rap against Dunlap is that he doesn't play with a high motor. But the same thing was said about Michael Johnson last season, and he provided plenty of pass rush for the Bengals in his rookie season in 2009.
Wide receiver was an offseason issue, and the signings of Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones didn't stop Cincinnati from adding in the draft. Jordan Shipley and Dezmon Briscoe look to provide depth as slot receivers to take the pressure off the guys on the outside.
A sleeper pick looks to be Reggie Stephens, a guard/center taken in the 7th round. An All-Big 12 selection, he is versatile and at 330 pounds has the size to possibly move into the right guard position upon the retirement of Bobbie Williams.
Draft Grade: B+
Draft Grades: Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears went into the 2010 NFL Draft without a selection in the first or second rounds. Their first round pick went to Denver for Jay Cutler, and the second rounder went to Tampa Bay for the late Gaines Adams. But with a deep draft the Bears were able to take some talented players.
Major Wright looks to move into the secondary and help right away. But the player who might be able to help the most is Corey Wootton. He was injured as a junior, and if he is healthy he can provide a pass rush opposite Julius Peppers.
The player I believe could be a sleeper for the Bears is Dan Lefevour. The reason I think this is that I'm not sold on Jay Cutler being the franchise quarterback everyone sees him to be. He is talented, but at times I see Jeff George out on the field when he was drafted to be another John Elway. Lovie Smith has shown to have an itchy trigger finger with quarterbacks. Lefevour can sit, learn the game and work on the mechanics of being an NFL quarterback. If Cutler doesn't not live up to the promise and the Bears see it to be time to make a change then Lefevour could be ready to play.
Draft Grade: C-
Major Wright looks to move into the secondary and help right away. But the player who might be able to help the most is Corey Wootton. He was injured as a junior, and if he is healthy he can provide a pass rush opposite Julius Peppers.
The player I believe could be a sleeper for the Bears is Dan Lefevour. The reason I think this is that I'm not sold on Jay Cutler being the franchise quarterback everyone sees him to be. He is talented, but at times I see Jeff George out on the field when he was drafted to be another John Elway. Lovie Smith has shown to have an itchy trigger finger with quarterbacks. Lefevour can sit, learn the game and work on the mechanics of being an NFL quarterback. If Cutler doesn't not live up to the promise and the Bears see it to be time to make a change then Lefevour could be ready to play.
Draft Grade: C-
Draft Grades: Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers entered the 2010 NFL Draft without a first round selection, and came away with a top 10 talent. Without having to trade up, the Panthers were able to select Jimmy Clausen with the 48th overall selection. Matt Moore played well down the stretch in 2009, but I can't help but think of Derek Anderson with Cleveland in 2007. Came out of nowhere, played very well down the stretch, but never did play up to those lofty numbers again. Moore may be able to, but with Clausen in the mix Carolina has a valuable insurance policy.
Carolina was also able to take a highly regarded receiver in Brandon LaFell, who will help take pressure off of Stave Smith. Greg Hardy has potential, but he needs to play up to that potential. Too many hot and cold moments coming out of college. The two puzzling picks are Armanti Edwards and Tony Pike. Edwards played quarterback in college, and is seen as a receiver with wildcat capabilities. With Clausen in the fold taking Pike can only be seen as a luxury pick in case Moore does not pan out.
Eric Norwood is seen as a sleeper pick in the 4th round, with his abilities as a pass rusher and his overall football instincts. If he develops he can help offset the loss of Julius Peppers in free agency.
Draft Grade: B-
Carolina was also able to take a highly regarded receiver in Brandon LaFell, who will help take pressure off of Stave Smith. Greg Hardy has potential, but he needs to play up to that potential. Too many hot and cold moments coming out of college. The two puzzling picks are Armanti Edwards and Tony Pike. Edwards played quarterback in college, and is seen as a receiver with wildcat capabilities. With Clausen in the fold taking Pike can only be seen as a luxury pick in case Moore does not pan out.
Eric Norwood is seen as a sleeper pick in the 4th round, with his abilities as a pass rusher and his overall football instincts. If he develops he can help offset the loss of Julius Peppers in free agency.
Draft Grade: B-
Draft Grades: Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills went into the 2010 NFL Draft with a question mark at quarterback, and even bigger questions concerning the offensive line. Both positions were addressed in the draft, but not the way anyone would have speculated.
The Bills selected C.J. Spiller with the 9th overall pick. Spiller was widely regarded as the best playmaker in the draft, and if they can get the ball in his hands he should be worthy of the selection. In the 2nd Round, Buffalo passed on taking Jimmy Clausen and picked Torrell Troup, a nose tackle from Central Florida. Troup was seen as a bit of a stretch for the 2nd Round, and Buffalo's two biggest needs were not addressed at the top of the draft.
Quarterback Levi Brown was taken in the 7th Round, and while he has the physical tools he is seen as a developmental project. Offensive tackle Ed Wang was taken in the 5th round.
The offensive line was also addressed with the player I see as a sleeper pick in Kyle Calloway, an offensive tackle taken in the 7th round. Calloway played opposite Bryan Bulaga at Iowa, and his tutelage under Kirk Ferentz should help him acclimate to the NFL.
Draft Grade: C
The Bills selected C.J. Spiller with the 9th overall pick. Spiller was widely regarded as the best playmaker in the draft, and if they can get the ball in his hands he should be worthy of the selection. In the 2nd Round, Buffalo passed on taking Jimmy Clausen and picked Torrell Troup, a nose tackle from Central Florida. Troup was seen as a bit of a stretch for the 2nd Round, and Buffalo's two biggest needs were not addressed at the top of the draft.
Quarterback Levi Brown was taken in the 7th Round, and while he has the physical tools he is seen as a developmental project. Offensive tackle Ed Wang was taken in the 5th round.
The offensive line was also addressed with the player I see as a sleeper pick in Kyle Calloway, an offensive tackle taken in the 7th round. Calloway played opposite Bryan Bulaga at Iowa, and his tutelage under Kirk Ferentz should help him acclimate to the NFL.
Draft Grade: C
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Draft Grades: Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a season where they made the playoffs as a wildcard, then beat the New England Patriots in the playoffs. Ozzie Newsome has been the master of the draft process, and the 2010 NFL Draft is no exception.
Baltimore held the 25th overall pick, but traded it to Denver, who took Tim Tebow in that slot. The Ravens added three picks, and Newsome used them wisely. With two selections in the second round, the Ravens added to a potent defense with Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody. There are fears that Kindle is injury prone, and that Cody could eat himself out of the league. But if these two picks work then Baltimore has is evenmore dangerous.
The Ravens were looking for help at tight end, as Todd Heap has had a myriad of injuries over the years. They got two quality picks in Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta. Taking David Reed should help a somewhat lean receiver corps. They could use a little more depth in the defensive secondary.
Baltimore looks to have gotten a sleeper pick in Ramon Harewood, a massive offensive lineman. He is a project but at 6'7 and 360 pounds he could open holes on the line for a long time.
Draft Grade: A-
Baltimore held the 25th overall pick, but traded it to Denver, who took Tim Tebow in that slot. The Ravens added three picks, and Newsome used them wisely. With two selections in the second round, the Ravens added to a potent defense with Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody. There are fears that Kindle is injury prone, and that Cody could eat himself out of the league. But if these two picks work then Baltimore has is evenmore dangerous.
The Ravens were looking for help at tight end, as Todd Heap has had a myriad of injuries over the years. They got two quality picks in Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta. Taking David Reed should help a somewhat lean receiver corps. They could use a little more depth in the defensive secondary.
Baltimore looks to have gotten a sleeper pick in Ramon Harewood, a massive offensive lineman. He is a project but at 6'7 and 360 pounds he could open holes on the line for a long time.
Draft Grade: A-
Draft Grades: Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2009 season with the first back to back winning seasons in franchise history. A wild card appearance was followed by a failure to make the playoffs in '09. The Falcons looked to beef up their defense in the offseason and did that with the signing of Dunta Robinson from Houston to play cornerback.
Atlanta addressed the defense in the draft by selecting Sean Weatherspoon, a linebacker from Missouri, in the first round. Weatherspoon plays with a high motor, and should be able to make plays all over the field. They took Corey Peters, a defensive tackle, in the 3rd Round. With Peria Jerry, their first rounder from 2009 rehabbing a knee injury Peters should provide the Falcons a quality backup. One area Atlanta could have addressed was running back. Michael Turner was injured the second half of 2009, and when he went down the offense suffered.
Atlanta got a sleeper pick in the 5th round by selecting Dominque Franks, a cornerback from Oklahoma. Franks looks to have the makings of a shutdown corner in the pro ranks, and he should be a valuable addition as a nickel corner in his rookie season.
Draft Grade: C+
Atlanta addressed the defense in the draft by selecting Sean Weatherspoon, a linebacker from Missouri, in the first round. Weatherspoon plays with a high motor, and should be able to make plays all over the field. They took Corey Peters, a defensive tackle, in the 3rd Round. With Peria Jerry, their first rounder from 2009 rehabbing a knee injury Peters should provide the Falcons a quality backup. One area Atlanta could have addressed was running back. Michael Turner was injured the second half of 2009, and when he went down the offense suffered.
Atlanta got a sleeper pick in the 5th round by selecting Dominque Franks, a cornerback from Oklahoma. Franks looks to have the makings of a shutdown corner in the pro ranks, and he should be a valuable addition as a nickel corner in his rookie season.
Draft Grade: C+
Draft Grades: Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are coming off of back to back division titles, but they lost the heart and soul of their team with the retirement of Kurt Warner. It is up to Matt Leinart to take the reins and pick up where Warner left off.
The Cardinals filled a need on the defensive line with the selection of Dan Williams at #26. Many had him going much higher, and Arizona got a solid defensive tackle without having to trade up to get him. They also got another early steal with Daryl Washington in Round 2 to help cover the loss of Karlos Dansby.
The Cardinals already have Steve Breaston to replace Anquan Boldin, and they shored up their receiving corps with the selection of Andre Roberts. One need Arizona could have addressed in the draft was at offensive tackle.
I do have Arizona with 2 sleeper picks from Day 3. O'Brien Schofield would have been drafted much higher if he had not injured his knee during the Senior Bowl, and John Skelton is a strong armed quarterback they can groom to be the backup to Leinart.
Draft Grade: B+
The Cardinals filled a need on the defensive line with the selection of Dan Williams at #26. Many had him going much higher, and Arizona got a solid defensive tackle without having to trade up to get him. They also got another early steal with Daryl Washington in Round 2 to help cover the loss of Karlos Dansby.
The Cardinals already have Steve Breaston to replace Anquan Boldin, and they shored up their receiving corps with the selection of Andre Roberts. One need Arizona could have addressed in the draft was at offensive tackle.
I do have Arizona with 2 sleeper picks from Day 3. O'Brien Schofield would have been drafted much higher if he had not injured his knee during the Senior Bowl, and John Skelton is a strong armed quarterback they can groom to be the backup to Leinart.
Draft Grade: B+
Saturday, April 24, 2010
The Best and Worst Picks of the 2010 NFL Draft
The 2010 NFL Draft has come to an end. 3 days of picks, speculation and analysis. From where I sit here are some of the best and worst picks of the draft.
Best: Eric Berry, Kansas City. The Chiefs need players at just about every position. In Berry they get a defensive playmaker along the lines of Ed Reed, and he should make an immediate impact.
Rolando McClain, Oakland. The Raiders had a number of excellent picks, and McClain will fill the middle nicely for years to come. If you need help stopping the run, a middle linebacker who can make tackles all over the field is what you need.
Brandon Graham, Philadelphia. The Eagles get a pass rusher who does not stop. He brings an energy to the field and he brings it on every play.
Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati. The Bengals need weapons on offense. The acquired Antonio Bryant in the offseason to play opposite Chad Ochocinco, and now Gresham give Carson Palmer a target over the middle that will be a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Dez Bryant, Dallas. With Miles Austin and Jason Witten, the Cowboys have plenty of options when throwing the ball. Bryant makes the offense even more explosive.
Rodger Saffold, St. Louis. Sam Bradford needs someone to block for him, and with Jason Smith on the left side Saffold will make a bookend on the right for years to come. I can see Saffold being a more valuable pick to the Rams than Bradford.
Arrelious Benn, Tampa Bay. Josh Freeman needs weapons on offense, and Benn provides him with a valuable target.
Sergio Kindle, Baltimore. If Kindle stays healthy, and the words 'Microfracture Surgery' never sounds good, he will be a terror on the Ravens defense for years.
Lamarr Houston, Oakland. If Houston can plug up the middle, think about how much easier it will be for McClain to make plays behind him.
Jimmy Clausen, Carolina. Josh McDaniels and the Denver Broncos will regret not drafting Clausen for a long time. Carolina got the steal of the draft.
Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati. If he plays up to his potential, and if Antwan Odom returns to his pre-Achilles injury form, the Bengals are going to have a pass rush that could be the envy of the league.
Vladimir Ducasse, New York Jets. The Jets decided to release Alan Fanacea after drafting Ducasse. It says a lot about his potential.
Charles Brown, New Orleans. Having an offensive tackle of his talent fall to the end of the second round must make the Saints feel like Mardi Gras is still being celebrated.
Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell, Oakland. The Raiders drafted two mountain of offensive tackles, but both are projects. But Tom Cable is an offensive line coach, and I can see him bringing out the full potential of both players.
Mardy Gilyard, St. Louis. Sam Bradford got someone to block for him in Rodger Saffold, and in Gilyard he got a target he should connect with many times in the years to come.
Everson Griffen, Minnesota. A first round talent that fell all the way to the fourth round. The Vikings have an explosive pass rush and now they have another to add to the mix.
Myron Rolle, Tennessee. If you are looking for a physical, athletic safety, and by far the most intelligent player in the draft, Rolle is a steal at the end of the sixth round. Some teams questioned his commitment. If he is going to play football now and hold off on medical school until later that speaks volumes about his commitment.
Worst Picks: Tyson Alualu, Jacksonville. It is a bad pick not because or the player. Alualu is talented and should make an impact for the Jaguars. But they could very easily have traded down, accumulated more picks and still got Alualu. With a draft this deep Jacksonville missed a golden opportunity.
Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow, Denver. The Broncos picked Thomas because he reminded them of Brandon Marshall. Then why did you trade Marshall and draft some defensive help. Tebow is a project. Plain and simple. The best scenario I can see for Tebow to get on the field this year is if the Broncos are having a lousy season. If that is the case how much longer will Josh McDaniels be the coach?
Dexter McCluster, Kansas City. Again, it's not the player. It's who drafted him and where. He can make plays, but the Chiefs have to get him the ball first. Kansas City has plenty of holes to fill, and the offensive line would have been a good place to start with this pick.
Torrell Troup, Buffalo. The Bills needed a nose tackle, and this is a reach pick for need. Also, Terrence Cody was still available. Bringing the mountain to Buffalo would have made sense.
Zane Beadles, Denver. The Broncos didn't address any needs on defense early in the draft. Beadles is seen as a bit of a reach at this spot as well.
Armanti Edwards, Carolina. A wildcard pick with a wildcat player. He can make plays when he has the ball, but to do so takes the ball out of the hands of Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart, and Steve Smith. Finding defensive help may have been the better call with this pick and see if they could get Edwards later.
All in all, there were many more good picks than not. I'll be analyzing every team and grading them out in the days ahead. The 2010 NFL Draft is complete. Let's get ready for rookie camp, OTA's, player signing and Trainnig Camp. The NFL. All day, every day, all year long.
Best: Eric Berry, Kansas City. The Chiefs need players at just about every position. In Berry they get a defensive playmaker along the lines of Ed Reed, and he should make an immediate impact.
Rolando McClain, Oakland. The Raiders had a number of excellent picks, and McClain will fill the middle nicely for years to come. If you need help stopping the run, a middle linebacker who can make tackles all over the field is what you need.
Brandon Graham, Philadelphia. The Eagles get a pass rusher who does not stop. He brings an energy to the field and he brings it on every play.
Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati. The Bengals need weapons on offense. The acquired Antonio Bryant in the offseason to play opposite Chad Ochocinco, and now Gresham give Carson Palmer a target over the middle that will be a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Dez Bryant, Dallas. With Miles Austin and Jason Witten, the Cowboys have plenty of options when throwing the ball. Bryant makes the offense even more explosive.
Rodger Saffold, St. Louis. Sam Bradford needs someone to block for him, and with Jason Smith on the left side Saffold will make a bookend on the right for years to come. I can see Saffold being a more valuable pick to the Rams than Bradford.
Arrelious Benn, Tampa Bay. Josh Freeman needs weapons on offense, and Benn provides him with a valuable target.
Sergio Kindle, Baltimore. If Kindle stays healthy, and the words 'Microfracture Surgery' never sounds good, he will be a terror on the Ravens defense for years.
Lamarr Houston, Oakland. If Houston can plug up the middle, think about how much easier it will be for McClain to make plays behind him.
Jimmy Clausen, Carolina. Josh McDaniels and the Denver Broncos will regret not drafting Clausen for a long time. Carolina got the steal of the draft.
Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati. If he plays up to his potential, and if Antwan Odom returns to his pre-Achilles injury form, the Bengals are going to have a pass rush that could be the envy of the league.
Vladimir Ducasse, New York Jets. The Jets decided to release Alan Fanacea after drafting Ducasse. It says a lot about his potential.
Charles Brown, New Orleans. Having an offensive tackle of his talent fall to the end of the second round must make the Saints feel like Mardi Gras is still being celebrated.
Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell, Oakland. The Raiders drafted two mountain of offensive tackles, but both are projects. But Tom Cable is an offensive line coach, and I can see him bringing out the full potential of both players.
Mardy Gilyard, St. Louis. Sam Bradford got someone to block for him in Rodger Saffold, and in Gilyard he got a target he should connect with many times in the years to come.
Everson Griffen, Minnesota. A first round talent that fell all the way to the fourth round. The Vikings have an explosive pass rush and now they have another to add to the mix.
Myron Rolle, Tennessee. If you are looking for a physical, athletic safety, and by far the most intelligent player in the draft, Rolle is a steal at the end of the sixth round. Some teams questioned his commitment. If he is going to play football now and hold off on medical school until later that speaks volumes about his commitment.
Worst Picks: Tyson Alualu, Jacksonville. It is a bad pick not because or the player. Alualu is talented and should make an impact for the Jaguars. But they could very easily have traded down, accumulated more picks and still got Alualu. With a draft this deep Jacksonville missed a golden opportunity.
Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow, Denver. The Broncos picked Thomas because he reminded them of Brandon Marshall. Then why did you trade Marshall and draft some defensive help. Tebow is a project. Plain and simple. The best scenario I can see for Tebow to get on the field this year is if the Broncos are having a lousy season. If that is the case how much longer will Josh McDaniels be the coach?
Dexter McCluster, Kansas City. Again, it's not the player. It's who drafted him and where. He can make plays, but the Chiefs have to get him the ball first. Kansas City has plenty of holes to fill, and the offensive line would have been a good place to start with this pick.
Torrell Troup, Buffalo. The Bills needed a nose tackle, and this is a reach pick for need. Also, Terrence Cody was still available. Bringing the mountain to Buffalo would have made sense.
Zane Beadles, Denver. The Broncos didn't address any needs on defense early in the draft. Beadles is seen as a bit of a reach at this spot as well.
Armanti Edwards, Carolina. A wildcard pick with a wildcat player. He can make plays when he has the ball, but to do so takes the ball out of the hands of Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Stewart, and Steve Smith. Finding defensive help may have been the better call with this pick and see if they could get Edwards later.
All in all, there were many more good picks than not. I'll be analyzing every team and grading them out in the days ahead. The 2010 NFL Draft is complete. Let's get ready for rookie camp, OTA's, player signing and Trainnig Camp. The NFL. All day, every day, all year long.
Friday, April 23, 2010
As deep a draft as you will ever find
I've been saying this for a long time, and any number of experts you come across say the same thing, that the 2010 NFL Draft is as deep as you will ever find. The 2nd Round is proof of that.
By my count, there are 17 players taken in the second round that were projected to go in the first in more than one mock draft. But the depth is seen after New England took Rob Gronkowski at #42.
The next 2 picks were Sergio Kindle and Lamarr Houston. Then picks 46-49 were Linval Joseph, Daryl Washington, Jimmy Clausen and Taylor Mays. Carlos Dunlap, Terrence Cody, and Sean Lee went #54, 55, and 57. Then the round concluded with Golden Tate going #60, Vladimir Ducasse at #61, and Charles Brown selected by New Orleans at #64.
Jimmy Clausen at #48 is an absolute steal for Carolina. They have Matt Moore in place at quarterback, and he played well down the stretch in 2009. They have a prolific running game with DeAngelo Williams and James Stewart, and one of the most dangerous receivers in the league in Steve Smith. The Panthers also have a very good offensive line, anchored by Jordan Gross. Clausen won't be rushed and will have a chip on his shoulder the size of a football because of all the teams needing a quarterback that passed on him. But compare Clausen and Sam Bradford and their respective situations. One thing that stands out to me is that Clausen will be signed and in training camp. How often do you see a middle second rounder holding out? Not much. The Rams have to sign Bradford to a multi-million dollar contract and get him in training camp on time for him to be effective. Clausen will be in camp and he is far more pro ready than Bradford.
The 2010 NFL Draft is the deepest in years, and the picks keep on coming. One thing that interests me is how far Bruce Campbell will fall. Pick #82 just went off the board, and Campbell is still available. I can't picture someone with his physical skills going much longer without being selected. But you never know.
By my count, there are 17 players taken in the second round that were projected to go in the first in more than one mock draft. But the depth is seen after New England took Rob Gronkowski at #42.
The next 2 picks were Sergio Kindle and Lamarr Houston. Then picks 46-49 were Linval Joseph, Daryl Washington, Jimmy Clausen and Taylor Mays. Carlos Dunlap, Terrence Cody, and Sean Lee went #54, 55, and 57. Then the round concluded with Golden Tate going #60, Vladimir Ducasse at #61, and Charles Brown selected by New Orleans at #64.
Jimmy Clausen at #48 is an absolute steal for Carolina. They have Matt Moore in place at quarterback, and he played well down the stretch in 2009. They have a prolific running game with DeAngelo Williams and James Stewart, and one of the most dangerous receivers in the league in Steve Smith. The Panthers also have a very good offensive line, anchored by Jordan Gross. Clausen won't be rushed and will have a chip on his shoulder the size of a football because of all the teams needing a quarterback that passed on him. But compare Clausen and Sam Bradford and their respective situations. One thing that stands out to me is that Clausen will be signed and in training camp. How often do you see a middle second rounder holding out? Not much. The Rams have to sign Bradford to a multi-million dollar contract and get him in training camp on time for him to be effective. Clausen will be in camp and he is far more pro ready than Bradford.
The 2010 NFL Draft is the deepest in years, and the picks keep on coming. One thing that interests me is how far Bruce Campbell will fall. Pick #82 just went off the board, and Campbell is still available. I can't picture someone with his physical skills going much longer without being selected. But you never know.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Moving up and sliding down in the 1st Round
The 1st Round of the 2010 NFL Draft is complete, and there are three things that always seems to hold true. Players move up higher than they should, players slide down because others move up, and you just never know what is going to happen.
The first 9 picks of the draft had little suspense or surprises. Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy going 1-2-3 was nearly a given. Washington going with an offensive tackle was not a surprise so much as the one they chose. Many saw Russell Okung going #4 as a better bet than Trent Williams, but the Redskins went with Williams. Okung went to Seattle two picks later, after Kansas City chose Eric Berry as expected. Joe Haden going to Cleveland was one of my choices all along, and they took the cornerback #7 overall. Oakland taking Rolando McClain at #8 may have been a surprise, but he is also the best linebacker in the draft, and the Raiders need help stopping the run. Buffalo went with the playmaker in C.J. Spiller, maybe indicating that the days of Marshawn Lynch are numbered.
Then all the fun started. Jacksonville pulled off the shocker of the night in taking Tyson Alualu at #10. Not that he isn't a talented defensive tackle, but he was a player they could have gotten much later in the first round, and teams showed they were willing to trade up in the round. As deep as the draft is Jacksonville could have added a number of picks later on and still gotten Alualu.
I had San Diego taking Ryan Mathews in the first round, but too many teams ahead of they also targeted the running back. The Chargers then traded up 16 spots to take Mathews. Then Philadelphia moved up from #24 to #13, and by all accounts they were going to select Earl Thomas. Then they threw everyone a curveball and took Brandon Graham. If I were Pete Carroll I'd be on a plane to Vegas tonight. Russell Okung slides two spots to Seattle at #6, then Earl Thomas is there at #14, and they didn't have to trade any later picks to get them. A good night with two solid building blocks for the Seahawks.
Teams picking late in the first round that got maybe the best quality picks for their teams were Cincinnati, Green Bay and Indianapolis. The Bengals get the big target tight end in Jermaine Gresham, giving Carson Palmer a valuable option for their offense. The Packers needed help at offensive tackle, and Bryan Bulaga, who many saw as the #1 or #2 tackle, fell all the way to #23. Then the Colts get Jerry Hughes at #31, a pass rushing end/linebacker who should fit in very well in their defense.
The players who were not taken would make a nice list of first rounders any other year. Jimmy Clausen, , Colt McCoy, Sergio Kindle, Taylor Mays, Bruce Campbell, Terrence Cody, Brian Price, Carlos Dunlap, Golden Tate, Everson Griffen, Rob Gronkowski, Charles Brown, Rodger Saffold, Sean Lee, Daryl Washington. I expect to see many more trade on Friday.
Then there are the moments that make you scratch your head. If someone can tell me how the Denver Broncos can pass on both Dez Bryant and Jimmy Clausen and then take Demayrius Thomas and Tim Tebow please send along an explanation. I'd love to hear it.
The first 9 picks of the draft had little suspense or surprises. Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy going 1-2-3 was nearly a given. Washington going with an offensive tackle was not a surprise so much as the one they chose. Many saw Russell Okung going #4 as a better bet than Trent Williams, but the Redskins went with Williams. Okung went to Seattle two picks later, after Kansas City chose Eric Berry as expected. Joe Haden going to Cleveland was one of my choices all along, and they took the cornerback #7 overall. Oakland taking Rolando McClain at #8 may have been a surprise, but he is also the best linebacker in the draft, and the Raiders need help stopping the run. Buffalo went with the playmaker in C.J. Spiller, maybe indicating that the days of Marshawn Lynch are numbered.
Then all the fun started. Jacksonville pulled off the shocker of the night in taking Tyson Alualu at #10. Not that he isn't a talented defensive tackle, but he was a player they could have gotten much later in the first round, and teams showed they were willing to trade up in the round. As deep as the draft is Jacksonville could have added a number of picks later on and still gotten Alualu.
I had San Diego taking Ryan Mathews in the first round, but too many teams ahead of they also targeted the running back. The Chargers then traded up 16 spots to take Mathews. Then Philadelphia moved up from #24 to #13, and by all accounts they were going to select Earl Thomas. Then they threw everyone a curveball and took Brandon Graham. If I were Pete Carroll I'd be on a plane to Vegas tonight. Russell Okung slides two spots to Seattle at #6, then Earl Thomas is there at #14, and they didn't have to trade any later picks to get them. A good night with two solid building blocks for the Seahawks.
Teams picking late in the first round that got maybe the best quality picks for their teams were Cincinnati, Green Bay and Indianapolis. The Bengals get the big target tight end in Jermaine Gresham, giving Carson Palmer a valuable option for their offense. The Packers needed help at offensive tackle, and Bryan Bulaga, who many saw as the #1 or #2 tackle, fell all the way to #23. Then the Colts get Jerry Hughes at #31, a pass rushing end/linebacker who should fit in very well in their defense.
The players who were not taken would make a nice list of first rounders any other year. Jimmy Clausen, , Colt McCoy, Sergio Kindle, Taylor Mays, Bruce Campbell, Terrence Cody, Brian Price, Carlos Dunlap, Golden Tate, Everson Griffen, Rob Gronkowski, Charles Brown, Rodger Saffold, Sean Lee, Daryl Washington. I expect to see many more trade on Friday.
Then there are the moments that make you scratch your head. If someone can tell me how the Denver Broncos can pass on both Dez Bryant and Jimmy Clausen and then take Demayrius Thomas and Tim Tebow please send along an explanation. I'd love to hear it.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Twas The Night Before The 2010 NFL Draft
It's the day before the 2010 NFL Draft,
And all through Radio City Music Hall
There are players on the rise
And those on the fall.
There is Jimmy Clausen
Who can throw and throw and throw.
But when Washington traded for McNabb
His slot moved low and low and low.
Bruce Campbell worked out so well
Everyone was impressed with his might.
But there isn't much tape of him blocking
On either the left side or the right.
Dez Bryant is as big of a receiver
That anyone has for a while.
But his times in the 40 at his Pro Day
Makes people think his time was for the mile.
Jason Pierre-Paul is a player with raw talent
And his draft slot should not slip.
If there is anyone who doubts his ability
They should see him do a back flip.
Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy are tackles
That are going to be drafted very high.
Choosing between the two of them is like picking between
Marisa Miller and Brooklyn Decker for the cover of SI.
Bulaga, Okung, and Williams are set
To block for a quarterback's blind side.
Waiting to see which one will go first
Will be a very wild ride.
Haden, Berry and Thomas play in the secondary
Where they can really cover and hit.
Cleveland is picking at number seven
And they see any one of the three as a perfect fit.
Pouncey and Iupati are the two best players
In the middle of the line who can really block.
The middle of the first round is where the teams
Who will take them will be on the clock.
The St. Louis Rams have the first pick
And will take the best player then can.
It looks like they are going to take Sam Bradford
And make him a very rich young man.
32 teams are going to make draft picks
Many will see as wrong or right.
Good luck with your mock drafts tomorrow
And to all a good night.
And all through Radio City Music Hall
There are players on the rise
And those on the fall.
There is Jimmy Clausen
Who can throw and throw and throw.
But when Washington traded for McNabb
His slot moved low and low and low.
Bruce Campbell worked out so well
Everyone was impressed with his might.
But there isn't much tape of him blocking
On either the left side or the right.
Dez Bryant is as big of a receiver
That anyone has for a while.
But his times in the 40 at his Pro Day
Makes people think his time was for the mile.
Jason Pierre-Paul is a player with raw talent
And his draft slot should not slip.
If there is anyone who doubts his ability
They should see him do a back flip.
Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy are tackles
That are going to be drafted very high.
Choosing between the two of them is like picking between
Marisa Miller and Brooklyn Decker for the cover of SI.
Bulaga, Okung, and Williams are set
To block for a quarterback's blind side.
Waiting to see which one will go first
Will be a very wild ride.
Haden, Berry and Thomas play in the secondary
Where they can really cover and hit.
Cleveland is picking at number seven
And they see any one of the three as a perfect fit.
Pouncey and Iupati are the two best players
In the middle of the line who can really block.
The middle of the first round is where the teams
Who will take them will be on the clock.
The St. Louis Rams have the first pick
And will take the best player then can.
It looks like they are going to take Sam Bradford
And make him a very rich young man.
32 teams are going to make draft picks
Many will see as wrong or right.
Good luck with your mock drafts tomorrow
And to all a good night.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Top Picks Moving On
The St. Louis Rams decided to part ways with Adam Carriker, their first round selection (13th overall) from the 2007 NFL Draft. Basically they swapped 5th and 7th Round draft with Washington and Carriker seemed to be a throw in on the deal. Detroit shipped Ernie Sims, the 9th overall selection from the 2006 NFL Draft, to Philadelphia as part of a 3 team deal. Detroit received Tony Scheffler from Denver and the Broncos received a 5th Round pick. Ted Ginn was traded for a 5th round pick, as was Santonio Holmes. You're going to need a scorecard to find out who is selection in the fifth round in the 2010 NFL Draft.
But if these players can get traded for what may seem to be next to nothing, it makes you wonder who is next. Gaines Adams was traded in-season for a 2nd Round Pick before his tragic passing. It makes you wonder if he had lived and was traded in the month before the draft what Chicago would have given up for Adams. Adams was a bust as a 4th overall selection. Chicago could have gotten him for a 5th Rounder easy.
Now that the New York Jets have signed Jason Taylor, how long will it be before the Jets deal Vernon Gholston. He has been as big of a bust as Adams, and now it looks like his opportunities to play are next to nothing. I can also see Jamaal Anderson in the same boat with the Atlanta Falcons. Most mock drafts have the Falcons taking a pass rusher with the 19th overll selection, and many (including myself) have Brandon Graham going with that pick.
Jacksonville could be thinking the same thing with Derrick Harvey, the 8th overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. He has not produced since coming into the league, and the Jaguars could be looking at Derrick Harvey or Jason Pierre-Paul going with the 10th overall pick. Jacksonville traded up to take Harvey, and they may be looking to cut bait and get what they can while they can.
It has long been said that the NFL Draft is an inexact science. The 2010 NFL Draft may be the exception to the rule. The reason is that there are a lot of good players and not that many with the highest of expectations. It could also be that with a draft this deep, if a team makes a mistake in the first round the players they get in rounds 2, 3 and 4 cold very well cover up the miss. We'll find out in 2 days at the 2010 NFL Draft.
But if these players can get traded for what may seem to be next to nothing, it makes you wonder who is next. Gaines Adams was traded in-season for a 2nd Round Pick before his tragic passing. It makes you wonder if he had lived and was traded in the month before the draft what Chicago would have given up for Adams. Adams was a bust as a 4th overall selection. Chicago could have gotten him for a 5th Rounder easy.
Now that the New York Jets have signed Jason Taylor, how long will it be before the Jets deal Vernon Gholston. He has been as big of a bust as Adams, and now it looks like his opportunities to play are next to nothing. I can also see Jamaal Anderson in the same boat with the Atlanta Falcons. Most mock drafts have the Falcons taking a pass rusher with the 19th overll selection, and many (including myself) have Brandon Graham going with that pick.
Jacksonville could be thinking the same thing with Derrick Harvey, the 8th overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. He has not produced since coming into the league, and the Jaguars could be looking at Derrick Harvey or Jason Pierre-Paul going with the 10th overall pick. Jacksonville traded up to take Harvey, and they may be looking to cut bait and get what they can while they can.
It has long been said that the NFL Draft is an inexact science. The 2010 NFL Draft may be the exception to the rule. The reason is that there are a lot of good players and not that many with the highest of expectations. It could also be that with a draft this deep, if a team makes a mistake in the first round the players they get in rounds 2, 3 and 4 cold very well cover up the miss. We'll find out in 2 days at the 2010 NFL Draft.
Monday, April 19, 2010
DSA Player Rankings 6.0
After researching and researching mock drafts from just about any source I could find, I have accumulated 63 first round mock drafts and here are the final Draft Slot Average (DSA) Player Rankings:
1) Sam Bradford 1.65
2) Ndamukong Suh 2.19
3) Gerald McCoy 3.17
4) Russell Okung 3.86
5) Eric Berry 5.81
6) Bryan Bulaga 8.44
7) Trent Williams 9.76
8) Jimmy Clausen 10.06
9) Joe Haden 11.63
10) Rolando McClain 12.41
11) C.J. Spiller 12.94
12) Derrick Morgan 13.65
13) Dez Bryant 14.40
14) Dan Williams 15.19
15) Earl Thomas 16.11
16) Jason Pierre-Paul 16.40
17) Anthony Davis 17.98
18) Bruce Campbell 18.67
19) Brandon Graham 20.51
20) Mike Iupati 21.44
21) Sergio Kindle 22.24
22) Kyle Wilson 23.05
23) Taylor Mays 23.73
24) Jermaine Gresham 25.89
25) Maurkice Pouncey 26.05
26) Sean Weatherspoon 26.79
27) Jaerd Odrick 27.76
28) Ryan Mathews 28.33
29) Everson Griffen 28.54
30) Brian Price 29.84
31) Carlos Dunlap 30.17
32) Charles Brown 30.32
Jimmy Clausen had the biggest fall in the top of the DSA Rankings, going from 6th to 8th. Bryan Bulaga and Trent Williams both moved up a slot within the top ten. Ryan Mathews was the biggest gainer, going from 31st to 28th. Jared Odrick moved up two slots, going to 27th. Carlos Dunlap was the biggest loser in the final rankings, falling three spots to #31. I can't wait to see just how well the so-called experts are on average. As I have stated previously, I will be posting the final DSA's on the NFL.com Predict the Pick Challenge. I'll be joining the 2010 NFL Mock Draft Group, along with my own Mock Draft picks (listed as Sycamore88) If you have an entry on NFL.com good luck to you. Three days until the draft. I can't wait.
1) Sam Bradford 1.65
2) Ndamukong Suh 2.19
3) Gerald McCoy 3.17
4) Russell Okung 3.86
5) Eric Berry 5.81
6) Bryan Bulaga 8.44
7) Trent Williams 9.76
8) Jimmy Clausen 10.06
9) Joe Haden 11.63
10) Rolando McClain 12.41
11) C.J. Spiller 12.94
12) Derrick Morgan 13.65
13) Dez Bryant 14.40
14) Dan Williams 15.19
15) Earl Thomas 16.11
16) Jason Pierre-Paul 16.40
17) Anthony Davis 17.98
18) Bruce Campbell 18.67
19) Brandon Graham 20.51
20) Mike Iupati 21.44
21) Sergio Kindle 22.24
22) Kyle Wilson 23.05
23) Taylor Mays 23.73
24) Jermaine Gresham 25.89
25) Maurkice Pouncey 26.05
26) Sean Weatherspoon 26.79
27) Jaerd Odrick 27.76
28) Ryan Mathews 28.33
29) Everson Griffen 28.54
30) Brian Price 29.84
31) Carlos Dunlap 30.17
32) Charles Brown 30.32
Jimmy Clausen had the biggest fall in the top of the DSA Rankings, going from 6th to 8th. Bryan Bulaga and Trent Williams both moved up a slot within the top ten. Ryan Mathews was the biggest gainer, going from 31st to 28th. Jared Odrick moved up two slots, going to 27th. Carlos Dunlap was the biggest loser in the final rankings, falling three spots to #31. I can't wait to see just how well the so-called experts are on average. As I have stated previously, I will be posting the final DSA's on the NFL.com Predict the Pick Challenge. I'll be joining the 2010 NFL Mock Draft Group, along with my own Mock Draft picks (listed as Sycamore88) If you have an entry on NFL.com good luck to you. Three days until the draft. I can't wait.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Seattle's Signings to Scratch Your Head
The Seattle Seahawks announced two signings that make me scratch my head. They signed Mike Williams and Reggie Williams to help out the receiving corps. When I first heard this I had to ask myself 'Why?'
Both players are talented. They were each selected in the top 10 of the draft. Reggie #9 by Jacksonville, Mike #10 by Detroit. But neither player panned out from the moment they entered the league. Now the NFL has it's share of reclamation projects, and I wish both players the best. But I can't help but think these signings are a result of the Charlie Whitehurst trade and the fact that Seattle has no 2nd and 3rd round picks.
The 2010 NFL Draft is as deep as you are going to find. There are a number of receivers who are going to go in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that are talented and can make an impact. If the Seahawks have faith and confidence that the Williams and Williams signings are going to work then they can hang onto both of their first rounders and address needs with those picks.
If you have a receiver who has been out of the league for an extended period of time the one thing they will have going against them is conditioning and timing. Mike Williams has admitted to not doing much of anything since he was last released. I'm not sure about Reggie Williams, but after his cocaine possession sentencing he seems to have gotten his life back on track. But they do have one advantage over the wideouts already at Seattle. They are measurably bigger and taller than those they are competing with, and you can't teach someone to be tall. Mike Williams played for Pete Carroll at USC, and Reggie Williams was recruited by Carroll out of high school, then signed with the University of Washington. So Carroll knows what he is getting with both players. The problem is he wasn't coaching against them in the NFL when their careers went into the dumper. It may have been in the best interest of the Seahawks to trade their 4th and 5th round picks and acquired Santonio Holmes and Ted Ginn. At least they wouldn't have to worry about getting them into shape. Only getting them to produce on the field.
Both players are talented. They were each selected in the top 10 of the draft. Reggie #9 by Jacksonville, Mike #10 by Detroit. But neither player panned out from the moment they entered the league. Now the NFL has it's share of reclamation projects, and I wish both players the best. But I can't help but think these signings are a result of the Charlie Whitehurst trade and the fact that Seattle has no 2nd and 3rd round picks.
The 2010 NFL Draft is as deep as you are going to find. There are a number of receivers who are going to go in the 2nd and 3rd rounds that are talented and can make an impact. If the Seahawks have faith and confidence that the Williams and Williams signings are going to work then they can hang onto both of their first rounders and address needs with those picks.
If you have a receiver who has been out of the league for an extended period of time the one thing they will have going against them is conditioning and timing. Mike Williams has admitted to not doing much of anything since he was last released. I'm not sure about Reggie Williams, but after his cocaine possession sentencing he seems to have gotten his life back on track. But they do have one advantage over the wideouts already at Seattle. They are measurably bigger and taller than those they are competing with, and you can't teach someone to be tall. Mike Williams played for Pete Carroll at USC, and Reggie Williams was recruited by Carroll out of high school, then signed with the University of Washington. So Carroll knows what he is getting with both players. The problem is he wasn't coaching against them in the NFL when their careers went into the dumper. It may have been in the best interest of the Seahawks to trade their 4th and 5th round picks and acquired Santonio Holmes and Ted Ginn. At least they wouldn't have to worry about getting them into shape. Only getting them to produce on the field.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A Tale of Two Draft Picks
The trade of Ted Ginn to the San Francisco 49ers completed a spin cycle of sorts concerning two intertwined draft picks from 2007. The Miami Dolphins held the 9th overall selection in that draft, and many speculated that they were going to take Brady Quinn. The Dolphins had been looking for a successor to Dan Marino for 8 years, and conventional wisdom had Miami taking Quinn. They had just hired Cam Cameron as head coach, and putting an offensive coach together with a quarterback mentored by Charlie Weis in a pro style offense at Notre Dame seemed perfect.
Then the Dolphins went on the clock. Their selection was Ted Ginn. I can still see the Miami fans and their reaction of sheer shock. They last time I saw that look was in 1995, when the Jets took Kyle Brady 9th overall instead of Warren Sapp, among others. The picks had another thing in common, besides being in the same slot. The teams results were the same the next season. Very Bad.
Miami took Ginn hoping he would add speed to their team, be a valuable receiver and kick returner. He has shown promise as a return man, but never did pan out as a pass catcher. To be fair, he didn't have Dan Marino throwing him the ball, but I don't think it would have mattered. He has been injury prone and an inconsistent receiver. The best fit for Ginn on the Dolphins may have been taking direct snaps in the wildcat, but that never did happen.
Quinn seemed to have a better chance when his time came. The Cleveland Browns traded up to select him 22nd overall. Their quarterback situation was in flux, and Quinn seemed to be the perfect choice. The Browns went into training camp with Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson on the roster. The problems started for Quinn.
He held out. Looking to get a little more money, he missed the start of camp. The Browns quarterback situation became so unsettled that coach Romeo Crennel supposedly resorted to flipping a coin to pick his starter. If Quinn had been in camp from the get go the job would have been his. He may have had a better chance to succeed than at any other time in his run with Cleveland.
The Brown took Joe Thomas with the 3rd overall selection that year, and had signed Eric Steinbach to the richest contract ever for an interior offensive lineman. The left side of the line was set. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow were healthy at the same time for the only time together in Cleveland. Frye got the start in Week 1 and played so badly he was traded before Week 2. Anderson got the start in Week 2 against Cincinnati and played like had was the first round pick. A Pro Bowl season and a 10-6 record led Cleveland to sign him to a 3 year/$25 million extension. But there were ill winds blowing by Lake Erie.
In the next to last game of the season, Cleveland controlled their own destiny. They went to Cincinnati and Anderson threw 4 interceptions and the Browns lost. They missed the playoffs and Quinn, who could have been the starter, was still on the bench. Missing the start of training camp put Quinn behind on the learning curve, and his chance to start.
With Anderson and his new contract, the Browns had to keep him as the starter. But the second Cincinnati game showed that he may not be ready for prime time quite yet. When Quinn did get his chance after Anderson was injured he did not look like the same player that was taken in the first round of the draft. The continuous shuffling at the quarterback position didn't help either Anderson or Quinn. Then the Browns traded first Winslow, then Edwards, and their passing game was gutted.
When Mike Holmgren came in to Cleveland he began his rebuilding by getting rid of his quarterbacks. Derek Anderson was released, and later signed with Arizona. Brady Quinn was traded to Denver, where he is in another quarterback competition, this time with Kyle Orton. Soon after his arrival, the Broncos trade their best receiver in Brandon Marshall to Miami. Then Miami traded Ted Ginn, the player Miami took instead of Brady Quinn. Ginn and Quinn. Two players intertwined on the spin cycle and looking to make a fresh start in new locations.
Then the Dolphins went on the clock. Their selection was Ted Ginn. I can still see the Miami fans and their reaction of sheer shock. They last time I saw that look was in 1995, when the Jets took Kyle Brady 9th overall instead of Warren Sapp, among others. The picks had another thing in common, besides being in the same slot. The teams results were the same the next season. Very Bad.
Miami took Ginn hoping he would add speed to their team, be a valuable receiver and kick returner. He has shown promise as a return man, but never did pan out as a pass catcher. To be fair, he didn't have Dan Marino throwing him the ball, but I don't think it would have mattered. He has been injury prone and an inconsistent receiver. The best fit for Ginn on the Dolphins may have been taking direct snaps in the wildcat, but that never did happen.
Quinn seemed to have a better chance when his time came. The Cleveland Browns traded up to select him 22nd overall. Their quarterback situation was in flux, and Quinn seemed to be the perfect choice. The Browns went into training camp with Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson on the roster. The problems started for Quinn.
He held out. Looking to get a little more money, he missed the start of camp. The Browns quarterback situation became so unsettled that coach Romeo Crennel supposedly resorted to flipping a coin to pick his starter. If Quinn had been in camp from the get go the job would have been his. He may have had a better chance to succeed than at any other time in his run with Cleveland.
The Brown took Joe Thomas with the 3rd overall selection that year, and had signed Eric Steinbach to the richest contract ever for an interior offensive lineman. The left side of the line was set. Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow were healthy at the same time for the only time together in Cleveland. Frye got the start in Week 1 and played so badly he was traded before Week 2. Anderson got the start in Week 2 against Cincinnati and played like had was the first round pick. A Pro Bowl season and a 10-6 record led Cleveland to sign him to a 3 year/$25 million extension. But there were ill winds blowing by Lake Erie.
In the next to last game of the season, Cleveland controlled their own destiny. They went to Cincinnati and Anderson threw 4 interceptions and the Browns lost. They missed the playoffs and Quinn, who could have been the starter, was still on the bench. Missing the start of training camp put Quinn behind on the learning curve, and his chance to start.
With Anderson and his new contract, the Browns had to keep him as the starter. But the second Cincinnati game showed that he may not be ready for prime time quite yet. When Quinn did get his chance after Anderson was injured he did not look like the same player that was taken in the first round of the draft. The continuous shuffling at the quarterback position didn't help either Anderson or Quinn. Then the Browns traded first Winslow, then Edwards, and their passing game was gutted.
When Mike Holmgren came in to Cleveland he began his rebuilding by getting rid of his quarterbacks. Derek Anderson was released, and later signed with Arizona. Brady Quinn was traded to Denver, where he is in another quarterback competition, this time with Kyle Orton. Soon after his arrival, the Broncos trade their best receiver in Brandon Marshall to Miami. Then Miami traded Ted Ginn, the player Miami took instead of Brady Quinn. Ginn and Quinn. Two players intertwined on the spin cycle and looking to make a fresh start in new locations.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Changes to my Mock Draft
It could be a case of paralysis by analysis but I've made a couple of changes to my mock draft. I had Carlos Dunlap going to New England with the 22nd overall selection, but I have not heard any positive news and reports coming out from anyone concerning Dunlap. I believe that if Dunlap does fall to the second round, and if he performs to his potential, that someone is getting a steal.
In place of Dunlap I have the Patriots selection Jared Odrick with the 22nd pick. The more I read about him and look at his performance Odrick looks more and more like an excellent fit for New England. A tackle in college, he has the skill set to play end in a 3-4 scheme, with the quickness and burst to get to the quarterback.
With the 25th selection I have had Baltimore taking Jerry Hughes, but the more I look at the Ravens I can see them going offensive with the pick. The trade for Anquan Boldin, the signing of Donte Stallworth and the re-signing of Derrick Mason leads me to believe that they are not looking at the wide receiver position as much as some think. But they can use a tight end, with Todd Heap many years and injuries away from his last Pro Bowl season. The Bengals have had a long look at Jermaine Gresham at #21, but the tight end who is not only a tremendous pass catcher but who is regarded as the best blocking tight end in the draft is Rob Gronkowski, and I see the Ravens taking him at #25. Gronkowski would give Joe Flacco a big target, and provide blocking for Ray Rice. He should fit in well in Baltimore.
Unless there is another blockbuster trade (or 2), I believe that my Mock Draft is set, and is as follows:
1) St. Louis--Sam Bradford
2) Detroit--Ndamukong Suh
3) Tampa Bay--Gerald McCoy
4) Washington--Russell Okung
5) Kansas City--Eric Berry
6) Seattle--Bryan Bulaga
7) Cleveland--Joe Haden
8) Oakland--Bruce Campbell
9) Buffalo--Jimmy Clausen
10) Jacksonville--Derrick Morgan
11) Denver--Dez Bryant
12) Miami--Rolando McClain
13) San Francisco--Trent Williams
14) Seattle--C.J. Spiller
15) NY Giants--Dan Williams
16) Tennessee--Jason Pierre-Paul
17) San Francisco--Sergio Kindle
18) Pittsburgh--Mike Iupati
19) Atlanta--Brandon Graham
20) Houston--Kyle Wilson
21) Cincinnati--Jermaine Gresham
22) New England--Jared Odrick
23) Green Bay--Anthony Davis
24) Philadelphia--Earl Thomas
25) Baltimore--Rob Gronkowski
26) Arizona--Taylor Mays
27) Dallas--Charles Brown
28) San Diego--Ryan Mathews
29) NY Jets--Golden Tate
30) Minnesota--Devin McCourtey
31) Indianapolis--Brian Price
32) New Orleans--Sean Weatherspoon
6 days until the 2010 NFL Draft. I can't wait.
In place of Dunlap I have the Patriots selection Jared Odrick with the 22nd pick. The more I read about him and look at his performance Odrick looks more and more like an excellent fit for New England. A tackle in college, he has the skill set to play end in a 3-4 scheme, with the quickness and burst to get to the quarterback.
With the 25th selection I have had Baltimore taking Jerry Hughes, but the more I look at the Ravens I can see them going offensive with the pick. The trade for Anquan Boldin, the signing of Donte Stallworth and the re-signing of Derrick Mason leads me to believe that they are not looking at the wide receiver position as much as some think. But they can use a tight end, with Todd Heap many years and injuries away from his last Pro Bowl season. The Bengals have had a long look at Jermaine Gresham at #21, but the tight end who is not only a tremendous pass catcher but who is regarded as the best blocking tight end in the draft is Rob Gronkowski, and I see the Ravens taking him at #25. Gronkowski would give Joe Flacco a big target, and provide blocking for Ray Rice. He should fit in well in Baltimore.
Unless there is another blockbuster trade (or 2), I believe that my Mock Draft is set, and is as follows:
1) St. Louis--Sam Bradford
2) Detroit--Ndamukong Suh
3) Tampa Bay--Gerald McCoy
4) Washington--Russell Okung
5) Kansas City--Eric Berry
6) Seattle--Bryan Bulaga
7) Cleveland--Joe Haden
8) Oakland--Bruce Campbell
9) Buffalo--Jimmy Clausen
10) Jacksonville--Derrick Morgan
11) Denver--Dez Bryant
12) Miami--Rolando McClain
13) San Francisco--Trent Williams
14) Seattle--C.J. Spiller
15) NY Giants--Dan Williams
16) Tennessee--Jason Pierre-Paul
17) San Francisco--Sergio Kindle
18) Pittsburgh--Mike Iupati
19) Atlanta--Brandon Graham
20) Houston--Kyle Wilson
21) Cincinnati--Jermaine Gresham
22) New England--Jared Odrick
23) Green Bay--Anthony Davis
24) Philadelphia--Earl Thomas
25) Baltimore--Rob Gronkowski
26) Arizona--Taylor Mays
27) Dallas--Charles Brown
28) San Diego--Ryan Mathews
29) NY Jets--Golden Tate
30) Minnesota--Devin McCourtey
31) Indianapolis--Brian Price
32) New Orleans--Sean Weatherspoon
6 days until the 2010 NFL Draft. I can't wait.
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