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+
Friday, April 30, 2010
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.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Shopping the 1st Overall Pick
Word has started getting around that the St. Louis Rams have been discussing a trade for the 1st Overall selection in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft, and that their trading partner is the Cleveland Browns. In order for the trade to happen, the Browns would have to give up so much I don't see how they would benefit from the deal.
Both teams have a lot of holes to fill. And the biggest is quarterback. Cleveland is looking to move up and select Sam Bradford. But in order to get him they would have to trade the #7 overall selection, a number of picks later in this years draft, most likely future picks (including a #1), and maybe even current players.
The question though should be 'Why doesn't Mike Holmgren like Jimmy Clausen?' He has made no secret that he is not looking to select the Notre Dame quarterback, and I wonder if his ego is starting to get in the way. There are some people that no matter what you can't tell them anything. I get the feeling that Holmgren is the same way. He gets rid of Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, and brings in Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. Is that an upgrade? It sure doesn't look like it. Cleveland can get it's quarterback of the future in Clausen without mortgaging the ranch to get him. With Washington trading for Donovan McNabb and Seattle trading to get Charlie Whitehurst, the next team looking for a quarterback is Cleveland. Clausen could be a good fit, but it sure doesn't look like Mike Holmgren is going to take him.
Now if you are the St. Louis Rams the deal makes a lot more sense. They have more holes to fill than anyone, and if they can get a Ricky Williams type deal they can fill most of them, including the quarterback. If they can load up on picks and still select Clausen with Cleveland's #7 pick they will be getting a quarterback who played in a pro style offense in college and who many scouts have said is more pro ready than Sam Bradford.
If for some reason the deal does go down, Cleveland better hope that Bradford pans out. Having another quarterback taken in the first round turn into a bust, following Tim Couch and Brady Quinn, will set the franchise back a long, long way.
Both teams have a lot of holes to fill. And the biggest is quarterback. Cleveland is looking to move up and select Sam Bradford. But in order to get him they would have to trade the #7 overall selection, a number of picks later in this years draft, most likely future picks (including a #1), and maybe even current players.
The question though should be 'Why doesn't Mike Holmgren like Jimmy Clausen?' He has made no secret that he is not looking to select the Notre Dame quarterback, and I wonder if his ego is starting to get in the way. There are some people that no matter what you can't tell them anything. I get the feeling that Holmgren is the same way. He gets rid of Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, and brings in Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. Is that an upgrade? It sure doesn't look like it. Cleveland can get it's quarterback of the future in Clausen without mortgaging the ranch to get him. With Washington trading for Donovan McNabb and Seattle trading to get Charlie Whitehurst, the next team looking for a quarterback is Cleveland. Clausen could be a good fit, but it sure doesn't look like Mike Holmgren is going to take him.
Now if you are the St. Louis Rams the deal makes a lot more sense. They have more holes to fill than anyone, and if they can get a Ricky Williams type deal they can fill most of them, including the quarterback. If they can load up on picks and still select Clausen with Cleveland's #7 pick they will be getting a quarterback who played in a pro style offense in college and who many scouts have said is more pro ready than Sam Bradford.
If for some reason the deal does go down, Cleveland better hope that Bradford pans out. Having another quarterback taken in the first round turn into a bust, following Tim Couch and Brady Quinn, will set the franchise back a long, long way.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Chad Henne's New Best Friend
The Denver Broncos finally dealt wide receiver Brandon Marshall, one day after he signed a one year tender with the club. Many people believed the destination for Marshall was going to be Seattle. But the Seahawks used the 2nd round pick in this years draft to acquire Charlie Whitehurst. Denver shopped around and found a buyer in the Miami Dolphins.
Upon hearing the news, Chad Henne must be grinning ear to ear. He now gets to throw to a receiver that is one of a handful of players who has three consecutive seasons of 100+ receptions. He now has a legitimate #1 target that he did not have last season. All of this is courtesy of a franchise that seems bent on self implosion on the offensive side of the ball.
I'm still trying to figure out how a team can trade a quarterback in Jay Cutler and a receiver in Brandon Marshall that were going to be the cornerstone of their offense for years. I can't remember any team making trades like that in recent memory. One thing the Broncos did that the Steelers did not do is get some value in a trade for a receiver. Granted, the Santonio Holmes case may have been a bit more extreme, but Denver now has three of the top 45 picks in a very deep draft.
I have had the Broncos pegged to take Dez Bryant with the #11 overall selection, mainly because of the uncertain future of Marshall with the club. Now that seems to be a certainty. They have plenty of holes on the defensive side and they should be able to shore them up with the 43rd and 45th picks.
The fact that Miami did not have to give up their first round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft makes them the winner in this trade. I have had them taking Rolando McClain with the 12th overall selection all along, and I can still see them taking the Alabama middle linebacker with that pick. Bill Parcells had great defenses with the New York Giants, and though he had Lawrence Taylor on the outside the defense was anchored in the middle by Harry Carson. I see McClain filling the same role in Miami. Now the question seems to be can Denver and Josh McDaniels handle another receiver with a new set of baggage.
Upon hearing the news, Chad Henne must be grinning ear to ear. He now gets to throw to a receiver that is one of a handful of players who has three consecutive seasons of 100+ receptions. He now has a legitimate #1 target that he did not have last season. All of this is courtesy of a franchise that seems bent on self implosion on the offensive side of the ball.
I'm still trying to figure out how a team can trade a quarterback in Jay Cutler and a receiver in Brandon Marshall that were going to be the cornerstone of their offense for years. I can't remember any team making trades like that in recent memory. One thing the Broncos did that the Steelers did not do is get some value in a trade for a receiver. Granted, the Santonio Holmes case may have been a bit more extreme, but Denver now has three of the top 45 picks in a very deep draft.
I have had the Broncos pegged to take Dez Bryant with the #11 overall selection, mainly because of the uncertain future of Marshall with the club. Now that seems to be a certainty. They have plenty of holes on the defensive side and they should be able to shore them up with the 43rd and 45th picks.
The fact that Miami did not have to give up their first round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft makes them the winner in this trade. I have had them taking Rolando McClain with the 12th overall selection all along, and I can still see them taking the Alabama middle linebacker with that pick. Bill Parcells had great defenses with the New York Giants, and though he had Lawrence Taylor on the outside the defense was anchored in the middle by Harry Carson. I see McClain filling the same role in Miami. Now the question seems to be can Denver and Josh McDaniels handle another receiver with a new set of baggage.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Santonio Holmes Trade and the New York Jets
Ever since the trade of Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets, it has been widely speculated that the New York Jets were now looking at positions other than wide receiver in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft. I have to ask why they would not look at a wide receiver with the 29th overall selection.
They now have a pair of outstanding receivers in Holmes and Braylon Edwards. They still have Jerricho Cotchery. They have a need for an interior defensive lineman, and they need an outside pass rushing threat to compensate for the lack of production they have gotten out of Vernon Gholston. But for my money it is the presence of Holmes and Edwards that will lead them to take a wide receiver in the first round.
Both are under contract through the end of the 2010 season. Holmes will be sitting out the first 4 games of 2010. Edwards has proven to have a case of the dropsies throughout his career. It can be deduced that while both players will help them immensely in 2010, they may not be the long term solution.
Let's say that both Holmes and Edwards have outstanding seasons in 2010. What kind of contracts will they be looking for down the road? Do the Jets want to keep both of them on the team at a high price tag and a history of off the field problems? My thought is no.
They have a franchise quarterback in place in Mark Sanchez. They have a 2 back system in place with Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson. They have perhaps they best offensive line in the NFL. The Jets proved to be a run first team in 2009, and even with the development and maturity of Sanchez I believe they will remain a running team. Holmes and Edwards may not be too happy with the number of touches they are getting. If that happens how long will it be before they start to have problems with remaining on the Jets? I see all of this adding up to the Jets taking their wide receiver of the future in the first round.
I have had the Jets taking Golden Tate with the 29th overall selection, and I still feel they are looking at a receiver. If they look towards the defense then Jared Odrick, Brian Price, Everson Griffen or Jerry Hughes could be their target. One thing has been proven true over they year. You can't have enough weapons on offense. I see the Jets adding one more to their arsenal.
They now have a pair of outstanding receivers in Holmes and Braylon Edwards. They still have Jerricho Cotchery. They have a need for an interior defensive lineman, and they need an outside pass rushing threat to compensate for the lack of production they have gotten out of Vernon Gholston. But for my money it is the presence of Holmes and Edwards that will lead them to take a wide receiver in the first round.
Both are under contract through the end of the 2010 season. Holmes will be sitting out the first 4 games of 2010. Edwards has proven to have a case of the dropsies throughout his career. It can be deduced that while both players will help them immensely in 2010, they may not be the long term solution.
Let's say that both Holmes and Edwards have outstanding seasons in 2010. What kind of contracts will they be looking for down the road? Do the Jets want to keep both of them on the team at a high price tag and a history of off the field problems? My thought is no.
They have a franchise quarterback in place in Mark Sanchez. They have a 2 back system in place with Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson. They have perhaps they best offensive line in the NFL. The Jets proved to be a run first team in 2009, and even with the development and maturity of Sanchez I believe they will remain a running team. Holmes and Edwards may not be too happy with the number of touches they are getting. If that happens how long will it be before they start to have problems with remaining on the Jets? I see all of this adding up to the Jets taking their wide receiver of the future in the first round.
I have had the Jets taking Golden Tate with the 29th overall selection, and I still feel they are looking at a receiver. If they look towards the defense then Jared Odrick, Brian Price, Everson Griffen or Jerry Hughes could be their target. One thing has been proven true over they year. You can't have enough weapons on offense. I see the Jets adding one more to their arsenal.
Monday, April 12, 2010
DSA Player Rankings 5.0
The DSA Player Rankings 5.0 are as solid at the top as you are going to get. The first 15 positions did not change. Byran Bulaga made the biggest advance, as he gained aver a half point on Jimmy Clausen. Clausen has been steadily falling ever since the Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb. At the lower half of the rankings the biggest movers have been Jared Odrick, Maurkice Pouncey and Charles Brown. All three players moved up two positions since the previous rankings, which shows how much teams are possibly looking for interior lineman to strengthen their offensive and defensive lines. The DSA Player Rankings 5.0 are as follows:
1) Sam Bradford 1.88
2) Ndamukong Suh 2.23
3) Gerald McCoy 3.09
4) Russell Okung 3.88
5) Eric Berry 5.65
6) Jimmy Clausen 8.40
7) Bryan Bulaga 8.88
8) Trent Williams 10.63
9) Joe Haden 11.42
10) Rolando McClain 12.28
11) Derrick Morgan 13.05
12) C.J. Spiller 13.33
13) Dez Bryant 13.95
14) Dan Williams 16.37
15) Anthony Davis 16.72
16) Earl Thomas 17.21
17) Jason Pierre-Paul 17.49
18) Bruce Campbell 18.93
19) Brandon Graham 21.37
20) Sergio Kindle 21.60
21) Mike Iupati 21.81
22) Kyle Wilson 22.86
23) Taylor Mays 22.91
24) Maurkice Pouncey 26.40
25) Jermaine Gresham 26.53
26) Sean Weatherspoon 27.47
27) Everson Griffen 28.14
28) Carlos Dunlap 28.23
29) Jared Odrick 28.49
30) Brian Price 28.72
31) Ryan Mathews 29.05
32) Charles Brown 30.67
33) Jerry Hughes 30.72
34) Demaryius Thomas 30.74
I have removed four players from the rankings, and next week I will post the final DSA Player Rankings, which will have only the top 32. I will put that list, as well as my mock draft, on NFL.com and their Predict The Pick Challenge. My mock draft is already posted. I still don't see many changes, if any, but with all the trade activity you never know.
1) Sam Bradford 1.88
2) Ndamukong Suh 2.23
3) Gerald McCoy 3.09
4) Russell Okung 3.88
5) Eric Berry 5.65
6) Jimmy Clausen 8.40
7) Bryan Bulaga 8.88
8) Trent Williams 10.63
9) Joe Haden 11.42
10) Rolando McClain 12.28
11) Derrick Morgan 13.05
12) C.J. Spiller 13.33
13) Dez Bryant 13.95
14) Dan Williams 16.37
15) Anthony Davis 16.72
16) Earl Thomas 17.21
17) Jason Pierre-Paul 17.49
18) Bruce Campbell 18.93
19) Brandon Graham 21.37
20) Sergio Kindle 21.60
21) Mike Iupati 21.81
22) Kyle Wilson 22.86
23) Taylor Mays 22.91
24) Maurkice Pouncey 26.40
25) Jermaine Gresham 26.53
26) Sean Weatherspoon 27.47
27) Everson Griffen 28.14
28) Carlos Dunlap 28.23
29) Jared Odrick 28.49
30) Brian Price 28.72
31) Ryan Mathews 29.05
32) Charles Brown 30.67
33) Jerry Hughes 30.72
34) Demaryius Thomas 30.74
I have removed four players from the rankings, and next week I will post the final DSA Player Rankings, which will have only the top 32. I will put that list, as well as my mock draft, on NFL.com and their Predict The Pick Challenge. My mock draft is already posted. I still don't see many changes, if any, but with all the trade activity you never know.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
With the 5th Overall Selection, the Kansas City Chiefs...
...Have a lot of options to consider. I believe the first four picks are set. Sam Bradford to St. Louis, Ndamukong Suh to Detroit, Gerald McCoy to Tampa Bay, and Russell Okung to Washington. The wrench in the gears could be the Lions taking Okung, but I can't see them passing on a talent like Suh. The Redskins need a left tackle to block for Donovan McNabb. So that leaves the Chiefs on the clock at #5.
Kansas City seems to have more holes to fill than a block of Swiss cheese, and most of them are on defense. They could use the pick for a tackle, and with Bryan Bulaga and Trent Williams available I'm sure they are going to take a look. They have taken defensive lineman in the first round of the last 2 drafts, selecting Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Both players came in highly regarded, but seem to be out of place in a 3-4 defense. Dan Williams is the next defensive tackle on the boards after Suh and McCoy, and Derrick Morgan is the highest rated defensive end. Rolando McClain is the highest rated linebacker, but the fifth spot may be a bit too high for all three players. If the Chiefs need an impact player for their defense, then they will take the player many see as the best player in the draft in Eric Berry.
Berry reminds many of Ed Reed. A ball hawking playmaker, he is a hitter on run support and the type of player who will make teams think twice about going over the middle. He may be a bit undersized, but I can see him filling out in the pros and becoming a stronger player in run support. With the depth available in the draft, and two picks in the second round, Kansas City needs to take the best player available, and use their later picks to build the depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
If there is a shakeup at the top of the draft, teams may be looking to trade with Kansas City for the fifth pick. If Okung does go to Detroit, and Suh or McCoy falls to the fifth spot, it would not surprise me to see a blockbuster trade along the lines of the Jets moving up from #17 to #5 in 2009 to select Mark Sanchez. San Francisco could be a trading partner, with 2 first round selections and the 49th overall selection in the 2nd round. If Suh or McCoy fall to #5, do you think Mike Singletary would love to have either one of those tackles anchoring his defense? I believe he would. Kansas City has a lot of options available to them. It will be interesting to see which one they take.
Kansas City seems to have more holes to fill than a block of Swiss cheese, and most of them are on defense. They could use the pick for a tackle, and with Bryan Bulaga and Trent Williams available I'm sure they are going to take a look. They have taken defensive lineman in the first round of the last 2 drafts, selecting Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson. Both players came in highly regarded, but seem to be out of place in a 3-4 defense. Dan Williams is the next defensive tackle on the boards after Suh and McCoy, and Derrick Morgan is the highest rated defensive end. Rolando McClain is the highest rated linebacker, but the fifth spot may be a bit too high for all three players. If the Chiefs need an impact player for their defense, then they will take the player many see as the best player in the draft in Eric Berry.
Berry reminds many of Ed Reed. A ball hawking playmaker, he is a hitter on run support and the type of player who will make teams think twice about going over the middle. He may be a bit undersized, but I can see him filling out in the pros and becoming a stronger player in run support. With the depth available in the draft, and two picks in the second round, Kansas City needs to take the best player available, and use their later picks to build the depth on the offensive and defensive lines.
If there is a shakeup at the top of the draft, teams may be looking to trade with Kansas City for the fifth pick. If Okung does go to Detroit, and Suh or McCoy falls to the fifth spot, it would not surprise me to see a blockbuster trade along the lines of the Jets moving up from #17 to #5 in 2009 to select Mark Sanchez. San Francisco could be a trading partner, with 2 first round selections and the 49th overall selection in the 2nd round. If Suh or McCoy fall to #5, do you think Mike Singletary would love to have either one of those tackles anchoring his defense? I believe he would. Kansas City has a lot of options available to them. It will be interesting to see which one they take.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
A rush on defensive ends
Every year going into the draft, there are teams that are looking for an elite pass rusher, either in a defensive end or an outside linebacker. Lawrence Taylor changed the way the game is played and how it is drafted. Everyone is looking for the next LT. The problem is there will never be another player like him. But that doesn't stop them from looking.
The biggest problem teams face, especially at the top of the draft, is taking a player who turns into a bust, seemingly from the start. Many wondered if this was going to happen with the Houston Texans when they selected Mario Williams first overall in 2006 instead of taking Reggie Bush or Vince Young. Williams started slowly, battling injuries and nearly impossible expectations. But in his third season he put it all together and has been a dominant defensive end ever since. Bush and Young have both struggled, but they do have something that Williams does not-playoff appearances, and in the case of Bush, a Super Bowl Ring. The Texans nearly made the playoffs in 2009. Look for them to make a charge in 2010.
In 2007, two ends went in the Top 10, Gaines Adams and Jamaal Anderson. Neither player has been effective, with Gaines being traded in the 2009 season. He was looking to make a fresh start in Chicago, but sadly passed away in the off season. Anderson has yet to make an impact in Atlanta. In 2008 the New York Jets selected Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall selection. He has had even less success. After two seasons he is buried on the depth chart, and the Jets have gotten little return on their investment.
In 2009, Kansas City selected Tyson Jackson with the 3rd overall selection. Jackson was billed as the next Mario Williams. His size and speed brought on the comparisons, but he is not a good fit in the Chiefs 3-4 scheme. Which goes to show that when selecting an end you not only need to take a player who has the physical skills but you need to take a player who can fit into your teams system.
The top defensive ends in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft are Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul and Brandon Graham. All three players look like they are a good fit for a 4-3 scheme. If they are placed in a 3-4 system they are going to need to adapt to working as an outside linebacker in order to be effective. Aaron Kampman in Green Bay had trouble adjusting to the 3-4. Imagine what it is going to be like for a rookie coming into the league.
There is a lot of depth and quality at the defensive end position going into the 2010 NFL Draft. Teams looking for their next pass rusher can very likely get the player they are looking for at the top of the second round. But if there is a run on defensive ends there could be more players from that position taken in the first round than any other position. Everyone is looking for the next Lawrence Taylor or Mario Williams. They may not get that player this year, but it's not going to stop them from trying.
The biggest problem teams face, especially at the top of the draft, is taking a player who turns into a bust, seemingly from the start. Many wondered if this was going to happen with the Houston Texans when they selected Mario Williams first overall in 2006 instead of taking Reggie Bush or Vince Young. Williams started slowly, battling injuries and nearly impossible expectations. But in his third season he put it all together and has been a dominant defensive end ever since. Bush and Young have both struggled, but they do have something that Williams does not-playoff appearances, and in the case of Bush, a Super Bowl Ring. The Texans nearly made the playoffs in 2009. Look for them to make a charge in 2010.
In 2007, two ends went in the Top 10, Gaines Adams and Jamaal Anderson. Neither player has been effective, with Gaines being traded in the 2009 season. He was looking to make a fresh start in Chicago, but sadly passed away in the off season. Anderson has yet to make an impact in Atlanta. In 2008 the New York Jets selected Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall selection. He has had even less success. After two seasons he is buried on the depth chart, and the Jets have gotten little return on their investment.
In 2009, Kansas City selected Tyson Jackson with the 3rd overall selection. Jackson was billed as the next Mario Williams. His size and speed brought on the comparisons, but he is not a good fit in the Chiefs 3-4 scheme. Which goes to show that when selecting an end you not only need to take a player who has the physical skills but you need to take a player who can fit into your teams system.
The top defensive ends in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft are Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul and Brandon Graham. All three players look like they are a good fit for a 4-3 scheme. If they are placed in a 3-4 system they are going to need to adapt to working as an outside linebacker in order to be effective. Aaron Kampman in Green Bay had trouble adjusting to the 3-4. Imagine what it is going to be like for a rookie coming into the league.
There is a lot of depth and quality at the defensive end position going into the 2010 NFL Draft. Teams looking for their next pass rusher can very likely get the player they are looking for at the top of the second round. But if there is a run on defensive ends there could be more players from that position taken in the first round than any other position. Everyone is looking for the next Lawrence Taylor or Mario Williams. They may not get that player this year, but it's not going to stop them from trying.
Friday, April 9, 2010
A short run on running backs
The 2010 NFL Draft is big on big men, with a lot of depth on both the offensive and defensive lines, but short on quarterbacks and running backs. Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen are the only sure bets for first rounders at the quarterback position, and the running backs have even less representation.
For now, it looks like the only sure bet for a first round pick at the running back position is C.J. Spiller. Spiller is seen as a Reggie Bush type player, one who is excellent in the open field, a good receiver, but one who is not seen as an every down back. It will be intriguing to see if Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks, if they don't select him 6th overall, will be able to take him with the 14th overall selection. If there is a coach who knows how to handle a Reggie Bush type player, it should be Bush's college coach. But the market for a playmaker of Spiller's caliber will be tough to pass up for a number of teams.
Marshawn Lynch has been as productive with off the field issues as he has been on the field with the ball for the Buffalo Bills. But they also need a quarterback, and if Jimmy Clausen is still available it will be tough for them to pass up on a quarterback who could be the face of the franchise for years to come.
Another option could be Jacksonville. Yes, they have a need for a pass rusher, but can you picture the Jags with their own version of Thunder and Lightning with a pairing of Spiller and Maurice Jones-Drew. The biggest need Jacksonville has is to sell tickets. Winning cures a lot of ills at the box office, but doing so while putting points on the scoreboard helps even more.
After Spiller the next back on many draft boards is Ryan Mathews. Some mock drafts have Mathews going to Houston at the #20 slot, and I have even seen him placed as high as #15 to the New York Giants. I have the Chargers taking the Fresno State back with the #28 pick. They have a glaring hole to fill in the middle of the defense that Terrence Cody could move into, but the loss of LaDanian Tomlinson leaves San Diego with Darren Sproles as the best running back on the team, but hardly the featured back that they are looking for. Mathews could fill the bill very well for San Diego.
In most years the quarterbacks and running backs are the featured players in an NFL Draft. While it looks certain that Sam Bradford will go 1st Overall to St. Louis, this is not the year teams are going to find the horses they need to carry the loads.
For now, it looks like the only sure bet for a first round pick at the running back position is C.J. Spiller. Spiller is seen as a Reggie Bush type player, one who is excellent in the open field, a good receiver, but one who is not seen as an every down back. It will be intriguing to see if Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks, if they don't select him 6th overall, will be able to take him with the 14th overall selection. If there is a coach who knows how to handle a Reggie Bush type player, it should be Bush's college coach. But the market for a playmaker of Spiller's caliber will be tough to pass up for a number of teams.
Marshawn Lynch has been as productive with off the field issues as he has been on the field with the ball for the Buffalo Bills. But they also need a quarterback, and if Jimmy Clausen is still available it will be tough for them to pass up on a quarterback who could be the face of the franchise for years to come.
Another option could be Jacksonville. Yes, they have a need for a pass rusher, but can you picture the Jags with their own version of Thunder and Lightning with a pairing of Spiller and Maurice Jones-Drew. The biggest need Jacksonville has is to sell tickets. Winning cures a lot of ills at the box office, but doing so while putting points on the scoreboard helps even more.
After Spiller the next back on many draft boards is Ryan Mathews. Some mock drafts have Mathews going to Houston at the #20 slot, and I have even seen him placed as high as #15 to the New York Giants. I have the Chargers taking the Fresno State back with the #28 pick. They have a glaring hole to fill in the middle of the defense that Terrence Cody could move into, but the loss of LaDanian Tomlinson leaves San Diego with Darren Sproles as the best running back on the team, but hardly the featured back that they are looking for. Mathews could fill the bill very well for San Diego.
In most years the quarterbacks and running backs are the featured players in an NFL Draft. While it looks certain that Sam Bradford will go 1st Overall to St. Louis, this is not the year teams are going to find the horses they need to carry the loads.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Missing Pick
Every year I go on to NFL.com and enter in the Predict the Pick contest. No better way to put your money where your mock draft is. But I ran into a bit of a problem. I have Jerry Hughes going 25th overall to Baltimore, and for some reason he is not on the list of picks, which is supposed to cover the 64 best prospects in the draft. Jerry Hughes not one of the best 64 prospects? You have got to be kidding me.
Hughes has all the skills to be an outstanding outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, or a defensive end in a 4-3. A 2-time All American at TCU, he is rated above Jason Pierre-Paul, Brandon Graham and Everson Griffen on many draft boards. When I went to place my pick for Baltimore, I kept looking and looking and I never did spot Hughes. I thought maybe I was just too tired and worn out and I just didn't see his name on there, but I kept looking and looked again and he is not listed.
I still feel that Hughes is going to Baltimore, and I'm going to keep him in the 25th slot. Now if only NFL.com can add him on to the list of the 64 best prospects of the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft where he belongs.
Hughes has all the skills to be an outstanding outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, or a defensive end in a 4-3. A 2-time All American at TCU, he is rated above Jason Pierre-Paul, Brandon Graham and Everson Griffen on many draft boards. When I went to place my pick for Baltimore, I kept looking and looking and I never did spot Hughes. I thought maybe I was just too tired and worn out and I just didn't see his name on there, but I kept looking and looked again and he is not listed.
I still feel that Hughes is going to Baltimore, and I'm going to keep him in the 25th slot. Now if only NFL.com can add him on to the list of the 64 best prospects of the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft where he belongs.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
DSA Player Rankings 4.0
The 4th DSA Player Rankings are out, and there is a definite separation at the top. Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Russell Okung and Eric Berry look are the clear choice for the Top 5 of all the mock drafts I have compiled for the latest DSA's, with Bradford moving into the top spot in place of Suh. Bryan Bulaga and Trent Williams are getting a lot of looks at the 4th Overall selection if Russell Okung goes to Detroit at #2. Bulaga is steadily gaining on Jimmy Clausen for the sixth slot in the DSA's because Clausen has dropped in many mock drafts after the Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb. Williams has moved up past Joe Haden for the 8th slot, as Haden has been tabbed for a mid-teen selection and Williams has been getting looks at the 4th slot.
The biggest mover up has been Sean Weatherspoon, moving up four spots from #29 to #25. No big moves down, but Dez Bryant has been on a downward slide ever since his Pro Day Workout. The DSA Player Rankings 4.0 are:
1) Sam Bradford 2.00
2) Ndamukong Suh 2.18
3) Gerald McCoy 3.11
4) Russell Okung 3.89
5) Eric Berry 5.68
6) Jimmy Clausen 8.16
7) Bryan Bulaga 9.26
8) Trent Williams 11.00
9) Joe Haden 11.03
10) Rolando McClain 12.21
11) Derrick Morgan 12.97
12) C.J. Spiller 13.45
13) Dez Bryant 14.21
14) Dan Williams 16.16
15) Anthony Davis 16.95
16) Jason Pierre-Paul 17.53
17) Earl Thomas 17.55
18) Bruce Campbell 18.24
19) Sergio Kindle 21.47
20) Brandon Graham 21.61
21) Mike Iupati 22.45
22) Taylor Mays 22.50
23) Kyle Wilson 23.05
24) Jermaine Gresham 26.66
25) Sean Weatherspoon 27.32
26) Maurkice Pouncey 27.37
27) Carlos Dunlap 27.47
28) Everson Griffen 27.89
29) Brian Price 28.03
30) Ryan Mathews 28.63
31) Jared Odrick 28.87
32) Jerry Hughes 30.42
33) Golden Tate 30.68
34) Charles Brown 31.11
35) Demaryius Thomas 31.13
36) Patrick Robinson 32.13
37) Devin McCourtey 32.37
38) Arrelious Benn 32.84
With two weeks until the 2010 NFL Draft, I can see Bryan Bulaga moving in front of Jimmy Clausen in the DSA's, but one thing is becoming certain: Sam Bradford is going 1st Overall to St. Louis. You can almost say that Detroit is on the clock. Let the deliberations and arguments as to who the Lions will select begin.
The biggest mover up has been Sean Weatherspoon, moving up four spots from #29 to #25. No big moves down, but Dez Bryant has been on a downward slide ever since his Pro Day Workout. The DSA Player Rankings 4.0 are:
1) Sam Bradford 2.00
2) Ndamukong Suh 2.18
3) Gerald McCoy 3.11
4) Russell Okung 3.89
5) Eric Berry 5.68
6) Jimmy Clausen 8.16
7) Bryan Bulaga 9.26
8) Trent Williams 11.00
9) Joe Haden 11.03
10) Rolando McClain 12.21
11) Derrick Morgan 12.97
12) C.J. Spiller 13.45
13) Dez Bryant 14.21
14) Dan Williams 16.16
15) Anthony Davis 16.95
16) Jason Pierre-Paul 17.53
17) Earl Thomas 17.55
18) Bruce Campbell 18.24
19) Sergio Kindle 21.47
20) Brandon Graham 21.61
21) Mike Iupati 22.45
22) Taylor Mays 22.50
23) Kyle Wilson 23.05
24) Jermaine Gresham 26.66
25) Sean Weatherspoon 27.32
26) Maurkice Pouncey 27.37
27) Carlos Dunlap 27.47
28) Everson Griffen 27.89
29) Brian Price 28.03
30) Ryan Mathews 28.63
31) Jared Odrick 28.87
32) Jerry Hughes 30.42
33) Golden Tate 30.68
34) Charles Brown 31.11
35) Demaryius Thomas 31.13
36) Patrick Robinson 32.13
37) Devin McCourtey 32.37
38) Arrelious Benn 32.84
With two weeks until the 2010 NFL Draft, I can see Bryan Bulaga moving in front of Jimmy Clausen in the DSA's, but one thing is becoming certain: Sam Bradford is going 1st Overall to St. Louis. You can almost say that Detroit is on the clock. Let the deliberations and arguments as to who the Lions will select begin.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Shaking up and settling down at the top of the draft
Moves involving veteran quarterbacks are shaking up and settling down the top of many draft boards for the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft. With the St. Louis Rams releasing Marc Bulger, look for Sam Bradford to not only be the 1st Overall selection, but to be signed and sealed before the draft. He is scheduled to work out for the Rams three days before the draft, but I can't see any scenario at this time where they will not select him. The one thing St. Louis cannot afford is to have a long contract negotiation that leads to a holdout. Bradford may not be ready to start from Day 1, but his development will suffer if he is not in training camp from the start.
The trade for Donovan McNabb has the Washington Redskins looking to take Russell Okung with the 4th selection, but what if Detroit pulls a shocker and takes the top rated tackle with the second pick. If this happens then you are looking for a major shakeup at the top. Tampa Bay will take either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, and Washington has a decision to make. Take the next best tackle, either Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams, or select Albert Haynesworth's new best friend and take the premier defensive tackle not selected by the Bucs. Can you imagine Haynesworth and either Suh or McCoy in the middle of the defensive line in Washington? With no pick at the top of the second round, and the draft being as deep as it is, it might be that Washington looks to trade down if they can get a pick in the 10-15 range of the first round and a package of picks later on.
The wheeling and dealing is starting to heat up in earnest. It looks to be an interesting two weeks leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft.
The trade for Donovan McNabb has the Washington Redskins looking to take Russell Okung with the 4th selection, but what if Detroit pulls a shocker and takes the top rated tackle with the second pick. If this happens then you are looking for a major shakeup at the top. Tampa Bay will take either Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, and Washington has a decision to make. Take the next best tackle, either Bryan Bulaga or Trent Williams, or select Albert Haynesworth's new best friend and take the premier defensive tackle not selected by the Bucs. Can you imagine Haynesworth and either Suh or McCoy in the middle of the defensive line in Washington? With no pick at the top of the second round, and the draft being as deep as it is, it might be that Washington looks to trade down if they can get a pick in the 10-15 range of the first round and a package of picks later on.
The wheeling and dealing is starting to heat up in earnest. It looks to be an interesting two weeks leading up to the 2010 NFL Draft.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Next stop for Jimmy Clausen
Mike Shanahan seems to be channelling his inner George Allen. The Future Is Now. Many believed that the Redskins would draft Jimmy Clausen with the fourth overall selection in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft. Now that Washington has made the trade for Donovan McNabb, where Clausen lands in the draft could very well be determined by what happens to Jason Campbell.
The Redskins have two options with Campbell. Keep him as a backup, or trade him. The offseason signing of Rex Grossman seems to be the indicator that the backup role is already filled, so now they are looking to trade their former 1st Round pick. Going down from Washington on the draft board, it will be interesting to see if any of the teams in the top half of the draft will make a deal.
Kansas City has Matt Cassell, so that doesn't look like a team that would pick up Campbell. Seattle just traded for Charlie Whitehurst, and they also have Matt Hasslebeck, so their quarterback situation looks to be set. Then there is Cleveland. They released Derek Anderson and traded Brady Quinn, then signed Jake Delhomme and traded for Seneca Wallace. Since Mike Holmgren coached Wallace at Seattle, he knows what he is getting in him and I can't see the new General Manager looking to muddle the quarterback situation there even more by adding another ingredient to the mix. Oakland has JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski. They seem to be upset that McNabb did not land out on the West Coast, and they have to decide whether trading for Campbell is the move that will help them win now.
Buffalo can sit and wait at the ninth slot. They might see Campbell as an improvement over Trent Edwards, or they can select Clausen as their franchise quarterback. A week ago Jimmy Clausen looks to be signing a $20 million plus signing bonus if Washington were to select him fourth overall. Now he might fall out of the top ten if Bufflao looks in another direction. But I don't see Clausen falling too far, and some team is going to get a quarterback who played in a pro style offense in college and now has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. But Clausen will need to hit the ground running. I thought the same thing about Brady Quinn three seasons ago when he fell to #22, but he and his agent overestimated his worth and a holdout cost him dearly. If Clausen gets signed and in camp early, look for him to have an immediate impact with the team that he falls to in the draft.
The Redskins have two options with Campbell. Keep him as a backup, or trade him. The offseason signing of Rex Grossman seems to be the indicator that the backup role is already filled, so now they are looking to trade their former 1st Round pick. Going down from Washington on the draft board, it will be interesting to see if any of the teams in the top half of the draft will make a deal.
Kansas City has Matt Cassell, so that doesn't look like a team that would pick up Campbell. Seattle just traded for Charlie Whitehurst, and they also have Matt Hasslebeck, so their quarterback situation looks to be set. Then there is Cleveland. They released Derek Anderson and traded Brady Quinn, then signed Jake Delhomme and traded for Seneca Wallace. Since Mike Holmgren coached Wallace at Seattle, he knows what he is getting in him and I can't see the new General Manager looking to muddle the quarterback situation there even more by adding another ingredient to the mix. Oakland has JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski. They seem to be upset that McNabb did not land out on the West Coast, and they have to decide whether trading for Campbell is the move that will help them win now.
Buffalo can sit and wait at the ninth slot. They might see Campbell as an improvement over Trent Edwards, or they can select Clausen as their franchise quarterback. A week ago Jimmy Clausen looks to be signing a $20 million plus signing bonus if Washington were to select him fourth overall. Now he might fall out of the top ten if Bufflao looks in another direction. But I don't see Clausen falling too far, and some team is going to get a quarterback who played in a pro style offense in college and now has a bit of a chip on his shoulder. But Clausen will need to hit the ground running. I thought the same thing about Brady Quinn three seasons ago when he fell to #22, but he and his agent overestimated his worth and a holdout cost him dearly. If Clausen gets signed and in camp early, look for him to have an immediate impact with the team that he falls to in the draft.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
2 Picks in the 1st Round
In the 2010 NFL Draft, two teams enter with with picks in the first round. Seattle will be selecting 6th and 14th, and San Francisco with have the 13th and 17th picks. For the most part there are teams that trade up and acquire another first rounder every year.
In 2007, Cleveland selected Joe Thomas 3rd overall, and did not wait to see if Brady Quinn would fall to them in the 2nd Round. They traded with Dallas and moved up to take the Notre Dame quarterback. Their two selections have been half right. Thomas has developed into one of the premier tackles in the league. Quinn held out, watched Derek Anderson have a great season, never did develop into a quality starter and was traded to Denver. Also in 2007, San Francisco had two picks, selecting Patrick Willis and Joe Staley. Their picks have fared better than Cleveland. Willis is one of the best middle linebackers in the game, and Staley, while not nearly in the class of Thomas, has produced far more at tackle than Quinn did at quarterback.
In 2008, five teams wound up with two first round picks. The pair of picks taken by Atlanta have been by far the best of the bunch. Matt Ryan has started since Day 1, and led the Falcons to the playoffs in 2008 and their first ever back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history. Baker was thought to be a reach when the Falcons moved up to take him, but he has been a solid tackle, and he looks to protect Ryan for years to come.
In 2009, four teams had two picks in the first round. Detroit had an opportunity to follow the Falcons plan and take a franchise quarterback and left tackle, but after selecting Matthew Stafford first overall they passed on Michael Oher and picked tight end Brandon Pettigrew. While Pettigrew may develop into a quality tight end, Oher had a great season with Baltimore and looks to be their long term answer to replace Jonathon Ogden.
But the best pair of picks may turn out to be Green Bay in 2009, with their selections of B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews. Raji looks to be the run stuffing nose tackle they need for their 3-4 defense, and Matthews showed that even though he was a bit overshadowed at USC by fellow linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga, he excelled in his rookie season.
With the depth of talent in the 2010 NFL Draft, it will be interesting to see if either Seattle or San Francisco will trade down and stockpile picks or hold onto their selections. I have Seattle taking Bryan Bulaga and C.J. Spiller, and the 49ers taking Trent Williams and Sergio Kindle. Seattle needs to replace Walter Jones, and Pete Carroll might be looking to use Spiller the same way he did with Reggie Bush at USC. I can see them holding onto both selections. San Francisco is looking for a tackle to pair up with Staley, and there is plenty of depth at the position. If they can trade down and possibly select Charles Brown or Anthony Davis, and even get Kindle or maybe Taylor Mays later in the first round look for the 49ers to be active trading partners in the opening round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
In 2007, Cleveland selected Joe Thomas 3rd overall, and did not wait to see if Brady Quinn would fall to them in the 2nd Round. They traded with Dallas and moved up to take the Notre Dame quarterback. Their two selections have been half right. Thomas has developed into one of the premier tackles in the league. Quinn held out, watched Derek Anderson have a great season, never did develop into a quality starter and was traded to Denver. Also in 2007, San Francisco had two picks, selecting Patrick Willis and Joe Staley. Their picks have fared better than Cleveland. Willis is one of the best middle linebackers in the game, and Staley, while not nearly in the class of Thomas, has produced far more at tackle than Quinn did at quarterback.
In 2008, five teams wound up with two first round picks. The pair of picks taken by Atlanta have been by far the best of the bunch. Matt Ryan has started since Day 1, and led the Falcons to the playoffs in 2008 and their first ever back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history. Baker was thought to be a reach when the Falcons moved up to take him, but he has been a solid tackle, and he looks to protect Ryan for years to come.
In 2009, four teams had two picks in the first round. Detroit had an opportunity to follow the Falcons plan and take a franchise quarterback and left tackle, but after selecting Matthew Stafford first overall they passed on Michael Oher and picked tight end Brandon Pettigrew. While Pettigrew may develop into a quality tight end, Oher had a great season with Baltimore and looks to be their long term answer to replace Jonathon Ogden.
But the best pair of picks may turn out to be Green Bay in 2009, with their selections of B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews. Raji looks to be the run stuffing nose tackle they need for their 3-4 defense, and Matthews showed that even though he was a bit overshadowed at USC by fellow linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga, he excelled in his rookie season.
With the depth of talent in the 2010 NFL Draft, it will be interesting to see if either Seattle or San Francisco will trade down and stockpile picks or hold onto their selections. I have Seattle taking Bryan Bulaga and C.J. Spiller, and the 49ers taking Trent Williams and Sergio Kindle. Seattle needs to replace Walter Jones, and Pete Carroll might be looking to use Spiller the same way he did with Reggie Bush at USC. I can see them holding onto both selections. San Francisco is looking for a tackle to pair up with Staley, and there is plenty of depth at the position. If they can trade down and possibly select Charles Brown or Anthony Davis, and even get Kindle or maybe Taylor Mays later in the first round look for the 49ers to be active trading partners in the opening round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
The 3rd Quarterback off the Board
Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen will be the first two quarterbacks taken in the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft. Since quarterback is the premier position in football, it is interesting that there is such little depth at the top of the position rankings. But it is looking more and more that Colt McCoy will be the third quarterback taken in the draft.
If you are looking for a quarerback who comes from a winning program, played in a BCS National Championship game, did not play in a pro style offense, took snaps out of the shotgun in a spread offense, and suffered a shoulder injury in his final season, you have your choice of players in Bradford and McCoy. I think it's strange that they are rated so far apart. McCoy is more mobile in the pocket, played a full four years and college and played under a spotlight that few quarterbacks ever have.
If you remember, McCoy started as a freshman taking over a team that went undefeated and was led by Vince Young to victory over USC in the BCS National Championship game. I don't believe you can measure how high the expectations were for McCoy. Although he did not deliver a National Championship, his Texas Longhorns finished with the same record as Bradford's Oklahoma Sooners in 2008 and beat them head to head. Only a loss to Texas Tech later in the season cost them a chance to play Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators for the National Championship.
McCoy did lead Texas to the BCS National Championship game in 2009, but an injury to his right shoulder cost him a chance to prove himself against the stout defense of Alabama. His recent Pro Day workout showed that his shoulder has healed, and he hit on all 45 passes. Now the question is: how high will McCoy go, and who will take him?
If Washington passes on Jimmy Clausen in the first round and takes Russell Okung, do they take McCoy with their pick in the second round? It may be a bit of a reach, but it will also be a good fit. McCoy could learn from Mike Shanahan while palying behind Jason Campbell. With a veteran quarterback in place he would not be rushed into the starting lineup, where Clausen would be if taken 4th overall. One knock against McCoy is his defeciency in reading defenses. Show me a quarterback who reads pro defenses right of college and I'll show you a freak of nature. There isn't a quarterback coming into the draft this year who is ready to play as much as Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez were the previous two seasons. McCoy may be a reach early in the second round, but some team is going to get a quality player who will be able to help them down the road.
If you are looking for a quarerback who comes from a winning program, played in a BCS National Championship game, did not play in a pro style offense, took snaps out of the shotgun in a spread offense, and suffered a shoulder injury in his final season, you have your choice of players in Bradford and McCoy. I think it's strange that they are rated so far apart. McCoy is more mobile in the pocket, played a full four years and college and played under a spotlight that few quarterbacks ever have.
If you remember, McCoy started as a freshman taking over a team that went undefeated and was led by Vince Young to victory over USC in the BCS National Championship game. I don't believe you can measure how high the expectations were for McCoy. Although he did not deliver a National Championship, his Texas Longhorns finished with the same record as Bradford's Oklahoma Sooners in 2008 and beat them head to head. Only a loss to Texas Tech later in the season cost them a chance to play Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators for the National Championship.
McCoy did lead Texas to the BCS National Championship game in 2009, but an injury to his right shoulder cost him a chance to prove himself against the stout defense of Alabama. His recent Pro Day workout showed that his shoulder has healed, and he hit on all 45 passes. Now the question is: how high will McCoy go, and who will take him?
If Washington passes on Jimmy Clausen in the first round and takes Russell Okung, do they take McCoy with their pick in the second round? It may be a bit of a reach, but it will also be a good fit. McCoy could learn from Mike Shanahan while palying behind Jason Campbell. With a veteran quarterback in place he would not be rushed into the starting lineup, where Clausen would be if taken 4th overall. One knock against McCoy is his defeciency in reading defenses. Show me a quarterback who reads pro defenses right of college and I'll show you a freak of nature. There isn't a quarterback coming into the draft this year who is ready to play as much as Matt Ryan and Mark Sanchez were the previous two seasons. McCoy may be a reach early in the second round, but some team is going to get a quality player who will be able to help them down the road.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Round 2 on Day 2
With the 2010 NFL Draft spread out over 3 days, it will be interesting to see what kind of trades are going to be made after the first round. Normally, the St. Louis Rams would have 8 minutes to make their pick at the top of Round 2, but this year they have all night. A night to go over their choices and a night to field offers.
With the draft as deep as it is, there are two ways to look at it. Moving up doesn't make sense because you are going to get first round talent well into the second round. But there are going to be some very good players that teams may look to trade up to get. If you are looking for a defensive tackle, and Terrence Cody, Brian Price and Jared Odrick are still there after Round 1, do you get on the phone or play the waiting game? The same goes for the offensive line. Maurkice Pouncey, Charles Brown, Rodger Saffold and even Bruce Campbell might be available. If the receivers slip, you are looking at Golden Tate, Demaryius Thomas, Arrelious Benn and Brandon LaFell. Need a tight end? How about Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Ed Dickson. There is plenty of depth available at every position, not just the ones I have listed here.
With the extra night between Round 1 and Round 2 are teams going to make the trades to get the players they want? I believe there is going to be a lot of wheeling and dealing going on into the wee hours of the morning. It could make for an interesting Round 2.
With the draft as deep as it is, there are two ways to look at it. Moving up doesn't make sense because you are going to get first round talent well into the second round. But there are going to be some very good players that teams may look to trade up to get. If you are looking for a defensive tackle, and Terrence Cody, Brian Price and Jared Odrick are still there after Round 1, do you get on the phone or play the waiting game? The same goes for the offensive line. Maurkice Pouncey, Charles Brown, Rodger Saffold and even Bruce Campbell might be available. If the receivers slip, you are looking at Golden Tate, Demaryius Thomas, Arrelious Benn and Brandon LaFell. Need a tight end? How about Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Ed Dickson. There is plenty of depth available at every position, not just the ones I have listed here.
With the extra night between Round 1 and Round 2 are teams going to make the trades to get the players they want? I believe there is going to be a lot of wheeling and dealing going on into the wee hours of the morning. It could make for an interesting Round 2.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Mock Draft Redux?
I was going to post my latest Mock Draft, then it occurred to me. I can't see any changes I want to make at this time. There are some players I believe might swap spots, but for the most part what I believed before holds true for me now:
St. Louis will take Sam Bradford 1st overall, even more so after his Pro Day Workout.
Mike Shanahan feels the need to build a better offensive line is more important that taking Jimmy Clausen, since he has Jason Campbell as his quarterback and a below average line.
Seattle needs to rebuild their offensive line as well, and Bryan Bulaga is the best option at #6.
Cleveland need help at cornerback and on the line on both sides of the ball. Taking Joe Haden at #7 and selecting a quality lineman in the second round is their best option.
Oakland loves the athletic ability of Bruce Campbell enough to take him 8th overall, though they could easily take Trent Williams here as well.
Buffalo is going to do backflips when Jimmy Clausen falls to them at #9.
Denver will take Dez Bryant, because his athletic ability and the uncertainty of Brandon Marshall will make him too tough to pass on.
San Francisco gets their offensive tackle in Trent Williams, but if Oakland takes him then they will most likely take Anthony Davis or Campbell.
Pittsburgh gets some protection for Ben Roethlisberger by taking the most versatile offensive lineman in Mike Iupati.
Houston gets their replacement for Dunta Robinson by selecting Kyle Wilson.
Cincinnati beefs up their running game and gets a big target for Carson Palmer by taking Jermaine Gresham.
Philadelphia gets a safety that many see as the best in the class in Earl Thomas, but I wonder how many teams who were thinking about taking him will get scared off because of Thomas grabbing his hamstring at the end of his 40 yard dash during his pro day workout. If the Eagles get him at #24 it is going to be a steal.
Dallas is going to get a quality tackle in Charles Brown, even though he pulled up with a hamstring as well during his Pro Day 40 Yard Dash.
San Diego might take Terrence Cody to plug up the center of the defensive line, but I don't believe they see Darren Sproles as the full time back they need, and Ryan Mathews can fit the bill.
The New York Jets get another target for Mark Sanchez in taking Golden Tate.
New Orleans shores up their defense in getting Sean Weatherspoon with the final pick of the first round.
I'll be posting my final mock draft the week of the draft, but for now I don't see it changing much. But you never know.
St. Louis will take Sam Bradford 1st overall, even more so after his Pro Day Workout.
Mike Shanahan feels the need to build a better offensive line is more important that taking Jimmy Clausen, since he has Jason Campbell as his quarterback and a below average line.
Seattle needs to rebuild their offensive line as well, and Bryan Bulaga is the best option at #6.
Cleveland need help at cornerback and on the line on both sides of the ball. Taking Joe Haden at #7 and selecting a quality lineman in the second round is their best option.
Oakland loves the athletic ability of Bruce Campbell enough to take him 8th overall, though they could easily take Trent Williams here as well.
Buffalo is going to do backflips when Jimmy Clausen falls to them at #9.
Denver will take Dez Bryant, because his athletic ability and the uncertainty of Brandon Marshall will make him too tough to pass on.
San Francisco gets their offensive tackle in Trent Williams, but if Oakland takes him then they will most likely take Anthony Davis or Campbell.
Pittsburgh gets some protection for Ben Roethlisberger by taking the most versatile offensive lineman in Mike Iupati.
Houston gets their replacement for Dunta Robinson by selecting Kyle Wilson.
Cincinnati beefs up their running game and gets a big target for Carson Palmer by taking Jermaine Gresham.
Philadelphia gets a safety that many see as the best in the class in Earl Thomas, but I wonder how many teams who were thinking about taking him will get scared off because of Thomas grabbing his hamstring at the end of his 40 yard dash during his pro day workout. If the Eagles get him at #24 it is going to be a steal.
Dallas is going to get a quality tackle in Charles Brown, even though he pulled up with a hamstring as well during his Pro Day 40 Yard Dash.
San Diego might take Terrence Cody to plug up the center of the defensive line, but I don't believe they see Darren Sproles as the full time back they need, and Ryan Mathews can fit the bill.
The New York Jets get another target for Mark Sanchez in taking Golden Tate.
New Orleans shores up their defense in getting Sean Weatherspoon with the final pick of the first round.
I'll be posting my final mock draft the week of the draft, but for now I don't see it changing much. But you never know.
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