The release of JaMarcus Russell has once again put the spotlight on quarterbacks who have been selected 1st overall in the NFL Draft. Since the Common Draft started in 1967, there have been 18 quarterbacks selected first overall. But 10 of those 18 have been drafted since Peyton Manning went to the Colts in 1998. It makes a good dividing line as to which players have been successful, and which ones did not pan out.
In Group 1 (1967-1997), the picks were Terry Bradshaw, Jim Plunkett, Steve Bartkowski, John Elway, Vinnie Testaverde, Troy Aikman, Jeff George, and Drew Bledsoe. Bradshaw, Elway, and Aikman are Hall of Famers. Plunkett won 2 Super Bowls, and Bledsoe played on the 2001 Super Bowl Champion Patriots. But it was never easy for any one of the eight. Bradshaw started on the bench in 1974, the year Pittsburgh won it's first championship. Elway had to face the criticism of not wanting to play in Baltimore, and it was 14 years before he won the title. Aikman shared the job with Steve Walsh, and took a beating in a 1-15 rookie season. Plunkett didn't pan out in New England, and was traded to San Francisco. He washed out there, and landed in Oakland as a backup. He got his chance and in 1980 led the Raiders to the title, as well as in 1983.
Bartkowski battled injuries and some bad teams in Atlanta, but he made them into winners for the first time in their history. Testaverde had a less than distinguished career, playing for some of the worst teams in the league in Tampa Bay. But he played for nearly 20 years, with a number of teams. Bledsoe turned a bad Patriot franchise into a Super Bowl team in 1996, and it was his injury in 2001 that gave Tom Brady a chance. George was a workot wonder, who his hometown Colts traded a fortune to Atlanta so they could take him in 1990. George had the most problems of any quarterback in this group, mainly because his value was overrated by the team that drafted him.
But the biggest difference between the first 8 and the last 10 is money. The advent of the rookie signing bonus has shined the spotlight even brighter than before. Russell received a $31 million bonus, and won a total of 7 games. But the situations a number of them have been put into is not a recipe for success.
Tim Couch and David Carr were selected by expansion franchises. Both players took a beating playing behind an offensive line of castoffs. Matthew Stafford had his rookie season interrupted by injuries. Alex Smith has also been injured, but he also has had difficutly with the switch from a spread offense to a pro style system, but he show flashes in 2009 that he is ready to fulfill his promise. Michael Vick showed flashes of brilliance, but two years in prison has sidetracked his career. The Manning Brothers each have a Super Bowl title, and Peyton is on his way to rewriting the record books.
What does this hold for Sam Bradford? First of all, the Rams need to have him signed and in training camp on time. Russell was a holdout, and his development was stunted because of it, not to mention his lack of work ethic. It may be in the best interest for the Rams to do with Bradford what Cincinnati did with Carson Palmer. Sit him out his rookie year. Give him a chance to learn the pro system. Give his shoulder a year to get stronger. Is endangering a rookie with a $45 million signing bonus the best thing for the franchise? At this time it may not be. But if the Rams want to stay in St. Louis they may want to put Bradford on the field and get fans in the stands.
One thing Bardford has in his favor at this time is that if he is just an average quarterback he will be held in higher regard than Couch, Vick, Carr, Smith and Russell. But how he handles the spotlight reamins to be seen.
Showing posts with label Sam Bradford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Bradford. Show all posts
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Judged by the Quarterbacks
As it is in every NFL Draft, the marquee players are the quarterbacks. It doesn't matter if they are the highest rated players, or if they are expected to have the most successful careers. The quarterback is the face of the NFL, and when the draft comes around the quarterbacks are caught in the glare.
The 2010 NFL Draft had four quarterbacks that were the focus from the start. Sam Bradford was the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma, but he missed most of the 2009 season with a serious shoulder injury. Tim Tebow was the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner from Florida and a 2-Time National Champion, but was seen as a system quarterback with flawed mechanics.
Jimmy Clausen was the quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. That position shines in the spotlight like no other, and with his physical skills Clausen could not carry Notre Dame to the top of college football. Colt McCoy finished his career at Texas as the winningest quarterback in college history, but he came up short in the BCS National Championship, as he suffered a shoulder injury early in the game against Alabama and did not get his chance to win the title.
The questions started to fly as soon a the season ended. Bradford answered his during his pro day workout. His arm strength was there and the accuracy never went away. At the end of the day it was not a question as to whether St. Louis would select him #1 overall, but whether the would have him signed before the draft.
Tebow began working on his throwing motion and shortening his delivery. His pro day workout showed a more compact delivery, but many wondered if he would revert to his old ways under the pressure of an NFL pass rush. He seemed to convince many that he was on his way to becoming an NFL quarterback.
Clausen had an injury of his own to deal with in 2009, a toe injury that was still bothering him during his pro day workout. But his arm strength and accuracy was still there, and he had prospects of going high in the draft. McCoy showed off his arm strength during his pro day workout, and many were seeing his draft stock rise.
On draft day, Bradford was indeed the #1 overall selection by St. Louis. Washington was out of the quarterback derby when the traded for Donovan McNabb. The next teams looking for a quarterback were Cleveland and Buffalo. They both passed. Many were wondering how far down the first round Clausen would fall. Turns out it was a long way.
Denver pulled the big surprise by selecting Tebow #25 overall. Many had Tebow moving into the first round, but it was a surprise that Denver, who has Kyle Orton as the starter and who traded for Brady Quinn in the offseason, would take Tebow in the first round. They traded three draft picks to move back into the round, and in doing so placed even more expectations on the shoulders of Tebow.
Clausen fell into Round 2, going 48th overall to Carolina. Many feel that he may be in the best situation. He is with a team that has Matt Moore at the starting quarterback position, a strong running game, a playmaker in Steve Smith at wide receiver, and a strong offensive line. Clausen has a luxury of being able to wait and learn without the expectations that are being heaped on Bradford and Tebow.
McCoy had to wait until Round 3, going to Cleveland with the 85th overall selection. Mike Holmgren has come out and said that McCoy won't even play in 2010. He is taking the approach that he will be best served by sitting and learning. But if things are not working out for the Browns I wonder if his timetable will get moved up.
I believed going into the draft that Clausen had the best chance for success in the NFL, and I see that happening under the current circumstances of the four quarterbacks. But even with Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Eric Berry and others, the 2010 NFL Draft will be seen as a success or failure as the fates of the four quarterbacks develop over the years.
The 2010 NFL Draft had four quarterbacks that were the focus from the start. Sam Bradford was the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma, but he missed most of the 2009 season with a serious shoulder injury. Tim Tebow was the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner from Florida and a 2-Time National Champion, but was seen as a system quarterback with flawed mechanics.
Jimmy Clausen was the quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. That position shines in the spotlight like no other, and with his physical skills Clausen could not carry Notre Dame to the top of college football. Colt McCoy finished his career at Texas as the winningest quarterback in college history, but he came up short in the BCS National Championship, as he suffered a shoulder injury early in the game against Alabama and did not get his chance to win the title.
The questions started to fly as soon a the season ended. Bradford answered his during his pro day workout. His arm strength was there and the accuracy never went away. At the end of the day it was not a question as to whether St. Louis would select him #1 overall, but whether the would have him signed before the draft.
Tebow began working on his throwing motion and shortening his delivery. His pro day workout showed a more compact delivery, but many wondered if he would revert to his old ways under the pressure of an NFL pass rush. He seemed to convince many that he was on his way to becoming an NFL quarterback.
Clausen had an injury of his own to deal with in 2009, a toe injury that was still bothering him during his pro day workout. But his arm strength and accuracy was still there, and he had prospects of going high in the draft. McCoy showed off his arm strength during his pro day workout, and many were seeing his draft stock rise.
On draft day, Bradford was indeed the #1 overall selection by St. Louis. Washington was out of the quarterback derby when the traded for Donovan McNabb. The next teams looking for a quarterback were Cleveland and Buffalo. They both passed. Many were wondering how far down the first round Clausen would fall. Turns out it was a long way.
Denver pulled the big surprise by selecting Tebow #25 overall. Many had Tebow moving into the first round, but it was a surprise that Denver, who has Kyle Orton as the starter and who traded for Brady Quinn in the offseason, would take Tebow in the first round. They traded three draft picks to move back into the round, and in doing so placed even more expectations on the shoulders of Tebow.
Clausen fell into Round 2, going 48th overall to Carolina. Many feel that he may be in the best situation. He is with a team that has Matt Moore at the starting quarterback position, a strong running game, a playmaker in Steve Smith at wide receiver, and a strong offensive line. Clausen has a luxury of being able to wait and learn without the expectations that are being heaped on Bradford and Tebow.
McCoy had to wait until Round 3, going to Cleveland with the 85th overall selection. Mike Holmgren has come out and said that McCoy won't even play in 2010. He is taking the approach that he will be best served by sitting and learning. But if things are not working out for the Browns I wonder if his timetable will get moved up.
I believed going into the draft that Clausen had the best chance for success in the NFL, and I see that happening under the current circumstances of the four quarterbacks. But even with Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy, Eric Berry and others, the 2010 NFL Draft will be seen as a success or failure as the fates of the four quarterbacks develop over the years.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Draft Grades: St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams franchise is a shell of its former self. They have won a total of 6 games in the last 3 seasons, and after a 1-15 season in 2009 the Rams had the 1st overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. The previous two drafts had the Rams passing on a franchise quarterback, and after the pro day workout of Sam Bradford there was no question who St. Louis would select at the top of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Bradford was indeed the 1st overall selection, and he is expected to be the face of the franchise. But he will have to get acclimated to taking snaps under center, and there will always be persistent questions about the health of his shoulder. The Rams selected Jason Smith 2nd overall in 2009, and he will be the Rams left tackle protecting Bradford's blind side. The second round in 2010 brought the Rams their right tackle of the future.
Rodger Saffold was seen as a late first round talent, and his selection may end up being more valuable to the Rams over time. Not only will he be able to pass block for Bradford, but he will also be able to open holes for Steven Jackson to run through. The more effective the Rams running game is, the more effective Bradford will be in the passing game.
Bradford also got a couple of targets to throw to later in the draft. Mardy Gilyard fell all the way to the top of the fourth round, and Michael Hoomanawanui should help shore up the tight end position.
The Rams also need help on the defensive side of the ball, and they got a late round sleeper in George Selvie. His production has never matched his talent, and if St. Louis can get him to produce then they can line him up opposite of Chris Long and rush the passer from both sides.
Draft Grade: B+
Bradford was indeed the 1st overall selection, and he is expected to be the face of the franchise. But he will have to get acclimated to taking snaps under center, and there will always be persistent questions about the health of his shoulder. The Rams selected Jason Smith 2nd overall in 2009, and he will be the Rams left tackle protecting Bradford's blind side. The second round in 2010 brought the Rams their right tackle of the future.
Rodger Saffold was seen as a late first round talent, and his selection may end up being more valuable to the Rams over time. Not only will he be able to pass block for Bradford, but he will also be able to open holes for Steven Jackson to run through. The more effective the Rams running game is, the more effective Bradford will be in the passing game.
Bradford also got a couple of targets to throw to later in the draft. Mardy Gilyard fell all the way to the top of the fourth round, and Michael Hoomanawanui should help shore up the tight end position.
The Rams also need help on the defensive side of the ball, and they got a late round sleeper in George Selvie. His production has never matched his talent, and if St. Louis can get him to produce then they can line him up opposite of Chris Long and rush the passer from both sides.
Draft Grade: B+
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
DSA Player Rankings 3.0
In the latest DSA Player Rankings, the value of offensive lineman is becoming more pronounced. Bryan Bulaga has moved up past Joe Haden to the seventh slot, and Trent Williams moves up two slots to the #9 position. A number of drafts placing Bruce Campbell eighth overall to Oakland has him gaining a spot, while Russell Okung and Anthony Davis hold onto their positions. That is 5 of the top 18 players in the draft being offensive tackles. It is going to pay to be one of the big guys up front in the 2010 NFL Draft. Here are the DSA Player Rankings, Version 3.0:
1) Ndamukong Suh 1.90
2) Sam Bradford 2.27
3) Gerald McCoy 2.90
4) Russell Okung 4.2
5) Eric Berry 5.63
6) Jimmy Clausen 7.27
7) Bryan Bulaga 10.17
8) Joe Haden 10.73
9) Trent Williams 11.57
10) Rolando McClain 12.23
11) Derrick Morgan 12.77
12) Dez Bryant 13.47
13) C.J. Spiller 14.03
14) Anthony Davis 15.7
15) Dan Williams 16.57
16) Jason Pierre-Paul 17.07
17) Earl Thomas 17.90
18) Bruce Campbell 18.17
19) Sergio Kindle 21.83
20) T-Brandon Graham 22.20
20) T-Taylor Mays 22.20
22) Mike Iupati 22.87
23) Kyle Wilson 23.93
24) Carlos Dunlap 26.73
25) Jermaine Gresham 27.03
26) Brian Price 27.27
27) Everson Griffen 27.40
28) Maurkice Pouncey 27.63
29) Sean Weatherspoon 28.63
30) Ryan Mathews 29.30
31) Jerry Hughes 29.60
32) Jared Odrick 29.70
33) Golden Tate 30.00
34) Charles Brown 30.20
35) Demaryius Thomas 31.00
36) Arrelious Benn 32.27
37) Patrick Robinson 32.63
38) Devin McCourtey 33.17
After his Pro Day Workout, Sam Bradford is going to be the consensus 1st Overall selection. He still ranks #2 Behind Ndamukong Suh because early drafts had him going fourth or lower, while Suh has been consistently in the top 2 or 3. The next DSA Player Rankings will most likely have Bradford at the top. It will be interesting to see if there will be any more big moves up or down the board.
1) Ndamukong Suh 1.90
2) Sam Bradford 2.27
3) Gerald McCoy 2.90
4) Russell Okung 4.2
5) Eric Berry 5.63
6) Jimmy Clausen 7.27
7) Bryan Bulaga 10.17
8) Joe Haden 10.73
9) Trent Williams 11.57
10) Rolando McClain 12.23
11) Derrick Morgan 12.77
12) Dez Bryant 13.47
13) C.J. Spiller 14.03
14) Anthony Davis 15.7
15) Dan Williams 16.57
16) Jason Pierre-Paul 17.07
17) Earl Thomas 17.90
18) Bruce Campbell 18.17
19) Sergio Kindle 21.83
20) T-Brandon Graham 22.20
20) T-Taylor Mays 22.20
22) Mike Iupati 22.87
23) Kyle Wilson 23.93
24) Carlos Dunlap 26.73
25) Jermaine Gresham 27.03
26) Brian Price 27.27
27) Everson Griffen 27.40
28) Maurkice Pouncey 27.63
29) Sean Weatherspoon 28.63
30) Ryan Mathews 29.30
31) Jerry Hughes 29.60
32) Jared Odrick 29.70
33) Golden Tate 30.00
34) Charles Brown 30.20
35) Demaryius Thomas 31.00
36) Arrelious Benn 32.27
37) Patrick Robinson 32.63
38) Devin McCourtey 33.17
After his Pro Day Workout, Sam Bradford is going to be the consensus 1st Overall selection. He still ranks #2 Behind Ndamukong Suh because early drafts had him going fourth or lower, while Suh has been consistently in the top 2 or 3. The next DSA Player Rankings will most likely have Bradford at the top. It will be interesting to see if there will be any more big moves up or down the board.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
What a Difference a Pro Day Makes
Even with the NFL Scouting Combine, draft prospects seem to feel more at ease in the comfy confines of their college practice fields. College Pro Day workouts are structured to the point of being scripted. But no matter what players still have to perform, and two of the top prospects showed just that the last 2 days.
Sam Bradford had more to lose than anyone with his Oklahoma Pro Day. Coming off of a shoulder injury that required surgery and caused him to sit out most of the 2009 season, Bradford needed to impress and then some after not throwing or working out at the NFL Combine. He did just that. 63 passes. 62 completions. And many thought that ball could have been caught. His accuracy was considered his strength, and he showed just how pinpoint that accuracy can be. He has filled out physically, and he carries the extra weight well. He is a deceptive 235 pounds. He always looked skinny but now it looks like he is maturing in the manner he needs to in order to withstand the rigors of an NFL season. The St. Louis Rams have pretty much made up their minds about selecting Bradford, and the choice was cemented by his Pro Day workout. Look for Bradford to sign a contract equal to or better than the one Matthew Stafford signed with Detroit in 2009, and he can thank his workout performance for that.
The next day Dez Bryant held his Pro Day workout. After running the 40 in a slower than expected time, he got the same response as Joe Haden after the NFL Combine. That he looks faster on film. But Haden ran a bit faster in his Pro Day workout, and any doubts about his ability seems to have been put to rest. Bryant is a different story, and there is a recent draft pick that some will probably start to compare him to. Mike Williams from USC.
Williams was seen as the top receiveing prospect coming out of college, but he had to sit out a year due his unsuccessful challenge of the NFL Draft eligibility policy. The time off seemed to allow a lot of rust to settle and he never did live up to expectations. He was a bit taller and heavier than Bryant, but it is going to be tough not to comapre the two receivers. Bryant sat out the 2009 season at Oklahoma State, and now it looks like he isn't the reciever he was in college. Now Jerry Jones is looking to wine and dine Bryant. If he is still avaliable at the #27 slot for Dallas, he is going to lose a lot of money in signing bonus because of a slow 40 time at his Pro Day workout. Let's hope Bryant has a much more successful career than Mike Williams did.
Sam Bradford had more to lose than anyone with his Oklahoma Pro Day. Coming off of a shoulder injury that required surgery and caused him to sit out most of the 2009 season, Bradford needed to impress and then some after not throwing or working out at the NFL Combine. He did just that. 63 passes. 62 completions. And many thought that ball could have been caught. His accuracy was considered his strength, and he showed just how pinpoint that accuracy can be. He has filled out physically, and he carries the extra weight well. He is a deceptive 235 pounds. He always looked skinny but now it looks like he is maturing in the manner he needs to in order to withstand the rigors of an NFL season. The St. Louis Rams have pretty much made up their minds about selecting Bradford, and the choice was cemented by his Pro Day workout. Look for Bradford to sign a contract equal to or better than the one Matthew Stafford signed with Detroit in 2009, and he can thank his workout performance for that.
The next day Dez Bryant held his Pro Day workout. After running the 40 in a slower than expected time, he got the same response as Joe Haden after the NFL Combine. That he looks faster on film. But Haden ran a bit faster in his Pro Day workout, and any doubts about his ability seems to have been put to rest. Bryant is a different story, and there is a recent draft pick that some will probably start to compare him to. Mike Williams from USC.
Williams was seen as the top receiveing prospect coming out of college, but he had to sit out a year due his unsuccessful challenge of the NFL Draft eligibility policy. The time off seemed to allow a lot of rust to settle and he never did live up to expectations. He was a bit taller and heavier than Bryant, but it is going to be tough not to comapre the two receivers. Bryant sat out the 2009 season at Oklahoma State, and now it looks like he isn't the reciever he was in college. Now Jerry Jones is looking to wine and dine Bryant. If he is still avaliable at the #27 slot for Dallas, he is going to lose a lot of money in signing bonus because of a slow 40 time at his Pro Day workout. Let's hope Bryant has a much more successful career than Mike Williams did.
Monday, March 29, 2010
All sorts of Quarterback news
Sam Bradford finally had his workout at the University of Oklahoma for NFL coaches, scouts and front office personnel. 63 passes later it looks like an Ivory Soap percentage that St. Louis will take him 1st overall-99 and 44/100%. The Rams have announced that they won't make up their mind until Bradford works out again for them 3 days before the draft.
Now if this is the case it looks to be a long shot that he will be signed before the draft, unless there is a little cloak and dagger negotiations going on behind the scenes. I just wonder how much of an issue the signing bonus is going to play in all of this. St. Louis has been put in their own little version of Salary Cap Hell with the bonus money paid out to the #2 overall picks from 2008 and 2009, Chris Long and Jason Smith. Quarterbacks always demand, and get, the premium signing bonus payouts for their draft slots. Matthew Stafford got a nearly $42 million signing bonus as the 1st overall pick in 2009. With the addition of Bradford's contract look for the Rams to be a vocal proponent of a rookie salary cap during the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
Even though Bradford does not look to start right away, considering his lack of experience taking snaps under center, what the Rams can't afford is a holdout. Which brings me to the other big quarterback news of the day. The Oakland Raiders has emerged as the front runner to trade for Donovan McNabb. The Eagles have stated they will take a pick in the top 42 for McNabb, and Oakland has the 39th overall selection. Now if this trade does occur, it begs the question: What will happen to JaMarcus Russell?
If there was ever a quarterback who might end up the poster child for First Overall Selection Busts, it looks to be Russell. Lengthy holdout. Rarely played in his rookie season. Then the Raiders discovered that his work ethic did not match his arm strength. After three seasons he still seems to have trouble grasping the pro game. On his side his biggest supporter is Al Davis. But when the Raiders start winning games with Bruce Gradkowski, and the rest of the team seems the journeyman backup as the real leader of the team, then you have to think that Russell's days are numbered.
Now Oakland is looking to acquire Donovan McNabb. Could it be that Russell could be released after just 3 seasons? It is possible. Oakland could sign McNabb to an extension, let go of Russell and just cut their losses. But I wonder: If Russell is released, who would sign him? I'm sure someone will, but I imagine his days as a starter in the NFL are numbered.
Now if this is the case it looks to be a long shot that he will be signed before the draft, unless there is a little cloak and dagger negotiations going on behind the scenes. I just wonder how much of an issue the signing bonus is going to play in all of this. St. Louis has been put in their own little version of Salary Cap Hell with the bonus money paid out to the #2 overall picks from 2008 and 2009, Chris Long and Jason Smith. Quarterbacks always demand, and get, the premium signing bonus payouts for their draft slots. Matthew Stafford got a nearly $42 million signing bonus as the 1st overall pick in 2009. With the addition of Bradford's contract look for the Rams to be a vocal proponent of a rookie salary cap during the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
Even though Bradford does not look to start right away, considering his lack of experience taking snaps under center, what the Rams can't afford is a holdout. Which brings me to the other big quarterback news of the day. The Oakland Raiders has emerged as the front runner to trade for Donovan McNabb. The Eagles have stated they will take a pick in the top 42 for McNabb, and Oakland has the 39th overall selection. Now if this trade does occur, it begs the question: What will happen to JaMarcus Russell?
If there was ever a quarterback who might end up the poster child for First Overall Selection Busts, it looks to be Russell. Lengthy holdout. Rarely played in his rookie season. Then the Raiders discovered that his work ethic did not match his arm strength. After three seasons he still seems to have trouble grasping the pro game. On his side his biggest supporter is Al Davis. But when the Raiders start winning games with Bruce Gradkowski, and the rest of the team seems the journeyman backup as the real leader of the team, then you have to think that Russell's days are numbered.
Now Oakland is looking to acquire Donovan McNabb. Could it be that Russell could be released after just 3 seasons? It is possible. Oakland could sign McNabb to an extension, let go of Russell and just cut their losses. But I wonder: If Russell is released, who would sign him? I'm sure someone will, but I imagine his days as a starter in the NFL are numbered.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Un-Sexy Draft
Every year the NFL Draft seems to be defined by what you might call The Sexy Picks. Or even The Pretty Boys. You know exactly who I am referring to-the offensive skill players. Quarterback. Running Back. Wide Receiver. You can even put tight ends in this group, as they seem to have the diva streak running through them at times, but any coach and quarterback can attest to their value to an offense. But it looks more and more like that the 2010 NFL Draft will be defined by The Big Uglies. The big guys up front on the offensive and defensive lines.
Since 2000, the fewest number of first round picks that were used on quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers was in 2008, when there were 7 picks, as well as 1 tight end. A breakdown of each year, the number of QBs, RBs and WRs, and the number of TEs is as follows:
YEAR QB,RB,WR TE
2009 11 1
2008 7 1
2007 10 1
2006 8 2
2005 12 1
2004 14 2
2003 9 1
2002 8 3
2001 10 1
2000 11 2
My first TMG DraftZone Mock Draft has 6 QB/RB/WR, and 1 TE. Sam Bradford to St. Louis, Jimmy Clausen to Buffalo, Dez Bryant to Denver, C.J. Spiller to Seattle, Ryan Mathews to San Diego, Golden Tate to the New York Jets, and Jermaine Gresham to Cincinnati. The first 4 are pretty much a lock to go in the first round. After that it's pretty much a crap shoot. Many posts have Demaryius Thomas going in the first round, as well as Jahvid Best and Arrelious Benn. But this is the draft for the big guys. And when you think about it, the success or failure of the draft class will be determined by the success or failure of Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen. You got to hand it to The Pretty Boys. They get all the spotlight, even if they are standing in the background.
Since 2000, the fewest number of first round picks that were used on quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers was in 2008, when there were 7 picks, as well as 1 tight end. A breakdown of each year, the number of QBs, RBs and WRs, and the number of TEs is as follows:
YEAR QB,RB,WR TE
2009 11 1
2008 7 1
2007 10 1
2006 8 2
2005 12 1
2004 14 2
2003 9 1
2002 8 3
2001 10 1
2000 11 2
My first TMG DraftZone Mock Draft has 6 QB/RB/WR, and 1 TE. Sam Bradford to St. Louis, Jimmy Clausen to Buffalo, Dez Bryant to Denver, C.J. Spiller to Seattle, Ryan Mathews to San Diego, Golden Tate to the New York Jets, and Jermaine Gresham to Cincinnati. The first 4 are pretty much a lock to go in the first round. After that it's pretty much a crap shoot. Many posts have Demaryius Thomas going in the first round, as well as Jahvid Best and Arrelious Benn. But this is the draft for the big guys. And when you think about it, the success or failure of the draft class will be determined by the success or failure of Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen. You got to hand it to The Pretty Boys. They get all the spotlight, even if they are standing in the background.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Mock Drafts Galore
Everywhere you look, someone has a mock draft. I'll have one soon enough. But there are two things I have noticed when looking at the drafts posted all over the Internet. Point #1, the top picks are the top picks, no matter where you look. Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy. They are the Top 3, and will most likely go in that order to St. Louis, Detroit and Tampa Bay. Point #2, the rest of the picks are scattered from the top to the bottom, and you are not likely to see agreement on who will go where.
So I had the idea to take all the information I could from mock draft everywhere and compile that info into what I hope is a useful tool. I call it the Draft Slot Average, or DSA. It's a simple concept. Take the positions that players are projected to go at, add them together and divide it by the number of drafts they are listed in. Simple enough in theory, and for a draftnik like myself it is like being in numbers heaven.
My first DSA list has 19 players listed on all the mock drafts I researched, and another 16 that were listed on at least 50% of the mocks. Of the 19 listed on all the drafts, Taylor Mays had the lowest average at 21.00. 5 players were graded at 21.00 or better of those on the remaining boards. Of those only Bruce Campbell had a DSA more than 1 full point better that Mays, and that is due to his outstanding workout at the Combine in Indianapolis. Before then many drafts did not even have him listed as a first rounder.
More research will be added to what I have already come up with and when I get the data I am looking for I'll be posting my Mock Draft based on the DSA scores. I'll put my Mock Draft up against anyone else. Let the Draft Games begin.
So I had the idea to take all the information I could from mock draft everywhere and compile that info into what I hope is a useful tool. I call it the Draft Slot Average, or DSA. It's a simple concept. Take the positions that players are projected to go at, add them together and divide it by the number of drafts they are listed in. Simple enough in theory, and for a draftnik like myself it is like being in numbers heaven.
My first DSA list has 19 players listed on all the mock drafts I researched, and another 16 that were listed on at least 50% of the mocks. Of the 19 listed on all the drafts, Taylor Mays had the lowest average at 21.00. 5 players were graded at 21.00 or better of those on the remaining boards. Of those only Bruce Campbell had a DSA more than 1 full point better that Mays, and that is due to his outstanding workout at the Combine in Indianapolis. Before then many drafts did not even have him listed as a first rounder.
More research will be added to what I have already come up with and when I get the data I am looking for I'll be posting my Mock Draft based on the DSA scores. I'll put my Mock Draft up against anyone else. Let the Draft Games begin.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
St. Louis Rams On the clock
The St. Lous Rams have the 1st Pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and are on the clock. How long ago was it that the Rams were good? Not too long ago. But they hit hard times and haven't gotten back up. They have had the 2nd pick the last two years, now they have the #1 selection.
This years pick is going to be determined as much by who they didn't pick the last two drafts as it is by who they should draft this year. Who didn't they draft-Matt Ryan in 2008, and Mark Sanchez in 2009. Some teams need the franchise quarterback not only to lead the team on the field but to be the face of the franchise off the field. Atlanta has that with Ryan and the Jets have the same with Sanchez. As much as St. Louis would love to line up Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, the choice is going to be a quarterback. That leaves the selection at Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen.
Ask anyone and they will say that Clausen is the most pro ready quarterback in this years class. So why is everyone saying that the Rams will be taking Bradford? I have a hard time understanding this myself. Played in a spread offense. Took snaps out of the shotgun a majority of the time. Sat out most of the year with an injured shoulder. Just the luck of the Rams. No surefire quarterback, running back, blind side blocking tackle, or pass rushing end or linebacker to take with the 1st Pick. Just a pair of qaurterbacks with a littany of questions, and a pair of sure fire defensive tackles that no team has drafted first since 1994.
But the Rams do have one thing going for them. This draft is deep in lineman on both sides of the ball. They can get a batter pair of picks out of a QB first, then a lineman with the 33rd overall at the top of the 2nd Round then they can with one of the premier defensive tackles first overall, then taking the best offensive skill position player in the 2nd Round. It's times like this that causes General Managers to lose sleep every night and wonder if their resumes are updated if the picks don't work out.
This years pick is going to be determined as much by who they didn't pick the last two drafts as it is by who they should draft this year. Who didn't they draft-Matt Ryan in 2008, and Mark Sanchez in 2009. Some teams need the franchise quarterback not only to lead the team on the field but to be the face of the franchise off the field. Atlanta has that with Ryan and the Jets have the same with Sanchez. As much as St. Louis would love to line up Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, the choice is going to be a quarterback. That leaves the selection at Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen.
Ask anyone and they will say that Clausen is the most pro ready quarterback in this years class. So why is everyone saying that the Rams will be taking Bradford? I have a hard time understanding this myself. Played in a spread offense. Took snaps out of the shotgun a majority of the time. Sat out most of the year with an injured shoulder. Just the luck of the Rams. No surefire quarterback, running back, blind side blocking tackle, or pass rushing end or linebacker to take with the 1st Pick. Just a pair of qaurterbacks with a littany of questions, and a pair of sure fire defensive tackles that no team has drafted first since 1994.
But the Rams do have one thing going for them. This draft is deep in lineman on both sides of the ball. They can get a batter pair of picks out of a QB first, then a lineman with the 33rd overall at the top of the 2nd Round then they can with one of the premier defensive tackles first overall, then taking the best offensive skill position player in the 2nd Round. It's times like this that causes General Managers to lose sleep every night and wonder if their resumes are updated if the picks don't work out.
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