The Washington Redskins went into the 2010 NFL Draft with big questions on offense. Was Jason Campbell the quarterback of the future? Who is going to block for whoever was taking snaps at quarterback? One question was answered before the draft, the other on draft day.
The Redskins traded for Donovan McNabb before the draft, and then traded Campbell to Oakland for a 4th round pick in 2012. The offensive line question was answered with the 4th overall selection, as Washington selected Trent Williams. Many draft experts had Russell Okung going to the Redskins, but Williams was the most athletic tackle in the draft, and seen as a better fit for their system.
Because of trades the Redskins did not have another pick until the 4th round. Perry Riley was the pick in Round 4, and he can move into a middle linebacker position on defense.
Late round sleepers look to be Erik Cook and Selvish Capers, a pair of offensive lineman. The line was a major weak spot in 2009, and Cook and Capers may be able to find starting spots along with Williams as the line looks to be revamped.
Draft Grade: C+
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Draft Grades: Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans finished the 2008 regular season with the best record in the NFL, but a loss in the divisional round of the playoffs left a sour taste on a season where everything seemed to be coming together. Then the 2009 season started with a long losing streak, and when Vince Young was reinstated as the starter it was too late to salvage the season. The Titans went into the 2010 NFL Draft looking to add to their success at the end of the previous year.
Tennessee needed to add a pass rusher, and they were able to select the player many saw as the best defensive end in the draft in Derrick Morgan. The Titans pass rush has suffered since the departure of Jevon Kearse, and Morgan will help the defense get pressure on the quarterback.
With Chris Johnson in the backfield, the Titans were looking to find a wide receiver to help strengthen the passing game and take some of the pressure off of Johnson. Tennessee selected Damian Williams in the third round. Williams will also be looked upon to return punts and kicks. The Titans traded up to select Alterraun Verner, a cornerback fro UCLA. Verner will be able to compete for a starting position in the secondary.
A late round sleeper pick looks to be Myron Rolle, a safety from Florida State. Rolle may be the first example of a player whose draft stock dropped because he is TOO smart. A Rhodes Scholar, Rolle spent the last year in England studying medicine but he is committed to playing football. Rolle can make an impact on special teams and in nickel packages, and his presence in the locker room can serve as a reminder to other young players what you can accomplish life outside of football.
Draft Grade: B
Tennessee needed to add a pass rusher, and they were able to select the player many saw as the best defensive end in the draft in Derrick Morgan. The Titans pass rush has suffered since the departure of Jevon Kearse, and Morgan will help the defense get pressure on the quarterback.
With Chris Johnson in the backfield, the Titans were looking to find a wide receiver to help strengthen the passing game and take some of the pressure off of Johnson. Tennessee selected Damian Williams in the third round. Williams will also be looked upon to return punts and kicks. The Titans traded up to select Alterraun Verner, a cornerback fro UCLA. Verner will be able to compete for a starting position in the secondary.
A late round sleeper pick looks to be Myron Rolle, a safety from Florida State. Rolle may be the first example of a player whose draft stock dropped because he is TOO smart. A Rhodes Scholar, Rolle spent the last year in England studying medicine but he is committed to playing football. Rolle can make an impact on special teams and in nickel packages, and his presence in the locker room can serve as a reminder to other young players what you can accomplish life outside of football.
Draft Grade: B
Draft Grades: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just missed the playoffs in 2008, and went into a rebulding mode instead of reloading. A new coach, a rookie quarterback, and changes on both sides of the ball brought the Bucs a 3-13 record, and the third pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. There were holes to fill on both sides of the ball, and Tampa Bay found players who can have an immediate impact.
The 3rd overall selection was used on Gerald McCoy, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma. A number of draft experts had McCoy rated ahead of Ndamukong Suh, and McCoy is seen as the heir apparent to Warren Sapp. The second round brought another defensive tackle in Brian Price. McCoy and Price play different styles, and they should compliment each other well in the middle of the defensive line.
2009 first round selection Josh Freeman discovered that if you don't have quality receivers to throw to the passing game in the NFL can be difficult. That area was addressed with the selection of Arrelious Benn in Round 2. Another receiver, Mike Williams from Syracuse, was taken in the 4th round but he had a number of off the field problems in college, but he was seen by many as possibly the most talented receiver in the draft.
A late round sleeper could be Cody Grimm, a safety from Virginia Tech. The son of former Redskins lineman Russ Grimm, Cody is a hard nosed, tough minded player who plays with a high motor all the time.
Draft Grade: B+
The 3rd overall selection was used on Gerald McCoy, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma. A number of draft experts had McCoy rated ahead of Ndamukong Suh, and McCoy is seen as the heir apparent to Warren Sapp. The second round brought another defensive tackle in Brian Price. McCoy and Price play different styles, and they should compliment each other well in the middle of the defensive line.
2009 first round selection Josh Freeman discovered that if you don't have quality receivers to throw to the passing game in the NFL can be difficult. That area was addressed with the selection of Arrelious Benn in Round 2. Another receiver, Mike Williams from Syracuse, was taken in the 4th round but he had a number of off the field problems in college, but he was seen by many as possibly the most talented receiver in the draft.
A late round sleeper could be Cody Grimm, a safety from Virginia Tech. The son of former Redskins lineman Russ Grimm, Cody is a hard nosed, tough minded player who plays with a high motor all the time.
Draft Grade: B+
Draft Grades: St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams franchise is a shell of its former self. They have won a total of 6 games in the last 3 seasons, and after a 1-15 season in 2009 the Rams had the 1st overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. The previous two drafts had the Rams passing on a franchise quarterback, and after the pro day workout of Sam Bradford there was no question who St. Louis would select at the top of the 2010 NFL Draft.
Bradford was indeed the 1st overall selection, and he is expected to be the face of the franchise. But he will have to get acclimated to taking snaps under center, and there will always be persistent questions about the health of his shoulder. The Rams selected Jason Smith 2nd overall in 2009, and he will be the Rams left tackle protecting Bradford's blind side. The second round in 2010 brought the Rams their right tackle of the future.
Rodger Saffold was seen as a late first round talent, and his selection may end up being more valuable to the Rams over time. Not only will he be able to pass block for Bradford, but he will also be able to open holes for Steven Jackson to run through. The more effective the Rams running game is, the more effective Bradford will be in the passing game.
Bradford also got a couple of targets to throw to later in the draft. Mardy Gilyard fell all the way to the top of the fourth round, and Michael Hoomanawanui should help shore up the tight end position.
The Rams also need help on the defensive side of the ball, and they got a late round sleeper in George Selvie. His production has never matched his talent, and if St. Louis can get him to produce then they can line him up opposite of Chris Long and rush the passer from both sides.
Draft Grade: B+
Bradford was indeed the 1st overall selection, and he is expected to be the face of the franchise. But he will have to get acclimated to taking snaps under center, and there will always be persistent questions about the health of his shoulder. The Rams selected Jason Smith 2nd overall in 2009, and he will be the Rams left tackle protecting Bradford's blind side. The second round in 2010 brought the Rams their right tackle of the future.
Rodger Saffold was seen as a late first round talent, and his selection may end up being more valuable to the Rams over time. Not only will he be able to pass block for Bradford, but he will also be able to open holes for Steven Jackson to run through. The more effective the Rams running game is, the more effective Bradford will be in the passing game.
Bradford also got a couple of targets to throw to later in the draft. Mardy Gilyard fell all the way to the top of the fourth round, and Michael Hoomanawanui should help shore up the tight end position.
The Rams also need help on the defensive side of the ball, and they got a late round sleeper in George Selvie. His production has never matched his talent, and if St. Louis can get him to produce then they can line him up opposite of Chris Long and rush the passer from both sides.
Draft Grade: B+
Draft Grades: Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off of a 4-12 season in which two cornerstones of the franchise spent much of the season injured. Matt Hasslebeck and Walter Jones help lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in 2005, but their lack of playing time in 2009 was evident. Seattle went out during the offseason and acquired Charlie Whitehurst from San Diego. Whitehurst looks to be the quarterback of the future, but he is still a question mark as he has not thrown a pass in 4 NFL seasons.
The draft addressed the void left by the retirement of Jones. You don't replace a Hall of Fame left tackle overnight, but Seattle was able to select the tackle many had at the top of their draft boards in Russell Okung with the 6th overall selection. With a second pick in the first round Seattle was then able to pick Earl Thomas, a safety from Texas that some had rated higher than Eric Berry, who went 5th overall. Thomas is strongest in pass coverage, and he has the ability to play cornerback as well.
The Whitehurst trade cost Seattle their regular second round pick higher up in that round, but it also brought the Chargers pick at near the end of the second round. With that selection Seattle got one of the biggest steals of the draft when they were able to select Golden Tate. The wide receiver from Notre Dame was seen by many as the #1 or #2 wideout in the draft, and with injuries to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch it looks like Tate will get a chance to play right away.
Seattle also got two late round sleepers in Kam Chancellor and Anthony McCoy. Chancellor can team up with Earl Thomas and the two of them will be patrolling the secondary for many years to come. McCoy is a big, physical tight end who can block as well as catch passes, and his draft stock fell due to a positive drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. But his old college coach from USC was Pete Carroll, who now coaches the Seahawks. Carroll knows what he is getting with McCoy, and if he can stay clean then Seattle got a tight end who will help solidify their passing game.
Draft Grade: A+ (Best Draft of any team in 2010)
The draft addressed the void left by the retirement of Jones. You don't replace a Hall of Fame left tackle overnight, but Seattle was able to select the tackle many had at the top of their draft boards in Russell Okung with the 6th overall selection. With a second pick in the first round Seattle was then able to pick Earl Thomas, a safety from Texas that some had rated higher than Eric Berry, who went 5th overall. Thomas is strongest in pass coverage, and he has the ability to play cornerback as well.
The Whitehurst trade cost Seattle their regular second round pick higher up in that round, but it also brought the Chargers pick at near the end of the second round. With that selection Seattle got one of the biggest steals of the draft when they were able to select Golden Tate. The wide receiver from Notre Dame was seen by many as the #1 or #2 wideout in the draft, and with injuries to T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch it looks like Tate will get a chance to play right away.
Seattle also got two late round sleepers in Kam Chancellor and Anthony McCoy. Chancellor can team up with Earl Thomas and the two of them will be patrolling the secondary for many years to come. McCoy is a big, physical tight end who can block as well as catch passes, and his draft stock fell due to a positive drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine. But his old college coach from USC was Pete Carroll, who now coaches the Seahawks. Carroll knows what he is getting with McCoy, and if he can stay clean then Seattle got a tight end who will help solidify their passing game.
Draft Grade: A+ (Best Draft of any team in 2010)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Draft Grades: San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2009 season at 8-8. It marked an improvement and the team looks to be buying into the way Mike Singletary coaches and they are starting to take the field in the image of their coach. The 2010 NFL Draft brought players who fit the mold Singletary of making the 49ers in to.
With two first round selections, the 49ers picked offensive lineman Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. Both are big, physical blockers who will help plow the road for Frank Gore and the running game. With Joe Staley on the left side, Davis and Iupati will provide cornerstones for years to come.
The second round pick brought Taylor Mays, a safety from USC. Many see Mays as a liability in the pass game, but I believe that Singletary wants Mays to swing the hammer and be the hitter at safety that he played with in Chicago, namely Doug Plank and Gary Fencik. With his size and speed, Mays will almost be another linebacker in support of the run. The third round brought Navorro Bowman, a linebacker from Penn State who was graded with late first round/early second round talent who fell due to off the field issues.
A late round sleeper looks to be Anthony Dixon, a running back from Mississippi State. Dixon is the power back who can spell Gore and give the 49ers the punishing ground game that Coach Singletary is looking to establish.
Draft Grade: A
With two first round selections, the 49ers picked offensive lineman Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. Both are big, physical blockers who will help plow the road for Frank Gore and the running game. With Joe Staley on the left side, Davis and Iupati will provide cornerstones for years to come.
The second round pick brought Taylor Mays, a safety from USC. Many see Mays as a liability in the pass game, but I believe that Singletary wants Mays to swing the hammer and be the hitter at safety that he played with in Chicago, namely Doug Plank and Gary Fencik. With his size and speed, Mays will almost be another linebacker in support of the run. The third round brought Navorro Bowman, a linebacker from Penn State who was graded with late first round/early second round talent who fell due to off the field issues.
A late round sleeper looks to be Anthony Dixon, a running back from Mississippi State. Dixon is the power back who can spell Gore and give the 49ers the punishing ground game that Coach Singletary is looking to establish.
Draft Grade: A
Draft Grades: San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers finished the 2009 regular season as a favorite to win the Super Bowl, and two weeks later they were out, falling at home to the New York Jets. The offseason brought a number of changes, most prominent the release of LaDanian Tomlinson, the face of the franchise since 2001. Tomlinson signed with the Jets, who also traded with San Diego to acquire Antonio Cromartie. Jamal Williams leaves a big hole in the middle of the defense, signing as a free agent with Denver.
San Diego made a bold move in the 2010 NFL Draft by trading up from #28 to #12 and selecting Ryan Mathews, a running back from Fresno State. Mathews will be expected to carry the ball and provide the power running to an offense that has one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.
Defense was the focus for the rest of the draft. Donald Butler and Darrell Stuckey were selected in the second and third rounds. Butler can play inside or outside linebacker. Stuckey gives the Chargers depth in the secondary.
The sleeper pick for the Chargers is Cam Thomas, a nose tackle from North Carolina. The departure of Jamal Williams gives Thomas a chance to start right away at nose tackle. If he can stop up the middle the Chargers defense should be solid again.
Draft Grade: B+
San Diego made a bold move in the 2010 NFL Draft by trading up from #28 to #12 and selecting Ryan Mathews, a running back from Fresno State. Mathews will be expected to carry the ball and provide the power running to an offense that has one of the best passing attacks in the NFL.
Defense was the focus for the rest of the draft. Donald Butler and Darrell Stuckey were selected in the second and third rounds. Butler can play inside or outside linebacker. Stuckey gives the Chargers depth in the secondary.
The sleeper pick for the Chargers is Cam Thomas, a nose tackle from North Carolina. The departure of Jamal Williams gives Thomas a chance to start right away at nose tackle. If he can stop up the middle the Chargers defense should be solid again.
Draft Grade: B+
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