Finishing up the first round, unless there is another block-buster trade in the next two weeks then this is how I see the first round playing out.
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) (8-8): Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
The 49ers need help the most at RT. Conveniently one of the best players on the board is Davis who has had horrible workout and his stock has taken a serious hit. Davis is still the best tackle left and fills a void I cant see the 49ers passing over him.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7): Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
Right guard has to be upgraded if they want to go back to the playoffs. Big Ben gets hit way too much, while some of it because of his style of play the line still doesn't provide enough time sometimes. Iupati is the best guard in the draft, I can't see him going any higher then #17 to the 49ers.
19. Atlanta Falcons (9-7): Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
The Falcons posted the franchises first back to back winning season but they need to make the jump to the playoffs. The Falcons only accounted for 28 sacks last year, meaning drafting a pass-rusher is priority #1. Weatherspoon easily fills the void at weakside linebacker. If Brandon Graham falls then don't be surprised if hes the pick.
20. Houston Texans (9-7): Earl Thomas, S, Texas
The Texans faces Payton Manning twice a year, if they want any chance at winning the division then they need to improve their pass defense. Eugene Wilson always seems injured and a player like that cannot be counted on. This pick is a no brainer.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Hard to believe the best receiver falls to #21 but the only two teams that would take him (Broncos and Dolphins) probably wont take him unless Brandon Marshall is traded and Bill Parcells goes against what he believes. The Bengals won't complain though because Ochocinco is only declining and could use a young talented receiver to develop and what better then Bryant?
22. New England Patriots (10-6): Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Patriots only have the past his prime Alge Crumpler on the roster. Welker might not be ready for the start of the season forcing the Patriots to look for another play maker for Tom Brady.
23. Green Bay Packers (11-5): Charles Brown, OT, USC
Anyone that watched the Packers last year saw Aaron Rodgers play at a pro bowl player while getting hit every other play because for lack of a better description, his line flat out sucked. Clifton cannot be counted on, he is injured every year.
24. Philadelphia (11-5): Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgerts
The Eagles are clearly in a youth movement. They just traded Sheldon Brown to the Browns opening up the possibility to get younger in their secondary by replacing Brown with McCourty. There are numerous options for this pick like Kyle Wilson so dont be surprised if a different CB is taken.
25. Baltimore (9-7): Kyle Wilson, CB, Bosie State
Baltimore had the most defensive pass interference pentalites last year, it also doesnt help their DBs are old. The Ravens could also use help on the defensive line and since they traded for Boldin this pick can go to making their defense younger.
26. Arizona Cardinals (10-6): Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
Arizona needs serious help with their linebacker group. Karlos Dansby is gone leaving a void in the middle and they need to improve their passrushing. They did sign Joey Porter but who knows how that will workout and since there is no ILB worth taking the Cards will look to get the best passrusher available.
27. Dallas Cowboys (11-5): Taylor Mays, S, USC
Cowboys biggest needs are help on the offensive line and their DB group. I don't think there are any linemen that the cowboys would like here so I think they draft the workout warrior, freak of nature athlete, Taylor Mays.
28. San Diego Chargers (13-3): Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
Tomlinson is gone and if you think Sproles can handle all the work load, you're wrong. This pick is looking more and more like a RB, either Best or Ryan Mathews. Who ever they pick it will be making the RB position younger.
29. New York Jets (9-7): Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State
This is probably the best pick that could fall to the Jets. Their defensive line is aging fast and Odrick gives them versatility to play most of the positions on their line. This pick could also be Golden Tate if they want to give Sanchez a weapon to throw to.
30. Minnesota Vikings (12-4): Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Pat and Kevin Williams's are not getting any younger. They have had the best run stopping defense for the past few years for a reason. It is time to look for a replacement; sorry but no his last name is not "Williams."
31. Indianapolis Colts (14-2): Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
Believe it or not the Colts need help on their offensive line, is it as important as other teams? No but still nice to give the best protection for the best QB of the decade. Pouncey has the versatility to play Guard or even eventually replace Saturday as the center in the future.
32. New Orleans Saints (13-3): Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
Kindle would fit their system well, he would have the versatility to play either DE or OLB. Like I said before you can never have enough pass rushers and plus everyone knows that the strong part of the Saints is their offense not defense.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Round One (Version 2)
1. St. Louis Rams (1-15): Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Its official Marc Bulger is gone and Bradford seems the favorite over Clausen. Right now it doesn’t seem like the Rams are going to finish contract negotiations before the draft.
2. Detroit Lions (2-14): Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions had the first overall pick last year and Matthew Stafford. If the Lions want him to reach his true potential then the Lions need to improve their line and improve the protection of their prized QB, especially since he has shown some injury concerns last year.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13): Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Buccaneers fans and front office must be dancing because of this pick. Because of the previous two teams needs arguably the best player in the draft and best defensive lineman in along time falls to the Bucs. This fills a huge hole on the team and should invoke images of the good times when Warren Sapp commanded the interior on their Super Bowl champion team.
4. Washington Redskins (4-12): Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
What one day does to a team’s future. The addition of McNabb makes the Redskins instant playoff contenders and means they will NOT be drafting a QB now. This pick is very difficult for me to decide on, do the Redskins take the best player on the board or an offensive lineman? My money is going on the protection for McNabb. William’s goes here at this pick because he fits their zone-blocking scheme.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12): Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Pioli doesn’t believe in taking Safeties early in the draft. Berry would be the best pick here but the Chiefs do need to improve their protection of Matt Cassel. They certainly have enough invested into him.
6. Seattle Seahawks (5-11): Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
How the draft works out has been very friendly to every team so far. McCoy fills a need for Seattle. He fits the 4-3 defense and will provide pass rush in the middle that their defense desperately needs. McCoy is a top-5 talent and getting him at #6 is a bargain. Funny thing is Eric Berry is still on the board but McCoy fits a bigger need.
7. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Good news for the Browns is that they don’t have to trade up to get a franchise QB. Holmgren has to make this pick Clausen, Delhomme is a gap filler and Wallace isn’t an opening day starter
8. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
I can’t see the Raiders taking Eric Berry even though a top-5 talent has fallen this far to them. Campbell fits a need and fills the role of the workout warrior Al Davis just loves. I am set in stone that if Campbell is there this will be their pick.
9. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
This pick was very difficult for me to make. The Bills need a franchise LT but the top 4 lineman are already and gone and the only two QB’s worth taking are gone, plus on top of that drafting Eric Berry would be stupid because they don’t need help at defensive back at all. This pick will come down to reaching for the next best LT (Anthony Davis), adding a playmaker in Dez Bryant or filling a big need in Dan Williams. The Bills are going to run a 3-4 defense this year and it all starts in the trenches.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9): Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
I can’t believe that Eric Berry can fall this far. But because of the Redskins trade it is now possible. The Jags pass defense cannot defend anyone and that’s a big problem when you play Payton Manning two times a year. Berry is a blue-chip prospect and is believed to be the next in line of Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed and Sean Taylor type players.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (7-9): Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
Right now Brandon Marshall is still with the Broncos, but I would suspect that a draft day deal goes down and he is shipped out of town like Randy Moss a few years ago. The Broncos defense improved a lot under Coordinator Mike Nolan. Inside linebacker is still a weakness on the team so it makes sense for the best ILB in the draft to be picked here. If Dez Bryant is still on the board then I wouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos take him.
12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
The Dolphins miss out on drafting Williams so time to look to improving their pass rushing situation. Joey Porter is gone and Jason Taylor is probably going to retire after this season. Pierre-Paul is a very athletic raw talent, high upside but high chance of being a bust.
13. San Francisco 49ers (8-8): Joe Haden, CB, Florida
At his pro day Haden rebounded with an impressive 40-time. But how the draft plays out it doesn’t matter since he will probably end up falling all the way to the 49ers. Corner is a need for the 49ers, Shawnte Spencer has proven he is a good starter but Nate Clements looks to be on the decline and Terrell Brown is average. Adding Haden give the 49ers a very respectable defense and should help put them in the top-10 defense next year.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) (8-8): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
This pick probably couldn't have worked out any better then the Seahawks. After picking up a top-5 talent, the Seahawks can fill their void at running back and get a true play maker they haven't had since Shaun Alexander's MVP season. They could use some help on the offensive line but this class is fairly deep and can address it later.
15. New York Giants (8-8): Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
The Giants tried to improve their pass defense by overpaying for Antrel Rolle. Now the Giants defense that took down the mighty Patriots 3 Super Bowls ago now need help. Derrick Morgan is probably the safest and best DE in the draft.
16. Tennessee Titans (8-8): Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
The Titans released former Pro Bowler Kyle Vanden Bosh opening a big void on their defense. The Titans have some pieces in their secondary but the result of no pass rush last year exposed the holes in their defense. Pass rushers improve the whole defense.
Its official Marc Bulger is gone and Bradford seems the favorite over Clausen. Right now it doesn’t seem like the Rams are going to finish contract negotiations before the draft.
2. Detroit Lions (2-14): Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions had the first overall pick last year and Matthew Stafford. If the Lions want him to reach his true potential then the Lions need to improve their line and improve the protection of their prized QB, especially since he has shown some injury concerns last year.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13): Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Buccaneers fans and front office must be dancing because of this pick. Because of the previous two teams needs arguably the best player in the draft and best defensive lineman in along time falls to the Bucs. This fills a huge hole on the team and should invoke images of the good times when Warren Sapp commanded the interior on their Super Bowl champion team.
4. Washington Redskins (4-12): Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
What one day does to a team’s future. The addition of McNabb makes the Redskins instant playoff contenders and means they will NOT be drafting a QB now. This pick is very difficult for me to decide on, do the Redskins take the best player on the board or an offensive lineman? My money is going on the protection for McNabb. William’s goes here at this pick because he fits their zone-blocking scheme.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12): Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Pioli doesn’t believe in taking Safeties early in the draft. Berry would be the best pick here but the Chiefs do need to improve their protection of Matt Cassel. They certainly have enough invested into him.
6. Seattle Seahawks (5-11): Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
How the draft works out has been very friendly to every team so far. McCoy fills a need for Seattle. He fits the 4-3 defense and will provide pass rush in the middle that their defense desperately needs. McCoy is a top-5 talent and getting him at #6 is a bargain. Funny thing is Eric Berry is still on the board but McCoy fits a bigger need.
7. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Good news for the Browns is that they don’t have to trade up to get a franchise QB. Holmgren has to make this pick Clausen, Delhomme is a gap filler and Wallace isn’t an opening day starter
8. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
I can’t see the Raiders taking Eric Berry even though a top-5 talent has fallen this far to them. Campbell fits a need and fills the role of the workout warrior Al Davis just loves. I am set in stone that if Campbell is there this will be their pick.
9. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
This pick was very difficult for me to make. The Bills need a franchise LT but the top 4 lineman are already and gone and the only two QB’s worth taking are gone, plus on top of that drafting Eric Berry would be stupid because they don’t need help at defensive back at all. This pick will come down to reaching for the next best LT (Anthony Davis), adding a playmaker in Dez Bryant or filling a big need in Dan Williams. The Bills are going to run a 3-4 defense this year and it all starts in the trenches.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9): Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
I can’t believe that Eric Berry can fall this far. But because of the Redskins trade it is now possible. The Jags pass defense cannot defend anyone and that’s a big problem when you play Payton Manning two times a year. Berry is a blue-chip prospect and is believed to be the next in line of Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed and Sean Taylor type players.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (7-9): Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
Right now Brandon Marshall is still with the Broncos, but I would suspect that a draft day deal goes down and he is shipped out of town like Randy Moss a few years ago. The Broncos defense improved a lot under Coordinator Mike Nolan. Inside linebacker is still a weakness on the team so it makes sense for the best ILB in the draft to be picked here. If Dez Bryant is still on the board then I wouldn’t be surprised if the Broncos take him.
12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
The Dolphins miss out on drafting Williams so time to look to improving their pass rushing situation. Joey Porter is gone and Jason Taylor is probably going to retire after this season. Pierre-Paul is a very athletic raw talent, high upside but high chance of being a bust.
13. San Francisco 49ers (8-8): Joe Haden, CB, Florida
At his pro day Haden rebounded with an impressive 40-time. But how the draft plays out it doesn’t matter since he will probably end up falling all the way to the 49ers. Corner is a need for the 49ers, Shawnte Spencer has proven he is a good starter but Nate Clements looks to be on the decline and Terrell Brown is average. Adding Haden give the 49ers a very respectable defense and should help put them in the top-10 defense next year.
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) (8-8): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
This pick probably couldn't have worked out any better then the Seahawks. After picking up a top-5 talent, the Seahawks can fill their void at running back and get a true play maker they haven't had since Shaun Alexander's MVP season. They could use some help on the offensive line but this class is fairly deep and can address it later.
15. New York Giants (8-8): Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
The Giants tried to improve their pass defense by overpaying for Antrel Rolle. Now the Giants defense that took down the mighty Patriots 3 Super Bowls ago now need help. Derrick Morgan is probably the safest and best DE in the draft.
16. Tennessee Titans (8-8): Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
The Titans released former Pro Bowler Kyle Vanden Bosh opening a big void on their defense. The Titans have some pieces in their secondary but the result of no pass rush last year exposed the holes in their defense. Pass rushers improve the whole defense.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Combine: Winners and Losers
This past week the NFL combine took place. It featured different drills such as the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle; along with interviews one on one with the player so scouts and team officials can see the psychological aspect to their prospects. For more information about each drill you can click the link. I generally do not put a lot of emphasis in combine numbers because I believe that game film is the most important part to scouting a prospect. Still some prospects had some impressive numbers that will force scouts to take note of. All prospects will have a second chance to do the same drills as the combine at their Pro-Day later this month.
Winners:
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn- Tate came into the combine with the reputation as a hard-nose downhill runner. He didn't fail to prove that by tying for first for running backs in the bench press with 26 reps. What was most impressive was that Tate finished 3rd among RB with a 40-time of 4.43 along with impressive numbers. Tate showed that he has strength to backup his known tough running style and his 40-time help show that he can be an complete back that has not only strength but speed.
Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon- Dickson reputation has always been he will be a great receiving TE but doesn't have the size to be dominate in blocking. If he wants to make it in the NFL he needed to show he can be a play maker by catching the ball. From watching him on throwing drills he showed great awareness and effort by adjusting his route according to the ball. His 40-time was a 4.67, which was probably higher then most had him at. I think Dickson proved that he can be a good receiving threat for teams.
Taylor Mays, S, USC- Mays was projected a top-15 draft pick last year but decided to return to USC for his senior year. That choice might just drop him out of the first round of the draft this year. Mays showed he is not a ball-hawking safety, there is no denying he is an athletic freak and has the potential to be great. Mays entered the combine tagged as a fast and powerful guy. His 40-time didn't disappoint as he posted a 4.43, the fastest out of any defensive back. When it comes to his strength he helped show it in the bench press by tying for second doing 24 reps.
Other notable winners: Jacoby Ford ran fastest 40 time of a 4.28. Jahvid Best ran the fastest RB 40 time of 4.35. Elite prospect Eric Berry had 4.47 40 time, third best overall vertical jump and second overall long jump. Golden Tate shut the critics about his speed. Tim Tebow showed his athleticism and maybe that he can play more then QB.
Losers:
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida- The Gator star didn't look impressive during his workouts at all. He was very stiff and had a terrible base while running drills. During the interviewing process he seemed immature. Dunlap had legal trouble during college which already hurts his draft stock. Before the combine I had Dunlap falling out of the first round, now I have no reason to believe he will fall into the second round.
Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke- Oghobasse was known as an athletic DT that had great size. While you can't take away his size, his workouts had people scratching their heads when labeling him as "athletic." He ran a 5.43 40-time which for a DT they run slow 40s but most people would have expected his time to be much faster. Two years ago he looked like a 1st/2nd round prospect, after a disappointing senior season from injuries, decline in production and poor combine he is likely to be lucky to be a third round selection.
Ciron Black, OT, LSU- Black is hailed as a more of a power lineman, good for run blocking. But for the bench press he only did a mediocre 23 reps and even though 40-yard times for offensive lineman should not really be counted a 5.5 leaves many to believe he will struggle against fast DE. His sliding drills further reinforced this fear because he was very unbalanced. Black at one time had early mocks projecting him in the first round, now their is no way he goes that high. Look for teams to draft him in the second and more likely third round.
Other notable losers: Brandon Spikes, former Gator star showed his athleticism which might drop him out of the first and into the second round. Joe Haden another former Gator didn't "wow" people with his performance like we all expected, he is still the best CB but his stock might push him out of top-10. Fellow top CB prospect from Michigan Donovan Warren ran a awful 40-yard time of 4.69. These questions might help fellow CB Kyle Wilson and Patrick Robinson move up in their respected position.
Winners:
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn- Tate came into the combine with the reputation as a hard-nose downhill runner. He didn't fail to prove that by tying for first for running backs in the bench press with 26 reps. What was most impressive was that Tate finished 3rd among RB with a 40-time of 4.43 along with impressive numbers. Tate showed that he has strength to backup his known tough running style and his 40-time help show that he can be an complete back that has not only strength but speed.
Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon- Dickson reputation has always been he will be a great receiving TE but doesn't have the size to be dominate in blocking. If he wants to make it in the NFL he needed to show he can be a play maker by catching the ball. From watching him on throwing drills he showed great awareness and effort by adjusting his route according to the ball. His 40-time was a 4.67, which was probably higher then most had him at. I think Dickson proved that he can be a good receiving threat for teams.
Taylor Mays, S, USC- Mays was projected a top-15 draft pick last year but decided to return to USC for his senior year. That choice might just drop him out of the first round of the draft this year. Mays showed he is not a ball-hawking safety, there is no denying he is an athletic freak and has the potential to be great. Mays entered the combine tagged as a fast and powerful guy. His 40-time didn't disappoint as he posted a 4.43, the fastest out of any defensive back. When it comes to his strength he helped show it in the bench press by tying for second doing 24 reps.
Other notable winners: Jacoby Ford ran fastest 40 time of a 4.28. Jahvid Best ran the fastest RB 40 time of 4.35. Elite prospect Eric Berry had 4.47 40 time, third best overall vertical jump and second overall long jump. Golden Tate shut the critics about his speed. Tim Tebow showed his athleticism and maybe that he can play more then QB.
Losers:
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida- The Gator star didn't look impressive during his workouts at all. He was very stiff and had a terrible base while running drills. During the interviewing process he seemed immature. Dunlap had legal trouble during college which already hurts his draft stock. Before the combine I had Dunlap falling out of the first round, now I have no reason to believe he will fall into the second round.
Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke- Oghobasse was known as an athletic DT that had great size. While you can't take away his size, his workouts had people scratching their heads when labeling him as "athletic." He ran a 5.43 40-time which for a DT they run slow 40s but most people would have expected his time to be much faster. Two years ago he looked like a 1st/2nd round prospect, after a disappointing senior season from injuries, decline in production and poor combine he is likely to be lucky to be a third round selection.
Ciron Black, OT, LSU- Black is hailed as a more of a power lineman, good for run blocking. But for the bench press he only did a mediocre 23 reps and even though 40-yard times for offensive lineman should not really be counted a 5.5 leaves many to believe he will struggle against fast DE. His sliding drills further reinforced this fear because he was very unbalanced. Black at one time had early mocks projecting him in the first round, now their is no way he goes that high. Look for teams to draft him in the second and more likely third round.
Other notable losers: Brandon Spikes, former Gator star showed his athleticism which might drop him out of the first and into the second round. Joe Haden another former Gator didn't "wow" people with his performance like we all expected, he is still the best CB but his stock might push him out of top-10. Fellow top CB prospect from Michigan Donovan Warren ran a awful 40-yard time of 4.69. These questions might help fellow CB Kyle Wilson and Patrick Robinson move up in their respected position.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Top-5 Most Interesting Prospects (Pre-combine)
I am going to take some time off of my mock draft and discuss other topics; listed are my top-5 most interesting prospects of this draft.
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
There aren't many players that are as dynamic as this man. He is fast runners, who when in the open field you just aren’t going to catch him; think a Chris Johnson like runner. His hands are on the level of a runner like Marshal Faulk, I honestly believe if he was a main back he could have a 1000 yard rushing and 1000 yard receiving season. Go watch Clemson highlights from the past season and ever couple games a C.J. Spiller kick/punt return would be one of them. The man is one of the best returners in the draft. It will be interesting to see what team picks him; it’s hard to see him falling out of the top-15 because teams will fall in love with how many things he can do to improve their offense and special teams.
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
This is the man that will be most talked about during draft day. Who will take him and where? Both are huge questions that will have us wondering till April. There is no denying he was just amazing in college and will go down as one of the best players ever. But looking at his professional future I don't think he can play QB, at lest not right away. His throwing motion is very ugly and trying to teach a QB to throw a ball differently takes time. If you want to run a gimmick offense like the Wild Cat then he is perfect, he might be even better option then Michael Vick or Pat White. Another positive is he is a good man who won't get in trouble, loves the game and has outstanding leadership. But when everything is said and done Tebow is a project, he needs to be selected by a half-way decent team where he can ride the bench and learn. Maybe it would be a good idea using him as a hybrid player or decoy by using him as a fullback or tight end on some plays. I don't see how Tebow falls past third round based on his upside.
Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
Williams is a head-scratching prospect, there is no denying his talent seeing as it is good enough to warrant consideration to be drafted in the first-round; but also you can't ignore his off-field issues. In 2008 he was suspended the whole year because of allegations of cheating and in 2009 he played in seven games until he quit the team in anticipation for yet another suspension for an accident with a tractor trailer. As a prospect his size (6-feet-2 and 210 pounds) and speed (estimated 4.4 40-yard dash) has scouts drooling. When he wore the Syracuse Orange there was no denying he was the best player on their team, in 07 he tied the team record in receptions, had 20 straight games with a reception and 9 straight games with a touchdown catch and Syracuse has had its share of good receivers in the past. All of Williams’s production came on an offense that was laughable on offense. Still with all that talent in the back of your head as a scout you have to be scared that Williams will turnout like TO or Brandon Marshall and be a loud mouth where if one thing doesn't go his way then he wants out. Because of the off-field concerns and questions in his dedication to football and his team Williams will fall anywhere to the second to fourth round. The farther he drops the bigger of a steal he will be; he is the definition of high risk-high reward player.
Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
Rolle missed a whole year of playing football after graduating from FSU in 2.5 years with a GPA of 3.75 and accepted the Rhodes Scholar which let him study at Oxford University in England for a year. He was an Second and Third Team All-American that was a great in run-support with his great tackling and has shown he can play great coverage whether man-to-man or in the zone. One knock against him is he never showed he has a knack for creating turnovers or making plays on the ball, evidence in his 1 career interception. Rolle is one the smartest people around there is no denying that fact, he has made it clear after his NFL career he would love to go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon. GM's and Scouts won't have to worry about off field issues or him trying to learn concepts or the playbook but they will worry that Rolle, up until the Senior Bowl, he didn't play football for a year and some might even question his dedication to football. Many people will wait to see what Rolle runs in his 40 yard dash because one of his knocks is he doesn't have great speed. Rolle's college resume, impressive performance at the senior bowl, fact that he has stayed in top athletic condition and possess undeniable intelligence and work ethic might just push him into the second to third round.
Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
Lee follows in line of Penn States great tradition of excellent linebackers. He is one of the most talented players around but his major concern is his inability to stay healthy the past few seasons. As a sophomore he surprised many by winning the outside linebacker job and having a great season finishing with 89 tackles. His junior year was even more impressive by increasing his tackles, tackles for loss, forced fumbles and deflected passes. But going into his final year he suffered an ACL tear, forcing him to redshirt. This year he came back from the injury but switched to inside linebacker posting a solid campaign, but another concern: he missed three games due to a sprained knee. Lee is a special athlete because of his natural talent and his ability to play all the different linebacker positions in the 4-3, which is a huge upside for teams to consider. His speed does not seem to suffer greatly from his injuries because he is able to cover sideline to sideline. The injuries will be a major turnoff but if he can stay healthy he could be a steal for any team and a solid playmaker for years to come. His stock is mostly projected in the third round but he could sneak into the second round if doctors have good things to say and he impresses people at combine.
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
There aren't many players that are as dynamic as this man. He is fast runners, who when in the open field you just aren’t going to catch him; think a Chris Johnson like runner. His hands are on the level of a runner like Marshal Faulk, I honestly believe if he was a main back he could have a 1000 yard rushing and 1000 yard receiving season. Go watch Clemson highlights from the past season and ever couple games a C.J. Spiller kick/punt return would be one of them. The man is one of the best returners in the draft. It will be interesting to see what team picks him; it’s hard to see him falling out of the top-15 because teams will fall in love with how many things he can do to improve their offense and special teams.
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
This is the man that will be most talked about during draft day. Who will take him and where? Both are huge questions that will have us wondering till April. There is no denying he was just amazing in college and will go down as one of the best players ever. But looking at his professional future I don't think he can play QB, at lest not right away. His throwing motion is very ugly and trying to teach a QB to throw a ball differently takes time. If you want to run a gimmick offense like the Wild Cat then he is perfect, he might be even better option then Michael Vick or Pat White. Another positive is he is a good man who won't get in trouble, loves the game and has outstanding leadership. But when everything is said and done Tebow is a project, he needs to be selected by a half-way decent team where he can ride the bench and learn. Maybe it would be a good idea using him as a hybrid player or decoy by using him as a fullback or tight end on some plays. I don't see how Tebow falls past third round based on his upside.
Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
Williams is a head-scratching prospect, there is no denying his talent seeing as it is good enough to warrant consideration to be drafted in the first-round; but also you can't ignore his off-field issues. In 2008 he was suspended the whole year because of allegations of cheating and in 2009 he played in seven games until he quit the team in anticipation for yet another suspension for an accident with a tractor trailer. As a prospect his size (6-feet-2 and 210 pounds) and speed (estimated 4.4 40-yard dash) has scouts drooling. When he wore the Syracuse Orange there was no denying he was the best player on their team, in 07 he tied the team record in receptions, had 20 straight games with a reception and 9 straight games with a touchdown catch and Syracuse has had its share of good receivers in the past. All of Williams’s production came on an offense that was laughable on offense. Still with all that talent in the back of your head as a scout you have to be scared that Williams will turnout like TO or Brandon Marshall and be a loud mouth where if one thing doesn't go his way then he wants out. Because of the off-field concerns and questions in his dedication to football and his team Williams will fall anywhere to the second to fourth round. The farther he drops the bigger of a steal he will be; he is the definition of high risk-high reward player.
Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
Rolle missed a whole year of playing football after graduating from FSU in 2.5 years with a GPA of 3.75 and accepted the Rhodes Scholar which let him study at Oxford University in England for a year. He was an Second and Third Team All-American that was a great in run-support with his great tackling and has shown he can play great coverage whether man-to-man or in the zone. One knock against him is he never showed he has a knack for creating turnovers or making plays on the ball, evidence in his 1 career interception. Rolle is one the smartest people around there is no denying that fact, he has made it clear after his NFL career he would love to go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon. GM's and Scouts won't have to worry about off field issues or him trying to learn concepts or the playbook but they will worry that Rolle, up until the Senior Bowl, he didn't play football for a year and some might even question his dedication to football. Many people will wait to see what Rolle runs in his 40 yard dash because one of his knocks is he doesn't have great speed. Rolle's college resume, impressive performance at the senior bowl, fact that he has stayed in top athletic condition and possess undeniable intelligence and work ethic might just push him into the second to third round.
Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
Lee follows in line of Penn States great tradition of excellent linebackers. He is one of the most talented players around but his major concern is his inability to stay healthy the past few seasons. As a sophomore he surprised many by winning the outside linebacker job and having a great season finishing with 89 tackles. His junior year was even more impressive by increasing his tackles, tackles for loss, forced fumbles and deflected passes. But going into his final year he suffered an ACL tear, forcing him to redshirt. This year he came back from the injury but switched to inside linebacker posting a solid campaign, but another concern: he missed three games due to a sprained knee. Lee is a special athlete because of his natural talent and his ability to play all the different linebacker positions in the 4-3, which is a huge upside for teams to consider. His speed does not seem to suffer greatly from his injuries because he is able to cover sideline to sideline. The injuries will be a major turnoff but if he can stay healthy he could be a steal for any team and a solid playmaker for years to come. His stock is mostly projected in the third round but he could sneak into the second round if doctors have good things to say and he impresses people at combine.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Second Round Part 2
49. San Francisco 49ers: Chad Jones, S, LSU
The 49ers need some major help at Safety. Young emerging starter Dashon Goldson looks promising, but the other side has its question marks since Mark Roman is one of the worst safeties in the league and starter Michael Lewis is turning 30 in two months and has come off a season where he suffered two concussions.
50. Kansas City Chiefs (From Atlanta): Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina
Ron Edwards is a bottom of the league starting caliber NT, if the Chiefs really hope to improve their defense then it starts in the trenches.
51. Houston Texans: Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
The Texans are finally a winning franchise but if they want to make the jump to the playoffs it will need some help beating its divisional opponents. In a division with the smartest QB in the league, Payton Manning, the Texans could use as much help in the secondary as they can get.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa
The offensive line has been a problem for the past few years, Big Ben was sacked a career high 50 times this year. If the Steelers hope to make it back to the playoffs they need to protect their franchise QB.
53. New England Patriots: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
It looks like Welker will miss the beginning of the 2010 season, having Sam Aiken starting next to Randy Moss is not a good idea. LaFell falling this far is to good to pass up and should be a great #2 target for Tom Brady.
54. Cincinnati Bengals: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
When Chad Ochocinco has to try and recruit TO to come and play with him then you know the Bengals really need help. Benn is a younger version of TO with his numerous drops and poor effort, he has the talent to be a first round draft pick but his attitude will drop him out of the first easily.
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Morgan Burnett, FS, Georgia Tech
The Eagles were used to a big play Safety in their backfield for almost a decade until last year. It was obvious the Eagles defense needs another dynamic player to fill that role.
56. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
The Packers arguably have the pieces for a championship level defense, but their elite CB, Al Harris, missed most of last season and is 35 years old and Charles Woodson is in his 30s as well. If the Packers want to see their pass defense stay on top then it is time for the youth movement.
57. Baltimore Ravens: Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, California
He is an undersized corner but he has a knack for the ball with great experience being a four year starter and backed up his performance in the Senior Bowl by impressing many.
58. Arizona Cardinals: Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Watching Kurt Warner get destroyed by the Saints defense shows why the Cardinals need to draft another Tackle. Especially since Matt Lenard is starting now he could use all the time he can get to find his duo of Pro Bowl WR.
59. Dallas Cowboys: Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts
Flozell Adams is getting old and just had a bad year overall. Like him or not, Tony Romo is a Pro Bowl caliber QB who finally won his signature playoff game. If this team is gonna make a deep run it needs to block Romo and stop committing so many stupid penalties.
60. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Tomlinson days as a charger are done, at lest in his words. I am going to assume its true and try and find a QB that can help replicate the master of the one-yard touchdown. Dwyer has a great frame and size plus combine that with his strength, combining him with Sproles could be a great duo to watch.
61. New York Jets: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Revis is considered the best CB is the league but after that it gets murky. Lito Sheppard didn't look like a Pro Bowl defensive back last year and Lowery can be a liability. Give the Jets a better #2 Corner and we could be looking at a 2000 Ravens level defense.
62. Minnesota Vikings: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
The Vikings have a top notch defensive team and one of the best pass rushes around with Jared Allen. The Vikings will love Kindles versatility to play either DE or OLB and adds yet another great piece for their team to stay dominate.
63. Indianapolis Colts: Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois
The Colts were just horrible running the ball last year, they could really use a big guy that will open up running lanes.
64. New Orleans Saints: Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
A very underrated prospect who was looking like a first-rounder till suffered a knee injury. If you watched the Super Bowl then you saw the Colts running all over the Saints defense, yes the Colts rushing game that ranked last in the league. Help stopping the run in the middle is a big need here.
The 49ers need some major help at Safety. Young emerging starter Dashon Goldson looks promising, but the other side has its question marks since Mark Roman is one of the worst safeties in the league and starter Michael Lewis is turning 30 in two months and has come off a season where he suffered two concussions.
50. Kansas City Chiefs (From Atlanta): Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina
Ron Edwards is a bottom of the league starting caliber NT, if the Chiefs really hope to improve their defense then it starts in the trenches.
51. Houston Texans: Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
The Texans are finally a winning franchise but if they want to make the jump to the playoffs it will need some help beating its divisional opponents. In a division with the smartest QB in the league, Payton Manning, the Texans could use as much help in the secondary as they can get.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa
The offensive line has been a problem for the past few years, Big Ben was sacked a career high 50 times this year. If the Steelers hope to make it back to the playoffs they need to protect their franchise QB.
53. New England Patriots: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
It looks like Welker will miss the beginning of the 2010 season, having Sam Aiken starting next to Randy Moss is not a good idea. LaFell falling this far is to good to pass up and should be a great #2 target for Tom Brady.
54. Cincinnati Bengals: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
When Chad Ochocinco has to try and recruit TO to come and play with him then you know the Bengals really need help. Benn is a younger version of TO with his numerous drops and poor effort, he has the talent to be a first round draft pick but his attitude will drop him out of the first easily.
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Morgan Burnett, FS, Georgia Tech
The Eagles were used to a big play Safety in their backfield for almost a decade until last year. It was obvious the Eagles defense needs another dynamic player to fill that role.
56. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
The Packers arguably have the pieces for a championship level defense, but their elite CB, Al Harris, missed most of last season and is 35 years old and Charles Woodson is in his 30s as well. If the Packers want to see their pass defense stay on top then it is time for the youth movement.
57. Baltimore Ravens: Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, California
He is an undersized corner but he has a knack for the ball with great experience being a four year starter and backed up his performance in the Senior Bowl by impressing many.
58. Arizona Cardinals: Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Watching Kurt Warner get destroyed by the Saints defense shows why the Cardinals need to draft another Tackle. Especially since Matt Lenard is starting now he could use all the time he can get to find his duo of Pro Bowl WR.
59. Dallas Cowboys: Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts
Flozell Adams is getting old and just had a bad year overall. Like him or not, Tony Romo is a Pro Bowl caliber QB who finally won his signature playoff game. If this team is gonna make a deep run it needs to block Romo and stop committing so many stupid penalties.
60. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Tomlinson days as a charger are done, at lest in his words. I am going to assume its true and try and find a QB that can help replicate the master of the one-yard touchdown. Dwyer has a great frame and size plus combine that with his strength, combining him with Sproles could be a great duo to watch.
61. New York Jets: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Revis is considered the best CB is the league but after that it gets murky. Lito Sheppard didn't look like a Pro Bowl defensive back last year and Lowery can be a liability. Give the Jets a better #2 Corner and we could be looking at a 2000 Ravens level defense.
62. Minnesota Vikings: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
The Vikings have a top notch defensive team and one of the best pass rushes around with Jared Allen. The Vikings will love Kindles versatility to play either DE or OLB and adds yet another great piece for their team to stay dominate.
63. Indianapolis Colts: Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois
The Colts were just horrible running the ball last year, they could really use a big guy that will open up running lanes.
64. New Orleans Saints: Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
A very underrated prospect who was looking like a first-rounder till suffered a knee injury. If you watched the Super Bowl then you saw the Colts running all over the Saints defense, yes the Colts rushing game that ranked last in the league. Help stopping the run in the middle is a big need here.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Second Round Part 1
33. St. Louis Rams: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
The Rams have drafted their supposed Quarterback of the future, next they will need to look to improve their sad defense. Dunlap is a first round talent that I have falling to the second only because of his DUI and suspension. This shouldn't be a problem for a team that had Leonard Little who was charged for DUI twice and killed someone the first time, not to mention Little is 35 years old about time to find a replacement.
34. Detroit Lions: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
No surprise that the teams picking first had some of the worst defenses this past season. The Lions would love to go back to having a secondary like the days they had Dre Bly; after a great Senior Bowl Wilson has become in my mind the third best CB and gives Lions another solid defensive player.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
Buccaneers passed on drafting a stud DT to pick a stud safety. This time they will address the much needed position with a prospect that quietly had a monster year at Texas and is worthy of the second round label.
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
Chiefs got their franchise LT but still are not complete in improving their line. Pouncey, the best center in the draft fills another need and will help protect their prized Quarterback.
37. Washington Redskins: Jason Fox, OT, Miami
This is a somewhat risky pick because the Skins are reaching for a player coming off of surgery but I think Fox is the best tackle prospect on the board and the Skins will realize that. Fox has the size, experience and potential that they cannot pass up to have blocking their QB of the future.
38. Cleveland Browns: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
Both of the Browns ends are in their 30s, time to continue the youth movement on the defensive side of the ball. His versatility of being capable to play DE or DT based on the 3-4 or 4-3 scheme will make him an attractive player.
39. Oakland Raiders: Mike Johnson, G, Alabama
First Team All-American, Mike Johnson, helps to fix an offensive line that guards are in their 30's and one was even cut by the Bills. His outstanding run blocking would help a team loaded with running backs and he has the versatility to play either guard position and right tackle if need be.
40. Seattle Seahawks: Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
Julius Jones is a pathetic excuse for a starting running-back, earning a lowly 3.7 yards per carry last year and if you know who Justin Forsett is congratulations you know the most mediocre RB group in the league. Best is a brilliant athletic prospect with his quick feet and elusiveness but he isn't a great blocker and isn't powerful at all combine that with backs are a dime a dozen now he drops to the second round.
41. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
Senior Bowl MVP helped his draft stock with a strong performance constantly penetrating into the backfield. But don't be surprised if he sneaks into the first round, but here he fits perfectly with the Bills who just hired a defensive coordinator that will transition their defense to the 3-4, which he would play OLB in that scheme and is his best fit.
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago): Damian Williams, WR, USC
Possibly the best route-runner in the draft, Williams could be a reciever that comes in and immediately contributes to a team that needs help at the position. Antonio Bryant could replicate his phenominal 2008 season and Michael Clayton hasn't done anything significant in five years, it is about time to give Josh Freeman some help.
43. Miami Dolphins: Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
After hopefully solving their receiver problem the Dolphins address their LB situation by planning for the future. Long time league starter, Akin Ayodele, isn't getting any younger and Channing Crowder is coming off an injury.
44. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville): Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State
Off field issues will hurt his draft stock, but falling to the patriots will only be beneficial seeing how Belichick can make almost any player look great (see Tully Banta-Cain). Great news is this pick fits one of the Patriots biggest needs.
45. Denver Broncos: Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane
After passing on Bryant the Broncos will need to address their receiving core by giving Royal an additional teammate besides Brandon Stokley. After dealing with prima-dona, last name Marshall, there is no way they pick Arrelious Benn. LaFell is another option but Williams offers more to the table with his multidimensional play, something McDaniels may love.
46. New York Giants: Nate Allen, S, South Florida
Watching the Giants defensive backs try to cover wide-receivers made me sick to my stomach. Allen has good size and a knack for making interceptions, anything right now would be an upgrade over what the Giants made us suffer through last year.
47. New England Patriots: Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
Another need for the patriots solved? Check. The Patriots defense has clearly dropped off from being Super Bowl caliber but with addition of Bowman and Ghee the future could be bright. Ghee is a good corner who could probably come in and automatic become their nickle corner if not starter.
48. Carolina Panthers: Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson
Julius Peppers seems destined to leave, after trading to draft Everett Brown they will look to fill the void on the other side of the line. Sapp might be a little undersized to play DE but he is a great pass-rushing specialist which would help after losing their best pass-rusher and has the versatility to adjust to a 3-4 defense and play OLB.
The Rams have drafted their supposed Quarterback of the future, next they will need to look to improve their sad defense. Dunlap is a first round talent that I have falling to the second only because of his DUI and suspension. This shouldn't be a problem for a team that had Leonard Little who was charged for DUI twice and killed someone the first time, not to mention Little is 35 years old about time to find a replacement.
34. Detroit Lions: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
No surprise that the teams picking first had some of the worst defenses this past season. The Lions would love to go back to having a secondary like the days they had Dre Bly; after a great Senior Bowl Wilson has become in my mind the third best CB and gives Lions another solid defensive player.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
Buccaneers passed on drafting a stud DT to pick a stud safety. This time they will address the much needed position with a prospect that quietly had a monster year at Texas and is worthy of the second round label.
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
Chiefs got their franchise LT but still are not complete in improving their line. Pouncey, the best center in the draft fills another need and will help protect their prized Quarterback.
37. Washington Redskins: Jason Fox, OT, Miami
This is a somewhat risky pick because the Skins are reaching for a player coming off of surgery but I think Fox is the best tackle prospect on the board and the Skins will realize that. Fox has the size, experience and potential that they cannot pass up to have blocking their QB of the future.
38. Cleveland Browns: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
Both of the Browns ends are in their 30s, time to continue the youth movement on the defensive side of the ball. His versatility of being capable to play DE or DT based on the 3-4 or 4-3 scheme will make him an attractive player.
39. Oakland Raiders: Mike Johnson, G, Alabama
First Team All-American, Mike Johnson, helps to fix an offensive line that guards are in their 30's and one was even cut by the Bills. His outstanding run blocking would help a team loaded with running backs and he has the versatility to play either guard position and right tackle if need be.
40. Seattle Seahawks: Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
Julius Jones is a pathetic excuse for a starting running-back, earning a lowly 3.7 yards per carry last year and if you know who Justin Forsett is congratulations you know the most mediocre RB group in the league. Best is a brilliant athletic prospect with his quick feet and elusiveness but he isn't a great blocker and isn't powerful at all combine that with backs are a dime a dozen now he drops to the second round.
41. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
Senior Bowl MVP helped his draft stock with a strong performance constantly penetrating into the backfield. But don't be surprised if he sneaks into the first round, but here he fits perfectly with the Bills who just hired a defensive coordinator that will transition their defense to the 3-4, which he would play OLB in that scheme and is his best fit.
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago): Damian Williams, WR, USC
Possibly the best route-runner in the draft, Williams could be a reciever that comes in and immediately contributes to a team that needs help at the position. Antonio Bryant could replicate his phenominal 2008 season and Michael Clayton hasn't done anything significant in five years, it is about time to give Josh Freeman some help.
43. Miami Dolphins: Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
After hopefully solving their receiver problem the Dolphins address their LB situation by planning for the future. Long time league starter, Akin Ayodele, isn't getting any younger and Channing Crowder is coming off an injury.
44. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville): Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State
Off field issues will hurt his draft stock, but falling to the patriots will only be beneficial seeing how Belichick can make almost any player look great (see Tully Banta-Cain). Great news is this pick fits one of the Patriots biggest needs.
45. Denver Broncos: Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane
After passing on Bryant the Broncos will need to address their receiving core by giving Royal an additional teammate besides Brandon Stokley. After dealing with prima-dona, last name Marshall, there is no way they pick Arrelious Benn. LaFell is another option but Williams offers more to the table with his multidimensional play, something McDaniels may love.
46. New York Giants: Nate Allen, S, South Florida
Watching the Giants defensive backs try to cover wide-receivers made me sick to my stomach. Allen has good size and a knack for making interceptions, anything right now would be an upgrade over what the Giants made us suffer through last year.
47. New England Patriots: Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
Another need for the patriots solved? Check. The Patriots defense has clearly dropped off from being Super Bowl caliber but with addition of Bowman and Ghee the future could be bright. Ghee is a good corner who could probably come in and automatic become their nickle corner if not starter.
48. Carolina Panthers: Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson
Julius Peppers seems destined to leave, after trading to draft Everett Brown they will look to fill the void on the other side of the line. Sapp might be a little undersized to play DE but he is a great pass-rushing specialist which would help after losing their best pass-rusher and has the versatility to adjust to a 3-4 defense and play OLB.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
First Round Part 2
14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) (8-8): Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
After taking one of the top defensive prospects the Seahawks will go back to looking to improve their offense. Like I mentioned earlier their OL has been decimated by injury the past few years. Future Hall of Famer, Walter Jones, just turned 36 only a few days ago, with his career clearly on the downslide the Seahawks could use a future replacement badly. He is a big guy with long arms that can neutralize the pass-rush. Seahawks just signed new offensive line coach Alex Gibbs is a zone-blocking expert, this is a perfect fit for Bulaga who used the zone blocking system in Iowa.
15. New York Giants (8-8): Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Hard to believe after winning their last Super Bowl, two years later, we would be saying the Giants need a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball. A good place to start would be their linebacker group; Antonio Pierce was out for most of the season exposing their lack of depth in their linebackers. He is 31 years old and doesn’t appear as dominate as he once was. Spikes, with his dominate size, is a hard-hitting linebacker that lives off of his toughness and instincts.
16. Tennessee Titans (8-8): Brian Price, DT, UCLA
The Titans lost Albert Haynesworth in the off-season and their defense wasn't the same ever since. Last year their defense ranked 7th in yards allowed per-game, this year their defense this year fell to a pitiful 28th in the league, a lot of this resulted because of failure to pressure up the middle and get into the Quarterbacks face. Price fits perfectly into the Titans 4-3 defense and has one of the best first-steps for any defensive tackle. But if the Titans ever think of switching to the 3-4 then he might be looking for a new job.
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) (8-8): Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
All of the top offensive line prospects are gone but there are still some solid guys left, the 49ers need a RT to complement their franchise LT Joe Staley badly (their current RT allowed 9.5 sacks). Trent Williams fits perfectly here because he will be playing RT which is the side he should be playing in the NFL because he is not consistent enough to cover the blind side.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7): Earl Thomas, FS, Texas
Both of the Steelers free safeties are in their 30's and will be free agents. When Polamalu comes back from injury the Steelers will look to regain their Super Bowl caliber defense by putting the second best safety prospect next to a possible future hall of fame strong safety.
19. Atlanta Falcons (9-7): Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
If only the Falcons had actual defensive backs they might have made the playoffs, when you allow 241.9 yards per-game just in the air alone, quarter backs like Manning, Brees or Brady will destroy you especially in the playoffs. This is a good team that after Brian Williams was placed on IR showed they need a true #1 CB for their future.
20. Houston Texans (9-7): Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Can fit either a 4-3 or 3-4 but I think he fits better in the 4-3, which the Texans run. The Texans need some help in the middle next to their former first round DT Okoye, their other DT played for the Lions the previous year when they were 0-16, yeah hes that bad. If Williams turns out to only be a solid player that would be worth it for a defense that already has Mario Williams, Brian Crushing and DeMarco Ryans. Just thinking about how good this defense could be with Williams is scary.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
The Bengals could use a WR here with “Hous-your-mama” gone, Chris Henry's death and Chad Johnson not getting any younger. After those three names I bet no one could name one of their receivers besides Laveranues Coles, I know I honestly couldn't. But the game starts in the trenches and their current Guards are either getting old or are average/injury prone players. Iupati is the unanimous best Guard prospect, Guards are not common “sexy picks” but the Bengals are looking for a safe pick for the future.
22. New England Patriots (10-6): Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Knowing Belicheck he will probably trade back and draft two future hall of famers instead of one. All jokes aside, the Pats starting TE Benjamin Watson might not be returning next year. This would allow the Patriots to draft the best TE prospect in the draft, and he even miss almost the whole season with an injury. With Welker likely out for start of next season Brady needs another target to throw to and why not the 6-6 wide reviver that is in a TE body.
23. Green Bay Packers (11-5): Charles Brown, OT, USC
Brown might not be a first round talent but anyone that knew anything about the Packers knew that they let their Pro Bowl Quarterback be sacked 51 times in one year. If Rodgers was put behind a line that allowed half as many sacks then he might be putting up record stats. The best start with helping to improve their line is adding another OT because Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher miss a game every other week.
24. Philadelphia (11-5): Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
There is no first round offensive pick that can help them so the team will look to improve the defense. They could really use an improvement at LB but I think they select the best defensive player available that can help them and it would be the 4-3 DE Paul. Juqua Parker is in his 30's and who knows how much longer he can make plays, and with having a Pro Bowl player on the other side in Trent Cole Pierre-Paul will fit in nicely.
25. Baltimore (9-7): Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
I am going on a limb and saying Tate rises up the draft boards after the combine and passes USC's Damian Williams. He is a fast receiver that will make catches you only see on sports center. But he is a small receiver (only going to measure about 5-11) that needs to work on route running. If Derrick Mason retire Joe Flacco will have almost no one to throw to, like the Dolphins and Bengals they don't have great depth at the receiving position.
26. Arizona Cardinals (10-6): Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
In the Cardinals defense Hughes will probably line up as a 3-4 OLB, the Cardinals defense has been notorious as the weak-spot on a team that was Super Bowl bound last year. Teams can never have to many pass rushers, especially on a defense that could use some help in that field. If Kurt Warner retires then their offense might go back to laughable but there is no Quarterback worthy of taking that will be any better then Leinart.
27. Dallas Cowboys (11-5): Taylor Mays, S, USC
Mays was projected top-10 prospect last year but he had a very average season this year and his draft stock will suffer because of it. He is a athletic freak and a very hard-hitting safety that will have great mensurable. Only problem is he has horrible football instincts and has Roy Williams 2.0 written all over him. Should they draft him? Probably not but I think they will anyways.
28. San Diego Chargers (13-3): Terrance Cody, NT, Alabama
Chargers only ranked 20th in rushing yards allowed per game, Terrance Cody would be an instant improvement to their line. He is just a massive human being that can command double teams and is the definition of a player with power. He might not be a three-down lineman because of his endurance and stamina being an issue. But Ian Scott doesn't intimidate me, but someone like Cody would.
29. New York Jets (9-7): Everson Griffen, DE/OLB, USC
Griffen might end up playing OLB for the jets since they run a 3-4 defense. Which would be a good thing for the Jets because Vernon Gholston looks like an complete bust. The Jets defense is already the best one in the league but replacing Gholston and adding young depth to a LB group that average starting age is about 29 years old with Griffen would make their defense only better. I am starting to get flash backs of the 2000 Ravens.
30. Minnesota Vikings (12-4): Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
The vikings have been the best run stopping defense the past few years and it all starts with Pat and Kevin Williams the Pro Bowl duo. Pat Williams is 37 years old, he has played well despite his old age but his level of production is about to drop-off. It would be wise to find a young replacement now and why not get a guy that fits the Vikings 4-3 defense well.
31. New Orleans Saints (13-3): Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
He is a great 3-4 OLB and since this draft doesn't have many of them the Saints will take Weatherspoon when they have the chance. The Saints new and improved defense looks great but they could use an improvement at LB since both of their outside starters are easily in their 30's. Why not keep adding to this Super Bowl dynasty with a needed asset.
32. Indianapolis Colts (14-2): Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
All of the first round caliber OL and DT men are off the board at this point. There is no use in the colts reaching for a player. This is a great chance to add depth to the DE position that consist of two Pro Bowlers in Mathis and Freeny. After next season Mathis will be a free-agent and just in-case of injury the Colts will not have to worry about this position for a very long time.
After taking one of the top defensive prospects the Seahawks will go back to looking to improve their offense. Like I mentioned earlier their OL has been decimated by injury the past few years. Future Hall of Famer, Walter Jones, just turned 36 only a few days ago, with his career clearly on the downslide the Seahawks could use a future replacement badly. He is a big guy with long arms that can neutralize the pass-rush. Seahawks just signed new offensive line coach Alex Gibbs is a zone-blocking expert, this is a perfect fit for Bulaga who used the zone blocking system in Iowa.
15. New York Giants (8-8): Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Hard to believe after winning their last Super Bowl, two years later, we would be saying the Giants need a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball. A good place to start would be their linebacker group; Antonio Pierce was out for most of the season exposing their lack of depth in their linebackers. He is 31 years old and doesn’t appear as dominate as he once was. Spikes, with his dominate size, is a hard-hitting linebacker that lives off of his toughness and instincts.
16. Tennessee Titans (8-8): Brian Price, DT, UCLA
The Titans lost Albert Haynesworth in the off-season and their defense wasn't the same ever since. Last year their defense ranked 7th in yards allowed per-game, this year their defense this year fell to a pitiful 28th in the league, a lot of this resulted because of failure to pressure up the middle and get into the Quarterbacks face. Price fits perfectly into the Titans 4-3 defense and has one of the best first-steps for any defensive tackle. But if the Titans ever think of switching to the 3-4 then he might be looking for a new job.
17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) (8-8): Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
All of the top offensive line prospects are gone but there are still some solid guys left, the 49ers need a RT to complement their franchise LT Joe Staley badly (their current RT allowed 9.5 sacks). Trent Williams fits perfectly here because he will be playing RT which is the side he should be playing in the NFL because he is not consistent enough to cover the blind side.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7): Earl Thomas, FS, Texas
Both of the Steelers free safeties are in their 30's and will be free agents. When Polamalu comes back from injury the Steelers will look to regain their Super Bowl caliber defense by putting the second best safety prospect next to a possible future hall of fame strong safety.
19. Atlanta Falcons (9-7): Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan
If only the Falcons had actual defensive backs they might have made the playoffs, when you allow 241.9 yards per-game just in the air alone, quarter backs like Manning, Brees or Brady will destroy you especially in the playoffs. This is a good team that after Brian Williams was placed on IR showed they need a true #1 CB for their future.
20. Houston Texans (9-7): Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Can fit either a 4-3 or 3-4 but I think he fits better in the 4-3, which the Texans run. The Texans need some help in the middle next to their former first round DT Okoye, their other DT played for the Lions the previous year when they were 0-16, yeah hes that bad. If Williams turns out to only be a solid player that would be worth it for a defense that already has Mario Williams, Brian Crushing and DeMarco Ryans. Just thinking about how good this defense could be with Williams is scary.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
The Bengals could use a WR here with “Hous-your-mama” gone, Chris Henry's death and Chad Johnson not getting any younger. After those three names I bet no one could name one of their receivers besides Laveranues Coles, I know I honestly couldn't. But the game starts in the trenches and their current Guards are either getting old or are average/injury prone players. Iupati is the unanimous best Guard prospect, Guards are not common “sexy picks” but the Bengals are looking for a safe pick for the future.
22. New England Patriots (10-6): Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Knowing Belicheck he will probably trade back and draft two future hall of famers instead of one. All jokes aside, the Pats starting TE Benjamin Watson might not be returning next year. This would allow the Patriots to draft the best TE prospect in the draft, and he even miss almost the whole season with an injury. With Welker likely out for start of next season Brady needs another target to throw to and why not the 6-6 wide reviver that is in a TE body.
23. Green Bay Packers (11-5): Charles Brown, OT, USC
Brown might not be a first round talent but anyone that knew anything about the Packers knew that they let their Pro Bowl Quarterback be sacked 51 times in one year. If Rodgers was put behind a line that allowed half as many sacks then he might be putting up record stats. The best start with helping to improve their line is adding another OT because Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher miss a game every other week.
24. Philadelphia (11-5): Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
There is no first round offensive pick that can help them so the team will look to improve the defense. They could really use an improvement at LB but I think they select the best defensive player available that can help them and it would be the 4-3 DE Paul. Juqua Parker is in his 30's and who knows how much longer he can make plays, and with having a Pro Bowl player on the other side in Trent Cole Pierre-Paul will fit in nicely.
25. Baltimore (9-7): Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
I am going on a limb and saying Tate rises up the draft boards after the combine and passes USC's Damian Williams. He is a fast receiver that will make catches you only see on sports center. But he is a small receiver (only going to measure about 5-11) that needs to work on route running. If Derrick Mason retire Joe Flacco will have almost no one to throw to, like the Dolphins and Bengals they don't have great depth at the receiving position.
26. Arizona Cardinals (10-6): Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
In the Cardinals defense Hughes will probably line up as a 3-4 OLB, the Cardinals defense has been notorious as the weak-spot on a team that was Super Bowl bound last year. Teams can never have to many pass rushers, especially on a defense that could use some help in that field. If Kurt Warner retires then their offense might go back to laughable but there is no Quarterback worthy of taking that will be any better then Leinart.
27. Dallas Cowboys (11-5): Taylor Mays, S, USC
Mays was projected top-10 prospect last year but he had a very average season this year and his draft stock will suffer because of it. He is a athletic freak and a very hard-hitting safety that will have great mensurable. Only problem is he has horrible football instincts and has Roy Williams 2.0 written all over him. Should they draft him? Probably not but I think they will anyways.
28. San Diego Chargers (13-3): Terrance Cody, NT, Alabama
Chargers only ranked 20th in rushing yards allowed per game, Terrance Cody would be an instant improvement to their line. He is just a massive human being that can command double teams and is the definition of a player with power. He might not be a three-down lineman because of his endurance and stamina being an issue. But Ian Scott doesn't intimidate me, but someone like Cody would.
29. New York Jets (9-7): Everson Griffen, DE/OLB, USC
Griffen might end up playing OLB for the jets since they run a 3-4 defense. Which would be a good thing for the Jets because Vernon Gholston looks like an complete bust. The Jets defense is already the best one in the league but replacing Gholston and adding young depth to a LB group that average starting age is about 29 years old with Griffen would make their defense only better. I am starting to get flash backs of the 2000 Ravens.
30. Minnesota Vikings (12-4): Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
The vikings have been the best run stopping defense the past few years and it all starts with Pat and Kevin Williams the Pro Bowl duo. Pat Williams is 37 years old, he has played well despite his old age but his level of production is about to drop-off. It would be wise to find a young replacement now and why not get a guy that fits the Vikings 4-3 defense well.
31. New Orleans Saints (13-3): Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
He is a great 3-4 OLB and since this draft doesn't have many of them the Saints will take Weatherspoon when they have the chance. The Saints new and improved defense looks great but they could use an improvement at LB since both of their outside starters are easily in their 30's. Why not keep adding to this Super Bowl dynasty with a needed asset.
32. Indianapolis Colts (14-2): Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
All of the first round caliber OL and DT men are off the board at this point. There is no use in the colts reaching for a player. This is a great chance to add depth to the DE position that consist of two Pro Bowlers in Mathis and Freeny. After next season Mathis will be a free-agent and just in-case of injury the Colts will not have to worry about this position for a very long time.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
First Round Part 1
1. St. Louis Rams (1-15): Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame (Jr.)
This is by far the best QB prospect this year. Clausen runs a pro-style offense in one of the most prolific schools in the country. He threw for 3,722 yards, 28 touchdowns, only 4 interceptions and 68% completion rating. Those are staggering numbers for a QB that is not running the spread and not to mention he has to throw behind a very subpar offensive line. With Bulger no longer the same Pro Bowl QB he was in 06, the Rams will need a new QB of the future and Clausen is the perfect choice.
2. Detroit Lions (2-14): Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska (Sr.)
The best prospect of the whole draft and possibly one of the best prospects of the decade, Suh would be the smartest choice for the Lions. If anyone has seen a Nebraska game then there is no missing the largest and most talented player on the field. He is a brilliant pass-rusher that can break down the interior of lines and create pressure to rattle the QB. Not only can he pressure the QB but more importantly he is a guy that would require double teams allowing the rest of the defense to have an easier shot at making plays. This is without a doubt definitely something the Lions are desperate to get, they ranked dead last in the league on defense and 29th in total sacks on the year.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13): Eric Berry, S, Tennessee (Sr.)
The Bucs could use a gap filling DT like Suh or Gerald McCoy but I think they skip them to select the best safety prospect since Sean Taylor came out of Miami. He is the definition of a ball hawking safety; if you need a clutch game-changing interception then Berry is your man. He has the speed, the power, and the intelligence to be a 10-time Pro Bowler. Berry would be the step in the right direction for a painfully old and average defensive back core they have. Quarterback’s will learn to think twice about throwing into his zone.
4. Washington Redskins (4-12): Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (Jr.)
Everyone is convinced that the Redskins will take a QB after seemingly giving up on Campbell and trying to trade him. New head coach usually means new poster child, with Clausen gone Bradford will be their favorite. After missing almost the whole season after winning the Heisman Trophy, Bradford should still end up somewhere in the first-round. Bradford has adequate arm strength for the NFL and has shown he is very good at finding open receivers. But a big concern is that Bradford’s accuracy is spotty at times and he ran a shotgun/spread offense most of his college career which does not translate well to the NFL.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12): Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Last year who can forget the trade the chiefs orchestrated with the Patriots for Matt Cassel who was hailed as their future. The Chiefs offense was anemic all year and allowed Cassel to be sacked a total of 42 times in 15 games (that's 4th in the NFL). If the Chiefs truly believe he is the future then it would be smart for them to draft the best tackle in the draft to sure up the LT spot for many years. Brandon Albert is not what you would call a franchise, Okung could be the one piece on offense the Chiefs need.
6. Seattle Seahawks (5-11): Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The second best DT in the draft lands with the Seahawks. The Seahawks could definitely use a QB because Matt Hasselbeck has been batting through injuries and isn't getting any younger; Even bigger concern has been their banged-up offensive-line, especially their future hall of famer Walter Jones. But McCoy is top-5 talent and at #6 I don't see how the Seahawks can pass him up. McCoy fits the Seahawks 4-3 defense perfectly, he will provide very adequate pass rush like Suh. The Hawks were a lot worse in pass coverage but McCoy's great motor and elite athleticism should pressure the QB more and force who ever it is to make mistakes. Pete Carroll lays the foundation of a defense that might return to top of the league with McCoy's addition.
7. Cleveland (5-11): Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Here is a step in the right direction for the Browns. The only real elite shut-down corner of the draft would be Haden. He has by far the best ball skills, his speed allows for him to match up with almost any receiver on an island and he can even pressure the QB (acquired 3 sacks and 3 hurries this year). The browns ranked 29th is passing defense and 31st in total defense, so you could say an elite corner is a necessity. Some concerns to note about Haden is that he might measure in at the combine at a lower height then listed (listed as 5-11 but usually skewed) and he is not very impressive when playing zone coverage, lacking the awareness needed.
8. Oakland (5-11): Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Jamarcus Russell clearly showed he is the polar opposite of what a franchise QB is; maybe the Raiders realized it after Russell was standing on the sidelines eating skittles. The Raiders let all three of their starting QB's this past season to be sacked a total of 49 times, whoever their starting QB is they need help standing straight. Campbell is the second best OT in the draft, he might not be very durable or have a lot of starting experience but the guy is an athletic freak, elite speed (some think he could run a 4.9 40m) and his pass blocking is top-notch. Al Davis, don't screw this pick up and if you get it right then your QB's will thank you for it.
9. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
After trading Jason Peters the Bills did absolutely nothing to replace their former Pro Bowl LT. After passing on Michael Oher last year I don't see how they can pass on Anthony Davis who would be an instant up-grade to an line that was laughable, giving up 46 sacks. After an over-hull of the coaching staff they are in complete rebuilding mode, at this point no QB is worth taking meaning franchise LT is all they can hope for. Davis has perfect size you want in an lineman and his run-blocking is elite meaning he will be Jackson and Lynch's new best friend.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9): Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
The Jags are not going to draft Tebow, I don't care if they want to sell tickets or not this is a football move. What killed Jacksonville all year was their defense, they couldn't pressure the QB to save their life and it lead to giving up many big plays. If you think I am kidding then pay attention to this stat, the Jags were last in the league in sacks with a pathetic 14 sacks. The second closest team was the Chiefs with 22. Morgan is one of the best pass rushing prospects, he has the elite quick first step to penetrate a line and sack the QB. If the defense comes together then they will be playing for the playoffs next year.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (7-9): Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
Brandon Marshall is probably done playing in Denver, yet I still don't see them taking Dez Bryant with the 11th pick. Eddie Royal is still a good WR that was very under utilized this season. With one of their picks from dealing Cutler the Broncos look to improve their already much improved defense. McClain has an excellent body to play linebacker, he fits the 3-4 defense very well and reminds me of Patrick Willis in terms of what he can do production wise and bringing that leader presence to the field. Being only 20 years old he could turn out like to be a future 10+ year starter.
12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Miami's new defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan would have loved to take McClain to help their defense but at this position they are drafting one of the best prospects available and also for need. Bryant has been labeled the best receiver in the draft because of his athleticism, great hands and will be a QB's best friend when it comes to route adjusments. Ted Ginn Junior (the infamous pick over Brady Quinn) hasn't done anything noteworthy as a WR, if the Dolphins are going to stick with Chad Henne as their QB then they need offensive weapons. Honestly, besides Ginn name one of their other wide receivers.
13. San Francisco (8-8): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Possibly one of the most intriguing prospects of the draft would be the multi-dimensional Spiller. If anyone has seen him play there is no denying he is a play maker whether it is returning kicks/punts, running the ball or even catching it out of the back field. He even threw for a touchdown pass this year. Spiller contains elite speed like Chris Johnson, he is elusive and has some of the best hands of any RB. Running Back isn't a huge need for the 49ers but he is the best player available, he can do all the 49er return duties which their return game was horrid last year and would be the perfect complementary back to Frank Gore.
On my next post I will finish with the rest of the first round, criticism is always welcomed.
This is by far the best QB prospect this year. Clausen runs a pro-style offense in one of the most prolific schools in the country. He threw for 3,722 yards, 28 touchdowns, only 4 interceptions and 68% completion rating. Those are staggering numbers for a QB that is not running the spread and not to mention he has to throw behind a very subpar offensive line. With Bulger no longer the same Pro Bowl QB he was in 06, the Rams will need a new QB of the future and Clausen is the perfect choice.
2. Detroit Lions (2-14): Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska (Sr.)
The best prospect of the whole draft and possibly one of the best prospects of the decade, Suh would be the smartest choice for the Lions. If anyone has seen a Nebraska game then there is no missing the largest and most talented player on the field. He is a brilliant pass-rusher that can break down the interior of lines and create pressure to rattle the QB. Not only can he pressure the QB but more importantly he is a guy that would require double teams allowing the rest of the defense to have an easier shot at making plays. This is without a doubt definitely something the Lions are desperate to get, they ranked dead last in the league on defense and 29th in total sacks on the year.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13): Eric Berry, S, Tennessee (Sr.)
The Bucs could use a gap filling DT like Suh or Gerald McCoy but I think they skip them to select the best safety prospect since Sean Taylor came out of Miami. He is the definition of a ball hawking safety; if you need a clutch game-changing interception then Berry is your man. He has the speed, the power, and the intelligence to be a 10-time Pro Bowler. Berry would be the step in the right direction for a painfully old and average defensive back core they have. Quarterback’s will learn to think twice about throwing into his zone.
4. Washington Redskins (4-12): Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (Jr.)
Everyone is convinced that the Redskins will take a QB after seemingly giving up on Campbell and trying to trade him. New head coach usually means new poster child, with Clausen gone Bradford will be their favorite. After missing almost the whole season after winning the Heisman Trophy, Bradford should still end up somewhere in the first-round. Bradford has adequate arm strength for the NFL and has shown he is very good at finding open receivers. But a big concern is that Bradford’s accuracy is spotty at times and he ran a shotgun/spread offense most of his college career which does not translate well to the NFL.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12): Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Last year who can forget the trade the chiefs orchestrated with the Patriots for Matt Cassel who was hailed as their future. The Chiefs offense was anemic all year and allowed Cassel to be sacked a total of 42 times in 15 games (that's 4th in the NFL). If the Chiefs truly believe he is the future then it would be smart for them to draft the best tackle in the draft to sure up the LT spot for many years. Brandon Albert is not what you would call a franchise, Okung could be the one piece on offense the Chiefs need.
6. Seattle Seahawks (5-11): Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The second best DT in the draft lands with the Seahawks. The Seahawks could definitely use a QB because Matt Hasselbeck has been batting through injuries and isn't getting any younger; Even bigger concern has been their banged-up offensive-line, especially their future hall of famer Walter Jones. But McCoy is top-5 talent and at #6 I don't see how the Seahawks can pass him up. McCoy fits the Seahawks 4-3 defense perfectly, he will provide very adequate pass rush like Suh. The Hawks were a lot worse in pass coverage but McCoy's great motor and elite athleticism should pressure the QB more and force who ever it is to make mistakes. Pete Carroll lays the foundation of a defense that might return to top of the league with McCoy's addition.
7. Cleveland (5-11): Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Here is a step in the right direction for the Browns. The only real elite shut-down corner of the draft would be Haden. He has by far the best ball skills, his speed allows for him to match up with almost any receiver on an island and he can even pressure the QB (acquired 3 sacks and 3 hurries this year). The browns ranked 29th is passing defense and 31st in total defense, so you could say an elite corner is a necessity. Some concerns to note about Haden is that he might measure in at the combine at a lower height then listed (listed as 5-11 but usually skewed) and he is not very impressive when playing zone coverage, lacking the awareness needed.
8. Oakland (5-11): Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Jamarcus Russell clearly showed he is the polar opposite of what a franchise QB is; maybe the Raiders realized it after Russell was standing on the sidelines eating skittles. The Raiders let all three of their starting QB's this past season to be sacked a total of 49 times, whoever their starting QB is they need help standing straight. Campbell is the second best OT in the draft, he might not be very durable or have a lot of starting experience but the guy is an athletic freak, elite speed (some think he could run a 4.9 40m) and his pass blocking is top-notch. Al Davis, don't screw this pick up and if you get it right then your QB's will thank you for it.
9. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
After trading Jason Peters the Bills did absolutely nothing to replace their former Pro Bowl LT. After passing on Michael Oher last year I don't see how they can pass on Anthony Davis who would be an instant up-grade to an line that was laughable, giving up 46 sacks. After an over-hull of the coaching staff they are in complete rebuilding mode, at this point no QB is worth taking meaning franchise LT is all they can hope for. Davis has perfect size you want in an lineman and his run-blocking is elite meaning he will be Jackson and Lynch's new best friend.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9): Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
The Jags are not going to draft Tebow, I don't care if they want to sell tickets or not this is a football move. What killed Jacksonville all year was their defense, they couldn't pressure the QB to save their life and it lead to giving up many big plays. If you think I am kidding then pay attention to this stat, the Jags were last in the league in sacks with a pathetic 14 sacks. The second closest team was the Chiefs with 22. Morgan is one of the best pass rushing prospects, he has the elite quick first step to penetrate a line and sack the QB. If the defense comes together then they will be playing for the playoffs next year.
11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (7-9): Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
Brandon Marshall is probably done playing in Denver, yet I still don't see them taking Dez Bryant with the 11th pick. Eddie Royal is still a good WR that was very under utilized this season. With one of their picks from dealing Cutler the Broncos look to improve their already much improved defense. McClain has an excellent body to play linebacker, he fits the 3-4 defense very well and reminds me of Patrick Willis in terms of what he can do production wise and bringing that leader presence to the field. Being only 20 years old he could turn out like to be a future 10+ year starter.
12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Miami's new defensive coordinator, Mike Nolan would have loved to take McClain to help their defense but at this position they are drafting one of the best prospects available and also for need. Bryant has been labeled the best receiver in the draft because of his athleticism, great hands and will be a QB's best friend when it comes to route adjusments. Ted Ginn Junior (the infamous pick over Brady Quinn) hasn't done anything noteworthy as a WR, if the Dolphins are going to stick with Chad Henne as their QB then they need offensive weapons. Honestly, besides Ginn name one of their other wide receivers.
13. San Francisco (8-8): C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
Possibly one of the most intriguing prospects of the draft would be the multi-dimensional Spiller. If anyone has seen him play there is no denying he is a play maker whether it is returning kicks/punts, running the ball or even catching it out of the back field. He even threw for a touchdown pass this year. Spiller contains elite speed like Chris Johnson, he is elusive and has some of the best hands of any RB. Running Back isn't a huge need for the 49ers but he is the best player available, he can do all the 49er return duties which their return game was horrid last year and would be the perfect complementary back to Frank Gore.
On my next post I will finish with the rest of the first round, criticism is always welcomed.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Introduction
Welcome to my blog, my name is Zack Hilt and I will be discussing about the NFL draft. I am an avid football fan both in the pro and college level. The NFL draft is one of my favorite events of the year. The idea of spending one pick that you will be investing your future and millions of dollars on is a very important thing for sports teams. One wrong pick by a scouting crew could set back a team for years from being contenders and end up being a waste of money. People actually spend their whole careers making a living watching and scouting players for various teams. I find debating picks and looking at college players that will one day be stars in the pro level to be an exciting event.
In my future post I will be going round by round posting mock drafts starting from round one and hopefully all the way up to the seventh round. In each pick I will discuss what I think about the certain player, some information from his college days and why the team picked that player. I will also post my own Top-5 prospects for every position. As it gets closer to events such as the Senior Bowl, East-West Shrine Game, Texas vs. The Nation Game and the combine, I will be going over notable people who performed well and how that changed my mock draft and position rankings.
Due to the nature of the draft, it will be a very opinioned blog. The drafts outcome is unpredictable and is relevant to how each individual perceives a prospect. I will try to not value any team over another to keep it fair, but why I think each team makes a certain choice will be in my own opinion. The draft order I put the picks in will be relative to how the teams are seeded in the playoffs at the time of my post. It will be impossible to have a correct order of draft picks by each team till the Super Bowl is over. For example, right now the colts would be picking last because they are seeded first in the playoffs and have the best record in the NFL. But this is subject to change based on the outcome of the playoff games in the next few weeks.
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