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.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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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