Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sport Crack Mock Draft Part 3: 21-31
Continued from Part 1 here and Part 2 here... (or if your lazy, just scroll down)
Round 1 - Pick 21 (WAS): Malcolm Kelly - WR - Oklahoma
Although they have a pressing need at defensive end, Malcolm Kelly would fit way too well as a slot receiver for them to pass up on. A legit third receiver could do wonders for the Redskins offense since Randle El and Moss are threats in among themselves so it will give Kelly a lot of chances to get open for [[Jason Campbell[[.
Round 1 - Pick 22 (NYJ [from DAL]): Jonathan Stewart - RB - Oregon
Thomas Jones didn’t quite live up to expectations last year in New York and while they could do anything with this pick, after Stewart there is a bit of a drop off at RB. Some brave souls are also claiming Jonathan Stewart will become a better pro running back than Darren McFadden. We’ll have to wait and see.
Round 1 - Pick 23 (PIT): Branden Albert - OG - Virginia
With Alan Faneca gone the Steelers are in obvious need of a guard. Since the Steelers have failed to cease playing smash mouth football for their entire history, expect them to take Albert with the 23rd pick -- he’ll fit in to their smashmouth just fine.
Round 1 - Pick 24 (TEN): Mario Manningham - WR - Michigan
There’s one thing I can say in defense of Vince Young: As inconsistent as he’s been, he’s never really had a lot of playmakers or even what one would classify as an above average receiver on the field with him in Tennessee. Although many other receiver’s are ranked higher, and with good reason, I think Manningham will have the best pro career out of all of them -- and he’ll take Young’s game to a whole other level.
Round 1 - Pick 25 (SEA): Dustin Keller - TE - Purdue
This is another of the obvious picks. The Seahawks are in need of a tight end and none of the top 24 picks of the draft look like they are going to take him. Now all the Seahawks need to do is cut Shaun Alexander and they should be all set.
Round 1 - Pick 26 (MIA [from JAX]) Kentwan Balmer - DT - North Carolina
Jason Taylor to the Jaguars for the 26th pick? It could happen folks. The Jaguars get a Pro Bowl caliber defensive end and the Dolphins get a talented young defensive tackle that they can pair with Chris Long. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Round 1 - Pick 27 (SD): Gosder Cherilus - OT - Boston College
With the release of Shane Olivea and no other glaring weaknesses that are noticeable, the Chargers taking Gosder Cherilus is another example of a pick that would just make sense. Not many people are oohing and ahhing over the kid, but he’s a strong tackle that did a great job of protecting Matt Ryan at Chestnut Hill all of last year.
Round 1 - Pick 28 (NYJ [from DAL]): Brandon Flowers - CB - Virginia Tech
If the Jets do pull the trigger and make the trade with the Cowboys for the 22nd, 28th and a mid rounder -- the 28th pick would often be the wild card of the bunch. With not too much depth or skill at cornerback, they could very well take Brandon Flowers who’s an excellent man to man cover corner and would fit right in with Eric Mangina’s defensive scheme.
Round 1 - Pick 29 (SF): Brian Brohm - QB - Louisville
I haven’t seen any other mock draft that has the 49ers taking Brian Brohm and it confuses me to no end. I’ve said it before and I will say it again: The San Francisco 49ers are in desperate need of a QB. Alex Smith is not the real deal and they need to start getting some kind of insurance for the future. If Brian Brohm went in the draft last year he would have easily been the first QB taken. He very well could be a franchise QB for the 49ers -- and to me, that’s a difficult thing to pass up.
Round 1 - Pick 30 (GB): Reggie Smith - CB - Oklahoma
The Packers might rather have Flowers here, but if he goes to the Jets at 28 than they’d be just as happy to take Reggie Smith. The Packers need a bit of depth at CB and Reggie Smith will be just fine being a nickel back and studying under Al Harris and Charles Woodson next year.
Round 1 - Pick 31* (NYG): Kenny Phillips - S - Miami
One of the weaknesses that the defending Super Bowl champs have going into next year is their secondary. Luckily for them, no other team really needs a safety in the first round out of those picking ahead of them. With the top rated safety in the entire draft, the Giants get lucky with this one.
-*-New England Patriots forfeit their 31st pick after allegedly violating league rules.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Sport Crack Mock Draft Part 2: 11-20
Classic case of a team filling a need. Some are saying that they are going to trade down in order to get a receiver, but there’s going to be a very talented cornerback or two available for the Bills right here. Why not take one? They could take Talib here as well and again, it's entirely up to their scouting department. Jenkins just seems like a better fit for the Bills defensive unit.
With Matt Lepsis’ retirement, it’s finally time for Denver to start the rebuilding process on their aging offensive line. Mike Shanahan is known for the fine running game he always puts on the field and it all starts with skilled offensive lineman who fit his system. Ryan Clady does just that. If he’s gone, they’ll be just as happy to take Chris Williams or Jeff Otah -- so they’re sitting pretty at 12.
It’s become very clear over the past couple of years that Carolina needs some help on the offensive line. While you can surely land a premier offense lineman during free agency the most successful teams try and score one in the draft. Luckily for the Panthers, there are ample amounts available in the first round -- and Jeff Otah will do just fine. On an related sidenote: DeAngelo Williams will be the breakout player of the year next year.
Part of Chicago’s problem are the quarterbacks they have on the team, yes -- but the other problem is the receivers. Sure, Devin Hester is a speedster and a one of a kind on special teams -- but I can count multiple times off hand of seeing him drop key passes last year. With the departure of Bernard Berrian and the lackluster quarterbacks battling for the starting job, the Bears will need a stud wide receiver here.
Does Matt Millen even realize you can take defensive players in the NFL Draft? I don’t think so and until recently, I don’t think he realized you could draft players other than receivers. While he may get some jabs for drafting a skill player yet again in the first round -- if Mendenhall is available here it only makes sense. Kevin Jones looked promising the past couple of years but he’s too much of an injury risk and they desperately need a running back to consistently compliment the passing game.
A lot of people have been blaming Edgerrin James for not producing well in Arizona. While could be partially to blame I think the real culprits are the offensive line. After his first year in Arizona (1159 yards, 6 TD), Edge was remiss about his season. He didn’t know what he was doing wrong -- until one of his coaches told him nothing. They looked at some tape together and realized he had been running exactly where he should have been the whole time and it was amazing he got as much yards as he did. The blocking got a bit better last year, but it still needs help. In steps Chris Williams.
This one of those instances where, if Harvey is here -- Minnesota is 115% going to take him. They filled a need at WR and S with the signing of Bernard Berrian and Madieu Williams respectively. Some have the Vikings taking Brian Brohm here but I think that is absolutely ridiculous -- it would effectively tell Tarvaris Jackson they have given up on him and that wouldn’t do good for his confidence, let me tell you.
With Dunta Robinson prepped to miss the entire 2008 season with an ACL injury, the Texans desperately need a CB here. The good thing is that at least one should be available. The bad thing? They will likely get stuck with whoever is left out of the batch of cornerbacks in the first round. Worse things could happen and they could all be gone -- but that is highly unlikely.
After failing to obtain Randy Moss in free agency and not really bothering to go after anyone else, the Eagles are in need of a WR. This pick could easily turn into Limas Sweed, too, and it will come down to whoever they like more. The important thing is that Donovan McNabb will hopefully get what he’s been missing since the departure of T.O. and to a lesser extent, Donte Stallworth -- a playmaker at WR.
Tampa Bay is just as much in need of a WR as Philadelphia and will likely take whoever the Eagles do not. The good thing is that both Thomas and Sweed are very talented and both should be available for them to take. But crazier things have happened in the draft, so you never know.
Sport Crack Mock Draft Part 1: The Top 10
Okay that’s it, I can’t hold it any longer...
After making a few predictions about who a couple of teams would take with their first round draft choices I realized something: I was having entirely too much fun. So, here is my interpretation of the NFL Draft (with a surprise or two).
Round 1 - Pick 1 (MIA): Chris Long - DE - Virginia
First, it was Glenn Dorsey, then it was Matt Ryan, then the Long’s both had their turns. There have been more guesses as to who the Dolphins will take with their first pick than the times Chris Henry has been arrested. Kidding aside, though, I subscribe to the belief that Parcells will take C. Long because he’s a ‘Parcells’ type player, even though it would make a ton of sense to take a QB here. The Dolphins apparently have yet to realize this, however.
Round 1 - Pick 2 (STL): Jake Long - OT - Michigan
If C. Long goes first, this pick just makes sense. They don’t need a QB, they don’t need a RB and though Glenn Dorsey would be a great fit for St. Louis, if you didn’t notice last year -- the Rams offense line is absolutely horrible. Marc Bulger was apparently not aware of this, though, since he decided to still put his ribs’ health in their hands. A concussion and a few fractured ribs later, Bulger is rooting for J. Long with this pick.
Round 1 - Pick 3 (ATL): Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College
Chris Redman is currently listed as the Falcons starting QB. Yes, the same Chris Redman who’s been in the league for five years, yet has only started four games. Call me crazy, but I think the Falcons taking the best QB in the draft is a smart move here.
Round 1 - Pick 4 (OAK): Vernon Gholston - DE - Ohio State
Vernon Gholston or Glenn Dorsey -- it could go either way. But a Burgess/Gholston combo for the next couple of years will be a bit too tempting for Lane Kiffin to pass up. Wouldn’t be too surprising if Darren McFadden was picked here in a surprise pick (I mean, it’s Al Davis… come on) but the best possible pick for the Raiders to make would be to take Gholston.
Round 1 - Pick 5 (KC): Glenn Dorsey - DT - L.S.U.
Although their offensive line should be the Chiefs’ primary concern, the next best available OL (Jeff Otah) is too far of a drop off from Glenn Dorsey (or Vernon Gholston if the Raiders take Dorsey). There are ample amounts of promising offensive lineman for the Chiefs to take later -- so they would most likely go with the sure thing here.
Round 1 - Pick 6 (DAL [from NYJ]): Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas
If McFadden does indeed fall this far, I cannot see Jerry Jones passing up the opportunity to snatch him up. The Jets get pick 22 and 28 and the Cowboys get a second RB to spell with Marion Barber. If this does happen, the Cowboys will supplant the Patriots for the title of: ‘Sickest offense that everyone will play as in Madden.’
Round 1 - Pick 7 (NE [from SF]): Leodis Mckelvin - CB - Troy
Best available cornerback filling the biggest weakness for the Patriots. Done and done. However don’t be surprised if Belichick takes Rodgers-Cromartie for special teams purposes.
Round 1 - Pick 8 (BAL): Keith Rivers - OLB - USC
Although the Ravens might take Sedrick Ellis here, the run defense last year was great (2nd in the league) and as we all know -- if it’s broke, don’t fix it. Plus, Ray Lewis isn’t getting any younger.
Round 1 - Pick 9 (CIN): Sedrick Ellis - DT - USC
Ellis would be a great fit in Cincinnati especially since they are in such dire need of a defensive tackle. If Ellis is taken by the Ravens, though, the Bengals would be just as happy with Keith Rivers. It’s really a win-win for them, because barring a blue moon both Rivers and Ellis will not both go in the top 8.
Round 1 - Pick 10 (NO): Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tennessee St.
While he may not be the best CB in the entire draft, he does have the potential that he can play on special teams going for him. It would be either Rodgers-Cromartie or Aqib Talib here. The Saints are in desperate, I repeat desperate need of secondary help. Expect them to take more defensive backs in the later rounds as well, to patch it up some.
Friday, April 4, 2008
State of the Franchise: The New Orleans Saints
While I acknowledge that there is a time period that exists where it is too early to talk football, I believe we have passed it. As long as you stand on the precipice of the NFL Draft and refrain from talking too much about Week 10 match ups and other things that just need to wait, than your fine.
So without further ado: Let’s talk football. More importantly, let’s talk about the Saints.
After an impressive season that culminated in a trip to the NFC championship in 2006, the Saints failed to even make the playoffs in 2007. Suffice it to say, Saints fans were none too pleased. Although the offense was one of the league’s best, finishing the season ranked 4th overall in the NFL, an injury
to Deuce McAllister and a weak (and that’s being kind) sophomore season for Reggie Bush ensured the Saints offense could never quite keep up with it’s horrid defense.
Drew Brees however, had a fantastic season -- more or less carrying the offense on his back (or should I say... shoulder) in route to a 4400 yard, 28 TD effort. He finished the season with an 89.4 in what might just have been his finest season to date considering the lack of a running game he had behind him.
The Saints front office has hoped to remedy this problem with the signing of Randall Gay, Dan Morgan and Bobby McCray. It’s also pretty much a certainty that the Saints will break the three year trend of taking an offensive player in the first round and that they are looking to add some young talent to their struggling defensive unit. With the 10th pick in each of the seven rounds, they should have ample opportunity to do so.
The next question that is posed when looking at the Saints is which part of the defense is in desperate need of tuning up first. This question is easily answered by taking a look at the defensive stats from last year: The Saints finished 13th in the league in rush defense, whereas they almost came in last place in regards to pass defense -- finishing a pathetic third to last place.
Thankfully for the Saints, there is an impressive array of cornerbacks that will most likely be available to them with the 10th pick. Assuming that the Patriots are the only team in the top 10 that are a threat to pick one of the CB’s, the Saints should get their pick out of two of the top three. They are (in no particular order) Leodis Mckelvin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Aqib Talib.
Some are saying the Saints could take Keith Rivers if he falls to them here (and he most likely will) and it will probably come down to the scouting department. Whoever they feel will make the biggest impact for them on defense, they will take -- and they can’t really go wrong since all of the previous four players could be an enormous asset to the unit assuming they don’t turn out to be a bust.
For the sake of being on the record, I think the Saints take Cromartie at number ten -- but I can most definitely (and probably will be) wrong.
If the off season sculpting can give the defense even a minor boost from last year, the offense still has the same potential as last year. If Deuce McAllister can stay healthy and Reggie Bush can improve upon his field vision, it won’t matter that the receiving corps isn’t particularly strong -- Drew Brees could throw to imaginary receivers and he’d still probably get at least 200 yards.
As long as the Saints can stay away from some injuries to key players and have a solid draft, I don’t see any reason the Saints won’t be marching right back into the playoffs in 2008.
(Next up: The Cleveland Browns)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
State of the Franchise: The Oakland Raiders
While I acknowledge that there is a time period that exists where it is too early to talk football, I believe we have passed it. As long as you stand on the precipice of the NFL Draft and refrain from talking too much about Week 10 match ups and other things that just need to wait, than your fine.So without further ado: Let's talk football. More specifically, let's talk about the Oakland Raiders.
The Oakland Raiders were a consistent passing attack and a few defensive players short of making a strong playoff run in 2007. As the franchise looks towards the 2008 season, it has been successfully plugging away at it’s weaknesses from the past couple of years. DeAngelo Hall gives them a dynamic defensive back they‘ve been missing out on. Javon Walker gives them a legit receiver threat they‘ve sorely needed. JaMarcus Russell gives them hope at the QB position, and a high first round draft pick gives them a shot to make things right.
Write it down: The Oakland Raiders will become the trendy sleeper pick of the upcoming NFL season.
After taking over for an injured Lamont Jordan early in the season, Justin Fargas never looked back. 1,009 rushing yards and 4 touchdown’s later he sealed the deal as the 2008 starting running back. That deal was further sealed when Oakland offered the up and coming back a 3 year, $12 million contract early in the off season. Because of this, don’t expect the Raiders to take McFadden with their first round draft choice -- although, I wouldn’t put it past them either.
The Raiders defense took a step back in 2007, at least in regards to it’s 2006 showing. The 2006 unit, known primarily for it’s strong play in wake of an anemic offensive performance showed a lot of promise for the future. Although they showed flashes of greatness last year, they weren’t nearly as strong as the previous year -- finishing the year ranked 25th in total defense.
The addition of DeAngelo Hall, and a number of offensive weapons should give the Raiders defense a boost and hopefully keep it off the field for the majority of the game. Will everything that they’ve done in the off season come together and result in a winning season? The answer to this question and many other’s relies in the 2008 NFL Draft.
With the fourth pick in this year’s draft the Raiders have a plethora of suggestions to improve either the offensive or defensive side of the ball. Unless they pull a fast one and take Darren McFadden, which honestly wouldn’t be very surprising at all, than it is safe to assume a defensive player will be taken. But who will fall to them at pick number four?
It seems one day people are convinced the Dolphins will take Matt Ryan at number one, other days it’s Jake Long and still other days it’s Chris Long. Since it’s anyone’s guess who they’ll actually take and then who the Rams and Falcons will take in turn -- let’s take a look at the top 5 available players.
Some may disagree but I believe they are Jake Long, Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, Matt Ryan and Darren McFadden (with Glenn Dorsey coming in an extreeeeeemely close sixth). Now, there is no way the Raiders are going to take Matt Ryan, so he is out. Darren McFadden is the wild card of the bunch, since the Raiders already have a great RB in Justin Fargas (or at least it appears so). Count me a part of the group of people who’s a bit skeptical he will continue such a great performance all of next year. Not to mention, they still have Rhodes, Bush and Jordan on the depth chart. Although if I were Al Davis and McFadden fell to me at the fourth spot, I would take him in a heartbeat.
If the Raiders do what most people think they are going to do and pass on McFadden, that likely leaves them with Vernon Gholston. This is under the assumption that both Long’s will go in the top 3 and of course, no one takes Gholston over McFadden, Dorsey or Ryan.
As much as I believe I’d take McFadden, taking Gholston would be an incredibly smart move -- especially in regards to their team needs. With Warren Sapp’s retirement, the defensive line is in need of some more talent. A young, talented defensive end like Gholston could be a cornerstone of the Raider’s pass rush for year’s to come. It’s hard to pass up on such an opportunity.
It’s really anyone’s guess as to where the Raiders will steer their team’s ship come draft day -- but they’ve done an incredible job of filling their weaknesses with impact players and have given Raider’s fans something they’ve been sorely needing since 2001:
Hope.
