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Looking Ahead: 2011 NFL Draft Team Needs – AFC

Looking Ahead: 2011 NFL Team Needs – AFC

In his first article looking ahead to the 2011 NFL Draft, Consensus Draft Services’ Craig Strachan takes a look at what the AFC teams may look for in that draft.
Projecting what positions an NFL franchise will look to draft players at is difficult work at the best of times and before the new season has even kicked off is certainly not that. However I have taken a look at all 32 NFL teams’ rosters and come up with areas where I think they may look to strengthen themselves in the 2011 NFL Draft. Here I look at the AFC franchises.

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Wide Receiver – The Ravens added Anquan Boldin to their offense in the offseason but with Derrick Mason close to retiring and none of their other receivers ever looking like a starter, they may need to look at this position again in 2011.
Center – Matt Birk may only have a couple of years left in the tank and allowing a young guy to learn from one of the league’s best wouldn’t be a bad thing. Plus 2011 looks like being a good year for centers in the draft.
Cornerback – The NFL is quickly becoming a pass-happy league so you can never have too many corners. I’m also not that high on Dominique Foxworth who may well start for them this year.

Cincinnati Bengals
Running Back – Call me a cynic but I’m still not sure about Cedric Benson as a starting running back and the Bengals need to keep Carson Palmer healthy by developing their run game.
Strongside Linebacker – I’m not sure if USC have a ‘Sam’ coming out this year but if they do they could have a trio of Trojans at linebacker. Either way, adding a guy alongside Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers would give the Bengals one of the best young linebacker groups in the league.
Safety – The Bengals have Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph entrenched at corner but adding some help in the secondary would give those two a big boost.

Cleveland Browns
Quarterback – Eric Mangini says the Browns’ quarterback job in Jake Delhomme’s to lose – and that’s a problem. This team needs a franchise QB to help them get over the LeBron fiasco.
Wide Receiver – Browns fans will recall the days of Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius and Donte Stallworth with some fondness, at least in comparison to Mohammed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs anyway.
Inside Linebacker – Do you know what the most impressive thing about the Browns inside linebackers is? That they all still have NFL jobs. This group needs quality.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive Line – I’ve been crying out for at least two years for the Steelers to do something about their offensive line. Now with injuries hitting them before the season even starts they might finally see how bad their depth is.
Defensive Line – The Steelers front three have all been exceptional players at their positions but none of them have very much left in the tank. The Steelers need to find heirs for these guys.
Wide Receiver – After trading the Super Bowl-winning Santonio Holmes and with Hines Ward on the decline, this team needs to find at least one starter going forward.

AFC South
Houston Texans
Wide Receiver – Kevin Walter is getting up there in age and aside from Andre Johnson I struggle to find a decent target on this team for Matt Schaub.
Weakside Linebacker – With Brian Cushing at DeMeco Ryans set in the other two linebacker positions, the Texans could do with a ‘Will’ to make this a very good trio.
Cornerback – After losing Dunta Robinson in the offseason the Texans did little to address this position. They might be wishing they did come the 2011 draft.

Indianapolis Colts
Left Tackle – The Colts thought they’d hit a home run with Tony Ugoh a couple of years back but he’s since gone downhill and left Charlie Johnson protecting Peyton Manning’s blindside. That’s not a situation they can let go on for too long.
Defensive Tackle – At some point the Colts have to address their lack of size at the defensive tackle position as they continue to give up large amounts of yards against the run.
Center – Jeff Saturday has anchored their offensive line for so long that it’s hard to imagine anyone else doing that job. Still, he’s not going to be around much longer so they need to find his eventual replacement.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback – If, as I expect, the Jaguars are picking high in the 2011 NFL Draft it will be because their quarterback simply has not been good enough. David Garrard cannot carry this franchise any higher than mediocrity and they need someone who can.
Wide Receiver – Hands up if you can name any of Jacksonville receiving corps. Anyone? No, me neither. That’s precisely why they need to address this position.
Safety – Reggie Nelson’s play has declined significantly in the last year or so and Gerald Alexander has never really struck me as a quality starter.

Tennessee Titans
Center – It looks less likely by the day that the Titans will re-sign former Pro Bowler Kevin Mawae so they’ll need to do something about that position. In a good year for centers they may well find another Pro Bowler.
Defensive Tackle – The Titans front 7 wasn’t the same after Albert Haynesworth left for the megabucks in Washington D.C. Finding a dominant guy to fill that hole would be a smart move.
Linebacker – This franchise has a lot of solid linebackers in its ranks but none of them really stand out as being ‘the’ guy. Adding a young star on one side would really give this defense some bite.

AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Left Tackle – After trading Jason Peters the Bills did absolutely nothing two drafts on the trot to address their left tackle spot. That simply cannot go on if they want to keep their QB, whoever he might be, upright and healthy.
Quarterback – That melee of Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm should never be allowed to compete for a starting job ever again. This franchise needs to find an image and that starts with a QB.
Nose Tackle – After deciding to switch to a 3-4 defense many thought the Bills would target one of the ‘heavyweight’ (see what I did there?) nose tackles in the 2010 draft. They will certainly need to look at this in 2011.

Miami Dolphins
Running Back – Neither Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams fill me with much confidence anymore and if the Dolphins want young QB Chad Henne to succeed then they need a good ground game to work with him.
Safety – I like the Dolphins defense a lot but the weakest link in my mind is at safety. Adding some firepower in the secondary would really make that unit look stronger.
Wide Receiver – Brandon Marshall aside, the receiving corps looks mediocre at best and Marshall is just another McDonalds’ paper bag away from missing several games. Having a better number two guy would help this offense.

New England Patriots
Outside Linebacker – The Patriots always seem to shock me with the production they seem to get out of older outside linebackers in their system. Adding a youthful playmaker who can cause havoc on this defense would be an improvement for them though.
Running Back – Laurence Maroney never really panned out quite how they would have liked and finding ways to cut down the number of throws Tom Brady has to make would help their star QB last an extra year or two. For more advice on aging quarterbacks see Favre, B.
Inside Linebacker – Teaming another young stud with Jerod Mayo would solve all the Patriots problems at the position for the next decade or so.

New York Jets
Right Tackle – The Jets have done the right thing in addressing the left side of their offensive line recently by adding Vlad DuCasse in the 2010 draft but now they need to look at improving their run game and adding a mauler at right tackle.
Defensive Line – Apparently Rex Ryan had to convince Kris Jenkins not to retire this offseason and the guys who start alongside him are no spring chickens. They need to find young guys to take their places sooner or later.
Safety – Getting Darrelle Revis under a long-term deal will help the Jets secondary no end, but adding a playmaking safety to help him out would also benefit this defense.

AFC West
Denver Broncos
Quarterback Nose Tackle – Sorry, I almost forgot about Kyle Orton! The Broncos are another team who have switched to a 3-4 defense and not yet drafted a nose tackle. Jamal Williams is a decent one-year stop-gap but he can’t become any more than that.
Center – This team has a reasonable offensive line but the weak link as far as I can see is at center. Finding an anchor for that line would be good, especially if he’s also handy at snapping to a QB in shotgun.
Defensive Back – With Champ Bailey nearing the end of a stellar career and no obvious successor in place the cornerback position needs to be addressed. They could also use an upgrade at safety too. Guys at both positions would help improve the Broncos’ secondary.

Kansas City Chiefs
Wide Receiver – Coach Todd Haley doesn’t seem especially enamoured with Dwayne Bowe who just so happens to be the only decent target Matt Cassell has on that offense. Finding someone to either complement or replace Bowe might be necessary come the 2011 draft.
Outside Linebacker – The key to playing the 3-4 as I see it is getting pressure on the opposing QB from the outside linebackers. Right now I don’t see anyone who I’d trust to do that consistently on the Chiefs roster.
Center – The Chiefs have slowly been revamping their offensive line over the last couple of offseasons and the next piece of the puzzle should be a young center. They need to protect their investment in their quarterback.

Oakland Raiders
Offensive Tackle – I know they drafted 2 guys at the position in April but one may move inside to guard and the Raiders need to replace both their tackles in any case. They may like Mario Henderson on the left side but I certainly don’t.
Defensive Back – I know they always draft one or two anyway, but with Nnamdi Asamough only having one year left on his deal and the safeties not being anything to write home about the Raiders need to look at this area early in 2011.
Wide Receiver – This group has a lot of undeveloped potential in the form of Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Williamson-Bey (error intended) but they need someone to really kick on and be ‘the’ guy. To find him, they may well need to look to the draft.

San Diego Chargers
Offensive Tackle – Marcus McNeill isn’t happy at how the Chargers have treated him this offseason and may well look to get out next year if he can. On the right side, the guy with the horrendously long name doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Wide Receiver – Replace the above sentence about Marcus McNeill with Vincent Jackson because the story is exactly the same. If Jackson goes the Chargers receiving group will lose a piece that will need to be replaced.
Cornerback – Giving up on Antonio Cromartie is certainly understandable but it does lose the Chargers one heck of talent at cornerback. They need to look at adding another guy at this position to restock the shelves.

That’s it for the AFC – I hope you enjoyed it and found it useful in some way. Next week I’ll be taking a similar look at the NFC.

NFL TRAINING CAMPS OPEN THIS WEEK; BROWNS FIRST IN ON FRIDAY




From NFLMedia.com
FOR USE AS DESIRED
7/20/10

NFL TRAINING CAMPS OPEN THIS WEEK;
BROWNS FIRST IN ON FRIDAY

“Helmets on! Buckle ’em up!”

That’s what coaches will say to players this week as the first group of NFL teams report to training camp.

Four clubs will begin their on-field preparations for NFL Kickoff 2010 this week, starting with the Cleveland Browns on Friday, July 23 when their rookies report.

Three teams will follow this weekend, starting with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, July 24 and then the rookie class of two more clubs on Sunday, July 25 – the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers.

By August 1, every NFL team will be in camp.

For the second consecutive year, 17 of the 32 NFL teams will be “staying home” for training camp, which represents more than half the league (53 percent). In 2001, only 5 of 31 (16 percent) teams stayed close to home.

When he accepted the position of Washington Redskins executive vice president/head coach in January, MIKE SHANAHAN liked the idea of “going away” for training camp to build his team in his image.

But after viewing the considerable meeting space and pristine practice fields at Redskins Park and hearing stories about the huge fan support the team received at the club’s Ashburn, Virginia facility during recent camps, he changed his mind.

“I have heard about the passionate fans and the huge, enthusiastic crowds that come out to support our team during training camp,” says Shanahan. “I’m looking forward to sharing in this experience for the first time. Training camp is the time our players build their identity as a team, and we are pleased to begin laying the foundation for the 2010 season in front of Redskins Nation.”

Here’s a look at the number of NFL teams that stayed home for training camp the past 10 years:

YEAR
NFL TEAMS WITH HOME
TRAINING CAMPS (PCT.)

YEAR
NFL TEAMS WITH HOME
TRAINING CAMPS (PCT.)
2001
5 of 31 (16%)

2006
13 of 32 (41%)
2002
7 of 32 (22%)

2007
17 of 32 (53%)
2003
12 of 32 (38%)

2008
14 of 32 (44%)
2004
12 of 32 (38%)

2009
17 of 32 (53%)
2005
15 of 32 (47%)

2010
17 of 32 (53%)

The Saints’ dream 2009 season began with a home training camp before culminating with the franchise’s first NFL title. The club decided to remain in Metairie, Louisiana for the first time at the Saints practice facility for training camp last summer.

“As NFL training facilities evolve and develop, there is a trend to want to maximize the exposure your team has to all of the amenities that help make training camp successful,” says New Orleans general manager MICKEY LOOMIS. “Training camp is a very physically and mentally demanding period of time for the players, and by being able to utilize our facilities, we feel like it is the best decision that we can make for our team.”

The numbers may prove home-base popularity is a growing league-wide trend, but there are still teams employing the “old-time” philosophy of encamping away. And they just might know something.

Before the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory, the previous four NFL champions all trained away from home at college training sites, starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers (XL, XLIII) and continuing with the Indianapolis Colts (XLI) and New York Giants (XLII).

“You could just feel the way that the team was coming together, and it went through the whole year,” says New York Jets owner WOODY JOHNSON, whose team trained at SUNY-Cortland last summer en route to an AFC Championship Game appearance. The club recently extended its agreement with the university through 2012.

“The trends that started here at Cortland continue,” says Johnson. “Those kinds of traditions are very important.”

There may be two NFL schools of thought when it comes to where to train, but the debate rages on. When it comes down to it, Detroit Lions head coach JIM SCHWARTZ thinks how they train is even more important than where they train.

“In Tennessee, we did it both ways,” says Schwartz, who spent 10 years with the Titans, including his last eight as defensive coordinator, before earning his first head-coaching opportunity last year. “We went away. We stayed home. We were successful both ways.”

*******************************************************************************************************************
FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS

Two teams – the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs – will encamp at new training sites this year. The Cowboys will once again return to the Alamodome in San Antonio for a portion of camp, but will also spend time in Oxnard, California and Dallas.

While some clubs have changed their training bases in the past decade, others return to familiar venues where they have spent their summer months for years.

The NFL training camp longevity king? The Green Bay Packers, who return on July 30 for their 53rd consecutive summer at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin.

The longest active NFL training camp tenures:

TEAM
TRAINING CAMP
CITY
YEARS
Green Bay Packers
St. Norbert College
DePere, Wisconsin
53
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota State Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
44
Pittsburgh Steelers
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
44


********************************************************************************************************************
The 2010 NFL training camp sites and reporting dates:

AFC
TEAM
SITE
LOCATION
ROOKIES
VETERANS
Baltimore
McDaniel College
Westminster, MD
7/26
7/28
Buffalo
St. John Fisher College
Pittsford, NY
7/29
7/29
Cincinnati
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY
7/28
7/28
Cleveland
Cleveland Browns Training Facility
Berea, OH
7/23
7/30
Denver
Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre
Englewood, CO
7/28
7/31
Houston
Methodist Training Center
Houston, TX
7/30
7/30
Indianapolis
Anderson University
Anderson, IN
8/1
8/1
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Jacksonville, FL
7/29
7/29
Kansas City
Missouri Western State University
St. Joseph, MO
7/29
7/29
Miami
Miami Dolphins Training Facility
Davie, FL
7/30
7/30
New England
Gillette Stadium
Foxboro, MA
7/25
7/28
NY Jets
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, NY
7/29
8/1
Oakland
Napa Valley Marriott
Napa Valley, CA
7/28
7/28
Pittsburgh
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, PA
7/30
7/30
San Diego
Chargers Park
San Diego, CA
7/25
7/30
Tennessee
Baptist Sports Park
Nashville, TN
7/31
7/31

NFC
TEAM
SITE
LOCATION
ROOKIES
VETERANS
Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
7/30
7/30
Atlanta
Atlanta Falcons Training Facility
Flowery Branch, GA
7/29
7/29
Carolina
Wofford College
Spartanburg, SC
7/28
7/28
Chicago
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL
7/30
7/30
Dallas*
Alamodome/Marriott Residence Inn
Oxnard River Ridge
San Antonio, TX/
Oxnard, CA
7/24
7/24
Detroit
Detroit Lions Training Facility
Allen Park, MI
7/30
7/30
Green Bay
St. Norbert College
De Pere, WI
7/30
7/30
Minnesota
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
7/30
7/30
New Orleans
New Orleans Saints Training Facility
Metairie, LA
7/29
7/29
NY Giants
University at Albany
Albany, NY
8/1
8/1
Philadelphia
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
7/26
7/29
St. Louis
Russell Training Center
Earth City, MO
7/28
7/30
San Francisco
Marie P. DeBartolo Sports Center
Santa Clara, CA
7/30
7/31
Seattle
Virginia Mason Athletic Center
Renton, WA
7/30
7/30
Tampa Bay
One Buccaneer Place
Tampa, FL
7/30
7/30
Washington
Redskins Park
Ashburn, VA
7/29
7/29
* Dallas will train in San Antonio (7/24-8/6), Dallas (8/7-8/13), and Oxnard, CA (8/14-8/27).
2010 NFL PRESEASON NATIONAL TELEVISION SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern)

DATE
GAME
NETWORK (TIME)
Sunday, August 8
Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, OH:
Cincinnati vs. Dallas
NBC (8:00 PM)
Thursday, August 12
Carolina at Baltimore
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 16
New York Giants at New York Jets
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Thursday, August 19
New England at Atlanta
FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 20
Philadelphia at Cincinnati
FOX (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 22
Minnesota at San Francisco
NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 23
Arizona at Tennessee
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Thursday, August 26
Indianapolis at Green Bay
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 27
San Diego at New Orleans
CBS (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 28
Dallas at Houston
CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 29
Pittsburgh at Denver
FOX (8:00 PM)

AFC Team Needs and Moves-Post Draft

AFC Team Needs and Moves-Post Draft
Compiled By Frankie Underwoord for Football Reporters Online

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Team Losses - T. Owens – WR, J. Reed – WR, C. Draft – LB

Team Additions – D. Edwards – DE, A. Davis – LB, C. Green – OT

Team Needs – (Switching to a 3-4) OT, NT, QB, OLB, WR, DE

Draft:
1. CJ Spiller – RB, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxkNT9IxEu8
2. Torell Troup – DT, UCF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeLhek6HBOM
3. Alex Carrington – DE, Arkansas State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAvEloMMOhQ&feature=related
4. Marcus Easley – WR, Connecticut
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV2L0DpLmQM
5. Ed Wang – OT, Virginia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMqPNKXgFLA
6. Arthur Moats – OLB, James Madison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaaRxhjB_LU
6. Danny Batten – OLB, South Dakota State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJKntBPsdo4
7. Levi Brown – QB, Troy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3pgLJdyBh0
7. Kyle Calloway – G, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ7pxdQ3oPg




Miami Dolphins

Team Losses – J. Taylor – OLB, J. Porter – OLB, G. Wilson – S, T. Ginn – WR/KR, A. Ayodele – LB, N. Jones – CB

Team Additions – B. Marshall – WR, K. Dansby – LB, R. Incognito – G, T. Dobbins - LB

Team Needs – OLB, NT, FS, G, TE, ILB

Draft:
1. Jared Odrick – DT, Penn State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj5LXLmFg7E
2. Koa Misi – OLB, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4Mm-hICcfc
3. John Jerry – G, Mississippi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwDK66T5kL0
4. AJ Edds – OLB, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do7aIOuBD7o
5. Nolan Carroll – CB, Maryland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY32955jZag
5. Reshad Jones – S, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R1Ryqw3k5Y
7. Chris McCoy – OLB, Middle Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eGaRsen0n8 (at 1:21 mark)
7. Austin Spitler – ILB, Ohio State



New England Patriots

Team Losses – B. Watson – TE, A. Thomas – LB/pass rush specialist

Team Additions – T. Holt – WR, D. Lewis – DT/DE, A. Crumpler – TE, T. Banta-Cain – OLB/pass rush specialist

Team Needs – (possibly implementing more 4-3 defensive fronts) TE, OLB, WR, CB, D-Line depth

Draft:
1. Devin McCourty – CB/KR, Rutgers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIl5Du2OMMg
2. Rob Gronkowski – TE, Arizona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiCZGXQkVRU
2. Jermaine Cunningham – DE, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94309Y-E6Os
2. Brandon Spikes – ILB, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsSCrkUrI1U
3. Taylor Price – WR, Ohio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7WrvN3aKJE
4. Aaron Hernandez – TE, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G0i3Cc84Tc
5. Zoltan Mesko – P, Michigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJS91Gfd_CI
6. Ted Larsen – C, N.C. State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0l1LSO8M_g (at 1:47 mark)
7. Thomas Welch – OT, Vanderbilt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0l1LSO8M_g (at 2:02 mark)
7. Brandon Deaderick – DE, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzHFpI3L3DA
7. Kade Weston – DT, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0l1LSO8M_g (at 2:29 mark)
7. Zac Robinson – QB, Oklahoma State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QP4gWiz22A



New York Jets

Team Losses – T. Jones – RB, L. Washington – RB, K. Rhoades – S, L. Sheppard – CB, A. Faneca – G

Team Additions – A. Cromartie – CB, L. Tomlinson – RB, S. Holmes – WR, J. Taylor – OLB, B. Poole – S

Team Needs – OLB, DE, S, G, T

Draft:
1. Kyle Wilson – CB, Boise State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TMCiFmr7E4
2. Vladimir Ducasse – OT, Massachusetts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwLp0hBtWsg
4. Joe McKnight – RB, Southern Cal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fliv9DNBfIg
5. John Conner – FB, Kentucky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWksU1w1Qq0 (at :10 mark)





AFC West

Denver Broncos

Team Losses – B. Marshall – WR, T. Scheffler – TE, A. Davis – LB

Team Additions – J. Williams – NT, J. Bannon – DE, A. Ayodele – LB, B. Quinn – QB

Team Needs – WR, C, QB, D-Line, LB

Draft:
1. Demaryius Thomas – WR, Georgia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nDhGrYAx5g
1. Tim Tebow – QB, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unznEqnn2E4
2. Zane Beadles – OT, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A43AZoUopLs (at 1:45 mark)
3. J.D. Walton – C, Baylor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95VCpeM5kEc (at :12 mark)
3. Eric Decker – WR, Minnesota
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx9WWaKQk5s&feature=fvst
5. Perrish Cox – CB, Oklahoma State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma_n9K3stn8
6. Eric Olsen – G, Notre Dame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95VCpeM5kEc (at :42 mark)
7. Syd’Quan Thompson – DB, California
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMk77JUWmw0
7. Jammie Kirlew – LB, Indiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu2wuaKUhGs




Kansas City Chiefs

Team Losses – N/A

Team Additions – T. Jones – RB, S. Smith – DT, R. Lilja – G, J. Urban – WR, C Wiegmann

Team Needs – OT, NT, S, TE, LB

Draft:
1. Eric Berry – S, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABh4EthNnDA
2. Dexter McCluster – RB/WR, Mississippi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA1dAqOIEE0
2. Javier Arenas – CB, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIGsZqAK8N4
3. Jon Asamoah – G, Illinois
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=989OK1N8Hg0
3. Tony Moeaki – TE, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GoGPZ-43CY
5. Kendrick Lewis – DB, Mississippi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fMGEdBCO4A (at the 3:55 mark)
5. Cameron Sheffield – LB, Troy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG5EThKqj-U (at the 2:00 mark)



Oakland Raiders

Team Losses – K. Morrison – MLB, G. Ellis – DE, J. Fargas – RB, G. Warren – DT,

Team Additions – J. Campbell – QB, K. Wimbley – OLB, Q. Groves – OLB

Team Needs – (possibly transitioning to a 3-4 defense) OT, MLB, DT/NT, QB, S

Draft:
1. Rolando McClain – LB, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvj1eDfaIO4
2. Lamarr Houston – DT, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKUTXDrkWXM
3. Jared Veldheer – OT, Hillsdale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpRy5cVwHh4 (at 1:42 mark)
4. Bruce Campbell – OT/G, Maryland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnMm7AcJ7RI
4. Jacoby Ford – WR, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp4_19YsG2A
5. Walter McFadden – DB, Auburn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YultaUpaBAQ (pt 1 of 3)
6. Travis Goethel – LB, Arizona State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnw5dmBHpA (at 5:20 mark)
7. Jeremy Ware – DB, Michigan State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnw5dmBHpA (at 5:33 mark)
7. Steven Brown – DB, Michigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnw5dmBHpA (at 6:05 mark)




San Diego Chargers

Team Losses – J. Williams – NT, L. Tomlinson – RB, A. Cromartie – CB, T. Dobbins – LB

Team Additions – N. Vasher – CB, N. Novak – K

Team Needs – RB, NT, CB, DE, O-Line depth

Draft:
1. Ryan Mathews – RB, Fresno State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA9wiFnDVdE
3. Donald Butler – LB, Washington
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtJT1-uqcik (at 3:53 mark)
4. Darrell Stuckey – DB, Kansas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z52oB5j0QI
5. Cam Thomas – NT, North Carolina
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npe9dFUyGJ4 (#95)
5. Jonathan Crompton – QB, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNhd0oV3-3o
7. Dedrick Epps – TE, Miami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SGnPKV9rZk



AFC North


Baltimore Ravens

Team Losses – D. Edwards – DT/DE, J. Bannan – DT/DE, S. Rolle – CB

Team Additions – A. Bolden – WR, C. Redding – DT/DE, D. Stallworth – WR

Team Needs – ILB, CB, TE, WR

Draft:
2. Sergio Kindle – LB, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVLT2w6Z6SY
2. Terrence Cody – DT/NT, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iig2eh_zjOs
3. Ed Dickson – TE, Oregon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc0hRDBgjBE
4. Dennis Pitta – TE, BYU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSqUnYL60Ao
5. David Reed – WR, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUaGQrb6mgU
5. Arthur Jones – DT, Syracuse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsF3OEVaJBU
6. Ramon Harewood – OT, Morehouse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd-Am4-7ZV8 (at 4:12 mark)



Cincinnati Bengals

Team Losses – S. Smith – DT, B. Williams – G, L. Coles – WR, S. Graham – K

Team Additions – A. Bryant – WR, M. Jones – WR/TE, M. Nugent – K, G. Wilson – S, Pacman Jones – CB, C. Peerman – RB

Team Needs – TE, S, G, LB, QB

Draft:
1. Jermaine Gresham – TE, Oklahoma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nngZJXnuS98
2. Carlos Dunlap – DE, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q5Q2PZklrI
3. Jordan Shipley – WR, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3oyB-AbPCU
3. Brandon Ghee – CB, Wake Forest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66qlBv7WTME (#17)
4. Geno Atkins – DT, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHcibKj216A (at 1:23 mark)
4. Rodderick Muckelroy – LB, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLXCoGLMbTc
5. Otis Hudson – G, Eastern Illinois

6. Dezmon Briscoe – WR, Kansas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThFMPYiIniE
7. Reggie Stephens – C, Iowa State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz6YYSsWIeg (at :23 mark)



Cleveland Browns

Team Losses – J. Lewis – RB, B. Quinn – QB, D. Anderson – QB, A. Hall – LB, B. Poole – S, H. Fraley - C

Team Additions – J. Delhomme – QB, S. Wallace – QB, B. Watson – TE, S. Brown – CB, T. Pashos – OT, C. Gocong – LB, S. Fujita – LB, P. Hillis – RB/FB, A. Smith – TE, E. Ghiaciuc – C

Team Needs – QB, S, WR, CB, RB, LB, O-Line

Draft:
1. Joe Haden – CB, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJBn0saY1_k
2. TJ Ward – S, Oregon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NetmUwDaAI
2. Montario Hardesty – RB, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJiHPqy8xE
3. Colt McCoy – QB, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5B_tGheuQ4
3. Shawn Lauvao – G, Arizona State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcaxxJoe3n0
5. Larry Asante – S, Nebraska
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IkAU7G6Sic
6. Carlton Mitchell – WR, South Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddm_AwNfUY8
6. Clifton Geathers – DE, South Carolina
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8uCPzHnWk4



Pittsburgh Steelers

Team Losses – S. Holmes – WR, W. Parker – RB

Team Additions – B. Leftwich – QB, A. Randle-El – WR, W. Allen – S, B. McFadden – CB, L. Foote – LB, J. Scott – OT

Team Needs – O-Line, CB, LB, RB, WR, TE

Draft:
1. Maurkice Pouncey – C, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6NT3DAMtrE
2. Jason Worilds – LB, Virginia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBzLNXDuTGA
3. Emmanuel Sanders – WR, SMU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNthxAPLaFw
4. Thaddeus Gibson – LB, Ohio State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icaUlcW2SCQ
5. Chris Scott – OT, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IysD6dlxsIo
5. Crezdon Butler – DB, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhQucP7DjYE
5. Stevenson Sylvester – LB, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-3oUIQ09IU
6. Jonathan Dwyer – RB, Georgia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq9Yme2gczU
6. Antonio Brown – WR, Central Michigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U172KCi1mks
7. Doug Worthington – DE, Ohio State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeCahfEqJLg



AFC South

Houston Texans

Team Losses – D. Robinson – CB, B. Russell (?) – S

Team Additions – N. Rackers – K, W. Smith – O-Line, M. Gaines – TE

Team Needs – CB, RB, G, FS, WR

Draft:
1. Kareem Jackson – CB, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUlu7sXogUM
2. Ben Tate – RB, Auburn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfBkonPBFGY
3. Earl Mitchell – DT, Arizona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FgzV4MRXcU
4. Darryl Sharpton – LB, Miami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fMGEdBCO4A (at 1:22 mark)
4. Garrett Graham – TE, Wisconsin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAljnqfm7yA
5. Sherrick McManis – DB, Northwestern
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4VulMlHEjI (at :12 mark)
6. Shelley Smith – G, Colorado State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kIXVCmvoUw (at :10 mark)
6. Trindon Holliday – KR, LSU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlYgAUH7zfI
7. Dorin Dickerson – TE/WR – Pittsburgh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9fZQpuoJ_Q



Indianapolis Colts

Team Losses – M. Jackson – CB, R. Brock – DE, R. Lilja – G, J. Sorgi – QB

Team Additions – A. Terry – OT

Team Needs – OT, G, DT, LB, QB, DE

Draft:
1. Jerry Hughes – DE, TCU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkvPIDwMlqE
2. Pat Angerer – LB, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NpRbgzYTY0
3. Kevin Thomas – CB, Southern Cal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TltqT7D8D_I
4. Jacques McClendon – G, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f_Obm0Zi74
5. Brody Eldridge – TE, Oklahoma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulV_O5UZE6U (at 2:05 mark)
7. Ricardo Mathews – DE, Cincinnati
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGh_uGzSPH8 (at 1:28 mark)
7. Kavell Conner – LB, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzgxywpm8wc (at 2:26 mark)
7. Ray Fisher – DB, Indiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjBpDXKv6Fc



Jacksonville Jaguars

Team Losses – J. Henderson – DT, T. Holt – WR, T. Thomas – OT, Q. Groves – DE

Team Additions – A. Kampman – DE, K. Morrison – MLB, F. Keiaho – LB, K. Osgood – WR

Team Needs – LB, DT, S, QB, C, DE, WR

Draft:
1. Tyson Alualu – DT, California
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCjawbHQ2Ns
3. D’Anthony Smith – DT, Louisiana Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdX0jhm3ulI
5. Larry Hart – DE, Central Arkansas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOvrOHGbU0
5. Austen Lane – DE, Murray State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLzaVpl0NUQ
6. Deji Karim – RB, Southern Illinois
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMpFoHv6kQM
6. Scotty McGee – KR, James Madison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svRvZxTCTb4



Tennessee Titans

Team Losses – K. Vanden Bosch – DE, K. Bulluck (?) – LB, K. Mawae (?) – C, L. White – RB

Team Additions – W. Witherspoon – LB, J. Babin – DE, T. Hill – CB, C. Simms – QB

Team Needs – DE, CB, LB, G, WR, QB

Draft:
1. Derrick Morgan – DE, Georgia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDFUIyuqiH0
3. Damian Williams – WR, Southern Cal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eggkv0Z0tQ
3. Rennie Curran – LB, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndM8tc0SB8
4. Alterraun Verner – CB, UCLA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cZbjLR1l_c
5. Robert Johnson – S, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ourKzKOnY
6. Rusty Smith – QB, Florida Atlantic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qf5qN7TfiA
6. Myron Rolle – S, Florida State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsn1aIaYj-Y
7. Marc Mariani – WR, Montana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNM1NYBp0QQ
7. David Howard – DT, Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLzaVpl0NUQ (at :22 mark)

NFC SOUTH: TEAM DRAFT RECAPS/GRADES

NFC SOUTH: TEAM DRAFT RECAPS/GRADES-William Queen and Ralph Garcia-Football Reporters Online

The NFC South gave birth to the Super bowl Champion in 2009. However, despite the good play, many, many needs have arisen from each of the four teams in the division. The fastest, easiest way for teams to make up for their teams losses each year is the NFL Draft. Lets see how the NFC South did.

Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons needed quite a few different things in order to make this year’s draft a success; a receiver to counteract Roddy White, help at linebacker, depth at defensive tackle, an offensive guard to solidify the line, and somebody who knows how to stop the pass (I know they have to defend Drew Brees, but when you play Carolina twice a year, ranking 28th in pass defense doesn’t cut it).
With their first round pick (19th) Atlanta decided to take Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Now this is a great pick considering that he was the best player available; He’ll surely cure all their problems at linebacker; he can play all three linebacker positions. His combine results were top-of-the-line and his film backs it up. A very instinctive, playmaking linebacker, Weatherspoon will probably serve a huge role as a weak side backer in Atlanta’s Tampa Two defense. I say this pick was a huge success.
The Falcons had to wait until the end of the third round before their next selection came around. This time, big-boy Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters was the selection. Now Peters isn’t the ideal starting defensive tackle, in the sense that his technique isn’t where it needs to be in order to compete every down in the NFL. However, Peters will add another hard-working body to the defensive tackle rotation in Atlanta; that looks like a solid pick to me.
Now in order to get their offensive line under control, which wasn’t too bad in the first place (only allowing 27 sacks in 2009), they drafted Alabama offensive guard Mike Johnson and UNLV offensive guard Joe Hawley. Neither may be the immediate fix at offensive guard, however, they will provide much needed depth to Atlanta’s questionable offensive line. Johnson can be a solid backup as a rookie, while Hawley has the versatility to play any of the three interior positions. Hawley may not be quite as talented as Johnson, but will provide more help than many may expect. Okay so these two picks didn’t quite exemplify the offensive line, but it’ll work for the time being.
Well, so far so good for the Falcons. At this point, they’ve used every one of their picks in a good manner. However, with all the needs that Atlanta came into the draft needing, it’s nearly impossible to satisfy all of them; Roddy White’s still lonely out wide and the secondary didn’t get any better when you drafted two straight offensive guards. Yet, I think this is where the Falcons did the best job. Still needing some help in the secondary, Atlanta chose Oklahoma cornerback Dominique Franks. Franks is a surprisingly good fit for Atlanta’s Tampa Two defense and should excel with his great instincts and zone coverage. He may not be a starting corner at first, but could help out in packages that require more than four defensive backs such as nickel or dime.
At this point, the only need left for the Atlanta Falcons to fill is at receiver. Wide receiver Roddy White accounted for 85 receptions, 1153 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2009, so it’s safe to say that they have a #1 receiver. But other than that, the Falcons don’t’ have a guy that can pick up the slack (#2 receiver Michael Jenkins only had 635 receiving yards and one touchdown reception in 2009). So, with all this in mind, Atlanta picked up hybrid Kansas receiver Kerry Meier to fill their hole. Meier used to start at quarterback for the Jayhawks, but was converted to a receiver during his junior year. Ever since, Meier has been more than productive considering his circumstances. However, I don’t think that Meier is gonna be enough to satisfy that #2 spot. Hey, he might go out there and prove me wrong, but I haven’t seen enough proof to lead me to believe that this guy can be a productive receiver in the NFL. Picking up someone in the fifth round doesn’t exactly fill their need as well as it should. I’m not very impressed with how Atlanta handled that.
Overall Draft Grade: B
 
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers came into the draft needing three main things; a quarterback to build their team around, someone for that quarterback to throw to, and some players that could stop the run for God’s sake (particularly at defensive end). Some fans argue that quarterback is not as big of a need as the media portrays it to be, however, when your team leader throws more picks per game than any other quarterback in the league, we got a problem. So, to fit this need, the Panthers looked to the draft for answers.
It was probably a very painful few hours in Carolina’s draft room, as they were forced to wait until the mid second round before their first pick arrived. When it did, and they saw that Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was still on the board, they couldn‘t believe their eyes. What is it with Notre Dame quarterbacks these days? I don’t know, maybe Brady Quinn scared teams off. But no matter, Carolina jumped all over Clausen while he was still there and there probably isn’t a second that goes by that the Panthers regret their decision. Clausen has an NFL-ready arm and is very used to playing in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame. He can fire passes into small spaces and can put some touch on the ball in order to make it just over the defender and into the receivers hands. Clausen should have plenty of opportunities to blossom as a quarterback in Carolina. Running backs Jonothan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams should make him look good anyways (much like Mark Sanchez and the Jets).
Now for that player for him to throw to; the Panthers had another whack at the NFL Draft piñata, this time in the mid third round, and went with LSU receiver Brandon LaFell. LaFell was a player that was projected to go in the early-to-mid second round, but it wasn’t a huge shocker when he was still around at the 78th pick. Carolina‘s #2 receiver Muhsin Muhammad is entering his 15th season in 2010, so this is a very smart pick, as LaFell shouldn’t have to wait long before his spot opens up in the offense. During his junior and senior season at LSU, LaFell never really had an established quarterback to throw him the ball and still managed to put up 1721 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during that two-year speriod; he’s probably thrilled to be starting along side a matured quarterback in Jimmy Clausen.
That’s two needs down with their first two picks, so I guess you can say that the Panthers had plenty of breathing room with eight picks left. However, drafting quarterback Tony Pike and wildcat quarterback Armanti Edwards in the later rounds, I guess you can say Carolina would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to quarterback. Don’t wanna take any more chances there. These two picks may not look like much of a significance at first, but this is really where Carolina’s draft is going to make a huge impact. Not only do they have one franchise quarterback (Clausen), but they have two (Pike)! Not to mention someone to take the snaps in the wildcat and give Deangelo Williams a break.
This is where the “great” part of the Panther’s draft ends and the “good” part begins. With Probowl defensive end Julius Peppers on his way out, Carolina needed a strong, balanced guy to take his spot. Drafting Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy may not be in the best interest for the Panthers. Hardy used to be a big-time, explosive player at Ole Miss, but wasn’t even a starter in 2010 because of how badly injuries have affected him; I don’t think Hardy is a very reliable replacement at defensive end. Well too bad that’s the only defensive lineman they drafted, cause they sure needed some help in the middle if you ask me. Ranking 22nd in the league in rush defense, the line is in obvious need of repair. And don’t go blaming their linebacking core; middle linebacker Jon Beason racked up 141 tackles last year; he’s not the problem.
However, the Panthers did draft South Carolina outside linebacker Eric Norwood in the late fourth round. Norwood isn’t the best athlete, but he has instincts and playmaking skills that shows very great potential. Norwood actually reminds me of middle linebacker Jon Beason that I spoke of earlier. If Norwood turns out like Beason, then the Panthers may not need a defensive line for then next eight years.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
 
New Orleans Saints
Coming into 2010 as the defending Super Bowl champs, it’s hard to believe that the Saints have any needs whatsoever. However, with last year’s first-round selection Malcolm Jenkins being in a limbo between corner and safety, while free safety Darren Sharper’s career is coming to a close, New Orleans has a lot happening on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle and linebacker are areas of concern and some how the secondary still isn’t up to par.
With their first round pick, 32nd overall, the Saints took another chance with a corner, this time Florida State’s Patrick Robinson. All this means is that last year’s 16th overall pick Malcolm Jenkins will have a chance to move to safety, hopefully solidifying the secondary; so, when are the Saints going to give the whole defensive back thing a rest? That’s three years in a row that they’ve selected a defensive back with their first round pick, meaning that those picks obviously didn’t make a big enough impact to direct their draft picks in another direction. Now Robinson is a speedy, athletic corner that closes in fast on the receiver. He has great see-to-do instincts and can make a play pretty much anywhere on the field; he didn’t fall into the first round on accident. Robinson can provide another solid developing corner to the Saints secondary and can hope to be starting along side Malcolm Jenkins in the near future.
The next two picks were a bit of a mystery to me; first of all, do the Saints really need another tight end? They had five on their roster last season. And it’s not like they’re all bad or anything, Jeremy Shockey is probably the best pass-catching tight end in the game and back up David Thomas has enough talent to be a starter for just about any other team. Anyways, the guy they drafted, Miami tight end Jimmy Graham, is an ex basket ball player that only played two years of college football. He was very productive during his time on the gridiron and reminds many of Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. It would be great if this guy turned out like Gates, heck, it’d be great if all six of their draft picks turned out as pro-bowlers; then Drew Brees would have to get used to throwing out of two tight end packages.
The Saints took USC offensive tackle Charles Brown in the late second round, fulfilling a potential need at tackle if Jammal Brown gets traded. Brown is a solid NFL tackle that has a certain potential to become a starter sometime during his career. 6’5” 305 pounds, his size is certainly good enough and has pretty good athleticism for a big guy. This is a solid pick by New Orleans, they took the best player available rather than someone to fill their immediate needs, but I think this pick will certainly pay off.
Trading up seven spots to draft LSU defensive tackle Al Woods was probably the best decision by the Saints this draft. He may not be that player that’ll just blow up the scene in New Orleans, but he’s a hometown hero in Baton Rouge and will attract plenty of fans. The college-NFL transition will be very easy and he’ll have tons have people pushing him for success. He was one of the best run stoppers in the nation last year and that’s exactly what the Saints are looking for in a defensive tackle. With a surprising draft up to this point, Al Woods just made it look better.
Moving to their last pick of the draft, the Saints drafted Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield. Even though the Saints don’t have a very good history in drafting quarterbacks, this was a mediocre pick because they needed somebody be behind Drew Brees. If Brees were to get injured, the Saints wouldn’t be receiving their Super bowl rings this August. The need for a back up was exposed after Mark Brunell went unsigned this off season; in Brunells only start last season, he threw for 102 yards and one interception, so they’re not losing too much. Canfield is the type of quarterback that will be a good fit in New Orleans. He’s smart and accurate, much like Brees, and has great leadership skills; should be a great back up for the Saints.
Draft Grade: C
 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers finished with the worst record in the NFC South, third worst in the NFL, and therefore had the third overall pick in the Draft. They needed quite a few things this draft, particularly on defense; two defensive tackles to satisfy the defensive line, help at defensive end, a play-making safety, someone at wide out, and maybe a guy or two to help out at linebacker.
Having the third pick of the NFL Draft, Tampa Bay had the opportunity to draft practically in player in the whole draft (outside the first two picks). Luckily, the Bucs chose the right year to be in need of a defensive tackle; Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy fell right into their laps. One of the four Oklahoma players to be drafted in the top four picks, McCoy was slightly overshadowed by the presence of Nebraska counterpart Ndamukong Suh. Suh was drafted second overall by the Lions, leaing Tampa Bay with a defensive tackle of equal value. McCoy is an extremely quick and speedy defensive tackle that also has enough power and strength to fight off the double team. An all-around athlete that has virtually no weaknesses. Predictable, yet great pick by Tampa Bay.
Does everybody remember when Warren Sapp and Anthony McFarland ruled the LOS back in the early 2000’s? They actually won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay if you recall. Well maybe that’s what they’re trying to recreate here by drafting UCLA defensive tackle Brian Price to follow up McCoy. Price brings more of a raw talent to the defensive line. He is very quick, like McCoy, but also is very violent in his play. Has great moves and is one of those guys that can really shoot a gap and stuff it. I like what the Buccaneers are trying to do here with their defensive line and I think both McCoy and Price have great potential starting next to each other.
Tampa Bay drafted two big-play receivers to quench their thirst for a receiver; Illinois receiver Arrelious Benn in the second round and Syracuse receiver Mike Williams in the fourth. Benn is a player that knows how to make guys miss and is a terrific worker, while Williams is very talented, yet had some off the field issues that put him at risk of not finding the field as much as wants to. The Buccaneers weren’t a very explosive offense in 2009, so adding these two receivers was a great way to add more talent around quarterback Josh Freeman.
In the later rounds, Tampa Bay addressed their nagging concern for a linebacker by not drafting one, but two solid players. Virginia Tech’s Cody Grimm and Florida State’s Dekoda Watson were both drafted in the seventh round by the Bucs. Both Grimm and Watson have enough drive and heart to be very effective special teams players as a rookie. Watson has more immediate potential to actually make a difference on defense, while Grimm may stick as a special teams player for most of his career.
As cornerback Ronde Barber is getting towards the point of retiring from the NFL, Tampa Bay looked for, and found, a replacement in this year’s Draft. Taking Vanderbilt corner Myron Lewis in the third round, Tampa Bay hopes that the retirement of Barber will not leave the secondary in ruins, but let a young star take over. Lewis has sound technique at every secondary position and is one of those guys that will impress wherever you put him. A good pick by the Bucs.
Overall Draft Grade: A

Tiki Barber on The NFL Draft, NY Giants, and an NFL lockout (video)

This NFL Draft installment (thanks to the Inn at Irving Place, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World brand) comes from New York, Radio City Music Hall - New York Giants Football Legend Tiki Barber took time to talk with "Dr. Football" and Football Reporters Online and NFL Business New Blog Managing Partner Bill Chachkes and this blogger as video-blogger on the state of New York Giants Running Backs after the 2010 NFL Draft.
Barber and Chackhes
After being drafted in the second round ("almost first" he said to Chachkes) from Virginia in 1997, New York Giants Running Back Tiki Barber retired at the end of the 2006 postseason as the Giants all time leader in yards rushing and catches. Barber almost immediately rose to media stardom as a correspondent for NBC's Today Show and Football Night in America. Barber is a legend among NY Giants fans, so it was fitting that one of New York's biggest Giants fans, Bill Chachkes talked to Tiki. Barber was at the NFL Draft representing Yahoo! Sports and "just covering what's going on here," he said. "Feeling the vibe of some of the teams." Barber observes that the NFL's "hype-filled" machine works to raise an incredible level of interest and awareness of the NFL Draft and builds the expectations of the college players and fans to equally high levels.

The NFL Draft Running Back Class

Tiki thinks there are "four or five guys" who are going to make it; he named four: San Diego Chargers' Ryan Matthews, Buffalo Bills' C.J. Spiller (who both Chachkes and Barber thought would be a New York Giant), Detroit Lions' Jahvid Best, and Minnesota Viking's Running Back Toby Gerhart. On Gerhert: "he goes to Minnesota. Watch Adrian Peterson run. He pounds people, but he's a finess guy, a speed guy. Now with Toby Gerhart, they're going to have a formidable rushing attack. It's exciting to see what's happening with the Vikings. Now, defenses are never going to get a break. Adrian's more of a slasher-type running back. Toby? He wants to be bloodied. Barber compared C.J. Spiller to himself:"He can return kicks. He's going to be used on 3rd down. Then they'll line him in the "I" and get some every-down carries."

Barber thinks the NFL's close to a 2011 Lockout

Asked about the possibility of a labor strike or "lockout", Barber answered in the affirmative: "It's a lot more dire than people want to pay attention to. The league and the players are very far apart in their demands and their comprehension of the issues is so completely different. And until something can bring them closer together we're in significant danger of having a lockout." Barber and Bill agree that a lockout would wreck the NFL, much as it did hockey in America. Barber asserts that America will not be sympathetic to the needs of "athletes making tons of money." Bill and I thank Tiki for taking the time to make this video at the NFL Draft. Stay tuned.

Kirk Morrison on Twitter: happy with Jacksonville Jaguars

Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY - The Oakland Raiders traded Linebacker Kirk Morrison to Jacksonville and to the Jacksonville Jaguars. From the read of his Twitter account @kirkmorrison52, Kirk Morrison's happy to be in Jacksonville, tweeting...
Good Morning. I'm a Jacksonville Jaguar about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter
And putting the Jacksonville Jaguar logo on his account. That was fast, but equally fast was how future teammate and current friend Jacksonville Running Back Maurice Jones-Drew greeted him on Twitter...
RT @Jones_Drew32: New addition to the jag family @kirkmorrison52 he's a great friend and person. Congrats bruh about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter
Kirk Morrison was part of a deal the Raiders made to get super-fast WR Jacoby Ford who reportedly once ran a 4.1 40-yard dash. Also drafting Rolando McClain in the first round made Morrison expendable. More on Jacoby Ford later. Rock the Casbah!

Jets and Giants address needs on days' one and two

The Giants selected Linval Joseph, the Defensive Tackle from East Carolina in the second round after taking Jason Pierre-Paul ,the Defensive End from South Florida in yesterday's first round action. Many feel the move further improves the Giants pass rush, although some feel Osi Umenyoria will be traded, The Giants say otherwise. They also selected Chad Jones the talented defensive back from LSU in round three.

The Jets took Vladimir Ducasse the Offensive Tackle from UMASS tonight in round 2, after taking Kyle Wilson the Defensive Back from Boise State yesterday. They have no third round selection.

More Updates Later and tomorrow Live from the NFL Draft

NFL Draft: Jahvid Best will miss Cal teammates

See > nfl, nfl draft, nfl play 60, 2010 nfl draft, Jahvid Best, cal berkeley, luxury hotels, new york, New York, NY - This NFL Draft update: Jahvid Best says he will miss players, coaches at Cal. This NFL Draft installment (thanks to the Inn at Irving Place, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World brand) comes from Wednesday's NFL Play 60 Event in Central Park.
Jahvid Best 
When this blogger arrived in New York City and to the NFL's second annual "NfL Play 60 Event" the first player sought was Cal Running Back Jahvid Best. Standing at what was the "50" yard line of the touch football playing field, Best seemed to be just taking in the busy scene of college players, media, "secret service" level security men, NFL officials, and Jillian Michaels with a calm smile, but also still trying to figure out where he was. Best, who said he was just enjoying being in New York, briefly talked on video about what he would miss in leaving Cal for the NFL, his Oregon State injury, and the value of athletics at Cal. The guess of where Jahvid Best may go in the 2010 NFL Draft varies. Some NFL Mock Drafts had Best going in the 1st round to the San Diego Chargers, while others had him going to the Detroit Lions in the 2nd round. While Best says he will play wherever he goes, the focus really is on leaving Cal Berkeley. Best made the decision to "go pro" after his junior year last season. "I'm gonna miss my relationships with my players and coaches. My running back group, I love those guys. It's gonna be hard leavin' em. And also my running backs coach (Cal Assistant Head Coach / Running Backs, Ron Gould). He's one of the best coaches I've had my whole life. He's like a father figure to me. But that's what I'm gonna miss the most." The Oregon State game was the pivotal step in Jahvid Best' college career. The Cal star jumped over would-be Oregon State defenders and to the Beavers' end zone, but while he was in the air was pushed by an OSU defender. Jahvid Best turned in the air and fell on his neck and head in the end zone. He froze motionless and was taken off the field on a stretcher, having suffered a concussion. But if Best had just scored and got up, would we be standing at the NFL Play 60 event talking? "Honestly, when you get a concussion it kind of blocks your memory a bit. So at that point I was just sit and coming back to, and everything was kind of fuzzy. After a while, I came to and felt like I just got knocked out."

Best' best runs at Cal

Jahvid Best had so many "best runs" it's hard for him to pick out one. For this blogger, it was his rapid 75-yard-touchdown run to open the 2009 season against Maryland. For Best "there's a lot of different plays. Sometimes even a cut block would be considered one of my best plays, but there's just a lot of plays I made that could be coined 'the best play.'" Best feels he can play in any NFL offense because Cal, under Head Coach Jeff Tedford, has ran so many different formations, from single-back to two backs, and at times no backs in the backfield. Bsst says he's prepared for whatever a team asks him to do, including playing the slot receiver position. Regarding the current debate on the value of athletics at Cal, where some Cal professors have called for the entire athletics effort to be disbanded in the wake of California's massive budget deficit, Jahvid Best says the program "is essential. It's a two way street as far as the academics and the athletics. I mean the athletics bring a lot of money to the university, so it's a two way street. They need each other." But what Best needed was a map and a compass, because he had no idea he was in Central Park and on a man-made area of grass that was the NFL Play 60 event until someone told him where he was. "I love New York. I didn't even know we were in Central Park until five minutes ago." Something tells me Best isn't going to have the problem of knowing where he is again after this week. Stay tuned and GO BEARS.

ACC DRAFT PREVIEW




ACC DRAFT PREVIEW-By William Queen For Football Reporters Online

Georgia tech

Wide receiver DeMaryius Thomas is a big play receiver if there ever was one. Averaging more than 25 YPC in 2010, Thomas takes advantage of every ball thrown his way. Unfortunately, Georgia Tech runs a triple-option offense, where the receiver is more of a blocker, so his 3.28 receptions per game is tough to judge. But no matter, NFL scouts are getting very good vibes from this kid; he’ll be taken sometime in the late first round.

During his college career, running back Jonathan Dwyer found himself living a running backs dream; the triple option. The Yellow Jackets made there living on the ground the entire time Dwyer was at Georgia Tech, so it’s safe to say that he never had to fight for carries. However, providing the fact that there’s no A-back position in the NFL, Dwyer is one of the toughest backs to project. Tallying 2,790 yards and 26 touchdowns in his last two seasons, there’s no question that he can run the ball, but a primary running back position will be a huge change for Dwyer. Personally, I think he won’t be taken till the mid-second round, but he’ll be an immediate contributor in a running back rotation.

Now switching to the other side of the ball, the Yellow Jackets will be without their two largest defensive forces, Derrick Morgan and Morgan Burnett. Defensive end Derrick Morgan isn’t the top rated defensive end in this year’s draft for nothing. His ACC-leading 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss in 2009 is only a side attraction for his impressive skill set. Morgan gets great leverage on the line and is always in the right position to make a play. He has great athletic ability that is complimented by an unbelievable motor and should be a great asset to any team in need of a 4-3 defensive end. Because of his speed and quickness, he may also be converted to a 3-4 outside linebacker. He should be the selected in the top half of the first-round; you can’t go wrong with this pick.

Safety Morgan Burnett gave Georgia Tech’s defense some fire to it 2009. His big-play ability and quick, athletic play, Burnett can make a quarterback think twice about a throw. His aggressiveness in the box doesn’t quite match up to his 6’1” 210 pound frame, but he still manages to bring the ball-carrier to the ground. Burnett never makes mistakes. His big-hits may not work so well on NFL ball carriers, but Burnett’s well worth a high second round selection based on his game-speed and instincts alone.

North Carolina

Defensive tackle Marvin Austin has steadily developed into a top-notch player during his time at North Carolina. He played all through his whole career at UNC and has plenty of playing experience coming into the draft. Austin is a huge space eater. He may have only had 4 sacks in 2009, but his play goes further than just his stats. He gets plenty of penetration and finds a way past the offensive line and into the play. Austin always seems to be in on the play and looks like he’ll be getting a call from a team sometime in the first round.

Numero dos in UNC’s defensive tackle montage, Cam Thomas is a force to be reckon with. Six foot three inches tall and 331 pounds, Thomas is as big as they come. Accumulating only 23 tackles as a senior, he doesn’t make very many plays, but he eats up tons of space on the offensive line and gives his teammates a chance at the ball. His pass rush collapses the pocket at ease and his lower body strength gives him very good potential in the NFL. He’ll probably land himself in the 2nd round sometime.

Cornerback Charles Brown has a very great potential in the NFL as well. Another underclassmen deciding to declare, Brown is about as close to the total package as you can get; a classic shut-down corner. He was the leader of the UNC secondary in 2009, accumulating 66 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions. It’s tough to find any predictions on where Brown will fall in the Draft, but somewhere in the top 3 rounds for sure.

Elite Tarheel linebacker Quan Sturdivant will be greatly missed in the ACC. He racked up more solo tackles than just about any other linebacker in the nation. Sturdivant is a very fast, physical linebacker that’s not afraid to hit you straight up. A real football player. One of the best players tackling in the open field. Wasn’t expected to declare as a junior, but will most likely get drafted in the 2nd round anyways. Can play middle linebacker in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.

It seems as if UNC’s whole defense is leaving to the NFL. Safety Deunta Williams is leaving the Tarheels as a very established player. Racking up 138 tackles and 12 interceptions during his 3-year collegiate career, Williams has plenty to be proud of. He has great speed and a huge dedication to studying the game; watches more film than most quarterbacks. Displays very impressive hands for a defensive back; should go in the mid second round.

Outside linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive lineman Aleric Mullins and E.J. Wilson will also find their way early on in the NFL Draft.

NC State

The Wolfpack have just a few impressive prospects entering this year’s NFL Draft, the best being linebacker Nate Irving. Irving only started 12 games throughout his college career, but, averaging 8.7 tackles per game, took advantage of his playing time. Unfortunately, he was part of a bad car wreck in the summer of 2009, breaking his leg, collapsing a lung, and ultimately losing a third of his season. Due to a lack of playing time, it’s safe to say that Irving flew under the radar and should be a surprisingly good pick for a team in the early-to-mid 4th round.

I did a double-take when I saw quarterback Russell Wilson on this year’s NFL Draft prospect list. Wilson is a rare talent at quarterback and can turn a broken play into a touchdown by using his feet; the only problem is that he’s coming out as a sophomore. For a quarterback, declaring for the draft prematurely is often frowned upon. Quarterback is the most logistic position in football and, because of that, experience is wanted in a quarterback that is headed to the NFL. However, in situations like these, you ought to think that he’s taking the gig early just for the money. Hey, I don’t blame him, you get paid big bucks in the NFL. But since he’s coming out as a sophomore, he’s not only hurting Wolfpack fans across the state of North Carolina, but he’s setting him self up to be sitting on the bench for most of his early career.

Wide receiver Owen Spencer and defensive end Willie Young are also good value picks in the mid rounds; they will be missed in Raleigh.

Virginia Tech

Defensive end Jason Worilds will be the first guy off the board coming from the Hookies. His power and explosiveness surprises offensive lineman at the snap and he can really beat you into the back field. Worilds put up extremely good numbers in his first year as a starter in 2008 (18.5 TFL and 8 sacks), but didn’t live up to his standards in 2009 (11TFL and 4.5 sacks). Even though his senior season wasn’t as great, he still earned the respect of many when he played with a shoulder injury through the year. He may be a suitable outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, so his versatility should bump him up into the 2nd round.

Safety Kam Chancellor made his way into the 3rd round with his impressive performance on the bench press at the combine. Yet, even 22 reps at 225 pounds doesn’t accurately represent the strength and effort he exemplifies on the football field. He plays with tons of power and delivers huge hits on whoever is near the ball. Lots of ACC receivers ate dirt because of this guy. Even though he had six interceptions in 2009, he doesn’t exactly have the best hands, always manages to knock it down though. Chancellor’s excitement will surely be missed by Hookies fans.

Offensive lineman Sergio Render and Ed Wang should make there way into a new home sometime in the 4/5th round.

Boston College

Linebacker Mark Herzlich is one of the best stories in this year’s draft. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, and, instead of letting it interfere with his life, he’s made a near full recovery and continues to make plays on the football field. Herzlich runs right through blockers and always makes the tackle in the backfield. Racking up 110 tackles in 2010, it’s clear that he plays very smart and never lets the ball carrier get the best of him. Reeling in 6 interceptions last season, he’s also shown exceptional coverage skills as well. Herzlich has the potential to be an immediate starter at the next level. He’s a first round lock.

Running back Montel Harris was one of, if not the biggest, offensive tool in Boston College’s offense. Harris exploded as a sophomore, running the ball for 1,457 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a result, his NFL Draft stock went flying through the roof and Harris decided to declare. Though most players are encouraged to stay in school and finish their degree, I think that he made the right decision. Many teams are looking for a rotation back such as Harris. Harris hit’s the hole hard and speeds through the front seven. He makes quick cuts and has no trouble making defenders miss. A good comparison, yet a bit of an exaggeration, would be Knoshon Marino. I see Harris going in the early-mid 3rd round, a good pick up.

Boston College is losing practically their whole offensive line in this year’s draft. Starting offensive tackles Anthony Castonzo and Rich Lapham are both predicted to go either in the 2nd or 3rd round. And starting center Matt Tennant and starting guard Thomas Claiborne are also predicted to depart in the 3rd round. All four leaving in the same year will cripple Boston College’s offense greatly in 2010. Now I know why running back Montel Harris is leaving; he doesn’t wanna get killed!

Miami

Offensive tackle Jason Fox has what it takes to make it in the NFL. Though I think he’ll only go in the 3rd round, Fox has plenty of potential. He possesses great footwork and displays great leverage when blocking. He uses his lateral quickness to make sure the defensive end doesn’t get around him. A great zone blocker. Has had a few injuries during his career, but has always manned up and played through them. Fox is a very tough player that gets the job done. He may not be as strong or imposing as you want your left tackle to be, but, as I said before, he gets the job done.

Tight end Jimmy Graham is an ex-basketball player that decided to try football in his senior year of college. Well it’s obvious now that that decision was a good one; he’s now looking at a potential NFL career. Graham doesn’t have very great technique, but that should be fixed by simply playing more football. He has great speed and physical features and runs his routes very well. He’s able to use his size to overpower to smaller defenders when the ball’s in the air. Graham’s also a solid blocker and, like I said earlier, more experience is key to his development. Very coachable. A good comparison would be San Diego Chargers Pro-Bowl tight end Antonio Gates; both are former college basketball players and if Graham turns out anything like Gates, then he has a heck of a career ahead of him.

Two Hurricane running backs have a crack at the NFL this Thursday; Graig Cooper and Javarris James. Cooper never ran for more than 850 yards in any given season, but his natural athletic ability is too much to pass up. While Javarris James is more of a power runner and will serve as more of a one-cut runner and goal-line back in the NFL. Both should get drafted in the later round of the Draft.

Miami is also losing linebacker Darryl Sharpton in the NFL Draft. Sharpton will most likely be drafted in the 5th round do to his explosiveness and power at the point of attack. Offensive guard Orlando Franklin also has a shot in the NFL due to his monstrous 6’7”, 320lb frame and raw abilities.

Virginia

Competitive cornerback Chris Cook has a good chance to be drafted high in this year’s NFL Draft. He tallied 40 tackles and 4 interceptions in 2009, setting him towards the top of this year’s cornerback class. Cook is a true competitor. He is very tough and provides great help with run support. Lacks the elite lateral quickness and change of direction that you look for in a starting corner, but has good straight line speed; he ran a 4.46 40-yard-dash at the combine. Due to his instincts and competitiveness, he’ll probably be drafted in the late 2nd round.

Virginia’s second departing corner, Ras-I Dowling will be going approximately the same time as Cook. Tight end Joe Torchia and offensive tackle Will Barker will also be drafted towards the middle of the draft.

Florida State

Myron “Academic Heisman” Rolle has finally entered the NFL draft. Perhaps one of the smartest people to ever play football, Rolle skipped his senior season to be a Rhode Scholar and study in Oxford. Not only is this guy smart, but he’s built to play football. He has prototype speed and size for a safety and never gets tricked by a quarterback. Because of him missing his senior season, there isn’t much game film to judge him by. But when he did play, Rolle was considered on of the top safety’s in the NCAA. He’ll probably be selected in the late 2nd round because of his lack of recent football experience.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson is making his way into the NFL spotlight. He’s one of those players that can go either way; he may be a big-time player or may be a big-time bust. Either way, he’ll get drafted high. Robinson has tremendous speed and leaping ability. Will challenge every ball thrown his way. He has great football instincts and easily sheds blocks to get to the ball carrier. However, Robinson relies on his athleticism a little too much when he plays, which is why I said he has a potential to be a bust.

Linebacker Dekoda Watson is one of the most imitating players in this year’s draft. He is built perfectly for the linebacker position and, despite his huge physique, he’s still an amazing athlete. Watson shows amazing quickness and keeps moving through the whole play; he doesn’t waste time taking on blockers. A tremendous rusher coming off the edge and plays with the intensity and leadership that you look for in a starter. Despite all this, he’ll probably only be drafted in the 4th round. A big sleeper at his position.

Florida State has two offensive lineman going in the mid rounds of the draft; center Ryan McMahon and offensive guard Rodney Hudson. McMahon is a very reliable player that will endure the whole NFL experience very well and will go in the 4th round. While Hudson is a very agile player that takes pride in footwork and should go in the 2nd round.

Clemson

The man himself, Clemson’s very own ,C. J. Spiller is entering the NFL Draft after a very successful four-year collegiate career. In senior season, Spiller racked up 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, 4 receiving touchdowns, one passing touchdown, and 5 touchdowns as a return specialist; this guy lights the scoreboard up. He is such a scoring threat, that it is impossible for NFL teams to ignore him. Spiller does have a slight injury problem with his toe and hamstrings, but he played through it all last season and managed to put up those numbers I mentioned before. He makes his cuts extremely fast and is as good as they get in the open field. Spiller runs through every arm-tackle and can explode in between the tackles and into the secondary. So much versatility, so many possibilities, he’ll most likely get selected in the mid 1st round.

Wide receiver Jacoby Ford was easily overshadowed by CJ Spiller through his career at Clemson. Yet, he still put up great numbers. Reeling in 56 balls for 779 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2009, Ford was primarily a big-play receiver. If this were any other receiver, they may not be in the 2nd-3rd round conversation. However, because of his sub 4.40 forty speed, Ford is looking at an early draft selection. He can catch the ball well in traffic and is dangerous on short screen passes. Reminds me of a less celebrated version of Percy Harvin. Ford will probably stick himself in the late 2nd round because of his speed.

Offensive guard Thomas Austin and defensive end Ricky Sapp are preparing for this year’s draft as well. Austin is a very powerful blocker who uses leverage and never gets pushed around. He doesn’t let defenders make plays and is a very durable player. He’ll probably go in the 4th round. Sapp is more of a 3-4 outside linebacker than a defensive end. His speed and coverage skills sets him apart from most d-lineman and should get some good looks because of his versatility. When he does rush, he gets into the back field in a hurry; should be drafted in the 3rd round.

Maryland

Offensive tackle Bruce Campbell has a heck of an NFL career ahead of him. He has the size, strength, speed, and awareness to be a successful left tackle in the NFL. His length allows him to slow down the pass rush and his quickness helps him to get in the right places and be a really effective blocker in the open field. He can really open up a screen play with his raw power. I can see this guy contributing to some big plays at the next level. However, Campbell is more of a prototype and may need some time to learn so that he doesn’t get outsmarted by NFL defensive lineman. No matter, he’s bound to find his way somewhere in the 1st round.

One of my “ACC Rising Stars”, running back DaRel Scott will be in this year’s draft. Scott broke out as one of the ACC’s best backs in 2008. Yet, do to injury, he only rushed for 425 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2009. He missed about half of his season due to injury and flew under the radar as a junior, making himself one of the biggest sleeper running backs. Once Scott gets the ball, he picks a hole and explodes through it. He breaks every arm tackle and doesn’t slow down when he makes cuts. A very north-south runner. Scott will probably go sometime in the 3rd round.

Defensive back Antwine Perez and linebacker Alex Wujciak will also be selected in the mid rounds of the Draft.

Duke

During his time at Duke, quarterback Thaddeus Lewis was the ring leader of the football program. The Blue Devil’s football program has slowly been on a rise as far as winning is concerned; give it up for the man behind the plan. Lewis nearly led Duke to a bowl game by throwing for 3,300 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2010. He’s the type of quarterback that will do anything to help his team win. He delivers quick, accurate throws to his best receivers. Rarely makes mistakes and can really work his way around in the backfield in order to find an open receiver. Despite all this, he’s not very high on many draft boards; most have him going in the 7th round. I think he’s one of the biggest sleeper at quarterback in this year’s draft, he’ll surprise many of people a few years down the road.

Defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase is the classic big-boy defensive tackle. He has some injury and endurance issues, but, when he’s at his best, he can really do some damage. Only 37 tackles (7.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks) in 2009, Oghobasse didn’t live up to expectations due to foot injuries. Yet, he’s still looking like he’s going to be a second-day selection. He has enough upper-body strength to bull rush effectively and has the versatility and smarts to learn any position on the defensive line. Oghobaase should be a solid back up in the beginning of his career and may have chances to move up.

Wake Forest

Field general Riley Skinner is one of many risky picks at quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft. His low release and 6’1” height makes things tough to be successful as an NFL quarterback. But hey, six foot tall Drew Brees just won the Super Bowl; there shouldn’t be a problem. Short or not, Skinner can play. He’s known for his intense study of the game and perfection of pre-play reads and calls. Skinner threw for 3160 yards and 25 touchdowns while maintaining a 66% completion percentage in 2009. He has tremendous accuracy and creates time in the pocket using his feet. Tends to squeez the ball into tight spaces and that may hurt him at the next level. Most likely a late round selection and should be a solid back up for the time being.

Cornerback Brandon Ghee will make a living in the 3rd round in this year’s draft. Ghee is a very well-rounded corner who has great coverage skills as well as run support. He only had one interception during his whole career as a Deacon, mostly because teams don’t throw his way, but still racked up 56 tackles in 2009. Ghee helped out his draft stock tremendously with his performance in the NFL Combine. He was a top performer in the 40-yard dash (4.45) and ranked among the top performers in the broad jump, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle. Ghee should be an early 3rd round selection.

Defensive tackle Boo Robinson is another player that will make his way into the NFL sometime in the 4th round. Robinson had to be double teamed in college and may get some 1-on-1 situations in the NFL. He outsmarts every offensive lineman he goes up against and has a huge upside. His size offers versatility as a 3-4 nose tackle.

NFL Draft : Jahvid Best of Cal's "concussion leak" news


Jahvid Best
Pro Football Talk.com found a story about California Running Back Jahvid Best that has an "unnamed source" who's a scout making a claim that Jahvid Best told him Best's still concerned about the concussion he sustained in the Cal - Oregon State game of last season. In that game, Best tried to score a touchdown by jumping in the air. As Best did, he was hit sideways by an Oregon State defender and came down on his neck and shoulders. Best froze on the field, having suffered a concussion, and was taken to the hospital. The article, by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, lists the NFL Draft running backs who are "beaten up" and reports that Best suffered two concussion's in two straight games. After missing four games and a bowl game, Best decided to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. This is what I said then: After a time it seemed the injury was behind him but this concussion leak is major. The scout said:
"Yeah, he's worried about it. Plus, he has a muscle going down from his neck to his leg that bothers him. That's my reservation on Best. He's coming in all beat up."
It's not the kind of news you want out there less than a week before the NFL Draft; this issue about the muscle is new. That news caused ProFootballtalk.com to assert Best would be the last of the record number of 16 players to visit New York for the NFL Draft to be drafted. Some Draft watchers have Best falling toward the 2nd round and to the Detroit Lions. Based on his NFL Combine performance and ranking, this blogger believed the San Diego Charger should take Best, but that's far different that what they will do. Stay tuned.

NFL Draft: Tim Tebow says Jerry Jones just having fun

In the latest NFL Draft news, Tim Tebow continues to show why so many people just plain like the quarterback. Asked about the now-famous rant by Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones that was caught on cell phone camcorder, where Jones said Tebow would "never get on the field," Tim Tebow gave a good natured response:
"I really haven't even thought about it. I don't even take that as an offense. He's just having fun."
Which may be Tim Tebow's christian way of saying, "Yeah, and when I play the Cowboys, I'm gonna kick their butts up and down the field." If you didn't see the video, here it is with my take: Since then Jerry Jones has said Tim Tebow is an "outstanding" young man, but that the Cowboys don't have a need for a quarterback. Jones also said he has special feelings for former head coach Bill Parcells, now President of The Miami Dolphins Organization. Parcells said he and Jones "talked it out."

NFL Draft: Zennie62 2010 Mock Draft Number One

> nfl draft, nfl mock draft, nfl mock draft, nfl draft 2009, nfl draft 2010, nfl draft mel kiper, 2009 nfl draft prospects, nfl draft order, nfl draft date The 75th NFL Player Selection Meeting, or The NFL Draft, is April 22nd - April 24th in New York City, and for the first time in history is on a weekday night, Thursday. As of this writing, the St.Louis Rams have the first pick, followed by The Detroit Lions. This new spotlight places a premium on NFL Teams getting the right player, especially with economic and labor concerns. This is a season without a salary cap, so this blogger thinks the NFL will be wary of picking players that will command a high dollar value and be more likely to hold out of camp. With that, here's Zennie62.com's chance to play Mel Kiper with the first NFL Mock Draft of who each team should pick by need, the next Mock Draft will be what each team may do. For more information, visit Zennie62.com's NFL Business Blog by Bill Chackhes. In this Mock Draft some highlights are: - The St. Louis Rams taking Ndamukong Suh, the Nebraska defensive tackle, and not Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford. Really, taking Suh means you can pencil him in as a certain starter, where Bradford is not a player the Rams need and one they would have to develop. - The Oakland Raiders picking a wide receiver, Florida's Dez Byrant, to make up for, push, and complement Darrius Haywood-Bey, who can only get better in 2010. Bryant would give the Raiders a passing attack that on paper can be one of the best, but the Raiders coaches have to make that a reality. - The San Francisco 49ers draw a linebacker to complement Patrick Willis and a center that's so good he's ranked as a first rounder; you don't pass on them. - Seattle's Pete Carroll takes one of his former USC players, Taylor Mays, to become the enforcer in the defensive secondary the Seahawks need. Other developments have Cal's Jahvid Best going to the San Diego Chargers, which seems to be a scenario that could play out as Best could fall to The Chargers at number 27. Best is better and faster than Fresno State's Ryan Matthews. But Matthews is ranked higher by some draft services, and Best is ranked higher by other draft services. The order is in pick number, team, player, and reason. 1. St. Louis - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: The Rams ranked near the bottom in total defense in 2009, giving up an average of 30 points-per-game. Ndamukong Suh is a gamer and would complement DE Chris Long. Plus, he comes cheaper than a QB and as in 2006 would set the tone for the lower NFL Draft salary structure. 2. Detroit - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: This is a clear need pick as Detroit had the worst defense in the NFL and drafted a QB in Matt Stafford. McCoy can be the player that improves their defense overnight. 3. Tampa Bay - Eric Barry, S, Tennessee: A case could be made for the offensive tackles, but passing Eric Barry just seems stupid. Plus, Tampa Bay's offensive problems are borne of a bad scheme more than player issues. 4. Washington - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson: The Redskins are taking a look at quarterbacks, but selecting one when they have Jason Campbell, who just needs good coaching, is stupid. The Redskins are getting old at the other skill positions and need a fast, game-changer. Spiller, who runs a 4.27 40-yard-dash, can be that, and spell the aging Clinton Portis. 5. Kansas City - Joe Haden, CB, Florida: The Chiefs had one of the NFL's worst defenses and gave up 231.7 passing yards a game, and were not respectable against the. Haden is the pass defender the Chiefs need who can offer run support as well. 6. Seattle - Taylor Mays, S, USC: Pete Carroll's first pick of his first year back in the NFL. Carroll knows Mays and Taylor's wild combination of size and speed will give the Seahawks an enforcer in the secondary and stop teams from racking up 245 yard per game in the air. 7. Cleveland - Sam Bradford, QB, Qklahoma: Bradford would be perfect to sit behind Jake Delhomme and learn for about two years, before he's ready. The Cleveland Browns have entirely rebuilt their team already and the need in the draft is for defensive playmakers that can stop the run. But the DTs are gone and Bradford's too good to let drop down past the Browns. 8. Oakland - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: A make-up for Darrius Hayward-Bey? Yes. The Oakland Raiders do not have a deep-threat receiver who will consistently separate and catch the ball. Bryant may not have had a great pro-day, but get him on the field and he will do fine, perhaps on the order of Jerry Rice. 9. Buffalo - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: The Bills problems were scheme-based, not player-based. Oklahoma State's Okung will solidify the left side and remain their for 7 years. 10. Jacksonville - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: The Jacksonville Jaquars gave up 235.9 passing yards a game. Morgan would provide the speed pass-rush not unlike Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts. 11. Denver from Chicago - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: The Denver Broncos are in need of larger, better pass blockers and Bulaga is the perfect choice. 12. Miami - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: While some would argue for a linebacker here, the Dolphins also need an offensive lineman, and Campbell is ranked higher than Sergio Kindle. 14. San Francisco - Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas: The 49ers 3-4 needs this kind of active linebacker to complement Patrick Willis. 15. Seattle from Denver - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: One of the Seahawks' needs is at Offensive Tackle where Walter Jones has been a star. Davis is said to have "character issues" but there's no one better than Seahawks' Head Coach Pete Carroll to work with him. 16. New York Giants - Earl Thomas, S, Texas: Called "young" but all of the players in the NFL Draft are. Thomas is a playmaker for a NY Giants team that needs a new safety who can play nickle-back. That's Thomas. 17. Tennessee - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State: The Titans have openly stated they seek a cover cornerback and Kyle Wilson fits here. 18. San Francisco from Carolina - Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida: When a center is ranked as high as Maurkice Pouncey appears, you don't pass on him because that's a rare event. He's a player that would make a good line great over time. 19. Pittsburgh - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: Aside from the character events, Ben Rothlisberger is not getting younger and won his Super Bowl ring. Clausen can be Pittsburgh's quarterback of the future and push Ben to play at an even higher level. 20. Atlanta - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri: The Falcons have a number of defensive needs, but linebacker and defensive end are prominent. But Sean's an athlete and a team leader and a playmaker. The nasty streak some say he needs will come when he gets angry for being blocked in the NFL. 21. Houston - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State: The Texans have tried to secure a deal with Cornerback Dunta Robinson, who's now with the Atlanta Falcons. That opens a need that Robinson can fill. 22. Cincinnati - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma: The Bengals have a glaring need for a pass-catching, big and fast tight end and Jermaine Gresham is the best one on the board. 23. New England - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida: One major problem with the New England Patriots in 2009 was their inability to effectively rush the passer from three-rush sets. Dunlap is a great player who can really help New England. 24. Green Bay - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: The Green Bay Packers could move the ball, but they could not stop other teams from starting what turns out to be a track meet. Tennessee's Williams is a run stopper the Packers need for their defensive line. 25. Philadelphia - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida: The Eagles have drafted enough speedy players for their offense; the problem was always on defense, and they've lost playmakers. Jason Pierre-Paul is the elite defensive lineman that can help. 26. Baltimore - Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho: while the Ravens need a playmaking linebacker, a player as good as Mike Iupati must be taken if he falls to Baltimore, who's run-oriented offense can be helped by this physical blocker. 27. Arizona - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech: Some would say the need is for offensive line, but Demaryius Thomas will help Arizona fill the void left by the loss of Anquan Boldin. Yes, they did well in the passing game in 2009, but Thomas falls here; Arizona should take the talented pass catcher. 28. Dallas - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State: The Cowboys have are great at the edge of the defense, but a run-stopping defensive tackle and more line depth are needed. Penn State's Jared Odrick is perfect. 29. San Diego - Jahvid Best, RB, California: With the loss of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, the running back position takes priority. Jahvid Best is the speedster the Chargers have not seen, even with Sproles, who's more quick than fast. Best, being a Cal Football player, would also sell tickets in San Diego. 30. New York Jets - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: The perfect complement to the veteran playmaker Braylon Edwards, Tate can come in, work with Jets QB Matt Sanchez, and form a threatening passing attack. 31. Minnesota - Charles Brown, OT, USC: The Vikings one need is depth at the offensive line and Charles Brown, one of the best tackles available and best NFL Draft players, can provide that and challenge for a starting role. 32. Indianapolis - Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers: The Colts really need an enforcer in the secondary but even more a shut-down cornerback. Devin McCourty led Rutgers in pass breakups, and may be good enough to land a starting job with the Colts. 33. New Orleans - Chris Cook, CB, Virginia: When New Orleans lost games, or came close to being beaten, their defensive secondary was the problem. Like Indianapolis, New Orleans lacks a shut-down cornerback and ranked 22nd against the pass in 2010. Cook could play close to that level, and perhaps evolve into one. Again, the next Zennie62.com Mock Draft will focus on what teams will do, versus need. Stay tuned.
 

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