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

From Awe to Shock-By Willie Mariano for Football Reporters Online 7/30/08

He was heralded as the next greatest tight end in Giants football history, if not NFL history. With his golden boy looks and massive physique he made his rookie debut in a stadium next door to where only the best of the best are enshrined. Although it was only a pre-season game, he showed the brilliance and toughness that was anticipated by all from the day the Giants drafted him way back in 2002.
Now, after six years of mostly under achieving and untimely injuries the bad boy out of Miami University is now a Saint. Please do not get me wrong folks; I was the first one on the bandwagon when he arrived for opening day 2002 in Albany. He is a player that every team in the NFL would love to have on their roster. He is tough as nails with the ability to change a game by making either a highlight reel catch or a bone-crushing block that springs his running back for a touchdown. Let's just say Jeremy Shockey plays football the way it's supposed to be played! The way it's meant to be played! He plays the game 100 mph each and every play. Leaving everything on the field, win or lose, "On Any Given Sunday." One could safely say today that as a football player he is second to none but as a man there is room for much improvement to say the least. As we witnessed more times than I care to count, his childish outbursts and arm waving antics made his own quarterback weak at the knees easier than the biggest defensive lineman in the league could ever do.
In closing I must admit what I'm sure most of you reading this will agree. You could never replace a four time pro bowler unless that pro bowler's childhood antics outshines his abilities and shows up his teammates.
If I could speak for all Giants fans, the awe we all had that rookie pre-season night in Canton, Ohio could not make up for the shock of seeing him disrupt a whole football team. This was proven when his season ended prematurely for the fourth year in a row. Allowing Eli and the boys to go on the most amazing run through the playoffs in NFL history and reaching every players dream while becoming a championship football TEAM. To coin the phrase there is no "I" in team, but unfortunately we all know now that there is one in Shockie. As a matter of fact there's one in the word "SaintsE2 also. So, enjoy your time on Bourbon Street Jeremy, until we meet again.

Saints rookies show up at minicamp out of shape

By Chris Neubauer (Pro Football Weekly)
May 18, 2007


It looks like the NFL has another off-the-field problem on its hands.

This one has nothing to do with strip clubs, guns or drunken driving, thankfully.

The NFL has an eating disorder. Too much food consumption, to be exact, and it’s causing rookies to show up at their first minicamps overweight and out of shape.

Take Saints first-round pick Robert Meachem. Expectations were sky-high for the former Tennessee wideout when he arrived at the Saints’ practice facility last weekend. He was drafted as Joe Horn’s replacement, plain and simple. Sure, he must beat out veterans Devery Henderson and Terrance Copper for Horn’s old post, but Henderson and Copper are speed bumps, not roadblocks.

Meachem was supposed to dazzle from Day One. Instead, he wheezed.

Meachem blames all the pre-draft visits he made to NFL teams for padding his belly and getting him off the workout wagon. He visited nine teams before the draft. For each team, he would perform an on-the-field workout during the day. And at night, the teams would wine and dine him. Nine cities. Nine restaurants. He made a rookie mistake: He dined too much.

I think each team was testing Meachem with its fancy meals. He probably would have been drafted earlier if he had uttered these three words: Hold the dessert.

"I took a lot of visits with teams before the draft, and everyplace you go, they give you a big meal,” Meachem confessed. “For me, I tried to work out when I could, but I don't think I got enough workouts in."

In Meachem’s defense, sources tell me that it was unseasonably warm on Day One of Saints minicamp.

Saints fans can take solace in this fact: WR Marques Colston showed up at his first rookie minicamp out of shape and overweight. Colston performed so poorly that he feared he would not receive an invitation to the full-squad minicamp the next month.

But at least Colston, the runner-up for Rookie of the Year honors last season, arrived last May with lower expectations. He was a seventh-round pick, after all.

To add injury to insult, Meachem also tweaked his ankle on Day Two of minicamp. Reggie Bush can sympathize with Meachem. Last year’s first-round pick also suffered an injury at his first minicamp. Bush injured his hamstring.

“I got hurt stretching,” Bush said.

But rotund Robert wasn’t the biggest bust at the Saints’ minicamp. That honor goes to undrafted rookie Walter Thomas. You’ve probably heard Thomas’ story. He is a physical marvel — a nimble 6-foot-5, 375-pound behemoth. Thomas was kicked out of Oklahoma State after one year and wound up at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he played in two games. Not your average Sean Payton-era Saint.

Thomas completed 12 minutes of practice before taking off his helmet and calling it a day.

“He had a brief career," Payton said.

Persistence pays off

Undrafted rookie QB Tyler Palko created more positive buzz at the Saints’ minicamp than his new teammate, Meachem.

First, the reasons why Palko wasn't drafted: size and arm strength. Palko is generously listed at 6 feet, 1 inch. But an eyeball measurement from my sources in the Saints’ locker room reveals that Palko is a smidge shorter than Drew Brees, who is listed at 6 feet. The southpaw Palko also throws more change-ups than fastballs, just like Brees.

The story goes that Sean Payton called Palko sometime during the fifth round of the draft and told the former Pitt Panther that the Saints would like to sign him if he went undrafted. Palko drew interest from several other teams after the draft, but he chose the Saints because Payton was the only head coach to call him.

Payton likes that Palko is a coach’s son. And he doesn’t mind Palko’s lack of arm strength because accuracy and acumen are the most important attributes in Payton’s version of the West Coast offense.

The Saints needed a developmental prospect at quarterback after carrying only Brees and 37-year-old Jamie Martin on their roster last year.

Payton is an old hand at turning castoffs into Pro Bowlers. He is largely credited for molding Tony Romo, an undrafted free agent from Eastern Illinois, into the Pro Bowl quarterback he became last season in Dallas.

I’m hearing that Palko could be next.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wow! truly it's feast or famine in nola! Gotta Love the Jones story: 12 Mins!!! 12 MINS!!!!! what the heck!?!?!? Love Sean Peyton's sense of Humor as well...(a "Brief career" is putting it mildly!!!!