Where Does LT Belong

Today LaDanian Tomlinson’s tenure in San Diego came to a close. I always hate to see legendary players forced to go to another team, but that is how this business works. It is especially disheartening to know that LT, who gave the Chargers and their fans so much, had his last carry as a Charger met with boos…It’s a shame. Anyhow, San Diego’s loss is another team’s gain, but who could that be? In this article I will explore my ideas of potential landing spots for LT and in what capacity he would be most effective.

Many argue that the years are showing on LT and his tires are wearing. While that may be the case, I would not say that his decline in yardage was all his fault. Pro Bowl Center Nick Hardwick was gone most of the year and his absence hurt San Diego’s run blocking ability considerably. Also, Philip Rivers really came on this year and the Chargers switched gears to a passing team. LT also was hit with the injury bug early and most running backs are not nearly as effective as they can be when they are hurt. So, I would not say LT’s poor yardage was necessarily all his fault.

That being said, I do not necessarily think that you hand LT the keys to your franchise’s running game. I see parallels to LT’s situation to that of Jerome Bettis’ last years in Pittsburgh. For years Bettis was THE running back in Pittsburgh. As time wore on he became less effective as an every down back. However, as a third down back and particularly as a goaline/short yardage back….there was none better. Bettis provided a valuable situational role for Pittsburgh, while at the same time mentoring young Willie Parker. I remember watching a video of Bettis on the sideline telling Parker to stick to the middle and hit those lanes hard and fast. I see LT as a player who could fill that type of Bettis role. LT still had 12 touchdowns this year and most of them came in the goal line/red zone. LT could provide a considerable amount of guidance to any young running back while contributing as a Bettis type player. LT has a few years left and could make a big impact on the right team.

So the question becomes what team would LT make the largest impact on? One team I would like to see LT go to would be the Cleveland Browns. I am a big believer in history repeating itself and if Cleveland signs LT then they would be repeating it. Three years ago the Browns signed Jamal Lewis, a worn out elite who was believed to be done. Cleveland almost made the playoffs that year on Jamal Lewis’ back. LT could have a similar effect in Cleveland. Cleveland’s offensive line is the best part of that team. Cleveland appears to want a new QB and that new QB would benefit substantially having LT behind him. Also, LT is breaking records every game. That would get national attention and put people in the seats. LT could bring a lot of positive attention to a Cleveland team in desperate need of it.

Another team desperate for a solid running back…Detroit! With Kevin Smith’s week one status unknown, LT becomes a phenomenal option. If I was LT, I would not go to Detroit considering their oline and defense, but LT would bring a safety in the box and take one off of Calvin Johnson, who gets triple covered up and down the field. Detroit, although an unlikely spot, would benefit greatly from LT’s services.

LT says he wants to be a contender…well I have two darkhorse candidates that would be great landing spots for the future hall of famer. The first would be the Redskins. The Redskins had a great defense last year, but no offense. Clinton Portis is supposed to be coming back, but I am sure Shanahan would not mind bringing in LT and giving him Portis’ money…don’t forget that Shanahan dumped Portis once before. Shanahan has turned mediocre running backs into gods; imagine what he would be able to do with a running back of LT’s caliber. LT could provide veteran leadership to what is more than likely going to be a young offense. He would also take stress off of whoever Washington’s next QB will be. Washington’s offense could be renewed and could propel the Skins deep into the playoffs.

The other darkhorse contender….Pittsburgh! Although LTs price may be a bit high, if Tomlin really wants to commit to the power run, it would serve him well to bring on LT. Mendenhall has difficulty running in between the tackles. He always bounces out runs. It works, but it’s not power football and our line is not fast enough to support that type of running. However, LT could power run and mentor Mendenhall much in the way Bettis mentored Willie Parker. LT would fit in well with the Steelers, but his price would probably be higher than what the Rooneys are willing to pay.

There are plenty of other teams that could use LT’s services. I am just trying to point out places where he could have considerable impact that are not necessarily obvious. A reunion between Brees and Tomlinson is possible, but unlikely given Thomas’ Super Bowl performance (the guy did not know how to get tackled). Denver and the Patriots could definitely benefit from some red zone help. The Texans could use some veteran leadership, but seem opposed to adding any at running back. The point is, LT still has a lot in the tank and any team would be foolish to not entertain the idea of Tomlinson on their roster.

First Draft of my 2010 NFl Mock Draft

The offseason has begun and so I have decided to open it with the first draft on my mock draft. Pre-Combine mock drafts usually don’t hold water by April. Not only does value change dramatically over the season, but teams address many of their critical needs via free agency. So here is my mock. Enjoy it!

1. St Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska

There is considerable debate about this pick, not that that is new to the 1^st overall pick though. The QB situation in St. Louis is abysmal. The Rams have had their pick of QB’s for two years now and passed each time. They, arguably, have played it safeby picking Chris Long and Jason Smith. Here the Rams can pick any player they want and they still might pass on a QB. I can see the logic in drafting a QB with this pick, but for now I say they take Ndamukong and help solidify a defense lacking playmakers.

2. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma

Schwartz will want to solidify the lines in this draft. He can either draft McCoy here and solidify the dline, or draft Okung and gamble on Terrence Cody’s fall. I would draft Okung, but the Lions did not take my advice last year when they drafted Pettigrew so they will more than likely shore up the dline.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Eric Berry S Tennessee

This pick is difficult to place. It could be Okung or could even be a DE. However, if you factor in the fact that Morris only kept his job because of his defense, Berry becomes the perfect choice. Morris still coaches under the Tampa Two Scheme. Berry played phenomenally in the Tampa Two under Monte Kiffin in Tennessee. Berry could start right away and make an immediate impact in a division with Drew Brees, Michael Turner, and the Williams/Stewart Hydra.

4. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma

I think Jason Campbell is not that bad. I would be tempted to draft Okung and wait until next year for a QB of the future, but I think the Redskins want one in place now. Here is my problem. If they draft Bradford and put him behind a bad oline, he WILL get hurt just like Stafford last year. If the Redskins plan to draft Bradford, bench him for a while and let Campbell test the waters. It will be better for Bradford in the long run. Okung could be drafted, but I imagine the Shanahans will be able to attract some nice free agent upgrades along the oline.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State

Last year I suggested Eugene Monroe. Now the Chiefs need to make good and attempt to protect their franchise QB.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame

Do people remember that USC tried very hard to recruit Jimmy Clausen. Carroll liked him a lot. With Seattle having two picks in the first round they can afford to draft a QB of the future, who will be able to learn behind former Favre backup and Super Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck.

7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden CB Florida

Cleveland would have loved to have Eric Berry fall into their laps, but that is not meant to be. That being said, their pass defense still needs an upgrade, especially with the Ravens and Bengals looking to upgrade their pass attack. Haden is a potential shut down corner who would go a long way towards helping the beleaguered Browns defense.

8. Oakland Raiders: Anthony Davis OT Rutgers

This is not what the Raiders will pick. It makes too much sense to help support your previous three top ten offensive selections with a good offensive lineman. Al Davis will probably draft 6 foot 3 safety Taylor Mays. I have the Raiders doing this…but I am tired of trying to guess how Al Davis will continue to ruin the Raiders.

9. Buffalo Bills: Brian Buluga OT Iowa

Andy Levitre, Eric Wood, Richie Incognito, and Brian Buluga would make a nice run blocking line capable of helping out whomever the next QB in Buffalo ends up being. Dan Williams would be a nice pickup, but I think they will let Marcus Stroud try to play the nose tackle role in the Bills new 3-4.

10. Denver Broncos: Dan Williams NT Tennessee

The 3-4 needs big nose tackles that can clog up the middle allowing linebackers to make plays. There is no such player on the Broncos defense which is why I have them grabbing Dan Williams. Rolando McClain is tempting, but why draft a linebacker if he is constantly getting blocked?

11. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan DE Georiga Tech

Jacksonville had 14 sacks in 2009. Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves are not quite cutting it in the pass rush. They could draft Brian Price, but I think this is a little early for him. So, the Jags hope to duplicate the success that the Redskins had with Orakpo. Morgan could probably easily make the transition to OLB and situational pass-rusher. His constantly moving motor would be well suited for the Jacksonville defense.

12. Miami Dolphins: Jason Pierre Paul DE South Florida

Joey Porter is on his way out and Jason Taylor might as well be too. The Dolphins need a pass rusher and Jason Pierre Paul could easily make the transition to the 3-4 defense. McClain has some value here, but the Dolphins need a pass rusher more than an ILB.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams OT Oklahoma

Ah, to draft infront of a division rival…how sweet it is. Because the 49ers have two high picks they can have the luxury of bolstering their team at the expense of Seattle. Pending Earl Thomas/Taylor Mays value come April, I would say the 49ers could take an offensive lineman. They need a staple at right tackle, and the Seahawks need an anchor on the left. Why not arm yourself and hinder a rival…nothing could be sweeter.

14. Seattle Seahawks: Taylor Mays S USC

With no valuable tackles available at this point, the Seahawks need to address their horrible pass defense. Pete Carroll could easily do so by drafting Taylor Mays, a player that he knows will do well in his defensive system. If Pete Carroll passes on Mays, then we know something is truly wrong with the young safety. If Mays is the player everybody had thought he was last year, I do not see Mays falling past here.

15. New York Giants: Rolando McClain ILB Alabama

The Giants fired Antonio Pierce and want to be faster in the middle. McClain would be the perfect player for a pressing need.

16. San Francisco 49ers: Earl Thomas FS Texas

The 49ers could use some help in their pass defense and the ball hawking safety from Texas would do just the trick.

17. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap DE Florida

The Titans need to be able to get at the QB and Dunlap is great at doing just that. Dunlap could bolster that defensive line that used to be feared.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati G Idaho

This probably won’t happen either….I do not agree with people when they say the Steelers do not draft for need. Santonio Holmes was replacing Randle El. Timmons/Woodley were supposed to replace Porter. Mendenhall was supposed to fill a void left long ago by Bettis’ retirement. The Steelers are comfortable drafting by need, but seemingly not if it is along the offensive line. The Steelers need linemen. Iupati is a nasty mountain that could play guard or tackle in the NFL. I won’t go on bemoaning the oline, but Iupati would be a definite upgrade in a position desperately wanting such.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Sergio Kindle OLB Texas

Mike Peterson is 34 years old and Stephen Nicholas is not all that dynamic. Kindle could step in and fill an Orakpo like need on the Falcons defense. Kindle would be a smart and versatile pick.

20. Houston Texans: CJ Spiller RB Clemson

This could not have worked out better. The Texans want a hungry, young running back and need help in the return game. Spiller would be the perfect weapon for an already dangerous Texans offense.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma

What is Dez Bryant doing all the way down here? Wide receivers have been falling in value on draft day, character issue people (Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson(Both Bengals picks)) fall in the draft and teams that need a wideout will try to get Boldin/Marshall/Owens/Jackson in free agency. The Bengals could easily find themselves a nice compliment to Ochocinco with this pick.

22. New England Patriots: Brandon Spikes ILB Florida

Belichick likes the University of Florida and its players. Brandon Spikes would definitely fill a need along New England’s defense. They would probably like a 3-4 DE, but all of them are reaches at this point. Spikes has the best bang for the buck. However, if the Patriots want to stir up some controversy, they could draft Tim Tebow here. Tebow could be groomed to be Brady’s replacement and help in short yardage wildcat stuff like Vick did in Philly. However, I do not think Pats would ignore obvious needs along the defense…but then again who knows.

23. Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell OT Maryland

Mark Tauscher came along and bolstered the Packer offensive line. However, he and Chad Clifton are both injury prone and over 30. The Pack needs a young tackle who could keep Aaron Rodgers upright and Campbell could be just that.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Sean Witherspoon OLB Missouri

I think Philly will address their needs at defensive end via trade/free agency. That being said, their other major whole is in their lackluster linebacker corp. If they hope to stop the Cowboys, Giants, and Shanahan led Redskins’ running games, they had better get a linebacker and quick.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Wilson CB Boise State

Ladarius Webb will probably not be ready for the start of the regular season. This means that the Ravens need to add a corner. This is not a major need, but in an increasing pass oriented league an extra corner is never a bad thing. The pressing need is for a wide receiver, but I belive they will addres this with TO/Boldin/Marshall/Vincent Jackson. If wideout is addressed then the Ravens can add Wilson, a corner with a nose for interceptions who would fit in perfect with the turnover happy Raven defense.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Graham DE/OLB Michigan

Berry has retired and Dansby is out the door. Joey Porter will probably come to Arizona to take somebody’s place, but he only has a year or two left. Bringing in Graham would give the Cardinals youth at an important position.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Charles Brown OT USC

Dallas appears to be a well rounded team. With that being the case the Cowboys can draft for luxury and depth. That being said Flozell Adams is a penalty machine and having someone in the wings would not be the worst idea. Mount Cody or Jared Odrick would make sense, but for the moment I have them drafting Brown.

28. San Diego Chargers: Terrence Cody DT Alabama

Jamal Williams went down week one and is not getting any younger. Drafting a NT of the future should be priority one. If Mount Cody is not available Jared Odrick becomes an option. The point is the D-line needs an infusion of youth and Cody would be a big boon for the Chargers on draft day.

29. New York Jets: Jared Odrick DE/DT Penn State

Simply stated the Jets need to be able to get at a quarterback without relying on Revis to cover 2/3rds of the field (which he can totally do, it’s just rude to constantly ask him to do so). Odrick would be a solid pick up that would be free up the Jets linebackers to make more plays behind the line of scrimmage.

30. Minnesota Vikings: Brian Price DT UCLA

It’s not clear whether Pat Williams will be back next season. Even if he does come back a DT of the future should be a major priority.

31. Indianapolis Colts: Navarro Bowman OLB Penn State

The Colts will probably extend Gary Brackett, but they could stand to increase the speed in their linebacker corp. Bowman is a great linebacker out of Penn State, former grounds of Coach Caldwell. Bowman could make an immediate impact and solidify a defense that will be fearsome next year…especially if Bob Sanders can stay healthy.

32. New Orleans Saints: Everson Griffen DE USC

The Saints would have loved Bowman. Linebacker is by far the greatest need on this football team. However, there is not a linebacker available at this spot. The Saints can bide their time and probably draft Sean Lee at the end of the 2^nd or even 3^rd round. Griffen has great value at this pick, especially with Charles Grant’s approaching march out of New Orleans.