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.

Final Draft of My Mock Draft

Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford QB UGA

Stafford’s rocket arm and ability to work with a makeshift line will be invaluable to Detroit. It is interesting to note that last year was the final year of Bobby Layne’s curse. For those uninitiated, Bobby Layne helped Detroit win three championships and then was traded to Pittsburgh. Upset with the trade Layne is rumored to have said the Lions wouldn’t win for 50 years. Subsequently the Lions have had the worst winning percentage of any team over those 50 years of the curse. As aforementioned the last year of the curse ended with Detroit’s record setting 0-16 season. It is interesting to note that Stafford went to the same high school as Bobby Layne. Could Stafford be the chosen one, destined to bring the Lions out of the ashes? Just the prospect of this might be enough to convince me to draft Stafford, but only the Lions’ front office can make that choice.

St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith OT Baylor

With the release of Orlando Pace the Rams have a gaping hole at OT. They missed out on Jake Long last year, but won’t miss out on an OT this year. Eugene Monroe is a possibility, but with Monroe’s injury history and upside as a run blocker will be invaluable to the Rams.

Kansas City Chiefs: Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

Previous Pick: BJ Raji DT Boston College

Curry and Tyson Jackson are possibilities. Raji is a darkhorse as the Chiefs have no player to clog up the middle of the 3-4. However, with Brian Waters in a holdout and the presence of a franchise QB (I still liked Thigpen more) makes the offensive line a need. Albert was drafted as a guard from Virginia. The only reason that Albert did not play LT for Virginia was that Eugene Monroe beat him out for the job. How often can someone draft a proven upgrade? Put Monroe on the Right and leave Albert on the left or move Albert to LG and put Monroe on the left where he belongs. Either way, this is a smart pick for the Chiefs.

Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

Previous Pick: Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

I feel that the Seahawks are in a win now mode. They have numerous veterans over thirty and with a pick this high, I don’t feel the Seahawks use it to build for the future (Be it to replace Hasselbeck or Jones). Curry would make a great deal of sense, but why draft a 4-3 OLB with the 4^th overall? Crabtree can come in and make an immediate impact opposite TJ Houshmanzadeh. It can also free the Seahawks to fire Deion Branch and free up cap room.

Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo DE/OLB Texas

Previous Pick: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest

I have no idea what the Browns will do with this pick. It could be any number of players. I am just going with the most logical pick here. The Browns were dead last in sacks and Orakpo is a sack machine. It makes so much sense to pick Orakpo that I doubt the Browns do it.

Cincinnati Bengals: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest

Previous Pick: Andre Smith OT Alabama

What do you do if everyone views your team’s character as a sham? You draft the player with undisputable character. Curry is taking a young leukemia patient with him to New York….How much classier do you get? Oh wait, you could offer to take less money to go #1 Overall to Detroit…how many people want to go to Detroit? Curry is a class act who appears to be the best thing since sliced bread (which Joe Paterno is older than). Curry will elevate the play of a lackluster defense for years to come on sheer reputation. Curry would be the best pick for a troubled Bengals team.

Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland

Previous Pick: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

The Raiders will be reaching for a wideout here. So, why reach for Maclin when you could get a bigger, faster, and taller WR in Heyward-Bey? Al Davis is eccentric enough to do this. Andre Smith makes a great deal of sense given Tom Cable’s compliments of him. However, no need is as pressing as WR for the Raiders.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

Jones Drew is now the feature back in Jacksonville. Garrard needs a target and the Jags need someone to replace Jones Drew in the return game. Maclin is a dual threat that could elevate the Jags offense and help them return to the playoffs. However, don’t be surprised if this pick is traded for someone who wants to jump up and grab Mark Sanchez. The Jaguars might still be able to grab Maclin lower, or they could take an OT or the versatile Malcolm Jenkins.

Green Bay Packers: BJ Raji DT Boston College

Previous Pick: Brian Orakpo DE/OLB Texas

The Packer’s front office had said that it would be futile to start a 3-4 without a big NT. Raji fits the mold and will ease that transition big time.

San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher OT Ole Miss

Previous Pick: Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn State

I had thought that the signing of Marvel Smith would negate the need for a tackle. However, Staley did not have the best year and Smith is injury prone. It would not be the best of ideas to go in with one young player and an injury prone veteran as your only bookends. Staley could be moved inside possibly as he is athletic. Oher would be a solid pickup to boost the Niners running game.

Buffalo Bills: Andre Smith OT Alabama

Previous Pick: Everette Brown DE Florida State

With Buffalo trading Jason Peters they have a desperate need at OT. The Bills will be ecstatic to see Smith fall to them. There are rumors that the Bills would go as far as to trade up for him. Smith fills a need and will be a solid OT for them for years.

Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson DE LSU

The Broncos are implementing a 3-4 defense and Jackson is the best 3-4 DE available. As 3-4 DE’s are hard to come by and the Chargers are eyeing Jackson, I have the Broncos picking the LSU DE here.

Washington Redskins: Mark Sanchez QB USC

Previous Pick: Michael Oher OT Ole Miss

So, for the record I disagree with this entirely. Sanchez may be a perfect fit for their offense, but Campbell is a solid QB. He manages the game better than most QB’s in the league. The Skins will get a solid QB, but at what price?

New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins CB/S Ohio State

Previous Pick: Chris Wells HB Ohio State

I know I insulted the Saints defense and I am sorry. However, when your QB almost breaks the single season passing record and you don’t make the playoffs…something is definitely wrong. So, with that said I’ll give the Saints the benefit of the doubt and have them draft a playmaker. Jenkins working on the same secondary as Darren Sharper will fortify the Saints secondary for a little while at least.

Houston Texans: Brain Cushing OLB USC

Previous Pick: Malcolm Jenkins CB/S Ohio State

The Texans need a defender. Who that is is anybody’s guess. I think that signing Antonio Smith negates the need for a DE. Having a LB to operate with Demeco Ryans would be a solid investment.

San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga ILB USC

The Chargers, as always, have phenomenal depth. This frees them up to draft whatever their heart desires. If Chris Wells were available I think he might be the pick because both LT and Sproiles are on very short term contracts. However, with Oher and Tyson Jackson gone the Chargers bring in Rey and bolster a solid linebacker corp.

New York Jets: Josh Freeman QB Kansas State

Previous Pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland

I don’t believe Ryan is satisfied with Clemens. The Jets have pursued every QB under the sun and may well try to get Campbell is the Redskins land Sanchez. Thus, I have the Jets selecting QB Freeman. We’ll see if they actually go this way, but for the moment I see it as their best option. Chris Wells may get a long look here as well.

Denver Broncos: Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn State

Previous Pick: Mark Sanchez QB USC

Denver is installing a 3-4 and Maybin is a steal at this pick. The young sack generator will give them a valuable asset for their 3-4.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Robert Ayers DE Tennessee

Ayers has soared up draft boards and will be a veritable steal at this pick. Ayers opposite of Adams will give the Bucs defense a solid pass rush for years.

Detroit Lions: William Beatty OT Connecticut

Previous Pick: Eben Britton OT Arizona

The Lions picked Stafford up with their first pick. Now they need to protect him. I would say draft Laurinaitis here, but it is very possible that he’ll fall to them with the 33^rd overall. Britton is the better lineman, but Beatty is the more solid LT and that is definitely what the Lions need right now.

Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno HB UGA

First, the Eagles have two first round picks so they should select the most dynamic player available. Second, Westbrook had a lot of durability issues. Third, Buckhalter is gone. Fourth, Tony Hunt has not panned out for the Eagles as of yet. Drafting Moreno will be a great solution to help Westbrook remain fresh through the season and provide the Eagles with a strong running game in Westbrook’s absence. Moreno’s constantly moving feet and receiving ability will make it seem as if Westbrook had not left the huddle.

Minnesota Vikings: Eben Britton OT Arizona

Previous Pick: Vontae Davis CB Illinois

The Vikes have a gaping hole at RT. Their premier defense will hold for the moment. Harvin makes a lot of sense here, but with a premium on OT’s I think the Vikes arm Adrian Peterson with another fearsome blocker.

New England Patriots: Clay Matthews OLB USC

The Patriots have great needs at linebacker. Vrabel was traded to Kansas City. With that in mind, Clay Matthews’ stock is climbing, in large part due to his pass rushing ability. Many 3-4 teams will have their eyes on him. Matthews could be a perfect fit for the dynamic linebacker corp in New England.

Atlanta Falcons: Perria Jerry DT Ole Miss

Given the Falcons rough schedule I would say defense should be a priority. With that said the Falcons have a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. The Falcons selected Ryan over Dorsey last year, now they pick Jerry to fill that still present need.

Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis CB Illinois

Previous Pick Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina

Guess what, TO is comin to town. Randy Moss is still hanging around and the Jets are looking to upgrade their pass attack. The Dolphins have a massive hole at CB and should address it early. Darius Butler may be the pick here, but Davis has the physicality that Bill Parcells loves from his players.

Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin WR Florida

Previous Pick: Brian Cushing OLB USC

Imagine an formation with Flacco at QB and Troy Smith and Percy Harvin flanked beside him…that prospect alone should force the Ravens to pick the sliding Harvin. Not to mention the fact that they need a WR to eventually replace the aging Derrick Mason.

Indianapolis Colts: Chris Wells HB Ohio State

Previous Pick: Percy Harvin WR Florida

How the mighty have fallen! Oh well, this works out for Wells, that’s for sure. The Colts front office identified the running game as a priority and the Colts have a policy to draft the best player available. Drafting Wells replaces Rhodes production and provides a backup plan if Addai has a bad year again.

Buffalo Bills: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

When the mock drafting season began everyone had the Bills grabbing Pettigrew. Well, his value has dropped, but the Peters trade put the Bills in position to still draft him. Nothing is better for a young QB than a good TE. The Bills may have some difficulty run blocking and Pettigrew would help ease the loss of Peters.

New York Giants: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers

Previous Pick: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

The Giants will more than likely land Braylon Edwards, but in the event they don’t I feel Britt is the pick. He is a solid run blocker and taller than Hakeem Nicks. Britt would be an adequate replacement for Burress, something the Giants definitely need.

Tennessee Titans: Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest

Previous Pick: Evander Hood DT Missouri

Hood is a reach. Nick Harper is 34 years old and in the last year of his contract. A corner is needed to bolster the secondary for the future. DE and DT could also be concerns, but I think at this pick a CB has the most value.

Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown HB Connecticut

Previous Pick: Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech

Edge wants out and Hightower is a powerback extraordinaire, but I doubt his ability to be a feature back. Hence, the Cardinals select a phenomenal prospect out of UCONN. He’ll provide Wisenhunt with the running game he has desired since he went to Arizona.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Darius Butler CB Connecticut

Previous Pick: William Beatty OT Connecticut

I feel dirty making this pick. It’s nothing against Butler, it’s just that the Steelers need offensive lineman. Max Starks is the only lineman left from the Super Bowl XL run. We need lineman everywhere. That being said, if Beatty falls here I feel he is a lock, but I do not see the Steelers drafting Alex Mack. The front office loves Hartwig and Kemo. Given the depth and quality of offensive lineman, we could find some in later rounds. Duke Robinson, Loadholt, or Eric Wood could be available at our next pick and the drop off in talent between them and Mack is not drastic. Now, to the pick itself. Bulter is every bit athletic as the Cromarties. He ran a forty in the 4.3’s, had a 48 in vertical, he dunks like crazy, and he makes phenomenal tackles on running backs. He also has added value in that UCONN put him on offense and he was pretty good there too. Drafting Butler gives us a corner to help Taylor, Townsend, and Gay and gives us a 4^th or 5^th receiver. Butler has phenomenal value here, which is why I have the Steelers picking him over an offensive lineman.

Madden 09 Player Ratings: NFC East

The NFC East is the most competitive division in football. It seems that you can't see an NFC playoff picture without two teams from that division. Whenever I play a Madden Franchise, there are three NFC east teams in the playoff run. So, I have chosen this division to evaluate second.

Washington Redskins















I like that Todd Collins is better than Jason Campbell. Campbell has more upside, but Collins definitely has a better grasp of the game. Collins' awareness will be higher than Campbell, but Campbell will have the better passing stats. I think Portis deserves more especially considering he ran very well behind a second string line. If the Skins O-line is healthy they will be one of the better ones in Madden. Chris Cooley looks about right and I think Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El look right if they are in the Skins system. However, with the addition of Thomas and Kelly, Randle El and Moss will greatly improve...as will Campbell. Everything on the defense looks pretty good. They will have to add Erasmus James and Stuart Schweigert, but other than that I would say the Skins' defense is pretty true to reality.

Philadelphia Eagles















I think that Mcnabb is justified at 92. I like him, but he does have trouble playing when hurt. I think he will come out and be a fantasy superstar and a great QB for Madden. Westbrook looks as if he will dominate, his receiver stats will dominate. Sadly enough the receiver corps looks true to life. Reggie Brown needs to step up and be a #1 for Mcnabb. That oline looks great considering they allowed 12 sacks in one game. The Philly front seven looks pretty rough, but their secondary with three corners over 90 and Dawkins will be tough to play against.

New York Giants















The Super Bowl Champions deserve this high a rating. They did what many other teams had failed to do...beat the Patriots. Some would say Eli Manning does not deserve that high a rating just based on his finish, but I think he does. Watching his games at the end almost all of his passes hit the target, but a ridiculous amount of them we dropped. Despite that Burress has a 96 rating...maybe a little high, but I feel he can live up to that rating. The Running Back corp looks pretty good and Shockey and Boss are justified at 94 and 80. We'll see if Strahan returns and Umenyoria looks as dominate as he is in real life. The rest of the defense isn't anything to ecstatic about, but they will get the job done. Overall the Super Bowl Champs look like they could do very well in Madden.

Dallas Cowboys















The Cowboys had more Pro Bowlers than the Patriots and it looks like they could be the dominant team in Madden this year. Romo is very good at throwing to TO...and vacationing before career defining games. Does he deserve a 94 after a poor playoff showing and five picks against a sub par Buffalo secondary? He did throw a lot of touchdowns in the regular season though so I'll begrudge the rating. TO, Witten, and Barber are justifiably awesome. The O-line looks good. The defense doesn't look to bad either. The addition of Zach Thomas makes the linebacker corps fierce. I'll be interested to see what ratings Pacman will receive (if he is even in the game). Overall the Cowboys will cap off a very competitive division with fierce talent.

Overall the NFC east looks very competitive, as it is in real-life. On-line franchise mode will only add to the fierce competition of this division. Redskins fans will be able to take on the role of GM and develop their own image of the Redskins ...one that will wreak havoc on division rivals. However, if the GMs decide to keep things as is, they will have very good teams. From the looks of it, the NFC east will dominate Madden franchise modes in Madden 09.