Kansas City: A Rebuild

I am far from a GM, but it does not take a GM to realize the Chiefs have seen much better times. It was not long ago that the Chiefs made the playoffs. Since then they have had two abysmal years. I recently argued that Larry Johnson should remain in Kansas City and play out his contract. However, if he were to do so the team would still have to make radical changes in order to have any success. As I said I am no GM, but here are a few things I would prescribe for the ailing Chiefs.

First off, the Chiefs succeeded in hiring Scott Pioli for GM. Pioli has a great deal of experience in evaluating personnel, having followed Bill Belichick to every team he ever coached on. Some of the drafts gems the Patriots have had were the result of Pioli’s work. In 2000 as assistant director of player personnel Pioli would have been involved with the selection of Tom Brady. Needless to say Pioli will bring great talent into Kansas City.

Second, I am sad to say this, but fire Herm Edwards. I loved when the Chiefs signed Edwards. However, in his tenure there the Chiefs have entered a major decline. The last draft class was pretty good, but one good class that managed two wins is not good enough. There needs to be a coaching change. My recommendation would be Mike Shanahan. Although it would be difficult to conceive of Shanahan moving within the division, Kansas City would be a great fit for the veteran coach. Shanahan was fired more for his GM ability than his head coaching ability. Shanahan had a way of making mediocre backs and wide receivers into superstars. Imagine what he could do with Larry Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, and Tony Gonzalez! Other than Shanahan there are numerous other coaches who would be great fits in Kansas City. A rumor floating around is that Pioli will target Cowher next year, as the two are good friends. If the Chiefs keep Edwards on board for one year, they had better go after Cowher hard the next year.

Third, a marquee defensive player is needed. There is a lot of youth in Kansas City, but they could stand to have a little more veteran blood on roster. They could use the leadership on the defensive side that much is for sure. With D-linemen like Julius Peppers, Bertrand Berry, and Terrell Suggs possibly coming on the market, the Chiefs would be well served to bring one of these dynamic players on board. After all, the Chiefs only had ten sacks last year.

Fourth, a good draft is necessary. One can’t just throw money at the problem in free agency. The Chiefs had a pretty good draft last year. If they can follow it up they should be able to propel themselves into the playoffs sooner than later. As there is considerable depth in the offensive line class, Kansas City should capitalize on it early. Bringing in dynamic offensive linemen will open up huge holes for Larry Johnson, who will become more enthused to play. A strong running game will keep Kansas City’s defense off of the field longer. There is also need for new defensive prospects. I do not think they need a Stafford or Sanchez right now. Thigpen did very well in what was essentially his rookie year. A training camp with him as the entrenched starter will do a world of good. Thigpen also allows the top 5 pick to be used elsewhere.

Finally, there needs to be a new sentiment in Kansas City. With a player like Larry Johnson on roster the Chiefs need to run more. An offensive line specialist like Pioli should be able to bring a strong o-line to Kansas City reminiscent of the days of Willie Roaf. If the Chiefs run more, the clock will keep moving and the defense will get to rest. A strong running game would also open up play-action to Bowe and Gonzalez. A new defense needs to be brought in. I would suggest the Chiefs transition to a 3-4. Dorsey would be a great end in a system like that and Derrick Johnson’s athleticism would be put to better use. A new defensive philosophy will go a long way towards keeping Kansas City in more games, letting their running game take over.

The Chiefs can return to greatness. A new GM and culture turned the Dolphins from a 1 win team to a playoff contender. It is necessary for Pioli and whatever coach he selects, even if he keeps Edwards, to change the culture in the organization. Only by believing that the Chiefs can return to greatness can they achieve said greatness. So, I wish luck to Scott Pioli and the Kansas City Chiefs. I hope that your turnaround is sooner than later.

A Look Back: 2007 Mock Draft

I am continuing to review my mock drafts so here is my mock draft of the 2007 NFL Draft. I had properly predicted 6 players and 5 other position needs right. Had I not been stubborn in my argument for the Raiders taking Calvin Johnson I might have had a few more right, but oh well.

Oakland Raiders

Projected Pick: Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech

Actual Pick: Jamarcus Russell QB LSU

This pick was one I stubbornly made. I had a strong feeling that the Raiders would sign Culpepper and everyone was saying Moss was on his way out. I thought the Raiders would bring in Culpepper and provide him with the next best thing to Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson. The combination worked reasonably well in Detroit with very little practice time. However, the Raiders wanted their franchise QB, something that they can hardly be blamed for.

Detroit Lions

Projected Pick: Jamarcus Russell QB LSU

Actual Pick: Calvin Johnson WR Georgia Tech

I thought that the Lions would want an eventual replacement for Kitna. They would draft Drew Stanton later in the draft, but they added the Superfreak Calvin Johnson with the 2^nd overall pick. Johnson right now is the hands down best player on the Lions squad. Johnson was a great pick up.

Cleveland Browns

Projected Pick: Adrian Peterson HB Oklahoma

Actual Pick: Joe Thomas T Wisconsin

Joe Thomas has been phenomenal for the Browns, who had one of the best lines in football that season. Can you imagine what they may have been like though with Peterson in the backfield? It would have been a devastating combination, but the Browns seemed content with Lewis.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Pick: Gaines Adams DE Clemson

Actual Pick: Gaines Adams DE Clemson

The Bucs needed a replacement for Rice at DE and Gaines Adams was the best in this draft class.

Arizona Cardinals

Projected Pick: Joe Thomas T Wisconsin

Actual Pick: Levi Brown T Penn State

When Wisenhunt and Grimm went to Arizona it was almost obvious that the Cardinals would go after an offensive lineman. I thought Thomas would fall to them, but while he didn’t the Cardinals were happy to draft Brown with the 5^th overall.

Washington Redskins

Projected Pick: Amobi Okeye DT Louisville

Actual Pick: LaRon Landry S LSU

I thought the Redskins would want the young DT to be a longtime anchor for their shaky defensive line. However, with rumors of the late Sean Taylor’s departure the Skins thought they would add the punishing Landry to the roster. Landry has been great for the Skins.

Minnesota Vikings

Projected Pick: Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame

Actual Pick: Adrian Peterson HB Oklahoma

I’m pretty much positive that the Vikings made the better decision in this draft. They had both Quinn and Peterson to pick from and they picked the much better player even though they already had a good running back on roster. This was probably the best pick in the 2007 draft.

Atlanta Falcons

Projected Pick: Laron Landry S LSU

Actual Pick: Jamal Anderson DE Arkansas

I thought the Falcons would want a safety. I’m willing to bet that after Milloy’s performance against Arizona safety will be a priority in the 2009 draft. However, they went with Anderson who has been an adequate compliment to Abraham.

Miami Dolphins

Projected Pick: Levi Brown T Penn State

Actual Pick: Tedd Ginn Jr. WR Ohio State

I could not believe the Dolphins made this pick. Brady Quinn was on the board and the Dolphins clearly had the need for a QB after Culpepper’s departure. Instead they take Tedd Ginn Jr. way ahead of his value. Ginn has developed nicely, but Quinn would probably helped give the Dolphins more than one win that season though.

Houston Texans

Projected Pick: Denver Broncos Adam Carriker DE Nebraska

Actual Pick: Amobi Okeye DT Louisville

This pick is why I don’t generally mock trades. I believed a rumor that the Broncos would trade up to get Carriker. I was very wrong and the Texans decided to shore up their defensive line for the foreseeable future. Denver would later draft DE Jarvis Moss in the first round so I had the need addressed, I just wanted it more than Denver did.

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Pick: Alan Branch DT Michigan

Actual Pick: Patrick Willis MLB Ole Miss

I thought the 49ers would want to upgrade their DT spot, but it was not to be. Instead they added phenom Patrick Willis. Overall, that is a better decision as I had Branch overvalued at this spot. Apparently I was told by a friend that if I had ESPN Insider I would have known the Niners were going to draft Willis. This is my shameless plug for ESPN.

Buffalo Bills

Projected Pick: Patrick Willis MLB Ole Miss

Actual Pick: Marshawn Lynch RB Cal

I thought that the Bills would want an ILB to fill the void London Fletcher left. They did draft Posluszny in the second, but with their first they added Lynch to replace Willis Mcgahee, seems like a no-brainer now that I think about it. Oh well, the Bills did eventually draft an ILB.

St. Louis Rams

Projected Pick: Jamal Anderson DE Arkansas

Actual Pick: Adam Carriker DE Nebraska

The Rams needed help along the defensive line that much was obvious. Even though they drafted Carriker as a DE, he played mostly DT in the hybrid system the Rams ran. Thus, there was still a need for a DE in the next year’s draft.

New York Jets

Projected Pick: Carolina Panthers Reggie Nelson S Florida

Actual Pick: Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburgh

The Jets traded up to get Revis before the Steelers could draft him. I can’t really blame them as Revis has been very valuable to the Jets Defense. I thought the Jets would go tight end, but the Jets had other ideas. They would get with my line of thinking the next draft with Keller, but getting Revis was the much better idea.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Pick: Darrelle Revis CB Pittsburgh

Actual Pick: Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida State

If I had bowed down to conventionality I would have put Timmons down. Every mock draft under the sun had the Steelers taking Timmons to fill the void left by Joey Porter. I thought however that the Steelers would draft Revis to help their secondary and the return game. Revis would have been great! However, the Jets must have had the same idea I had because they made a substantial trade to get ahead of the Steelers. I have nothing to complain about however as Timmons has played great this year.

Green Bay Packers

Projected Pick: Marshawn Lynch HB Cal

Actual Pick: Justin Harrell DT Tennessee

This was probably my favorite moment of the draft. ESPN panned to Green Bay after the pick was made and you could see a bunch of kids looking at one another asking “Who?” Harrell was a pick no one expected. I and most people thought they would add a RB to the roster with this pick given that Ahman Green had left. Harrell has thus far not been a factor. One wonders that because this pick has not produced what it would have meant to trade for Randy Moss that off season.

Denver Broncos

Projected Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars Michael Griffin S Texas

Actual Pick: Jarvis Moss DE Florida

The Broncos did decide to trade up for a DE, but not until here. My rumors were wrong. Denver traded up for Moss and Jacksonville would later take Reggie Nelson. Thus I had two positions and suspicion of a trade properly assessed. I just had the players very wrong.

Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Pick: Leon Hall CB Michigan

Actual Pick: Leon Hall CB Michigan

The Bengals got assaulted through the air in the 2007 season. They needed to address their problems with this pick. Although their air problems continued Hall was a valuable pick.

Tennessee Titans

Projected Pick: Tedd Ginn Jr. WR Ohio State

Actual Pick: Michael Griffin S Texas

The Titans needed a WR for Vince Young, but the Titans refused to draft one. They went defense and while Michael Griffin has been great for them, you have to wonder if they would have benefited from a WR.

New York Giants

Projected Pick: Joe Staley T Central Michigan

Actual Pick: Aaron Ross CB Texas

I thought the Giants would want to upgrade their offensive line with the athletic Staley, but they felt it was better to address their secondary issues. Ross has been valuable starting for most of the season. It would seem I had this pick all wrong.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Pick: Houston Texans Aaron Ross CB Texas

Actual Pick: Reggie Nelson S Florida

I thought Jacksonville would go safety in the draft, but then again I also thought Houston would be picking this low. Secondary seemed to be a concern for the Texans and I thought this low they would be able to get Ross.

Cleveland Browns

Projected Pick: Dallas Cowboys Anthony Spencer OLB/DE Purdue

Actual Pick: Brady Quinn QB Notre Dame

Finally the boy from Cleveland makes good. After an awkward waiting period the Notre Dame QB came off the board. I did have the Cowboys taking Spencer in the first round so I still got that pick right.

Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Pick: Dwayne Bowe WR LSU

Actual Pick: Dwayne Bowe WR LSU

Kansas City lacked dynamic WR play in their playoff run. Thus it seemed obvious that the Chiefs would select a WR in the first. Bowe was a good selection who has benefited the Chiefs immeasurably.

New England Patriots

Projected Pick: Chris Houston CB Arkansas

Actual Pick: Brandon Meriweather S Miami

If the Patriots needed anything they needed secondary players. I thought they would go corner, but the Patriots had other ideas.

Carolina Panthers

Projected Pick: New York Jets Greg Olsen TE Miami

Actual Pick: Jon Beason MLB Miami

This pick seemed a little odd to me. Carolina had a need for a tight end and with Olsen still on the board it seemed like they would pick him up, but instead they drafted Beason, Dan Morgan’s successor. Beason has been a dynamite defender for the Panthers and was a very smart pick up.

Dallas Cowboys

Projected Pick: Philadelphia Eagles Justin Harrell DT Tennessee

Actual Pick: Anthony Spencer OLB/DE Purdue

Spencer was a great fit for the Cowboys 3-4 defense. However, I debate the value of picking him up. After all they did draft Carpenter the year before. As far as Philly was concerned I thought they would need help on the D-line, but the last years pick Bunkley stepped up the next year and has started since.

New Orleans Saints

Projected Pick: Robert Meachem WR Tennessee

Actual Pick: Robert Meachem WR Tennessee

After the great year Drew Brees and Colston had, it only seemed to make sense to give Brees another dynamic weapon. Meachem has not really broken out as a primary target of Brees, but they say it takes three years for to catch up to professional football for some WR’s. We’ll see next season how much of an impact he will make.

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Pick: New England Patriots Lawrence Timmons OLB Florida State

Actual Pick: Joe Staley OT Central Michigan.

I thought the Patriots would go after a linebacker in this draft to eventually replace the aging Bruschi and Seau. However, they elected to trade this pick to the 49ers who added the dynamic blocker Staley to their roster. This was a good pick for the 49ers as he has started every game since his rookie year. That kind of durability is rare among NFL linemen,

Baltimore Ravens

Projected Pick: Ben Grubbs G Auburn

Actual Pick: Ben Grubbs G Auburn

The Ravens needed a great deal of help along their interior o-line. Grubbs, being the best lineman available seemed like a no-brainer.

San Diego Chargers

Projected Pick: Dwayne Jarrett WR USC

Actual Pick: Craig Davis WR LSU

The Chargers did not have a dynamic WR on their roster. Gates was obviously Rivers favorite target and a WR would free coverage off of him and take players out of the box against LT. However, the Chargers picked Davis who has yet to make a lasting impact. Although he did get hurt he has not been a factor. After all, the Chargers did trade for Chris Chambers later that same year.

Chicago Bears

Projected Pick: Paul Posluszny OLB Penn State

Actual Pick: Greg Olsen TE Miami

With rumors of Lance Briggs departing I thought the Bears would go after the dynamic Posluszny in this draft. He showed at Penn State the ability to play the inside and the outside linebacker positions very well. However, the Bears elected to pick a tight end who had had great production in the Bears system. Since the Bears were able to hold onto Briggs picking Posluszny would have been a waste.

Indianapolis Colts

Projected Pick: Jon Beason OLB Miami

Actual Pick: Anthony Gonzalez WR Ohio State

The Colts had two key departures in the off-season, LB Cato June and WR Brandon Stokley. I thought the Colts would draft to replace June who had a critical 142 tackles for the Colts in 2006, but the Colts decided to replace Stokley in the hopes on freeing up Wayne, Clark, and Harrison. This was not a bad decision as Harrison has struggled and will more than likely be replaced by Gonzalez soon enough.

A Look Back: 2006 Mock Draft

Before I begin my mock draft for 2009 I felt it would be appropriate to look back at some of my previous attempts at making a mock draft. The mock draft I am about to present is from the 2006 NFL Draft, a draft in which I only had two picks right, but I did have 7 other positions properly picked and a few needs properly diagnosed. The Texans not picking Reggie Bush with the 1^st overall pick ruined most of my draft. Also, a lot of first round trades hurt the mock considerably. This was my first attempt at Mock Drafting so please bear with me.

Houston Texans

Projected Pick: Reggie Bush HB USC

Actual Pick: Mario Williams DE NC State

The Texans offense was absolutely stagnant and Reggie Bush seemed to be a possible spark to jumpstart it. However, the Texans went with Mario Williams, a tough decision that has paid off for the Texans. Although I hated them at the time for messing up my mock draft I respect the Texans for choosing substance over flash. They made the tough decision and are a better team now because of it.

New Orleans Saints

Projected Pick: D’Brickshaw Ferguson OT Virgina

Actual Pick: Reggie Bush HB USC

Everybody knew the Saints needed major upgrades offensively. Drew Brees was by far the best pickup of that offseason. There were concerns about Deuce McCallister’s durability and the Saints needed to bring in fans after Katrina devastated the Superdome. To my chagrin it made perfect sense for the Saints to pick up Reggie Bush and although he has come on some hard times as of late, his value to that city at that time will forever be priceless.

Tennessee Titans

Projected Pick: Matt Leinert QB USC

Actual Pick: Vince Young QB Texas

McNair was on his way out and the Titans needed young blood. I thought they would want to change directions and have a pocket passer, but the Titans wanted to see a return of a mobile QB in Nashville. I can’t blame them; if Young is able to sort out his mental state he can still be very good for the Titans. I had the right position, just the wrong player.

New York Jets

Projected Pick: Mario Williams DE NC State

Actual Pick: D’Brickshaw Ferguson OT Virgina

I figured that with Abraham out of New York they would replace him with Super Mario. However, I did not realize that Mario would be going to Houston. Thus, the Jets shored up their offensive line by selecting the dynamic Ferguson. They would also later select Nick Mangold so it would seem that offensive line was a priority for the Jets in this draft.

Green Bay Packers

Projected Pick: AJ Hawk OLB Ohio State

Actual Pick: AJ Hawk OLB Ohio State

The Packers needed to revitalize their defense and AJ Hawk is a special talent. It seemed like an obvious pick and Green Bay must have thought so too. Thus, AJ Hawk became a Packer and I made my first ever successful projection.

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Pick: Vernon Davis TE Maryland

Actual Pick: Vernon Davis TE Maryland

What do you get to help a young QB? Quite simply a good TE. Davis was a phenomenal receiving tight end that also had great blocking potential. A tight end like Davis was supposed to help the run game and further Alex Smith’s development. This was my only other successful projection in this draft. While Smith never panned out and Davis has struggled, this was a solid idea.

Oakland Raiders

Projected Pick: Vince Young QB Texas

Actual Pick: Michael Huff SS Texas

I thought that if Young was available the Raiders would jump on him, after all Aaron Brooks was definitely not a long-term (not even a short term) solution. Given that the Raiders would draft Russell the next year it seemed I had the right idea. However, Young was not available and Davis clearly did not like Leinert so they upgraded their pass defense with Michael Huff. Huff was having a decent year, but it would seem the conversion to Free Safety did not benefit him. Otherwise upgrading the defense is never a bad idea.

Buffalo Bills

Projected Pick: Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida State

Actual Pick: Donte Whitner SS Ohio State

Buffalo needed to upgrade their defense that was for sure. I thought that they would want to do it on the ground as they would later in this draft with McCargo. However, they picked Whitner first who has benefited the Bills defense phenomenally.

Detroit Lions

Projected Pick: Michael Huff DB Texas

Actual Pick: Ernie Sims OLB Florida State

Once again I knew Detroit’s defense needed an upgrade, but they went with Sims. Hard to argue with that thought as Sims was one of the few bright spots in Detroit’s winless season.

Arizona Cardinals

Projected Pick: Winston Justice OT USC

Actual Pick: Matt Leinert QB USC

I definitely did not see the Cardinals taking a QB, but it was something they thought they needed. Bringing in Edge I thought they would go O-line and improve the run. Improving the run would have been great to help Kurt Warner along. However, it would appear I overvalued Justice considerably and Leinert was a steal. Hopefully he will pan out for the Cardinals down the road.

Denver Broncos

Projected Pick: St. Louis Jimmy Williams DB Virginia Tech

Actual Pick: Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt

Shanahan clearly wanted his franchise QB and Cutler was definitely it. It is a shame Shanahan was fired and I hope it doesn’t hinder Cutler’s development. I felt that the Rams wanted to upgrade their secondary which they would do later in the draft, but it seems I overestimated Williams’ value.

Baltimore Ravens

Projected Pick: Cleveland Tamba Hali DE Penn State

Actual Pick: Haloti Ngata DT Oregon

Baltimore traded up to get Ngata, a smart move because he has been great for them. Ngata has been very special for the Ravens and only made its powerful defense more fearsome. With the next pick I had the Ravens taking Cutler. With McNair’s status unclear I thought the Ravens would want to bring in the brilliant Cutler.

Cleveland Browns

Projected Pick: Baltimore Ravens Jay Culter QB Vanderbilt

Actual Pick: Kamerion Wimbley OLB Florida State

I had Cleveland taking Tamba Hali, but that was a mistake. Hali is not suitable for a 3-4 DE. Wimbley is and has been a much better fit for the Browns than Hali would have been.

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Pick: Nick Mangold C Ohio State

Actual Pick: Brodrick Bunkley DT Florida State

I thought that the offensive line would be a priority, but it was not as much as the defensive line. The Eagles would later draft Winston Justice, but Bunkley was their first decision. Bunkley was a good decision as he has started for them the past two seasons.

St. Louis Rams

Projected Pick: Denver Chad Jackson WR Florida

Actual Pick: Tye Hill CB Clemson

The Rams needed secondary help and Hill was the best secondary player available. As far as Jackson goes, I thought that the Broncos would want to revitalize their passing game and they did with Jay Cutler earlier in the draft.

Miami Dolphins

Projected Pick: Antonio Cromartie CB Florida State

Actual Pick: Jason Allen CB Tennessee

I had the right position, just the wrong player. I’m sure the Dolphins would have been happy with Cromartie as Allen has had difficulty holding onto the nickelback position.

Minnesota Vikings

Projected Pick: Ernie Sims OLB Florida State

Actual Pick: Chad Greenway OLB Ohio State

I had the right position. I just had the wrong player. It seems to be a common phenomenon.

Dallas Cowboys

Projected Pick: Kamerion Wimbley OLB Florida State

Actual Pick: Bobby Carpenter OLB Iowa

Once again I had the position right, but not the player. The Cowboys needed an OLB and they picked the best available. Parcells fought hard to bring Carpenter with him when he went to Miami, but there was no such luck and in Dallas Carpenter has made the starting lineup only once.

San Diego Chargers

Projected Pick: Jimmy Williams DB Virginia Tech

Actual Pick: Antonio Cromartie CB Florida State

I made a mistake. I put Jimmy Williams in my mock twice. I would not have gotten this pick right anyhow, but I still feel dumb. Oh well. Once again I had a position right, just not the player. It worked out well for the Chargers this way though.

Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Pick: Haloti Ngata DT

Actual Pick: Tamba Hali DE Penn State

Kansas City needed defensive line help and they went with the best available, Tamba Hali.

New England Patriots

Projected Pick: Bobby Carpenter OLB Iowa

Actual Pick: Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota

Maroney has flashes of talent, but he has thus far been unable to stay healthy and adapt to the pass heavy Patriots offense. I had them take a LB first round but they decided to hold off and would eventually add Junior Seau to the roster.

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Pick: Chad Greenway OLB Ohio State

Actual Pick: Manny Lawson OLB NC State

The Niners needed help in the pass rush and run defense. Both things that the speedy Manny Lawson can help with if he can stay healthy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Pick: Santonio Holmes WR Ohio State

Actual Pick: Davin Joseph G Oklahoma

Offensive line was a priority with the Bucs this draft with Joseph in the first round and Trueblood in the second. To my credit they did draft WR Maurice Stovall.

Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Pick: Mercedes Lewis TE UCLA

Actual Pick: Jonathan Joseph CB South Carolina

I thought the Bengals would benefit from the addition of a tight end taking safeties off of their elite wide receivers. However, they felt that they had to help their pass defense and rightfully so. The Bengals would eventually add Ben Utecht in an attempt to accomplish just that.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Pick: New York Giants Eric Winston T Miami

Actual Pick: Santonio Holmes WR Ohio State

I can’t say I was unhappy with this pick. Holmes has been great for the Steelers. I felt that the Giants would want to upgrade the o-line, but I was wrong.

Buffalo Bills

Projected Pick: Chicago Bears Sinorice Moss WR Miami

Actual Pick: John McCargo DT NC State

I thought that the Bears would want a WR in the first round, but they appeared happy with their current corps. As I had thought the Bills needed to upgrade their defensive line in this draft.

Carolina Panthers

Projected Pick: Laurence Maroney HB Minnesota

Actual Pick: Deangelo Williams HB Memphis

Deshaun Foster was not enough to help the Panthers into the Super Bowl. Thus, they needed to draft a RB and although I had the player wrong, I had the position need properly diagnosed.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Pick: Demeco Ryans OLB Alabama

Actual Pick: Mercedes Lewis TE UCLA

I thought the Jaguars would help out their linebacker corps, but they decided to upgrade their tight end squad. Tight End was a need and the Jaguars added a solid player with this pick.

New York Jets

Projected Pick: Deangelo Williams RB Memphis

Actual Pick: Nick Mangold C Ohio State

I thought the Jets would want to bring in an HB to replace Curtis Martin, but they chose to continue their offensive line upgrades. Mangold was a solid choice though and is playing well to this day.

Indianapolis Colts

Projected Pick: Lendale White HB USC

Actual Pick: Joseph Addai HB Louisiana State

The Colts needed a RB in the wake of Edge’s departure and it seemed like a no-brainer that they would use their first round pick on one. Addai was that running back for the Colts, not White who went quickly in the second round.

Seattle Seahawks

Projected Pick: Donte Whitner SS Ohio State

Actual Pick: Kelly Jennings CB Miami

Seeing as Whitner was taken much, much earlier Jennings was the best available defensive back. The Seahawks had a need, which they addressed with Jennings.

New York Giants

Projected Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers Mathais Kiwanuka DE Boston College

Actual Pick: Mathais Kiwanuka DE Boston College

I thought that the Steelers would want a versatile DE like Kiwanuka who could also play LB. The Giants had the same idea and have tried to move Kiwanuka all over the front seven.

Where Does Larry Johnson Belong?

Larry Johnson wants out of Kansas City; however there are a few obstacles in leaving Kansas City. LJ has a massive contract which will cost any team who has him $8.2 million off of their cap. He also is facing two trials which, if he is found guilty could lead to suspension. LJ will also be 30 in November. All of this should be familiar to anyone with a slight interest in Larry Johnson. However, some may not know the positives about LJ. For instance, LT is a few months older than LJ and has had in 8 years 2,657 carries, not to mention an extensive college career. Larry in six years has had 1,243 carries and only received substantial carries his senior year at Penn State. At Penn State he also achieved the 2,000 yard in one season with fewer carries than any other back to achieve such a feat. Larry has had a relatively light load and so concerns over his age are not as critical. Also, behind a porous offensive line in Kansas City, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Most of the time LJ seemed to run into a brick wall, an unavoidable consequence of defenses stacking the box against a young QB. However, when a hole is opened up for LJ, he hits it at full speed. Larry is still as elusive as ever, still making people miss. The point is that Larry is still a dominant running back in the league in search of a home.

Johnson has never felt at home with Kansas City. Dick Vermeil once told him to take off the diapers and he was resented for his holdout. Then this season was a rough one with the quarterback carousel and the changing offense. Larry wants out and perhaps rightly so. People are discussing Detroit, Arizona, and Cincinnati as possible locations for LJ. Detroit and Arizona have shaky o-lines and inexperienced QB’s in the foreseeable future and LJ has had difficulties with these situations. Cincinnati may be willing to bring on LJ, but with Benson having a training camp under his belt and Palmer returning, they may be unwilling to use a draft pick to trade for LJ. So where should LJ go?

If LJ wants to enjoy success in his career, he needs to bite the bullet and play in Kansas City. Thigpen has been developing satisfactorily and will command more attention from the secondary in the years to come taking men out of the box. Also, Thigpen comes into next season as the starter, which means no QB carousel. Effective QB play from the beginning of the season will go a long way towards helping the running game. The o-line will have another season to mature and will be able to get acquainted with Johnson and Thigpen.

The two problems Kansas City has are hurting Larry and the Chiefs by extension. Kansas City’s defense was atrocious and lost many games for the Chiefs. When you allow 158 rushing yards per game it is almost impossible to win. Another off-season should help the Chiefs improve their defense. The second problem with the Chiefs is that they do not have a commitment to the run. Larry had ten carries against Cincinnati for 18 yards. In the first quarter Larry ran three times compared to 8 passes 4 of which were completed including second and third down incompletions on one drive leading to a three and out. A commitment to the run would go a long way towards helping Larry put up better numbers and help keep Kansas City’s defense off of the field. If Kansas City can improve their defense and run more and earlier the Chiefs could once again become a contender. Larry has already put in a considerable amount of time in at Kansas City. Although the offense left Larry behind this season, they are giving him a large payday to put up with their rebuilding. I doubt very much that LJ’s importance is and ability is lost on the coaching staff. They will make adjustments to incorporate Larry into the offense as their key playmaker. If no such adjustments are made, Kansas City has wasted Larry’s, the fans, and quite frankly everybody’s time. So, if LJ wants to have a valuable career, he needs to grit his teeth and look no further than Kansas City.

These are the Favres of Our Lives

First off, let me say Favre is one of my all time favorite football players. He is a great blue collar player who I have admired for years. However, he should have retired. He had a great year, made a conference championship appearance, and looked as great as he ever did. He retired with most of the passing records and the most consecutive starts. There was a good indication that Favre was not quite done when he agreed to be on the Madden cover. However, most put it aside and assumed he would be the one to break the Madden curse.

Then the curse struck and Favre got the itch. He wanted to comeback, but Green Bay had moved on. Green Bay was right to move on after Favre retired. They have other plans for their future and Favre was no longer among them. However, the Green Bay front office made the horrible decision of trying to hold on and get as much value as they could from him. Favre should have been released and allowed to pursue his career elsewhere. Now this whole mess has become a soap opera and most of America is burnt out on Favre. I think the worst casualty in all of this was the man who started it, Brett Favre. Favre seems to have lost his spirit and love of the game. Its that spirit that has carried Favre through 17 seasons. Maybe Favre does need a new environment to foster that love of the game. I hate to say this, but maybe the Deity of Wisconsin needs to move on.

In that spirit, I viewed an article EA did a few days ago in which the simulated how different teams would do with and without Brett Favre at the helm. I was fascinated by the article and decided to do my own analysis of how some teams would fare with Brett Favre at the helm. If you are curious how the simulation went here is the link to the article:
Favre Simulation

New York Jets

From Favre's standpoint this is not the worst place to end up. The Jets have a good offensive line weighed down by recently added Alan Faneca. Thomas Jones would certainly benefit from having Favre. Favre presence would take eight players out of the box and open up running lanes for the Jets. However, the receiver corp is nothing terribly spectacular. Although Coles can get open at will, the rest of the receiver corp is young. Before anyone frets though people were saying the same thing about the Packer's receivers last year. Given that the Jets are a year removed from a playoff run, New York would be an ideal place for Brett Favre to land and make a playoff run.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jon Gruden collects QBs so it is no surprise that Tampa Bay is in the running for Favre. Tampa Bay would be a nice fit for Favre. Having Joey Galloway to bomb the ball to all day would not be a bad thing in the least. Having Graham and Dunn running the ball, Tampa will go pass first and use the running game as a tool to keep the defense honest. Tampa Bay however does not seem to be terribly enthusiastic to acquire Favre given that they have a veteran in Garcia who helped them earn a playoff berth.

Minnesota Vikings

Although it is increasingly unlikely that Favre will be playing in the NFC North lets pretend shall we. Think about the headache defensive coordinators would have trying to stop the Minnesota offense. They could try and put people in the secondary to hold back Favre, but what about the young phenom Adrian Peterson? It would be a double edged sword no defense could hold back. The Vikings would be a nice landing spot for Favre, but it is highly unlikely.

Chicago Bears

Once again let's pretend that Favre would go to a NFC North team. The Bears would be an awful fit for any QB, much less Brett Favre. Hester is fast, but unproven as a receiver. The only other reciever worth mentioning is Brandon Lloyd who may be in for a career rebound, but is not the best go-to receiver. They have an old offensive line and a lackluster running game. Favre may not be enough for the Bears to pull themselves out of ruin.

So, if Favre and the Packers are really through where would I like to see him the most? Honestly, nothing would make me happier than to see Favre play the Patriots twice a year. For too long the Patriots have had a blank check to run the AFC East. With Favre behind the helm the Jets can stand a chance against the Patriots. With Buffalo's defense building up and Miami in repair mode, avre and the Jets can contend long enough to make the AFC an open competition as opposed to a one man show.

Madden 09: A Few Things to Change

Players are traded and added to rosters at the tail end of the off-season, but Madden is finalized before these moves occur. Thus, there are always minor adjustments to be made on Madden rosters to make the gae true to life, that is unless you didn't agree to that move. I've decided to address some of the moves that Madden will not have made adjustments for. These are not going to be all of them, but these will be the most prominent and significant moves to be made.

Jason Taylor
Madden location: ROLB Miami Dolphins
Actual location: DE Washington Redskins

If Madden has not brought back position changing a lot of Redskins fans will be upset. However, if he can be changed Redskins fans will definitely make the roster change as soon as the game is out of the box. Jason Taylor will provide the Skins with a phenom pass rusher. I have friends that played with the Skins and one of the comforts I had was that as long as I avoided Andre Carter I'd have al day to throw. Now the Skins will be pass rushing from both sides and I already feel Roethlisberger's pain...

Jeremy Shockey
Madden Location: TE New York Giants
Actual Location: TE New Orleans Saints

Giants fans may not be quick to make a roster update, but Saints fans will definitely welcome this change. Saints fans will now have a big target over the middle of the offense that will demand attention. The attention he will command will open up lanes for Reggie Bush and Deuce helping Saints fans establish a much smoother running game.

Kevin Jones
Madden Location: Free Agency
Actual Location: RB Chicago Bears

Given that his signing was a month ago there is a high probability that he will actually be on the Bears roster on Madden 09. Jones will provide the Bears with a decent caliber running back. However, as far as Madden goes, it will be a matter of preference as to whether Jones is properly utilized. If users pass to HB's a lot, Jones will be valuable, but otherwise they have a power back in Forte and a speed back in Wolfe. Jones will provide depth, but nothing game altering.

Brett Favre
Madden Location: NFL Greats List
Actual Location: New York Jets

Favre will be a topic of hot contention for online franchise modes. Die hard Packer fans will not want to let him go and Jets fans will insist on having him. How Favre is dealt out is not a concern of mine. However, or those of you curious on how to activate Favre I can tell you how. EA states that Favre is on their NFL Greats List. All that is required is that you activate Favre and he becomes available in the free agent pool. Once their assign him to the team you and yours have decided upon.

Chad Pennington
Madden location: New York Jets
Actual Location: Miami Dolphins

Pennington will be welcome to Dolphins fans. The other options at QB for iamiwere not nearely as promising. Pennington will provide stability until the user can pump up one of the younger QBs or Pennington can be trading bait used to get a better QB. Either way, Pennington has considerable value in Miami.

Daunte Culpepper & Byron Leftwich
Madden Location: Free Agency
Actual Location: Pittsbrugh Steelers
Many Steelers owners will not want these two with a healthy Charlie Batch on roster, but the shrewd owners will take on the two veterans and trade two of the four Steeler quarterbacks for picks and/or offensive lineman. Pending the ratings of all the QBs I plan on keeping Culpepper in reserve. Culpepper's strong arm and mobility will mean in the event Roethlisberger gets hurt, I won't have to change my offense very much. Culpepper can be a reliable backup to Reothlisberger and a welcome addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Free Agency: Real World and Madden

The Preseason has started and there are still some decent free agents out there. Its unfortunate for these players that they don't have a place to play football. However, the silver lining is that there is a wealth of players to choose from in Madden 09. Free agents can help bolster depth in a needy area, fill in for an injured player, be a stopgap to hold you over until the next off season, or provide your team with a valuable steal. I always try and add a free agent or two to my franchise at the beginning of the season. Here are a few that I will be interested to look at in this year's version of Madden.

Ty Law CB
Legendary shutdown corner Ty Law is surprisingly still on the free agent market. Law is notorious for asking for way too much money. However, at this point in the year and being at the tail end of his career Law might have to settle for a smaller pay check if he wants to play. The last time Ty Law was mentioned in the news it was Browns GM Phil Savage saying Ty Law's asking price was too high. Kansas City fired him, the Browns think he's not worth the high price, and the Patriots have made little effort to bring back their star corner. Unfortunately for Ty Law, if he doesn't act and soon, his career will be over.

Madden Analysis:
Ty Law's speed will probably be too low to be of great value to a team. However, if Madden has brought back position changes, Ty Law will be a great Safety. His abilities will help provide stability at the safety position or a year while another player is groomed or traded for.

Kendrell Bell LB
Kendrell Bell had a great career in Pittsburgh and then joined Kansas City and did very poorly. He did not fit in at all with the 4-3 defensive structure. What is surprising is that no 3-4 team has wanted to sign him as a veteran voice . He may get a look if injuries occur, but he should have been tried out on many different squads. Kendrell Bell still has some years left in him and could become very valuable to a 3-4 team.

Madden Analysis:
Kendrell Bell will not have a very high rating after an 8 tackle season. However, he can provide depth on linebacker needy teams.

LeCharles Bentley C/G
Bentley suffered a substantial knee injury on the first day of Browns training camp in 2006. Then, he got a staph infection which took him out another year. Finally the Browns released Bentley and he now reportedly has many different offers to join squads. However, most squads are concerned about his ability to come back and play after two years. If he can indeed comeback and play at a level he used to play at, Bentley could be a veritable steal for some franchise.

Madden Analysis:
Bentley's ratings will be hindered by him not being in the NFL for two years. Depending on how kind EA is towards Bentley, he will be a free agent steal or nothing more than a backup.

Daunte Culpepper
I have said enough about Culpepper in this blog for people to know I think he could be great for some team. However, no team seems to be interested in him. It's not surprising considering that most teams solved their QB problems in the draft. However, if an injury occurs and Brett Favre isn't available Culpepper could get looked at.

Madden Analysis:
Culpepper will have a strong arm in Madden. So for those of you in need of a Strong Armed QB, Culpepper could be a cheap solution.