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.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
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 1st 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 2nd or even 3rd round. Griffen has great value at this pick, especially with Charles Grant’s approaching march out of New Orleans.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Final Draft of My Mock Draft
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
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
Previous Pick: Eugene Monroe OT
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 4th 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.
Previous Pick:
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.
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
Previous Pick: Michael Crabtree WR
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.
Jones Drew is now the feature back in
Green Bay Packers: BJ Raji DT Boston College
Previous Pick: Brian Orakpo DE/OLB
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.
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.
Previous Pick: Everette Brown DE Florida State
With
Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson DE LSU
The Broncos are implementing a 3-4 defense and
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
Previous Pick: Chris Wells HB
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.
Previous Pick: Malcolm Jenkins CB/S
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.
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.
Previous Pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey WR
I don’t believe Ryan is satisfied with Clemens. The Jets have pursued every QB under the sun and may well try to get
Previous Pick: Mark Sanchez QB USC
Ayers has soared up draft boards and will be a veritable steal at this pick. Ayers opposite of
Previous Pick: Eben Britton OT Arizona
The Lions picked
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
Previous Pick: Vontae Davis CB
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.
The Patriots have great needs at linebacker. Vrabel was traded to
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.
Previous Pick Hakeem Nicks WR North
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
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.
Previous Pick: Percy Harvin WR
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
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.
Previous Pick: Brandon Pettigrew TE
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.
Previous Pick: Evander Hood DT
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.
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
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 4th or 5th receiver. Butler has phenomenal value here, which is why I have the Steelers picking him over an offensive lineman.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Third Draft of My 2009 Mock Draft
Previous Pick:
Walter Jones is 35 and coming off a serious injury. Mark Sanchez might be an option, but I think it is a poor decision to sit a rookie behind a bad oline, just ask the 49ers. So, the Seahawks take
Previous Pick: Brian Orakpo DE/OLB
Rumors are abound that the Browns will trade off their entire offense…I find them a little suspect. The PR the Browns got from drafting Quinn was great. Hometown boy makes good would be just what the Browns need, not Derek Anderson. Drafting Crabtree here would make a lot of sense especially if the Browns do trade Braylon Edwards. However, the Browns Achillies heel has been their defense and Curry is the best linebacker prospect in years, why not draft him and stop selling off a good offense.
Previous Pick: Eugene Monroe OT
Russell needs a target. Can you imagine an offense with Jamarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, and Michael Crabtree? If the Raiders could get a decent line they could have an unstoppable offense.
Jones Drew is now the feature back in
Previous Pick: Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn State
Kampman will be transitioning to OLB in the 3-4 and Poppinga will be operating opposite of him. Malcolm Jenkins would be a nice option for the Packers, but drafting Orakpo would be a major pass rushing upgrade.
Previous Pick: Andre Smith OT Alabama
The signing of Marvel Smith somewhat negates the need for an OT. I could still see the 49ers going OT given Smith’s injury history, but for the moment the Niners upgrade their pass-rush with the young Aaron Maybin.
Previous Pick: Brian Cushing OLB USC
Aaron Schoebal is on the mend, but it wouldn’t hurt to draft a DE. With the tackles in the AFC East, the Bills will need multiple pass rushers to hold back these offenses. A large reason for
Previous Pick: Everette Brown DE Florida State
The Broncos are implementing a 3-4 defense and
The Skins are looking to upgrade their oline. Derrick Dockery helps, but adding a premier OT would make the Redskins line that much better. A solid line will go a long way towards helping Jason Campbell elevate his play and bring the Skins back to the playoffs.
The Saints could draft corner Vontae Davis or S/CB Malcolm Jenkins here. However, defense is obviously not the Saints’ strong point. The weakpoint on the Saints high caliber offense is the rushing game. Pierre Thomas shows some promise, but I’m not sold yet. Deuce is gone and Bush is recovering from a serious injury. Wells would help make a stacked offense even better and provide the Saints some insurance for their abysmal rushing attack.
Drafting a Safety in the first round would help stop the run and slow down the air attack. Seeing that Jenkins is being projected to be a safety in the NFL, the Texans could get a steal with this pick. It’s rare to have a premier cover safety and Jenkins would upgrade the Texans secondary considerably. A lot of people have the Texans pursuing Brian Cushing, but with Cato June, Thompson, and Abidi the need for an OLB is not terribly pressing.
Previous Pick: Tyson Jackson DE LSU
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 Wells and Tyson Jackson gone the Chargers bring in Rey and bolster a solid linebacker corp.
The Jets front office is adamant about the QB competition they already have, so I doubt Sanchez gets picked here. With Coles’ departure the Jets could use a deep threat wideout. Bey ran a great 40 and at 6’3 he could be a great target for whatever QB eventually takes over under center. Many have Harvin here, but teams are cooling on him and the Jets loved Heyward-Bey.
Do I believe that the Broncos will draft Sanchez, not necessarily. Do I know where he is going to go…not in the slightest. Some team will trade up to get Sanchez and totally ruin my mock draft. So, to minimize the damage, I’ll send him to
Previous Pick: Mark Sanchez QB USC
The Bucs signed Leftwich which negates the need for Mark Sanchez. The Bucs can now address their defense. Ayers has soared up draft boards and will be a veritable steal at this pick. Ayers opposite of
The Lions picked
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
The Vikings have two solid starting corners, but Winfield is getting older. Drafting his eventual replacement and having Winfield tutor him is a good idea. Plus there is an added bonus that
The Patriots have great needs at linebacker. Vrabel was traded to
Previous Pick: Brandon Pettigrew TE
It would not surprise me to see the Falcons take Pettigrew with this pick. 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.
Previous Pick: DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt
A CB would be very valuable to the Dolphins, but none has solid value here. There will be a few solid corners later in the draft. Right now the Dolphins need to arm Pennington with more weapons. The Dolphins visited Nicks and liked what they saw. The receiver with the XXXL gloves should be the Dolphins pick, provided they don’t want to reach for a corner.
Previous Pick: Rey Maualuga ILB USC
Cushing is a dynamic player who can play inside, outside, and a little DE in the 3-4. That kind of versatility is very hard to come by which will make Cushing a steal here for the Ravens.
Here is a quote from Colts GM Polian: "I've always approached the draft as take the best player no matter what the position is. Don't worry about filling a need, you can do that later in the draft. Take the best player in the first two rounds, whoever he is." Despite the recent qualms about his character that player would be Harvin. Harvin’s playmaking ability could elevate the Colts offense to unbelievable heights. Harvin, Wayne, Gonzalez, and Clark would be a fierce set of targets for MVP Peyton Manning.
The Eagles signed Stacy Andrews and plan on moving pro bowl guard Shaun Andrews to tackle. So now the Eagles have a void on the interior of the line. Mack would be great for the Eagles if for no other reason than he was one of the few linemen that could hold back BJ Raji. The Eagles would do themselves a favor by drafting Mack. However, it should be noted that this pick will probably be part of some trade, so chances are Mack will not be an Eagle.
Previous Pick: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers
Pettigrew is a solid tight end. His run blocking is a particularly excellent part of his game and a running team like the Giants could use all the run blocking tighends possible. This pick might get traded as well, but if Pettigrew gets to the Giants I don’t see them passing up on him.
Previous Pick: Perria Jerry DT Ole Miss
With the departure of Haynesworth the Titans have a gaping hole in the middle of their defense. Hood is the best DT available and as such the pick for the Titans.
The Cardinals’ offense is not what lost them the Super Bowl. With the departure of Antonio Smith the Cardinals need to fill a void. The athletic Johnson could go a long way towards not only improving the Cardinals defense, but help the transition to a 3-4 defense. I would not be surprised if Johnson was gone by this point though. His athleticism is astonishing. How many DE’s do you know that are used as gunners on punt coverage?
The Steelers are paying Max Starks another $8 million…while I’m not the biggest fan of this, it was a smart move. Starks has been a starting tackle for two Super Bowl teams and despite a few mental errors in pass-blocking, he is a truly solid tackle who has destroyed some of the leagues premier defenders. I wished we had kept Simmons and let the Jets sign Kemo. However, I still see a need along the Oline. An OT would make sense as we fired Marvel Smith. If Beatty plays well enough the Steelers could move Colon to guard, Starks to the right side of the line, and have a pretty solid line for Ben to do that voodoo that he does so well.
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