With not much to do until tomorrow when training camp starts, I figured I'd spend the morning doing my first mock draft of the year. Using my predictions from earlier in the month, I present to you my first mock draft for 2010.
1. Oakland Raiders-Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Laugh, mock, do all that you want to do just remember one key thing, Al Davis is still the owner and head decision maker for the Oakland Raiders and until he dies the decision making process will be all kinds of FUBAR.
2. St Louis Rams-Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
It will become evident this season that Marc Bulger can no longer operate as a NFL QB. I do believe he is now suffering from shell shock and the Rams need someone to replace him sooner rather than later.
3. Seattle Seahawks via Broncos –Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
The Seahawks can really set their defense up for dominance with this draft. They are already on their way, but with the third and sixth picks…if they don’t trade up with the Raiders to draft Bradford I see this being all D.
4. Detroit Lions –Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Lions start drafting like an actual NFL franchise again and pass on the number one WR, even though he is available. You need to protect Sanford, and Okung could easily be a 15 year game in game out starter for the franchise.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
Though he plays DE at Florida, and may be better situated for a 3-4 DE, I could see the Buccs taking his athleticism and turning him into a very destructive DT as well.
6. Seattle Seahawks- Taylor Mays, S, USC
Grant and Russell are decent players, they’re solid and won’t lose you too many games, Mays may be the best safety from Safety U since Troy P…maybe since Ronnie Lott.
7. New York Jets-Damian Williams, WR, USC
I think the lack of breakout WRs in New York is going to be one of the downsides to this season. Benn from Illinois is likely the top WR, but Williams right behind him brings the Jets to a QB who already has a repertoire with the WR.
8. Cincinnati Bengals-Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
I’m not sure who the new head coach in Cincinnati will be, but I can easily see them getting the good sized, very quick Benn for Carson Palmer.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars –Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
Sadly Jack Del Rio is no longer in Jacksonville, and they decide to go another route with their QB situation as Garrard struggles for a second straight year.
10. Dallas Cowboys-Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Now this may be a bit farther down then some folks would expect Berry, but I can see opposing teams going away from Berry as much as possible. There may be no greater need for a safety then Dallas’.
11. San Francisco 49ers via Panthers- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Running the 3-4 successfully requires a dominate nose tackle, something the Niners are currently missing. Suh is little known from Nebraska, but that will change once his is a Niner.
12. Miami Dolphins- Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
Lewis is a production beast at Oklahoma, and while maybe not the pass rush threat the Dolphins probably need more, you cannot argue with production that they hope will translate to a Patrick Willis type player.
13. Tennessee Titans-Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Since the high quality defensive linemen are already taken by 13, the Titans end up going the safe route and taking the number two tackle on the board.
14. Kansas City Chiefs-Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
Tony Gonzales is in a different uniform this year, which is just going to feel all kinds of weird. Gresham has good hands, and a decent size to block as well and could be the pick, but I think Pioli is going to try to strike gold like he did with Mayo.
15. San Francisco 49ers-Kristofer O’Dowd, C, USC
SayHey may hate this pick, but he did say they need some offensive linemen. O’Dowd is the top Center available, and since signing Marvel Smith drafting a tackle doesn’t make too much sense here.
16. Indianapolis Colts-Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St
Perhaps this is the lesson we learn this year from the Colts, Peyton Manning needs three solid targets downfield, not just two. Bryant fits in beautifully in this offense.
17. Minnesota Vikings-Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Came on strong last year playing for the Gators, always seems to be in the receivers face for a pass. Vikings secondary is getting a bit long in the tooth.
18. Buffalo Bills-Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Dick Jauron finally gets the style of tight end he’s been wanting, a good sized kid with decent hands and can block at a very high level.
19. Denver Broncos via Bears-Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
Colt McCoy is the perfect style QB for Josh McDaniels’ style of offense. Exceedingly accurate and a great leader, McCoy may be what the Broncos were thinking when they traded Cutler to the Bears.
20. Philadelphia Eagles-Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
Brian Dawkins has left the city of brothery love to form a former NFC East All Star secondary in Denver. They will quickly realize that Sean Jones is not the answer, another Jones is.
21. Cleveland Browns- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
Unless Wimbley can produce like he did in his rookie season, some kind of pass rush is needed in Cleveland. Kindle is the Mangini type of player, though Arthur Jones could land here as a 3-4 DE as well.
22. Atlanta Falcons- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
They have Sam Baker on their left side, but their right is an undrafted Demon Deacon. This is the natural progression of a franchise going in the right direction.
23. Houston Texans-Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
The Texans have some questions in the secondary right now, especially with the Duante Robinson situation. Being able to snag the number two corner this far down would be a god send for the Texans.
24. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan Greg
The Cardinals may struggle with a pass rush, and Graham has the speed to be a beast of a defensive end for them. Add his speed to that of Campbell and they could have the fastest DE combo in the NFL.
25. Baltimore Ravens-Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
I’m not sure what is going to happen to LaFell seeing that I believe the LSU QB position is a bit of a question mark this year. He seems to fit the Ravens’ style of WR though.
26. Washington Redskins-CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
Running backs seem to be taken later and later in drafts the past few years. Clinton Portis isn’t getting any younger and they really don’t have a very good answer behind him, Spiller makes the most sense here.
27. New York Giants-Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri
When it comes to Witherspoon you’re reminded of the Oklahoma LB taken above him in the draft, production. Witherspoon has been nothing but productive since he emerged onto the scene at Missouri.
28. San Diego Chargers-Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
6’5” 360lbs…the size alone means you put him in the middle of the defense and hope he takes three offensive linemen with him.
29. New Orleans Saints-Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
Though he may be better suited for a 3-4 defensive end, they are gonna need someone to go next to Sedrick Ellis on the interior of their defensive line.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers-Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
James Farrior isn’t getting any younger for the Steelers and his eventual replace needs to be found. McClain is a very productive inside linebacker, one who should fit in well with the Steelers.
31. New England Patriots-Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
The Saban Belichek connection continues. Arenas may have been the best new secondary player in the SEC last year, but the best thing for the Patriots is he is a dynamic return specialist.
32. Green Bay Packers- Ciron Black, OT, LSU
When you seemingly have everything else that you need, take the best offensive lineman available, you can never have enough quality offensive linemen.
Showing posts with label Oakland Raiders. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oakland Raiders. Show all posts
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
2009 NFL Predictions Pre-Training Camp Edition
We must be feeling patriotic or something, there is suddenly once again life in this ole boy. Yesterday we discussed the MLB All Star game and the rosters that SHOULD be in place...even if Dews' hard-on for Markakis can't allow him to see straight. Today we are discussing the upcoming football season.
We are less than a month away from training camp opening so I thought I'd throw out my initial prediction on what I think next year's draft order is gonna look like, and maybe even a little bit about why I see things happening this way.
Now some may call me a homer, but I did a good amount of research on each team, their acquisitions and took into consideration many factors that lead me to this conclusion. It was a very thorough and scientific research study.
1. Oakland Raiders 3-13
I think folks will be surprised week one, and then not again until they draft some Lithuanian named Drago with the first pick of next year's draft.
2. St Louis Rams 3-13
I love their new coach, I think he will do well, but the pieces are still missing. Their three wins will be shockers, but I fear at next year's draft they'll be taking Bulger's replacement.
3. Denver Broncos 3-13
I got this itch in the back of my head that says McDaniel let Cutler get away because 1. He's a Commodore and 2. He has something planned in next year's draft and needs this team to suck till then. My prediction? His plans wears jorts, crocs and is a jesus freak.
4. Detroit Lions 4-12
Look, I know they're still not out of the top five in the draft, but that is four more games then they won all of last year, that's progress.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11
The following seven teams all have the same record, so you can put them anywhere from 5 to 11. New coach, crashes and burns as Chucky laughs in the MNF booth.
6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11
Can Jim Mora last a season? He has a WR, but I think Hasslebeck will once again get hurt, and they still have zero running game to speak of. A tough tough season for Seattle.
7. New York Jets 5-11
Not a bad year for a rookie head coach, with a rookie QB, but they deal with the fact they now have to play Tom Brady again and TO twice a year.
8. Cincinnati Bengals 5-11
Everyone seems to think the Bengals will be back, but their defense is still suspect. Chris Henry will get arrested. Chad Ochocinco is about the only weapon Palmer has, and Andre Smith may be a beast but he's the only one on that line.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11
Sorry Jack Del Rio, this will be your final year in sunny Florida. It's a shame because I really like him as a coach, but your former GM put you too far behind the 8-ball to let you get out this year.
10. Dallas Cowboys 5-11
How bout dem Cowboys?! Sorry Wade, but this will be your last season as coach. You're playing in the second toughest division in football and unless you WISELY run your offense with a three headed monster running attack and only letting Romo throw the ball ten times a game, well like the Detective said, where are you going? Fuckin nowhere...
11. Carolina Panthers 5-11
Sadly once again Jake Delhomme gets knocked out of the season and they struggle the rest of the year. I like this team, I think it will be really good again soon, this year's schedule though is no picnic.
12. Miami Dolphins 7-9
They take a step back slightly, but only because other teams take step forwards. I do think Ronnie Brown has a good chance to lead the NFL in rushing this year though.
13. Tennessee Titans 8-8
Kerry Collins falls off the wagon to start the season, and Vince Young finally starts again to at least get this team back to .500. They really miss Haynesworth this season.
14. Kansas City Chiefs 8-8
The first time I went through my predictions they didn't have this much, but then I took two things into consideration. One, they play the Raiders and Broncos twice. They have a QB who is at least serviceable. Larry Johnson may be rejuvenated a bit by all the passing that will be happening.
15. San Francisco 49ers 8-8
This isn't due to any kind of quarterback play, but due to old school smash mouth football. Frank Gore leads the NFC in rushing and Patrick Willis gets defensive player of the year honors. Could be higher if they trade for Derek Anderson in week five.
16. Indianapolis Colts 8-8
A change of coaches have the Colts slip quite a bit this year. I think you saw it when Manning freaked out a bit when all the coaching stuff happened. It won't be the offenses fault though, the defense causes a .500 season.
17. Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Sorry Minnesota, Brett Favre will not lead you to the playoffs. You will have some exciting games, and Peterson will look phenomenal, but Favre will throw your season away. Plus you have a doubly motivated Packer team to deal with.
18. Buffalo Bills 9-7
Still so close yet so far away. Perhaps if Marshawn Lynch wasn't suspended the first four games you might squeeze into the playoffs. Hell, you're right at the door you still could. TO elevates Trent Edwards to the next level.
19. Chicago Bears 10-6
A highly competitive NFC forces the Bears to watch the playoffs from home. Cutler does ok, but nothing more special then Grossman or the Boilermaker. This makes the Bears realize, finally, they actually need weapons for a quarterback, so there is a bright side.
20. Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
Much like the Bears, you're just oh so close but just miss out this time. The team does well, you just miss a tie-breaker or two and get shut out of the playoffs. It was a successful season, and in any other it would have been fine, just not this year.
21. Cleveland Browns 9-7
Yes, laugh, but take a look at our schedule really quick. The majority of our home games are late in the season, up in cold and snowy Ohio. Mangini has turned this team into a power running football team, the kind of team that wins those games.Mix that with Rex Ryan bringing back the old 46 defense and a very pleasant schedule and you have a recipe for shocker.
22. Atlanta Falcons 10-6
Matt Ryan looks like a stud all season, sadly though he plays in the same division as Drew Brees. To top it off, they have to play in the Meadowlands for their first playoff game, not exactly helpful.
23. Houston Texans 11-5
Finally no longer that team referred to as this year's sleeper as they actually WIN the AFC South. Their defense is one of the more shocking things this year, but sadly go up against the playoff experienced carrion flyers.
24. Arizona Cardinals 11-5
They prevent the Super Bowl loser slump, but that's probably only because they play in the NFC West. They are actually upset at home in the wild card round, but have a decent season regardless.
25. Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Another solid year by the Fighting Blue Hen Joe Flacco. The team struggles at time, but they find ways to win games. They beat the Texans in the Wild Card, but can't overcome the defending champs.
26. Washington Redskins 10-6
Shocker of all shocker, the Redskins not only make the playoffs but BEAT the Cardinals in Arizona. Their defense is as stout as any in the NFC this year and General Zorn decides to trust in Portis rather then Campbell.
27. New York Giants 11-5
Another solid year from the G-Men, even without Buress. They go back to smashmouth football and allow Jacobs and rookie sensation Andre Brown to beat teams up. Sadly though they are just outgunned this year.
28. San Diego Chargers 12-4
No slow season start this year, the Chargers I think actually we ten games before they actually lose a game. A great year by Rivers and company, but one that just could not handle the upper echelon of playoff football. I mean you do know who your head coach is don't you?
29. New Orleans Saints 11-5
This could change depending on home field advantage in the playoffs. If they Saints can get home field advantage in the playoffs, they're taking it all. I think this is the year Brees is finally mentioned in the same breath as Manning and Brady.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4
It looks like they're going back to the Super Bowl, they have home field advantage, everything is going right, but once again the bane of their existence, Tom Brady, comes into town and takes his team to the Super Bowl.
31. New England Patriots 12-4
Yes, Tom Brady comes back and takes his team to the Super Bowl, but it's not nearly as good as the one loss team and therefore once again they lose a Super Bowl. However taking his team to the Super Bowl a year after major knee surgery finally gets people to shut up about whether Tom Brady is a good quarterback or not.
32. Green Bay Packers 12-4
The shocker of all shockers, the Packers are your 2010 Super Bowl Champions. Now this is contingent on one thing, this team HAS to stay healthy. If they stay healthy, this team could very well win it all. I know it's a new defense and all, but all the pieces are here. I think with Favre joining the Vikings, allegedly, it will give them even more motivation and you'll see it all season long.
We are less than a month away from training camp opening so I thought I'd throw out my initial prediction on what I think next year's draft order is gonna look like, and maybe even a little bit about why I see things happening this way.
Now some may call me a homer, but I did a good amount of research on each team, their acquisitions and took into consideration many factors that lead me to this conclusion. It was a very thorough and scientific research study.
1. Oakland Raiders 3-13
I think folks will be surprised week one, and then not again until they draft some Lithuanian named Drago with the first pick of next year's draft.
2. St Louis Rams 3-13
I love their new coach, I think he will do well, but the pieces are still missing. Their three wins will be shockers, but I fear at next year's draft they'll be taking Bulger's replacement.
3. Denver Broncos 3-13
I got this itch in the back of my head that says McDaniel let Cutler get away because 1. He's a Commodore and 2. He has something planned in next year's draft and needs this team to suck till then. My prediction? His plans wears jorts, crocs and is a jesus freak.
4. Detroit Lions 4-12
Look, I know they're still not out of the top five in the draft, but that is four more games then they won all of last year, that's progress.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11
The following seven teams all have the same record, so you can put them anywhere from 5 to 11. New coach, crashes and burns as Chucky laughs in the MNF booth.
6. Seattle Seahawks 5-11
Can Jim Mora last a season? He has a WR, but I think Hasslebeck will once again get hurt, and they still have zero running game to speak of. A tough tough season for Seattle.
7. New York Jets 5-11
Not a bad year for a rookie head coach, with a rookie QB, but they deal with the fact they now have to play Tom Brady again and TO twice a year.
8. Cincinnati Bengals 5-11
Everyone seems to think the Bengals will be back, but their defense is still suspect. Chris Henry will get arrested. Chad Ochocinco is about the only weapon Palmer has, and Andre Smith may be a beast but he's the only one on that line.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11
Sorry Jack Del Rio, this will be your final year in sunny Florida. It's a shame because I really like him as a coach, but your former GM put you too far behind the 8-ball to let you get out this year.
10. Dallas Cowboys 5-11
How bout dem Cowboys?! Sorry Wade, but this will be your last season as coach. You're playing in the second toughest division in football and unless you WISELY run your offense with a three headed monster running attack and only letting Romo throw the ball ten times a game, well like the Detective said, where are you going? Fuckin nowhere...
11. Carolina Panthers 5-11
Sadly once again Jake Delhomme gets knocked out of the season and they struggle the rest of the year. I like this team, I think it will be really good again soon, this year's schedule though is no picnic.
12. Miami Dolphins 7-9
They take a step back slightly, but only because other teams take step forwards. I do think Ronnie Brown has a good chance to lead the NFL in rushing this year though.
13. Tennessee Titans 8-8
Kerry Collins falls off the wagon to start the season, and Vince Young finally starts again to at least get this team back to .500. They really miss Haynesworth this season.
14. Kansas City Chiefs 8-8
The first time I went through my predictions they didn't have this much, but then I took two things into consideration. One, they play the Raiders and Broncos twice. They have a QB who is at least serviceable. Larry Johnson may be rejuvenated a bit by all the passing that will be happening.
15. San Francisco 49ers 8-8
This isn't due to any kind of quarterback play, but due to old school smash mouth football. Frank Gore leads the NFC in rushing and Patrick Willis gets defensive player of the year honors. Could be higher if they trade for Derek Anderson in week five.
16. Indianapolis Colts 8-8
A change of coaches have the Colts slip quite a bit this year. I think you saw it when Manning freaked out a bit when all the coaching stuff happened. It won't be the offenses fault though, the defense causes a .500 season.
17. Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Sorry Minnesota, Brett Favre will not lead you to the playoffs. You will have some exciting games, and Peterson will look phenomenal, but Favre will throw your season away. Plus you have a doubly motivated Packer team to deal with.
18. Buffalo Bills 9-7
Still so close yet so far away. Perhaps if Marshawn Lynch wasn't suspended the first four games you might squeeze into the playoffs. Hell, you're right at the door you still could. TO elevates Trent Edwards to the next level.
19. Chicago Bears 10-6
A highly competitive NFC forces the Bears to watch the playoffs from home. Cutler does ok, but nothing more special then Grossman or the Boilermaker. This makes the Bears realize, finally, they actually need weapons for a quarterback, so there is a bright side.
20. Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
Much like the Bears, you're just oh so close but just miss out this time. The team does well, you just miss a tie-breaker or two and get shut out of the playoffs. It was a successful season, and in any other it would have been fine, just not this year.
21. Cleveland Browns 9-7
Yes, laugh, but take a look at our schedule really quick. The majority of our home games are late in the season, up in cold and snowy Ohio. Mangini has turned this team into a power running football team, the kind of team that wins those games.Mix that with Rex Ryan bringing back the old 46 defense and a very pleasant schedule and you have a recipe for shocker.
22. Atlanta Falcons 10-6
Matt Ryan looks like a stud all season, sadly though he plays in the same division as Drew Brees. To top it off, they have to play in the Meadowlands for their first playoff game, not exactly helpful.
23. Houston Texans 11-5
Finally no longer that team referred to as this year's sleeper as they actually WIN the AFC South. Their defense is one of the more shocking things this year, but sadly go up against the playoff experienced carrion flyers.
24. Arizona Cardinals 11-5
They prevent the Super Bowl loser slump, but that's probably only because they play in the NFC West. They are actually upset at home in the wild card round, but have a decent season regardless.
25. Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Another solid year by the Fighting Blue Hen Joe Flacco. The team struggles at time, but they find ways to win games. They beat the Texans in the Wild Card, but can't overcome the defending champs.
26. Washington Redskins 10-6
Shocker of all shocker, the Redskins not only make the playoffs but BEAT the Cardinals in Arizona. Their defense is as stout as any in the NFC this year and General Zorn decides to trust in Portis rather then Campbell.
27. New York Giants 11-5
Another solid year from the G-Men, even without Buress. They go back to smashmouth football and allow Jacobs and rookie sensation Andre Brown to beat teams up. Sadly though they are just outgunned this year.
28. San Diego Chargers 12-4
No slow season start this year, the Chargers I think actually we ten games before they actually lose a game. A great year by Rivers and company, but one that just could not handle the upper echelon of playoff football. I mean you do know who your head coach is don't you?
29. New Orleans Saints 11-5
This could change depending on home field advantage in the playoffs. If they Saints can get home field advantage in the playoffs, they're taking it all. I think this is the year Brees is finally mentioned in the same breath as Manning and Brady.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4
It looks like they're going back to the Super Bowl, they have home field advantage, everything is going right, but once again the bane of their existence, Tom Brady, comes into town and takes his team to the Super Bowl.
31. New England Patriots 12-4
Yes, Tom Brady comes back and takes his team to the Super Bowl, but it's not nearly as good as the one loss team and therefore once again they lose a Super Bowl. However taking his team to the Super Bowl a year after major knee surgery finally gets people to shut up about whether Tom Brady is a good quarterback or not.
32. Green Bay Packers 12-4
The shocker of all shockers, the Packers are your 2010 Super Bowl Champions. Now this is contingent on one thing, this team HAS to stay healthy. If they stay healthy, this team could very well win it all. I know it's a new defense and all, but all the pieces are here. I think with Favre joining the Vikings, allegedly, it will give them even more motivation and you'll see it all season long.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
NFL Draft Review AFC West
Ah the AFC West, very similar to the AFC East, where there is one dominate team, one team clearly rebuilding, one getting closer, and one who believes they aren't really rebuilding when they clearly are. When three quarters of your division drafts before pick 15 you know you're not very good.
DENVER BRONCOS
NEEDS: WR, OL, DL, CB, ILB
DRAFT PICKS: OT Ryan Clady, WR Eddie Royal, G Kory Lichtensteiger, CB Jack Williams, RB Ryan Torain, DT Carlton Powell, LB Spencer Larsen, DB Josh Barrett and RB Peyton Hillis
APPROVED PICKS: Clady, Williams, Larsen, Barrett
EVENTUAL BUSTS: Royal, Powell
REVIEW: It's not quit 50 50 on whether I like this draft or not. I think they got some great pieces in this draft, filled some needs, but at the same made some blatantly ridiculous picks. I like Ryan Clady, I think he landed at the perfect place for him. The Denver zone blocking scheme I think is perfect for the style of football he plays and should be starting week 1. It takes a special kind of player to get me to like a kid from Virginia Tech, and sorry Royal and Powell both leave me wanting. The entire program is filled with athletic ability, with nothing but underachievers. You see that this year especially, having so many kids drafted and yet making no noise in the national title picture. Lichtensteiger I think has the potential to be a special type of player with Denver, one of their classic stories of playing for the team for 15 years. This is also true of Jack Williams, who I think a lot of teams overlooked. He is blazing fast and should be something special learning from Champ Bailey. The two picks that I thought were just phe-nominal came towards the end with the selection of Larsen and Barrett. These are two players that you're gonna wake up one day and wonder where the hell they came from and how could anyone have missed out on drafting these players.
GRADE: B
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
NEEDS: QB, WR, OL, DL, CB
DRAFT PICKS: DT Glenn Dorsey, G Branden Albert, CB Brandon Flowers, RB Jamaal Charles, TE Brad Cottam, S DaJuan Morgan, WR Will Franklin, CB Brandon Carr, OT Barry Richardson, WR Kevin Robinson, DE Brian Johnston and TE Michael Merritt
APPROVED PICKS: Dorsey, Albert, Charles, Carr
EVENTUAL BUSTS: Cottam, Morgan
REVIEW: Without a doubt this is the best draft class of any team this year. I know they didn't address the quarterback position, but Croyle could shock people and finally come around this year. Dorsey was one of my favorite players in this draft as he is the epitome of a FOOTBALL player. I like the selection of Branden Albert, though I don't know if he'll be as dominant as folks expect him to be. Flowers will flourish under Herm Edwards and is the only VA Tech player I really liked that was drafted. Jamaal Charles may very well turn Larry Johnson expendable if LJ keeps on with his attitude. Brad Cottam and DaJuan Morgan are two players that never really impressed me. Yes, they have talent out the ass, but they reek of lollygaggers, this draft is so deep though that it doesn't hurt them. Franklin should do well in this system and Carr may be the perfect compliment to Brandon Flowers. Barry Richardson is a solid tackle, one I really like, and should end up starting for the Chiefs. Robinson gives them that return man they've been missing since Dante Hall went across the state and became a Ram. I like Johnston, he's a project, but he's a project that could reap huge dividends if he adjusts to the NFL level of play.
GRADE: A+
OAKLAND RAIDERS
NEEDS: WR, OL, DL, LB, S
DRAFT PICKS:RB Darren McFadden, CB Tyvon Branch, WR Arman Shields, DE Trevor Scott and WR Chaz Schilens
APPROVED PICKS: Branch, Shields, Scott
EVENTUAL BUSTS:McFadden
REVIEW:Go ahead and look at the needs listed, do you see running back anywhere? No? You know why that is? Because the last thing they needed was a fucking running back. I understand that the Godfather wanted his second death star after his first one, Bo Jackson, was blown up by some hot shot kid in a Orange and Black helmet but this is ridiculous. You should have made the faithful happy, traded up to number 2 and taken the son of Howie. With that said I think Branch, Shields and Scott should do very well in the NFL. I say the NFL cause lord knows if the Godfather will allow them the time they need to develop to the NFL level. Of course he chose Chaz, they guys size and attributes guaranteed that Al Davis would make him a Raider. My only wish is that we'd trade something, maybe one of the Smiths, to Oakland in exchange for Michael Bush.
GRADE: D+
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
NEEDS: RB, OL, DL, DB
DRAFT PICKS: CB Antoine Cason, FB Jacob Hester, RB Marcus Thomas, CB DeJuan Tribble and OT Corey Clark
APPROVED PICKS: Cason, Hester
EVENTUAL BUSTS: Tribble
REVIEW: All should learn to trust in the early round selections of AJ Smith. I don't know of a GM in the last twenty years who has had more first and second round picks become stars in the NFL. That being said, gotta love the selection of Antoine Cason by the Chargers. Putting him opposite of Cromartie will actually make Norv Turner look like he can actually be a Head Coach in the NFL. They let go of Lorenzo Neal so trading up to get Jacob Hester was inspired and very well done. He may not be Neal, but he can run the ball effectively, unlike Neal so it's a bonus. Marcus Thomas is an intriguing pick as I think he can be the pounder the Chargers haven't had at running back. They have had back who can run outside the tackle, but not so much one that will go between the guards and run folks over. I don't like the Tribble pick, even at that spot in the sixth round. Taking a chance at one of the wide receivers available may have paid off more. Corey Clark is a decent pick. He comes in with great size and a decent skill set. If he can improve he could fight for playing time.
GRADE: A-
DENVER BRONCOS
NEEDS: WR, OL, DL, CB, ILBDRAFT PICKS: OT Ryan Clady, WR Eddie Royal, G Kory Lichtensteiger, CB Jack Williams, RB Ryan Torain, DT Carlton Powell, LB Spencer Larsen, DB Josh Barrett and RB Peyton Hillis
APPROVED PICKS: Clady, Williams, Larsen, Barrett
EVENTUAL BUSTS: Royal, Powell
REVIEW: It's not quit 50 50 on whether I like this draft or not. I think they got some great pieces in this draft, filled some needs, but at the same made some blatantly ridiculous picks. I like Ryan Clady, I think he landed at the perfect place for him. The Denver zone blocking scheme I think is perfect for the style of football he plays and should be starting week 1. It takes a special kind of player to get me to like a kid from Virginia Tech, and sorry Royal and Powell both leave me wanting. The entire program is filled with athletic ability, with nothing but underachievers. You see that this year especially, having so many kids drafted and yet making no noise in the national title picture. Lichtensteiger I think has the potential to be a special type of player with Denver, one of their classic stories of playing for the team for 15 years. This is also true of Jack Williams, who I think a lot of teams overlooked. He is blazing fast and should be something special learning from Champ Bailey. The two picks that I thought were just phe-nominal came towards the end with the selection of Larsen and Barrett. These are two players that you're gonna wake up one day and wonder where the hell they came from and how could anyone have missed out on drafting these players.
GRADE: B
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
NEEDS: QB, WR, OL, DL, CBDRAFT PICKS: DT Glenn Dorsey, G Branden Albert, CB Brandon Flowers, RB Jamaal Charles, TE Brad Cottam, S DaJuan Morgan, WR Will Franklin, CB Brandon Carr, OT Barry Richardson, WR Kevin Robinson, DE Brian Johnston and TE Michael Merritt
APPROVED PICKS: Dorsey, Albert, Charles, Carr
EVENTUAL BUSTS: Cottam, Morgan
REVIEW: Without a doubt this is the best draft class of any team this year. I know they didn't address the quarterback position, but Croyle could shock people and finally come around this year. Dorsey was one of my favorite players in this draft as he is the epitome of a FOOTBALL player. I like the selection of Branden Albert, though I don't know if he'll be as dominant as folks expect him to be. Flowers will flourish under Herm Edwards and is the only VA Tech player I really liked that was drafted. Jamaal Charles may very well turn Larry Johnson expendable if LJ keeps on with his attitude. Brad Cottam and DaJuan Morgan are two players that never really impressed me. Yes, they have talent out the ass, but they reek of lollygaggers, this draft is so deep though that it doesn't hurt them. Franklin should do well in this system and Carr may be the perfect compliment to Brandon Flowers. Barry Richardson is a solid tackle, one I really like, and should end up starting for the Chiefs. Robinson gives them that return man they've been missing since Dante Hall went across the state and became a Ram. I like Johnston, he's a project, but he's a project that could reap huge dividends if he adjusts to the NFL level of play.
GRADE: A+
OAKLAND RAIDERS
NEEDS: WR, OL, DL, LB, SDRAFT PICKS:RB Darren McFadden, CB Tyvon Branch, WR Arman Shields, DE Trevor Scott and WR Chaz Schilens
APPROVED PICKS: Branch, Shields, Scott
EVENTUAL BUSTS:McFadden
REVIEW:Go ahead and look at the needs listed, do you see running back anywhere? No? You know why that is? Because the last thing they needed was a fucking running back. I understand that the Godfather wanted his second death star after his first one, Bo Jackson, was blown up by some hot shot kid in a Orange and Black helmet but this is ridiculous. You should have made the faithful happy, traded up to number 2 and taken the son of Howie. With that said I think Branch, Shields and Scott should do very well in the NFL. I say the NFL cause lord knows if the Godfather will allow them the time they need to develop to the NFL level. Of course he chose Chaz, they guys size and attributes guaranteed that Al Davis would make him a Raider. My only wish is that we'd trade something, maybe one of the Smiths, to Oakland in exchange for Michael Bush.
GRADE: D+
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
NEEDS: RB, OL, DL, DBDRAFT PICKS: CB Antoine Cason, FB Jacob Hester, RB Marcus Thomas, CB DeJuan Tribble and OT Corey Clark
APPROVED PICKS: Cason, Hester
EVENTUAL BUSTS: Tribble
REVIEW: All should learn to trust in the early round selections of AJ Smith. I don't know of a GM in the last twenty years who has had more first and second round picks become stars in the NFL. That being said, gotta love the selection of Antoine Cason by the Chargers. Putting him opposite of Cromartie will actually make Norv Turner look like he can actually be a Head Coach in the NFL. They let go of Lorenzo Neal so trading up to get Jacob Hester was inspired and very well done. He may not be Neal, but he can run the ball effectively, unlike Neal so it's a bonus. Marcus Thomas is an intriguing pick as I think he can be the pounder the Chargers haven't had at running back. They have had back who can run outside the tackle, but not so much one that will go between the guards and run folks over. I don't like the Tribble pick, even at that spot in the sixth round. Taking a chance at one of the wide receivers available may have paid off more. Corey Clark is a decent pick. He comes in with great size and a decent skill set. If he can improve he could fight for playing time.
GRADE: A-
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