“Aging Patriots” a Cliché, Not Reality

Sportswriters, both professional and amateur, continue to write about the “aging Patriots defense.” There was some truth to that two years ago, with a linebacker corps of Mike Vrabel, Rosevelt Colvin, Tedy Bruschi, Junior Seau, Adalius Thomas and Larry Izzo. Thomas was the baby at 30. 

Today Vrabel is gone by trade.Seau and Colvin have probably returned to their retirement for good now, and Izzo left in free agency. Bruschi appears to be on his last legs. It is unlikely that he will finish 2009 as a starting ILB for the Patriots, even if he begins the season in that role. By crunch time, Thomas, only two years ago the “baby” of the group, will be its old man, a big, fast, hard-hitting linebacker at the top of his career.

The Patriots have brought back Tully Banta-Cain, a promising pass-rushing OLB when he left in free agency a few years ago. He discovered that life wasn’t as good when you didn’t have ten guys with Super Bowl rings out on the field with you, and eleven more on the offense who could hold the ball long enough that you could rest before going back onto the field. 

He flourished in New England before; there is no reason to believe that he will not do so again. Unlike the departing linebackers, Banta-Cain is 28. He is just entering his peak years.

A secondary that, a few years ago, had Ty Law, Tyrone Poole and Rodney Harrison as its mainstays now has Brandon Meriweather, Ellis Hobbs and Leigh Bodden in those roles, all 28 or younger. 

Now, as then, the free safety is young. The only older defensive back in the mix is Shawn Springs; his role will likely be one in which his age will be a factor.

The defensive line, at 27 (Wilfork), 28 (Warren) and 29 (Seymour) is still years away from being an aging one. Instead, it is probably the best one in the NFL. All are prime run-stuffers; all can push the pocket, getting some sacks for themselves and generating some for the linebackers. 

The often discussed problem of Wilfork and Seymour both coming to the ends of their contracts this year is less of a problem than one might think. 2010 will be a no-salary-cap season.  While the best clubs are restrained in raiding other clubs’ free agents, they are under no such limitations on holding their own. The odds are very good that both will re-sign, and the Patriots are likely to keep that line for some time to come.

The line also has quality depth, with Jarvis Green, Mike Wright and LeKevin Smith all decent, if not overwhelming, backups. Green has often shown that he could step in as a starter with no harm to their defense.

At this point, there is no such thing as the “aging Patriots defense.” They have one man to replace. Most of their defensive rebuilding will be upgrading their existing roster rather than filling vacancies left behind by older players. The league still has many years of powerful Patriots teams to face.

NFL Free Agency: Big Money Doesn’t Always Equal Wins

During the free agency period, fans constantly scream and moan when their teams don’t make huge splashes by signing big-time free agents, regardless of what the team actually needs. The fans want their teams to win fast and now, which will lead to over-paying players and spending money on a position that was fine to begin with.

Teams who go out and spend like crazy in the off-season do not always see results from the players they pick up. Players need to bond and learn to work together.  Sometimes, the players who are brought in will not fit into a team’s system and  don’t work well with others, which usually ends up hurting a team rather than helping it.

Look at the Washington Redskins. Owner Dan Snyder spends like crazy in the off-season, picking up aging players who do little to help the team. The Redskins, since 1998, have gone 82-94, finishing above .500 only three times and have gone just 1-3 in the playoffs during that time. They have gone through three coaches, including hall-of-famer Joe Gibbs.

The players that Synder brings in, in most cases, only remain with the team for an average of two years and then depart or retire. This off-season, Synder spent over $100 million on free agents which could again be a bad decision.

I do like the acquisition of Haynesworth on the defensive line; however, the team had other needs to fill, such as:  quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. Unless the Redskins plan on addressing this in the draft, or feel comfortable with the players in which they have, then they have made some mistakes.

Another team who has a track record for going out and getting free agents is the Raiders. In 2001 they went out and grabbed linebacker Bill Romanowski, receiver Jerry Rice, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, and quarterback Rich Gannon. The Raiders had one of the oldest rosters in the NFL.

The Raiders went to the Super Bowl in 2002, losing to the Buccaneers, and have since gone 24-72 with four different coaches at the helm. The players they brought in were great for one year, but upon retirement of those players, the Raiders were left with a young and inexperienced squad that has suffered greatly.

This does not mean that every team that brings in big players suffers. The Patriots did great in the 2007 season by bringing in free agents and almost went undefeated.  Last year they finished 11-5.

You have to gauge the players you bring in, and avoid bringing in too many players that will just be a quick fix. The smart thing to do is to get players that you need to fill a position, like the Eagles did by bringing in Stacy Andrews to fill the vacant offensive tackle position, or like Kansas City did by finally getting a franchise quarterback in Matt Cassell.

Yes, free agency is great for bringing in big time players, but these players are really a quick fix in most situations. As much as the fans do not want to hear this, the best way to improve your team for the long haul is through the draft and helping players mature. The teams such as the Patriots, who have success every single year, do this. It’s better for the players and for the whole organization to go in this direction.

Oakland Raiders GM Al Davis Is No Stranger to Legal Matters

A boy wonder who turned his back on the commonwealth for control of the kingdom and an egotistic, control freak ruler who is doing everything to destroy a once proud kingdom. Both fight each other’s army of legalities in the battlefield of justice.

Sounds like a Shakespearean history play, doesn’t it?

Nope. It’s Oakland Raiders history.

In the long history of legal battles, Oakland Raiders GM Al Davis has a new victim to sue. He now has Lance Kiffin in his crosshairs as both gear up for a legal battle that will determine whether Davis has to pay the kid for services rendered.

This bodes well for Raiders fans. For every time Davis shifts focus away from football operations to the courtroom, the Raiders find success on the football field.

In 1966, Davis, frustrated by the impending AFL/NFL merger, resigned as the AFL commissioner. He then bought a 10 percent stake in the Raiders and became one of three general partners, along with Wayne Valley and Ed McGah.

Beginning in 1972, Davis ruthlessly attempted to gain control of the Raiders. He drafted a revised partnership agreement that made him the new managing general partner, with near-absolute control over team operations.

McGah signed the agreement. Since two of the team’s three general partners had voted in favor of the agreement, it was binding under partnership law of the time. Valley sued to overturn the agreement, but was unsuccessful. Valley sold his interest in 1976.

During this legal battle from 1972 to 1976, the Raiders won six division titles under head coach John Madden, reaching AFC Championship games from 1973 to 1975, winning Super Bowl XI in 1976.

The final year of the Davis legal battle concluded with Valley.

In 1979, Madden retired and the Raiders wallowed in mediocrity. Davis attempted unsuccessfully to have improvements made to Oakland Coliseum. Frustrated, Davis signed a Memorandum of Agreement to move the Raiders from Oakland to LA.

The move, which required three-fourths approval by league owners, was defeated 22–0 (with five owners abstaining). When Davis tried to move the team anyway, he was blocked by an injunction.

In response, Davis not only became an active partner in an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, but filed an antitrust lawsuit as well. After the first case was declared a mistrial, in 1982, a second jury found in favor of Davis and the Los Angeles Coliseum, clearing the way for the move.

While Davis was in embroiled in this legal battle from 1980 to 1982, head coach Tom Flores assembled a team that won two Super Bowls (XV & XVIII) during that span.

Soon after Davis’ legal battles ceased in 1982, the Raiders’ good fortune began to change. Although the team won in 1983 and made the playoffs the following two seasons, the Raiders wallowed in mediocrity from 1986-89.

With Davis’ full-focus shifted upon the on-field operations during the 1990’s, the Raiders went through some of the more embarrassing moments of the team’s history.

The legendary Marcus Allen feud with Davis, the Mike Shanahan coaching debacle, the Todd Marinovich drafting, a 51-3 AFC Championship drubbing, and the untimely firing of Art Schell occurred during this period.

This dark period ended after Davis’ letter of intent to move back to Oakland in 1995 resulted in a later lawsuit when the team sued the NFL for interfering with their negotiations to build a new stadium at Hollywood Park prior to the move.

Davis’ lawsuit further contended he had the rights to the Los Angeles market, and thus was entitled to compensation from the league for giving up those rights by moving to Oakland. A jury found in favor of the NFL in 2001, but the verdict was overturned a year later due to alleged juror misconduct.

This was the same year the Raiders made it into Super Bowl XXXVII.

Apart from an out-of-court-ruling in 2005 with the McGah family, and a court dismissal of uniform copyright infringement in 2003, Davis has been free from engaging legal battles since 2003.

Since the Super Bowl XXXVII loss in 2002, the Raiders set a NFL record for the most consecutive losing seasons.

Strategists and History students will claim if one wants to predict an outcome of a present situation, look towards the patterns established in the past.

Is there a direct correlation between Davis being embroiled in legal suits and the Raiders success on the field? Does Davis need to be distracted in order for the team to be winners?

It could be a pattern.

It could be desperate wishing.

It could mean Raiders fans should wish for a long drawn-out legal battle between Lance and Al.

Oakland Raiders’ JaMarcus Russell Has Experienced Tutor To Guide Him

If one word came to mind to describe JaMarcus Russell’s physical attributes, it would be “wow.” However, he has a way to go in terms of getting to that next level that last years rookies Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco didn’t take long getting too (both of them did have better players around them, however).

The Raiders, the franchise that drafted JaMarcus Russell No. 1 overall in the 2007 NFL draft, have decided to give him a coach to take him to that next level.

Paul Hackett, who was hired prior to last season to run special projects for Oakland coaching staff, has been promoted to quarterbacks coach for the Raiders.

A great offensive mind, Hackett has had success working with quarterbacks, as well as NFL offenses during his lustrous coaching career. He has been known not only as a great offensive mind, but as a great preparation coach.

Before Hackett came aboard in Oakland, he helped progress Bruce Gradkowski (recently signed by Oakland), Chris Simms, and Jeff Garcia for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers working as their quarterbacks coach from 2005-’07.

Before that he worked as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2001-2004. He helped guide the Jets to the playoffs three out of the four seasons he was with them.

There, he tutored Chad Pennington, who currently holds the best completion percentage (66.0) rating in NFL history, besting even Steve Young (64.3) and Kurt Warner (65.4).

Some of Hackett’s most memorable work was when he worked with the Kansas City Chiefs as their offensive coordinator from 1993-1997, helping them win 57 games during that span.

The Chiefs made the playoffs four out of the five seasons he was there, winning two AFC West Championships (1995, 1997).

Hackett tutored former Raiders MVP quarterback Rich Gannon during that time when they both were in Kansas City, before he later signed with and soon became a star in Oakland.

Former Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden took Hackett’s advice on Gannon before signing him, “Paul Hackett was a great resource for me and I leaned on his input,” Gruden said.

“Kansas City went with Elvis Garbac, Gannon was free to look elsewhere and Paul Hackett’s advice and his reference to Gannon was very strong in my opinion. He was dead on.”

Gannon had this to say back in 2002 when he and the Raiders faced the Jets on Monday Night Football on Hackett, “Paul Hackett had a tremendous impact on my career,” he said. “He really taught me the system of football. He really molded me. I feel like he made me into the quarterback I am today.”

Hackett was also a part of the San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl XIX 18-1 football team. He spent three seasons there (1983-85) working as their quarterback, wide receiver, and tight ends coach.

In 2000, when Joe Montana was giving his Hall of Fame Enshrinement speech, he made a note to thank all that helped him in his historical career:

“Paul, if anyone knows Paul Hackett, a workaholic. Work you to death and prepare you to death so that when you got in the game you didn’t say ‘God, I didn’t know about that.'”

Another bit from Montana, “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to have had some great individual coaches, and Paul is one of the best,” Montana said.

“He is one of the hardest workers and a perfectionist in everything he does. Paul is easy to work with as a quarterback, and he understands the little parts of the game because he has been there.”

Russell started to show significant progress last year during the last few games, as he threw six touchdowns to two interceptions. He started to look off receivers, felt comfortable stepping into the pocket, as well as having better touch and scrambling when needed.

Russell started to progress most noticeably when former Raiders starting left tackle Kwame Harris was benched, as he was often beat in pass protection if not called for a penalty.

When Harris was indeed benched, second year player Mario Henderson stepped in nicely and kept Russell clean, allowing progress to begin.

Russell’s biggest problem last year was his accuracy issues and touch on the football. He often had overthrown or under thrown his receivers, also putting too much power into his passes at times making it difficult for receivers to hold on.

Hackett brings invaluable experience to the table for the Oakland Raiders. He has been watching Russell for a year now, so he probably has a good idea what to work on and where to go with Russell from here on out.

Last year the Raiders quarterback threw thirteen touchdowns and eight interceptions, with a passer rating of 77.1 and a 53.8 percent completion rating. Look for Hackett to improve those numbers significantly.

If you look at what Russell has to work with going into the 2009 regular season, it’s not too shabby. The running game should be better with a healthy Darren McFadden, and will also include third year player Michael Bush and veteran back Justin Fargas.

Young receivers Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schillens seemed to catch on late last year with Russell, and Javon Walker will be back to prove people wrong that say he’s done.

Don’t forget Russell’s favorite target Zach Miller, who looks like he may be close to a pro bowl if he won’t have to stay in on pass protection as much.

The talent and coaching is there for Russell, and with the NFL Draft coming up in less then a month he should have another young receiver to work with, maybe even a talent like Texas Tech’s receiver Michael Crabtree if he’s available when the Raiders pick seventh overall.

Russell seems poised and ready to get to work as its been reported he has shown up for the offseason workout program. Getting to know and work with his new quarterback coach should be priority, as well as staying in shape and letting everyone know you are the leader of this football team.

Consistency is key here too, as Russell needs to keep up that groove he started with the young receivers last year.

JaMarcus Russell is going to have one of the best coaches in the league at his side from here on out, and it’s going to show through his play. Paul Hackett has helped guide quarterbacks such as Joe Montana and Rich Gannon in his coaching career, and they both speak highly of him.

Paul Hackett will not only clean up Russell’s game and make him a better quarterback, but will provide great insight to the offensive game-plan, as well as Ted Tollner (Raiders passing game coordinator).

Raiders should get everything they hope they will get out of promoting Hackett to Russell’s tutor, and probably more.

Come September, JaMarcus Russell will be the most prepared player on the field for the Oakland Raiders, who hope he will be he best player on the field, too.

Addressing the Jason Peters Issue and How It Could Affect the Draft

The Buffalo Bills this offseason seem to be embroiled in controversy at every turn.

Some of it is really controversy, other parts of it media-created, such as all the backlash at the organization for signing Terrell Owens. It was a smart move for a one-year deal at a good price. If the Bills do not win this year, the team is going to be blown up anyways. Might as well take a chance for once.

The other major controversy carries over from last offseason and revolves around the Bills’ Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters. He wants to get paid and get paid big.

Negotiations between the team and Peters are ongoing, but nothing has been settled. I, for one, certainly hope things get settled. However, there needs to be a backup plan if there is no agreement reached.

One particularly strong rumor has been the possibility of trading Peters to the Philadelphia Eagles for at least the 20th overall pick in this year’s draft. If I were the Bills and trading is the route that is the only way to go, I would see what it would take for both of the Eagles’ first round picks.

Maybe send Peters and a mid-round pick for both firsts? Just speculation on my part.

If the Bills only get the 20th pick, I would not be surprised to see the Bills draft Michael Oher with the 11th pick and Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th pick. However, I do not see Oher coming in and starting at left tackle immediately.

I would rather see the Bills swing Langston Walker over to left tackle where he played to start the season last year and play Oher at either right tackle or see if he can play left guard. Wherever Oher does not play, Kirk Chambers likely plays.

In the second round, the Bills should address the defensive pass rush with the drafting of Lawrence Sidbury out of Richmond. He has the size to play defensive end and he is fast.

Now if the Bills can trade for the Eagles’ second first round pick, that second pick could very well become a linebacker or defensive tackle depending on how the draft shakes out.

One of the two USC outside linebackers, Clay Matthews or Brian Cushing could very well be available there. Another name to think about is defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Any of those three would be good additions for the defense. I would lean towards the linebackers, but if those two are gone and Jerry is available, definitely take Jerry.

So where does that leave the offensive line if the Bills trade Peters? I would like to see it as Langston Walker—LT, Michael Oher/Kirk Chambers—LG, Geoff Hangartner—C, Brad Butler—RG, and Michael Oher/Kirk Chamber—RT.

Yes, there would be inexperience and unfamiliarity with the system on the line. However, this spreads it out and keeps the LT position experienced until Oher can develop. It is better than having a starting line of Oher—LT, Chambers—LG, Hangartner—C, Butler—RG, and Walker—RT. That would be way too much inexperience on the left side of the line.

Feel free to share your thoughts!

Limas Sweed: The Next Big Thing for the Pittsburgh Steelers

The 2008 football season ended in historic fashion, with the Pittsburgh Steelers capturing their sixth Lombardi trophy. 

Following the celebration, the questions immediately started working there way into the media. Newspapers, ESPN, and even here at B/R, the talk about what the Steelers have to do to secure Lombardi No. 7 began. 

And a lot of the talk is centered around one of the “weakest” positions on the Steelers roster—wide receiver.

Sure, we are set at starters.  Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are the only two receivers with Super Bowl MVP honors playing on the same roster, but with the departure of Nate Washington to the Tennessee Titans, many believe that there is a huge gap that needs to be filled.

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2007 season, Big Ben Roethlisberger signed his Steeler record $100 million contract, and one of the things that Ben asked for was a tall receiver.

Much of the early success of Roethlisberger (his rookie season), he had not only Hines Ward, but also Plaxico Burress.  Burris was Ben’s favorite target, and who could blame him?

Every scrambling quarterback loves the “tall” receivers. When they get in trouble, they can throw it high, and let the receiver make the play.

In the second round of last year’s draft, the Steelers granted Ben his wish.  Limas Sweed was drafted with the 53rd pick, (No. 20 in the second round), when many people believed the Steelers should have bolstered their lines (either one).

But when it came time to select, the Steelers went with Sweed.

Some people believed that this was an absolute steal for the Steelers.  Had Sweed come out after his junior season, many believed he would have been a top-10 pick.

Had Sweed not suffered a wrist injury near the end of his senior season, he would not have been on the draft board when Pittsburgh used their first pick, let alone their second.

Sweed stands 6’4″, and weighs 220 lbs. He has very deceptive speed, and had above average hands in college.

Then his rookie season came. 

Sweed had problems right from training camp. After a few weeks, it became known that Sweed needed to start wearing contact lenses.

Kinda hard to catch a ball if you can’t see.

Then, behind the talented Ward, Holmes, and Washington, Sweed did not get to see much game time action. Sweed finished the season with six catches for 64 yards.

What we did get to see in the playoffs, the good was overshadowed by the bad. After dropping a sure 60-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first half, Sweed was “injured”, costing the Steelers not only an additional TD against the Ravens, but our final time out, which could have been used to set up a field goal.

What I saw was a vicious downfield block against Corey Ivy that Hines Ward himself was proud of. I also saw a third-down reception that kept a drive alive in the third quarter.

This shows that even though he made a mistake in the first half, he made up for it afterward. It means, that he has the heart to keep playing and can forget the mistakes.

Last Monday, the “optional” part of the offseason began. Limas Sweed started two weeks early to show his teammates how committed he was to be worthy of the draft position he received.

Every day after practice, Sweed, with the help of Dennis Dixon, works on routes, timing, and his release from the line.

“I have been going through routes, getting a better feel for it, catching balls over and over again,” said Sweed. “You can never touch the ball enough. It’s definitely positive momentum for me.” 

In Hines Ward’s rookie season, he had 15 receptions for 256 yards and zero TDs, but has since become the leader in almost every receiving category for the Steelers.

Mark my words: By the 2011 season, Limas Sweed is not only going to the best WR on the Steelers—he is going to be in the top 10 in the league.

Once Big Ben has confidence in Sweed, Sweed will become Ben’s favorite target. He has the size, speed, and hands (you’ll see) that is going to make him elite.

By 2011, Ward will no longer be the receiver we all love, if he is even still playing, and Sweed will more than take his place.

So, everyone needs to do themselves a favor. Go out now and buy your No. 14 jerseys because they are going to be a lot harder to find down the road.

And who knows, maybe he will be the fourth WR in Steelers history to be named the Super Bowl MVP.

Ryan Moats: An Athlete Who’s a Role Model

Ryan Moats continues to impress me with his attitude. There’s been plenty media accounts of the incident that took place while he was trying to get himself, his wife, and family members to the side of his mother-in-law as she had only a few minutes left to live.

The best account of the story and article written for further background is by Robert Allred who wrote the article “Houston Texans Running Back Ryan Moats Robbed of Opportunity to Say Goodbye.”

Moats today was on the show Good Morning America and stated that he would accept officer Robert Powell’s apology and that he hopes that it was sincere.

There’s a quote from Yahoo’s article titled “NFL Players Accepts Officers Apology” from the written apology from Powell.

“I wish to publicly and sincerely apologize to the Moats family, my colleagues in the Dallas Police Department, and to all those who have been rightfully angered by my actions on March 18, 2009. After stopping Mr. Moats’ vehicle, I showed poor judgment and insensitivity to Mr. Moats and his family by my words and actions.”

It states further in the article that Tamishia Moats, Ryan Moats’s wife would like to hear the apology, because it is one thing to write something, but it’s totally another thing to verbalize the apology.

It also speaks to the character of both Ryan and Tamishia that they are willing to accept the apology from an officer that clearly did something very wrong.

Moats also has shown that there are still role models that are athletes. From accepting the apology of Powell to him never once losing his cool.

Denver Broncos Targeting James Laurinaitis with 48th Pick?

Think back with me to the 2007 NFL Draft.

Remember Paul Posluszny?  He was a sure-fire first-round draft pick with star potential, only to fall to the Bills in the second round. 

Remember fellow Penn State linebacker Dan Connor in 2008’s draft, who was also supposed to go in the first round? 

His stock collapsed on draft day, and he fell to the Carolina Panthers in the third round. 

Is Ohio State middle linebacker James Laurinaitis set up for the same fate? 

A recent article by Mike Klis of the Denver Post suggests so.

Klis reports that Denver has recently worked out both the former Ohio State star Laurinaitis and Utah linebacker Paul Kruger, likely targeting one of them with their second-round pick. 

Klis also suggests that Denver’s first-round pick will likely be a defensive linemen (shocker), preferably B.J. Raji of Boston College.

 

My take

If the Broncos can come away from the first day of the draft with Raji and Laurinaitis, I will be a happy man. 

I am skeptical that Laurinaitis will fall to round two, but like Posluszny and Connor before him, it could happen. 

The 6’2″, 244-pound linebacker has the potential to start at either MLB or OLB at the next level, and would be a great addition to the Broncos. 

Early speculation put him in the No. 12 slot overall, and I have heavily criticized it.  I am not sold on Laurinaitis as a high first-round pick, and apparently I was right.

 

In other news…

NFL.com’s Pat Kirwan put out a mock draft recently, and he has the Broncos taking Raji with their first pick, and San Jose State defensive end Jarron Gilbert with their second. 

This would also be a very solid first day, although Denver fans would love to be able to get Evander “Ziggy” Hood in round two as well. 

Stay tuned for more draft news.

Remember the Sonics! 2009 NFL Mock Draft (Updated Mar. 30)

View This Article In Its Original Context at Remember the Sonics!

It’s that time of the year again…approximately one month from the 2009 NFL Draft and Mock Drafts around the world are in full swing. The RTS Writers got together and hammered out how we believe the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft will shake out.

Read and respond with what you think we got right, wrong, and anything else that’s on your mind!

———————————————————————————————–

1. DETROIT – Matthew Stafford – QB (Georgia)

Detroit is in the rebuilding phase, and it has become clear that Daunte Culpepper is not the answer. Matt Stafford is the best quarterback available in the draft, and while he might not have the mindset to be a winner right now, he has the physical tools to become an excellent NFL quarterback.

Detroit could address their woeful offensive line with this pick, but the offensive line pool in this draft is deep and no lineman stands out from the rest as an elite player. Most likely, Detroit will take Stafford here and wait until pick 20 to take an O-lineman. –SK-

 

2. ST. LOUIS – Jason Smith – OT (Baylor)

Orlando Pace is aging, the St. Louis Rams are floundering, and it is well known that the strongest foundation for an NFL franchise is a good offensive line. As previously mentioned, there is not an elite offensive lineman in this draft…yet.

In the next two months, one might work himself ahead of the rest, but for now Baylor’s Jason Smith set himself ahead with a stellar senior bowl.

There are rumors that the Rams are considering drafting LB Aaron Curry, as he is quickly proving to be the most talented player in this draft, but for now it’s a safe bet that St. Louis will address their offensive line with this pick. –SK-

 

3. KANSAS CITY – Aaron Curry – MLB (Wake Forest)

Aaron Curry is the best prospect in the entire draft.  If it weren’t for the needs of the teams ahead of Kansas City, Curry probably would be the number one overall pick of this draft (and deservedly so).

Projected as a high pick before the combine, Curry has been the focal point of the combine for anyone who didn’t already know how outstanding he was. The only other viable option here was Mark Sanchez, but after filling their QB vacancy via free agency with backup all-star Matt Cassel, this is an obvious selection. –AM-

 

4. SEATTLE – Eugene Monroe – OT (Virginia)

–Updated Mar. 3 – Previous Pick: DT B.J. Raji–
As mentioned before, there are a number of ways that Seattle can go with this pick. Fortunately for experts and bloggers alike, the Seahawks recent free agent acquisitions have cleared up their draft strategy. Signing WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh eliminates any chance of spending first-round money on WR Michael Crabtree.

Additionally, adding defensive tackles Colin Cole (for a whopping five years/$21 Million) and Cory Redding shows that the Seahawks aren’t going to commit their first-round pick to Boston College standout DT B.J. Raji.

These acquisitions allow the Seahawks to address their struggling offensive line. Some mock drafts have Seattle taking DE Bryan Orapko here, but Seattle invested in DE Lawrence Jackson last year, and they are not ready to abandon ship on him quite yet.

Additionally, the loss of Julian Peterson to Detroit hurts the Seahawks linebacking corps, but for now they need to take a waiver on one of the elite O-linemen in this draft. The only way this changes is if Aaron Curry somehow falls past Kansas City (which should not happen). If Curry is available, Seattle will bite.

Aside from him, however, Eugene Monroe the clear choice. -SK-

 

5. CLEVELAND – Bryan Orapko – DE/LB (Texas)

Cleveland has already had an interesting offseason. New coach Eric Mangini has already stated his disinterest in naming Brady Quinn the quarterback of the future, the front office dealt away one of few elite tight ends in the game in Kellen Winslow, and for some reason Phil Savage is still allowed on premises.

Despite a now-official quarterback controversy, Cleveland has only one way to go with this pick: DEFENSE. I have seen several drafts taking Malcolm Jenkins here, but with his Warren Sapp-esque 40-yard dash time, he might not be considered an NFL CB anymore.

This decision will probably be between two similar players, Florida State DE Everette Brown and Texas DE Bryan Orapko. Both are sickly talented and both have the speed to play a hybrid DE/LB in a 3-4 scheme.

Cleveland’s pass rush was atrocious last year, and while their secondary is a concern, the Browns need to focus on getting to the quarterback. Health concerns may play a factor if Brown is taken, but if the draft were today, Orapko would be the pick. –SK-

 

6. CINCINNATI – B.J. Raji – DT (Boston College)

–Updated Mar. 3 – Previous Pick: OT Eugene Monroe–
Lord knows the Bengals need help on the offensive line, but with both Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe off the board, Cincinnati would have to reach into the newly developed OT tier 1-B (which includes Michael Oher and the ever-falling Andre Smith).

While O-line is a need, the Bengals can’t let a defensive force like B.J. Raji slip past pick six if their first two choices for OT are already taken.

Those who oppose this pick will argue that OT is too important to pass on, but those people forget that Cincinnati’s pass rush is in desperate need of help as well. If one of the top-tier O-lineman fall here, don’t be surprised if Cincinnati bites.

If they’re off the board, then Raji is the choice. B.J. Raji is a one-man pass rush, and will instantly revive a dying Cincinnati Bengals defensive line. -SK-

 

7. OAKLAND – Michael Crabtree – WR (Texas Tech)

When Al Davis is in the vicinity, here is the draft strategy. Determine the most logical pick, throw it out the window, then take the player on the board with most talent. Ironically, this strategy might work in 2009.

If Crabtree slips to pick seven, Oakland will land a franchise-caliber wide receiver (not named Johnnie Lee Higgins or Chaz Schilens) to join former college stars QB JaMarcus Russell and RB Darren McFadden.

If Crabtree is off the board, look for Oakland to address their terrible offensive line (this is only possible if someone drugs Al Davis and makes the pick without his input). Oakland is  just now figuring out that Robert Gallery is not the answer on their offensive line, and if a premiere tackle is available it would be the smart pick…

Then again, who knows, if Crabtree is gone they might just take a player like Jeremy Maclin, who has raw talent and a tremendous upside. With Al Davis, you just never know. One thing is for certain: If Crabtree is available, he’s heading to Oakland. –SK-

 

8. JACKSONVILLE – Rey Maualuga – LB (USC)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: OT Andre Smith–
Several teams have a difficult time finding a deficiency worthy of a top 10 pick…Not in Jacksonville! In Jacksonville, they suck at nearly everything. Try to find a position that you couldn’t justify drafting, I dare you.

QB: Garrard looked good as a replacement, but does he have what it takes to be a star?

RB: Maurice Jones-Drew is a stud, but in the NFL’s two running back era, a young back to share the workload is ideal. WR: Matt Jones + Cocaine = a thinning wide receiver corps.

OT: One of the worst in the NFL. Despite these offensive inefficiencies, I think Jacksonville addresses defense with this pick. While an O-Lineman is optimal, there isn’t much talent here worth taking this high (a trade down is a definite possibility).

LB Mike Peterson has left the building, and he took his Pro Bowl caliber talent with him. To fill this void, Jacksonville will take the best linebacking talent in this draft: USC linebacker Rey Maualuga.

Michael Oher is a possibility, but with Andre Smith falling and Michael Oher standing still, I don’t think Jacksonville will go O-Line unless they trade down.  -SK-

 

9. GREEN BAY – Everette Brown – DE/LB (Florida State)

I love me some Everette Brown. With the potential to be a perennial pro-bowler, Green Bay can’t go wrong here, especially considering their current switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme.

Brown is the perfect fit here, as he possesses both great speed and strength. Bryan Orakpo is most likely the Packers’ first option here, but as mentioned above, the difference between Orapko and Brown is slight at best.

CB is a concern here, as Green Bay’s current defensive backs are aging, but with the fall of Malcolm Jenkins there is no CB that is top-ten caliber. With a defensive need evident in Green Bay, we have no qualms taking Everette Brown here. –AM-

 

10. SAN FRANCISCO – Mark Sanchez – QB (USC)

San Francisco needs help at QB, and while Shaun Hill was serviceable last season, he is not the long-term answer. With KC acquiring Matt Cassel, Sanchez will most likely be on the board here.

The question now is if San Francisco will pull a Kansas City and look to free agency, or try to grab a QB via draft in Mark Sanchez. Offensive line is a possibility, but with the kind of money San Francisco offered Kurt Warner last month, it’s obvious that the ‘Niners want to bring in some new talent at quarterback.

O-line is never a bad pick, but with a new head coach comes a new era in San Francisco, and every era needs a leader. Look for San Francisco to try and find that leader in QB Mark Sanchez. –SK-

11. BUFFALO – Brandon Pettigrew – TE (Oklahoma State)

Yes, this is a reach, and yes I think that the most beneficial move for Buffalo would be to trade down to around pick 20 and take Pettigrew there. However, this is not a “Mock Draft and add in who you think will trade their picks,” this is just a mock draft.

In a dream world, Bryan Orapko or Everette Brown would fall to here and the Bills would turn Aaron Schobel and one of those guys into a feared pass rush. Instead, they might have to go with a less-sexy pick in a tight end.

I opposed this pick until Buffalo released TE Robert Royal. With that move, it’s clear the Buffalo’s biggest need is a TE, and Brandon Pettigrew offers Pro Bowl caliber talent right out of college.

He is a great receiver, and better yet scouts say that his blocking abilities exceed his pass-catching. If Buffalo doesn’t go TE here, then they might snag Micheal Oher or Andre Smith. With their roster as it stands, however, I think the pick has to be Brandon Pettigrew. –SK-

 

12. DENVER – Aaron Maybin – DE (Penn State)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: LB Rey Maualuga–
Gone are the days of Mike Shanahan waving a magic wand and producing 1000 yard rushers.

Instead, Josh McDaniels has waved a magic wand and nearly forced a 25-year-old Pro Bowl quarterback out of town. While McDaniels seems content to juggle his offensive talent, the Denver Broncos scouting crew should be focusing on defense.

Some mocks have the Broncos taking a running back in the first round, but Denver acquired J.J. Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, and Lamont Jordan this offseason, which has them well on pace to produce the stereotypical Denver Broncos running back by committee (also known as survival of the fittest; see Peyton Hillis in 2008).

This pick has to go to defense. I’ve seen projections of D-linemen, linebackers, and secondary help through a variety of positions, but some of these deficiencies have been addressed already.

Denver signed S Brian Dawkins for secondary help and MLB Andra Davis to strengthen its linebacking corps, but have yet to acquire any significant talent on the defensive line (No, Ronald Fields does not count).

Enter Aaron Maybin. Maybin had a good combine, but an incredible Pro Day at Penn State. He has put on over 20lbs of muscle and lowered his 40 time to 4.59. His upside is endless, and his age doesn’t hurt either (he is still only 20 years old).

Maybin is the best available help on the defensive line, and if his stock keeps rising he could be a steal at pick no.12.  –SK-

 

13. WASHINGTON – Michael Oher – OT (Ole Miss)

Money can’t buy Daniel Snyder love, but he is checking to see whether or not it can buy him championships. The NFL’s Steinbrenner has opened up his checkbook this offseason to acquire CB Deangelo Hall (AKA Eddie Royal’s B****) and DT Albert Haynesworth, the most sought after free agent this offseason.

Washington’s options at pick 13 had previously been help in the secondary and help in the pass rush, but Hall should keep the secondary solid while Haynesworth serves as a one-man pass rush.

This leaves a weakened Redskins O-line to worry about. Andre Smith is a possibility, but with how fast his stock is falling, I think CFL scouts are more likely to show interest in the former Alabama star. If Michael Oher is available, he would be a great value at this pick.

That is, unless Snyder decides to go buy Joe Thomas or something… -SK-

 

14. NEW ORLEANS – Vontae Davis – CB (Illinois)

Two very sexy picks have recently come about for New Orleans. The first is Beanie Wells, because of the loss of Deuce McAllister and the need for a bruising running back. Proponents of this pick are severely underappreciating Saints RB Pierre Thomas, who can bruise with the best of them.

The second is Malcolm Jenkins. Some people are wondering how Jenkins fell out of the top 10. I’ll tell you how: by running a 40-yard dash that made Andre Smith say “that dude is slow.”

Jenkins is the right position (at least he was in college), but I think Vontae Davis will be the first corner off the board in this year’s draft. The Saints re-signed all-world LB Jonathan Vilma, so their front seven should be fine. That leaves a god-awful pass defense to worry about.

Sure, there were a few games where Jason David intercepted the ball, but that’s because the other team kept throwing his way (because usually it worked).

New Orleans needs help at CB, and with Jenkins decline into an NFL Safety prospect, Vontae Davis is the top talent available. He may not be as fast as his older brother Vernon, but Vontae would be a great fit in New Orleans at pick 14. –SK-

 

15. HOUSTON – Tyson Jackson – DE (LSU)

Maybe the biggest winner at the combine, Tyson Jackson is half-man and half-beast… and if he had another half it would be beast too. A blazingly quick 40 time at the combine plus the strength of three or four mere mortals makes him a great fit for the Texans here at the pick 15. 

Put this guy on the defensive line opposite the freak of nature Mario Williams and opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen will immediately begin trembling. 

If Jackson is the choice here, there may not be a better pair of defensive ends in the league in a few years (after Jackson develops). NFL teams took notice of an excellent combine as well, and his NFL stock is rising. Jackson could end up being taken higher than pick 15 (I’ve seen mock drafts with him as high as no.9).

If he continues to perform at this level, the Texans will be lucky to land him at pick 15. –AM-

 

16. SAN DIEGO – Brian Cushing – OLB (USC)

San Diego runs one of the most vicious 3-4 defensive packages in the NFL. What allows this formation to dominate opposing offenses is a combination of pass rushing defensive ends and incredibly versatile linebackers.

With Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips as outside linebackers, San Diego’s pass rush is lethal.

However, San Diego is becoming more concerned with defensive depth (see what happened when Merriman went down for the count in 2008) and the possibility of Merriman leaving via free agency in 2010. San Diego needs a defensive playmaker, and more specifically they need a versatile linebacker to plug into a 3-4 system.

Cushing offers a USC-pedigree, a serviceable backup to the Merriman/Phillips combo, and an insurance package in case Merriman heads elsewhere next offseason.

Many experts have predicted a backup running back drafted here (in case LDT goes down the Shaun Alexander road to success), but the simple fact is that San Diego already has too much money tied up at the running back position.

They have the inflated contract of LaDainian Tomlinson, as well as the franchise-tag contract of Darren Sproles. To spend first-round pick money on a running back would be financial suicide. This pick has to be a linebacker, and Cushing is the best fit for San Diego at this pick. –SK-

 

17. NEW YORK JETS – Jeremy Maclin – WR (Missouri)

Maclin is an excellent value pick at No. 17 for the Jets. He is a pure speed receiver, and as Devin Hester will tell you— you can’t coach speed. He instantly adds a downfield threat to the Jets passing attack (assuming there is anyone who can throw the ball to him) and provides support to RB Leon Washington in the Jets’ special teams sets.

The two positions I have seen most commonly kicked around here are CB and WR.

With no elite CB on the board, look for the Jets to address their WR needs and snatch up Jeremy Maclin, who could go as high as pick seven and would be an absolute steal at 17. Keep your ears open for the QB possibilities too, as Josh Freeman advocates are piping up on message boards across the country.

Despite inexperience (and losing experience) at quarterback, the Jets need to make up for losing Laveranues Coles by adding an instant threat in Jeremy Maclin-SK-

 

18. CHICAGO – Darrius Heyward-Bey – WR (Maryland)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: DE Aaron Maybin–
The Chicago Bears have a number of needs this offseason. Chicago could use help at offensive tackle, as last years starting left tackle retired this offseason, but 2008 first round pick Chris Williams will start this year after missing last season to injury.

The Bears also need help in their pass rush, as their front seven is getting older, but the top-tier defensive ends are already off the board in this draft, and the Bears are best off by taking the best talent available instead of reaching for positional help.

WR Percy Harvin is tempting, but the Bears need a possession receiver to complement speed-demon Devin Hester. This year’s combine MVP, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, could be a perfect fit in Chicago.

The physical tools are there, and at 6’3” 205lbs Heyward-Bey has the build of a top-tier NFL wideout.

Factor in a mind-blowing 4.30 40-yard dash and Heyward-Bey has turned himself into a first round lock. When we were considering defense, I made a suggestion for ILB James Laurinaitis. I was quickly reminded that Brian Urlacher plays the position of “Linebacking Corps” for the Bears (how could I forget?).

Wide receiver is the pick here, and Heyward-Bey could be an immediate threat with the Bears (as long as Rex Grossman never comes back). –SK-

 

19. TAMPA BAY – Josh Freeman – QB (Kansas State)

–Updated Mar. 3 – Previous Pick: RB Knowshon Moreno–
Tampa Bay signing Derrick Ward officially killed any chance of drafting a running back with this pick.

For now it seems like the Buccos are committed to improving their offense, as they signed RB Derrick Ward, re-signed WR Michael Clayton, and attempted to trade for Pro Bowl QB Jay Cutler.

Here are Tampa’s most probable choices with this pick: On one hand, Tampa Bay could try and trade this pick in a package for the previously mentioned  Jay Cutler.

For some reason Denver’s new head coach, Josh McDaniels, seems hell-bent on driving Cutler out of town…Some day McDaniels might explain why he came into Denver and immediately pissed off his 25 year old franchise quarterback (whose contract is up in two years).

For now, McDaniels may as well ship his quarterback out of town, because if he doesn’t Cutler will be gone in two seasons. If Tampa can’t work a deal for Jay Cutler, look for them to address their quarterback needs via draft.

Josh Freeman is available here, and while he is not incredible, the dropoff from Freeman to the next best quarterback is staggering, and Tampa Bay can’t afford to hand their team to a lesser QB (No, Luke McCown is not the answer either).

Look for Tampa Bay to trade this pick, but if they keep it they have to address their problems at quarterback. -SK-

 

20. DETROIT – Andre Smith – OT (Alabama)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: OT Eben Britton–
If the Detroit Lions don’t select an offensive tackle with the No. 1 pick, they will address that need at pick 20. It’s not a sexy pick, but no matter how much fans hate it, offensive tackles are the building blocks for great teams.

Why do you need a strong LT?

Because most right-handed quarterbacks need their blind side protected. Put in a weak LT and you will get David Carr-esque sack numbers…no good for a young team. Andre Smith has all the physical tools to be an NFL star, and could prove good enough to bump current LT Jeff Backus to LG.

The bottom line is that Smith is the same player he was when he was touted as a top pick in this draft, but his work ethic and quirky behavior has pushed him down draft boards.

In terms of physical talent, this guy is still top-pick caliber. If the Lions can land the top QB in Matt Stafford and a top-tier tackle in Andre Smith their first round would be a tremendous success. That Roy Williams trade is looking better and better each day… -SK-

21. PHILADELPHIA – Knowshon Moreno – RB (Georgia)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: LB James Laurinaitis–
Philadelphia fans have disagreed with every single mock draft I’ve seen. Why? Because they are Philadelphia fans. What these fans don’t understand is that disagreements don’t matter, because the Philadelphia front office is probably going to ignore them anyways.

In this instance, however, I think the Eagles might draft someone the fans want in Knowshon Moreno. Brian Westbrook is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL, but he is over the hill in running back years (30 years old) and his oft-injured knee is a frequent cause for concern.

Factor in the departure last year’s backup Correll Buckhalter, and running back seems like a must-have for the Eagles. Moreno has a power-back build, game-breaking potential, and an obsession with jumping over defenders any time he touches the ball.

Westbrook is far from done, but his health concerns and Correll Buckhalter’s exit make Knowshon Moreno the clear choice for Philadelphia. -SK-

 

22. MINNESOTA – Eben Britton – OT (Arizona)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey–
The majority of mock drafts have Minnesota taking a wide receiver here, but the Vikings’ receiving corps is deeper than most give them credit for. Bernard Berrian, Bobby Wade, and Sidney Rice might not be Pro Bowl caliber, but they’re talented enough to service the Vikings passing game.

Translation: Three serviceable receivers is all Minnesota needs to hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson every play. The Vikings don’t win games by throwing the ball, and while Sage Rosenfels was brought in this offseason, the Vikes bread and butter will still be the ground game.

That’s why this pick should go to the Vikings offensive line.

The left side is set with OT Bryant McKinnie and OG Steve Hutchison. The right side is in shambles; however, as current starter Ryan Cook seems to be regressing. Trading up to grab a QB was a possibility until they invested money in former Colts MVP Sage Rosenfels (if you didn’t see the Texans-Colts first game of 2008 go read the recap and you will understand).

The Vikings receiving corps is young and deep, their running game is intact with AD in the backfield, and Rosenfels should be under center in 2009. That leaves the Vikings to address an aging and thin offensive line.

Britton shores up the right side of Minnesota’s o-line and allows AD to run to both sides of the line (not just the one with McKinnie and Hutch). –SK-

 

23. NEW ENGLAND – Malcolm Jenkins – CB/S (Ohio State)

The Patriots defense seems to add more young talent in the draft every year. Brandon Meriwether and Jerod Mayo are the two most recent studs to join the Patriots D, but this offseason the Pats defensive could start to crumble.

New England traded away DE/LB Mike Vrabel, and could lose S Rodney Harrison. Vrabel’s departure leaves a hole at OLB, but if Harrison does not return the Patriots will be in desperate need of a FS.

Sanders could be the answer, but more than likely he is not. Enter Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins’ 40-yard dash times has scouts doubting that he can be a cover corner in the NFL, which means a transition to safety is likely.

His physical skills are outstanding, and before this potential switch to safety he was being projected as high as pick five. If he does get moved out of the CB pool, however, his stock will drop heavily, maybe allowing him to slip to New England at pick 23.

A safety duo of Brandon Meriweather and Malcolm Jenkins would be young, hard-hitting, and sickly talented. –SK

 

24. ATLANTA – William Moore – S (Missouri)

Atlanta needs help at two key defensive positions this offseason: linebacker and strong safety. Linebackers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley left via free agency, and it has become clear that SS Lawyer Milloy will not return either.

Atlanta has not been shy about heavily scouting secondary players at the combine.

They interviewed safeties William Moore, Rashad Johnson, and Louis Delmas, all of which said they enjoyed talking with Atlanta personnel. Atlanta needs a replacement for Lawyer Milloy and there isn’t really another safety worth taking a risk on this high. 

Honestly, having watched William Moore in person I still don’t see him being a great NFL safety, but I’ve been wrong before (see my groaning about the Steelers drafting Ben Roethlisberger) and this could be one of those situations.

I could see Atlanta going several different ways here (especially with Percy Harvin still on the board least in our mock) but William Moore would be a solid pick to fill a definite need for the Falcons.

If one of a number of premiere LB (including Maualuga, Cushing, or Laurinaitis) falls to this pick look for Atlanta to bite, but as it stands Moore is the best choice here. –AM-

 

25. MIAMI – Hakeem Nicks – WR (North Carolina)

Miami needs help at offensive line, but not the kind of help that a first round pick brings. Translation: they don’t need a premiere tackle; their needs are at interior line positions.

They will probably wait until the second or third rounds and snag an interior lineman such as California C Alex Mack or Oklahoma OG Duke Robinson. With offensive line out of the question, Miami will address another glaring inefficiency in their lineup by selecting a WR.

Ted Ginn Jr. has the makings of an NFL star, while lesser known receivers Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess performed well last season.

However, if Miami expects to improve their passing game they need to add a star receiver to line up opposite Ginn. Camarillo and Bess are excellent third and fourth options, but Nicks will give Chad Pennington another young target with great potential to throw to.

The Dolphins will grab some O-linemen later in the draft, but at pick 25 look for Miami to grab a star receiver in Hakeem Nicks. –SK-

 

26. BALTIMORE – Darius Butler – CB (Connecticut)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: CB D.J. Moore–
Darius Butler overtook D.J. Moore at this pick because he virtually “out-combined” his fellow cornerback. Butler is taller, has a better 40 time, and a better vertical jump. At the Connecticut pro day, Butler ran a 4.38 40-yard dash.

Compare that to D.J. Moore’s 4.58, and Butler starts to jump up the cornerback rankings. He fits in Baltimore because this offseason has taken a devastating toll on the famed Ravens defense.

So far, Baltimore has lost defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, LB Bart Scott, CB Chris McAlister, CB Corey Ivy, and S Jim Leonhard.

Signing CB Dominique Foxworth was a step in the right direction, but the Baltimore defense still has numerous holes to fill. Linebacker is a need here, but unless a second-tier LB improves his draft status there is not a viable LB option here.

Darius Butler is a safe bet for a number of reasons. First and foremost he improves a nearly-stalled Baltimore defense. He will probably start at nickelback (behind CB Fabian Washington and Samari Rolle), and could play his way into the starting lineup by mid season.

Additionally, this provides an insurance policy on the aging Samari Rolle, and adds depth to a deteriorating Baltimore secondary. As previously mentioned, linebacker is an option here, but for now this pick will go to the secondary. –SK-

 

27. INDIANAPOLIS – Peria Jerry – DT (Ole Miss)

Matt Howell is our token Colts fan, which makes him the best writer to explain this pick. He was unavailable, however, so the token Steelers fan will have to do. Peria Jerry is the second best DT available this year, and is definitely a steal at the pick 27.

Indianapolis will gain a talented DT with the ability to make an instant impact on the defensive line.  With his incredible strength, Jerry has all the makings of a dominant DT and could turn into a “block eater” like DT Casey Hampton or DT Jamal Williams.

Adding Perry here will provide relief to the much maligned Colts run defense. In 2008, it seemed like anyone not named Dwight Freeney couldn’t find the opposing quarterback if given a map, a compass, and an in-helmet microphone which transmitted the opposing team’s snap count.

I initially thought that Jeff Saturday would be gone via free agency, and with that in mind C Alex Mack would have been a great pick here. Mack might be the best O-lineman in this draft when it’s all said and done, and in my opinion could be a hall of fame caliber player in the NFL.

However, all that talk is irrelevant now since Jeff Saturday re-signed with Indy, making Peria Jerry a no-brainer for this pick. –AM-

 

28. PHILADELPHIA – Jared Cook – TE (South Carolina)

Philadelphia addressed their lack of depth at running back with Knowshon Moreno at pick 23, but another hole remains on the offensive side of the ball. TE L.J. Smith left Philadelphia via free agency, leaving the Eagles with little-known Brent Celek as their starter.

Like Miami, Philadelphia needs O-line help, but at pick 28 not a lot of top-tier talent remains. Instead of reaching for a mid-level O-lineman here, Philadelphia will more than likely address another need and hope for OT William Beatty or G Duke Robinson to fall into the mid second round.

If TE Brandon Pettigrew falls to pick 23, then Philadelphia will address their tight end problem there, but if not look for the Eagles to grab TE Jared Cook with pick 28.

Then again, the Eagles front office could just decide to screw over their entire fan base and draft a random player by drawing names out a hat…You just never know in Philadelphia. –SK-

 

29. NEW YORK GIANTS – Percy Harvin – WR (Florida)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: OLB Clint Sintim–
The New York Giants are in the middle of absolute chaos concerning their next year’s roster. S James Butler is gone to St. Louis, RB Derrick Ward hit the road to Tampa Bay, and the controversy surrounding Cheddar-Plax could leave their wide receiving corps decimated.

The Giants linebacking corps seemed weak until they signed LB Michael Boley. Boley’s addition allows the Giants to use this pick on an impact wide receiver. Plaxico Burress’ future is up in the air, and the Giants have been involved in a number of high profile wide receiver discussions (e.g. Braylon Edwards, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, etc.).

These talks indicate that the Giants are open to pursuing more talent at wideout. Percy Harvin and Kenny Britt are both possibilities here, depending on what type of receiver the Giants wish to pursue.

Harvin seems more logical, because of his game-breaking potential. New York lost its biggest home run threat in RB Derrick Ward, which leaves only Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw in its running back stable.

Harvin adds an impact wide receiver who could potentially replace Derrick Ward’s playmaker role in the Giants offense. –SK-

 

30. TENNESSEE – D.J. Moore – CB (Vanderbilt)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: WR Percy Harvin–
Nate Washington signing with Titans officially killed any possibility of Tennessee taking a wide receiver in the first round. Washington is a potential star, and when you couple his signing with the Titans’ historic unwillingness to draft any receiving talent, it makes wide receiver a virtual impossibility at this pick.

With wide receiver out of the question, the Titans should pull the trigger on drafting a young star at cornerback with this pick. The Titans’ starters are set at cornerback, but once you get past the first two (Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper), the talent takes a sharp downturn.

This draft is surprisingly deep at corner (Moore is the fourth corner off the board in the first round) and last year’s crop of defensive backs showed that drafting top-tier talent at cornerback is a solid investment. D.J. Moore’s combine dropped him a notch or two on the draft board, but he is top shelf talent that can be stolen this late in the draft. -SK-

 

31. ARIZONA – Chris “Beanie” Wells – RB (Ohio State)

–Updated Mar. 30 – Previous Pick: RB Knowshon Moreno–
The Cardinals could score big here if top tier running back talent drops to pick 31.

Unlike recent years, there are no elite running backs available, and demand for running backs in the first round has also diminished. Arizona is one of the few teams who is a lock to select a running back in the first round.

RB Edgerrin James provided some much-needed yardage in the postseason last year, but next year will be much different. J.J. Arrington eloped with Correll Buckhalter to Denver, while Edgerrin James will most likely be released before next season.

This leaves Tim Hightower as the only running back in Arizona’s stable, a problem which has to be addressed sooner rather than later. Beanie Wells has star potential and top-tier talent to complement RB Tim Hightower.

If Wells is off the board the Cardinals could also strike gold with RB LeSean McCoy. No matter who it is, Arizona has to take a running back here. –SK-

 

32. PITTSBURGH – William Beatty – OT (Connecticut)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an incredibly successful run in terms of re-signing free agent offensive linemen. Tackles Willie Colon and Max Starks, as well as guard Chris Kemoeatu all re-signed with Pittsburgh this offseason, which severely lessened the damage to an already lacking offensive line.

Ben Roethlisberger enjoyed life on the ground last year (see his sack totals through the first six weeks of the season), and the offseason had the potential to punish an already under-performing Pittsburgh line.

William Beatty provides the Steelers with an NFL-ready offensive tackle that has the versatility to move around the line if needed. All the other tools (especially on the defensive side of the ball) are in place for Pittsburgh to defend their championship, but to improve on last year Pitt needs improve their offensive line.

Pittsburgh could go wide receiver here if a star-caliber player is on the board. Kenny Britt is a possibility, but more than likely Pitt will take an O-lineman here and address their receivers later in the draft with someone like Mike Wallace or Derrick Williams. –SK-

———————————————————————————————–

That’s a wrap for Round One. We will update this Mock Draft as trades, acquisitions, and transactions are made around the league. We know that every move made during the offseason helps shape a team’s draft strategy, and we plan to react to all significant transactions.

Thanks for reading.

RTS Contributors
–Scotty Kimberly–
–Anthony Moore–
–Matt Howell–

Jason Taylor: Going Back to Miami?

Oh wow. This is as intriguing a topic as I’ve ever seen.

For those of you don’t know, Jason Taylor has been one of the most dominant defensive ends in the league since he was drafted in 1997.

He hasn’t been talked about much, until recently, but has quietly continued as the vocal captain of the Miami Dolphins.

Well, until about a season ago.

Last off-season, in a highly publicized argument, Jason Taylor found his way out of Miami, traded for a draft pick to the Washington Redskins.

It seemed that he and his new boss, Bill Parcells, were not exactly seeing “eye to eye.”

Maybe it was his fault, appearing on Dancing with the Stars instead of attending the team’s offseason workouts, or maybe Bill Parcells doesn’t relish celebrity stars on his team.

Either way, Jason Taylor ended up with the Washington Redskins, suddenly becoming an almost non-factor.

Now reports have come out that Mr. Taylor could return to the ‘Fins. Needless to say, the possibility of Taylor coming home is very interesting.

First of all, Jason Taylor never should have left Miami. That’s just me though.

Taylor may have questionable offseason activities and he might not get along with Parcells the task-master, but he was Miami’s star defensive end.

This is one case in which I think the player would have done much better staying, playing, and even ending his career in Miami.

Disregarding the one-year vacation in Washington, Taylor averaged 10 sacks per season. That’s over 12 whole years. To put that into perspective, Hall-of-Famer Lawrence Taylor’s 13-year career sack total is 132.5.

Jason Taylor’s 13 year total is 120.5. If you take away the 3.5 sacks from his partial, injury-plagued season in Washington, and just pretend he had played the entire season in Miami, Jason’s total would have been 127.5, or five sacks short of one the most feared pass rushing LBs in NFL history.

He has also intercepted seven passes, two less then Lawrence, and ran three of them back for TDs, one more than Lawrence.

His brief stay in Washington should not be held against him in regards to a possible return to Miami. His addition to last seasons’ AFC sack leader, Joey Porter, would be a nightmare for the other teams in the AFC East.

Some people think Jason Taylor has lost a step, pointing to his last season in Washington as evidence. I think that’s hogwash.

Even though he only played in 13 games, starting six, Taylor was still able to reach nine pass defenses, tying a career-high.

We often forget that it’s extremely hard for a seasoned veteran to get up, change teams, and learn a brand new defensive scheme.

I contend the following; if Jason Taylor decides to suck it up, take a lighter paycheck, go to the offseason workouts, and not go on Dancing with the Stars, he may well end up back with the Dolphins.

Even with Bill Parcells still as boss.

You take an 11-5, playoff-caliber team, with the most accurate QB of all time (C. Pennington), weapons at RB (R. Brown, R. Williams), at WR (T. Ginn Jr., G. Camarillo), on the offensive line (J. Long) and on defense (A. Ayodele, J. Porter) and you add Jason Taylor.

Suddenly you’ve got a strong balance of talented rookies and veterans. There is talent at just about every position, and a team that, based on the numbers, could definitely get to the big game.

I’m fearful that this will become a reality, seeing as how the Dolphins play in the same conference as my own beloved team, the Ravens.

It would be great for Miami fans though. Give him a one or two year contract at most, give him a shot to replenish the pass-rush in Miami, and at worst, your pretty much lock hall of fame defensive end will retire with the team that first drafted and helped develop him into the star he is today.

-M

Michael does not like, has never liked and will not ever like the Miami Dolphins’ team, organization or even players.

Joey Porter is a rude, trash-talker who nobody would like if he wasn’t the physical beast/specimen on the playing field. Otherwise, he has been writing for bleacherreport.com for over one and a half seasons now. Reach him at: wong_83@hotmail.com

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010