The Dangers of Trading Brady Quinn

On the second floor of the Tower City Mall in downtown Cleveland, there lies an empty shop. The room, now all cleared out, used to be Football Town, a large store containing you-name-it-we’ve-got-it Cleveland sports memorabilia. 

For those who never saw it, it was one heck of a place to get your Browns gear.  However, according to a Tower City employee, Football Town saw such a steep decline in business during the end of last season it was forced to close.

While this statement may mean little to some, it does say this; Browns fans are showing their displeasure in more ways than one these days.

And why not?  Let’s take a gander at our offseason so far.

First, within a month or two of Eric Mangini and George Kokinis’ hiring, all-pro tackle Shaun Rogers threw a hissy fit about weight management and being stiffed by Mangini.  Then, the new regime dealt two reliable yet iffy offensive weapons in Kellen Winslow and Joe Jurevicius.

Top that with Donte’ Stallworth running down the innocent in the streets of Miami and there’s not too much to get excited about.

Now, with Jay Cutler doing his best impression of a 16-year-old girl, trade rumors are flowing throughout the NFL, some of which include Browns quarterback Brady Quinn. My opinionis that this is a very dangerous idea.

Let me first state the position of this article. If you have read some of my past articles, you know I’m quite the Quinn supporter. However, this is not meant to be another piece where I return to my duties as a Brady flag-carrier.  No, this will be strictly from a Browns fan’s perspective.

And from that perspective I repeat my previous statement: Trading Brady Quinn is not safe.

One reason is how Quinn stands among a large amount of Browns followers.  To them, he’s the future, a Browns fan who grew up watching the team and wants his shot to turn them around. 

While he’s only played three games, none of which were stunning performances, he still showed a sense of poise and leadership that was more than appreciated. They believe he hasn’t gotten a fair chance to prove himself worthy of the draft picks given up to take him.

Many of those same fans are sick of Derek Anderson, some of which disgustingly cheered during his season-ending injury. There are a few supporters who still back Anderson, but the majority of Browns fans wouldn’t really be willing to pay to see him lead the team in ’09.

This leads me to the biggest issue for the Browns. Unless you live under a rock or have boycotted every news source known to man (both of which may have been caused by choosing to be a Browns fan in the first place,) you know the economy is tanking. 

A poor economy leads to people being tight with money, only spending it on things that are worthwhile.

Now, with last season trying to rival said stock market when it comes to crashing, you can certainly count on shorter lines for season ticket renewal.  Fans are putting locks on their wallets, and that, combined that with last season’s epic disaster, makes for a tricky situation.

In times like these, the Browns organization needs to convince paying fans that there’s hope for the future, or else seats are going to be empty and the dog pound will be all too quiet this season. 

If the new regime were to trade Brady Quinn, getting rid of one of the few fan favorites left on the team, you could all but guarantee a severe fan backlash. 

Trading him for draft picks or a Bronco quarterbackprone to temper tantrums could splinter the fanbase into people who hate the team without Quinn, people who are glad Anderson gets his shot back, and people who’ve spent years saying “if they get rid of (fill in blank here,) I’m rooting for a new team” finally fulfilling that promise.

It may seem trivial to some GM’s and coaches, but it’s time for Mangini and Kokinis to keep the fans in mind.  Sure they’re trying to recreate the team’s identity, but this will be all but useless if nobody’s there to see it perform. 

At this point, with ManKok already spreading doubt throughout Cleveland, dealing Quinn wouldn’t be a wise choice if they’re expecting the support to come in droves on Sundays.

While its a bit unfair to Derek Anderson, the truth of the matter is his struggles in ’08 really damaged the idea of fans wanting to pay to see him as the team’s starter.  And if the organization is factoring in the business side of football, Brady Quinn is someone who affects whether or not people will want to buy Browns tickets this year. 

So, as the draft approaches and the NFL trade market starts to heat up, ManKok needs to put serious thought in the moves they make.  Right now, from the standpoint of the fans, Cleveland’s new staff is treading on thin ice. 

If they were to trade Quinn, it’d be more like treading with cement shoes.

A New York Giant Fan’s Dream: Thanksgiving Football

Thanksgiving consists of the Three F’s.

Family – Food – Football.

Most American families spend their Thanksgiving with their family members, eating some good turkey, and watching football.

Yet, as of late, the “watching football” part as been quite bad and also just boring.

Some bad teams have been selected to play and the games just become unwatchable and turn into blowouts.

But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The NFL brought some good news to Giant’s nation when it announced that the New York Giants will be playing the Denver Broncos, at Denver, on Thanksgiving night.

After all of these years of suffering, Giant fans finally get to watch their favorite team play on a day that is just made for football.

Also, its about time the Giants got a chance to play on Thanksgiving.

They have been one of the top teams in the NFC the past couple of years and deserve this opportunity.

New York is the biggest sports market in the world and Thanksgiving is one of America’s biggest holidays.

It’s like a match made in heaven.

Need A Receiver? Try This Guy!

This is a public service announcement to the 31 teams in the National Football League not named the “Cleveland Browns.”

Do you need a receiver that’s going to come up big in big games… for the opposing team?

Need an athletically gifted man who will make those spectacular catches? Even while dropping the easy ones

Then Braylon Edwards is your guy!

I mean, hey as long as it’s not a big game, he should be good for a few catches. It’s when you’re looking for that must win score that he completely forgets to hold onto the ball.

What team would possibly pass on the opportunity to snag a league leading receiver, albeit it being in the drops category?

Reportedly the New York Giants are interested in him, willing to give up the picks they attained in the Jeremy Shockey trade from New Orleans.

Those negotiations stalled however once the Browns tried to get greedy, asking for the picks and receiver Steve Smith, the Giants countered with Domenik Hixon or Mario Manningham and the Browns seemingly took their ball and went home. 

On the way home Edwards reportedly dropped said ball only twice!

Is Something Cooking for Favre and Cutler?

There is no doubt that Jay Cutler’s agent (Bus Cook) plays a large role in the heated controversy between Cutler and the Denver Broncos. However, one must ask, why two years in a row is Bus Cook involved in these massive quarterback controversies?

There are a number of pieces of information that are worth taking a look during this controversy. Here is a look at some pieces that paint an interesting picture, when put together.

1) Brett Favre had a desire to play football in the 2008 season with the Green Bay Packers, but was declined.

2) Brett Favre asked to be released in order to sign with another team, but was declined, once again. (Also worth noting: Favre grew bitter towards head coach Mike McCarthy).

3) Brett Favre publicly expressed a desire to play for the Minnesota Vikings.

4) Brett Favre and Bus Cook were on McCarthy till Favre was traded to the N.Y. Jets. (Also worth noting: a clause was added to the trade that prohibited the Jets from trading Favre to Minnesota).

5) The Broncos attempted to trade Jay Cutler in exchanged for Matt Cassel.

6) Jay Cutler grew upset and asked to be traded.

7) The Jets spoke with the Broncos, informing them of their interest in Jay Cutler.

It may be just a coincidence that Bus Cook and the N.Y. Jets are potentially involved in yet another major quarterback exchange, but it doesn’t seem that way.

Bus Cook saw an opportunity to help both of his clients. Jay Cutler needs a team with a strong defense, and Favre wants to stick it to McCarthy by playing quarterback in the NFC North.

So now, Bus Cook gets Jay Cutler traded to the Jets, and out of appreciation, the Jets grant Brett Favre his release, who would then call the Vikings’ organization (which is still without a quarterback), and strikes up a deal.

This theory was originated on Vikings.com

What Can We Expect From The Falcons Running Game In 2009?

In 2008 the Falcons ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards, but what can we expect from them in 2009. We can expect nothing less then a repeat of 2008. The roster as far as the running offense goes is perfectly intact. The only thing that really has changed is the age of every player involved. 

Their age is both a plus and a minus, but at this stage in all of their careers it is a plus. All of the young linemen and running backs will more then likely improve during this off season and all will have better understandings of their roles. 

Those where all generalities that anyone can make. Now let me explain why I am exited about 2009 and why you should be as well. 

Lets start with the offensive line. The whole entire line is young with the exception of Todd McClure. Then there is the fact that they are all quite big lineman.

The right side of this line is really the bright side. They have Harvey Dahl and Tyson Clabo reaching new peaks in their careers. Both are 27-years-old which means they could be together for a few more years together and form a formidable duo. Now I am aware both are restricted agents, but I expect that both will resign. 

Then the left side. This is the young side with Justin Blalock and Sam Baker. They are 23 and 24 respectively. They will be raised in this system and will continue their maturation process. 

Todd McClure is the veteran of the group at 31. He is the leader in terms of emotion. He is at the center position and he is damn good at it. 

Then the fullback Ovie Mughelli. He is a basically a brick wall with legs. He can and will open up running lanes by any means necessary. He will throw himself into the hole to create a crease for Turner and CO. 

As for the running backs, Turner and Norwood will split the carries next season. They are a good complement to each other, but the main reason for this is because Turner carried the ball way to many times last season (376 carries).

He needs some relief and Norwood will more then likely be that relief. Jason Snelling however might find himself with a few carries as well. He is a weird mix of Turner and Norwood. He has the brute ability of Tuner and the amazing hands of Norwood. So do not be surprised if he gets a few carries. 

So now that you know the logistics of the Falcons running game you can plainly see that they will be good for not only next season but for many years to come.

To answer the question though what can we expect from the running game in ’09? I would not be surprised if the Falcons rushing yards increased by as many as 300 yards and three touchdowns. They will also lead the NFL in rushing yards by a significant amount.

Marinelli Impresses at Bears Training Camp

Terrell Owens gets traded to the Buffalo Bills. Albert Haynesworth signs with the Redskins minutes into free agency. L.T. renegotiates his contract.

Notice how none of these big offseason stories include the Chicago Bears, as they have gone about their business quietly, but all the while effectively.

Following the National Football League’s first ever 0-16 season, it seemed like Rod Marinelli was coaching kryptonite, but the Bears were not afraid of the coach. They said that he was a high quality coach who was placed in a bad situation, without any real chance to win.

The Bears biggest offseason addition was Rod Marinelli, who was hired as the defensive line coach in January.

Marinelli has 13 NFL seasons under his belt. Before his venture to Detroit, Marinelli was a respected defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 10 years.

Marinelli came into Halas Hall with an intensity and drive to redeem himself after his three-year debacle in Detroit. This intensity impressed the Bears linemen during practice.

Bears players were already impressed with Marinelli before practice because of his Super Bowl ring, but following practice, they had given their full respect to the new coach.

Marinelli was enthusiastic while on the practice field interacting with players. Coach Lovie Smith was not surprised.

Marinelli has his work cut out for him, as the Bears had the 29th ranked pass rush last year. There are a few players who need a little one-on-one time with the coach.

Mark Anderson is one of those players that Marinelli will need to focus on. Anderson is seeking to return to his 2006 form of 12 sacks in his rookie year, since then he has registered only two sacks in his last 26 games.

Anderson said that when he and Marinelli talk about his game, they always bring up Simeon Rice.

“We kind of have similarities in our pass-rushing style. I have already watched film with him a couple times and see what he wants exactly, and how he wants his pass rushers to play. I can see him helping me in my career, and I am just trying to soak up everything he says.”

Here’s to hoping 0-16 was a product of a bad situation and not a bad coach, but Marinelli seems to be reverting to his old ways. And when Marinelli is good, the Bears will be good.

Donovan McNabb and the Haunting of The Eagles

Halftime of the November 23 Eagles-Ravens game of last season, McNabb appeared to have taken his last snap as a starter in Philadelphia. Thirty minutes of regulation later, he had an unexpected gift fall into his lap: leverage.

Rumors earlier this year swirled that Donovan McNabb requested more play-makers on offense or to trade him to a ready-made contender like Minnesota.

The duo of Joe Banner and Andy Reid has been conservative at best, in the free agency market trying to become younger at a thrifty rate to help their franchise quarterback.

More recent moves have propped up mostly minor concerns in the defensive secondary, right tackle, and fullback, with a possibility at linebacker.

Safety Sean Jones (27) signed a one-year, $3 million contract on March 6 to help soften the blow that of Brian Dawkins signing to Denver.  Rashad Baker (27) also signed for a one-year tender to add depth to the safety position before the draft.

Right Tackle Stacy Andrews (27), elder brother of Right Guard Shawn Andrews, pinned the biggest of the offers from the Eagles thus far for six years. It can be compared to Jamal and Andre Jackson from the movie “The Replacements.”

Fullback Leonard Weaver (26) signed a one-year $2.5 million deal, 70 percent guaranteed, on March 21. The signing gives the team a blocker behind the line and a third-and-short threat.

The franchise has recently expressed interest in ex-Bills outside linebacker Angelo Crowell (27) as early as March 13, but a contract was not offered. Crowell later signed to Tampa Bay for a one-year, $3 million contract on March 18.

The Eagles, as of now, seem to have plans to enhance certain positions, namely left tackle, in the first two or three rounds of the NFL Draft, with selections at 21, 28, 53, and 85.

They also have picks later on with the twenty-first pick of rounds four through seven, along with selection 5 and 17 of the fifth round and selection 22 of the sixth round. The trading of CB Lito Sheppard and WR Greg Lewis is partly responsible for the additional draft choices.

With many predictions of the 2009 NFL Draft available online, it can only be estimated who the Eagles could draft in each of the first few rounds.

OT William Beatty seems to be a favorite selection for either the twenty-first or twenty-eighth picks for most mock drafters. Though a product of the University of Connecticut, Beatty hails from York, Pennsylvania, continuing the Eagles’ interest in local products.

Depending on how the first 20 picks shake out, OTs Eben Britton, Andre Smith, and even Michael Oher are out there.

Other possible selections in the first round include RBs Knowshon Moreno, LeSean McCoy, and Beanie Wells, TE Brandon Pettigrew, and WRs Hakeem Nicks, Percy Harvin, and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Round two brings the possibilities of WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook, while the next round could present RB Donald Brown and OT Jamon Meredith to the Eagles.

With the stock load of picks towards the later rounds, and players that could be trade-bait (OT Winston Justice, WR Reggie Brown), the Eagles could even move up their selections in the earlier half of the NFL draft.

Legendary players like S Brian Dawkins, OTs Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan may have been casualties of the franchise’s latest off season, due to McNabb’s influence. If the Eagles, however, can make the right choices next month, not only will the situation go from rebuilding to reloading, but a green-clad parade could present itself on Broad Street in February of 2010.

A Not So Quiet Offseason for the Oakland Raiders

It’s so funny how the media still bashes the Raiders even when things are all quiet on the so-called “Western Front.”  On ESPN’s first take last week the host referenced about all the dysfunction that is the Raiders and I guess the comments were based on the past especially during the Lance/Lame era and not the present or the future.

You would think a reporter or commentator would research before making such comments but most of the so called “experts” suffer from what I like to diagnose as “Raiderhater-itis” it a little known mental condition. 

Even when the Raiders are terrible they still manage to be the team you love to hate and I would hate to see all the haters when we start winning, because they just might kill us with kindness.

To the outsider this is a very quiet off season in Oaktown, but to the actual followers of the Silver and Black who have been through the good times and of late; the bad times.  It has been a very productive and busy time away from the football field this year, unlike years before especially last year.

The Raiders have signed 12, count them 12 players and the most notably the re-signings of Nnamdi Asomugha, Shane Lechler, Chris Johnson and Justin Miller.  Then acquired key offensive linemen Khalif Barnes, Erik Pears, and just recently ex-Dolphin center Samson Satele, who can shift to either guard position if necessary.

There is a trend starting to emerge here folks and that is stability moving through the youth movement.  Al is finally saying “NO” to over used and priced free agents like Haynesworth and T.O. 

Now most haters will say it’s because we are still taking on cap hits from DeAngelo Hall and Gibril Wilson.  It might be true and I will agree that D. Hall was bad from day one and I was upset like most when Wilson was cut, but not before he refused to re-structure his contract like Tommy Kelly, Robert Gallery, Javon Walker, and Justin Fargas.

Al Davis and Tom Cable can co-exist with each other and it’s because Cable wants guys with a team first attitude and Cable is not avoiding Davis like others in the past(Norvel and Lance) 

It’s obvious the communication lines are open, for example when Cable was all excited about signing Khalif Barnes, then master Yoda, I mean Al Davis had to teach his Padawan that patience would be instrumental in signing the free agent from Jacksonville.

Al was able to wait out the market on the big “O” lineman and convinced Barnes to sign a thrifty one-year contract with practically no strings attached.

The most important factor on the Barnes contract is if he is “performance worthy”, then the Raiders can re-sign him to any dollar amount next season when the salary cap disappears in 2010.

In a time when our economy is still struggling and less is becoming more, the Raiders have managed to build a solid foundation without big names.  Then the Raiders remained loyal and were able to reward the players they drafted in the past who were part of the original blue prints.

Its not the loud bang you would usually expect, but a nice solid thump that will be felt  for years to come.  This makes the upcoming draft a bonus as we will add even more youth and depth to the greatness of the Oakland Raiders.

Keep that Raider faith…

A Mythical Line In The Sands Of Time

The Detroit Lions have decided to retire Corey Smith‘s football jersey. While it may seem like a nice tribute to some, it is a touchy subject that brings up a question of where to draw the line. Or if one should ever be drawn, as it seems it has been for others.

Smith had played three seasons with Detroit, after previously playing four years in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers. Smith started in three of the 33 games he suited up for the Lions, and had played in 59 games overall in his career. He was able to contribute 7.5 sacks for Detroit, and even intercepted the only pass of his career last year.

 

Jerome Brown and Sean Taylor were All Pro players not even in their primes when they died. The Eagles retired Brown’s jersey, and it is doubtful you will see a Redskin wear Taylor’s jersey in our lifetimes.

 

Yet, those deaths are not the same as Chuck Hughes or Korey Stringer. These two men happened to pass away while playing football. One can see why their respective teams would honor them the way they have by retiring their jerseys.

Hughes was a little used reserve Wide Receiver for the Lions who died late in a game against the Bears in 1971. He has never been officially declared dead on the gridiron, but most players in that game believe Hughes died of a massive heart attack on the field that day.

 

Chuck still holds the NCAA record for the most yards per reception for a single game, 34.9, while playing at Texas – El Paso. He was a fourth round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967. After playing 22 games in three years in Philadelphia, he ended up with Detroit in 1970. He played 16 games for the Lions up until his death.

 

Stringer had his jersey retired by the Minnesota Vikings after dying on a practice field because of a stroke in 2001. He was a talented Offensive Tackle who had just made his first All Pro Team, after 6 NFL seasons, in 2000. His death has changed several ways many teams train their players in practice now.

 

Then you can point out many guys whose may not have lost their lives, but their careers were ended by crippling injury. Mike Utley became a paraplegic after being paralyzed in a game in 1991 while playing Right Guard for the Lions. Utley, the MVP of the 1988 Aloha Bowl in 1988 for Washington State University, was an oft-injured starter for Detroit in his three year career. Is he less deserving of his jersey being retired because he did not die?

 

If it takes a death for a players jersey to be retired, then why haven’t the Lions retired the jerseys of Eric Andolsek, Toby Caston, or even Johnathan Goddard? Are they less worthy? Andolsek and Caston were valuable members of the Detroit Lions too. Andolsek happened to die two days before Jerome Brown.

Andolsek was killed when a truck ran off a road and struck him as he worked in the front yard of his home in the 1992 off season. He played with the Lions for four seasons, and started from his second year on at Left Guard. His last game was in the NFC Championship game, and he was a valuable member of an excellent offensive line that opened holes for Barry Sanders.

 

Caston played seven years in the NFL, and his last five with Detroit. He started in 4 of the 68 games he suited up for the Lions at Linebacker, and was a important member of their special teams unit. He died during a road accident in 1994.

 

Both Caston and Andolsek happened to play college football at LSU, as did Offensive Tackle Ralph Norwood. Norwood was the Atlanta Falcons second round draft choice in 1989, and died in a car accident after the eleventh game of his rookie season. Coincidentally, Norwood’s Falcon team mate, Tight End Brad Beckman, would die later that same year in a car accident.

 

Goddard was the Lions sixth round drat pick by the Lions in 2005. He was a hybrid DE/ LB, and was cut by the Lions before the season started. The Indianapolis Colts quickly signed him to their practice squad. He made the active roster for one game that year, then got injured during the following preseason as the Colts would go on and win Super Bowl XLI. After being released by the Colts in 2007, he played a few games in Arena Football with the Colorado Crush. Goddard then died after a motorcycle accident in 2008.

 

I could go on with countless other examples of football players who lost their lives off the field, like Corey Smith did. You could even expand it to players who died after their careers were over. It all seems relative in some way. Is one death worse than the next? Does the media attention given make a death more important than another?

Immortalizing Corey Smith is an honorable act. The man passed away with two of his friends, who hopefully will be honored at the impending ceremony as well. My only questions for the Ford family, and all people involved in sports as an owner, player, or spectator, is simple.

Why have men like Andolsek, and others, not been given this same monument of remembrance by retiring their jerseys too? How does one determine worthiness? How does one draw a line? Where is this line, if it does exist?

Do you know?

 

 

 

 

 

2009 NFL Draft: New Mock Picks

My last mock picks are about two months old, so here are some new ones for first round picks 1-15.

1. Lions: Matt Stafford, QB Georgia: With the first overall pick the Lions should take the best QB in the draft, they can afford to take an offensive lineman with the 20th overall pick.

2. Rams: Jason Smith, OT Baylor: St. Louis has made it clear this off-season what their draft plans will be by releasing veterans Pace (OL), and Holt (WR); expect to see the Rams draft an offensive lineman, or possibly reach for wide receiver like Michael Crabtree.

3. Chiefs: Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech: The Chiefs have Dwayne Bowe and recently signed Bobby Engram, but another big receiver could be a good pick. Don’t forget, Engram doesn’t have too much more playing to do, and an investment like Matt Cassel needs some good young weapons.

4. Seahawks: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB Texas: The Seahawks have made some surprising off-season moves by signing Houshmandzadeh and trading Peterson. I think it’s clear they will go after a ROLB to fill Peterson former area.

While the ‘Hawks might go after a LB like Aaron Curry, Orakpo is an excellent pass-rusher, and considering how often Peterson was blitzing, he could make some big plays. I also think the Seahawks could go after an offensive lineman at number four.

5. Browns: Aaron Curry, OLB Wake Forest: The Browns would benefit from a young, explosive LB like Curry. They could also look for more of a DE like Everette Brown of Florida State.

6. Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia: The Bengals need to be safe with the sixth pick. Picking an offensive lineman like Monroe might allow Carson Palmer to actually finish a season healthy. Some people think they will go after a WR here, but with all the talent in this year’s draft, they can find a quality WR in the second round.

7. Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri: The Raiders always go after the big play guys, not to mention they need a player who can catch up with Jamarcus Russel’s arm. A reach pick here could be a defensive back like Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State to play safety.

8. Jaguars: Michael Oher, OT Ole Miss: The Jaguars no longer have LT Khalif Barnes and need to draft somebody to keep Garrard safe. It will be a mistake if they draft a QB or WR here, the Jaguars need somebody to give them protection.

9. Packers: Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia: The Packers pass game was on most of last season, but they needed some help from their running backs. I think Ryan Grant bought into his own hype too much last season, they could use a skilled back like Moreno; watch his highlights, you will be convinced.

10. 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB USC: The 49ers need an answer at QB. Sanchez would probably battle Alex Smith and Shaun Hill for the starting job, and would win. They could also go after a DE like Robert Ayers of Tennessee.

11. Bills: B.J. Raji, DT Boston College: Raji could end up going earlier, but at eleven could be a solid pick for the Bills.

12. Broncos: Brian Cushing, OLB USC: The Broncos need some help on defense and Cushing would be a big upgrade. In the later rounds they might look for a DB or RB.

13. Redskins: Andre Smith, OT Alabama: A young talented lineman like Smith would be a big help against the aggressive pass-rushing schemes in the NFC East.

14. Saints: Vontae Davis, CB Illinois: The Saints really need to think about their defensive backfield in the draft. Davis could come in and be a week one starter. Another good pick would be Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State.

15. Texans: Rey Maualuga, LB USC: Defensive help is what the Texans should be thinking about here. Once again, Malcolm Jenkins could be another safe pick as well.

16. Chargers: Malcolm Jenkins, DB Ohio State: Finally, Jenkins could be picked here and worked into the Chargers safety role. However, if he is gone, or they pass him up a safe pick would DE Tyson Jackson from LSU

17. Jets: Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest: Jets could use help in the secondary. a QB or WR could be a pick in the second round.

18. Bears: Percy Harvin, WR Florida: This pick was a fairly random selection I must admit. They could just as easily go after one of the remaining offensive lineman.

19. Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State: The Bucs need to stop fumbling around with different QBs and pick a guy to be the starter. Freeman would be a fairly safe pick, though they could also go after a RB like Chris Wells of Ohio State.

20. Lions: Eben Britton, OT Arizona: The Lions need to think about beefing up the line here, if Britton is still around this would be an ideal pick.

21. Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State: The Eagles have five positions to be addressed in the draft; TE, RB, OL, WR, and S. Pettigrew is a great all around tight end, however I could see the Eagles taking a player like WR Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina.

22. Vikings: Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina: The Vikings want more depth at wide receiver; Nicks is not ridiculously tall, but is a guy, like Crabtree, who plays big.

 

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