Tuesday’s Hodge Podge

Razorback news and notes from around the web (warning: some of these links aren’t exactly timely, but then again you probably already knew not to count on us for hot-off-the-presses info):

Nate Allen rips Jeff Long a new one (he even busts out the Y-word).

We’ve been known to give Wally Hall a little grief every now and then. But in the interest of fairness, we also have to note that his column on Sunday was very informative and well worth reading.

In addition to Jonathan Luigs joining the Bengals, five other Hogs have signed on with NFL teams as free agents (although most still face long odds against making the final cut). Casey Dick will be trying out for the Jets…remember, he beat out Mitch Mustain for the Hogs’ QB job, so watch out Mark Sanchez.

Speaking of Mustain, he’s now the third string QB at USC. Ouch.

Brandon Moore quits the basketball Hogs, and Delvon Johnson joins the team.

Incoming footballers David Gordon and Ronnie Wingo are fast—like, really fast.

Last but definitely not least, the Slophouse’s Brandon Marcello tipped us off to an amazing ongoing series by blogger Clay Travis.

It’s ostensibly about the decidedly nonathletic Travis’ often hilarious efforts trying to hold his own with various elite prospects while “training” for the 2008 NFL Draft, but he also had numerous interactions with Peyton Hillis and Marcus Monk.

Marcello’s post has a few highlights, but be sure to read Travis’ articles for much, much more (for example, don’t miss the anecdote about Monk and the swimming pool). The whole thing is long but very well-written and is consistently interesting and entertaining throughout.

Was This Cowboys’ Draft Special?

When I turned on ESPN on Saturday to watch the draft, I was excited to see the players the Cowboys would select. The history of Cowboys drafts has always been good. They usually make a big splash in the draft.

As it got closer to the Cowboys’ pick at No. 51, I was watching the Cowboys Draft War Room and they seemed lost and unprepared. Time expired, and the Cowboys still did not make a pick. Then it was told that they traded their only day one pick.

How could they do that? I was so disappointed. I stayed home and watched the draft for this? You have got to be kidding me? Good thing I didn’t waste a trip up to Arlington to the draft party. It wouldn’t have been a waste in one aspect—meeting up with other Cowboys fans!

Day two came and I was expecting the Cowboys to just pick 5-7 players and trade the others away. No they used most of them and picked 12 players. I didn’t pay much attention to a lot of the college players this year, so I didn’t know the picks.

The Cowboys offense and defense are pretty much set, except maybe wide receiver. There may be a need for better offensive and backup defensive linemen as well. The part of the team that I believe every Cowboy fan can acknowledge was terrible is special teams.

Nick Folk didn’t have a single kickoff for a touch back last season! He had five kicks that went out of bounds for a penalty. He is a good field goal kicker, but I always cringed at his kickoffs. He said he had problems with directional kicks and Bruce Read chose for him to do just that.

The coverage teams were terrible as well.

I believe that this draft was special. It helped to strengthen the special teams and pick up the trash at the bottom of the roster, to make room for improvement. Will these players do it? We won’t know until they get practicing and playing.

I can’t really give a grade for this draft. Compared to previous years and the big names, yes, this was a draft that I can’t say was great or even good. My only hope is that these players understand what it means to be a Cowboy and earn that star on their helmet!

No Matter What Happens, New York Jets Fly By Dealing For Mark Sanchez

The New York Jets selected former University of Southern California star quarterback Mark Sanchez Saturday after making a trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire the 5th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Sanchez, 22, a third-generation Mexican American who was named the 2009 Rose Bowl MVP, wowed Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during a workout at his old high school last month and Gang Green’s brass were determined to land the Trojans onetime signal-caller.

“We saw the great feet, we saw the poise and how confident he was,” said Ryan of the 2008 First Team All-Pac 10 nomination who played 16 games as a Trojan in Pete Carroll’s sophisticated, pro-style offense. “Brian put him through every route known to man and he passed every throw with flying colors. We knew right then this is the guy we wanted.”

In order to attain the 5th pick, New York traded Cleveland their first and second round choices (17 and 52) and starting defensive end Kenyon Coleman, promising quarterback Brett Ratliffe and productive safety Abram Elam.

Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum admitted it was peculiar to forge a deal with Browns coach Eric Mangini only months after he handed the famous whistleblower his deserved pink slip.

“It is ironic, but we also looked at it as an opportunity,” Tannenbaum remarked of brokering a deal with the coaching “genius” who faltered on the sidelines in Gotham.

Sanchez, the Jets highest-drafted quarterback since “Broadway” Joe Namath was selected first in the 1965 AFL Draft, seems undaunted at the prospect of leading Gang Green under the glaring Big Apple spotlight.

“The media training I had at USC, a pretty large media market, not quite as big as New York, it’s only going to get bigger and better. But I think that helps,” said the All-American who led USC to a 12-1 record last season. “At USC, they put a lot of emphasis on the quarterback with Heisman Trophy winners, All-Americans and national champions. They want results, just like the fans here, just like the press here. That’s what I’m prepared to work for, obviously with such a great team around me now, it’s going to be a blast.”

On paper, Tannenbaum and Ryan have assembled an enormously talented defense this offseason and their offense was vastly improved this past weekend at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

In addition to snagging Sanchez, the Jets also traded-up twelve spots to select University of Iowa running back and 2008 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Shonn Greene in the initial portion of the third round.

Greene, 23, who transferred to Iowa last spring from Kirkwood Community College after he raised his grade point average there to meet Hawkeye standards, rushed for over 100 yards in every one of his 13 games as a junior on the gridiron last season.

Even a stickler would acknowledge that the Jets enjoyed a solid draft weekend that may eventually catapult them to an elite status in the NFL.

Nevertheless, it is fair to wonder if Gang Green should have considered alternate trade offers and opportunities before they focused the bulk of their efforts toward acquiring Sanchez.

Sanchez is extremely inexperienced and he has suffered from a litany of minor injuries throughout his abbreviated career.

The native of Long Beach, California scoffs at the notion that he is a one-year wonder who is unprepared to succeed in the NFL.

“I bring up Matt Cassel. He didn’t start at all and look what he’s doing,” said Sanchez, referring to his fellow USC alumnus who had not started a game at quarterback since high school prior to last September with the New England Patriots.

Sanchez fully expects to defeat incumbent reserve Kellen Clemens in the quarterback competition slated for this upcoming preseason.

“I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a backup,” stated Sanchez, who threw 34 touchdown passes in comparison to a measly 10 interceptions last autumn.

Sanchez’s former coach at USC believes that his erstwhile leader is ready to thrive in the professional ranks immediately despite publicly questioning his decision to vacate Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with one year of eligibility remaining.

“He’s as equipped as anybody,” Carroll said of the first quarterback to leave the USC program prematurely since Todd “Marijunavich” Marinovich did after the 1990 campaign. “He understands the principles and the concepts. Unless the system is jam-packed, there are very few concepts they will be able to put in front of him that he has not already done.”

In essence, the Jets simply squandered a 2nd round draft pick to position themselves to select Sanchez. Virtually every pigskin analyst is in agreement that such a minimal sacrifice by the Jets was an obvious maneuver to secure a player of Sanchez’s caliber.

However, there were also reportedly a slew of other young and more-experienced signal callers available for the Jets to consider via trade for a sufficient bargain over the weekend. 

According to a number of media sources, Mangini is not enamored with either of his inherited quarterbacks, Brady Quinn nor Derek Anderson.

Quinn, 24, the 2006 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner who holds virtually every passing record for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Anderson, 25, a 2007 Pro Bowl selection with the Browns, are both intriguing prospects who could have possibly been landed for less than the Jets 1st round selection.

Similarly, Washington Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder seems to covet his current franchise thrower, Jason Campbell, as much as a Mexican desires becoming inflicted with swine flu. Campbell, 27, is a solid field general who threw for 3,245 yards and 13 touchdowns, in contrast to 6 interceptions, in 2008.

Obtaining any three of the aforementioned quarterbacks for marginal players and a 2nd round pick or less may have ultimately been more advantageous for the Jets. 

The Jets could have gained their leader under the gun and they still would have owned their first round selection to land a big, powerful wide receiver or a ferocious pass rushing defensive lineman.

In the grand scheme of events, Tannenbaum and Ryan likely gave Mangini an overdue Cleveland steamer. 

On the contrary, if the USC heartthrob is the latest in an extensive collection of New York draft busts, Jets management does not warrant a dirty sanchez in this instance for their moves.

The Jets sought quality over quantity this entire offseason and if their finagling pays dividends, the Jets will fly high for the next decade.

If their transactions falter like they often do, the Jets failed this time genuinely trying to better their cursed franchise.

The “Plax Effect” Is Back, but Not in a Good Way

The “Plax Effect” can be described as the ability of a wide receiver to constantly draw double coverage from opposing defenses.

While playing for the Giants, Plaxico Burress created such a presence in the field with his great size (6’5″) and incredibly deceptive speed that teams began to scheme separate gameplans just in an attempt to stop him.

Drawing consistent double-teams gives your offense a great advantage not only because other receivers will always be going against single coverage but also because it prevents defenses from stuffing the run with eight men in the box.

Of course, a team could always choose to not double a receiver like Burress, in which case the man will just use size and speed to present a great vertical target.

With Plax, the Giants’ offense worked beautifully. Too bad Burress was stupid enough to shoot himself in the thigh with an unregistered gun, and you all know the result of his incident.

 

But moving on to today.

Plaxico is gone and the G-Men had a great draft, but all I can hear is that the team didn’t do the right thing by not trading for a big-time wideout that would have the same effect Burress did.

It’s like a curse has hit all Giants fans.

As you all should know, there are only three or four guys (if that many) who possess the traits to draw attention from two defenders on every play, oand of course, they are not available for trade because their teams are not stupid enough to let them go.

 

Giants GM Jerry Reese obviously knows what’s up, so he did what was best for the Big Blue.

He didn’t trade for a guy who would demand a huge salary, even though that would probably help the team. He didn’t see such unique set of skills that would justify a trade, so he went the traditional, safer, and cheaper way.

But if this is like any other curse, the thought that we need to trade for someone will stay stuck in the heads of each and every pundit out there.

The expression “Plax Effect” suddenly has a whole new meaning.

Michael Vick’s Job Offers

Michael Vick is almost out of prison, and until the glorious day that he returns to the NFL, he’ll need to find another source of income as he fights his way out of bankruptcy.

Luckily, Vick will have the help of all of his fans here at Bleacher Report who have come up with a very attractive list of potential job offers. Employers everywhere should take note – if you’ve got an offer for Michael Vick, get it in soon because he’s sure to find some kind of work in this “thriving” economy. Yeah…right.

2009 New York Giants’ Receiver Outlook

After the 2008 season ended, the Giants lost two key receivers. They lost Amani Toomer to free agency and cut Plaxico Burress due to legal problems (that we all know). 

Last season, these two receivers combined for 83 receptions, 1034 yards, and eight touchdowns.  These two receivers were the top producers for the Giants this year, and they will clearly be hard to replace.

Rumors swirled about the Giants trading for Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards, or Chad Johnson. As the draft rolled closer, the trades did not work themselves out, and the Giants were forced to look to the draft to replace their star receivers.

The Giants drafted two receivers in this year’s draft, Hakeem Nicks in the first found and Ramses Barden in the third round.

The Giants currently have eight receivers on the payroll. It is likely that only five of the receivers will make the team and the rest will be placed on the practice squad.  The eight receivers are Hakeem Nicks, Ramses Barden, Dominick Hixon, Steve Smith, David Tyree, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham, and Derek Hagen.  These receivers will all enter summer camp on the same level and will be fighting for these five spots on the team.

This article will analyze each receiver and decide who these five roles go to and which of these receivers get to spend their season on the practice squad at this moment in time.

 

WR 1: Dominick Hixon  (Height : 6-2 ; Weight: 182)

Dominick Hixon became the replacement for Plaxico Burress after he went down with his bizarre injury.  Hixon ended the season with 596 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 42.6 yards per game. Hixon had a great season, and his stats are skewed by the fact that he was not a starting receiver the whole season.  Hixon is a big target like Eli Manning likes, but he is no Plaxico Burress. He does not have the leaping and the ability to catch any ball like Burress.

Hixon will more than likely enter the season as the Giants No. 1 receiver. As the season goes on, he might not prove to have the talent for the No. 1 spot, and by the end of the season, he may be replaced by rookie Hakeem Nicks.

 

WR 2: Hakeem Nicks (Height: 6-1 ; Weight: 212)

The Giants selected Hakeem Nicks with the 29th pick in the draft. The Giants selected him hoping he could fill one of the holes at wide receiver after departures of Plaxico Burress and Armani Toomer.

Nicks had a great career at UNC, and experts believe he is the most NFL-ready receiver in the draft. Nicks received for 2,840 yards and 21 touchdowns during his colligate career.

He has good leaping ability and may be able to run Burress’ patented fade route.  Nicks also has great catching ability, making several amazing catches during his career at UNC. If he brings this into the NFL, Eli Manning would really appreciate it.

Hakeem Nicks will start the season as the No. 2 receiver in the depth chart.  As the season progresses and he becomes more experienced and better at running routes, he may surpass Hixon as the No. 1 receiver on the team.

 

WR 3: Steve Smith (Height: 5-11 ; Weight: 195)

Steve Smith is a steady receiver who puts up steady numbers in the NFL.  In the 2008 season, he received 574 yards and one touchdown. Smith has proven in his two years in the NFL that he is a good receiver that can run routes and catch the ball over the middle. Steve Smith has a playing style that can be compared to Wes Welker—a possession receiver that can put up yards.

Steve Smith will fall back into a well known role in the Giants’ depth chart.  He will be a solid receiver in this spot, and Eli Manning will look to him on third-down plays.

Smith may be Manning’s new Amani Toomer in third-down situations. Smith is a receiver that will put up good numbers, even in the third spot.

 

WR 4: Ramses Barden (Height: 6-6 ; Weight: 229)

In the third round of the draft, the Giants selected Ramses Barden. After losing Eli Manning’s favorite target, 6-foot-5 receiver Plaxico Burress, they may have drafted his future replacement.

The 6-foot-6 receiver has great jumping ability and can probably out-leap any defensive back in the league. He will come in handy in the red zone, where the Giants struggled after losing Burress.  Although he is not completely pro ready yet, he will gain experience as the season goes on.

Barden will start the season in the No. 4 receiver spot. He will get most of his playing time in the red zone, and we may see that corner-fade being thrown to him. If he proves that he can beat defensive backs and can catch a ball at its high point efficiently, he may be able to work his way up the depth chart. If he does not prove himself, he may find himself on the practice squad.

 

WR 5: Sinorice Moss (Height: 5-8 ; Weight: 185)

Sinorice Moss has been somewhat of a bust in his career as a Giant.  He is still a good receiver that can come in and catch the deep ball.  He will not rack up the stats, and he hasn’t since entering the NFL. He can also return kicks if the Giants ask him to.

Moss will earn the final receiver spot on the depth chart. He will be used to catch the deep ball in desperate situations; otherwise, we won’t see him on the field that much.  He may also return kicks for the Giants, which may give them another reason for him to be on the team.

 

Who’s Left Out?

David Tyree—The receiver whose catch once won the Giants a Super Bowl will be left off the roster for the second straight season. Although he made that catch, he is still not a great receiver in the NFL and won’t make the 2009 roster.

Mario Manningham—It was once thought that last year he could be the replacement for Burress, but it never happened. Now he will be riding the pine again, because he has very little chance of making the team.

Derek Hagan—He has had a short career and it is already on a downward slide. He only had three receptions in 2008 with the Dolphins. He probably will make a good receiver to let the cornerbacks defend on the practice squad.

Roderick Hood Fits the Cleveland Browns

The Arizona Cardinals have just released running back Edgerrin James!

But really, what’s the excitement for? The fact of the matter is that it was an obvious move that needed to be made, as the Cards drafted OSU’s running back Chris “Beanie” Wells. Plus, James requested to leave.

Of more interest is that Arizona also cut cornerback Roderick Hood and linebacker/defensive end Travis LaBoy.

All of the roster casualties should find new homes easily, but one in particular should get a hard look from the Cleveland Browns:

Hood.

 

It’s no secret that the Browns need help at the corner position, and the team’s activity so far this offseason is proof.

In the Draft, the Browns took Don Carey and Coye Francies, both in the sixth round. They shouldn’t look to depend on either of those guys.

Cleveland also signed free agent cornerbacks Hank Poteat and Corey Ivy, and despite their greater experience level, the Browns shouldn’t rely on them too heavily, either.

The current starting corners are Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, and while Wright proved himself to be starter-worthy last season, McDonald didn’t. He wasn’t horrible, but he got beat deep too many times to be on the field right away.

So, enter Rod Hood. If Cleveland were to sign him, he would become an instant starter, pushing McDonald (and others) back on the depth chart. The move would make the position deeper and the starters better, so it makes perfect sense to at least try.

 

In the past two seasons, Hood has made 97 tackles, 35 pass deflections, and six interceptions. His numbers dropped from 2007 to 2008, but he is still a good player.

He also is a six-year veteran and would fit the organization very well. He has experience but isn’t old (he’s currently 27) and has been on Playoff teams. He was part of the Cardinals’ Super Bowl run last season and played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2003 to 2006.

Leadership would be one more benefit of this potential signing. And a move like this fits what the Browns have been doing lately; Hood isn’t a “diva” and would put the team first.

Like I said, he fits the profile for the Browns. Mangini would and Kokinis would look very smart pursuing Hood.

Detroit Lions: When You Have So Many Needs, It’s Hard To Have a Bad Draft

While watching the NFL draft, I, like a lot of Lions fans, was thinking one thing: Same old Lions.

I felt like Matt Millen was still sitting in the war room at Allen Park, calling the shots. 

They drafted a QB first overall, and many experts don’t even believe that he was the best QB in the draft. Then they took a TE with their second pick in the first round. They went offense twice, when they desperately needed defensive playmakers. They went with two players that, at first glance, seem to help the passing game, after they preached that they were going to emphasize the run.

They passed on the two best middle linebackers in the draft (which was a major need) after they fell into their laps at No. 33.

They drafted an undersized outside linebacker to start the third round, when the need was MLB, and all of the talk from coach Schwartz was about getting bigger.

Then they drafted a wide reciever, when recent pickups Bryant Johnson and Ronald Curry were supposed to solidify that position.

In the fourth round, they drafted DT Sammie Lee Hill from Stillman College. I had never heard of him…or the school he went to.

They drafted RB Aaron Brown in the sixth round. In 2008, Brown rushed the ball 99 times for 547 and three TD; not exactly impressive numbers.

The Lions then had three picks in the seventhround where they finally addressed the offensiveline with Lydon Murtha from Nebraska. Their final two picks in the draft were another OLB Zach Follett from Cal, and another TE Dan Gronkowski from Maryland.

So, at first glance, this is how I summed up the Lions’ draft.

They took a question mark at QB who more than likely won’t, and shouldn’t, play this year and a TE that ran a 4.83 40 at No. 20 (with TE being a position that you can historically find quality at much later in the draft). Safety was a need, but not as much as OT, MLB, and DT. They took two OLB’s when they needed a MLB, a WR, an unknown DT, and less than spectacular RB.

This sounds like the worst draft in history.

I was hoping for a draft more like the Cincinnati Bengals. They got their OT (I’m not a huge A. Smith fan, but the Lions would’ve had their choice of all the top OT’s at No. 1).

They got the MLB that I wanted in Malualuga.

In the third round, I was hoping the Lions would take Michael Johnson or Jarron Gilbert. They had the chance to take either. The Bengals took Johnson with the 70th pick.

With the 98th, the Bengals took TE Chase Coffman, who is probably going to be a steal at that pick.

In the fourth round, the Bengals took C Johnathon Luigs out of Arkansas.

So, the Bengals sured up the offensive line with an OT and a C. They got the best MLB in the draft, a DE that was projected in the top 10 a few months ago, and a quality TE.

They hit almost every need that the Lions had—except DT.

But the Lions had one more pick than the Bengals, so they could’ve filled that need also by taking Ron Brace in the second round. 

Originally, I would’ve taken the Bengals’ draft over ours. But now that I’ve calmed down and done a little research on the Lions’ picks, I’m starting to warm up to their draft.

The Lions need a QB—of course they do, they always need a QB. Is Stafford the right one? I don’t know. All we can do is hope and pray that he doesn’t end up like every other QB the Lions have drafted over the years.

Pettigrew is a beast at 6’6″ and 260 pounds. He has great hands, and a good TE is a young QB’s best friend.

Also, with the way that he blocks, it will almost be like having two tackles on whichever side he lines up on. That will really help out our running game, which is also a huge of help for a young QB.

I really wanted Malualuga, but I also feel that Delmas was a great pick. If you look at the best defenses in the league, they almost always have a great safety (Polamalu, Ed Reed, Bob Sanders, Brian Dawkins), so this was a good pick.

They took DeAndre Levy, who plays OLB, but Mayhew said that he will play inside for the Lions. He’s undersized, but his scouting report says that he is a big-hitter and regularly causes turnovers.

Also, if the reports are true about Larry Foote possibly coming to the Lions, they won’t have to worry about MLB next year. Anyone that can start every game for the Steelers for five straight years will be a star in Detroit. Maybe Mayhew was thinking this way the whole time.

I didn’t think that we were going to use a pick on a WR, but Derrick Williams was a solid punt returner at Penn State, and that is a big need. The same thing goes for Aaron Brown. I questioned the pick at first, but reports say that he is a good kickoff returner. So those two picks help out the return game, which is sorely needed.

I’m very interested in the Sammie Lee Hill pick. I had never heard of him, but scouts compare him to a more consistent Shawn Rodgers. If that’s the case, then this was a great pick. Rodgers’ departure was a major reason for the downfall of the run defense last year. He’s a developmental player, but if he works out, he could be a phenomenal value pick.

Overall, like I wrote in the headline, when you have so many needs it’s pretty hard to have a bad draft.

Nobody expects the Lions to be good this year, anyway. So as long as they can keep from putting Stafford in and getting him beat up physically and emotionally, they should be fine.

The Lions will have one more draft to fill the rest of their holes. So when Stafford does get into the game next year he will have a much more solid team around him, and a better chance for him to be successful.

Anyway, just like any other draft, only time will tell if the Lions had a great one or one of the worst in history.

One thing I can say about Martin Mayhew is that he has major guts. 

After following the worst GM in professional sports history, he could have gone with the safer picks, but Mayhew went with some of the riskiest picks in the draft.

I wouldn’t have done it, but if it works out, he’s a genius. If it doesn’t, the Lions will be starting another rebuilding process with another GM in a few years.

Andy Reid Changes Draft Style, Goes For Immediate Need

If someone told you that your team would draft one of the top two receivers in the draft, one of the top five running backs, and one of the top three or four tight ends, how would you react?

If you are an Eagles fan one word may fit: FINALLY.

After years of offensive and defensive lineman being drafted early and often, the Eagles changed their plans this year, picking wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, running back LeSean McCoy, and tight end Cornelius Ingram, with their first three picks in the draft respectively.

Maclin was seen as a possible top 10 pick by many scouts throughout the league. Perhaps the Oakland Raiders just missed his workouts, game tape and the combine, as they reached, to say the least, for Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland.

It is unlikely that the Birds were looking for a wide receiver with their first pick, especially Maclin. But when he fell to 19, Andy Reid and the Eagles brass made an aggressive move to jump up two spots and grab him without hesitation.

In the second round, most felt the Eagles would need to trade up if they wanted to get the last of the top running backs in the draft. The Birds stood pat, and lone behold, McCoy out of Pittsburgh fell into their laps, and from there it was a no-brainer to draft the kid who many believe is the ideal fit for their system.

It also does not hurt to have the heir apparent to Brian Westbrook, as he will turn 30 before the season. 

On day two, the Eagles began to frustrate fans when they traded out of the third round to stock up on more picks later in the day and next year. Many felt that they still had too many needs to be pulling the “old Eagles way.”

However in the fifth round, they began with six picks. In a bit of a surprising move, instead of using a pick to draft a corner for insurance with the Sheldon Brown situation, the Eagles were able to package two of their fifth rounders and acquire four-year starting corner, Ellis Hobbs, from the New England Patriots.

With a player who has already established himself in the NFL at that position, Reid and company were able to be more flexible in the draft. And with their first pick in the fifth round, the Eagles drafted tight end Cornelius Ingram out of Florida.

Despite missing last season with a torn ACL, many had this young man as the second or third best tight end in the entire draft. Lucky for the Eagles, he fell to them in the fifth and they scooped him up.

Lets recap: A top 10 talent receiver; an All-Pro left tackle; a top five running back; a four-year starting NFL corner; a tight end with a whole lot of upside. 

Understand that it is near impossible to judge a draft before the players actually play a few games, maybe even a few seasons in the NFL. But it sure looks promising right now. It seems as though Andy had a mission this year.

Mission Accomplished.

Tennessee Titans 2009 Draft Class Breakdown

The Tennessee Titans finished last year with an impressive regular season record of 13-3.  The confident Titans looked primed for a Super Bowl birth, but they collapsed in the divisional round to rival Baltimore. 

After losing two-time Pro Bowler Albert Haynsworth to free agency, the team needs a special draft to continue to be a top contender. 

Here is a breakdown of this years draft class.

Round One

Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Wide receiver was the teams biggest need heading into the draft.  Kenny Britt was probably one of least risky wide-outs that was picked in the first round. 

While guys like Darius Heyward-Bey and Percey Harvin have questionable route running ability and were picked solely on athletic ability, Kenny Britt is widely known as the best route runner in the draft. 

Kenny Britt can also provide a reliable redzone target.  Being 6’3″ and a top performer at the combine in the verticle leap and broad jump sure will help.  He could challenge for the number one receiving job this training camp.  Britt could be the Titans third offensive rookie of the year nomination in four years.

Round Two

Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn

Sen’Derrick Marks probably won’t be asked a lot of this season.  He will be thrown into a deep rotation of defensive tackles that include Tony Brown, Jason Jones, Joven Haye, and Kevin Vickerson.  The fact that all the Titans DTs, excluding Kevin Vickerson, have a history at defensive end as well should help even out the playing time.

Marks is a very athletic player who has great potential.  The Titans have a very good defensive line coach in Jim Washburn who knows how to progress young lineman into stars.  Defensive tackle was a need after Albert Haynsworth left this offseason, but additions of Joven Haye in free agency and Marks should help fill that hole.

Round Three

Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

Jared Cook recorded the best combine numbers for a tight end since the 49ers’ Vernon Davis who happened to be drafted sixth overall.  Cook will be used to create mismatches with his impressive 6’5″ frame and while boasting 4.5 speed. 

He might have trouble getting on the field early in the schedule having to compete with veteran Alge Crumpler, Bo Scaife who just had a breakout season last year, and last years third round pick Craig Stevens. 

Cook was more of a luxury pick than filling a need.  The Titans staff really loves this kid.  Jared Cook could be the X-Factor to the offense’s success next season playing a similar role to the New York Jets Dustin Keller.

Ryan Mouton, CB, Hawaii

Cornerback was a big need heading into the draft with starter Nick Harper being 34 years old with an expiring contract.  The Titans got their guy with Ryan Mouton.  Mouton is a athletic player with return ability.  He is a feisty, aggressive cornerback, and that’s how the Titans like them.

This pick is a little controversial with local Vanderbilt standout D.J. Moore still available at the time of the pick.  We will see in time who turns out to be the better player.  Mouton will be fighting for the nickle position currently held by safety Vincent Fuller, but will probably earn the role of a backup cornerback.

Round Four

Gerald McRath, LB, Southern Miss

Outside linebacker was also a top need heading into the draft.  Outside linebacker and team captain Keith Bulluck is getting up there in age and is in the final year of his contract.  Gerald McRath should be the future replacement.  He is a very athletic player who recorded over 130 tackles last year for Southern Miss. 

McRath played inside linebacker in college, but may be to small to do so in the pros.  In 2009, McRath should be the first guy of the bench at outside linebacker for the Titans, and may challenge Ryan Fowler for the backup inside spot as well.

Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane

David Stewart, a key offensive line depth player, left in free agency this year.  Kropog was brought in to be his replacement.  While Leroy Harris backs up the center and gaurd positions, Kropog will handle the back up tackle responsibilities left by Stewart.

Kropog most likely won’t be getting significant playing time for a while having two young, talented starters in Michael Roos and David Stewart in his way.  The Titans usually don’t keep many active backup offensive lineman, so he will still have an important role heading into the 2009 season.

Round Five

Javon Ringer, HB, Michigan State

I believe this is the 6th year the Titans have drafted a half or fullback in the draft.  Ringer will be thrown into the mix of backs to compete for the third running back job.

Quinton Ganther held the position last season, undrafted free agent Rafael Little will compete after recovering from a torn ACL, and former second round pick Chris Henry could possibly make a push.

Ringer is definitely the most talented of the four competitors, but at the same time he is only 5’8″ and ran a pretty slow 40 time for a change-of-pace back.  The Raven game showed the Titans need a third legit threat in the backfield in case Lendale White or Chris Johnson goes down. 

The competition for this role could be the one to watch this training camp.

Round Six

Jason McCourty, CB, Rutgers

Jason McCourty was brought in for corner depth and to compete for reps returning.  He runs a 4.3 forty which probably makes him the second fastest player on the team to Mr. 4.24 himself.  He could also fight his way onto another special teams unit.  The Titans coverage teams struggled on 2008 so any help would be good.

Dominique Edison, WR, Stephen F. Austin

Dominique Edison could be a sleeper.  6’2″, 4.47 forty time, combine top performer in vertical leap, broad jump, and 20 yard shuttle.  He tore up against lesser competition with over 1100 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior year.  Good pair of hands as well.  Could really challenge for time at receiver. 

Marques Colston v2?

Round Seven

Ryan Durand, OG, Syracuse

Will probably land on the practice squad like former late round lineman Michael Otto.  Big guy, 6’5″, 300+ pounds could challenge for a roster spot with the minimal depth at the position.  Doesn’t hurt to have a Hall of Fame lineman in Mike Munchak coaching you.

Nick Schommer, FS, North Dakota State

Nick Schommer could struggle to find a roster spot.  He was the 11th player picked by the Titans.  His best bet to get on the active roster is to be an impact player on special teams and help repair that struggling coverage squad.

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