New York Giants 2009 Draft Review

With Plaxico Burress out of New York and trade for Braylon Edwards (or another receiver) maybe or maybe not happening, the Giants entered this past weekend’s draft with one burning question:

What to do at receiver?

With their first pick, they seemed to have addressed the need, and then continued to add another receiver, as well as great overall depth on their entire team.

This draft proves the Giants are among the league’s elite when it comes to their front office, and if this draft class performs as well as it looks like it could on paper, their team will be Super Bowl contenders for years to come.

Read further for pick analysis and their final grade:

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

The Giants addressed their talent-starved position with a truly athletic and game-breaking talent. Nicks has all the physical tools needed to be a successful No. 1 option, including the knack for the big play.

Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

After getting their much-needed offensive weapon, the Giants turned to Sintim, an athletic and versatile linebacker, to shore up their aging defense. Sintim will be playing in a different style of defense than he’s accustomed to, but his abilities are too good for him to not make some sort of an impact in his first season.

William Beatty, OT, UConn

While the Giants already have a stout offensive line, adding a talented behemoth of a lineman like Beatty never hurts. Beatty is strong and athletic, and shouldn’t have been available for the Giants, making him a great value pick.

Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly

While Hakeem Nicks is probably better suited to help out right away, Barden’s size (6’6” and 229 lbs), along with solid speed, suggest he will be the eventual replacement for the departed Burress. In this class, we’re potentially looking at two future Pro-Bowlers at receiver for New York.

Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin

While Kevin Boss is a solid option, he’s nowhere near the talent level that Beckum resides at. Beckum has the fluidity and playmaking ability like Kellen Winslow, and could possibly end up being a better offensive weapon than Jeremy Shockey was, if he can stay healthy.

Andre Brown, RB, NC State

If New York fans were worried about the Giants letting go of Derrick Ward and finding a replacement behind Brandon Jacobs, they can now rest easy. Brown is a sound athlete who can catch out of the backfield, has experience, and gives New York excellent value in the fourth round.

Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State

While we’ll probably never see Bomar lining up behind center for New York full-time, he could prove to be a quality back-up behind Eli Manning. Bomar has solid potential and good tools, making him a relatively solid pick in the fifth round.

DeAndrew Wright, DB, New Mexico

Wright has good athleticism and decent speed for the position, and while he won’t fight for a starting job, adds youth and talent to an aging position.

Stoney Woodson, DB, South Carolina

Woodson has solid speed and coverage skills, and was brought in as added depth, along with Wright. The Giants secondary was a position that could have used addressing earlier in the draft, but Woodson could prove to be a reliable back-up.

Final grade: A

The Giants could have helped themselves with more talent in their secondary and in their linebacker corps, but they helped themselves tremendously in so many areas, that all can be forgiven.

While replacing Plaxico Burress seemed like a difficult task, the Giants helped themselves out immensely by grabbing two guys who could both end up being stars in the NFL.

Clint Sintim and Warren Beatty add tremendous depth to two positions where they won’t immediately be needed, while their presence alone will protect the team from disaster, should any major injuries strike as they did last season.

Travis Beckum rounds out the elite prospects New York drafted, giving Manning his third solid option, while Andre Brown could prove to be a solid back-up or third back behind Ahmad Bradshaw.

Rhett Bomar and the two secondary players add depth where it’s welcomed, while defensive line is the only position left completely ignored.

Considering the injuries they had last year, including the loss of Michael Strahan to retirement, it would have been helpful to bring a fresh, young lineman in to compete.

Regardless, this was one of the smartest drafts by any team in the league, assuring the Giants are here to stay among the league’s elite.

Are the Cincinnati Bengals the Next Hard Knocks on HBO?

The Bengals might be the next team to be featured in the HBO series Hard Knocks according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Honestly could there be a more intriguing team to cover? You have Chad Ochocinco, Tank Johnson, Chris “The One Man Crime Wave” Henry, and Bernard Scotland Yard.

Is the Scotland Yard thing a stretch? I can never tell.

Anyway, this would make the drudgery of the summer months before real football begins vastly more entertaining than previous years. It would also provide a peak into how the Brown family actually operates(or doesn’t operate depending on your opinion) and more importantly provide us with a glimpse of how the rookies are progressing.

Raiders with the most to prove this year

Through years of criticizm, including this years draft, its no secret the Oakland Raiders have alot to prove. A few players have more to prove then others. Some have to prove they can still perform, while others need to show the critics they aren’t busts or they were worth being drafted that high. But on a team with so much to prove which individuals havethe most to prove? Lets find out

If the Draft Lasted Nine Rounds (Patriots Humor)

“With the 23rd selection in the 8th round the Patriots select Ruben Studdard.”

“As a former Coach, John, what do you think Belichick sees here,” asked Rich Eisen.

“I never even try,” said Jon Gruden, “to figure out what Belichick thinks.” Brief laughter, then he added, “Seriously, he projects to a nose tackle. I mean, what are on, pick 250 something.”

“Do we have any film of him?” asked Mike Maycock.

Then they showed Simon Cowell berating him for his weight.

“No, I meant playing football,” said Maycock. When “the truck” had no film they played the “big head” game.

NFL: Top 10 2009 Fantasy Rookies

The top 10 players selected in the 2009 NFL Draft with the biggest chance to impact their team (and your fantasy squad) in their rookie seasons.

This means no offensive lineman, linebackers, fullbacks or kickers. These are the rookie QBs, WRs and RBs that you should target as sleepers in your 2009 fantasy drafts because they could have an immediate impact right away.

Minnesota Vikings 2009 Draft Review

The Vikings could have went in a number of directions with their first pick, as well as trade down, but addressing receiver was probably their most pressing issue.

While Bernard Berrian displayed the big plays Minnesota was lacking ever since the departure of Randy Moss, there was still a lingering hang-over from the failed Tory Williamson experiment.

Minnesota needed to give someone to compliment Adrian Peterson, while adding youth to their offensive line, as well as depth to their defense.

Read on for pick analysis and Minnesota’s final draft grade:

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

One of the most electrifying performers in the draft, Harvin can come in immediately and become a deadly option across from Berrian. While the quarterback situation is still far from resolved, just getting the ball into Harvin’s hands could be enough to keep defenses honest.

Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

Loadholt is, well, a load. He brings tremendous size (6’8” and 332 lbs) to the position, as well as great strength and athleticism. The Vikings have taken pride in having one of the better offensive lines for the past five years or so, and drafting Loadholt ensures it will continue to be near the top.

Asher Allen, CB, Georgia

Minnesota added depth to their secondary by drafting Allen, a superb play-maker, and sound athlete. He doesn’t have elite speed, but has good coverage skills and should be able to help out as a third corner in his first year.

Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina

One of the more underrated linebacker prospects, Brinkley brings a ton of value as a fifth rounder, and adds great depth to Minnesota’s average linebacker corps. Brinkley is a punishing hitter and sure tackler, and could vie for a spot in the starting lineup if he can adjust in his first season.

Jamarca Sanford, FS, Mississippi

Sanford is a solid athlete and decent defender, but does not have ideal size or speed. His average range may find him as one of the last cuts before the season starts.

Final Grade: B+

With only five selections, the Vikings got great value, finding a possible rookie starter on both sides of the ball.

Percy Harvin has character concerns, but if he can stay out of trouble, should be able to have a big impact both offensively, as well as on return duty.

Phil Loadholt is a tremendous prospect with tons of potential, and brings great depth to their already solid line, at the very worst.

Jasper Brinkley was a true steal in the fifth round, and if he doesn’t earn a starting gig out of the gates in 2009, he should at least blossom on special teams and progress toward a larger role in 2010.

Asher Allen was a solid find, as well, while Sanford is a long-shot to make the final roster.

Minnesota clearly has no qualms about it’s current quarterback situation, although they definitely should. Going into the season with the job up for grabs between Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosanfels is both scary and depressing.

Aside from that, Brad Childress and co. did a fine job of adding depth across the board with only five picks, while finding some find talent in the later rounds.

Detroit Lions 2009 Draft Review

Ever since the end of the 2008 NFL season, all we’ve been hearing about is what Detroit would do with the top pick.

We heard about Matthew Stafford, Aaron Curry, and Jason Smith.

But once the contract was final just before the draft, we knew one thing for sure: The Lions had finally found their quarterback, and maybe—just maybe—they were headed in the right direction.

Truly, only time will tell if he or any of their other picks will be the saviors that get them back to mediocrity, much less turn them into a winning organization.

Read on for analysis on each pick and a final draft grade:

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Stafford has the cannon arm, the moxie, and all the intangibles needed to be a successful quarterback in this league. The main question is if he plays right away, can he handle the pressure? On the other hand, how much pressure can one feel when winning one game next year makes them a hero?

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Pettigrew fills a solid need, but despite being the best overall tight end in the draft, this was a bit of a reach. I would have liked to see the Lions grab Michael Oher to shore up their offensive line a bit, but Pettigrew’s solid receiving ability and elite blocking should suffice.

Louis Delmas, DB, Western Michigan

To be honest, this is the pick that proved to me that this new regime in Detroit isn’t just committed to doing things right, but they’re actually already getting it done.

Delmas has excellent versatility and athleticism, and could probably help out their average secondary at any position they need him. Needless to say, it’d be a shock if he isn’t starting from day one.

DeAndre Levy, OLB, Wisconsin

Levy is quick and athletic, and excels at blitzing. However, he is a bit raw and probably won’t be able to make an immediate impact. His presence should be felt on special teams, though.

Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State

We all know how well Penn State receivers have worked out over the years (mixed reviews), but Williams seems to be one of the few former Nittany Lions that can make a successful transition. Williams is polished enough to help out as third option in his rookie year, and gives them their best return specialist since Eddie Drummond.

Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman

Hill has outstanding strength and athleticism, but was passed by many teams due to his lack of elite competition, raw ability, and the fact that he played for a small school. Jim Schwartz knows defense, so I’ll take his word for it that this guy could be special.

Aaron Brown, RB, TCU

Brown is college football’s version of former Notre Dame basketball star Chris Thomas. He started hot and raised his stock his freshman year, and then never really reached his potential. Brown should be able to assist in return duties, while finding a place behind Kevin Smith in his rookie year.

Lydon Murtha, OT, Nebraska

Murtha has tremendous size (6’7” and 306 lbs), which is mainly why the Lions took a chance on him. There’s no certainty when it comes to his future, but he’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow as a back-up for a year or two.

Zack Follett, OLB, California

Follett is another solid college linebacker who lacks ideal athleticism or coverage skills, but was drafted due to his passion and high intensity level. He’s sure to be a part of the Lions’ special teams unit if he makes the team, and could eventually carve out a role as a back-up.

Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland

Detroit grabbed another tight end with great size in Gronkowski, as well as one with solid speed. Gronkowski has good experience against solid competition, and has the tools to be a productive back-up to Pettigrew in the future.

Final Grade: A-

The Lions did a lot of good in this draft, however, they failed to grab a good amount of impact players on the defensive side of the ball.

By getting Stafford, though, they’ve established their commitment to winning, as well as giving their franchise a new identity.

They solidified their tight end position, which in turn will actually aid the offensive line quite well, as Pettigrew is an elite blocker, in addition to being a solid offensive option.

Derrick Williams was a good value pick, as he can help at receiver and on special teams, while getting Delmas shores up one of their secondary holes.

The other picks could turn out to be solid back-ups or special teams stars, while the potential of Sammie Lee Hill and Lydon Murtha is very intrigueing.

Al Davis Is the Problem in Oakland

In my opinion, you could not ask for a worse owner for a team than Al Davis.  I am by no means a Raiders fan, but even I can see how much of a poison he is to Oakland.

It has to be depressing for Raider fans to even watch the draft each year.  There are always great players to choose from, but somehow Davis always seems to find a way to pick a player that would, more than likely, still be there for a few rounds. 

For example, starting with the 2004 draft, Davis selected Robert Gallery.  At the time, it seemed like a good selection, until you see just a few of the players that he passed up on to get Gallery: Larry Fitzgerald, Phillip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger (who has won two Super Bowls), Lee Evans, and Steven Jackson.  These were just first round picks that he passed up. 

Then in 2005, he drafted Fabian Washington over Shawne Merriman, Marcus Spears, and Demarcus Ware.  2005 was not as bad in terms of his ignorant picks, but he did pick up where he left off in 2006 by drafting Michael Huff over Jay Cutler, Jason Allen, Bobby Carpenter, and Santonio Holmes (last year’s Super Bowl MVP).

2007 and 2008 saw names like Adrian Peterson, Brady Quinn, Jerod Mayo, and Chris Johnson slip past Oakland’s pick while they chose Jamarcus Russell and Darren McFadden.  Doesn’t sound too bad, except for the fact that they do not have anyone to block for them. 

I wish I could say that was the end of it, but Davis found a way to do the same thing this year when he selected Darrius Heyward-Bey.  Although Bey was a good wide receiver at Maryland, I do not understand how anyone can take him over Michael Crabtree.  I guess the only thing you can say is that it is Al Davis and he does not make any sense.

Drafting is not the only area of football that Davis has a hard time with.  He also cannot keep a coach longer than a couple of years.  Of course, the newest coach to get the axe is the newly appointed Tennessee Vols coach Lane Kiffin.  The only thing that he could do, to be professional, was laugh and make light of the situation. 

I cannot name any coach out there today that can please Davis by winning the championship in his first year.  Basically, because Davis would probably fire whomever it would be if he lost more than two games.  I can understand if a coach has been at a program or NFL team for four or five years and has losing seasons each year, but when a coach has not even been there for one and gets the axe, that is unacceptable in my book. 

Like I said in the beginning, I am not a Raiders fan, but even a blind man can see that as long as Al Davis is the owner of that team, and has a say so in the putting together of it, they will not even make the playoffs, let alone win the championship.

Vikings Sign Undrafted Rookie: Vinny “The Little Guy” Perretta

Note:  The stats and information was from ESPN.com

 

Vinny Perretta – WR – Boise State

 

Personal Information

Hometown:          Encinitas, CA

Height:                 5’ 10”

Weight:                195 lbs.

Class:                  Senior

 

Career Stats

Receptions:          74

Yards:                  991

Touchdowns:       4

Avg. YPC:           13.39

 

He signed with Minnesota late Sunday night, early Monday morning and is the son of former Chargers offensive lineman Ralph Perretta.

 

This guy may be little, but from my understanding he is nothing but a performer and a pure team player!

 

This seems exciting, as this weekend the Vikings will be hosting their three-day rookie training camp and we’ll find out Monday, who survived the chopping block.

Atlanta Falcons Drafted Competition

The Atlanta Falcons had a solid draft. They potentially drafted two immediate starters in Peria Jerry and William Moore, but what they really drafted this year was competition. 

The Falcons had a lot of holes on the defense and they drafted a player for every single hole. Now the picks they made are not necessarily meant to directly fill in those holes on the contrary. 

What the Falcons have now is young depth at corner defensive end safety and defensive tackle. 

What this depth does more then anything is create position competition. There is no longer a lock on the defensive side of the ball for some players. 

I believe this will be seen best in the secondary. Where Thomas Decoud, Jamal Fudge and William Moore will compete for the starting strong safety position. All three of these safeties are hard hitters with good size and a desire for football. 

The pick of Moore may just result in one of the three players mentioned above too break out. 

Then the corner position. I admit I was against the Falcons drafting a corner, because we already have a truck load of corners on the roster, but the addition of Christopher Owens in the third round was great.

He can provide a big-play threat even though he could be a liability against bigger wide receivers. I could see him fighting for the fourth corner to start and maybe the slot corner later in the year. Again this provides competition which is something you always want on your team. 

The Falcons also added to the pass rush rotation. Not only with Jerry, but with Lawrence Sidbury as well. Sidbury can contribute to the rush from the start and was a steal in the fourth round.

I in all truth believe that Sidbury could steal Anderson’s job at some point this year. Regardless though of starting he will help the pass rush. While forcing Anderson and Chauncey Davis to either reach their best or to get out of the way.

As a whole I consider this draft a success. The Falcons filled holes and added depth which is all you can every ask from a draft. 

 

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