Why Percy Harvin Was The Perfect Pick

Just a few days ago, Commissioner Rodger Goodell introduced the first of five new Vikings that were acquired via the 2009 NFL Draft. The name that came out of his mouth prompted a huge shock by plenty of people. Chris Berman, an NFL analyst for ESPN, seemed shocked. Plenty of knowledgeable Vikings fans also thought this was an interesting pick to say the least, even all three of the writers for Viking Vigil initially thought the Vikings had just picked the wrong guy, but maybe they knew exactly what they were doing.

As it turns out, the guy almost everyone wanted, Offensive Tackle Michael Oher, was picked with the very next pick. Baltimore even traded up to get him, however, the Vikings were able to land a more than capable tackle with their next pick with Phil “The Load” Loadholt, who measures an astonishing 6’8”, and at least 330 pounds! The guy would be a dominant power forward in the NBA even.

With Loadholt joining the Vikings, the first pick, Percy Harvin no longer seemed so outrageous, in fact it seemed kind of great to me. ESPN draft expert Todd McShay has repeatedly called Percy Harvin, “the most explosive player in this year’s draft”, and he is not the only one either.  

Percy is no doubt rich in talent and ability, but the reason he fell to pick 22, was the fact that he had just tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine, when he knew he was going to be tested. Harvin has also been deemed, ‘tough to coach’ and there have been reports that Florida is ‘glad he [Harvin] is done’ with his stay at Florida, although they also said he was a very talented player. With all these negatives, Percy Harvin may just be the biggest boom, or bust in the 2009 NFL Draft. The possibility of having Harvin and Peterson on the same field is incredible. It is almost like having AD, and a slightly less powerful version of AD in the slot.

To say the least, the Vikings have taken a look at improving an average offense. Harvin can do it all, he figures to be an explosive special teams man, he could force Childress to implement the wildcat with his skills at running back, and he is great in the open field. If Harvin pans out, and if he can get rid of his off the field issues, the Vikings will have gotten a very big steal. Harvin could even contribute to many fantasy football teams this year as a rookie. But what happens if Harvin does get in trouble?

Brad made a good call by bringing in Jared Allen last year, even though he had some issues, and he once again took the risk this year by drafting Harvin. Harvin could very well turn into one of the league’s biggest threats, but he could go down a bad path, and end up off this team in only a few years. Would it really be that bad if it was the later though? Of course it would make the Vikings fans angry, and it would probably guarantee that the Vikings would not pick a wide receiver in round one for a long time, but it would not kill us.

With the team Minnesota has on the field this year, they are very likely to contend for the playoffs, especially since the team will likely play better with another year of chemistry between last year’s free agent and draft pickups, and the 2007 team. Jackson also looked pretty good last year prior to the game against Philly, as he won his first ever NFC player of the week honors for his outstanding effort against Arizona in week 15. If Harvin were a bust, he would likely hurt our record this year, or at least not contribute, and maybe be out of Minnesota within a few years. I think that would not be horrible though.

This year’s draft was one of the very few drafts in recent years that the Vikings really did not need to desperately fill any holes.  Some people would say the right tackle was a huge need, but it really was not that bad. The thing I hated about Cook the most was his addiction to penalties. Peterson still got some good runs behind the right side, and if Cook was terrible, Artis Hicks is a pretty solid backup on the verge of starting anyway. Plus, the Vikings got Phil Loadholt in round two, so the position was definitely addressed anyway.

Since we had no glaring needs, there was a little room for Childress to take a risk on someone who could put this team atop the NFC, and that is exactly what he did. I am not the biggest fan of Childress and his seemingly frequent ‘play it safe’ attitude, and I was a little frustrated with this pick initially, but I applaud the man for going out and shocking Viking nation by grabbing a questionable, yet super talented guy with our first round pick. In the worst case scenario Harvin is out of here by the end of this year, but losing Harvin would definitely not sink the ship. Rice is a good player when healthy, and Bobby Wade is consistently getting open, and we made the playoffs last year without Loadholt or Rice, and an injured EJ Henderson.

The bottom line is the Vikings are a solid team without Harvin, but they put themselves into a great position to possibly get to the Superbowl with a Harvin that kicks his bad habits.

There is no question Harvin would have been gone in round two, as three receivers were already taken in the next fifteen picks, and the Jets said that they were trying to trade back into round one to get Harvin as well. The best receiver left when the Vikings got back on the clock was Derrick Williams, and he only went four picks before the Vikings third round pick. Therefore, I think with the way the draft played out at right tackle, and wide receiver, I think Brad Childress made the perfect pick by taking a risky Harvin in round one.

I applaud Childress, especially with all the questions surrounding his job if the Vikings don’t play so good this year, he went on a limb and maybe even put his job in the hands of Percy Harvin.

Check out Viking Vigil at http://www.vikingvigil.com for more news, and updates on the Minnesota Vikings

The Tampa Bay Buccaners’ Future Lies in the Arm of Freeman

The draft is over so let the Josh Freeman era begin. And with it, put Coach Morris’ reputation at stake.

Obviously, for the Bucs to trade up two spots to secure his services. Coach Morris with his prior knowledge of this kid allowed him to feel comfortable enough to make him their future.

Freeman will have the opportunity to be the present, but with the presence of Byron Leftwich already on the roster, it may be a wise decision for the Bucs to let him sit and learn until next season or until the playoffs are out of reach.

Freeman brings a lot to the table, physically, and has the leadership qualities you look for in a franchise quarterback. In a lot of ways, his career at Kansas State resembles Jay Cutler’s career at Vanderbilt.

At every game, Freeman had to bring his “A” game in order for his talent barren team to be able to compete.

Having to carry his team on his shoulders, some of the weaknesses scouts saw in forced plays was a testament to the lack of talent surrounding him and his desire to make a play for his team.

This draft, the first for Coach Morris and GM Mark Domenik, mostly hinges on the rise or fall of Freeman.  Seeing as how this was a lackluster draft compared to other years, talent wise.

I say this is because Freeman was their only first-day pick, and the draft, historically, is a hit or miss in the second day, especially when it is not particularly deep, like it was this year.

With that said, as a Bucs fan, you have to have faith that Domenik and his front-office staff were able to unearth some gems that will contribute to the team’s success this year and for years to come.

Handicapped with limited selections, you have to like the selections of Roy Miller, the defensive tackle from Texas, and Kyle Moore, the defensive end from USC.

The thing these two linemen share is their ability to play the run. I see Miller becoming a starter at tackle and the space eater Jim Bates covets, allowing the Bucs revamped line backing core to flow to the football.

Kyle Moore is a player who will never give you a lot of pass rushes but will consistently play the run and give you the maximum effort.

He is a steady two-year starter from an elite college program and will help immediately in rotation with Gaines Adams and Stylez G. White.

Of the three other selections made by the Bucs, offensive tackle Xavier Fulton will provide needed tackle depth, corner Back Edjuan Biggers will look to develop his skills while providing special teams help.

Wide receiver Sammie Stroughter will get the opportunity at a thin position to compete for a spot working out of the slot.

Granted they were unable to address the line backing situation, but that may be more about the front office’s faith in young prospects Quincy Black and Geno Hayes.

They have the faith in Jermaine Phillips transition and the belief that Angelo Crowell is healthy.

But with limited picks this year you have to like what the Bucs were able to accomplish.

Julian Edelman May Be a Patriots’ Sleeper, but Not Why You Think

 Patriot Pat says…

---

Everyone is now talking about the Patriots 232nd overall pick, Julian Edelman, and asking, “Are we going to use this kid in a Wildcat-type formation?”

The Patriots very well may use him in that type of role, but there is something bigger to consider.

There is not a doubt in my mind that he will make a giant impact on this year’s team, but not largely for the reason we’ve initially been thinking.

The Patriots, in their genius, now have a player who would excel in such a formation, that they can practice against—week-in and week-out.

So, when you are digesting the draft, and thinking about the future of the defense, know this: the Patriots’ woes against the Wildcat are behind them in my mind.

Bring on Pat White twice a year, because we’ll be ready.

---

Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. Check out his website, “Patriot Pat’s Patsies.”

Are you on Facebook? Become my FAN if you are! If not, then sign up and become one!

Mizzou’s Chase Daniel Joins Redskin Quarterback Race

He led the football revival of the University of Missouri, but quarterback Chase Daniel found himself undrafted after the NFL’s biggest offseason weekend.

Daniel gets his shot to extend his football career as part of 13 undrafted free agents to join the Washington Redskins.

The list includes two offensive linemen, Scott Burley and Edwin Williams, from Maryland and three defensive linemen, DT Antonio Dixon (The “U”), DT Brigham Harwell (UCLA) and DE Derick Walker (Illinois).

Williams and Burley join teammate Kevin Barnes, the Reskins surprise third-round defensive back selection from Maryland, and Stephon Heyer, the Maryland undrafted free agent tackle who joined the team in 2007.

The Maryland Terrapins finished the 2008 season 8-5 (4-4 ACC) and defeated Nevada 42-35 in the Humanitarian Bowl.

The Missouri Tigers finished the season 10-4 (5-4 Big 12) with consecutive appearances in the Big 12 Conference championship–both losses to Oklahoma. The Tigers ware mauled 62-21 by the Sooners in the 2008 game that seems to have deflated pro interest in Daniel.

Daniel was highly regarded for his performance with Missouri, but his height (6-foot) and arm strength concerned teams. NFLDraftScout.com projected that he would fall out of draft consideration.

Height may be less of an issue in Washington where Jim Zorn wants his quarterbacks to “play small.” Zorn said in his pre-draft press conference last week that there would be four quarterbacks in training camp this summer.     

Minnesota Vikings Can Solve Their Own Quarterback Problem!

Three words, John David Booty.  What?!  That’s what some Vikings fans are asking or maybe they have forgotten and are asking who?! 

 

Don’t believe me?  Let’s take a look.

 

John David Booty was selected in the 2008 draft in Round Five—Pick 137.  He broke convention and stated on a national television live broadcast, more than a week before the draft that he hoped he would be selected by the Minnesota Vikings.  That is pure dedication!

 

But, his battle started immediately with Brooks Bollinger (that amazing trade with the New York Jets that Childress arranged) at the third spot on the depth chart.  Bollinger had four years of NFL experience and Booty made the team after a preseason battle!  This doesn’t say anything about Booty’s talent?

 

He has yet to take an official snap with the Vikings (during regular season), but let’s take a comparable look at his stats. 

 

Season (College)

YEAR	CMP	ATT	YDS	CMP%	YPA	LNG	TD	INT	SACK	RAT
2005	27	42	327	64.3	7.79	31	3	2	1	143.74
2006	269	436	3347	61.7	7.68	62	29	9	14	144.01
2007	215	340	2361	63.2	6.94	63	23	10	12	138.01

 

College Career: 6,035 yards and 55 touchdowns

 

Pre-Season (NFL) 

22 of 41 for 203 yards, 0 TD, three INTs

 

———————————————————————————————–

 

Tarvaris Jackson

YEAR	CMP	ATT	YDS	CMP%	YPA	LNG	TD	INT	SACK	RAT
2004	183	350	2562	52.3	7.32	0	20	9	0	127.49
2005	181	296	2655	61.1	8.97	0	25	5	0	160.99

 

College Career: 5,217 yards and 45 touchdowns

 

———————————————————————————————–

 

Sage Rosenfels (NFL and 31 Years Old!)

SPLIT	CMP	ATT	YDS	CMP%	YPA	LNG	TD	INT	SACK	RAT
2008	116	174	1431	66.7	8.22	61	6	10	9	79.5
Career	351	562	4156	62.5	7.40	77	30	29	19	81.2

 

College Career: Rating 79.5%, 1,431 yards and six TDs

 

———————————————————————————————–

 

I am anxiously waiting for the day for John David Booty’s opportunity to take the helm of the Minnesota Vikings offense and we shall be surprised, as he is no Matt Leinhart statistically, but look at how he has worked out for the Cardinals.  Isn’t he still making more than Kurt Warner as the backup?  Exactly!

NFC Should Fear the Arizona Cardinals This Year

Despite coming within a hair of winning the Super Bowl, the Arizona Cardinals have gotten little respect.  Vegas rewarded their effort by putting them at 30/1 odds to win next year’s Super Bowl, roughly the same odds received by the Bears and Buccaneers and about three times worse than the odds that were being given to the Cowboys.

This is a mistake.  Last year’s season was not an aberration.  The Cardinals remind me of the Patriots after they won their first Super Bowl.  People did not give them much credit, thinking they largely got lucky against the high-powered Rams. 

But, they were more than ready to really take off and only got better.  People were wrong about the Pats and they are wrong about the Cardinals.

The Cardinals have one of the best coaches in football in Ken Whisenhunt, a great quarterback (albeit probably only for a couple more years), and an all-universe and almost uncoverable receiver. 

And they just added the best running back in the draft, who miraculously slid all the way to the Cards at 31.  This addresses one of their biggest need areas from last year and will allow them to pound the ball more effectively next year. 

They spent the next three rounds focused on upgrading their defense, adding a 3-4 outside linebacker in Connecticut’s Cody Brown in the second round who should immediately help their pass rush.  They also made a nice pickup in the third round, snagging Alabama safety Rashad Johnson, one of the draft’s better safeties.   

They have significantly improved their roster during the off season.  They signed Steelers’ cornerback Bryant McFadden as a free agent.  This is the guy Steelers’ fans did not want to see leave town, a young and very good cornerback in his playing prime. 

He will immediately upgrade their secondary while being paired with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, last year’s top pick who will likely continue to improve this year.  

The Cardinals are Steelers West under Whisenhunt.  He is implementing what he learned while running the offense in Pittsburgh, which is to bring in high character and versatile guys. 

In many cases, he has literally targeted Steelers’ players, with McFadden and Dan Kreider being the lateset in a string of former Steelers who will be suiting up in Arizona red.    

They no longer have any glaring weakness on their roster.  Their offensive line isn’t one of the best in football, but it is serviceable.  Their defense is far better than they played for much of last season and, with a new defensive coordinator, will likely improve this year. 

Some sports writers are over obsessing on the Anquan Boldin contract situation.  Even if Boldin leaves town, which appears increasingly unlikely, Steve Breaston is also an outstanding receiver.  The Cardinals will not be left without weapons.

Anyone who thinks the Cardinals are a one year wonder are in for a surprise.  They were a team that had to learn how to win.  They’ve checked that box and are ready to move forward. 

Historically, the Super Bowl losing team has not done well the next season, especially when it is an NFC team.  The Cardinals (along with the Steelers) will also be battling the “Madden curse” since Larry Fitzgerald and Troy Polamalu will appear together on the cover of Madden 2010. 

The Cardinals look to me like the team that will break that trend and if I was a betting man, I’d take those 30/1 odds.   

Panthers Quickly Sign Several Undrafted Free Agents

According to numerous Internet reports, particularly NFL.com and Charlotte.com, the Carolina Panthers wasted no time with signing several quality undrafted free agents.

Penn State’s Gerald Cadogan, at 6-foot-5, 309 pounds, who some analysts had projected to be a third or fourth-round pick, will backup left offensive tackle Jordan Gross. Cadogan’s 40-yard dash time of 5.12 seconds was tied for fourth best among offensive linemen at the NFL combine back in February 2009.

Louisville quarterback Hunter Cantwell was also signed.  He filled in for last season after Brian Brohm left for the pros with the Green Bay Packers. Cantwell passed for 2,493 yards, with 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He becomes the No. 4 quarterback behind Jake Delhomme, Josh McCown, and Matt Moore.

Another signee is Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto, a team captain for the Nittany Lions who had 66 tackles and a fumble recovery.

The Panthers, with veteran free agent Jason Kyle unsigned, snatched California LS Nick Sundberg, a former walk-on who spent four years working exclusively as California’s long snapper.

Carolina also landed Rutgers tight end Kevin Brock.  Brock started only six of 13 games last season, catching 26 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns.

LSU defensive tackle Marlon Favorite was another free agent signed by the Panthers.  He was a part-time starter last season, starting only seven of 13 games, and although he has not shown much as an inside pass rusher, he is much better against the run.

And add West Virginia linebacker Morrty Ivy to the roster. He started the past two seasons, playing WLB in 2007 and SLB in 2008. Ivy had 90 tackles, six pass deflections, and three interceptions last year.

Also signed was Illinois linebacker Brit Miller, reported to be a hard-nosed player had 132 tackles from the middle linebacker position.  As a team captain, he led the Big Ten in tackling.

Pittsburgh C/G C.J. Davis was another signee by Carolina.  He started the first seven games at left guard last season and then filled in at center when the regular starter was injured.

The seven other players signed by the Carolina Panthers are Wesley College KR/WR Larry Beavers, Louisiana-Lafayette WR Jaron Chery , Connecticut center Keith Gray, Morgan State DT Lonnie Harvey, Purdue LB Anthony Heygood, Michigan State DT Justin Kershaw, and Bishop College RB Jamall Lee.

 

 

Quote of the Day:
Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.
–Goethe

Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved.

Who the No. 1 NFL Draft Pick Should Draft for Their Girlfriend

Being the number one NFL draft pick comes with a lot of responsibility. Matt Stafford is not only the number one pick, but a QB no less. A position that carries even more responsibility and each decision he makes weighs heavily on his teammates, coaches and fans.

Matt is aware of his circumstances and I feel he is ready to meet almost all of the coming challenges. The one challenge that he may have over looked is who he should draft to be by his side during what will most likely be his roughest season. Who should be drafted as Matt Stafford’s new number 1 draft pick girlfriend!

All the big QB’s in the league have a headliner. Romo has Jessica, Brady has Gisele who will Stafford be paired with?

The most important position on a team is the QB’s GF, who will be drafted as Matt Stafford’s new main squeeze? Let’s take a look at the board.

Bolt Report Card: 2009 NFL Draft

There are few people who take to the mantra of “build from the draft” like Chargers GM AJ Smith does. San Diego’s biggest signing in the off-season was coming to terms with LaDainian Tomlinson in a restructuring deal over the next three years.

Only one player from outside the organization was added via free agency, former Cowboys LB Kevin Burnett. This made the Chargers draft all the more important, as it is quite clear that the team shouldn’t be expected to make any big moves in the outside market.

With eight picks going into the draft (but only two in the first 100 overall) the onus was on AJ Smith and Co. to make a big splash.

Here’s an overview of their selections:

Round 1, Pick 16 (overall): Larry English (DE/OLB), Northern Illinois —

Brought in to form a three-pronged attack with LBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, the 6’2″, 255 pounder shouldn’t be expected to play DE at the highest level unless he bulks up. 

San Diego severely lacked a prominent pass rushing attack when Shawne Merriman was out for 15 games last season. English is thus also meant to be an insurance policy should injuries attack any one of the Chargers starters at the outside linebacker position.

However, English is somewhat of a reach at 16 and comes off as a luxury, especially with San Diego’s more pressing need for an inside linebacker, a safety and offensive line help (with plenty of blue-chip prospects still available at the time of English’s selection).

Round 3, Pick 78: Louis Vazquez, (G) Texas Tech —

The Chargers went about replacing Mike Goff with Vazquez, a guy who is just as tall (6’5″) and heavier (333 lbs.) than Goff, and looks to be the front runner in the internal competition to replace him. A solid pass-blocker in college (Texas Tech ran a spread offense), Vazquez is—on paper, anyway—an upgrade over Goff, who despite his solidity, was getting on in years at the age of 33.

Round 4, Pick 113: Vaughn Martin, (DE/DT) Western University —

Could very well be the steal of the draft. A guy with Martin’s versatility, first and foremost, is very important to a team like San Diego who have run a 3-4 defense since the Wade Phillips days.

He will receive an extended audition to take over Igor Olshansky’s spot on the defensive line. Martin reportedly impressed various teams in a workout, but probably slipped to the 4th round due to the lower level of competition he faced in Canada.

Round 4, Pick 133:  Tyrone Green, (G/C) Auburn —

Green will be thrown into the mix to fill Goff’s spot at right guard and he provides insurance should All-Pro center Nick Hardwick become injured. Probably a backup at this point, his youth and size are his biggest assets.

He was drafted despite the team’s need for a tackle, as Jeromey Clary has been less than impressive.

Round 4, Pick 134: Gartrell Johnson, (RB) Colorado St. —

A hugely impressive prospect in high school, Johnson’s stock dropped considerably in college. He  didn’t do much to help it at the combine, as he ran a 4.81 in the 40-yard-dash, second-slowest among running backs.

This picks speaks volumes about the team, as they recognized the need for a RB, but didn’t want to pull the trigger on a deal that could’ve potentially landed them Chris Wells, Donald Brown or even LeSean McCoy. Johnson is intended to provide a bruising change-up and complement Sproles’ and Tomlinson’s speed.

Round 5, Pick 148: Brandon Hughes, (CB) Oregon St. —

Antonio Cromartie was less than stellar last season after playing with a hip injury, and 2008 first round pick Antoine Cason has yet to develop. Hughes plays into the Chargers insurance plan to help bolster a pass defense that gave up a lot of big plays in 2008.

Round 6,  Pick 189: Kevin Ellison, (S) USC —

A nice, safe pick in round 6 considering the Chargers needed a safety and Ellison was the best available player. However, with plenty of top-tier guys available as late as round 3, why did San Diego wait this long to draft a position they desperately needed?

Round 7, Pick 224: Demetrius Byrd, (WR) LSU —

Few things in life are certain, but you can usually bet on death, taxes, and AJ Smith picking a player from LSU in the draft. Despite the underwhelming performances of Buster Davis and Jacob Hester (both LSU picks) at the pro level, Smith goes to the Tiger well once more in selecting Byrd.

Conclusion:

Smith obviously disagreed with the consensus idea that San Diego needed an offensive tackle, as he passed on Michael Oher and didn’t employ any of his later picks to at least bolster the depth behind Jeromey Clary.

Jumping at the chance to draft English isn’t mind-boggling, but somewhat of a head scratcher considering the Chargers had more pressing needs. The rest of his picks range from solid to inspired, and most of the team’s sins stem from omission.

With a bevy of talented players expected to go in round one still available in round two and beyond, San Diego didn’t pull the trigger when it came to the opportunity of drafting someone like Rey Maualuga or LeSean McCoy.

The grade might seem harsh considering there have been many kind words regarding most of San Diego’s picks, but a team like this should be held to a higher standard considering the fact that they make no effort to get better through free agency.

The lack of aggressiveness shown by Chargers brass in the free agent waters should translate to heightened aggressiveness when it comes to the draft. It just didn’t show this year.

Final Grade: C

New Orleans Saints: Undrafted Rookie Signings

The Saints have made moves after the draft, signing eight undrafted players. Among the eight are: G Cedric Dockery, OLB Jonathan Castillas, OLB Danny Gorrer, C Alex Fletcher, WR Chris Vaughn, QB Pat Cowan, OT Augustus Parrish, and HB Herb Donadson.

It seems like the Saints wanted to use all of their picks to improve the defensive side of the ball by bringing in some competition. Of course, the Saints did attempt to move back into the first round for running back Chris Wells. But, the added competition from all of the Saints draft picks will make the the current Saints players play at a higher level, as slacking would give the newcomers an edge.

This article isn’t going to be about the defense though I just wanted to clear my thoughts on the draft which I feel was a good draft, but which could’ve been better as the Saints didn’t have many picks.

However, I will discuss the top undrafted free agents that we signed who have the potential to make some noise and challenge some of our veterans for starting positions, or simply offer some relief.

Herb Donadson (HB, Western Illinois): Donadson is 5’10” and weighs 222 pounds. He rushed for over 1,400 yards in three years and finished up his senior season with 1,700+ Yards and 21 rushing touchdowns—pretty impressive for a guy who wasn’t drafted.

Donadson really is a thumper back—do not let his size fool you. He has an amazing stiff arm and is definitely a inside presence. He could come into play on short yardage and at the goal line.

The problem with Donadson, though, is he isn’t effective in the passing game, lacks the speed to finish plays, and runs out of gas when he’s in the secondary. He also has a problem with fumbles.

Cedrick Dockery (OG, Texas): Dockery is 6’3″ and weighs 314 pounds. He is also related to Derrick Dockery, current offensive guard for the Washington Redskins. He is a good run-blocker and is very physical—something much of the Saints interior line is missing—but he is very inconsistent. He could be a solid reserve but if he can be more consistent he could fight his way into the starting line up.

Alex Fletcher (C, Stanford): Stanford is 6’2″ and weighs 297 pounds. He was ranked 12th amongst all the centers coming out of the draft and bench pressed 225 pounds 30 times—good enough for third at the combine, and more than center Alex Mack.

He is very good at run blocking, but struggles on the goal line to push his opponents back to make a hole. I honestly feel this kid could beat out Jonathan Goodwin for the starting center position.

Overall, the Saints have brought in talent at every position we need. I give this entire off-season of tryng to improve the team an A+ .

« 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