Willie Tuitama: Why Coach Josh McDaniels Needs to Give This Kid a Shot

Willie Tuitama against Kyle Orton, what’s going in Tuitama’s favor?  

Tuitama, a senior out of the University of Arizona, has never taken an NFL snap. However, Tuitama, who is five years younger than Orton, has the potential to be a decent starter in the NFL, and great value for being an unsigned, undrafted free agent.

Tuitama stayed all four years at Arizona, and passed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. The Stockton, California native has thrown for 51 touchdowns in his last two years, compared to just 20 interceptions. He also threw for over 3000 yards in the PAC-10 twice, Tuitama seems to have a great arm and great pocket poise.

Tuitama, who was fifth in passing efficiency while trailing after halftime with a 132.5 rating, Tuitama trailed only Graham Harrell, Chase Daniels, Andre Woodson, and some guy named Matthew Stafford. He remains calm under pressure, and performs in the clutch better than he does when he has a lead.

While being a starter in his freshman year at Arizona, Tuitama posted a passer efficiency rating of 137. 

In Arizona’s first game this season against Idaho, Tuitama was 17 for 21, 179 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Against the USC Trojan tough defense however, Tuitama was just 14 for 30, 88 yards, and an interception. Inconsistent at times, but he showed what he’s capable of doing against the Vandals.

Tuitama, who has a nice frame at six-foot-three, and weighing about 220 pounds, has great inside accuracy. He isn’t the fastest quarterback available (4.78 40 yard dash time), and can sometimes be inaccurate and have mistimed throws.

Even though the Broncos drafted Tom Brandstater out of Fresno State, I believe the Broncos should at least give Tuitama a spot on the roster, since thus far they haven’t even signed an undrafted free agent at the quarterback position yet.

Overall, throwing for 9,216 yards and 67 touchdowns for his career at Arizona isn’t bad, and I really think the Broncos should take a chance on him. Though he may take some time to work out his flaws in his mechanics, I would much rather give him a chance than have Orton the outright starter, with no decent backup behind him when he throws 20 interceptions by December.

San Francisco 49ers: The Draft Experts Are Wrong!

Based upon the “consensus” view from the so-called draft experts, the San Francisco 49ers continued their losing ways by executing poorly in this year’s draft.

USA Today gave them a “D+” while grading guru Pete Prisco doled out a similarly lackluster “C-” for the weekend.

Was I watching the same draft as these guys?

By the time I turned off my television on Saturday evening, my thoughts immediately turned to Coors Light and champagne, and a night of celebratory dancing was on my near term horizon. After all, we 49ers fans have almost forgotten what it means to have a hugely successful afternoon.

Saturday, April 25th was a hugely successful afternoon.

Let me begin my defense of this statement by first offering a word of caution. I think that the “professional” Draft Gurus are usually full of hot air. They focus way too much on their assessment of the late rounds.

Why?

Because they like to show off how much they know.

By taking a strong stance on their opinion of the eighth highest-rated wide receiver, and congratulating (or jeering) whichever team selects that player in the fifth round, the “professional” analysts can make themselves feel important and knowledgeable.

And while I’ll be the first to agree that late-round miracles like Tom Brady do happen occasionally, the vast majority of top-tier talent comes in the first two rounds.

In fact, five of this season’s six top passers were taken in the top 32, and the league’s brightest young talent—Jay Cutler, Matt Ryan, and Joe Flacco—were also first rounders.

So, while I’ll be the first to agree that the 49ers didn’t set themselves apart with Sunday’s selections—with the possible exception of Scott McKillop—a real Draft “guru” should be smart enough to say “who cares?”

The Niners hit the nail on the head in the first two rounds, and I’ll gladly base 90 percent of my score on those rounds.

My grade? A+.

As a loyal 49er fan, I was shocked when they took Crabtree at No. 10. It was the first time in several years that I have seen them do the sensible thing when given an obvious decision.

How did this man fall so far? It was almost the thing of dreams. It required a little bit of craziness—courtesy of Al Davis—as well as some convenient differences in strategic needs.

One must be truly thankful that Green Bay had already wrapped their minds around B.J. Raji, as the temptation must have been significant.

His free fall was also a result of group-think. A reasonably minor foot injury? That spooked a few suitors.

Unsubstantiated rumblings about a supposed “attitude problem?” His own coach from Texas Tech vehemently denies such a thing.

The last time the “draft experts” used that logic on a receiver was for Randy Moss, who fell to the late first round as a result of supposed “behavioral problems.” Guess how that played out.

The short of it is that nine NFL teams convinced themselves out of taking Crabtree, and now the 49ers have themselves arguably the most talented, and certainly the most explosive player in the draft.

Oh, and they are going to pay him substantially less than $72 million.

What about the second round?

Like most 49ers fans, my heart was racing in the picks leading up to No. 43, in hopes that Everette Brown would remain available.

He was the best available player, and ostensibly fit our needs at DE. When the decision was made to trade the pick, I was a bit surprised, but this is a situation where I do trust that the organization listened to Singletary, a man who would have had every incentive to make that pick were he confident in the Florida State prospect’s talent.

And the trade itself was a steal.

Historically, a second and thirrd rounder usually equates to a first rounder, all else being equal. San Francisco only gave up a second and fourth.

What’s more, a pick in 2010 will be far more valuable than a pick in the reasonably weak class of 2009.

The Panthers have to be awfully cocky to assume that they will be playoff-worthy next year. Having seen them play quite a few games last year, I am not nearly as confident as their front office. I expect this to be a top 20 pick next April.

I fully understand that some critics will talk about urgency—and yes, the team needs to fill a lot of holes right now. But the strategic value of having two first rounders in what will be a very deep 2010 draft is simply too powerful to ignore.

I’m even slightly optimistic that one of the picks can be leveraged in acquiring a real QB (possibly a certain under-appreciated youngster from Cleveland).

Any way you look at it, the so-called experts are wrong about the 49ers. They had the best first round bargain of any team, and made a sensible move to gain footing in next year’s vastly superior draft.

And that earns them a “D+”

Give me a break.

This was a weekend worth celebrating.

It’s Not In the Game: Fixing the New York Jets’ Uniforms in Madden 2010

Every August, 60 of my hard-earned dollars find their way into a Gamestop register for a game I will play religiously over the next 12 months.

The release of the newest Madden game has become an unofficial holiday among gamers; it’s a day nearly as significant as the Super Bowl. Fans of the franchise pre-order months in advance, congregate outside stores for midnight releases, and make their first day with the game a 24-hour affair.

I don’t go to such extremes, but I do love the series. In fact, I love it so much that I’ve maintained my silence—until now—regarding minor details that absolutely murder my soul.

I will explain what it is that’s devastating me most, but I’d like to test your sight first. Do you see what I see?

Rendered above is the New York Jets’ shiny new franchise QB in all of his virtual glory.

If you assumed that I’m most upset with his overall rating, I’m afraid that you’re mistaken.

My issue is with what Mark Sanchez is wearing. The uniform is outdated.

A few years ago, the Jets made some modifications to their uniforms. They adopted a darker shade of green, and the sleeves took on a slightly different look. Instead of being one solid color all the way around, the underarm portion of the sleeve became consistent with the dominant color of the uniform.

This is especially important to me because these subtle changes meant the difference between $120 for a customized authentic jersey I purchased from the NFL Shop. The older versions were being sold out a discounted price, but being the shallow and materialistic man I am, I paid over $100 for a modification most people do not recognize.

I understand that this slight change that I speak of may be unclear to some. Therefore, I’ve provided images of Brett Favre during the 2008 season—wearing the Jets’ most recent uniform—to illustrate my point.

 

For emphasis, this next picture is of former QB Chad Pennington—prior to the modification—wearing the jersey that the Madden franchise still models their rendition by:

As you can see, it is a very minute detail. The alterations are so subtle that I understand how they could be overlooked.

But I can’t allow my Jets to be neglected by the developers any longer.

Every time I boot up one of my Madden games and hear EA Sports’, “It’s in the game!” trademark, I’m aggravated with the details that aren’t.

EA Sports has taken plenty of knocks for being lazy since they acquired the official NFL license, so I won’t contribute to that bashing. I actually appreciate the annual modifications and improvements to gameplay.

I want to continue feeling that way, but as long as they continue to use an outdated uniform model for my New York Jets, I’ll struggle internally with my commitment to the gaming empire.

For those of you who feel inclined, I have addressed this concern on EA’s official message board.

I encourage any readers who have ever played this game to show Electronic Arts that there are enough Jets fans who care about NFL teams being properly represented.

The annual objective focuses upon authenticity. Making this adjustment would be a strong step towards solidifying that stance, and showing their commitment to the fans.

 

Angel Navedo is a contributing writer to TheJetsBlog.com and the Examiner for the New York Jets. He can be reached here, or you can follow him on Twitter.

Detroit Lions: 2009 Draft Reaction and Analysis

The draft started as expected, with the selection of Matthew Stafford. After that, it was quite unexpected for most fans.

The selection of Brandon Pettigrew at the No. 20 spot received mixed reviews. On one hand, he is the best tight end in the draft and is a solid support for a rookie quarterback. On the other hand, most feel there are bigger needs.

I liked the selection and had mentioned to many people I thought he might be the pick. If you have the chance to grab someone who is the best player at their position and who will make your team better than it’s a good pick. Pettigrew will help the run game with his solid blocking and will be a big target in the pass game that creates match up problems and keeps the opposing defense honest.

The No. 33 pick of Louis Delmas was arguably the biggest surprise. He, much like Pettigrew, is the best player at his position. Safety is certainly a need, but with the two best inside linebacker prospects available, I thought they would go with Rey Maualuga or James Laurinaitis.

I view the selection and it’s impact on the team this way: The Lions actually have talent and depth in the secondary. It’s been quite some time since that was the case. Delmas is an instinctual player that makes plays and is consistent.

He should provide an immediate impact. We may see a coverage sack this year. (If it’s been too long for you to remember what that is, that is when the secondary covers the receivers long enough for the defensive line to get a sack, even when the pass rush is slow.)

The Lions opened day two with a trade to the Jets; they gave up the No. 65 for the No. 76, and picks in round four and seven.

With the consistent depth of the draft, a trade down made good sense. I again expected to see defensive players come off the board, but was scratching my head when they selected DeAndre Levy, the outside linebacker from Wisconsin.

Levy is an interesting prospect. He has moderate size and has been productive in his college career. He would seem to be a late-round prospect but, much like Mike Mitchell, was drawing interest from numerous teams and was highly regarded in the middle rounds by all accounts.

Levy is a “wait and see” prospect. I see him adding some bulk in the offseason and competing for the middle linebacker spot, likely being the starter this year.

Coach Jim Schwartz was quoted as saying, “… Beanie Wells is such a downhill running back, and Levy knocked him back a couple times, and (that) caught our eye again.”

Levy was high on the Lions’ boards, but when evaluating running back Chris “Beanie” Wells, they decided he needed another good look. More film study and watching him at workouts made him the favorite to man the middle.

Although another defensive pick was expected, the Lions looked at a situational starter with Derrick Williams at the No. 82 spot. Williams is a quick guy that is expected to be a slot receiver and a possible kick return man. He is a playmaker that should contribute early in his NFL career.

Typically, wide receivers do not break out until a year or two later, so I expect good things from him in 2010. It is another pick that supports the new rookie quarterback.

With an acquired pick in the fourth round, the Lions drafted a potential anchor for the defensive line. Sammie Lee Hill, a defensive tackle from Stillman, is one of my sleeper prospects. He is a beast with lots of upside. He played at a small school, but appears to have the tools to get the job done at a much higher level. Coaching will be key with Hill, but his impact could be felt very soon.

I expect Hill to rotate in for most of the year with Grady Jackson. He is on the quick side for his size, and I expect to see him on passing downs and next to Jackson on obvious short yard situations. He adds both youth and size to the defensive line and was a solid pick.

In the sixth round, the Lions again grabbed an offensive playmaker in Aaron Brown. Brown is a running back and return specialist out of TCU. He averaged over 30 yards per kick return and is capable of catching the ball out of the backfield. He possesses good speed and was productive.

Brown will likely be the main kick returner this upcoming season. If his speed and talent translate well to the NFL, then the Lions will be in much better shape. As important as field position can be it is nice to see the need addressed. Brown has a niche and will need to produce. I think he can be a decent return option, and he could develop into a third-down back.

The Lions, largely due to trades, had three picks in the final round. They picked up Zack Follett, Lydon Murtha, and Dan Gronkowski.

Follett is another linebacker prospect that is very versatile. He has experience at every linebacker position and was rated very highly. He was a great late-round selection. He brings quality depth and could develop if allowed to focus on just one position.

Murtha is a big strong and athletic tackle. He was projected to go in the middle rounds by most draft experts and was a pleasant surprise in the seventh round. Murtha could step in and contribute early. He has the physical tools and was a solid guy for Nebraska. He is a steal this late in the draft.

I think Murtha will be around to stay. He may not take over the starting position, but I think he will provide long-term depth on the offensive line and could develop into a good guard.

Dan Gronkowski was more of a luxury pick. He was the highest-rated player remaining in the Lions’ eyes, and they took him because of it. He has some talent and ability. He may be used sparingly for two tight end sets and should see some action in special jumbo sets.

Gronkowski is a solid blocker and a decent pass catching option. I can see him making the team, but mostly for special teams. With some development, he could develop into a nice addition at the tight end spot.

 

Overall, I thought the draft was decent. It felt stronger and more competent than in years past. Other than Stafford, the picks felt honest and were not flashy. I sensed they knew what they wanted and knew whom to pick.

I would give them a B, overall. I am not sold on Levy and Delmas just yet. It is hard to say whether a trade down was an option, but a trade at No. 33 could have been a wise move. They must feel Delmas was someone they had to have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Five Most Intriguing Players in the 2009 NFL Draft

Yes, we all know by now that Matthew Stafford was the number 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. However, as a fan of the game, is he one of the more interesting picks from this year’s draft? Not by a long shot. For better of for worse, several players will be entering the NFL whom posess abilities that we haven’t really seen much of in the NFL before. With that said, here are 5 such players whom NFL fans should take notice of in 2009:

Dallas Draft: A Quick Rundown of the Cowboys Picks

After the Dallas Cowboys rid themselves of their first round pick last season for receiver Roy Williams, Jerry Jones entered into the draft weekend with low expectations. Those expectations, it seemed, got lower by the hour.

With a chance to fill a solid need with the 51st pick overall in the second round with Sean Smith, the safety out of Utah, the Cowboys decided instead to hand that pick over to Buffalo in exchange for three more picks in day two.

Day one of the draft came and went with the Cowboys making no additions to their roster, but the twelve picks that were hoarded would prove to make day two a busy one. Here’s a quick rundown of those twelve.

New England Patriots: A Draft In Review

Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon – With the 34th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Patrick Chung. A big, strong safety with experience at SS, FS, and CB, Chung could be making an impact with the Patriots by week one. A big hitter, Chung racked up 90 tackles last season, two sacks, forced a fumble, and returned an interception for a TD while helping to lead the Oregon Ducks to a win over Oklahoma State in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, where he had 10 tackles. On a safety-thin roster playing in the secondary with Brandon Meriweather, the Patriots went with need and most talented at the position here by picking up Chung. With Rodney Harrison possibly out of the mix, Pats fans could see Patrick Chung and Brandon Meriweather roaming the field this season for the Patriots.
Grade: B

Ron Brace, DT, Boston College – Are the Patriots switching to a 4-3?, Are they comfortable playing a 3-4 with the team’s current corps of LB?, All these questions came to front when the Patriot selected Boston College defensive tackle, Ron Brace, with the 40th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Playing alongside B.J. Raji, Brace’s numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, but at NT, he’s a true space-filler with an excellent initial push. He’ll have the luxury of playing beside Vince Wilfork, similar to his situation at Boston College, where he was never expected to be the best tackle on his line. Brace excels at stuffing the run and bumping backs out of the gap. I love the talent, but I’m not thrilled about going with a DT so early.
Grade: C-

Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut – Here’s a pick that was probably expected by just about every Patriots fan on the planet. Between attending his pro day, to the interviews and pro workouts, it seemed like a given that Darius Butler would be taking the two hour ride from Connecticut to come play in Foxboro. Having seen Butler, I’ve always been impressed with his coverage ability, but on a man-on-man assignment, he still leaves much to be desired. At one point, Butler was a two-way player, playing wide out as well as defensive back, so he can make things happen with his hands, although his numbers at DB in college wouldn’t show that. With Ellis Hobbs traded to the Eagles, Butler could find himself playing quite a bit this season behind Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs.
Grade: B-

Sebastian Vollmer, OT, Houston – A huge OT at 6’7’’, 312 pounds, this pick has me a bit baffled, but this would begin an infusion of youth along the Patriots’ offensive line. With very little football experience and coming off of back surgery, Vollmer is a project with tremendous upside. I’ve seen him ranked as highly as the seventh to ninth best offensive tackle and within the top 100 talent in this year’s draft. But then I’ve also seen him ranked out of the top 10 OT’s and barely cracking the 150 overall talent. So the verdict is still out on Vollmer. But with 90 percent of the Patriots’ O-Line on the final year of their contracts, the Pats rolled the dice on Vollmer and went with need, maybe even more so than overall value.
Grade: C+

Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina – With the 83rd overall pick, the Patriots went with the second UNC receiver, Brandon Tate. Before Tate tore up his knee, he was projecting as high as the first round and a look at some tape will show you why. He possesses excellent hands, a great first cut, and is a major asset on special teams. However, Tate does come with some red flags. He’ll be entering the league in the NFL’s substance abuse policy, he’s coming off a major injury right now, and his route-running capability has come under fire as of late. Still, at this position, to get a talent like Tate, even if it isn’t so much a need, it warrants a high grade.
Grade: B+

Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Florida – At 97th overall, McKenzie is my favorite selection this year; just watching his tape and watching him play last season, he seems like a prototypical Patriot. Not the most gifted athlete by any means, but a non-stop motor, pure effort guy who will give you 100 percent on every play. McKenzie finished up last season with 116 tackles and over 350 total tackles in his time as a Bull. Looks like a natural born leader on the field, and could play right away as a SAM linebacker with the Pats. Great value at 97th overall as a LB who was not only ranked within the top 100 overall talent, but can contribute immediately.
Grade: A-

Rich Ohrnberger, OG, Penn State – And the infusion of youth along the O-Line continues, this time with former Nittany Lion, Rich Ohrnberger. I don’t know much about Ohrnberger other than the fact that his size seems to be his biggest knock. Jamon Meredith was still on the board, who projects to be able to play both OT or shift over and play OG, and after watching some tape on Ohrnberger, well, I’m not impressed. I understand trying to restock the offensive line, but I just don’t see the value here.
Grade: D+

George Bussey, OT, Louisville – Another OG who has concerns over his size and strength…great! Here’s another spot where Jamon Meredith was available and we pass to go with the 6’3, 301 pound George Bussey out of Louisville. This pick would officially finish off the Patriots’ attempt at retooling the offensive line and thank god, because this pick, along with Ohrnberger, left me scratching my head. However, to Bussey’s credit, after watching some film, I was more impressed with him than I was Ohrnberger. He played on a line that was a bit spread and he seemed to be able to close the gaps fairly well. On the strong side, he looked like a major liability and his footwork didn’t impress, but he looked a fair share better then Ohrenberger did on tape.
Grade: C-

Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky – Pryor has shown the ability to move from NT to the outside, and after watching the tape on him, I was pleasantly surprised with Myron Pryor. He has a great push on the front line and showed the ability to open up gaps for his LB to get through on the rush. He’ll struggle against most NFL centers, simply due to his size and lack of upper body strength. But again, a spot where I felt there was overall better talent to be had here, and I didn’t quite understand the decision to go DT here, which brings down my overall grade for the selection.
Grade: C+

Julian Edelman, WR/QB/HB, Kent State – Patriots couldn’t get Pat White, so they wait for Julian Edelman to fall to 232nd overall. Out of the late round selections (207-234), I like Edelamn’s chances to make the team more than anyone else selected within those picks. A spread option QB in college, Edelman’s value ultimately lies as a WR or special teams player at the NFL level. Edelman ran a reported 4.48 second 40-meter at pro day and has recorded a 4.41, so the vertical speed is there. He may ultimately pan out as a strict special teams player or, at best, a fourth option in a four-receiver set, but there is some good value in this selection this late in the draft.
Grade: B-

Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech – And Mr. Irrelevant for the Patriots is (drum roll please)…Darryl Richard out of Georgia Tech! Now at this point in the draft, I began throwing half-eaten pizza crust and empty soda cans at my television, cursing the Patriots organization for passing on Rashad Jennings. A third DT for the Patriots, although each differs a bit in skill set; I just don’t get it. It just brings us back to the question, will the Patriots be playing a 4-3 defense in 2009?
Grade: F

Overall Grade: B-

I’m tempted to give the Patriots a bit lower grade here, but I have to take into account the $2.2 million that comes off the books with the Ellis Hobbs deal.  I also had to consider the fact that we were able to parlay two third round picks and two fifth round picks in this year’s draft into an extra seventh rounder, two 2010 second rounders, and two 2010 fifth rounders. I think we are looking at 5-6 sure-fire players out of this draft that will make the team in Chung, Brace, Tate, Butler, McKenzie, and Vollmer. And knowing the Patriots, don’t be shocked to see Julian Edelman make the team’s roster.

 

Join in on the discussion at New England Sports 24/7

Donovan McNabb Under Pressure: No. 5’s Time to Shine

McNabb spoke, and apparently the Philadelphia Eagles’ front office listened. Between the actions taken by the organization earlier in the offseason and during this past weekend’s draft, Donovan’s call for more weapons has been answered.

The only matter of importance that remains is the quarterback’s performance on the field in 2009.

Left tackle Tra Thomas has departed the team, leaving a hole in the protection of McNabb’s blind side. The Eagles countered with the acquisition of Jason Peters from Buffalo.

And with the Andrews brothers anchoring the right side of the offensive line, this unit appears to be one of the best in the league today. You can go ahead and scratch “adequate protection” off of the wish list.

 

Prior to the draft, the consensus first round selection was Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, but on Saturday he was off the board sooner than expected.

Surely a patented Andy Reid draft day disappointment was in the offing.

Wrong.

 

Thank the Oakland Raiders for shaking things up with their selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree. It appears that the senility of Al Davis has worked in Eagles fans’ favor.

The Raiders’ unexpected selection allowed Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin to fall down the board. Surely the Eagles, the team that avoids first-round wide receivers like the plague, would pass on such a talent like Maclin.

Wrong again; that’s oh-for-two.

 

But soon came the challenge of drafting a suitable complement to the soon-to-be 30-year-old Brian Westbrook.

Donald Brown and Chris “Beanie” Wells were off of the board before the first round came to a close, and we all thought the Eagles couldn’t make it happen in the second round.  Surely Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy would be snatched in the first twenty picks of Round Two.

Wrong yet again; that’s three in a row!

 

This Eagles organization has entered a new age; they are finally getting younger.

At the end of 2008, McNabb gave the front office an ultimatum: Give me weapons or get me out. His wish has now been granted, so the pressure is on him to perform and live up to the Lombardi trophy expectations.

If not, this fresh era will continue under the younger Kevin Kolb’s leadership. 

As coach Andy Reid so famously puts it at every press conference:

Donovan, time’s yours.

Philadelphia Eagles Upgrade WR Corps: Watch Out For This Group of Playmakers

There’s been a lot of talk from Eagles fans campaigning for the team to sign an elite wide receiver to bolster what was one of the weaker aspects of the offense last season.

 

Like every year.

 

Anquan Boldin seemed to be the popular favorite for this team.

 

Last year, Boldin caught 11 touchdowns and totaled over 1,000 yards in just 12 games, while helping the Arizona Cardinals to the first Super Bowl in franchise history. He is a big physical receiver who can go across the middle to make a catch. Boldin is also an above-average blocker who would bring that extra element to the Eagles.

 

Rumors swirled about potential trades for Anquan Boldin.

 

We heard of a possible Sheldon Brown for Anquan Boldin trade or scenarios such as a first round pick and Reggie Brown straight up for Anquan Boldin.

 

No moves were made, and at this point, it appears as if Boldin will be staying with Kurt Warner in Arizona next season.

 

Other possible candidates included veterans like Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzedah, Marvin Harrison, or Braylon Edwards, or perhaps an addition through a draft that featured many top wide receiver prospects.

 

We’ve all seen what Donovan McNabb can do with a top-notch playmaker to throw the ball to, ala Terrell Owens in 2004. With T.O. drawing double teams, it allowed more opportunities for the team’s other receivers and backs to get open and create plays.

 

In fact, the only full season in which the Eagles have ever had a legit No. 1, the team reached the Super Bowl.

 

So while the team didn’t pick up Boldin, the receiving corps sure weren’t ignored.

 

The Eagles made a huge splash in the draft, trading up to select Missouri wide receiver Jeremy Maclin with the 19th overall pick.

 

It’s about time.

 

Maclin was a stud receiver and returner in college. He was an All-American in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Last season, he caught 80 passes for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also led all of college football in average all-purpose yards per game.

 

And that was just as a sophomore. Maclin declared for the draft early, forgoing his final two years of eligibility in college football.

 

I am curious to see where the Eagles will list Maclin on their depth chart next season. Maclin played in the slot for most of the Tigers’ season. Essentially, the Eagles have three receivers best suited for the slot.

 

I think the most likely scenario for 2009 is Kevin Curtis as the team’s No. 1 and Jackson as the No. 2. Maclin will be the third receiver, but he should be expected to get some significant playing time.

 

This will leave Jason Avant and Hank Baskett as the fourth and fifth receivers for this team, two players who could easily be a No. 3 for many teams.

 

All of a sudden, the Eagles boast one of the finest receiving corps in the league.

 

No team has speed like the Eagles.

 

Jackson runs a 4.29 in the 40 yard dash and Maclin’s personal best is 4.31, which would place both of them in the select few fastest receivers in the league. Curtis is a speedy receiver probably best suited for the slot.

 

Has any team in history ever had a group of receivers as fast as these guys? Ever?

I can’t think of any.

 

I envision a future for this team with Maclin and Jackson as the No. 1 and 2 receivers, with Curtis as one of the game’s top slot receivers.

 

Avant is a possession receiver with a knack for making clutch catches on third down and Baskett is a big-play machine, with three touchdowns in his career of 87-plus yards.

 

McNabb should do wonders with this group next year.

 

Maclin and Jackson will benefit from one another on the field. Jackson is the veteran of the two, with a year of experience on him.

 

The Eagles are set for years with these two playmakers and I can’t wait to see what McNabb can do now.

The Top 11 Things Mel Kiper Can Do Now That the NFL Draft Is Complete

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