Black and Gold X’s and O’s| 2009 NFL Draft Day One Recap

Well, we all knew Matthew Stafford was going to go number one, although yours truly didn’t understand why.

And Jason Smith seemed like the logical choice for the Rams with the second pick. But from pick three and on, the suspense and drama rivaled any reality TV series.

Tyson Jackson is a good fit for Kansas City at the defensive end position. But was he really worth the third pick in the draft? I’m sure Kansas City wanted to trade down, but was probably unable to do so. When they realized a trade was not possible, they just decided to take the guy who was the best fit.

Aaron Curry, while being chosen fourth and by a team that runs the 4-3 defense as Seattle does, pretty much locked up a good if not better career, assuming he stays healthy. He is fast, strong, and can cover pretty much all tight ends and running backs. I think he has a chance to become a Hall of Fame-type player.

Then a huge splash came when the New York Jets gave up about half their draft in order to acquire the services of Southern California’s Mark Sanchez, who has that “it factor”.

He has the arm strength and football IQ which will allow him to be successful at the NFL level.

Cincinnati once again disregarded character and went with Alabama OL Andre Smith. Smith is one of the most talented players in the entire draft, but has had some much-publicized offseason ignorance, which caused many to believe he could fall out of the top-10.

Oakland provided the first round’s biggest shocker by selecting Darrius Heyward-Bey over better prospects, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe.

As I spent the day watching the draft with a Raiders fan, Chargers fan, and Broncos fan there was a lot of interest in the entire draft, but especially this pick. Our predictions were either Monroe or Crabtree.

The Raiders fan is a Youth Minister at a non-denominational church, and never curses. But when Heyward-Bey was announced as the seventh pick, he couldn’t help but let out a big giant F-Bomb.

I tried to explain that the former Terp was a middle of the first round guy who has a lot of potential. Nonetheless, the jokes persisted about Crabtree. 

The Raiders fan is considering leaving his team.

He even made jokes about Crabtree blossoming right in front of the Raiders’ eyes just across the bay.

But Oakland made an even more shocking pick in the second round, when they took Michael Mitchell, a safety from Ohio.

That’s not a typo. It would make some sense if it were a guy from Ohio State. But I’ve never heard of the guy.

And while I have a low opinion of Mel Kiper Jr., the guy had Mitchell as his 73rd best safety in the draft. And that’s not a typo either.

Al Davis showed the world today he is officially cenile.

Jacksonville made a good pick with Eugene Monroe, while Green Bay and San Francisco made the obvious picks with B.J. Raji from Boston College, who fits the 3-4 very well, and Michael Crabtree, the best player on the board.

Buffalo chose Aaron Maybin from Penn State, who I thought was headed to a team that ran a 3-4 as an outside linebacker.

Then came my friends’ Broncos. The pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia.

While I love Moreno, I think Denver had more pressing needs, like working on their defensive line.

Moreno’s addition leads me to believe that Josh McDaniels may not be going exclusively to a zone-blocking system, as Moreno is more of a slashing-type of runner.

Washington raced to the podium with their pick of Brian Orakpo, a defensive end from Texas. I had him as a second round pick, but his pass rushing ability makes sense for Washington.

Next up, our Saints. At 2:41 PM PT, New Orleans selected Malcolm Jenkins, the defensive back from Malcolm Jenkins. I let out a huge roar at the announcement. In fact, I was the only one able to do that, since the Saints were the only team of the four who made a logical pick.

Jenkins provides tremendous depth at both the corner and safety positions for the Saints, and will likely become a starter at safety when Darren Sharper retires, or his contract runs out.

I will talk a little more about the decision in the coming weeks, but let’s just say I would rate the pick initially as an A-. In reality, though, they really couldn’t have done much better. Jenkins was the best player available in most people’s eyes, and fit a need for the Saints, which made it a win-win.

When the Chargers picked at 16, Chris “Beanie” Wells appeared to be an option, as did Rey Maualuga. Instead, the Chargers selected OLB Larry English from Northern Illinois. The pick shocked me, if for no other reason than the fact the team already possesses two very good pass rushers.

I was reminded of one of my own beliefs by the Raiders fan, “you can never have enough good pass rushers”. I had to question if he was thinking rationally though, since he was clearly still pissed off about the seventh pick.

By the way, I can tell already this will forever be a running joke amongst the group in the room on Saturday April 25, 2009. “You could’ve had Crabtree yet you took Darrius Heyward-Bey.” HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Tampa Bay stupidly moved up two spots for Josh Freeman, despite recently signing Byron Leftwich.

Denver was up again at 18, and made a somewhat logical pick in Robert Ayers, a defensive end from Tennessee. The questions about him are whether he’s a one-year wonder, and whether he really can play outside linebacker. Perhaps they expect him to put on some more weight and play the five-technique in their 3-4 defense.

After the Denver pick, my interest went from team’s picks to seeing who would go when.

Some of the surprises:

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt- Hasn’t been drafted yet in either of the first two rounds, despite being my 10th best player in the entire draft.

Michael Mitchell, DB, Ohio- Seriously? Did Davis accidentally forget the name of some other safety? If the first pick was any indication, he actually picked who he meant.

I can’t wait to see who he pulls out of his hat tomorrow. Maybe they’ll take someone who played college basketball a season ago. Maybe they’ll take a chance on LeBron James. At this point, literally anything is possible.

Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa- I had him as a first rounder, and realistically believed he’d be a second rounder. He’s yet to be drafted.

Jarron Gilbert, DE/DT, San Jose State- I know less about him, but his talent is amazing. There must be a character issue, or people seriously question whether he can be consistent.

Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina- While I realize him making the first round was a little unlikely, I am surprised he didn’t get drafted in the second. I could see the Eagles making a play for him if he’s still available at 85. My guess, though, is they’ll have to trade up to get him, assuming they like him as much as I do.

There are others, but those were the main surprises.

The Saints need to find two good players in the fourth round tomorrow and one in the seventh, but so far so good.

Until tomorrow, GEAUX Saints!

You Know What? I Like DHB In Silver and Black…and Mike Mitchell!

At first when I heard Darrius Heyward-Bey’s name come out of Roger Goodell’s mouth, I began contemplating a death threat to mail in to Al Davis. I wrote a quick little snippet article questioning his tactics.

But when I heard the conference call with DHB and the Cable Guy soon after, I instantly fell in love with the guy (no homo).

I would rather have a guy who wants to be there, and wants to do everything in his ability to make this franchise a playoff contender, instead of a Michael Crabtree who doesn’t want to be a Real Raider, who has a diva attitude, who mutters “whew” when passed on.

I’m glad we passed on this second coming of a T.O., this new and improved cancer.

Michael Crabtree was passed on by the Cleveland Browns, isn’t it interesting that they drafted two WRs rather than taking this so-called “special player.”

I feel ashamed that I was a long time advocate of this Michael Crabtree. I say good riddance to the man who possibly could and would have destroyed an already dismal locker room morale!

And when you look at DHB intangibles, he has the physical tools of a Randy Moss in his prime.

– Height: 6-3

– Reported personal record 40 time at 4.23 (would tie Deion Sanders for the fastest 40 ever)

He needs to works on his route running, and consistency with his hands. But I truly really like this guy, and he’ll help J-Russ keep his job, D-Mac have his breakout year, and stretch the field for our other receivers.

Plus, I really like the pickup of the darkhorse in Mike Mitchell. He was taken so highly only because the Bears were planning to take him from the Raiders, the thought that the Raiders would follow popular belief, and would attempt to take him in later rounds.

They must not know Al Davis…

He got the guy who dreamed of playing with the dynasty that is the Oakland Raiders, before the Chicago Bears could steal him only two picks later. Notice how they traded down immediately after we acquired Mike “The Chain Pike” Mitchell.

The Raiders are in a rebuilding phase, and they are trying to fill the locker room with guys who want to be there. They are trying to change the mentality of this  organization. Even if it means taking guys who weren’t as lucky to be in a 100 percent passing spread offense.

Just like we don’t need head case free agents, we don’t need head case rookies…

My commitment to the Raiders had slightly faltered today, but know it is stronger than ever…

I Believe…Do you??

New York Giants, Jets Drafting Well Through Two Rounds

The Giants got Hakeem Nicks in the first round, and I think it’s a great choice. Decision. He’s a very good player, although his personality may have caused him to fall. Which means he’s the perfect replacement for Plaxico Burress.

In the second round, they got linebacker Clint Sintim from Virginia and William Beatty, a solid O-liner from Connecticut. They don’t NEED them per se, but they’re great values at their respective selections.

Meanwhile, the Jets made a big move and traded just about nothing to move down and take Mark Sanchez. In addition to swapping picks, they also sent this year’s second-rounder and three no-names to the Browns…home of former coach Eric Mangini. Interesting…kinda like that Matt Cassel trade, hm?

All’s well in Jersey thus far in the draft. Know where life sucks? Oakland. Is Al Davis high? Did he forget about Michael Crabtree, or was he enticed by the hyphen in Heyward-Bey?

Seahawks Second-Round Selection Grade (Oregon Center) Max Unger: B+

Earlier in the second round, the Seahawks traded their second-round selection to the Denver Broncos for their 2010 first-round pick.

 

Later in the draft they have moved back into the second round by trading their third and fourth round picks to the Chicago Bears for their second round pick 49th overall. With that pick they selected Max Unger, center from Oregon.

 

This pick can be seen as a need pick OR a value pick. Like for example IF the Seahawks selected Mark Sanchez that would have been a value pick because right now they don’t need a QB so he would sit behind Hasselbeck for backup value.

 

The way this pick could be seen as a need pick is if the Seahawks don’t believe that current starting center Chris Spencer is working out or if he is not fully healthy which are both key for the Seahawks this season.

 

The upside with Unger is that he can play any position on the offensive line but is the best at center.

 

The way this could be a value pick is if the Seahawks feel that Spencer is sort of working out but that they want to push him so they draft Unger to add talent on the entire OL because he can play at any position on the offensive line and to challenge Spencer for the starting center job.

 

Talent-wise, Unger is better than Spencer also because he is 100% healthy.

 

So I give this pick a B+ because Unger his first round talent but he fell down to the middle of round to. He can start if Spencer doesn’t work out. Either way Ruskell always does great finding talent in the later rounds and this is a great example.

Green Bay Packers Fill Two Big Needs on First Day of NFL Draft

No doubt most of the chatter around the Wisconsin area Saturday night will be of Packers general manager Ted Thompson’s aggressive move to trade back into the first round.

Maybe rightfully so, too—no one could have guessed he would pull off a trade like that.

The fact of the matter, however, is that everyone’s most hated GM successfully filled two of the Packers’ biggest needs with two players that will make immediate impacts in 2009 for Green Bay.

In selecting B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews Saturday, the Packers can cross off defensive tackle and outside linebacker as pressing needs looking forward to next season.

The Packers had an interesting decision to make when the ninth spot in the NFL draft came up—a decision that not many saw coming—as both Michael Crabtree and Raji were available.

As nice as it would have been to have Crabtree teaming with Donald Driver and Greg Jennings next year, Thompson made the right choice in selecting Raji. Many mock drafts had Raji going before Green Bay’s ninth selection, so Thompson had to have been excited to take a player of his caliber at that spot.

The tackle out of Boston College will drastically improve the Packers thin defensive line next season and will hopefully be an explosive member of Green Bay’s new 3-4 scheme.

Then Thompson rolled the dice and traded back into the first round, swapping the Packers’ second round (no. 41 overall) pick and two third rounders (73 and 83) for the New England Patriots’ first round (26) pick and an additional fifth (162).

The price was a bit steep for my liking, but the Packers got the opportunity to select a wonderful player in USC’s Matthews. He will be an upgrade at outside linebacker over what is on Green Bay’s roster, and in my mind, the immediate starter there.

Matthews could be a bit of an unknown to many around the Wisconsin area, but to those who have studied him, they know the value of the pick.

He has the pass rushing skills and versatility to be a very good football player right away, but it’s his consistent improvement he’s shown since he walked on at USC to his spectacular senior season that really has me excited.

In fact, many analysts had Matthews rated as the best of USC’s trio of talented linebackers, ahead of Brian Cushing (Houston Texans, 15th) and Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals, 38th).

Matthews and Raji were the only two picks for the Packers on the first day of the NFL Draft, but Green Bay improved themselves as much as any team did.

The Packers failed considerably on defense last season, so it was a near-must to spend at least one first-day pick on that side of the ball.

Green Bay must still address positional issues such as offensive tackle and defensive end, but there should be no complaints coming from the first two picks.

Thompson gets an A on both picks, and still has six second-day picks to address the rest of the Packers dwindling needs.

Hush, Thompson haters, hush.

NFL Draft Day 1 Winners and Losers

Like many expected, the Detroit Lions took Matthew Stafford as the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.

They’re paying Stafford a maximum of $78 million over six years, with $41.7 million being guaranteed to go in Stafford’s pocket.

This hefty deal seems to be a big risk for the Lions. If Stafford somehow ends up being a bust, then the Lions could continue to be one of the worst franchises in the league.

However, if Stafford becomes an elite quarterback, then this could be the pick that turns this franchise around.

Day 1 Winners

1. Lions (Matthew Stafford, Brandon Pettigrew)
2. Bengals (Andre Smith, Rey Maualuga)
3. Broncos (Knowshon Moreno, Robert Ayers, Aphonso Smith, Darcel McBath, Richard Quinn)

The Lions added obviously a very talented quarterback in Matthew Stafford and added a great target to help Stafford out in Brandon Pettigrew.

The biggest steal in the draft so far was the Bengals snatching up Rey Maualuga in the second-round. A great linebacker that could end up being the face of this franchise. You also can’t forget the great addition of Andre Smith on the offensive line.

The busiest team on draft day No. 1 was definitely the Denver Broncos. They had five picks and addressed all of their needs with some great picks.

Knowshon Moreno is a versatile running back that can do some many things for you on offense. They also had a value pick in the second round in Aphonso Smith from Wake Forest. Great first day of the draft for the Broncos.

Day 1 Losers

1. Cardinals (Chris “Beanie” Wells)
2. Dolphins (Vontae Davis, Pat White, Sean Smith)

I understand that Edgerrin James is way past his prime, but I just don’t think Beanie Wells is the right choice here. He’s got some health issues and he really doesn’t fit the Cardinals’ style of offense.

Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy would have been a better fit for them as he can also turn into a viable receiver for Kurt Warner.

Some may think the Dolphins had a decent draft day, but not me. Their first pick was Vontae Davis out of Illinois. This pick may turn out to be a good one, but Davis has had is moments where doesn’t play well at all.

I really don’t like taking Pat White. White was a great college quarterback thanks to the quirky offense of West Virginia, but I’m not so sure that’s going to translate to the NFL.

Pat White reminds me of a Vince Young, if that gives you any idea of why I see them as a Day 1 loser.

Philadelphia Eagles: How Do You Like Draft Day One?

There were no trades for No. 1 receivers, and they didn’t draft Knowshon Moreno or Brandon Pettigrew, but this has to be the flashiest Day One in Philadelphia Eagles draft history anyway.

When Jeremy Maclin was selected at 19, many fans were left scratching their heads.  Well, now that the team’s added Pitt running back LeSean McCoy, things look a lot more fun.

The Eagles generally use their first-day picks on offensive and defensive linemen, but this was not the case in 2009.

The club had already bolstered their offensive line by signing Stacy Andrews and trading for Jason Peters, and their defensive line was arguably the best unit on the team last year, so today was an opportunity to strengthen the skill positions.

Thank goodness they actually did it.

 

Maclin, while not a threat in the red zone and not the physical target most Eagles fans clamored for, is a true playmaker. He is electric with the ball in his hands after the catch, carrying it or returning it.

In two seasons at Missouri, he scored 22 receiving touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns, three kick return touchdowns, and two punt return touchdowns.

While he is similar to DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis, he gives Philly more insurance in the case of injuries to either of those two. Sure, Jackson managed to stay healthy all seasonlast year, but at 175 pounds, he can’t be counted on to play 16 games a season for his career.

 

The selection of LeSean McCoy with the 53rd pick sealed a grade of “A” for Day One. The Eagles now have a player that can share the rushing load with Brian Westbrook and allow the squad to not miss a beat should the stalwart RB go down.

McCoy is a very versatile back who had incredible production at Pitt. In 25 NCAA games, he averaged over 112 rushing yards per game and scored 35 touchdowns. He added 65 receptions for 549 yards and another touchdown.

While he doesn’t have blazing speed, but the same was said of Westbrook coming out of Villanova. Westbrook has a little more mass, but McCoy has very similar lateral quickness and deceptive toughness running inside.

 

Neither Maclin nor McCoy is a finished product, and both have work to do.

Maclin is coming from a spread offense in which he never had to run intermediate routes. He will need to refine his route running to contribute the way Jackson did a year ago.

McCoy needs to add some bulk to his 5’10”, 198-pound frame. He also has some work to do in pass protection, but Westbrook is one of the better backs in the league in pass protection, and he should be a big help to McCoy.

All that said, the Eagles made some exciting picks. They got two players that have a chance to contribute right away and should help make the offense more explosive and consistent.

If anyone is upset with anything the Eagles do on Day Two, they’re crazy. This was definitely the most exciting first two rounds of the Andy Reid era; give him some credit.

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli: The Guru Morphs Into the Enigma

For several weeks, we Kansas City Chiefs fans have been on the edge of our seats, bristling with anticipation over what kind of draft magic our new GM Scott Pioli will conjure for us. He’s got quite the reputation of being a draft-day wheeler-and-dealer, and has seemed to have a knack for getting the most out of his teams.

I thought it was a well-deserved and accurate reputation, but at the end of the first day, he’s made one pick and no trades (that we know of).

To say he’s left all of us nonplussed and still holding our breath would be a bit of an understatement. 

Before you fly off the handle and start throwing cow-pies at Arrowhead HQ, remember one of the things Pioli has said since he came to KC:

“Sometimes the best trade is the one you don’t make.”

I believe he’s been working the phones every bit as hard today as he ever has. Just because we didn’t see a trade go down doesn’t mean there were none to be had; it could be that nobody wanted the third overall pick, or it could be none of the offers were right for the Chiefs.

As we have no real idea what was on his mind going into the draft, it’s not possible to criticize him at this point. Plus, there is still Day Two, which I suspect will be a bit more entertaining for K.C. fans than today was.

In the end, though, I have to say I was surprised it was such a quiet day overall for us, but I trust our new GM to do what he thinks is in the best interest of the team. I admire his willingness to stick to his philosophy of building from the lines out getting Tyson Jackson with the third selection.

I didn’t think he’d take Jackson with that pick; I thought if he couldn’t trade down, he’d take one of the offensive tackles available there.

But I’m not going to slam him about it now. If Tyson doesn’t become the player KC needs at end in the 3-4 set, then I’ll drag out the invective and surly adjectives. For now, I’m giving Pioli’s actions a chance to bear fruit for Kansas City.

I hope the rest of you do the same.

Oakland Raiders Draft: Let’s Keep It Simple

In the world of business, there is a concept known as “K.I.S.S.” The letters stand for “Keep It Simple, Stupid.”

Let’s apply this mantra to the Oakland Raiders’ first-round draft selection this year.

When we search for the two worst aspects of the 2008 Raiders, we find a 32nd-ranked passing offense and a leading wide receiver with just 22 receptions (which put the Raiders last in the league in that category, as well).

The aerial attack needed attention this offseason, and everyone with a pulse knew it. So when pick seven fell to Oakland, WR was an obvious choice.

The question was, which wide receiver?  The top-rated Michael Crabtree? Special teams star Jerry Maclin?  April 20-friendly Percy Harvin?

Or the raw Darruis Heyward-Bey?

Despite all the deliberation, it ends up that the answer is simple. Let’s jujst “K.I.S.S.”:

·         DHB played in a pro offense, while Maclin and Crabtree did not. 

·         DHB can run a 4.3 40; Maclin and Crabtree can’t.

·         DHB is 6’2’’; Maclin and Crabtree are shorter.

·         DHB can jump; Macklin did not attempt to jump and Crabtree didn’t do jack at the combine.

·         DHB is a humble team player; Maclin and Crabtree are divas.

·         DHB has been compared to Randy Moss; Maclin seems more like JLH and Crabtree resembles Anquan Boldin

So, for all you Raider Haters:

K.I.S.S. this!

Introducing the NFL’s Best Linebacker Trio

I would like to introduce the newest addition to the best linebacking trio in the entirety of the league:

Here comes former Wake Forest star Aaron Curry, added today to the Seahawks’ trifecta of young stud linebackers.

You could see the enthusiasm on his face as he was selected. The raw emotion of the tears streaming out of his eyes was a display not shown by any of the other top ten picks.

Curry could not ever be thankful enough to be landing in his current situation, the tears were not for nothing.

He is now paired with two of the league’s bright rising defensive stars: Leroy Hill and three-time Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu. The trinity has now been completed.

Curry was a No. 1 pick, Tatupu No. 2, and Hill No. 3; coincidence, or providence?

Instead of being a savior in a Kansas City, Cleveland, or even a Cincinnati, Curry will serve to complete the Seattle’s linebacking puzzle.

The Julian Peterson trade now looks brilliant, as they got 10 years younger at one ‘backer spot and picked the draft’s top-rated player for another. To boot, the ‘Hawks added a new starting DE in Cory Redding, sufficiently filling the void that was Lawrence Jackson and those two sacks last season.

As long as Curry does not bust as big as Rick Mirer did, this will be the first time in recent memory I’ve thrown my support towards Tim Ruskell and his offseason moves.

He filled the WR problem with the top available free agent at the position, T.J. Houshyourmama

He got bigger on the DL with Colin Cole, who gives the Seahawks a 3-4 NT-type to play alongside rising star DT Brandon Mebane

He retained T Ray Willis, who could have been a starter elsewhere.

Plus, he did not draft Mark Sanchez, that should speak for itself.

Yes, the trade for Redding was a bit questionable, as he let go a guy who “simply” went to the Pro Bowl three times in his three years as a Seahawk.

But the payoff came today when Seattle got a guy who could be Julian Peterson for the next 15 years if he plays to his potential.

Ruskell also has paired Kerney with a reliable DE, so look for the Seahawks to be huge on QB pressure to help out that secondary.

Tim also got a future first-round pick for a No. 37 pick today, and although some of the avaiable prospects were tempting, nothing as good as a potential top-10 or 15 pick. Let’s hope the Denver defense can repeat last season’s performance, or lack thereof (cross your fingers).

We could be looking at Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, or Tim Tebow, wearing the Seahawks green and blue, certainly more appealing then a Dirty Sanchez.

All are in the Seahawks’ grasp now, as they have two first-round picks as ammunition to move up. And all they had to sacrifice was a second-rounder this year

Brilliant draft, and a brilliant day for the Most Depressed Sports City in the Nation.

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