A Look Back at the Redskins’ 2009 Draft

Yeah, the Redskins took Brian Orakpo with their first pick in the 2009 draft. But who else did they snag? More importantly, who are Kevin Barnes, Cody Glenn, Robert Henson, Eddie Williams and Marko Mitchell? And what roles will they play heading into the 2009 season, if any?

Let’s take a closer look at the 2009 Washington Redskins draft class.

Mike Brown Testimony

Recently the Cincinnati Enquirer published an article concerning the released testimony of Bengals President Mike Brown.

This testimony was during a lawsuit filed by the children of Dutch Knowlton. The Knowlton family believed there was a conflict of interest between Mike Brown and their father’s estate being represented by the same law firm.

I spent an entire night (like a complete loser) reading the transcript. The notes of a guy with absolutely no legal background follow.

• Mike Brown doesn’t know, or believe it’s necessary to know what positions his family members hold in the Bengals front office and does not recall how many bonuses those family members received over the years.
• Mike Brown cannot recall the specific job history of two of the family members he employs to engage in contract negotiations with players.
• Mike Brown admitted there’s no one representing the second largest shareholder of the Bengals on the board of directors.
• Mike Brown admits the same law firm that formerly employed Katie and Troy Blackburn is also represents the Brown family shares of the Bengals. It also was the law firm that represented the estate of the late Dutch Knowlton, the second largest shareholder of the Bengals.
• When the lawyers representing the Knowlton family tried to ask Mike Brown about the dealings of a particular board meeting in 1997, the defense objected and immediately sighted the suspicion of a naming rights debate.
• During a bench conference the judge, not wanting to delve into a previously addressed legal matter, chose to block the points of the unestablished argument of the 1997 board meeting.
• The question was eventually vague enough to address only former disagreements between Mike Brown and Dutch Knowlton, Mike Brown could remember having disagreements with Dutch Knowlton but they could not be recalled specifically.
• Mike Brown repeatedly says he does not recall numerous letters from Dutch Knowlton that objected his actions concerning the Bengals management during the 1990’s.
• Mike Brown did not object to the same firm representing his share of the Bengals also representing the shares of Dutch Knowlton. (Surprise!)
• During the examination by Mike Brown’s attorney, he could easily recall the exchanges between Dutch Knowlton’s representation in earlier years. Whereas during examination of the Knowlton family’s representation, Brown repeatedly couldn’t remember disputes with Knowlton or presented letters with Knowlton.

I believe that Mike Brown has spent most of his time surrounding himself with outstanding attorneys rather than investing that time and money into football talent evaluators or qualified front office staff. In other words, he has built a legal shield to protect himself from any actions that would affect his income and the way he chooses to (cheaply) run the franchise.

I can’t decide how I feel about the Knowlton children. They were estranged from their father and were excluded from his will. It’s possible they were looking to get a cut of his estate instead of purely suing for the sake of their father’s foundation, which is where most of Knowlton’s fortune is invested.

The fact still remains that before Dutch Knowlton’s death, he sold 60 shares of his Bengals stock to Mike Brown for far below the market value. This is odd because Dutch Knowlton and Mike Brown rarely agreed on anything, yet this transaction gave Mike Brown further control over the team.

Attorney Charles Lindberg was the trustee of Knowlton’s foundation, which held the Bengals shares, and also represented Mike Brown at the time of the exchange. I find this fact to be curious. However, the jury upheld the will of Knowlton.

I’m no legal expert but it seems Mike Brown is a scary judge of legal talent. This law suit, Todd Portune’s law suit and even the negotiations of the stadium deal all prove that Mike Brown is one hell of a lawyer. If only he were as good at identifying grid iron ability as he is at finding legal ability we might not have had to suffer through nearly two decades of pathetic football.

The Ten Most Important Players for the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have a great shot at winning an AFC East title again, but a few of their key players need to have fantastic seasons.

Here are the top ten players that need to perform for Miami to have a shot.

Also, please check out my everything you need to know guide to the Dolphins 2009 season.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/164710-the-everything-you-need-to-know-guide-to-the-2009-miami-dolphins

Giants Fans, We Can Win It This Year!

Giants fans, stop thinking the worst of the Giants. Lots of fans are saying that the team can’t go all the way, they have lots of reasons to what they are saying and here are three of them.

1. They don’t have Plax, they cant win without him.

2. The Giants did not get any good wide receiver yet like Boldin; without a guy like that, Manning is not worth much.

3. The Eagles are too good, and they are just getting better. We did not beat them last year, so we will not win this year.

I think all of these reasons to think the Giants can’t go all the way are wrong. The Giants are a good team, I think that the Giants will be the best team in the NFC.

The Cardinals QB is getting old, McNabb is shaky. Pittsburgh is good but not as good as the Giants, and the Saints and Panthers are a level under.

The Giants don’t need Plax any more, they got the great Hakeem Nicks in the draft. He may not be Plax, but I think that he and Dominik Hixon are all Manning needs out of the wide receivers, because he has the great running back in Brandon Jacobs.

And it is not too late for them to go after Braylon Edwards or Boldin.

I think the the Eagles will be great, but not as good as the Giants. Their QB is just not as good as Eli Manning. Don’t get me wrong; McNabb is a great player, I just think Eli Manning is on his way to being a elite QB.

McNabb is on his way out of his prime years, Manning is on his way in. And even if the Eagles are better than the Giants, they can both make the playoffs. And the best team  does not always win the Super Bowl.

Last year, Pittsburgh was not the best team in the NFL, it was the Titans. And if not the Titans, then the Giants or Eagles.

In 2007-2008, the Giants were not the best team in the NFL or the NFC, but they beat the best team in the NFL to win the Super Bowl.

And dont forget we have the No. 1 defence in the world, and defence wins championships. That is how we won the Super Bowl in 2007-2008.

So Giants fans, don’t worry be happy! We can go all the way again! Yes, it would be nice if the Giants would pick up Edwards or Boldin.

But if the Giants don’t get anyone this offseason they can still make the playoffs and go far. adding Chris Canty and Clint Sintum will really help, and having Osi Umenyiora back is cool.

I know it will take lots of work from the players, and they will need to stay healthy to win next season. But I think they can do it, and impress New York once again.

Go Giants!

Minnesota Vikings’ Players and Their Secret Cartoon Character Identities

After day one of the NFL Draft, I decided I’d watch a little Family Guy marathon. The episode contained “Tom Brady” recruiting Peter to play for the New England Patriots. If you haven’t seen the episode, I highly recommend it.

The way Peter plows his way over defenders got me thinking, “what Vikings player does Peter relate to the most?”

Maybe Peterson on one of his routine touchdowns sprints or Steve Hutchinson blocking the way for Peterson.

Well, here is the list that contains several Vikings’ stars and their secret cartoon identities! ENJOY!

Brett Favre’s a Free Man. Here We Go Again…

Although Brett Favre retired from the New York Jets this season he was still under the teams contract if he decided to return.

As of last night the, 39 year old was released by the team allowing him to become eligible to play for any NFL team if he decided to return.

Favre has requested his release from the Jets some time ago and following the 2009 NFL Draft it was finally granted.

The ten time pro-bowler, 3 time MVP winner, and Super Bowl winner may finally be ready to call it quits.

While I think Favre is sincere this time about retiring, it would not shock me the least bit if he wound up playing in a Vikings uniform or on a team where there starting QB went down for the season.

In Brett’s statement following his release he notes, “Nothing has changed. At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football.”

Key words: At this time

Last time Favre retired he did not realize he wanted to still play football until around July.

It is safe to say only time will tell if Brett Favre is truly done with the game of football.

Jets Hoping to Catch Lightning in a Bottle; Give Amani a Chance

The draft has come and gone, and the Jets are still trying to figure out who their No. 2 wide receiver is going to be in 2009.

The Jets chose not to address the wide receiver spot during the draft and intend to head into camp with a battle between David Clowney, Brad Smith, and Chansi Stuckey, to see who will get the job.

 

David Clowney

Clowney offers the Jets the lightning. He has that deep threat ability to take the ball all the way. Put it in his hands and Clowney won’t disappoint you.

 

Brad Smith

Brad Smith has slowly but surely made the switch over from being a college quarterback to a wide receiver in the NFL. Smith’s touches on offense took a step back in 2008 (12 receptions) from his 2007 numbers (32 receptions).

At this point, the best thing going for him as that, when he steps on the field, it creates a distraction for the other team’s defense not knowing if he’s going to pass, run, or catch the ball.

 

Chansi Stuckey

Chansi Stuckey broke out during 2008 under Brett Favre after an injury in his rookie season. In 15 games, he hauled in 32 passes for 359 yards and caught three touchdown passes. He is your prototypical slot receiver and is best kept in that spot in this offense. You won’t see much of him on the outside.

 

With all of the talk prior to the draft regarding Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards and Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin, nothing ever materialized. Does that mean that it still won’t happen?

The slate is clean and the Jets now have seven picks for the upcoming draft, once again. Could they make a training camp run at one of these two guys if they can’t find their man from within?

Not even a day after the draft, the talk of the town wasn’t Mark Sanchez, but it was the rumors that the Jets were interested in former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress. It has since cooled, but Jets’ general manager Mike Tannenbaum stated that he made contact with Plax’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to inquire about his pending legal situation.

The odds that the Jets sign Plaxico are remote at best.

The free agent wire still has a couple of potential names available. The most attractive options include former Colts’ wide receiver Marvin Harrison, former Bucs’ wide receiver Ike Hilliard, and former Giants’ wide receiver Amani Toomer.

All I ask is that one of these players provide depth at wide receiver.

As it stands, I’d be willing to bet that Mark Sanchez will be the Jets’ starting quarterback come week one. The best thing that the Jets can do for him would be to give him a couple of sure targets and right now. He currently has both Jerricho Cotchery and Dustin Keller, but to be able to give him a steady veteran on the other side or in the slot at times would pay dividends.

 

Marvin Harrison

Marvin Harrison was released by the Colts on Feb. 25. His physicality appeared to diminish as the season went on during the 2008 campaign and, with Anthony Gonzalez set to take over his spot, the Colts decided to move on. If Harrison would be willing to accept a role that would give him the opportunity to prove that he is still capable of playing in this league, then the Jets should bring him on board.

Harrison’s 2008 Stats—60 receptions, 636 yards, five touchdowns.

 

Ike Hillard

Ike Hilliard was tied with Warrick Dunn as the Buccaneers’ second leading receiver in 2008 behind Antonio Bryant. The former first-round pick of the Giants spent the first eight seasons of his career in New York before heading to the Bucs for the past four years. Hilliard has played in all but one game during his tenure in Tampa and put up 109 receptions for 1,146 yards and five touchdowns over the course of the last two seasons.

Hilliard’s 2008 Stats—47 receptions, 424 yards, four touchdowns.

 

Amani Toomer

Amani Toomer finished the 2008 season neck and neck with fellow teammate Domenik Hixon as the second leading wide receiver for the defending Super Bowl champions. While Plaxico Burress was off shooting himself in the leg, Toomer managed to give the Giants solid consistent play from the wide receiver position. The 13-year veteran has spent his entire career with the Giants until they chose not to re-sign him this offseason.

Toomer’s 2008 Stats—48 receptions, 580 yards, four touchdowns.

 

Personally, I would absolutely love to see Amani Toomer in green and white come week one of the NFL season.

The former captain of the Giants would provide a veteran presence at the wide receiver position and could act as a mentor to the young receivers such as Clowney, Smith, and Stuckey. Toomer’s size (6’3″) would benefit the team as well in the end zone. The Jets tallest receiver is currently Brad Smith who stands at 6’2″.

The 34-year old Toomer has stated that he would like to play for another two or three years.

The Jets intend to wait until after the first minicamp in June to see what they have first in Clowney and Smith before they choose to target a free agent veteran wideout.

Hopefully Toomer will still be on the market, because he could truly help this team’s learning curve for both the receiving core and for rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Give Amani a two-year, $6 million deal. You won’t be sorry.

Oops, Wrong Link: Patriots Cheerleaders Calender Photo Shoot Linked too

Tom Brady according to…Oops.  How did that happen?

Patriot cheerleaders calender photo shoot somehow.  How did I mix that up?  Oh well…

Marvin Harrison Would Make the Philadelphia Eagles Great

The offseason started a while ago, the draft has passed, and team workouts have already begun. Looking back, I would have to give the Philadelphia Eagles the best offseason grade so far.

The funny thing is that their offseason isn’t even over. Or at least it shouldn’t be.

Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews replace Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas.

Sean Jones replaces Brian Dawkins, and Ellis Hobbs strengthens their secondary even more.

Rookies LeSean McCoy and Cornelius Ingram will find roles on this team in no time. McCoy looks to play behind Brian Westbrook, and Ingram could very well fill the hole that L.J. Smith left.

The Eagles have improved their defense as well as their offense—yet there is still one more move to put this team over the top.

The Eagles got a great receiver in the draft in Jeremy Maclin. He will work out fine in the West Coast offense.

But can the Eagles really depend on rookie Maclin and sophomore DeSean Jackson?

Their receivers are good but don’t have either the experience or skill to be proven players for the contending Eagles. Philadelphia needs a receiver who has been reliable in the past.

In comes Marvin Harrison.

Harrison would top off the Eagles’ offseason. In the past, I’ve heard a lot about “Donovan’s receiver,” but how about receivers?

Imagine Harrison lining up opposite Jackson, with Maclin and company right behind them. They wouldn’t have just an incredible receiver—they would have a great mix of receivers.

Yes, I know Harrison is past his prime, but the Eagles aren’t looking for an elite receiver. If he draws attention, look for someone else, and if he doesn’t draw attention, then look for him.

With an improved O-line, added depth behind Westbrook, and a great mix of receivers, the Eagles offense could be unstoppable.

Head coach Andy Reid loves to pass; everybody knows this. If he had a four-receiver set with Harrison, Jackson, Maclin, and Kevin Curtis with McCoy in the backfield, who do you cover?

You can’t double-cover everybody. Somebody is bound to get separation in single coverage.

Also, with McCoy second on the depth chart, Westbrook can be at ease and get more touches.

With Harrison, the Eagles offense would be perfectly balanced like no other team.

This is the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting offensive depth chart with Marvin Harrison:

QB—Donovan McNabb
RB—Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy
FB—Leonard Weaver
WR—Marvin Harrison, Jeremy Maclin
WR—DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis
TE—Brent Celek, Matt Schobel, Cornelius Ingram (any could be the starter)
LT—Jason Peters
LG—Todd Herremans
C—Jamaal Jackson
RG—Shawn Andrews
RT—Stacy Andrews

Other receivers who could see playing time are Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, Shaheer McBride, and rookie Brandon Gibson. Look for them to make differences as well.

Their offense with Marvin Harrison sounds pretty good to me.

Detroit Lions Rookie Free Agent Mark Parson: The Best of the Bunch

Rookie free agents are the main focus of the Detroit Lions. There has been some buzz about players that are being released from teams, usually for financial reasons, like Larry Foote, but many of those players are not yet available.

Detroit has brought in and even signed several rookie free agents already. I’ve heard the talk about Otis Wiley and Anquan Boldin’s brother, but the one prospect I took notice of is cornerback Mark Parson from the Ohio University Bobcats.

Parson is a standout and arguably the most talented man-to-man cover corner coming out of school this year. He is small and fast and shows excellent technique and instincts. You can view some of the footage available on him here:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYGnXm3zE_E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qynoJD310W0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYGnXm3zE_E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On-w7Bc3EzY

 

Mark Parson was slotted as high as the second round in the 2009 NFL Draft, but like many players expected to get picked, he went undrafted.

I strongly feel Parson can make the team and contribute. I think he is easily one of the top rookie free agents on the market. Look for him on Sundays.

Here is a scouting report from FFToolBox writer Raul Colon.

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=1738

I don’t necessarily agree that Mark has concerns about competition. I watched him shut down Brian Robiskie, allowing only eight yards on three receptions.

Parson has shutdown capability. Bottom Line. Deion Sanders took interest in him and invited him to his Draft Camp. The best reported 40 time I have heard is a 4.38. That’s unofficial, but he shows plenty of game speed on film.

He may be the steal that changes Lions draft fortune. Check him out and decide for yourself.

 

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