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April 2009 News
Chicago Bears Draft Day Thoughts
Published: April 25, 2009
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However given that I have been steadily covering the Bears’ draft needs and off-season activity since Day-1 of the NFL combine I will provide just some thoughts of how this day and the draft may develop for the Chicago Bears.
First of all, I’ll cover some basic thoughts on the needs. The Bears obviously need a wide receiver, an offensive lineman with a bit of versatility (able to play more than one position) a free safety and a pass rushing threat.
The good news is there is a plethora of talent available at those positions that are likely to be there with the Bears select at the 49th pick overall in the second round.
Most Bears fans who have followed this blog and other media outlets covering the draft hype up until this point know precisely what I am about to write next and for the most part everyone is about unanimous on the idea of who the Bears should take if things roll as we all hope they do.
There is a group of wide receivers that I have now taken to calling the big three. Not because they’re the three best WRs in the draft, nor the biggest players overall.
They are the big three because they have been talked about and scouted and analyzed extensively by myself and just about every other Bears outlet. The big three are obviously Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks and Brian Robiskie, players that we hope and pray will fall out of the first round.
All three are considered first round worthy selections, but the good news is not all three will be drafted in the first round. The question is if one of the three goes in the first round will the other two quickly follow in the early part of the second round?
That’s the ultimate and primary question Bears fans want to know and they’ll follow closely as the draft wears on.
Most fans will be out working hard today with spring clean up projects, fertilizing the lawn, pulling up thatch, clipping off dead parts of plants and trees. All the fun stuff you do on a Saturday during the spring.
Then the draft will start later this afternoon and fans will sit and start to watch the coverage on the NFL Network or ESPN.
Each time a WR is taken off the board in this draft fans will start to grind the gears as to what the possible implications are for later in the draft.
Most fans hope that a lot of the first round is dedicated to players who don’t necessarily fit the needs of the Bears.
Three QBs going in the first round would be a positive development. A slide in the draft by Percy Harvin would definitely hope the Bears out. A few DTs going in the first round would help out the Bears so on and so forth.
The key to the entire draft may be what happens from about pick 22 to 48 for the Bears. That is the area of the draft where members of the big three are most likely to go. A span of 27 picks that could arguably make or break the draft for the Bears in 2009.
Dream scenario: The members of the big three fall out of the first round leaving 17 picks between the Bears and landing the wide receiver needed to help put this offense over the top for the next three to eight years.
One of them is left on the board at 49 the Bears make that selection and then start planning to fill the rest of the needs from the third round on.
Likely scenario: One or two of the big three will go to either the Colts, Giants, Vikings or Titans. The Colts would like to find someone to replace Marvin Harrison and while not a lot of experts have the Colts grabbing a WR in their draft slot, no one predicted Anthony Gonzales would be the pick a few years ago either.
The Titans have been working hard to get a receiver the entire off-season. Every time the Bears are mentioned as a suitor, the Titans are usually named in the same report.
The Torry Holt sweepstakes, the Anquan Boldin trade talk, the Titans are in the mix. I have a feeling that either Britt or Robiskie will be the pick at 30.
What to do if all three of the big three are off the board? Well the Bears will not likely touch one of the next two receivers on the board that they have been linked to the most.
Juaqin Iglesias and Mohammed Massaquoi while second-round worthy are just as likely to be there at 99 as 49. That’s a lot of players between then and now.
Plan B: If the big three are gone the Bears can go after safeties Louis Delmas and Rashad Johnson, DE Michael Johnson or OT Phil Loadholt or Guard Duke Robinson.’
There is also talk of other pass rusher types being available af 49 that the Bears may look at. Larry English, Lawrence Sidbury are two that may be thoughts at that point in the draft if they fall that far.
Plan C: Trade down a way into the later part of the second round, grab a safety like Patrick Chung from Oregon and add a second third round pick. If the nine players most closely linked to the Bears are gone at 49 it may be a good time to consider trading down in the draft to avoid making a reach.
Recouping a loss third from the Denver trade may give Jerry Angelo the chance of landing four future starters from this draft. Angelo’s plan is already to get three from the current crop of draft picks he has, the opportunity to add a possible fourth future starter may be too enticing to pass up if the value at 49 is gone.
The likelihood that one of the big three falls to the Bears at 49 is less than 50% and probably closer to 20%. Meaning that the other scenarios in this draft are a lot more likely.
The Bears can get better value in the third and fourth round at WR if big three are off the board. Plus with other teams likely wanting to target players the Bears aren’t as high on, trading down remains a 50-50 option in my opinion.
Posted in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears Draft Tagged: 2009 NFL, 2009 NFL Draft, Brian Robiskie, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears Draft, Chicago Sports, collegefootball, football, Jerry Angelo, Kenny Britt, NFL, NFL Draft, Phil Loadholdt, Sports 
Final 2009 NFL Mock Draft
Published: April 25, 2009
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The draft is only hours away and before the madness begins I wanted to get my final predictions published.
I have not added in any trades for this mock but you may see some players slip because it’s more about who the teams will take than where the players will go.
Because we’ve been mocked out of our minds, I will only be delivering picks, no analysis.
1. Detroit Lions select Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
2. St. Louis Rams select Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
3. Kansas City Chiefs select Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
4. Seattle Seahawks select Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
5. Cleveland Browns select Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas
6. Cincinnati Bengals select Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
7. Oakland Raiders select Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
8. Jacksonville Jaguars select B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
9. Green Bay Packers select Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
10. San Francisco 49ers select Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
11. Buffalo Bills select Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
12. Denver Broncos select Tyson Jackson, DE, Louisiana State
13. Washington Redskins select Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California
14. New Orleans Saints select Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State
15. Houston Texans select Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
16. San Diego Chargers select Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern California
17. New York Jets select Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
18. Denver Broncos select Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
20. Detroit Lions select Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
21. Philadelphia Eagles select Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
22. Minnesota Vikings select Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
23. New England Patriots select Clay Matthews, OLB, Southern California
24. Atlanta Falcons select Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
25. Miami Dolphins select Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
26. Baltimore Ravens select Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
27. Indianapolis Colts select Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
28. Buffalo Bills select William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
29. New York Giants select Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois
30. Tennessee Titans select Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
31. Arizona Cardinals select Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
32. Pittsburgh Steelers select Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
One Last Look at The 2009 NFL Mock Draft
Published: April 25, 2009
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The NFL draft is roughly two hours before the draft, and why not make a final mock draft that show where the players will be taken.
At No. 1, the Detroit Lions are on the clock. The Lions will draft Matthew Stafford, and will look to him to be their new franchise leader.
At No. 2, the St. Louis Rams are on the clock. The Rams will select Jason Smith. Smith will fill a hole that Orlando Pace left, as he signed with the Bears.
At No. 3, the Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock. The Chiefs will select Aaron Curry. Curry is a perfect fit at linebacker, and is the best player in this draft.
At No. 4, the Seattle Seahawks are on the clock. The Seahawks will select Mark Sanchez. Sanchez will be their future quarterback, and can be mentored by Matthew Hasselbeck.
At No. 5, the Cleveland Browns are on the clock. The Browns will select B.J. Raji. Raji, a nose tackle, can fit perfectly into the Browns 3-4 system.
At No. 6, the Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock. The Bengals will select Eugene Monroe. The Bengals take Monroe, so they can give Palmer more time to pass the ball.
At No. 7, the Oakland Raiders are on the clock. The Raiders will select Michael Crabtree. Al Davis won’t pass up an elite receiver that could make a huge splash in the NFL.
At No. 8, the Jacksonvlle Jaguars are on the clock. The Jaguars will select Andre Smith. Smith, now fills a hole that the Jaguars had going into the draft.
At No. 9, the Green Bay Packers are on the clock. The Packers select Brian Orakpo. Orakpo has a ton of athleticism, and can step right into their new 3-4 system.
At No. 10, the San Francisco 49ers are on the clock. The 49ers will select Michael Oher. Oher fills a need that the 49ers had going into the draft.
At No. 11, the Buffalo Bills are on the clock. The Bills will select Aaron Maybin. Maybin will step right in as a great pass rusher.
At No. 12, the Denver Broncos are on the clock. The Broncos will select Tyson Jackson. Jackson is ready for the NFL, and the Broncos need a defensive tackle that can lead them on defense.
At No. 13, the Washington Redskins are on the clock. The Redskins will select Robert Ayers. They want Sanchez, but won’t pull off the deal. Instead, they will focus on defense and take Ayers.
At No. 14, the New Orleans Saints are on the clock. The Saints will select Brian Cushing. The Saints need a linebacker, and get a NFL-ready linebacker in Cushing.
At No. 15, the Houston Texans are on the clock. The Texans take Clay Matthews, and fill a need at linebacker.
At No. 16, the San Diego Chargers are on the clock. The Chargers select Malcom Jenkins, and get an NFL-ready cornerback, that they desperately need.
At No. 17, the New York Jets are on the clock. The Jets select Josh Freeman. The Jets need a quarterback, and get a quarterback with a big arm.
At No. 18, the Denver Broncos are on the clock. The Broncos select Rey Maualuga. The finish the first round with excellent pick-ups to improve their defense immensely.
At No. 19, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock. The Bucs take Michael Johnson, and improve a defensive line that needs help.
At No. 20, the Detroit Lions are on the clock. The Lions select Eben Britton, and get a offensive lineman that can help block for Stafford or Culpepper.
At No. 21, the Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock. The Eagles will select Beanie Wells, and get a running back that can compete alongside Brian Westbrook.
At No. 22, the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock. The Vikings will select William Beatty. The Vikings could also take Alex Mack, but take an offensive tackle instead.
At No. 23, the New England Patriots are on the clock. The Patriots select Darius Butler,and improve their secondary.
At No. 24, the Atlanta Falcons are on the clock. The Falcons select Peria Jerry. The Falcons get a defensive tackle that can boost the Falcons defense.
At No. 25, the Miami Dolphins are on the clock. The Dolphins select Everette Brown, and get a replacement for the aging Joey Porter.
At No. 26, the Baltimore Ravens are on the clock. The Ravens select Larry English. English is a defensive tackle and linebacker, and can help fill the hole that Bart Scott left.
At No. 27, the Indianapolis Colts are on the clock. The Colts select Vontae Davis, and get a cornerback to pair up alongside Kevin Hayden.
At No. 28, the Buffalo Bills are on the clock. The Bills select Brandon Pettigrew. The Bills could take Max Unger here, but instead get a passing threat to go alongside Terrell Owens.
At No. 29, the New York Giants are on the clock. The Giants select Jeremy Maclin. Maclin likely will go much higher, but the Giants will still get a wider receiver anyway.
At No. 30, the Tennessee Titans are on the clock. The Titans select Percy Harvin, and get a playmaker at wide receiver to lead them next season.
At No. 31, the Arizona Cardinals are on the clock. The Cardinals select Knowshon Moreno. Moreno is the top back in the draft, but is the second running back chosen in the draft.
At No. 32, the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock. The Steelers select Max Unger, and get a big offensive tackle to help protect Big Ben.
Don’t forget to tune into the draft at 3:00, and see who your favorite teams select in this year’s draft.
NFL Draft: A Last-Minute First-Round Preview
Published: April 25, 2009
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With the 2009 NFL Draft less than two hours away, the St. Louis Rams are on the clock. Everyone’s gaining more information by the minute.
The Patriots, Eagles, Giants and others have a plethora of picks—not to mention inordinate number of players on the trading block—so there should be much to talk about by day’s end.
With that in mind, here are the likely selections for today’s first round:
No. 1 Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Just hours ago, Matthew Stafford officially became a Lion. With more than $41 million invested, the Lions can only hope he’s this year’s Matt Ryan, as well the new face of their franchise.
The consensus No. 1 pick on most draft boards, Stafford should develop into a very good quarterback in the mold of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
No. 2 St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Although the Rams may be attempting to trade down from the second pick, it seems like will make a decision between the top left tackles in the draft. With both Eugene Monroe and Smith on the board, the Rams decide to go with the better pass protector.
Coming over from the Giants, new head coach Steve Spagnuolo knows what a dominant offensive line can do. With Jason Brown, Jacob Bell and Alex Barron in the fold, the Rams have the means to keep Marc Bulger off the ground and help Steven Jackson to improve upon last season’s numbers.
No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
After trading for Matt Cassel, the Chiefs select Sanchez? It can’t be. Well, that’s exactly what they do. Scott Pioli knows how wheeling and dealing can improve a team in the long term.
As a result, unless Daniel Snyder changes his personality over the next 12 hours, the Redskins will trade up to this spot, offering their 2009 first-, second-, and third-rounders, and a 2010 second-rounder. Following this deal, Jason Campbell will be on his way out of Washington for a 2009 third-round pick (from the Vikings). If they stay here, the Chiefs select Tyson Jackson for their new 3-4 defense and that sends Sanchez to the #8 pick where the Redskins trade up.
No. 4 Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Arguably the most “NFL-ready” player in the draft goes at No. 4 to a team in need of some playmakers. With a very unproven linebacker corps outside of Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill, the Seahawks must build their defense for any chance at the playoffs.
Although Michael Crabtree and Eugene Monroe are viable options, Curry is the better choice for next year. With T.J. “Hooz your momma” Houshmandzadeh signed in the offseason and Sean Locklear most likely staying at tackle opposite Walter Jones, Seattle decides to wait to find Jones’ replacement and selects a bonafide future 13-year player with its first pick.
No. 5 Cleveland Browns: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
With Kellen Winslow traded to Tampa Bay, Donte’ Stallworth counting the days until his lockup, Braylon Edwards popping up in every New York Giants rumor, and Joe Jurevicius not making a comeback anytime soon, Cleveland makes the decision to acquire a weapon for its struggling offense.
Whether next year’s quarterback is Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, Crabtree will give the Browns a receiver head and shoulders above any of his peers in this year’s draft.
No. 6 Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
What better place for a player who has been grabbing the wrong sort of headlines? There is no denying that Smith has top talent and likely will be a solid tackle, if not guard, at the next level. Yet with a very shoddy last few months and a new locker room full of teammates who will likely spend more time in handcuffs than on the field, Smith is going to have to work hard both on and off the field to rebuild his image.
With a new start ahead, I can only hope Smith can let his talent do the talking and make the Bengals look a little sharper next season.
No. 7 Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Although I toyed with Jeremy Maclin at this spot, Al Davis never fails to take speed and size over talent. Heyward-Bey has the potential to be a top receiver in the NFL, but also the potential to be nothing but a track star getting paid to play football.
Although the better pick for the Raiders would be Eugene Monroe or B.J. Raji, Oakland continues to try to provide weapons for former No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell.
No. 8 Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
With Jacksonville losing much of its offensive line to injury last year, Monroe has to be the choice. The Jags need some protection for David Garrard, and Tra Thomas isn’t the long-term solution.
But if the Jags are comfortable with Thomas at left tackle, they will either trade down or turn to B.J. Raji to replace the big body on the defensive line they lost last year in Marcus Stroud.
With Monroe falling to the eighth spot, Jacksonville gets a steal to help Maurice Jones-Drew begin his campaign for the most combined rushing and receiving yardage in the NFL next year. Despite all the Jaguars’ needs, don’t be surprised to see this pick traded away.
No. 9 Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Although the Packers seem to have monumental confidence in Ryan Pickett as their defensive tackle next year, a true nose tackle in their new 3-4 defense would be ideal.
Tyson Jackson or Aaron Maybin could be options to help their pass rush, but grabbing Raji before the Broncos can will allow the Packers to keep their defensive lineman fresh and give their linebackers more room to get to the quarterback.
No. 10 San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Maybin, OLB, Penn State
Needing help next to Pro-Bowler Patrick Willis, San Francisco improves its front seven with the addition of Maybin’s pass rushing ability. Although Brian Orakpo will be considered, the debate on whether he will be a defensive end or outside linebacker will likely cause him to drop out of the top 10.
No. 11 Buffalo Bills: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Trading Jason Peters to the Eagles forces the Bills to search for a new left tackle to protect Trent Edwards’ blind side. With Oher left as the last of the top four tackles on the board, Buffalo makes the smart choice and grabs their left tackle of the future.
Somewhere in Buffalo, Edwards will be hoping that Oher is an improvement over Peters and the 11.5 sacks he surrenderd during the 2008 season.
No. 12 Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE/DT, LSU
With Jackson being the ideal 3-4 defensive end, the Broncos likely will snatch him up after B.J. Raji goes to the Packers. Like Green Bay, Denver will be on the hunt for players to fit their new defensive scheme. Jackson has the ability to be a stalwart end over the next 10-12 years.
He might not be outstanding, but his hustle and grit usually enable him to make plays in the backfield and stop the run—somewhat like Chris Canty of the Giants.
No. 13 Washington Redskins (traded to KC): Brian Cushing, LB, USC
By moving down, the Chiefs are able to land a quality player who will help their new 3-4 defense tremendously. Everette Brown and Clay Matthews also are options, but Cushing has “Patriots way” written all over him.
With Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas, Derrick Johnson, and Cushing, Kansas City coach Pioli finds a way to mix the veterans in with younger players as he did in New England. Cushing covers better than most linebackers in the draft this year; he can make an impact immediately for the Chiefs.
No. 14 New Orleans Saints: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Charles Grant and Paul Spicer aren’t getting any younger, so the Saints get an impact DE to play with Will Smith or replace him if he departs for free agency next year. Orakpo, seen as a possible outside linebacker by some teams, gets to play his more natural position for New Orleans and likely will split time next year with Grant still on the roster.
Malcolm Jenkins would be the ideal pick, but cornerback has been a need for New Orleans in past years, and they didn’t draft for need in those first rounds, either.
No. 15 Houston Texans: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
With the Texans’ linebacking corps full of question marks, Houston has no choice but to grab one here. Although Clay Matthews or Robert Ayers could be the choice, Maualuga will join DeMeco Ryans in bringing the pressure that Houston has been searching for as they try to build around Mario Williams.
No. 16 San Diego Chargers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Once again. Some may be shocked, but Freeman is selected with the No. 16 pick of the draft. With Philip Rivers already in San Diego, Freeman will be selected by Tampa Bay.
In an effort to keep Freeman from dropping to the New York Jets at No. 19, Tampa stops head coach Rex Ryan from trying to groom Freeman into next year’s Joe Flacco and gives up their first-rounder and a third-rounder this year to do it.
Although he will likely sit at the beginning of the year, Freeman, blessed with a gun for an arm, provides the Bucs with a quarterback of the future that Raheem Morris can build around. (If the Jets rather than the Vikings trade for Campbell, this pick goes to Philadelphia or Baltimore. Either team would then trade up to get Jeremy Maclin before the Jets could.)
No. 17 New York Jets: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
With the Jets needing playmakers at wide receiver, opposite Jerricho Cotchery, they draft Maclin to help them stretch the field. Missing out on Stafford, Sanchez and Freeman, they go after their quarterback via the trade route, either trading for Derek Anderson of the Browns or trying to swing a deal for Jason Campbell, before the Vikings can do the same.
Trading this pick for Brady Quinn is also possible but not likely.
No. 18 Denver Broncos: Larry English, OLB/DE, Northern Illinois
The Broncos likely will trade out of this spot if they get a call from a team looking to draft Knowshon Moreno or Brandon Pettigrew ahead of the Eagles. Yet after picking Tyson Jackson with their first pick, Denver takes English to add more pass rushing ability to a team in dire need of it.
With coach Josh McDaniels preaching defense this past week, he’s made it clear that he wants to build a team with a strong front seven, and does just that with his first two picks. This may be a bit of a reach, but there always seems to be a reach or two in the second half of the first round.
No. 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (traded to SD): Ziggy Hood, DL, Missouri
With San Diego needing a replacement for Igor Olshansky on the defensive line and a young playmaker next to Jamal Williams and Luis Castillo, the Chargers grab Ziggy to bolster a defense that hopes to return to 2007 form with Shawne Merriman back in the fold.
If the Buccaneers stand pat and don’t make the trade for Freeman, Robert Ayers is almost automatically the choice to increase the pass rush opposite Gaines Adams.
No. 20 Detroit Lions: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Yes, Kevin Smith played very well as a rookie last year. That is precisely the reason why Detroit will be trading Moreno to the Arizona Cardinals. With Edgerrin James on his way out of Arizona sooner rather than later, the Cards have been searching for running back to compliment Tim Hightower.
With Moreno, the Cardinals will get an all-around back to rely on before Hightower takes charge at the goal line and becomes a fantasy football touchdown vulture.
With the Eagles choosing next, teams will likely line up to stop them from grabbing Moreno or Pettigrew. The Lions can expect many calls during their 10 minutes on the clock. As a result, Detroit gets the Cardinals’ second- and fifth-round picks this year.
No. 21 Philadelphia Eagles: Malcolm Jenkins CB/S Ohio State
I know most Eagles fans will be hoping for a wide receiver at this pick, but once they recall who their coach is they will understand the choice. Jenkins is the choice for an Eagles defense that has already proven to be dangerous last year.
Although Pettigrew might be an option with this pick, I have an overwhelming feeling that the Eagles will acquire a tight end by trade—likely Tony Sheffler from the Broncos for a second-round pick.
No. 22 Minnesota Vikings: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Vikings desperately need an upgrade at offensive tackle, and Britton is the perfect choice. With the versatility to play both tackle positions, the Arizona product gives the Vikings a young player to build upon.
With Bryant McKinnie turning 30 and Ryan Cook not the best option at RT, Britton gives Sage Rosenfels or Jason Campbell a chance to stand up for the entire season, while also providing Adrian Peterson a long-term friend if Britton can become a better run blocker in the future.
No. 23 New England Patriots: Connor Barwin, OLB/DE/TE, Cincinnati
Although Barwin could drop to the Patriots’ first pick in the second round, they decide not to take that chance and select him to replace the recently departed Mike Vrabel.
With Jason Taylor still on the market, the Pats can still attempt to sign him and draft the versatile offensive lineman Max Unger at this spot, but Barwin is the choice otherwise.
No. 24 Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
After acquiring Tony Gonzalez and addressing the offensive side of the ball last year, the Falcons focus on defense. Passing on Glen Dorsey last year for Matt Ryan turned out to be pretty beneficial for the Falcons, but they still need a big presence on their defensive line.
Jerry allows coach Mike Smith to begin building a defensive powerhouse the way he did in Jacksonville. With the ability to play in the 4-3 or 3-4 alike, Jerry gives Atlanta the option of continuing the hybrid scheme they began last year.
No. 25 Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
With excellent physical traits and the talent to match, Davis will provide Miami with a replacement for Andre Goodman, who signed with the Broncos during the offseason. With only Will Allen entrenched as a starter at corner, Davis can be an impact player if he stays disciplined.
No. 26 Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
The last of the three USC linebackers, Matthews is chosen at the 26th spot. He follows in his father’s footsteps—the elder Matthews was selected in the first round more than 30 years ago. Yet Matthews will not be on his way to Baltimore.
Instead, he will be on his way to Arizona for Anquan Boldin. The closer it has gotten to draft day, the more Boldin has appeared in trade rumors. With Derrick Mason getting older by the minute, Boldin steps in and provides Joe Flacco with the offensive help he needs.
As Boldin heads to Baltimore, Arizona acquires Matthews along with a third- and sixth-round pick this year.
No. 27 Indianapolis Colts: Jarron Gilbert, DL, San Jose St.
Although Gilbert is somewhat undersized for a defensive tackle, the Colts are completely happy with their selection. Known for quicker but lighter defensive linemen, the Colts plug Gilbert into a line that has been desperately seeking stability at their defensive tackle position since the team’s Super Bowl run a few years ago.
No. 28 Buffalo Bills: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Although Ayers could easily be selected by the Bills at No. 11, Buffalo realizes that few teams need a 4-3 defensive end and capitalize upon their situation. Ayers provides the Bills with someone they hope can wreak havoc opposite Aaron Schobel and take away more double-teams from Marcus Stroud.
If Ayers is selected at No. 11, either Brandon Pettigrew or William Beatty could be the selection here.
No. 29 New York Giants: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
After toying with the option of drafting a wide receiver at this spot, the Giants realize that Hakeem Nicks, Kenny Britt and Brian Robiskie are still on the board. With the possible options of trading for Braylon Edwards either for a first-rounder or for second- and fifth-round picks, the Giants realize that Pettigrew would be a great addition no matter what they do.
An offense focused on the running game allows Pettigrew and Kevin Boss to form a dynamic duo at the tight end position that will help the Giants offense no matter what wide receiver they acquire throughout the rest of the draft.
The Giants’ draft history also adds to the possibility of a defensive player being selected, such as Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis. The Giants also could decide to trade up in the second round to acquire the receiver they desire, if they don’t swing a deal for Edwards.
No. 30 Tennessee Titans: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Despite needing someone to replace Nick Harper eventually at cornerback across from Cortland Finnegan, the Titans select Britt. By pursuing Anquan Boldin this past week, the Titans have shown that they are still looking for another threat to help their passing game.
With great size, Britt is selected to give Kerry Collins another threat in the red zone.
No. 31 Arizona Cardinals (traded to Detroit): William Beatty OT, Connecticut
With Detroit drafting Matt Stafford with their first pick, the Lions need someone to keep him off the ground. While still moving down and acquiring more picks, the Lions draft an offensive tackle, similar to Falcons offensive tackle Sam Baker.
Pulling a page out of the Falcons 2008 draft book, the Lions are hopeful that Beatty and Stafford can be the beginning of a rejuvenation in Detroit.
No. 32 Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, OL, Cal
The returning Super Bowl champs are likely looking for offensive line help and consequently they decide to chose Alex Mack over Max Unger. Although Unger offers greater versatility, Mack has proven to have a mean streak.
With the Steelers always looking to find tough players both on offense and defense, Mack is ultimately the choice. Although trading down is still a possibility, Mack is the plausible choice.
Matthew Stafford: Will He Be the Answer For the Lions?
Published: April 25, 2009
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We are hours away from the 2009 NFL Draft. This draft consists of one of the more intriguing classes we have had. From Michael Crabtree to Jason Smith and Mark Sanchez, there is sure to be some big surprises at Radio City this year.
Yet, the draft does officially have one pick in the books, which is the No. 1 overall pick. At 11 pm Friday night: ” With the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select Matthew Stafford, quarterback from the University of Georgia.”
It is finally a done deal! This hasn’t been a surprise to many NFL fans, being the Lions have targeted Stafford since his Pro Day and have been negotiating a contract since.
The official contract is a six year deal with $41.7 million guaranteed!
Is there anyway Stafford is worth this contract?
If we think this through, he was not wanted by the few fans left of the Lions, who wanted Aaron Curry, who is considered the top prospect on this year’s board.
There were also other executives and others who believed they should have taken Mark Sanchez with the first pick over him.
The No. 1 pick always brings the hype and pressure on each player who gets this honor. When taking this selection, the Lions hope this kid will turn into a Hall Of Famer or in the Lions case, “The Savior Of The Franchise.”
The issue is simple: Why did Stafford go to the Lions?
The Lions have issues at almost every position except a few. Besides having the worst defense in the league, they couldn’t score points because of the horrific offensive line, which is why Culpepper couldn’t throw the ball.
Stafford does have a top arm, and coming into mini-camp, he will look to learn the system as quickly as possible. Yet, if the Lions want to finally show some sense within the organization, you need to have Culpepper take the hits once again; this time for the sake of the franchise.
Stafford does need a near-perfect development from the Lions, which is why a whole season, maybe even two years of not starting could do good for Matt.
In the end, however, I do not see this panning this out.
Yes, Stafford does have the arm strength and the experience on college level.
He is still going to be a minor project, and unfortunately, I don’t believe he will be able to be successful in Detroit. The ghost of Matt Millen is still within the front office, who from my perspective hasn’t changed a bit.
I just don’t see an answer in Detroit as to why Matthew Stafford will be the savior under these conditions.
Sorry, Lions fans.
You Can’t Escape the NFL Draft Hype
Published: April 25, 2009
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Take, for instance, just the coverage that the draft gets on a monthly basis leading up to weekend of on ESPN. Mel Kiper Jr. has a solid career and perhaps the most famous hair cut on TV because of the draft.
With the invent of the internet the draft has taken off into a completely different world of hype and coverage.
Now comprehend the magnitude of the Mock Draft phenomenon a database by a Washington Redskins site lists 221 mock drafts.
This doesn’t include all the updates that constantly occur from the end of the college football season until the day of the draft. Fans just can’t get enough of the draft coverage.
So the question is why? Well the popularity of the NFL for one. It’s the most popular sport in the U.S. and with all the marketing opportunities that stem from it appealing to the most marketable class of people in the country (18-35 year old males) it’s easy to see why an entire second season can spring up just from the draft hype.
The amount of draft hype is insane given the rare success of first round draft picks and the even further failure of draft picks there after. Less than 50% of first round picks wind up with a successful NFL career.
But if you were to listen to all of the scouting experts just about every player drafted from one to 75 in the league will have a long tenured career of 10 or more years in the draft.
Then the level of hype is magnified ten fold over a period of roughly four months. Non stop coverage, talk of the combine, Pro-Days, personal workouts, private workouts, official visits, and analysis so thorough it would make the folks at NASA envious.
However even with the more recent recognition I have had in the fact that most players don’t live up to the hype I still can’t escape it.
The Chicago Bears traded away their first round pick for the next two years in the Jay Cutler trade yet myself as well as many other Bears fans have not dropped in our collective level of excitement.
I still want to see who the Bears draft at 49 and I’ll be faithfully watching the draft unfold pick by pick up until the Bears make their selection.
So while I recognize the gigantic level of ridiculous hype and the enormous lack of clarity shown by most fans and analysts and experts during this period of time. I still recognize it is the NFL and any football is GOOD football.
Posted in Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears Draft, NFL, NFL Network Coverage, NFL.com Tagged: 2009 NFL, 2009 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears Draft, Chicago Sports, collegefootball, football, NFL, NFL Draft, Sports 
How to Speed up the NFL Draft Process
Published: April 25, 2009
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Well, today (Saturday) the long-awaited event begins…and so does the agony of waiting and waiting for the Cowboys to “get on the clock.”
Does this bug you as much as it does me? I think a few rules changes are in order concerning the draft. How about these, for instance?
1. When a team that is “on the clock” trades away its pick, on its next pick, that team is penalized the same number of minutes that it used before the trade.
2. Teams that “trade up” into the current selection have only 30 seconds to make their selection. After all, they traded up to get a particular player, right? Let’s hear their pick!
3. When any team is “on the clock,” television coverage MUST BE limited to coverage of their draft “war room.” Let us SEE what it is that is delaying their selection!
4. Teams that DO NOT USE their full allotted time to make a selection automatically get one-fourth of the remaining time on the clock ADDED to their next selection time. That ought to speed up the process.
5. Finally (and with full prejudice), any team NOT having a star on their helmet will receive two minutes less clock time than the ones who do have that star on their helmet.
Anybody got any other ideas as to how to speed up the draft process?
(Southernstar is a CP contributor, writer. To read more of his posts, stop by cowboyspride.net).
Mr. Goodell, Tear Down These Rookie Contracts
Published: April 25, 2009
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TO: Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
FROM: Daniel Price, NFL fan
Dear Sir,
After three years at the University of Georgia, Matthew Stafford will be the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NFL draft today, April 25, 2009.
If he turns into Ben Roethlisberger and (somehow) leads the Detroit Lions to a Super Bowl or two while making every Pro Bowl, he could earn as much as $78 million over the next six years.
If he turns into Ryan Leaf, verbally abuses the media, and throws more interceptions than completions, he still will rack up $41.7 million.
Do you see a problem with this? In today’s economy, any team spending that much money on a yet-to-be proven quarterback is ludicrous—especially when that team plays at FORD Field in DETROIT.
Remember the recession? The fizzling American auto industry? Apparently your League doesn’t.
Now, you have done a lot of things right, including cleaning up the NFL’s faltering image with your iron-fist style of discipline.
But before you perform any other duties, including this whole Super Bowl-to-London idea or meeting with a soon-to-be-free Michael Vick, do something about the ridiculous amounts of money being thrown at 20-, 21-, and 22-year-old kids.
This is one of (many) areas where the NBA has the NFL’s number.
There is no negotiation for drafted rookies. The pay scale is set well in advance, and if the kids want to play in the NBA, they (and their agents) have to take what David Stern says they will take.
I’m not completely stupid, though. I do realize top NBA rookies are still making mad bank.
Rookie contracts, which can’t exceed four years—something else you should look into—still pay the top picks very well.
But the $4 million the Bulls’ 2008 No. 1 pick Derrick Rose earned in his rookie season still puts him more than $10 million per year outside of the NBA’s top 30 salaries.
The same cannot be said about JaMarcus Russell or Jake Long, nor will it be said about Stafford.
So, Roger—you, like Junior Bevill in Cool Runnings—have pride! You have power! You are a bad*** mother who don’t take no crap off of nobody!
So do what your League needs you to do, what your country needs you to do. Get these rookie contracts under control.
Then you can worry about moving America’s game to London.
But when you start doing that, I’ll be back.
The 2009 NFL Draft, Cards On The Table.
Published: April 25, 2009
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The Anquan Boldin stories/rumors have reached a fever pitch this week. There is a lot of information, and a lot of misinformation regarding the future of the three time Pro-Bowl receiver.
Information:
Boldin has wanted a new contract since the Cardinals gave Larry Fitgerald a new contract last year that pays him nearly twice as much as Boldin.
Despite the fact that the Cardinals consider Boldin one of their “core players”, they announced publicly that they were willing to listen to trade offers from other team.
If the Cardinals trade Boldin they will lose a huge part of their passing attack, to offset this loss. They will need to acquire an immediate impact running back-through the draft or trade to bolster the Cardinals rushing attack, which finished the 2008 season in dead last.
Misinformation:
The asking price for Boldin starts at a first and third round draft choice. Cardinals General Manager Rod Graves has denied this, he has maintained that the Cardinals are not actively seeking to trade Boldin, therefore no “asking price” has been set.
The Tennessee Titans have offered the Cardinals LenDale White and their second round pick in exchange for Boldin. This offer may or may not be a bluff to get the Ravens, Giants, Eagles, and other teams to raise their offer.
Yesterday the Cardinals denied they lowered their asking price for Boldin. They may not have lowered their price, but considering that earlier this week, the Cheifs traded ten time Pro-Bowler and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for a second round pick next year, it is entirely possible that the Cardinals may in fact be willing to trade Boldin for less than their original asking price.
My Prediction:
My favorite of the speculated trade offers is to trade Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens for LeRon McClain and a third round pick.
If you have a solid running game, and a good defense, you can afford to lose a top flight wide receiver in the off-season.
This off-season, the Anquan Boldin trade speculation has been building up like a really good hand of poker. After all the bluffing and raising, eventually every player has to lay their cards on the table.
The Lions Will Make Stafford No. 1, Here We Go Again!
Published: April 25, 2009
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Oh, to be a Lions fan.
Stafford, who was rated by most analysts as the top QB in a mediocre draft that was described by some as “a crap shoot,” will be the highest paid player in the NFL.
Detroit had a choice between an elite trio of linebackers and a so-so quarterback, and they took the so-so quarterback.
I have a Charles Rogers jersey, a Shawn Rogers jersey, and a Kevin Jones jersey. I have three Joey Harrington jerseys (I’m a glutton for punishment). If Stafford can even manage to lead the Lions to a winning season (heaven forbid the playoffs), I’ll buy a Stafford jersey.
He’s guaranteed $41.7 million to lead the worst football team in the history of the NFL. That’s more guaranteed money than Albert Haynesworth got.
I take it back. He’s guaranteed to make $41.7 million to learn how to be a backup quarterback, just like Charlie Batch (Steelers), Harrington (third string backup, Saints), Kitna (Cowboys), and Orlovsky (Texans).
I hope he has padded pants because he’s destined to be riding the pine for another team as soon as he sets the next record for most sacks taken in a season, or picks, or both. I’m thinking he’ll probably end up in Cleveland.
I wonder if Stafford can play the piano? If not, maybe Joey Harrington can teach him some lessons. Obviously, Joey didn’t teach the Lions any lessons.
I have a guarantee of my own to make. Stafford will be Detroit’s next big bust. Take it to the bank, buddy.
