Why The Carolina Panthers Should Trade Peppers To The Patriots

For Panthers fans that want Julius Peppers to stay in Carolina, it’s time to face the facts. Julius Peppers doesn’t want to stay with the Panthers and there’s no way to persuade him to.

So now it’s time to decide where to send him and for what. For the where, we’d definitely trade him to the Patriots, as they are just about the only team that’s shown any interest in Peppers. If that’s not enough, there’s more reason to send him to New England. 

New England doesn’t have any player to offer, that they’d be willing to trade. But the Cats aren’t looking for a player. They want a first round draft pick. New England has a first rounder right in the middle of the first round at number 23.

That’s just what Carolina wants, as it doesn’t force them to make a difficult decision yet there’s still players with potential remaining. If they get this pick from New England, one question remains: who do they get?

The first thing to look at is their draft needs. In this year’s draft, the Cats need to replace a DE, a DT, and a CB. If Peppers is gone, though, make that a DL, DE, DT, and CB. There are many talented CB’s predicted to be picked in the first round, and a few defensive linemen to go with that. So who does Carolina pick if they have that pick?

CB Malcolm Jenkins is a possibility. With Jenkins, there are two possibilities. Either he’s taken in the top 10, or he’s picked around 20-25, right where New England is and right where Carolina would be. Jenkins is an impressive prospect at the CB position. In the NFL Combine, Jenkins had great numbers. 4.54 in the 40 yard dash, 33.0 on the vertical jump, and 10’4″ on the broad jump shows he’s a great draft prospect.

Combine stats combined (no pun intended) with Malcolm’s incredible college stats makes for a great NFL potential. Darius Butler is another talented CB that could have NFL potential. He also has a higher potential of being around at pick 23 and better combine stats on many events. These are two possible picks for Carolina if they get that pick. 

Now for Defensive linemen. The best players that will be around 20-25 in these positions are Evander Hood at DT, Aaron Maybin at DE, and Peria Jerry at DT/DL. On the Bench press, Maybin got 22, Hood put up an incredible 34, and Jerry didn’t participate.

For the 20 yd. Shuttle run, Maybin got 4.38, Hood got 4.55, and Jerry again didn’t participate. Finally, in the 3-cone drill, Maybin got 7.52, Hood got a slightly better 4.50, and Jerry didn’t participate.

Jerry’s lack of participation and therefor stats could hurt him, but he’s still predicted in the first round and right where Carolina would pick. Maybin looks promising but has a much less chance to be around at No. 23. Hood looks like the best pick as he almost definitely will be there at 23 and has better stats than Maybin on 2/3 events in the combine. 

Carolina hasn’t had much of a history of picking what they need in the first round though. Just look at last year, when they picked Stewart at No. 20 when they already had Williams in a RB. This year, if they look at something they don’t necessarily need, they might look at a QB to back up an aging Jake Delhomme.

Josh Freeman would be their man. Impressive stats with Kansas State last year and 4 years of experience, he looks like a great prospect. He is predicted by 4 experts to be picked at No. 17 by the Jets, close to No. 23. Freeman is an accurate passer that, with a little experience and practice, could be great later in his career or even replace Jake if he gets injured in the next few seasons. 

So if Peppers is traded to get the No. 23 pick, who do I think they will pick? I think it’s between Malcolm Jenkins, Evander Hood, and Josh Freeman. The No. 3 choice would be Freeman, as he isn’t a necessity. Then, at No. 2 choice, I’d say Jenkins, as they can get a CB in round 2 or 3 and Jenkins is the least likely to be around at No. 23. Their No. 1 choice would be Evander Hood, as he’s a promising pick and would help Carolina next season.

Trading Peppers would be a great choice for Carolina, and would give them a better chance to be great in ’09.  

Pro Bowl Tackle Jason Peters Traded for Picks by the Buffalo Bills

Just when I thought the offseason couldn’t get any better.

First off, J.P. Losman will never be taking a snap under center in a Bills uniform ever again. Second, the Bills went out and signed game changer Terrell Owens to help out the offense while also showing that they were serious in trying to win ball games.

Yesterday I heard news that trumped those first two events. Other than Dick Jauron being fired, one of the best possible events happened to the team yesterday, they finally waved goodbye to left tackle Jason Peters.

Peters was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a first and fourth round pick this season, and a conditional pick in next year’s draft (most likely another fourth round selection).

Don’t get me wrong, Peters is a Pro Bowl LT who still has age on his side, however, the guy was warming out his welcome way too fast. Peters wanted to be paid as the best LT in the NFL, which he might be someday, but that was certainly not the case last season.

Peters held out until a day before the regular season, missing workouts, training camp, the pre-season, and the first game of the regular season last year. This year he was expected to hold out the same amount of time or possibly even longer if he wasn’t paid top dollar.

He might have been the Bills most talented player on the roster, but he wasn’t worth the price and certainly wasn’t worth the headache either.

Will he be missed? Most likely. However he was letting up sacks galore last season (11.5 sacks allowed) and didn’t help out the running game either.

It does create a whole in the offensive line, however it gives a team like the Bills on the rise, two first round picks (11th and 28th overall) that will greatly benefit the team.

With a young core of players under contract, two more pieces can be added to the puzzle, one that is almost complete.

This article was also featured on NFLTouchdown.com.

Boston Sports: State of The Union

Recently I was contacted by Kevin McGran, a sports reporter for the Toronto Star. What he wanted to talk to me about was my Bleacher Report short story, “Confessions of a Boston Sports Fan.”

Kevin asked me about what it was like to be a Boston sports fan amongst all the success of all the cities teams. All I could say to that was, “I’ll enjoy it while I can”.

He wrote an article that was published on April 18th, 2009. It was named, “It’s good to be a Boston fan.”

The article didn’t exactly make me realize, only really take a look at, the fact that it truly is good to be a Boston sports fan.

Boston Bruins (Hockey)

After a great regular season in which they racked up a whopping 116 points, the “B’s” are it the midst of a fired-up, hard hitting quarter-finals with the Montreal Canadiens. They currently are up in the series 1-0, and I’m watching them tear up game two right now.

The score is 5-1 at the end of the second period. The fifth goal coming under two seconds left. 

It seems fitting that if the Bruins go on to win the Cup, that they will have went through such a historically heart-breaking foe as the Montreal Canadiens.

They have serious potential to win the Stanley Cup this year, which would be the first in my lifetime.

Boston Red Sox (Baseball)

The “Sox” 2009 campaign has started on a slow pace. They won four of their first ten games.

The offseason was focused on suring up their pitching staff, and this will pay off during the long season. It really is a long season, so I am not currently concerned.

They lost in the American League Championship Series last year, but even making it to that point is an accomplishment to be proud of. They have won two World Series since their 86 year drought, which is nothing short of a miracle to us Boston fans who had become used to the agonizing perennial failure.

Boston Celtics (Basketball)

What can we say about the “C’s?”

The “Big Three” has been broken up for the post-season. Doc Rivers says that there is about a 1% chance of Kevin Garnett playing at all during the playoffs.

They lost a close one in the first game of their playoff opener, as I watched Captain Paul Pierce miss a free-throw with 2.6 seconds left in the 4th quarter. They went on to lose 105 – 103 in overtime, and I checked myself into the hospital.

New England Patriots (Football)

The “Pats” are primed to make another serious Super Bowl run in 2009. The Patriots are the Boston team that I dedicate most of my attention to, throughout the entire year.

You can look into the Patriots’ 2009 offseason on my blog, “Patriot Pat’s Patsies.”

Since Robert Kraft bought the team, they have won more games than any other team.

Five Super Bowl appearances, three victories.

They missed the playoffs last year even after winning 11 games, for the first time since the 2002 season.

They have made some key free-agent acquisitions, and have 11 picks in the draft this year.

Tom Brady is coming back, and has recently worked out with Joey Galloway. Of which Galloway was impressed with Brady’s accuracy, and arm strength.

Remember that Brady’s private coach said they operated on his knee, not his arm, mind or heart.

Tom Brady can speak without saying a word, and achieve what others may only imagine. That’s right, he’s an honorary Recon Marine in my mind.

Oh, and yes he is watching you.

Andrew Cahill is a true Boston sports fan. The “State of the Union” will focus on the four major Boston sports teams.

Thanks ctpatsfan77, for the Brady/Galloway info from Reiss.

Anquan Boldin: The Answer For Minnesota

Rumors are the Cardinals want a first and third for Boldin. They also need a starting RB.

If I’m the Vikings, I call them up and offer two second round picks – one in 2009 and one in 2010, Chester Taylor, and Sidney Rice.

In return the Vikings get Anquan Boldin and Edge.
 
They get a starting RB that they desperately need, a WR to help replace Boldin, and two second round picks to balance out the deal.

We get the all-pro WR we’re lacking on offense and a solid back-up RB to replace Chester (who’s probably leaving after this season anyway). Edge is already asking for his release from the Cardinals too.

As a result the Vikings have WR and RB addressed so they can focus on other needs like OT, C, and CB. Makes it easier to take the BPA.

The Best Draft Classes of Each NFL Team; Modern Draft Era

Each team in the NFL has had its good and not so good moments in the NFL Draft. I have already chronicled some of the biggest draft busts in NFL history, now it’s time to look at each team’s best draft class.

In one magical draft, a team can add several Pro-Bowlers and even one or two Hall of Famers to its roster.

So, without further adieu, here are the best draft classes, in alphabetical order.

Bills 2009 Mock Draft

I know that Butler, DB, from UCONN has been moving up the charts.

If not Butler, I like Joe Burrnett, DB, from Central Florida.

They’re the same type of DB.

As far as Cook, TE, from South Carolina, I still like him at this spot.

If Cook isn’t there, Coffman from Missouri or Beckham, TE, from Wisconsin would work.

I also know that Greene, RB, has been moving up.

If he’s not there P. J. Hill, RB, from Wisconsin would be a good fit.

Like everyone mocks change like Buffalo’s weather—all the other picks can’t miss.

Burnett, Coffman, PJ Hill and Beckham are all legitimate back-up choices that I’m sticking to.

The Inevitable Trades For Derrick Burgess

I can tell you, with absolute certainty, that former Pro Bowl DE Derrick Burgess is soon to be a former Oakland Raider. 

“Why?”, you ask. 

Well, as it turns out, there are many reasons.

Do you believe that Al Davis will sit pat, with just the five draft picks he has? 

I don’t either.

He’ll want more and he’ll be looking for ways to get more. He may trade down, with one of his higher picks, yet his history, however, goes against that, or he might trade a player or two. 

He may even do both, before the draft is over.

I consider trading a player to be the option Mr. Davis favors. 

So, who would he deal? 

The player he’d get the most for, in return, could be RB Michael Bush. With the brilliant potential that Bush displayed in last year’s season finale against Tampa Bay, many teams could come calling.

Al Davis has seen too many Oakland RB’s go down in the past few seasons to be keen on trading Bush. Yet, he would be willing to let pass-rushing DE Derrick Burgess go for the right price!

Trevor Scott’s part-time performance last season might lead him to believe that he has a younger, healthier version of Burgess right now; That makes the Raiders’ defensive captain expendable.  

Davis does not know what he’ll get from Burgess if he keeps him. Burgess is in the last year of his four-year deal and he’ll demand a pay-raise to resign with Oakland. 

Being healthy again, he could have another Pro-Bowl year; He’d deserve that payraise if he did. 

Yet, Davis may feel this is best time to replace Burgess. As long as Burgess is still perceived to have Pro-Bowl potential, other teams could meet Davis’ price.

The important question is which teams would be interested? 

There are many teams in need of a good pass-rushing DE. There are 3-4 teams that need DE’s who can play the run and the pass, but that’s not Burgess’ forte.  

So nix those.

The Lions need almost everything on D.  The Bills, Bucs, Falcons, Cards and Eagles could use Burgess’ talents as well; Also, should they trade DE Julius Peppers, add the Panthers to the list.

I’d expect that Al Davis would want at least a mid third-round pick, and, at most, a low first-round pick. 

Which teams are most likely to offer that much?

The Lions have two firsts, two thirds and two sixths, and they only lack a fourth rounder. Their picks are also very high in each round. 

The Bills also hold two firsts, and they have one pick in the rest of the rounds. Their picks are fairly high as well. 

The Bucs are missing a second, yet have three sevenths; Their picks are mid-rounders. 

The Falcons have two fifths and are missing a seventh; Their picks are low in each round. 

The Cards have two sevenths and their picks are at the bottom of each round. 

The Eagles have three fifths and two sixths. Their picks are mid-rounders and slightly lower than the Bucs’.

This is a considerable market for the services of Derrick Burgess. The Lions, Bills and Bucs have the most high picks to offer. These teams happen to be most in need of Mr. Burgess as well! 

Good news, I believe Al Davis’ best chances to get a deal to his liking will be with these three teams. 

With more needs to fill than draft picks, Al Davis will soon say thanks and farewell to Derrick Burgess. We will miss him, and his new team will be thankful to have him. 

Washington Redskins: What to Do with Pick No. 13?

It is almost pointless for me to write this article.  We all know of Mr. Snyder’s and Mr. Cerrato’s harsh unpredictability.  For all we know, they may select a punter with the 13th overall pick. 

But what should the Washington Redskins do, and what should they not do, with the 13th overall pick?

First off, do not trade up. The Pittsburgh Steelers have an NFL-record six Superbowl victories, and they are known for relying heavily on the Draft. Every team in the NFL should use the same method to have success.

If the Redskins trade up, I fully expect Dan Snyder to give up his 2010 first-round pick.  I am, as I’m sure most people are, sick and tired of Snyder and Cerrato throwing away draft picks.  They can grab a perfectly legitimate starter with the 13th pick.

If the Redskins choose to select a defensive player:

1.) If available (and if defensive end/linebacker Brian Orakpo isn’t available), draft defensive end Aaron Maybin or Everette Brown.  Right now, the Redskins have no standout starter at left end with the loss of Jason Taylor and Demetric Evans. 

Albert Haynesworth is going to need some help from the outside.  With a pass-rushing end in Maybin or Brown, we’re looking at a defensive line that can reek some serious havoc. 

The defensive line is getting very old, so adding a talented rookie end to the roster will keep the line from falling apart come 2010.

Washington’s defense was ranked fourth overall in 2008.  This was while ranked 28th in sacks and 17th in interceptions. 

With the addition of Haynesworth, and with the addition of Maybin or Brown, the Redskins’ pass rushing ability takes a big leap. 

That means more turnovers, too, especially since safeties LaRon Landry and Chris Horton have another year under their belts.  Do I see the the NFL’s best defense in 2009?

2.) Do not draft defensive end Tyson Jackson.  There is no doubt Jackson has great talent, but look at him: he weighs 295 pounds. He’s practically a 4-3 defensive tackle. 

The Redskins are spending $100 million on defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.  The more support he has rushing the quarterback, the less likely it is we’re all ticked off that we signed him.  Stopping the run is not our priority.

3.) If Maybin and Brown are not available, draft linebacker Brian Cushing.  The next two best pass-rushing ends are Larry English and Michael Johnson, both of which are probably not worth being picked so early. 

Cushing is an excellent pass rusher, and he can fill the void left by the loss of Marcus Washington. 

4.) If the Redskins trade down, they should trade down to the latter part of the first round, and there select the best pass-rushing end or outside linebacker available. 

If the Redskins choose to select an offensive player:

1.) Draft the best offensive tackle available.  Andre Smith or Michael Oher might still be there at No. 13. 

2.) Do not draft a wide receiver.  Yes, wide receiver is technically a need, but two second round picks were just spent on receivers in 2008.  Let’s give Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly a chance to develop.  If a receiver is chosen, I will consider both this year’s pick and last year’s second round picks to be wasted.

3.) As for quarterback Mark Sanchez, I’m a little iffy. 

On the one hand, if Jason Campbell has a breakout year having had a year under the West Coast Offense, he may decline to re-sign with the team if Sanchez is chosen.  Campbell may find himself completely unappreciated by the team.

On the other hand, Sanchez is expected to do well in a West Coast Offense.  If Campbell has another average year in 2009 and does not re-sign with the team, Sanchez may save the Redskins from being terrible in 2010. 

I will say that if they want Sanchez, pick him only if he’s available at No. 13.  Seriously, if the Redskins give up their 2010 first-round pick to select a quarterback this year, there will be some serious concerns at linebacker and defensive end for the 2010 season.

—–

Overall, I feel the most pressing need is defensive end.  The roster consists of Alex Buzbee, Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels, Rob Jackson, Chris Wilson, and Renaldo Wynn. 

Buzbee hasn’t played a down in the NFL, Carter plays at right end, Daniels is 36 years old, Jackson was a rookie last year, Wilson is only useful in pass-rushing situations, and Wynn hasn’t been a starter since 2005.

Drafting A Super Bowl Champion

2009 NFL Mock Draft: First 10 Picks

Here’s my first mock draft. I hope you enjoy it.

Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

This has to be the pick. Lineman is where I would go, but the Lions want a face for their franchise, and Matthew Stafford is it. It’s all but done.

St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Rams could go a lot of ways. Now there are even talks of Mark Sanchez or Michael Crabtree being picked, but an OT is most needed in St. Louis, and Smith will make an immediate impact on this team. The Rams play it smart and pick the best OT available in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

This is a team with a lot of needs.

Trust me, I hesitated when writing this part of my mock draft, because they have acquired two Hall of Fame veteran linebackers, Zach Thomas and Mike Vrabel. But these guys have a maximum of two years left, so with the third overall pick, the Kansas City Chiefs will select Curry, the best player in this year’s draft.

Aaron will make an immediate impact. Great speed and strength. He’s the obvious pick.

Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT, University of Virginia

The Seahawks will go line with their pick in this year’s draft. Walter Jones is good, but he’s old and injury plagued. Seattle’s offense definitely needs youth, and the line needs to be upgraded. Heck, maybe  Hasselbeck or Wallace will get more than two seconds to think.

Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Browns’ secondary is HORRIBLE. But there are no DB prospects that are worthy of a top five pick. And arguably, the defensive line is the second worst part of the team. So the Browns go smart and pick Orakpo, the hybrid defensive end out of Texas. Brian has a great work ethic, and he’s smart.

He’ll fit in with the Browns greatly.

Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

If Eugene Monroe somehow gets past Seattle, he’ll be picked here.

But since he’s off the board, the Bengals will go with the best WR in this year’s draft, Michael Crabtree. With T.J. Houshmandzadeh gone, Cincinnati has a huge hole to fill.

Crabtree is the answer. The Bengals picking him will be inevitable if they trade Chad Johnson.

Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Raiders could go with B.J. Raji, but I think, again, they will pick speed over need.

Oakland has to be careful here. They don’t want another Johnnie Lee Higgins. But Maclin is an excellent player and can make a great impact on this team.

His only problem is his route running.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Sanchez, QB, University of Southern California

With the top receivers already gone, the Jags pick up Mark Sanchez.

Davis Garrard had a good run in 2007, but he isn’t the answer.

They gave him more weapons, and he somehow managed to give them a losing record. Mark Sanchez is a great player. He has an overall set that will be coveted around the league.

With out experience in college, he’ll fit in with the Jaguars great, because they are considered a running team.

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Green Bay’s main need is a defensive line. Maybin is a great pass rusher who will do well in the Packer’s 3-4 scheme. He can compliment Aaron Kampman well.

San Fransisco 49ers: Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

The 49ers secondary isn’t getting any younger, and they need to add more talent. Jenkins will fit perfectly in San Fransisco’s style. Look for Jenkins to do well with the 49ers in 2009.

Well, there’s the first 10 picks in my mock draft. I hope you enjoyed this, and please leave feedback. I’m open to debate with anyone who disagrees.  

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