TAB’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft: Draft Week Special Edition

There has been a lot of movement this winter of Pro Bowlers, veterans, and youngsters to fill needs on teams that have also seen equal-caliber talent walk out the door.

 

Whether it’s Brian Dawkins, Jay Cutler, Albert Haynesworth, or Torry Holt, the new faces on teams across the league will have an enormous impact on the NFL landscape this coming season.

 

However, as we look at the draft and how the first round is now taking shape, there are still a few substantial rumors floating that could play a significant role in what players are taken by which teams and, more importantly, where they’re picked.

 

This will not be my final mock draft, as it is my tenth of this offseason (I will bring my final mock on Friday evening, the night before the Draft), but it is my most complete to date. I look forward to similar conversations as I’ve had on my previous nine.

 

 

 

1.      Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford

 

I think Jason Smith might be a safer long-term pick here than Stafford, as picking any quarterback with the first overall pick carries the burden of overwhelming success, but the Lions need a face for their franchise. As much as Calvin Johnson could be that, he needs someone to get him the ball. Stafford’s their guy.

 

 

 

2.      St. Louis Rams: OT Jason Smith

 

Orlando Pace is now in Chicago after being the rock of their line for over a decade. In Smith they’ll look to make a fresh start on their aging roster with the same blueprint with which they were successful: start with the offensive line and build out.

 

Two wild cards here could be Mark Sanchez as an eventual replacement to Marc Bulger and Michael Crabtree to replace Torry Holt.

 

 

 

3.      Kansas City Chiefs: LB Aaron Curry

 

While they have added Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas to their linebacking corps this winter, there’s a reason both of those linebackers were available: They’re old. Curry established himself at the combine as the premier talent in this year’s class and could prove to be a steal with the third pick.

 

 

 

4.      Seattle Seahawks: QB Mark Sanchez

 

They could look to a tackle, but I’m not sold on Eugene Monroe or Andre Smith. They could look at Crabtree, but I think they’ll look at having a strong replacement ready if and when Matt Hasselbeck gets hurt/retires by taking Sanchez and allowing him the luxury of learning from a class professional.

 

 

 

5.      Cleveland Browns: DE Brian Orakpo

 

There’s a strong chance that, depending on what happens before the draft, you see Crabtree come off the board here. But I don’t think the Browns move Braylon Edwards before the draft.

 

Keep watching for the answer to whether or not I think Edwards is a Brown on Sunday morning. Their defense was miserable, and Orakpo is a physical stud on the edge.

 

 

 

6.      Cincinnati Bengals: OT Andre Smith

 

If the Bengals want to win, they need Carson Palmer to stay off the turf. Smith was once thought of as a potential top overall talent, but a series of questionable events have dropped his stock. If he’s as good on the field in Cincy as he was in Alabama, the Bengals have a nice pick here.

 

 

 

7.      Oakland Raiders: DT B.J. Raji

 

The Raiders have a lot of holes to fill and will very seriously consider Crabtree if he’s available. But they need to build their defense, and with a line-oriented head coach, Raji would make sense here. He’s the premier defensive tackle in the draft and could be what the Raiders had hoped Warren Sapp would have been.

 

 

 

8.      Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Michael Crabtree

 

This pick has come to be viewed as the hinge of the first round. If Sanchez falls, the Jags could either pick him or trade down, as there could be as many as a dozen teams looking at the USC quarterback.

 

If a team has its eye on one of the great defensive ends in this class, this would be the spot to trade into before Green Bay and San Francisco get their shot at the position, one they both need.

 

The other wild card with this pick is if, according to my mock draft, Crabtree is still on the board. With the Giants and Eagles both keeping their eyes on Anquan Boldin in Arizona and Edwards in Cleveland, the price to move up into this spot for Crabtree would be considerably less than either of those established stars.

 

 

 

9.      Green Bay Packers: DE Aaron Maybin

 

 

The Packers are making the transition to a 3-4 scheme on defense, and Maybin has kept his stock in or around the top 10 the entire winter. Some think he’s good enough to deserve a higher slot, so the Packers will be thrilled if he falls to them at nine.

 

 

 

10.   San Francisco 49ers: DE Robert Ayers

 

Coach Mike Singletary would love to get his hands on Orakpo or Maybin here as the ‘Niners work to build a defensive line in front of star linebacker Patrick Willis. Ayers has a big body and would be a good option for the Niners at end.

 

 

 

11.   Buffalo Bills: OT Eugene Monroe

 

The Bills now have the relative luxury of having two first round selections after the trade with Philadelphia. It’s a relative luxury because they now have a substantial hole to fill at left tackle because of that exact trade.

 

Monroe has projected as high as the top four, so seeing him on the board would be a relief for the Bills.

 

 

 

12.   Denver Broncos: DE Tyson Jackson

 

Jackson played in a scheme at LSU that could translate well to Denver, except for the weather differences between Baton Rouge and the Mile High City. The Broncos have spent a lot of money on their secondary this winter, so providing some pressure up front would make sense in the draft. They have the 18th pick from Chicago as well.

 

 

 

13.   Washington Redskins: DE Everette Brown

 

Jason Taylor is gone, and Albert Haynesworth is in. With the run on defensive ends they will likely look to put a speed rusher outside their huge investment at defensive tackle with Brown.

 

This is high to think they’ll take a jump for quarterback Josh Freeman, and it’s also a little high for tackles Michael Oher or Eben Britton. A receiver, potentially Jeremy Maclin, is also a possibility.

 

 

 

14.   New Orleans Saints: CB Malcolm Jenkins

 

They had no problem moving the ball on offense last year, but they again find themselves drafting in the top half of the first round because they couldn’t stop anything last year.

 

Jenkins is a big, physical corner that might even translate to safety in the NFL. The Saints need secondary help, and Jenkins does that. They might stay at Ohio State here and take Beanie Wells to replace Deuce McAllister, though.

 

 

 

15.   Houston Texans: LB Brian Cushing

 

They have a great young nucleus starting on their defense with DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams. Adding Cushing to the mix would give them a formidable foundation with versatility against the run or pass. They might look at an offensive tackle here, but Cushing is a top-tier linebacker.

 

 

 

 

16.   San Diego Chargers: OT Michael Oher

 

LaDanian Tomlinson isn’t getting younger, which is why they need to address their offensive line. Not only do they need better blocking in front of the future Hall of Famer, but their increasing dependence on Philip Rivers to throw the ball will require solid blocking as well. Oher is the next-best tackle on the board.

 

 

 

17.   New York Jets: QB Josh Freeman

 

This might be a stretch based on talent, but it’s a layup based on need. There are so few decent quarterbacks in this year’s class and so many teams with eyes on a signal caller that the Jets will reach on Freeman here and give him the chance to compete with Kellen Clemens for the starting job.

 

 

 

18.   Denver Broncos (from Chicago for Cutler): RB Beanie Wells

 

They have spent a lot of money on their defense and will address it earlier in the first round with one of the good defensive ends. While they have brought in three veteran running backs this winter and had seven start for them last year, having the top back in the draft available at 18 isn’t something any Denver coaching staff would pass on.

 

 

 

19.   Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Jeremy Maclin

 

No Stafford. No Sanchez. And now no Freeman? Hello Jeff Garcia! The Bucs won’t get the young quarterback they want in this draft without moving up, but they could get a really good receiver with similar skills to the recently departed Joey Galloway in Maclin.

 

 

 

20.   Detroit Lions: OT Eben Britton

 

If they’re going to take a quarterback with the top overall pick to complement a good young receiver and running back, then wouldn’t it make sense to protect him? Britton’s the last true first round tackle on the board, but taking him with Stafford in the first round would make this the first good opening round since before Matt Millen.

 

They’ll be able to come back and look at help in their secondary or another linebacker to start the second round.

 

 

 

21.   Philadelphia Eagles: WR Hakeem Nicks*

 

TRADE: Eagles move Nicks and later picks to Arizona for Anquan Boldin

 

There will be arguments about whether or not trading away two first round picks is a good idea, but when was the last time a first round produced a Pro Bowl left tackle and a Pro Bowl wide receiver in the first year?

 

This deal would be completely dependent on Nicks being available to play opposite Larry Fitzgerald and would have Donovan McNabb running through walls to get on the field this fall.

 

 

 

22.   Minnesota Vikings: TE Brandon Pettitgrew

 

They have arguably the best running back in the game and a good receiver outside in Bernard Berrian. Pettitgrew is the top tight end in this class and would give their offense versatility both in the pass and run games, opening up more opportunities for Berrian and Adrian Peterson.

 

I’m sure an honest Vikings fan would tell you they would prefer to see Denver picking here and Cutler, not Sage Rosenfelds, under center in the purple this fall.

 

 

 

23.   New England Patriots: LB Clay Matthews

 

They have always liked good playmaking linebackers, and with their Super Bowl group being broken up by trade and age, they’re now looking to rebuild the heart of their defense. Matthews’ ability to play inside and outside makes him a good pick for a Patriots team looking to replace Vrabel.

 

 

 

24.   Atlanta Falcons: DT Evander Hood

 

They’ll be angry if they miss on Matthews as a replacement for Keith Brooking, but Hood’s stock is rising, and he could be an solid anchor inside their line that could take attention away from the end. This might also be where the third USC linebacker, Rey Maualuga, comes off the board.

 

 

 

25.   Miami Dolphins: CB Vontae Davis

 

They found themselves in a similar position to the Saints last year with a glaring weakness coming in pass defense. The difference was that the Fins had better linebacker play and need to add depth and skill to the corner position.

 

Davis is perhaps the best physical talent at corner in this draft, so getting him at 25 could be a steal.

 

 

 

26.   Baltimore Ravens: LB Rey Maualuga

 

Maualuga was a good linebacker at USC, flanked by two players already off the board. With Bart Scott leaving for the Jets, the Ravens will look to replace him with a true inside linebacker. Maualuga is a better option than James Laurinaitis, the other true inside backer on the board at this point.

 

 

 

27.   Indianapolis Colts: WR Kenny Britt

 

This pick will drive the crowd at the draft nuts, as many Giants fans are hoping the local receiver from Rutgers will help them forget about Plaxico Burress. But the Colts have always evaluated talent well, and Britt will be a wonderful replacement for Marvin Harrison opposite Reggie Wayne.

 

 

 

28.   Buffalo Bills (from Philadelphia for Peters): RB Knowshon Moreno

 

With Marshawn Lynch suspended for three games and having a history of not getting it, and with Moreno being arguably the top back in this year’s draft, he should serve as good insurance against future slip-ups from Lynch. The addition of Dominic Rhodes shouldn’t keep the Bills from taking an impact player to help their offense here.

 

It also should serve notice to Lynch (something lots of people are doing these days) to grow up or he’s expendable.

 

 

 

29.   New York Giants: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey*

 

TRADE: Giants move this selection with another pick to Cleveland for Edwards.

 

The Giants figure to be aggressive the entire first round, looking to move up to score an impact receiver to replace Burress. But with the needs of teams in front of them, and with this year being a relatively weak receiver class, the Giants have appeared to be more focused on a veteran via trade than actually using this pick.

 

If Britt is off the board, the Giants do not pick here.

 

Cleveland would get a good receiver with top tier speed in Heyward-Bey, as well as another pick (likely a third or fourth rounder) for Edwards, while the Giants would get their marquee receiver to replace not only Burress, but fellow former Michigan Wolverine Amani Toomer.

 

 

 

30.   Tennessee Titans: DT Peria Jerry

 

The Titans need to replace Haynesworth inside, and Jerry is the best tackle left on the board. They might look at a receiver like Percy Harvin here, but the biggest need is to rebuild their defensive interior.

 

 

 

31.   Arizona Cardinals: RB Donald Brown

 

If the trade I project with the Eagles goes down and they add Nicks at receiver, Brown would replace Edgerrin James, as the Cardinals continue to have one of the most talented offenses in the NFL.

 

The Cardinals would likely have another selection later on Day One from Philadelphia from a Boldin trade with which they could address their defensive depth.

 

 

 

32.   Pittsburgh Steelers: C Max Unger

 

Does it really matter who the Steelers take here? Not only do they have jewelry coming this fall from another Super Bowl victory, but there has been little movement off their roster.

 

There’s a strong possibility they trade out of this pick of someone has their eyes on Laurinaitis or Harvin, but Unger would help bring another young body into their offensive line to protect Big Ben and their stable of running backs.

Mitch Eskritt’s Packer Draft Contest Picks

This was difficult to decide and I was very close to picking BJ Raji as the first pick for the Packers. Unfortunately I don’t think he will be there when it is time for the Packers to pick. Because of this, I believe that the packers will draft the best OLB available.

The first player selected by the Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas.

Reasons and explanation:

Like I said above, I don’t think Raji will be available so the Packers will use a third or fourth round pick on a nose tackle to be a back-up for Pickett. I also think that there is a good chance my pick will be wrong because they will probably trade down if Raji isn’t there.

I chose Orakpo because I think he has the skill to play a pass rushing OLB or a defensive end if the whole 3-4 defense doesn’t work out. He has the size and skill like Kampman and has a lot more athleticism. I think he has a better chance than the rest of the 1st round OLBs to not be a Jamal Reynolds repeat.

The second player selected by the Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be: Evander Hood, DE, Missouri.

Reasons and explanation:

This 6’3” 300 pound DE/DT out of Missouri is a skillful and versatile player who has the speed and size to play any position on the defensive line. With these first two picks, the Packers will have a completed starting rotation on defense and fans will finally be happy… I hope.

Tiebreaker questions:

Will the Packers make a draft-day trade involving their first round No. 9 pick? Yes

Will the Packers third selection in the draft be an offensive player or a defensive player? Offensive, they will draft an OT with their third pick and then go back to defense for the next couple of rounds.

Will the Packers use any of their draft choices (day one or two) to take a punter? God I hope not, I’d rather have them draft a punt returner to compete with Blackmon for the job. That said i’m going to say: YES, because Thompson will have made so many trades he won’t know what to do with all of his picks.

Additional comments or predictions:

Earlier I said that I think they will trade their first round pick come draft day. I think there is a solid chance that Thompson won’t see a great value pick at the nine spot so I think he will trade for a later first round pick and a late second round pick.

I can see them drafting Ron Brace, or possibly an OLB like Connor Barwin, Larry English, or Michael Johnson. I think any of those four players would be a great pick in the late first and if they can get another second or third round pick on top of that, it would make sense for them to trade down.

Jason Peters’ Departure Will Not Affect Buffalo Bills’ Draft Approach

No more than three days ago, the Buffalo Bills decided that the left side of their line needed to start from scratch.

The Bills have been as active this offseason as any team, and their latest move to rid them selves of the foreshadowed Jason Peters headache is one of the bigger splashes to date.

On paper, there are more holes than any of the previous 7-9 campaigns under coach Dick Jauron. Regardless of owner Mr. Wilson’s boost of confidence by keeping the career losing coach for another season, Jaroun’s Fire Marshall Bill (for the rare In Living Color fans out there) buns are burning on the hot seat.

Therefore, after the front office made bold moves by “cutting the fat”, moving on without Derrick Dockery, Melvin Fowler, Duke Preston, and Robert Royal. They then proceeded to allow Greer to sign elsewhere and trade Jason Peters, meaning the draft is now as important as ever.

Now the biggest question in Buffalo is not how long will it take for Owens to become a negative spectacle, but what direction do the Bills go in a draft class that is deep in position of need. I, for one, am impervious to “draft experts” and so called stock that rises and falls off the football field.

 

Round One, No. 11 – Brian Cushing, USC – OLB

A lot of people will not like this pick off the bat. But what needs to be taken into account is that USC’s program is better than some NFL franchises in terms of talent. Therefore, when you look at Cushing and see a player that Pete Carroll could not keep off the field, one would have to believe there is talent and leadership in Brian. 

Cushing is more than a “workout warrior.” If anything, Cushing’s work ethic should be admired, not used against him—especially when you consider the three positions Cushing manned at USC (SS, DE, and OLB).

The Bills fill a huge need at OLB and get a guy who could allow the Bills to actually blitz from the LB position. 

Ayers may have “shot up” in rankings, however aforementioned I refuse to believe in risers and fallers in the offseason (barring legal issues). Michael Oher could be an option, but you will see later why I pass up a Peters replacement.

 

Round One, No. 28 – Larry English, NI – DE

English is one of the most under-the-radar pass rushers in the entire 2009 draft class. A four-year starter who has 32.5 sacks to show for it, he is hard to ignore.

English might not drop past the Patriots at No. 23, but if it does happen do not be surprised if Dick Jauron continues to build a defense and again passes on addressing the LT need.

English may not replace Kelsay as the starter opposite Schobel, but will he give the Bills better situational pass-rushing options.

 

Round Two, No. 42 – Alex Mack, Cal – C

There are questions because of Mack’s lack of versatility to play other positions on the line. Therefore, guys like Wood and Unger could go before Mack. Mack is a true center and is one of the best prospects at that position to come along since Mangold went to the Jets in the first round in ’06.

Again, the Bills will pass on a LT, because Jauron will not risk having rookies man the left side of the line. Do not be surprised if you see Walker moved to LT, while recent Panthers castoff Geoff Hangartner plays LG.

Mack is the exact player the Bills need to help against the 3-4 front that the Bills will face upwards of six times this season. Most likely of all, the rookies to start or at least see serious playing time.

 

Round Three, No. 75 – Shawn Nelson, Southern Miss – TE

Amazing value here if the Bills can land the tight-end threat their offense has lacked since Jay Riemersma. Nelson is a underrated blocker who can stretch the field. Currently standing at 6’5″ and 240 lbs., there is room to build on the young man’s frame.

Some would compare Nelson to Martin Rucker, a fourth-round pick of the Browns last year—only better. Nelson would likely be very well worked into the offense by midseason.

 

Round Four, No. 110 – Michael Hamlin, Clemson –  SS

I would not be surprised if the Bills move Whitner to FS to try and justify the value of taking the kid eighth-overall, while starting Bryan Scott at SS. The Bills will be crossing their fingers Chip Vaughn is still around, but Hamlin had a terrific senior year—110 tackles, 10 PBU, and a solid six INTs.

Hamlin is a bit slower than some would like and Micahel’s hips are not as fluid as one would like in coverage, but with the pieces added in front of him—and the ability to play special teams while learning for a year or two—make Hamlin a solid investment.

 

Round Four,  No. 121 – A.Q. Shipely, PSU, C/G

Dick Jauron has a pattern over the years of taking two players at the same position. Shipelygives the Bills depth at center position as well as at the guard position.

Short arms are going to cost Shipley, but the 40 on his Wonderlic is right up the Bills alley.  He also has that “great motor” label that seems to be the MO of the Bills’ middle-round picks.

However, while PSU was being blown away in the Rose Bowl, Shipely made Rey Maualuga’s life miserable, play after play—regardless of the score.

 

Round Five, No. 147 – Antone Smith, FSU – RB

Another pick that seems to be a must for the Bills. Lynch is suspended, Jackson is a question mark to return after this season, and Rhodes is only a stop gap. Smith is a home-run threat who could offer the Buffalo Bills a Leon Washington type of player.

Rumors are the Bills would like to move Parrish. Asking Mckelvin to be a full-time starting CB/KR is enough of a workload, let alone piling on PR as well.

Smith could return kicks and be a change-of-pace back. Dick Jauron tends to draft backs later in the draft (Dwayne Wright and Xavier Omon)

 

As far as the sixth and seventh round go, with the abundance of high picks it would be hard to see another Steve Johnson-type make the roster at any point next year.

The moral of the story? Dick Jauron needs to save his job. Therefore, depending on rookies is a real hit or miss and they need to be chosen wisely. Especially because there is not a doubt in anyone’s mind that barring injury, only one or two of the picks will actually start a majority of the season.

Furthermore, the guys that do see playing time will be mainly because of thinness at the position more than wanting an upgrade.  Buffalo fans cannot sit through another 7-9 season all while watching skill position players lack support.

The Bills need to get better with their front seven on defense as well as in the trenches on the offensive line. Should the Bills go in the direction listed above, not only do they address those needs, but they do it with high quality prospects—and saving their backside with picks like Hamlin and Smith.

Ray Tannock’s Packers Draft Contest Picks

Draft day 2009. This year’s draft should be full of surprises, both in terms of picks, and the type of talent coming into the NFL; Green Bay could have a few surprises of their own too.

It is obvious to most, the Pack will have to address the NT and OT position. The NT, or even DT position, will be more difficult to address since the majority of teams are in need of such players. Still, I believe the Pack will combine history and cleverness in their first and second round picks to settle some pressing issues.

Let’s take a look at my predictions.

 

The first player selected by the Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be:

Aaron Maybin DE/OLB PSU:
Reasons and explanation:

 

Maybin is a first pick steal and considering both Raji and Jackson will most likely be gone; Maybin just makes sense.

Ryan Pickett may not have as much trouble adjusting to the move to NT and if so Maybin could be the development guy the Packers may consider for the future as well as now.

Maybin is versatile, athletic, and runs on a high motor, but more importantly, he is a guy they can develop over the course of the year.

The added bonus of Maybin, is his experience at OLB. Technically, that kills two birds with one stone in terms of depth, freeing up their No. 2 pick for another position desperately in need of addressing: OT.

The second player selected by the Packers in the 2009 NFL draft will be:

T.J.Lang  T / Eastern Michigan
Reasons and explanation:
Lang is going to be one of the top ten OTs left at pick 41 and he is a perfect fit for a line that is in it’s last years together. Tauscher will make a great role model, but his body is basically saying the tank is getting low.

Lang’s technical prowess and pass protection ability has made him an elite prospect, not to mention you rarely found this guy laying on the ground. He has the instinct and capability to deal with bullish rushers,and since there is a ton of them in the NFL his stock is looking pretty good.

Lang has more than enough size, more than enough football intelligence, and considering the only real blemish to him is the need for more strength, something easily attained in the pros, makes him a perfect fit and a draft day steal for the Pack.

Tie-breaker questions:

Will the Packers make a draft-day trade involving their first round No. 9 pick? No.

Will the Packers third selection in the draft be an offensive player or a defensive player? Defense.

Will the Packers use any of their draft choices (day one or two) to take a punter? Yes.

Additional comments or predictions:

Watch for a guy by the name of Colin Brown. Assuming the Steelers don’t grab him in the later rounds, Brown could be a wonderful additional pick at OT.

At 6’7″ 341 he has more than enough size to play in the pros.  The one glaring problem with Brown is he needs to work on his technique if he wants to transition to the pro level.

Missouri’s style of play is something you won’t find in the NFL, so it will take time for him to come into his own and to get up to speed in his conditioning. If available, Brown has the potential to be the biggest steal at OT this year.

The Matthew Stafford Historical and Traditional Appeal

 

First off, thank you readers!  I was blown away by your response to my article yesterday. 

In the article I make the case for why the Detroit Lions should draft Aaron Curry with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft as opposed to Matthew Stafford. The challenge for the Lions appears to be a very interesting story, starting with the Draft and, leading into the upcoming season. 

For the most part, most of you (over 50 percent) agree that Curry ought to be the first pick this year; more than 20 percent think Jason Smith should be the guy and about 18 percent think Stafford should be the No. 1 pick. Great stuff! 

———————————————————————————————————————————

 

 

For the Stafford supporters (“The Heckler” Ron Monk especially) the public has spoken—but do not worry, I have taken the time to compile a profile for your prospect. Here is everything you need to know about Matthew Stafford. 

The case and story for Stafford goes some ways back to the factors that played a major role in shaping the sensational prospect—his family, his high school coach (Randy Allen) and, the Highland Park Scots. 

 

Highland Park Scots: Its Successful Athletic Program and, the Detroit Lions Connection:

Long before Stafford was even born, the Scots had two football greats (Doak Walker and Bobby Lane) put the program on the map by leading the school to a State Championship in 1944. 

Lane and Walker then went on to the National Football League where they were re-united in 1950 as members of the Detroit Lions football team. These decorated, and probably the best, players to ever come out of Texas proceeded to win three NFL Championships for the Lions in 1952, 1953 and finally in 1957. 

The 1957 Championship is well known in Lions-country as the very last title Detroit has won in the NFL; a drought of 51 years and counting. The success of these two men created a legacy which resonates today in a very successful Scots program and elicits feelings of nostalgia from a Detroit Lions fan base that is desperate for another title.

 

The Coach, Randy Allen: His Successful Career and, the Highland Park Scots Connection:

Randy Allen played high school football at Abilene Cooper (a football powerhouse) in Texas and went to the 1967 State Title game. As an adult, and after a string of successful coaching jobs, Allen returned to Abilene Cooper again in 1991 (this time as a coach) and successfully led the team to another State Title game in 1996. 

He lost once again but this time to a future NFL great, Drew Brees, who Quarter-backed the Austin Westlake high school to a 55-15 State Title. 

(Those of you who know are aware that Brees later went on to play at Purdue – which runs a Pro-Style, spread offense; the same one Kyle Orton played in and a similar one to the one Stafford would play in at a later date.)  In 1999, Allen took a job at Highland Park which had developed one of the most successful athletic programs in all of Texas.

 

The Stafford Family in Texas and the Georgia Connection

Matt Stafford was born in Tampa, Florida. While Matt was a kid, his family moved to Hinesville, GA where his father (John) completed a Masters program at the University of Georgia. 

From there the family relocated to Dallas, Texas where Matt enrolled at Highland Park where he developed into the No. 1 NCAA QB prospect in 2006. 

By 2006, Matt’s older sister (Page) had begun attending the University of Georgia and, despite being heavily recruited by the Texas Longhorns (Greg Davis), Stafford chose to sign with the Georgia Bulldogs (Mike Bobo).

Note: Despite the family ties, some claim that Matt chose Georgia because he did not want to compete with (Yes, you guessed it) Colt McCoy for the starting QB position at Texas. 

Now that we have the background out of the way, let us delve into the performance resume for Matthew Stafford. While at Highland Park, Stafford went picked up the starting QB reign and did some pretty magical things which culminated in his leading the team to the State Championships in 2005. 

The Scots won that game—in Texas which is one of the grass roots football state – by a ridiculous score of 59-0. 

His final high school career statistics (as seen on Rivals.com) is detailed below:

2003(So)

3,180 Passing Yards and 35 TDs

 

2004(Jr.)

55 Rushes for 141 yards;

129-258 Pass Att., 50 percent completion for 1,748 yards and 18 TDs

 

2005(Sr.)

7 Rushing TDs;

207-321 Pass Att., 64.5 percent completion for 3,991 yards and 38 TDs and 6 picks

 

  

The rest is public history. Stafford went on to Georgia and appeared in three Bowl games in his three years with the Bulldogs.

Now here is the sexy part…the reason why the Lions have their pants in a bunch.  The fact that Stafford went to Highland Park, the same school Bobby Lane attended, has to feel like providence. 

For a Lions team that is coming off a 0-16 season, anything that would make the fans reminisce about the years of old and create some semblance of a buzz in Detroit might just be too sexy for management to pass-up.  There is so much tradition with Stafford that can be packaged and sold to fans. 

That is it. Now you know the deal, you know the whole story. Do you still think Stafford can actually help the Lions win ball games?  Please do not answer that question; let me do it for you. 

Your answer should be a big NO. Can Stafford bring the crowd, the excitement and, some optimism back to the Detroit Lions? YES.

The point is the Stafford-for-No.-1 pick choice depends on the Lions’ school of thought or point of view. If they want to create a buzz and fill the seats (i.e. be aggressive), then they should go with Stafford. If they want to take a conservative approach and go for the sure-thing, then they should stay away from Stafford. 

(Check out the film and video on Stafford at Rivals.com. These are videos from his Scots days—he throws good Dig, Out, Post and Go routes. I would like to see him throw some Options, Slants, Slow-go, Hooks and Fades though)

 

Sources

PrepTicket.com | Rivals.com | ParkCitiesPeoples | Wikipedia.org

Matthew Stafford Is Not the Answer for the Detroit Lions

Detroit should not draft Georgia QB Matthew Stafford with the first pick of the NFL draft on Sunday. The Lions should take Virgina OT Eugene Monroe or DT B.J Raji of Boston College.

Stafford would not solve the Lions problems.  The Lions need to build a strong defensive and offensive line then think about QB. There could still be a good QB around like Josh Freeman when the No.20 pick or when the No. 33 pick comes around.

I am in favor of the Lions taking Pat White with the first pick of the third round.  The Lions could build him behind Culpepper over the next two to three years.

Taking Stafford would be like putting a cherry wood door on an out-house.  The Lions need to build a defense or an o-line before they think of drafting a QB, WR, or HB with the first pick of the draft.

The Lions have all-star wide receiver Calvin Johnson and the rookie RB Kevin Smith is going to be the best back they have had since Barry Sanders. And Daunte Culpepper will be a reliable QB for a few more seasons.

All-in-all the Lions can not afford to make the poor draft choices they have been making. The Lions have not drafted a QB that starts in the NFL in this century.

Anquan Boldin Could Still Go to Eagles; Chad Johnson a Good Backup Plan

[Originally Posted at 2 Minutes to Midnight Green]

In my previous article, I had said that this trade does not necessarily mean the Eagles are out of the running for Anquan Boldin.

It would appear as though that statement was not unfounded.

According to PFT.com:

“We’re always looking for players that we think can make us better,” president Joe Banner said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I think we’ve proven many times that we’d be willing to do what it takes, whether it be a trade or do something with somebody’s contract in order to get them here.”

Seemingly going against their instincts, the Eagles may actually be considering going into the 2009 NFL draft without a first-round pick. Or a third and fourth, for that matter.

“There are teams that start the year with only one first-round draft pick, and they’ve traded them,” Banner said. “If we made another trade with a first-round draft pick, we’d just be in the same position as them. I think we’ll do whatever we evaluate to be the best move with any of the available players…. Some of the evaluation is about the quality of what we have at certain positions.”

This would appear to mean the Eagles are still batting around the idea of making an offer for the disgruntled Pro Bowl receiver out in the desert.

If the Eagles were ever going to trade away two first round picks in the same year, why not for a 27-year-old Pro Bowl left tackle, who can be a mainstay at the position for (based on the Eagles’ track record) about another seven years at least, and a 28-year-old Pro Bowl wide receiver who really could play for a very long time?

With the body and presence that Boldin has, would anyone be surprised to see him play as long as, say, Jerry Rice? He’s a big guy, and they definitely have a longer NFL shelf life for the wide receiver position.

Now the other side of this beautiful coin is the dirty, ugly side that’s rusted and covered in dirt.

The Eagles could simply be blowing smoke in order to try to drive up the price for the Giants to acquire him. This could be nothing more than trying to get the Giants into a phantom bidding war for Boldin.

Unfortunately, that seems more likely.

However, if the Eagles were to miss out on Boldin, there’s an obvious solution staring them in the face:

Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson.

It’s perfect. All they need to do is get Jeff Lurie on the phone with Mike Brown and convince him to part ways with Johnson (yes, Johnson—I refuse to call him Chad Ocho Cinco).

Considering Brown is the only one who wants to keep him around, if they can get him to change his stance, the Bengals would all but give him away.

Apparently word is that some players have said, “If (Johnson) is traded, I’ll drive him to the airport.”

Well, great. He has a ride to board his plane to Philly.

Frankly, Johnson and McNabb would just mesh better than Donovan would with Boldin. That’s not to say that Boldin and McNabb wouldn’t get along; I’m sure they’d be the best of friends. But Johnson likes to goof around and have fun, and so does McNabb.

Johnson has some famous antics like the H.O.F. jacket, proposing to the cheerleader, and all of the other fun stuff.

McNabb does have his own though. Just in the playoffs alone the man pretended to pick off Tarvaris Jackson on the last play of the game, of course everyone remembers his phantom phone call I can only assume went to the coaches’ box, and there’s always the Michael Jackson touchdown dance.

They’ve even had their moments together, such as the well-known pre-game warmup where Johnson got in line with the Eagles’ receivers and caught a pass from McNabb, who was more than happy to go along with the harmless (yes people, everything is harmless) antics.

On the business side of it, the Bengals could probably be persuaded to accept a third-round pick for Johnson, and maybe a conditional seventh in 2010. At the very most, they’d want a straight-up second round pick.

There’s no way the Bengals are delusional enough to ask for a first-round pick for a 31-year-old receiver when players like T.O. and Randy Moss were traded for mid-round picks at age 30.

For you naysayers about Chad Johnson, let’s not forget how poorly Moss played in Oakland when he wasn’t happy. Then he gets out, goes to the Pats, and literally breaks records.

It’s worth a try.

Rudy Dominick’s Final NFL Mock Draft: First Round

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford (QB)—Georgia

Detroit attempts to find their quarterback of the future. With eight possible offensive tackles going in the first round, they may attempt to draft one at No. 20 or No. 33.

With too many holes to fill around the team, Aaron Curry doesn’t fit because too much money would be tied up in the linebacking corps.

 

2. St. Louis: Jason Smith (OT)—Baylor

St. Louis released Orlando Pace with an eye on grabbing his replacement. The Rams need a solid line to help protect Marc Bulger while giving Steven Jackson holes to run through. Donnie Avery was the first wide receiver selected last year, so the Rams will look to help him later in the draft.

 

3. Kansas City: Eugene Monroe (OT)—Virginia

Kansas City added a linebacker by signing Zach Thomas, so Aaron Curry stays on the board here. The Chiefs draft Monroe to protect their new franchise quarterback Matt Cassel.

 

4. Seattle: Brian Orakpo (DE)—Texas

Orakpo gives Seattle an improved pass rush. Seattle has drafted defensive players in the first round four out of the last five selections. Mark Sanchez could be a possibility here by Seattle or with another team trading up.

 

5. Cleveland: Aaron Curry (LB)—Wake Forest

Cleveland gets the best consensus player in the draft while also filling a major need. Wide receiver could be a choice as well, with Braylon Edwards probably on his way out, but with receivers like Brian Robiskie available in Round Two, the Browns go defense.

 

6. Cincinnati: Andre Smith (OT)—Alabama

Cincinnati takes a player that fills two needs at once. Smith fills in at tackle, protecting Carson Palmer’s blind side. Yet, after being suspended at Alabama and skipping the combine, he also adds to the list of Bengals with questionable characters.

 

7. Oakland: Jeremy Maclin (WR)—Missouri

Oakland drafts its third top 10 offensive player in three years. NFL Network analyst and former Raiders personnel exec Michael Lombardi stated, “Al Davis needs a player with a good 40-yard-dash time,” which eliminates Michael Crabtree from consideration.   

 

8. Jacksonville: Michael Crabtree (WR)—Texas Tech

Jacksonville finally gets the franchise wide receiver they have been missing since Jimmy Smith retired. Crabtree would have gone higher if it were not for his foot injury.

 

9. Green Bay: B.J. Raji (DT)—Boston College

Green Bay shifted from a 4-3 defense to the 3-4. Raji fills a major hole up the middle, giving the Packers an easier transition. A defensive end or linebacker are also possibilities.

 

10. San Francisco: Mark Sanchez (QB) —USC

San Francisco grabs their quarterback of the future. With Shaun Hill and Alex Smith on the roster, they grab their unquestioned starter.

 

11. Buffalo: Michael Oher (OT)—Ole Miss

With the Jason Peters trade, Buffalo adds Oher to fill a need. The Bills will target defensive help later in the draft.

 

12. Denver: Everette Brown (DE/OLB) —Florida St.

Head coach Josh McDaniels has stated he wants to stop the run. Brown is a pass rusher that could play either defensive end or outside linebacker in Denver’s new 3-4 scheme.   

 

13. Washington: Robert Ayers (DE)—Tennessee

Washington helps newly-signed Albert Haynesworth with an explosive pass rusher. Ayers fills the hole left by the release of Jason Taylor.

 

14. New Orleans: Michael Jenkins (CB/S)—Ohio State

New Orleans needs help in the secondary, whether that’s at cornerback or safety. It’s been debated if Jenkins is a better fit at safety due to his lack of speed. Regardless of position, Jenkins is a major improvement for the Saints.

 

15. Houston: Vontae Davis (CB)—Illinois

Houston has spent several first round picks on the defensive line. Now is the time to grab the No. 1 cornerback the franchise has never had.

 

16. San Diego: Chris “Beanie” Wells (RB)—Ohio State

San Diego has a lot of money tied up with the running back position in 2009, yet this could be LaDainian Tomlinson’s last season with the Chargers. Darren Sproles is too small to carry the load himself. By drafting Wells, the Chargers will have a one-two punch for many years to come.

 

17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman (QB)—Kansas State

New York failed in their attempts to trade for Jay Cutler. Barring a trade for either Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, the Jets select Freeman to be the quarterback of the future. A wide receiver could be selected as well.

 

18. Denver: Tyson Jackson (DE/DT)—LSU

The Broncos add another defensive line player, one who could play anywhere on the defensive line.   

 

19. Tampa Bay: Peria Jerry (DT)—Ole Miss

Tampa Bay adds a big run-stuffing defensive tackle in Jerry. After signing Byron Leftwich to a two-year contract, they will look to grab their future quarterback later in the draft.

 

20. ARIZONA (Trade with Detroit): Knowshon Moreno (RB)—Georgia

Detroit trades the No. 20 pick to Arizona for No. 30 and another draft pick

Arizona needs offensive playmakers with the potential release of Edgerrin James and J.J. Arrington’s free-agency departure, so the Cardinals trade up to select Moreno before the Eagles. A possible Anquan Boldin trade would make this selection more important, giving the Cardinals another offensive weapon to complement Larry Fitzgerald. 

 

21. Philadelphia: Brandon Pettigrew (TE)—Oklahoma State

Philadelphia helps out veterans Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook with this selection. With the Eagles’ trade for Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters, offensive line is no longer a need. 

 

22. Minnesota: Eben Britton (OT)—Arizona

Minnesota adds to their offensive line with Bryant McKinnie’s off the field issues and Ryan Cook’s inconsistency. 

 

23. New England: Brian Cushing (OLB)—USC

New England traded Mike Vrabel earlier this offseason, so Cushing replaces him, adding youth to their aging linebacking corps. Cushing is versatile and could play the middle, if needed. 

 

24. Atlanta: Louis Delmas (S)—Western Michigan

Atlanta needs to replace Lawyer Milloy and does so with a hard-hitting safety in Delmas. 

 

25. Miami: Darius Butler (CB)—UConn

Miami lacks a shutdown corner in a division that includes Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. 

 

26. Baltimore: Aaron Maybin (DE/OLB)—Penn St.

Maybin played defensive end in college but projects to be an outside linebacker in the NFL. There are some question marks about being too little to play on the defensive line.

 

27. Indianapolis: Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR)—Maryland

Indianapolis adds a receiver after releasing Marvin Harrison, as there is little depth behind Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez. A defensive tackle is a possibility here; Peria Jerry or Evander Hood would be the targets.

 

28. Buffalo: Larry English (DE)—Northern Illinois

Buffalo filled their need at offensive line—now they attack their defensive line, adding a pass rusher that will take some pressure off Aaron Schobel. 

 

29. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks (WR)—North Carolina

New York released Plaxico Burress after legal troubles, which leaves a massive hole at receiver. Nicks gives the Giants a possession receiver with great hands. The Giants could trade for Braylon Edwards, filling their need at receiver. The Edwards deal could include this pick, more likely two draft picks, including a second round selection.

 

30. Tennessee: Percy Harvin (WR)—Florida

Tennessee has been lacking quality at wide receiver for years and adds Harvin to their ranks. Harvin would have gone earlier in the draft, but character issues and a possible failed drug test at the combine drop his stock to this pick.

 

31. DETROIT (Trade with Arizona): James Laurinaitis (MLB)—Ohio St.

Detroit needs to fill two major holes at middle linebacker and defensive tackle. If they draft Laurinaitis here, look for No. 33 to be a defensive tackle, either Ziggy Hood from Missouri or Ron Brace from Boston College. An offensive lineman could go here also with either Max Unger or Alex Mack.

 

32. Pittsburgh: William Beatty (OT)—UConn

Pittsburgh needs to add an offensive lineman or two in the draft. Beatty fills one of those holes but may need time to develop.

Monday Morning Rehab

The release of the 2009 NFL schedule last week was such a tease. It’s like, ‘Hey fans, here are the games for next year. Now wait five more months for meaningful football.’ So not fair!

But it is better than no football, right? Besides, with the NFL Draft this weekend fans will have more than enough football coverage for the next couple of weeks.

Lost in the hoopla surrounding last week’s schedule release and this Saturday’s draft were four pretty major injury updates.

It is more than possible—likely, even—that these updates coincide with each team’s effort to shop these players to other teams before the draft, particularly in the cases of Anquan Boldin and Derek Anderson.

But the only trade that went down in the last couple of day was between the Bills and Eagles. Philly acquired a new offensive tackle in Jason Peters and the Bills picked up a second first-round pick in Saturday’s draft.

Kinda boring for fantasy owners, but the move could have been just the first domino to fall in what could be an active trade week leading up to the main event on Saturday.

Anquan Boldin [WR, Cardinals]

From ProFootballTalk:

As teams look into the possibility of trading for Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin, questions are swirling in league circles regarding whether and to what extent he might have a chronic hip condition that could result in a shorter-than-expected career.

Whoever pushed out this piece of information is driving down the price for Boldin. The culprit could possibly be one of his potential suitors in trying to get a better deal for a No. 1 wide receiver.

Despite this report, however, it does appear that several teams generally are interested in acquiring Boldin. The Eagles, Giants and Bears remain the most mentioned teams, but I have a feeling there are a few teams lurking in the shadows much in the same way the Bears did with the Jay Cutler trade. Something could go down this week before the NFL Draft.

Derek Anderson [QB, Browns]

From ESPN.com:

Despite reports this week to the contrary, Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson did not have offseason knee surgery following a left MCL injury that ended his 2008 season, multiple sources told ESPN.com.

Eric Mangini and the Browns are keeping a tight lip on any kind of injury updates in Cleveland, making it hard to believe almost anything you hear coming out of Browns camp.

It is hard to believe that the Browns are going to hold onto both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson this year. Mangini may be trying to trade Anderson, which necessitated this update on his knee. And there also is the rumor that the Browns are interested in Mark Sanchez, which seems nothing more than a smokescreen to try and get a team to trade up in the first round.

Lance Moore [WR, Saints]

From Canal Street Chronicles:

Moore was injured while lifting weights during the team’s offseason training program.

More busted up his shoulder and is expected to miss eight-to-10 weeks of offseason practice and conditioning.

He should return in time for training camp this July, which is good news for both Moore and the Saints. New Orleans was decimated by injuries last year and already not off to a great start this offseason.

Michael Crabtree [WR, Texas Tech]

From NFL.com:

Crabtree, who had surgery for a slight stress fracture on his left foot on Mar. 4, is out of the cast and walking boot and is now wearing a soft shoe.

Good news for the wide receiver projected to go No. 5 overall to the Cleveland Browns—despite their “interest” in Mark Sanchez—in our latest mock draft. Crabtree is head-and-shoulders above the rest of the receiver class in this draft despite a rocky spring.

The MMR will continue to run every Monday morning as scheduled during the offseason. If you have an injury update or want an update on a certain player, please leave a note in the comments.

Sometimes NFL Teams Have To Use “Just a Guy”

The Washington Redskins go into the NFL draft next weekend and the popular perception is that they have at least three glaring needs.

It’s considered unacceptable to have either Jon Jansen or Stephon Heyer starting at right tackle, relying on a tag team of Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn at left defensive end is a shaky plan at best and there isn’t a starting-quality strong-side linebacker on the roster.

The Redskins can expect to have the opportunity to get an immediate starter at one of those positions on Saturday when their first-round pick comes up at No. 13. If you’re reading this, you know the names—Michael Oher and Andre Smith at tackle, Brian Orakpo and Robert Ayers at end and Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing at linebacker.

Or they might elect not to take any of those players if they trade up to take USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. Dan Snyder, Vinny Cerrato and Jim Zorn spent Friday night wining and dining Sanchez at a trendy D. C. restaurant.

I don’t think that they waste their time doing that unless they are serious about making a move. That doesn’t mean that it will happen but it has to be considered to be a possibility.

So, two or three of the above needs will remain after the first day of the draft. You can’t count on getting immediate help on the second day so come Sunday night when Mr. Irrelevant is named the Skins still will be unsettled in more than one position.

And many, if not most, NFL teams will be in the same boat. You can’t fill every starting position with a high draft pick or with a premium free agent. Sometimes you have to go with someone who is just a guy.

Should the Redskins not land an offensive tackle that guy could be Jansen or Heyer or maybe Devin Clark, a rookie free agent who spent last year on the practice squad. Wynn, Daniels, and Chris Wilson could be the guys rotating at right DE.

H. B. Blades was a guy who filled in at linebacker last year and didn’t embarrass himself. Or another guy who could end up starting at the Sam linebacker is the recently-signed Robert Thomas, who has started 50 NFL games in six years in the league.

If you’re starting just a guy, it’s likely that you have to design your schemes to compensate for the average to below-average skills that your guy possesses.

For this reason, the Redskins might be well advised to use their top pick on either the linebacker or the end. Since they usually are lined up on the same side of the field it makes it much more difficult to cover the weak spot.

And, again, the Redskins will not be alone if they start a couple of players who are just a guy. Virtually every NFL team has to pull a guy off the bench or sign a guy who is in low demand as a free agent and insert him into the starting lineup.

This isn’t to say that this is the ideal situation. That would be to have a young player who you drafted a couple of years ago ready to step in and start. But with 22 starting positions to fill, so much player movement and the uncertainties of the draft it doesn’t always work out that way.

And, since the Redskins trade away so many draft picks (last year being very much the exception) they have that ready-to-go player available less often than most teams.

But if it’s not ideal that doesn’t mean that it’s a disaster. Nevertheless, Redskins Nation is likely to be fretting and wringing its collective hands on Monday morning, lamenting unfilled needs. Chances are, though, that a few guys will end up working out just fine.

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010