Tumultuous Bills Offseason: Desperation or Beginning of Big Future?

The 2009 Buffalo Bills off-season was the most eventful and busy in recent memory.  The stories from this past off-season littered the headlines, most notably the signing of Terrell Owens to a one-year $6.5 million deal, the arrest and suspension of running back Marshawn Lynch and most recently, the dealing of beleaguered OT Jason Peters to the Philadelphia Eagles for a first-round pick (28th), a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in next year’s draft.

These moves, coupled with the departure of starters Jabari Greer and Duke Preston, through free agency mean the Bills team that the Patriots see this Sept. 14 will look much different than the one they saw in the last game of the season last December.

The signing of TO has been criticized and praised by both national and local media members alike.  One thing we can all agree on is it will shake up an offense that looked methodical, at its best. The addition of Owens creates two threats on the outside, something the Bills have truly lacked since Eric Moulds and Peerless Price caught balls from Drew Bledsoe.

If the Bills can find a way to work the dangerous Roscoe Parrish into the fold, they will possess three receivers capable at any time of taking it the distance.  When coupled with the dynamic running duo of Lynch, Fred Jackson and the recently signed Dominic Rhodes, the Bills are handing Trent Edwards the keys to a potentially fearsome offensive machine.

The skill and speed the Bills possess on the outside and in the backfield contrasts drastically with their lack of experience and talent on the front line. Peters moving to the Eagles was expected because of the inability between the two sides to work out a new contract for Peters. Peters was demanding top money and the Bills, who never spend to the cap, were not going to give it to him. Peters put the Bills in a difficult position, leading to the trade.

As has been seen in the Bills’ past, the trade seems to give away too much for too little. Peters, at 27, is in the prime of his career and might even have his best years ahead of him, having only played OT since his second year in the NFL. His athleticism and talent are unquestioned; in his rookie year Peters was the most devastating middle-kick coverage man I have seen, and he ran a 4.88 40-time coming out of Arkansas.

For all of this the Bills received a lowly 28th overall pick, a fourth-rounder and future sixth rounder. This screams desperation and a lack of patience from the Bills management. The Eagles are in dire need of an OT having let long-time starters Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan depart and may have been willing to part with their other first-round selection (21st) if the Bills had waited until draft day to make a deal.  Instead the Bills parted with a player who has made the Pro-Bowl in his only two full seasons as a starter for pennies on the dollar.

Despite this failure, if the Bills are able to turn the 11th pick into a starting left tackle and a DE/OLB, the draft can seen as successful.  If the Bills early second-round pick (11th) can be used on a TE that can work the middle of the field, such as South Carolina’s Jared Cook, then it would just add to the weapons at Trent Edwards disposal. 

Those first three picks, combined with the outcome of the TO deal, will be the determining factors as to the success of this off-season.  An off-season that could be viewed in the future as when the Bills went wrong with a talented young nucleus, or when they made the moves to take the step from 7-9 to the playoffs and beyond.

2009 NFL Mock Draft: O’s Round One Selections

 

Detroit Lions: QB Mathew Stafford, Georgia

The Lions have a ton of needs, but they are unlikely to become a winning team without a franchise quarterback to build around. Matthew is highly elite talent that could lead the Lions into the future. He is a classic pocket passer. He possesses one of the strongest arms of any quarterback on the board. Stafford makes tough throws into tight spots. He is ready for the pro style offense and will fit with the Lions. 

St Louis Rams: OT Jason Smith, Baylor

In doing this, they securely replace Orlando Pace. Smith is extremely athletic with an excellent combination of size, speed, and power. He has all the talent needed to fill this position combined with a tremendous work ethic and an above average awareness. Smith, is tough and physical in the trenches, with excellent balance and would work well with the Rams for many years to come.

Chiefs: LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forrest

This selection is hands down a lock. The Chiefs need a solid starter at the strong side linebacker position. Curry will be able to fill the role quickly. He is the top defensive player in the draft. Curry is a smart and versatile athletic linebacker. With great natural talent, his speed will fit with the defense. Though, don’t be surprised if they pass on Curry and go after another pressing need, an OT, and select Eugene Monroe from Virginia. 

Seattle Seahawks: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia

Seattle has struggled this past year and a lot of it was due to a poor offensive line. Monroe is the right man to lead the offensive line in helping to protect Hasselbeck. Monroe has tremendous footwork and field perception; and he displays excellent balance and supieror pass protection. Another route for the Seahawks is to go with a quarterback as solid as Marc Sanchez or BJ Raji. If this occurs, Monroe will slide to the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

The Cleveland Browns are on the clock. The receiving core is a complete disaster with the departure of Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards on his way out the door, a reciever becomes their primary need. Even though they have an urgent need for a talented defensive pass rusher.

I cannot see them passing on a gifted wide receiver. Michael Crabtree is as solid as it gets, at this position, and is an elite talent that should be successful immediately. Crabtree has the ideal size and outstanding hands. He, uses his body well to position himself well against defensive backs, which gives him the ability to make plays in the open field after catching the ball. Another possibility, for the Browns, is Brian Orakapo.

Cincinnati Bengals: OT Andre Smith

Cincinnati needs a player that is able to protect the quarterback well and can play right away. Smith is a perfect fit for the team, since he uses his hands well and is very difficult to get around, if you get into his body. Smith is a solid athlete with surprisingly good quickness, for his size. He is able to sustains blocks and excel at the point of attack. 

Oakland Raiders: DE Brian Orakapo, Texas

With Crabtree gone and the top offensive lineman already drafted, Davis and Cable elect to go with the best available and secure the other needs, later in the draft. 

Orakapo is hybrid type of DE/OLB as well, something may work with the new Raiders defensive scheme. Orakapo does a good job diagnosing the screen pass and has the great ability to make tackles after the catch. 

Other possibilities are Jermey Maclin or BJ Raji. The last time Davis selected a receiver in the first round it was in 1988, when he selected the Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown, and Maclin is not Tim Brown. Raji would have been my selection here, though he is too slow for Davis. BJ Raji is a good talent, though he is to slow for a defensive tackle in Al’s eyes. The last time the Raiders selected a defensive tackle was Darrel Russell. He was fast and more talented then Raji. 

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri

Jaguars don’t have any great play makers at the WR position for Garrard to throw to. Maclin in and is talented enough to fill that need. Maclin is a fast playmaking wide out and will provide Garrard the target he requires. He is dangerous with the ball and has very good speed. Maclin is a threat to score, anytime he has the ball. 

Green Bay Packers: DT BJ Raji, Boston College

Green Bay has series problems with their pass rush. Therefore, the team needs another pass rusher since they ranked close to the bottom in the league in sacks last season. With the radical changes to a three to four defense this year in Green Bay, it appears as though they will use this pick to acquire a piece to assist in that transition. He is a physical athlete who has great foot movement and could really benefit in Dom Caper’s system.

San Francisco 49ers: DE Aaron Maybin, Penn State

Instead of addressing a quarterback here, San Francisco will fix their needs on defense. The 49ers had just 30 sacks in 2008. Maybin is a talented and versatile pass rusher. He is extremely fast with an astonishing first step. He will do a very good job reading dump off and screen passes in the NFL. He works right into the 49ers’ defense.

Buffalo Bills: DE Everette Brown, Florida State

There are just a few versatile defense ends on the board.  The Bills can use some young blood in the rotation and as a future face on the defensive line hunting the quarterback. Brown is a prize and an extremely versatile athlete that will contribute to the team’s defense immediately. Brown is a good size and has great athleticism. He will be able to start immediately for the 49ers and be very productive as a pro. 

Denver Broncos: QB Mark Sanchez, USC 

If Sanchez slides to this pick and is not select by Seattle, Jacksonville, or San Francisco, the Broncos will not pass up this opportunity even though they have two quarterbacks.  Currently, neither of them have a franchise tag. Sanchez is only going to get better and should eventually become a Pro Bowl quarterback. He has great arm strength and passing accuracy. 

Washington Redskins: OT Michael Oher Ole Miss

The Redskins’ interest on the first day of the draft will be improving their offensive line. Therefore, they will elect to upgrade with the best available OT on the board and with Oher.  Oher has the size and strength to be an elite tackle in the NFL draft. 

New Orleans Saints: RB Chris Benie Wells Ohio State

Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas are good players, but neither is a pile pusher.

I wish I could mock this more intelligently, but it appears that Sean Payton believes his secondary can be successful with the additions of Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper.

Wells would be the immediate replacement for Deuce McAllister. Reggie Bush looks to be more of a specialist/3rd down back, while Pierre Thomas looks to be a better second back. The Saints don’t have a second round pick, so the top running backs should be all off the board by then, but in the third round they should be able to still get another solid defensive back.  

Houston Texans: CB Malcom Jenkins Ohio State

The Texans are looking to take the best defensive player available. Jenkins is the top corner and safety in the draft. Jenkins is a great value for a secondary in need of an upgrade. Jenkins is a top-notch athlete with rare quickness and speed, for a CB of his size. He has great talent, size, and competitiveness that will lead him to have a great future in the NFL.

San Diego Chargers: DE Tyson Jackson LSU

San Diego looks to improve their defense with either a three to four defensive end, and Jackson fits that scheme perfectly. He is versatile and has the ability to play end or tackle. His restlessness as a pass rusher and his outstanding effort will make him a solid starter in the NFL. 

NY Jets: QB Josh Freeman, Kansas State

Wide receiver would make a lot of sense here, but things get tough with the quarterback position.  The Jets are starting a new era and are far from knowing what their quarterback identity is needed.  Ryan wants to bring a new quarterback to be his guy in his first season. Freeman’s stock has been rising, and the Jets are interested. 

Denver Broncos: ILB Ray Malaluga, USC

The Broncos will begin the defensive upgrade and will look to inside linebacker Rey Maualuga to lead the young defense. Maualuga gives the Broncos a director for the defense and a start on their new three to four. He is a fast, strong, and an athletic linebacker with great explosiveness. He has the given ability to be very productive for the Broncos defense scheme and should start immediately.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Percy Harvin Florida

The Bucs get a very good play making wide receiver here to help them in the 2009 season. Harvin’s versatility on the field will lead him to become a very productive wide receiver in the NFL. He has great hands and is able to make tough catches seem routine. Harvin has the great ability to find holes while running with the ball.

Detroit Lions: OT William Beatty, Connecticut

Now that the Lions have made it clear that Matt Stafford will be their first pick. William Beatty had a great Combine, and considering how much offensive tackles have been reached for in recent drafts, the Lions will be lucky if the Connecticut product is available here. With Beatty in the lineup, Jeff Backus will move to left guard, thus improving two spots on a front that surrendered 52 sacks in 2008.

Philadelphia Eagles: TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State 

The Eagles get the best all around tight end in the draft. Britt and Nicks are on the board, but the Eagles think Pettigrew is too good of a talent to pass up. He may lack the speed down the seam, but Pettigrew is a physical run blocker with the size to be the red zone target they need.

Minnesota Vikings: OT Eben Britton, Arizona

The Vikings need an improvement offensive tackle since Ryan Cook has been a bust. Therefore, they decide to select a good one.  Britton has the size, strength and athleticism to become a solid NFL tackle. Has the strength to lock up the defender and push out of the play. Britton could become a versatile offensive lineman. 

New England Patriots: CB Vontae Davis Illinois

The Patriots will grab a phenomenal athlete. Davis is corner that has the combination of good size, strength, and speed to become an elite player in the NFL. He is considered as one of the best athletes in the draft.

Atlanta Falcons: OLB Brian Cushing, USC

The Falcons are reportedly enamored with USC’s trio of linebackers and will be content to take who-ever falls to them with this selection. In this scenario, Cushingwill fill the role of the strongside linebacker where it was absent last season. Cushingis a physical presence who will bolster the strong side and support the pass rush.

Miami Dolphins: CB Darrius Butler, Connecticut 

Miami elects to fill a need in the secondary by adding Butler. Butler has all the athletic gifts to continue to play at a high level at the next level. He is an excellent athlete, with the quickness and agility to follow receivers in and out of their breaks. He is one of the best corner prospects in the draft.

Baltimore Ravens: WR Darrius Heyward Bey, Florida State

For Joe Flacco to take the next step in his development, the Ravens need to find a receiver who can take advantage of Flacco’s strong arm. There is no better deep threat in the draft than Heyward-Bey. Flacco gets his weapon; Bey ran a great 40 yard dash and is a home run hitter.

Indianapolis Colts: DT Perria Jerry, Ole Miss

The Colts primary focus this offseason should be to upgrade their running defense. Jerry is an athletic defensive tackle that fits perfectly into the Colts’ defensive scheme. If Jerry is off the board, the Colts could reach for Evander Hood or Ron Brace. Another option is a running back. Joseph Addai’s injuries, in 2008, raise some concern about his durability.

Buffalo Bills: OLB Clay Matthews, USC

Buffalo lacks at the linebacker position and can use a little improvement here, and Matthews has the focus and strength to fill in the Bills’ need. He plays with a great intensity on the field. Matthews is an effective pass rusher, using his speed to get through the holes. 

New York Giants: WR Kenny Britt Rutgers

Barring a trade for a wide receiver, Britt is the best option on the board to replace Plaxico Burress. Remember he does not have to be the No. 1 receiver right away, but his size provides a red zone option. Britt is a game changer, when he has the ball in hands. He has outstanding strength and accelerates to top speed very quickly. 

Tennessee Titans: WR Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina

The Titans need a wide receiver in the first round, though they have not taken one since 1998. Though, Nicks has everything it takes to make big plays in the NFL. Nicks has excellent, large hands that giving him the ability to catch high passes in traffic. He is a very smart route runner, who does an excellent job concealing his route.

Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

The Cardinals have a clear need for a running back to compliment Tim Hightower. Arizona fans will be thrilled if Knowshon Moreno makes it all the way to No. 31. Moreno is one of the top players in the entire 2009 NFL Draft, but his stock has taken a hit with his 4.640 time. 

Moreno could add an element that the Cardinals’ offense really lacks. Edgerrin James is pretty much done, while Tim Hightower does too much dancing around. Moreno could be an enormous upgrade. His running and receiving skills are a natural fit for an already dangerous offense. Moreno has the ability to move well through tight places, a trait that can lead him to become one the elite backs in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers: OL Eric Wood, Louisville

The Steelers allowed 49 sacks a season ago and have done nothing to improve their offensive line this offseason. Wood has worked out with the Steelers as a guard, and they were reportedly impressed. His versatility is an added bonus, having played guard at Louisville. Max Unger or Alex Mack at center would also be a realistic option here.

 

Now us fans can only sit back and enjoy our favorite teams make the right decisions to improve their team on draft weekend. 

 

 

More Fearless, But Not So Bonehead Predictions, of the 2009 NFL Draft

So, here we are, bored again. Needless to say that I am attempting to keep my overactive imagination in check this time (No $80 Gazillion contracts).

Also, I decided to pass some of my delusional ideas on to the group, who I have come to respect, because no matter what anyone else says about ya’ll, you guys are the best reporters in sports. And I won’t tell anyone about that thing with thing….

 

10. Josh McDaniels finally convinces everyone he is an idiot.

I have been hard on him since he let Cutler go. I don’t care who’s fault, who’s cajones are bigger, our who cried more. Bottom line is Jay Cutler produced with a mediocre offense and watched his artwork go to shame by the Broncos horrible defense. That said, McD will draft Sanchez or a another not needed position and solidify his standing as “Village Idiot”.

 

9. Crazy, Ridiculous, Insane. 

Adjectives used to describe the first 10 picks. Why? Trades, my man. With Edwards and Boldin on the block and top notch talent available everywhere in the draft, someone will do something ludicrous.

 

8. Jerry Jones is the guy from No. 9.

Dallas needs a big time receiver. Period. They have the best TE in football with Witten, but a mid-level QB on a high in Romo. JJ goes hard for either Crabtree, Maclin, or Heyward-Bey.

 

7. The NFL Draft is delayed so we can check President Obama’s mock draft.

Cheap shot. Yes, but you can’t give love to the NCAA without giving love to the NFL Draft.

 

6. The Goose goes 28-32 in the first.

Do you know the Goose? If not, he has a cool little dilly here, http://dallasnews.upickem.net/upickem/registration/login.asp?contestid=5593

hey if you beat him you get a T-Shirt. And its free to play, and it is MAD bragging rights to the draftniks. But I don’t think you will.

 

5. Some broadcaster will try to imitate John Madden.

It will happen. Unfortunately. There was and is only one John Madden. Hopefully, no one else (Collinsworth, that means you) will try and pick up the marker.

 

4. Sanchez gets picked No. 4 Overall.

I hate saying that. I really do. But with all the pre-draft trades and draft day trades and pirates and stuff. Sanchez gets picked to replace Matt Hasselbeck in a couple years.

 

3. Tennessee actually picks a WR in the first.

Hasn’t happened since like ’98. Hmmmmm…11 years? Coincidence?

 

2. Jim Schwartz and the Detroit Lions STUN the world.

It has been so quiet out of Detroit lately I am not even sure they know what day the draft is. Actually, I think that Schwartz is playing it close and will actually PREVENT the Lions from mucking up this year.

 

1. Jim Schwartz and the Detroit Lions STUN the world.

So amazing I had to put it on here twice. Actually, I think that Schwartz is playing it close and will actually PREVENT the Lions from mucking up this year.

 

BONUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Stafford falls out of the Top 5. Crazy? Impossible?

Why? Besides the “Need Everything” Lions, who else actually NEEDS a QB in the top 5? Exactly, for the kind of money people are spending on high picks, it makes a good argument. Possible? Yes. Probable? No. But stranger things have happened….

Donte Whitner Is a Role Model

Donte Whitner is a human being.  Sometimes that is forgotten when a figure is so prominently displayed in the media.  He made a mistake and is facing the repercussions.

This article does not condone Donte Whitner’s actions on the night he was arrested for resisting arrest and aggravated disorderly conduct but rather details why this was a mistake in judgment by an otherwise venerable professional athlete.

Donte Whitner was not arrested for a hit and run, gun possession, drug possession, vehicular manslaughter, or even drunk driving.  Yet he is still grouped with the players in the NFL who are arrested for these more serious violations.

The favorite new statistic by news media outlets is an arrest count for the NFL.  Some prominent NFL websites such as www.profootballtalk.com even has a count that measures how many days the NFL has gone without an arrest.

As a result of this hyped arrest count, players in the NFL who are arrested for minor albeit meaningful reasons are unfairly placed on the same pedestal as the more serious offenders. 

Any player who ends up with an arrest is just lumped into “bad egg” group of players and is quickly bastardized by the media.

Such views are taken as “they shouldn’t be out partying” and “they know the trouble they are putting themselves in.” 

This is true for the few players who carry fully-loaded and unregistered handguns (Plaxico Burress) or players who bring a posse of thugs around (Adam “Pacman” Jones) to name a few but is an unfair assessment for all players who are arrested. 

Players should be afforded the same right as any one of us to attend a bar or go to a club.  There is not a high probability of an incident occurring when going to a bar or club. 

This just seems to be the case because its common to hear of these few instances.  The fact is that many players go out on the town frequently and never get into any trouble.

The Buffalo Bills have been on media display ever since the acquisition of Terrell Owens.  They have had three recent arrests heavily covered by the sports media and are even being labeled by some as “the new Cincinnati Bengals” (the top offender in recent years for arrests).

The media will never show the upside of a player, only the downside because that is what gets them ratings. 

A player’s character should not be judged by what mistake he has made but rather by what he has done in his role as an athlete to improve the lives of others. 

Donte Whitner is the perfect example of an athlete with strong moral-fiber of which can be role modeled.

Donte has not had an easy life by any means.  He was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland in a much less fortunate area then what many of us were raised in. 

At the age of four, Donte was nearly killed after being hit by a car while crossing the road.  As a result he spent four months in a body cast and was even told by doctors that he may never walk again because of the extensive injuries to his legs. 

As if that were not enough to overcome, at the age of 12, Donte’s father was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison.  This left Donte to be raised by a single mother and need to grow up much faster than those his age.

As hard as life was, Whitner just used his hardship as motivation.  Donte went on to graduate early from high school and was accepted into Ohio State University. 

At Ohio State, Donte excelled both on and off the field and decided to enter the NFL draft as a junior.  He would be drafted eighth overall by the Buffalo Bills in a move that was labeled by many as a stretch; once again, this was just more motivation to Donte.

Whitner has gone on to become a defensive leader on the field and in the locker room.  He has been a starter for the Bills since being drafted and has lived up to the role given to him by his first round selection.  But this is not what truly shows Donte’s character.

Donte has used his role as a professional athlete to start his own charitable foundation, Team 20. 

The mission statement of Team 20 state “Our mission at Team 20 is to enrich and encourage families in impoverished communities by using education as a tool to raise awareness.” 

It is through this foundation that Donte Whitner has made a name for himself in the Buffalo and Cleveland area.

Some of the notable events held or participated in by the Team 20 foundation are:

 

Annual Cancer Strike Charity Bowling Tournament

-Started by Whitner after his grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer.  More recently he added Osteosarcoma research as a benefactor after meeting a young boy named Malcolm Hills Jr. who has the cancer that affects mainly children.  This meeting can be seen at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XX5lYb0Hcdo

 

Annual Youth Football Mini-Camp

Donating School Supplies to schools in Buffalo, Cleveland, and Ghana, West Africa

Retreats for single Mothers/Fathers

Stop the Violence Tour

Camp Team 20

Read to Achieve

Impact Plays

Impact Families

Thanksgiving Turkey Give-A-Way seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88TtUbI8NpQ

Partnership with the United Way seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCORUu8zFrA

 

 

A role-model to me is any person in a position where they can affect others by their actions.  I would definitely consider Donte’s actions worthy of repetition by children or fans in general. 

The amount of lives that have been changed in Donte’s short tenure (three years) in the NFL is evidence of this in itself.  I put up the videos because they can show people’s lives being changed much better than I could ever describe it.

Donte made a mistake and immediately admitted his remorse.  “I regret the incident that occurred last evening…It’s not how I wish to conduct myself.  And I apologize to all those involved.”

Donte’s character and goodwill supersedes this mistake.  While this error in judgment should not just be forgotten about, one should look at the person as a whole and not just the mistake.

The important thing for Donte is that he learns from his error and continues his amazing work through the Team 20 Foundation.

I look forward to watching Donte both on the field and in the community for years to come because I feel Donte Whitner is an exceptional athlete and above all else, a role model.

The NFL Draft for QB’s Over the Last 10 Years

One week until the 2009 NFL draft. There are plenty of past drafts one can review to see if the pick you “NEED” to make is in fact the pick you “WANT” to make. Past drafts are littered with as many broken dreams as shining moments. For every “Franchise” player taken in the early rounds, there is a reason the term “First Round Bust” is so commonly used. People will say that the NFL draft is nothing but a crap shoot. The possiblility of making a mistake with your first round pick has increased every year with the proliferation of underclassmen, growing number of NFL teams, and the general lack of proper scouting. The NFL combine used to be a chance to solidify what you had already gained knowledge of with certain stud players. It also gave a chance for unknown players to make a name for themselves, especially ones from smaller colleges. Over the recent past, a player’s performance at the combine has suddenly become a “make or break” tryout. Suddenly players that even a knowledgable college fan have never heard of is called a “Phenom”. No longer do NFL teams care about how the athlete played over the last three to four years . “What was his 40 time?” is heard much more than “What kind of person is he off the field?”. The reality of the draft is this…You just don’t know what you’re getting until they show up in minicamp. In my opinion though, it is MUCH easier to make a mistake than to score it right. You just hope your team with perform the due diligence required to not waste the potential that the draft offers to improve your team.

For this story, I chose to go back and start with the 1998 draft, which I feel is the greatest example of a first round with both a “dream” pick and the “nightmare”. I will go over each first round QB pick, grade them, and also address picks made in the later rounds that shows that there is quality to be found after the first round. If you enjoy this story, please become a “FAN”, as I will be posting articles grading the drafts for RB’s & WR’s before the draft. I hope you enjoy the article…

With the No. 7 Pick in the Draft, Oakland Raiders Select LT Andre Smith

With the recent development of Detroit talking with Matt Stafford, Aaron Curry, and Jason Smith, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at three scenarios if they do take one of those players and what could happen to the Top 10.

Notice for each scenario I couldn’t decide who the Raiders should pick in that slot. Included in this scenario is the fact I no longer believe Michael Crabtree will be available once the Raiders pick, unless Seattle and Cleveland bypass him.

In addition, I have BJ Raji falling no lower sixth to Cincinnati.

Scenario One: 

Detroit- Matt Stafford

St Louis- Jason Smith  

Kansas City- Aaron Curry

Seattle- Eugene Monroe

Cleveland- Michael Crabtree

Cincinnati- BJ Raji

Oakland- ?

Jacksonville- Mark Sanchez

Green Bay- Everette Brown

San Francisco- Andre Smith

Scenario Two: 

Detroit- Aaron Curry

St Louis- Jason Smith

Kansas City- BJ Raji

Seattle- Matt Stafford

Cleveland- Michael Crabtree

Cincinnati- Eugene Monroe

Oakland- ?

Jacksonville- Mark Sanchez

Green Bay- Brian Orakpo

San Francisco- Andre Smith

Scenario Three: 

Detroit- Jason Smith

St Louis- Eugene Monroe   

Kansas City- Aaron Curry

Seattle- Matt Stafford

Cleveland- Michael Crabtree

Cincinnati- BJ Raji

Oakland- ?

Jacksonville- Mark Sanchez

Green Bay- Everette Brown

San Francisco- Andre Smith

Two obvious needs for the Raiders are off the board in these three scenarios (Michael Crabtree and BJ Raji). What happens when these two players are gone? Do they draft Andre Smith, Jeremy Maclin, Brian Orakpo, Everette Brown, or try to trade down provided Mark Sanchez falls into their laps? 

If a trade down doesn’t occur, personally I’d prefer Andre Smith even if he ends up a RT. I’d hate to take either Orakpo or Brown and either of them end up busts in a 4-3. Smith regardless of his past indiscretions was the No. 1 LT coming out prior to the combine. As I’ve seen plenty other comments about him, “the eye in the sky doesn’t lie.” 

My pick is Andre Smith based on those three scenarios, but I left the Oakland picks blank for you to decide who should go there? 

Frank Summers: NFL Draft Sleeper Number Four

College: UNLV
Position: RB/FB
Physical Stats: 5’10, 230
Combine/Pro Day Stats: 4.63 40 time, 30 reps.
Projected Stock: 7th

Strengths:
– Very strong
– Built like a rock
– Loves to hit and deliver hits
– Great production in college despite not much help surrounding him
– Decent speed for a guy his size

Weaknesses:
– No break away speed
– Tweener between RB and FB
– Went to smaller school
– Didn’t play great competition
– Not consistent

Teams Interested:
Steelers have be VERY interested. They sent two scouts and even the RB coach all the way to UNLV just to give him personal workouts. They came back extremely impressed with him and his workouts. There have been many reports saying the Steelers will take him as a short yardage back in the sixth round.

Other Comments:
Summers was a beast in the MWC. He was voted as the toughest player to bring down in the conference and for good reason. This guy will be a monster goal-line back. He lead UNLV in rushing and receiving last season. He’s also the only player in UNLV history to gain 1,000 yards from scrimmage in back to back seasons.

If you’re not sold on Frank the Tank, watch this video showing his power and intensity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ev5xHCX9I

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Rudderless Jets Limp Into Another Potential Draft Debacle!

As most NFL franchises seem to have a pretty good idea what they’ll be looking for in terms of impact and talent on their rosters, the New York Jets limp into the 2009 as rudderless as ever before.

While conventional wisdom and consensus dictates the Jets need a starting quarterback, they won’t find one with the 17th pick and the chances of trading up for anyone who will make an immediate impact is remote.

So as the Jets sit on the 17th pick, who will they draft?

Some think the Jets will go after needs such as a blocking tight end with the departure of Chris Baker or a big time receiver with the loss Lavernius Coles. Could the Jets pull the trigger and trade up for a Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech?

Highly unlikely since the Jets just don’t make big news on draft day.

This is the New York Jets.

The team that’s now passed on Jay Cutler twice. The team that drafted the likes of Anthony Davis of USC in the first round when he no intention of even coming to New York! This is the Jets, the team that let Dan Marino get away for the human statue, Ken O’Brien, the most sacked Jet QB in franchise history!

Some feel the Jets will look to strengthen the defensive line with a Marques Douglas, but Ryan and the Jet brain trust will find out on the field they don’t have the personnel to run the 3-4 no matter how hard they try!

This is team that has wasted top picks on the likes of Johnny Mitchell, Lam Jones and Blair Thomas, all colossal busts! Jet Owner Woody Johnson and General Manager Mike Tanenbaum know the need at quarterback is so great, yet they somehow refuse to acknowledge the obvious after running Chad Pennington to Miami for the Brett Favre!

While most Jet fans try to stay positive, to me it’s just delusional given the ownership and management in place. They don’t know how to win. They don’t have the ability to put a winning product on the field.

Herm Edwards, Eric Mangini, and Rex Ryan should be evidence enough they don’t get it and never will. The failure to recruit a top flight head coach with a winning track record is proof enough to me they lack the respect from those who can coach this game to come the Meadowlands and put the franchise back on the right track!

There’s a reason why Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan say no and Rex Ryan says yes.

I count three Super Bowl rings on the fingers of these gentlemen. Rex Ryan is relegated to watching reruns of Super Bowl Three like the rest of us.

It’s going to get uglier all the time and training camp hasn’t even opened!

Derrick Burgess, Michael Bush —> Eagles = Great Draft

Trust me on this one, if this happens, it will be a great draft.

The Eagles need a pass-rushing defensive end, and the recent trade for Jason Peters proved that the Eagles are not afraid to deal.

We could receive No. 21 in the draft. Although I think the Eagles would want more than Burgess for 21. We could package Burgess and HB Michael Bush to the Eagles. Then we could get a couple picks more picks from the Eagles.

The Eagles are looking for a running back to take some of the load off of Brian Westbrook since Correll Buckhalter left town. I am sure we could get 21 along with the Eagles fourth and fifth, maybe even third-round pick.

We still could have a deadly backfield with Justin Fargas pounding it down their throats and Darren McFadden acting like Devin Hester.

Back to the Draft.

With Number 7, we could get B.J. Raji to plug up the middle or Brian Orakpo to replace Burgess, we might not even have to replace Burgess, we have Trevor Scott, who is a good player.

We all know Uncle Al, he likes the quick, fast players. We could get WR Derrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland at 21, who is the fastest player in the draft. He is big and can get up and fight for the ball.

With number 40, we could get a left tackle. William Beatty from Connecticut should be available here. Right now, the NFL Draft team are raving about how the Raiders are picking.

With our two third rounders, a safety would be a smart move. William Moore from Missouri looks like a linebacker but can cover like a corner. He would be a great pick for the Raiders.

With the Eagles third rounder, we could pick a linebacker to help out Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison. We all know the Robert Thomas experiment did not go according to plan. Jason Phillips, Cody Brown, David Veikune, or Jasper Brinkley would work here.

With the rest of the picks, we should just pick the best available player.

Sure, I will miss Burgess and Bush, but the talent coming in will easily outweigh the losses in the long run.

NFL Draft Late Round “Diamonds in the Rough”: The Top 30 Small College “Gems” of All-Time

With the NFL Draft approaching, much talk has centered on whether teams can find the next Tom Brady (2000-6th Round, Patriots) or Terrell Davis (1995-6th Round, Broncos). While finding a franchise quarterback or running back that late in the draft is certainly a bonus, taking players like Brady and Davis from major schools with low round picks is not especially risky.

What has often helped teams turn a good draft into a franchise changing draft has been the ability to find the small school “Diamonds in the Rough.”

NFL history is full of small school (defined here as schools not part of the Football Bowl Subdivision) players who have been selected early in the NFL Draft. Though they may have escaped the attention of major college coaches coming out of high school, players such as Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Gene Upshaw, Mel Blount, Calvin Hill, Joe Greene and Steve McNair did not escape pro scouts and were selected in the top rounds of the NFL Draft.

However, NFL Draft history is also full of players from small schools who fell to the lower rounds (fourth round or later) before proving to be a late round “gem”. Players such as John Stallworth, Charles Haley, Shannon Sharpe and Bob Hayes are examples of late round draft selections from smaller schools that went on to help their teams earn championships.

After analyzing every NFL Draft since 1936, this list includes my analysis of the 30 Best Late Round “Gems” from Small Schools.

A couple quick things:
1. This is not intended to be a list of the 30 best small school players of all time as that is a list for another day. This list includes only small school players selected from the fourth round on of the NFL or AFL draft. I did not include early round selections because by the time it came to draft day, their value had already been exposed and they were no longer “Diamonds in the Rough.” I also did not include undrafted free agents because this list is focused on players who were drafted.

2. My rankings are not based solely on player ability as I also considered where in the draft the player was chosen as well as the obscurity of their alma mater. In other words, if abilities were similar, I considered someone selected in the 17th round out of a Division III school more of a gem than someone chosen in the fourth or fifth round from a Division I-AA (Football Championship Subdivision) school.

3. You will notice that a majority of the players on the list are from drafts prior to 1994. The number of small school players selected in the lower rounds has dramatically declined since the draft went from 12 to seven rounds. That also accounts for why there has been an increase in the number of small school free agents making the Pro Bowl in recent years. Prior to 1994 those players would have been worthy of a low round pick, but now are signed as free agents.

4. Narrowing this list down to 30 was amazingly difficult. I originally had more than 130 players on my list who met the qualifications and had solid NFL careers. Among the players who met the qualifications, but didn’t make the top 30 are: Lemar Parrish, Ken Riley, Willie Galimore, Rickey Young, Brandon Jacobs, Lyle Alzado, Ron Bolton, Jethro Pugh, Terrence McGee, Marques Colton, Tony Canadeo, and Ben Coates.

5. You may wonder why Joe Horn and Lou Creekmur are not included. Though Horn was selected in the draft and played at Itawamba Junior College, he was drafted immediately after having spent a year in the Canadian Football Leage, so I felt that disqualified him from this list as he received exposure in the CFL. Creekmur was chosen by the Eagles in the 24th round of the 1948 draft, but returned to school and was later selected in the second round of a special draft.

6. I welcome your comments and opinions.

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