Cardinals Release Disgruntled Running Back Edgerrin James

In Edgerrin James’ mind, in Ken Wisenhunt’s mind, hell, in everyone’s mind—it’s about time.

We all know by now that Edgerrin James status on the Cardinals’ roster was simply a facade—that Wisenhunt was just keeping him around as an insurance policy.

After seeing Tim Hightower rise and fall faster than a child television star, as well as J.J. Arrington bolt for Denver, wouldn’t he play the caution card, too?

Regardless, Edgerrin James is gone and on the verge of being forgotten as a Cardinal, despite being a huge reason why their offense finally found some balance during their historic run to the Super Bowl.

After voicing his displeasure with his contract, and then with his status with the team, it was truly only a matter of time before it happened. And that “time” came Tuesday, just days after the Cardinals snagged Ohio State’s Chris “Beanie” Wells in the NFL Draft.

While the Cardinals seem to have found not only their replacement for the departing James, they also appear to have found a gem late in the first round-a bruiser with good speed that could terrorize opposing defenses for years to come, while contributing to a supposed well-balanced attack.

However, while both the Cardinals and Edgerrin James part ways and begin new journeys, one has to wonder which side wins in this battle. Who will walk away from this divorce and go into next season with a sigh of relief, possibly a smile, and with endless possibilities awaiting them?

Honestly, quite possibly both of them.

But if we’re being realistic, as fans, as writers, and as people that, just like James, have had to move on from jobs or difficult situations, it’ll be hard to find a better home.

It will be even harder to find a starting gig.

Despite rushing for over 1,100 yards in his first two seasons as a Cardinal, James lost his starting job to rookie Tim Hightower, which in turn brought on the demand to be released.

Late in the season, when Hightower and the rest of the offense was ineffective, James was inserted back into the line-up, and finished the regular season with a 100-yard game on only 16 carries against the Seattle Seahawks.

He then took that momentum, as did the entire team, into the playoffs, and ran for at least 57 yards in three of four games, including two 73-yard efforts.

He may not have been dazzling, or even close to what he used to be, but at 30-years old, James showed he still could get the job done-despite being upset.

Now comes the tough part: Proving to one of the 31 other teams that he can still do what he did in the post-season over a 16-game season.

New York Giants 2009 Draft Review

With Plaxico Burress out of New York and trade for Braylon Edwards (or another receiver) maybe or maybe not happening, the Giants entered this past weekend’s draft with one burning question:

What to do at receiver?

With their first pick, they seemed to have addressed the need, and then continued to add another receiver, as well as great overall depth on their entire team.

This draft proves the Giants are among the league’s elite when it comes to their front office, and if this draft class performs as well as it looks like it could on paper, their team will be Super Bowl contenders for years to come.

Read further for pick analysis and their final grade:

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

The Giants addressed their talent-starved position with a truly athletic and game-breaking talent. Nicks has all the physical tools needed to be a successful No. 1 option, including the knack for the big play.

Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

After getting their much-needed offensive weapon, the Giants turned to Sintim, an athletic and versatile linebacker, to shore up their aging defense. Sintim will be playing in a different style of defense than he’s accustomed to, but his abilities are too good for him to not make some sort of an impact in his first season.

William Beatty, OT, UConn

While the Giants already have a stout offensive line, adding a talented behemoth of a lineman like Beatty never hurts. Beatty is strong and athletic, and shouldn’t have been available for the Giants, making him a great value pick.

Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly

While Hakeem Nicks is probably better suited to help out right away, Barden’s size (6’6” and 229 lbs), along with solid speed, suggest he will be the eventual replacement for the departed Burress. In this class, we’re potentially looking at two future Pro-Bowlers at receiver for New York.

Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin

While Kevin Boss is a solid option, he’s nowhere near the talent level that Beckum resides at. Beckum has the fluidity and playmaking ability like Kellen Winslow, and could possibly end up being a better offensive weapon than Jeremy Shockey was, if he can stay healthy.

Andre Brown, RB, NC State

If New York fans were worried about the Giants letting go of Derrick Ward and finding a replacement behind Brandon Jacobs, they can now rest easy. Brown is a sound athlete who can catch out of the backfield, has experience, and gives New York excellent value in the fourth round.

Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State

While we’ll probably never see Bomar lining up behind center for New York full-time, he could prove to be a quality back-up behind Eli Manning. Bomar has solid potential and good tools, making him a relatively solid pick in the fifth round.

DeAndrew Wright, DB, New Mexico

Wright has good athleticism and decent speed for the position, and while he won’t fight for a starting job, adds youth and talent to an aging position.

Stoney Woodson, DB, South Carolina

Woodson has solid speed and coverage skills, and was brought in as added depth, along with Wright. The Giants secondary was a position that could have used addressing earlier in the draft, but Woodson could prove to be a reliable back-up.

Final grade: A

The Giants could have helped themselves with more talent in their secondary and in their linebacker corps, but they helped themselves tremendously in so many areas, that all can be forgiven.

While replacing Plaxico Burress seemed like a difficult task, the Giants helped themselves out immensely by grabbing two guys who could both end up being stars in the NFL.

Clint Sintim and Warren Beatty add tremendous depth to two positions where they won’t immediately be needed, while their presence alone will protect the team from disaster, should any major injuries strike as they did last season.

Travis Beckum rounds out the elite prospects New York drafted, giving Manning his third solid option, while Andre Brown could prove to be a solid back-up or third back behind Ahmad Bradshaw.

Rhett Bomar and the two secondary players add depth where it’s welcomed, while defensive line is the only position left completely ignored.

Considering the injuries they had last year, including the loss of Michael Strahan to retirement, it would have been helpful to bring a fresh, young lineman in to compete.

Regardless, this was one of the smartest drafts by any team in the league, assuring the Giants are here to stay among the league’s elite.

Minnesota Vikings 2009 Draft Review

The Vikings could have went in a number of directions with their first pick, as well as trade down, but addressing receiver was probably their most pressing issue.

While Bernard Berrian displayed the big plays Minnesota was lacking ever since the departure of Randy Moss, there was still a lingering hang-over from the failed Tory Williamson experiment.

Minnesota needed to give someone to compliment Adrian Peterson, while adding youth to their offensive line, as well as depth to their defense.

Read on for pick analysis and Minnesota’s final draft grade:

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

One of the most electrifying performers in the draft, Harvin can come in immediately and become a deadly option across from Berrian. While the quarterback situation is still far from resolved, just getting the ball into Harvin’s hands could be enough to keep defenses honest.

Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

Loadholt is, well, a load. He brings tremendous size (6’8” and 332 lbs) to the position, as well as great strength and athleticism. The Vikings have taken pride in having one of the better offensive lines for the past five years or so, and drafting Loadholt ensures it will continue to be near the top.

Asher Allen, CB, Georgia

Minnesota added depth to their secondary by drafting Allen, a superb play-maker, and sound athlete. He doesn’t have elite speed, but has good coverage skills and should be able to help out as a third corner in his first year.

Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina

One of the more underrated linebacker prospects, Brinkley brings a ton of value as a fifth rounder, and adds great depth to Minnesota’s average linebacker corps. Brinkley is a punishing hitter and sure tackler, and could vie for a spot in the starting lineup if he can adjust in his first season.

Jamarca Sanford, FS, Mississippi

Sanford is a solid athlete and decent defender, but does not have ideal size or speed. His average range may find him as one of the last cuts before the season starts.

Final Grade: B+

With only five selections, the Vikings got great value, finding a possible rookie starter on both sides of the ball.

Percy Harvin has character concerns, but if he can stay out of trouble, should be able to have a big impact both offensively, as well as on return duty.

Phil Loadholt is a tremendous prospect with tons of potential, and brings great depth to their already solid line, at the very worst.

Jasper Brinkley was a true steal in the fifth round, and if he doesn’t earn a starting gig out of the gates in 2009, he should at least blossom on special teams and progress toward a larger role in 2010.

Asher Allen was a solid find, as well, while Sanford is a long-shot to make the final roster.

Minnesota clearly has no qualms about it’s current quarterback situation, although they definitely should. Going into the season with the job up for grabs between Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosanfels is both scary and depressing.

Aside from that, Brad Childress and co. did a fine job of adding depth across the board with only five picks, while finding some find talent in the later rounds.

Detroit Lions 2009 Draft Review

Ever since the end of the 2008 NFL season, all we’ve been hearing about is what Detroit would do with the top pick.

We heard about Matthew Stafford, Aaron Curry, and Jason Smith.

But once the contract was final just before the draft, we knew one thing for sure: The Lions had finally found their quarterback, and maybe—just maybe—they were headed in the right direction.

Truly, only time will tell if he or any of their other picks will be the saviors that get them back to mediocrity, much less turn them into a winning organization.

Read on for analysis on each pick and a final draft grade:

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Stafford has the cannon arm, the moxie, and all the intangibles needed to be a successful quarterback in this league. The main question is if he plays right away, can he handle the pressure? On the other hand, how much pressure can one feel when winning one game next year makes them a hero?

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Pettigrew fills a solid need, but despite being the best overall tight end in the draft, this was a bit of a reach. I would have liked to see the Lions grab Michael Oher to shore up their offensive line a bit, but Pettigrew’s solid receiving ability and elite blocking should suffice.

Louis Delmas, DB, Western Michigan

To be honest, this is the pick that proved to me that this new regime in Detroit isn’t just committed to doing things right, but they’re actually already getting it done.

Delmas has excellent versatility and athleticism, and could probably help out their average secondary at any position they need him. Needless to say, it’d be a shock if he isn’t starting from day one.

DeAndre Levy, OLB, Wisconsin

Levy is quick and athletic, and excels at blitzing. However, he is a bit raw and probably won’t be able to make an immediate impact. His presence should be felt on special teams, though.

Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State

We all know how well Penn State receivers have worked out over the years (mixed reviews), but Williams seems to be one of the few former Nittany Lions that can make a successful transition. Williams is polished enough to help out as third option in his rookie year, and gives them their best return specialist since Eddie Drummond.

Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman

Hill has outstanding strength and athleticism, but was passed by many teams due to his lack of elite competition, raw ability, and the fact that he played for a small school. Jim Schwartz knows defense, so I’ll take his word for it that this guy could be special.

Aaron Brown, RB, TCU

Brown is college football’s version of former Notre Dame basketball star Chris Thomas. He started hot and raised his stock his freshman year, and then never really reached his potential. Brown should be able to assist in return duties, while finding a place behind Kevin Smith in his rookie year.

Lydon Murtha, OT, Nebraska

Murtha has tremendous size (6’7” and 306 lbs), which is mainly why the Lions took a chance on him. There’s no certainty when it comes to his future, but he’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow as a back-up for a year or two.

Zack Follett, OLB, California

Follett is another solid college linebacker who lacks ideal athleticism or coverage skills, but was drafted due to his passion and high intensity level. He’s sure to be a part of the Lions’ special teams unit if he makes the team, and could eventually carve out a role as a back-up.

Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland

Detroit grabbed another tight end with great size in Gronkowski, as well as one with solid speed. Gronkowski has good experience against solid competition, and has the tools to be a productive back-up to Pettigrew in the future.

Final Grade: A-

The Lions did a lot of good in this draft, however, they failed to grab a good amount of impact players on the defensive side of the ball.

By getting Stafford, though, they’ve established their commitment to winning, as well as giving their franchise a new identity.

They solidified their tight end position, which in turn will actually aid the offensive line quite well, as Pettigrew is an elite blocker, in addition to being a solid offensive option.

Derrick Williams was a good value pick, as he can help at receiver and on special teams, while getting Delmas shores up one of their secondary holes.

The other picks could turn out to be solid back-ups or special teams stars, while the potential of Sammie Lee Hill and Lydon Murtha is very intrigueing.

2009 NFL Draft’s Top Ten Sleepers

Every year before and after the draft, all you hear about is who is over-hyped, and who will be the next bust.

We’re constantly fed the names, Ryan Leaf, Tony Mandarich, and Todd Marinovich, while very rarely being fed the names of the guys who were overlooked into the later rounds, who eventually became stars.

Excluding the first round, here is a round-by-round look at 10 guys (two per round) who should be able to perform well enough to make teams regret passing on them.

This listing is in no particular order.

NFL Carousel: NFC Quarterback Updates

This is a pre-draft look around the league at each quarterback and his situation with his team.

What will happen to Tony Romo (above) now that Terrell Owens is in Buffalo, and in turn, how will his presence impact Trent Edwards,

With new systems, gaining or losing weapons, and potential competition, a lot goes into prepping for the quarterback position.

Whether you take interest due to regular NFL news and notes, or for fantasy football insight, it pays to know what’s going on with your favorite NFL gunslingers.

Read on for updates on their statuses.

2009 NFL Mock Draft: Two Rounds

We can talk the top five all day, I’m sure, but until the draft is over, no one will truly know who is going where, and when they’re going.

Come to think of it, it’s likely that most teams don’t even know. However, based on needs, talent, and logical decision-making, I’ve done my best to put together a two-round look at this weekend’s coming draft.

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

 

Round 1

 

1. Detroit Lions—Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

 

Stafford is still the best quarterback in the draft, and whether Detroit likes it or not, that’s exactly the position they need to address. Addressing their offensive line is something they can do with their second first-round pick.

 

Previous: Same

 

2. St. Louis Rams—Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

 

He may not end up being the next Orlando Pace, but then again, he’s a safe bet not to be the next Tony Mandarich either. Smith is the best tackle in the draft, and this is easily the biggest need for the Rams right now.

 

Previous: Same

 

3. Kansas City Chiefs—Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

 

They like Aaron Curry, and it’s extremely possible they take him, but if they’re smart, they’ll address their sketchy offensive line. Monroe is an absolute beast who would greatly improve the protection for Scott Pioli’s new guy, Matt Cassel.

 

Previous: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

 

4. Seattle Seahawks—Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

 

It’s almost like people don’t want to believe this can happen. The truth is, if Curry does fall here, he’ll be hard to pass up. But if Seattle is honest with themselves, they need to get Mark Sanchez or make sure they have good depth at receiver. It has to be Crabtree.

 

Previous: Same

 

5. Cleveland Browns—Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

 

Whether you believe in fate or not, Eric Mangini and the Browns may not be able to argue against it. They could see the top prospect at their biggest need fall right into their lap. They could argue reasonably for B.J. Raji or Malcolm Jenkins, but you don’t pass on a guy like Curry when your linebacker corps is this average. Unless, of course, you’re the Lions.

 

Previous: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

 

6. Cincinnati Bengals—Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

 

They could be tempted to nab Jeremy Maclin here, but they need to drastically improve their pass protection. Andre Smith is easily the third best tackle prospect, and Cincinnati should do the right thing making sure Carson Palmer can sleep at night.

 

Previous: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

 

7. Oakland Raiders—Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

 

Regardless of what the popular opinion is, if one of the top three tackles falls here, the Raiders will take him. However, that is unlikely to happen, and Al Davis will get his athletic-ability fix after all. Maclin is a burner who was extremely productive against solid competition. It’s a perfect fit.

 

Previous: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars—B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

 

I don’t truly believe the Jaguars stay in this spot, but one cannot predict where they’ll be if a trade does happen. As it stands, they can either grab their guy that will replace David Garrard (Mark Sanchez), or they can get a beast in the middle for their defense. Jack Del Rio is a defensive guy, so Raji is the call.

 

Previous: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

 

9. Green Bay Packers—Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

 

It’s most likely down to offensive line, defensive line, or corner at this pick. Orakpo represents the guy with the best chance to make an immediate impact, and could potentially be a perfect fit for the Packers new 3-4 scheme. Orakpo has the versatility to be an end or a linebacker at the next level. Unless Ted Thompson trades out of this spot, this is their guy.

 

Previous: Same

 

10. San Francisco 49ers—Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

 

If Sanchez does indeed fall this far, this is where he stops. The Niners probably aren’t completely comfortable with another offseason of Alex Smith versus Shaun Hill—at least they shouldn’t be. They could easily address defensive end and take stud Tyson Jackson, but they need to protect the future of their offense.

 

Previous: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

 

11. Buffalo Bills—Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

 

It may be difficult for the Bills to ignore Tyson Jackson here, but they just traded away a stud tackle. Replacing him is an absolute must. If he’s still available, Utah’s Paul Kruger would be a fine addition in the second round.

 

Previous: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

 

12. Denver Broncos—Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

 

Josh McDaniels won’t get Mark Sanchez or B.J. Raji, but he’ll be doing cart wheels after seeing Jackson falling to this spot. Jackson is the second best defensive end in the draft, and would go a long way in shoring up Denver’s soft defense.

 

Previous: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

 

13. Washington Redskins—Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

 

Washington doesn’t have many options as far as a replacement for Jason Campbell, and they’re pretty set at their skill positions. What they need is a stout offensive lineman, or an elite defensive presence. Maybin has the talent to go in the top five, but could very well be here for the taking.

 

Previous: Same

 

14. New Orleans Saints—Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

 

Mike McKenzie is gone, and corner back is the No. 1 concern for the Saints. They could mess up the rest of the first round by nabbing Chris Wells if they’re not content with Pierre Thomas, but they’d just be crippling themselves. Jenkins is an elite corner prospect, and he could be the missing link to an improving defense.

 

Previous: Same

 

15. Houston Texans—Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State

 

Brown brings a ton of athleticism and versatility to an improving defense. The Texans could pull the trigger on Bruce Matthews’ nephew, Clay Matthews, but Brown is the more proven player and probably fits the Texans scheme better.

 

Previous: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

 

16. San Diego Chargers—Robert Ayers, DE/OLB, Tennessee

 

This may be a slight reach, but with the loss of Igor Olshansky, defensive end is a position that needs addressing. They could opt for USC’s Brian Cushing, but Ayers has the versatility and tools to play on the line and the outside for the Chargers.

 

Previous: Brian Cushing, ILB, USC

 

17. New York Jets—Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

 

Even if they do go into the season with either Kellen Clemens or Bret Ratliff, they still need a better plan for the future. Freeman may not be their ideal guy, but the word is they like him plenty. Their defense was addressed a good amount in free agency, so this looks to be the correct move.

 

Previous: Same

 

18. Denver Broncos (From Chicago)—Brian Cushing, ILB, USC

 

Regardless of what many think, Kyle Orton is a fine quarterback, and the Broncos are in no rush to replace him. They could always address the position in the second or third round. With Freeman gone, that decision is made for them, anyway. Brian Cushing brings them a lot of athleticism and a nasty demeanor.

 

Previous: Robert Ayers, DE/OLB, Tennessee

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

 

Johnson needs to get bigger and stronger, but there’s no defensive end with more potential or athleticism. He’s extremely thin and raw for the position, but defensive end is a need, and the ‘Bucs are trying to get younger.

 

Previous: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State

 

20. Detroit Lions (From Dallas)—Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

 

They more than likely preferred to land Michael Oher, but that was just wishful thinking. Britton is strong, powerful, and a solid all-around prospect. He’s smart and gifted enough to step in and start immediately.

 

Previous: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles—Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

 

They traded for a stud offensive tackle, so running back, safety, and tight end seem to be the most likely choices. They could try to grab Brandon Pettigrew, but if anyone thinks they’re passing on Moreno, they’re kidding themselves. They need to find their replacement for 30-year-old Brian Westbrook.

 

Previous: Same

 

22. Minnesota Vikings—Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

 

They haven’t addressed receiver in free agency, so it makes sense they’ll try to get one here, especially since Eben Britton and Michael Oher are off the board. Heyward-Bey is a phenomenal athlete, but he is as raw as it gets. Here’s to hoping he’s not another Troy Williamson.

 

Previous: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

 

23. New England Patriots—Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

 

The Patriots need to inject some youth on the inside of their 3-4, and Maualuga is the best middle linebacker in this class. Tedy Bruschi can still get it done, but it’s time to find his future replacement to pair with last year’s pick, Jerod Mayo.

 

Previous: Same

 

24. Atlanta Falcons—Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

 

They could go in a number of directions with this pick. They’d love to grab Clay Matthews Jr., but defensive tackle (defensive line in general) is definitely their glaring need. It’s as close to a toss-up as it gets, but nabbing the best defensive tackle possible has to be their No. 1 priority.

 

Previous: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

 

25. Miami Dolphins—Clay Matthews Jr., OLB, USC

 

Bill Parcells says he won’t draft a receiver in the first round, and I believe him. Clay Matthews should be available, and his stock has never been higher. Miami will go with the pedigree and hope Clay is half the player his father and uncle were.

 

Previous: Darius Butler, CB, UConn

 

26. Baltimore Ravens- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

 

They would have liked one of the top five linebackers to drop to them, but improving their offense is probably a more pressing need. They should try stealing Connor Barwin in the second round, but for now, no receiver left on the board even remotely touches what Harvin is capable of.

 

Previous: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

 

27. Indianapolis Colts—Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DT, Missouri

 

They would have liked an elite receiver to drop to them, but may have to settle for a second-tier option in the second round. While they’re here, though, grabbing the best defensive tackle on the board sounds like solid retribution.

 

Previous: Same

 

28. Buffalo Bills (From Carolina, through Philadelphia)—Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

 

It’s a mystery how these things work out, but Pettigrew falling here is almost too good to be true. The Bills desperately need a tight end who can block and is capable of stretching the field.

 

Pevious: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

 

29. New York Giants—Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

 

The Giants would love for Percy Harvin to fall to them, but will have to settle for the best guard in the nation. Robinson has tremendous size and outstanding strength, and he has a ton of experience against elite competition.

 

Previous: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

 

30. Tennessee Titans—Darrius Butler, CB, UConn

 

Without an elite defensive tackle available, the Titans will have to delay their search for the replacement for the departed Albert Haynesworth. In the mean time, adding depth to their secondary or receiver corps is the biggest issue. Butler can come in and start from day one.

 

Previous: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

 

31. Arizona Cardinals—Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

 

No one knows exactly what is going on with Edgerrin James, and we’re still uncertain if Tim Hightower is their guy for the future. Regardless, adding a stud running back adds depth at worst, while ensuring they won’t have to worry about the position for the next 5-10 years.

 

Previous: Same

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers—Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

 

Despite winning the Super Bowl, the Steelers had some rough patches, mainly on the offensive line. Just ask Ben Roethlisberger. Loadholt lives up to his name (he’s a load), and could step in immediately and protect either side for “Big Ben”. Vonate Davis or Louis Delmas are two other options that are possible if the Steelers opt to draft for defense.

 

Previous: Same

 

 

Round 2

 

33. Detroit Lions—James Laurinaits, ILB, Ohio State

 

After getting their franchise quarterback and tackle, it’s time to beef up their defense. Laurinaitis brings the athleticism, intangibles, and leadership they thought they were getting when they drafted Tedy Lehman years ago.

 

Previous: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

 

34. New England Patriots (From Kansas City)—Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

 

It’s time for New England to find a quality replacement for Rodney Harrison. Delmas is the best safety in the draft, and it’s almost pure luck that he’s still available at this pick.

 

Previous: James Laurinaits, ILB, Ohio State

 

35. St.Louis Rams—Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

 

Considering Davis is still here, the Rams have their pick between him or Alphonso Smith. Davis is the better prospect, though, with better overall size and speed. A receiver isn’t out of the question here, either.

 

Previous: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

 

36. Cleveland Browns—Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

 

The Browns cannot exit the second round without either a receiver or a tight end. With Kellen Winslow gone, Donte’ Stallworth in legal trouble, and Braylon Edwards likely to be traded, adding talent to those positions is crucial. Wisconsin’s Travis Beckum is a reasonable possibility here, too.

 

Previous: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

 

37. Seattle Seahawks—Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

 

Seattle got their stud receiver in the first round, so now it’s either their linebackers or their offensive line. If they go for defense, it’s probably down to Sintim or Larry English. Sintim is polished and appears ready to step in right away.

 

Previous: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina

 

38. Cincinnati Bengals—Alex Mack, C, California

 

While it’s never sexy to pick two offensive linemen with your first two picks, it’s the smartest thing the Bengals could do. Mack would be an upgrade at center, but if they try to please the fans, they could opt for a receiver—possibly Kenny Britt.

 

Previous: Same

 

39. Jacksonville Jaguars—Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina

 

They’ve made the right moves to suggest their offensive line woes are behind them, but adding young depth to that shaky line is paramount to their 2009 success. With the departure of Fred Taylor, a running back is a real possibility, as well. The signing of Torry Holt allows them to put off getting a receiver until the third or fourth round.

 

Previous: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

 

40. Oakland Raiders—William Moore, S, Missouri

 

The Raiders have been trying to find a capable safety opposite of Michael Huff for two years now, and even he has been a little lackluster lately. Moore is a quality talent with great ball-hawk skills. He would be a fantastic addition to their already decent defense.

 

Previous: Louis Murphy, WR, Florida

 

41. Green Bay Packers—William Beatty, OT, UConn

 

The Packers should snatch Beatty the minute their pick is up, as he’s unlikely to fall this far. Green Bay could be greedy and draft “the best player available”, but here’s to hoping Ted Thompson has some sense in him.

 

Previous: Same

 

42. Buffalo Bills—Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois

 

This will make the Bills 3/3 on need-based picks, making them a candidate for the best draft grade. They probably would have been more content to land Paul Kruger (and may still pick him), but English is more athletic, versatile, and offers more potential.

 

Previous: Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

 

43. San Francisco 49ers—Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

 

They could go for Utah’s Paul Kruger, but Smith is a stellar corner prospect, and San Francisco desperately needs a fresh corner with elite potential.

 

Previous: Larry English, OLB/DE, Northern Illinois

 

44. Miami Dolphins (From Washington)—Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

 

It’s not the first round anymore, so any wide receiver is fair game. Britt is an exceptional route runner and consistent performer with good experience in the Big East. The Dolphins aren’t sure what they have in Ted Ginn Jr., and Greg Camarillo is coming off of knee surgery.

 

Previous: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

 

45. New York Giants (From New Orleans)—Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

 

The Giants main concern is replacing Plaxico Burress, and up until this pick, they hadn’t been able to do that. Nicks has outstanding athleticism and game-breaking ability, so he gets the nod here.

 

Previous: William Moore, S, Missouri

 

46. Houston Texans—Patrick Chung, S, Oregon

 

The Texans have an offense that can match just about anyone when all its components are healthy, so this draft is more about defense. With Chung, they get a reliable tackler who is solid in coverage.

 

Previous: Same

 

47. New England Patriots (From San Diego)—Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

 

The Patriots can’t keep waiting around for their tight ends to develop or stay healthy. Cook is a phenomenal athlete with great speed for the position, and could make their already potent pass attack even harder to defend. They could also try an outside linebacker here, or possibly corner back Sean Smith.

 

Previous: Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama

 

48. Denver Broncos—Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah

 

Champ Bailey is getting up there in age, and there really isn’t that much talent in their secondary, overall. They could improve their safety depth with Rashad Johnson, but Smith’s height, athleticism, and potential are too good to ignore.

 

Previous: Same

 

49. Chicago Bears—Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State

 

They could add depth to their secondary, but keeping Jay Cutler happy with a new offensive weapon would probably be the best move. Williams doesn’t have great size, but his speed and athleticism is elite.

 

Previous: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

 

50. Cleveland Browns (From Tampa Bay)—Donald Brown, RB, UConn

 

Jamal Lewis might have 2-3 years left, but finding an elite runner to put behind him is a must. It’s arguably a toss-up in terms of pure talent between Brown and LeSean McCoy. The Browns could opt for a tight end here, too, but can still get a quality option in the next round.

 

Previous: Same

 

51. Dallas Cowboys—Pat White, WR/QB, West Virginia

 

The Cowboys need depth at receiver, could use another back-up quarterback, and the versatility White brings can only help. The Cowboys have been rumored to be interested in adding their own version of the Wildcat offense into their scheme, so White makes a lot of sense.

 

Previous: Same

 

52. New York Jets—LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

 

Leon Washington can’t carry a full load, and Thomas Jones is 30. This is a no-brainer.

 

Previous: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa

 

53. Philadelphia Eagles—Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss

 

 

« Previous 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