Detroit Lions Best Draft Might Not Include Ndamukong Suh

With all due respect to Ndamukong Suh, the Detroit Lions might be better off if he is a St. Louis Ram in April of 2010.

No one is debating his talent level. The boy named Suh deserves to be the number one pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. In fact, if he “fell” to number two overall, the Detroit Lions would be foolish not to take him.

However, if the Rams select Suh, the Detroit Lions might be better off.

At the top of the 2010 NFL Draft order, Cleveland, Washington, Seattle, and Buffalo are in possible need of a quarterback. San Francisco sits in the middle of the first with two picks. Any of those teams could want to move ahead of the pack.

If the Detroit Lions can come out of the 2010 Draft with two first round picks or a first round pick in 2011—not to mention numerous middle to late round picks—the Lions would be in a much better situation.

Consider this…the Detroit Lions are able to trade the number two pick to San Francisco for both first rounders.

Would the Lions be better off with only Gerald McCoy or Terrence Cody and Carlos Dunlap? (*insert mid-first round picks of your choosing*)

Would the Lions be better off with only Russell Okung or Joe Haden and Greg Hardy?

Both Russell Okung and Gerald McCoy are solid prospects and worthy of top picks but neither is worth two quality starters at much needed positions. Add in an extra possible third or fourth rounder and the Lions could be talking three starters on a talent starved team instead of one.

At worst case scenario—for those most cynical Lions fans out there—Detroit has three chances to make a solid pick instead of one gigantic bust.

So, Lions fans, between now and April, salivate over Ndamukong Suh. The Lions would be well off with him starting in the middle of the defense for the next 12 years.

But, in the back of your mind, remember that the best possible scenario might be Suh dominating the NFC West for those twelve years and the Lions front office taking advantage.

The 2010 NFL Draft will not fix the Detroit Lions…one player, even Ndamukong Suh, will not fix the Detroit Lions.

For the 2010 NFL Draft to benefit the Detroit Lions the most, Ndamukong Suh will end up a member of the St. Louis Rams.

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him on Twitter.

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Power Rankings Week 14: Comparing Teams to Alcoholic Drinks

Now HERE is the reason for the holiday season!

Let’s all be real here. Turkey and Mashed Potatoes are great and all but no red-blooded man would pass up a nice cold beer for any of the holiday fixin’s in my last power rankings article.

Ham and crescent rolls may be great and all, but when family comes to town—alcohol is the only spirit that today’s Bob Cratchit wants taking him on any special adventures.

Alcohol and football are connected more than any two substances in the history of the world. Every other commercial on Sundays is for “taste cold as the Rockies.” It is mildly surprising that InBev hasn’t purchased the naming rights for the entire league. (Cindy McCain Field anyone?)

So for this week, the NFL Franchises are being ranked and paired up with alcoholic beverages that compare.

Remember, this isn’t a ranking of alcoholic beverages. Think of the power rankings as a line but the drinks as a scatterplot—so no arguments about the merits of margaritas over martinis.

Enjoy the power rankings and feel free to contribute in the comment section below.

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The Schottey Six: NFL Sophomore Sensations

Sophomore slump?

Not these guys.

Not every NFL rookie goes through a sophomore slump. Some fabulous first-year players continue to get better. Other athletes get over over the rookie wobbles and break out in their second year.

Either way, not every sophomore should be overlooked. Here are six guys who are having tremendous years. The NFL Sophomore Sensations!

On to the Schottey Six!

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Detroit Lions’ Future May Rest with a “Magic” Grand Rapids Family

William Clay Ford has done enough.

Is so many ways, Ford has done enough for Detroit Lions fans. Since he became sole owner of the Lions in 1964, the franchise has only had four seasons with 10 or more wins.

Since 1964, the Detroit Lions have not won a championship, either. The Lions have only made the playoffs in nine of the 45 years (20 percent) of Ford’s ownership.

The Lions have seen the careers of Barry Sanders, Barry Sims, Johnny Morton, Herman Moore, Lem Barney, Charlie Sanders, Robert Porcher, “Bubba” Baker, and so many others.

Put another way, for a 27-year-old man who read the news that Ford bought the Detroit Lions in 1964, the life expectancy is up. During that lifetime, that 27-year-old grew up in the Lions heyday and had bubblegum cards of Bobby Layne stuffed in his pocket.

That same man was born two years after the Detroit Lions’ first championship. The Lions would go on to win three more championships while he was in high school and college.

For that man, representative of many Lions fans, William Clay Ford has done enough.

Recently, Richard DeVos put to rest “rumors” that he might pursue the Detroit Lions franchise.

Rumors? What rumors?

Apparently, the only people who knew about this were DeVos and his children—who want to buy the team.

DeVos is already in the pro sports world. His Orlando Magic are on the up and up. The DeVos family have even more sports connections. Richard’s son, Dan DeVos, has a history of buying failed sports teams—he bought the Massachusetts Marauders (formerly the Detroit Drive) and brought them back to Michigan as the Grand Rapids Rampage.

The Rampage won a title in 2001, three years after moving to the Van Andel arena—named after Richard’s longtime business partner.

Dan also owns the Grand Rapids Griffins, a minor league hockey team, and the Wichita Stealth, a football team playing in the Arena Football League 2.

The DeVos family name is also connected to a sports management program at the University of Central Florida.

Whether you blame Ford for the Detroit Lions’ failures or not is inconsequential. More and more, a time is coming when the Ford Motor Company will be unable to support the Detroit Lions.

Ford was the world’s 363rd richest man in the world in 2001. In 2006, he ranked 698th. Now, in 2009…Ford is unranked.

The Detroit Lions aren’t exactly making the Ford family a bunch of money, either. The Lions are worth an estimated $917 million and lose $3 million a year. For Ford, that is a burden becoming increasingly hard to bear.

For Richard DeVos, the 119th richest man in the world (61st in the United State), $3 million is a pittance. His company, Alticore, is the 31st most valuable company in the world and makes over $8 billion a year.

If the NFL scraps the salary cap, the Detroit Lions are going to have a hard time luring free agents to a city with such a long rap sheet. Money will have to be spent—money Ford doesn’t have.

A partnership could be the perfect option. The DeVos family could buy a majority share of the Detroit Lions, leaving the Ford name on the brand and Bill Ford Jr. as a vice chairman. Dan DeVos can step in as chairman and provide a fresh point of view for many of the personnel and front office decisions that have occurred under the Fords’ unsuccessful eyes.

Under that partnership, capital shouldn’t be a problem for the Lions.

Even if it were, a franchise owned by partners is usually far more conducive to bringing on more partners than a single family-owned business. If George Argyros, Michael Ilitch, or Manuel Moroun wanted to buy a small percentage of the Lions in a revenue-sharing (or advertising) deal, it is easier to negotiate with partners than a single family.

If the Detroit Lions are going to survive, the reign of a Detroit family, the Fords, needs to be over. A Grand Rapids family—Richard DeVos and his sons, Dan and Doug—is a perfect option.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Detroit Lions: Sizing Up Their Biggest Need

If five different Detroit Lions fans were asked what Detroit’s biggest need was, almost certainly, five different answers would be given.

One fan would definitely mention the offensive line—long an impediment to Detroit’s rebuilding plan.

Another fan would mention the defensive line. In fact, this week the lack of a four man pass rush is the problem de jour for the Lions’ fan base.

A third fan wants defensive backfield help for the Detroit Lions’ worst unit.

The fourth fan would ask for weapons for Detroit’s young quarterback—a running back to replace Kevin Smith or a receiver to put across from Calvin Johnson.

The fifth fan? Probably a plea to fire Millen—obviously didn’t get the memo.

While this is the time of year (especially at 2-9) that Detroit Lions fans love to talk about this sort of thing, take a moment to realize that the Detroit Lions have a gigantic need that supersedes any positional grouping of label.

That enormous need?

To get bigger.

Step one of that plan was the transition last offseason to a power lifting workout plan.

Head Coach Jim Schwartz wanted his team to get bigger and stronger, even if it sacrificed some of the speed and agility that Rod Marinelli preached under the old scheme.

Whereas Marinelli wanted smaller, quicker lineman and linebackers for his Tampa Two scheme, Jim Schwartz has made it clear that he wants big hosses up front and downhill thumpers behind them.

Step two was the addition of some of those bigger players. Grady Jackson was a gamble at 36 but his 345lbs frame was needed to plug up the middle. Larry Foote is an inch shorter but five pounds heavier than last year’s starter, Paris Lenon. Julian Peterson is 20lbs heavier than Ryan Nece.

Defensive tackle, Sammie Lee Hill was a hulking gamble out of Stillman College. But the 329lb force has already shown plenty of promise. Brandon Pettigrew and Dan Gronkowski also added whopping size and strength to the tight end position.

Continuing on this path is a humongous need for the Detroit Lions. More steps need to be taken to increase the size and strength of this Lions team.

What are the Lions’ next moves? Looking forward to the next off season, these steps would be tremendously helpful.

 

 

Defensive Line

 

Looking forward to the NFL draft, if Detroit is looking for size, look no further than Terrence Cody (DT-Alabama). Although Detroit’s likely top five pick would be high for the behemoth, Detroit could easily trade down or up for the big man. At over 365lbs, Cody also has athleticism—as seen by his propensity for blocking kicks.

Talent could be more important than size if Gerald McCoy (DT-Oklahoma) or Ndamukong Suh (DT-Nebraska) fall to Mayhew and company. The two sit right around 300lbs but both (especially McCoy) look like they could get bigger.

If those three aren’t the pick, other names include Dan Williams (DT-Tennessee) at 327lbs, or Marvin Austin (DT-North Carolina) at a very athletic 305lbs.

With so many needs, the Lions might pass on defensive linemen in the draft altogether.

In free agency, Vince Wilfork (DT-New England) is the cream of the crop and one of the league’s best young nose tackles, although the New England Patriots are almost surely going to keep the 330-pound force. 

Other free agents include Gabe Watson (DT-Arizona) at 330lbs, Domata Peko (DT-Cincinnati) at 320lbs and an older Casey Hampton at 325lbs.

The defensive end position can always get bigger as well.

DraftTek.com has often had Everson Griffen (DE-USC) as a target for the Lions—a pick I agree with. The 280-pound junior would be the Detroit Lions’ biggest defensive end the day he was signed.

Other bigger defensive ends include the 290-pound Carlos Dunlap (DE-Florida) and Corey Wootton (DE-Northwestern) at 280lbs.

Will Smith (DE-New Orleans) and Jarvis Green (DE-New England) are both over 280lbs and could help the Detroit Lions’ pass rush.

 

 

Linebackers

 

Replacing Ernie Sims with DeAndre Levy may result in better production and less missed tackles, but not a great increase in size. Levy is 235lbs, about 10 more than Ernie Sims. Levy has a chance to get bigger, so that position is well stocked.

Even so, if the Lions are going to commit to the rebuilding plan, eventually steps need to be taken to back up and provide depth to the aging Larry Foote and Julian Peterson.

In the draft, a first round linebacker would be a luxury. Later on, the Detroit Lions could take a look at the 260-pound Micah Johnson (ILB-Kentucky) or O’Brien Schofield  (OLB-Wisconsin) who is almost 250lbs.

Speaking of 250-pounders, DeMeco Ryans (OLB-Houston) is the class of the free agency crop and would be an immediate upgrade to either OLB positions. Pierre Woods is 255lbs and could enjoy coming closer to his Cleveland home. Shawne Merriman (OLB-San Diego) is 265lbs, but probably wouldn’t be able to play in a 4-3 OLB spot.

For backups, Scott Fujita (OLB-New Orleans) is a aging prospect who could be great in a rotation if he is replaced in ‘Nawlins.

 

 

Offensive Line

 

Dominic Raiola and Jeff Backus have never been described as “large.”

Largely disappointing? Maybe.

To help the running game, the Detroit Lions need to get bigger. If the running game improves, teams will stop teeing off on Matt Stafford.

Backus, at 305 isn’t nearly as large as likely second rounder Jason Fox (OT-Miami), who is 315lbs. Juniors Anthony Davis (OT-Rutgers) and Cabe Carimi (OT-Wisconsin) are even bigger at 325lbs.

Stephen Peterman is probably a lock at one of the guard positions next year. At the other guard spot, the Lions could look at Mike Iupati (OG-Idaho) who is 330lbs or the 350-pound John Jerry (OG-Ole Miss).

In free agency, David Baas (OG-San Francisco) is 330lbs and Chris Snee (OG-New York Giants) is a very talented 320lbs. Jared Gaither (OT-Baltimore) is one of the biggest men in the league at 6’9″, 340lbs.

2009 is year one of a long rebuilding plan for the Detroit Lions. The ditch Matt Millen dug for this franchise is long, wide and deep. Digging out of it is going to take a jumbo-sized effort.

Some bigger bodies will make the immense work a little lighter.

 

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him on Twitter.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

The Schottey Six: NFL Teams To Benefit Most In An Uncapped 2010

NFL fans are worried about an uncapped league.

Baseball salaries are ridiculous! Just think about how the NFL—a much more lucrative league—could inflate those numbers!

In terms of basic revenue, team worth, etc. if Alex Rodriguez is worth $27 million a year, Peyton Manning is worth twice that. The Yankees are, by far, the most valuable MLB team but hardly turn a profit (comparatively) with their payroll.

A team like the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, or New England Patriots could double or even triple their payroll and still out earn the Boys from the Bronx.

Which teams will benefit most from an uncapped NFL? Check out The Schottey Six!

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Jared Allen Not Impressive This Season for the Minnesota Vikings

When is 10.5 sacks not 10.5 sacks?

That question isn’t being asked nearly enough this season. ESPN, NBC, and FOX personalities all have mentioned Jared Allen when discussing awards like Defensive Player of the Year—all citing his tremendous dominance this season.

Really? I haven’t noticed.

 

10.5 Sacks Is Not 10.5 Sacks When 7.5 of Them Come Against the Green Bay Packers

Sacking Aaron Rodgers is like catching the swine flu—everyone is doing it. Sacking Aaron Rodgers is like hitting concrete after you stumble out of the bar. Sacking Aaron Rodgers is so easy, a caveman could do it.

Seriously.

The Green Bay Packers are on pace to shatter their team record of 62 sacks allowed in a season. Stylez White, Leonard Little, Turk McBride, Julian Peterson, DeMarcus Ware, and Antwan Odom all had multi-sack days against the glorified police tape that is the Packers’ offensive line.

If you remove 7.5 from 10.5, Allen has three non-Packer sacks in 2009—one each against Detroit, Baltimore, and San Francisco.

That is one sack against Jeff Backus, Michael Oher, and Barry Sims.

Allen has been held without a sack five times—against the mighty offensive lines of Cleveland, Seattle, St. Louis, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. Again, where is this dominance?

 

10.5 Sacks Is Not 10.5 Sacks When You Play On the Best Defensive Line In the NFL

Look at the talent around Jared Allen.

Kevin Williams is, arguably the best pass rushing defensive tackle in the game. Pat Williams eats space like it’s wrapped in bacon. Ray Edwards is the “weak link” on the defensive line with 5.5 sacks. Although Edwards could be upgraded in the upcoming draft, there are 31 NFL teams who would love to have him on their team.

Behind Allen, the Vikings’ Tampa Two defense doesn’t have many weak spots. In fact, the defense is predicated around the defensive line pass pressure.

The Vikings blitz about as often as Artie Lange changes his shirt—barely at all.

Putting seven talented athletes in coverage on almost every passing down means that QBs rarely have open receivers, leading to coverage sacks aplenty.

So, as an offensive coordinator, what can be done to stop Jared Allen? The answer is, not much. A tight end can be moved over to his side, running backs can be left in to chip, or roll outs can be designed away from Allen.

You can’t double-team him.

The instant an offensive guard is used to double Allen, Kevin Williams might as well be credited with a sack…or Pat Williams…or Ray Edwards.

 

10.5 Sacks Is Not 10.5 Sacks When You’re Not Applying Constant Pressure

The insinuation with 10.5 sacks is that you’ve spent the entire season terrorizing quarterbacks.

With Jared Allen, that just isn’t the case.

ProFootballFocus.com is one of the Internet’s most thorough analysis sites—every game, every player, every play. According to their rating system, Allen ranks as the 13th best defensive end. Rushing the passer, he is 10th.

If you question, doubt, or disagree with their ratings system, look at the quantifiable stats.

Jared Allen only has five QB hits—good for 23rd in the league.

That means Allen has (legally) contacted the quarterback 15.5 times. Compare that to another Minnesota Viking—Ray Edwards. Edwards has a league-leading 15 quarterback hits and a more than respectable seven sacks. That means Edwards has put the opposing quarterback in the dirty stuff 22 times.

QB pressures are just as much an important stat.

Indianapolis Colt Dwight Freeney leads the league with an insane 32 pressures. His teammate Robert Mathis is second with 25. Jared Allen has a respectable 19 pressures, good for a tie at sixth (with Trent Cole and Osi Umenyiora).

In conclusion, Jared Allen is a great defensive end—one of the best in the league. He just isn’t having the type of dominant season that the football media would like us to believe. By and large, the majority of Minnesota Vikings fans understand this.

Because of Allen’s star power and name recognition, he will almost certainly make the Pro Bowl. Fans in NFC cities like New York (Justin Tuck), Washington (Andre Carter), Philadelphia (Trent Cole), Atlanta (John Abraham), and St. Louis (Leonard Little) will all have legitimate cause to claim their guy was unfairly passed over.

As for All-Pro teams and Defensive Player of the Year, anything more than a cursory look at the stats proves that Jared Allen doesn’t deserve those honors.

It is clear that 10.5 sacks isn’t always 10.5 sacks.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

2010 NFL Mock Draft: Two-Round November Edition

In January, the redshirt sophomores and juniors of the college football world have big decisions to make. The 2010 NFL Draft could be the last year in which players and agents have leeway to negotiate rookie contracts freely.

It is widely expected that a rookie salary scale will be in place by the 2011 NFL Draft. Roger Goodell has called the current rookie pay system, “ridiculous.” Furthermore, the NFL salary cap might not be long for this world—creating a salary structure similar to (hopefully less insane than) major league baseball.

If a rookie comes out next April, he will experience the best of both worlds—a huge rookie contract and a shot at true riches if the league stays uncapped.

In 2011, that same rookie could end up suffering through relative poverty for a season or two before having a shot at a lucrative second contract. The Vernon Gholstons and Matt Leinarts of the world could, theoretically, be out millions and millions of dollars. 

College underclassmen aren’t taking that risk.

Sam Bradford, Mike Williams, Dez Bryant and others have already confirmed that they will be entering the NFL Draft. Joe Haden, Navorro Bowman, Earl Thomas and others are expected to take the leap.

In fact, this year, most talent evaluators are predicting that first or second round grades will have very little to do with an underclassman declaring. If a player thinks he might be drafted, he will probably be playing on Sundays instead of Saturdays in 2010.

With that in mind, 2010 NFL Mock Drafts will continue to add more and more juniors as hints are dropped between now and January. Also, simply because a player is declaring early this year, do not assume that he will be gone before the third round starts.

This mock is based off of a draft order accessed on November 25th from WalterFootball.com . This mock draft, as with all of the mock drafts produced by this writer are produced in conjunction with the assistance of DraftTek.com , the internet’s premier NFL Mock Draft simulation website.

2010 NFL Mock Draft : Two-Round November Edition

1) Cleveland Browns —Ndamukong Suh (DT/DE Nebraska)

Suh is the undisputed number one pick in this draft. Some would rate Eric Berry higher, but no safety changes the game like a dominant defensive tackle. Put Suh next to Shaun Rogers and that 3-4 defense starts to look formidable.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers —Russell Okung (OT Oklahoma State)

Donald Penn is a fine starter, but not one to build a team around—especially when a raw, second-year QB is the centerpiece. Russell Okung is a physical specimen who scouts question in terms of current ability, but never in upside.

3) St. Louis Rams —Jake Locker (QB Washington)

Young, talented, tutored by a proven quarterback coach—Jake Locker has all of the tools. The Rams don’t have a starting quarterback. Unless Kyle Boller lights up the league for the rest of the year, St. Louis will take the QB of their choosing.

4) Detroit Lions —Gerald McCoy (DT Oklahoma)

The people who make the decisions for Detroit are on record saying that big defensive tackles are a major need. With Suh gone, McCoy is an obvious choice. The big Sooner is athletic and has a frame which is still growing.

5) Washington Redskins —Jimmy Clausen (QB Notre Dame)

A likely new coach often means a likely new quarterback. Jimmy Clausen has the thing that owner, Daniel Snyder, wants most—a name. Clausen is a similar prospect to Matthew Stafford who likewise had all the tools without the college success.

6) Buffalo Bills —Eric Berry (S Tennessee)

Take your pick, talented rookie Jairus Byrd moves to CB or Eric Berry does. Either way, the two would be a great duo. If the Bills have a shot at arguably the top rated player in the draft, it would be crazy to pass him up.

7) Kansas City Chiefs —CJ Spiller (RB Clemson)

The NFL world will get to see if Scott Pioli wants to draft a horse RB like his father-in-law does or if he treats the position like his mentor, Bill Belichick often does. Spiller is a great talent who has breakaway speed and ability to run between the tackles.

8) Seattle Seahawks —Sam Bradford (QB Oklahoma)

This is a little high for Bradford, who could change that with great workouts. Seattle is a great landing place as Matt Hasselbeck may have a few years left. Still, the Seahawks have a lot of needs and could go any which way but loose.

9) Oakland Raiders —Taylor Mays (S Southern California)

If Mays is available, Mays will be an Oakland Raider. The size, speed, and star power are undeniable. Talent? Meh…scouts wonder. Still, Al Davis is making this pick so the former is more important than the latter.

10) Denver Broncos (from Chi) —Terrence Cody (NT Alabama)

“Mount” Cody is somewhere between 350 and 500 lbs. No one really knows, but let’s just say the McDonald’s in Tuscaloosa wishes he had more eligibility. Athletic? You bet and as a nose tackle he is a three-down player, something no 4-3 defense would gamble on.

11) San Francisco 49ers (from Car) —Brandon Spikes (LB Florida)

Brandon Spikes wants to play in San Francisco. San Francisco needs another inside linebacker because Brandon’s cousin (and recently found mentor), Takeo Spikes, is 32. If Spikes is available, the card should be to the commissioner quickly.

12) San Francisco 49ers —Mike Iupati (OG Idaho)

The 49ers offensive line is a mess. Getting Joe Staley back is a great first step. Adding Mike Iupati is a fine second. Iupati is a mammoth man at 6’5″, 330lbs, and would soon become Frank Gore’s best friend.

13) New York Jets —Joe Haden (CB Florida)

Darrelle Revis is one of the top corners in the NFL. Across from him? Just a lot of completed passes and age. Joe Haden is the top rated corner in the draft. If Haden is gone, the Jets might reach for the next corner on their list.

14) Tennessee Titans —Brandon Graham (DE Michigan)

Titans fans are great. Tennessee has one of the deepest defensive lines in the entire league, but the fans understand that the talent at the top of that group is lacking. With Kyle Vandenbosch, 31, slowing down, Brandon Graham will be free to apply pressure to AFC South QBs.

15) Houston Texans —Dez Bryant (WR Oklahoma State)

Houston, do we have a problem? Is receiver a huge need for the Texans? No. Not a bit. Is Dez Bryant the best player available? In this mock, yes. If a DT or Joe Haden falls, that would be the pick. In this scenario, Bryant frees up a lot of coverage for Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels.

16) Miami Dolphins —Rolando McClain (ILB Alabama)

There is no question the Dolphins need to update their linebacker corps. McClain has the tackling ability, pass rushing skills, and coverage talent to play any of the linebacking positions.

17) Atlanta Falcons —Derrick Morgan (DE Georgia Tech)

Across from an aging John Abraham, the Jamaal Anderson experiment is coming to a close. The Atlanta front office would be ecstatic if Morgan is available and would help him move the eight minutes between Georgia Tech and the Georgia Dome.

18) Baltimore Ravens —Damian Williams (WR Southern California)

Depending on which scout you talk to, this is either a huge value or a huge reach. In any case, the Ravens can afford to be choosy. Derrick Mason has already retired once and no other WR is doing squat for the Ravens. Williams is the most polished and NFL ready receiver in the draft.

19) Green Bay Packers —Bruce Campbell (OT Maryland)

Campbell or USC stud Charles Brown is a near lock here. If not, Aaron Rodgers will be knocking on Ted Thompson’s door with a severe chip on his shoulder. Campbell has a long injury history but unquestionable talent.

20) Jacksonville Jaguars —Tim Tebow (QB Florida)

Tim Tebow will play, and probably be successful in the NFL. That said, he’s a long way away from contributing and isn’t a first round pick. That aside, Jacksonville needs to sell seats and Tebow is a hometown hero.

21) Pittsburgh Steelers —Earl Thomas (S Texas)

Thomas, a redshirt sophomore, is expected to come out and expected to get a mid-first round grade. The Longhorn is a Thorpe finalist and can easily play any defensive backfield position—versatility that Pittsburgh will love.

22) Philadelphia Eagles —Carlos Dunlap (DE Florida)

One word best describes Carlos Dunlap, underachiever. Dunlap could easily be the best defensive player in the nation and get to the QB almost every play. His lack of consistent motor could drop him to the second, but Philly needs a pass rusher and has the ability to gamble.

23) Seattle Seahawks (from Den) —Bryan Bulaga (OT Iowa)

If Seattle has a need bigger than future QB, it is to fix the offensive line. Some consider the junior tackle a top-of-the-first prospect and love his upside. Seattle won’t have Walter Jones for long but could easily grab three or four linemen without upsetting their fans.

24) New York Giants —Ras-I Dowling (S/CB Virginia)

Two months ago, the thought that the Giants needed a defensive back was preposterous. Now, it is almost lock solid. The New York Giants could use starters at either safety position and high level backups at both cornerback spot. Dowling fits both.

25) Dallas Cowboys —Trent Williams (OT Oklahoma)

Flozell Adams is talented, but is 34 and a walking false start. It is about time the next Flozell Adams is groomed. Trent Williams has good skills and great size. In a worst case scenario, he could be a top flight guard for years to come.

26) Cincinnati Bengals —Jermaine Gresham (TE Oklahoma)

Back to back Sooners because the Bengals haven’t had a good tight end in a very long time. Rookie Chase Coffman is a project but Jermaine Gresham has top ten talent minus a season ending injury.

27) New England Patriots —Arthur Jones (DE/DT Syracuse)

The Patriots have a lot of work to do on an aging defense and have enough picks in the next two drafts to more than help. Arthur Jones is a good start who can begin to make up for the loss of Richard Seymour.

28) Arizona Cardinals —Jerry Hughes (OLB/DE Texas Christian)

Chike Okefor and Clark Hagans have both been solid pros but both will be 33 before next season. Jerry Hughes is too small to play every-down DE in the pros but will be a excellent pass rush specialist.

29) San Diego Chargers —Brandon LaFell (WR Louisana State)

LaFell has all of the talent, polish, and drive that make a great pro. With almost the entire receiver corps on the free agent block, Rivers needs weapons. Expect another WR drafted in the later rounds as well.

30) Minnesota Vikings —Greg Hardy (DE Mississippi)

A healthy Greg Hardy would (and could) shoot up this list. The Vikings would be incredibly happy if Hardy (or any top pass rusher) drops to play opposite Jared Allen.

31) New Orleans Saints —Sean Weatherspoon (OLB Missouri)

Give credit where credit is due. The New Orleans Saints are undefeated and their OLBs are part of that. However, Sean Weatherspoon would be a clear long-term upgrade to Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle.

32) Indianapolis Colts —Nate Allen (S South Florida)

“The Golden Child” isn’t immediately better than Antoine Bethea or Bob Sanders…but he isn’t as injury prone either. As a third safety, both as insurance and in subpackages, Allen would have a big impact as the Colts continue to build a dynasty.

Round Two

33) Tampa Bay Buccaneers —Ricky Sapp (DE/OLB Clemson)

To compete in the NFC South, protect the QB and attack the QB. The Bucs went with the left tackle in the first, now they need a pass rusher. Sapp is a little small for a DE but works in Tampa Bay’s system.

34) St. Louis Rams —Golden Tate (WR Notre Dame)

Jake Locker will need someone to throw to and Golden Tate has the makings of a true number one receiver.

35) Cleveland Browns —Jahvid Best (RB California)

Joshua Cribbs can’t be the only playmaker if Cleveland wants to succeed. Best is a game changer who can still rush the ball 15-20 times a game.

36) Detroit Lions —Everson Griffen (DE Southern California)

Griffen is bigger than other defensive ends coming out of college and some teams even look at him as a future tackle. Detroit is looking for both size and pass rush.

37) Buffalo Bills —Charles Brown (OT Southern California)

The offensive tackles in this draft are close in talent and Brown could go top half of the first. In this scenario, he becomes piece of a Buffalo rebuild.

38) Kansas City Chiefs —Arrelious Benn (WR Illinois)

Benn is another kid with first round talent but is very very very unpolished. Adding Spiller in the first and now Benn gives K.C. some of the best young offensive talent in the league.

39) Seattle Seahawks —Brandon Ghee (CB Wake Forest)

Ghee is one of the more talented cover men in the draft and can match up with any college receiver. He has the size and leaping Josh Wilson lacks.

40) Oakland Raiders —Jason Fox (OT Miami)

The Raiders don’t have a QB but are paying JaMarcus Russell too much to pick another so soon. Jason Fox is a left tackle through and through and would move Mario Henderson to the right.

41) Washington Redskins —Corey Wootton (DE Northwestern)

The Redskins are still searching for a pass rusher after picking up Jeremy Jarmon in the Supplemental Draft. Wootton has knee problems but a healthy physical could vault him into the first. 

42) Carolina Panthers —Ryan Mallett (QB Arkansas)

No real penalty for the Panthers in this mock for trading away their first rounder last year. Mallett would be the best QB available with either pick. He’s raw so fans should suffer Delhomme one more year.

43) San Francisco 49ers —Sergio Kindle (OLB Texas)

The 49ers improved their run defense and their running game in the first round and upgrade the pass rush in the second. Kindle just gets to the QB. Similar grade to Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech) last year. 

44) New York Jets —Jared Odrick (DE/DT Penn State)

Odrick is a lock for the next pick if the Jets don’t scoop him up ahead of their division rivals. Both the Jets and the Patriots could use a young talented, pass rushing 3-4 defensive end.

45) New England Patriots (From Ten) —Von Miller (OLB/DE Texas A&M)

At 214lbs, Miller won’t be playing defensive end in the NFL. The Patriots would be wise to take a long-term look at the nation’s sack leader.

46) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (From Chi) —Jason Pierre-Paul (DE South Florida)

The Buccaneers gave up a failed first rounder to get this pick but grabbed another pass rusher at the top of the second. Consider Pierre-Paul to be the bigger and more polished prospect.

47) Miami Dolphins —Anthony Davis (OG/OT Rutgers)

The Dolphins have a fine left tackle in Jake Long but many scouts don’t expect Davis to play there. Davis would slide in at RG or perhaps even slide Justin Smiley over.

48) Kansas City Chiefs (From Atl) —Dan Williams (NT/DT Tennessee)

One of the reasons the Chiefs could address the offense with their first two picks is because they obtained this pick from Atlanta in the Tony Gonzalez trade. Dan Williams would slide right into KC’s nose tackle position between Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey.

49) Baltimore Ravens —Trevard Lindley (CB Kentucky)

For most teams, Lindley doesn’t have NFL size. Baltimore has no problem with that—often grabbing smaller defensive backs other teams don’t want. The Ravens are desperate for cornerback help and will love his ability in coverage.

50) Houston Texans —Brian Price (DT UCLA)

At 300lbs, the talented Bruin tackle will free up a lot of space for Okoye and Mario Williams. The Texans have craved a young talented 4-3 nose tackle for a while and this is the year to grab one.

51) New England Patriots (From Jax) —Sean Lee (ILB Penn State)

In a perfect world, the discussion of the NFL Draft could be Sean Lee or Brandon Spikes as the top inside linebacker and both would go in the top half of the first. The Patriots would love a shot at putting a first round athlete next to Jerod Mayo.

52) Green Bay Packers —Jonathan Dwyer (RB Georgia Tech)

Option running backs are treated like spread quarterbacks in NFL circles. Is Dwyer a great athlete? Yes. Will teams drop him because of the offensive system? Yes. The Packers need another runner in the stable and Dwyer could be special.

53) Philadelphia Eagles —John Jerry (OG Mississippi)

Jerry is a giant at 6’5″, 350lbs and is a lot more than just bulk. Jerry moves well and blocks with the best of them. The Rebel would push both starting Eagles guards and could see work at right tackle as well.

54) Denver Broncos —Colt McCoy (QB Texas)

Cold winter-beard aside, Orton isn’t old—especially for quarterbacks. But it was made clear that Coach McDaniels wants his type of quarterback. Accurate, heady, fiery, athletic, Colt McCoy fits the mold and fits perfectly in Denver—and not as much anywhere else. 

55) New York Giants —Kristopher O’Dowd (C/OG Southern California)

The talented Trojans lineman had a dislocated knee cap this season which has kept him from 100 percent. If he is healthy by workouts, he could have an Alex Mack-like rise.

56) Pittsburgh Steelers —Vince Oghobaase (NT/DT Duke)

The Steelers grabbed their only urgent need in round one so in round two they can continue to restock the aging defensive line with another great prospect.

57) Cincinnati Bengals —Jon Asamoah (OG Illinois)

It’s all about the running game for the Bengals and Asamoah is a A+ run blocker—able to man up against even the stoutest nose tackle.

58) New England Patriots —Marvin Austin (DE/DT North Carolina)

The Patriots could go offense here (especially after grabbing Jones in the first). Austin is the best player available and have a few young linemen will help contract leverage against Vince Wilfork.

59) Arizona Cardinals —Roddrick Muckelroy (OLB Texas)

Arizona went with a hand-down pass rusher in the first. With this pick, the Cardinals pick up a linebacker who has lots of experience rushing from an up position.

60) Dallas Cowboys —Patrick Robinson (CB Florida State)

Mike Jenkins needs a battery mate under 30 and Patrick Robinson has all the tools but lacks overall polish. He’ll find value as a situational defensive back for now.

61) San Diego Chargers —Myron Rolle (S Florida State)

Myron Rolle was a borderline first rounder last April and some good workouts could vault him back into the picture.

62) Minnesota Vikings —Syd’Quan Thompson (CB California)

Thompson fits best into a role like Antoine Winfield. Depending on their grade, the Vikings may even consider him in the first.

63) New Orleans Saints —Tyson Alualu (DT/DE California)

The Saints would love a big sturdy under tackle to pair with Sedrick Ellis. If Alualu drops, he would be a steal for the Saints.

64) Indianapolis Colts —Selvish Capers (OT West Virginia)

Peyton Manning has done miracles with a revolving door at left tackle, Capers is a former tight end with immense athleticism.

 

For A Three Round NFL Mock Draft—DraftTek.com

Michael Schottey is a Detroit Lions Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and the producer and host of The Average Joe Sports Show on 860AM KNUJ (New Ulm, MN). He is also an NFL Analyst and Senior Writer for DraftTek.com. Follow Him on Twitter.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Comparing Teams to Holiday Foods

‘Tis the season!

As the winter grows colder, every red-blooded man wants to do what every red-blooded creature wants to do.

Hibernate.

To keep humans from falling asleep for six months out of the year, the sporting world has inserted some very important events into the schedule. Ultimately, men know they need to get to March Madness. Along the way, the college bowl season, Super Bowl, and occasionally the Olympics keep men happy and give them something to wake up for.

However, not all men like sports.

Thus, the world has also inserted very important eating events into the schedule as well.

Can’t miss turkey at Thanksgiving…or ham at Christmas…drinking at New Years…etc.

Football and the holidays are forever mixed. For week 12, let’s take a look at some popular (and not-so-popular) holiday foods.

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Detroit Lions’ Matthew Stafford Unlikely to Play on Thanksgiving

John Niyo of the Detroit News reported today following Jim Schwartz’ Monday presser that quarterback Matthew Stafford has suffered an AC joint sprain (separation).

If someone didn’t see the play (thanks to a state-wide blackout), I highly suggest a trip over to NFL.com to see the replays. If you haven’t even heard of what happened, I highly suggest coming out from the rock you’re living under.

Stafford, on the second-to-last play, scrambled around for what seemed like somewhere between 20-30 minutes and eventually heaved the football toward the corner of the end zone. After he let go of the ball, Cleveland Browns lineman CJ Mosley went Jack Lambert on the Lions QB and sent him crashing to the turf.

Stafford came back into the game after an ill-advised Mangini timeout and threw a TD pass setting up a game winning extra point by Jason Hanson.

That you knew.

The severity of the injury may never be known.

When Matt Stafford crashed to the turf, his acromioclavicular joint—the only thing holding the arm bone to the rest of the skeleton—was injured, straining the three ligaments holding everything together.

The injury is more of a dislocation than a sprain…sprain just sounds less serious.

How badly Stafford is injured has nothing to do with the words “AC joint sprain.” The same label can be used for a minor injury that athletes play through all the time or a serious injury which costs athletes seasons and requires major surgery.

The off season surgery Brett Favre underwent this past year? AC Joint reconstruction.

The season ending surgery Sam Bradford is having? AC Joint reconstruction.

The injury can be categorized by three grades or six levels. Grade I-level one calls for rest, a sling, and some pain meds. Grade III-level six is rarely seen outside of car accidents and a lifetime of arthritis is likely.

If Matthew Stafford isn’t on the IR in the near future, it can be reasonably assumed that he has a Grade I sprain. The symptoms are pain, tenderness, swelling, loss of arm motion.

Remember, this is his non-throwing shoulder.

Pain and tenderness? Ibuprofen.

Swelling? Cortisone

Loss of arm motion? A brace under his shoulder pads.

If Thursday rolls around and team doctors are relatively sure further damage is unlikely, Matthew Stafford could play. If the Detroit Lions hope to beat the Green Bay Packers, they will need their quarterback.

However, if team doctors (or Stafford himself) are not sufficiently positive that Stafford would be safe from a re-injury or a complication of arthritis, don’t expect the Detroit Lions to take a chance at wasting 30 million on one Turkey-day contest.

If Lions fans have learned anything about the Coach Schwartz regime, he won’t be providing any answers.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

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