With no new collective bargaining agreement signed between the players union and the owners it was not a surprise how many moves we saw take place this offseason. With not as big of a pool for unrestricted free agents teams had to get creative to fill voids on their teams with quality players.
The Lions I feel were best at working all ways to aquire new players to help out a team that was desperate for talent. Martin Mayhew did a great job swinging deals for Corey Williams, Chris Houston, Shaun HIll, and Tony Sheffler. Williams will start with Ndamakung Suh in the middle of that Detroit defense, while Chris Houston, who was aquired for only a 6th round choice will most likely shore up a starting corner job. Shaun Hill the Lions got for a seventh round pick will be able to back up their franchise QB Matt Stafford. Sheffler was an interesting pickup in a trade, although the Lions lost Ernie Sims they got a great downfield threat that can play either traditional tight end or in the slot.
The Lions also were able to get free agents Kyle Vanden Bosh and Nate Burleson to help bring in significant veteran presents on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Add in more depth pickups in free agency and another strong draft class and it seems like the Lions are on their way up.
This is just one story of many teams looking to make their teams better. One other team that has greatly improved, on paper, is the New York Jets. Rex Ryan is trying to put together a jugernaut. More and more players continue to buy into Rex Ryan's ideals, but most of them are players that have had concerns off the field. It will be interesting to seeif Ryan can harness the talent or if it will implode.
In the ever changing landscape of the NFL, another draft goes by and teams are now getting prepared for minicamp.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
What are the Bears Doing?
The Bears soon to be implosion is one that I have been waiting for since... well the Cutler trade. Jay Cutler is a guy that has been gifted physically with the ability to be one of the best QB's in the game, but he has an attitude problem. Over and over again on the field the viewer could see Cutler's attitude coming out. The guy just has never gotten it, he is a player one throw he will amaze while the next throw may be an interception. The Bears went out and spent two first round selections on him along with some other later round picks.
This draft was where they had to watch the Broncos use the second first round choice the Bears handed to them. The Bears also gave up a second rounder for the late Gaines Adams. This year the first choice the Bears had was pick number 75 where they took safety Major Wright. Wright is a solid choice but no one that Lovie Smith can trust to come in and immediatly produce.
Now with the lack of high round choices their team is beginning to crumble. Teams are built through the draft not through trades and free agent pickups. By getting rid of those high round choices it makes it much difficult to get young high level talent. This is what the Bears need since the players that took them to the Superbowl in which they lost to the Colts are all now on the wrong side of 30.
The Bears defensive coordinator is Rod Marinelli who is famous for leading the Detroit Lions to the only 0-16 season in the history of the NFL. He was never more then a D-line coach before getting the head job in Detroit, he failed miserably when having to look over an entire roster instead of just eight players on a D-line. Now as a defensive coordinator I look for him again to fail because he is a teacher of the game that does great coaching one on one, but when he is the overseer watch out.
Also void of any offensive threats Cutler looks to have another bad year of turnovers. The Bears didn't do enough this offseason to help the line or their poor run game. This is a team that has slowly deteriarated, I see Lovie looking for a new job next spring and the Bears holding a top 5 pick in the draft... that is if they didn't trade that pick already too.
This draft was where they had to watch the Broncos use the second first round choice the Bears handed to them. The Bears also gave up a second rounder for the late Gaines Adams. This year the first choice the Bears had was pick number 75 where they took safety Major Wright. Wright is a solid choice but no one that Lovie Smith can trust to come in and immediatly produce.
Now with the lack of high round choices their team is beginning to crumble. Teams are built through the draft not through trades and free agent pickups. By getting rid of those high round choices it makes it much difficult to get young high level talent. This is what the Bears need since the players that took them to the Superbowl in which they lost to the Colts are all now on the wrong side of 30.
The Bears defensive coordinator is Rod Marinelli who is famous for leading the Detroit Lions to the only 0-16 season in the history of the NFL. He was never more then a D-line coach before getting the head job in Detroit, he failed miserably when having to look over an entire roster instead of just eight players on a D-line. Now as a defensive coordinator I look for him again to fail because he is a teacher of the game that does great coaching one on one, but when he is the overseer watch out.
Also void of any offensive threats Cutler looks to have another bad year of turnovers. The Bears didn't do enough this offseason to help the line or their poor run game. This is a team that has slowly deteriarated, I see Lovie looking for a new job next spring and the Bears holding a top 5 pick in the draft... that is if they didn't trade that pick already too.
Defensive Rookies to Make Immediate Impact
After giving a quick synopsis of who I look to be in the running for offensive ROY I will now look at a few of my front runners on defense.
Ndamakung Suh DT Detroit Lions- The consensus top player in this years draft Suh ate the collegiant athletes he faced week in and week out. The most dominating performance of a defensive player I have ever seen was the Big XII championship game when he completely took over the game with 4.5 sacks on Heisman contender Colt McCoy. He is looked at as a very safe pick, high character guy, but has tenacity on the field. Look for him to dominate just as he had in college.
Eric Berry S Kansas City Chiefs- All around playmaking safety in the mold of Ed Reed. A straight ball hawk that if not in the tackle is always around the ball. When he does get an interception look for him to take it to the house every time. Safety is quickly becoming a more and more important position on NFL rosters. Look for him to be a cornerstone of a rebuilding defense in Kansas City.
Rolando McClain MLB Oakland Raiders- One of my favorite players in the draft. Oakland has had trouble the past few years in the draft by drafting underachieving players that are a reach at their selection. This year the Raiders got great value and a great player. McClain is a quarterback on the defense, I have called him the Peyton Manning of college football defense because whenever the offense is making audibles, McClain is shouting out his own audibles to the defense. A physical specimen that stands at 6'3 255 pounds and can move very well. An already solid Raiders defense only continues to get better.
Ndamakung Suh DT Detroit Lions- The consensus top player in this years draft Suh ate the collegiant athletes he faced week in and week out. The most dominating performance of a defensive player I have ever seen was the Big XII championship game when he completely took over the game with 4.5 sacks on Heisman contender Colt McCoy. He is looked at as a very safe pick, high character guy, but has tenacity on the field. Look for him to dominate just as he had in college.
Eric Berry S Kansas City Chiefs- All around playmaking safety in the mold of Ed Reed. A straight ball hawk that if not in the tackle is always around the ball. When he does get an interception look for him to take it to the house every time. Safety is quickly becoming a more and more important position on NFL rosters. Look for him to be a cornerstone of a rebuilding defense in Kansas City.
Rolando McClain MLB Oakland Raiders- One of my favorite players in the draft. Oakland has had trouble the past few years in the draft by drafting underachieving players that are a reach at their selection. This year the Raiders got great value and a great player. McClain is a quarterback on the defense, I have called him the Peyton Manning of college football defense because whenever the offense is making audibles, McClain is shouting out his own audibles to the defense. A physical specimen that stands at 6'3 255 pounds and can move very well. An already solid Raiders defense only continues to get better.
Offensive Rookies Looking to Make an Immediate Impact
This early in the offseason, in which new rookies are now brought into the mix, it is time to look at what offensive rookies can step right in and have an immediate impact on their new orginazation.
CJ Spiller RB Buffalo Bills- Spiller is arguably the most explosive back in the game. With a crowded backfield as already in Buffalo with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson one might not think Spiller would be wildly productive. I see him right now as the only true break out threat on that Bills offense. Sure the two backs I named are quality players, but they aren't threats on every down like Spiller. Also Spiller can be split out wide, with Spiller on one side and Lee Evans on the other the opposing team will need some fast corners.
Jahvid Best RB Detroit Lions- Another player in the same type of mold as Spiller. Ran the fastest 40 yard dash of any runningback in 4.35 seconds. A true playmaker but questions about durability made him slip to the bottom of the first round. The Lions dissmissed these durablity concerns when they traded up to the number 30 pick to snag Best. Scott Linehan is one of the best offensive coordinators in the league and is excited to be able to move Best all around the field. With Kevin Smith coming off a season cut short with an ACL tear the starting tailback job looks to be Best's.
Jimmy Clausen QB Carolina Panthers- The Panthers got a gift sitting at pick number 48 when Clausen dropped all the way to the mid second round. Clausen is the most pro ready quarterback in this draft class. He played in the pro style offense under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Knocks on his leadership could have accounted for the slip, but day one I see him as the starter in Carolina and he could be a solid QB for years to come.
CJ Spiller RB Buffalo Bills- Spiller is arguably the most explosive back in the game. With a crowded backfield as already in Buffalo with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson one might not think Spiller would be wildly productive. I see him right now as the only true break out threat on that Bills offense. Sure the two backs I named are quality players, but they aren't threats on every down like Spiller. Also Spiller can be split out wide, with Spiller on one side and Lee Evans on the other the opposing team will need some fast corners.
Jahvid Best RB Detroit Lions- Another player in the same type of mold as Spiller. Ran the fastest 40 yard dash of any runningback in 4.35 seconds. A true playmaker but questions about durability made him slip to the bottom of the first round. The Lions dissmissed these durablity concerns when they traded up to the number 30 pick to snag Best. Scott Linehan is one of the best offensive coordinators in the league and is excited to be able to move Best all around the field. With Kevin Smith coming off a season cut short with an ACL tear the starting tailback job looks to be Best's.
Jimmy Clausen QB Carolina Panthers- The Panthers got a gift sitting at pick number 48 when Clausen dropped all the way to the mid second round. Clausen is the most pro ready quarterback in this draft class. He played in the pro style offense under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame. Knocks on his leadership could have accounted for the slip, but day one I see him as the starter in Carolina and he could be a solid QB for years to come.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Surprises of the Draft: Clausen Being Passed Up By Quarterback Row
The surprises started flying as always starting with Al Davis and his Raiders. With the eighth selection they took Rolando McClain linebacker from Alabama. This is a player projected to go mid first round but is not considered a reach. Most people thought they would look to the oline for help or draft Jimmy Clausen to show Jamarcus Russell the door.
The next surprise was the Bills at pick nine taking running back CJ Spiller. Spiller is arguably the most electrifying player in this years draft, again not a reach to go get him but still a strange pick. With the Bills already seemingly solid at the runningback position with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch I don't think anyone expected the Bills to look for another runner. Also again this pick could have been Jimmy Clausen because the Bills too needed a quarterback.
Again the very next pick was a complete surprise, an Al Davis if I may. With the tenth pick some still speculated that the Jaguars would take Tim Tebow to try and boost popularity, but they went defensive with California's Tyson AluAlu. This drafts deepest position could be defensive tackle, but this was a guy that was projected to go either late in the first round or in the second round. A bit of a reach, but who knows in three years this pick could look brilliant... I wouldn't bet on it though
After Clausen made it through spots 6-14 it was clear he would drop but no one knew how far. Finally in the second round with pick 48 the Carolina Panthers drafted the player that in most mocks was predicted to be a top ten pick. I feel as though the Panthers got great value in this pick and it made them a better team.
The next surprise was the Bills at pick nine taking running back CJ Spiller. Spiller is arguably the most electrifying player in this years draft, again not a reach to go get him but still a strange pick. With the Bills already seemingly solid at the runningback position with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch I don't think anyone expected the Bills to look for another runner. Also again this pick could have been Jimmy Clausen because the Bills too needed a quarterback.
Again the very next pick was a complete surprise, an Al Davis if I may. With the tenth pick some still speculated that the Jaguars would take Tim Tebow to try and boost popularity, but they went defensive with California's Tyson AluAlu. This drafts deepest position could be defensive tackle, but this was a guy that was projected to go either late in the first round or in the second round. A bit of a reach, but who knows in three years this pick could look brilliant... I wouldn't bet on it though
After Clausen made it through spots 6-14 it was clear he would drop but no one knew how far. Finally in the second round with pick 48 the Carolina Panthers drafted the player that in most mocks was predicted to be a top ten pick. I feel as though the Panthers got great value in this pick and it made them a better team.
Seattle Seahawks Come Away As Draft Champs
The Seattle Seahawks came away from the new three day draft weekend as the overall winners. They made moves not only with great value at their selections, but also traded well not only for draft picks but for more players.
Taking Russell Okung at the number six pick was huge for this franchise. With All-Pro left tackle Walter Jones set to retire any day now, the Seahawks knew they needed to find a viable option to take his place. Okung had slipped to number six and the Seahawks were elated. The Seahawks picked again at pick 14. Again they must have been elated to see another value player drop into their laps, Earl Thomas safety from Texas was their choice. Two high graded first round talents.
They were able to fill even more holes later in the draft, but maybe the most impressive part of the Seahawks draft was their ability to trade. Lendale White will rejoin his old college coach Pete Carrol after he was basically able to steal White away for nothing. Later Carrol was not done adding to his backfield, he then traded the New York Jets for Leon Washington who had become expendable when the Jets took Joe McKnight in the fifth round. Justin Forcett played strong at the end of the season last year but now he will be in a stable of backs that now include a bruiser in White and a homerun treat in Washington.
Taking Russell Okung at the number six pick was huge for this franchise. With All-Pro left tackle Walter Jones set to retire any day now, the Seahawks knew they needed to find a viable option to take his place. Okung had slipped to number six and the Seahawks were elated. The Seahawks picked again at pick 14. Again they must have been elated to see another value player drop into their laps, Earl Thomas safety from Texas was their choice. Two high graded first round talents.
They were able to fill even more holes later in the draft, but maybe the most impressive part of the Seahawks draft was their ability to trade. Lendale White will rejoin his old college coach Pete Carrol after he was basically able to steal White away for nothing. Later Carrol was not done adding to his backfield, he then traded the New York Jets for Leon Washington who had become expendable when the Jets took Joe McKnight in the fifth round. Justin Forcett played strong at the end of the season last year but now he will be in a stable of backs that now include a bruiser in White and a homerun treat in Washington.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tim Tebow's Dad Predicts Son to Be a Top 15 Selection
Tim Tebow has been at the head of a lot of speculation to where he will end up in the draft. Some experts say second round while others say he could drop even farther. Tim's dad just recently came out with the bold prediction that his son will be a top 15 choice in this Aprils NFL Draft.
Why would his dad say this? Is this just normal father bias or does Tim know that a team in the first half of the round is high on him? The likeliest destination for him that high in the first round would be Jacksonville who has already been tied into discussions about drafting him to hopefully help the fan base.
The fan base has spoken in an online vote and has voted away from drafting Tebow because the team and the fans still support pro bowl quarterback David Garrard. So if they do draft Tebow there could be a split in the locker room or just an overall pissed off attitude towards Tebow.
If not the Jags then I'm not sure who would take him that high, unless the Raiders pull off another surprise move at the top of the draft then I think you will be seeing Tebow sitting for a while in the green room.
Why would his dad say this? Is this just normal father bias or does Tim know that a team in the first half of the round is high on him? The likeliest destination for him that high in the first round would be Jacksonville who has already been tied into discussions about drafting him to hopefully help the fan base.
The fan base has spoken in an online vote and has voted away from drafting Tebow because the team and the fans still support pro bowl quarterback David Garrard. So if they do draft Tebow there could be a split in the locker room or just an overall pissed off attitude towards Tebow.
If not the Jags then I'm not sure who would take him that high, unless the Raiders pull off another surprise move at the top of the draft then I think you will be seeing Tebow sitting for a while in the green room.
Rumors of Trade at Top of the Draft
Here is where I'll go over my theory for what will occur at the top end of the draft all because of quarterbacks, because quarterbacks make teams move up.
For the entire offseason the Cleveland Browns have been stockpiling draft choices through trades. They have a slew of third round choices along with multiple other late round selections. Some people can look at it as a team that is rebuilding trying to get as many young players as they can, but I don't see it that way.
Mike Holmgren earlier this week came out with a statement saying that he wishes he liked Jimmy Clausen more than he does, this I immediatly saw this as a sign pointing towards Holmgren wanting Clausen. Around draft time general managers and coaches are always trying to throw people off to what they really intend to do.
Martin Mayhew has already discussed that the Lions have at least one known team that they wil get an offer from. That team has to be the Browns because they are the only team with the ammo to move up. If the Rams take Sam Bradford this leaves only one first round talent quarterback on the board which means teams will want to move up to get him. The Browns most likely will trade to move up to the number two spot and give the Lions the number seven pick along with some mid round picks. This now gives Detroit ammunition.
The Lions now sitting at seven should be staring Trent Williams in the face from Oklahoma. He is a great tackle that they have rumored to be high on and he should be there at seven overall.
Mayhew earlier in the offseason had discussed picking up a homerun hitting running back in either free agency or the draft. So far there havent been any electryfying backs on the open market so the Lions have to look to the draft.
Jahvid Best ran a 4.35 40-yard dash the fastest of any back at the combine. I have a hunch the Lions really are hoping he falls to the second round. If there are rumors of someone like San Diego taking him at pick number 28 then the Lions now have the ammo to move back up into the first round because of the selections they would get if the Browns moved up.
For the entire offseason the Cleveland Browns have been stockpiling draft choices through trades. They have a slew of third round choices along with multiple other late round selections. Some people can look at it as a team that is rebuilding trying to get as many young players as they can, but I don't see it that way.
Mike Holmgren earlier this week came out with a statement saying that he wishes he liked Jimmy Clausen more than he does, this I immediatly saw this as a sign pointing towards Holmgren wanting Clausen. Around draft time general managers and coaches are always trying to throw people off to what they really intend to do.
Martin Mayhew has already discussed that the Lions have at least one known team that they wil get an offer from. That team has to be the Browns because they are the only team with the ammo to move up. If the Rams take Sam Bradford this leaves only one first round talent quarterback on the board which means teams will want to move up to get him. The Browns most likely will trade to move up to the number two spot and give the Lions the number seven pick along with some mid round picks. This now gives Detroit ammunition.
The Lions now sitting at seven should be staring Trent Williams in the face from Oklahoma. He is a great tackle that they have rumored to be high on and he should be there at seven overall.
Mayhew earlier in the offseason had discussed picking up a homerun hitting running back in either free agency or the draft. So far there havent been any electryfying backs on the open market so the Lions have to look to the draft.
Jahvid Best ran a 4.35 40-yard dash the fastest of any back at the combine. I have a hunch the Lions really are hoping he falls to the second round. If there are rumors of someone like San Diego taking him at pick number 28 then the Lions now have the ammo to move back up into the first round because of the selections they would get if the Browns moved up.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What the Detroit Lions Should do Witrh the #2 Overall Selection
The Lions, again, are at the top of the first round. They are a team that needs help in a lot of areas but is solid in a few, like quarterback since they just took Matt Stafford last year. This year they need to approach it in the same fashion in that they just need the best player available. That player will probably be Ndamakung Suh if Sam Bradford is selected first. If Bradford is selected first this could open more options for the Lions.
When the first quarterback is off the board then other teams begin to get scared and want to get the other elite quarterback this year it being Jimmy Clausen. This could open a trade route for the Lions which would be their best bet at hacving a successful draft. If someone trades with them and they can stay in the top ten picks they could get a real asset like Russel Okung at left tackle which would move Backus inside to guard. If they move down there is really no wrong way to go.
When the first quarterback is off the board then other teams begin to get scared and want to get the other elite quarterback this year it being Jimmy Clausen. This could open a trade route for the Lions which would be their best bet at hacving a successful draft. If someone trades with them and they can stay in the top ten picks they could get a real asset like Russel Okung at left tackle which would move Backus inside to guard. If they move down there is really no wrong way to go.
What the Rams Should do With the #1 Overall Pick
The St. Louis Rams are in the position my favorite team (The Detroit Lions) were in last year, they have the number one overall choice in this years draft. Many people at first beleived that the Rams would go with one of the two big time defensive tackles, I was never a believer in this theory.
The Rams for the past couple drafts have been putting a lot of money into their defensive line with first round selections like Adam Carriker and Chris Long, so why would they spend more money at the d-line position? The only way I would think that they could go this route is if head coach Steve Spagnoulo really wants one of these players because he loves having a lot of D-lineman in the rotation.
What I think they will actually do is go with a quarterback. Even though I have begun to like Jimmy Clausen better because of Notre Dames pro style offense, but I think the Rams will go with Sam Bradford. With a top choice I always beleive if there is a quarterback worthy of the selection then you need to take him. If the Rams beleive Bradford can be that guy then they will take him.
The Rams for the past couple drafts have been putting a lot of money into their defensive line with first round selections like Adam Carriker and Chris Long, so why would they spend more money at the d-line position? The only way I would think that they could go this route is if head coach Steve Spagnoulo really wants one of these players because he loves having a lot of D-lineman in the rotation.
What I think they will actually do is go with a quarterback. Even though I have begun to like Jimmy Clausen better because of Notre Dames pro style offense, but I think the Rams will go with Sam Bradford. With a top choice I always beleive if there is a quarterback worthy of the selection then you need to take him. If the Rams beleive Bradford can be that guy then they will take him.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Day Two Scouting Combine Standouts
Day two of the NFL scouting combine is when the action begins. Its all offense with the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
There are so many players to choose from to talk about today but I'll just talk about a select few big named guys.
Jahvid Best I really believe had a great day. Best ran the fastest 40 yard dash of any running back at the combine along with some strong performances in the drills. He helped push his draft stock to a solid late first round selection, but don't be surprised if he slips to the top of the second.
Best might slip because of a guy like Ryan Matthews. who produced a 4.45 in the 40 which will help his stock as he too tries to hang on to a late first round grade.
Ben Tate ran a 4.43 40 and is an intriguing player. He is one of those types of guys that is beginning to get a lot of people learning who he is and could soon be moving up his draft stock.
CJ Spiller I think in some ways disappointed in his 40 yard dash time. He ran a 4.37 which is still a great time but he is a guy people expected to get sub 4.3.
Onto the wide receivers who overall looked very good.
A couple standouts in the drills like Mike Williams. Although he looked great catching the ball he ran slow in the 40 and reports are that he had some bad interviews blaming his quiting the Syracuse football team on everyone but himself.
Jacoby Ford from Clemson ran the fastest 40 of the combine so far. Not much to be said about a straight line speed guy like him, he will get drafted for his speed hang around the league three years then disappear when a new fast guy comes in the league.
Golden Tate in my eyes helped himself the most today. Ran exceptional 40's in the low 4.4's and showed great hands in the drills. He is another guy like Best and Matthews looking to try to sneak into the end of the first round.
There are so many players to choose from to talk about today but I'll just talk about a select few big named guys.
Jahvid Best I really believe had a great day. Best ran the fastest 40 yard dash of any running back at the combine along with some strong performances in the drills. He helped push his draft stock to a solid late first round selection, but don't be surprised if he slips to the top of the second.
Best might slip because of a guy like Ryan Matthews. who produced a 4.45 in the 40 which will help his stock as he too tries to hang on to a late first round grade.
Ben Tate ran a 4.43 40 and is an intriguing player. He is one of those types of guys that is beginning to get a lot of people learning who he is and could soon be moving up his draft stock.
CJ Spiller I think in some ways disappointed in his 40 yard dash time. He ran a 4.37 which is still a great time but he is a guy people expected to get sub 4.3.
Onto the wide receivers who overall looked very good.
A couple standouts in the drills like Mike Williams. Although he looked great catching the ball he ran slow in the 40 and reports are that he had some bad interviews blaming his quiting the Syracuse football team on everyone but himself.
Jacoby Ford from Clemson ran the fastest 40 of the combine so far. Not much to be said about a straight line speed guy like him, he will get drafted for his speed hang around the league three years then disappear when a new fast guy comes in the league.
Golden Tate in my eyes helped himself the most today. Ran exceptional 40's in the low 4.4's and showed great hands in the drills. He is another guy like Best and Matthews looking to try to sneak into the end of the first round.
First Day Combine Standouts
The first day of workouts at the NFL combine to a lot of people is just a snoozer. It was the offensive line and the tight ends working out on saturday. While we didn't see big name players like Jermaine Gresham and Rob Gronkowski working out for the tight ends, we did see some good talent on the field.
Dorin Dickerson had a great workout for a tight end running a 4.40 in the 40 yard dash. The only problem is that he has the body of a big wide receiver. He may get some consideration from some teams looking for a pass catching tight end, but the size at just 224 pounds is a big time concern.
Jimmy Graham is another guy who had a big day for the tight ends. He is a very raw player out of the University of Miami. Once a basketball player at "The U" he turned tight end like so many basketball players do. Look for a team to take him in the draft as a developmental type player.
One other player that I want to point out s Bruce Campbell from Maryland. This is a player that is a buyer be ware. He is ripped beyond beleif for an offensicve lineman. While he passes the eye test and the athletic tests he does struggle as a blocker. Just seen as an average blocker, but because of a huge day at the combine look for him to go higher then he should.
Dorin Dickerson had a great workout for a tight end running a 4.40 in the 40 yard dash. The only problem is that he has the body of a big wide receiver. He may get some consideration from some teams looking for a pass catching tight end, but the size at just 224 pounds is a big time concern.
Jimmy Graham is another guy who had a big day for the tight ends. He is a very raw player out of the University of Miami. Once a basketball player at "The U" he turned tight end like so many basketball players do. Look for a team to take him in the draft as a developmental type player.
One other player that I want to point out s Bruce Campbell from Maryland. This is a player that is a buyer be ware. He is ripped beyond beleif for an offensicve lineman. While he passes the eye test and the athletic tests he does struggle as a blocker. Just seen as an average blocker, but because of a huge day at the combine look for him to go higher then he should.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Underrated Combine Process
The most underrated process of the Annual NFL Scouting Combine is the interview process. This is the time when cameras are not allowed and anything can be asked. As an NFL franchise you want to have a good understanding of your potential employees. The teams are looking for a great performer on and off the field and the interview process is where they can see into a guys future.
Take situations like Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf. The Colts had a decision to be made, but Bill Polian the colts general manager had to make the right choice. Peyton Manning is one of the best players I have ever seen in any type of interview so I am sure he blew away the Colts. Manning at one time had told the Colts that if they did not take him, he would beat them bad for many years to come. the Colts made the right choice. While Manning is arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game, Leaf is arguably the worst 1st round quarterback ever.
Steve Mariucci of NFL Network and also a former head coach of the 49ers and Lions once had told stories on air of how he would love to ask a player to write up their favorite play. This is just a very normal question because they can greatly vary. Questions can be anything about a player even their past. There are reports every year about players that may have been mistreated in an interview being asked personal questions they did not want to answer. This just shows that the teams will pry and pry to make sure that the players on their team will act the right way off the field.
Take situations like Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf. The Colts had a decision to be made, but Bill Polian the colts general manager had to make the right choice. Peyton Manning is one of the best players I have ever seen in any type of interview so I am sure he blew away the Colts. Manning at one time had told the Colts that if they did not take him, he would beat them bad for many years to come. the Colts made the right choice. While Manning is arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game, Leaf is arguably the worst 1st round quarterback ever.
Steve Mariucci of NFL Network and also a former head coach of the 49ers and Lions once had told stories on air of how he would love to ask a player to write up their favorite play. This is just a very normal question because they can greatly vary. Questions can be anything about a player even their past. There are reports every year about players that may have been mistreated in an interview being asked personal questions they did not want to answer. This just shows that the teams will pry and pry to make sure that the players on their team will act the right way off the field.
Combine Starts Up This Week
its late February again and that can only mean one thing for football fans.... Its the NFL combine. Mike Florio of NBC Sports and Profootballtalk.com calls the NFL Scouting Combine the underwear olympics, which is a good way of putting it.
If you are not someone that watches the combine regularly then if you came across it while channel surfing you may be a bit confused. The average football fan asks what is the NFL Combine and why is it so important? The combine is one of the most important NFL functions all season. In all, 335 of the supposedly most talented college football players are invited to the combine. If they are not a senior in college then they are a junior that has gone through the NFL guidlines for early eligibility into the NFL Draft.
At the combine itself the main attraction is all the onfield drills that the players are tested and timed in. They are not wearing pads or helmets just t-shirts and shorts. Most people would think how is it possible to rate a player when he is not in full pads? This is a good question but there is still a lot to see in a player just through his fluidity of going through drills. If a team has an offensive lineman on their radar but they have questions about how well he gets low and uses his hips then there are good drills to show if that player has worked on lowering his center of gravity. The scouts will watch every player very closely and will know what they have and have not been working on during the crucial training months between season end and the draft.
The combine can also raise or lower ones draft stock very quickly all because of one test. the mother of all tests is the 40 yard dash. If a player runs a great 40 yard dash time his draft stock gets moved up immensly because teams crave more speed. While their are success stories like Chris Johnson who was relatively unknown by an average football fan out of East Carolina University. Johnson ran a 4.24 which is unheard of. Most running backs run in the 4.5 to 4.4 range with a sub 4.4 time being a very good time. Johnson who was supposed to go late second to early third round ended up going with the 24th pick to the Tennesse Titans.
Where there are success stories there are also busts too, probably more than successes. Chris Henry is a story of a combine warrior. At first he clocked a sub 4.4 time which was later changed to an official time of 4.40 which was still tied for the fastest of any running back. The Titans were blinded by his speed and reached very high for the university of Arizona grad. He turned out to be an unproductive NFL player, but I don't think the Titans are too upset only a year later they drafted Chris Johnson who is now arguably the best running back in the league.
If you are not someone that watches the combine regularly then if you came across it while channel surfing you may be a bit confused. The average football fan asks what is the NFL Combine and why is it so important? The combine is one of the most important NFL functions all season. In all, 335 of the supposedly most talented college football players are invited to the combine. If they are not a senior in college then they are a junior that has gone through the NFL guidlines for early eligibility into the NFL Draft.
At the combine itself the main attraction is all the onfield drills that the players are tested and timed in. They are not wearing pads or helmets just t-shirts and shorts. Most people would think how is it possible to rate a player when he is not in full pads? This is a good question but there is still a lot to see in a player just through his fluidity of going through drills. If a team has an offensive lineman on their radar but they have questions about how well he gets low and uses his hips then there are good drills to show if that player has worked on lowering his center of gravity. The scouts will watch every player very closely and will know what they have and have not been working on during the crucial training months between season end and the draft.
The combine can also raise or lower ones draft stock very quickly all because of one test. the mother of all tests is the 40 yard dash. If a player runs a great 40 yard dash time his draft stock gets moved up immensly because teams crave more speed. While their are success stories like Chris Johnson who was relatively unknown by an average football fan out of East Carolina University. Johnson ran a 4.24 which is unheard of. Most running backs run in the 4.5 to 4.4 range with a sub 4.4 time being a very good time. Johnson who was supposed to go late second to early third round ended up going with the 24th pick to the Tennesse Titans.
Where there are success stories there are also busts too, probably more than successes. Chris Henry is a story of a combine warrior. At first he clocked a sub 4.4 time which was later changed to an official time of 4.40 which was still tied for the fastest of any running back. The Titans were blinded by his speed and reached very high for the university of Arizona grad. He turned out to be an unproductive NFL player, but I don't think the Titans are too upset only a year later they drafted Chris Johnson who is now arguably the best running back in the league.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Parody May Cease To Exist
In 2009 the detroit Lions had the number one overall pick in the draft followed by the St. Louis Rams. In the 2010 NFL Draft the St. Louis Rams will be choosing number one while the Detroit Lions follow. Teams at the top of the league are continuing with success while the doormats of the league always stay the same. Sure there are success stories like the 1-15 Dolphins turning into a 11-5 playoff team. These success stories begin to phaze out and the bad teams go back to the doormats. Why is this though?
This is simple, most people do not credit the front office of teams as much as they should. Bill Polian the general manager for the Colts has created winning teams wherever he has been. The Colts have been an elite team since Polian pulled the trigger on drafting Peyton Manning. Before the Colts era, Polian had also formed the only team to go to four Superbowls in a row. The Buffalo Bills of the early 90's was a great success story.
The parody in the league is quickly dissolving as the more talented front offices around the league are able to scoop up the best talent and coaches. Hopefully soon teams like the Detroit Lions with their young front office can begin competing again. But for now it seems like same ole same ole.
This is simple, most people do not credit the front office of teams as much as they should. Bill Polian the general manager for the Colts has created winning teams wherever he has been. The Colts have been an elite team since Polian pulled the trigger on drafting Peyton Manning. Before the Colts era, Polian had also formed the only team to go to four Superbowls in a row. The Buffalo Bills of the early 90's was a great success story.
The parody in the league is quickly dissolving as the more talented front offices around the league are able to scoop up the best talent and coaches. Hopefully soon teams like the Detroit Lions with their young front office can begin competing again. But for now it seems like same ole same ole.
Week After Super Bowl Reflection
Everyone is 0-0 again, no wins, no losses. A week ago the final game of the season was played and it was another year of a non dissapointing Superbowl. A lot of people are questioning if this hurts Peyton Manning's legacy. I say no, what he has done as a quarterback is incredible and even after a late minute interception to seal his fate, I still feel that he is the best ever.
If any legacy has been changed it is that of Drew Brees. Brees was really only known by pretty big fotball fans, but now the world knows him. He played an outstanding game after some first quarter jitters. I still look at Brees as the second best quarterback in the league and he is quickly moving up into possibility of being on the Mt. Rushmore of quaterbacks.
The Superbowl can make any player popular and known for life. Not only was it Drew Brees time to shine, but it was also relatively unknown Tracy Porter's time in the limelight. After what he calls "great film study" he was able to make that interception that sealed Peyton Mannings fate. Now and forever, this game will be remembered by that one play. Brees may have gotten the MVP, but Tracy Porter will be the one remembered from this great game.
If any legacy has been changed it is that of Drew Brees. Brees was really only known by pretty big fotball fans, but now the world knows him. He played an outstanding game after some first quarter jitters. I still look at Brees as the second best quarterback in the league and he is quickly moving up into possibility of being on the Mt. Rushmore of quaterbacks.
The Superbowl can make any player popular and known for life. Not only was it Drew Brees time to shine, but it was also relatively unknown Tracy Porter's time in the limelight. After what he calls "great film study" he was able to make that interception that sealed Peyton Mannings fate. Now and forever, this game will be remembered by that one play. Brees may have gotten the MVP, but Tracy Porter will be the one remembered from this great game.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Kurt Warner Retires
If you have not read any of Kurt Warners books I highly recommend them because they are about a man that put his faith in God first and let the chips fall as they may. A true Rocky story as a grocery store worker became a hall of fame quality quarterback. His life story and what he has done in the NFL is remarkable.
He came to a St. Louis Rams team that was the laughing stock of the NFL at the time, but they had been acquiring pieces to make a run. Trent Green was the quarterback that would try to take them in the right direction. The train fell off the tracks when Green got injured but that gave Warner the shot he needed. He took that Rams team and won the Superbowl, they would go on to play for another but lose.
Coming into the league at 27 years of age does not make it likely for a long stay, when done with the Rams he had a short stint with the Giants before moving onto another laughing stock of the NFL the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cards had never been to a Superbowl but Warner lead them there last year, and without a couple miracle plays by the Steelers they sure would have won that game.
A man that brought hope to anyone that has heard his story, Kurt Warner I believe one day you will be a hall of famer because the stats show you should, you have a ring, and you brought hope to so many people.
He came to a St. Louis Rams team that was the laughing stock of the NFL at the time, but they had been acquiring pieces to make a run. Trent Green was the quarterback that would try to take them in the right direction. The train fell off the tracks when Green got injured but that gave Warner the shot he needed. He took that Rams team and won the Superbowl, they would go on to play for another but lose.
Coming into the league at 27 years of age does not make it likely for a long stay, when done with the Rams he had a short stint with the Giants before moving onto another laughing stock of the NFL the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cards had never been to a Superbowl but Warner lead them there last year, and without a couple miracle plays by the Steelers they sure would have won that game.
A man that brought hope to anyone that has heard his story, Kurt Warner I believe one day you will be a hall of famer because the stats show you should, you have a ring, and you brought hope to so many people.
The Third Annual Favre Watch
Adam Schefter and Mort Anderson are reporting that Favre had first said it would be "very unlikely" he would return, now he is just saying it is "unlikely." This is how sick we have become with following this guy, people say he is the best quarterback to ever play the game; and the media is making a big deal about something as small as the word "very." It is getting to the point that no one cares anymore Brett.
I hate myself for writing about Favre as I have grown up a Lions fan. When Barry Sanders retired as the greatest football player to ever play I cried, but I began saying the saddest day of my life is when Barry Sanders retired, but the happiest day of my life would be when Brett Favre retires. I have had this day twice now, and both days it was not a big deal to me, at least not as big as I expected. Unlike Sanders, Favre retired not in the prime of his career but at a time when he was just an average quarterback.
This is an ongoing phenomenon in the NFL and one that needs to be changed. Players need to know when it is time to hang up the cleats. These so called legends begin to taint their image because they just can't play at the level they once could.
I think Favre is a great person and I love that he plays the game with passion, but the rookie-esk mental mistakes are what still keep me from liking him as a player. Favre is an example of a person who has ruined his legacy. He is not the only one, but he is the one I find a slight joy in watching ruin said legacy.
Three years in a row he has thrown an interception to finish the season. To me this sums his career, he is a gunslinger, which there is nothing wrong with unless you turn the ball over in crucial circumstances... which he does. What he did in the NFC championship game this year was one the worst mental mistakes I've seen from a veteran quarterback. High school quarterbacks know not to throw across their bodies, well why does a nineteen year vet make that mistake at such a crucial time?
Vikings radio voice Paul Allen sums it up right here: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/images/01/25/FavreINT.mp3
So while more speculations of is he or is he not continues, I sit back and ponder the question why? Why? Why are we so obsessed with Brett Favre? The guy has played nineteen years of pro football that is a huge accomplishment at any position. He has many records, but wouldn't anyone if they were able to play nineteen years? In nineteen years the so called best quarterback ever (claimed by some broadcasters) has been to two Superbowls and only won one. This was during a three year span when Favre played lights out, but with the great years, there are still dismal years that people forget about.
The bottom line is Favre is not the best to ever play the quarterback position. I am getting tired of year after year coverage about a pretty good quarterback and what he is doing. He is just trying to stay in the headlines (looks like I am helping him with this blog post). ESPN and NFL network needs to realize no one cares anymore, so stop following him and giving us updates that are not really updates and just tell us when it is official and he is done.
I hate myself for writing about Favre as I have grown up a Lions fan. When Barry Sanders retired as the greatest football player to ever play I cried, but I began saying the saddest day of my life is when Barry Sanders retired, but the happiest day of my life would be when Brett Favre retires. I have had this day twice now, and both days it was not a big deal to me, at least not as big as I expected. Unlike Sanders, Favre retired not in the prime of his career but at a time when he was just an average quarterback.
This is an ongoing phenomenon in the NFL and one that needs to be changed. Players need to know when it is time to hang up the cleats. These so called legends begin to taint their image because they just can't play at the level they once could.
I think Favre is a great person and I love that he plays the game with passion, but the rookie-esk mental mistakes are what still keep me from liking him as a player. Favre is an example of a person who has ruined his legacy. He is not the only one, but he is the one I find a slight joy in watching ruin said legacy.
Three years in a row he has thrown an interception to finish the season. To me this sums his career, he is a gunslinger, which there is nothing wrong with unless you turn the ball over in crucial circumstances... which he does. What he did in the NFC championship game this year was one the worst mental mistakes I've seen from a veteran quarterback. High school quarterbacks know not to throw across their bodies, well why does a nineteen year vet make that mistake at such a crucial time?
Vikings radio voice Paul Allen sums it up right here: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/images/01/25/FavreINT.mp3
So while more speculations of is he or is he not continues, I sit back and ponder the question why? Why? Why are we so obsessed with Brett Favre? The guy has played nineteen years of pro football that is a huge accomplishment at any position. He has many records, but wouldn't anyone if they were able to play nineteen years? In nineteen years the so called best quarterback ever (claimed by some broadcasters) has been to two Superbowls and only won one. This was during a three year span when Favre played lights out, but with the great years, there are still dismal years that people forget about.
The bottom line is Favre is not the best to ever play the quarterback position. I am getting tired of year after year coverage about a pretty good quarterback and what he is doing. He is just trying to stay in the headlines (looks like I am helping him with this blog post). ESPN and NFL network needs to realize no one cares anymore, so stop following him and giving us updates that are not really updates and just tell us when it is official and he is done.
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