It's been said many times, many ways: this draft stinks. In fact, one news source called this the “worst class in 20 years.” However, the situation is not as dire as these pundits will have you believe.
In the "average" draft class, there will be five or six star players and a slew of role players. This draft clearly lacks the surefire talents, but there are a number of players that will contribute for a number of years in the Association. When we look back, it is very likely that this draft will be better than average because of the role players picked. There will be so many role players that I propose calling this the "Tyler Hansbrough Draft" not because of how great he will be, but rather because of what he represents, a hard-nosed, competitor that finds ways to help his team wins.
Top 20
1. Clippers: Blake Griffin, F, Oklahoma - Ho hum. This has been a done deal for weeks. The Clippers will try to deal one of their big men (anyone want Zach Randolph? Anyone?) to clear the way for Griffin to dominate from Day One.
2. Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn – With OJ Mayo entrenched as the point guard of the future, Thabeet is the choice over any of the guards. If Thabeet can develop any type of offensive game, the foundation will be built in Memphis (Mayo, Rudy Gay).
3. Thunder: James Harden, SG, Arizona State - Like the Grizzlies, the Thunder already have a point guard of the future (Russell Westbrook). Harden would start from Day One and provide another scoring option along with Kevin Durant. The nucleus of Durant-Westbrook-Jeff Green-Harden would be dynamic for years.
4. Kings: Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain - Four reasons why this is the best case scenario for Sacramento:
--They need a point guard in the worst way. Beno Udrih will not cut it.
--Rubio happens to be the best point guard in the class.
--He’s a marketer’s dream and will help the Kings sell tickets.
-- Rubio has a lot of Jason “White Chocolate” Williams in his game. Williams had his best years in Sactown.
5. T-wolves: Stephen Curry, PG/SG, Davidson - Minnesota now owns four first round picks. (First year GM must be in heaven.) With a nice foundation of Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, you have to think they will lean toward the guards early. Curry is the draft’s best shooter and a younger, cheaper replacement for Mike Miller, one of the two guys traded for this pick.
6. T-Wolves: Tyreke Evans, PG, Memphis - I love the idea of a Curry-Evans backcourt as both can handle the rock and score if needed. A nice combo.
7. Warriors: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona - Since Monta Ellis apparently runs the draft for the Warriors, the team will steer clear of any point guards. If this is the pick, I expect Golden State to make a deal or two to rid their gut of athletic fours.
8. Knicks: Johnny Flynn, PG, Syracuse - The Knicks have been tied to Jrue Holiday, but I just don’t get that thinking. Flynn is a proven commodity while Holiday struggled for much of his only season at UCLA. Flynn also played one of the most impressive games in college basketball history at Madison Square Garden (6-OT thriller in Big East Tournament), home of the Knicks.
9. Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC -DeRozan is an athletic freak and a nice replacement for Shawn Marion. His outside shooting has been questioned but he shot over 50% from the floor in his year at USC.
10. Bucks: Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA - Back-to-back one and done players from the Pac-10. Holiday, as mentioned above, struggled at UCLA but is seen to have incredible upside. If Holiday goes here, do the Bucks re-sign Ramon Sessions?
11. Nets: Terrence Williams, SF, Louisville - Williams was plagued by inconsistency throughout his collegiate career. At times, he dominated, at times he looked awful. At 11, he seems like a worthwhile risk.
12. Bobcats: Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke - Although Larry Brown has no affinity for rookies, he loves good defenders, something for which Henderson is well-known.
13. Pacers: DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh - A beast in the paint that manhandled Hasheem Thabeet to the tune of 20 rebounds, Blair fits in nicely to the four.
14. Suns: Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy – The most polarizing player in the class, Jennings could be the heir apparent to Steve Nash in Phoenix. I will reserve judgment until I see him play in a game.
15. Pistons: Earl Clark, SF, Louisville - Eric Musselman, former NBA head coach, called Clark "a poor man's Tim Thomas." That's about as damning as it gets.
16. Bulls: James Johnson, F, Wake Forest – Johnson, a black belt in karate, brings a toughness that the Bulls crave. A trade up into the top-12 has been rumored here.
17. 76ers: Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina - With Andre Miller a free agent, Philly is doing backflips if Lawson is still available at 17.
18. T-Wolves: BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State - Big men take longer to develop than guards in large part because they are constantly adjusting to a changing body. Mullens, a legit seven footer, has a ton of potential and is a lotto ticket for Minnesota.
19. Hawks: Eric Maynor, PG, VCU - Acie Law has not panned out, and the Hawks can use some solid guard play. Maynor won’t blow you away but he’ll be dependable for a number of years and is more than capable of replacing free agent Mike Bibby.
20. Jazz: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina - A match made in heaven.
Other Thoughts
**Best Available:
Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
Patrick Mills, PG, St. Mary's
Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga: Most embarrassing stat I heard this offseason - At one point this season, Daye went six games without an offensive rebound. He played in the (weak ) WCC and stands almost seven feet tall. That’s awful.
Chase Budinger, SG, Arizona
Sam Young, F, Pittsburgh
**The Mavs won’t let Jeff Teague slip by them if he’s still around at 24.
**DeMarre Carroll seems like a cheaper version of Anderson Varejao. He makes a ton of sense in Cleveland.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Man Crushes
Loyal reader BobbySanz makes a good point:
Last year's man crush, Justin Smoak was drafted 11th overall.
This year's man crush, Tyler Matzek was drafted 11th overall.
Hmmm.
Last year's man crush, Justin Smoak was drafted 11th overall.
This year's man crush, Tyler Matzek was drafted 11th overall.
Hmmm.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Adam Archuleta vs. David Archuleta
A few weeks back, I compared the career paths of JT and LT. After much positive feedback, I will attempt to make this type of article into a recurring series. The second installment will pit a pair of Archuletas against each other.
Adam Archuleta vs. David Archuleta
31-year old, Adam Archuleta (nicknamed “Arch Deluxe” in reference to his weightlifter-like physique) stands six feet tall and weighs in at 215 lbs. A product of Arizona State University, Archuleta ripped through the NFL Combine and was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He posted 31 repetitions of 225 lbs. on the bench press (unheard of for a defensive back), ran a 4.3 40-yard dash, and recorded a 39” vertical. These numbers were and still are mind-boggling.
The Rams signed Archuleta to a 5-year, $7 million contract. After being named to the All-Rookie team and five solid seasons in St. Louis, Archuleta signed a 6-year, $30 million free agent contract with the Washington Redskins, the most ever for a safety.
Two years later, he was traded to the Chicago Bears. Shortly thereafter, he was released and signed with the Oakland Raiders. After an unsuccessful stint in the Bay Area, he retired to be with his wife, former Playboy Playmate Jennifer Walcott.
Mrs. Adam Archuleta
18-year old, David Archuleta stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs in at 125 lbs (soaking wet with 10-pound dumbbells in each hand). He caught his break on American Idol where he finished second in 2008. His fan base consists mostly of tweens.
Tale of the Tape
Archuleta: Adam / David
Born: Wyoming / Utah
Height: 6’ / 5’6”
Weight: 215 / 125
Career Span: 2001-2008 / 2008-?
Significant Other: Walcott / Simon Cowell
Bench Press Reps: 31 / NA
Fan Base NFL fans, weightlifters / Tweenage girls, creepy older men
Advantage: Adam
Adam Archuleta vs. David Archuleta
31-year old, Adam Archuleta (nicknamed “Arch Deluxe” in reference to his weightlifter-like physique) stands six feet tall and weighs in at 215 lbs. A product of Arizona State University, Archuleta ripped through the NFL Combine and was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He posted 31 repetitions of 225 lbs. on the bench press (unheard of for a defensive back), ran a 4.3 40-yard dash, and recorded a 39” vertical. These numbers were and still are mind-boggling.
The Rams signed Archuleta to a 5-year, $7 million contract. After being named to the All-Rookie team and five solid seasons in St. Louis, Archuleta signed a 6-year, $30 million free agent contract with the Washington Redskins, the most ever for a safety.
Two years later, he was traded to the Chicago Bears. Shortly thereafter, he was released and signed with the Oakland Raiders. After an unsuccessful stint in the Bay Area, he retired to be with his wife, former Playboy Playmate Jennifer Walcott.
Mrs. Adam Archuleta
18-year old, David Archuleta stands 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs in at 125 lbs (soaking wet with 10-pound dumbbells in each hand). He caught his break on American Idol where he finished second in 2008. His fan base consists mostly of tweens.
Tale of the Tape
Archuleta: Adam / David
Born: Wyoming / Utah
Height: 6’ / 5’6”
Weight: 215 / 125
Career Span: 2001-2008 / 2008-?
Significant Other: Walcott / Simon Cowell
Bench Press Reps: 31 / NA
Fan Base NFL fans, weightlifters / Tweenage girls, creepy older men
Advantage: Adam
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
All Undrafted Team - Baker's Dozen
These are my 13 favorite players that went undrafted. Come September, these guys will find themselves on NFL rosters.
Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
Frantz Joseph, LB, Florida Atlantic
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, Oregon
Dannell Ellerbe, LB, Georgia
Graham Gano, P, Florida State
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech
Arian Foster, RB, Tennessee
Ryan Purvis, TE, Boston College
Brannan Sunderland, RB, Georgia
Mitch King, DT, Iowa
Derek Pegues, S, Mississippi State
Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue
Quan Cosby, WR, Texas
Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
Frantz Joseph, LB, Florida Atlantic
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, Oregon
Dannell Ellerbe, LB, Georgia
Graham Gano, P, Florida State
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech
Arian Foster, RB, Tennessee
Ryan Purvis, TE, Boston College
Brannan Sunderland, RB, Georgia
Mitch King, DT, Iowa
Derek Pegues, S, Mississippi State
Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue
Quan Cosby, WR, Texas
Monday, April 27, 2009
NFL Draft - Grades by Team
Jacksonville: The Jaguars made it clear to the world that Davod Garrard is still their guy. For that, I commend them because he did not get a fair look last year. Not only did they get protection for Garrard (Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton), but they also got him playmakers on the outsde (Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard) and a bruising runner (Rashad Jennings) who will be the Thunder to Maurice Jones-Drew's Lightning. A great weekend for the franchise. Grade: A+
Buffalo: The Bills did well to address a number of need areas. Namely, they drafted a pass rusher (Aaron Maybin), pass-catching tight end (Shawn Nelson) and offensive lineman (Eric Wood and Andy Levitre) to help replace Jason Peters. I also really like the Harris duo (5th rounder Nic and 6th rounder Cary). Grade: A
New York Jets: The Jets went with quality over quantity. Obviously, their grade hinges on the success of Mark Sanchez. If he can turn out to be the franchise quarterback Rex Ryan imagines, Jets fans will be thrilled. I love his intangibles and think he'll live up to the billing. Shonn Greene, although not a need, is a solid third round pick as well. Grade: A-
Detroit: Obviosuly, the Lions, more than any other team, needed to nail this draft. Thankfully for them and the entire state, they did. Matthew Stafford is the new face of the franchise. Brandon Pettigrew and Derrick Williams are solid picks. Louis Delmas hits like a truck. Lydon Murtha will start on the offensive line. Zach Follett will contribute as well. Jim Schwartz and staff, nicely done. Grade: A-
New York Giants: I don't like the Hakeem Nicks selection because of the off the field issues, but their next six picks should make the roster. Another solid draft by the Giants. Grade: B+
Baltimore: Ozzie Newsome again proves to the league that he is a superior talent evaluator. I love the Oher pick and Paul Kruger was a great value pick. The Day Two picks were solid if unspectacular. Grade B+
Seattle: I really like what Jim Mora, Jr. did in this draft. Aaron Curry is a great player and an even better person which means something in today's NFL. Max Unger will start on Opening Day. Deon Butler is a speed demon that makes plays. Courtney Greene provides solid value in round seven. Grade: B+
Chicago: The Bears did about as well as possible with no Day One selections. Jarron Gilbert is a physical freak. Juaquin Igleasias is underrated, and D.J. Moore provides great value in the fourth round. And of course, they used some picks to acquire Jay Cutler. Grade: B+
Atlanta: I love the Peria Jerry and Lawrence Sidbury picks. I'm also factoring in the acquisition of Tony Gonzalez into this grade. Grade: B
Cincinnati: I love the Day Two selections as I detailed yesterday, but the character issues of Andre Smith worry me. Rey Maualuga was a solid value in round two. Grade: B
Green Bay: Defense was the focus going in and the Pack addressed the need in a big way. B.J. Raji ended up going where I expected at the beginning of this process (ninth overall), and Clay Matthews should help revamp the linebacking corps. Grade: B
Philadelphia: Like the Jets, the Eagles chose quality over quantity. Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy were solid picks. My only reservation is that Philadelphia already has a Maclin-type in DeSean Jackson. Grade: B
Arizona: Chris Wells is exactly what this offense needs to create a balanced attack. Best of all, they kept Anquan Boldin. Now, they have to figure out how to keep Anquan Boldin happy. If they can do that, this grade will be improved. Grade: B
Tennessee: Kenny Britt is a nice late first round selection. I also like Sen'Derrick Marks late in the second round and love the selection of the ultra-productive Gerald McRath in the fourth round. Grade: B-
San Francisco: The Michael Crabtree pick was spectacular. After that though? Not much. Grade: B-
Pittsburgh: Ho hum. Average draft. Average grade (Note: Average denotes average at Johns Hopkins University; yes, I'm still bitter). Grade: C+
Minnesota: The draft hinges on Percy Harvin. Luckily, I am a fan of his and think he can be the Reggie Bush-type playmaker the Vikings need. My only reservation is that Brad Childress seems like a pushover and not the drill sergeant that Harvin needs. I'm interested to see how this plays out. I like the Phil Loadholt and Asher Allen selections too. Grade: C+
New England: The Patriots did well to trade two of their 2009 third round picks for two 2010 second rounders. However, the payers they drafted this year do not excite me. Grade: C+
Washington: Brian Orakpo alone saves the 'Skins because they needed to address their pass rush concerns, and he does that for them. However, the rest of the draft is relatively boring. Grade: C+
Indianapolis: Many consider Donald Brown to be the best running back in this class. However, the Colts had more pressing needs. I did like the two defensive tackle selections (Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor) and the productive Austin Collie. Grade: C
Denver: An intersting set of moves by Josh McDaniels and his staff. They reached a bit for Knowshon Moreno, but I can't fault them for that since they got good value with their other first round pick, Robert Ayers. However, I really dislike the trade of their 2010 first rounder for Alphonso Smith because I think that will end up being a Top 10 pick. Grade: C
Houston: Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin will help put pressure on the quarterback but were two tight ends on Day Two necessary? I think James Casey would have been enough especially with Owen Daniels already on the roster. Grade: C-
Buffalo: The Bills did well to address a number of need areas. Namely, they drafted a pass rusher (Aaron Maybin), pass-catching tight end (Shawn Nelson) and offensive lineman (Eric Wood and Andy Levitre) to help replace Jason Peters. I also really like the Harris duo (5th rounder Nic and 6th rounder Cary). Grade: A
New York Jets: The Jets went with quality over quantity. Obviously, their grade hinges on the success of Mark Sanchez. If he can turn out to be the franchise quarterback Rex Ryan imagines, Jets fans will be thrilled. I love his intangibles and think he'll live up to the billing. Shonn Greene, although not a need, is a solid third round pick as well. Grade: A-
Detroit: Obviosuly, the Lions, more than any other team, needed to nail this draft. Thankfully for them and the entire state, they did. Matthew Stafford is the new face of the franchise. Brandon Pettigrew and Derrick Williams are solid picks. Louis Delmas hits like a truck. Lydon Murtha will start on the offensive line. Zach Follett will contribute as well. Jim Schwartz and staff, nicely done. Grade: A-
New York Giants: I don't like the Hakeem Nicks selection because of the off the field issues, but their next six picks should make the roster. Another solid draft by the Giants. Grade: B+
Baltimore: Ozzie Newsome again proves to the league that he is a superior talent evaluator. I love the Oher pick and Paul Kruger was a great value pick. The Day Two picks were solid if unspectacular. Grade B+
Seattle: I really like what Jim Mora, Jr. did in this draft. Aaron Curry is a great player and an even better person which means something in today's NFL. Max Unger will start on Opening Day. Deon Butler is a speed demon that makes plays. Courtney Greene provides solid value in round seven. Grade: B+
Chicago: The Bears did about as well as possible with no Day One selections. Jarron Gilbert is a physical freak. Juaquin Igleasias is underrated, and D.J. Moore provides great value in the fourth round. And of course, they used some picks to acquire Jay Cutler. Grade: B+
Atlanta: I love the Peria Jerry and Lawrence Sidbury picks. I'm also factoring in the acquisition of Tony Gonzalez into this grade. Grade: B
Cincinnati: I love the Day Two selections as I detailed yesterday, but the character issues of Andre Smith worry me. Rey Maualuga was a solid value in round two. Grade: B
Green Bay: Defense was the focus going in and the Pack addressed the need in a big way. B.J. Raji ended up going where I expected at the beginning of this process (ninth overall), and Clay Matthews should help revamp the linebacking corps. Grade: B
Philadelphia: Like the Jets, the Eagles chose quality over quantity. Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy were solid picks. My only reservation is that Philadelphia already has a Maclin-type in DeSean Jackson. Grade: B
Arizona: Chris Wells is exactly what this offense needs to create a balanced attack. Best of all, they kept Anquan Boldin. Now, they have to figure out how to keep Anquan Boldin happy. If they can do that, this grade will be improved. Grade: B
Tennessee: Kenny Britt is a nice late first round selection. I also like Sen'Derrick Marks late in the second round and love the selection of the ultra-productive Gerald McRath in the fourth round. Grade: B-
San Francisco: The Michael Crabtree pick was spectacular. After that though? Not much. Grade: B-
Pittsburgh: Ho hum. Average draft. Average grade (Note: Average denotes average at Johns Hopkins University; yes, I'm still bitter). Grade: C+
Minnesota: The draft hinges on Percy Harvin. Luckily, I am a fan of his and think he can be the Reggie Bush-type playmaker the Vikings need. My only reservation is that Brad Childress seems like a pushover and not the drill sergeant that Harvin needs. I'm interested to see how this plays out. I like the Phil Loadholt and Asher Allen selections too. Grade: C+
New England: The Patriots did well to trade two of their 2009 third round picks for two 2010 second rounders. However, the payers they drafted this year do not excite me. Grade: C+
Washington: Brian Orakpo alone saves the 'Skins because they needed to address their pass rush concerns, and he does that for them. However, the rest of the draft is relatively boring. Grade: C+
Indianapolis: Many consider Donald Brown to be the best running back in this class. However, the Colts had more pressing needs. I did like the two defensive tackle selections (Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor) and the productive Austin Collie. Grade: C
Denver: An intersting set of moves by Josh McDaniels and his staff. They reached a bit for Knowshon Moreno, but I can't fault them for that since they got good value with their other first round pick, Robert Ayers. However, I really dislike the trade of their 2010 first rounder for Alphonso Smith because I think that will end up being a Top 10 pick. Grade: C
Houston: Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin will help put pressure on the quarterback but were two tight ends on Day Two necessary? I think James Casey would have been enough especially with Owen Daniels already on the roster. Grade: C-
Miami: Solid Day One. Terrible Day Two. Sean Smith saves this team from "D" territory. Grade: C-
St. Louis: Their first two picks will start for the next eight to ten years, but the team needs a lot more help and I don't think they addressed enough needs. Grade: C-San Diego: The Chargers reached for first rounder Larry English, but I like the value they got on Day Two in Louis Vasquez and Kevin Ellison. Wasn't Demetrius Byrd just in a serious car accident? I hope and pray that Byrd makes a full recovery, but isn't it a wasted pick? Grade: D+
New Orleans: Malcolm Jenkins was a solid pick, but he's not enough to save an entire draft. The rest of the Saints' selections leave a lot to be desired. Grade: D+
Cleveland: As discussed on Saturday, the Browns were one of my Day One losers. They did not do nearly enough on Day Two to redeem themselves. Grade: D
Carolina: Everette Brown is a solid selection but it cost the Panthers a 2010 first rounder. The overall body of work just doesn't do it for me. Grade: D
Dallas: Jerry Jones is an incredible businessman, but his player evaluation skills come into question after this draft. Twelve picks and no impact players? Not doing it for me. Grade: D-
Kansas City: I cannot defend any selection the Chiefs made. To me, they did not make any significant improvements. Ironically, in every one of my mock drafts, I had the Chiefs taking OT Eugene Monroe because they could pair him with his former college teammate and their 2008 first rounder, Branden Albert. As it turns out, I had the correct idea, but it turned out they drafted their other 2008 first rounder's (Glenn Dorsey) college linemate, Tyson Jackson. Much like the Chiefs draft, good idea but poor execution. Grade: D-
Tampa Bay: The Bucs traded up for Josh Freeman, an unproven, raw quarterback that they reached for despite the fact that they just signed Byron Leftwich to a two-year deal. Just a terrible day for Tampa Bay. Grade: F
Oakland: I won't get into any more detail than I did over the last few days, but the lesson for all other teams should be "Do as the Raiders Don't." Just pitiful. Grade: FSunday, April 26, 2009
Day 2 - Recap
Winners
Chicago: Without a day one pick, the Bears did very well to fill a number of need areas on Day Two.
Jacksonville: The Jags picked three receivers and a running back that have the potential to contribute in 2009.
Detroit: The Lions got Matthew Stafford some weapons and some protection. What else can you ask for?
New York Giants: The Giants addressed some key needs, wide receiver, tight end, and running back. Well done.
Cincinnati: It's possible, even likely that the Bengals picked up three players that will start for them on Opening Day - Michael Johnson, Chase Coffman and Jonathan Luigs.
Losers
Dallas: The Cowboys failed to draft any player that will start for them at a skill position. I guess they did a good job drafting depth, but they needed more after a disappointing 2008 campaign.
Miami: They reached for a couple wide receivers and drafted a guy from Monmouth. Nothing good ever comes from Monmouth.
New England: I should trust Bill Belichick's player evaluation skills, but I think the Patriots struggled all weekend. Who is the defining player of the draft for them?
Best Picks
Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State (68th overall by Chicago): Freak athlete. See here.
Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinnati (254th by Arizona): Love the value in the seventh round.
Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma (99th by Chicago): Sam Bradford's favorite target should fit in nicely in Chicago.
Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers (245th by Seattle): This was a need area for the Seahawks, and Greene has second round ability. He fell to the seventh round because of consistency issues.
Sammie Stroughter, WR, Oregon State (233rd by Tampa Bay): Stroughter has a chance to come in and contribute from day one. He lacks blazing speed but consistently makes plays.
Other Draft Notes
--USC had 11 players selected, 50% more than the next closest team.
--38 cornerbacks were selected. The next closest position (defensive ends) had 22 players selected. Still have your doubts that this is a passing league? Didn't think so?
--The U(niversity of Miami) only had one player selected all day (Spence Adkins, 6th Round). Among others, here's a list of schools that saw at least one of their players go before Adkins: Temple, William & Mary, Western Illinois, Nicholls State, Cal Poly, Western Ontario, Stillman, St. Paul's, Monmouth, and Abilene Christian. Things can only get better in south Florida.
--Grades by team coming tomorrow.
Chicago: Without a day one pick, the Bears did very well to fill a number of need areas on Day Two.
Jacksonville: The Jags picked three receivers and a running back that have the potential to contribute in 2009.
Detroit: The Lions got Matthew Stafford some weapons and some protection. What else can you ask for?
New York Giants: The Giants addressed some key needs, wide receiver, tight end, and running back. Well done.
Cincinnati: It's possible, even likely that the Bengals picked up three players that will start for them on Opening Day - Michael Johnson, Chase Coffman and Jonathan Luigs.
Losers
Dallas: The Cowboys failed to draft any player that will start for them at a skill position. I guess they did a good job drafting depth, but they needed more after a disappointing 2008 campaign.
Miami: They reached for a couple wide receivers and drafted a guy from Monmouth. Nothing good ever comes from Monmouth.
New England: I should trust Bill Belichick's player evaluation skills, but I think the Patriots struggled all weekend. Who is the defining player of the draft for them?
Best Picks
Jarron Gilbert, DT, San Jose State (68th overall by Chicago): Freak athlete. See here.
Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinnati (254th by Arizona): Love the value in the seventh round.
Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma (99th by Chicago): Sam Bradford's favorite target should fit in nicely in Chicago.
Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers (245th by Seattle): This was a need area for the Seahawks, and Greene has second round ability. He fell to the seventh round because of consistency issues.
Sammie Stroughter, WR, Oregon State (233rd by Tampa Bay): Stroughter has a chance to come in and contribute from day one. He lacks blazing speed but consistently makes plays.
Other Draft Notes
--USC had 11 players selected, 50% more than the next closest team.
--38 cornerbacks were selected. The next closest position (defensive ends) had 22 players selected. Still have your doubts that this is a passing league? Didn't think so?
--The U(niversity of Miami) only had one player selected all day (Spence Adkins, 6th Round). Among others, here's a list of schools that saw at least one of their players go before Adkins: Temple, William & Mary, Western Illinois, Nicholls State, Cal Poly, Western Ontario, Stillman, St. Paul's, Monmouth, and Abilene Christian. Things can only get better in south Florida.
--Grades by team coming tomorrow.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Day 1 - Recap
Winners
New York Jets: Trading up for Mark Sanchez while only giving up a second rounder and some spare parts is a win in my book. He's got the perfect make-up to succeed in New York.
Baltimore: The Ravens traded up for Michael Oher and found first round talent late in the second round in Paul Kruger.
Philadelphia: The Eagles picked up two impact players in the draft (Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy) and another by trading a couple picks (Jason Peters). Well done.
Jacksonville: I love the fact that the Jaguars are addressing their glaring need on the offensive line. Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will allow David Garrard to prove his 2008 season was an anomaly.
UConn: Four first day picks? Well done, Randy Edsall.
Losers
Oakland: Is this even a debate? They reached for Darrius Heyward-Bay with the seventh overall pick and then stunned the masses by taking Michael Mitchell with the 40th pick. The moral of the story: never entrust your draft to an unstable, 80 year old man.
Tampa Bay: Not only did they reach for Josh Freeman, but they also traded up for him. This has major bust potential.
Cleveland: The Browns traded down from the fifth overall pick to 21 and failed to pick up a 2010 first rounder in the process. Then, they drafted two wide receivers. Worst of all, they did not make a move with either of their two quarterbacks. A very confusing day.
New England: Lots of movement but no meaningful action. The Patriots failed to grab a difference maker on either side of the ball despite being involved in about a dozen trades.
The U(niversity of Miami): No first round picks for the first time in 14 years? That'll get you a spot on this list.
Best Picks (non-Sanchez category)
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The 49ers get the top talent in the draft with the 10th pick. Makes sense to me.
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State (43rd by Carolina): Late first round talent scooped up in the middle of the second.
Sean Smith, CB, Utah (61st by Miami): An incredible value here. Smith will be a starter in the NFL for the next ten years.
Worst Picks (non-Raiders category)
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU (3rd by Kansas City): Jackson is a decent player, but he has very limited upside. That's not something you look for when picking third. Jackson wasn't even in my initial mock draft which shows just how far he's climbed in a few short months.
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama (6th by Cincinnati): Another day, another acquisition of a player with character issues.
Pat White, QB/WR, West Virginia (44th by Miami): I understand White will be a nice fit for the Wildcat but is that worth a precious early second rounder?
New York Jets: Trading up for Mark Sanchez while only giving up a second rounder and some spare parts is a win in my book. He's got the perfect make-up to succeed in New York.
Baltimore: The Ravens traded up for Michael Oher and found first round talent late in the second round in Paul Kruger.
Philadelphia: The Eagles picked up two impact players in the draft (Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy) and another by trading a couple picks (Jason Peters). Well done.
Jacksonville: I love the fact that the Jaguars are addressing their glaring need on the offensive line. Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will allow David Garrard to prove his 2008 season was an anomaly.
UConn: Four first day picks? Well done, Randy Edsall.
Losers
Oakland: Is this even a debate? They reached for Darrius Heyward-Bay with the seventh overall pick and then stunned the masses by taking Michael Mitchell with the 40th pick. The moral of the story: never entrust your draft to an unstable, 80 year old man.
Tampa Bay: Not only did they reach for Josh Freeman, but they also traded up for him. This has major bust potential.
Cleveland: The Browns traded down from the fifth overall pick to 21 and failed to pick up a 2010 first rounder in the process. Then, they drafted two wide receivers. Worst of all, they did not make a move with either of their two quarterbacks. A very confusing day.
New England: Lots of movement but no meaningful action. The Patriots failed to grab a difference maker on either side of the ball despite being involved in about a dozen trades.
The U(niversity of Miami): No first round picks for the first time in 14 years? That'll get you a spot on this list.
Best Picks (non-Sanchez category)
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The 49ers get the top talent in the draft with the 10th pick. Makes sense to me.
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State (43rd by Carolina): Late first round talent scooped up in the middle of the second.
Sean Smith, CB, Utah (61st by Miami): An incredible value here. Smith will be a starter in the NFL for the next ten years.
Worst Picks (non-Raiders category)
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU (3rd by Kansas City): Jackson is a decent player, but he has very limited upside. That's not something you look for when picking third. Jackson wasn't even in my initial mock draft which shows just how far he's climbed in a few short months.
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama (6th by Cincinnati): Another day, another acquisition of a player with character issues.
Pat White, QB/WR, West Virginia (44th by Miami): I understand White will be a nice fit for the Wildcat but is that worth a precious early second rounder?
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