The AFC North was a division that as a whole had solid draft days, and brought in quite a bit of talent. Whether it was Flacco, Mendenhall, Rivers or Sweed, the North did a great job and nobody in the division had a bad draft and helped themselves a lot.
Baltimore Ravens
Round 1
1 - QB Joe Flacco, Delaware (18)
Round 2
2 - RB Ray Rice, Rutgers (55)
Round 3
3 - LB Tavares Gooden, Miami (71)
4 - SS Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame (86)
5 - OG O'Neil Cousins, UTEP (99)
Round 4
6 - WR Marcus Smith, New Mexico (106)
7 - OT David Hale, Weber St. (133)
Round 5
/ -
Round 6
8 - SS Haruki Nakamura, Cincinnati (206)
Round 7
9 - WR Justin Harper, Virginia Tech (215)
10 - RB Allen Patrick, Oklahoma (240)
Overall, Baltimore mightily impressed me in the middle of their draft. They went into the weekend with no 3rd round pick, and ended with three of them. Not many people were aware leading up to the draft, just how much the Ravens loved Joe Flacco, and they got the guy they wanted, and they traded down (before in turn trading up) to get him. Although most will question how early he went, he is the franchise caliber guy coaches and GM's pray for. Landing a speedy RB to be the lightning to McGahee's thunder in Rutgers' Ray Rice was a wise move. My favorite NFL caliber player in the draft was Tom Zbikowski, so the pick was a very good one. Getting a fantastic project lineman in O'Neil Cousins was a nice addition, and Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden is too similar to his new teammate Ray Lewis not to like the pick; smart, sure tackler, and sheds blocks well. Haruki Nakamura doesn't have much NFL potential, but can be an excellent addition on special teams, and can help in patches. As well in round 7, both Allen Patrick and Justin Harper could have easily gone in round 5 and on, so you can't question those either. A nice draft, but they could have addressed their O-line a little more.
Grade: C+
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Cincinnati Bengals
Round 1
1 - LB Keith Rivers, USC (9)
Round 2
2 - WR Jerome Simpson, Coastal Carolina (46)
Round 3
3 - DT Pat Sims, Auburn (77)
4 - WR Andre Caldwell, Florida (97)
Round 4
5 - OT Anthony Collins, Kansas (112)
Round 5
6 - DT Jason Shirley, Fresno St. (145)
Round 6
7 - FS Corey Lynch, Appalachian St. (177)
8 - TE Matt Sherry, Villanova (207)
Round 7
9 - LB Angelo Craig, Cincinnati (244)
10 - WR Mario Urrutia, Louisville (246)
It was no secret that the Bengals would be taking a defender at #9, but the question was who? Again, it was no secret that they were coveting defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, but with New Orleans trading up, it wasn't meant to be. However, linebacker Keith Rivers, a teammate of Ellis' at USC, was quite the consolation prize. Rivers is a very instinctive linebacker and is extremely sound at the position. He is stout at the point of attack, and while he isn't a great coverage linebacker, he helps against the run, which is a must for the Bengals at this point. In round 2, you have to respect the risky pick. Jerome Simpson was obviously their guy if they were willing to select him in round 2. Most would disagree with the pick, but Coastal Carolina's Jerome Simpson has indefinite #1 WR potential. Round 3 was a solid round as well; landing a run stuffer up the middle in Auburns Pat Sims, and another WR to add depth in the elusive Andre Caldwell of Florida. Kansas offensive tackle Anthony Collins may have been a steal in round 4. He has good size and is a solid pass blocker for depth in case Levi Jones goes down. At the very least, he will provide a possible successor to an aged Willie Anderson at right tackle. Another huge nose tackle in Jason Shirley was a nice addition (6'5 - 335 lbs.) to help slow down opposing ground attacks. Another nice selection was the 6'6, 232 lbs. red zone monster that is Mario Urrutia of Louisville. Overall, the Chad Johnson/TJ Houshmandzadeh situation(s) may have forced the Bengals into making one too many picks at wide receiver, but they added solid talent nonetheless, although they could have addressed the defense a little more.
Grade: C
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Cleveland Browns
Round 1
/ -
Round 2
/ -
Round 3
/ -
Round 4
1 - LB Beau Bell, UNLV (104)
2 - TE Martin Rucker, Missouri (111)
Round 5
/ -
Round 6
3 - DT Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa St. (190)
4 - WR Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin (191)
Round 7
5 - DE Alex Hall, St. Augustine's (231)
There isn't a whole lot to say about the Browns draft, however, they made their picks count, and worked with what they had and did a solid job. For their first pick, they traded up with the Cowboys to select university of Nevada Las Vegas' linebacker Beau Bell who is an ideal fit as a middle linebacker in the Browns 3-4 defense; considering that their biggest need was defense (primarily linebacker) Beau Bell was a great pickup for the Brownies. Trading up again with the Cowboys, they selected a very good pass catching tight end in Missouri's, Martin Rucker. Not a great blocker, but will add great depth in case Kellen Winslow should go down during the season; they are very alike as well. Round 6 saw them get a steal in the massive nose tackle from Iowa State Ahtyba Rubin who could have easily gone in round 3. Rubin will add much needed depth on what was a porous defensive line last season as a nose tackle behind Shaun Rogers. Both Paul Hubbard and Alex Hall are nice developmental prospects at their respective positions. When talking about the Browns draft, the trades they made must be taken into account. Trading their 1st last season in a trade up for Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn is still a no decision, however adding Corey Williams with their 2nd round pick from Green Bay, a defensive tackle who will play defensive end in the 3-4 helps them mightily. The biggest of all, trading their 3rd and Leigh Bodden for nose tackle Shaun Rodgers all but solidifies their D-line this season, which was by far their worst function.
Grade: B-
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1
1 - RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois (23)
Round 2
2 - WR Limas Sweed, Texas (53)
Round 3
3 - DE/LB Bruce Davis, UCLA (88)
Round 4
4 - OT Tony Hills, Texas (130)
Round 5
5 - QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon (156)
Round 6
6 - LB Mike Humpal, Iowa (188)
7 - FS Ryan Mundy, West Virginia (194)
Round 7
/ -
I was a big fan of the Steelers draft, picking up great talent and value at almost all of their picks, not reaching on a single pick. In round 1 they had Rashard Mendenhall, a consensus top 15 pick fall into their laps. With Willie Parker's injury in the playoffs fresh in their mind, it was a pick that had to be made. They off set each other well and will make for a good tandem at running back. Mendenhall's ability goes beyond running however. He is a sounds pass catcher, an above-average blocker, and fell only because he had just a single year of production. Round 2 was a steal of a pick in Texas' Limas Sweed. Sweed reminds the Steelers front office of their former receiver Plaxico Burress; being 6'5 with good hands and great potential to be a solid receiver, off setting 06' 1st round pick wide receiver, the small and fast Santonio Holmes. They came back and selected an ideal outside linebacker for their 3-4 scheme in Bruce Davis. Amassing 24.5 sacks in two years, Davis will help get to the quarterback in a big way. Adding solid depth to their offensive line that is seeing the aging of guys like Marvel Smith and the loss of Alan Faneca with another longhorn in offensive tackle Tony Hills. Dennis Dixon in round 5 is very intriguing and was in the Heisman contention, leading his Oregon Ducks to a possible BCS bid before tearing his ACL.
Grade: B
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...Coming up next, the AFC South.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
NFL Draft Grades: AFC East
The AFC North saw a lot this off season, whether it was the Spygate situation, the Dolphins going through a mass rebuilding project, the Jets spending spree in free agency, and the Bills slight improvement on a year to year basis. However, this is just grading the draft alone, and I must say, I was very impressed with some of the later picks by the East this year:
Buffalo Bills
Round 1
1 - CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy (11)
Round 2
2 - WR James Hardy, Indiana (41)
Round 3
3 - DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech (72)
Round 4
4 - CB Reggie Corner, Akron (114)
5 - TE Derek Fine, Kansas (132)
Round 5
6 - LB Alvin Bowen, Iowa St. (147)
Round 6
7 - RB Xavier Omon, NW Missouri St. (179)
Round 7
8 - OT Demetrius Bell, Northwestern St. (219)
9 - WR Steve Johnson, Kentucky (224)
10 - CB Kennard Cox, Pittsburgh (251)
As a whole, it's hard to not like what the Bills did. Their two prime needs heading into draft weekend were; a #1 caliber CB, and a tall WR to compliment a shortish Lee Evans. They quickly knocked off each of those needs in the first two rounds. Leodis McKlevin has all the potential in the world, both as a stud CB and an excellent return man; he will help Buffalo in more then one way. Not too mention, McKelvin was the consensus top rated CB in the draft, so the Bills may have been pleasantly surprised when they saw him there at #11. Whats not to love about the James Hardy pick? Sure he has had his troubles with the story of him apparently attacking his father on mothers day, but considering the Bills needed a tall WR, and they picked up the tallest in the draft, and one of the most athletic in the entire draft. Chris Ellis was a solid project pickup in round 3. With Aaron Schobel set to turn 31 by the beginning of the season, and Chris Kelsay upgradeable, Ellis is a nice fit. My favorite of Buffalo's later picks is either OT Demetrius Bell who flew under the radar having gone to a small school, or LB Alvin Bowen, who will make an immediate impact on special teams, as well as possibly being a starter somewhere down the road in Buffalo.
Grade: B-
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Miami Dolphins
Round 1
1 - OT Jake Long, Michigan (1)
Round 2
2 - DE Phillip Merling, Clemson (32)
3 - QB Chad Henne, Michigan (57)
Round 3
4- DE Kendall Langford, Hampton (66)
Round 4
5 - OG Shawn Murphy, Utah St. (110)
Round 5
/ -
Round 6
6 - RB Jalen Parmele, Toledo. (176)
7 - OG Donald Thomas, Connecticut (195)
8 - RB Lex Hilliard, Montana (204)
Round 7
9 - DT Lionel Dotson, Arizona (245)
To say that the "Tuna" (Bill Parcells) knows how to build a team is a pretty accurate statement to make. Miami is obviously trying to establish a solid offensive line, and they took a big step in doing so by adding the top tackle in the draft Jake Long. He may struggle right off the bat in the NFL, but he didn't hold the opposition to just 1 single sacks all season long by luck. Phillip Merling was a legit 1st round pick but fell likely due to his pre draft sports hernia surgery. Irregardless, Merling is a perfect fit in the defensive end spot in the Dolphins 3-4 system, having good size, good upper body strength, and the ability to protect the linebackers. Merling isn't an elite pass rusher, but that's what makes Miami such a great fit for him, he won't be asked to get 10 sacks on a yearly basis. They added Michigan QB, and former teammate of Jake Long's in Chad Henne later in the 2nd round. It seems as though the front office isn't 100% set on John Beck just yet, but adding Henne gives them depth and some good competition at the crucial QB position. Defensive end Kendall Langford and offensive guard Shawn Murphy are both solid additions to the front lines on both sides of the ball and will add much needed depth. As for later round picks, Donald Thomas fits the bill as an absolute steal. I had him rated very highly, as he is freakishly built with top notch athleticism, so keep the name Donald Thomas in your mind.
Grade: B
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New England Patriots
Round 1
1 - LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee (10)
Round 2
2 - CB Terrence Wheatley, Colorado (62)
Round 3
3 - LB Shawn Crable, Michigan (78)
4 - QB Kevin O'Connell, San Diego St. (94)
Round 4
5 - CB Jonathan Wilhite, Auburn (129)
Round 5
6 - WR Matt Slater, UCLA (152)
Round 6
7 - LB Bo Ruud, Nebraska (197)
Round 7
/ -
Yet another sound draft for the Patriots, and even with the loss of their initial 1st round pick, they managed to draft quite a few good players. It was no secret that their largest need was at linebacker, and they addressed that very well with the likes of Tennessee's own Jerod Mayo. Who knows? The Pat's could have traded down with the thought of getting Keith Rivers before the Bengals took him at #9, or they could have wanted Mayo all along. Regardless, Mayo is extremely athletic and rangy. He is far to small to be a true outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4, but as a middle linebacker he fits perfectly. In round 2 the Patriots grabbed one of my favorite under the radar players in the draft, let alone at CB; Terrence Wheatley of Colorado. Wheatley had a very nice combine and while most didn't expect him to go until about mid 3rd round to early 4th, those who know who Wheatley is, know that he went right where he should of. Round 3's first pick was Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable. Crable is an ideal fit as an outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 so grabbing both a linebacker (in Mayo) to play the middle and linebacker (in Crable) to play the outside within the first three rounds was a wise decision. Crable is athletic and very strong, which makes him such a sound fit. It got controversial with the pick of San Diego St. QB Kevin O'Connell, but O'Connell possesses great accuracy, and solid scrambling ability for a 6'5 QB. With current backup Matt Cassel heading into the last year of his contract, they may be in need of a backup next year.
Grade: C+
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New York Jets
Round 1
1 - DE/LB Vernon Gholston, Ohio St. (6)
2 - TE Dustin Keller, Purdue (30)
Round 2
/ -
Round 3
/ -
Round 4
3 - CB Dwight Lowery, San Jose St. (113)
Round 5
4 - QB Erik Ainge, Tennessee (162)
Round 6
5 - WR Marcus Henry, Kansas (171)
Round 7
6 - OT Nate Garner, Arkansas (211)
The Jets capped off a very good off season with a solid draft for the most part. Picking up the guy they coveted in Ohio St's Vernon Gholston was a fantastic pick and couldn't be a better fit as an outside linebacker in the Jets 3-4. Gholston is a very cut athlete that has good size (6'3 - 266 lbs.) as well as unprecedented strength; some say he looks like the hulk. Trading back into the 1st round to select the top tight end in the draft with Purdue's Dustin Keller could be a very smart decision looking back, as he is an elite pass catcher. Keller is a well below average blocker, but with a mass of (6'2 - 245 lbs.) gives Keller the size potential to eventually develop into a decent blocker. Chris Baker's contract situations likely led to this pick, but still, with an unsettled QB situation likely to be given to former 2nd round pick Kellen Clemens, they want to surround him with as many weapons as possible to help smooth the process as well. After being put back on the clock in round 4, the Jets selected a very good coverage CB in Dwight Lowery in which could provide solid depth behind their starters and eventually develop into a starter as well. Lowery possesses only marginal speed, but his playmaking ability changed games against opponents in college. Another sound pick in Tennessee QB Erik Ainge who I have as being one of the better QB's of this class down the road. Don't look for him to get much of a shot this year, but if there is an injury, he may be vaulted up the depth chart; too similar to Vinny Testeverde as a Jet.
Grade: C
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...Coming up next; the AFC North.
Buffalo Bills
Round 1
1 - CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy (11)
Round 2
2 - WR James Hardy, Indiana (41)
Round 3
3 - DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech (72)
Round 4
4 - CB Reggie Corner, Akron (114)
5 - TE Derek Fine, Kansas (132)
Round 5
6 - LB Alvin Bowen, Iowa St. (147)
Round 6
7 - RB Xavier Omon, NW Missouri St. (179)
Round 7
8 - OT Demetrius Bell, Northwestern St. (219)
9 - WR Steve Johnson, Kentucky (224)
10 - CB Kennard Cox, Pittsburgh (251)
As a whole, it's hard to not like what the Bills did. Their two prime needs heading into draft weekend were; a #1 caliber CB, and a tall WR to compliment a shortish Lee Evans. They quickly knocked off each of those needs in the first two rounds. Leodis McKlevin has all the potential in the world, both as a stud CB and an excellent return man; he will help Buffalo in more then one way. Not too mention, McKelvin was the consensus top rated CB in the draft, so the Bills may have been pleasantly surprised when they saw him there at #11. Whats not to love about the James Hardy pick? Sure he has had his troubles with the story of him apparently attacking his father on mothers day, but considering the Bills needed a tall WR, and they picked up the tallest in the draft, and one of the most athletic in the entire draft. Chris Ellis was a solid project pickup in round 3. With Aaron Schobel set to turn 31 by the beginning of the season, and Chris Kelsay upgradeable, Ellis is a nice fit. My favorite of Buffalo's later picks is either OT Demetrius Bell who flew under the radar having gone to a small school, or LB Alvin Bowen, who will make an immediate impact on special teams, as well as possibly being a starter somewhere down the road in Buffalo.
Grade: B-
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Miami Dolphins
Round 1
1 - OT Jake Long, Michigan (1)
Round 2
2 - DE Phillip Merling, Clemson (32)
3 - QB Chad Henne, Michigan (57)
Round 3
4- DE Kendall Langford, Hampton (66)
Round 4
5 - OG Shawn Murphy, Utah St. (110)
Round 5
/ -
Round 6
6 - RB Jalen Parmele, Toledo. (176)
7 - OG Donald Thomas, Connecticut (195)
8 - RB Lex Hilliard, Montana (204)
Round 7
9 - DT Lionel Dotson, Arizona (245)
To say that the "Tuna" (Bill Parcells) knows how to build a team is a pretty accurate statement to make. Miami is obviously trying to establish a solid offensive line, and they took a big step in doing so by adding the top tackle in the draft Jake Long. He may struggle right off the bat in the NFL, but he didn't hold the opposition to just 1 single sacks all season long by luck. Phillip Merling was a legit 1st round pick but fell likely due to his pre draft sports hernia surgery. Irregardless, Merling is a perfect fit in the defensive end spot in the Dolphins 3-4 system, having good size, good upper body strength, and the ability to protect the linebackers. Merling isn't an elite pass rusher, but that's what makes Miami such a great fit for him, he won't be asked to get 10 sacks on a yearly basis. They added Michigan QB, and former teammate of Jake Long's in Chad Henne later in the 2nd round. It seems as though the front office isn't 100% set on John Beck just yet, but adding Henne gives them depth and some good competition at the crucial QB position. Defensive end Kendall Langford and offensive guard Shawn Murphy are both solid additions to the front lines on both sides of the ball and will add much needed depth. As for later round picks, Donald Thomas fits the bill as an absolute steal. I had him rated very highly, as he is freakishly built with top notch athleticism, so keep the name Donald Thomas in your mind.
Grade: B
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New England Patriots
Round 1
1 - LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee (10)
Round 2
2 - CB Terrence Wheatley, Colorado (62)
Round 3
3 - LB Shawn Crable, Michigan (78)
4 - QB Kevin O'Connell, San Diego St. (94)
Round 4
5 - CB Jonathan Wilhite, Auburn (129)
Round 5
6 - WR Matt Slater, UCLA (152)
Round 6
7 - LB Bo Ruud, Nebraska (197)
Round 7
/ -
Yet another sound draft for the Patriots, and even with the loss of their initial 1st round pick, they managed to draft quite a few good players. It was no secret that their largest need was at linebacker, and they addressed that very well with the likes of Tennessee's own Jerod Mayo. Who knows? The Pat's could have traded down with the thought of getting Keith Rivers before the Bengals took him at #9, or they could have wanted Mayo all along. Regardless, Mayo is extremely athletic and rangy. He is far to small to be a true outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4, but as a middle linebacker he fits perfectly. In round 2 the Patriots grabbed one of my favorite under the radar players in the draft, let alone at CB; Terrence Wheatley of Colorado. Wheatley had a very nice combine and while most didn't expect him to go until about mid 3rd round to early 4th, those who know who Wheatley is, know that he went right where he should of. Round 3's first pick was Michigan linebacker Shawn Crable. Crable is an ideal fit as an outside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 so grabbing both a linebacker (in Mayo) to play the middle and linebacker (in Crable) to play the outside within the first three rounds was a wise decision. Crable is athletic and very strong, which makes him such a sound fit. It got controversial with the pick of San Diego St. QB Kevin O'Connell, but O'Connell possesses great accuracy, and solid scrambling ability for a 6'5 QB. With current backup Matt Cassel heading into the last year of his contract, they may be in need of a backup next year.
Grade: C+
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New York Jets
Round 1
1 - DE/LB Vernon Gholston, Ohio St. (6)
2 - TE Dustin Keller, Purdue (30)
Round 2
/ -
Round 3
/ -
Round 4
3 - CB Dwight Lowery, San Jose St. (113)
Round 5
4 - QB Erik Ainge, Tennessee (162)
Round 6
5 - WR Marcus Henry, Kansas (171)
Round 7
6 - OT Nate Garner, Arkansas (211)
The Jets capped off a very good off season with a solid draft for the most part. Picking up the guy they coveted in Ohio St's Vernon Gholston was a fantastic pick and couldn't be a better fit as an outside linebacker in the Jets 3-4. Gholston is a very cut athlete that has good size (6'3 - 266 lbs.) as well as unprecedented strength; some say he looks like the hulk. Trading back into the 1st round to select the top tight end in the draft with Purdue's Dustin Keller could be a very smart decision looking back, as he is an elite pass catcher. Keller is a well below average blocker, but with a mass of (6'2 - 245 lbs.) gives Keller the size potential to eventually develop into a decent blocker. Chris Baker's contract situations likely led to this pick, but still, with an unsettled QB situation likely to be given to former 2nd round pick Kellen Clemens, they want to surround him with as many weapons as possible to help smooth the process as well. After being put back on the clock in round 4, the Jets selected a very good coverage CB in Dwight Lowery in which could provide solid depth behind their starters and eventually develop into a starter as well. Lowery possesses only marginal speed, but his playmaking ability changed games against opponents in college. Another sound pick in Tennessee QB Erik Ainge who I have as being one of the better QB's of this class down the road. Don't look for him to get much of a shot this year, but if there is an injury, he may be vaulted up the depth chart; too similar to Vinny Testeverde as a Jet.
Grade: C
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...Coming up next; the AFC North.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
2009 NFL Draft Prospects
With the 2008 NFL Draft in the books, the next step is grading each individual team draft. In the mean time to keep you busy, here is a list of my top 10 NFL Draft prospects (in no particular order) as of right now for the 2009 NFL Draft.
1. QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia *JR
With an unsettled group of QB's heading into the 09' class, we may run into a slight rut until a Senior QB really begins to shine. Until that happens, Matt Stafford is my #1 QB. Being a top recruit out of high school and at this point, the best pro-style QB is giving us a lot to look forward too, going into the college season.
2. RB Chris Wells, Ohio St. *JR
Chris "Beanie" Wells coming out of Ohio St. has more athleticism at the RB position then any other of the future class. His old school-esque style and excellent measurables make him far and away the top RB of those likely to be in this class.
3. WR Percy Harvin, Florida * JR
The "jack of all trades" trait best suits Percy Harvin; lining up at halfback, slotback, wide receiver, tail back, etc. He is a very versatile playmaker that will hurt a defense in more then one way. Some question his ability to be a pure #1 WR in the NFL, but with his skill and home run ability, it's hard to not be intrigued by Harvin.
4. CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St.
Jenkins by many is considered to be the nations top CB heading into the college season, and for good reason. You can make a case that he may have been one of, (if not the) top CB in the 2008 NFL draft. Excellent size (6'1 - 200 lbs.) and a nose for the ball, there is no reason why Jenkins shouldn't be considered a top defender.
5. MLB Rey Maualuga, USC
Similar to Jenkins, Maualuga would have been a very highly coveted player in the 2008 NFL Draft. A rangy middle man that can really deliver intimidating hits anywhere on the field. Not th best technique linebacker you'll find, but without question, an extremely athletic defender with top speed at the position.
6. OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss
Headlining a very good group of top offensive lineman is the versatile Michael Oher. He is versatile because he can play tackle, and do it at a very high level, as well as play guard, which he has experience at. Oher in all likely hood made a good decision going back to school, as many now consider him far and away the #1 offensive lineman in the 09' draft.
7. FS Taylor Mays, USC
Mays has always had the nations eye, but the bare fact that he has the size of a linebacker (6'4 - 233 lbs.) and he has 4.3 caliber speed, you have a freak. He roams the middle of the field very aggressively and while being stout in coverage, can still jolt a receiver over the middle if the opportunity presented itself.
8. MLB James Laurinaitis, Ohio St.
Laurinaitis plays the middle linebacker spot with such an old school demeanor, and is a tenacious run stopper. He is the heart and soul (and captain) of a tough Ohio St. defense. Although less athletic as Rey Maualuga, he can do everything well; tackle, rush the quarterback, and drop into coverage. The only problem with Laurinaitis is that he isn't as aggressive/physical at the point of attack, which is why some teams ran it right at him last year.
9. DT Fili Moala, USC
Oh yes, another Trojan. This is the year of the USC defenders to be quite honest, and Moala has all the potential in the world to be the first of them selected. Those who don't like him call him a tweener and those who love him call him versatile. Looking at his size (6'5 - 300 lbs.) it's hard to label him anything less then a versatile monster. Moala could play a solid 3 technique in a 4-3 scheme or he could be the ideal 3-4 defensive end at this point. Eating up blocks in college has made his teammates better as well, and he should do the same at the next level.
10. SS William Moore, Missouri
When looking at what could be a fantastic group of safeties early in the 09' draft most look at Taylor Mays of SC, Myron Rolle of Florida St., or even Kam Chancellor of Virginia Tech. However, there is a former All-American and 2008 Cotton Bowl defensive MVP that gets forgotten. That is, William Moore from Mizzou. He has excellent size (6'1 - 230 lbs.) and fantastic range for any safety. Stout tackling ability, a real nose for the ball, and of course, he can lay the lumber.
William Moore is the total package at Strong Safety.
Honorable Mentions:
WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech - redshirt sophomore that would be highly coveted at 6'3, 208 lbs with room to grow; 2007 unanimous All American, Biletnikoff, Paul Warfield award winner.
RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia - another redshirt sophomore who blew up in 07' as a freshman.
LB Brian Cushing, USC - Great size, and will thrive in the correct 3-4 scheme.
DE George Selvie, USF - a little undersized, but a nice pass rusher that could possibly be an outside linebacker in a 3-4
DE Maurice Evans, Penn St. - dominant bull rusher that had 12 1/2 sacks in 07 as a true sophomore.
OT Andre Smith, Alabama - has even more upside then Oher, and can dominate man to man.
CB Victor "Macho" Harris, Virginia Tech - has a great nose for the ball and is possibly, the ideal tampa 2 CB from this draft.
1. QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia *JR
With an unsettled group of QB's heading into the 09' class, we may run into a slight rut until a Senior QB really begins to shine. Until that happens, Matt Stafford is my #1 QB. Being a top recruit out of high school and at this point, the best pro-style QB is giving us a lot to look forward too, going into the college season.
2. RB Chris Wells, Ohio St. *JR
Chris "Beanie" Wells coming out of Ohio St. has more athleticism at the RB position then any other of the future class. His old school-esque style and excellent measurables make him far and away the top RB of those likely to be in this class.
3. WR Percy Harvin, Florida * JR
The "jack of all trades" trait best suits Percy Harvin; lining up at halfback, slotback, wide receiver, tail back, etc. He is a very versatile playmaker that will hurt a defense in more then one way. Some question his ability to be a pure #1 WR in the NFL, but with his skill and home run ability, it's hard to not be intrigued by Harvin.
4. CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St.
Jenkins by many is considered to be the nations top CB heading into the college season, and for good reason. You can make a case that he may have been one of, (if not the) top CB in the 2008 NFL draft. Excellent size (6'1 - 200 lbs.) and a nose for the ball, there is no reason why Jenkins shouldn't be considered a top defender.
5. MLB Rey Maualuga, USC
Similar to Jenkins, Maualuga would have been a very highly coveted player in the 2008 NFL Draft. A rangy middle man that can really deliver intimidating hits anywhere on the field. Not th best technique linebacker you'll find, but without question, an extremely athletic defender with top speed at the position.
6. OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss
Headlining a very good group of top offensive lineman is the versatile Michael Oher. He is versatile because he can play tackle, and do it at a very high level, as well as play guard, which he has experience at. Oher in all likely hood made a good decision going back to school, as many now consider him far and away the #1 offensive lineman in the 09' draft.
7. FS Taylor Mays, USC
Mays has always had the nations eye, but the bare fact that he has the size of a linebacker (6'4 - 233 lbs.) and he has 4.3 caliber speed, you have a freak. He roams the middle of the field very aggressively and while being stout in coverage, can still jolt a receiver over the middle if the opportunity presented itself.
8. MLB James Laurinaitis, Ohio St.
Laurinaitis plays the middle linebacker spot with such an old school demeanor, and is a tenacious run stopper. He is the heart and soul (and captain) of a tough Ohio St. defense. Although less athletic as Rey Maualuga, he can do everything well; tackle, rush the quarterback, and drop into coverage. The only problem with Laurinaitis is that he isn't as aggressive/physical at the point of attack, which is why some teams ran it right at him last year.
9. DT Fili Moala, USC
Oh yes, another Trojan. This is the year of the USC defenders to be quite honest, and Moala has all the potential in the world to be the first of them selected. Those who don't like him call him a tweener and those who love him call him versatile. Looking at his size (6'5 - 300 lbs.) it's hard to label him anything less then a versatile monster. Moala could play a solid 3 technique in a 4-3 scheme or he could be the ideal 3-4 defensive end at this point. Eating up blocks in college has made his teammates better as well, and he should do the same at the next level.
10. SS William Moore, Missouri
When looking at what could be a fantastic group of safeties early in the 09' draft most look at Taylor Mays of SC, Myron Rolle of Florida St., or even Kam Chancellor of Virginia Tech. However, there is a former All-American and 2008 Cotton Bowl defensive MVP that gets forgotten. That is, William Moore from Mizzou. He has excellent size (6'1 - 230 lbs.) and fantastic range for any safety. Stout tackling ability, a real nose for the ball, and of course, he can lay the lumber.
William Moore is the total package at Strong Safety.
Honorable Mentions:
WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech - redshirt sophomore that would be highly coveted at 6'3, 208 lbs with room to grow; 2007 unanimous All American, Biletnikoff, Paul Warfield award winner.
RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia - another redshirt sophomore who blew up in 07' as a freshman.
LB Brian Cushing, USC - Great size, and will thrive in the correct 3-4 scheme.
DE George Selvie, USF - a little undersized, but a nice pass rusher that could possibly be an outside linebacker in a 3-4
DE Maurice Evans, Penn St. - dominant bull rusher that had 12 1/2 sacks in 07 as a true sophomore.
OT Andre Smith, Alabama - has even more upside then Oher, and can dominate man to man.
CB Victor "Macho" Harris, Virginia Tech - has a great nose for the ball and is possibly, the ideal tampa 2 CB from this draft.
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