tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7658063989156506142024-03-13T03:13:54.947-07:00The Thundering BlurbAndrew Garda gives you his endless takes on NFL and College football news and notes throughout the football season. Now featured on BlogTalkRadio.com's Fantasy Sports Channel!Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.comBlogger434125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-32596375701716400072009-07-02T03:46:00.000-07:002009-07-02T04:14:09.990-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: Steve Slaton<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkyWeNe2gOI/AAAAAAAAACI/CTyx6Ew88QM/s1600-h/Slaton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353819502795981026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkyWeNe2gOI/AAAAAAAAACI/CTyx6Ew88QM/s320/Slaton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Slaton is another back who people are either very high on or very wary of.<br /><br />Questions about him are many: Is he too small to carry the load (ala Maurice Jones-Drew)? Will he lose carries to a second back (ala Joseph Addai)? Will he have issues if (maybe when) quarterback Matt Schaub or wide receiver Andre Johnson go down?<br /><br />Let's take a look at these very valid concerns and see if they hold up and if so (or if not), what that truly means.<br /><br />First of all, size. While I have been researching an article on Jones-Drew, I've taken a hard look at the sizes and weights of many NFL running backs. Slaton is a tad on the short side, although at 5'-9 I still think that's not a huge concern.<br /><br />What might be a concern is his weight. Slaton rolls in as a trim (maybe slight is a better term) 203 pounds. While he isn't Darren Sproles (5-6, 181lbs!) the thin frame is worrisome.<br /><br />Even Slaton knew this - that's why he added about nine pounds of muscle to help with the pounding. That pulls him closer to some of the slightly taller backs (in the 5-10 to 5-11 range) and help him with his short yardage work.<br /><br />Now, as we're concerned with size, it would stand to reason the Texans would be as well. But they didn't bring in a power back to cut into Slaton's carries at all. In fact, the backs behind him consist of a fragile runner, an underperforming back who runs like Slaton, a pair of rookies and a perennial camp body.<br /><br />Not really a group striking fear into Slaton's heart. Of them, most likely to succeed in any way is rookie Arian Foster, who impressed in OTAs and at 6-1, 225 pounds can fulfill the power back role. This might harm Slaton's overall touchdown total as an awful lot of his TDs were short yardage - four were a yard or less and a fifth was just two yards.<br /><br />Two thoughts - one, Slaton sure seemed to be ok going short yardage and not only was he effective on the goal line, but he played well getting first downs. Could it be that Houston didn't acquire a full-on short yardage back because they believe Slaton can do it, with Brown (or now Foster) spelling him?<br /><br />Alternatively, you have to be concerned that if he does loose his goal-line attempts, his touchdown totals are decimated.<br /><br />Slaton did have about seven 40+ runs, though, including one over 71 yards which resulted in a touchdown. He can break away from tacklers and if the offense is more consistent, that could offset any loss in the short yardage game.<br /><br />Still, most of his ten touchdowns were short yardage. So it definitely could be a problem.<br /><br />Finally, there is the concern that if Johnson or Schaub goes down with an injury, Slaton could face too many defenses selling out to stop him.<br /><br />Well, with Schaub on the bench injured and Sage Rosenfels striking fear into the hearts of nobody, Slaton performed pretty well for the most part last season.<br /><br />While the depth behind Schaub is even more shaky this year (Dan Orlovsky and Rex Grossman - WOO HOO!), I still expect Slaton to play as well as he did last year and with another year under his belt, have the potential to be even better.<br /><br />Overall, Slaton ran the ball well throughout the 2008 season. He had some good games against good run defenses (Minnesota), some ok run defenses (Jacksonville) and some bad run defenses (Detroit, Green Bay & Indianapolis).<br /><br />He also had some disappointing games against poor run defenses (Cleveland) and some great run defenses (Pittsburgh, Miami, Baltimore). That's to be expected from a rookie. This year he needs a little more consistency before he is considered a true stud.<br /><br />Overall, I like Slaton quite a bit this year.<br /><br />I think he will not lose much in the way of carries or targets and has already said he feels like he knows what his coaches want and how to achieve it. I think he has no more or less questions than any back in front or behind him, has no real challengers for carries and I believe the offensive line has continued to improve over time.<br /><br />His questions are very real, however, and must be considered when drafting him.<br /><br />If Slaton stays healthy and the offense plays well, he has the opportunity to not only crack the top ten again, but potentially the top five as well.<br /><br />The risk is; with just one season to look over we don't know if last year was the rule - or the exception.<br /><br />And that risk will keep him from the top of a lot of people's Fantasy Draft boards.</div>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-81776228930532927472009-06-26T19:08:00.000-07:002009-06-26T19:18:54.564-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: DeAngelo Williams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkWBhR96IBI/AAAAAAAAABw/VvHgQoyIvxo/s1600-h/Williams,+D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkWBhR96IBI/AAAAAAAAABw/VvHgQoyIvxo/s320/Williams,+D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351826140958433298" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">DeAngelo Williams</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 4.5pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How can I NOT have him earlier will be the cry - and it doesn't matter where he ranks. If it isn't top 3, it won't matter. Some folks will be bent out of shape.<br /><br />Those cries have a case - Williams finally exploded last season and Carolina Head Coach John Fox loves his veterans - usually to the point of benching a more talented rookie.<br /><br />He might not even have to even make that choice this year as Williams seems to be poised for potentially another great season while second year RB Jonathan Stewart hasn’t stepped up yet to become lead back. And wow is that offensive line adept at opening holes for Panther backs to run through.<br /><br />Yet even though the offense runs the ball a lot (504 attempts last season) will they duplicate the amount of carries from 2008 in 2009?<br /><br />Stewart pitched in with 10 touchdowns and even while battling an early injury he played well last season. Rookie Mike Goodson might see some work too. As much as they do run there still should be plenty to go around but it also means they will need to spell Williams. How much? And if they don't will he burn out after two heavy carry seasons?<br /><br />Finally, we have to wonder: was what we saw last year the reality - or a one shot deal? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Will he be able to repeat his 2008 performance? </span><span style="font-size:100%;">We've had one year wonders before - and many teams who grabbed them too early in the first regretted it later in the season.<br /><br />I like Williams, don't get me wrong. But I'm not sure I like him enough to take him with a top five pick like many are suggesting.<br /></span></div>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-58546450797195035642009-06-26T18:48:00.000-07:002009-06-26T19:08:28.707-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: Matt Forte<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkV-nOvhuMI/AAAAAAAAABo/hR_TekKWJIs/s1600-h/matt-forte1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkV-nOvhuMI/AAAAAAAAABo/hR_TekKWJIs/s320/matt-forte1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351822944637139138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Forte</span><br />Another guy who people will argue should/could be in the top 3 but I can't go there.<br /><br />Yes, fantastic first year. And the offense looks like it is about to step it up. But that doesn't mean Forte will get even better.<br /><br />Why? Well, for several reasons. First of all, his YPC was a pedestrian 3.9 and he'll need to improve that to continue to put up numbers, especially since his carries will probably drop as Cutler throws more than Orton did.<br /><br />Speaking of Cutler - while his arm will open things up for the run game (even with mediocre wide receivers) a ton of Forte's 63 receptions were checkdowns by the quarterback. Cutler doesn't play that way - he much more often forces a throw down-field.<br /><br />So I think it is hard to expect close to the receiving numbers He threw just 61 TARGETS to backs in 2008. Not receptions - TARGETS. (In fairness to the 'numbers' game - he threw at running backs 81 times in 2007.)<br /><br />The Bears' offensive line is not as good as Denver's, his receivers aren't close and the defense should keep it close. Still, they didn't trade the house for Cutler to hand Forte the ball, regardless of the young RB's talent.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Once again, this points to at least a slight dip in Forte's production.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> I just don't know how big it goes.<br /><br />If the Bears defense cannot hold the line, it could be a big dip as Cutler throws to his less-than-stud receivers to come from behind. Or it could just be a little regression as the team transitions into a more passing team.<br /><br />But until I see the offense in action - and by action I don't mean t-shirts and shorts - I can't say what it will look like. So I don't want to invest a huge risk by grabbing him before some of the guys prior to him on the list.<br /><br />He'll land in the top 10. I just don't expect a repeat of his top 3 ranking from 2008.</span>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-91978457839958367642009-06-26T18:25:00.000-07:002009-06-26T18:47:39.123-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: Maurice Jones-Drew<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkV2i6pvdcI/AAAAAAAAABg/HPbZEV1OeFE/s1600-h/maurice-jones-drew-full-width.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkV2i6pvdcI/AAAAAAAAABg/HPbZEV1OeFE/s320/maurice-jones-drew-full-width.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351814074431665602" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maurice Jones-Drew</span><br />One of the most divisive backs in fantasy right now, Maurice Jones-Drew is a fantastic athlete whose strength and speed belies his size.<br /><br />But questions still plague him.<br /><br />He’s never carried the rock as the feature back, not even in college. And as much as he is tough, will he wear down if the Titans do use him as the bell cow? Or conversely, will they spell him a bunch with Greg Jones and Rashard Jennings?<br /><br />MJD should put up nice numbers, especially in a PPR league but he’s going as the second – in some cases FIRST – Rb off the board in some drafts.<br /><br />I haven’t even gotten to the revamped offensive line, though I think it will be healthy and capable this season. But they'll be rolling out a pair of rookies and while some of that could be merely for depth, they really collapsed fast in 2008.<br /><br />In their defense, you can't have what they went through happen and not collapse. Once Richard Collier was shot and paralyzed, the fact they even pulled it together when they did is pretty gutty.<br /><br />The passing attack appears to also be a big question mark at first glance. But Tory Holt alone is better than anyone on the roster last year, save the departed Matt Jones. And the two draft picks of Jake Dillard and Mike Thomas have looked good enough in tees and shorts to allow Dennis Northcutt to be traded.<br /><br />Still, Garrard seemed to plateau last season and if he cannot get a little more going on, MJD might start finding his running lanes clogged.<br /><br />While I think Jones-Drew has the talent, there are many questions I have about him. To many to take him earlier than where he is at five.<br /></span>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-3058391134684874372009-06-26T18:18:00.000-07:002009-06-26T18:24:05.780-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: Steven Jackson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_e78ZEkk7arM/SkVzwuAD8bI/AAAAAAAAABE/nEDJGvUo77U/s1600-h/jackson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_e78ZEkk7arM/SkVzwuAD8bI/AAAAAAAAABE/nEDJGvUo77U/s320/jackson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351811013018907058" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steven Jackson</span><br />I have decided that Jackson is the perfect Fantasy Football Illusion. We all treat him as if he’s a stud and yet he’s only been in the top 10 fantasy-wise once in his five year career.<br /><br />So what exactly is keeping him ranked this high year after year? Well for starters he DOES produce well despite missing games and suffering through terrible offensive lines and injured QBs. He can catch the ball, break a big run and fight for hard yards.<br /><br />But the risk is he has only finished a full season once – in 2006 which was the year he was a top fantasy player. That’s telling – but so is how much he’s been hurt.<br /><br />He’s also facing another season with a questionable Oline and now has a very young and/or inexperienced wide receivers for a weakening Bulger to throw to.<br /><br /> Jackson once again is a back with a ton of potential – but will it be reached or is it merely an illusion we chase every season?</span>ThunderingBlurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353076634832524642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-64632799967130815052009-06-25T19:25:00.000-07:002009-06-25T19:32:16.209-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: Ladainian Tomlinson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkQzEa9i9TI/AAAAAAAAABY/7FoSRtJdNLI/s1600-h/ladainian-tomlinson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SkQzEa9i9TI/AAAAAAAAABY/7FoSRtJdNLI/s320/ladainian-tomlinson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351458408272950578" border="0" /></a><br />CURVE BALL. Instead of the number three back, I pull out old LT2 who I think is NOT dead yet.<br /><br />Here's why:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ladainian Tomlinson</span><br />I always love movies where some guy is counted out - be it in the boxing ring, a classroom, a board room - the comeback story is a favorite.<br /><br />Maybe that's why I'm higher on LT than many others. I think Tomlinson has another year - at least - in him and will put up solid numbers this year.<br /><br />By all reports he's healthy, so he won't be starting the season banged up as he did last year. Now staying healthy - that's the trick and at LT's age, it might be no mean feat. Also a question is the play of the offensive line, which was borderline criminal last season and left LT, Darren Sproles and Phillip Rivers exposed to mad abuse.<br /><br />That certainly didn't help Tomlinson's numbers.<br /><br />A lack of a pure blocking fullback hurt as well. That also remains a question mark though Jacob Hester's blocking improved as last season wore on.<br /><br />Still I believe LT has at least one last hurrah in him and in fact will benefit in getting spelled for some carries by Sproles. He's on the mat, bruised and battered by the pundits and I think the story ends with him getting up one last time and sending those pundits to the mat.</span>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-6110496708769502612009-06-25T19:08:00.000-07:002009-06-26T04:10:14.350-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: Michael Turner<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_e78ZEkk7arM/SkQv4DFNYLI/AAAAAAAAAA8/54pTgw6s0DE/s1600-h/falcons_turner.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351454897169326258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 295px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_e78ZEkk7arM/SkQv4DFNYLI/AAAAAAAAAA8/54pTgw6s0DE/s320/falcons_turner.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />Michael Turner</span><br />Turner is a good news/bad news guy.<br /><br />Good News: Tony Gonzalez is here to stretch the defense and add his skills for third downs.<br /><br />Bad News: Tony Gonzalez is here to steal red zone TDs and third down yardage.<br /><br />In other (potential) bad news, you also have to assume he won’t repeat the 377 carries which could dip his numbers. If they try to run him that often again, I would worry about burn-out and injury.<br /><br />Some of that depends upon how he spent his off-season. If he got some rest while working to stay in shape, he should be good to go. But if he pushed too hard and didn't give his body time to recover, last season may hurt him a bit.<br /><br />Still in a non-ppr league, he’ll put up great numbers. He drops in a PPR league, though as he gets no catches. Don't believe me? Last season he hit his career total – of 6.<br /><br />He’s still a top back, but in point per reception leagues he won’t put up quite the numbers Jackson or a few other backs would.<br /><br />But in standard scoring leagues, Turner is a solid bet to end up in the top five.ThunderingBlurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353076634832524642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-63336560713235366342009-06-25T18:42:00.000-07:002009-06-25T19:05:57.060-07:00Running Back Blurb Breakdown: Adrian Peterson<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_e78ZEkk7arM/SkQrwRh-X_I/AAAAAAAAAA0/zP7bbcxoS7M/s1600-h/Peterson.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_e78ZEkk7arM/SkQrwRh-X_I/AAAAAAAAAA0/zP7bbcxoS7M/s320/Peterson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351450365562609650" border="0" /></a><br />So while I said I wouldn't be doing this numerically, I'd be hard pressed to start anywhere than with this guy.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Adrian Peterson</span><br />What’s not to like about Peterson? Good runner, great offensive line, decent WRs. All he needs is a few more TDs. Peterson has few minuses and now it looks like Brett Favre will be throwing the ball, in which case suddenly he gets someone who can keep the defenses from stacking against the run. Even Taylor isn’t too much of a threat for AP.<br /><br />Safe and dependable, you know Peterson will finish in the top 5 every year. He has had some fumble issues he needs to work on and on occasion Childress has almost appeared to underuse him - but honestly these are minor details. Even a few carries to rookie receiver Percy Harvin won't hurt Peterson all that much. Aside from injury - and you can't predict that with real confidence - Peterson is the bottom line, safest running back in your fantasy draft.</span>ThunderingBlurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353076634832524642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-68646963580763765332009-06-25T17:54:00.000-07:002009-06-25T18:36:17.802-07:002009 Running Back Rankings - 6/25/09So after much shuffling of people and hand wringing, here is the inaugural Blurb top 50 Fantasy Football Running Backs. Over the next day or two, I'll have player breakdowns of about the top 10 or so on this list - not necessarily in order of where I ranked them.<br /><br />If there is a guy you want to know about beyond that, drop me a line in the comments or at thunderingblurb(a)gmail.com and I'll try to get on it ASAP.<br /><br />A lot of this list comes down to my feeling after several mocks and early redrafts. In my opinion from the second to the tenth pick, you could make an argument for a number of players. Feel free to make YOUR argument known here or even <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ThunderingBlurb">on next Wednesday's Blurb podcast</a>.<br /><br />Assume these will change by the time training camp hits.<br /><br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Player </span> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 - Adrian Peterson <br />2 - Michael Turner <br />3 - Steven Jackson <br />4 - LaDainian Tomlinson <br />5 - Maurice Jones-Drew <br />6 - DeAngelo Williams <br />7 - Matt Forte <br />8 - Steve Slaton <br />9 - Chris Johnson <br />10 - Frank Gore <br />11 - Clinton Portis <br />12 - Brian Westbrook <br />13 - Brandon Jacobs <br />14 - Marion Barber <br />15 - Ryan Grant <br />16 - Ronnie Brown <br />17 - Knowshon Moreno <br />18 - Chris Wells <br />19 - Pierre Thomas <br />20 - Reggie Bush <br />21 - Willie Parker <br />22 - Kevin Smith <br />23 - Joseph Addai <br />24 - Thomas Jones <br />25 - Darren McFadden <br />26 - Larry Johnson <br />27 - Jonathan Stewart <br />28 - Donald Brown <br />29 - Marshawn Lynch <br />30 - Ray Rice <br />31 - Derrick Ward <br />32 - Jamal Lewis <br />33 - Cedric Benson <br />34 - Rashard Mendenhall <br />35 - Felix Jones <br />36 - Fred Jackson <br />37 - LenDale White <br />38 - Darren Sproles <br />39 - Julius Jones <br />40 - Leon Washington <br />41 - Ahmad Bradshaw <br />42 - Chester Taylor <br />43 - Fred Taylor <br />44 - LeSean McCoy <br />45 - Willis McGahee <br />46 - Earnest Graham <br />47 - LeRon McClain <br />48 - Jerious Norwood <br />49 - Laurence Maroney<br />50 - Justin Fargas</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />JUST MISSED</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cedric Peerman -</span> Will he take over for McGahee? <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shonn Greene -</span> The future Thomas Jones - will he get snaps?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tim Hightower - </span> If Wells holds out, Hightower gets a second chance.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tashard Choice -</span> Who is spelling Barber? Will Choice get a shot?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jamaal Charles -</span> LJ isn't getting younger.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rashad Jennings - </span>Someone has to spell MJD. Jennings has the talent.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Bush -</span> Looks great in shorts. Will he make it a three headed monster?<br /><br />Back soon with the first batches of player breakdowns.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-12570160368933880142009-06-14T15:50:00.001-07:002009-06-14T18:57:01.619-07:00ProFootballTalk.com Bought By NBC - Is This Good?Sunday night, Blurb friend and excellent LA Times scribe Sam Farmer broke the story that Mike Florio's website ProFootballTalk.com will be purchased by NBC with plans to feature it prominently on the NBC Sports site.<br /><br />For those who don't know (and if you're reading this on ThunderingBlurb.com or BleacherReport.com you probably do know) PFT was begun by Florio about eight years ago as a way for the then-lawyer to riff on the news of the day in the NFL.<br /><br />Florio has broken quite a few stories over the years — as pointed out by Farmer, most famously the erroneous death of Terry Bradshaw (which should be a book, rock band or film if it isn't already).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-profootballtalk.com15-2009jun15,0,646379.story">Take a second and read Sam's piece at latimes.com and then come back - it's worth the read and will give you the grasp of what is going on.<br /></a><br />What I want to focus on is the impact of something like this as well as the continuing impact of new media acquisitions.<br /><br />Like him or hate him, Florio shoots straight about what he thinks. While that drew the ire of many NFL insiders and a ton of NFL fans (who still flock to a site they purport to hate), it also has attracted some pretty high-profile followers.<br /><br />As mentioned in Farmer's article, among them is Al Michaels. You have to figure when Al Michaels is a fan, you're doing something right.<br /><br />Heck, he's not alone. Everyone from casual fans, to guys like myself to folks like Farmer and Rich Eisen— we all have Florio's blog bookmarked. Heck, he's one of only four twitter people who have tweets sent to my low-tech crappy cell phone.<br /><br />At various times, he's been wrong, loud, hypocritical, dead on right, loud and first breaking his own news just as often as he is reacting to someone else's news.<br /><br />More than anything else, Florio has been Florio. A firm and unique personality is what builds a good website and that's what has attracted legions of fans and foes alike to his.<br /><br />It's also rankled the NFL more than once. You know the NFL — the league is attached to NBC by a huge television deal. The NBC buying PFT.<br /><br />See what might be an issue here?<br /><br />Farmer put it best when asked by a twitter-follower <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">how soon it would be before PFT publishes something the league dislikes which then causes them to lean on NBC. He simply replied 'that's the test'.<br /><br />And it's a big one. Trust me; I really don't expect Florio to tone it down. But I also worked in Hollywood long enough to have seen first-hand network pressure.<br /><br />It gets contentious. It gets loud. People start pulling rank and checkbook rank. 'We're footing your bill' is a phrase I heard more than once.<br /><br />In Florio's corner are his super-lawyer powers. My assumption is he's prepared for such an eventuality. But who knows? What if he loses that battle? What happens to a site that — again like it or hate it — is a source of unvarnished opinion and more than a few scoops?<br /><br />The real question here may be not how much a thing like this is to be celebrated — but if it should be at all.<br /><br />On the one hand, anytime a site which started from nothing online and was built into a powerhouse is bought by a major like NBC, ESPN or CBSSports.com, it is a step towards legitimizing online work in a way that is harder to blow off than the odd scoop by a smaller site.<br /><br />You can try to ignore it and continue dismissing us as people in our parent's basement but that's just head-in-the-sand thinking when this happens or NFLDraftscout hooks up with CBSSports and NFL.com.<br /><br />It's not sweeping proof, but it helps. It shows that we can be just as hungry, accurate, successful and hardworking as anyone in 'traditional media'.<br /><br />But one of the strengths of sites like Florio's or DraftDaddy or any of the small sites like mine is the agility that comes with being a small, independent entity.<br /><br />What scares traditional media — that we don't have giant editors looking over us — can really be a source of strength. We can often react faster and speak our minds with less red tape than many in traditional media.<br /><br />Why do you see so many good mainstream writers on Twitter? Well, among many reasons, the ability to reach their audience immediately. To throw out a reaction as something happens.<br /><br />Of course, that's new media's kryptonite as well. I've seen firsthand how a bad story, un-supported and improperly followed up on or researched can sink a writer (and no, it wasn't me). So we have to be more on point and take it even more seriously because we are our own safety net and it's our rep on the line.<br /><br />But back on point — if what attracts a company like NBC to a site like PFT is also what scares it....<br /><br />Well, you have to wonder if that's a marriage destined to end well or happily. It sure wouldn't be the first time I saw an edgy project go to a conservative home and then get static for being what it was.<br /><br />Let's be honest though. While you may love a site like PFT for the content, a large portion of the reason NBC likes it is because of the audience it can reach. They may love the writing, content, instant reaction and Florio's nice suits, but audience numbers often factor in there above all else.<br /><br />Trust me, sometimes a corporation —especially an entertainment entity— jumps into bed with a project because of the pure, raw numbers of the audience.<br /><br />If PFT breaks a few stories the NFL isn't crazy about and they mention that to NBC in a not-so-casual-way, someone, somewhere is going to want something to change.<br /><br />And then we'll see how adaptable either side is.<br /></span></span><p>If for some reason Florio backs off, even a little — well what does that mean for the rest of us? What makes online content? Is it the same if it gets watered down to be more mainstream? Does that defeat the point?</p>All things to consider as we watch this unfold.<br /><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><br />One last thought though.<br /><br />Perhaps when Sam said 'that's the test', he was speaking about more than the purchase of PFT by NBC. Maybe the test is about how new media as a whole and traditional media as a whole might struggle to coexist.<br /><br />If that's the case, I can think of no better 'first-adopter' than Florio and PFT. They've made no bones about how they work in the past. I trust that they will continue to be 'who we thought they were' in the future as well.<br /><br />If anyone can make it work, I have a feeling the lawyer from West Virginia might just be the guy.<br /></span></span>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-13206255881247868732009-06-14T10:44:00.000-07:002009-06-14T10:49:22.229-07:002009 NFL Running Back Battles to Watch: Part 2Welcome to part two of the 2009 NFL Running Back Battles To Watch. Yesterday we looked at a bunch of great backs including - but not limited to - the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and the Carolina Panthers.<br /><br />Today we'll be looking at some more interesting backfield situations and seeing what they might mean for their respective teams.<br /><br />We'll start off with a team that has a clear-cut number one back but also some questions as to what to do if he cannot carry the full load over the course of the 2009 season.<br /><br /><strong>Jacksonville</strong><br />We all think Maurice Jones-Drew aka 'The Human Bowling Ball' aka 'The Bad Little Man' will be the bell cow here and get most if not all the work. The man can do it all and despite his size, usually stays healthy. With no Fred Taylor, he should get every carry Freddy used to get, right?<br /><br />Well, yes and no. While MJD is a stud and the offensive line is much healthier and better than 2008's version, the Jaguars will by no means risk burning out Jones-Drew before the playoffs. I expect one of the backs behind him to get a fair share of carries as well.<br /><br />Note that I am not saying they will cut significantly into his totes - but that it will factor in and probably in a good way.<br /><br />Former USC tailback Chauncey Washington patiently waited for his shot, but now has to hold off former Liberty stud Rashad Jennings a guy who improbably fell to the Jags in the seventh round - something I still can't figure out.<br /><br />Both players have the ability to fill in for MJD but despite being a USC Homer, I like Jennings better. He can catch, he can slide into holes but he has decent size. Matt Waldman of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio and footballguys.com said it best; 'what you should know about Jennings is that he's a bigger back with finesse'.<br /><br />That size combined with the skills Waldman alludes to make him a very attractive compliment to Jones-Drew and a guy to watch for long term on his own as well.<br /><br />Jennings has some issues finishing a run and will need to improve that if he wants to catch Washington.<br /><br />And lest we forget, Greg Jones has been occasionally stud-like when he has had a shot in the past and is a great 3rd down back. Jones has never quite been the same since a knee injury and is often hurt.<br /><br />Who ends up spelling MJD could have some real value for fantasy owners and Jags fans. It should be a horse race between these three.<br /><br /><strong>New Orleans</strong><br />Will Reggie Bush stay healthy? Will Pierre Thomas? Who gets the ball on third downs and at the goal line?<br /><br />Big questions for an offense which needs to improve it's run game to take some pressure off the pass game. It looks like Thomas has the between-the-tackles work locked down while Bush will continue to play scat-back.<br /><br />But both have some injury questions (Bush his legs and Thomas' wrist) so the Saints have journeyman Mike Bell, second year player Lynell Hamilton, and undrafted free agents P.J. Hill and Herb Donaldson.<br /><br />Mike Bell has played well in camp so far but don't discount the rookies. The Saints went hard into the street free agent market post-draft so they clearly have some concerns with the tailback position.<br /><br />Bell has played well before and then faltered. Hill has some serious character concerns but seems to realize he screwed up and is motivated to prove he has the ability and maturity to make an impact. All three are big backs, something the Saints lost when they let Deuce McAllister go.<br /><br />It will be interesting to see if any can make ground on Thomas and given the injury issues (for both Thomas and Bush) and Thomas' size, one of these guys could see action this season.<br /><br /><strong>Philadelphia</strong><br />With Brian Westbrook banged up again (What? Stop lying Garda! NEVER!) every Eagles fan - and many, MANY fantasy football owners - want to know who to grab for this year's version of Westbrook Insurance.<br /><br />Aside: Should Westbrook and/or the Iggles talk to Geico about a sponsorship? I mean, in these troubled economic times, shouldn't a club be looking for cash wherever they can?<br /><br />I'm not saying, but I am just saying is all.<br /><br />But all shenanigans aside who backs Westy up resonates hard an long amongst the NFL community of fans and it goes beyond fantasy football folks. As much as I like the receivers and the passing offense this year, they need the run game hitting on all cylinders.<br /><br />With the very real possibility that the last two years of 15 games might have been an illusion in terms Westy's health the Eagles need to know they can throw another guy in there and crank out the yards effectively.<br /><br />Which leaves you with this question: LeSean McCoy or Lorenzo Booker?<br /><br />Booker was a guy who I had high hopes for coming to Philadelphia last season after being virtually ignored by Miami previously. With his ability to catch the ball and his general shifty running style, I thought Lo-Book was going to get some traction finally but sadly that didn't happen.<br /><br />Booker barely saw the field and then the team went and drafted LeSean 'Shady' McCoy who is plays very similarly to Westbrook's game. And while a tad undersized, McCoy plays tough and isn't afraid of contact.<br /><br />It will be a battle in the most literal sense and no other fracas may impact the whole offense of a team like this one. If they cannot move the ball on the ground - and lack a player at the RB spot who can catch the ball as effectively as Westy - defenses could key heavily on the pass game.<br /><br /><strong>San Francisco</strong><br />I spent a lot of time the past few months looking oer the 49ers and there are a ton of questions surrounding this run game and what it could be.<br /><br />New offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye keeps saying this will not be a run heavy playbook, but if you look at his resume, he's definitely developed some very strong rushing attacks. So does that mean Raye is tossing some disinformation out there?<br /><br />Maybe not.<br /><br />The 49ers often run a game where a strong rushing attack sets up a vertical passing attack. It hasn't worked well for many reasons - not the least of which is the lack of a permanent solution at quarterback.<br /><br />So it isn't far fetched that Raye is being truthful - a rarity in today's NFL it seems. With the weapons at both running back and wide receiver, the Niners are set up to have an effective attack from either direction.<br /><br />We know Frank Gore is the stud-bell cow-big dawg-whatever you call it in the backfield. But he cannot do it alone as we saw when he wore down last season. <br /><br />So who is the backup who could share in his carries? A great question as the backs behind him all have questions.<br /><br />Michael Robinson has functioned more as a fullback and special-teamer and while Thomas Clayton tends to shine in preseason games, he hasn't played worth a tinker's damn during the season. Neither of them have quite been able to give the team a consistent and safe backup to Gore in the past few years.<br /><br />Two rookies - third round pick Glenn Coffee and street free agent Kory Sheets - have a shot at spelling Gore. Coffee is a solid one cut runner with great vision, who can aggressively attack the hole. He’s a powerful runner who could help the short yardage game, something that occasionally struggled in 2008.<br /><br />Sheets has great acceleration and burst and is a very good receiver out of the backfield. He can be very elusive and shows patience behind the line with good vision and instincts. I think he could emerge as a nice compliment to Gore in the vein of a Leon Washington or Reggie Bush.<br /><br />Adding Sheets as an extra weapon is nice, but ultimately the 49ers need to get someone to consistently and reliably spell Gore to save him for a potential run at a playoff spot this year.<br /><br /><strong>Seattle</strong><br />Somehow the Seahawks ended the draft without a replacement for the long departed Shaun Alexander, instead relying on Julius Jones and TJ Duckett for a solution at the running back position.<br /><br />I can't say I am enthusiastic about that, however I am cautiously optimistic.<br /><br />With a healthy pass game - which they lacked from the get-go last season - the Hawks could find themselves in possession of a consistent though not spectacular rushing attack.<br /><br />Julius Jones has shown some skills in the past and will probably make a good two-down runner for the team, getting a lift from a new zone-blocking scheme which he fits into well. However, even though he was the top running back for Seattle last season, he was pretty inconsistent and has to correct that if the team is to depend upon him.<br /><br />People keep talking each season about how this is TJ Duckett's time to shine, but I haven't heard a lot of that yet this off-season. Maybe that bodes well for the former Falcon/Redskin/Lion. He has always possessed a nose for the end zone and he'll get most of the redzone/end zone looks in my opinion - at least when the team isn't throwing the ball to Houshmandzadeh or second year tight end John Carlson.<br /><br />The question - aside from will Edgerrin James or Duece McAllister sign prior to the season - I am asking is where do guys like Justin Forsett end up? If Duckett is more suited to the short yardage/goal line role, will Forsett a second year man out of California, end up as Jones' backup? Or will he be relegated to special teams?<br /><br />I want to watch this battle closely as teams all know the Seahawks are gearing up to throw the ball a lot. So who ends up running the ball is of paramount importance. If they cannot move the ball on the ground, the wide receivers may find it very tough to get room to work in the secondary.<br /><br />That's it for now - if you don't hear from me in a few days, have someone send a cop to check on me. I might be buried under an avalanche of moving boxes.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-70582276648399012722009-06-13T07:28:00.000-07:002009-06-13T09:04:59.940-07:00Running Back Camp Battles to Watch Part 1While OTA's are winding/have wound down, the NFL does not sleep. While the players get what passes for a vacation, media does not, especially since Brett Favre can't make up his damned mind.<br /><br />In perfect universal symmetry, neither can the Vikings. Marriage made in heaven or hell? We'll find out soon enough.<br /><br />In order to get you prepped for tons of footbally goodness at the end of July, I've decided to break down some of the more interesting running back battles to watch in July and August.<br /><br />This is what happens when you drive cross country folks. You fill time.<br /><br />This is also not to say that there won't be battles we don't see as important now, emerging down the pike as intriguing. But for now, these are ones that stand out as important immediately.<br /><br />Without further ado (or more ado than usual at least) here are the Training Camp Battles to Watch: Running Backs.<br /><br /><strong>Carolina:</strong> There is a ton of assumption going on here after <strong>DeAngelo Williams</strong> went off in 2008. We know <strong>John Fox</strong> loves to hang with his long term vets and you have to figure Williams earned some consideration. Still, <strong>Jonathan Stewart</strong> was able to score 10 TDs even with Williams numbers, so Fox is willing to work him in. Where this gets interesting is behind Stewart with <strong>Mike Goodson</strong>.<br /><br />Stewart has been hurt during Mini's and OTA's and Goodson is a guy the team wants involved. Why does this matter? Because if Goodson gets a shot to shine and does so, this could become a three headed monster which might be great for Panther fans, though hurt the overall numbers of all three guys. Carolina runs a ton (504 pass attempts versus 414 passing according to footballguys.com) so there could be work for all, but that might be offset a tad by three running backs.<br /><br /><strong>Baltimore:</strong> Will last year's <strong>Thundering Blurb Mr. Glass Award Winner (TM) Willis McGahee</strong>, ever be healthy? My guess is no, sure as heck not coming off of two off-season surgeries. Both his knee (the one that has been hurt since.... um.... 1942?) and his ankle went under the knife. Stick a fork in him (or a scalpel), the man is DONE. The Ravens may not agree and we'll get a sense of that in Training Camp. That could mean the start of the <strong>Ray Rice Ruckus (also (TM)). </strong><br /><br />Rice showed some skills last season when he was healthy and should get a ton of the carries. He won't do it alone, however and whether the teams sticks with rookie Cedric Peerman, moves Le'Ron McClain back from fullback (where he went during OTA's) or adds some work for Jalen Parmele. How the backs behind Rice shake out could impact his numbers very sigificantly.<br /><br /><strong>Buffalo:</strong> With <strong>Marshawn Lynch</strong> suspended the first few games of the season, <strong>Fred Jackson</strong> will get his time to shine again. Jackson looked great in limited (sometimes not-so-limited) action last season. But the Bills acquired journeyman <strong>Dominic Rhodes</strong> this offseason to protect themselves and he'll duke it out for lead bell cow while 'Dis Muh Son' Lynch is in Goodell's pokey.<br /><br />This battle, mostly between Jackson and Rhodes is critical because whomever wins the top spot might not relinquish it when Lynch comes back and could factor in with what the Bills do with the troubled back long term if he can't get his head straight.<br /><br /><strong>Cincinnati:</strong> I know the Bengals think they have some sort of hidden gem in <strong>Cedric Benson</strong>, and I'm happy for them but remain unconvinced. Benson did well behind a tragic offensive line, which will not be the case if rookie <strong>Andre Smith</strong> can get his act together. But I can't help but recall all the problems Benson had in Chicago, so I am not annointing him anything and neither should Cinci. <strong>Brian Leonard</strong> and <strong>Bernard Scott</strong> are both good short yardage backs who can catch the ball and could make some noise.<br /><br />Scott will have to overcome some maturity issues and they will both have to shine in camp to wrest carries away from Benson. That's completely possible in my opinion so I will be interested to watch this camp closely.<br /><br /><strong>Denver:</strong> There are three sure things in football right now - <strong>Brett Favre</strong> will be considering and waffling about a comeback in the spring and early summer, the <strong>Raiders</strong> will make decisions based on logic only they can comprehend and the <strong>Broncos</strong> running back situation will be a cloudy mess.<br /><br />But have we lost one of those sure things? Surprising everyone in this April's Draft, the Donks took <strong>Knowshon Moreno</strong>, the talented back from Georgia and the interwubs is all a-twitter (or all <a href="https://twitter.com/ThunderingBlurb">twittering</a>) about Moreno carrying the whole load.<br /><br />For sure, he can do it all - block, run, catch. But will <strong>Head Coach Josh McDaniels</strong> truly rely on one back? His former team, the Patriots, didn't. Of course, you can argue they lacked a back like Moreno.<br /><br />All I know is Moreno has the ability to do it. But with recent additions <strong>Correll Buckhalter, Lamont Jordan </strong>and <strong>Darius Walker</strong>, along with impressive 2008 rookie <strong>Peyton Hillis</strong>, this is a camp battle you have to watch. Considering they no longer have <strong>Jay Cutler</strong> slinging the ball, the run game is of paramount importance this year.<br /><br /><strong>Indianapolis:</strong> It wasn't that long ago that <strong>Joseph Addai </strong>was the answer in Colt-land at running back. A few injury-plagued seasons later, <strong>Donald Brown</strong> is drafted and Addai is poised to lose most of his carries.<br /><br />Brown can do pretty much everything Addai can do, and might have the size to stay healthy as well. Most analysts feel it is only a matter of time before Brown takes over the higher percentage of carries in this obvious running-back-by-committee.<br /><br />What I want to know is, what percentage does he start the season off with? A good camp by Brown could give him a large role in this prolific offense.<br /><br />That's it for today's installment. I'll be back tomorrow with a look at some more teams, including who might be backing up MJD in Jacksonville, what Philadelphia is looking at if Westbrook stays hurt and who will be the top dog in the mess that is the Seahawks' run game.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-46664188386070222962009-05-29T17:30:00.000-07:002009-05-29T17:35:02.595-07:00Fantasy Rookies 2009: The Wide Receivers (Part Two)Welcome to part two of my look at the rookie wide receiver draft class and it's potential impact on your fantasy team.<br /><br />Today we look at some players who are shakier than the first group but may have just as much long-term potential.<br /><br />A few could even produce this year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kenny Britt, TEN</span><br />Britt is a guy with a nice combination of ability and opportunity. Britt joins a decent but no-exactly Pro Bowl group with oft-hurt Justin Gage and inconsistent vertical threat Nate Washington. With his good hands and physical play, he should be able to carve out a niche in the offense and could become a possession receiver who is Kerry Collins’ best friend next season. However, it’s not like Collins throws 100 times a game so how much productivity will he have? Britt is a fringe guy for the top 5 rookies and if he has a good camp, might be worth a late flier in a redraft. I think Dynasty-wise he’s worth a look in the first few rounds (not first though).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Robiskie, CLE</span><br />Robiskie is in an interesting situation and so far has impressed in camp. Tony Grossi from the Cleveland Plains Dealer says his two TD catches from Brady Quinn in red-zone drills along with the as-advertised crisp routes and overall polish make him an early leader for a #2 spot. There is a glut of other WRs there (including fellow rookie Mohamed Massaquoi), we don’t know who will be QB (though Quinn is looking good) and what impact Braylon Edwards has are all unanswered right now. Robiskie (and perhaps Massaquoi) could emerge during the season as a nice WR3 or 4. I would be careful in redraft but in Dynasty, Robiskie looks like a good bet to succeed down the road. Hopefully this will clear up a bit during training camp.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mike Thomas, Jarrett Dillard, JAX</span><br />There isn’t much to prevent either of these two guys from breaking out other than Tory Holt and the bad history of wide receiver drafting in Jacksonville. However, Holt is a great person to mentor these guys and there is a lot to like about Dillard and Thomas both which might have been lacking in previous picks. Both rookies are already huge presences at the team facilities and are getting accolades from coach Jack Del Rio. Dillard was a great leader at Rice who, while a bit undersized, can leap to make grabs and plays bigger than he is. Thomas is also a little smaller than you’d like in a WR, but is a tough guy across the middle, has some speed and was very productive at Arizona. Both of these guys have upside, I expect the OLine and overall offense should be snappier and Holt isn’t a long term solution. Watch these guys and see which seems to emerge in August as a potential late round Wr or a dynasty pick who could be productive by the end of the year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Juaquin Iglesias & Johnny Knox, CHI</span><br />With Jay Cutler coming to town you have to take a hard look at the wide receiver corps. There are a bunch of guys they will compete with – Hester, Bennett, Davies – but none have captured the first spot and run away with it. Hester (allegedly) is looking better than ever. But even the #2 slot on this team could be huge with Cutler throwing the ball. Iglesias is a tough, with good body control and a willingness to go across the middle. If he can become a reliable target, he could see a lot of work thrown his way though he might fight from looks with tight end Greg Olson. Knox is a vertical threat and he’ll see more competition from Hester. I’m still not sold on Hester and think there is room for Knox to move in, but it can be a risk. I would avoid either one in a redraft but either one could be a decent lat pick in a rookie draft.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brandon Tate, WR</span><br />Tate is an intriguing guy – he has talent but he’s coming off of an injury which was pretty bad. Testing positive for drugs at the Combine doesn’t speak well of his smarts either. Even if Tate comes back and keeps clean, he’s a few years away from impacting the lineup. Undraftable in redraft and not worth anything more than a late spot on most Dynasty rosters as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other guys I like:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ramses Barden, NYG </span>– Barden has to beat out Nicks and learn to use his body better but I’m a well known Barden Booster and I think he will emerge as a player in a year or two. He was prolific at the college level, even though he played against lesser quality opponents. He's a hard worker and while there are a bunch of wide receivers to vie with for time, I think he has what it takes to succeed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Patrick Turner, MIA –</span> There aren’t a ton of world beaters in Miami and Turner has a shot to compete for a starting spot. He’s not a speed demon, doesn’t get much separation and isn’t a deep threat. He’s an aggressive player – and tough – so he could carve out a red zone/short yardage niche in the offensive scheme.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Derrick Williams, DET –</span> A guy who is not likely to explode for several years but might match up nicely with Calvin Johnson down the road. He has the speed to be so – but he was never terribly productive at Penn State so his ceiling is a big question mark.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-84798548154990657432009-05-21T16:42:00.000-07:002009-05-21T17:02:52.276-07:00San Francisco 49ers Sign CB Dre' Bly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/ShXrpbuPiBI/AAAAAAAAABQ/CDGoA2qEaJU/s1600-h/Dre.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/ShXrpbuPiBI/AAAAAAAAABQ/CDGoA2qEaJU/s320/Dre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338432030366468114" border="0" /></a><br />With the injury to Walt Harris this week, it was only a matter of time before the 49ers brought in another veteran to fill out the roster spot.<br /><br />Bly, who according to <a href="http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/">Matt Maiocco of the </a><span class="bio"><a href="http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/">The Press Democrat</a> </span> signed a 1 year contract today, has been around the league a few times. Most recently he played with the Denver Broncos after working for the Lions and Rams previously.<br /><br />He has been unemployed since he was cut by the Broncos this off-season. While with Denver, he compiled 62 tackles - 54 solo, 8 assisted - over 16 games. He also had a pair of interceptions.<br /><br />While Bly's best days might be behind him, he is still a producer and helps give the 49ers some veteran depth. With Shawntae Spencer coming off an injury and players like Tarrell Brown and Marcus Hudson who have yet to prove themselves a little extra proven support could be a big deal.<br /><br />Bly will likely line up across from Nate Clements this season and will likely have to get his hands dirty supporting the run defense - something he can defintely do.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-24165083290766960682009-05-21T09:37:00.000-07:002009-05-21T12:08:48.460-07:00Fantasy Rookies 2009: The Wide Receivers (pt 1)Welcome to the next installment in our look at the incoming NFL rookies and their impact in you upcoming fantasy season.<br /><br />Today we look at part one of the wide receivers - <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ThunderingBlurb/2009/05/21/The-Thundering-Blurb-Football-Show">which we began to look at on last night's Thundering Blurb Show on BlogTalkRadio.com</a>. As is the case with everything this early, there are varying degrees of reaction to the rankings and breakdowns.<br /><br />Last night I certainly heard some disagreement from the callers on the last few guys we spoke about. That's the point as far as I'm concerned, so feel free to join in below in the comments.<br /><br />First of all, while I think there are more rookie wide receivers who could impact your fantasy season right now than any other position, receivers have a high bust rate and even when they succeed, it can take a long time.<br /><br />Keeping that in mind - here is part one of the rookie wide receiver breakdown.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Crabtree, SF</span><br />The 49ers had to be thanking their lucky stars that Crabtree fell to them, right?<br /><br />It all depends upon how much stock you put in the character concerns surrounding Crabtree just before the Draft. Still, even if he has an attitude problem, head coach Mike Singletary has experience dealing with that.<br /><br />So that issue aside, let’s talk about his skills. Simply put, the man makes plays.<br /><br />He has phenomenal ball skills, makes amazing catches with his leaping ability and works very hard. Sure, he’s not winning any wind sprints. But he can ball.<br /><br />Two big questions: 1) How will his foot heal and will it affect his play this season? And 2) The 49ers are loaded with talent at wide receiver. Where will he fit in 2009?<br /><br />In my opinion, the answer to the first is that it probably will be ok and not affect his overall ability. To be honest, I’m no doctor, and I didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, so this is about as arm-chair QB as you can get.<br /><br />But the whole reason he skipped Pro Days and workouts was to get surgery to heal the foot. If he rehabs well – and as I said, the dude is known as a hard worker – then the foot won’t be a huge factor in his game.<br /><br />It may factor in his playing time though. Like it or not, he won’t be on the field until late this summer. That is time lost. We know Isaac Bruce can play. We’re pretty sure Josh Morgan can play. Brandon Jones was brought over from the Titans because he can play.<br /><br />OK, Jason Hill and Arnaz Battle aren’t that big a factor, but still – that’s quite a few wide receivers.<br /><br />Morgan has the biggest impact, as they play the same spot on the field – the ‘X’ or split end position. There is every chance that because Crabtree may miss the bulk of mini camps, OTAs and maybe even a little Training Camp, that Morgan could start the season there and Crabtree could be eased in.<br /><br />Down the road, I think Crabtree will take over. But Morgan already looks good in mini-camps and OTA’s and Crabtree will be playing catchup. Rookie wide receivers always have lots to catch up about.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty</span><br />Likely a top five pick in most leagues, depending on need and scoring. But keep in mind that wide receivers have a high bust rate – a huge factor in no wide receivers going in round one of the 2008 NFL Draft. Also, keep in mind that we have no idea who will be throwing the rock this year or next.<br /><br />Still, those questions (and the few I listed earlier) aside – you’re looking at the top WR in a Fantasy Dynasty draft. I may not take him first overall, but he should be gone no later than 5.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />You know that high bust ratio I just mentioned? It makes drafting rookie wide receivers even riskier in redraft. We know Crabtree will get his shot but when and how often? I think he’ll make it on the field at some point, but I’d be cautious how much I needed him as a fantasy wide receiver, especially early in the season.<br /><br />That makes him about as valuable as kick return/WRs and part timers. But when comparing Crabtree to, say, Kevin Walter – you have to determine upside. And it’s my opinion Crabtree will carry more upside than a #3/Kick returner.<br /><br />So while I am looking to pick him up somewhere in the eighth or ninth round, and around WR35-40, I’d take him before guys like Walter, an aging guy like Tory Holt or an unproven guy like Devin Hester.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeremy Maclin, PHI</span><br />Most people will have Hakeem Nicks here, but I like Maclin more. Yes the Giants lack a #1. Yes, DeSean Jackson is a stud.<br /><br />Still, I think Maclin is in a very good situation. Kevin Curtis won’t be a big threat as he will be more of a situational player. And Jackson will benefit from Maclin as well as Maclin will from him.<br /><br />He does need to polish his route running and sometimes loses concentration, but I think his speed and overall ability to catch the ball totally outweighs those concerns.<br /><br />The biggest problem is how he fits into this offense. As I said, I don’t think Curtis keeps him benched, provided he has a good camp. If that happens – and I believe it will – they will have to throw him the ball to keep defenses off both Jackson and Westbrook.<br /><br />All draft season I was told ‘Andy Reid doesn’t draft offense in round 1’. He did – which means he intends to use him. And if he does Maclin could have a solid year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty</span><br />In my mind, Maclin is a top ten rookie pick in nearly any rookie draft. He may not pay off immediately and I don’t expect numbers like Jackson had last season, but the presence of DeSean will help him by room to make plays and he can do that for sure. He could lag a bit in picking up the game – rookie WRS often do – but he will look very nice next year then, if that’s the case.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />Don’t get too fooled by DeSean Jackson’s 2008 numbers. I love Maclin – even for this year – but last year’s numbers will be hard to match. He’s more of an upside pick but is one of three guys I think have an excellent chance to provide some points for you and will be invaluable during bye weeks or in deep leagues.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hakeem Nicks, NYG</span><br />Many are predicting instant (or nearly instant) success for the talented junior out of North Carolina. And given the situation he landed in – Toomer gone, Burress a victim of himself – you have to think he’ll get a shot.<br /><br />Nicks is an outstanding route runner who can make amazing and tough catches consistently. He’s very competitive and will fight for the ball and has no fear going across the middle.<br /><br />He does have some question marks in his game. He’s not terribly quick and doesn’t get much separation. Nicks can also be a bit inconsistent in his efforts and isn’t all that helpful as a blocker.<br /><br />Now, there have been some outstanding WRs who haven’t gotten separation. Guys who make their bones being a hard-ass WR who makes plays. And you can learn to block.<br /><br />But given that there are a grip of other wide receivers – Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and his fellow 2009 rookie Ramses Barden (a Blurb favorite) – so he’s no lock to start beyond a #3 and it Barden has a better camp….<br /><br />I think Steve Smith and Barden are threats more than Hixon or Manningham. Hixon seemed to fade after a big Super Bowl and when he should have stepped up he didn’t. And I’m not a big believer in Manningham. Barden has to learn to use his body better and that’s one thing Hicks does better.<br /><br />It’s his edge – can he keep it? I’m not sure I am sold.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty</span><br />Hicks is a guy I seem to love less than a lot of analysts. Still, he’s in a position to succeed if he applies himself and warrants a look in your rookie draft’s first round. I think he has a little bit less distance to go than Barden, so I give him the edge.<br /><br />But be prepared to sit him most of the year. If you are ok with that, he should produce within a year or so and has the upside to be very good. But if Barden starts using his huge body the way he can – it might be a fight.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />You’d probably pick him up around the time you’ll pick up NFL #3s and fellow rookies like Heyward-Bey and – depending upon how risk averse you might be – Percy Harvin. Nicks COULD produce, but the glut of WRs around him have me worried right now.<br /><br />Hicks is one of the WRs who could move up my draft board though, with continued good news out of OTAs and Training Camp. Right now though, not sold enough to risk more than a #3 or 4 spot for my lineup.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Percy Harvin, MIN</span><br />Harvin has already had his share of trouble with some concerns over character and drug use – and raised eyebrows when he missed mini camp due to dehydration. When rumor has it you biffed a drug test you knew you would take at the Combine…<br /><br />Well - let’s just say ‘red flag’.<br /><br />Despite that, he is expected to be at OTAs and Sidney Rice himself says he expects to have to battle Harvin to for the starting flanker or ‘Z’ position at wide receiver.<br /><br />The fact that Rice is coming off a knee injury which contributed to a lackluster year (one we expected him to break out in) gives Harvin a leg up – so to speak – but by no means do I count Rice out.<br /><br />In reality both WRs bring different skills to the table – Rice can make big leaping catches and use his body against opposing secondary while Harvin can both get separation to be a vertical threat as well as work the middle.<br /><br />Fact is, while Rice’s knee contributed to his lackluster 2008, the clock is ticking and if Harvin can keep his head on straight, he can duplicate some of what Rice can.<br /><br />Aside from the worries about Harvin's attitude, I don't have a ton of worries. As I said on the podcast, all these guys have question marks. Some - Crabtree and Maclin - have talent which makes those questions not as big.<br /><br />But most of the rest don't quite fall in that category so they should shuffle all summer long. Harvin has a ton of talent and I think he'll overcome his penchant for bad decisions at least enough to stay on the field.<br /><br />Beyond anything else, they will get him involved. If he doesn't beat out Rice, they'll put him in the slot or occasionally split him out wide - whatever it takes to utilize his abilities.<br /><br />Also - this ranking could change radically if His Royal Favreness becomes a Viking. I can't say if I think that is bad or good yet, but it could change the landscape.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty</span><br />Harvin is a guy who certainly has some risk but also a tremendous amount of ability. Like the Vikings, you're banking on the fact that he can overcome his penchant for bad decisions to fully reveal his ability, which is great. He may not vault to superstar status immediately but I think he will emerge down the road as a solid wide receiver - perhaps more than that - for your Dynasty squad.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />Harvin is also a risky pick for a redraft owner but could end up being productive. As always, minimize your risk. And consider that since most redraft leagues don't draft until late summer, you are in a good position to see where Harvin stands and pick accordingly. If you had to pick him right now, I would wait quite a long time, and he wouldn't be any higher than mid to late WR 50.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK</span><br />Ok, let's forget for a moment the ridiculousness of the pick by the Raiders. DHB was still a guy we all felt was a receiver who could be a first round pick.<br /><br />He's got his faults. At Maryland, he had big problems with drops and he rarely if ever played against press coverage. He wasn't productive, but you can blame that on an offense that never used him to his full capabilities.<br /><br />DHB also lacks special teams experiance, though that was always more of a factor for me in terms of the actual draft versus fantasy purposes.<br /><br />I would be positive Heyward-Bey could improve his overall game if it wasn't for one thing - that would be the play of JaMarcus Russell.<br /><br />Now I'm not calling Russell a bust. I will, however, point out that he is already struggling in OTAs. According to Jerry McDonald - beat writer for the Oakland Tribune - Russell's performance as recently as Wednesday (5/21) was 'awful'.<br /><br />Head Coach Tom Cable says the problem with Russell is his unfamiliarity with the new offense. But a guy who can throw 70 yards from his knees should be much better in an offense which goes vertical like this one should while in shorts and with no hitting.<br /><br />So while Russell is no bust, he's starting to list that way and if he struggles, what does that mean for DHB? And before we cry for Garcia, he's not going to allow Heyward-Bey to stretch the field the way Russell should.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Dynasty</span><br />Heyward-Bey could develop into a very good receiver or at worst, a Nate Washington type who can stretch the field often, if not be incredibly productive. In my mind, I have big concerns that are not really stemming from his potential. One I mentioned - Russell and his development or lack thereof. Second though, is the organization itself. The Raiders are a mess - is this a place that will be able to develop a wide receiver successfully?<br /><br />As that is the case, he probably slips down into the second round of a rookie draft for me. He's got some very good upside - but I am unsure he will realize it for some time.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Redraft</span><br />With the disarray of the wide receiver corps in Oakland, who is in his way? Chaz Schilens? Javon Walker? If Russell can get his game on - or even if Garcia is a reasonable replacement - DHB <span style="font-style: italic;">could </span>become a decent producer of fantasy points.<br /><br />But - and this is a large but - this is not an offense I think is primed for big things. So sure, he could be the best wide receiver (2nd best receiver overall next to Zach Miller) on the Raiders - but that might be like re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So that's it for this edition of the Wide Reciever Breakdown. Next week I will have the rest of the bunch - and I think there are several guys who have a great deal of value especially in Dynasty leagues.<br /><br />If there is someone you really want me to cover, throw it in the comments or email me at thunderingblurb@gmail.com and I will tackle them.<br /><br />Not literally.<br /></span>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-76958246084716184212009-05-18T15:48:00.000-07:002009-05-18T17:52:21.064-07:00Fantasy Rookies 2009: The Running BacksWhat's not to like about running backs? I could chat about - and on occasion - with them for hours and never get bored.<br /><br />In so far as fantasy impact, the running backs coming out of college have less of a learning curve than the quarterbacks and wide receivers.<br /><br />As I said last time, I don't expect many Steve Slaton's here. Guys who could surprise because you don't know who they are. There are a ton of backs to like overall though and long term, some real potential.<br /><br />We start off with a trio of backs with the best chance to have an impact immediately.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN</span><br />While a gasp inducing pick for many – myself included – Moreno has an excellent blend of talent and opportunity. I don’t foresee most of the guys behind him taking too many carries away if he has a good camp.<br /><br />Buckhalter and Jordan are threats but not hugely so. Moreno can do everything – hit the hole hard and run through the tackles, catch the ball out of the backfield and he can even block well. He might need to adjust his running style, which is very aggressive and might lead to too much abuse.<br /><br />But in what will probably be a one cut and run rushing attack, Moreno could have significant success and get a bunch of carries. I know, historically, with DEN RB you have to be extra careful. But new coach, new offense – I think a new attitude as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty<br /></span>Moreno should be off the board no later than three and probably will be gone in one. While the offense could struggle this year, I think he can do enough well to be on the field three downs and even in a timeshare short term, he’ll be worth a ton long term.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft<br /></span>He’s one of the few guys I would take to use as a consistent starter, though you have to figure flex/RB2 depending. But his upside is pretty good. He could go as anywhere between the 25th onward in a redraft and I don’t think I would blink.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Wells, RB, AZ</span><br />In the conversation for top rookie RB, Wells fell into a very good situation in Arizona. Edgerrin James is gone (although you can blame some of his underproduction on lack of use) and Tim Hightower showed us he was not able to carry the full load last season.<br /><br />Wells - an outstanding downhill runner with good burst, vision and top speed – has some durability concerns and isn’t a great receiver. But I think in the injury concern isn’t as bad as many fear. The lack of good receiving skills may hurt him on long third downs and that’s why he’s behind Moreno here.<br /><br />He might be the better back, but he’ll be on the field one less down. But when he's on the field, he has an outstanding pass attack to keep the opposing defenses honest and that will give him good room to get to top speed and take off.<br /><br />Also, he could work hard to improve his receiving game and that could make him even more dangerous.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty</span><br />Like Moreno, Wells will go in the top three of any Dynasty draft and he should. He won’t get you as many points in a PPR, so again, this is another reason he is behind Moreno. But if you are in the 1,2,3 slot in your draft, be very happy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />Could be a guy who will go near Moreno (yes again) somewhere after RB25 and on. He has the upside to be better than that so he might go earlier than 25th back off the board, but I don’t expect Forte or Johnson here. He should be a very reliable but you can’t expect more than you would from other backs who we’re not sure about like Derrick Ward in Tampa and part timer/scoring machines like LenDale White.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Donald Brown, RB, IND</span><br />I like what Brown brings to the table – he has good hands and can catch, can make a big play even when he doesn’t have the speed to run away from defenders, has great vision and can break tackles. I don’t know what to expect from him and Addai going forward.<br /><br />Unlike Moreno who I believe to get most of the carries in Denver and Wells who is just a better back than his partner Hightower, Brown is a guy who has a legit starting back next to him.<br /><br />Addai’s biggest problem is injury – and Brown will get the rock enough to keep him healthy.<br /><br />But I have two questions.<br /><br />First, what if Addai is healthy? Do we see Addai retain 75% of the snaps? And who is getting the third down/short yardage carries? Neither Addai nor Brown are short yardage backs. So who is getting the short yardage? And if it isn’t them – well how much will that hurt their overall numbers?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty<br /></span>I think long term, Brown will end up with the starting gig. It’s just a feeling as Addai is spending too much time hurt while Brown has proven (at least in college) that he can carry a full load. Brown is easily a top 5 rookie pick, but keep in mind that he may only be a part timer for you at least the first year. If you have Addai, and happen to see him drop to you, I would consider him even over the other two, since you are already invested in the Colts run game.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />Because there is so much clutter around how this RBBC split will go, Brown drops a little further down the board in a redraft – even in a PPR league. He could have tremendous numbers – but he could also be average. I would say somewhere in the neighborhood of RB35 and beyond – amongst fringers who start but are aging and seeing smaller production totals (like Jamal Lewis) and backups with upside (like Felix Jones).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">After the above guys, you have upside, but players who might take time just getting onto the field.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shonn Greene, RB, NYJ</span><br />Greene is a guy who could shoot up or drop down this list at any time. As of right now, Leon Washington and Thomas Jones are both holding out. I don’t expect that to stay the case but it brings up some important thoughts.<br /><br />First, we can be pretty sure that the guy who gets paid first (Leon Washington) is the guy who will still be there down the road and the guy who isn’t (that would be Thomas Jones) won’t be.<br /><br />Got a headache yet? You should, but pop some aspirin and bear with me. Long term, Jones isn’t the answer for Gang Green. It’s one of many reasons why the team leaped up a second time to get him. They know (or think they do) Jones isn’t the long term guy.<br /><br />It’s why he won’t get the money he wants. And the longer he holds out, perhaps the better it is for Greene.<br /><br />Greene, for his part, is a great match for the speedy, game breaking Washington (who will get some money). He’s physical, powerful with a very strong lower body, gets stronger as the game goes, fights for the last inch and always falls forward and he rarely coughs the ball up.<br /><br />Paired with Washington in the backfield, Greene would help give the Jets the running game they need to control the clock the way they want and help protect their inexperience QB (whichever guy it is).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty<br /></span>Greene should go somewhere in the first 10 picks – it depends upon need. I might take Stafford or Sanchez if I had ok RB depth. Crabtree should almost certainly go before him. But he will be the Jets starting running back within two years and should have worthwhile success. Jones will likely be back in camp, so Greene may not produce this year. But he will soon.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />As I said, I expect both Washington and Jones to go to training camp, which will limit Greene’s effectiveness this year. You can take a flier on him, but that means after all the starters and upside backups go – probably around RB 55-60 give or take.<br /><br />If Jones holds out for even a portion of camp, I might be tempted to pull him out a little earlier. Recall how hard it was on even backs like Steven Jackson when they skip portions of camp? Jones may find himself struggling if he holds out into late August – and then Greene may get more carries. But still, mostly upside which is likely to remain untapped here for 2009.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LeSean McCoy, RB, PHI</span><br />Am sort of torn on McCoy.<br /><br />On the one hand, he's a great athlete, with natural vision and instincts. He's quick, agile, and can either catch the ball well or hit the hole hard.<br /><br />In short, Westbrook part 2, although that doesn't do justice to what he is capable of in my opinion.<br /><br />He has his downsides - his size, ball security and not much of a blocker. But I think he could really be a big factor, save for one big minus.<br /><br />That would be Westbrook. If Westy stays healthy (and I always assume a player will) how much will 'Shady' get the rock?<br /><br />I think down the road, he could be Westbrooks' replacement. But if that tales two or three years, what does that mean for his owners?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>I like McCoy a ton. If you are a Westbrook owner, I think he is a must have and around the 4-6 spot if he is there and you already have Westbrook, you grab him. It may take a few years to get his full shot, but he will and I like what I have seen so far. Even if you don't have Westbrook, he's a worthy guy to grab and will produce down the road.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />If you grab Westy in the first, you almost have to get McCoy later. The question is - WHEN? While I might take him after Greene in Dynasty, I think he's probably a slightly better bet in redraft leagues.<br /><br />I know, I said I don't count on players getting hurt. But with Westy's history, better safe than sorry. I grab him maybe around RB 50 - around the time guys like Jerrious Norwood go. A part timer who could put up ok numbers and has a shot if someone gets hurt.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rashard Jennings, RB, JAX</span><br />Man, I still boggle at how Jennings got overlooked. Maybe it was the small school. Maybe it was bouncing around between Pitt and Liberty.<br /><br />Whatever, Jennings dropped into the laps of the Jags and they have to be happy.<br /><br />Athletic, strong and powerful, but with decent speed for the size. He can move the chains and could be a huge factor in a short yardage game.<br /><br />I think he could pair up well with Maurice Jones-Drew and can both block for MJD, as well as sub for him. And as he can catch AND run, not too much of a step back from a strategy standpoint.<br /><br />How much he will play is a question mark, but here is a guy who can rocket up this ranking in short order this summer.<br /><br />On top of what I wrote, this is a good character guy. Why did he leave Pitt for the small program at Liberty? he went to be nearer to his<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>I think this is a guy you have to think about no later than second round in a rookie draft. There are issues, and I don't know if he will win enough of the load to impact immediately, but I think the skillset and ability fit well with the Jags.<br /><br />And with a newly shored up OLINE? Dang.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />Jennings is a guy who will be hard to decide on until I know it's him and not Washington or Greg Jones as the #2 behind MJD. Whomever is that guy will have value somewhere in the neighborhood of RB 50-60. If not, you can count Jennings as not worth drafting - this season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Andre Brown, RB, NYG</span><br />I have heard conflicting evaluation on Brown. I have heard he will step right in for the departed Derrick Ward. I have heard him called a project and that Danny Ward will be the 'Wind'.<br /><br />I think Brown is probably in the middle.<br /><br />He's got a great set of skills and should at least get into the RB rotation as a #3. Whether he can catch Bradshaw is another thing.<br /><br />Brown runs with very good power, can break tackles and can also catch out of the backfield.<br /><br />His downside is a lack of great speed and elusiveness, some durability concerns and isn't great at turning the corner.<br /><br />Thing is, his skill-set fits very well with the rotation that the Giants. If he can stay healthy, he can probably hold off Ware - who I like, but believe does not have as much upside as Brown.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dynasty<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Brown will probably work his way more and more into the lineup but with Jacobs there for the duration, his impact might be limited, especially since he splits the carries three ways instead of two. Eventually if he is effective, you can imagine Bradshaw will be let go in free agency. But there is a chance all three will stick and that could limit his long term impact.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Redraft</span><br />I like Brown, as he will probably play this season. But that three way split makes him a little less attractive than the backs who have preceded him on this list. Jacobs is a sure thing in the run game but Bradshaw and Brown's splits are a question mark. I like him, but probably around RB60 or so and as an upside pick later in the draft.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here are some other guys who may impact down the road or have a shot in some way this season, but by no means are they assured carries.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Javon Ringer, RB, TENN -</span> Ringer has some durability and size questions but he is a solid runner who has something some say LenDale White lacks - an amazing work ethic and leadership. If White carps in 2009 like he did in 2008 - Ringer could take his slot. A later pick in Dynasty and a Hail Mary pick in a ReDraft though don't expect much this season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Gartrell Johnson, RB, SD -</span> Two years running people have said 'Oh, the Bolts have grabbed LT's replacement' but it hasn't happened yet. Johnson is a good late Dynasty pick as he could fit part of that role - a tough, aggressive runner who can block and get tough yards. But he isn't necessarily a bell-cow, but could fit well with Hester or Sproles in a two back system. Untouchable in redraft, but a mid-to-late round in a Dynasty draft.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">James Davis, RB, CLE -</span> Jamal Lewis is slowly grinding out the end of his career, though effectively, given the Oline issues. Jerome Harrison was the LAST staff's guy. And most of those last staff's guys are gone. The Clemsen back is a strong runner who can run inside, but lacks game breaking speed. Still, he'll get his shot. A good later round pick in a rookie draft, but another guy not to grab unless very late in a redraft.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Glenn Coffee/Kory Sheets, RB, SF -</span> Both backs have question marks but someone has to help Frank Gore carry the load if this becomes a run-centric offense. Coffee could do some short yardage work which failed last year and Sheets is a fast, quick back who can catch out of the backfield. This looks like it could be a junior version of the Giants 3-headed monster. If Michael Robinson or Thomas Clayton were the answer, there wouldn't be two rookie backs in camps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Arian Foster, RB, HOU -</span> Steve Slaton has great value because the Texans didn't pull a running back within the draft. However, they still have questions about how he can do alone. They need a second back and Foster is an intriguing possibility. He's not incredibly fast and isn't a big play threat but he can block, shows good patience and can catch out of the backfield. He has the skills, but also some questions which make him a shaky long term (or short term) pick. But he's a guy to watch. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeremiah Johnson </span>is an interesting prospect as well, and is similiar to Foster. Either one can succeed as a back up to Slaton.<br /><br />There are other backs worth watching - Chris Ogbonnaya with the Rams, Mike Goodson with the Panthers, Bernard Scott with Cincinnati and Cedric Peerman with Baltimore.<br /><br />All those guys have some value either as backups to big backs or are in situations which are cloudy enough to give them a shot to emerge at some points.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-89752787536258158492009-05-05T20:28:00.000-07:002009-05-06T09:14:18.400-07:00Fantasy Rookies 2009: The Quarterbacks<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]-->Now that we've had a little bit of time to digest the draft and overcome our shocks, hangovers, or disappointments, it's time to start breaking down the players from the most important direction possible—their impact on your fantasy football squad.
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<br />Priorities, right?
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<br />This is the first in a series of articles which will cover various positions for both Dynasty and Redraft leagues.
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<br />I'll start by saying something I have said multiple times already prior to and after the draft, and will say pretty much at the top of all of these articles—do not be fooled by last year's numbers. We will—in all likelihood—not see the success that we did last year.
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<br />So for Dynasty, keep thinking about long term ramifications as much as (if not more than) short term. In redraft, do not over-value a rookie and leap on one too early, as it is unlikely most of them will pay off this season.
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<br />There will be precious few studs with immediate impact this season—and I would hazard a guess that none of them will reside in today's category, the quarterbacks.
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<br />If this class was a weak one from a pure football standpoint, it isn't much better from a fantasy one. There are a few who might play this season, a few with long term upside, and many who will be sitting on a waiver wire for a very long time.
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<br />With that, here are my thoughts on the 2009 rookie quarterbacks, ranked in order of their draft position, with a rank at the end of how effective I think they will be long and short term.
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<br /><b>Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions</b> <p class="MsoNormal">Stafford has the arm to take advantage of Calvin Johnson's vertical game and, yes, he's a guy who can either buy time in the pocket or throw on the run, which he will need unless that offensive line pulls a miracle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Stafford looks like he might have the tools to succeed down the road, but that's my biggest concern—will he be allowed to develop or will he be rushed out this season?
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<br />The Lions are saying all the right things; that Daunte Culpepper is the guy this year, that Stafford needs time to learn and get used to the NFL.
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<br />But six or seven games in, will he be on the bench if the Lions stay lousy?
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<br />I know I have been in the midst of arguments that the Lions' offensive line isn't that bad off, but I have my doubts about that. And on top of that, I prefer a quarterback to sit for a season before being thrown in to the fire. A QB's psyche is sometimes a fragile thing.
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<br />Yes, Peyton Manning survived and got better in spite of that initial hellish season one. Many, many quarterbacks did not and they far outnumber the survivors.
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<br />If he gets most of the season to adjust to the NFL, I like Stafford quite a bit. His arm, his feet, all the little things he does well. But I like him less if he gets thrown to the wolves in the NFC North too soon.
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<br />That offense would live and die by his arm and I don't think it has the tools for him to bring that off. If he goes in, and they double cover Johnson or stack the box against Kevin Smith, what then?
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<br />He can't win it all and behind that offensive line, I worry about the pounding he might get and its results.
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<br /><b>Dynasty Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First round rookie, with the hopes he gets the time to work up to starter. If you own Culpepper, you almost have to have him unless you have better.
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<br /><b>Redraft Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A late addition—probably near QB 28-30. He could bump up if he wins the job outright, though not much and I'm hoping sense prevails and he sits.
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<br /><b>Mark Sanchez, NY Jets</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sanchez's situation is at once similar to Stafford's and also wildly different.
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<br />Let me explain. I love the upside of Sanchez, he can make all the throws you need, is a natural leader, a hard worker, and a very smart player.
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<br />That said, like Stafford, he'd benefit from a little time to develop.
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<br />Unlike Stafford, though, he has a better chance of survival if he is thrown in the mix early.
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<br />Whereas the Lions would need Stafford to do a ton of heavy lifting, the Jets built their offensive line to be a power run blocking line.
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<br />Yes, they utterly got away from that when Favre showed up. That's reason number 4,546 why Eric Mangini is a Brown.
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<br />But ultimately, that's what they are. And in that case, the quarterback's burden is much easier.
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<br />Sanchez is a guy who has already impressed the team with his hard work and overall play and while they—like the Lions—say all the right things about it being a competition, it isn't looking like that.
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<br />Sanchez has a better chance of being stuck in a No. 1 spot at the beginning of the season and he also has a better chance of survival if he is thrown directly into the fire.
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<br />That said, even if he's wildly successful, he's not likely to have to throw often (assuming the Jets' defense and run offense work out) and so he won't be a guy who blows up this season.
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<br />Longer term, until they get him a legit No. 1 wide receiver, he will lag behind Stafford assuming he (Stafford) survives.
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<br /><b>Dynasty Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like Stafford, he's a first round rookie, and in his case is probably safer to start in a bye week. But long term right now, I put him behind Stafford. Until the Jets get him some vertical weapons, he is unlikely to match Stafford's potential long term production.
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<br /><b>Redraft Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Again, a guy who you probably look at after most of the veteran starters are gone. I think the same things that might limit his long term potential—the offensive schemes, the defense—make him a safer bet than Stafford to put consistent points up. Those points still won't make him reliable as much more than a bye week or emergency filler.
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<br />Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After leaping over non-existent teams desperate to grab Freeman and all the "I know this kid, he's AWESOME" talk from the head coach, I don't know I believe Freeman doesn't start at some point.
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<br />Still, there is a good chance we see Byron Leftwich as the starter come week one, despite Freeman's really ill-advised (and perhaps flat out incorrect) statement that Leftwich was just "smokescreen" to throw people off the scent.
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<br />Riiiiiiight.
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<br />Freeman is a big, tough, quarterback with a strong arm who has lots of experience and pretty good mobility.
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<br />Two things don't work for me about him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">First, stuff like that statement about Leftwich really tell me he's not much of a leader, no matter what many sites have said otherwise. How is that the way you want to enter a locker-room? How do you win that place over?
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<br />Not smart. Worse, it smacks (in my mind) of Ryan Leaf. He expects to be "the man." I wonder if that work ethic, which was a plus in college, will exist at the Pro level.
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<br />More importantly is that he was incredibly streaky in college and, as much as he would succeed, he would go a game throwing picks and bad passes. For example, his November 1 game against Kansas. Freeman threw no touchdown passes in the 52-21 loss, while tossing three interceptions and getting sacked three times.
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<br />The fact that the Bucs were at that game disturbs me. So does the fact that he didn't throw any touchdown passes in four games against Texas A&M, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
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<br />Yes, he lacked big time players. I still say some of the best—most successful—quarterbacks had success at the college level despite a dearth of top talent.
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<br />And who does he have in Tampa? Antonio Bryant, who finally lived up to expectations last year but who isn't a sure bet to repeat, and a decent run game. And some real questions on the defensive side of the ball.
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<br />Does it really sound all that much better?
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<br />That doesn't mean he won't succeed. I just don't like his chances.
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<br /><b>Dynasty Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A distant third behind Stafford and Sanchez and even then I don't like him. To me, he's a project (which really all these guys are to some extent) and I'd rather grab another skill position and pick up another quarterback later or trade out for a QB in next year's draft.
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<br /><b>Redraft Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wouldn't even draft him unless he was sure to start and even then, I don't know if I would go for him when he might get drafted. I would rather pick up a backup earlier and then value at another position while someone risks a pick on Freeman.
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<br /><b>Pat White, Miami Dolphins</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Is he a quarterback or is he a wide receiver? Is he an every down player or is he a gadget guy like Brad Smith of the NY Jets?
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<br />These questions make him a risky pick in any draft.
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<br />Still, taking him in the second is a sign they expect something of him and reports are that he will challenge Chad Henne for backup duties.
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<br />Henne had the locker room and skills last season, and might have started if Pennington hadn't arrived. Until the draft, many were predicting Henne would start sometime in 2010.
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<br />On top of the extreme athleticism and trick play skills, White is actually a decent quarterback and many scouts stopped looking at him as a hybrid or wide receiver conversion. He's smart and looked very accurate in every workout the past few months.
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<br />Still, it's one thing to throw balls in shorts and perfect weather (or no weather like at the Combine) and another with Bart Scott bearing down on you.
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<br />It's a little soon to guess which way this is going to go and how White will adjust to the NFL. Many players like him have failed as QBs and either transitioned to another position or dropped out of the league.
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<br />But he has the upside and potential to be a dynamic player at this level too. It's a coin flip.
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<br />Do keep in mind—if he is categorized as a quarterback by the league, most league sites will do the same and then he may not be available to you as a flex player, which might be his best value if he gets used in the Wildcat formation a ton.
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<br /><b>Dynasty Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A guy you take later in your rookie draft as a pure upside pick. If you don't have a ton of holes, he's worth a look. But if you have other needs, don't burn the roster spot. When he takes a year or two to develop, owners may get frustrated and you could find him on the waiver wire to pick up at your leisure.
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<br /><b>Redraft Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You'll have to wait, but if you can hold on until the last quarter of your draft, he could be a really interesting upside pick.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If he is integrated as a new wrinkle on the Wildcat, he might prove a useful flex player assuming your league is set up to accommodate. But the trick will be waiting long enough to where you won't be angry when you drop him for more consistent injury or bye week help.
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<br /><b>Nate Davis, San Francisco</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You have to keep an eye on the guy who has only Shaun Hill, Damon Huard, and Alex Smith ahead of him on the depth chart.
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<br />Davis has a strong arm, is a good team leader, and has great touch and timing. He's a hard worker and exceedingly competitive, which strikes me as a very Singletary trait.
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<br />He does have a learning disability but that hasn't fazed the 49ers, and he definitely needs some work both in mechanics and the fact that he rarely worked under center.
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<br />Still, there isn't a lot of incredibly impressive talent in front of him and with Josh Morgan, Isaac Bruce, and the newly drafted Michael Crabtree, whoever the starter is has some fantasy potential.
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<br />Davis is likely a longer term project but you never know and he's worth keeping an eye on.
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<br /><b>Dynasty Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">More attractive if you happen to have Alex Smith on your roster already but Davis is likely to slip out of a rookie draft in all but the deepest leagues with a long rookie draft. Watch the QB battle in San Fran over the summer closely and be ready to hit the waiver wire. Just in case.
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<br /><b>Redraft Rank</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not someone you'll be drafting in a redraft league unless you draft late and he's won the job. But like in a Dynasty league, you'll want to keep an eye on the QB battle and a finger on the waiver wire trigger. The weapons in that offense could be very productive, and in that case, Davis could be as well.
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<br />The following two QBs are worth noting in Dynasty leagues but not worth looking at really at all in a redraft.
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<br /><b>Stephen McGee, Dallas Cowboys</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">McGee is a very underrated quarterback who could take over down the road if he develops well and Romo keeps losing games late in the season. Very raw though and will burn a roster spot unless you have a taxi squad in your league.
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<br /><b>Tom Brandstater, Denver Broncos</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While it's unlikely he'll see the field anytime soon, Brandstater has a nice touch, timing, and is very smart. Is this McDaniels' attempt to replicate Cassel? Probably not due to a lack of arm strength but there is enough confusion at the Denver QB position to keep an eye on him in Dynasty leagues.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This will be worth revisiting during the summer and we will, here as well as on <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/fantasysportschannel/ThunderingBlurb" mce_href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/fantasysportschannel/ThunderingBlurb" target="_blank" title="The Thundering Blurb Football Show">The Thundering Blurb Football Show every Wednesday</a>. Some street free agents may end up being worth a Dynasty look and some of these players may find themselves firmly in possession of a clipboard.
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<br />But for now, here's hoping this helps you start to get ready for your Fantasy Football drafts.
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<br />I'll be back next week with a breakdown of running backs.</p>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-1515693259119030342009-04-26T23:07:00.000-07:002009-04-26T23:38:08.477-07:00Breaking Down the Jets Draft: Shonn Greene, Running BackWith two big moves in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Jets showed they were worried about quality not quantity when it cam to draft strategy.<br /><br />After trading up for Mark Sanchez in round 1, GM Mike Tannenbaum and Head Coach Rex Ryan decided to roll the dice again and bundle most of the rest of their 2009 picks in a bid to grab arguably the top remaining running back left on the board, Iowa Hawkeye Shonn Greene.<br /><br />With many Jets fans wondering what is so special about Greene, here is my analysis of the newest Gang Green power running back and how he might fit in the new regime's plans.<br /><br />Ht: 5-10 (1/2) - Wt 227<br /><br />Pluses<br />Greene is an incredibly powerful runner, who can not only show patience in waiting for a hole to develop and the vision to see it happening, but is very tough to bring down for the defense. When they do drag him down, he'll get you that extra distance more by falling forward. He also gets stronger as the game goes on and doesn't easily tire out.<br /><br />Even though he is older than your average rookie (at 24), he actually doesn't have much wear and tear on those legs. He doesn't cough the ball up, is a very hard worker and a solid team player.<br /><br />Minus<br />While he is a very good inside runner, he has problems getting outside and turning the corner. He's not terribly fast and he won't be winning any footraces against most defenders.<br /><br />There are some doubts about his football IQ and while he shows patience waiting for a play to develop, he sometimes appears indecisive. As he missed some games with <span class="scoutreport">shoulder and knee injuries early in his career and has had ankle injuries during his college career.<br /></span><br />How It Comes Together<br />Many feel this pick was a shot across Thomas Jones' bow to end his holdout, but I don't know that's the case. Erik Boland put it best in his Jets Blog on Newsday - even if Jones wasn't holding out, the guy is 31.<br /><br />The classic thought on running backs is that 30 is the beginning of the end and while Jones has continued to play well, how much tread does he have left? Boland is right - they needed to get younger at the position and look towards the future.<br /><br />If Jones holds out, the Jets bring Greene in and run him between the tackles while Leon Washington continues to work the outside. Greene can wear the defense down and then Washington can light them up.<br /><br />If Jones doesn't hold out, or if Greene struggles in camp, he can still rotate in on occasion and give Jones a breather throughout the season as he gets his NFL legs.<br /><br />And when Jones is done, Greene can move into the backfield with a year of experience and get the hard yards.<br /><br />Either way I think Greene has a very good chance to be the future power back in an offense that will be geared to the power run behind an offensive line that is built to succeed in the arena.<br /><br />This will also take pressure off Mark Sanchez if he starts this year or Kellen Clemens if Sanchez gets a year holding a clipboard.<br /><br />The biggest question is whether the Jets bypassed bigger needs with the trade (there were several solid defensive linemen they could have drafted at that spot or later if they didn't trade up) or if they gave up too much to move up from their position in the third to the top of the round.<br /><br />Time will tell. What is certain is the fact that the Jets saw an opportunity to jump up and grab at the brass ring not once but twice.<br /><br />In what is considered an overall weak draft class, they decided that it wasn't how many picks they had or how many rookies they could throw on the field, but instead the quality of those players and what they could mean for the franchise in the long term.ThunderingBlurbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11353076634832524642noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-3925999386302696102009-04-25T21:36:00.000-07:002009-04-26T09:52:27.900-07:00Shock And Awe: The Winners and Losers for Day 1 of the 2009 NFL DraftIt's a little bit folly to try and really declare winners and losers for a draft that isn't even finished, much less a day old. Players haven't even stepped on a NFL field yet, and some may not pay off for several years to come, forget this season.<br /><br />Still, by the end of Saturday, it's a worthwhile endeavor to examine some teams who have ended up looking smart and others....<br /><br />Well, not so much.<br /><br />So with the realization in mind that we still don't know everything - here are the teams who made our jaws drop, though not always for good reasons.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Shock<br /><br />Oakland Raiders<br /></span>Maybe Al Davis and his Raiders will prove us all wrong, but right now their draft can be summed up in an exchange I saw between Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times (where the Raiders once resided) and Raiders beat writer Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee (which is close to Oakland i suppose).<br /><br />Farmer: <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">Why were the Raiders reaching like that in the second? </span></span><br /><br />Jones: <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">They reach because that's what they do.<br /><br />They weren't going to go offensive tackle, despite the need, because that's not really the Raiders way.<br /><br />And I knew they weren't going to grab Crabtree, whether or not he was the best wide receiver on the board at the time. Crabtree's lack of timed 40 speed made it impossible because Davis is crazy for speed like the bird in that cereal commercial is coo-coo for cocoa puffs.<br /><br />But I never thought he would bypass Missouri's Jeremy Maclin, who had the speed and a more developed game. I'm a little nonplussed.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I don't wish Heyward-Bey a failed career and he will probably turn out ok. But picking him up at 7, when they could have traded back and picked him later?<br /><br />That's just not achieving maximum value.<br /><br />Worse, the team manages to follow it up with an even bigger reach in choosing Ohio Safety Michael Mitchell, a guy most people didn't even have ranked in their drafts much less the second round.<br /><br />Mitchell also may develop into a solid player, but right now he looks like a workout warrior and a huge reach as the third safety off the board behind Patrick Chung of Oregon and Louis Delmas of Western Michigan.<br /><br />It's one thing to fall in love with a player. It's another to waste a pick five rounds early.<br /><br />The Raiders have five picks on Sunday, two in the fourth round. They can recover, given the tremendous value still on the board, but if they keep picking like this, they might as well throw darts at a list on the wall.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dallas Cowboys</span><br />How can I say it's a bad draft when they didn't draft anyone?<br /><br />Bad enough the Cowboys didn't have a pick for the first round due to last year's wheeling and dealing, but they then traded out of the second.<br /><br />Meanwhile, value continued to tumble by them in the form of solid safeties, wide receivers and defensive ends.<br /><br />Maybe it's not bad in the sense the Raiders draft was on Saturday but it's shocking to watch the usually wheeling Cowboys nuetered and missing out on the value on the board.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cleveland Browns</span></span></span><br />The Browns made a big move back when the Jets traded for the fifth pick and Mark Sanchez (more on that in a minute) and were poised to grab some great value all day long.<br /><br />Instead, they kept moving backwards accumulating more and more picks. And when they did spend them, it's questionable whether they took the best value on the board.<br /><br />I can't argue with the selection of Alex Mack. The center from Cal is a versatile lineman who can work at almost any position along the line. And Brian Robiskie is a polished, fast receiver who runs a solid route tree and will contribute early, especially if Braylon Edwards is traded on day two.<br /><br />But the Browns can't rush the passer and need a linebacker or top flight defensive lineman.<br /><br />I say need because while Mack is a great center, USC linebackers Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga as well as Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitus were on the board still.<br /><br />Maualuga was in fact still on the board when Robiskie was picked. While offensive line and wide receiver were needs, the pass rush was a bigger one and with several very good linebackers on the board, the Browns chose to fill less important needs.<br /><br />They also bypassed shoring up their need at cornerback by letting Vontae Davis and Alphonso Smith sneak away as well.<br /><br />And as much as I think Hawaii defensive end/linebacker convert David Veikune will be a good upside pick, wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was a luxury, especially behind the Robiskie pick.<br /><br />Massaquoi may become a good possession receiver down the road, but they could have grabbed a corner, safety or even replace Winslow at tight end.<br /><br />For a team with so many holes who is rebuilding, it seems like they filled few of them with four picks in the first two rounds.<br /><br />The Browns have four more picks on Sunday - one in the fourth and three in the six. Lots of defensive talent remains on the board and I hope they can recover from a lackluster day one.<br /><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Awe<br /><br />New York Jets<br /></span>Jet Nation is a tad split over the selection of USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, especially given the talent that slid out of the first round and through the second. But when you look at the price they paid, it's more than reasonable for a possible franchise quarterback.<br /><br /></span></span>Defensive end Kenyon Coleman, quarterback Brett Ratliff and safety Abram Elam were players who in all likelihood would get cut before camp or in Ratliff's case, clearly hadn't impressed the new regime all that much.<br /><br />Aside from that, adding the second rounder to a swap that spanned twelve spots between first rounders is a marginal price to pay.<br /><br />The Jets have put themselves in a position where they cannot make many mistakes on day two though. They have four more picks on Sunday spread across four of the five rounds.<br /><br />As I said with the Browns, there are many value picks to be had but the Jets have to be conservative to a great extent. They already rolled their dice once and that's as much as they can risk.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Detroit Lions<br /></span>I will openly admit - and it's a shock to nobody who has read my work the last few months - that I do not agree with the Stafford pick.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>It's not an awful pick - just not one I believe had to happen this year.<br /><br />Yet, Stafford could develop into a nice franchise quarterback and he is far from awful. While I may not agree with the strategy to rebuild the franchise, it's a solid pick.<br /><br />On the surface, Brandon Pettigrew at 20 made me wince as well. But, like Stafford, Pettigrew is considered the top at his position and on top of it, he's a tremendous blocker.<br /><br />He's no offensive tackle but he will be able to stay in and protect Stafford. A pick that is more shrewd than i gave it credit for at first. As Stafford and the oline get better, Pettigrew can release and become more of a pass catching tight end.<br /><br />Finally, hard hitting cornerback Louis Delmas. Again, top at his position. And Delmas is the type of hard nosed player who could help give this defense a personality - something it greatly lacks.<br /><br />The Lions are looking to become more physical on the defensive side of the ball and Delmas will bring that in spades. They also need some help in the secondary and this fills that hole.<br /><br />Three picks. Three players arguably at the top of their class. They may not have filled all their needs but the ones they did fill were given top talent.<br /><br />With five picks on day two, including the first in round three and another later the same round, the Lions stand to pick up some very good value. They could easily pull someone like Jarron Gilbert or Michael Johnson to help fill the defensive line hole, pick up the top guard on the board in Duke Robinson or even a decent tackle like South Carolina's Jamon Meredith.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England Patriots<br /></span>The rich get richer. And richer. And richer.<br /><br />How the organization ended up with the same amount of picks they started with, but also an embarrassment of riches in players is beyond me, but that's how they end up being the great team they are every year.<br /><br />Four picks in the second and every one a value.<br /><br />Patrick Chung, second best safety in the class brings some thump to the secondary and will make receivers pay dearly.<br /><br />Defensive tackle Ron Brace got overlooked a bit with BJ raji getting the love at Boston College, but will stuff the run as good as anyone in the draft class and is likely to take over for Vince Wilfork at the nose tackle.<br /><br />Darius Butler, one of the top corners in the draft, probably won't start this coming season but will take over in the aging secondary within the next year or two.<br /><br />And while Sebastian Vollmer is a project for the offensive line, he will develop into a nice right tackle and used to play tight end, so he has the versatility to move around for trick plays if need be.<br /><br />And, oh by the way - they have seven more picks. By the end of the draft they may have multiple picks for next years draft as well.<br /><br />Before I let you go, dear reader, here are a few teams I am on the fence about. Tomorrow could be pivotal for them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Francisco 49ers: </span>One pick, but what value. But you better build on Crabtree use your remaining six picks wisely.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston Texans:</span> Methodically took care of two key needs with picks of USC LB Clay Matthews and DE Connor Barwin. Six more picks to shore up the corners and get a back to compliment Steve Slaton.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jacksonville Jaguars: </span>Almost made the Awe list, but as much as I loved watching them grab two very good offensive tackles in Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, passing on Crabtree and Maclin and then a host of good defensive line prospects makes me wonder if last season's Oline injury woes didn't get in their head too much.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tampa Bay Buccaneers: </span>Did you really need to leap up and pay the price you did to move a few spots? Especially since nobody in front of you was likely to grab your choice of Josh Freeman? Six picks on day two and like the Jets you'd beter make them count. Unlike the Jets though, your new franchise quarterback is a far bigger project and has more question marks.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-80561951569469416352009-04-24T23:22:00.000-07:002009-04-24T23:32:05.197-07:00NFL Draft Prospects in 5 minutes or Less: A Look Behind DraftguysTV<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CGARDA%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CUsers%5CGARDA%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" 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0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Any industry will occasionally see a shake up or development which shapes the way we interact with it for some time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With the explosion of interest in the NFL Draft, there has also been an equally large explosion of coverage. And aside from the extra coverage from the usual suspects like NFL Network and ESPN, a litany of websites has sprung up around the internet. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Of the many out there, perhaps the most unique is Draftguys.com or more specifically DraftguysTV, their video project. In the two years since DraftguysTV has launched, it has become a useful portion tool for my analysis of many players who might otherwise get overlooked due to a lack of accessible game footage.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">But the Draftguys site itself first came to my attention in 2007, when it launched with the usual group of player rankings, mock drafts and player analysis that is prevalent among various websites.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">"We loved talking football,’ says Cecil Lammey, who met the other two founders – Sigmund Bloom and Marc Faletti - at Footballguys.com, working on his podcast The Audible. “So we thought, well why don’t we keep it going all off season? And if we were going to keep the talk going The Draft made the most sense to focus on.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">By 2008, Draftguys switched their focus from the usual stuff and moved towards into something fairly unique.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Video profiles shot in person at the three major College All Star games – The Shrine Game, Texas vs The Nation and The Senior Bowl – with player interviews.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The idea of video rather than written profiles seemed a natural one to Faletti. “Web-based video allows me to reach audiences directly,” he told me, “without having to navigate some sort of studio infrastructure that might dilute my product or ideas.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Being a smaller company also has its advantages.<span style=""> </span>“Like blogging to the newspaper industry, web video offers creators a chance to go uncensored, improve on immediacy compared to big media, and be more nimble,” says Marc. “Our budgets might be lower, but I think we compensate by bringing folks an uncompromised product.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Aside from the budget, the next biggest hurdle would appear to be getting access to the practices and getting player interviews. But Bloom says that’s really easier to do than you’d think.</p> <p>“If you're respected within the community and contact the right people, it's not that difficult at all. Ask nicely.”</p> <p>Bloom, along with Lammey, had traveled the All Star circuit before. It was a simple case of just continuing those relationships and expanding them. </p> <p>“The groundwork had already been laid,’ says Lammey. ‘We just took it to the next level.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“The Shrine Game and Texas Vs the Nation were extremely forthcoming with permission and access. They have no television deal for their practices, and that made it easy for them to give us a chance to shoot everything,” Faletti said about reaction from the various organizations. “The Senior Bowl has an exclusive deal with NFL Network. While they gave us a chance to shoot the practices, we weren't allowed to use the footage. They did allow us to use still photos, though and that's given us a chance to make profiles like Alphonso Smith's and Peria Jerry's.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Once in the door, the challenge became deciding who would be looked at and then shooting it. But even if they come in with a list, flexibility is a key.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“It's all about the footage. We can come in with preconceived ideas, but we never know who's going to stand out on film,” Faletti tells me. “Scouting always starts with an open mind, and that's how we try to approach our footage.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">And sometimes it’s the guys they don’t know who make the biggest impression.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“A guy like Dudley Guice, who we'd never heard of, blew us away from the start and earned himself a profile simply by excelling.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We see a ton of great players and make a ton of connections,” Lammey adds. “But you can’t profile everyone.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Getting the footage can be difficult, knowing when to shoot and who. And sometimes, Bloom tells me, it’s even a little dangerous.</p> <p>“Sometimes errant passes or players running out of bounds just miss Marc - thankfully most receivers have great body control.” </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Occasionally the camera attracts other dangers, like concerned and suspicious looks from scouts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“Most of the time while we are waiting to talk to players they are talking to team scouts,” continues Bloom, ”who sometimes want to make sure our camera wasn't recording anything while they are talking. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Even self financed, the Draftguys haven’t skimped. Digital cameras can be had cheaply and it’s not uncommon for college students or aspiring filmmakers to grab a cheap camera and run off a little avant garde film.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Not for Faletti. The Sony EX-1 camcorder he shoots with allows him to not only run the videos in High-Def, as they did in season 1, but gives them incredibly high quality images that can easily be edited in multiple ways.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“I've worked with a lot of gear over the years,” Faletti told me, “but that camera's the best bang for the buck in the history of video. Capturing in 1080P also allows me to crop certain plays when editing in 720P, and when you only use one camera on shoots like these, being able to "zoom in" in post makes a big difference.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Then Faletti runs the footage through Adobe After Effects and adds music in Final Cut Pro on an
<br />octo-core Mac Pro. The footage is modified a ton, so After Effects is a tool that can allow everything from graphic manipulation to time modification and much more easily than with just Final Cut Pro.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">From there, it’s finalized and then heads to the web where arm-chair General Managers can take a look at some of the prospects their favorite teams are examining as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“A lot of fans tell us they want a player for their team after seeing the show,” says Bloom, who notes that Florida Atlantic linebacker Frantz Joseph has gotten the most response in this vein this season. Sometimes people will return to a video well after the draft as well. “Draftniks like to use our videos to prove that they were right about someone.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">It isn’t only the hard core Draft fans who took notice of the series.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">After a first season where players like defensive tackle Eric Foster (started 11 games for the colts), corners Chevis Jackson (played in 16 games and picked off a pivotal Peyton Manning pass for a 95 yard TD) and Dwight Lowery (started opposite Darrell Revis for the Jets in 10 games) were featured, the media started to line up as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">With several hundred players to track, it makes sense to Bloom. “Professional media like the ability to get a quick but informative overview of a player.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Overall, the reaction has continued to be great from both parties.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The series has continued to gain steam this year as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">"The NFL Network called us to say they enjoyed the show, and major sites like The Sporting News and USA Today have been running our work,” says Faletti of the reaction to season 2. “We have seen beat writers from coast to coast embed our profiles at their papers' sites, and we've seen fan messages boards for almost every pro team and dozens of college teams sending the show around. …right now, we're the only folks offering a show like that in any medium, and I think that's why it appeals so much to the media, fans, and draft aficionados.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">After two seasons of the video, the guys aren’t losing any steam. What’s next?</p> <p>Bloom says he’d like to return to something they did in year one. </p> <p>“We’re waiting to see if the NFL moves the draft up into February, or if the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl change venues to Tampa before making any decisions, but if the budget allows, we'd love to hit more training facilities.”</p> <p>Lammey agrees, but thinks the next natural progression is Pro Days. “A camera hitting some of the big ones, checking some of the position drills would be great.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before any of that, though, Faletti says there’s one thing they have to take care of first.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">“We hope to use the next several months to find support from an advertiser or possibly a large site with whom we could partner. Given what we did on almost no budget, imagine what some real financial backing would allow us to accomplish!”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">With the following that DraftguysTV has gathered, it might not be long before we find out.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-1050525603299087512009-04-24T17:22:00.000-07:002009-04-24T17:51:48.448-07:002009 NFL Draft: Defensive Position Class GradesEach season a new crop of college athletes take part in the NFL Draft Process, and every year what the overall strengths and depths of the class are will change as often as the needs of the teams doing the drafting.<br /><br />This year is no exception.<br /><br />Last time we looked over the offensive talent in the 2009 NFL Draft but we all know defense can make or break a championship team.<br /><br />With that in mind, let’s take a look at the overall talent in the NFL Defensive Draft class of 2009.<br /><br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Defensive End</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Brian Orakpo, Everette Brown, Tyson Jackson</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Pierre Walters, Orion Martin</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>A</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - The Defensive line class – both Tackle and End – is very deep this year. I think the defensive end class is deeper than the tackles and I think you could see between eight and ten going on Day 1 – possibly more than any other position and that includes the ever coveted offensive tackle position. And to my mind, even the low side is chock full of talented guys who have a shot to make an impact. That said, keep two things in mind here. First, even the top guys can be converted to linebacker or tackle depending upon the defensive scheme. That versatility is a good thing but also makes it hard to count on the DE being taken as an actual DE. I love Orakpo like many others, and have been a big believer in Jackson for quite some time, calling him out as a distinct possibility as the Jets’ pick at 17. Now he’s even being talked up as a top 10 pick in many circles I respect. If those two go quickly, guys like Brown, Larry English (Florida State) and Lawrence Sidbury (Richmond) may move up. This is a deep, deep class too. Pierre Walters from Eastern Illinois is all over the team interest lists I did at Draftguys.com and he’s a very productive, smart and versatile guy who could go late and still contribute early. Rulon Davis from Cal is another guy who, with his hard work ethic, high motor and good tackling skills could hang around and contribute as he develops. There are plenty of players who have the talent to get on the field and stay there in this class.<br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Defensive Tackle</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>B.J. Raji, Peria Jerry</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Ra’Shon Harris, Sammie Lee Hill</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>B+<b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - An excellent overall class, with talent fitting for every round from first to seventh. Excellent ability front to back, plenty of depth. This class could have a tremendous impact for some time to come with the top end able to make plays from Day 1. Raji has been getting a lot of the press but don’t forget his Boston College compatriot, Ron Brace. While Raji is more of the complete package, Brace is quick off the snap, can shoot the gaps and penetrate to collapse the pocket and is outstanding versus the run. Peria Jerry is a name you have been hearing more the last few weeks but has been on my radar for some time, and he’s a good bet to go in round one behind Raji. Another guy I absolutely love and am pretty sure he will go around the turn at ½ is San Jose State’s Jarron Gilbert. He absolutely blew up his Pro Day and several teams are very interested, including the Jets, whose coach Rex Ryan was in attendance. While it’s a good class, it lags behind the Ends in part because it just isn’t quite as deep.<b><b><br /><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Position</span> -<b><b> <b>Outside Linebacker</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">High Side</span> -<b><b> <b>Aaron Curry, Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Low Side</span> -<b><b> <b>Anthony Felder, Stephen Hodge</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> -<b><b> <b>A-</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - Another incredibly deep class on the defensive side of the ball, Aaron Curry leads a strong group of OLBs which once again contains a large contingent of USC Trojans. The group had a good showing at the NFL Combine and shined brightly during their Pro Days and really has become one of the best positions in the Draft. Curry, likely a top three player, is an exceptional player who is the type of guy who can consistently deliver hits while not getting knicked up or missing games. The two USC guys are opposite sides of the same coin – Cushing, a hard working blue collar guy from Jersey, is the safe, consistent pick with lots of experience and probably is closer to a finished project. Matthews, the walk-on with the fantastic bloodlines who worked his way up through the special teams ranks is all upside and raw skill. But both could produce very good numbers in the right offense. Another USC linebacker not getting enough publicity is Kaluka Maiava. Maiava can play sideline to sideline, can play very physical but also drop into coverage effectively and like Matthews, has Special Teams experience. Even players in the back of the pack like Anthony Felder has the potential to contribute early and often. Most people are more familiar with Cal’s other linebacker, Zach Follett, so for many Felder resides in the shadows like Maiava did at USC. But while Felder is a bit smaller than they’d like he’s a very reliable tackler, great range and what’s more, is a very smart player who can learn the things he can’t do. If he can stay healthy, Felder is an example of a late round or street free agent guy who might still be very productive.<br /><br /><b><b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Position</span> <b><b>- <b>Inside Linebacker</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b><b><b>Rey Maualuga, James Laurinaitis</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b><b><b>Worrell Williams, Antonio Appleby</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> -<b><b> <b>C+/B-</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - If there is a weak spot on the defensive side of the draft, it’s the inside linebackers. The top end is very good, but overall the position is thin and riddled with injuries including top prospect Maualuga. Still, Maualuga and Laurinaitis should both go on day one, with El Rey going in all likelihood no later that 16 to the Chargers and Laurinaitis probably hanging around the turn. Watch for rising prospect Frantz Joseph, who has heat after his spectacular performance at his Pro Day. He plays with a nasty streak and is a very football smart guy, though like so many Inside backers, he can be too aggressive. He still has upside to spare. Gerald McGrath is another guy who could go late and be very productive. McGrath, from Southern Miss, is incredibly athletic and while he lacks the bulk, his frame will allow him to add to it and make that up. Still, they are projects and this is a class that is riddled with them, a little too much for my taste.<b><b><br /><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Position</span> -<b><b> <b>Cornerback</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">High Side</span> -<b><b> <b>Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis, Alphonso Smith</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b><b><b>Ryan Mouton, Cary Harris</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> -<b><b> <b>B-</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - Another pretty good class for the defensive side of the ball, this group will consistently throughout the weekend. More than one team may focus on other needs first though, so it could be just Jenkins and perhaps Davis who go by the end of round one. There is a firm middle of the road, guys who could go second through fifth that I think will hold some very good value. A great example of the spectrum are guys like the pair from San Jose State, Coye Francies and Christopher Owens who have quite a bit of upside and have attracted attention from many teams. Both are a bit raw but have tremendous upside. Francies is a very physical, can change directions well and has very good instincts. Owens isn’t big and strong, but is very instinctive and really aggressive despite his lack of size. And there are tons of guys with potential like this across the position.<br /><b><b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b><b><b>Safety</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">High Side</span> -<b><b> <b>Louis Delmas, William Moore</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Low Side</span> -<b><b> <b>Lendy Holmes, Troy Nolan</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> -<b><b> <b>B-</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - There are plenty of safeties (both strong and free) to go throughout the weekend. The top end is good but not great while the lower end isn’t bad but isn’t great either. Plenty will go and plenty will play for many years but I don’t think you’ll see this as a great class for years to come, but that’s not a knock as many of the guys will be productive. Louis Delmas (Western Michigan) is a great example of a safety – tough, physical with great instincts who will play hard against both the pass and the run. Moore, from Missouri, is also a big, tough hitter not afraid of getting messy against the run game as well as pass. As you move to the middle of the pack, you get guys like Chris Clemons from Clemson (not tough or a big hitter but good closing speed and in coverage) or LSU’s Curtis Taylor (great athleticism, good instincts, special teams player but not great against the run and too aggressive). Players like these have the upside to survive in the NFL but have large gaps in their game in my opinion. A team can take them and work with them on Special Teams or rotating in as time goes on and the risk is not as expensive as an earlier pick but neither is the ceiling or floor.<br /><b><b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b><b><b>Punter</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">High Side</span> -<b><b> <b>Jacob Richardson</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Low Side</span> -<b><b> <b>Justin Brantley</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> <b><b>- <b>C</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - While a good punter can make or break a team in the battle for field position, they are not usually in high demand during a draft. This class is fine, as far as any group goes, but they are more likely to find themselves signed after the fact than drafted. <b><b><br /><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Position</span> -<b><b> <b>Kicker</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">High Side</span> -<b><b> <b>David Buehler</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Low Side</span> <b><b>- <b>Sam Swank</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> -<b><b> <b>C+</b><br /></b></b><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - Every once in a great while a kicker comes along who goes early but this group likely does not have a fellow like that. The most intriguing prospect this year seems to be Buehler as teams love his strength and accuracy but are unsure how he will hold up in pressure – something he didn’t feel much at USC. Like the punters, a decent group but not outstanding.<b><b><br /></b></b>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-26193217912254130252009-04-24T15:45:00.000-07:002009-04-24T15:47:39.248-07:00NFL Draft: Positional Class GradesEach season a new crop of college athletes take part in the NFL Draft Process, and every year what the overall strengths and depths of the class are will change as often as the needs of the teams doing the drafting.<br /><br />This year is no exception.<br /><br />In 2008, we saw a class with good overall running back talent, quicker than anticipated impact at the quarterback position and great depth at the defensive spots. <br /><br />The 2009 class has its own set of advantages and strong spots, but also more than a few positions of questionable depth and talent.<br /><br />When the layman looks at the Draft, they think in terms of the ‘sexy positions’. The quarterback, the running back, the high profile names on the offense. It’s where many new draftnicks and casual observers get caught up.<br /><br />But once you’ve spent any time listening to any analyst or scout worth his salt, it turns out that’s not always where the value is in any given year.<br /><br />This year is no different and while there is some value and depth in those skill positions, once again the most value appears to be in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball.<br /><br />Let’s take a look at the overall talent in the NFL Draft class of 2009. <br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Quarterback</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Curtis Painter, Graham Harrell</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>C+</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - While I am a big fan of Stafford and Sanchez, I don’t know either would have cracked the top of last year’s class. Still, both athletes have the tools to be worthy of a top pick in 2009. Stafford solidified a high pick slot with an outstanding Pro Day showcasing his accuracy and arm strength while Sanchez will have an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong by showing off his own accuracy and allaying injury concerns on April 1st at USC’s workout. In his own tier behind them is Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman. I’ll be honest – any other year and Freeman isn’t going in round one. His accuracy issues, streaky nature and occasional lapses in decision making worry me. Still, after Sanchez and Stafford, Freeman is the guy you want, though he’ll take more time to develop than the first two. After that – it’s personal choice. Every quarterback behind them is a big question mark and a project, so it becomes about who teams fall in love with. One team might love Pat White’s versatility, while another may love Sam Houston State QB Rhett Bomar’s huge arm and intangibles. Or a team may wait a bit and snag any number of high upside, long term projects like Fresno State’s Tom Brandstater (good short touch vs shaky deep throws), Alabama’s John Parker Wilson (great intangibles vs lack of size and arm strength) or recently hot prospect Mike Reilly from Central Washington (good short accuracy and touch vs spread offense worries). My choice for dark horse? Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State. Tough, determined and with good accuracy on the West Coast-Style slants and short passes, Carpenter played behind an atrocious offensive line, with no run game and still managed to put up very good numbers. Sure thing? Not at all. But in the right scheme? Could be very successful. But he’s indicative of the class – all upside, all projects. Few sure things. Here is where I think a smart team can make a big future impact with a pick that’s low risk, but potentially high reward. One of these guys in the right system and with patience could turn out to be another Matt Cassel - assuming people remember the patience it took over almost four years to develop him. <br /><br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Runningback</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Knowshon Moreno, Chris Wells, LeSean McCoy</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Ian Johnson, Marlon Lucky</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>B</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - These backs don’t have the marquee value of a Peterson or a McFadden but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any solid backs here. Knowshon Moreno has great instincts and is a big, tough runner with good hands. Chris Wells is a strong runner with good burst, but injury and durability worries. UCONN running back Donald Brown is quick to the hole and had very good vision and can catch the ball well out of the backfield. Behind the big three are a ton of solid, though perhaps unspectacular running backs. It’s not to say that a guy like Pitt’s LeSean McCoy, Liberty’s Rashad Jennings or Andre Brown from North Carolina can’t have a very good and very productive careers. But none of these backs hold the excitement that the top of the line studs usually do. The class has some depth, players with defined roles versus the projects that litter the quarterback class. A guy like Jeremiah Johnson out of Oregon would make an outstanding change of pace back. While he doesn’t have elite speed and has never been a workhorse, he’s shown ability, can play in special teams and has shown good vision and patience. He may never become the bell cow, but he also shouldn’t take three years to develop into a solid player. Or a team can grab a guy like Marlon Lucky from Nebraska, a runner who has a good combination of size and speed, who can run for tough yards but doesn’t have the ability to be an every down back. He can certainly fill in – and quickly – on special teams as well as be the type of back to grind yardage out and get the hard yards. Though he will never be a home run hitter, Lucky could be another guy who can be picked late and yet still contributes early in his career. The running back class is filled with these solid, though perhaps unspectacular, backs. Because of this, a team can lay in the weeds and fill other positions of need, yet still have a shot at a quality back who can contribute in a specific role pretty quickly. While the ceiling isn’t extraordinarily high, the floor for many of these guys is pretty good.<br /><br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Fullback</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Tony Fiametta</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Brannon Southerland</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>C-</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - Like with centers and kickers, top shelf fullbacks are few and far between and that’s why guys like Tony Richardson get the dollars he does blocking for backs like LT and Adrian Peterson. You aren’t likely to see any fullbacks go on day one, and maybe just a handful will be drafted over all. In the last nine drafts, the top fullback has been selected in the fourth round four times and the fifth round three times. The top fullback has only been pulled in the third round twice including last year when Jacob Hester went to the Chargers. And while he was the top fullback in the 2008 draft he was also the type of guy San Diego looked at as a potential full time running back. Again, it’s rare for a full blown fullback to go early. While a blocking fullback is worth his weight in gold, it’s easier to convert a running back or sign a fullback off the street. So even the top guys like Syracuse’s Tony Fiametta will be unlikely to go earlier than the middle rounds. This is not to say Fiametta isn’t a capable player. The former Orangeman is a fantastic blocker who works hard and has the versatility coaches love which allows him to block for other backs, catch the ball out of the backfield or even work special teams. It’s that flexibility which will attract teams and players like Fiametta. But many other guys have too many question marks. Georgia’s Brannan Southerland has some real conerns about his ability to stay healthy, Eric Kettani needs to fulfill his Naval service before he can play and lack experience in receiving and special teams so is limited while Jason Cook from Ole Miss is basically a blocker – and that’s all. Once you get past the top one or two players, a team might as well wait and sign these guys after the draft or look for a late round running back, see if they can develop him as a regular RB and if not, move him to fullback. Less fullbacks are being used in College football, and Pro teams are using tight ends and other players to block when necessary. As a result, this class which is thin on depth will likely see few players taken on draft weekend and perhaps even during the rookie free agency signing period.<br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Wide Receiver</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Sammie Stroughter, Tiquan Underwood</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>B+</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - A huge step up from last year and we should see a bunch of receivers pulled in the first round and over the course of the first day. There are some projects, but there are also plenty of very solid top prospects here. You can start with the names we’ve all become familiar with over the last few months. Michael Crabtree with his phenomenal size, body control, reach and outstanding ball skills. Fluid and elusive Jeremy Maclin with his ability to stretch the field and vertical ability. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Kenny Britt, Percy Harvin. All are names you’ve heard about endlessly. But this class differs from the 2008 bunch in more than just the top end players. This class has a full compliment of depth, guys who will be effective early in their career and could have long-term impact. Some, like OSU wideout Brian Robiskie seemingly emerged out of nowhere, lighting up the NFL Scouting Combine with an outstanding 40 and showing more athleticism than expected. He continued to impress at his Pro Day and is poised to get picked somewhere in the second or third rounds. Robiskie’s route running and instincts make him a player who could be ready to contribute immediately and while he may not be the next Calvin Johnson or Randy Moss, he’s a solid player and could be so for a long time to come. Slipping down a few spots to Ramses Barden, from Cal Poly. Barden has the size and strength to dominate defenders, he just needs to use it a little more confidently. And he can get yards after the catch. A little more of a project, but he can still develop into a good wide receiver and an excellent guy to move the chains or red zone target. Other guys who provide the depth on this squad are Washington State’s Brandon Gibson (experience, great hands, good routes, so-so speed, not enough separation), USC’s Patrick Turner off a great Pro Day (great routes, hands and tough attitude but not a great blocker or much of a deep threat), Quon Cosby out of Texas (athletic, quick, great ball skills, but a little older and limited separation) and Dominique Edison from Stephen F. Austin (decent speed, great hands and a good vertical threat, but not too physical nor sudden off the line) all will go second day and could carve out roles as at least #3 receivers. Even guys like the players at the bottom of my list, like Oregon State’s Sammie Stroughter and Rutgers’ Tiquan Underwood could contribute, though it might take a little longer. <br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Tight End</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Brandon Pettigrew, Jared Cook</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Ryan Purvis, Bear Pascoe</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>B-</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - There are at least 5 TEs in this class that could be impact players at the next level, but not much depth and overall it won’t dominate the draft. You may never be able to have too many wide receivers or running backs, but you don’t need that many tight ends. Also, the position plays a little different now. You want a tight end who can block AND catch, not one but able to learn the other. Pettigrew is the class of the positional group, he can run, he can block, he can catch – and he’s a tough SOB. The guys behind him are all very athletic – Jared Cook (great speed and quicks, great hands, but little blocking ability), Cornelius Ingram (great ball skills, soft hands, can go vertical, but not tough, inexperienced) and Travis Beckum (great speed, good routes, elusiveness after the catch but not bulky enough, not physical enough and there are durability issues) – but have some question marks. Still, they have the offensive skills to play for some time. The low end like Bear Pascoe (great blocker but very stiff and not fast) and Ryan Purvis (good hands, willing blocker but not fast or explosive) seem to be the flipside – blockers who might develop into full tight ends. The fact you could get production from the late rounds with guys this deep into the class is what makes this class just a bit better than average.<br /><br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Offensive Tackle</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Garrett Reynolds, Joel Bell</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>B+</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - Once again a great crop of OTs and we could see another run on the position in the first round. The game is won in the trenches and there are a lot of fine tackles in the 2009 class, even if it isn’t quite as deep as the 2008 group. Jason Smith, Monroe, Andre Smith and Oher will be gone in the top 15 in all likelihood and you could see guys like Eben Britton out of Arizona and recently hot Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma who could sneak into the first as well. There are other good tackles behind these guys but they could go anywhere from late second to beginning of the third, guys like William Beatty (UCONN), Troy Kropog (Tulane) or Jamon Meredith (South Carolina). All have something they need to work on be it a lack of prototypical size, mobility or a lack pf perfection either in the run or pass portion of the game. But all of them will be productive. As you go further away, the projects grow more shaky but there are so many who could slip in or will get picked up immediately as a street free agent, if a team misses out on one guy, they have the possibility of grabbing a project late and spending less money, yet still seeing production.<br /> <br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Guard</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Duke Robinson, Andy Levitre</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Ryan Durand, Travis Bright</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>B-</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - A decent group, but not a ton of depth. You’ll see them go starting in the second, but there aren’t more than a dozen guys who are good bets to go. A bunch of guards will go as rookie free agents, but not much excitement. Most interesting thing I have seen is the contradicting evaluations of Greg Isdaner of West Virginia. Some rankings have him as the second or third guard. But some don’t even have him going on Draft weekend. The top of the class are definitely Oklahoma’s Duke Robinson and Oregon State’s Andy Levitre. But while maybe one slips into the first, guards don’t go early. Overall it’s a decent class but there are not a ton of guards who will go on draft day, especially when some tackles can move over to guard if they don’t work out. <br /><br /><span class="header2">Position</span> - <b>Center</b><br /><span class="header2">High Side</span> - <b>Alex Mack, Max Unger, Eric Wood</b><br /><span class="header2">Low Side</span> - <b>Cecil Newton, Dallas Reynolds</b><br /><span class="header2">Overall Grade</span> - <b>C</b><br /><span class="header2">Explanation</span> - Top flight Centers are tough to come by, which is why Jeff Saturday just got re-signed by the Colts. You don’t let one go. This class is ok at the top, but there is a significant drop-off after that and if we hit double digits drafted, I’d be surprised. But the top of the class is pretty good. Cal’s Mack is whip-smart and incredibly flexible in what he can play – center, guard, what have you – he not only can do many things, he’s willing to. I have seen him slip a bit in some mocks, with Wood jumping in as the center taken in the first round. The Louisville center isn’t the most powerful guy and finds himself pushed around a little too much for me. But again, a smart guy who is a hard worker.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-89240077994301314412009-04-22T18:22:00.000-07:002009-04-22T18:27:09.284-07:00Enhance your 2009 NFL Draft Experience: A Draft Fan’s Guide<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 10"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5COwner%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="time"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:.75in .75in .75in .75in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">So, we’re scant days away from another NFL Draft and there is only so much room at Radio City Music Hall, travel is expensive and the economy is a bust, so the wife say’s ‘No you can’t spend the weekend in New York City yelling in facepaint and a team jersey.’</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Things are tough all over.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But that’s not to say you cannot have a tremendous experience in the comfort of your own home for the 2009 NFL Draft.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are a few ways you can maximize your draft pleasure this weekend.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Bring the Party Home<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No need to sit at home alone, right? Most things are just more fun in a group and cheering or complaining about a pick is definitely more enjoyable if you just aren’t shouting at the TV and Kiper’s hair. If you’re into the Draft, chances are you’ve been talking about it and know plenty of people interested in at least Saturday’s happenings. Make a party of it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Heck, invite family. Plenty of significant others might be in need of distraction as well. Maybe having a bouncer for the kids or another TV – far away from the main one – with Top Chef or something on it could help smooth the inevitable early onset of Football-Widow syndrome.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Food and Drink<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whether you’re scoring at home or even if you’re alone, food and drink is paramount to the enjoyment of football. And really, that’s all this is – a very early, very weird football game. The atmosphere, the anticipation, it can be very similar.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And what is a game without great food? For some, that means Cheetos, hot wings, pizza and beer. For others, might be steak on the grill, a couple of Cokes and a tray of Ding Dongs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Whatever it is, you treat it like Super Bowl Sunday and get the food you will enjoy. Don’t worry about placement because with 10 minutes (7 for the second round) you can easily get up, pop something in the oven, grab a tray of wings or restock the beer in the fridge before the next team goes.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">TV Time! or 'Do I Need to See the Pores in </b><st1:place><b style="">Stafford</b></st1:place><b style="">’s Face?'</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Quality of the television is all to taste, but make sure it’s big enough for whoever is coming to your place to see from wherever they choose to sit. Now, don’t bother getting a new TV just for the Draft but make sure the thing works and has a clear picture before you plan to stare at it all day. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">High Def or giant screens are not necessary but if you’re going to be watching hour after hour of the same images on the screen, then you want something that will not destroy your eyes. So make sure the image is bearable.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Preparation is the Key<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, most people know a ton about the sexy positions – quarterback, running back, wide receiver – but not everyone who wants to watch the Draft is going to know offensive linemen, defensive tackles and the odd tight end.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For that matter, not everyone reading this knows too much about the players aside from their name. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you’re one of those souls, or if you know one (and don’t want to spend the weekend explaining who everyone is) here are a few places I suggest going who will enhance your draft knowledge.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And best of all, many of these are free.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><a href="http://www.espn.com/">ESPN.com –</a></u> </b>Unfortunately a bunch of their stuff is marked as Insider (read: not free) but overall it’s a good basic place to go. You can see ScoutInc’s top 35 players, catch snippets of Todd McShay or Mel Kiper’s mocks and various news stories and profiles on players.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Again, a big portion of it is not free, but it’s not a bad place to start your search for info.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><a href="http://www.nfl.com/">NFL.com –</a></u></b> It can be a bit hard to navigate, but it’s still a solid source of info. You can roll back through Gil Brandt’s Pro Day logs, check out the latest news feeds, and mock drafts from the Path to the Draft gang.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">While their player breakdowns don’t cover as many players as some other sites, but it’s stuff from NFLDraftscout.com and what they cover is pretty thorough. Draftscout’s stuff is also on CBSSportsline.com and will fold into that site completely next season.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To top it all of, they are streaming the draft online for the second year in a row. I’ll touch on the various draft-watching choices in a minute, but if you’re trapped at work, here’s a choice that may save your sanity.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><a href="http://www.draftcountdown.com/">Draftcountdown.com –</a></u></b> Scott Wright has been breaking down players for many years and he’s very good at what he does. That’s why Draftcountdown is one of the biggest Draft sites around. I don’t always agree with Scott’s takes, but his logic is solid and his instincts are sharp.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wright breaks down players by position, team needs, does mock drafts and has a very active forum community.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">He’s pretty responsive to readers as well, both in the forum and via chat and email. He’s a guy who watches a tom of tape and puts countless hours into the process. He also has a show on Itunes you can check out.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And you can get a head start on 2010, as he’s already looking ahead.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><a href="http://www.draftguys.com/">Draftguys.com/DraftguysTV –</a></u> </b>The site is only a few years old, and the content (some of which I will admit I have written) isn’t as all consuming as some other sites, but there is some unique content here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br />While you can find team interest articles all over, the Team Interest feature at Draftguys is one of the most thorough and when I write it, I also endeavor to add sources. So you know it’s backed by research and can repeat that if you want.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cecil Lammey’s What If Mock Drafts are fun to read as he has been throwing monkey wrenches into his mock drafts for about a month. If you want to know what would happen if team A traded with team B or Sanchez dropped – well Lammey might have what you want.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But the best part of this site is the Draftguys TV feature. The second season of the video has covered 51 players at about three to five minutes a pop. And while they covered Maualuga and Raji, they also let you know about lesser known (or lesser publicized) guys who could have an impact like Jarron Gilbert from San Jose State or Stephen McGee from <st1:state><st1:place>Texas</st1:place></st1:state>. It combines solid analysis with footage culled from practices at <st1:state><st1:place>Texas</st1:place></st1:state> vs the Nation, the Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl and player interviews.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><a href="http://www.draftdaddy.com/">Draft Daddy.com<span style="font-weight: normal;"> –</span></a></u></b> Flat out the best Draft-related news feed on the planet. Draft Daddy constantly updates stories from all over, covering rumors and analysis from pretty much every newspaper, website and source they can find and it’s all money.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At any given moment, you can find a link to Gil Brandt’s Pro Day column, a Mike Lombardi article on the National Football Post and a news story at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And you can easily catch up on the most recent news, or look backwards to track how a player climbed out of obscurity.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><u><a href="http://www.nfldraftbible.com/">NFLDraftbible.com –</a></u></b> Again, a site that costs a little money for some features and again a site I have worked for. If you haven’t seen my Pro Day articles and want to catch up, they’re in the archives. Players news is fed on the main page and free.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some player tracking news, player interviews both transcribed and audio and team needs are also there and free so even if you don’t shell out cash this close to the draft, you can get some great info.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other sites worth a look for research: Draftcountdown.com, SportingNews.com (The Warroom is excellent year round and worth the money), Yahoo.com and many team fan sites and blogs.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Also, many of these sites have work by a writer named Josh Buchanan. If there is a better source of info on small school players, I don’t know who they are. Anything he writes on the subject is well worth your time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Do You Prefer the Hair or The Company Team?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now you have your food and party planned, you know your players (or where to log on to find them) the question is, who do you get your live info from?</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I myself prefer the NFL network. I used to watch the ESPN coverage but between Berman screaming the pick out like he was guessing before the Commissioner read it out and the tragic amount of talking heads who aren’t worth the air time (Keyshawn Johnson, I am looking at you.) I just can’t do it anymore.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t mind McShay and Kiper, although Kiper is a little too arrogant for his own good. And at times on Day 2, the ESPN coverage is just the two of them and while NFLN is replaying footage from Day 1 and discussing the top three picks yet again, Kiper/McShay is talking about the late picks.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">NFLN takes itself more seriously for the most part and has a lot less ridiculous showmanship that ESPN. Last year, they did lapse into a bit of silliness with Adam Shefter ‘breaking news’ that was either not quite news or a little too reminiscent of the Berman ‘look I know the pick’ garbage.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This year you will likely not get any Shefter, which I think is going to be a bit of a detriment. Shefter is embroiled with some sort of contract issue with the NFLN and hasn’t been on the network in at least a month. I don’t expect that to change this weekend and that’s too bad. Shefter has good news sources, even if sometimes he can be a bit much, and I haven’t seen a replacement yet.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I plan on flipping quite a bit myself. Sometimes one thing breaks on ESPN but not NFLN, and sometimes the analysis is better on NFLN.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But you may lack the ability to flip, as many cable providers don’t carry the NFL Network. It could appear at first glance you are trapped.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So what to do if you can’t stand Kiper but have no NFLN?</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, as mentioned before, NFL.com will be streaming the draft. Also, ESPN Radio will be covering most of the first day and probably parts of the second. I like John Clayton and he’ll be a part of that coverage, and I am sure they’ll have analysis from Kiper and McShay during the show.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Beyond them, you can follow any number of news sources, sites and players via Twitter including some of the sites I listed above.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I myself will be a part of all-day coverage on <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/channels/fantasysports">the Fantasy Sports Channel on BlogTalkRadio.com</a>. Starting at <st1:time minute="0" hour="10">10am</st1:time> eastern and rolling until <st1:time minute="0" hour="0">midnight</st1:time>, there will be live podcasts, chatroom and plenty of football talk from both a fantasy football and regular fan point of view. You can listen via ITunes radio, the Blogtalk site itself or even on your Iphone.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you are interested, I’ll be doing my show from <st1:time minute="0" hour="15">3pm</st1:time> until 5 – covering the news right before the draft and a chunk of round one. I will also have my chatroom open most of the day and will likely be doing a bunch of podcast and radio spots all day, <a href="https://twitter.com/home">so check my twitterfeed</a> on the day of and I’ll keep you apprised of my appearances and any breaking news I come across during the day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am sure there are many fan sites doing chats, keeping people updated via threads in their forums or live blogs.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So while it may appear you don’t have any choice but ESPN, if you aren’t a fan of the broadcast team – I can understand why – you do have other options. Nothing better than watching one feed, but listening to another.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lord knows I do that many Monday nights.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The NFL Draft has grown in popularity and size over the past years and more and more people await it in anticipation and watch it with rapt attention. Everyone has their own way of doing their Draft watching and by no means is my way the only way.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But if you use this guide as a template, I think you’ll find your experience a solid one.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Up until your team takes that kicker with the first round selection.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">At that point, you’re on your own.</p> Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-89643101084027253072009-04-16T13:23:00.000-07:002009-04-16T15:07:03.333-07:00Build the Castle, then Find a King to Defend It or Why the Lions Need Jason Smith<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SeesAJXs7SI/AAAAAAAAABI/41Eb8h4--FI/s1600-h/jason-smith-dec08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 294px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1qbGjasDG6Y/SeesAJXs7SI/AAAAAAAAABI/41Eb8h4--FI/s320/jason-smith-dec08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325414202904210722" border="0" /></a><br />I recently finished my first (and at this late date, likely only) <a href="http://draftguys.com/index.php/articles/1/two_round_2009_nfl_mock_draft/">two round mock draft</a> over at Draftguys.com and a funny thing happened on the way to the internet.<br /><br />I didn't have the Lions taking Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford.<br /><br />Crazy, I know.<br /><br />Maybe it's a reaction to the group think I keep seeing in mock after mock where Stafford <span style="font-style: italic;">has to go to the Lions. </span>I have to admit when the herd runs one way, I tend to take a long look at alternative routes.<br /><br />But more<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>likely it's a number of other mitigating factors - hang with me a moment, put the pitchforks down and hear me out.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1) </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Protection is a must </span><br />To paraphrase myself in my mock (how narcissistic is THAT?), you could clone a Serpentor-like mix of the best quarterbacks ever to grace the field, with the biggest arms, most accurate passes and Churchill-like leadership skills and it won't matter a bit if all the QB does is lay on his back counting clouds and planes.<br /><br />The Lions offensive line is - if you will excuse the pun - offensive. They flat out don't protect the quarterback. They allowed 52 sacks last season - thank goodness for the 49ers, since they kept the Lions from being the worst in that category.<br /><br />How can you utilize Calvin Johnson's speed and vertical game when you can't get the ball off? Sure Daunte Culpepper is past his prime as a quarterback. But when you are pressured that often and that consistently? Who can be successful?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2) If You Can't Block, Then You Can't Run and You Can't Pass </span><br />Not enough for you? Ok, they're also barely capable of holding holes open for the running back. Ranked 30th in the league in rushing yards, with a near-tragic 1,332 yards total and a futile 3.8 yards per carry.<br /><br />If you have no run game, you have no pass game. What about the Cardinals you ask? Well, they have an offensive line that jelled late and have two of the best wide receivers in the game today and a #3 who is better than half the #2s (and a few #1 guys) in the league. In the desert, the line held. The proof? Just 28 sacks against (tied with the Giants) and 4,674 yards through the air. Oh, and the third most TDs through the air.<br /><br />The Lions should be so lucky. And in the end, a lack of run game was one of the flaws in this Arizona team. They didn't need to run because they threw the ball so well, but they finally got caught against a team who could stop the air attack (as they were several times last year) and it cost them the Super Bowl.<br /><br />It's a glaring hole for the Lions. If they cannot protect the ball carrier, the defense will not respect the run and will just tee off on whoever is the unlucky soul hucking the ball.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3) And Many Miles to go Before I Sleep<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span>Let's be honest. This team is not the Miami Dolphins - a team with no one superstar or stud piece, but a lot of solid players who could get the job done. The Lions have a superstar in Calvin Johnson, a solid running back in Kevin Smith and... um..... some other guys.<br /><br />Adding Stafford or Sanchez is not instantly turning this team around. It's not even the first step. Or third. It might not even be half a step. This team is riddled with holes all over the place.<br /><br />The Dolphins succeeded last year in part because the pieces they added in the Draft and elsewhere were just enough to get an average team over the hump. Any Miami fan who is honest with themselves know that the team played over its head last year. And any AFC East fan worth his salt knows they were never as bad as the 2007 season made them look. They just didn't have that far to go to begin with.<br /><br />The Lions, on the other hand, have much more to do before they can become 'good'.<br /><br />And if they draft a QB here - well see points 1 & 2. He may not be around long enough to pay off, or could see his confidence shattered before the team really comes together.<br /><br />There will be plenty of very good quarterbacks next year - more than there are this year in my opinion. And I'm sorry Lionsfan, but you are primed to be at the top of the heap again next year in the Draft.<br /><br />Like the title says - build the castle first, then prop up a king to lead you.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>And while I do like Stafford and Sanchez, I don't know if they will survive the beating they would get behind this line, nor be a capable quarterback long term if they have to live through that many sacks and that much pressure. Many good quarterbacks have been chewed up by a porous line.<br /><br />What about Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco you say? Totally different situations. Ryan was plopped into a rebuilt oline, one that was built to be carried by Michael Turner. Defenses could not just tee off on Ryan, as they were too busy worrying about Turner. And in turn, they couldn't shut Turner down because Ryan would torch them.<br /><br />Plop Sanchez and Stafford in a situation like that and I would be much happier with the pick. The Falcons did tons to fix their team before they got Ryan. They had the castle built, had a kick ass moat and a fierce, ball-carrying dragon thrown in for good measure.<br /><br />Flacco is a weirder situation because he wasn't brought in to start ASAP. He only played because Troy Smith got tonsillitis and missed the preseason. He also stepped into a decent oline situation and while his receivers weren't stunning and the run game a bit lackluster, he wasn't asked to win a bunch of games.<br /><br />Oh and the Ravens' D? A little better than the Lions'. He didn't need to have big games because the team wasn't allowing many points - just 15.2 a game, third best in the league.<br /><br />Think Stafford/Sanchez will have the luxury or easing through a season without having to face enormous deficits?<br /><br />Before you answer, the Lions gave up 32.3 points a game. That would be dead last in the NFL, if you were wondering.<br /><br />So that's an awful risk you're taking, plugging even those two behind a line that's filled with turnstiles and with a defense that tends to get scored on early and often.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4) Money, Money, Money, MONEY!</span><br />I hate to say it, but signability will factor in this pick. How much are you going to spend on Stafford or Sanchez? Ryan had $34.75 million in guaranteed money. They won't settle for less and will ask for a ton more, since they would be the first pick, not the third like Ryan.<br /><br />The Dolphins' first pick, OT Jake Long, cost a mere $30 million in guaranteed money.<br /><br />Ryan also signed for six years at $72 million while Long is signed for five years at $57.75 million.<br /><br />It's going to be expensive, that's why they are trying to trade out of the pick. It's also why they won't be able to. So while it's sexier to pick the QB, it's a far safer - and likely cheaper - to go offensive lineman.<br /><br />Even if the Lions are unmoved by the preceding 1,241 words, they may be moved by the money. Don't just look at the difference between what Long got and what Ryan got. Remember two other things - we're talking about a quarterback in the first slot, not the third and a quarterback always gets far more money than a lineman.<br /><br />In 2007, Jamarcus Russell got a six-year contract worth up to $68 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed. Last year, Ryan - just one year and two slots later - got six years at $72 million with $34.75 million in guaranteed money.<br /><br />You have to figure if push comes to shove, getting their player at a reasonable price in this economy, may play a huge factor. And Smith will flat out come cheaper.<br /><br />The one thing I haven't touched on is Jason Smith (who I think will go ahead of Eugene Monroe out of Virginia). It's not as if the offensive tackle out of Baylor isn't very, very good. He is. He's great in pass protection, is very light on his feet and agile, plays with a flat-out nasty streak and probably hasn't even fulfilled his potential. I love the guy.<br /><br />If the Lions take him, he will be a cornerstone for the offensive line - and therefore, that offense - for years to come.<br /><br />They will have made a good start at building that castle, perhaps adding to it as the Draft progresses.<br /><br />Then, and only then, should they go find the king to lead them forward.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765806398915650614.post-17245531794265808312009-04-03T14:05:00.000-07:002009-04-03T15:01:28.741-07:00Hawaii Pro Day Wrap UpI end my Pro Day trips with a school's Pro Day that, while not the size of USC's (scouts and team personnel and as many fans and media) was still a well attended, well run day with several players whom scouts were keenly interested in.<br /><br />The day, held at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, was attended by about 30 scouts from teams such as Carolina, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Seattle and both New York teams. It was a well attended and well orchestrated day, held in two places, one area for the workout drills and one grass field for positional drills.<br /><br />We started out in a small meeting room where UH head coach Greg McMackin and Associate head coach Rich Miano showed the scouts some highlight videos featuring the various players who would soon be working out.<br /><br />This just in - all defensive lineman David Veikune does is make plays.<br /><br />Veikune was certainly one of the main attractions for scouts on Thursday. While he stood on most of the results of his Scouting Combine performance, he did do the 40 yard dash. He ran a 4.80/4.81 in the 40, with 10 yard and 20 yard splits of 1.64/1.71 and 2.82/2.78 respectively.<br /><br />Veikune also did position drills of course, and as there is some question just where he will fit in at the Pro level, he drilled as an outside linebacker and worked some coverage as well.<br /><br />Having played as a defensive end in college, Veikune may have to make the switch to a linebacker, specifically if he ends up in a 3-4 scheme. But honestly, scouts and teams are just going to try to find a way to get this playmaker on the field. He won't go early, but he will go and already has interest from several teams including the Eagles, Cowboys, Dolphins and Titans.<br /><br />Another player scouts were itching to see was cornerback Ryan Mouton. Mouton had pulled a hamstring at the Combine and was hoping to make an impression this time out for scouts.<br /><br />He began his day on a very high note with an outstanding 11 foot broad jump. He chose to stand on his bench and vert from the Combine and got set to run the 40.<br /><br />I mentioned this in the USC piece I did, but it seems to me I have written about multiple injuries during 40s this year. Maybe they are just leaping out at me this year, but it feels like I am seeing many more.<br /><br />Why do I bring this up? You guessed it - he pulled up lame in the 40. Mouton said later he felt it at about the 20 yard mark and he was in clear pain when he crossed the finish line. Still, he ran an impressive 40 time (especially considering). Various scouts had him at anywhere from 4.42 to 4.48. I had him timed at 4.46.<br /><br />And he did that while clearly pulling up in the last leg. I boggle at how he might have timed had it not happened.<br /><br />The injury looked worse than what it turned out to be, as he sat in the corner of the practice area for some time. Still, he was out for the day. There were more than a few disappointed noises from the scouts and that tells me he was - and likely still is - very much on the radars of several teams. In fact, he already has a meeting with Jacksonville according to the Honolulu Advertiser.<br /><br />Several other players are worth talking about as well. Defensive lineman Josh Leonard benched a fantastic 41 times, ran a 4.97 in the 40, had a 31 1/2 vertical and looked solid in drills. Another Leonard linebacker Adam Leonard, had a so-so 40 (7.41/7.52) but in part that was due to some bad starts.<br /><br />As I saw in San Jose State with corner Coye Francies, once to stumble a few times, it can get in your head. Heck, it was such a worry for USC's Rey Maualuga (who missed drills at the Combine because he pulled a muscle in the 40) that he did the 40 after his position drills.<br /><br />It certainly affected Adam Leonard and probably contributed to a slower than expected 40 time. But his film and other drills will keep him hopping and he will have the chance to show his stuff at team visits and private workouts I'm sure.<br /><br />Finally, is it possible to be wowed by a long snapper? Is it right?<br /><br />Well, it must be because I love what I saw of Jake Ingram.<br /><br />Ingram was a guy the staff talked about during the film session as a perfectionist and a hard worker. The first guy at practice, the last one to leave.<br /><br />And you could tell he was a hard worker. Ingram did every drill he could, ran a 4.90/4.86 in the 40, showed a 30 1/2 vert, a 9'9" broad jump, benched 18 times and ran a 4.59 short shuttle.<br /><br />And that was before he snapped in positional drills.<br /><br />I wasn't the only one impressed as I saw Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons talking to Ingram a ton and a lot of it shop talk. Of course, a snapper has to do more than snap the ball - and certainly teams will take a long look at a guy like Ingram to make sure he can cover and block. Ingram looked good whenever he was asked to do something and he came off as personable and a nose-to-the-grindstone type of guy.<br /><br />It's not often I spend much time talking about long snappers, but Ingram had a very solid day.<br /><br />So ends another Pro Day season and another road trip. It's been a long few months of travel, but is always worth it. Getting to know the scouts a little, chatting with the players and meeting other press like Stephen Tsai and Leila Wai from the Honolulu Advertiser, Sam Farmer from the LA Times at USC's Pro Day and the whole Path to the Draft crew as well - all of it always makes even the longest trips a real joy.<br /><br />Now comes the hard part for me and the scouts - figuring out where everyone goes.Andrew Gardahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06354994480705388006noreply@blogger.com0