2008 NFC North Draft Grades

Chicago Bears

Needs: OL, WR, RB, QB, DL

Between inconsistent play, injuries and free agency, the Bears need a complete retooling on offense. Both starting receivers, Bernard Berrian (Vikings) and Muhsin Muhammad (Panthers), left via free agency. Cedric Benson produced sporadically before suffering a severe ankle injury and there is little prognosis on his comeback. Rex Grossman resigned with the Bears because there was little recourse in the QB free agency market. A solid draft would cue a Bears turnaround.

1.14 - Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
2.13 - Matt Forte RB Tulane
3.07 - Earl Bennett WR Vanderbilt
3.27 - Marcus Harrison DT Arkansas
4.21 - Craig Steltz S LSU
5.07 - Zackary Bowman CB Nebraska
5.23 - Kellen Davis TE/DE Michigan State (no that’s not a misprint, Davis played on both sides of the ball last year)
7.01 - Ervin Baldwin DE Michigan State
7.15 - Chester Adams OG Georgia
7.36 - Joey LaRocque OLB Oregon State
7.40 - Kirk Barton OT Ohio State
7.41 - Marcus Monk WR Arkansas

Draft Grade: B+

Comments: I know that popular opinion is to condemn the Bears draft because they neglected to get a QB. I agree somewhat. If Angelo had turned the Steltz pick or the Bowman pick into Andre Woodson, I would have to give them an A. Chicago hit on all of the positions they needed to (except QB) without any reaches that I saw. They even picked up a couple steals in Marcus Harrison and Marcus Monk. I believe Harrison is a first day pick if he doesn’t get injured early in the year and I cannot fathom how Marcus Monk is 7th round material. His size alone should allow him to crack the Bears roster. Chris Williams will provide the Bears with stability on the offensive line and Matt Forte is a three down back who will make Bears fans forget the name Cedric Benson. I think Earl Williams will make a serviceable pro as well. This draft was solid and should bring Chicago back on the right path.

Detroit Lions

Needs: OL, RB, LB, DL, CB

Mike Martz is gone as offensive coordinator. Gone with him are runningbacks TJ Duckett and Kevin Jones and defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. Quarterback Jon Kitna will be sacked all the way to the hospital if he gets hit with the same frequency he has in the past two years. Paris Lenon is likely one of the worst MLBs in the NFL. The Lions have made no secret to the fact that they would like to shift gears and get back to a power running game. Difficult to do without an offensive line and a runningback.

1.17 - Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College
2.14 - Jordon Dizon OLB Colorado
3.01 - Kevin Smith RB Central Florida
3.24 - Andre Fluellen DT Florida State
3.29 - Cliff Avril DE/OLB Purdue
5.01 - Kenneth Moore WR Wake Forest
5.11 - Jerome Felton FB Furman
7.09 - Landon Cohen DE Ohio
7.11 - Caleb Campbell S Army

Draft Grade: A

Comments: Probably couldn’t have done much better. The first three rounds filled all of the major needs that the Lions had. They even got a decent fullback to lead block. Gosder Cherilus will be used as right tackle, which is his best position and Jordon Dizon will start at SLB before transitioning into the MLB role. There is nothing flashy about Kevin Smith’s running style; he just gets it done. I view the Lions running game in a similar light. No razzle dazzle but solid production. I think Cliff Avril will play a hybrid type of role; both standing up at LB and with his hand down as DE on pass rush downs. Caleb Campbell is an interesting prospect out of Army. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him integrated into the Lions defense sooner rather than later. Excellent draft by the Lions.

Green Bay Packers

Needs: CB, OL, QB, TE, DL

The Green Bay Packers are coming off of a season that saw them win the NFC North and make it to the NFC Championship game. They are a team with very few holes. Youngster Aaron Rodgers seems poised to take over the reigns from Number 4 at QB and hidden gem Ryan Grant seems ready to handle the upcoming year with a full load. What the Pack does need is insurance for Rodgers and some depth on the line and at TE. Their CBs are getting up there in age as well.

2.05 - Jordy Nelson WR Kansas State
2.25 - Brian Brohm QB Louisville
2.29 - Patrick Lee CB Auburn
3.28 - Jermichael Finley TE Texas
4.03 - Jeremy Thompson DE Wake Forest
4.36 - Josh Sitton OT Central Florida
5.15 - Breno Giacomini OT Louisville
7.02 - Matt Flynn QB LSU
7.10 - Brett Swain WR San Diego State

Draft Grade: B-

Comments: It’s difficult to grade a draft where the team doesn’t have any glaring needs. At first glance, they hit on all of the positions they needed depth at. But upon further inspection, there are a few head scratchers. Brian Brohm at 2.25 sticks out for sure. Why spend that high of a pick on a backup for Aaron Rodgers? I know that competition breeds winning but that seems like a bit of a waste to draft a backup QB that high, especially with prime interior lineman on the board available. Taking Matt Flynn alone could have accomplished the same goal without the use of a 2nd round pick. Jordy Nelson is an interesting pick. I like him as a faster, smaller version of TO. He uses body positioning and physicality to make a living over the middle. Just not sure he was the pick with every WR not named Thomas or Avery on the board. Ted must have seen something though. I like the Lee pick. He is a better corner than many give him credit for. The tackles taken both seem like fliers but if I am banking on one team flier tackles panning out; it’s the Packers. Finley seems like a bit of a reach. All in all, Green Bay got the depth they needed but I wonder if a couple of their choices were out of place or reaches.

Minnesota Vikings

Needs: QB, WR, OL, S, DT

Minnesota made a huge splash before the draft, trading their 1st and 3rd round picks to acquire Pro Bowl defensive end Jared Allen. If you can make a deal to secure a big piece of the puzzle and you need to move high picks to do it, good on you. In my opinion, the Vikings are a pass rusher and a consistent quarterback away from being a huge contender. Vikes brass seems high on Tarvaris Jackson but he needs to work on his decision making and consistency.

2.12 - Tyrell Johnson S Arkansas State
5.02 - John David Booty QB USC
5.17 - Letroy Guion DT Florida State
6.21 - John Sullivan C Notre Dame
6.27 - Jaymar Johnson WR Jackson State

Draft Grade: A-

Comments: Minnesota made its mark before the draft but the players they added with those picks should propel them into the division title race. My only complaint is waiting until the 6th round to address the OL. I think a better guard or tackle should have been had in the 5th round like Roy Schuening, Carl Nicks or Barry Richardson. John David Booty is an intriguing pick. I wouldn’t be surprised if he pushes Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job. Tyrell Johnson is a quality prospect who should crack the starting lineup late this year or next. Jared Allen could very well be the player they need for their defense to be propelled into legendary status.

tag: NFL, NFL Draft, Grades, Vikings, Lions, Packers, Bears, sports, footballjabber.com

2008 AFC West Draft Grades

Denver Broncos

Needs - LT, DT, KR/PR, WR, CB

With the retirement of Matt Lepsis, the Broncos absolutely had to have a left tackle of the future out of this draft. Pair that with the loss of Javon Walker and a dismal run defense in which much of the blame was placed on the defensive line, it was easy to see what positions Denver was going to target early in the draft.

1.12 - Ryan Clady OT Boise State
2.11 - Eddie Royal WR Virginia Tech
4.09 - Kory Lichtensteiger OG Bowling Green
4.20 - Jack Williams CB Kent State
5.04 - Ryan Torain RB Arizona State
5.13 - Carlton Powell DT Virginia Tech
6.17 - Spencer Larson OLB Arizona
7.13 - Josh Barrett S Arizona State
7.20 - Peyton Hillis FB Arkansas

Draft grade: B

Comments: The Broncos hit on Clady; I think that kid is the real deal. He is athletic enough to get out and block in space for Denver’s zone blocking scheme. Royal is a bit of a head-scratcher. Everyone is quick to compare Royal to Steve Smith of the Panthers but the AFC West is chock full of physical corners and I think Royal might get fed his lunch at the LOS by guys like Quentin Jammer and DeAngelo Hall. He is a legitimate return threat however. I believe Barrett in the 7th is a huge steal and one always has to take notice when Denver drafts a running back in the late rounds. With the Denver backfield in a bit of flux with Travis Henry’s poor performances last year and Mike Shanahan’s unwillingness to give Selvin Young the job outright, Torain may make a splash.

Kansas City Chiefs

Needs: OG, OT, DT, DE, WR, QB, CB

Kansas City had holes on both sides of the ball and needed a huge draft; especially in the wake of trading away Jared Allen. I think that was the right move. Chiefs brass needs to admit that they are rebuilding. Trading Allen gave them the extra ammo needed to get some young impact players and bring their team back to respectability.

1.05 - Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
1.15 - Brandon Albert OG Virginia
2.04 - Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech
3.10 - Jamaal Charles RB Texas
3.13 - Brad Cottam TE Tennessee
3.19 - DaJuan Morgan S North Carolina State
4.06 - Will Franklin WR Missouri
5.05 - Brandon Carr CB Grand Valley State
6.04 - Barry Richardson OT Clemson
6.16 - Kevin Robinson WR Utah State
7.03 - Brian Johnston DE Gardner-Webb
7.32 - Mike Merritt TE Central Florida

Draft Grade: A-

Comments: Some may argue that if you can’t give KC an A+ with this draft, you can’t give anyone an A+. I disagree with some of the moves that KC made. Glenn Dorsey, Brandon Albert and Brandon Flowers are a monster rounds 1 and 2. A dream for Coach Herm and GM Carl Peterson. But in the third round, it gets dicey. Jamaal Charles opened the Chiefs third round. I get that they want support for Larry Johnson but if LJ were to ever go down to injury, you’d want another bowling ball type of back. I think that if you wanted an RB that could handle 20-25 carries to back up LJ, then Tashard Choice was the pick. If you wanted an RB that would split time with Kolby Smith if LJ fell to injury, you could have waited for that guy. Either the Charles pick was a miss in my opinion. My second biggest beef is the lack of OL picks. Brandon Albert and Barry Richardson are good value for where they were picked but you can make a case for replacing 4 of the 5 starters on the Chiefs line. Yet only two OL selections were made. I think that OL could have been addressed with the Cottam pick and TE could have been selected later. All in all though, KC had the big draft they needed. I view their defense being upgraded greatly as well as half of their line. It will be interesting to see what Herm’s plans are for Jamaal Charles.

Oakland Raiders

Needs: WR, KR/PR, OL, DL, LB

Oakland dipped into the free agent pool hard this year; signing talent like Javon Walker, Drew Carter and Gibril Wilson. They also traded for DeAngelo Hall; giving a second round pick to Atlanta in return. Oakland’s draft was thin but they had the 4th overall pick and a smattering of mid round picks to cover depth and a few needs.

1.04 - Darren McFadden RB Arkansas
4.01 - Tyvon Branch CB Connecticut
4.26 - Arman Shields WR Richmond
6.03 - Trevor Scott DE Buffalo
7.19 - Chaz Schilens WR San Diego State

Draft Grade: C+

Comments: Crazy Al Davis strikes again. I realize that dynamic playmakers score touchdowns and touchdowns help win football games. I get that. But Oakland had the following players at running back; Justin Griffith, Oren O’Neal, Dominic Rhodes, LaMont Jordan, Michael Bush, Justin Fargas and Adimchinobe Echemandu. Mike Bush hasn’t been evaluated at the NFL level and had first round grades before his freak leg injury last year. You just resigned Fargas for three years. Glenn Dorsey is still on the board and you know that New Orleans is foaming at the mouth for him and is willing to sell the farm to get him to the tune of two 1s (this year and next) and a 2. I think a trade down was the right call there. The Raiders are jammed right up against the cap and a cheaper rookie pick would probably have served their purposes moreso. My feelings of Oakland’s right course of action aside, I think that Tyvon Branch will serve the Raiders return game well as the replacement for Chris Carr. Arman Shields has a shot to crack the roster this year.

San Diego Chargers

Needs: OT, DT, CB, RB, S

With the departure of Shane Olivea, the Chargers have a big hole on the offensive line. Mike Turner also left via free agency and LaDainian Tomlinson needs a backup. Injuries to Jamal Williams last year also exposed a shallow defensive line. The Chargers had few holes as a team and had the luxury of taking BPA for many of their picks. Like Oakland, San Diego’s draft is thin due to pre-draft trades.

1.27 - Antoine Cason CB Arizona
3.06 - Jacob Hester FB/RB LSU
5.31 - Marcus Thomas RB Texas El-Paso
6.26 - DeJuan Tribble CB Boston College
7.27 - Corey Clark OT Texas A&M

Draft grade: B-

Comments: Antoine Cason is good value in the late first round; I don’t think any of the remain tackles were of decent value there. I think that a trade down would have served the Chargers better but they may not have had any takers. Going back to back RBs in the third and fifth is a bit of a head scratcher, Andrew Pinnock seemed to be the heir apparent at FB and Darren Sproles remains as a scat back option. Taking Tashard Choice (can you tell I’m a T Choice fan?) as a guy who can handle a full load should LT fall in the early third and going line (offensive or defensive) with the fifth round pick would have made more sense to me. Waiting until the seventh round to take a shot at a tackle would suggest to me that the Chargers are confident in their ability to replace Shane Olivea from within. Time will tell whether that thinking is correct or not.

tag: NFL, Football, NFL Draft, Grades, Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders, footballjabber.com

NFL Draft JabberOrama

The day is here. Put the mock drafts to bed. Leave the back peddling on why he was way off on the pick to Mel Kiper Jr. now. This morning we bring the link dump of link dumps for the morning of the draft. You have some extra time to kill anyway with the later start, right?

The later draft start is more fan friendly for those on the left coast. I’m surprised nobody has speculated that this means there will be a team in LA soon.

NYT hanging out with the top prospects attending the draft. Jake Long the only one having any fun.

There is tons of NFL Draft history and trivia for you to out wit your friends with today RIGHT HERE INSIDE THIS BLUE TEXT.

The Redskins are still looking for help at WR for Jason Campbell. The latest word is they will try to trade for Detroit’s Roy Williams.

The Bears are looking at RB they say…

“Until somebody proves that they’re the guy, then we have to make sure that we create as much competition at that position to make sure we get that done,” said general manager Jerry Angelo.

The Ravens have an eye on Matt Ryan.

The dilemma for the Broncos…talent or need? HEY! Why not both?…

“You want to draft people that will make your football team; you want to draft people that will make your football team better,” Head Coach Mike Shanahan said at his Friday pre-draft press conference. “If you have a lot of depth at one position and you are questioning if that guy can make your football team, the chances are you are not going to draft him. You are going with more of a need player, but if there is a big difference sometimes you will go another direction. It is all on what your philosophy is, you go through a game plan and then you try and execute it on draft day.”

More talk on Glenn Dorsey’s knees. Could you imagine the prospect if he didn’t have questionable wheels?

WR prospect Devin Thomas on shooting up the draft boards.

Andy Reid hints that the Eagles may go O-Line despite the cries for help from McNabb.

“You win the game up front on both sides of the ball,” Reid said. “If the d-line is better than the o-line, the quarterback is going to be in trouble. If the o-line is better than the d-line, the defense is going to be in trouble. That’s how it worked out in the Super Bowl. That theory really rises to the top. You can have pretty good receivers, but if those guys up front aren’t doing their job, those receivers aren’t going to be very good.”

The Bucs dangling a 2nd rounder for Jason Taylor?

KnowHuddle.com has a write up for RB’s beyond the first round that will come in handy for Dynasty and Keeper fantasy football drafts.

The New York Post uses a clever headline of rap meets rock to insinuate that McFadden may end up with the Jets.

HERE is one more story about whether or not McFadden will end up in Dallas.

Jerry Jones loves to have eyes on what he will do in the draft. With two first rounders, it’s business as usual today.

“I came from a background of trading before I was ever involved in the NFL,” said Jones, who amassed his fortune taking risks in the oil business. “I got here by trading and by trying to increase value from where you are today, so it is very tempting for me to take where we are and make more value from it by trading up or down.”

Herm Edwards wanted to build the Chiefs through the draft when he came to KC. They have tons of picks to work with this weekend.

JSOnline.com speculates the Packers may trade away their top pick.

Joe Flacco wants to be in the NFL.

“Last year at this point, I said I would be happy to be a draft pick, and that hasn’t changed,” The 6-foot-7, 236-pound Flacco said. “All I wanted was the opportunity to be in the NFL, the opportunity that I have now. Just the chance.

“I know whoever picks me wants me.”

SFGate.com looks at the several options for the Niners.

The Charlotte Observer has the Odds for what the Panthers will do if your a betting man.

Two guys in Macon, GA. They sit…they talk draft.

The Rams weigh Dorsey vs. Long.

Another “Shockey to the Saints, maybe” story. This one from The New York Post.

tag: NFL, Football, 2008 NFL Draft, footballjabber.com, sports

Top 10 WR Prospects | Football Jabber

This year’s class of wide receivers is a good mix of speed and size guys but lacks a standout top 10 guy. With many high profile offensive teams needing a top WR, this year’s class should prove to have good opportunity to make an immediate impact. A deep class, many teams may choose to wait until the third round to get their guys.

1) Limas Sweed, Texas

There was worry that Sweed would run a 4.5+ 40 at the combine and that teams may choose to ignore him until the second round. Well Sweed ran a 4.46 and had a solid combine, cementing his first round status. I think Sweed is the safest pick in the class with sure hands and crisp route running. He is a physical receiver who can fight off jams at the LOS. The only knock on Sweed is injury history.

2) Devin Thomas, Michigan State

Thomas may have earned the distinction of being the first WR selected in the draft with his monster combine. He ran a 4.32 40 at 215 pounds. A physical sure-handed pass-catcher, Thomas will receive some criticism for not producing at all until this past year but I believe that can be attributed to scheme and coaching as much as the player.

3) DeSean Jackson, California

The top speedster in the draft, he won’t get a lucky top 10 reach this year like the receiver many compare him to did last year, Ted Ginn Jr. Elite kick return abilities paired with 4.3 40 speed and sure hands, Jackson has Steve Smith-like upside but will need to adapt to playing at a much more physical NFL level.

4) James Hardy, Indiana

I really want to rank Hardy at #1 on this list. I really do but I always have difficulty ranking guys who have character concerns around effort. Look at guys like Dwayne Jarrett. Ranked highly and set up to succeed as the WR2 for Carolina but now he might be lucky to crack WR4 on that team. Hardy, at 6′5″, has the size to win jump balls all day in the red zone and has surprisingly good hands for a big man who doesn’t necessarily run the cleanest routes. Easily the biggest upside in the draft, Hardy could develop into the next TO.

5) Early Doucet, LSU

Many have Early Doucet as a proto-typical slot receiver; I couldn’t agree more. Doucet worked out and produced well at the Senior Bowl but neglected to perform at the combine and worked out poorly at LSU’s pro day, running a slow 4.56 40. Doucet has big game experience and the hands to produce in the NFL.

6) Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma

Kelly has seen the biggest freefall in his draft stock outside of the now second day pick Adarius Bowman. Concerns about his knee, inability to tough out a thigh injury and finally a horrible 4.68 40 on the OU pro day have lead to Kelly falling from surefire WR1 to round 2 pick. Measureables and injuries aside, the kid has talent. We’ve all seen the circus catches that Kelly has made. I hope that the thigh injury bothering him had hampered his ability to run. If he can get/stay healthy, he might be a steal for a team in the second round.

7) Jordy Nelson, Kansas State

I like Nelson as a physical possession receiver for a team starving for WR help. He is the type of player who can fight for catches over the middle with his 6′2″ 217 lb frame and still have enough speed to beat his man occasionally with his 4.49 40 speed. He has shown the ability to beat elite corners in college and has the size to position out defenders in the NFL.

8 ) Donnie Avery, Houston

Donnie Avery sort of back up his claim to being a top level speedster. His 4.34 pro day time isn’t the 4.2 he predicted, nor was his 4.40 at the combine. However, 4.3 speed is still legitimate speed. Avery’s numbers are thought to be inflated because of the pass happy Houston offense but you cannot deny his ability to catch the ball. He also brings return abilities to the table. I like him to go in the late second or early third.

9) Eddie Royal, Virginia Tech

While a 4.39 40 time may not turn too many heads when you are 5′9″ 184 lbs, Royal won over scouts at the combine by performing well in the route running and catch drills. He was fluid and looked very comfortable in performing. Don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the first day.

10) Mario Manningham, Michigan

Manningham has done all he could to ruin his draft stock; running a 4.59 40 when speed is your calling card, lying directly to NFL GMs and scouts and terrible interviews to name a few. Mario is back on the rise after running a 4.42 on his pro day. He needs to works on his hands as the last time I recall watching some game tape on Manningham, he suffered through multiple drops. His injury history is also well documented. Still, when Manningham is on his game, he is a force on the field. Mario’s draft position may have much to do with what Gms are willing to gamble.

Close to the cut:
Andre Caldwell, Florida
Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt
Will Franklin, Missouri
Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State
Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin
Harry Douglas, Louisville
Marcus Monk, Arkansas

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NFL Draft Jabber 4/24/08

The Rams are on the clock. Glenn Dorsey and Chris Long would look good here (or a trade to New Orleans). The Rams would like to start negotiating but the league says notta.

“They cannot (negotiate),” a league official told the Post-Dispatch via e-mail Wednesday afternoon. “That has been our policy. Only the team with the first pick can negotiate and sign a player. We will re-evaluate that policy (in the future) to determine if any changes are warranted.”

Jerry Rice would approve the Niners taking a shot on DeSean Jackson.

Football Jabber takes up three spots on the second annual Mock Draft at The Hazean.

Bring a lottery to the NFL Draft? Peter Schrager at FoxSports.com thinks so.

Darrin McFadden made a second trip to visit the Jets.

“I feel like if I’m there at No. 6, they’re going to take me,” McFadden told the Daily News at a promotional appearance in lower Manhattan.

One of my favorite sites, Pro Football Reference, takes a look at the Best Draft Classes.

Brian Brohm must have just noticed he is the second best QB prospect behind Matt Ryan. He doesn’t like it.

“I feel I’m the best quarterback,” he says. “If you look on a year-to-year basis, consistency-wise, who makes good decisions on the field, I feel I’ve just done it consistently and in more games.”

KnowHuddle.com will tell you that Martellus Bennett is the steal of the draft.

In the eyes of the latest assigned draft expert, Ron Jaworski, Vernon Gholston is going to take plays off on you.

“Vernon Gholston. My personal evaluation didn’t have him as high as some others. I think he’s a rigid, straight-line guy. When I look at tape, I don’t see a guy that shows up on every single play. I don’t get the ‘wow’ factor. I’m not quite sure where he’s going to play with his hand on the in the push position or play as a stand-up linebacker. He’s a guy that if someone at the top of the board doesn’t like him, he could sit around a little bit.”

The Star Tribune says the Vikings are not likely to draft a RB. Really.

tag: NFL, NFL Draft Prospects, 2008 NFL Draft, Sports, footballjabber.com, Football

Top 10 CB Prospects | Football Jabber

The cornerback class, unlike most other classes this year, is filled with small school prospects. Between amazing combines and small school scouting, five of my top 15 CBs are from small schools. I find that as technology is the game increases and becomes more widespread, less of these small school gems slip through the cracks.

1) Leodis McKelvin, Troy

McKelvin is the closest thing to a complete corner in this draft. Between his burst and reactionary abilities, he can disrupt passing and make plays that few corners in the draft can make. Pair that with the fact that he is one of the better return men available this year, McKelvin should be a top 10 choice.

2) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State

I don’t believe that there is any one player who people are so hot and cold on more than Rodgers-Cromartie. Over the past two months, I’ve heard comments such as; “project player”, “developmental”, “future hall-of-famer”, “overrated”, “best defensive back available” and finally “product of misplaced hype”. Dallas loves DRC as evidenced by their leaked draft board and with his rare combination of blazing speed and size, why not? Hype or not, DRC won’t last to the bottom half of the first round.

3) Aqib Talib, Kansas

A victim of good competition, I think Talib cracks the top 10 in last year’s draft and isn’t receiving the type of fanfare of McKelvin, DRC or even Mike Jenkins. I think Talib is the best physical corner in the draft and at 6′2″ 205, it isn’t hard to see why. If selected by the right team, don’t be surprised to see Talib emerge as the best corner in the draft.

4) Mike Jenkins, South Florida

Once considered the best corner available in the draft, Mike Jenkins suffered a slight fall due personal issues (reports of fighting outside of a bar) and being overshadowed by DRC at the combine. Jenkins and college teammate Trae Williams formed one of the scariest CB duos in college football last year. At times, Jenkins played well enough to be considered a shutdown corner. However, he proved to be inconsistent at times. The talent is there for sure, he won’t escape the first round.

5) Antoine Cason, Arizona

Cason is probably the most battle proven CB available playing in the pass happy Pac-10 with reasonable success. It is likely you won’t find a better tackle at the CB position than Cason outside of possibly Reggie Smith. Reliable, smart and solid ball skills. Not as high of upside as some CBs but Cason has a higher floor than any of the top 5.

6) Tracy Porter, Indiana

Porter is hailed as being a quality athlete who can go stride-for-stride with your burner receiver. He has premium ball skills and uses his agility to make outstanding plays. The knock on him is that he is not physical enough to get a jam on many receivers and can be out-bodied on many balls by a physical receiver.

7) Reggie Smith, Oklahoma

Smith has the ability and experience to play safety as well so as you’d expect, Smith isn’t going to be faster than most of the CBs in the class. That being said, his physicality and ball skills are both top-notch. He is solid in pass coverage but may lack the burst to run with NFL receivers. His versatility will probably be his calling card in the NFL.

8 ) Justin King, Penn State

Speed and agility are what teams are keying on if they are scouting King. He won’t lose many races against your receivers and can jump well to make plays on the ball. Big receivers gave him problems in college and will continue to do so in the NFL.

9) Terrell Thomas, USC

What stands out of me with regards to Thomas is his ability to support on run defense. His size and strength lend weight his abilities as a great cover 2 corner.

10) Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech

Despite what his size may tell you, Flowers is an aggressive corner always looking for the big hit/play. However, he tends to get burned occasionally because of this whether he misses the ball or loses a tackle. His speed isn’t great but his football smarts are great. A good corner for zone coverage.

Close to the cut:

Chevis Jackson, LSU
Antwaun Molden, Eastern Kentucky
Terrence Wheatley, Colorado
Trae Williams, South Florida
Patrick Lee, Auburn
Charles Godfrey, Iowa

tag: NFL, 2008 NFL Draft, Draft Prospects, Cornerback, footballjabber.com

NFL Draft Jabber 4/21/08

Contra Costa Times has the Raiders Top 5 Draft needs. But as everyone knows, this means nothing to Al Davis.

Mel Kiper Jr. and Mike Mayock admit that their mock drafts focus on need and not teams reaching for the player they want. This explains Kiper’s back peddling on draft day.

“I think we get too wrapped up in needs,” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. said in a conference call with reporters last week. “Needs are fine, and that’s all well and good, but if the guy’s not that good a player, probably, he’s not going to help you.”

“I’m pretty much a believer in the best athlete available, also,” NFL Network’s Mike Mayock said in a separate conference call. “And obviously, what you’re hoping is that your area of need matches up with the best player on your board. Then, it’s a no-brainer. My issue would be that if you continue to reach for a position of need, you’re going to dilute the overall quality of your football team.”

Joe Flacco has been hearing his name more often as the draft approaches. He could hear it earlier then previously expected come draft day.

Here is a look at the Top 10 Matt Millen draft busts.

Devin Thomas has moved up the WR board. Here is one of those handy profiles from Freep.com

Sun-Sentinel.com grades the 1st Round QB’s from the last 10 years.

Ohio.com has a look at the “Tweeners” for the Brownies.

What? You say you want to hear more about the Center position and less of those pretty boy positions? Here ya go.

KnowHuddle.com discusses the Patriots keeping an eye on QB Colt Brennan.

More NFL Draft hindsight. FoxSports.com says that these teams should have passed on these WR’s.

Colts.com breaks down the Top DE’s in a very Chris Long heavy article.

The Bears Official site looks at the top CB’s.

tag: NFL, 2008 NFL Draft, Football, footballjabber.com, Sports

Draft Day Trades: Drama Ensues

While teams will try their best to move up or down in the draft, especially at the top of the first round, there is no short of rumors plaguing star players as the suspense builds this last week leading up to the draft. Here is a list of the biggest names and the odds they’ll find new homes next weekend or before:

Chad Johnson, Bengals
The campaign to exile himself from Cincinnati kicked off shortly after the Super Bowl and has been picking up steam ever since. The media blitz is now in full force as Chad is determined to convince anyone who will listen that he does not plan on showing up for any team activities or training camp for the Bengals this season. While there is a history of not bending to the demands of belligerent stars in Cincinnati, if Mike Brown and the Bengals were presented with an above average offer, a trade on draft day would seem likely. But what will it take for a team to sway the Bengals to rid themselves of the mouthy but talented receiver? Time will tell.

Possible Suitors: Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys and Redskins* (*by law any blogger must include the Redskins as a potential trade partner for any high profile athlete)
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 2:1

Jared Allen, Chiefs
The Chiefs have relented to the fact that they won’t be able to sign DE Jared Allen long term after this season, so a week before the draft they wisely began exploring their trade options. The Bucs and Vikings were quick to set up visits and begin negotiations with the all pro defensive standout. The Minnesota Vikings seem to have the inside track with a presumed offer of a 2008 first rounder and a 2009 second rounder. Should a deal be consummated prior to the draft, the Chiefs will most likely turn their attention to defensive end at the 5 spot.

Possible Suitors: Vikings, Bucs
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 1:2

Jeremy Shockey, Giants
Much has been made this off-season regarding the correlation of Shockey’s injury and subsequent absence and the emergence and improved confidence of quarterback Eli Manning. While trade rumors were quickly diffused early on, talks have heated up this week leading up to the draft. Shockey has even said he would welcome a trade out of New York. The writing seems to be on the wall that Shockey’s days in Gotham are numbered, but only if the Giants receive the right offer. A 2nd rounder and a starting safety from the Saints was reportedly not enough to for GM Jerry Reese to pull the trigger

Possible Suitors: So far, just the Saints
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 3:1

Roy Williams, Lions
Rumors of trade proposals have been hypothesized by every beat writer in Detroit and Dallas this entire off-season. The Lions have steadfastly denied there is any chance of trading their star wide receiver despite the obvious fact that he will be a free agent next season. The absolute denials have done little to subside the trade talk. If the Lions don’t consummate a trade on draft day, signing Roy Williams’s long term should be objective number one.

Possible Suitors: Cowboys, Eagles
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 4:1

Lito Sheppard, Eagles
Despite numerous reports to the contrary, the Eagles never spoke on the possibility of trading the outstanding corner until this week when Eagles President Joe Banner revealed the level of interest of teams inquiring was high. Whether that was said to drum up interest in other teams or improve the offers from current teams in talks, remains to be seen. While a trade seems logical, the Eagles may hold Lito’s value higher than any offer they might receive.

Possible Suitors: Had been Rams and Cardinals but not much has leaked as to who Banner was referring to
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 5:2

Sage Rosenfels, Texans
The Texans and Vikings were seemingly a lock to complete a trade, reportedly being only one round away on compensation (the Texans were holding firm for a 2nd rounder while the Vikes wouldn’t budge from offering just a 3rd). With the Vikings signing Gus Ferrotte the Vikings are no longer interested and Rosenfels appears to be set as the backup of Schaub in Houston. With the retirement of Steve McNair, there is a possibility the Ravens could make an overture for the veteran on draft day unless they land Matt Ryan at 8.

Possible Suitors: Ravens
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 50:1

Donovan McNabb, Eagles

No one really believes a trade will happen involving McNabb as Philly seem more confident than ever to have him has their starting quarterback for the 2008 season, but we’ll list him here just on the off chance that former Eagles assistant Jim Harbaugh makes an over the top push to obtain Donovan in the wake of Steve McNair’s retirement.

Possible Suitors: Ravens
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 250:1

-TD Hill, endzoneview.blogspot.com

tag: NFL, 2008 NFL Draft, Trade, footballjabber.com

Football Jabber IDP Fantasy Focus

DJ Williams-Denver Broncos

Confirmation of what I suspected for the last couple months occurred yesterday. DJ Williams informed the football world that he will be returning to the weak side.

I warned you in an earlier FBJabber piece that DJ was a perfect Sell High candidate. However, his drop in value will not be as bad as if he ended up on the strong side. Expect LB2-LB3 production going forward. If you can get top 5 LB value for him now before the news breaks, do it. If not, I hold and hope for a change in scenery as Williams will be a free agent after this year. With his experience, if he walks, he could end up back in the middle with a new team.

The new man in the middle in Denver is Niko Koutouvides, formerly of the Seahawks. Expect teams to continue to run against the Broncos until they are given a reason not to. After all, why would you attempt to pass against a secondary that includes Champ Bailey, Dre Bly and John Lynch if you didn’t have to? Temper your expectations slightly for Niko as I am projecting him as being a 2 down LB. If you can pick him up on the cheap now, I would do it.

Stephan Cooper-San Diego Chargers

Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper landed himself a four game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant.
This is the second time in recent memory that a San Diego LB has earned a suspension for taking a banned substance. In 2006, OLB Shawne Merriman received a similar suspension. Cooper stands to miss weeks one through four. The exact substance he tested positive for was not reported. As you would expect, the standard response of “I didn’t know it was banned when I took it.” was used. Don’t these guys have a multitude of trainers, coaches and medical staff to take this kind of guesswork out of this?

The fantasy impact of this news is next to none. Cooper isn’t going to lose his job over this and the SILB job, while productive in SD, will likely be split between youngsters Brandon Siler and Anthony Waters and journeyman Derek Smith, formerly of the 49ers, while he is gone. Give Matt Wilhelm a small bump up as he will likely compensate somewhat for Cooper’s absence in these first four games.

Jason Taylor-Miami Dolphins

Rumor has it that the price for Jason Taylor is floating around a 2nd round pick or higher. It’s no secret that Jacksonville is interested but they may wait out the Dolphins to force their hand. Personally, I’m surprised Taylor hasn’t garnered more interest. He is old but is still one of the better ends in the game. He is less than two years removed from a Defensive MVP season. [Insert Dancing with the Stars joke here]

Linebackers-Carolina Panthers

The Carolina linebacker situation seems to be cleaning itself up a bit. According to the Charlotte Observer, Landon Johnson has already secured the WLB spot over emcumbent Na’il Diggs. You had to see that coming. Super sophomore Jon Beason is a beast in the middle and for some unknown reason, John Fox is convinced that Thomas Davis is a better Sam backer than Will. Diggs was clearly the weak link in the corps and now moves to 4th LB.

Expect LB4 numbers as Davis and whatever Mike he is paired with usually chew up the majority of tackles. This may change with the loss of Kris Jenkins to the Jets but I don’t think it will be enough to warrant any significant boost in value to Johnson.

Pacman Jones-Tennessee Titans (Dallas Cowboys)

Another rumor I am hearing is that if Dallas can secure the services of Pacman Jones, they intend to shift Anthony Henry to strong safety and still draft a first round CB, relegating Roy Williams to a wolverine-type of role. Take this one with a grain of salt; as Cowboys fan will be quick to dismiss this as they generally love RW whereas Cowboys hater will be quick to believe this as they generally hate RW. I don’t think this would be a permanent move by any stretch, I still think that Roy Williams is the best strong safety on their team for 1st and 2nd down. But one must admit that Williams has/does struggle with pass coverage.

tag: NFL, Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football tips, IDP, footballjabber.com, Pacman Jones, Jason Taylor, Stephan Cooper, DJ Williams

NFL Draft Jabber 4/18/08

CBSSportsline.com has up a RB preview for you to sink your chompers into. Looks like we can see some quality backs slipping in this draft.

“I don’t know if there are a ton of teams in the league that have a first-round need at running back,” one NFC personnel director said. “So that will push some really quality backs to the second round, or even later.”

Some people have been addressing a need for QB all offseason for the Ravens (Our very own TJ Ford). With the walking of Steve McNair, TheBaltimoreSun.com has a look now.

More of The Colston Law. MiamiHerald.com looks at small school prospects.

Click here to read about the 2004 fire that Jake Long survived.

Talk of McFadden to the Jets continues.

The Star Tribune brings you the D-Backs.

JSOnline brings you more on the top RB’s.

Detnews.com and the search for the next Adrian Peterson

Seattlepi.com on the rising stock of Linemen.

Kansascity.com on the Defensive Tackles.

The Titans don’t let the past dictate what they do in the present draft. Kudos.

Ryan Clady will be the first ever first round pick from Boise State.

BuffaloNews.com looks at the average TE draft class.

tag: NFL, Football, 2008 NFL Draft, Prospect, footballjabber.com, Sports

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