NFL Jabber | OTA Time!

The Brian Urlacher drama seems to be over for now. He told the Chicago tribune that he will be attending the Bears three-day mini-camp starting today.

The Chiefs MLB Napoleon Harris is a good example of the difference between what a team is doing and what the media is telling us. Apparently he doesn’t know anything of his job being in danger except for what he is reading.

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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

NFL Draft Jabber 4/12/08

In The Fanhouse Mock Draft, David J. Warner has the Bucs taking Mike Jenkins at #20. I discussed CB in the Bucs draft with the guys at WhattheBuc.net last week and we agreed that you do not need to take a CB at pick #20 when the guy is going to be playing in a cover two, you just don’t need to take one with that high of a pick.

From the “What If” files over at USA Today, this is a pretty thought provoking read. Rewinding to a year ago they have a look at who the draft could have panned out differently.

The Fanhouse points out how the Bears and Lions are in love with Rashard Mendenhall and may look that direction while neglecting the needs on the O-Line.

Todd Archer at DallasNews.com ponders whether the Cowboys should draft or trade for a WR.

Mike Smith says that the Falcons will decide draft plans during their Vet Mini Camp.

“We’re going to be able to evaluate the guys who are healthy enough to go out and play,” Smith said at last week’s NFL meetings. “We’re going to be a young football team, enthusiastic. The early returns from our offseason workouts have been outstanding.”

CBSSportsline.com has a look at the TE class for the 2008 NFL Draft.

SICNN.com has a look at the five teams with the most riding on the draft this year.

The Dolphins Official Site has a pretty cool draft preview set up, check it out.

The Bears Official Site has the five players whose stock is rising…

ProFantasySports.com has a look at the possible gems to be found on day two.

Sporting News takes a look at how Malcolm Kelly’s tantrum can hurt him more than his 40 time.

tag: NFL, 2008 NFL Draft, Football, footballjabber.com, whatthebuc.net, Buccaneers, Bears, Cowboys, Dolphins, Falcons, Lions, Malcolm Kelly, Mike Jenkins

NFL Jabber 1/2/08

Jake Delhomme and John Fox think that the Panthers need another playmaker. Ya think? Just one?

“I think we probably need a playmaker,” Delhomme said in regards to the team’s offense. “I think we have a great one (in Steve Smith), but with a little help, he would be even better. I think it was evident the time he had some other help around him.”

The Niners are going to keep Mike Nolan around despite the 16-32 record he has put up so far.

Here is a list of the teams opponents for 2008 if you want to know who our team is playing.

Fred Taylor doesn’t care for the turf that the Jaguars are going to have to play on at Heinz Field. Just be happy your there Freddy. Remember when football was just toughed out in the elements? Those were the days.

“That field is terrible,” Taylor said. “That is a lawsuit pending. That’s ridiculous. You’re up there where it rains a lot, it snows. Maybe they should try investing in FieldTurf next year.”

Drew Sharp at Freep.com thinks that the Lions owners need to demand playoffs in 2008 or everyone goes. Sounds fair.

Rumor has it that Saints RB, Reggie Bush, has proposed to hottie Kim Kardashian.