12/23/2011
1. indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
This is an interesting pick. Everyone knows the Colts have a legend at QB in Peyton Manning. It would be a tough blow to the fans to see Manning playing for someone else. That said, Luck has an entire career ahead of him and Manning has a few years left. If you're GM, Bill Polian you have to think long term about what is best for the franchise. It'd be tough to see Manning go, but ask Green Bay fans how trading Brett Favre turned out. Best case scenario is you can get Luck to sit behind Manning for a year, and convince Manning to be a mentor to Andrew Luck.
2. St. Louis Rams- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
This is a tough call because there will likely be new leadership in St. Louis next season. The Rams need an Offensive Tackle, but they have spent high draft choices on the position quite a bit in the past few years. They also need to get Sam Bradford a legit number one WR. Brandon Lloyd is decent, but he isn't nearly as talented as Justin Blackmon.
3. Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Vikings need some help up front on offense and Kalil also happens to be the top player on the board. I'm a firm believer in taking the best player that fits your team, especially when you are picking this high. When you draft a player you are drafting him for several years and he might not be at a position of need right now but needs change on a team from year to year. This pick would help with young QB Christian Ponder giving him security on his blind side. Also Adrian Peterson, the best player on the Vikings, would benefit from this pick.
4. Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Cleveland will be hoping Justin Blackmon lasts to their pick but I think he goes to the Rams. They really need help at WR, but there isn't another WR worthy of a top 5 pick. I'm not a huge fan of RB's going this high, but Richardson is a special talent and reminds me a lot of Adrian Peterson. Peyton Hillis will not be back in Cleveland after the strep throat thing and the contract disputes.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Jaguars brought in Aaron Kampman to be their "stud" pass rusher a few years ago and he blew his knee out in the first training camp in Jacksonville. They still haven't been able to find a guy to pass rush. When you are in a division with the pass happy Colts and have a good passing team in the Texans you need to be able to get after the QB.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Ronde Barber is at the end of his career and Aqib Talib may be in jail next season. Claiborne is the top CB in this draft even though he's probably the 2nd best CB on his own college team. LSU keeps churning out top CB after top CB.
7. Washington Redskins- Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Griffin's value has skyrocketed this season. Mike Shanahan is not going to go through another season with Rex Grossman or John Beck at QB. He knows as well as anyone that you need a good QB to win in the NFL. With the success of Tebow and Cam Newton this year, QB's like Griffin will be looked at more favorably.
8. Miami Dolphins- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
With Matt Barkley going back to school, Jones now has a legit shot to be a top ten QB. Matt Moore has played well lately, but there will be a new QB in Miami next season. If they don't go out and get a veteran look for them to draft one in the first round.
9. Carolina Panthers- Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
Cam Newton looks like a rising star in the NFL and the Panthers are going to do everything they can to showcase him and give him a chance to be a pro bowl QB. That includes getting him another threat at WR. Steve Smith has wanted another legit WR for years and they get one here with Jeffrey who could be the most talented WR in this class.
10. Buffalo Bills- Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford
I can't believe how bad the Bills have fallen off since having that great start this season. They just extended Ryan Fitzpatrick and if he's going to be their guy they have to get him some protection, especially on the left side of that line. It has been a problem for years. They also need some playmakers at WR other than Steve Johnson.
11. Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
Unbelievably the Eagles need a CB, but after spending all that money at the position this past off season they won't draft one in the 1st round. Especially when you think this CB class is loaded and good ones can be had later on. The Eagles need that hard nosed playmaker in the middle of that defense. Kuechly can step right in and be a leader and is one of the most pro ready players in this draft.
12. Kansas City Chiefs- Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Chiefs have Tamba Hali to rush the passer and that is it. These tweener types used to not go until at least the 2nd round, but with more teams going to the 3-4 they are going earlier in drafts and Scott Pioli will realize this. His old boss, Bill Belicheck still won't take one in the first.
13. Arizona Cardinals- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Cardinals have two OT's that are over paid and under perfoming. They can get rid of at least one of them by taking Reiff, the last of the three elite Tackles, and suring up one of the Tackle spots with a cheaper, better option.
14. Tennessee Titans- Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
The Titans have needed an upgrade at basically every LB spot for years. The last good LB they had was Keith Bullock. Burfict is a guy who plays like his hair is on fire and can make plays sideline to sideline.
15. San Diego Chargers- Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Chargers have needed an upgrade at rush LB since they made Shawn Merriman stop taking steroids. They drafted Larry English in the first round and he's been a bust. Jenkins should provide them with the pass rush they need.
16. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
People would say this is a major reach, but everyone remembers what happened in this year's draft with the QB's going so high. Plus Seattle passed on Andy Dalton in last year's draft and I think they are kicking themselves for that and won't want to make the same mistake again.
17. New York Giants- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Giants are thin in the secondary and had to start the season with guys they brought in off the street. This despite taking a CB in the first round, Prince Amukamara, who was a steal for them. Add the Giants to the list of teams with a duo of first round CB's.
18. Cincinnati Bengals- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
The secondary has been a problem spot for the Bengals since Leon Hall went down with an achilles injury. Jenkins may be the most talented CB in this draft, he started at Florida, on a national championship team, as a true freshman. He got kicked out of Florida for arrests for Marijuana, so I can see the jokes now if the Bengals take him. Arrest or not, Jenkins is super talented and would give the Bengals a major boost in pass coverage. With how well the D line has been playing, if you have a group of CB's with Hall, Jenkins, Jones, and Clements the defense will be awfully tough.
19. Chicago Bears- Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
The Bears offensive line has struggled for quite a few years now. The best piece of that line was Olin Kruetz who left for the Saints via free agency then retired. Teams are taking Centers higher in drafts because the results are there to see that teams with good Centers are usually among the best offensive lines in the NFL. Look at the difference on the Bengals line when Giuchec was here and then when Kyle Cook took over.
20. Dallas Cowboys- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Dallas is thin at CB, like their division rival the Giants. Terrance Newman is getting old and losing some of that world class speed and Mike Jenkins is afraid to tackle anyone. They have also been decimated by injury. The Cowboys need to take advantage of this deep class of CB's.
21. Cincinnati Bengals- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
Both Nate Livings and Bobbie Williams are set to become free agents after the season. Livings isn't that good and Williams is getting old. They have Boling to replace one of them or Anthony Collins. DeCastro is the best interior lineman in this class and I would love this pick. I'm a huge fan of using early picks on one line or the other. I'm a firm believer in winning football starts up front no matter if it's pee wee or the NFL.
The Bengals haven't used a high draft pick on an interior offensive lineman since taking Steinbach in the 2nd round. Getting DeCastro to solidify the line would give the Bengals a chance to have one of the better offenses in the NFL for years to come. They are loaded with young skill players and have what looks to be a promising young QB in Andy Dalton. This offense along with a strong defense with a secondary with improved depth would give the Bengals a window to make a Super Bowl run. Especially having at least nine picks within the first 3 rounds of the next two drafts.
22. New York Jets- Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington
Good Nose Tackles are very hard to find. The Jets defense was dominant a few years ago when they had Kris Jenkins starting in the middle up front. He's since been on the IR most of the time and the defense hasn't been the same since.
23. Denver Broncos- Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
John Fox is a defensive coach who loves to run the football. I don't think he's a huge fan of Moreno and McGahee is getting too old to play RB in the NFL. Miller is the best available RB and Fox doesn't shy away from taking RB's in the first.
24. Cleveland Browns- Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Browns have two picks in the first round because they passed on Julio Jones this year and got a group of picks in return from Atlanta. While most agree that was a good trade for the Browns they still don't have a legit threat at WR. They have to get a WR with one of the two first round picks. They still don't know what they have at QB with Colt McCoy, but you can't give McCoy an honest evaluation if he doesn't have any weapons on offense to work with.
25. Detroit Lions- Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
The Lions need some offensive line help. This is the first year that Stafford hasn't gotten injured. If the Lions want this to continue they need to get him some protection. Center is the weakest spot and in my opinion also the most important spot on the line. Yes, even more important than Left Tackle. The Center makes the line calls and pressure up the middle is the most disruptive to a QB.
26. Houston Texans- Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Broyles is undervalued because of his size. Look how much Oklahoma has struggled since Broyles went out. Broyles has excellent speed, hands, a vertical, and ability to get seperation. He would be a perfect compliment to Andre Johnson and his return ability adds to his value.
27. Baltimore Ravens- Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
Ray Lewis has had a hall of fame career. He is also still playing at a high level. Lewis can't play forever though and Manti could be his heir apparent as the leader in the middle of that defense. He could play inside next to Lewis until Ray decides to hang up his cleats and then take over.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers- Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
If Jones declares his value will shoot up because he has the versatility to play about anywhere on the offensive line. The Steelers have had holes all over their offensive line for years. Really I'm suprised they've won as much as they have with the problems on that line. That just proves that defense wins championships is true.
29. New England Patriots- Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
The Pats traded Richard Seymour to the Raiders a couple years ago and have been looking for a replacement every since. With the explosive offense they have run by Tom Brady, if they can get just an average pass rush and make their defense middle of the pack they'll probably be favorites to win the Super Bowl.
30. San Francisco 49ers- Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
The Niners have a good defense and running game which is a formula for success in football. However if they wanna make a run at winning a Super Bowl they're going to need some more playmakers at WR. Braylon Edwards isn't going to cut it, and Crabtree hasn't lived up to his hype at all.
31. New England Patriots- Vinny Currey, DE/OLB, Marshall
If the Pats can land Ingram to put at DE and Currey to come off the edge at OLB they will significantly upgrade their pass rush and the entire defense. I think this is the year NE actually uses both their first round picks.
32. Green Bay Packers- Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
I've been mocking a Tackle to the Packers for months now. This was when it looked like they didn't have any holes. Now with all the injuries on the offensive line they suddenly look beatable and lost to KC last weekend. Also when you have a QB the caliber of Aaron Rodgers spending a high pick on an offensive lineman is a good idea and should be done as much as possible. If you keep Rodgers protected he stays healthy and if he has time he will pick defenses apart and win you more Super Bowls.
2nd Round
33. Indianapolis Colts- Devon Still, DT/DE, Penn State
Teams have been able to run on the Colts for years. It didn't show as much because Manning had them a lead and teams were forced to throw. Now it's time for them to become a more well rounded team.
34. Minnesota Vikings- Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia Tech
The CB play in Minnesota has been awful this year. Teams have thrown all over the Vikings. Minnifield is a 1st round talent, but because this class is loaded with CB's he may fall to the 2nd round.
35. St. Louis Rams- Kelechi Osemele, OT/OG, Iowa State
It's amazing the Rams still need help at Tackle being they've taken 3 of them early in the past few years, including one a 2nd overall pick with arms that are too short and he needs to be moved to Guard. You would think with all the money spent on scouting and on these teams in general someone would've noticed that before drafting him 2nd overall.
36. Cleveland Browns- Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
This is the Browns 3rd pick within the first 36 picks. Brown is the best player left on the board if he falls this far. With all these high picks Cleveland has to take the best player available as much as possible as they've been bad for years and need to add the best talent they can.
37. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Jags took Reggie Nelson in the first round and whiffed on him a few years ago, even though he's playing well in Cincinnati. They've still been struggling at Safety and here can get Barron who could easily go in the first round.
38. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Bucs could very well go CB in the first two rounds in next year's draft. Ronde Barber may retire and Talib may go to jail. If that happens they go from two good starting CB's to zero and have to completely reload. In a division with Brees, Ryan, and Newton it could be tough starting two rookie CB's.
39. Washington Redskins- Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
The Redskins actually have a lot of pieces in place, but when you have bad QB play it's tough to overcome that. Also if they take a QB in the first round they are lacking weapons at WR and will need to add to that position early in next year's draft.
40. Miami Dolphins- Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
If the Dolphins land a 1st round rookie QB this would be a good pick. A rookie QB's best friend, other than a good running game, is a good pass catching TE. Allen is the best in this draft and Jones could develop a rapport with him for years.
41. Carolina Panthers- Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
Teams have thrown the ball all over the Panthers this year. If their defense could slow teams down at all they may have close to a .500 record. You can go about fixing this two ways, add to the pass rush or cover CB's.
42. Buffalo Bills- Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
The Bills have been transitioning from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense over the past two seasons. They had an early 1st round pick in Aaron Maybin as a pass rusher, but he doesn't fit their new system and they need to add new personnel to fit their defense.
43. Philadelphia Eagles- Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
Andy Reid loves to draft offensive lineman early and often and here it fits a need and is the best player available. Glenn can play across from Danny Watkins and give the Eagles one of the best young Guard tandems in the NFL, turning what was a huge weakness a year ago into a strength.
44. Kansas City Chiefs- Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama
Todd Haley has been fired so I don't know what defense the Chiefs will run next season. If they keep Romeo Cronnell around they will keep the 3-4 and will need a legit nose tackle.
45. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
Teams have run right up the gut on the Eagles all season. Some people are blaming that wide nine defense they run. I blame it on them being soft up the middle. If they add Kuechly and Thompson that'll be a huge step in fixing that.
46. Tennessee Titans- Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
The Titans should take advantage of this loaded class of CB's because they have needed an upgrade across from Cortland Finnegan for years.
47. San Diego Chargers- Casey Heyward, CB, Vanderbilt
Quinton Jammer is in his thirties and after trading Cromartie they've needed to add another CB for the last two years. In other years Heyward could be a fringe 1st/2nd round pick.
48. Seattle Seahawks- Kevin Reddick, LB, North Carolina
Seattle just traded Aaron Currey to SF for a low draft pick. What happened there? Wasn't Currey supposed to be the safest, surest pick in the draft his year coming out. Anyway Seattle now needs a SAM LB.
49. New York Giants- Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama
The Giants current middle LB, Chase Blackburn, is a free agent after this season. He needs to be upgraded anyways as do the other LB spots on the Giants.
50. New England Patriots- Billy Winn, DT/DE, Boise State
Bill Belicheck likes to take the best player available and Winn would likely be that this late in the draft. This would also give the Pats good young depth at DE with the additions of Winn and Ingram. You could even play Currey there if you had to.
51. Chicago Bears- Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State
I wouldn't be suprised if the Bears took offensive lineman with their first four picks in this draft. They've needed upgrades across the line for years. It's showing this year with Cutler out and he's been the most sacked the past two seasons.
52. Dallas Cowboys- Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis
This draft has 3 Nose Tackles that could go in the first two rounds which is rare. The Cowboys are set at NT, but you could always use depth as you are just an injury away from struggling at a position it's hard to find a replacement. With guys that big injuries can happen easily.
53. Cincinnati Bengals- Chris Polk, RB, Washington
The Bengals had some luck getting a RB in the 2nd round from Washington one other time, Corey Dillon. Cedric Benson is okay, but he's getting old for a RB and with a good run blocking line is averaging less than 4 yards a carry which isn't very good. Polk is a big power guy that has the speed to break off the long run. Adding someone like Polk to an already talented young offense will just make them that much more explosive. If the draft plays out like this for the Bengals a Super Bowl run could be in order soon. It's exciting to say that as a long suffering Bengals fan.
54. New York Jets- Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
This pick sends a message to Mark Sanchez that you better pick your game up. Rex Ryan wants to win it all, anything less is unacceptable. That's not gonna happen with Sanchez at QB. I think Rex is going to explore some options at the end of the season, especially if the Bengals get in the playoffs over the Jets.
55. Denver Broncos- Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
Champ Bailey can't play forever right? He's getting old and injured more often every year. The Broncos will likely add a CB early for depth at least.
56. Atlanta Falcons- Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma
I thought the Falcons should have taken a DE instead of trading up for Julio Jones this year's draft. In thier playoff game against Green Bay, Abraham looked exhausted as he's all they have in terms of pass rush.
57. Detroit Lions- Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
I'm sure the Lions will like picking lower for once and not having to pay these rookies an arm and a leg. The Lions need to go O line in the first, then secondary in the 2nd, then back to the O line in the 3rd, and you get the picture, O line and secondary!
58. Houston Texans- TJ McDonald, FS, USC
The Texans defense is much improved with Wade Phillips calling the defense. However they went into this season undermanned in the secondary. They did add Jonathon Joseph, but they still need Safety help.
59. Baltimore Ravens- Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
Ozzie Newsome is a big proponent of taking the best player available and that would be Sanu at this point. He's a physical WR like Boldin who has been hurt a lot lately and would be good insurance to have behind Boldin and Torrey Smith.
60. Pittsburgh Steelers- Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
Sanders is a smaller, more athletic offensive lineman which you would think wouldn't fit the Steelers smash mouth style of offense. Except the Steelers don't run that type of offense anymore they throw the ball a ton.
61. New Orleans Saints- Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
Worthy would be a good compliment next to Sedric Ellis on the interior of the Saints defensive line. Ellis is more athletic and gets after the passer while Worthy can get after the passer but is better at playing the run.
62. San Francisco 49ers- Ray Ray Armstrong, SS, Miami
The Niners took Taylor Mays in the 2nd round in last year's draft and gave up on him quick. They still need to upgrade at the position, and if it doesn't work out they can always trade him to the Bengals for a 7th rounder.
63. New England Patriots- DeVier Posey, WR, Ohio State
Everyone knows the Pats have a good offense, but they are flawed as they don't really have a deep threat. Bringing in Posey would give them that. Also people in New England that want memorabilia just find a good tattoo artist and you can get a jersey or whatever.
64. Green Bay Packers- LaMicheal James, RB, Oregon
James would be a good fit in the Packers explosive offense. Can you imagine him as a check down option, with all of those talented WR's he'd get the ball in space a lot and would be dangerous.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Bengals Team Draft Needs in 2012
I was listening to talk radio today and someone called in and asked Chick Ludwig which way he thinks the Bengals will go in the draft next year. That got me thinking about what the Bengals have missed the most this season.
Obviously this is a very young team and the future looks bright. It looks as if this may be the Bengals division in the very near future with all the young talent and the Ravens and Steelers getting old. They have a lot of good young players at most of the key positions.
I'd say they definitely need to take a Cornerback within the first two rounds next year. We've all seen what has happened to the secondary with Leon Hall out for the season. I like Adam Jones and think he has played well. I also like the veteran leadership Nate Clements brings and would like to see both of them return. That said I think they would both be better served as the 3rd and 4th CB's. I'd like to see them land Janoris Jenkins or Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round with one of their two picks.
Also they have to get a Guard or two early in next year's draft. This however doesn't have to be in the first round. It would be nice to get someone like DeCastro, but they'd have to spend a first round pick to do so. Another route would be to get a 2nd or 3rd round Tackle that is over sized and has the versatility to play Guard. It seems like you can get better athletes that play Tackle vs. ones that play Guard. Someone like Barrett Jones comes to mind. This gives them someone that could fill in at Tackle in case of injury or the flexibility to move Whit or Andre Smith inside. I know that I don't want to see Nate Livings as the opening day starter for the Bengals next year and Bobbie Williams is old and may be done after this season. They did land a steal with Boling in the 5th round and he could be Williams replacement.
Also Carlos Dunlap has been out 4 of the last 5 weeks. It's no coincidence the Bengals have lost 4 of their last 5 games. Dunlap is an elite pass rusher. The problem is he's the only elite pass rusher the Bengals have. Everyone else is better when Dunlap is in there because he draws so much attention. If the Bengals have a chance to land an elite pass rusher in the first round I think they should do so. Elite pass rushers don't grow on trees and they are hard to come by. If the Bengals could get someone as good as Dunlap across from him their defense would go from good to great. That would be especially true if they get a first round CB and Leon Hall back next year. With one of the best pass rushes in the NFL and solid group of 4 good CB's they would be very tough to throw against in a league where everyone is pass happy. If you add that too a young offense that looks like it will be explosive you have a Super Bowl contender.
As much as I like Cedric Benson he's an average RB at best. Scott averages more yards per carry than Benson. The line is built to run block and he still averages less than 4 yards per carry. The only one I would even consider spending a first round pick on is Trent Richardson. He could be special like Adrian Peterson. Other than that I am not a fan of using a first round pick on a RB at all.
Like I said the future looks bright and if the Bengals can hit on these next couple of drafts they are in prime position to make a Super Bowl run and I think Marvin Lewis knows this. That's why he seems much happier these days, even with the current losing streak. It hasn't been about this season this is just all icing on the cake. The Bengals have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds in next year's draft. 2 picks in the first round, 1 pick in the second round, and 2 picks in the third round. I'm assuming they get a third round pick for Jonathon Joseph leaving in free agency. Also it looks like in 2013 they will have an additional second round pick. It could be a first rounder, but I doubt Carson Palmer is leading Oakland or anyone to the AFC Championship game. That's 9 picks in the first 3 rounds of the next two drafts. With all the pieces the Bengals have in place these picks will mainly be for depth and that's why I say the Bengals are in prime position to make it back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989.
Obviously this is a very young team and the future looks bright. It looks as if this may be the Bengals division in the very near future with all the young talent and the Ravens and Steelers getting old. They have a lot of good young players at most of the key positions.
I'd say they definitely need to take a Cornerback within the first two rounds next year. We've all seen what has happened to the secondary with Leon Hall out for the season. I like Adam Jones and think he has played well. I also like the veteran leadership Nate Clements brings and would like to see both of them return. That said I think they would both be better served as the 3rd and 4th CB's. I'd like to see them land Janoris Jenkins or Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round with one of their two picks.
Also they have to get a Guard or two early in next year's draft. This however doesn't have to be in the first round. It would be nice to get someone like DeCastro, but they'd have to spend a first round pick to do so. Another route would be to get a 2nd or 3rd round Tackle that is over sized and has the versatility to play Guard. It seems like you can get better athletes that play Tackle vs. ones that play Guard. Someone like Barrett Jones comes to mind. This gives them someone that could fill in at Tackle in case of injury or the flexibility to move Whit or Andre Smith inside. I know that I don't want to see Nate Livings as the opening day starter for the Bengals next year and Bobbie Williams is old and may be done after this season. They did land a steal with Boling in the 5th round and he could be Williams replacement.
Also Carlos Dunlap has been out 4 of the last 5 weeks. It's no coincidence the Bengals have lost 4 of their last 5 games. Dunlap is an elite pass rusher. The problem is he's the only elite pass rusher the Bengals have. Everyone else is better when Dunlap is in there because he draws so much attention. If the Bengals have a chance to land an elite pass rusher in the first round I think they should do so. Elite pass rushers don't grow on trees and they are hard to come by. If the Bengals could get someone as good as Dunlap across from him their defense would go from good to great. That would be especially true if they get a first round CB and Leon Hall back next year. With one of the best pass rushes in the NFL and solid group of 4 good CB's they would be very tough to throw against in a league where everyone is pass happy. If you add that too a young offense that looks like it will be explosive you have a Super Bowl contender.
As much as I like Cedric Benson he's an average RB at best. Scott averages more yards per carry than Benson. The line is built to run block and he still averages less than 4 yards per carry. The only one I would even consider spending a first round pick on is Trent Richardson. He could be special like Adrian Peterson. Other than that I am not a fan of using a first round pick on a RB at all.
Like I said the future looks bright and if the Bengals can hit on these next couple of drafts they are in prime position to make a Super Bowl run and I think Marvin Lewis knows this. That's why he seems much happier these days, even with the current losing streak. It hasn't been about this season this is just all icing on the cake. The Bengals have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds in next year's draft. 2 picks in the first round, 1 pick in the second round, and 2 picks in the third round. I'm assuming they get a third round pick for Jonathon Joseph leaving in free agency. Also it looks like in 2013 they will have an additional second round pick. It could be a first rounder, but I doubt Carson Palmer is leading Oakland or anyone to the AFC Championship game. That's 9 picks in the first 3 rounds of the next two drafts. With all the pieces the Bengals have in place these picks will mainly be for depth and that's why I say the Bengals are in prime position to make it back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1989.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Ohio State Football Recruiting
The Buckeyes have had a tough year to say the least. This past season looked like a season when John Cooper was coaching. They need a win over Florida in the Gator Bowl to avoid their first losing season in 12 years. Buckeye fans aren't used to this they've been dominating basically since Tressel was hired.
They've also had a tough year on the recruiting trail. ESPN didn't even have them ranked in the top 25 and Rivals had them at 16. The Buckeyes are used to having recruiting classes in the top ten every year.
Then they hired Urban Meyer and there has been a huge buzz every since. It already feels like Ohio State is back on top of the Big Ten and a national championship contender. Recruiting has done a 180. They currently still only have one player committed in the ESPN top 150, but it looks like several more are on the way. There have been numerous players ranked in the top 150 who now have the Buckeyes either in their top 5 or at the top of the list. These aren't just players from Ohio either they are the best players in the country.
Noah Spence is a top 5 recruit from Pennsylvania who plays defensive end and says the Buckeyes are now on the top of his list. He is going to Ohio State for a visit on December 17th and I wouldn't be suprised if Urban Meyer gets a verbal commitment from him before he leaves. This would give the Buckeyes two DE's ranked in the top 50 overall players and a serious pass rush.
There are now 10 high school players that are either rumored to be interested, have talked to Meyer, or scheduled an official visit to Ohio State. All ten of these players are in the ESPN top 150 and the lowest ranked of them is 104th. Two of these players are ranked in the top 10. These are besides verbal commits Washington and Dunn. Of these 10 players it looks like the Buckeyes are the favorites now to land at least five of them and they have a good shot at most. A couple are long shots.
What a blow this would be to Michigan who thought they were going to have the best recruiting class in the Big Ten by far. This also coming off a year in which they beat a down Ohio State team. I wonder what their fans are thinking. Just a month ago they thought they were a better team and had a recruiting class head and shoulders above an Ohio State team on probation. Now Meyer enters the mix and it's looking like the buzz is going to land Meyer a recruiting class that's even better than Michigans or anyone else in the Big Ten.
This has to be a blow for the Maize and Blue. They know that Meyer is going to out recruit them every year. Especially if he can come in this late and pull a recruiting class that is better than the one they have worked all year on. Just think what the 2013 class will be like when Meyer has a full year to recruit. Sorry Michigan fans it's looking like it's going to be another decade of going 2-8 or worse against Ohio State. If this keeps up that overall record that Michigan built a big lead with in the late 1800's and early 1900's is going to disappear before you know it and then you won't have any claim that Michigan is a better team than Ohio State.
They've also had a tough year on the recruiting trail. ESPN didn't even have them ranked in the top 25 and Rivals had them at 16. The Buckeyes are used to having recruiting classes in the top ten every year.
Then they hired Urban Meyer and there has been a huge buzz every since. It already feels like Ohio State is back on top of the Big Ten and a national championship contender. Recruiting has done a 180. They currently still only have one player committed in the ESPN top 150, but it looks like several more are on the way. There have been numerous players ranked in the top 150 who now have the Buckeyes either in their top 5 or at the top of the list. These aren't just players from Ohio either they are the best players in the country.
Noah Spence is a top 5 recruit from Pennsylvania who plays defensive end and says the Buckeyes are now on the top of his list. He is going to Ohio State for a visit on December 17th and I wouldn't be suprised if Urban Meyer gets a verbal commitment from him before he leaves. This would give the Buckeyes two DE's ranked in the top 50 overall players and a serious pass rush.
There are now 10 high school players that are either rumored to be interested, have talked to Meyer, or scheduled an official visit to Ohio State. All ten of these players are in the ESPN top 150 and the lowest ranked of them is 104th. Two of these players are ranked in the top 10. These are besides verbal commits Washington and Dunn. Of these 10 players it looks like the Buckeyes are the favorites now to land at least five of them and they have a good shot at most. A couple are long shots.
What a blow this would be to Michigan who thought they were going to have the best recruiting class in the Big Ten by far. This also coming off a year in which they beat a down Ohio State team. I wonder what their fans are thinking. Just a month ago they thought they were a better team and had a recruiting class head and shoulders above an Ohio State team on probation. Now Meyer enters the mix and it's looking like the buzz is going to land Meyer a recruiting class that's even better than Michigans or anyone else in the Big Ten.
This has to be a blow for the Maize and Blue. They know that Meyer is going to out recruit them every year. Especially if he can come in this late and pull a recruiting class that is better than the one they have worked all year on. Just think what the 2013 class will be like when Meyer has a full year to recruit. Sorry Michigan fans it's looking like it's going to be another decade of going 2-8 or worse against Ohio State. If this keeps up that overall record that Michigan built a big lead with in the late 1800's and early 1900's is going to disappear before you know it and then you won't have any claim that Michigan is a better team than Ohio State.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
One year Michigan, one year is all your getting to beat the Buckeyes. One year to come into Ohio and tell recruits that there was an unstable situation at Ohio State. One year to think things are looking better for the Wolverines than for the Buckeyes. One year of bragging rights.
Even in that year for bragging rights, Ohio State fans don't really care. Urban Meyer has now been hired at the Ohio State University and about everyone in the nation knows that Ohio State is going to continue to dominate the Big Ten. Meyer is one of two elite coaches in college football and will have the Buckeyes back on top in no time. The Buckeyes have better players and now have a better coach once again and it's not even close.
I have a friend that is a Michigan fan and last Saturday he said to me that Hoke will be able to keep up with Meyer. I doubt even he really believes that statement. Meyer has two national championships, Hoke really hasn't done anything at any major school on a high level. High school kids that are prospective college players know the name Urban Meyer. Brady Hoke isn't a household name.
The Urban effect is already starting to show itself. A four star WR from Florida switched his verbal commitment from Miami to Ohio State and the top recruit in Pennsylvania said that the Buckeyes are now on the top of his list. It also looks like the Buckeyes are going to land two recruits that are in the top ten in the nation. This has all happened and Meyer hasn't even been the coach for a week yet. The Buckeyes have always landed most of the top players in Ohio, now they are going to get the top players from all over the country.
Before Meyer scouts.com had the Buckeyes with the 16th ranked recruiting class and ESPN not in the top 25. By the time signing day gets here I bet they will be a top ten class. All of this and the real effect won't happen until the 2013 class is signed is what most national pundits are saying. Meyer never had a class ranked lower than 5th while he was at Florida and I expect the results to be close to the same at Ohio State.
Right now in college football the Big Ten is nowhere near as good as the SEC. Meyer is going to get players to Ohio State that were as good as they were in Florida and the spells trouble for the rest of the Big Ten. The Buckeyes may win the Big Ten as early as next season and by 2013 they are going to start dominating. You can call me a homer or whatever, but I expect many undefeated seasons in the Big Ten in the coming years. So you better enjoy it while you can Michigan fans because you only get one year!
Even in that year for bragging rights, Ohio State fans don't really care. Urban Meyer has now been hired at the Ohio State University and about everyone in the nation knows that Ohio State is going to continue to dominate the Big Ten. Meyer is one of two elite coaches in college football and will have the Buckeyes back on top in no time. The Buckeyes have better players and now have a better coach once again and it's not even close.
I have a friend that is a Michigan fan and last Saturday he said to me that Hoke will be able to keep up with Meyer. I doubt even he really believes that statement. Meyer has two national championships, Hoke really hasn't done anything at any major school on a high level. High school kids that are prospective college players know the name Urban Meyer. Brady Hoke isn't a household name.
The Urban effect is already starting to show itself. A four star WR from Florida switched his verbal commitment from Miami to Ohio State and the top recruit in Pennsylvania said that the Buckeyes are now on the top of his list. It also looks like the Buckeyes are going to land two recruits that are in the top ten in the nation. This has all happened and Meyer hasn't even been the coach for a week yet. The Buckeyes have always landed most of the top players in Ohio, now they are going to get the top players from all over the country.
Before Meyer scouts.com had the Buckeyes with the 16th ranked recruiting class and ESPN not in the top 25. By the time signing day gets here I bet they will be a top ten class. All of this and the real effect won't happen until the 2013 class is signed is what most national pundits are saying. Meyer never had a class ranked lower than 5th while he was at Florida and I expect the results to be close to the same at Ohio State.
Right now in college football the Big Ten is nowhere near as good as the SEC. Meyer is going to get players to Ohio State that were as good as they were in Florida and the spells trouble for the rest of the Big Ten. The Buckeyes may win the Big Ten as early as next season and by 2013 they are going to start dominating. You can call me a homer or whatever, but I expect many undefeated seasons in the Big Ten in the coming years. So you better enjoy it while you can Michigan fans because you only get one year!
Monday, November 28, 2011
2012 NFL Mock Draft
* November 27th, 2011
1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Luck is going to be the top pick no matter who's picking here and it looks like it's almost certainly going to be the Colts. Yes they have Peyton Manning, but you don't pass up on a once in a generation franchise QB if you have the opportunity to draft him. They could trade this pick for a king's ransom or they could draft Luck and sit him for a year or two behind Manning and then trade Peyton. It would be tough for Colts fans to see Manning traded, but they'll get over it. Just ask Green Bay fans how trading Favre worked out for them.
2. St. Louis Rams- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Rams could go with Kalil, the OT from USC here. They have taken some OT's early recently and have whiffed on them so I don't think they will go that route. Mainly because they have a young QB who looks like he has a bright future and they need to get him a legit number one WR. Yes they traded for Brandon Lloyd and I think he resigns in St. Louis next year, but he's only had one good season and doesn't have the talent that Blackmon has.
3. Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
There's a few reasons this pick makes sense. Kalil is the top player available. Offensive Tackle is a need in Minnesota. They have a rookie QB that also looks like he has a bright future and needs some protection. Adrian Peterson would like this pick as well because him will give him an elite Tackle that can open some holes in the run game.
4. Carolina Panthers- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Panthers haven't been able to stop anyone this year. They've needed an upgrade at DE since Julius Peppers left for Chicago via free agency. They traded up a couple of years ago to take Everette Brown and he's been a bust. Coples is by far the best 4-3 DE in this draft.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford
The Cardinals currently have a ton of money tied up at the OT position with two players that are overpaid and underachieve. Wisenhunt likes to play the old Steelers style of run the ball and play good defense football. Martin is a mauler in the run game and would help them play that style and allow the Cards to cut one of their overpaid Tackles.
6. Washington Redskins- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
If the Redskins are on the clock and one of the top three QB's are available there's no doubt they're taking one of them. Mike Shanahan is not going to watch another season of his team with Rex Grossman or John Beck at QB.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars- Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
The Jags will be targeting either Coples or one of the top two WR's. This would be a good pick in the Jags fans mind. They took their franchise QB in the first round in this year's draft. Now they've got to get him someone who is a legit weapon at WR and Jeffrey is just that. He's just as talented as Blackmon and if he had better QB play in South Carolina may have been the first WR taken.
8. Miami Dolphins- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
The Dolphins better be careful if they keep winning they may take themselves out of the running for one of the top QB's. This is a decent year for first round QB's and that's by far the biggest need in Miami as they're still looking for someone to replace Dan Marino.
9. Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Richardson is a beast and I would love for the Bengals to have a chance to draft him, but the Raiders keep winning so it doesn't look likely. Peyton Hillis isn't going to be back in Cleveland after the drama that has happened with him this year.
10. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
This is a reach in my opinion, but we all saw what happened this year when there are multiple teams with a huge QB need they go early. The way Tannehill is flying up draft boards by the time draft day gets here it may not be considered a reach anymore. I don't see Pete Carroll standing pat with Jackson and Whitehurst at QB.
11. Kansas City Chiefs- Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Chiefs need to get some pass rush help across from Tamba Hali. Hali is great but is constantly seeing double teams with no one else on that defense posing a threat. The Chiefs defense has a lot of young pieces in place and adding Upshaw would give them a complete D with two studs coming off the edge bringing the pass rush.
12. Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
I can't believe the supposed "Dream Team" is picking this high and has a losing record. The Eagles could really use a CB, I can't believe that's true, but they won't draft one in the first round after spending all that money at the position. They've also been getting gashed up the middle and Kuechly is the type of player they need on that defense to be a leader and a force in the middle of that defense.
13. San Diego Chargers- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
This is a steal at 13, but the CB class is so talented that teams with a need that pick early may pass at CB thinking they can land a talented player in the 2nd round at the position. The Chargers have needed to add CB depth since they traded Cromartie. Quinton Jammer will be 33 this season and is past his prime.
14. Buffalo Bills- Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Bills have one legit WR and that's Steve Johnson. Their offense was explosive at the beginning of the year but has stalled because teams are taking away Johnson and the only thing they can do is run a little. Floyd would give them another threat and would be one of the better number two WR's in the league.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Aqib Talib may be in jail this time next year and Ronde Barber has to thinking about retiring. Dennard isn't the top CB left, but word is the Bucs really like Dennard according to walter football and they're usually right on these things.
16. Tennessee Titans- Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
Centers have been going higher and higher in the draft the past few years. Teams with great offensive lines all have good Centers. The Titans have needed a Center for the past year or so with the retirement of Kevin Mawae.
17. New York Jets- Alameda Ta'Amu, DT, Washington
Good Nose Tackles are hard to find. The Jets NT Kris Jenkins has basically been on IR the last three years. Ta'Amu will help the Jets become that dominant defense again that was impossible to run against.
18. Denver Broncos- Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
John Fox loves to run the ball and tried to over pay for Deangelo Williams. I don't think Fox is sold on Moreno and McGahee is too old to rely on. The Broncos will hope to land Richardson but he's too talented to last this far, they may trade up to get him though.
19. Chicago Bears- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Bears need help all along that offensive line. It was only a matter of time until Cutler got injured. The Bears would likely be picking lower if they still had Cutler, but as we saw last weekend they are going to struggle without him, Forte can't do it all.
20. Cleveland Browns- Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
The Browns have two first round picks and they have to get at least one WR with one of these picks. The Browns will hope to land either Blackmon or Jeffrey, but as of now it doesn't look like they'll get either. Colt McCoy should be given another chance because no QB would be able to succeed with these WR's.
21. Houston Texans- Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
People drop Broyles because of his size, but he is one of the best WR's in college football. He can go up over bigger defenders. Broyles has the best hands of anyone in this draft, and likely better than most pros. He can get seperation and has good speed and quickness. Broyles would be a perfect compliment to Andre Johnson and finally give the Texans a legit number two WR threat.
22. Detroit Lions- Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
The Lions need to get someone competant to play the Center position. They have needed upgrades across the line for years and Stafford has been hurt every year before this year because of this.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jenkins may be the most talented CB in this draft and probably would've been a top ten pick if he didn't get arrested for weed. I'm sure the Bengals will hear all the jokes for taking someone with a record. I'm also sure these same talking heads and writers have also smoked pot sometime in their life.
We all see what's going on with Leon Hall out for the rest of the season. The pass defense is struggling. The Bengals definitely need to take advantage of this loaded CB class and not be caught next year with a lack of depth at CB. Jenkins and Hall will give the Bengals one of the best CB duos once again and if they can resign Clements and Jones will probably have the best one through four in the NFL.
24. Dallas Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Terrance Newman is getting old and losing some of that elite speed that made him a first round pick years ago. Mike Jenkins is afraid to tackle anyone. When these two were out at the beginning of the year the Cowboys secondary really struggled they need to add some youth and depth.
25. New York Giants- Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
The Giants are going to add to the list of having a duo of first round CB's. Early this year they had injuries at CB and had to play guys signed off the street basically. Look for them to add some depth in a division that has pass happy Dallas and Philadelphia.
26. Cincinnati Bengals- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
If I have to watch Nate Livings start for this team one more season I'm gonna scream. He can't block anyone without getting at least one holding call a game. DeCastro is the best Guard in this class, and it's been a long time since the Bengals spent an early pick on an interior offensive lineman (Eric Steinbach).
I'm a believer in you have to be good up front to consistently win at any level of football from pee wee to the NFL. This pick would give the Bengals a complete offensive line. They had the Boling pick last year, which was a steal in my opinion and with Livings being awful and Bobbie Williams getting old they will have their Guards of the future in Boling and DeCastro and one of the best lines in the NFL. Add to that the good young skill players and Dalton and the Bengals will have one of the best offenses in the league for years to come.
27. Baltimore Ravens- Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Ray Lewis has been one of the best LB's in the history of the NFL and a mainstay in Baltimore for years. He can't play forever and the Ravens could draft his heir apparent next year. Burfict could play next to Lewis when the Ravens play a 3-4 and learn from him for a couple years.
28. New England Patriots- Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Patriots have to get some pass rushers in next year's draft, don't they? They've passed on some the past few years and have paid the price with a pass defense that can't stop anyone. This has to be the year they don't trade back and actually use their first round picks.
29. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Niners took Taylor Mays a couple years ago and he didn't work out. They still have a hole at Strong Safety. If Barron doesn't work out they can trade him to the Bengals for a 6th round pick and Zimmer can getting him playing right.
30. New England Patriots- Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
That's right, if I'm Bill Belicheck I'm going to double dip with pass rushers. If the Patriots have a good pass rush their defense is at least middle of the pack and they're probably right up there with Green Bay as favorites to win it all.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
The Steelers offensive line has been awful for a few years now. I'm suprised they've won as much as they have, I guess that just proves defense wins championships. Jones can play about anywhere on the line and that is important as the Steelers have holes about everywhere on the line except Center.
32. Green Bay Packers- Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
The Packers don't really have any holes and this pick is basically a luxury. When you have a situation like that adding depth to an offensive line that protects Aaron Rodgers is always a good thing. Glenn is the top offensive lineman left and getting someone on the interior is important as they have the Lions with Suh and Fairley in their division.
1. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Luck is going to be the top pick no matter who's picking here and it looks like it's almost certainly going to be the Colts. Yes they have Peyton Manning, but you don't pass up on a once in a generation franchise QB if you have the opportunity to draft him. They could trade this pick for a king's ransom or they could draft Luck and sit him for a year or two behind Manning and then trade Peyton. It would be tough for Colts fans to see Manning traded, but they'll get over it. Just ask Green Bay fans how trading Favre worked out for them.
2. St. Louis Rams- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Rams could go with Kalil, the OT from USC here. They have taken some OT's early recently and have whiffed on them so I don't think they will go that route. Mainly because they have a young QB who looks like he has a bright future and they need to get him a legit number one WR. Yes they traded for Brandon Lloyd and I think he resigns in St. Louis next year, but he's only had one good season and doesn't have the talent that Blackmon has.
3. Minnesota Vikings- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
There's a few reasons this pick makes sense. Kalil is the top player available. Offensive Tackle is a need in Minnesota. They have a rookie QB that also looks like he has a bright future and needs some protection. Adrian Peterson would like this pick as well because him will give him an elite Tackle that can open some holes in the run game.
4. Carolina Panthers- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Panthers haven't been able to stop anyone this year. They've needed an upgrade at DE since Julius Peppers left for Chicago via free agency. They traded up a couple of years ago to take Everette Brown and he's been a bust. Coples is by far the best 4-3 DE in this draft.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford
The Cardinals currently have a ton of money tied up at the OT position with two players that are overpaid and underachieve. Wisenhunt likes to play the old Steelers style of run the ball and play good defense football. Martin is a mauler in the run game and would help them play that style and allow the Cards to cut one of their overpaid Tackles.
6. Washington Redskins- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
If the Redskins are on the clock and one of the top three QB's are available there's no doubt they're taking one of them. Mike Shanahan is not going to watch another season of his team with Rex Grossman or John Beck at QB.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars- Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
The Jags will be targeting either Coples or one of the top two WR's. This would be a good pick in the Jags fans mind. They took their franchise QB in the first round in this year's draft. Now they've got to get him someone who is a legit weapon at WR and Jeffrey is just that. He's just as talented as Blackmon and if he had better QB play in South Carolina may have been the first WR taken.
8. Miami Dolphins- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
The Dolphins better be careful if they keep winning they may take themselves out of the running for one of the top QB's. This is a decent year for first round QB's and that's by far the biggest need in Miami as they're still looking for someone to replace Dan Marino.
9. Cleveland Browns- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Richardson is a beast and I would love for the Bengals to have a chance to draft him, but the Raiders keep winning so it doesn't look likely. Peyton Hillis isn't going to be back in Cleveland after the drama that has happened with him this year.
10. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
This is a reach in my opinion, but we all saw what happened this year when there are multiple teams with a huge QB need they go early. The way Tannehill is flying up draft boards by the time draft day gets here it may not be considered a reach anymore. I don't see Pete Carroll standing pat with Jackson and Whitehurst at QB.
11. Kansas City Chiefs- Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Chiefs need to get some pass rush help across from Tamba Hali. Hali is great but is constantly seeing double teams with no one else on that defense posing a threat. The Chiefs defense has a lot of young pieces in place and adding Upshaw would give them a complete D with two studs coming off the edge bringing the pass rush.
12. Philadelphia Eagles- Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
I can't believe the supposed "Dream Team" is picking this high and has a losing record. The Eagles could really use a CB, I can't believe that's true, but they won't draft one in the first round after spending all that money at the position. They've also been getting gashed up the middle and Kuechly is the type of player they need on that defense to be a leader and a force in the middle of that defense.
13. San Diego Chargers- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
This is a steal at 13, but the CB class is so talented that teams with a need that pick early may pass at CB thinking they can land a talented player in the 2nd round at the position. The Chargers have needed to add CB depth since they traded Cromartie. Quinton Jammer will be 33 this season and is past his prime.
14. Buffalo Bills- Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Bills have one legit WR and that's Steve Johnson. Their offense was explosive at the beginning of the year but has stalled because teams are taking away Johnson and the only thing they can do is run a little. Floyd would give them another threat and would be one of the better number two WR's in the league.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
Aqib Talib may be in jail this time next year and Ronde Barber has to thinking about retiring. Dennard isn't the top CB left, but word is the Bucs really like Dennard according to walter football and they're usually right on these things.
16. Tennessee Titans- Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
Centers have been going higher and higher in the draft the past few years. Teams with great offensive lines all have good Centers. The Titans have needed a Center for the past year or so with the retirement of Kevin Mawae.
17. New York Jets- Alameda Ta'Amu, DT, Washington
Good Nose Tackles are hard to find. The Jets NT Kris Jenkins has basically been on IR the last three years. Ta'Amu will help the Jets become that dominant defense again that was impossible to run against.
18. Denver Broncos- Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
John Fox loves to run the ball and tried to over pay for Deangelo Williams. I don't think Fox is sold on Moreno and McGahee is too old to rely on. The Broncos will hope to land Richardson but he's too talented to last this far, they may trade up to get him though.
19. Chicago Bears- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Bears need help all along that offensive line. It was only a matter of time until Cutler got injured. The Bears would likely be picking lower if they still had Cutler, but as we saw last weekend they are going to struggle without him, Forte can't do it all.
20. Cleveland Browns- Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
The Browns have two first round picks and they have to get at least one WR with one of these picks. The Browns will hope to land either Blackmon or Jeffrey, but as of now it doesn't look like they'll get either. Colt McCoy should be given another chance because no QB would be able to succeed with these WR's.
21. Houston Texans- Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
People drop Broyles because of his size, but he is one of the best WR's in college football. He can go up over bigger defenders. Broyles has the best hands of anyone in this draft, and likely better than most pros. He can get seperation and has good speed and quickness. Broyles would be a perfect compliment to Andre Johnson and finally give the Texans a legit number two WR threat.
22. Detroit Lions- Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
The Lions need to get someone competant to play the Center position. They have needed upgrades across the line for years and Stafford has been hurt every year before this year because of this.
23. Cincinnati Bengals- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
Jenkins may be the most talented CB in this draft and probably would've been a top ten pick if he didn't get arrested for weed. I'm sure the Bengals will hear all the jokes for taking someone with a record. I'm also sure these same talking heads and writers have also smoked pot sometime in their life.
We all see what's going on with Leon Hall out for the rest of the season. The pass defense is struggling. The Bengals definitely need to take advantage of this loaded CB class and not be caught next year with a lack of depth at CB. Jenkins and Hall will give the Bengals one of the best CB duos once again and if they can resign Clements and Jones will probably have the best one through four in the NFL.
24. Dallas Cowboys- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
Terrance Newman is getting old and losing some of that elite speed that made him a first round pick years ago. Mike Jenkins is afraid to tackle anyone. When these two were out at the beginning of the year the Cowboys secondary really struggled they need to add some youth and depth.
25. New York Giants- Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
The Giants are going to add to the list of having a duo of first round CB's. Early this year they had injuries at CB and had to play guys signed off the street basically. Look for them to add some depth in a division that has pass happy Dallas and Philadelphia.
26. Cincinnati Bengals- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
If I have to watch Nate Livings start for this team one more season I'm gonna scream. He can't block anyone without getting at least one holding call a game. DeCastro is the best Guard in this class, and it's been a long time since the Bengals spent an early pick on an interior offensive lineman (Eric Steinbach).
I'm a believer in you have to be good up front to consistently win at any level of football from pee wee to the NFL. This pick would give the Bengals a complete offensive line. They had the Boling pick last year, which was a steal in my opinion and with Livings being awful and Bobbie Williams getting old they will have their Guards of the future in Boling and DeCastro and one of the best lines in the NFL. Add to that the good young skill players and Dalton and the Bengals will have one of the best offenses in the league for years to come.
27. Baltimore Ravens- Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
Ray Lewis has been one of the best LB's in the history of the NFL and a mainstay in Baltimore for years. He can't play forever and the Ravens could draft his heir apparent next year. Burfict could play next to Lewis when the Ravens play a 3-4 and learn from him for a couple years.
28. New England Patriots- Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
The Patriots have to get some pass rushers in next year's draft, don't they? They've passed on some the past few years and have paid the price with a pass defense that can't stop anyone. This has to be the year they don't trade back and actually use their first round picks.
29. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
The Niners took Taylor Mays a couple years ago and he didn't work out. They still have a hole at Strong Safety. If Barron doesn't work out they can trade him to the Bengals for a 6th round pick and Zimmer can getting him playing right.
30. New England Patriots- Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
That's right, if I'm Bill Belicheck I'm going to double dip with pass rushers. If the Patriots have a good pass rush their defense is at least middle of the pack and they're probably right up there with Green Bay as favorites to win it all.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
The Steelers offensive line has been awful for a few years now. I'm suprised they've won as much as they have, I guess that just proves defense wins championships. Jones can play about anywhere on the line and that is important as the Steelers have holes about everywhere on the line except Center.
32. Green Bay Packers- Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
The Packers don't really have any holes and this pick is basically a luxury. When you have a situation like that adding depth to an offensive line that protects Aaron Rodgers is always a good thing. Glenn is the top offensive lineman left and getting someone on the interior is important as they have the Lions with Suh and Fairley in their division.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Urban Meyer
It's time for the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer to make the announcement already. I understand they wanted to have respect for Luke Fickell and the Michigan game, but word got out too early and now the longer this thing drags on the worse it's starting to look. Buckeye fans everywhere are basically on the edge of their seat waiting for this announcement.
Also the quicker this thing is made official, the quicker the Buckeyes can start landing some top recruits. They can get the ones that were leaning towards Ohio State and maybe change the minds of some that have given a verbal commitment elsewhere. Especially the ones from Ohio leaning towards Michigan because they've been told the coaching situation and the situation with the NCAA is unstable. The coaching situation is about to be solved with one of the top two coaches in college football and as far as the violations go, there has been precedent with this kind of violation before and I don't think Ohio State is going to receive a bowl ban.
Bottom line is the quicker this thing gets wrapped up the quicker the program can move on and start becoming a national powerhouse again, immediately. I don't want any more losses to Michigan! It had been so long I had forgotten how bad that felt. Not to mention, every friend of mine who is a Michigan fan came out of the woodworks yesterday to talk some smack. Seriously on win in 8 years against a Buckeye team that was down this year due to everything that went on and your gonna talk smack. Anyway no more losses to Michigan. So hurry and make this thing official Ohio State and Urban Meyer.
Also the quicker this thing is made official, the quicker the Buckeyes can start landing some top recruits. They can get the ones that were leaning towards Ohio State and maybe change the minds of some that have given a verbal commitment elsewhere. Especially the ones from Ohio leaning towards Michigan because they've been told the coaching situation and the situation with the NCAA is unstable. The coaching situation is about to be solved with one of the top two coaches in college football and as far as the violations go, there has been precedent with this kind of violation before and I don't think Ohio State is going to receive a bowl ban.
Bottom line is the quicker this thing gets wrapped up the quicker the program can move on and start becoming a national powerhouse again, immediately. I don't want any more losses to Michigan! It had been so long I had forgotten how bad that felt. Not to mention, every friend of mine who is a Michigan fan came out of the woodworks yesterday to talk some smack. Seriously on win in 8 years against a Buckeye team that was down this year due to everything that went on and your gonna talk smack. Anyway no more losses to Michigan. So hurry and make this thing official Ohio State and Urban Meyer.
2012 NFL Draft Big Board
* Novermber 27th, 2011
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
5. Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford
6. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
7. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
8. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
9. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
10. Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
11. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
12. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
13. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
14. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
15. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
16. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
17. Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
18. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
19. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
20. Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
21. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
22. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
23. Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
24. Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
25. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
26. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
27. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
28. Alameda Ta'Amu, DT, Washington
29. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
30. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
31. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
32. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
33. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
34. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
35. Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
36. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
37. Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
38. Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
39. Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
40. Devon Still, DT, Penn State
41. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
42. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
43. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State
44. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
45. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
46. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
47. Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
48. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma
49. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
50. Casey Heyward, CB, Vanderbilt
51. Kelechi Osemele, OT/OG, Iowa State
52. Kevin Reddick, LB, North Carolina
53. TJ McDonald, FS, USC
54. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
55. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
56. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
57. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin
58. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
59. Ray Ray Armstrong, SS, Miami
60. Devier Posey, WR, Ohio State
61. Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
62. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
63. Robert Lester, FS, Alabama
64. Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State
65. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
66. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
67. Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
68. Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
69. LaMicheal James, RB, Oregon
70. Sean Spence, LB, Miami
71. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
72. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
73. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas
74. Bruce Irvin, LB, West Virginia
75. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Matt Kalil, OT, USC
3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
4. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
5. Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford
6. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
7. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
8. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
9. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
10. Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
11. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
12. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
13. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
14. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
15. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
16. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
17. Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
18. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
19. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
20. Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
21. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State
22. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
23. Brandon Jenkins, DE/OLB, Florida State
24. Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama
25. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
26. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
27. Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
28. Alameda Ta'Amu, DT, Washington
29. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
30. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia
31. Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
32. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
33. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
34. Chris Polk, RB, Washington
35. Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
36. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
37. Ronnell Lewis, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
38. Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
39. Peter Konz, OC, Wisconsin
40. Devon Still, DT, Penn State
41. Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
42. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
43. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State
44. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
45. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
46. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
47. Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
48. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma
49. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
50. Casey Heyward, CB, Vanderbilt
51. Kelechi Osemele, OT/OG, Iowa State
52. Kevin Reddick, LB, North Carolina
53. TJ McDonald, FS, USC
54. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
55. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
56. Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
57. Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin
58. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
59. Ray Ray Armstrong, SS, Miami
60. Devier Posey, WR, Ohio State
61. Kendall Reyes, DT, Connecticut
62. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
63. Robert Lester, FS, Alabama
64. Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State
65. Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
66. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
67. Coryell Judie, CB, Texas A&M
68. Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
69. LaMicheal James, RB, Oregon
70. Sean Spence, LB, Miami
71. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
72. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
73. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas
74. Bruce Irvin, LB, West Virginia
75. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
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