My personal insight into the 2009 NFL Draft
Round 1:
1. Detroit – QB Matthew Stafford
Opinion: Hit or miss. Solid talent, with all the skills to be a solid NFL QB, but doesn’t have the weapons around him in Detroit. Depending on what they do later in the draft to protect Stafford and give him tools to work with, Detroit may have just drafted another Tim Couch/David Carr. He does fill a need, though. This pick is 50/50 for me. I’m not sold.
2. St. Louis – T Jason Smith
Opinion: A pretty obvious selection. St. Louis needed to replace perennially Pro-Bowler Orlando Pace, and Smith is a talented tackle who has excellent feet. Games are won in the trenches, and St. Louis helped shore up a potentially glaring hole on their line. Many were calling for Sanchez, but Bulger is a serviceable QB who has the talent to succeed if protected and provided with weapons in the passing game. I think this was a good pick.
3. Kansas City – DE Tyson Jackson
Opinion: I think this was a huge reach, but the guy fits the scheme. Kansas City is instituting a mirror image of the Patriots franchise behind GM Scott Pioli, and the Patriots love drafting defensive linemen in the first round. Jackson is a big man with solid feet under him, and will fill the 3-4 defensive end position, while being able to slide inside to defensive tackle in obvious passing situations. They probably didn’t have much room to trade back, but I think Jackson would have been available later in the draft, and doesn’t really present the best talent at this pick. I think he’ll fill a need, but he hasn’t convinced me that he’s an impact player. And at the 3rd pick, you can’t afford not to get an impact player.
4. Seattle – OLB Aaron Curry
Opinion: Curry is one of my favourite players in this draft. I wasn’t sold on him as a 3-4 linebacker, but I think he’ll make a solid 4-3 playmaking LB for the Seahawks as he replaces Julian Peterson, and lines up beside solid, young LB’s Hill and Tatupu. I like the pick, as it fills a hole, and gives them a playmaker. My only concern is Hasselbeck’s back injury and age, and the fact that I’m not sure Seattle will have a talent like Sanchez available to them in the near future. I like this pick, however. They took the best player on the board.
5. Jets (traded from Browns ) – QB Mark Sanchez
Opinion: I like the pick as much as I don’t like the pick. The Jets gave up a lot to get a solid talent with a lot of upside, but also a guy who only started a single season at USC. The saving grace here is the fact that the Jets have a solid team already in place, and desperately needed a QB. Lucky for Sanchez, he has a solid, young offensive line in front of him, a talented TE in Dustin Keller and an excellent WR to throw to in Cotchery. Sanchez has talent, and though I think it was a bit of a reach, they had to move up to get the guy. Another 50-50 pick. Good haul for the Browns though, as they have a lot of holes to fill, and none of the players left on the board were really a fit or worth the 5th pick. Mangini also gets some of his old players to come in and compete for spots.
(Jets get 5th pick; Browns get 17th pick, 2009 2nd rounder, DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff, and S Abram Elam)
6. Cincinnati – T Andre Smith
Opinion:I personally liked Eugene Munroe better, but Smith is a better fit for these guys. A mauling run-blocking tackle who should start at RT this season, and possibly move to LT to replace Levi Brown in the future. I like the pick on a talent/fit level, but I have character concerns with A.Smith, and this is already a team with a locker room full of misfits and troublemaker. That in itself indicates that this could be a poor pick for the team as a whole. Smith has got to keep his nose clean, and prove that his work ethic is better than I think it is, for me to truly like this pick
7. Oakland – WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
Opinion:Horrible pick, and typical Al Davis guy. This guy is a straight-line speed guy, and not a very polished receiver. Russell needed a WR, but Crabtree or Maclin would have been my pick here. This pick is a failure on every level. This pick reminds me of some of Detriot’s early WR failures, except at least the guys they selected were at or very near the top of their position coming into the draft. The Raiders could have traded back to any of the middle picks of the first round and still could have picked up Heyward-Bey. I smell a bust.
8. Jacksonville – T Eugene Munroe
Opinion: Great value pick here. I had Munroe going in the top 5, and am surprised he fell this far. I think he’s the second best T in the 2009 draft, and Jacksonville has a hole on their offensive line. With Sanchez gone, I think Munroe makes the most sense here. He’ll help keep Garrard upright and provide some muscle in the running game. Crabtree would have been a great pick here as well, and would have been able to learn from one of the best veteran WR’s in Torry Holt, but their need for a tackle was greater. I believe there’ll be a solid receiver available to them in the 2nd round.
9. Green Bay – DT BJ Raji
Opinion: Another pick that I can agree with. Green Bay is switching to a 3-4 defence, and it all starts up front. This guy is a talented defensive tackle who can absorb blockers, freeing up the linebackers to make plays, and can rush the passer from the NT or DE spots when called upon. They’ll be able to move Raji around with Pickett, Cullen Jenkins and last year’s pick, Harrell already on the line. One of the strongest defensive linemen, and I believe he’ll be a Vince Wilfork-type talent in the next couple years. In a division with Adrian Peterson, defences need a player like Raji. Great pick.
10. San Francisco – WR Michael Crabtree
Opinion: Though not entirely, a bit of a surprise pick for me. Head coach Mike Singletary is a defensive-minded coach who likes to run the ball and control time of possession. I think of all the players on the board, Crabtree was the best value, and is a good fit. Not a blazer, I think Crabtree will help in that time of possession game. He’s a playmaker, and if Hill or Smith can get him the ball, I love this pick. No matter what, Singletary is known to push his players and not accept anything short of their best effort, and I think that fits Crabtree well. Still surprised he fell this far though.
11. Buffalo – DE Aaron Maybin
Opinion: Another 50/50 pick for me. This guy is a talented pass-rusher and fills a need for the Bills. He's undersized, and could be a liability against the run, but they needed a DE and he was one of the better prospects that were projected to stay at DE. My issue is that he was a one year wonder, and the Bills need a LT in a bad way. Hopefully, Oher or Britton fall to them later in the first round. I, personally, would have taken Oher here, and picked up a guy like Everette Brown or Robert Ayers with the 2nd first round pick. Jauron's a defensive-minded coach though, so it shouldn't have surprised me that much.
12. Denver – RB Knowshon Moreno
Opinion: Questionable pick, and one that'll definitely alter the rest of the value of guys like Donald Brown and "Beanie" Wells. Surprised me that McDaniels, a Patriot's guy, and Denver as a team, picked a RB in the first round. But at the same time, with the injuries that Denver had at the position, and with the lack of a true #1 QB, I smell a philosophy change. Moreno is my highest rated RB and wasn't a complete reach at this position. But with the glut of backs that they already had, and then the 3 they picked up in the off-season, I don’t completely understand this pick. I'm interested to see what they do with their next pick.
13. Washington – DE/OLB Brian Orakpo
Opinion: I like this pick. I never was really sold on Orakpo as a true 3-4 rush linebacker as he was way too stiff in the hips when dropping into coverage. I think Orakpo’s real worth is at DE or as a hybrid DE/OLB, and with Haynesworth and Carter on this line already, I think Orakpo could have success as a rookie. He fills a huge need for Washington, and, though he could be a liability against the run without more bulk, in the NFC East, you have to be able to get pressure on the quarterback.
14. New Orleans – CB/S Malcolm Jenkins
Opinion: I was worried after Denver took Moreno that the Saints would reach for another RB. This team relies on its offense to win games, and too often their defence is a liability. I love this pick. He’s a smart, solid CB who can play some man, and is fantastic in zone coverage. He’s got awesome ball skills, as well. He projects well as a free safety, and hybrid guys like this who can play over a speedy tight end or running back out of the backfield don’t come along every day. I like him to line up at safety after the Saints picked up CB Greer from Buffalo. Add in the new defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams and his blitzing schemes, and I think he’s a great value pick and a great fit.
15. Houston – LB Brian Cushing
Opinion: I was really hoping Cushing would fall to my Patriots. I love this guy. He’s got an outstanding work-ethic, and is a real high-motor type. He’ll be a difference maker for Houston, and teaming him with a healthy CB Robinson, Ryans at MLB and Williams at DE instantly makes this defense dangerous. I love everything about this pick.
16. San Diego – DE/OLB Larry English
Opinion: Another guy I was hoping would fall to my Patriots. I really like this guy as an outside pass-rushing linebacker in a 3-4 defense like San Diego's. However, I really don’t like him here. I think it is a reach and definitely not a need. This team is solid enough that it doesn’t really have holes to fill, but they have to look at the age and injury concerns at RB, and possibly shore up their secondary a little more. I personally would have liked to see them trade back a bit, or pick up a guy like Chris Wells at RB or even Rey Maualuga at MLB. I think with Phillips and Merriman at OLB, this is a situational-type player. I wonder if they’ll move Merriman or Phillips inside, potentially. I love the guy, but I’m not sure about the pick.
17. Tampa Bay (traded from the Jets through Cleveland) – QB Josh Freeman
Opinion: I like this trade and this pick. They only gave up a 6th round pick to leap over Denver and snag the only remaining QB with a first-round grade. Denver was a likely landing spot for Freeman, so a move had to be made. Freeman has all the talent in the world to succeed and will have the opportunity to sit behind Leftwich or Griese this season and develop. Tampa Bay NEEDS a quarterback who can be an effective playmaker, and I really like Freeman’s natural talents. Great pick.
(Tampa Bay gets 17th pick, Cleveland gets 19th, and 2009 6th round pick)
18. Denver – DE Robert Ayers
Opinion: I like Ayers and I like him here. This kid is athletic, and has the size to hold up against the run at DE, or to stand up and be a Mike Vrabel-type of guy as a hybrid pass-rushing OLB. He didn’t get many sacks in college from the DE spot, but I really like him coming in here and playing for McDaniels’ Patriots-style, 3-4 defense. I'm interested to see if they pick up someone like QB Rhett Bomar in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, or trade a collection of picks for someone like Quinn. I don't think even McDaniels can win with Orton or Simms as their starter.
19. Philadelphia (from Buccaneers through Cleveland) – WR Jeremy Maclin
Opinion: This offense just got that much more explosive. With Jason Peters blocking McNabb’s blindside, and with speedy Brian Westbrook, Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson and now Jeremy Maclin, I think Philadelphia is now the team to beat in the NFC East. I like the pick, but I agree with the guys that are calling the draft...they already have the speed, they need the big, possession-type receiver, and I would have loved to see them package picks and go get Boldin.
(Philadelphia gets 19th pick, Cleveland gets 21st pick and another 2009 sixth-round pick)
20. Detroit – TE Brandon Pettigrew
Opinion: I like this guy, and I like him here, but why on Earth didn’t they take a tackle to protect new QB Stafford’s blindside. Pettigrew will give Stafford someone to pass to in the middle of the field, and he’s a solid blocker. Luckily, they still have the first pick of the 3rd round, and I think they’re hoping Britton falls to them there. This offense is starting to come together, but I’ve still got questions. If they get a solid tackle, their draft instantly will become one of the best this year. 3 picks in the first 33 has that affect though.
21. Cleveland (from Philadelphia) – C Alex Mack
Opinion: They started with 5 picks, and now have 10 picks. It’s about time these guys finally take a player, and I like Mack. He’s the type of lineman who plays with leverage and a bit of an attitude, and he can play any one of the three interior positions on the line. With LeCharles Bentley never panning out due to injury, I like this guy. New coach Mangini had C Nick Mangold in New York, and I’m sure that played a role in this selection.
22. Minnesota – WR Percy Harvin
Opinion: Harvin is an electric player who can be a unique playmaker on offense for Minnesota. I’m worried that he’s not a pure wide receiver, but they already have Berrian and Peterson, and I think Harvin could be a game-changing complimentary player out of the slot. For this pick, I think it is a good value, though were it me, I may have looked hard at Britt, Robiskie or Hicks here instead. It’s a buyer beware-type pick, and a definite boom or bust, but he’s got crazy ability to change games, not unlike Steve Smith of the Panthers.
23. Baltimore (from New England) – T Michael Oher
Opinion: My boys in the red, white and blue already had the most picks in this year’s draft, and traded back to pick up another pick in the 5th round. As for the pick, I love this guy, and I think Baltimore just made one of the safest picks of this draft. This guy is as high character as you can get, and he’s a hard-worker. With the age that Baltimore has on its line, this pick is as solid as it gets. They need to protect Flacco, and be able to grind it out on the ground, and Oher’s can be that guy at tackle. I’ll be rooting for Oher, and I believe he’ll be a 10+ year starter at tackle, and a future Pro-Bowler.
(Baltimore gets 23rd pick, New England gets 26th pick and a 2009 5th round pick)
24. Atlanta – DT Peria Jerry
Opinion: Another solid pick. He does have some durability issues, but this guy is a one-gap penetrator at DT, and Atlanta needed that in the middle of their defensive line. He’s got the ability to collapse the pocket and rush the QB, and that’ll help open things up for Abraham and Chauncey Davis at DE. Fills a need, and it’s not an overly deep draft for a defensive tackle. Good pick.
25. Miami – CB Vontae Davis
Opinion: Love this pick. Davis has some significant character issues, but Parcells and Sparano won’t stand for that stuff. Davis has the size and talent to be a shut-down CB, and in their division, it’s a must. Parcells loves physical players, and this guy is the most physical corner in the draft this year. Another player I had hoped would get selected by the Patriots. I, for one, hope he stays out of trouble, and really plays well for the Dolphins. Parcells will make sure he puts in the time and this is one guy that will be "coached up" by the staff in Miami.
26. Green Bay (from Ravens through New England) – LB Clay Matthews
Opinion: My boys traded back again, picking up an early 2nd round pick, and 2 more 3rd round picks. Disappointed that it doesn’t look like my Pats are going to pick up an explosive playmaker in the first round, but I like the possibilities for packaging some of those picks for someone like Julius Peppers, or keeping the picks and picking up a multitude of talented guys in the next 2 rounds. As for Matthews, he is one of the last linebackers I had hoped New England would pick up. Matthews has great pedigree, and has really shown excellent work ethic. He has the ability to rush the passer and play the run, and I like him playing out rush linebacker opposite Aaron Kampman in this new 3-4 defence. Picking up Raji and Matthews sure does help Green Bay convert to that 3-4 defence this year.
(Green Bay gets 26th pick and 5th round pick, New England gets 41st (2nd round) pick, and 2 3rd round picks (#’s 73 and 83))
27. Indianapolis – HB Donald Brown
Opinion: Addai has been injury-prone, and though they lost Harrison, they have Gonzalez in the wings, and have TE Dallas Clark so their passing game won’t take a hit. They could have used a MLB like Laurinaitis or DT like Ziggy Hood, but I like this pick. He’s a solid RB, and will provide an awesome 1-2 punch at RB with Addai. An explosive offense gets even more explosive. Surprised he fell this far after Moreno went so high to the Broncos.
28. Buffalo – C Eric Wood
Opinion: I like this pick. This kid was a 4-year starter at C at Louisville, and he was impressive both on the field and off of it. Wood, like Mack, can also play all 3 interior positions. I’m surprised that 2 centres have already gone in the first, especially since Unger could go to the Steelers at the end of the round. Smart kid though, and I think he’ll do wonders for Trent Edwards under centre.
29. New York Giants – WR Hakeem Nicks
Opinion: This pick was no surprise to me. With the losses of Burress and Toomer, they needed a WR, and Nicks is arguably the 2nd most NFL-ready WR in this draft. He has the size and the speed to be a solid outside receiver, and he shows excellent ability to stretch the field, run after the catch, and go up and get the ball like Burress used to. I like this pick. Great value and great fit.
30. Tennessee – WR Kenny Britt
Opinion: Another great pick, and after they lost out on Torry Holt, a big need for this Tennessee offense. This pick also opens the door for “Beanie” Wells to go to Arizona. Kenny is a fantastic route runner, and he’s a big, physical, tough receiver who didn’t have a great 40 time, but plays an outstanding overall game. He’ll give Collins another weapon in a offense that’s starting to come together.
31. Arizona – RB Chris “Beanie” Wells
Opinion: We all saw this one coming. I like this pick. I like Wells’ powerful running-style, and I like the offense that he’s going to. There’ll be plenty of room for Wells and Hightower to run through the middle of opposing defences as long as Fitzgerald and Warner are around (and possibly still Boldin?). He’s got some injury concerns, but this late in the first round, he’s excellent value. Whenever a successful team can pick up a play maker like Wells this late in the draft, you've got to like it. Here's hoping they pick up some linemen or defense in the coming rounds though.
32. Pittsburgh – Evander “Ziggy” Hood
Opinion: I’m not sure about this pick. The team definitely wants to get younger on the defensive line, and he can definitely be moved around the defensive line with his motor and push, but I think there were linebackers like Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis still on the board that fit their defence in the middle. Ultimately, they may have just taken the top player left on their board. Either way, this pick, at this spot, should be solid. I’m just not a fan of Hood, personally, and don’t see him as a “Steeler”-type of player.
Round 1:
1. Detroit – QB Matthew Stafford
Opinion: Hit or miss. Solid talent, with all the skills to be a solid NFL QB, but doesn’t have the weapons around him in Detroit. Depending on what they do later in the draft to protect Stafford and give him tools to work with, Detroit may have just drafted another Tim Couch/David Carr. He does fill a need, though. This pick is 50/50 for me. I’m not sold.
2. St. Louis – T Jason Smith
Opinion: A pretty obvious selection. St. Louis needed to replace perennially Pro-Bowler Orlando Pace, and Smith is a talented tackle who has excellent feet. Games are won in the trenches, and St. Louis helped shore up a potentially glaring hole on their line. Many were calling for Sanchez, but Bulger is a serviceable QB who has the talent to succeed if protected and provided with weapons in the passing game. I think this was a good pick.
3. Kansas City – DE Tyson Jackson
Opinion: I think this was a huge reach, but the guy fits the scheme. Kansas City is instituting a mirror image of the Patriots franchise behind GM Scott Pioli, and the Patriots love drafting defensive linemen in the first round. Jackson is a big man with solid feet under him, and will fill the 3-4 defensive end position, while being able to slide inside to defensive tackle in obvious passing situations. They probably didn’t have much room to trade back, but I think Jackson would have been available later in the draft, and doesn’t really present the best talent at this pick. I think he’ll fill a need, but he hasn’t convinced me that he’s an impact player. And at the 3rd pick, you can’t afford not to get an impact player.
4. Seattle – OLB Aaron Curry
Opinion: Curry is one of my favourite players in this draft. I wasn’t sold on him as a 3-4 linebacker, but I think he’ll make a solid 4-3 playmaking LB for the Seahawks as he replaces Julian Peterson, and lines up beside solid, young LB’s Hill and Tatupu. I like the pick, as it fills a hole, and gives them a playmaker. My only concern is Hasselbeck’s back injury and age, and the fact that I’m not sure Seattle will have a talent like Sanchez available to them in the near future. I like this pick, however. They took the best player on the board.
5. Jets (traded from Browns ) – QB Mark Sanchez
Opinion: I like the pick as much as I don’t like the pick. The Jets gave up a lot to get a solid talent with a lot of upside, but also a guy who only started a single season at USC. The saving grace here is the fact that the Jets have a solid team already in place, and desperately needed a QB. Lucky for Sanchez, he has a solid, young offensive line in front of him, a talented TE in Dustin Keller and an excellent WR to throw to in Cotchery. Sanchez has talent, and though I think it was a bit of a reach, they had to move up to get the guy. Another 50-50 pick. Good haul for the Browns though, as they have a lot of holes to fill, and none of the players left on the board were really a fit or worth the 5th pick. Mangini also gets some of his old players to come in and compete for spots.
(Jets get 5th pick; Browns get 17th pick, 2009 2nd rounder, DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff, and S Abram Elam)
6. Cincinnati – T Andre Smith
Opinion:I personally liked Eugene Munroe better, but Smith is a better fit for these guys. A mauling run-blocking tackle who should start at RT this season, and possibly move to LT to replace Levi Brown in the future. I like the pick on a talent/fit level, but I have character concerns with A.Smith, and this is already a team with a locker room full of misfits and troublemaker. That in itself indicates that this could be a poor pick for the team as a whole. Smith has got to keep his nose clean, and prove that his work ethic is better than I think it is, for me to truly like this pick
7. Oakland – WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
Opinion:Horrible pick, and typical Al Davis guy. This guy is a straight-line speed guy, and not a very polished receiver. Russell needed a WR, but Crabtree or Maclin would have been my pick here. This pick is a failure on every level. This pick reminds me of some of Detriot’s early WR failures, except at least the guys they selected were at or very near the top of their position coming into the draft. The Raiders could have traded back to any of the middle picks of the first round and still could have picked up Heyward-Bey. I smell a bust.
8. Jacksonville – T Eugene Munroe
Opinion: Great value pick here. I had Munroe going in the top 5, and am surprised he fell this far. I think he’s the second best T in the 2009 draft, and Jacksonville has a hole on their offensive line. With Sanchez gone, I think Munroe makes the most sense here. He’ll help keep Garrard upright and provide some muscle in the running game. Crabtree would have been a great pick here as well, and would have been able to learn from one of the best veteran WR’s in Torry Holt, but their need for a tackle was greater. I believe there’ll be a solid receiver available to them in the 2nd round.
9. Green Bay – DT BJ Raji
Opinion: Another pick that I can agree with. Green Bay is switching to a 3-4 defence, and it all starts up front. This guy is a talented defensive tackle who can absorb blockers, freeing up the linebackers to make plays, and can rush the passer from the NT or DE spots when called upon. They’ll be able to move Raji around with Pickett, Cullen Jenkins and last year’s pick, Harrell already on the line. One of the strongest defensive linemen, and I believe he’ll be a Vince Wilfork-type talent in the next couple years. In a division with Adrian Peterson, defences need a player like Raji. Great pick.
10. San Francisco – WR Michael Crabtree
Opinion: Though not entirely, a bit of a surprise pick for me. Head coach Mike Singletary is a defensive-minded coach who likes to run the ball and control time of possession. I think of all the players on the board, Crabtree was the best value, and is a good fit. Not a blazer, I think Crabtree will help in that time of possession game. He’s a playmaker, and if Hill or Smith can get him the ball, I love this pick. No matter what, Singletary is known to push his players and not accept anything short of their best effort, and I think that fits Crabtree well. Still surprised he fell this far though.
11. Buffalo – DE Aaron Maybin
Opinion: Another 50/50 pick for me. This guy is a talented pass-rusher and fills a need for the Bills. He's undersized, and could be a liability against the run, but they needed a DE and he was one of the better prospects that were projected to stay at DE. My issue is that he was a one year wonder, and the Bills need a LT in a bad way. Hopefully, Oher or Britton fall to them later in the first round. I, personally, would have taken Oher here, and picked up a guy like Everette Brown or Robert Ayers with the 2nd first round pick. Jauron's a defensive-minded coach though, so it shouldn't have surprised me that much.
12. Denver – RB Knowshon Moreno
Opinion: Questionable pick, and one that'll definitely alter the rest of the value of guys like Donald Brown and "Beanie" Wells. Surprised me that McDaniels, a Patriot's guy, and Denver as a team, picked a RB in the first round. But at the same time, with the injuries that Denver had at the position, and with the lack of a true #1 QB, I smell a philosophy change. Moreno is my highest rated RB and wasn't a complete reach at this position. But with the glut of backs that they already had, and then the 3 they picked up in the off-season, I don’t completely understand this pick. I'm interested to see what they do with their next pick.
13. Washington – DE/OLB Brian Orakpo
Opinion: I like this pick. I never was really sold on Orakpo as a true 3-4 rush linebacker as he was way too stiff in the hips when dropping into coverage. I think Orakpo’s real worth is at DE or as a hybrid DE/OLB, and with Haynesworth and Carter on this line already, I think Orakpo could have success as a rookie. He fills a huge need for Washington, and, though he could be a liability against the run without more bulk, in the NFC East, you have to be able to get pressure on the quarterback.
14. New Orleans – CB/S Malcolm Jenkins
Opinion: I was worried after Denver took Moreno that the Saints would reach for another RB. This team relies on its offense to win games, and too often their defence is a liability. I love this pick. He’s a smart, solid CB who can play some man, and is fantastic in zone coverage. He’s got awesome ball skills, as well. He projects well as a free safety, and hybrid guys like this who can play over a speedy tight end or running back out of the backfield don’t come along every day. I like him to line up at safety after the Saints picked up CB Greer from Buffalo. Add in the new defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams and his blitzing schemes, and I think he’s a great value pick and a great fit.
15. Houston – LB Brian Cushing
Opinion: I was really hoping Cushing would fall to my Patriots. I love this guy. He’s got an outstanding work-ethic, and is a real high-motor type. He’ll be a difference maker for Houston, and teaming him with a healthy CB Robinson, Ryans at MLB and Williams at DE instantly makes this defense dangerous. I love everything about this pick.
16. San Diego – DE/OLB Larry English
Opinion: Another guy I was hoping would fall to my Patriots. I really like this guy as an outside pass-rushing linebacker in a 3-4 defense like San Diego's. However, I really don’t like him here. I think it is a reach and definitely not a need. This team is solid enough that it doesn’t really have holes to fill, but they have to look at the age and injury concerns at RB, and possibly shore up their secondary a little more. I personally would have liked to see them trade back a bit, or pick up a guy like Chris Wells at RB or even Rey Maualuga at MLB. I think with Phillips and Merriman at OLB, this is a situational-type player. I wonder if they’ll move Merriman or Phillips inside, potentially. I love the guy, but I’m not sure about the pick.
17. Tampa Bay (traded from the Jets through Cleveland) – QB Josh Freeman
Opinion: I like this trade and this pick. They only gave up a 6th round pick to leap over Denver and snag the only remaining QB with a first-round grade. Denver was a likely landing spot for Freeman, so a move had to be made. Freeman has all the talent in the world to succeed and will have the opportunity to sit behind Leftwich or Griese this season and develop. Tampa Bay NEEDS a quarterback who can be an effective playmaker, and I really like Freeman’s natural talents. Great pick.
(Tampa Bay gets 17th pick, Cleveland gets 19th, and 2009 6th round pick)
18. Denver – DE Robert Ayers
Opinion: I like Ayers and I like him here. This kid is athletic, and has the size to hold up against the run at DE, or to stand up and be a Mike Vrabel-type of guy as a hybrid pass-rushing OLB. He didn’t get many sacks in college from the DE spot, but I really like him coming in here and playing for McDaniels’ Patriots-style, 3-4 defense. I'm interested to see if they pick up someone like QB Rhett Bomar in the 2nd or 3rd rounds, or trade a collection of picks for someone like Quinn. I don't think even McDaniels can win with Orton or Simms as their starter.
19. Philadelphia (from Buccaneers through Cleveland) – WR Jeremy Maclin
Opinion: This offense just got that much more explosive. With Jason Peters blocking McNabb’s blindside, and with speedy Brian Westbrook, Kevin Curtis, DeSean Jackson and now Jeremy Maclin, I think Philadelphia is now the team to beat in the NFC East. I like the pick, but I agree with the guys that are calling the draft...they already have the speed, they need the big, possession-type receiver, and I would have loved to see them package picks and go get Boldin.
(Philadelphia gets 19th pick, Cleveland gets 21st pick and another 2009 sixth-round pick)
20. Detroit – TE Brandon Pettigrew
Opinion: I like this guy, and I like him here, but why on Earth didn’t they take a tackle to protect new QB Stafford’s blindside. Pettigrew will give Stafford someone to pass to in the middle of the field, and he’s a solid blocker. Luckily, they still have the first pick of the 3rd round, and I think they’re hoping Britton falls to them there. This offense is starting to come together, but I’ve still got questions. If they get a solid tackle, their draft instantly will become one of the best this year. 3 picks in the first 33 has that affect though.
21. Cleveland (from Philadelphia) – C Alex Mack
Opinion: They started with 5 picks, and now have 10 picks. It’s about time these guys finally take a player, and I like Mack. He’s the type of lineman who plays with leverage and a bit of an attitude, and he can play any one of the three interior positions on the line. With LeCharles Bentley never panning out due to injury, I like this guy. New coach Mangini had C Nick Mangold in New York, and I’m sure that played a role in this selection.
22. Minnesota – WR Percy Harvin
Opinion: Harvin is an electric player who can be a unique playmaker on offense for Minnesota. I’m worried that he’s not a pure wide receiver, but they already have Berrian and Peterson, and I think Harvin could be a game-changing complimentary player out of the slot. For this pick, I think it is a good value, though were it me, I may have looked hard at Britt, Robiskie or Hicks here instead. It’s a buyer beware-type pick, and a definite boom or bust, but he’s got crazy ability to change games, not unlike Steve Smith of the Panthers.
23. Baltimore (from New England) – T Michael Oher
Opinion: My boys in the red, white and blue already had the most picks in this year’s draft, and traded back to pick up another pick in the 5th round. As for the pick, I love this guy, and I think Baltimore just made one of the safest picks of this draft. This guy is as high character as you can get, and he’s a hard-worker. With the age that Baltimore has on its line, this pick is as solid as it gets. They need to protect Flacco, and be able to grind it out on the ground, and Oher’s can be that guy at tackle. I’ll be rooting for Oher, and I believe he’ll be a 10+ year starter at tackle, and a future Pro-Bowler.
(Baltimore gets 23rd pick, New England gets 26th pick and a 2009 5th round pick)
24. Atlanta – DT Peria Jerry
Opinion: Another solid pick. He does have some durability issues, but this guy is a one-gap penetrator at DT, and Atlanta needed that in the middle of their defensive line. He’s got the ability to collapse the pocket and rush the QB, and that’ll help open things up for Abraham and Chauncey Davis at DE. Fills a need, and it’s not an overly deep draft for a defensive tackle. Good pick.
25. Miami – CB Vontae Davis
Opinion: Love this pick. Davis has some significant character issues, but Parcells and Sparano won’t stand for that stuff. Davis has the size and talent to be a shut-down CB, and in their division, it’s a must. Parcells loves physical players, and this guy is the most physical corner in the draft this year. Another player I had hoped would get selected by the Patriots. I, for one, hope he stays out of trouble, and really plays well for the Dolphins. Parcells will make sure he puts in the time and this is one guy that will be "coached up" by the staff in Miami.
26. Green Bay (from Ravens through New England) – LB Clay Matthews
Opinion: My boys traded back again, picking up an early 2nd round pick, and 2 more 3rd round picks. Disappointed that it doesn’t look like my Pats are going to pick up an explosive playmaker in the first round, but I like the possibilities for packaging some of those picks for someone like Julius Peppers, or keeping the picks and picking up a multitude of talented guys in the next 2 rounds. As for Matthews, he is one of the last linebackers I had hoped New England would pick up. Matthews has great pedigree, and has really shown excellent work ethic. He has the ability to rush the passer and play the run, and I like him playing out rush linebacker opposite Aaron Kampman in this new 3-4 defence. Picking up Raji and Matthews sure does help Green Bay convert to that 3-4 defence this year.
(Green Bay gets 26th pick and 5th round pick, New England gets 41st (2nd round) pick, and 2 3rd round picks (#’s 73 and 83))
27. Indianapolis – HB Donald Brown
Opinion: Addai has been injury-prone, and though they lost Harrison, they have Gonzalez in the wings, and have TE Dallas Clark so their passing game won’t take a hit. They could have used a MLB like Laurinaitis or DT like Ziggy Hood, but I like this pick. He’s a solid RB, and will provide an awesome 1-2 punch at RB with Addai. An explosive offense gets even more explosive. Surprised he fell this far after Moreno went so high to the Broncos.
28. Buffalo – C Eric Wood
Opinion: I like this pick. This kid was a 4-year starter at C at Louisville, and he was impressive both on the field and off of it. Wood, like Mack, can also play all 3 interior positions. I’m surprised that 2 centres have already gone in the first, especially since Unger could go to the Steelers at the end of the round. Smart kid though, and I think he’ll do wonders for Trent Edwards under centre.
29. New York Giants – WR Hakeem Nicks
Opinion: This pick was no surprise to me. With the losses of Burress and Toomer, they needed a WR, and Nicks is arguably the 2nd most NFL-ready WR in this draft. He has the size and the speed to be a solid outside receiver, and he shows excellent ability to stretch the field, run after the catch, and go up and get the ball like Burress used to. I like this pick. Great value and great fit.
30. Tennessee – WR Kenny Britt
Opinion: Another great pick, and after they lost out on Torry Holt, a big need for this Tennessee offense. This pick also opens the door for “Beanie” Wells to go to Arizona. Kenny is a fantastic route runner, and he’s a big, physical, tough receiver who didn’t have a great 40 time, but plays an outstanding overall game. He’ll give Collins another weapon in a offense that’s starting to come together.
31. Arizona – RB Chris “Beanie” Wells
Opinion: We all saw this one coming. I like this pick. I like Wells’ powerful running-style, and I like the offense that he’s going to. There’ll be plenty of room for Wells and Hightower to run through the middle of opposing defences as long as Fitzgerald and Warner are around (and possibly still Boldin?). He’s got some injury concerns, but this late in the first round, he’s excellent value. Whenever a successful team can pick up a play maker like Wells this late in the draft, you've got to like it. Here's hoping they pick up some linemen or defense in the coming rounds though.
32. Pittsburgh – Evander “Ziggy” Hood
Opinion: I’m not sure about this pick. The team definitely wants to get younger on the defensive line, and he can definitely be moved around the defensive line with his motor and push, but I think there were linebackers like Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis still on the board that fit their defence in the middle. Ultimately, they may have just taken the top player left on their board. Either way, this pick, at this spot, should be solid. I’m just not a fan of Hood, personally, and don’t see him as a “Steeler”-type of player.
Last edited Apr 25, 2009 17:36:42
