NFC NORTH--Draft Impressions

Green Bay Packers—It is smart strategy to draft needs based on division rivals’ strengths. That is exactly what the Packers did this year; and good that they did because the rest of the division has some serious offensive weapons. They tightened up their defense with B. J. Raji, a DT from Boston College. We are talking about a guy who is going to “light it up” in that new 3-4 scheme. Jk. Versatile OLB Clay Matthews from SC can really impact their rush defense. They also got some secondary depth with Brandon Underwood, a CB/S from Cincinnati. But you have to question any team that passes up on Michael Crabtree. Which team do you think Crabs makes better? The 49ers who don’t have a clue who the starting QB is? Or the Packers, who have an experienced starter? Don’t the Packers run an offense with lots of slants and screens? Hello?!! Texas Tech!

Chicago Bears—Da Bears didn’t have any first day picks. Those went to acquire Jay Cutler, so already you have to consider them winners. I felt the Bears didn’t target one specific area, but grabbed the best player available. Their first pick was in the 3^rd round which they used get to Jarron Gilbert, DE fom San Jose St. He's considered a boom or bust type of athlete. But you have to believe that someone who can JUMP OUT OF A POOL can provide some explosion. I love WRs Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox for Cutler. One gives you polished routes and reliability and the other blazing speed. Complementary players like Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal were for Cutler. Please Lovie, get Hester out of that offense. Considered a first-round player, D. J. Moore, CB from Vanderbilt is a value pick in the 4^th. Marcus Freeman, an Ohio St. LB, can eventually develop into a good athlete.

Detroit Lions—Any upside to going 0-16? Can’t go anywhere but up. But I have to be honest; I was impressed and very pleased about the Lions draft. The Lions land their franchise QB in Matthew Stafford from Georgia. They really can’t afford to miss on him. We’re talking $42 million guaranteed. But I find myself rooting for him; he did get Troy Aikman’s support after all. Plus! You need a QB with a rocket arm for Calvin Johnson right? We all thought they would use their second first round pick to get Michael Oher, a tackle who could protect Stafford, or go defense, but no. They instead went for some insta-offense with TE Brandon Pettigrew. He’s an outstanding pass-catching TE with great blocking skills. A rookie QB’s best friend. 2^nd round stud Louis Delmas, a S from Western Michigan, can maybe make the impact Bob Sanders has for the Colts. He’s a hard-hitting ball-hawk. No pressure, but Delmas needs to single-handedly give that defense an identity. Derrick Williams is a shifty WR from Penn St who can also add a return dimension. The rest of the picks are developmental players who can contribute to Special Teams. Plus, a team that went 0-16 needs to start getting rid of the lower part of the roster. In sum, they added some offense to get fans back, got an awesome safety, and got quality backups. They didn’t however; get some instant impact players on the offensive and defensive line. Ouch.

Minnesota Vikings—This team has question marks ONLY at the QB position. When that is settled, these draft picks are only pieces to that puzzle. First round pick Percy Harvin reminds me a lot of Steve Smith. He might be the one to finally take advantage of the way defenses approach Adrian Peterson. You have to ignore character issues though. But still, use him like the Saints use Reggie Bush. Screens, hitches, reverses, and returns. Jarius Wynn , OL from Oklahoma shows their commitment to making some monster lane for Adrian Peterson. This guy is all power. CB Asher Allen from Georgia can come in and cover the slot. There weren’t many picks for this team (5), but this team felt that they are already Super Bowl ready. And why not? ADRIAN PETERSON. Nuff said.

Matthew Stafford on Letterman

New Lions Logo

It's about time.

State of the Dallas Cowboys...

according to a fan.
There are obviously pages I could fill up with anger, embarrassment, confusion, encouragement, and yes...hope, about the 'Boys. But I'll just comment on a some headlines. I'll make this a recurring post where I comment on some headlines. These two are fresh on my mind.

Win and in? Eagles 44-Cowboys 6

In one of the most ball-busting games to watch, the Cowboys gave up 44 points, 6 turnovers, and the opportunity to enter the post season in Week 17. After losing the game in the fourth quarter to the Steelers and Ravens the weeks before, they were still in charge of their playoffs chances with a win. For some genetic reason, they cracked in another postseason environment. What did I learn? Tony Romo's aloof attitude in the post game interview answered questions about the type of competitor and leader he is. I learned that this team can't win in December and in the playoffs. And that we need dramatic change.

Roy Williams trade
Cowboys gave up a first and a third-round pick for him. Steep for a guy that didn't add a new dimension to the team. Rookie WRs taken in the second round outplayed Roy! The reasoning for the trade? "Having two star receivers will create problems for defenses...T.O. won't be double covered and can get the ball more...blah blah." At the end of the seasnon we hear about how he needs to be in the system longer, and how him and Romo need to develop consistency over a summer, and how it is difficult to make an impact at WR halfways through the year. Well then why did you get him?! Isn't he a free agent soon? Get him early in the summer! He played like crap anyway. He threw Romo under the bus on an interception saying it was a bad pass or whatever. I say, if Troy Aikman comments that he ran a shitty route, than Roy Williams ran a shitty route. Williams basically set the receivers they were developing back. The receivers that everyone were excited about because of their raw athleticism and speed. Isn't that what the Cowboys keep saying they need? Speed? Roy is about as fast as Warren Sapp and runs bad routes. And now, we probably won't draft a receiver with better upside this year. Damn, and I wanted Juaquin Iglesias or Percy Harvin.

Draft Fantasy (Rod's picks)

Yesterday David Estrada made a post in which he selected some of his favorite prospects going into the 2009 NFL Draft and where he would like to see them, not where they will end up, but where he would LIKE to see them. So now I'm gonna rip him off and do exactly the same thing, here it goes!

Mark Sanchez: Dallas Cowboys
Let's face it, Tony Romo sucks. The Cowboys need a quarterback that can be the face of the franchise like Troy Aikman once was. Who better than pretty boy Mark Sanchez himself? He's got some talent too, and best of all He's Mexican! Finally America's team can have a QB which is America's Race...that's right. I said it. Seriously though, Sanchez has started less than 30 games at QB which is why I think he'll still be around in the second round. But if he WERE to go in the first round, which he just might based on his workouts I don't see him getting past San Francisco.

Graham Harrell: St. Louis Rams
That's right! The greatest show on turf returns!!!! Atleast...this would be the first step in that process, now I'm not saying the Rams should pick him up in the first round which they won't because they need a lineman, but Harrell should be available in the second day and with him back there slinging all day and Steven Jackson running this could be the beginning of something awesome. He might also be picked up by the Chiefs and he would be a good fit there as well. Harrell to Dwayne Bowe sounds even better than Harrell to Donnie Avery.


Matthew Stafford: Minnesota Vikings
I know I know he'll probably go first overall...but I'd like to see him in Minnesota. He'd REALLY benefit from having that running game there, and with the defense remaining as good as it was. Stafford could have immediate impact with the Vikings and the NFC north could be relevant again! Also I really think this guy would look good in purple...and yeah, I just want him with the Vikings. Still him throwing to Calvin "Megatron" Johnson would be a good consolation prize.


Michael Crabtree: Atlanta Falcons
I have to agree with David on this one, Crabs has that star potential that Atlanta needs. Plus by getting Crabs you provide Matt Ryan with a target for years to come, and when you couple him with Roddy White and Michael Turner...there's a pretty scary offense right there. With Crabs in Atlanta soon fans will start saying "What's a Michael Vick?"Plus Crabs looks good in Red White and Black, I think that should continue. Second choice, Washington Redskins....nice, imagine him lining up opposite Santana Moss and Washington's finally got an air attack! now all they need is a decent QB.

Jeremy Maclin: Baltimore Ravens
Mr. Versatility himself, you know alot has been said about Chase Daniel but his numbers wouldn't be anywhere close to where they were if he didn't have Maclin to throw to. Which is why I want to see him in Purple and Black, Baltimore NEEDS to have offensive weapons they need it. Now it seems they found their Quarterback, but now who is he gonna throw to? Mark Clayton and...um...Clayton? Another good fit for MacDaddy Maclin would be the Jets, he could learn under Coles for a couple of years and develop into the #1 target in no time.

James Laurinaitis: New Orleans Saints
The Saints need some defenders, they also need someone who can be a presence in the D. Put Laurinaitis at weakside linebacker and BAM they're one step closer to achieving that. Also Laurinaitis is a good guy, he's a good leader and hard worker and he could provide the saints with that cover athlete that the defense needs. I could also see him at Denver though, that'd be pretty cool and the Broncos could really use him or anyone at that position for that matter.



Rey Maualuga: San Diego Chargers
Say it with me now...Junior Seau part two: this time it's personal. Honestly, this guy needs to stay in California and what better place than in San Diego? He is without a doubt the nastiest ILB in the draft now imagine him lining up next to Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips??? SCARY. I seriously don't want to see this guy anywhere else, but he'll likely not get past the Browns or Broncos in round one. Also...check him out doing what most have only dreamt of to ESPN's Erin Andrews..



Brian Orakpo: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have no pass rush. Absolutely none. This guy can fix that, or at the very least HELP. Now imagine this behemoth trading in his burnt orange for a much more awesome shade of orange, and black. I get chills just thinking of him walking into the Jungle as a sea of fans roar "OSACKPO!!!!" Seriously, Cincy needs him but I don't see him getting past the Chiefs which would also be a good fit...and would have him playing in the same defense as Glenn Dorsey which would be pretty scary. Ah well if he doesn't go with the Bengals...hopefully Aaron Curry will.

Draft Fantasy

Alright, this game matches up some NFL prospects I particularly like with teams I'd like to see them in. My game, I make up the rules, so I can picture a player with an established starter if I want.

Matthew Stafford Well, it's hard to picture him with anyone but the Lions since QB is their need, and he is basically the consensus #1 player at that position. Not sure he'll excel there, but let's just picture him with the Chicago Bears. That's right. This team needs a quarterback, not to mention a receiver. But look at what a good QB does to a team that is known for it's defense. Case and point, the Ravens. You match Stafford and the Bears...you got the missing piece to that puzzle. Not a lot of flash, but effective.











Graham Harrell Sweet...Now here's a guy that can air it out. Scary thing is, I see him going to the Philadelphia Eagles if they let McNabb go. They run that pass happy offense. He's a good looking chap...who knows, maybe they'll embrace him there. But I just see him going to a team that throws a lot. Another good fit might be Kansas City with their new head coach McDaniels. Remember he was the offensive coordinator to the Patriots team that basically ran the shotgun offense and flung it around. Closest NFL system to what he ran in Texas Tech. Even sweeter thing is this might be the best and most likely matchup I came with.







Percy "Oh Mercy" Harvin Here you're talking about the most dynamic of the bunch. I think. I don't want to see him returning kicks or punts, this guy is needs to be on all offensive plays. Screw Darren McFadden, I want to see this guy with the Raiders. This team has no identity, and since they aren't a passing team, this guy can add that dimension with plenty of YAC (yards after catch). Since all Russell can do is dump the ball off or hit the flats. I think he'll bring more excitement than DMC.

Rey Maualuga This guy needs to go to a team that needs some defensive energy. This guy brings enthusiasm, and fear that you might see in maybe...Ray Lewis. I also see him in Oakland. That team needs an identity, PLEASE! As much as his services could be used in Denver, where there defense was just terrible, it's hard too see his style and personality flying anywhere but in California.

Knowshon Moreno This guy can have the greatest impact off the bat probably of all the rookies. Picture this scenario: You hear reports about the San Diego Chargers shopping L.T. around. His best years are behind him. Who's going to be the starter?? 3 ft nothing Darren Sproles? This is where Knowshon should go. It would be a smooth transition, and something the club would appreciate. A fresh set of legs, and a runner with similar characteristics that made L.T. a household name. With obviously a better vertical....

"Beanie" Wells He's in the Brandon Jacobs mold. Big, physical. Except this cat can run. There's a team that sticks out for me right now, of where I want to see him. Arizona Cardinals. Think about it. they've really excelled, and exceeded expectations in the playoffs. Currently one win away from the Super Bowl. What's been the key? A balanced offense. Edgerrin James already came out and said he doesn't want to be there next year. You bring Wells in and this won't be a one year thing. They can stay on top of that division for a while.

Michael Crabtree Greatest college receiver, or most accomplished of all time. He reminds me of Marques Colston, in size and how they play. Not flashy but clearly no. 1 threats for opposing teams. Seattle is probably the team that would draft a wide receiver first but I want to see him wearing the red, white and black. No, I don't want him coming back to college (being a Texas fan and all). I want him to go to Atlanta. They have Roddy White, but the team, and I dare say the city and its fans need a marquee and household name in their lineup. Someone to do NIKE commercials. They really embraced Vick for that, and I think Crabtree could do the same.