2009 Draft Grades

Drafts can really only be properly graded after 3 years but here is my preliminary draft grade for 2009
Arizona Cardinals-A- The Cardinals have been drafting much better the last few years. Running back Chris Wells was good Value at the end of Round 1. Good value in linebacker Cody Brown from U Conn and I like small school Defensive back Greg Toler from St. Pauls in round 4.

Atlanta Falcons- B- Not bad. 1st rounder Jeria Perry might just be average but I like Safety William Monroe in round 2 and DE Lawrence Sidbury from Richmond in round 4

Baltimore Ravens-B- Michael Oher will not be Jonathan Ogden but he'll start for the next 7-10 years. DE Krugar from Utah might be a good pass rusher

Buffalo Bills-A+- Aaron Maybin will get 10 sacks. Eric Wood in late round 1 from Louisville was good value but I also think they got starters with their round 2 picks. Defensive back Jarius Byrd and Guard Andy Levitre could also be starterss from day one

Carolina Panthers-C- 1st round pick Everette Brown is too small to have any kind of impact at defensive line and too slow to have any impact at linebacker. Best pick was guard Duke Robinson in round 5 from Oklahoma.

Chicago Bears-B- They got Jay Cutler by trading their 1st round pick. Got some value in the middle rounds. I like 5th rounder Marcus Freeman from Ohio State

Cincinnati Bengals-A- First 3 picks were really good. Tackle Andre Smith and LB Rey Maualuga will be day one starters. 3 rd rounder Michael Johnson has a ton of upside. They will also get some production from 3rd round TE Chase Coffman from Missouri.

Cleveland Browns-B+- Center Alex Mack will be their center for the next decade. WR Brian Robiskie should have been a first rounder and will be a solid pro.

Dallas Cowboys-F- sorry there is no better way I can explain it. They drafted a hodge podge of training camp fodder and traded their frist rounder away from the less than stellar WR Roy Williams.

Denver Broncos-C- Part of drafting is knowing where other teams have players slotted. No one was going to draft running back Knowshon Moreno in the first 20 picks . They passed up one of the better defensive ends in the draft in Brian Orapko to take Moreno then took an average defensive end 6 picks later with Robert Ayers. Fourth round guard Seth Olsen will be a nice player though.

Detroit Lions-B- I thought Sanchez would have been the better pick. Got some nice value all the way through the draft. 3rd rounder Derrick Williams could be a steal.

Green Bay Packers-B+- DT BJ Raji and LB Clay Matthews will be good players for a
long time.

Houston Texans-B- Brian Cushing might be a smidge slow to be a dominant player but has great football instincts. I like 2nd round defensive end Connor Barwin from Cincinnati.

Indianapolis Colts-C+- Donald Brown from Connecticut fills a need but he was never asked to block in college. DT Fili Moala fills a need for size on their interiro line

Jacksonville Jaguars-B-- Fillled their need for bookend offensive tackles for the next 7 years. Tackles Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will be immediate starters.

Kansas City Chiefs-C- Tyson Jackson at #3 overall was a reach but it is often difficult to trade out of the top draft spots. Jackson fills a need for an 3-4 defensiv end

Minnesota Vikings-B- Should get immediate production from Wideout Percy Harvin. Phil Loadholt at tackle could be dominent if he applies himself

New England Patriots-C- With 2nd rounders the Patriots should have done much better. Only Darius Butler from Connecticut will pay immediate divididends. Major reach on Houston tackle Sebastion Vollmer at the bottom of round 2.

New Orleans Saints-D- Malcolm Jenkins was a reach at pick 14 in round 1. They could have traded down. No 2nd and no 3rd round choice

New York Giants-A-- Real solid 1st day picks landed them WR Hakeen Nicks, LB Clint Stintim, and OT Will Beatty.

New York Jets-B-- They really didn't give up much to move up to land Marc Sanchez. Only had 3 picks. Iowa running back Shonn Greene could suprise.

Oakland Raiders-F-- What in the world is Al Davis thinking? Wideout Darrius Hewward-Bey was on no ones radar screen at pick #7 overal. To make matters worse the raiders reached badly to take Safety
Michael Mitchell at the top of the 2nd round.

Philadelphia Eagles-B- I am not sold on this being a great draft. Wideout Jereby Maclin was a nice pick but LeSean McCoy does not translate into a dominent runningback at the next level

Pittsburgh Steelers-C- Other than first round pick Evander Hood I see little more than training camp fodder with their other picks.

San Diego Chargers-C- Larry English could be a pass rushing specialist but the rest were reach picks including a DT from the University of Western Ontario in round 4.

San Franciso 49ers B-- The idiocy of the Raiders allowed Crabtree to fall into the 49ers lap but little else with the rest of their picks

Seattle Seahawks-A-Top three picks were very good. LB Aaron Curry and C Max Unger will start right away. Deon Butler was the best receiver at Penn State and will get deep with his 4.3 speed.

Tampa Bay Buccaneeers-D- needed a quarterback so they reached for Josh Freeman and the rest of the picks were not very good.

Tennessee Titans-A- They got good value with their 1st 3 picks. WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook will be productive.

Washington Redskins- B- They lucked out that DE Brian Orapko landed in their laps. CB Kevin Barnes was a reach in Round 3. 7th rounder Marko Mitchell might surpise and was a good pick for round 7

Mock Draft 4

1. Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford-QB-Georgia- Detroit would love to trade out of this spot but will find no takers. They are desparate for a QB so they will have to take the gamble.
2. St Louis Rams- Jason Smith-OT-Baylor. Rams have a huge need at left tackle since Orlando Pace moved on
3. Kansas City Chiefs-Aaron Curry-LB-Wake Forest. One of the safer picks in this draft. Will have an immediate impact.
4. Seattle Seahawks-Michael Crabtree-WR Texas Tech. Fills a need an perhaps a bit of a reach at this point.
5. Cleveland Browns-Brian Orapko-DE/OLB- Texas. Browns need an edge rusher.
6. Cincinnati Bengals-Eugene Monroe-OT-Virgina. The left tackle postions is now solved for the Bengals
7. Oakland Raiders-Jeremy Maclin-WR-Missouri. Raiders needs a playmakers and Maclin fits the bill. Excellent size and speed. Awesome college production
8. Jacksonville Jaguars-BJ Raji-DT-Boston College. Best player on the board despite needs at WR. Raji can rush the passer and play the run.
9. Green Bay Packers-Malcolm Jenkins-CB-Ohio State. Will help a weak secondary for the packers
10. San Francisco 49ers-Mark Sanchez-QB-USC. The team has a very uncertain QB position. So this pick makes sense
11. Buffalo Bills-Everette Brown-DE-Florida State. Defense needs another pass rusher.
12. Denver Broncos-Tyson Jackson-DE-LSU. Good fit at DE in the Broncos new 3-4 scheme.
13. Washington Redskins-Andre Smith-OT-Alabma. Put on the game tape and he's one of the best players in this draft. Will play RT immediately and eventually take over the left tackle spot from Chris Samuels.
14. New Orleans Saints-Clay Matthews-OLB-USC- Ran a 4.57 on his pro day. Huge upside and fills a need for the Saints linebacking crew.
15. Houston Texans-Aaron Maybin-DE-Penn State. Played in a 4-3 at Penn State and gave offensive lineman fits wether it was a pass play or running play. I don't but that Aaron is just a situational pass rusher or OLB in a 3-4 at the next level.
16. San Diego Chargers-Rey Maualuga-ILB-USC- combined with Merriman this could be a very stingy defense
17. New York Jets-Josh Freemen-QB-Kansas State- I guess that 3rd rounder they traded for Farve didn't work out so well. Jets will try hard to move up to get Sanchez
18. Denver Broncos-Jeria Perry-DT-Mississippi. The 2nd cog to rebuilding the 3-4 defensive line.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Darius Heyward-Bey- Good size and excellent speed. Great upside
20. Detroit Lions-Michael Oher-OT-Mississippi. Some protection for Stafford
21. Philadelphia Eagles-Eben Britton-OT-Arizona. Departure of Tra Thomas makes this a logical pick
22. Minnesota Vikings-James Laurinaitis-OLB-Ohio State. Some help for the linebacking corp.
23. New England Patriots-Michael Johnson-DE/OLB-Georgia Tech. Great upside. Should do well as a pass rusher
24. Atlanta Falcons-Brandon Pettigrew-TE-Oklahoma State. Falcons could go also go defensive back but based on value Pettigrew would be the logical pick
25.Miami Dolphins-Kenny Britt-WR-Rutgers. Good size and speed. Good compliment to Ted Ginn Jr.
26. Baltimore Ravens-Percy Harvin-WR-Florida. Great speed. Good value at this point in Round 1.
27.Indianapolis Colts-Hakeem Nicks-WR-North Carolina. The defensive tackles of value are off the board so the Colts begin the process of trying to replace the departed Marvin Harrison
28. Philadelphia Eagles-Knowshon Moreno-RB-Georgia. Logical pick based on the Bryon Westbrook turning 30 in September and the departure of Correl Buckhalter.
29. New York Giants-Brian Robiskie-WR-Ohio State- Departure of Burris makes this a huge need pick. I think Robiskie is a steal at this point in the draft.
30. Tennesse Titans-Robert Ayers-DE-Tennessee-need pick based on
the age of Jevon Kearse and good value at this point in the draft.
31. Arizona Cardinals-Chris Wells-RB-Ohio State. Great size and decent speed.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers-William Beatty-OT-Connetitcut. Best OT left on the board but still good value.

Post Combine Mock

With the conclusion of the combine and the 1st day of free agency a more clear picture of the 1st round of the NFL Draft is emerging

1. Detroit Lions- LB-Aaron Curry-Wake Forest
2. St. Louis Rams-OT-Eugene Monroe-Virginia
3. Kansas City Chiefs-OT-Jason Smith-Baylor
4. Seattle Seahawks-WR-Michael Crabtree-Texas Tech
5. Cleveland Browns-CB-Malcolm Jenkins-Ohio State
6. Cincinnati Bengals-DT-BJ Raji-Boston College
7. Oakland Raiders-WR-Jeremy Maclin-Missouri
8. Jacksonville Jaguars-WR-Darrius Heyward Bey-Maryland
9. Green Bay Packers-DE-Brian Orakpo-Texas
10. San Francisco 49ers-QB-Matt Stafford-Georgia
11. Buffalo Bills-TE-Brandon Pettigrew-Oklahoma State
12. Denver Broncos-LB-Rey Maualuga-USC
13. Washington Redskins-OT-Andre Smith-Alabama
14. New Orleans Saints-CB-Vontae Davis-Illinois
15. Houston Texans-DE-Aaron Maybin- Penn State
16. San Diego Chargers-OLB-Brian Cushing-USC
17. New York Jets-QB-Mark Sanchez-USC
18. Chicago Bears-DT-Jeria Perry-Mississippi
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-DE-Tyson Jackson-LSU
20. Detroit Lions-Knowshon Moreno-RB-Georgia
21. Philadelphia Eagles-OT-Eben Britton-Arizona
22. Minnesota Vikings-WR-Brian Robiskie-Ohio State
23. New England Patriots-LB-James Laurinaitis-Ohio State
24. Atlanta Falcons-DE-Larry English-Northern Illinois
25. Miami Dolphins-DE-Everette Brown-Florida State
26. Baltimore Ravens-OT-Michael Oher-Mississippi
27. Indianapolis Colts-WR-Percy Harvin-Florida
28. Philadelphia Eagles-RB-Chris Wells-Ohio State
29. New York Giants-WR-Kenny Britt-Rutgers
30. Tennessee Titans-WR-Hakeem Nicks- North Carolina
31. Arizona Cardinals-RB-Donald Brown-Conneticut
32. Pittsburgh Steelers-OT- Phil Loadholt-Oklahoma

Mock Draft 2009

Now that the juniors have declared and the most of the playoffs are over a more accurate mock draft is possible.

1. Detroit Lions- Matt Stafford-QB-Georgia-6-3 228 lbs. Completed 61% of his passes his senior season while throwing for over 3400 yards with 25 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions

2. St Louis Rams- Eugene Monroe-OT-Virginia-6-6-315 lbs. Former top recruit out of High School. Monroe was the reason last years first round draft pick, Branden Albert, was playing guard. Protypical size with long arms. Great in pass protenction

3. Kansas City Chiefs- Mark Sanchez-QB-USC-6-3-225 lbs. Threw for 34 touchdowns last season and over 3200 yards. Strong arm who arguably could be selected number one overall. I don't buy that the Chiefs are set with Tyler Thigpen so I think they will opt for the franchise QB

4. Seattle Seahawks-Michael Crabtree-WR-Techas Tech-6-3-214 lbs 4.55 forty. Put up over 90 receptions in each of the last two years. 18 touchdowns as a Junior, 22 as a sophomore. Could post a much better 40 time at the combine.

5. Cleveland Browns-Rey Maualuga-LB-USC-6-2-260lbs-4.70 forty- excellent size with a nasty demeanor. Perfect for as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Aaron Curry-LB-Wake Forest-6-3-247lbs-4.55 forty. Won the Butkus award as the coutry's top college linebacker. 105 tackes his senior season. 16 tackles for loss. Extremely versatile linbacker with the size and speed to pass rush or drop in coverage

7. Oakland Raiders-Andre Smith-OT-Alabama-6-4-330lbs-Dominating run blocker and fills a glarind need for the Raiders.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jason Smith-OT-Baylor-6-5-305 lbs. 4 year starter in the Big 12. Excels in pass protection.

9. Green Bay Packers-Malcolm Jenkins-CB-Ohio State-6-1-200 lbs. 4.4 forty. Great size and speed to be a shutdown corner for the next decade.

10. San Francisco 49ers-Jeremy Macklin-WR-Missouri-6-1-200 lbs. 4.45 forty. 102 receptions for over 1200 yards last season. Had 13 touchdowns. If Sanchez is available with this pick though they will go QB.

11.Buffalo Bills-Brandon Pettigrew-TE-Oklahoma State-6-6-260-4.7 forty- The entire tight end package. Can catch and block. Had some off-field issues that might drop his stock but based on pure talent he is a great tight end prospect.

12. Denver Broncos-Brian Orapko-DE-Texas-6-4-260 lbs.4.7 forty. 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss last season. Could use about 20 more lbs of weight. Terrific athlete who should be a double digit sacker in the NFL.

13. Washington Redskins-BJ Raji-DT-Boston College-6-1 323lbs 5.15 forty. 8 sacks and 16 tackles for loss last season.

14. New Orleans Saints-James Laurinaitis-LB-Ohio State-6-3-240lbs-4.6 forty- Good size and speed. 3 year starter for Ohio State and posted over 115 tackles in each of this last three seasons.

15. Houston Texans-Vontae Davis-CB-Illinois-6-0-204 lbs. 4.40 forty. Excellent size and speed. should be an immediate starter.

16. San Diego Chargers- Michael Oher-OT-Ole Miss-6-5-318lbs- 4 year starter in the SEC. Has some downside risk but if he has the passion for the game he'll be a pro bowler.

17. New York Jets-Everette Brown-DE-Florida State-6-4-252lbs- 4.65 forty. 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss as a senior. But the Florida State defensive linemane have a poor track record in the NFL

18. Chicago Bears-Chris Wells-RB-Ohio State-6-1-237lbs-4.5 forty. Big and relatively fast. Fills a major need. Over 1000 yards in each of the last two seasons.

19. Tampa Bay Buccanears-Darrius Heyward-Bey-WR-Maryland-6-3-206 lbs. 4.40 forty. Great size and speed should help the Bucs offense.

20. Detroit Lions-Aaron Maybin-DE-Penn State-6-4-245lbs 4.55 forty. 12 sacks last season and a ton of upside for this early entry to the draft. Long arms and is still growing into his body. Could be a 270lb terror in two years.

21. Minnesota Vikings-Alex Mack-C-California-6-4-316lbs. As good a center prospect in quite some time. With Matt Birk aging and headed to free agency this pick makes sense.

22. New England Patriots-William Moore-S-Missouri-6-1-230lbs. 4.50 forty. Good hands. Had 8 interceptions as a junior. Fills need with the aging Rodney Harrison.

23. Atlanta Falcons-Jeria Perry-DT-Ole Miss-6-2-290lbs. 5.0 forty. Had 6 sacks and 17 tackels as a senior. Fills an area of need for the Falcons.

24. Miami Dolphins-Brian Cushing-LB-USC-6-3-255lbs. 4.65 forty. Just a great all around linebacker. Tough and intense. They type of player Parcells likes.

25.Baltimore Ravens-Alphons Smith-CB-Wake Forest. 5-9-185lbs. 4.40 forty. 7 interceptions as a senior. Fills need with the injuries to Chris McAlister.

26. Indianapolis Colts-Evander Hood-DT-Missouri-6-4-295lbs. 5.0 forty. Five sacks and 7 tackles for loss as a senior. Non stop motor

27. Philadelphia Eagles( from Carolina)-Knowshon Moreno-RB-Georgia-5-11-210 lbs.4.45 forty. Bit of a larger back than Westbrook. Also good at catching the ball out of the backfield.

28. New York Giants-Clint Stinim-LB-Virginia-6-3-245lbs-4.70 forty. 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss as a senior

29. Tennessee Titans-Percy Harvin-WR-Florida-5-11-195-4.35 forty- averaged over 16 yards per catch last season and 7 touchdowns. need pick and good value at this point in the draft.

30. Philadelphia Eagles-Eben Britton-OT-Arizona-6-6-310lbs. With the aging Tra Thomas and John Runyan nearing the end of their careers this pick makes sense

31. Arizona Cardinals-Lesean McCoy-RB-Pittsburgh-5-11-210-4.45 forty. Ran for over 2800 yards and 35 touchdowns in just two years at Pittsburgh. Also very good out of the backfield catching passes.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers-Duke Robinson-OG-Oklahoma-6-5-335lbs. Stout at the point of attack and fits the mauling personality of the Steelers.

New Years Day Mock

First mock of 2009.

1. Detroit Lions-Sam Bradford-QB-Oklahoma

2. St Louis Rams-Andre Smith-OT-Alabama

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Aaron Curry-OLB- Wake Forest

4. Seattle Seahawks-Michael Crabtree-WR-Texas Tech

5. Cleveland Browns-Malcolm Jenkins-CB-Ohio State

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Rey Maualuga-ILB-USC

7. Oakland Raiders-Eugene Monroe-OT-Virginia

8. Jacksonville Jaguars-Michael Oher-OT-Ole Miss

9. Green Bay Packers-Brian Orapko-DE-Green Bay

10. San Francisco 49ers-Matt Stafford-QB-Georgia

11. Buffalo Bills-Brandon Pettigrew-TE-Oklahoma State

12. Denver Broncos-James Laurinaitis-LB-Ohio State

13. Washington Redskins-BJ Raji-DT-Boston College

14. New Orleans Saints-Vontae Davis-CB-Illinois

15. Houston Texans-Taylor Mays-S-USC

16. San Diego Chargers-Jeria Perry-DT-Ole Miss

17. New York Jets-Chris Wells-RB-Ohio State

18. Chicago Bears-Jason Smith-OT-Baylor

19. Tampa Bay Buccanears-William Monroe-S-Missouri

20. Detroit Lions( From Dallas )Knowshon Moreno-RB-Georgia

21. Arizona Cardinals-Brian Cushing-LB-USC

22. Philadelphia Eagles-Alex Mack-C-California

23. Minnesota Vikings-Alphonso Smith-CB-Wake Forest

24. New England Patriots-Michael Johnson-DE-Georgia Tech

25. Atlanta Falcons-Tyson Jackson-DE-LSU

26. Miami Dolphins-Duke Robinson-OG-Oklahoma

27. Baltimore Ravens-Clint Sintim-OLB-Virginia

28. Phiadelphia Eagles( From Carolina)James Merideth-OT-South Carolina

29. Indianapolis Colts-Evander Hood-DT-Missouri

30. New York Giants-Terrance Cody-DT-Alabama

31. Pittsburgh Steelers-Phil Loadholt-OT-Oklahoma

32. Tennesee Titans-Darrius Heyward-Bey-WR-Maryland

BCS nonsense

There are 9 teams that have 1 loss or are undefeated among the top 10 in College Football. While the Bowl Championship series was a good way to insure the number one team played the number 2 team it does not work so well when all the top teams have one loss. Who is to say the best team in the country isn't the winner of the Rose Bowl matchup between USC and Penn State? College football needs a playoff system in the worst way. They can still be called bowls with all the corporate naming rights but a playoff bracket needs to created so that the top team can truly win on the field instead of being at the mercy of their schedule and computer.

Week 12 Thoughts

Well, I think we have found out that the Titans are not necessarily the best team in the AFC. While journeymen quarterbacks do win SuperbowlS like Trent Dilfer it usually only happens in a year where the rest of the league has unsettled quarterback issues. Kerry Collins and the his supporting cast are only good enough to beat most, but not all teams in the NFL. Come playoff time look for the Titans to make an early exit.

The Eagle faithful never really liked Andy Reid or Donovan McNabb and now it appears as though the fans are near the end of an era. Neither man is capable of showing emotion and the Philly fans cannot stand that. Buddy Ryan was one of the worst game day coaches in the playoffs but because he wore his heart on his sleeve he was embraced by the city. To the fans of Philadelphia I would say .. careful what you wish for. The Eagles earned the right to draft McNabb in 1999 because after the 1998 season they were the 2nd worst team in the NFL. How soon the fans forget.

The Giants are dominant. Proving once again that in order to go on a 4 to 8 year playoff run you have to draft well. And the Giants are loaded with players who are home grown and still young.

VERY EARLY MOCK DRAFT BELOW