The Final Mock-April 5th 2008

Now that the combine is over and the pro days nearly complete it is time to attempt a mock draft update. Team needs are much easier to assess at this point as most of the free agent signings of any significance are complete. Heights, weights and forty times are included in earlier mocks. So here goes:
1.Miami Dolphins-Jake Long-OT-Michigan- Only 1 penalty in 4 years at Michigan. Solidifies either tackle position for the next decade. Parcells would probably like to trade out of this pick but I doubt there will be any takers

2.St Louis Rams- Vernon Gholston-DE-Ohio State- The smart money says Chris Long here but in a surpise the Rams go with the more athletic Gholston.

3.Atlanta Falcons- Glenn Dorsey-DT-LSU- Dominant at the point of attack and plays through injuries and pain.

4.Oakland Raiders-Chris Long-DE-Virginia-Son of hall of famer Howie Long gets to be a Raider just like his father. Excellent intangibles and measurables. Should be a 10 sack a year player
5.Kansas City Chiefs-Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC-Probably need an offensive tackle but the value at this point is Sedrick Ellis. All around DT who can penetrate in either the pass or the run
6. New York Jets-Darren McFadden-RB-Arkansas- Size and speed combination could have immediate impact on the Jets. He's this year's Adrian Peterson
7. New England Patriots- Leodis McKelvin-CB-Troy- Best Corner in the draft but I think the Patriots will try to trade down a few with this pick. Could also go with LB Keith Rivers.
8.Baltimore Ravens-Matt Ryan-QB-Boston College- Ravens go back to the quarterback well due to their need to find a solution at the postion but it would not surprise me at all to see this guy fall just like Brady Quinn and Aaron Rogers did in past drafts.
9.Cincinnati Bengals-Keith Rivers-LB-USC- fullfills one of their needs. River's pro day this past week solidfied himself in the top 15 picks in my opinon. Rivers is an excellent 4-3 linebacker.
10.New Orleans Saints-Dominque Rogers Cromartie-CB-Tennesee State- I don't like their free agent moves they made for the secondary and feel they still need to get better at the CB postion.
11. Buffalo Bills-Mike Jenkins-CB-South Florida- 4.38 forty, nice size and fits a definative need for the Bills
12. Denver Broncos-Ryan Clady-OT-Boise State- franchise left tackle is good value at this pick
13. Carolina Panthers-Derrick Harvey-DE-Florida- would not shock me to see the Panthers take Brian Brohm here but Harvey is good value and will solidfy the pass rush opposite Peppers
14. Chicago Bears-Rashard Mendenhal-RB-Illinois- Bears are slowly finding out Cedric Benson is not the answer but I can almost guarantee you that Mendhenall will have immediate impact
15. Detroit Lions-Jonathan Stewart-HB-Oregon- The need at running back is glaring. Stewart ran well at the combine and fills their need in the backfield but don't rule out another receiver! Just kidding
16. Arizona Cardinals-Aqib Talib-CB-Kansas- A real good value here. Has good ability to make interceptions and run them back. With Rolle moving to safety this pick makes sense
17. Minnesota Vikings-Phillip Merling-DE-Clemson- Has a sports hernia that has prevented him from working out but the Vikes need DE in the worst way. Udeze is out for the season battling luekemia and Erasmus James might never be healthy. Merling is a solid left end.
18. Houston Texans-Jeff Otah-OT-Pittsburg- This team has never been able to solve their talent level at the tackle position. Has raw ability to be a quality tackle at the next level at either tackle postion.
19. Philadelphia Eagles-Kenny Phillips-S-Miami- Brian Dawkins is on his last legs and Sean Considine and Quinten Mickel are average safeties at best. Kenny Phillips fits the bill for this team
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Desean Jackson-WR-California- Galloway is aging and Jackson although small is the best receiver of this draft class.
21. Washington Redskins-Brandon Albert-OG-Virginia- some draft pundits have Albert skyrocketing into a top ten pick. While he is the best pulling guard I have seen in a quite a while I don't buy that he's a top ten pick. Good Value for my skins at this point and fills a need within a year for this team.
22. Dallas Cowboys-Felix Jones-RB-Arkansas- Rumor has it the Cowpokes love either of the Arkansas backs. Jones averaged 9 yards a carry as a senior.
23. Pittsburgh Steeler-Chris Williams-OT-Vanderbilt- Marvel Smith has been strugling and Alan Faneca has left. Williams can play either guard or tackle at the next level
24. Tennessee Titans-Devin Thomas-WR-Michigan State- Big and fast and had an outstanding season as senior. Gives Vince Young someone to throw to.
25. Seattle Seahawks-Kentwan Balmer-DT-North Carolina- risky pick here with a lot of upside potential. Penetrating defensive tackle fits Seattle's needs
26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Limas Sweed-WR-Texas- The Jags having nothing but mediocrity at receiver. Sweed has some big time potential
27. San Diego Chargers-Reggie Smith-CB-Oklahoma- Can play corner or free safety and fits a need for the Chargers
28. Dallas Cowboys-James Hardy-WR-Indianna- Terry Glenn's career is winding down. Owens will be 35 years old by season's end. Malcom Kelly could be the pick here if he runs well on his pro day April 9th but Hardy fits the bill for a big receiver at nearly 6-6 with 4.47 speed.
29. San Francisco 49ers-Quentin Groves-DE-Auburn- I think he fits here as OLB in the 3-4 opposite Manny Lawson. Speedy pass rusher will make some sacks at the next level but might be a liabilty as a pure DE.
30. Green Bay Packers-Gosder Cherilus-OT-Boston College- With Tauscher and Clifton getting older a case can be made for a need at the tackle postion. Cherilus could also play guard
31. New York Giants- Dan Conner-LB-Penn State- Giants will get a starter in Conner. He might never be a pro bowler but he will help this team at a position of need.

Brett Favre

OK, where do I start with this one? Brett was a great player who's love for the game of football was evident with his enthusiasm on the field. I feel like he left on the top of his game. Prior to this season I felt his skills had diminished signficantly but this past season he played great and had one of his better years. So to leave the game after a great season and for having played 15 of his 17 years for just one team it is quite remarkable. I'm glad Brett left the game as the starter for the Green Bay packers and not some 2nd string quarterback who should have left the game 4 years prior. But quite frankly I'm also pleased that the soap opera of Brett Favre is over. I grew quite tired of the media pontifications of wether this was Brett's last season or last game. As if he's going to be banished to the shuffle board courts in Palm Beach before he's 39 years old. Gimme a break!

I know Brett had a great career but the crying athlete at the podium announcing his retirement at 39 years old should be a happy moment. We should all be so lucky to retire at 39 years old. I know Brett said it was never about the money but I guess his agent had other ideas. For most of Brett's career he was paid amongst the top five at his position including the 11 million he made last season. So spare me the " it was never about the money speech".

So goodbye Brett and cheers to a great career and all the football memories. I'm sure we'll see you in broadcasting very soon.

Free Agent Thoughts

We are only in day 2 of the free agent market. It appears that all the marquee free agents have already signed. Lance Briggs resigned with the Bears. Alan Faneca signed with the Jets. Justin Smith parlayed the two sacks he got last year into 20 million guaranteed with the 49ers. The Eagles signed Assante Samuel despite having two good corners already in Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard. A couple decent free agents are left in Antwan Odam and DJ Hackett but the market is drying up quick. Cleveland thinks they improved by signing Corey Williams, Shaun Rogers, and Donte Stallworth but they gave up 2nd,3rd, and 5th round picks for Williams and Rogers. While I do believe Williams is a good player I believe Shaun Rogers conditioning is a reason he was expendable by Detroit. Randy Moss is still out there but I think he'll want a ton of money and teams wonder which version of Randy Moss they would get should they sign him. I really don't see any teams that really helped themselves as this free agent class is the weakest I've seen.

Skins 7 round Mock

The Redskins have needs at cornerback, safety, Linebacker, Receiver, offensive line and defensive line. The organization's lack of attention to the defensive line has been a source of frustation for me. My 2 round mock below indicates the skins picking up an extra 3rd rounder by trading down in the first round. So here is my 7 round Redskins mock draft. It addresses most but not all the team needs. I have us waiting to get defensive line help until the 3rd round but there are three defensive lineman who should be there when we pick that I think might be good pros. Quentin Groves, Lawrence Jackson, and Calais Campbell. Groves probably works better in a 3-4 but Jackson and Campbell have some upside. At this point I think it is unrealistic that Derrick Harvey falls to us at pick 21.
Round 1- James Hardy-WR-Indiana- He'll be a good pro. Almost 6-6 and 220 lbs with 4.47 speed. 16 touchdowns as a senior. Gives Jason Campbell a big target to throw to
Round2- Tracy Porter-CB-Indiana- 5-11 188 lbs ran a 4.37 at the combine. He had 6 interceptions as a senior with 137 return yards. Carlos Rogers might not be ready for the start of the season. Springs is another year older. We still have Fred Smoot but without adding another corner we could be in some trouble in the secondary
Round 3-Shawn Crable-OLB/DE-Michigan. 6-5 245 lbs with 4.64 speed. Had 7.5 sacks las year. Could be the eventual replacement for Macus Washington and help our pass rush. I have us picking up San Francisco's 3rd rounder here
Round 3-Chris Ellis-DE-Virginia Tech-6-4 265 lbs with a frame to beef up to 280 lbs. 4.71 at the combine. 8.5 sacks as a senior
Round 5-Mike McGlynn-OT/G-Pittsburgh- 6-5 315 lbs- Started all four years in college. Played right tackle but will move to guard at the next level.
Round 6- Owen Schmitt-FB-West Virginia 6-2 247 lbs We'll need a backup to Mike Sellars
Round 7- Anthony Morelli-QB-Penn State 6-4 230 lbs. I don't think he was coached up very well at Penn State. Obviosly we have other needs but in the 7th round sometimes you can find some value at this position

Latest Mock- 2 Rounds

1.Miami Dolphins- Chris Long-DE-Virginia 6-3 275lbs. Ran a 4.71 at the combine and looked great in the drills. Had 14 sacks as a senior. son of Hall of Famer Howie Long is one of the safer picks in this draft. Dolphins probably would like to trade down but I doubt they'll find any takers
2.St Louis Rams- Jake Long-OT-Michigan- 6-7 313 lbs. Great size with long arms. Can play either tackle spot. With Orlando Pace nearing the end of his career this pick makes sense
3.Atlanta Falcons-Darren McFadden-RB-Arkansas- 6-1 217lbs. Ran a 4.33 at the combine and will likely make an immediate impact at the pro level. Gained 1700 yards last year. Dallas is rumored to want to trade a boat load of picks to get McFadden so we'll see.
4.Oakland Raiders-Sedrick Ellis-DT-USC-6-1 285 lbs. Was unblockable at the senior bowl. Does not have great measureables but is simply a great high motor football player. Ran a 5.24 at the combine. With Sapp retiring the Raiders get a replacement.
5.Kansas City Chiefs-Ryan Clady-OT-Boise State-6-6 317 lbs. Good pass blocker with big hands and quick feet. Can sure up the Chiefs left tackle spot for the next decade. Was not overly impressive at the combine and appeared slugish but his on field performance is why he gets picked this high.
6. New York Jets-Vernon Gholston-DE-Ohio State. 6-4 265 lbs. Had 14 sacks last year including one against top offensive tackle Jake Long. Was very good at the combine with 37 reps on the bench and a 4.64 forty. Great value here for the Jets
7.New England Patriots-Leodis McKelvin-CB-Troy 5-11 190 lbs. Natural cover corner with good tackling ability. Can also contribute in the return game. Ran a 4.38 at the combine. With Assante Samuel leaving I'm thinkin the Patriots are going defensive back but could go linebacker to add some needed youth.
8. Baltimore Ravens-Matt Ryan-QB-Boston College-6-5 220 lbs. This team needs to address the QB position and hopes this draft gamble works. 31 touchdowns but 19 interceptions. Threw for over 4500 yards as a senior. Teams drafting quarterbacks in the first round have had mixed results but if they pass here Matt Ryan will not be there in round 2.
9. Cincinnatti Bengals-Derrick Harvey-DE-Florida 6-5 271 lbs. He must have put on 20 lbs since the end of the season but he still ran a 4.8 forty and did 31 reps at the bench. A natural pass rusher who can play the run as well. With Justin Smith leaving for the 49ers I doubt they will pass on Harvey
10. New Orleans Saints-Mike Jenkins-CB-South Florida- 6-0 200 lbs. Good natural cover corner with long arms. Can also be physical and will make tackles in the running game. 4.38 at the combine solidified his mid first round draft status
11. Buffalo Bills-Dominque Rogers Cromarties-CB-Tennessee State-6-1.5 184 lbs. Played well at the Senior Bowl and is skyrocketing up the draft charts. Did well in all the drils at the combine. Ran 4.33 with an NBA leap of 38.5. In recent years the Bills have lost Nate Clements and Antoine Winfield so cornerback has become a position of need.
12. Denver Broncos- Jeff Otah-OT-Pittsburgh-6-6 340lbs. Should solidify the right tackle position for the next decade. Fills a major need for this team. Huge frame and long arms will make it difficult for ends to get around him to pressure the QB. Raw player who starterd playing football as a senior in high school
13. Carolina Panthers- Glen Dorsey-DT-LSU-6-2 303lbs. Had 7 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss to go along with his 69 tackles as senior. Complete football player who could be a top five pick his leg checks out OK. He did not participate at the combine and rumors persist that he has a fractured tibia. With Kris Jenkins being traded in day one of free agency I would say defensive line becomes a position of need and if Dorsey falls this far it will be remarkable value at this point in the draft.
14. Chicago Bears-Limas Sweed-WR-Texas- 6-5 219 lbs. Deceptively fast with excellent hands. Ran a 4.46 at the combine with a 35 inch vertical leap and is moving up the draft charts. With Berrian leaving via free agency the receiver position becomes a team need.
15. Detroit Lions- Jonathan Stewart-RB- Oregon- 5-10 1/4 235 lbs. Kevin Jones does not appear to be the answer to the running game for the lions. Stewart is the complete package of size and speed. Ran a 4.44 at the combine on his first run and a 4.49 on this second run. 36.5 vertical leap. Over 1700 rushing yards as a senior and a 6.2 yards per carry average. Also had 22 receptions
16. Arizona Cardinals-Aqib Talib-CB-Kansas- 6-2 205 lbs. Good playmaking skills and a nose for the ball. Had 5 interceptions last season. Ran a 4.48 at the combine and posted a 38 inch vertical leap. With Antrel Rolle making the transiton to free safey, cornerback becomes a need for this team.
17. Minnesota Vikings-Phillip Merling-DE- Clemson- 6-4 280lbs. A complete defensive lineman who can play the run and was a good enough pass rusher to get 7 sacks last season. With Udeze battling leukemia the DE spot is a position of need. Did not do the drills at the combine
18. Houston Texans-Rashard Mendehnall-RB-Illinois-5-11 230 lbs. Ran a 4.37 at the combine. Gained over 1600 yards last season with an average of 6.4 yards per carry. Ahman Greens best days are behind him. Texans get an immediate contributor in Mendenhall.
19. Philadelphia Eagles- Chris Williams-OT-Vanderbilt 6-6 320 lbs. The Eagle fans won't like this pick but from what I hear the team likes this player and with Runyan and William(Tra)Thomas both over 33 years old a strong case can be made that this is a position of need plus the team might have a draft bust on its hands with former 2nd rounder Winston Justice.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kentwan Balmer-DT-North Carolina- 6-4.5 308 lbs Kevin Carter and Greg Spires were released and Jovan Haye is a restricted free agent who could depart in free agency. DT and DE have become major needs for this team. 3.5 sacks last season to go with 59 tackes and 10 tackles for loss. Lots of upside if he gets motivated and is coached up.
21. San Francisco 49ers-Devin Thomas-WR-Michigan State- 6-2 218 lbs. 79 catches last season and average more than 16 yards per catch. Helped himself immensly with a strong combine by running a 4.34 forty. San Francisco trades with my favorite team here and swaps first with the Redskins and give the Redskins their 3rd round pick. Addressed their need on the defensive line by signing Justin Smith
22. Dallas Cowboys-Felix Jones-RB-Arkansas- 6-0 207 lbs Ran a 4.44 at the combine. Averaged an amazing 9.1 yards per carry last season for the razorbacks. Jerry Jones is rumored to want to trade both their 1st round picks and more to get McFadden but I'm betting they won't offer up enough to move that far up the draft.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers-Branden Albert-OG-Virginia-6-7 315 lbs. With Alan Faneca likely departing in free agency the Steelers will reload with the arguably the best guard in the draft.
24. Tennessee Titans-Malcom Kelly-WR-Oklahoma 6-4 219 lbs. The titans need some better receivers for Vince Young to throw to. 49 receptions and over 800 yards last season with 9 touchdowns. Should be a good redzone threat at the next level
25. Seattle Seahawks- Dustin Keller-TE-Purdue-6-4 240lbs 68 receptions for over 800 yards last season. Lit it up at the combine posting a 4.55 forty and 26 reps on the bench. With all the running backs worthy of a 1st round selection off the board I'm betting the Seahawks can trade out of the first round and land Keller at the top of the 2nd but if they can't they will pull the trigger and reach a smidge for the best TE in the draft. Could all change if the Seahawks sign Alge Crumpler
26. Jacksonville Jaguars-Lawrence Jackson-DE-USC- 6-4 271 lbs. Solid production at a big time college program. 30.5 sacks in 4 years as a trojan. 4.81 forty at the combine and 31 reps at the combine. They just signed receiver Jerry Porter so I doubt they go receiver in the draft.
27. San Diego Chargers-Desean Jackson-WR-California- 5-10 169 lbs. Chargers do not have a glaring weakness but when you look at the receiver stats there is not a legitmate #1 receiver. Solid college production and a deep threat that is somewhat lacking in the Chargers offense.
28. Dallas Cowboys-Chilo Rachal-OG-USC-6-5 315 lbs. Left guard could use some upgrading because the Cowpokes have little depth should one of their offensive lineman go down with an injury. Could go receiver with this pick. Chilo Rachal is a solid all around offensive lineman and one of the safter picks in this draft
29. Washington Redskins-James Hardy-WR-Indiana 6-5 3/4 219 lbs. Skins pick up a extra 3rd rounder by moving down. Hardy had 16 touchdowns as a senior to go with his 79 receptions and over 1100 yards. Virtually impossible to defend in the short passing game. Ran a 4.47 at the combine. Skins also have needs at cornerback and defensive line but go for the value with this pick
30. Green Bay Packers-Kenny Phillips-S-Miami 6-2 1/4 212 lbs. Falls in the draft based on his combine performance. Looked stiff in the drills. Ran a 4.52 forty but comes from a long line of sucessfull Miami safeties and addresses a need for the packers.
31. New England Patriots- pick forfeited as punishment by the league for filming defensive signals of the New York Jets
31. New York Giants- Keith Rivers-OLB-USC-6-2 240 lbs- Every year a player goes to the draft billed as a top ten pick and falls. This awkward television drama recently happened to Cleveland's Brady Quinn. With more teams using a 3-4 alignment Rivers drops as teams address needs in round 1 that are more pressing. Rivers could shoot right back up the charts if he does well at his pro day. Did not particapte in the combine. Good value for the Giants in the draft and with Kawicka Mitchell leaving in free agency this pick makes a lot of sense.
Round2
32. Miami Dolphins-Brian Brohm-QB-Louisville 6-3 230 lbs Ran a 4.83 at the combine. This team will need to get better at the QB position in order to improve. completed over 65% of his passes last year for over 4000 yards. This is a solid pick in round 2 and minimizes the risk by waiting until the 2nd round to take a gamble on a QB.
33. St Louis Rams-Calais Campbell-DE-Miami 6-7 280 lbs. Moves down based on combine performance where he looked slugish. Ran a 5.03 and weighed 303 lbs at his pro day in Miami. While once regarded as a top 15 pick he might just eat his way to the bottom of the 2nd round.
34. Oakland Raiders-Mario Manningham-WR-Michigan 5-11 3/4 181. 4.6 the combine but looked good in the drills
35. Kansas City Chiefs-Brandon Flowers-CB-Virginia Tech-4.58 at the combine but understands his position and makes plays
36.New York Jets-Chade Henne-QB-Michigan-6-3 230 lbs. Jets aren't going to win until they find their quarterback
37. Atlanta Falcons-Joe Flacco-QB-Delaware-6-6 230 lbs. Big time arm and the Falcons need a quarterback
38. Baltimore Ravens-Patrick Lee-CB-Auburn-6-0 200 lbs. 4.42 Has all the tools
39. San Francisco 49ers- Quentin Groves-DE/OLB- Auburn-6-3 260 lbs. Ran a 4.52 at the combine. Should fit in 49ers 3-4 scheme
40. New Orleans Saints-Pat Simms-DT-Auburn-6-2-310 lbs. 4.5 sacks as a senior
41. Buffalo Bills-Fred Davis-TE-USC-6-4 245 lbs. Productive college player
42. Denver Broncos-Trevor Laws-DT-Notre Dame 6-0 304 lbs plays with desire
43. Carolina Panthers-Dan Conner-LB-Penn State 6-3 230 lbs. 4.55 speed. fills need with Dan Morgan being cut
44. Chicago Bears-Gosder Cherilus-OT-Boston College-6-7 318 lbs. Right tackle to replace Fred Miller
45. Detroit Lions-Jerod Mayo-OLB-Tennessee-6-1 242 lbs. Ran a 4.54 at the combine
46. Cincinnati Bengals-Cliff Avril-OLB/DE-Purdue- 6-3 253. Ran a 4.51 at the combine
47. Minnesota Vikings- Early Doucet-WR-LSU-6-0 209 lbs. 4.5 at the combine
48. Atlanta Falcons-Red Bryant-DT-Texas A&M-6-4 318 lbs. position of need for the Falcons
49. Philadelphia Eagles-Reggie Smith-S-Oklahoma-6-0 196 lbs- 4.45 speed. Brian Dawkins can't play forever and Quentin Mickel and Sean Considine are average at best
50. Arizona Cardinals-Chris Johnson-RB-East Carolina-5-11 197 lbs. Edgerrin James is getting up in age and his yards per carry is declining. Johnson ran a combine best 4.24 forty
51. Washington Redskins- Tracy Porter-CB-Indiana 5-11-188 lbs. Ran 4.37 at the combine. 6 interceptions for 137 return yards as a senior
52. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Andre Caldwell-WR-Florida- 6-0 200 lbs with 4.37 speed. Solid college production
53.Pittsburgh Steelers-Lavelle Hawkins-WR-California-5-11 187lbs with 4.52 speed.
54. Tennessee Titans-Carl Nicks-OT- Nebraska-6-5 330 lbs. Can play tackle or guard
55. Seattle Seahawks-Ray Rice-RB-Rutgers-5-8 199 lbs with 4.44 speed. shawn Alexander is running likes he's old. Rice ran for 2015 yards last season
56.Green Bay Packers-Sam Baker-OT-USC 6-5 315 lbs. Packers go for the best player available with this pick garnered from Cleveland for DT Corey Williams
57.Miami Dolphins-Josh Barrett-S-Arizona State-6-1 233 lbs. Ran a 4.35 at the combine
58. Jacksonvile Jaguars-Earl Bennett-WR-Vanderbilt- 5-11 209 lbs. Ran a 4.48 at the combine. Solid college production
59. Indianapolis Colts-Tavares Gooden-OLB-Miami- 6-1 234 lbs. Ran a 4.65 at the combine. good 4-3 linebacker. Excellent in coverage. 100 tackles as a senior
60. Green Bay Packers-Dre Moore-DT-Maryland 6-4 305 lbs Ran a 4.86. 6 sacks as a senior. The pack attempts to replace departed Corey Williams with raw prospect with huge upside
61. Dallas Cowboys-Antoine Casson-CB-Arizona- 6-0 191 ran a 4.48. 5 interceptions for 164 return yards as a senior
62. New England Patriots-Tom Zbikowskski-S-Notre Dame 5-11 211. 4.55 speed. plays with heart
63. New York Giants- Geno Hayes-OLB-Florida State 6-1 230 lbs with 4.64 speed. Giants double down at a position of need.

Draft,Develop, and Resign

I am not a big believer in free agency as a means to build a franchise. After you get through the franchise tags the available free agents are average at best. I would not pay much money for any of these players this offseason with the exception of Assante Samuel. I firmly believe that the way you build a strong team is to draft well and resign that home-grown talent a year before they hit the open market. This way you have an abundance of players on their rookie contracts and you're never battling the cap and throwing good money after bad just to get under the cap. My recipe for building a franchise this way insures your team is young and competive and you'll have the cap space to accesorize with free agency without becoming dependent on free agency. What I have seen the Redskins do is become so obsessed with being a major player in free agency that they overpay for average talent like Antwan Randel-El, Adam Archuletta, and Brandon Lloyd. In Lloyd's case the Skins also found a way to committ double jeapardy by surrendering the money and the draft picks.

When you look at the team who won the Superbowl it's evident the Giants have a comittment to the draft. Osi Umenyori and Michael Stahan were both 2nd round picks. Justin Tuck and Jay Alford were both 3rd round picks. David Diehl and Kevin Boss were 5th round picks and Chris Snee was a 2nd round pick. The Giants did accesorize with Plaxico Burress and Antonio Pierce but they aquired them for no draft compensation. This my friends is how to build a team. Teams that think the draft is just a " crapshoot" are usually teams with poor drafting records. The good teams draft, develop, and resign. It is that simple

Combine Winners and losers

No player solidified his draft status more than Darren McFadden. He ran a 4.27 followed by a 4.33 for a combine average of 4.3. Rumor has it the Cowboys want to trade a boat load of picks to move up to select the Arkansas running back. Rashard Mendehall ran a 4.37 on his 2nd forty yard dash and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart didn't hurt himself by running a 4.44 and a 4.49 at 235 lbs. Rutgers halfback Ray Rice ran a 4.44 his 1st time but did not run the 2nd due to a hamstring issue. Fullback Owen Schmitt ran a 4.70 and 4.75 to go along with his mohawk haircut. Mario Manningham might have moved out of the late first round by running a 4.59 forty. Adarius Bowman will be a late round pick with 4.69 forty. 6-7 receiver James Hardy lost 1.25 inches of height and is actually 6-5 and 3/4ths but ran a 4.47 and will likely be a late first round pick. Michigan running back Mike Hart dropped his draft stock by running a pedestrian 4.69. East Carolina's Chris Johnson ran the fastest time so far at the combine at 4.24. Quarterback Josh Johnson out of Division IAA University of San Diego ran a 4.44 forty and is becoming one of the more intriguing prospects of this draft. Boston College QB Matt Ryan did not work out and it would not surprise me if he drops down in the first round similar to what happened to Brady Quinn last year. Vernon Gholson helped himself by running a 4.64, 37 reps at the bench and a 35 inch vertical leap. Dominque Rogers-Cromatie didn't hurt himself by running a 4.33 and leaping a defensive back best of 38.5 inches. He also weighed in a 184 lbs and was 6-1.5.