Sunday, May 5, 2013

Daily Round Up

Former pro bowl tackle Tyson Clabo signs with the Miami Dolphins ending an already quiet trade market for the Chiefs Brandon Albert.

Yesterday, we shared a story on Luke Joeckel being moved to the right side. Here is a follow up from ESPN.

When the Patriots traded for Legarette Blunt, they also restructured his contract.

Rumor has it that Benjarvis Green-Ellis might be getting the majority of the carries for the Bengals. Bengals to use runningback by committee.

With no suitors for Tim Tebow he may have chances off of the field.

T.O. would love to be back in the NFL and he would specifically love to do it on the Patriots.

Former Jets corner Cliff Harris is having a particularly bad week. Arrested for marijuana possession, then released from Jets and now arrested again.

NFC North Grades

Chicago Bears-
Rd 1: Kyle Long OL- He is huge and has the potential to play any where on the line. He has one of the highest ceiling of any lineman because his lack of experience but shows power and athleticism. He should be able to find playing time if he can grasp the concept of the offense.
 
Rd 2: Jon Bostic LB- Tested well at the combine, but has some flaws as a linebacker. He does not always take good angles getting to the ball carrier. If he wants to stay on the field on all 3 downs he is going to need work in coverage. Overall a little early of a pick but backers were going so they filled a need and he should find the field early.
 
Rd 4: Khaseem Greene LB- A steal, he should have gone much earlier. He should be able to find the field early and learn behind Lance Briggs. He is solid as a blitzer, and ge was a former safety so coverage should not be a problem. 
 
Rd 5: Jordan Mills OT- He has a chance to compete with J'Marcus Webb at right tackle from day 1. He does not do a great job with speed edge rushers and is much better suited for the running game.
 
Rd 6: Cornelius Washington DE- He dropped way to far and for no good reason. He has the ability and size to play the run and the pass. He can learn from Julius Peppers and could find some playing time. He is just as good a option as Corey Wooten.
 
Rd 7: Marquess Wilson WR- A smooth route runner who can catch the ball. He dropped this far because of questions with coach Mike Leach(who has had other problems.. Texas Tech). He has big play potential and is another big target for Cutler.

Overall Grade-B-

Detroit Lions-
Rd 1: Ezekiel Ansah DE- A raw prospect but fills one of their biggest needs. He was the top guy at the position and may struggle to find time early depending on how well he adapts to the NFL. He has the strength and speed to become a great pass rusher and has the ability to give the Lions one of the best defensive lines in football.

Rd 2: Darius Slay CB- Another raw prospect who has little experience but has the ability to play man coverage and fills a big need. He has the ability to start at right corner moving Bill Bentely to cover the slot.

Rd 3: Larry Warford OG- I think this is a steal. Some thought he was a late first round early 2nd round and he fell to the Lions in the 3rd. He can come in and start at guard. He kills in the run game but not excellent in pass which is what the lions do. It will be interesting to see if he can adapt to their offense but at the very least he adds depth.

Rd 4: Devin Taylor DE- A developmental guy who can find himself in the rotation of this revamped defensive end position. He fits a need and is he is huge (6'7 265).

Rd 5: Sam Martin P- They needed a punter and they got one.

Rd 6: Corey Fuller WR- He is big and has good speed (6'2 4.45) and can find playing time in the slot. They lost Titus Young to questionable character and Ryan Broyles to another ACL. Broyles may not be ready by the beginning of the season and Fuller will have to use that to find the field early.

Rd 6: Theo Riddick RB- A versatile player who can go in the slot or play in the back field. He should be able to learn from newly Aquired Reggie Bush. He has potential and fills a need.

Rd 7: Michael Williams TE- He is a blocking Tight End who will help the run game is goal line packages and short yardage situations.

Rd 7: Brandon Hepburn LB- Adds depth and has the ability to help on special teams.

Overall Grade- B-

Green Bay Packers-
Rd 1: Datone Jones DE- His rise was due to playing so well in the Senior Bowl. He is physical and can set the edge for the rushing backers of the Packers. He adds depth to their D-line and can help make an impact.

Rd 2: Eddy Lacy RB- The toe injury is the reason he dropped. Some thought he could go in the first and he ended up being the 4th running back taken. He fits well with this offense who needs help running the ball. He should get carries immediatley.

Rd 4: David Bakhtiari OT- He could compete to start at right tackle with the team deciding to move Bryan Bulaga to the left side. If he doesn't start he adds depth to a poor offensive line.

Rd 4: J.C. Tretter OL- He isn't extremely powerful but shows that he can play physical. He has good technique and can stay in front of pass rushers. He adds depth to their line.

Rd 4: Johnathan Franklin RB- He fits well with Lacy in the backfield. Lacy is the between the tackles tough runner. Franklin is the change of pace back who can make big plays and catch the ball out of the backfield. He is a good pass blocker and can pick up blitzes well.

Rd 5: Micah Hyde CB- He reads well and has good ball skills. He has the potential to be a playmaker. He can compete to play the slot corner.

Rd 5: Josh Boyd DT- He is big and takes up space to stop the run. He does not rush the passer. He adds depth and the ability to give B.J. Raji a break.

Rd 6: Nate Palmer LB- Adds depth and can line up on the outside. He needs to add strength because he isn't quite fast enough to get around the edge.

Rd 7: Charles Johnson WR- He ran in the 4.3s at his pro day and with his size 6-2 210 and the ability to jump, he can be a real steal this late in the draft.

Rd 7: Kevin Dorsey WR- He can stretch the field and the more targets for Rodgers the better. He is big and adds depth as the 4th or 5th receiver.

Rd 7: Sam Barrington LB- He is big and is a heavy hitter. He is a good tackler when he puts himself in the right position. He adds depth.

Overall Grade- B+

Minnesota Vikings-
Rd 1: Shariff Floyd DT- He fell big time and landed with a team he should be able to join the rotation immediately. He fits well with the defense they run and can be versatile, moving around the D-line. He was considered a top 5 pick for most so this is a major steal.
 
Rd 1: Xavier Rhodes CB- He is big and can play man. The Vikings run a Tampa two defense so he'll be playing zone which is not bad because he plays the run so well. He also fits perfectly and should start right away.
 
Rd 1: Cordarelle Patterson WR- Their 3rd first round pick and player who should learn from Greg Jennings on how to play the position. He has big play ability and is great with the ball in his hands. He should play a Percy Harvin type role with the offense.
 
Rd 4: Gerald Hodges LB- There has been talks about who will be playing inside backer for this team and if he shows he is capable then he has the potential to be the starter.
 
Rd 5: Jeff Locke P- A little early for a punter but he was one of the best available. He will compete with Chris Kluwe.
 
Rd 6: Jeff Baca OG- He needs work but shows the ability to run block and pass block. He sustains blocks and is willing to work. He adds depth to the offensive line.
 
Rd 7: Michael Mauti LB- Can't go wrong with a Penn State Linebacker. He held this group together through a tough year. The only problem are his knees and he just can't seem to keep them healthy.
 
Rd 7: Travis Bond OL- A versatile lineman who can move to tackle or guard and adds depth to their rotation.
 
Rd 7: Everett Dawkins DT- He doesn't hold his own but shows good hands and adds depth if he makes the team.

Overall Grade- B+

Daily Round Up

Jason Campbell will get every chance to win starting job in Cleveland.

Tony Promo's work ethic in question? Not to Jason Witten.

Rising and Falling stocks of the AFC East.

Adrian Peterson setting sights high, 2,500 yards high.

Did your team draft players who played on the same college team? See why that may have happened.

Spagnuolo hired as Ravens defensive assistant.

Jared Allen says shoulder is 95% healed.

Joeckel being moved to right tackle? Trying to adjust to something most top 5 tackles drafted aren't asked to do.

With Jason Collins coming out in the NBA, Robert Kraft says he would welcome it in the NFL.


Saturday, May 4, 2013

Daily Round Up

Patriots rookie Josh Boyce to be out until training camp.


Barry Sanders high school highlight film.


The Redskins politically incorrect team name is receiving great nation support.


Ed Reed has hip surgery and will be out until the beginning of training camp.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Cardinals New Jail Bird?

Yesterday, we shared an article on Daryl Washington being investigated for assault. Today, it is being announced he has been arrested and booked on 2 counts.

Washington, who the Cardinals hoped would become the leader of this defense after Adrian Wilson left is already missing the first four games of the season because of a failed drug test.

Rookie Kevin Minter will have a larger burden placed on his shoulders this season than the Cardinals may have wanted.

The Daily Round Up

Three days after his release from the Giants, Michael Boley was arrested for child abuse.

Before the NFL draft Daryl Washington was suspended because of a failed drug test. After the NFL draft he is being investigated in a domestic violence case.

Bryant McKinnie has resigned with the Ravens for two years at a maximum 7 million.

The Ravens have agreed to terms with 6 out of 10 draft picks.

The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with all but two of their picks.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

NFC West Draft Grades

Arizona Cardinals:

Rd. 1: Jonathan Cooper OG: The Cardinals needed help anywhere they could get it along this offensive line. Carson Palmer does not perform well when under duress and Cooper should help some. We had Warmack rated higher but Cooper is better is pass protection which is what the Cardinals will need.

Rd. 2: Kevin Minter LB: Daryl Washington is suspended the first four games and as of today is being investigated into domestic assault. Minter is an excellent get and will play right away and when and if Washington returns they'll make a very good duo.

Rd. 3: Tyrann Mathieu DB: Mathieu is a cornerback but Bruce Arians has said they will use him at free safety. Mathieu has some of the best ball skills in this draft but is undersized and has major character issues. Major risk reward player though and plays with Peterson a college teammate who tried to keep him on the straight and narrow when they were in school together.

Rd. 4: Alex Okafor DE/OLB: When Okafor was drafted he was announced as an outside linebacker. But at 6'4 265 he can play either spot, even though I think he'all make a better defensive end. The Cardinals need help getting after the quarterback and he should help.

Rd. 4: Earl Watford OG: I see him as a potential starter along side Cooper in year 2. Will take a year to develop.

Rd. 5: Stepfan Taylor RB: For them to land a running back who notched 3 consecutive 1,000 yards in the 5th round is a steal. While Taylor doesn't do anything great he is still very good.

Rd. 6: Ryan Swope WR: Swope showed great straight line speed at the combine running in the mid 4.3 range. He fell due to concussions.

Rd. 6: Andre Ellington RB: Ellington was one of my top rated backs so to me this is an absolute steal. He and Taylor will compliment themselves very well.

Rd 7: DC Jefferson TE: Quality depth pick in the 7th round.

Overall Grade: A-

San Francisco 49ers:

Rd. 1: Eric Reid S: They lost Dashon Gold son to free agency and Reid is a big physical safety who will replace him.

Rd. 2: Tank Carradine DE: I love the measurables on this kid. His size, speed and strength are elite. He has medical issues coming off last season with a torn acl or he would have been a top 15 pick.

Rd. 2: Vance McDonald TE: A good size and strength combo and a perfect fit for the 49ers. He'll replace the loss of Delanie Walker.

Rd. 3: Corey Lemonier DE/OLB: A really good edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme. His ability could have had him go in the 1st or second round.

Rd. 4: Quinton Patton WR: I really like Patton and he was just outside my top 5 receivers. He is a steal in the 4th.

Rd. 4: Marcus Lattimore RB: Frank Gore, LaMichael James and Kendall Hunter are all on the roster. Perfect fit for Lattimore to rehab for a year and then see if he is ready next year.

Rd. 5: Quinton Dial DE: 6'5 315 is the perfect size and strength type player to eventually replace Justin Smith.

Rd. 6: Nick Moody LB: Depth pick, doesn't possess any elite skills, a bit undersized.

Rd. 7: BJ Daniels QB: Duel threat QB who has great leadership. Didn't think he would get drafted.

Rd. 7: Carter Bykowski OT: Another depth pick, not really an intriguing upside pick here.

Rd. 7: Marcus Cooper CB: I like this player as a developmental prospect. He possesses great size at his position.

Overall Grade: A



Seattle Seahawks:

Rd. 2: Christine Michael RB: This kid has a ton of talent but not sure why the Seahawks went here. They have Lynch and Turbin and I don't see Michael having impact.

Rd. 3: Jordan Hill DT: Has the strength to stand up guards to plug holes. Fits well with Seahawks defensive line.

Rd. 4: Chris Harper WR: This former quarterback is big and physical. At 6'1 230 he has great hands and is the definition of a possession wide receiver.

Rd. 5: Jesse Williams DT: He dropped based on durability questions but is a gifted kid for his size.

Rd. 5: Tharold Simon CB: Great size but character issues. Arrested just days before the draft but it should be dropped based on what the story was. But there is upside there.

Rd. 5: Luke Wilson TE: I think there were better tight ends on the board. This pick confused me.

Rd. 6: Spencer Ware RB: A good short yardage back, not sure it was a need though.

Rd. 7: Ryan Seymour OG: Long arms but plays high at 6'5 but a good developmental project.

Rd. 7: Ty Powell DE/OLB: Former QB and major project but he has a high upside and tested out of the building.

Rd. 7: Jared Smith DT: Hear they may try to move him over to guard.

Rd. 7: Michael Bowie OT: Just like all their 7th round picks, he has sneaky good ability which if developed correctly could become a factor in the future.

Overall Grade: B+

St. Louis Rams:

Rd. 1: Tavon Austin: His size was never a cancer to me because he possesses other traits rare to find in the same player. Speed and quickness and both are elite. He is the best play maker in this draft.

Rd. 1: Alec Ogletree LB: Jeff Fisher is not afraid to give a player a chance after some character issue concerns. Ogletree was the most athletic linebacker in this draft.

Rd. 3: TJ McDonald S: Might be one of the most physical safeties in the draft. Has trouble in coverage but a big time hitter.

Rd. 3: Stedman Bailey WR: Love this pick, there were better wide receivers but putting teammates with the chemistry he and Austin have will be very good in booths development.

Rd. 4: Barrett Jones OL: He is coming into the league as a center but can play every line position. Love this kids versatility and pedigree.

Rd. 5: Brandon McGee CB: This kid has potential to compete for the slot corner position.

Rd. 5: Zac Stacy RB: This is a depth pick to play behind Pead and Richardson.

Overall Grade: A-