My favorite days of the year are The NFL Draft, the release of next Madden game, my birthday, and Christmas. In that order. Needless to say, I was watching on Saturday, and I'll break down my thoughts on the first round, pick by pick.
1. Miami Dolphins - OT Jake Long, Michigan
You really can't go wrong with this selection. Some scouts doubt his ability to play left tackle in the league, and if that's the case, you can play him on the right side. If that doesn't work, you move him inside. Case and point: Robert Gallery. Tuna and the Fish couldn't afford to take a risky player, and Parcells has done an excellent job of rebuilding the O-line in Miami.
2. St. Louis Rams - DE Chris Long, Virginia
St. Louis has been trying to sure up their defense, specifically their defensive line, for years. They nabbed a complete player who is better than anyone else they had, but I doubt his ability to rush the passer at the next level.
I would have loved for them to pick Dorsey and move Carriker back outside, but with Carriker reportedly bulked up to over 300lbs that move seemed unlikely.
3. Atlanta Falcons - QB Matt Ryan, BC
New GM Thomas Dimitroff understood from his time in New England how important a top quarterback is to a franchise. The team officially washes its hands of the past few years and did the right thing in giving the fan base someone to talk about other than their complaints of Michael Vick or Matt Schaub.
I'm sure defensive minded head coach Mike Smith was pulling for Glenn Dorsey, but this was a good call.
4. Oakland Raiders - RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas
The recent signing spree of Al Davis reminds me of his rampage in the 60's before the announcement of the NFL-AFL merger. He's tired of losing and he wants talent, no matter how much it costs him.
McFadden is arguably the most talented player in this draft, but the team has a gluttony of running backs. With Justin Fargas, Lamont Jordan, and Michael Bush on the roster, I would have liked for them to take Dorsey and replace the retired Warren Sapp, leaving Tommy Kelley to stay outside at DE.
Rhodes has recently been released, but he may not be the only one out.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU
Trading away Jared Allen doesn't make this a better team, but it was clear that he wasn't going to sign a long-term deal and they decided to get what they could (I'm looking at you, Cincinnati).
They start the rebuilding with a dominant defensive tackle that they have sorely been lacking. Dorsey will take on blockers to free up more plays for the linebacking core and produce as a pass rusher up the middle.
6. New York Jets - DE/OLB Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
Eric Mangini and the Jets know that in order to get back to the playoffs, they need to get to Tom Brady. They threw a bunch of money into that department this off-season, bringing in Kris Jenkins and Calvin Pace.
Gholston takes plays (and games) off sometimes, but a player with his skill set should flourish in the Jets scheme.
1 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Russell Ivanac about 1 year ago
I like your analysis of the picks. I agree with your thought on alot of those picks, especially Baltimore's selection of Joe Flacco. I'm look forward to your next article.
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