Bleacher Report - Articles by Richard Bowler

Seattle Seahawks Reload in the Offseason

Richard Bowler — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:57:25 -0400

Coach: Jim Mora

Record Last Season: 4-12

Key Acquisitions: TJ Houshmandzadeh, Corey Redding, Ken Lucas, Colin Cole, Justin Griffith.

Key Loses: Mike Holmgren, Maurice Morris, Rocky Bernard, Julian Peterson, Bobby Engram, Floyd Womack, Leonard Weaver.

Draft Picks: Aaron Curry, Max Unger, Deon Butler, Mike Teel, Courtney Greene, Nick Reed, Cameron Morrah

Outlook for 2009: A very good off season for a team that had a horrific 2008 season losing twelve games. The injury plagued season of a year ago exposed many weaknesses on the Hawks roster that they tried to correct in the off season.

The durable and consistent TJ Houshmandzadeh was added to help sure up a receiving corps that besieged with catastrophic injuries last season.

They also added Colin Cole and Corey Redding to add size and versatility to the defensive line that got over power at times over the last couple of seasons with out enough girth on the interior of the line.

Finally the Hawks reacquired corner back Ken Lucas from Carolina giving Seattle an upgrade over disappointing Kelly Jennings and the undersized Josh Wilson.

Seattle’s offense has to answer many questions in training camp and the preseason. Most important of all is who is going to play wide receiver after TJ Houshmandzadeh.

Nate Burleson and Deion Branch are both coming off serious injuries and the group of Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu, Michael Bumpus, and Jordan Kent were under whelming to say the least.

The running game should be solid but in all likely hood unimpressive. Julius Jones and TJ Duckett will carry the load with second year man Justin Forsett as the X-Factor.

The offensive line played well last year despite every starter missing time do to injury and that is due to a solid back ups and the change in philosophy by line coach Mike Solari.

On the defensive side of the ball the Seahawks may have the best defensive group that they have ever had. The big question for the Hawks is will Patrick Kerney play next season and if he does how successful will he be.

Besides Kerney the Hawks need to address the safety situation with Brian Russell coming off of a terrible season. One thing this team will not worry about is the line backing corps.

With Leroy Hill, Lofa Tatupu, and Aaron Curry the Seahawks have a one of the most promising young group of linebackers I have ever seen and should be dominant for years to come.

The most exciting thing looking at this Seahawk’s defense may be the interior of the defensive line. Finally the Seahawks have added enough size to not get run over by average running attacks.

On the whole I look for Seattle to be greatly improved in a weak division. The bottom line for the Seahawks is that they decided to retool instead of rebuild so they must win now. I don’t believe that the Arizona Cardinals are a juggernaut and I also believe that San Francisco to be much improved next year. The division is up for grabs in 2009.

Hot Stove and Pipe Dreams

Richard Bowler — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:43:29 -0500

MARINERS NEW DIRECTION

With plenty of fun and reckless abandon in my I am going to lay out my plan for the Mariners future. I will use rumors and wild speculation to make my case for a brighter future for my favorite franchise. With a surplus of mediocre veteran starting pitcher and without a proven middle of the order bat it will an uphill battle for new Mariner GM J-Z.

The team as is: What I would do with the roster if I could not make any trades.

PITCHING STAFF

SP- Felix Hernandez

SP- Brandon Morrow

SP- Ryan Rowland

SP- Erik Bedard

SP- Carlos Silva

RP- Jarrod Washburn

RP- Jason Vargas

RP- Jose Lugo

RP- Miguel Batista

RP- Roy Corcoran

RP- Aaron Heilman

CL- Mark Lowe

Closer is the toughest call for me and I think as long as Morrow isn’t converted back to the position I will be reasonably happy. I would prefer resigning Bobby Ayala to taking Morrow out of the rotation. As far as the rotation is concerned I would prefer the three younger players(Hernandez, Morrow, RRS) be in the rotation from opening day. The other two rotation spots are up for grabs with Bedard, Silva, Washburn, Heilman and Batista in the mix.

LINE UP

RF- Ichiro

2B- Jose Lopez

DH- Jeff Clement

3B- Adrian Beltre

1B- Russell Branyan

CF- Franklin Gutierrez

C- Kenji Johjima

SS- Yuniesky Betancourt

LF- Endy Chavez

BN- Mike Morse

BN- Reegie Corona

BN- Rob Johnson

BN- Wladimir Balentien

I am not sure if Branyan will play that much at first and I left Chris Shelton off the team but first base is perplexing this season. I would really like to have Tug Hullet on this roster maybe moving Lopez to first. I am really unhappy with the middle infield defense but we may be stuck with what we have.

TRADES

The trade rumor that intrigues me the most is the potential of acquiring Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins. Apparently Jose Lopez and Rob Johnson were not enough to get it done with the Marlins wanting Adam Moore instead of Johnson. I would try to sweeten the deal with out giving up Moore. Next I would look at trying to acquire Yunel Escobar from the Braves maybe in a three team deal involving the Royals who have shown interest in Betancourt(This is not a likely scenario). Then I go straight up crazy and go swap meet on everyone and offer bad contracts for bad contracts.

I offer Washburn to the Dodgers for Andruw Jones with both players free agents after next season. Then I offer Silva to the Cubs for Kosuke Fukudome both players signed big money long term deals last season. I think Fukudome teamed with countrymen Ichiro and Johjima could bounce back from a poor first year.

Re Shuffled Mariners

PITHCHING STAFF:

SP- Felix Hernandez

SP- Brandon Morrow

SP- Ryan Rowland-Smith

SP- Eric Bedard

SP- Carlos Silva

RP- Jarrod Washburn

RP- Jose Lugo

RP- Jason Vargas

RP- Miguel Batista

RP- Roy Corcoran

RP- Aaron Heilman

CL- Mark Lowe

LINE UP

RF- Ichiro

SS- Yunel Escobar

LF- Jeremy Hermida

3B- Adrian Beltre

DH- Jeff Clement

CF- Franklin Gutierrez

1B- Branyan/Morse platoon

C- Kenji Johjima

2B- Tug Hullet

BN- Endy Chavez

BN- Reegie Corona

BN- Mike Morse

BN- Wladimir Balentin

Even in a fantasy world I still don’t have the solution at first base. I am just not sure what the plan is for that position. Maybe Mike Carp wows J-Z in spring training and it becomes a non issue for the next ten years( definitely fantasy). I personally like this line up(big surprise seeing as I put it together) with its added pop and on base percentage.

THE DRAFT

With a surplus of picks in this years draft I am excited to see what J-Z can do. It looks like the M’s will have five picks in the top fifty five giving the new GM a chance to put his stamp on the farm system. As for the number two pick I am leaning toward UCS SS Grant Green over UNC RHP Alex White. It would be nice to have another young stud infielder to go along with Carlos Triunfel.

CRYSTAL BALL

Projected Roster 2012

SP- Felix Hernandez

SP- Brandon Morrow

SP- Philippe Aumont

SP- Ryan Rowland-Smith

SP- Michael Pineda

RP- No clue who will be in the pen in 2012.

C- Adam Moore

1B- Mike Carp

2B- Carlos Triunfel

3B- Adrian Beltre

SS- Grant Green

OF- Ichiro

OF- Franklin Gutierrez

OF- Greg Halman

DH- Jeff Clement

That group gives me hope for the future even though most of the players on this roster are unproven at the major league. As a Seattle sports fan sometimes hope is all you have.

NFC East Draft Grades

Richard Bowler — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:45:30 -0400

NFC East Draft Grades

Dallas Cowboys

Picks:6

1^st rd.(22) Felix Jones RB

1^st rd.(25) Mike Jenkins CB

2^ndrd.(61) Martellus Bennett TE

4^thrd.(122) Tashard Choice RB

5^thrd.(143) Orlando Scandrick CB

6^th rd.(167) Erik Walden DE

Draft Grade: B+

Best Pick: Felix Jones

Sleeper: Orlando Scandrick

Comments: A good draft that filled needs at the running back and corner back positions. I would have liked to seen them draft a young WR at some point in this draft. Corner back Orlando Scandrick could surprise some people and contribute next year.

New York Giants

Picks:7

1^st rd.(31) Kenny Phillips S

2^nd rd.(63) Terrell Thomas CB

3^rdrd.(95) Mario Manningham WR

4^thrd.(123) Bryan Kehl OLB

5^thrd.(165) Jonathan Goff ILB

6^th rd.(198) Andre’ Woodson QB

6^th rd.(199) Robert Henderson DE

Draft Grade: A-

Best Pick: Mario Mannigham

Sleeper: Jonathan Goff.

Comments: The Giants got the best value picks of any team in the draft. I am very impressed by the top three players they picked and with addition of Kenny Phillips and Terrell Thomas the Giants solidify their defensive back field. I also believe Mario Manningham well be an excellent fit in the Giants receiving corps.

Philadelphia Eagles

Picks:10

2^ndrd.(47) Trevor Laws DT

2^ndrd.(49) DeSean Jackson WR

3^rd rd.(80) Bryan Smith DE

4^thrd(109) Michael McGlynn OG

4^thrd(117) Quintin Demps S

4^thrd(131) Jack Ikegwuonu CB

6^thrd.(184) Michael Gibson OG

6^thrd.(200) Joe Mays ILB

6^th rd.(203) Andrew Studebaker DE

7^th rd.(230) King Dunlap OT

Draft Grade: B

Best Pick: DeSean Jackson

Sleeper Michael McGlynn

Comments: The Eagles filled a huge whole in their return game by drafting DeSean Jackson and his receiving skills will also be a plus. They also added a lot of depth on the defense side of the ball and the offensive line adding six defenders and three offensive lineman. On a light note the Eagles also drafter the player with the best name in the draft: King Dunlap.

Washington Redskins

Picks: 9

2^ndrd.(34) Devin Thomas WR

2^nd rd.(48) Fred Davis TE

2^ndrd.(51) Malcolm Kelly WR

3^rdrd.(96) Chad Rinehart OG

4^thrd.(124) Justin Tryon CB

6^th rd.(168) Durant Brooks PT

6^th rd.(180) Kareem Moore S

7^th rd.(242) Rob Jackson DE

7^th rd.(249) Christopher Horton S

Draft Grade: A-

Best Pick: Devin Thomas

Sleeper: Justin Tryon

Comments: Jason Campbell and new coach Jim Zorn will be elated with the new weapons acquired in this draft. With two big physical receivers and a pass catching tight end added to Santana Moss, Clinton Portis and Chris Cooley the Washington Redskins a formidable offensive attack.

NFC North Draft Grades

Richard Bowler — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:27:49 -0400

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Picks:12

1^st rd.(14) Chris Williams OT

2^nd rd(44) Matt Forte RB

3^rdrd(70) Earl Bennett WR

3^rdrd.(90) Marcus Harrison DT

4^thrd.(120) Craig Steltz S

5^th rd.(142) Zach Bowman CB

5^th rd.(158) Kellen Davis TE

7^th rd.(208) Ervin Baldwin DE

7^thrd.(222) Chester Adams OG

7^thrd.(243) Joey LaRocque OLB

7^th rd.(247) Kirk Barton OT

7^thrd.(248) Marcus Monk WR

Grade: B

Best Pick: Craig Steltz

Sleeper: Craig Steltz

Comments: Chicago took a lot of players and they really needed the infusion young talent. Craig Steltz is a smart player and could be one of the best value picks in the draft. They also filled two big holes drafting OT Chris Williams and WR Earl Bennett in the 1^st and 3^rd rounds.

Detroit Lions

Picks:9

1^strd. (17) Gosder Cherilus OT

2^ndrd (45) Jordon Dizon LB

3^rd rd.(64) Kevin Smith RB

3^rdrd.(87) Andre Fluellen DT

3^rd rd.(92) Cliff Avril DE

5^thrd.(136) Kenneth Moore WR

5^thrd.(146) Jerome Felton FB

7^thrd.(216) Landon Cohen DT

7^th rd.(218) Caleb Campbell S

Grade: B

Best Pick: Kevin Smith

Sleeper: Caleb Campbell

Comments: This was draft for Detroit that featured hard working guys with character. I look at RB Kevin Smith as a potential starter and an impact rookie. I like the pick of Army’s Caleb Campbell and I imagine the Lions would like his work ethic and leadership to be a factor on defense.

Green Bay Packers

Picks:9

2^ndrd.(36) Jordy Nelson WR

2^ndrd.(56) Brian Brohm QB

2^nd rd.(60) Patrick Lee CB

3^rdrd.(91) Jermichael Finley TE

4^th rd.(102) Jeremy Thompson DE

4^thrd.(135) Josh Sitton OT

5^thrd.(150) Breno Giacomini OT

7^th rd.(209) Matt Flynn QB

7^thrd.(217) Brett Swain WR

Grade: C

Best Pick: Brian Brohm

Sleeper: Matt Flynn

Comments: While I like some of the players they drafted I don’t see a lot of impact from this group. The battle for the back up QB job should be interesting with rookies Brohm and Flynn in the mix. I look a WR Jordy Nelson to make the biggest impact with his special teams ability.

Minnesota Vikings

Picks:5

2^ndrd.(43) Tyrell Johnson S

5^th rd.(137) John David Booty QB

5^thrd.(152) Letroy Guion DT

6^th rd.(187) John Sullivan C

6^thrd.(193) Jaymar Johnson WR

Grade: A-

Best Pick: John David Booty

Sleeper: John Sullivan

Comments: You have to start talking about this draft for Minnesota with new acquisition Jared Allen. The Vikings traded away three draft picks to acquire the sack artist leaving them only five picks. As for the players the picked I particularly like the value of John David Booty as an insurance policy at the QB. I look for safety Tyrell Johnson to make an impact on the third level against the run in his rookie season.

NFC West Draft Grades

Richard Bowler — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:21:59 -0400

NFC West Draft Grades

Arizona Cardinals

Picks: 7

1^strd.(16) Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB

2^ndrd.(50) Calias Campbell DE

3^rdrd.(81) Early Doucet WR

4^thrd.(116) Kenny Iwemba DE

5^thrd.(149) Timothy Hightower RB

6^th rd.(185) Christopher Harrington DE

7^thrd.(225) Brandon Keith DT

Grade: B-

Best Pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Sleeper: Timothy Hightower

Comments: The Cardinals took three risky players in the first three rounds. This is a potential boom or bust draft for the Cardinals with a high upside and a good potential for disaster. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was highly rated for his cover skills but lacks bulk and could be a liability against the run. Second round pick Calias Campbell was considered an under achiever in college and third rounder Early Doucet was injury plagued during his career at LSU.

San Francisco 49ers

Picks: 6

1^strd.(29) Kentwan Balmer DT

2^ndrd.(39) Chilo Rachal OG

3^rd rd.(75) Reggie Smith CB

4^th rd.(107) Cody Wallace C

6^thrd. (174) Josh Morgan WR

7^th rd.(214) Larry Grant LB

Grade: C+

Best pick: Reggie Smith

Sleeper: Josh Morgan

Comments: A solid draft without any flash for the 49ers this year. This draft will fill holes a build depth for the future with Kentwan Balmer slotted to anchor Mike Nolan’s 3-4 Defense at nose tackle. Look for Reggie Smith play right away in nickel packages and may be moved to safety. WR Josh Morgan will get a long look because of the week corps of receivers in San Francisco.

Seattle Seahawks

Picks: 7

1^st rd.(28) Lawrence Jackson DE

2^nd rd.(38) John Carlson TE

4^thrd.(121) Red Bryant DT

5^thrd.(163)Owen Schmitt FB

6^thrd.(189)Tyler Schmitt LS

7^thrd.(233) Justin Forrsett RB

7^thrd(235)Brandon Coutu PK

Grade: B

Best Pick: Red Bryant

Sleeper Owen Schmitt

Comments: Lawrence Jackson is not a player in a need position for the Seahawks and was a bit of a reach in the first round. Other than that I like this draft class especially TE John Carlson and FB Owen Schmitt who will add toughness on the offensive side of the ball. Look for tackle Red Bryant to play a lot in running and short yardage defensive packages.

St. Louis Rams

Picks:8

1^st rd.(2) Chris Long DE

2^ndrd.(33) Donnie Avery WR

3^rdrd.(65)John Greco OT

4^th rd.(101) Justin King CB

4^thrd.(128) Keenan Burton WR

5^thrd.(157) Roy Schuening OG

7^thrd.(228) Chris Chamberlain ILB

7^thrd.(252) David Vobora OLB

Grade: B+

Best Pick: Chris Long

Sleeper: Justin King

Comments: The combo of Adam Carriker and Chris Long along the Rams defensive front could be devastating for years to many years to come. I love the talent of corner back Justin King and with Jim Haslett teaching him in the NFL he has a good chance of reaching his potential. On the other side I thought the Rams reached when they pick WR Donnie Avery and I actually like fourth round Keenan Burton at WR.

NFL Mock Draft: Pre-Combine

Richard Bowler — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 11:49:36 -0500

1- Miami Dolphins- DE, Chris Long, VA- With no clear cut number one pick the Dolphins could go with a player that fits the classic Bill Parcells style 3-4 defense. I expect that Parcells will do every thing he can to move this pick with his old boss Jerry Jones and the Cowboys as a top suitor.

2- St Louis Rams- DT, Glen Dorsey, LSU- The Rams were much improved last season on the defensive side of the ball due in large part to the schemes of defensive coordinator Jim Haslett . The defense is still in need of some help and Dorsey is a top flight talent. Acquiring a defensive tackle the caliber of Dorsey will allow the Rams to move last years top pick, Adam Carricker, around on the defensive line.

3- Oakland Raiders-RB, Darren McFadden, Ark- Al Davis will not be able to pass on this talented back even though running back is a top priority. Bolstered by the success of Adrian Peterson last season McFadden looks to be an impact player from day one.

4- Atlanta Falcons- QB, Matt Ryan, BC- Ryan is a gritty leader and regardless of the position that is exactly what the Falcons need right now. While picking a QB this high is a serious risk it is Atlanta’s biggest need and with a weak class of free agents Ryan maybe the best option.

5- Kansas City Chiefs- OT, Jake Long, Michigan- On a team who has had as many losses on the offensive line as the Chiefs have had the line has to be a top priority. If the top offensive linemen in this class, Jake Long, falls to the Chiefs it is a no brainer pick.

6- New York Jets, DE/OLB, Vernon Gholston, Ohio St- The Jets defense was awful last season and Vernon could be a big help turning it around. I project Gholston will be a beast in a 3-4 scheme rushing the passer.

7- New England Patriots (from SF) - CB, Michael Jenkins, USF- With the future of Asante Samuel up in the air picking Jenkins makes sense. Also the Pats would like to get younger in the line backing corps but this year’s crop isn’t strong at the top of the draft.

8- Baltimore Ravens, QB, Brian Brohm, Louisville- The Ravens could try to pick up a veteran QB or hand the ball to second year QB Troy Smith but at the very least you need to solid signal callers in this league. The QB position has been in flux in Baltimore since they released Trent Dilfer following a Super Bowl victory.

9- Cincinnati Bengals, DT, Sedrick Ellis, USC- The Bengals would be thrilled if this fast rising Defensive Tackle were still available at pick number nine. Marvin Lewis has not been able to put together a good defense in his tenure in Cincinnati and hopefully for Bengals fans Sedrick Ellis will be a key piece to that puzzle.

10-New Orleans Saints, CB Aqib Talib, Kansas- I have no doubt that the Saints will draft a defensive back the only question is which one. In my estimation corner back is a far greater concern than safety in New Orleans. With that said I believe the size and big game experience of Aqib Talib will edge out the smaller Leodis McKelvin.

11-Buffalo Bills, OLB, Keith Rivers, USC- With the loss Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher last season the Bills line backing corps could use an upgrade. Adding Rivers to Paul Posluzny and Angelo Corwell will give Buffalo a solid young group of linebackers for years to come.

12-Denver Broncos, FS, Kenny Phillips, Miami- Phillips is an impact safety and the best player available in a position of need for the Broncos. Jon Lynch is currently the Broncos free safety but has clearly lost a step and may become a liability against the pass.

13-Carolina Panthers, OT, Ryan Clady, Boise State- Clady is a big time talent at the tackle position and questions about Jordan Gross make the big man from Boise state a solid choice. If the Panthers retain Gross the addition of Clady will still a valuable one giving them the option of moving Gross back to right tackle.

14-Chicago Bears, QB, Andre Woodson, Kentucky- The Bears need to do something at the QB position and Woodson could be the best available. Offensive line is also a concern with free agency and age depleting the unit. QB Joe Flacco of Delaware is a high rising prospect and might be a guy Chicago looks at.

15-Detriot Lions, CB, Leodis McKelvin, Troy- With out a receiver drafted at this point Matt Millen will want to draft one but McKelvin is to good to pass up at this point. McKelvin considered by some to be the most talented corner in this draft would bolster the back end of a defense that could use a playmaker in the secondary.

16-Arizona Cardinal, OT, Sam Baker, USC- Last year they drafted Levi Brown to play right tackle and this year they could pick up the book end in Baker. As Arizona looks to put together a playoff run a focus on good line play could be a key.

17-Minnesota Vikings, CB/S, Reggie Smith, Oklahoma- The Vikings need a QB but I don’t think that there is a guy in this draft position and they would be better suited for a veteran signal caller. With that said they gave up more passing yards than anyone in 2007 and could use an upgrade in the secondary.

18-Houston Texans, RB, Jonathan Stewart, Oregon- The Texans need a running back badly and Stewart could make an impact from day one. Offensive line seems to be a perennial need in Houston but the elite players at those positions probably will be gone at this point.

19-Philadelphia Eagles, WR, DeSean Jackson, Cal- Jackson is worth this pick for Philly with his return skills alone. Not mention that he is a deep target that will spread the whole field and make Donovan McNabb’s life a bit easier.

20-Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma- A big tall receiver could help give Tampa’s offense the shot in the arm it needs. Kelly since his freshmen year at Oklahoma has seemed to make big plays in key situations.

21-Washington Redskins, DE, Derrick Harvey, Florida- Looking to put a play maker opposite of Andre Carter defensive end Derrick Harvey could inject some life into the Redskins pass rush.

22-Dallas Cowboys, RB, Felix Jones, Arkansas- Jerry Jones may be enamored with Darren McFadden but his teammate Felix Jones is a player as well. The Cowboys looking for a replacement for Julius Jones they will likely take a running back with one of two first round picks.

23-Pittsburgh Steelers, OT Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh- The Steelers offensive line was not up to the Pittsburgh standard in 2007. Look for the Steelers to take multiple offensive linemen in this draft.

24-Tennessee Titans, WR, Limas Sweed, Texas- A reunion of Vince Young with his favorite target from college could do a world of good for a bad passing game. Drafting a receiver is a must to bolster the anemic offense of the Titans.

25-Seattle Seahawks, RB, Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois- With Seattle looking to be active in free agency, both on the offensive line and at tight end, running back will be a top priority. Mendenhall is a good combo of size and speed with upside potentially.

26-Jacksonsville Jaguars, WR, Early Doucet, LSU- A small quick receiver is just what the doctor ordered for a team with a group of tall physical of wide outs. A player like Doucet could revolutionize the Jag’s offense spreading the field and giving them a change of pace target.

27-San Diego Chargers, MLB, Dan Connor, Penn State- A team with out many needs can afford to take the best player available. Dan Connor will help give help and depth up the middle for the Chargers.

28-Dallas Cowboys, CB, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State- A high rising player in this draft is one of those big talents for a small school type of guys. Could go much higher if a team falls in love with his potential.

29- San Francisco, WR, James Hardy, Indiana- A big Physical target at 6'7" will be hard for Alex Smith to miss.

30- Green Bay Packers, CB, Antione Cason, Arizona- Cason will add depth to an aging corner back corps.

31- New York Giants, OLB, Erin Henderson, Maryland- Henderson is a versatile line backer that will add depth and speed to Giants defense.