Bleacher Report - Articles by Patrick Schuster

NFL Draft: Day Two Gems

Patrick Schuster — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:33:20 -0400

It is almost as ludicrous to try and correctly grade the past NFL Draft this soon as it was to try to accurately predict it in the months leading up to the draft. You have to laugh when you read some of the “experts” who say this team blew it and that team “dominated.”

Really, I seem to remember people making a big issue what a steal Miami got with the selection of John Beck out of BYU. He’s a mature QB who can lead a team for many years. Yeah anyone check the transactions lately he’s unemployed as Miami cut ties with him and just signed a one year deal to be a back-up in Baltimore.

Examples of picks that where “awesome” days after the draft that are now unemployed are countless just as the Pro Bowlers taken in the seventh round like Jay Ratliff of the Cowboys are also just as prevalent.

With that said, here are some possible second-day gems that each team selected but get back to me in three years just to make sure.

Arizona Cardinals: Herman Johnson G LSU...Big powerful man who should become a leader of Russ Grimm’s line down the road.

Atlanta Falcons: Garrett Reynolds OT North Carolina...Great depth pick who could fill in as a starter down the road

Baltimore Ravens: Cedric Peerman RB Virginia...Speed back who should see the field early

Buffalo Bills: Shawn Nelson TE Southern Mississippi...Terrific selection and likely day one starter.

Carolina Panthers: Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma...Big man who will open holes for the Panthers ground game.

Chicago Bears: Marcus Freeman LB Ohio State...Great pick that should push his way into the starting lineup within a year.

Cincinnati Bengals: Chase Coffman TE Missouri...I remember saying years ago “just throw it to Paul Coffman” now the Bengals fans will say “just throw it to Chase.”

Cleveland Browns: James Davis RB Clemson...Nice No. 2 to Jamal Lewis and could be the steal of the draft.

Dallas Cowboys: Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati...Could push to be 3rd corner by the end of the year.

Denver Broncos: Seth Olsen OG Iowa...As they shift to the new regime Olsen could be a starter by the end of the year.

Detroit Lions: Derrick Williams WR Penn State..Perfect No. 2 receiver to go with Calvin Johnson.

Green Bay Packers: Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina...Nice depth and should see time at RT and RG this year.

Houston Texans: James Casey TE Rice...Multi-talented player who might just a breakout star in 2009.

Indianapolis Colts: Terrance Taylor DT Michigan...Big clog for the middle of the defense.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Rashad Jennings RB Liberty...Should develop into a nice No. 2 now that Fred Taylor is gone to Maurice Jones-Drew

Kansas City Chiefs: Donald Washington CB Ohio State...Should be nickel corner by the end of the year.

Miami Dolphins: Andrew Gardner OT Georgia Tech...Will provide great depth and could contend for a right tackle slot down the road.

Minnesota Vikings: Jasper Brinkley LB South Carolina...Worthwhile pick at that point. Likely to provide depth at most LB slots.

New England Patriots: Tyrone McKenzie LB South Florida...Steal for the Pats as if he went to USC, Texas or Florida would have gone a round earlier

New Orleans Saints: Chip Vaughn DB Wake Forest...Nice size and speed for a safety should help on special teams this year.

NY Giants: Travis Beckum TE Wisconsin...Could be the long term answer for the Giants at TE down the road.

NY Jets: Shonn Greene RB Iowa...May have cost too much but should be a nice No. 2 back down the road.

Oakland Raiders: Louis Murphy WR Florida...Solid player who hopefully will erase the Florida receiver curse.

Philadelphia Eagles: Victor Harris DB Virginia Tech...Solid player who should make a significant contribution this year on special teams.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Wallace WR Mississippi...Unreal speed and should be the 3rd receiver in 2010.

St. Louis Rams: Dorell Scott DT Clemson...Big clog for the middle of the line and provide excellent depth.

San Diego Chargers: Kevin Ellison DB USC...Nice value pick who should make his paycheck on special teams this year and start in 2010.

San Francisco 49ers: Scott McKilliop LB Pittsburgh...Singletary kind of guy who learned the basics to make it in the NFL at Pittsburgh under former NFL HC Dave Wannstedt.

Seattle Seahawks: Deon Butler WR Penn State...Should develop into a nice No. 3 down the road.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sammie Strougther WR Oregon State...New regime gives Sammie a great opportunity to develop

Tennessee Titans: Troy Kropog OT Tulane...Could blossom into a starter down the road.

Washington Redskins: Kevin Barnes DB Maryland...Once he learns it’s better to be seen and not heard he can make a difference on this team.

Roger, We Have a Problem!!

Patrick Schuster — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:28:25 -0400

The NFL has floated the idea to the media about changing the NFL Draft (the best weekend of the offseason) from a weekend event back to a work week/Saturday event.

My initial thought is what a horrible idea!! I remember watching my first draft seeing the Patriots select Irving Fryar back when I was only 12 years old (having a dentist appointment later that morning, my parents let me stay home until I went to the appointment), and I was so upset to have to go back to school and miss the rest of the draft.

I also remember the excitement I felt when I heard they wised up and made it a weekend event so those of us draftniks did not have to cut school or work to see what our teams where getting in the draft.

Now, the NFL is reversing gears again and is working their best to make NFL fans call in sick or cut school in order to watch the Annual Selection Meeting. The reported proposal by the league is to make the first round a primetime event on Thursday, rounds two and three on Friday and the remaining rounds on Saturday.

Bad idea!!!

You want to see ratings and attendance drop, then make this switch because it will show fans that their interests and free time are not being considered. Once you start forgetting your fans you’ll end up like Major League Baseball.

My proposal is for a slight change that will keep the fans happy, create the media circus that the draft has become and keep the rating as strong as ever. Instead of Thursday, Friday and Saturday simply move it back one day.

Have the first round as a primetime event on Friday, with the start time of 8 PM EST (allows most of the west coast fans time to make it home to watch, and just imagine the crowds at the sports bars for it around the country).

Rounds two and three on Saturday, starting at 3 PM EST and then Sunday finish up rounds four, five, six and seven with events kicking off that day at 10 AM.

This way it’s a true football weekend for those of us starving for football news this time of year, and we still get to enjoy without having to call off sick from work or school.

Let me know your thoughts.

Jason Taylor, Jerry Jones, and Tampa Bay QBs: Notes from the Schu Box

Patrick Schuster — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:12:45 -0400

Here we are on Memorial Day weekend, and yet still football grabs the headlines at least a few times a week. It never ceases to amaze me just how popular the great game is, and I always wonder why they don’t seriously look into a developmental league as discussed in this article in the NY Times.

Look at the interest even the idea of another level of football started to get and only imagine if it were affiliated with the NFL.

Here are just some thoughts on the hot issues currently going on in football and the world around it.

Taylor Saga

It seems like the Jason Taylor saga in Miami isn’t going to end any time soon. I was wondering if Taylor could be traded to a team that could use a player who is going to create positive PR for them instead of negative. Atlanta or Cincinnati would make sense.

Seriously, if I were the Bengals I would make a call to Big Bill, just to see how steep a price it would be to bring in the former University of Akron star and Pittsburgh native to the Bengals. It would finally be a player for the Bengals who will generate good media attention. Taylor would be the leader the team desperately needs to straighten out the locker room.

What to do with Tampa’s QBs

You think Denver would be interested in one of the dozen QBs under contract in Tampa Bay, just in case Jay Cutler struggles to deal with his diabetes. Maybe they trust Patrick Ramsey a little more than the rest of the NFL. I think a guy like Bruce Gradkowski would make a lot of sense.

Owners Opt Out

It amazed me that the idea that a potential lockout in 2011 was such big news. Something tells me that they will have a new deal in place well before the 2011 season. Expect to see the rookie salaries and a 17th game to be addressed in the new contract.

Kudos to Jerry

Credit has to be given to the Cowboys, especially Jerry Jones (since the national media seems blames him for everything that goes wrong in Big D, might as well give him a little credit), for locking up Terrence Newman and Marion Barber to long-term deals. Whenever Pacman joins the team, he and Newman could be a special tandem in the defensive backfield.

Eagles Clean House?

If reports regarding VP of player personnel Jason Licht's dismissal in Philadelphia are true, I look for him to land with one of the NFC East enemies of the Eagles. I think the Giants, Washington or Dallas might be interested in adding a guy with that knowledge of a divisional rival.

Recently the Redskins and Cowboys have had some front office openings, too, so it would be a good bet he lands in one of those spots.

More People Pile on the Pats

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I wasn’t surprised to read Ross Tucker’s account on what went on in New England during his time under Belicheater.

Time to Play Matchmaker

Below is a list of players either rumored to be traded or still free agents. I decided to match up possible destinations that make sense for both the players and the teams.

Chad Johnson

If the Eagles want to make a real run and get McNabb a ring before they push him out of town, they need to make the move and roll the dice again and add Chad to the team. He’s a clear #1 and makes Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown that much better just being on the field. The Eagles have the picks (with the Carolina trade) and the window is slowly closing on the McNabb years.

Chris Simms

Simms needs a fresh start. A team that could always use another young arm (since they haven’t had a decent QB since Len Dawson retired) is the K.C. Chiefs. No one really believes that Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle is the answer. If they are, that makes you wonder what the question is. Simms is battle-tested and certainly has the skills to compete for a starting role.

Matt Jones

I have to give credit to my buddy Chuck White for this but once he suggested it I really took to the idea. Matt Jones could go to Dallas, just in case Glenn doesn’t return and they need that third WR to make a tough catch in traffic. Jones is likely on the bubble in Jacksonville and could be gotten for a mid-round 2009 pick. He's a big, tall, physical receiver, and I’m sure boy genius Jason Garrett can find great ways to use him in their schemes.

Daunte Culpepper

Is it just me or does he not seem like a great option for the Bears to push Orton and Grossman and likely beat out for the job. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, is familiar with the division opponents and proved he still has a few miles left on the tires after last year in Oakland. He would be a great addition!

Shaun Alexander

With Travis Henry always a risk to be suspended for a season after another bad drug test, Alexander makes great sense for Denver. He would give them a great 1-2 tandem if Henry stays clean. If not, he has certainly shown he can carry the load.

Sinorice Moss

You may say I didn’t hear any rumors about him but I believe he’ll get caught in a numbers game and may need a new start. What about St. Louis? With his speed playing indoors 8 games or more a year he can help fill the void of Isaac Bruce.

Anquan Boldin

With Arizona locking up Larry Fitzgerald, they know they either have to give Boldin a contract to match or watch him walk. The wise thing would be to call a team like the Jets to see if they could work out a trade.

Maybe the Cards could get a couple of picks (say a second and third) and maybe Brad Smith. Smith has a lot of Antwaan Randle El in him, and the Cards (with all the former Steelers on staff) could utilize him.

Byron Leftwich

He might be a nice insurance policy for Carolina. If Jake Delhomme does not stay healthy, only second-year man Matt Moore would man the starting position.

Lito Sheppard

Philly would be wise to make a final decision on Lito before camp gets rolling and something tells me you might get Cleveland to blink and give you a No. 2 for Lito. He’d be a huge upgrade for the Browns defense, and Philly can use the additional pick(s) next year.

Feel free to send me your thoughts on this piece and the current state of the NFL.

2008 NFL Draft: Final Thoughts, Pt. 1

Patrick Schuster — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:06:00 -0400

I apologize for being M.I.A, but after draft weekend, I needed time to digest everything that happened, and see where everyone landed. Now we can start to prepare for a slower time in football, and the wait until camps get rolling in mid-July.

Before we take any real break, I wanted to point out some players that didn’t necessarily go in round one, but should make a significant impact on their team’s success very early in their career.

While first-round picks have been diagnosed to death, and the fact that I think giving a grade to unproven players is pretty much like trying to rank college recruiting classes (oh wait some people actually do that), I want to just share a little insight on some of these guys who stand out to me as a real steal for each team.

1. Buffalo: James Hardy—He is the big target the team desperately needed. Should make a huge impact for the Bills, especially in the redzone.

2. Miami: Kendall Langford—Same school prospect that, with the proper coaching he’ll receive, should be a starter by 2009.

3. New England: Shawn Crable—Perfect spot for both player and team. Crable will thrive in their system.

4. NY Jets: Erik Ainge—At best, the long term answer for the Jets. At worse, the game manager needed for this team.

5. Baltimore: Tavares Gooden—Another perfect spot for player and team. Gooden will replace Lewis as the leader of the defense in a few years.

6. Cincinnati: Andre Caldwell—This teams needs to cut ties with Chad and getting Andre will make that much easier.

7. Cleveland: Paul Hubbard—The perfect eventual replacement for Joe Jurevicius in their scheme.

8. Pittsburgh: Tony Hills—This team needs offensive lineman and Hills could be a starter by the end of the year. If not, he will for certain in 2009.

9. Houston: Frank Okam—Massive player to clog up the middle of the line for them. Benefits staying in Texas to play pro career.

10. Indianapolis: Mike Hart—With the resigning of D. Rhodes, Hart will have to have a good show in camp, but should secure a roster spot and contribute this season somewhere in the NFL.

11. Jacksonville: Trae Williams—Talented corner who was overshadowed by M. Jenkins, but in their scheme, should develop into a starter in the next two years.

12. Tennessee: LaVelle Hawkins—Another player overshadowed by a teammate, D. Jackson. But with the improv skills of Vince Young, and the fact they need wide receivers, Hawkins should get plenty of playing time earlier this season.

13. Denver: Carlton Powell—With the lack of talent on the line, Carlton could hit the field early and often.

14. Kansas City: Kevin Robinson—Should provide that kick-return threat missing since Dante Hall was dumped to St. Louis.

15. Oakland: Tyvon Branch—With the holdout of Nnamdi Asomugha, the combustible DeAngelo Hall, the trading of Fabian Washington, and the slightly overrated Stanford Routt, you might see Branch getting a lot of time on the field earlier next year.

16. San Diego: DeJuan Tribble—a steal at the point they were able to get him. San Diego realizes that you can never have enough top-quality corners.

Draft Eve: The Night Before The Draft

Patrick Schuster — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:05:00 -0400

Here we are less than 24hrs. away from the draft (the equivalent of Xmas Day for NFL GM, Coaches and Owners) and there is still a lot left to be determined.
It’s funny how taking Jake Long has now caused more questions than answers for the top six teams. Had the Dolphins selected Chris Long then it was pretty much a forgone conclusion the rest of the top six would have gone the following way:

Miami—Chris Long

St. Louis—Jake Long

Atlanta—Glenn Dorsey

Oakland—Darren McFadden

Kansas City---Matt Ryan

NY Jets----Vernon Gholston

Now it could go any combo of the following:
Miami—Jake Long

St. Louis—Glenn Dorsey or Chris Long

Atlanta—Matt Ryan or Glenn Dorsey

Oakland---Vernon Gholston, Darren McFadden or Chris Long

Kansas City—Chris Long, Vernon Gholston or Matt Ryan

NY Jets---Darren McFadden—Matt Ryan or Vernon Gholston

Amazing how one surprise move (Miami drafting Jake Long) could change some many lives and draft plans.

Some thoughts on trades or pending trades leading up to the draft.

Dallas and Pacman….Interesting that Jerry would go as high as a #4 when he was the only team in the running. At least it appears he’s covered his bases by guaranteeing getting the same round pick next back from the Titans if Pacman stays suspended. Granted now with the reports it’s still not finalized who knows what happens there.

Hates off to the Chiefs for moving Jared Allen. He wasn’t happy, made a lot of money and had a few questionable things happen over the past few seasons that made him expendable. They can now load up with the extra picks and hopefully replace him someone like Chris Long who isn’t a character risk.

Dewayne Robertson headed to Denver….Hmmm the Broncos taking someone else’s defensive line castoff. Haven’t we heard this before? Robertson is a huge underachiever but hopefully gets his game together with a fresh start in Denver.

Leave it to the NFL to fix one problem (change the time between first round picks to 10 minutes) but then create a new one by moving the most anticipated day for NFL fans from 12 PM EST to 3PM EST. Why!!!!! Let’s hope Commissioner Goodall realizes his error and settles at 1PM EST (12PM EST) for the 2009 NFL Draft. I will be very interested to see what the rating look like for this year’s draft as I’m betting they will be down from the past years.

My suggestions to our fearless Commissioner regarding the draft are:

Start allowing the draft to rotate cities (why allow NY City fans the only change to attend the event).
Change the start time to 1PM EST
Seriously consider moving the draft to early March (before free agency starts). No one can ever provide a legit answer to why it’s held so late in April.

Did you ever wonder why?

Anyone ever wonder why football guys say such things as “the draft is a crap shoot”, “it takes some luck to build a winning team”, and “the draft is an inexact science” but then someone needs to explain Bill Parcells, Mike Holmgren, Tom Coughlin, Dick Vermeil, Jimmy Johnson, Marty Schottenheimer and Dan Reeves to me. Coaches who went to different teams built them up and got them to the playoffs and many to the Super Bowl.

What should be said instead is “NFL owners are sometimes to cheap to hire the best guys in the business and cut corners with only average coaches” and “heck we just buy Kiper’s book and use that instead of our scouting”.

A few predictions sure to go wrong tomorrow:

Dallas will trade down from the #28 pick in the first round with either Baltimore, Atlanta or Miami and get a second round and fourth round pick in 2008 and a pick next year. Moving out of round 1 will save Dallas money and with so many WRs still on the board they can get the guy they want.
Washington will trade with someone to get out of the first round
Chris Long might just be this year’s Brady Quinn although I think it’s more likely he’ll be Matt Leinart and fall to the bottom of the top 10.
None of the WRs (Boldin, Chad or Roy Williams) will be traded.
Jeremy Shockey will be a Saint by the end of the weekend (an oxymoron like Jumbo Shrimp)
Lito Sheppard will be traded. Eagles would love to ship him the AFC
1st round will take way longer than it should
Kiper and McShay will argue worse than a divorced couple
Jason Taylor will get traded to Jacksonville or Tampa Bay
As soon as the Packers pick comes up Brett Favre will be mentioned.
Devin Thomas will be a Buffalo Bill by 5:30 EST
Giants will draft as if Michael Strahan is retired.
Mario Manningham and Vince Young will never appear on Jeopardy.
Al Davis will have a white jump suit on tomorrow.
Saints won’t trade into the #2 pick.
Everyone on both ESPN and NFL Network will stick up for the Patriots and Belichick as if someone was accusing a family member of a crime.

Well it's almost that time. Check back over the weekend as I'll adding my reviews and comments from the action each day. Feel free to post your thoughts or send me an email.

It's Draft Time!!!!!

Seven Round Mock Draft

Patrick Schuster — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 07:10:00 -0400

I know most people think it’s a little silly to do a first round mock, and crazy to try anything larger than that. Well, call me crazy, but over the past six days I’ve plotted, scratched, changed and edited a full seven round mock draft for my, and hopefully, your enjoyment. With each selection I had to weigh how I would select if I were that team, what the team should do and what it will likely do before entering a name as their selection. There are several picks I don’t agree with completely but I know the teams, and the guys in charge don’t always do the smart move, instead they go for the “WOW” pick. With all that said, take a look and feel free to email me at Patrick@footballdialogue.com any comments, questions or views on the great weekend ahead of us. It’s Draft Time!!!!

ROUND ONE

1- 1- 1 Miami: Jake Long OT Michigan…..Should go Chris Long here as Chris is the lowest risk in the draft but Jake is a nice selection overall and should help the line immediately.

1- 2- 2 St. Louis: Chris Long DE Virginia….Great character guy who will be face of the franchise for years to come and give the defense a great identity.

1- 3- 3 Atlanta: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU…..If I were making the selection I would go QB here and hope it would help erase the image of the franchise. With Dorsey’s past injuries and everything it’s a risk to go this high. With that said if healthy he’s the next Warren Sapp.

1- 4- 4 Oakland: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas…No way the Raiders should take McFadden with the stable of tailbacks they have but when has Al ever done what he should do.

1- 5- 5 Kansas City: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy….Everyone and their brother has the Chiefs taking a tackle here but I hope Carl Peterson is smart enough to see by grabbing McKelvin they get a shut down corner and a kick returner/special teams player they’ve be lacking since Dante Hall.

1- 6- 6 New York Jets: Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State..Smart,safe pick for this team which needs to improve the overall talent on it. Gholston should start and become a force early for the Jets.

1- 7- 7 New England from San Francisco: Keith Rivers OLB USC…While everyone and their brother will tell you the Patriots don’t draft linebackers in round one I think the time has come for that to change and Rivers is a day one starter for them.

1- 8- 8 Baltimore: Matt Ryan QB Boston College..McNair is gone and the Ravens need a new leader for their offense. Ryan is a safe, smart pick that should contend for rookie of the year.

1- 9- 9 Cincinnati: Sedrick Ellis DT USC….Ellis can be plugged in the middle of the d- line and create some serious pocket pressure.

1-10-10 New Orleans: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State…Want a DT but will settle for this small school standout.

1-11-11 Buffalo: Devin Thomas WR Michigan State…A little high for a wide receiver but if they stay here Thomas is the ideal fit with the smaller guys on the roster at WR.

1-12-12 Denver: Ryan Clady OT Boise State…Need to address the tackle spot and 12 is a much safer spot to roll the dice on Clady than a top 5 selection.

1-13-13 Carolina: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois…Need a feature back and some thing Mendenhall is the best in the draft.

1-14-14 Chicago: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt…Improved O-Line will do wonders for the Bears offense.

1-15-15 Detroit: Derrick Harvey DE Florida…May look tailback but hard to pass up Harvey at 15.

1-16-16 Arizona: Quentin Groves DE/OLB Auburn…Perfect fit for the defensive scheme the Cards want to be running in the desert.

1-17-17 Minnesota: Phillip Merling DE Clemson….With the urgency of a defensive end with Udeze health, Merling makes it a no brainer.

1-18-18 Houston: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon…Green experiment failed so now they need to invest a pick on Stewart who is recovery from toe surgery.

1-19-19 Philadelphia: Branden Albert OG Virginia…While the ESPN boys have him pegged for the top five I think it’s too trendy for a guy who has played limit at tackle. He’s a better fit for a team like Philly who can slowly transition him to tackle while getting him time at guard early in his career.

1-20-20 Tampa Bay: Limas Sweed WR Texas..Big wideout that the Bucs need who slides a little due to some injury concerns.

1-21-21 Washington: James Hardy WR Indiana....Skins would like to trade down but if they stay here the selection of Hardy is easy. He’s a beast who can start off as their #3 receiver and move into a starting role in 2009.

1-22-22 Dallas from Cleveland: Felix Jones RB Arkansas….The Cowboys need a running back who is OK playing second fiddle to a star back but will give a 110% and even help out on special teams. Welcome to town Felix..

1-23-23 Pittsburgh: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh…Desperately need to add the offensive lineman and Otah will be a favorite early on for his blue collar style.

1-24-24 Tennessee: DeSean Jackson WR California…Vince Young needs weapons to take the next step and the talented Jackson gives them a legit #1 in the Steve Smith mold.

1-25-25 Seattle: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina…..Need a run stopper in the middle and Balmer is a great bargain at this point in round one.

1-26-26 Jacksonville: Calais Campbell DE Miami (Fla.)…Jags always looking to upgrade the line and Campbell is a freak of nature that will make passing to his side a very difficult concept for opposing quarterbacks.

1-27-27 San Diego: Mike Jenkins CB South Florida…..A little lower than Jenkins will likely go but will be a great replacement for Drayton Florence and initially a great nickel corner.

1-28-28 Dallas: Antoine Cason CB Arizona….Dallas three needs are CB, WR, and RB. They got Flex at 22 and now the best bargain is Cason who is a significant upgrade over J. Reeves. Cason will eventually replace Henry as a starter on the one side.

1-29-29 San Francisco (from Indianapolis): Andre Caldwell WR Florida….Perfect fit to the scheme that Martz will be installing in San Fran. Caldwell was MVP of the Senior Bowl and is a strong route runner who should contend for a starting role early in the season.

1-30-30 Green Bay: Aqib Talib CB Kansas…Some character and judgment questions lower his standing but if they can keep him on the right track he will be a huge impact to the Packers defense.

1-31-31 New York Giants: Kenny Phillips S Miami (Fla.) With recent Super Bowl defections the Giants need to retool the secondary and Phillips is a future Pro Bowl player in waiting. Grabbing him this late is an enormous steal.

ROUND TWO

2- 1-32 Miami: Dan Connor ILB Penn State… This team needs an upgrade just about everywhere and getting Connor for the defense is a great steal

2- 2-33 St. Louis: Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College…Eventually replacement for Orlando Pace and a likely starter for the next 12 years.

2- 3-34 Atlanta (from Oakland): Brian Brohm QB Louisville…Great fall back to passing on Ryan.

2- 4-35 Kansas City: Sam Baker OT USC….Day 1 starter.

2- 5-36 New York Jets: Early Doucet WR LSU…Likely day 1 starter who may push Coles for top receiver on the team.

2- 6-37 Atlanta: Dustin Keller TE Purdue….Crumpler’s replacement.

2- 7-38 Baltimore: Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech…Should start by the end of the year.

2-8-39 San Francisco: Jerod Mayo ILB Tennessee….Constantly looking to add to the linebacker core.

2- 9-40 New Orleans: Pat Sims DT Auburn….Unable to move up they get Sims for the middle

2-10-41 Buffalo: Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M…Came out early and will likely be a favorite target of Trent Edwards.

2-11-42 Denver: Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame..Solid addition to the constantly changing defensive line.

2-12-43 Carolina: Joe Flacco QB Delaware….Will be groomed to be long term answer at QB.

2-13-44 Chicago: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma…..Due to some poor workouts slide down the charts but would be a great steal at this point.

2-14-45 Detroit: Jamaal Charles RB Texas….Should start by opening day.

2-15-46 Cincinnati: Fred Davis TE USC

2-16-47 Minnesota: Chad Henne QB Michigan….Likely QB of the future once they realize Jackson was a mistake at QB.

2-17-48 Atlanta (from Houston): Anthony Collins OT Kansas

2-18-49 Philadelphia: Lawrence Jackson DE USC….Should take the Kearse snaps this year and eventually be a starter for Jim Johnson’s defense.

2-19-50 Arizona: Justin King CB Penn State

2-20-51 Washington: Cliff Avril OLB Purdue. A little earlier than some have projected but could be something special with a little pro coaching.

2-21-52 Tampa Bay: Dre Moore DT Maryland…After playoff loss it’s obviously they need to get bigger in the middle of the defense.

2-22-53 Pittsburgh: Roy Schuening OG Oregon State…Day 1 starter replacing Alan Faneca on the line.

2-23-54 Tennessee: Chris Johnson RB East Carolina…Speed back to go with the portly Lendale White.

2-24-55 Seattle: John Carlson TE Notre Dame….Great hands and a perfect receiving TE the Seahawks need.

2-25-56 Green Bay (from Cleveland): Mike McGlynn OG Pittsburgh.

2-26-57 Miami (from San Diego): Brad Cottam TE Tennessee..Huge target that should be great around the goal line for the Dolphins….if they get near it this year.

2-27-58 Jacksonville: DaJuan Morgan S North Carolina State….Should team with Reggie Nelson for year’s to come.

2-28-59 Indianapolis: Darrell Robertston DE Georgia Tech..Could always use help rushing the passer.

2-29-60 Green Bay: Carl Nicks OT Nebraska…Help for the line.

2-30-61 Dallas: Mario Manningham WR Michigan…Reports say poor support unit for Mario but in Dallas should get the chance to grow as the likely #3 before assuming a starting role down the road.

2-31-62 New England: Curtis Lofton ILB Oklahoma…More LB help.

2-32-63 New York Giants: Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma…Giants were burned during the season by their secondary. Smith is a talent who should help immediately.

Another Lost Sunday in New York: A Jets Fan's Tale

Patrick Schuster — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:37:00 -0400

Will this be the season? Can we win this week? Hope abounds upon us every summer when teams get to training camp. This is not a unique feeling for Jet fans. Every fan has vision of the late January game where we may be we could win the big one. As a Jets fan, the cynicism sets in pretty early. We already know we do not have a chance to win it all. We just do not know how the season will play out and what this year’s disappointment will be. Could it be an injury? Could it be a bad play, a bad call, or just lack of talent? Could it be we were good all year and miss a field goal in the playoffs? One way or another we have answered, yes to each of these questions. Through out my years this is how the football season has gone for a Jets fan.

When I was a kid, Sunday was my single mother’s only day off, so she would plop me in front of the television and let the NFL act as my babysitter. At the time, I did not understand all the rules of the game, but would still sit transfixed, my mind analyzing the patterns of movement. I do not know when I decided, but the Jets have always been my favorite football team. My father was also a Jets fan, and I likely adopted them as my favorite team to lessen the distance between us.

Like the host of this site, Pat, my earliest Super Bowl Memory is that of the Raiders and Eagles. I rooted for the Eagles because of their green and white team uniforms, which were similar to my beloved Jets.

I would also spend the occasional Sunday at my father’s house cheering for the Jets with him. The most memorable game I watched with him had to be the 1986 Dan Marino/Ken Obrien Shoot out. The final score 51-45 in overtime. The joy of that game still lives with me today. That was one of only a very few early highlights as a fan of the Jets.

If I could sum up my long-term relationship with the Jets, it would be one of weekly heartbreak. Each year, the Jets give me just enough hope to keep me watching, with that faint whisper that maybe this year could be the big one. And, every year without fail, the Jets break my heart, often getting “this close” to winning that crucial playoff game, only to blow it in the end.

To further understand my dysfunctional relationship with the Jets, you also have to take into account the other famous New York Team: the Giants. Growing up in New York, you are either a Jets or a Giants fan. Often, there is some overlap in the fan alliances, and you root for the Mets and Jets, or Yankees and Giants. These alliances can make or break friendships, turning neighbor against neighbor in a yearlong frenzy of smack talk.

I believe the difference between a Giants fan and a Jets fan comes down to age. The Giants have been around longer than the Jets, so some New York fans have had season tickets since the before I was even alive. This is your standard “Andy Rooney” type who goes to every game. The Jets fan base is considerably younger. The Jets have not accomplished anything significant in a long time, and old fans have given up their season tickets. However, as Jet fans we still holding out hope for that one great year.

I have a group of friends who are Jets season ticket holders, and while I have never purchased season tickets myself, I have had occasion to attend a few games. One weekend, there will be terrible weather during an even worse season, and one of my friends will offer me their seat. At the games I do attend, there are always diehard fans who insist “there are only eight of these games a year,” and imply that you are less of a fan if you let a little thing like weather or a losing season keep you from your seat.

The Jets failure to win the big games makes New Yorkers regard them as the Giants’ uncoordinated little brother. Around 1986, after the Jets had been in Giants stadium for a couple of years and the Giants won the first of three super bowls is when this started to become evident. Of course, the Giants 2008 Superbowl victory solidified the Jets status as merely second best. The inner conflict I felt as I watched as the Jets mortal enemy (Patriots), Bill Belichek (former HC of the NYJ) compete for a Super Bowl and for the Giants to win yet another Superbowl. Congratulations, Big Brother!

A few years ago, after another particularly tough autumn Sunday evening, I heard the perfect comment about the Jets as a franchise. As I lay in my bed listening to sports radio the over night radio personality who is an even longer suffering Jets fan, only because he is older than I am. I was anxious to hear his comments of another forgettable loss.

“Do not let your kids grow up to be Jets Fans,” his voice warned. “If you love your children, you will not saddle them with this weekly heartbreak.” He went on and on with the analogies and the list of failures was endless.

A couple of years later, it looked like the Jets were turning it around, and I called and asked that same radio personality if he still felt that way. He backed off on his earlier comments, but he would likely be back to agreeing with his statements after this past dismal season.

One of my biggest complaints over the years would be while watching a game I would see a highlight of a previous Jet doing something big for another team. The Aaron Glenn’s, the Kyle Brady’s and even the Hugh Douglas’s of the world. They leave here and play for ten more years, or at least it seems that way to me. The reason this has happened is because the Jets would have a bad year, change coaches and this or that player would not become a priority of the new staff. The player in question does not fit our system.

This previous complaint is not only specific to the Jets. There are so many coaching changes that this happens quite often in the NFL. When a player does not fit your new coaches system, they clean house and have 20 or more new players on their roster. The coaches of today are very stubborn in their control of every detail. Changing their philosophy is not an option to them. To the ordinary fan, we say why don’t we try this or that. Like run a 4-3 instead of a 3-4 if you do not have the NT or the Linebackers to run this system. I am sorry this player does not fit your system, but your job as a coach is to make the best of the players you have. If you do not have the players to run a system, run a system that will help your players succeed.

The draft is a month away, and the hope is starting to creep in. Will all these off-season moves pay off, will we get a big time player in the draft? Who will start this year Chad or Kellen? As the months go on I will try and put these events into words for your enjoyment.

Stories to look forward to

I will try and explain the Philadelphia sports fan from an outsiders perspective. Since I moved to Philadelphia a year ago the attitude and hunger for a title is evident.
Fantasy sports has become huge in the past ten years. I have some inside knowledge to this phenomenon as I have become quite fantasy scout.

The system coach, and lack of desire to adapt to the players he has.

Erin Henderson Interview

Patrick Schuster — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 22:17:00 -0400

The NFL better look out as E.J.'s little brother is on his way, ready to make his mark. Erin was able to give us a snapshot of what he's all about and let us go behind the scenes on this future NFL star.

What advice has your brother, E.J. Henderson, told you about what to expect when you move to the NFL?

The biggest thing that EJ told me was to be prepared for a whole different tempo and speed of the game. He said that the speed of the college game does not even begin to compare to the NFL.

What was your best memory from your days in college?

My best memory would have to be my interception return for a touchdown against Virginia my sophomore year. It was crazy because my brother had caught one the week before for the same amount of yards and everything. He was actually at that game and I remember coming over to him on the sidelines and getting a little chest bump before I had to go back on the field.

I should have celebrated a little bit better though. I always told myself I wouldn’t do a great celebration if I scored but I was just tired and looking to get back on the sideline.

What player on the Terrapins do you feel is poised for a breakout season next year on your team?

I think they are a couple of guys the country should keep their eye on. on defense we have Kevin Barnes, Chase Bullock, and Dave Phillistin. The big names on offense should be Darrius Heyward-Bey and Scott Burley.

Who is the best player you’ve faced while in college?

The best player I faced was probably Matt Ryan. Although we beat them (had to put that in there) he made some plays and passes that most quarterbacks would not even think about attempting.

The thing that I was really most impressed with was his poise though. No matter what we did nothing ever seemed to bother him.

My opponents would say the best part of my game is...

My ability to make blockers miss when they think they have me dead to rights. I think they would also mention my instincts and ability to find the ball carrier.

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show...

My college stats fail to show that I played through several injuries my last year at UMD. I played with some injuries that most guys in my position would have sat out for. However, the most impressive thing in my eyes is that I was still able to play the game at a high level and continue to help my team.

The type of NFL defense I’d fit best in would be...

I think I fit well in any scheme. While at UMD I only played WILL linebacker but I was comfortable with the responsibilities and assignments for all three lb spots, which means I know what is required both mentally and physically. I believe that I am more than capable of playing all three. It is just going to be a matter of what the team needs may be.

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?

We have a very nice basement in our house with a pool table, poker table, ping pong table, and 72 inch TV so I usually just invite some friends over and hang out. I have had quite a bit of free time here recently (something I never had while in college) so I have started reading some good books.

What is the best football book or movie you’ve ever read or watched?

That’s a tough question there are a couple that I think are good. When it’s all said and done though I would have to say Remember The Titans is my favorite. The fact that it is based on a true story and the message that it delivers makes it a great movie.

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?

When you are younger you think about those things and you say I would love to play for the Dallas Cowboys or the Pittsburgh Steelers or whatever team it may be. Now that it is actually here I am just so excited that I have an opportunity to play the game I love for a living that it honestly does not matter.

All I am hoping for is an opportunity to go in and compete for some playing time on both defense and special teams.

My advice to players entering college this year would be?

Get off to a good start academically and prepare to humble yourself. If you get off to a slow start in school you will never be able to dig yourself out of that hole. Start off well then by the time you are actually playing you will have a little more wiggle room.

Now, you are back at the bottom of the totem pole and nobody cares what you did in high school. Everybody was the man where they come from which is why they are all there and veterans are not going to want to deal with you if you are arrogant or cocky.

So go in humble, stay humble, and it will make your time in college that much easier.

Describe yourself in a few words.

I am a genuine, fun loving, outgoing person who enjoys being around people and meeting new individuals. However, on the field that is not Erin. That is my alter ego (so please do not hold that against me).

Check out more about Erin at www.terpenh1.com

Exclusive Interview: Maryland Tight End Joey Haynos

Patrick Schuster — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:12:00 -0400

If someone six-foot eight wants to share a little about themselves such as Maryland, tight end Joey Haynos who am I to pass up that chance? Joe is the kind of player everyone roots for when they learn about him.

Take a look at what I was able to learn about him...

What do you think when you hear scouting services compare you with NFL player Ben Utecht?

It’s a compliment. He’s a great player.

When was your breakthrough moment as a college player?

In the West Virginia game my junior year, I had eight catches and a TD.

What was your greatest victory while in college?

We beat Clemson down at Clemson and came back on a two-minute drive to kick a last second field goal.

Who is the best player you’ve faced while in college?

Lawrence Timmons (OLB Florida State)

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show...

How much of a threat I can be in the red zone.

The part of my game that I take the most pride in is...

My receiving.

The type of NFL offense I’d fit best in would be...

I really don’t know.

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football?

Usually hang out with my friends or just watch TV.

What is the best football movie you’ve ever watched?

I like Friday Night Lights.

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you?

The Redskins.

My advice to players entering college this year would be?

Just work hard, no matter how far down in the depth chart you are. You can always work your way up to the starting spot.

How did you come to select the University of Maryland?

It was close and it gave me an opportunity to play in the ACC.

Any pre-game traditions of note?

Nope.

Jamie Silva Interview

Patrick Schuster — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:05:00 -0400

Recently, I had the chance to learn a little more about Boston College and 2008 NFL Draft Prospect, SS Jamie Silva. Here is some of what he had to say about his career at Boston College, the upcoming draft and a whole lot more:

What do you think when you hear so scouting services compare you to a younger version of Corey Chavous? It is a great honor... He is a very good player at the next level so for me to be his comparison is great.

What was your best memory from your days in college? I had so many I really can't label one time.

What was your greatest victory while in college? Clemson -to clinch ACC championship game.

Who is the best player you've faced while in college? Not one man really sticks out

My greatest motivation in college was? To be the best safety in the country.

Finish the following sentence. My college stats fail to show. --- I don't think this applies for me since I was the most productive defensive player in college

What do you do when you want to relax and get away from football? Hang with my friends.

My opponents would say the best thing I do is? Make plays and hit and never stop

In a perfect world who is on the other line come NFL Draft day saying they are about to select you? Any NFL GM/COACH

My advice to players entering college this year would be? Work harder than the rest, believe in yourself, have fun, but be your own biggest critic

If you could play any other position what would it be? Wide Receiver

How did you come to select Boston College? Best football program that I received an offer from.

Any pre-game traditions of note? No traditions, just enjoy the surroundings, I usually enjoy some good music to (a mix of rap and R&B songs, little rock too)

NFC East Breakdown: Cowboys, Redskins, Giants, and Eagles

Patrick Schuster — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:07:00 -0400

Dallas Cowboys

So far this offseason, Dallas has kept its vital parts together.

Dallas has let the market dictate the value on back-ups and bargain-shopped to fit their budget.

Positives

On the coaching side, Dallas kept Jason Garrett and added top offensive line coach Hudson Houck as well as Todd Grantham, Brett Maxie, Dave Campo, and Reggie Herring.

The Cowboys signed Flozell Adams to a long-term deal and franchised Ken Hamlin. The team gave Marion Barber a first and third round qualifying offer, and gave Chris Canty a first round qualifying offer. They also added Zach Thomas.

These moves made for a solid offseason up to this point.

Negatives

The team lost some depth with cornerback Jacques Reeves going to Houston and cornerback Nate Jones and safety Keith Davis joining so many others in Miami.

Running back Julius Jones bolting for Seattle also hurt the team.

Coaches Tony Soprano, Paul Pasqualoni, Kacy Rodgers, and Todd Bowles will be missed as well. Pasqualoini was the toughest loss and may be the next guy to become a head coach in this league.

Overall

The loss of depth hurts. But with two first round picks next month, the Cowboys should be able to replace and likely upgrade the positions that have suffered to this point.

Dallas will need to have a good draft in order to duplicate the same success next season, as they now have a few holes to fill behind their starters, but so far the team has not lost any vital parts.

Keeping Garrett was a masterful stroke by Jerry Jones, and with even more great minds on their defensive staff, it may perform better in key moments.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins are the poster child for surprises this offseason.

Breaking from past years, they have not wasted money signing veterans past their prime or players that do not warrant a monster contract. Instead, the Redskins have demonstrated financial restraint and waited for the draft (glad to see someone in D.C. worries about that type of stuff).

Granted, this offseason was not without its headlines. It appears they backed into hiring Jim Zorn as their head coach. That move will be highly scrutinized throughout the year to see whether it is a boom or a bust.

Positives

The Skins managed to keep valuable back-ups Rock Cartwright and Todd Collins. Both realized that sometimes the grass is not greener; it’s just different grass.

Dumping Brandon Lloyd was a wise move too. Lloyd’s mouth made comments that his game could not back up.

Negatives

The Redskins were close to be making a big run with Joe Gibbs, but now they have unproven Jim Zorn in control. I still can’t figure out what happened with Gregg Williams.

Zorn could have the same success that Jason Garrett did calling the plays for Dallas last year, but it’s a huge gamble for Danny Snyder. It is like he’s giving the keys to his new Lexus to a 16-year-old that just got his driver’s license.

It's very surprising that he didn’t go with a more established head coach for a few years and let Zorn prepare to run a team.

Overall

Besides the hire of Zorn, the Skins have been quiet this offseason, which is a good thing for Redskins fans.

Moving Greg Blache from defensive line to defensive coordinator should keep continuity on the defense. Now they just need to hold onto their picks and get players that will fit Jim Zorn’s scheme.

With no wild draft picks or crazy free agents moves, and Washington should stay in the playoff hunt.

NY Giants

If you look up the phrase “catching lighting in a bottle” you should find a picture of the 2007 NY Giants.

These Super Bowl Champions were the same team that lost to Green Bay by 22 points, to Dallas by 10 and 11 points, Minnesota by 24 points, Washington by 12 points and to New England on the last game of the season.

With that said, if I wore a hat, it would be off to them, because they made a run in the playoffs when it counted and that’s all that matters.

So far they’ve played free agency like most Super Bowl Champs, expecting a few guys to bolt and replacing them with similar talent but less expense.

Positives

First, the team signed Tom Coughlin to a long-term contract. That was vital to show who is boss in New York.

Next, they did not overpay to keep players with limited talent that fit their scheme perfectly. Every Super Bowl team loses guys that other teams fall in love with and usually overpay for (insert Raiders: see Larry Brown and Dominic Rhodes).

Also, it is very fortunate that Steve Spagnuolo decided to stick around at least one more year. Additions of Danny Clark, David Carr, and Sammy Knight should lessen any losses the team might have had, and with draft picks added, the Giants will be fine.

Negatives

It's hard to be very negative when you end the season the way they did, but they need to make a public show of support of Jeremy Shockey. He may have finally worn out his welcome in New York.

If Shockey is dumped, say to Miami or New Orleans, for a second round pick, that will also show that Eli is the priority. It’s fairly obvious that Manning improved in confidence and decision making once Shockey went down.

Losing both Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell hurts even though they have guys who can step up to replace them because all depth has been lost.

Overall

It’s good to be King of the NFL, but to stay around for a while the Giants need another successful draft. They also need to show a stronger consistency all season long as you cannot expect to have a 2007-type playoff run again.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia is clearly the most aggressive team in the division this free agency period, with the big signing of Asante Samuel on the first day of free agency.

The real question becomes, will they ever give McNabb the top wide receiver he traditionally begs for every offseason?

Even though he doesn’t ever really act like it, you would have to think Reid will really feel the heat next offseason if they don’t make a legit run towards the playoffs because of the lack of weapons in his offense.

Positives

Obviously, the signing of Asante Samuel is huge, but grabbing DE Chris Clemons from the Raiders was a nice move.

Dan Klecko’s signing was an interesting move that will be worth following this season.

Negatives

Raise your hand if you think the Eagles can win a Super Bowl with Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown as their starting receivers.

Someday Philly will make the necessary move and get the No. 1 receiver for McNabb, and hopefully it will be while he’s still young enough to really benefit and click with the player.

You would have to think this is a make or break season for Andy Reid, who if he continues to be so stubborn about adding a No. 1 WR and getting Westbrook a backfield mate to share the load, Reid will be out as head man.

Overall

Philadelphia seems to thrive when everyone counts them out or tells them they can’t do something.

For all those die hard Eagles fans, I just hope that they trade Lito Sheppard for a No. 1 WR (say, Roy Williams from Detroit). They also should add a back to take some carries and keep Westbrook closer to 100 percent near the end of the season.

With that said, Philly will probably keep Sheppard and draft an OT in the first round, a linebacker in the second, and a quarterback in the third.

Well, there you have it, a month before the draft, a look at how the teams in the NFC East are shaping up. Check back soon for an in-depth look at another division and send me an email on your thoughts to Patrick@footballdialogue.com

Surviving the Offseason Until Football Starts Again

Patrick Schuster — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:37:00 -0400

As we endure the long, long wait (especially with so many repeats still on network TV) until the beginning of the next college and pro football season, I thought I’d throw out some ways to occupy the time off until our days have meaning again.

Granted, we have free agency now to track and the draft coming in April, but what do we do on weekends?

While some casual fans may follow other sports, those of us who know the only game in town is played on a field of a hundred yards, now must fill in a lot of time until we get to enjoy those days again. It's a great chance to catch up on some reading, watch a few movies and spend time with the family.

Here are a few suggestions on how to fill each weekend until the end of August is here again:

With my full apology to ESPN’s Matt Mosley, but with his recent list there have been some great football movies in the past 20 years. One question I asked most players I’ve had the chance to interview over the past four years has been, “what is your favorite football movie?” The answer, roughly 90 percent of the time, is The Program; and the reason: “most like what I went through in college”.

Anyway here is a top ten list movies from the past twenty years to fill up those weekends:

The Program—see above

We Are Marshall—one of the most underrated movies of 2006

Friday Night Lights—Awesome adaptation; almost as good as the TV series

Invincible—Great story that needed to be told

Radio—Heart warming tale that puts Cuba Gooding Jr. twice

Remember the Titans—Intense, emotional, and uplifting

Any Given Sunday—a little long but really raw

Gridiron Gang—another great real life story that needed to be told

Junction Boys, The —The Bear. Enough said

Rudy—A good movie slightly overrated for my money

Best “chick-flick” football movie to watch with your wife or girlfriend and still get some football: Jerry Maguire

Best football family movie: The Game Plan

Newest football movie coming to theaters: Leatherheads—Comes out early April 2008

Best box sets to buy this summer: Friday Night Lights TV Series

For those of you that would rather read in the off-season I highly recommended the following:

Meat Market by Bruce Feldman

The GM by Tom Callahan

Cane Mutiny by Bruce Feldman

The Draft by Pete Williams

Next Man Up by John Feinstein

Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger

Total Access: The Journey to the Center of the NFL Universe by Rich Eisen

Hope this helps fill in those long, lonely weekends until football is back. If you have any suggestions, comments or additions to these lists, leave me a message or email me at Patrick@footballdialogue.com.

NFL Mock Draft: Before Free Agency Strikes

Patrick Schuster — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:44:21 -0500

With Free Agency starting in a week, I thought I’d break down the first three rounds of the draft.

Team needs, best available athlete and possible connection of NFL teams to college programs where all taken into consideration.

Miami Dolphins: Chris Long DE Virginia…Hard working player who played for a former Parcells associate, Al Groh, and has a Hall of Fame Dad in Howie Long. All of that adds up to a Bill Parcells type player.
St. Louis Rams: Jake Long OT Michigan…No team got decimated more with offensive line injuries than the Rams last year and its obvious Orlando Pace can’t play forever. Long will be the future leader of this group and should have a Pro Bowl career.
Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan QB Boston College..Time to turn the page for this franchise and get a new identity. Ryan may not start from Day One but is the type of guy to lead this team back to respectability. (Granted, some questionable hires in Atlanta haven’t instilled great confidence so far).
Oakland Raiders: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU…The perfect replacement for Warren Sapp. Dorsey gives them the player to build their defense around as they continue to try to become respectable again. (They may want to get a new owner too).
Kansas City: Ryan Clady OT Boise State…Chiefs needed to upgrade talent on the offensive line if they hope to get any kind of return on the Larry Johnson extension. Clady should be an instant starter.
NY Jets: Sedrick Ellis DT USC..Mangini continues to tinker with the defense and needs a disruptive force up the middle for teams to think twice about trying to pound the ball down their throats. Ellis should create that force for them having started on a great USC defense and become a perennial Pro Bowler for many years for the Jets.
New England Patriots: Mike Jenkins CB South Florida…With Samuel and Gay free agents and no LBs warranting this pick, it makes it very easy for Bill to add this young talent to the secondary. Jenkins should be a starter no later than mid-season.
Baltimore Ravens: Brian Brohm QB Louisville…Need to give up on the Steve McNair and Kyle Boller years and start to groom someone to become a real QB for this team. Brohm is a smart QB who can make all the throws.
Cincinnati Bengals: Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State…Cincinnati knows they need to bring the heat and Gholston has only started to scratch his potential. Should be a great student for Marvin Lewis (hopefully Lewis will be in Cincinnati for more than the 2008 season).
New Orleans Saints: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy…Saints need to improve secondary and McKelvin is the next great thing coming from the University of Troy (see DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora). McKelvin played well at the Senior Bowl and excels in special teams too.
Buffalo Bills: Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma….The perfect fit for the Bills. Kelly is that big target they desperately need to balance out Parrish, Reed, and Evans. Should have a huge impact on the offense early this season.
Denver Broncos: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt…Broncos need to upgrade the offensive line to give Jay Cutler a fighting chance and adding Williams to the line will improve both the passing and running game.
Carolina Panthers: Derrick Harvey DE Florida…With Mike Rucker's career winding down (at least in Carolina) and Julius Peppers a major question mark, the Panthers can add a guy like Harvey to start and rebuild the defense around for the future.
Chicago Bears: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas If Dmac starts to slide this far a certain owner in TX may be burning up the phones. Assuming they stay here the Bears can add two-time Heisman runner up to the offense and move Cedric Benson back to the role as #2 tailback.
Detroit Lions: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State.. With the constant quest in the NFL for shut down corners the Lions would be wise to snatch up one of the hottest players this off-season. DRC performed well at the Senior Bowl and looks poised to jump into the first round.
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon…...Suddenly Edgerrin James has been looking for old and JJ Arrington hasn't distinguished himself enough to be trusted. Stewart played in the spread offense at Oregon and can certainly be a dual threat and great addition to the offense.
Minnesota Vikings: DeSean Jackson WR California…Explosive player who will give them an outside threat for their offense and go great with ROY Adrian Peterson.
Houston Texans: Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois…Need a #1 HR threat behind Schaub and since Ahman Green couldn’t stay healthy, landing Rashard at this spot is a steal and should help the offense significantly.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jeff Otah OT Pittsburgh…Philly is a hard team to predict but with the tackles getting older, adding a bodyguard for McNabb and Westbrook would be a nice addition.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: James Hardy WR Indiana…Checkered past might scare some teams but not Gruden. Hardy is a freak of talent and will bring an added dimension to the offense.
Washington Redskins: Calais Campbell DE Miami (Fla.) …Skins will be looking for a big wideout but a talent like Campbell is hard to pass up. Will alter passing game without even getting near the QB because of his long arms. He’s a basketball player playing football.
Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones RB Arkansas…Jerry gets to make this call and jumps to add another Arkansas player to the roster. Perfect #2 to go with Barber and can help with the struggling special teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Anthony Collins OT Kansas..Steelers offensive line needs some new talent with Fancea and Starks likely leaving. Collins showed what he could do this season as he helped Kansas have their best season in several decades.
Tennessee Titans: Early Doucet WR LSU…..To fairly grade Vince Young you need to give him some real weapons and Doucet is the kind of guy that will be making the phrase “Vince Young has really stepped this season improving his accuracy” heard throughout network sports TV.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Baker OT USC…The running game has struggled and the Seahawks need to improve the talent in front of the backs as much as they need a new back. Baker is a West Coast guy who got outstanding coaching college and contrary to some “experts” I think will be a starter early on.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Phillip Merling DE Clemson..Still need consistent pressure for the end and Merling is under the radar a little and should make an early appearance in the starting line up in Jacksonville.
San Diego Chargers: Kentwan Balmer DT North Carolina…SD could really go a lot of way with this pick but getting a guy like Balmer to rotate with the rest of the line will make running against SD that much tougher. (Remember NC coach Butch Davis and Norv Turner where on the Cowboys staff together).
Dallas Cowboys: Antoine Cason CB Arizona…Terrance Newman will be a free agent next year and Dallas is losing any depth behind him this off-season. Cason is a special talent who should make an immediate impact on the defense and special teams.
San Francisco 49’ers: Andre Caldwell WR Florida…Mike Martz needs wide receivers and Caldwell showed what he’s about at the Senior Bowl. Would be a steal at this point and a candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Green Bay Packers: Kenny Phillips FS Miami (Fla.)…GB needs to improve the secondary especially safety position and Phillips has show all characteristics to be a great QB for the defense.
NY Giants: Keith Rivers OLB USC…With Mitchell and Torbor free agents the G-Men will need to add some talent to the LB core. Rivers is a boom or bust player that the Giants can roll the dice with and if he plays close to his potential may be the steal of the first round.

Round 2

Miami Dolphins: Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College. Instant starter from day one. Battle tested and a cornerstone for the line to build around.
St. Louis Rams: Lawrence Jackson DE USC..Perfect player to line up next to last year’s #1 pick to give the defense some teeth.
Atlanta Falcons: Martellus Bennett TE Texas A&M….With Crumpler gone Martellus will be a starter from day 1.
Oakland Raiders: Mario Manningham WR Michigan….HR threat Al Davis loves.
Kansas City Chiefs: Aqib Talib CB Kansas…Mix reports on Talib some have higher than this spot but will start for KC.
NY Jets: Dan Connor ILB Penn State…Perfect addition to the Jets LB core. Smart player who won’t be caught out of position.
Baltimore Ravens: Quentin Groves OLB Auburn…Steal at this spot but because of injury history should be there when he selects.
San Francisco 49’ers: Carl Nicks OT Nebraska….Entire offense needs overhaul and Nicks is nearly starter ready level having had Callahan as his coach at Nebraska.
New Orleans Saints: Ali Highsmith OLB LSU..Great motor who will be a fan favorite.
Buffalo Bills: Reggie Smith CB Oklahoma…Buffalo just needs to stay the course and continue to add best available athletes with each pick. Smith should start in 2008.
Denver Broncos: Pat Sims DT Auburn…It’s about time the Broncos start to draft defensive lineman rather than continue to take from the scrap heap.
Carolina Panthers: Chad Henne QB Michigan….Will contend with Matt Moore as QB of the future.
Chicago Bears: Andre Woodson QB Kentucky..If they can get a good vet to sit in front for two years Woodson could be the answer for the next 12.
Detroit Lions: Chris Johnson RB East Carolina…Need a back to either replace or compliment Kevin Jones depending on his health.
Cincinnati Bengals: Fred Davis TE USC….Need to improve the “quality” of people on this roster and Davis is finally legit threat at TE for Carson Palmer.
Minnesota Vikings: Darrell Robertson DE Georgia Tech….With the reports of Kenechi Udeze situation this becomes a need pick. Robertson is a solid player who benefited from terrific coaching at Georgia Tech.
Atlanta Falcons: Red Bryant DT Texas A&M…Coach Smith gets him a man that will remind him of the big boys he left behind in Jacksonville.
Philadelphia Eagles: Charles Godfrey CB Iowa…Philly always seems to draft replacements a year before needed. Godfrey will be a nickel this year and take over one of the spots next season.
Arizona Cardinals: Cliff Avril OLB/DE Purdue….Avril is another young LB who would be perfect for the current regime to mold into a Pro Bowler in Arizona.
Washington Redskins: Devin Thomas WR Michigan State…The big WR they desperately need.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Adibi OLB Virginia Tech…The defense is get old and Adibi could replace Derrick Brooks as the new ringleader for the unit.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jamaal Charles RB Texas..Everyone knew when Willie Parker went down the Steelers where done. Charles would be a legit #2 threat and eventual starter.

Tennessee Titans: Terrell Thomas CB USC…Anytime Coach Fisher gets to add a USC player it’s a good day for him.
Seattle Seahawks: John Carlson TE Notre Dame…Another great addition to revamping the Seahawks offense. Carlson has had two years of NFL caliber coaching now at ND and should be a starter from day 1.
Cleveland Browns: Erin Henderson OLB Maryland…Browns need to get adding talent to the defense so every game doesn’t end up a shoot out.
Miami Dolphins: Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame…Another clog in the middle for the revamped Miami defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Limas Sweed WR Texas…With Wilford leaving via free agency and Matt Jones possibly being cut the Jags need to add another big target. Sweed fits that role and just needs to stay healthy.
Indianapolis Colts: Brandon Albert OG Virginia…Appears the Colts will have an opening at one of the guard position and Albert is a nice prospect who can be groomed into an eventual starter.
Green Bay Packers: Tracy Porter CB Indiana…Porter will be a nice player to groom to replace Al Harris.
Dallas Cowboys: Donnie Avery WR Houston…Terry Glenn’s career may be over and Avery is that threat the team missed last year. Steal at this point.
New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo ILB Tennessee…Pats need to improve the linebackers on this team. Mayo should be a contributor to both the defense and special teams.
NY Giants: Simeon Castille FS Alabama…While the Giants caught fire in the playoffs they were still a team that got beat during the season by the Packers, Patriots and twice by Dallas due to an average secondary. Castile will be the new QB of the secondary.

Round 3

Miami Dolphins: Earl Bennett WR Vanderbilt..Parcells likes smart players who will do their job and not embarrass him or the franchise. Bennett is a player who has yet to reach his potential but could be a starter by the end of the season.
St. Louis Rams: Mike Pollak C Arizona St.....The Rams could to built up the depleted offensive line.
Kansas City Chiefs: Roy Schuening OG Oregon State…Similar to the Rams, KC needs new bodies on the 0-line.
New England Patriots: Bruce Davis OLB UCLA…Time to stock pile some replacements for the aging LBs.
Atlanta Falcons: Steve Slaton RB West Virginia…Warrick Dunn’s eventual replacement.
NY Jets: Ray Rice RB Rutgers….Should work well with Thomas Jones to create a two headed monster in NY. Popular pick with the Jets faithful.
San Francisco 49’ers: Marcus Howard OLB Georgia…Need to improve talent base and with the cutting of Derek Smith, linebacker now because a bigger need.
Buffalo Bills: Martin Rucker TE Missouri….Smart, talent player who shared the spotlight with Coffman at Missouri but should flourish in the NFL. Mike Rucker’s brother.
Buffalo Bills: Dre Moore DT Maryland…Big guy to fill up the middle on the defense.
Minnesota Vikings: Joe Flacco QB Delaware…Won’t push to start year 1 but may be the long term answer at QB.
Carolina Panthers: Eddie Royal WR Virginia Tech..Dual threat that has great speed but had only average senior season.
Chicago Bears: Heath Newberry OT Newberry…Small school prospect that could develop into something special.
Detroit Lions: Kendall Langford DE Hampton…Another small school talent that would be a nice fit for the Lions defensive scheme.
Cincinnati Bengals: Shawn Crable OLB Michigan…This team needs linebackers and a big time Big Ten LB is a nice addition.
New Orleans Saints: Tavares Gooden ILB Miami…Very under-rated prospect who will work well for Coach Payton.
Houston Texans: Brandon Flowers CB Virginia Tech….A player who should be starting by 2009 but will be a great addition to nickel packages and certainly special teams.
Philadelphia Eagles: Johnny Dingle DE West Virginia…Need Defensive Ends with Kearse and Howard leaving. Dingle has great skills and should adapt quickly to Jim Johnson’s scheme.
Arizona Cardinals: DeJuan Tribble CB Boston College…Up and down senior season but should become a starter early in his career.
Minnesota Vikings: Jermichael Finley TE Texas…Vikings need better weapons to be able to get a fair assessment of any QB and Finley gives them a legit TE target.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Matt Forte’ RB Tulane….Nice pick for Tampa. Replace Mike Alstott in a lot of sets.
Washington Redskins: Oniel Cousins OT UTEP…Skins need some youth on the offensive line. Cousins can be groomed to replace Jansen down the road.
Tennessee Titans: Kevin Smith RB Central Florida..Steal this late but should become a dependable starter for the Titans. Could be a special player.
Seattle Seahawks: Frank Okam DT Texas…Need that big guy up the middle. Just need to make sure he’s motivated.
Cleveland Browns: Chris Ellis DE Virginia Tech..Keep adding to the defense. Ellis has a great motor and should play quite a bit his rookie season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: John Sullivan C Notre Dame.. As noted before Steelers need to improve the offensive line. Sullivan had the advantage of top coaching and should start early.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Dwight Lowery CB San Jose State..Always need depth at CB.
Chicago Bears: Phillip Wheeler ILB Georgia Tech…With Briggs moving on the Bears will need to add another LB to their core group.
Green Bay Packers: John Greco OT Toledo…Can play guard and should see action often in his rookie season.

Dallas Cowboys: Marcus Griffin FS Texas…Great addition at this point and should replace Keith Davis in a lot sets and on special teams.
Indianapolis Colts: Geno Hayes OLB Florida State…Colts always looking to upgrade defense and Hayes is the perfect fit for Dungy’s system.
New England Patriots: Jamar Adams SS Michigan…Eventual replacement for Rodney Harrison.
NY Giants: Mike Hart RB Michigan…Reuben Droughns is moving on and Hart is the tough runner that should work great in their system.