Why the Cincinnati Bengals Should Draft QB Mark Sanchez

Here comes the NFL draft.  Another draft, another Green Room filled with NFL hopefuls and the question of energy efficiency for the so-called Green Room.

Anyway...I think it's important not to get overexcited about the Draft because, the Draft is only what a franchise makes of it.  Thus, if that team has done poorly in the Draft, chances are, they'll continue doing so unless they *luck out.*

Here they are:

Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia: Oh, Bobby Layne, where art thou?

The Lions need just about everything, with quarterback included.  Detroit fans appear to want an offensive-linemen, which would probably cure more ills on the field than a quarterback. 

However, I wonder if that desire by Detroit fans has been conditioned by the fact that Detroit has not had a quarterback since Bobby Layne (look it up).  In other words, do Lions fans truly understand the importance of a quarterback?  That question certainly insinuates derision, but it's also an honest question.

Subsequently, the fact is, Stafford is the best quarterback and the Lions should not pass on the passer when they also own Dallas' first-round pick which can be used on an offensive lineman in a draft that is thick on linemen and thin on quarterbacks (after Stafford and Mark Sanchez).

St. Louis Rams

Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: to run, to pass, or do both?

Eugene Monroe is a solid pass-blocker but a questionable run-blocker, while Andre Smith is a questionable pass-blocker but a solid run-blocker. 

Smith is the better combo, plus he's quicker and lighter, which is conducive to the artificial turf that the Rams play on (turf toe).

Plus, a player like Smith would give St. Louis more options at tackle.  The Rams could decide to release Orlando Pace, if he doesn't retire.  Or the Rams can put Smith at right-tackle and move Alex Barron to guard.

That said, it would require the fewest moves to release the aging Pace.

Kansas City Chiefs

BJ Raji, DT, Boston College: 3-4 or the 4-3?

The trade of Jared Allen created a massive hole on the defensive line for Kansas City.  Raji is the best defensive-tackle available, who with Glenn Dorsey, would form an imposing tandem on the defensive-line. 

Raji would also allow the Chiefs, under new GM Scott Pioli, to move from the 4-3 to the 3-4—with Raji in the middle and Dorsey as an end.

It's either Raji or LB Aaron Curry, but my belief is, defensive-tackle because any team has to control the lines of scrimmage before they can make plays. 

It's that simple.

Seattle Seahawks

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: and the fate of Walter Jones

This pick will present a conundrum for Seattle.  Eugene Monroe is better suited at left-tackle than at right tackle.  With future Hall of Famer Walter Jones on the left-side, the Seahawks should decide whether to retain Jones, if he declines to move to right-tackle, because the Seahawks cannot afford to hinder the progress of a young tackle like Monroe by moving him to RT.

Yes, Jones earned a ProBowl berth, but partially by name-recognition -- he played only 12 games in 2008.  With health and age concerns now a factor for the future legend, the prudent move for Seattle would be to release Jones (unless he wants to play left-guard).

Cleveland Browns

Aaron Curry, lb, Wake Forest: Where are the bells and whistles?

The Browns need a pass-rusher more than just a linebacker—meaning, a pass rusher at linebacker or from the defensive-line. 

I'm not sure that Curry would give Cleveland that pass-rush force, but Curry is a true defender otherwise and would definitely help Cleveland's defense.

I mention the point about pass-rusher because Cleveland will still need to find a player that fits that category.

Cincinnati Bengals

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: Don't be a quarterback on welfare

Cincinnati's Carson Palmer once looked like an MVP caliber player, but has not lived up to his one-hit wonder year of 2005.  The fact that the Receiver Formerly Known as Chad Johnson has taken over the spotlight in Cincinnati tells me that Palmer is not the leader they need. 

If he was, Palmer would detract the spotlight from Johnson every time he seeks it, but I think Palmer is too passive of a passer to step-up to that and instead just hopes that the problem will go away, but it has not.  And the problem is not just Johnson, but a 'global' problem with Cincinnati of troubled players.

The Bengals could then trade Palmer to another team like San Francisco and collect picks (which they need).  A team like the Jets would possibly trade their first round pick in exchange for Palmer, which would allow the Bengals to move in a different direction.

With that said, I think Palmer can be a solid QB, but only in drama-free situations because he doesn't have the gumption to take control in the fray, which is what a true QB needs to do rather than just be a system QB.  Thus, the Bengals need to choose: Johnson or Palmer?

If Johnson, then pick Sanchez and trade Palmer.  If Palmer, pick OT Andre Smith and trade Johnson.  Trust me, the drama won't go away just because you demand that it do.  If you think it's not a problem that you should *have to* deal with: tough. 

It's a test of leadership, either standup to the drama, extract it, or move on rather than sit by and collect the paychecks that keep coming.  Don't be a quarterback on welfare.  Some people need welfare, but in order for the pyramid of wealth to work, others need to be leaders.  A QB needs to be a leader.

The truth sucks, but that's the truth.

Oakland Raiders

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: From Red Raider to just Raider? 

Al Davis and The Cable Guy have talked about upgrading the offensive-line, which is a significant problem.

Crabtree though might be too good to pass on for the Raiders who need a go-to target to protect the investment, JaMarcus Russell.  Davis and Cable have also expressed a desire to 'throw deep' and so, a wide receiver like Crabtree would fit that need.

The Raiders should consider trading back into the first round to pick a lineman in the middle of the first, especially since OT Michael Oher appears to be on the decline and C Alex Mack should be around.

As Davis and Cable have stated, they wanna throw deep to score touchdowns and then run the ball.  I'm of the opinion that they should run first and then throw deep, after the opponent is worn down.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: I'm open! 

The Jags have had interesting luck since the departures of receivers Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell.  Once a team built around those two, QB Mark Brunell, OT Tony Boselli and the running of Fred Taylor is now a team in search of an offensive identity.

QB David Garrard has shown promise, but without a go-to receiver outside of tight-ends George Wrighster and Marcedes Lewis, the Jags will continue to struggle at play-making -- especially now that Fred Taylor is gone.

Receiver Jerry "Rainbow" Porter was no pot of gold for Jacksonville, while first-rounders Matt Jones and Reggie Williams have had legal trouble in relation to drugs.  (Jon Gruden gave Porter the nickname "Rainbow").

Thus, I believe that Jacksonville will target a receiver.  They could attempt to trade-up and snipe WR Michael Crabtree, like they did in 2008 to acquire DE Derrick Harvey.  Nevertheless, I think the Jags will choose between Jeremy Maclin of Missouri and Percy Harvin of Florida State.  Why put all your draft picks in one basket, when the Jags still need to infuse the roster with depth and youth?

Harvin is probably a better smashmouth type player (like Hines Ward) but Maclin is the pure receiver.  I can't read the minds of Jacksonville execs but my gut says they need a down-field target like Maclin rather than a project like Harvin -- especially since, they tried converting Matt Jones to receiver but that project has flopped.

Green Bay Packers

Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: it's called value

Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson loves value-picks.  Andre Smith would fit that definition to the T at this spot.

Yes, the Packers want to convert to the 3-4, but I honestly believe that with a healthy Nick Barnett, the Packers would be in good shape at linebacker.

The Packers however, could stand to upgrade at offensive-tackle with a run-blocker like Smith in order to focus more on the running game in order to alleviate the pressure on QB Aaron Rodgers.

San Francisco 49ers

Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State: make me a safety

Malcolm Jenkins is still a top player despite a lousy time in the 40, however, Jenkins will need to convert from cornerback to safety.  San Francisco is the perfect place, in that case.

Jenkins is a disciplined player -- he must be, when you consider his skills compared to his speed.  My gut says that Jenkins would be conducive to the Mike Singletary system that needs an upgrade at safety.
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That is my first installment of my draft predictions and opinions of the direction of the franchises in the Top 10 of the NFL Draft.

*Stay tuned* to read what I think about the other 22 teams.