NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest |  |
- Poll: What Team had the best draft weekend?
- Report says Raiders set to dump former first overall pick QB Russell
- Breaking down the Jets 2010 draft weekend
- Food for thought from the Vikings Draft weekend
- Cardinals Dockett at Final Workout before Minicamp
- Giving some grades to the Browns for their draft picks
- Taking a gander back at the Bengals 2010 Draft
- Some quality photos of new Redskins QB Donovan McNabb
- Cowboys ink OG Montrae Holland to a two-year deal
- A review of the Rams 2010 Draft
| Poll: What Team had the best draft weekend? Posted: 27 Apr 2010 09:28 PM PDT |
| Report says Raiders set to dump former first overall pick QB Russell Posted: 27 Apr 2010 09:04 PM PDT
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| Breaking down the Jets 2010 draft weekend Posted: 27 Apr 2010 08:50 PM PDT The draft is over and the grades are in. I'm not a huge fan of giving a draft a grade immediately after so included a few analysts who didn't give a grade. The reviews for the Jets were fairly positive, considering they only made four picks. Later in the week I'll give my own opinion on the Jets draft. Mel Kiper Jr.- ESPN
Peter King- SI
Charlie Casserly- CBS Sports
Walter Cherepinsky- Walter Football
Nolan Nawrocki- Pro Football Weekly
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| Food for thought from the Vikings Draft weekend Posted: 27 Apr 2010 08:40 PM PDT After reading this article by Vikes Geek regarding the Vikings use (or perhaps mis-use) of their high round draft picks, well, I got to thinking… which is scary. In the article, Vikes Geek theorizes that the Vikings would have been better off giving up their first and third round picks on Patriots restricted free agent Logan Mankins. His opinion is based off of the simplified view that the Vikings really only got Chris Cook and Toby Gerhart in exchange for their top three picks. Under his plan, they would have landed a Pro Bowl caliber guard in his prime and still had a second round pick to use as they pleased. I will disagree that all the Vikings got were Gerhart and Cook, as part of the trade with Detroit also resulted in the Vikings moving up far enough in the fourth round to land defensive end Everson Griffen, who was widely regarded as a big steal at that point. Plus, they used the additional seventh rounder on tight end Mickey Shuler. Furthermore, the money given Mankins would almost undoubtedly far exceed the financial commitment given to our three new rookies combined. Putting aside the nuances of which trades resulted in what and how financial details would affect our cap space when/if a cap is ever reinstituted; Vikes Geek makes a whole lot of sense. Here is a combination of restricted free agents that I came up with if we used our first three picks to land proven players entering their prime: - Left Tackle Jared Gaither, Age 24, First Round Level - Cornerback Richard Marshall, Age 25, Second Round Level - Guard Evan Mathis, Age 28, Third Round Level This would still leave the Vikings with five late round picks to find a running back and reserve special teamers. I'm not saying I 100% agree with this approach, and time will reveal whether or not the Vikings drafted well, but adding the three guys listed above instead of adding Gerhart and Cook sure would be tempting to a team that was only a coin flip away from the Super Bowl. What say you all? Do you think this would have been a better approach? Do you have a better combination of restricted free agents? Let me know in the comments section. |
| Cardinals Dockett at Final Workout before Minicamp Posted: 27 Apr 2010 07:26 PM PDT
Darren Urban of the Cards' official website reported that Pro Bowler Darnell Dockett has finally reported to the Cardinals' facility. Dockett participated in strength and condition coach John Lott's last workout before Minicamp starts. Dockett stated that he plans to stick around for the remainder of the Cardinals' activities whether they are voluntary or mandatory, but Urban is skeptical. It's no secret that Dockett has been less than enthused about his contract situation, which has kept him distant from the Cardinals during the past few offseasons. The team co-sack leader from 2009 also opined on the recent roster moves. He stated:
Dockett also commented on whether he feels he'll need to assume a larger role in terms of leadership:
Dockett's is signed through the 2011 season, but unless the Cardinals address the issue with sincerity it will become a major storyline and headache. Dockett, like Dansby, will likely go to whichever team offers him the most money with little or no hometown discount going to the Cardinals. The closer Dockett gets to free agency the stronger his determination will likely be to hit the open market. If the Cards have any hope of not spending huge dollars on him they will most likely have to sign him before the 2011 offseason. |
| Giving some grades to the Browns for their draft picks Posted: 27 Apr 2010 03:42 PM PDT
First Round 7th Pick Joe Haden A- Browns needed help in the secondary and Haden can step in next season and make a difference. Haden didn't give up a Touchdown in college and can be that shutdown corner back the Browns have lacked for many years. If the Browns would of landed Eric Berry I would of gave them an A+, but with him off the board they did the next best thing and drafted Haden. 2nd Round 38th Pick T.J Ward C+ The Browns decided to fill a need at safety instead of drafting best available, which I can't argue with, but with Sergio Kindle on the board and landing in our division it makes me wonder. T.J. Ward is a hitter and hopefully will make opponents fear going over the middle. There is no question about Wards' hitting ability, but is he going to be able to cover when needed? Wards, injury history is a question mark with drafting him so high. After all that, I do like the pick and think Ward could be mainstay in the Browns secondary for years to come. 2nd Round 59th pick Montario Hardesty C+ The Browns gave up two fifth round picks for this player because of the thinking that Hardesty wouldn't be available in the third round. Hardesty, a hard nosed runner out of Tennessee was a major role in the Volunteer offense last season. Hardesty also with injury problems was drafted to make an impact next season for the Browns. Hardesty is going to be the hard nosed running back we have been lacking for many years.
Colt McCoy A+ The Texas Quarterback was believed to be drafted in the second round. The Browns had three chances to take McCoy and finally took him in the third round. McCoy is a born leader and I really believe is going to be a great Quarterback for our Cleveland Browns. McCoy can play the position the right way and be a leader on and off the field. 3rd Round 92nd pick Shawn Lauvao B+ Lauvao adds instant depth to the Browns offensive line. Everyone is raving how smart Lauvao is and what a high character person he is. Lauvao is a great addition to the Cleveland Browns family. 5th Round 160th pick Larry Asante B+ The Browns selected another safety in the 5th round from Nebraska. Asante started 36 of 39 games for the Corn huskers. Asante adds depth to the secondary and should help the Cleveland Browns defense. 6th Round 177th pick Carlton Mitchell A Carlton Mitchell has tons of raw talent and size. Mitchell was projected to go higher in the draft but slipped into the six round for the Browns to grab him. I like Mitchell and am interested in seeing how he fits in next season. Mitchell can help the receivers next season and could grow into a nice NFL Wide Receiver. Where the Browns got this guy and with his potential, I love the pick. 6th Round 186th pick B+ Clifton Geathers This huge defensive tackle, from South Carolina comes from a football family and is a beast on the defensive side of the ball. The Browns added depth to the defensive line, Geathers is huge and should be able step in next season with his size and contribute. My overall grade for the Cleveland Browns 2010 draft is B+. The Browns got a lot better defensively and also added a talented Wide Receiver. The Browns were able to get Colt McCoy in the third round and will be to let him sit behind Delhomme. The Browns didn't add a young tight end where I thought they needed to. I like the Draft and hope this where it all turns around for our Cleveland Browns. Go Browns and Destination Super Bowl…. |
| Taking a gander back at the Bengals 2010 Draft Posted: 27 Apr 2010 03:39 PM PDT
With the final picks in, and teams putting together their free-agent lists, let's take a look back at the nine picks the Bengals made over the last three days and how they may help the team to success in 2010. Round One: Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma No surprises here. Gresham is the consensus number one tight end in this draft, and the team needed one desperately. Gresham is a dynamic pass-catcher who was extremely productive in college. In addition, he is a solid in-line blocker, something the team needs from their tight end in Bob Bratkowski's offense. Gresham was the right choice here, though some may have preferred Dez Bryant at this spot. Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Two: Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida Despite concerns relative to off-field issues and an inconsistent motor, Dunlap's athleticism and talent were a great value in the second round. Many had Dunlap as a late first round pick, and he's drawn comparisons to Javon Kearse and last year's third round pick, Michael Johnson. Dunlap recorded 19.5 sacks and four blocked kicks in Gainesville, and can slide inside on obvious passing downs. Overall, Dunlap is considered a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect, but worth the pick at the end of round two. Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Three (a): Jordan Shipley, WR Texas A friend of current Bengal and former Texas WR Quan Cosby, Shipley may very well take his spot on the roster. Shipley is very polished, runs excellent routes, has outstanding hands, and perhaps most important in relation to Cosby, is an accomplished punt returner. The 25-year old Shipley put up huge numbers in 2009 for the undefeated longhorns. Look for Shipley to make an immediate impact on special teams and from the slot, where he may surpass Andre Caldwell as the reliable check-down option Carson Palmer's been looking for since TJ Houshmandzadeh departed.
Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Three (b): Brandon Ghee, DB Wake Forest The Bengals ended Ghee's misery by selecting him at the end of round three, allowing the last prospect attending the draft to make his way to the stage. Despite having only one interception during his career as a Demon Deacon, Ghee has the size and speed to be an elite NFL corner. A sure tackler, some view Ghee as a Safety at the NFL level, though in listening to defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle, he'll primary start out as competition to Morgan Trent as nickel corner. Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Four (a): Geno Atkins, DT Georgia Clearly one of the Bengals' favorite college programs, the team snags another Georgia Bulldog in Atkins. Smallish for a DT, Atkins makes up for it with exceptional quickness and was highly productive. Look for Atkins to push Pat Sims for time in the tackle rotation. Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Four (b): Roddrick Muckelroy, LB Texas A bit of a head-scratcher for this observer, the team seems to have plenty of good linebackers, particularly at Muckelroy's projected spot: Will. Nonetheless, the former Longhorn will have an opportunity to stick on special teams and will be able to challenge for a spot on the defense during the pre-season. Could this be preparations for a post-Dhani Jones era in the linebacker corps? Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Five: Otis Hudson, OG, Eastern Illinois The team definitely needed to add depth and youth to the interior offensive line, and the pick of Hudson was the first of two players added there. Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander loves Hudson size and work ethic, and could be the heir apparent to Bobbie Williams at RG. Based upon pre-draft publications, he may have been a reach. Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Six: Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas The Bengals were surprised to see the Jayhawk still available in the sixth, and called his name despite crowding the wide-out corps even more. Briscoe was incredibly productive under Mike Mangino, slipping down draft boards due to a slow forty time and questions about his off-field behavior. Marvin Lewis mentioned that the team has a very good relationship with Mangino, and had better insight into the young man's transgressions than perhaps other teams did. One thing is certain: Briscoe has the kind of size (6-3, 200+) the team covets. Even if Briscoe washes out, there was exceptional value for him here. Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Round Seven: Reggie Stephens, G-C, Iowa State More depth for the interior offensive line, Stephens brings a great deal of flexibility and experience, having played all three interior line spots, and having started since his freshman year. Stephens slid in part due to the lackluster offense at Iowa State, but with his size he should be able to at least make the practice squad come July. Another great value pick. Draft Publication Rankings for position:
Analysis:Good playmakers added to the offense. Gresham alone will help open things up for Carson Palmer and provide more play-calling flexibility for Bob Bratkowski. Shipley and Briscoe may also provide quality snaps and will certainly push Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson. More Beef: Hudson and Stephens provide depth behind Bobbie Williams, Kyle Cook, Evan Mathis, and Nate Livings. Stephens could supplant Jonathan Luig as Cook's back-up. More Horses For Zim: Mike Zimmer got additions at all three levels of the defense, with Dunlap being the gem of the bunch. Zimmer has been trying to get more pass rush for a while, and Dunlap and Atkins can both help in that area. No Safeties: While the team may add one or two safeties from the undrafted pool, the fact that the team didn't get one at any point in the draft is a mild surprise, especially as some considered it to be a top-3 need. Ghee may have some potential here. No Fullbacks: The team did not draft a fullback, and have not re-signed Jeremi Johnson. Who they bring in to compete with Fui Vakapuna will be an interesting story to follow in the weeks ahead. Guys who should go month-to-month on Cincinnati leases: Jerome Simpson, Dan Coats, and Dan Stantucci. Too many new options makes their future in the Queen City doubtful. |
| Some quality photos of new Redskins QB Donovan McNabb Posted: 27 Apr 2010 03:25 PM PDT
The Redskins Blog just posted several "official" high resolution images of Donovan McNabb in his new uniform. Check the rest out here – just knowing that Jason Campbell won't accidentally slip into the frame has me feeling pretty fantastic about them, regardless. |
| Cowboys ink OG Montrae Holland to a two-year deal Posted: 27 Apr 2010 03:22 PM PDT Dallascowboys.com is reporting that offensive guard Montrae Holland has signed a two year deal with the Cowboys. Holland, came from Denver during the 08/09 season. Holland was signed for depth on the line, but with his size and power he was expected to challenge for a starting spot. It is not too late for that dream for Holland. With current starter Kyle Kosier getting up in years Holland will have a good chance to prove he is the right guy to take over. The terms of the deal were not released and is, technically, not even official, but is expected to be made official later today. Holland was the Cowboys only unrestricted free agent from last year and he has decided to return. |
| A review of the Rams 2010 Draft Posted: 27 Apr 2010 03:21 PM PDT
As a few days have past, I think it is a good time to think about the Rams draft in a broad sense. The Rams obviously had the first pick and turned it into the new face of their franchise in quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford will get paid more than all the rest of the draft picks combined and his success or failure will dwarf that of all the other draft picks successes and failures. Such is the nature of the #1 overall selection and such is the nature of the quarterback position in the NFL. There are a lot of differing opinions on Sam Bradford's viability in the NFL. But, this much is clear, he's got great intangibles for a quarterback and he has NFL-quality accuracy. I also loved this note by Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in his daily blog:
The Rams also picked 11 other players over the weekend, so let's take a look at what they bring to the table after the jump!
In my opinion, Rodger Saffold is a great pick for the Rams offensive line. He wasn't a weapon in the literal sense, however, two things could happen. He could light a fire under Mr. Barron at left tackle and Barron plays solidly at left or right tackle and Saffold slides over to the hole at right guard. Additionally, if Saffold unseats Barron at either tackle spot, that gives Rams fans one less "groan-worthy" penalty a game. Barron was the 5th worst tackle in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, and was hurt mostly by his penalties. Jerome Murphy is a perfect corner for Steve Spagnuolo's press coverage defense. He joins last year's 3rd round pick Bradley Fletcher in a competition to start alongside Ron Bartell. Since Fletcher is returning from injury, that was a good coverage selection for the Rams. With their next pick the Rams selected spark plug wide receiver Mardy Gilyard. Mardy is one of those players who saves his best for game day and is a dynamic returner. He does not add a different size and shape look for the Rams at the wide receiver position, but he adds the after the catch dynamics that the Rams did not have in their WR corps before. Gilyard is a ball player and should be very successful in the Rams west coast offense. I'll group the rest of the defensive ends together: Hall Davis, Eugene Sims and George Selvie. Selvie certainly has the biggest profile of the 3, but the other two are the most toolsy and raw. Selvie's stock dropped when he picked up some nagging injuries and was double and triple teamed by the opposition. George Selvie should have a CJ Ah You type impact in the preseason and early in the regular season as the Rams use him when he can be most successful. The Rams also selected 2 tight ends in the draft, one a blocker and one a former basketball player who they will attempt to mold in the Antonio Gates role. Michael Hoomanawanui is a big blocking tight end that some Rams fans are familiar with from his time with Illinois. Fendi Onobun is the athletic tight end that really has me excited. His upside is as big, strong and fast as Antonio Gates. He will need time to learn some fundamentals of the NFL tight end position, but don't be surprised if he comes out of nowhere to have a gigantic season in 2-3 years. The Rams added Marquis Johnson out of Alabama, who played outside corner against the 2nd receivers for Alabama. He's accomplished at breaking up passes as he was thrown at a lot as opposing offenses avoided first round pick Kareem Jackson. Considering the Rams were down to the bottom of the barrel in the secondary late in 2009, Johnson is a welcome addition. With their last pick, the Rams drafted solid tackling linebacker Josh Hull. Hull is a linebacker from Linebacker U (Penn State), who should be a great special teams player and should have the ability to back up James Laurainits at MLB for years. All in all, I'm optimistic about this draft. They have a lot of guys that fit into the Rams system and they spent 3 of their first 4 picks on the beleaguered offense. The two biggest pieces on the Rams offense are quarterback Sam Bradford and running back Steven Jackson. By investing more in the offensive line, they are protecting those valuable assets and I think that makes all the sense in the world. The Rams also added a bunch of quality depth and toolsy players to the defense which should give Coach Spagnuolo some "coaching up" to do in the rookie minicamps, OTAs and training camps. |
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