NFL GridIron Gab Daily Digest

#2: Lockette Looks The Part, But Can He Play The Part?

1. Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina - If not for injuries he would have been at least a Day 2 selection.
   
2. Ricardo Lockette, WR, Fort Valley State - Track star with top-end speed and #1 receiver-like build.  Project well worth the wait.  Dez Bryant-esque athleticism and size.  Once it comes time, I would pounce on the chance to sign him if I was an NFL GM.  Chomping at the bit.
3. Kendric Burney, CB, North Carolina – NFL Network draft guru Mike Mayock compared him to Chiefs CB Brandon Flowers.  One of the most impressive players during Senior Bowl practices.  Burney was Day 2 pick following sensational Junior campaign.  Was suspended for part of 2010.  Possesses elite ballhawking skills, jumping ability.  Can make in-air adjustments.  Bad 40-yard dash (plays faster) hurt his stock.
4. Terrence Toliver, WR, LSU – Tall possession receiver who will make a contribution somewhere.  Just a matter of time.
   
5. Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia – Super-quick and elusive scat back who can also return kicks exceptionally well.  Better as a Junior.  Next Darren Sproles? Devine’s Scouting Report
   
6. Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina – If he would have played as Senior there’s a chance he would have been gone by Day 2.
   
7. DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson – Eight picks as a Junior.  Knack for the football should make him a starter at some point in his career.  McDaniel’s Scouting Report
8. Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College – Heart, determination, and will to succeed.  Top-10 pick before unfortunate events.
   
9. Dane Sanzenbacher, WR, Ohio State – Wes Welker clone.  Tough as nails over the middle of the field.  Excellent hands.  Very quick.
   
10. Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M – Darkhorse Heisman Trophy candidate in 2010.  All the potential in the world.  Sky’s the limit.

Just Missed The Cut: Will Hill, S, Florida – Should have stayed for Senior year.  Would have been a top-rated safety.  Starting-caliber if given opportunity.

A Tough Guy Protecting Another Tough Guy

“I’m a physical, tough player who finishes plays.” – Gabe Carimi

• Offensive Line Status Upgraded: With the first-round selection of Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi, it's clear that the Bears felt the protection, not weaponry, surrounding Jay Cutler was the main problem concerning the offense.  Especially, when you take into consideration the fact of the matter that Mike Martz's offense is based around seven-step drops and receivers running lengthy routes to find the opening – you could argue the team’s fifth to last ranked pass offense was more fluke than reality in ’10.  You can also make a valid case that the 21st scoring offense will be near the top rather than the bottom in ’11.  First-year system, rag-tag offensive line playing out of position, and inexperienced receivers will make you look out of sync.  So, could it be that the receivers are good enough in this offense?  Only, if the offensive line gives #6 and those same receivers enough time to go to work and make plays.  Mike Tice will have his gang fighting and the line can only get better, right?

• Interior Defensive Line Looks Promising: I don't know if Anthony Adams is coming back as a Bear.  Frankly, I don't think it matters as much as some people think.  I say this because Henry Melton can be what the Bears need him to be, and then some.  He really improved as his sophomore season progressed – don't underestimate the power of Rod Marinelli.  Add Paea to the mix, and you have your starting defensive tackles set.

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Now that the draft is over, the Seahawks have to start thinking about what is going to happen at the QB spot for them in 2011 and beyond. There’s been a lot of talk as of late about Matt Hasselbeck NOT coming back in 2011, and even teams like the Niners and Cards (two NFC South teams) have reported interest in hi.

The Tennessean picked up a story about former Seahawk and now ESPN talking head Trent Dilfer, who seems to somehow already know that Hasselbeck will not be a bird (at least with the Hawks) in 2011.

One former Seahawks quarterback delivered some interesting news this morning regarding a current Seahawks quarterback. ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer said that veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck will not be returning to the Seattle next season, which would seem to open a door for the Titans to make a run at him. The front office has plenty of Seattle ties – with general manager Mike Reinfeldt, vice president of player personnel Ruston Webster and director of pro scouting Lake Dawson all having spent time in the Seahawks organization. Hasselbeck is 35 years old, but he started 14 regular-season games last season. His numbers for the regular season were not especially impressive – 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions but he perked up in the playoffs, completing 48 of 81 passes for 530 yards, with seven touchdowns, one interception and a 102.4 quarterback rating in two games.

In nine months, area officials must decide how much they’re willing to pay, and where the money will come from, to prevent the Rams from breaking their lease of the Edward Jones Dome according to Matthew Hathaway of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The Dome lease sets a Feb. 1 deadline for presenting the Rams with a financing plan on how to make the venue among the league’s best. “No one is losing sight of the lease and the fact that, pretty soon, we’ve all got to talk,” said Bob O’Loughlin, chairman of the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, which manages the Dome and is responsible for tackling one problematic provision in the Rams’ lease.

That’s the requirement that come 2015, the Dome must be a “top-tier” facility — one that’s superior to three-quarters of all NFL venues. It won’t be an easy bar to meet at a time when the newest, glitziest stadiums have broken the billion-dollar mark.

The 2010 draft spoiled Patriots fans. It was the first year Belichick appeared to target specific needs and aim to fill them.

The Patriots needed a bruising inside linebacker, so they drafted the obvious choice Brandon Spikes. In need of an outside linebacker pass rusher, he picked Jermaine Cunningham. Then he filled in the void at TE by drafting the two best in the draft Gronkowski and Hernandez. If I remember correctly, these picks were as well received as any in Belichick's draft history. Some questioned the selection of McCourty, but that was because noone had heard of him, not because they didn't need a cornerback.

I think that draft created an atmosphere of expectation in New England. Entering this draft, for some reason, we sought more of the same–for Belichick to attack the needs at pass rush, fortify the offensive line and maybe get a runningback or a wide receiver. But really, the last two needs were secondary options in the minds of the fans. Expectation 1,2 and 3 for this draft was to get someone to scare opposing quarterbacks.

Instead, today we're the ones scared and confused because yesterday was the day we were supposed to get that pass rusher.Entering the draft, most people agreed that the Patriots strongest areas are their secondary and quarterback positions. Definitely. So why would they pick a cornerback Ras-I Dowling instead of Akeem Ayers, Brooks Reed, or  Jabaal Sheard, and then not take an outside linebacker later? It's a fact that they need a better pass rush. So where is that going to come from?

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The Jaguars know they need to get some defensive help in free agency according to John Oehser of Jaguars.com. Terry McDonough, director of player personnel said, "I don't know if you guys are going to ask about why didn't we take more defensive players, but I told defensive coordinatory Mel Tucker two days ago, I said, 'Mel, just relax. Trust what we're doing.’ It would have been a lot easier to sit up here and explain if we had unrestricted free agency before the draft.

It would have made more sense probably to you and everybody else. This was not a strong draft in my opinion in positions that we 'were looking for.' I didn't feel it was a strong cornerback draft even though there was a lot of numbers. I didn't feel it was a strong linebacker draft, and what Gene Smith and I try to stay away from is we have the needs, needs, needs and it might look good when we get our grades if we take the needed positions, but if that guy's not good enough and we reach to take a need, you're going to be needing that same position the next year and the year after because that guy's not going to be good enough.

General Manager Gene Smith said he expects the Jaguars to be active – and to be so primarily on defense. Smith said two-to-four players could be added during that time.

Denver never took a defensive tackle in the draft, despite it being its greatest need. It's no surprise Denver didn't take a defensive tackle on Saturday.

Once the second round passed, there weren't many quality prospects available and the rumor mill in Denver is already spinning a Kyle Orton-Albert Haynesworth trade. Washington needs a quarterback and Denver needs defensive tackle. Makes senses, would Denver want to pay Haynesworth?

I would have to say that paying Haynesworth, a guy that takes plays off and is a huge distraction is an issue that a young team that a new coach does not need. Stay away from Haynesworth, he’s not worth the time.

The Oakland Raiders calmly sat the entire first day and half waiting to select a pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Day two arrived and the Raiders were ready to make their moves to boost their offensive line and fix their secondary.

Not an exciting draft for the Raiders in day two but they did covered their primary needs. Raiders head coach Hue Jackson was very please about his selections in the draft and so far loves how the draft is turning in the Raiders favor. Maybe the team had a shot at big names like Ryan Mallet or DaQuan Bowers but the Raiders knew coming in the draft what was their plan and stuck to it.

The time came around for their first pick in the 2011 NFL draft and with 48th pick overall they selected a center that could fit right into their plan of improving the offensive line. The Raiders first selection was Stefan Wisniewski center out of Penn St. He is one of the top center's in this draft.

With considerable one of the worst lines in the NFL the Raiders knew they had to polish up their offensive line. Arguably the best player on the offensive-line guard Robert Gallery is a free agent. Leading him to explore options in the market once the NFL re-opens their doors and ends the lockout allowing free agency to occur.  This opened up the primary need in the offensive line.

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When we find out what teams will do in free agency, some of these awards will change.

Biggest Offensive Upgrade (this is an award you shouldn’t get too boastful of, because it probably indicates an offense that isn’t good)
1. Jacksonville (QB Blaine Gabbert, WR Cecil Shorts III).
2. Atlanta (WR Julio Jones, RB Jacquizz Rodgers).
3. Miami (RB Daniel Thomas, WR Edmond Gates).

Best Job Addressing Needs
1. Washington. Ryan Kerrigan is a hard-working player some think was taken out of position (DE being asked to stand up in Washington’s defense). He’s a dynamic, physical player who they’ll figure out how to use. They won’t lack explosiveness on offense this year, with 3rd and 6th round steals Leonard Hankerson and Aldrick Robinson (a favorite of NFL Films’ Greg Cosell).
2. Buffalo. I thought the Dareus pick was an unfortunate one. I think Dareus will be great but it’s easier to coach a defensive tackle picked later into eventually contributing to a Super Bowl-contending team than it is to find a guy like Patrick Peterson. You can’t teach closing speed, instincts, and hand-eye coordination. That said, the Bills addressed every need and could be a contender soon. I would have liked another receiver for them but they got one in last year’s draft – Marcus Easley – who could be good but hasn’t played yet.
3. Houston. So many defensive picks for a team whose offense generally only fails in big moments or because of injuries or lack of rhythm coming back from injuries.

Worst Job Addressing Needs
1. Detroit. One late-round LB, no OL, no CB, no FS. Amari Spievey + Alphonso Smith + Brandon McDonald + Lions pass protection = last place. This isn’t Madden, this isn’t two-hand touch with some friends. At some point after the second round, you have to stop taking BPA if your team has monolithic weaknesses. When you pick players for a casual game of football, you are looking at who the biggest athletes are. In the NFL, you can only play so many players at one position. Are the Lions intending Nick Fairley to drop into coverage when teams go max protect and neutralize him and Suh?
2. Arizona. Even if they aren’t the worst offensive line in football, all the other bad ones (Dallas, Denver, Buffalo, Chicago, Minnesota, Washington, Baltimore) except Detroit addressed theirs at least by the 5th round. Arizona drafted zero.
3. Chicago. No WR. No CB. Are the Bears going to convert another cornerback to wide receiver (still waiting for that Devin Hester breakout season)? Did Jerry Angelo know he could draft wide receivers, he just wasn’t allowed to trade them? The Bears didn’t get substantially better. Tim Jennings will continue his “pull on the handwarmer” technique of guarding top receivers like Jordy Nelson.

Most Predictable Draft
1. Oakland (speed).
2. Chicago (ignoring WR and CB).
3. Tampa Bay (multiple edge rushers).

Most Underrated Draft
1. Minnesota. Every other team that took a major risk did it at the expense of their needs (Detroit taking Fairley and LeShoure, Atlanta trading away picks, New England taking Ryan Mallett instead of a corner or safety which was a good pick but still neglecting a need in favor of grooming a potential star). Minnesota got destroyed by some in the media for their big risk but it was the aggressive move to fix the most important position with the only guy left they felt comfortable fixing it with. It would have been a bigger risk to trade down and try to get Ponder, but I don’t think they would have gotten him much later so that would have been a stupid risk. The lack of teams trading up for Dalton tells me that Spielman wasn’t lying when he said no one would trade with him and it also tells me that other teams wanted to trade up for Ponder because they also thought more highly of him than Dalton.
2. Kansas City. The Chiefs got offensive and defensive playmakers and a solid back-up QB in Ricky Stanzi.  OG Rodney Hudson and CB Jalil Brown were steals. Their pass rush should be upgraded now with Justin Houston and Allen Bailey.
3. (tie) Cleveland. Tom Heckert – with Holmgren – started out by beefing up the D-line (DT Phil Taylor and DE Jabaal Sheard), then took the most Boldin-esque receiver since Q himself in Greg Little.  The Browns’ last four picks featured some of the most intriguing and famous players on the board (OL Jason Pinkston is a guy some were high on, CB Buster Skrine ran a 4.29 40 at the Combine, former Stanford Cardinal FB-LB Owen Maricic, S Eric Hagg).
Seattle. Many in the media blasted the Seattle draft. They drafted for need. If they had picked up a size-speed receiver, they would have been #2 on this list.

Most Overrated Draft
1. Detroit. See above.
2. Carolina. Some in the media applauded the Panthers for making the “pick they had to make”, QB Cam Newton. I would have rolled the dice with another QB because of Matt Barkley, Case Keenum, Brandon Wheeden, and Andrew Luck next year. They should have taken Patrick Peterson.
3. Tampa Bay. It’s not that it’s bad but the way the analysts reacted was as if they got incredible value for Da’Quan Bowers when, in reality, his injury justifiably knocked him down the draft. I think that it was a great pick but it wasn’t early or late to take him and the Bucs were the non-playoff team with the fewest holes.

Biggest Surprises (I don’t want to call them reaches, it’s surprising who took them AND where)
1. RB Alex Green to the Packers in the 3rd.
2. WR Julio Jones to Atlanta for that many picks.
3. RB Stevan Ridley to the Patriots in the 3rd.

Greatest Steals (avoiding guys with major injury concerns)
1. The Cowboys’ WR Dwayne Harris: Round 6, Pick 176.
2. The Steelers’ DE Chris Carter: Round 5, Pick 162. The Ravens wanted him.
3. (tie) The Browns’ OL Jason Pinskston: Round 5, Pick 150.
The Bengals’ SS Robert Sands: Round 5, Pick 134.
The Broncos’ S Rahim Moore: Round 2, Pick 45. It’s not that he fell much, it’s that he’s a nearly surefire impact player mid-way through the second round.

Fantasy Matches
1. Blaine Gabbert and Dirk Koetter’s Jaguars offense. I predict that in his second year of starting, Gabbert will throw for close to 5000 yards. There are so many young weapons and – aside from Derek Cox, Tyson Alualu and an aging Mathis – their defense will have them always playing catch-up.
2. Mark Ingram and Sean Payton’s Saints offense. Mark’s underrated receiving ability will serve him good. His lack of fumbling and his ability to bust through tackles and shimmy his way for extra yardage makes me think he’ll be scoring a lot at the Superdome.
3. Julio Jones and Mike Mularkey’s Falcons offense. They’re going to score a lot of touchdowns and I wouldn’t be surprised if Jones gets more than White. I think Randall Cobb is an excellent match in Green Bay, given his work ethic and athleticism, for the Packer offense – maybe replacing Driver eventually – but the offense spreads the ball around too much for him to be a fantasy star. Jermichael Finley may have taken a hit in this draft when they picked up receiving TE D.J. Williams.

Fantasy Mismatches
1. A.J. Green and Jay Gruden’s Bengals offense. He plays in the AFC North, with a first-time coordinator, likely with a rookie quarterback and no legitimate running back. This offense will be stopped outside the red zone and will be groaning through growing pains too much for Green to have a big impact.
2. Taiwan Jones and the Raiders. The most explosive cornerback-turned-running back in the draft ends up on a team that already has two great running backs. It’s not a bad fit as much as I don’t think he’ll get carries.
3. Jonathan Baldwin and the Chiefs. Without Charlie Weis, I don’t think this offense will be as dynamic. Todd Haley struggled calling plays for Arizona (Kurt would often call them).

Follow me at: http://twitter.com/Chris_M_Bach

The last 48 hours have seen the dawn of a new day in Cincinnati.  For now, at least, things seem a little brighter in the Queen City.  Soak up the rays, my friends.  It's been a long road.  The last few months have seen a lot of fugly.

From the ashes of a dismal 2010 4-12 campaign, and the mushroom cloud left behind by Terrell Owens, things only seemed to get worse for Cincinnati.

First, there was that disjointed mess of a press conference announcing that, despite a myriad of differences, Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis would continue to piece together a working relationship. Two terrible liars smiled through some very tense moments to announce that they came to the conclusion that continuity is good (usually).  At least that was the argument at the time, and that was the argument used again as the team left with Bob Bratkowski for Senior Bowl duty with fans clamoring for his head on a spike.

After the game, the organization finally relented to appease the angry hoard.  Up-and-coming talent Jay Gruden was quickly installed in his place, with a reputation for offensive genius and quarterback-friendly schemes. The tribe had spoken. Viva la revolucion.

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