Magnificent Seven: The End of Round One
Kids’ bedtimes took me away from the computer and draft coverage. So, I’m going rapid-fire for these Final Seven. Let’s rock and roll. #26: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh to Kansas City (Baltimore’s clock had expired) — Cassel and Bowe get much-needed help #27: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado to Baltimore — I thought he’d end up […]
No. 26: Ravens Selects — They Pass
The Ravens saw the clock expire, putting Kansas City on the clock. More to come …
No. 25: Seattle Selects James Carpenter
At No. 25, Seattle drafted an offensive lineman, James Carpenter, out of Alabama. He stands nearly 6-foot-5 and weighs 320 pounds. He played at left tackle and has the physicality to slow down the bull rush off of the edge and the beef to get the ground game rolling. Does this mean that Matt Hasselbeck […]
No. 24: New Orleans Selects Cameron Jordan
Jordan is a fantastic addition to the New Orleans front. He’s versatile – working out of the interior or off of the edge. He has a the ability to dominate off of the edge and impressed everywhere during Senior Bowl week. He’s got a big motor and a nose for the ball. The Falcons bolstered […]
No. 23: Philadelphia Selects Danny Watkins Out of Baylor
Roger Goodell returned to the stage with a host of military personnel as the strains of “God Bless the USA” filled Radio City Music Hall. The chants of “USA! USA!” united a crowd, if only for a minute. Danny Watkins out of Baylor then gets the call. He’s a 26-year old player out of British […]
No. 22: Indianapolis Selects Anthony Costanzo
Rule #1: Keep Peyton Manning upright. Costanzo is only the second OL drafted in the first round during the Bill Polian era. He stands 6-foot-7 and weighs over 300 pounds. He demonstrates superior technique and has the versatility to play several positions. There was some talk about defensive help, but it’s all about protecting #18 […]
No. 21: Cleveland Selects Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
The Browns selected Phil Taylor of the Baylor Bears, as announced by Madden cover man, Peyton Hillis. Taylor stands 6-foot-4 and weighs over 350 pounds. He’ll plug the middle and make things difficult for the run-heavy Pittsburgh and Baltimore attacks. I like the attitude in the middle. Next up: Indianapolis
No. 20: Tampa Bay Selects Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Another Big 10 player joins the party with the selection of Clayborn to bolster the Tampa Bay front. The Buccaneers added Gerald McCoy last season, and he was becoming a consistent, dominating force prior to his injury. Clayborn does have the question of stamina confronting him at the next level – his shoulder strength is […]
No. 19: New York Giants Select Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
I was starting to formulate a theory about 20th pick for Tampa Bay, but New York stepped in to grab Prince Amukamara out of Nebraska. The New York pass defense ranked ninth against the pass, but ceded 24 passing touchdowns. Cornerback play, combined with Eli Manning’s huge interception count, contributed to much of the angst […]
No. 18: San Diego Selects Corey Liuget
At 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, Liuget has the size to clog up the middle. He’s a solid defender against the run and recorded 12.5 tackles for loss for the Illini. The Chargers ranked fourth against the run last season (93.8 yards per game), but surrendered 14 rushing touchdowns. Next up: New York Giants
No. 17: New England Selects Nate Solder
He stands 6-foot-9. Seriously, he’s got to stay low and drive to keep those passing lanes open. Solder is a converted tight end who used his hands well and learned quickly — he was a finalist for the Outland Trophy in 2010. The Patriots have a ton of picks, as you well know, so they’ll […]
No. 16: Washington Selects Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
Kerrigan is a great speed rusher who has a nose for the football. He forced fumbles regularly for the Boilermakers off of the edge and worked down the line beautifully to close-out runs from the backside. Next up: New England Is it Ingram or Cameron Jordan?
No. 15: Miami Selects Mike Pouncey
Pittsburgh used his brother as an anchor en route to a Super Bowl run last season. Pouncey can play as a guard or center (2010) at the next level. He certainly helps to upgrade this line and will start alongside Jake Long immediately. The Dolphins still need to address the quarterback slot and the running […]
No. 14: St. Louis Selects Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Quinn is a potential beast. Everything on the page gets you excited, and his 2009 season was chock-full of highlight moments. He is a tremendous pass rusher, brought in to work alongside Chris Long. Quinn registered 11 sacks as a sophomore and 52 tackles. Quinn was ruled ineligible for his junior year. He’s ready to […]
No. 13: Detroit Takes Nick Fairley, Auburn
Jay Cutler just felt a chill down his spine. The Lions just selected Nick Fairley to team with Ndamukong Suh. The quarterbacks and running games in the NFC North just took a step back. He slipped further than anticipated, but finds himself in a fantastic situation. Suh gets the bull rush up the front and […]
No. 11: Houston Selects J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
The Texans added help for Mario Williams and a beast up front to give some relief to a beleaguered secondary. Watt stands 6-foot-6 with a massive wingspan and great field presence. He routinely takes away passing lanes with his outstretched arms. The Houston offense hasn’t been the problem in the AFC South – it’s been […]
No. 10: Jacksonville Trades Up for Gabbert
The David Garrard era in Jacksonville is coming to an end. Jacksonville traded up to the tenth position to select Blaine Gabbert. He becomes the third quarterback selected in the first 10 picks. He’s a 6-foot-4, 235-pound experienced performer. Gabbert was expected to be one of the first five selections — and started to dip, […]
No. 9: Cowboys Select Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Tyron Smith goes to the Cowboys to bolster the offensive line and keep Tony Romo upright. He’s got a ridiculous wingspan and can manhandle defensive lineman. Smith stands 6-foot-5 and weighs about 310 pounds, a first-team All-Pac 10 performer. Next up: Washington Will the Blaine Gabbert watch end?
No. 5: Patrick Peterson to Arizona
Patrick Peterson out of LSU was selected fifth overall by Arizona. He teams with Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie to form a very interesting tandem. He may have been the player on the board. Peterson will work against Larry Fitzgerald day in and day out. There’s no better “trial by fire” opportunity on the board. Next up: Cleveland […]
No. 4: A.J. Green Sprints to Cincinnati
Chad Ochocinco has been very vocal in the past several days about his future in Cincinnati. He cited that Marvin Lewis has “been mean to him.” Remember, Ochocinco is in his final year of his deal, so I don’t suspect much changes here. A.J. Green was selected almost immediately to bolster the receiving corps. He’s […]
No. 3: Marcell Dareus Shuffles to Buffalo
The Bills took defensive end Marcell Dareus with the third pick in the NFL Draft. Chan Gailey has needs for his offense, but they needed a beast in the defensive front-seven to slow down Tom Brady and a growing Mark Sanchez. Dareus has a variety of techniques and will be a force immediately. Anyone who […]
No. 2: Von Miller Goes to Denver
Imagine getting that call …. Von Miller got his call in the green room and the emotions poured from him. That’s damn fine. Miller has an explosive first step and immediate upgrades the Denver defense, a unit that was torched with great regularity in 2010. He grades out brilliantly in terms of straight physicality. Remember, […]
With the First Pick ….
I wanted a little bit of drama … I didn’t get it. The coverage kicked off with images of a relieved Heisman Trophy winner getting off of the phone and smiling widely. Roger Goodell was roundly booed as he strode out onto the stage. He smiled and said “let’s get back to football,” and at […]
Mock Away: Looking at the First Round of the 2011 NFL Draft
The countdown clock is quickly winding to zero for one of the biggest events on the calendar. No, I’m not talking about the royal wedding that seems to have taken over the globe, although I am fearful of the number of times that the event will be referenced during this week’s true gem, the NFL […]
Andrew Luck Stays at Stanford: Will His Coach Do The Same?
On Thursday morning, I estimated that, as I saw it, there was a 99.8% chance that Andrew Luck would choose to ply his trade in the NFL next season. By Thursday afternoon, I was glad that I’d left that 0.2% possibility of him opting to remain in college for another season. Word came down Thursday […]