AFC West Draft Picks: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, & Chargers

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Denver Broncos Draft picks

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Round 1...#12... Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/images/knowshon_moreno.jpg

If he enters the 2009 NFL Draft he should be the first running back taken. Yes even ahead of Chris (Beanie) Wells from Ohio State. Moreno might not be as big and fast as Wells, but he is much more elusive and can make multiple tacklers miss in the open field. He is more athletic and has more wiggle in his giddy-up. Moreno runs with power and reckless abandon and his spin move is probably the best that I have seen since Barry Sanders. Moreno has excellent vision and runs as hard as any back in the country, he finished his runs similar to the Cowboys RB Marion Barber, can catch the ball very well out of the backfield and has shown to be very durable during his short career at Georgia. Needles to say, I like Moreno a lot and feel he will be a featured back for a very lucky NFL team. Here are some of his major accolades.
*Named 1-of-3 finalists for the Doak Walker Award
*Named 1-of-15 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award
*In the SEC, ranks 1st in rushing yards per game (111.5), 1stin scoring TDs (17), 1st in all purpose yards (141.4) and 2nd inscoring (8.5 pts/g)*SEC-leading seven 100-yard rushing games this year; 13 in hiscareer, which ranks tied-3rd all-time at UGA*Leads the Bulldogs with 1,338 rushing yards on 227 carries (5.9per attempt and 111.5 per game) and has 16 rushing TDs*Has gained 779 of his rushing yards after contact
*Ranks third on the team in receiving with 27 passes caught for329 yards (12.2 avg.) and a TD*Became only the second Bulldog in school history to rush for1,000 yards in two-straight seasons (Herschel Walker did it allthree of his years at UGA, 1980-82).*His 2,672 career rushing yards rank 4th at UGA
*Has gained 1,338 rushing yards this season behind astarting offensive line primarily consisting of three freshmen andtwo sophomores*Gained 1,334 yards in 2007 behind a starting offensive linemade up of three freshmen and two seniors*Named SEC Offensive Player of the Week for performancesagainst LSU (21x163, one TD), Central Michigan (18x168, 3TD’s), and against Vanderbilt (23x172, one TD).

*Named Preseason All-America 1st Team by ESPN.com, CBSsports.com, The Sporting News, Lindy’s, Athlon, Phil Steele and Blue Ribbon



Round 1...#18 (from Bears)... Robert Ayers DE Tennessee

Senior

Tennessee

6’ 3” 274 lbs.

Strengths: Size, Strength, Anchor, Versatility

Weaknesses: Production, Closing Speed, Tackling, Pass Rush Moves

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2009_NFL_Draft/RobertAyers.jpg

Robert Ayers half-season jump in improvement from his first three years raises serious red flags about him. He has great size and a decent burst but is his production just an aberration or has he finally turned the corner? NFL teams will have to take that into consideration when contemplating Ayers. Personally, I’m quite skeptical about players with so short a period of playing at a high level.
A high school LB, Ayers grew into the DE role at Tennessee and his growth may have contributed to his lack of impact at the college level. He backed up Parys Haralson in 2006, and then backed up Antonio Reynolds in 2007. 2008 was finally Ayers chance to shine and shine he did… for half the season at least.
Ayers seemed to be good for a TFL a game, but he did not take over games and dominate. He had 3 TFL, 7 tackles, his first and only INT and no sacks in a loss to Georgia, 2 TFL in a close loss to Wyoming, had 3 TFL and 2 sacks against Vanderbilt, probably his best game, but then had only one TFL to close out the year in a win over Kentucky.. He was consistently good, but never overly great. For his career, Ayers appeared in 48 games but only started 14 of those, with 12 coming in 2008. He totaled 113 tackles, 31.5 TFL and a mere 9 sacks. Despite coming off the bench in 2007, Ayers led Tennessee with 12 TFL and 4 sacks. He again led the team in TFL in 2008 with 15.5 but was second on the team with only 3 sacks.
As a run stopper, Ayers has the potential to be elite. He anchors well, uses his hands to get off blocks and locates the ball quickly. He can be an imposing obstacle for runners heading in his direction and he has proven adept at making plays behind the line. He moves down the line and will give chase to the sideline but he lacks the speed to cause havoc so far from the line of scrimmage. He has a decent burst and can vary his speed to create confusion.
As far as rushing the passer goes though, Ayers may be better off moving inside and playing against guards. As a tackle his anchor ability will not be as best utilized as it is on the edge but it’s a trade off to get better pass rushing production. He possesses few pass rush moves outside of varying his speed and has little closing speed to the quarterback. Tennessee moved him around to create mismatches but that won’t be as easy in the pros. Ayers also has character concerns stemming from an arrest for aggravated assault in 2005 but is said to have become a leader for the Tennessee Volunteers since then.
Yes Ayers has the size teams want in a DE, but after that, Ayers lacks many of the physical traits to be a special player. That’s not to say he can’t be serviceable in a particular role, but he will never be an upper echelon pass rusher. He could find a home in a 3-4 defense thanks to his anchor ability or he could be moved inside. Either way, you’re not getting a pass rusher.

A second opinion: Robert Bryant Says:
I see him Ayers with serious NFL ability and a huge upside. He has improved tremendous in basically just one short year and he dominated some excellent talent at the senior bowl. Ayers is strong, explosive and very athletic. Probably he and LSU's Tyson Jackson are the only sure fire starters in this draft (as a 34 End), so if you need one you better get one of those two guys in the 2009 NFL Draft.


Round 2...#37 (acquired from Seahawks)... Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest

Round 2...#48 (from Texans)... Darcel McBath S Texas Tech

Round 2...#64 (acquired from Steelers)... Richard Quinn TE North Carolina

Round 4...#114... David Bruton S Notre Dame

Round 4...#132 (from Steelers)... Seth Olsen OG Iowa

Round 5...#141 (From Browns through Eagles)...Kenny McKinley WR South Carolina

Round 6...#174 (From Lions)... Tom Brandstater QB Fresno State

Round 7...#225... Blake Schueter C TCU

Round 7...#235 (from Falcons)...

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Kansas City Chiefs Draft picks

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Round 1...#3... Tyson Jackson DE LSU

Ht: 6’4

Wt: 295

Strengths: Size, Versatility, Athleticism, quickness

Weaknesses: Strength, consistency, motor, desire

LSU

Senior

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/images/Tyson%20Jackson2.jpg

A disappointing 2007 season forced Tyson Jackson back to school but has given him another opportunity to shine in LSU’s defense. Jackson saw his sack total drop from 8.5 in 2006 to 3.5 in 2007 despite playing alongside Glenn Dorsey. He’s far from flashy and is not going to be a big playmaker, but he offers teams a reliable run stopper and a versatile big body capable of flip-flopping positions and schemes with ease.
Jackson garnered a Second Team All-SEC selection by coaches after breaking out in 2006 with 8.5 sacks and 10 TFL. He was an unknown quantity at the time and defenses paid little attention to him with Dorsey to contend with. His early success had more to do with dealing with little pressure and expectations than any real pass rushing ability. So once his name started popping up in conversations and people started paying more attention (like opposing offenses), Jackson got shut down against the pass.
His game is not based on bringing down quarterbacks, he’s just not that type of end. Jackson is a force against the run and can use his size and strength to over power tackles outside. Teams regularly run away from his side and are always conscious of where he is on the field. His best attributes are his size and versatility. He can play end in either the 4-3 or 3-4 as well as shift inside to tackle. While he’s not real ground breaking, his versatility is getting rarer in a age of 250-lbs defensive ends. He shows the ability to shed blocks quickly and would be a real problem for interior lineman if he learns some more moves. To compensate for pass rush deficiencies, Jackson uses his height and long arms to get in passing lanes and has been credited with 14 pass breakups the last two seasons, including 10 last year. He doesn’t post big numbers (his career high in tackles is eight but he needed a triple OT game against Kentucky to do it) but ask any o-lineman and they will tell that he makes a tremendous impact on every game.
He will get knocked down boards due to his average speed and explosiveness but if that’s not what you’re looking for than it shouldn’t matter. A good position coach will teach him some new tricks and he has the skill to become at least an average pass rusher. He’s a full sized, versatile defensive end and could play in any style of defense.
Jackson needs to get into the weight room, get stronger and improve his conditioning. He just doesn't play with enough effort and emotion, he takes plays off and at times just goes through the motions. Some wonder how important football is to him. Saying that, if he stays healthy and turns up his effort and production his senior season. He could emerge as a legitimate top 10 selection in the 2009 NFL Draft.
I’m sure a bunch of ends with flashy statistics will get drafted well ahead of Jackson, but it would not surprise me to see him play the longest. He is just too good against the run to drop past round 2, he’s big, but don’t expect him to be an up field playmaker and you wont be disappointed.



Round 3...#67... Alex Magee DT Perdue

Round 4...#102... Donald Washington CB Ohio State

Round 5...#139... Colin Brown OT Missouri

Round 6...#175... Quinten Lawrence WR McNeese State

Round 7...#212... Javarris Williams RB Tennessee State

Round 7...#237 (From Panthers through Dolphins)... Jake O'Connell TE

Round 7...#256 (Compensatory pick)...Ryan Succop K South Carolina

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Oakland Raiders Draft picks

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Round 1...#7... Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Height: 6' 2"

Weight: 210

Junior

Maryland

Speed: 4.30

Strengths: Size, speed athletic ability

Weakness: Experience, production

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/images/DarriusHeyward-Bey.jpg

Wow what a speed daemon. At the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine, Bey ran a blazing 4.30 forty which was the fastest run from all the prospects in the entire combine.
Physically, Maryland junior receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey is probably the top athlete at his position available this year. He is an early candidate for the fastest 40-time at this month’s combine and at 6’3” 205lbs, he changes direction like someone much smaller. No possession receiver this guy, Heyward-Bey is a true deep threat that will stretch defenses and be a force in the red zone with his great leaping ability and body control.
Finishing third in Maryland history with 138 receptions, 2nd in receiving yards with 2,089, and tied for third in TD catches with 13, his production says Maryland has a very poor history at wide receiver. Wait, that wasn’t my point. It says that Heyward-Bey is a great athlete that has the burst to separate from corners out of his breaks and did a lot with a little in his 3 seasons. Maryland doesn’t have the best QB history either.
Heyward-Bey was named First Team Freshman All-America and 2nd Team All-ACC by Sportingnews and Rivals.com in 2006 and earned an honorable mention All-America choice by Pro Football Weekly in 2007. 2008 say him earn another honorable mention All-ACC Conference from the Media. He led Maryland in receptions in each of his three years while setting a team freshman record with 694 receiving yards.
A near sure fire bet to run a sub-4.4 forty, Heyward-Bey is one of college football’s best athletes. He uses his size and long arms to great effect and bursts off the line of scrimmage. His ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls has created some highlight reel catches, both crossing the middle of the field and along the sideline. Defenders have a hard time getting clean shots at him in the open field as he really knows how to make himself small and he bursts back to top speed after pulling even the toughest moves. He high points the ball very well and will hold onto the ball after taking a big hit. He tracks the ball on deep routes and interestingly has a slight burst on deep routes that allows him to get under overthrown balls that nearly any other receiver would have no shot at. He’s an inconsistent blocker but he can push around the corner when he wants to.


With no other reliable receiver, not to mention an overmatched offensive line and poor quarterbacks (How the hell did Maryland win 7 games and a Bowl?), Heyward-Bey had the full attention of every secondary and RB Da-Rel Scott took a beating on his way to 1,133 yards and 8 TD, the duo carrying the Terps offense.
Scouts we’re looking for Heyward-Bey to take a big leap forward in his route-running and his consistency. With how great an athlete he is, Heyward-Bey has always been able to use his sheer explosiveness to create plays. The finer points of his game have not caught up to his potential and 2008 was no different. He can make spectacular catches, ones that few other receivers can make, but he still drops his fair share of the easy ones. His route running has taken only tiny steps forward each year and unless he makes it a point to improve in the pros it will be a while before he sees the field. He dances too much and could use his size more downfield.
His numbers at the combine were mind boggling and will probably cause some team to gamble that they can ‘coach him up’. Heyward-Bey has the potential to be great, but he has to prove he’s not just a track star in pads. Being the focal point of defenses since his first year really opened eyes and we’ve seen some great things from over the years but we haven’t seen the major improvements to his game that he’s capable of. Maybe the NFL brings the best out of him but right now he’s a much better athlete than football player. Teams should be wary of spending too high a pick on his physical skills.



Round 2...#40... Traded to Patriots

Round 2...#47 (from chargers through patriots) ... Michael Mitchell DB Ohio University

Round 3...#71... Matt Shaugnessy DE Wisconsin

Round 4...#124 (from Patriots)... Louis Murphy WR Florida

Round 4...#126 (from Dolphins)... Slade Norris OLB Oregon State

Round 6...#199... (from Patriots) Stryker Sulak DE Missouri

Round 6...#202 (from Raiders)... Brandon Myers TE Iowa

Round 7...#216...

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San Diego Chargers Draft picks

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Round 1...#16... Larry English LB Northern Illinois

Senior
Ht: 6ʼ2
Wt: 254 lbs
Strengths: Speed, Athleticism, Short Area Quickness, Recognition Skills, Aggressiveness
Weaknesses: Strength, Size, Competition


http://www.nfldraftdog.com/images/Larry_English.jpg


Two time Mid-American Conference MVP (2007 and 2008) and reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Larry English has been terrorizing opponents and has racked up some very impressive numbers. Between English taking the MAC MVP trophy the last two years and NIU RB Garrett Wolfe winning the award in 2006, the Huskies have dominated the leagueʼs top hardware.
The stats speak for themselves when it comes to Larry English: 78 tackles, 7 TFL and 1 sack in 2005; 51 tackles, 16 TFL, 12 sacks and a 1st Team All-MAC selection in 2006; 67 tackles, 17 TFL, 10.5 sacks, an MVP trophy and another 1st Team All-MAC selection in 2007; 37 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 8 sacks and MAC MVP and Defensive Player of the Year recognition in 2008, despite being the most feared defender in the league and seeing plenty of double- and triple-teams on almost every play. Thatʼs 31.5 sacks and 54.5 TFL in his career. Impressive does not even come close. He made a splash in his very first game in college, racking up for total tackles against a good Maryland team before hurting his knee and missing the rest of the season.
His play over the last three years and his great showing all week long at the Senior Bowl have English being touted as a potential 1st round pick in Aprilʼs draft.
While his numbers are slightly inflated by his level of competition, few players have dominated like English. Heʼs smart and aggressive and doesnʼt take plays off. He recognizes plays at the snap and shows good gap responsibility when not crashing into the backfield, hell bent on knocking the QB senseless. Heʼs a high character, high motor player who is a coachʼs dream.
In addition to that, English is a fantastic athlete with the speed, change of direction skills and short area quickness to make a transition to OLB likely. While considered a bit undersized to play end, heʼs not overly undersized but his future is standing up. Heʼs proven capable of covering backs out of the backfield and sticking with tight ends when dropping back. English actually appears much faster standing up then when at end. He possesses top notch balance and rarely takes false steps. His punch is very good for his size, has the long arms to keep blockers at a distance and works through trash very well. His speed of the snap has been an absolute nightmare for even the nationʼs top OT prospects. Good definition, excellent upper body strength and a decent variety of pass rush moves though speed will always be his biggest weapon.
As I said, his future is as a rush LB in a 3-4 defense and he can be blown off the line in run support. He can be neutralized by stronger OT and his stats dropped some as he garnered more attention. Some time in a pro weight room will go a long way in improving his lower-body strength. The athletic ability is there and a pro position coach should be able to refine his coverage techniques; the foundation is there for him to build off of.
English proved he belonged at the Senior Bowl very quickly and even though his level of competition should not be overlooked, English has consistently shown up against better competition. Against Iowa in 2006 he had 2 solo tackles, 1 TFL and a sack. English notched 3 solo tackles in a season-opening 2006 loss to Ohio State. 2007 saw English notch 2 solo tackles in another matchup with Iowa and a TFL later that year against Wisconsin. English had one of his best games against Minnesota in the 2008 season opener, tallying 2 TFL and a sack before having arguably the best game of his career against Tennessee when he had 2.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks. While the numbers there will not blow you away, these teams are obviously better equipped to handle English than NIUʼs MAC foes.
When speaking solely of college defensive ends who will most likely stand up in the pros, to me, English ranks behind Everette Brown but ahead of Brian Orakpo and Aaron Maybin, even if he most likely wont go as high as them, Orakpo is a true DE which will get him drafted higher. English has turned a lot of heads and opened a ton of eyes in the draft community and his stock should continue to rise right up until draft day.
A second opinion: Robert Bryant, owner of NFL Draft Dog says, "This is an excellent scouting report, but I don't think I have English rated higher than Texas' DE Brian Orakpo. He (Orakpo) has a more NFL ready body and has played against better competition, playing in the Big 12 Orakpo went up against some elite offensive tackles. He destroyed Oklahoma's offensive tackle Phil Loadholt and Texas Tech's tackle Rylan Reed. Orakpo didn't dominate Baylor's super talented Jason Smith, but he held his own. Plus Orakpo has better size and versatility, at 6' 4" 260 he could play in any type of defense as a hands down guy or a pass rushing outside linebacker."
Daryl Breault says: I should probably clarify exactly what I mean here. If you look at Brown, Orakpo and English as linebackers, Brown and English are more athletic and have better change of direction skills. I think Orakpo could be a liability in coverage as a LB, where as Brown and English may be better suited to standing up. As defensive ends, Orakpo is probably the best of the three because of how stout he is against the run. So overall, Orakpo has better value than English because Orakpo will be the better DE, but strictly looking at them as LB, English probably has more value than Orakpo for a 34 defense. I just don’t see Orakpo as a 34 LB, but he is a tremendous DE prospect who I actually really like.



Round 3...#78...Louis Vasquez OG Texas Tech

Round 4...#113... Vaughn Martin DT Western Ontario

Round 4...#133 (Compensatory pick)... Tyronne Green C Auburn

Round 4...#134 (Compensatory pick)... Gartrell Johnson RB Colorado St

Round 5...#148... Brandon hughes CB Oregon State

Round 6...#189... Kevin Ellison S USC

Round 7...#224... Demetrius Byd WR LSU

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Thank you Raiders! 7 for 7 on my mock!