cowboyjoe
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Draft Buzz And Rumors
As we inch closer to the NFL Draft, talk around the league is beginning to heat up about the top prospects. Today, let’s look at the latest rumors and buzz floating around.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/04/draft-buzz-and-rumors/
Tyson Jackson Rising
LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson’s hype is beginning to peak at the right time — and we could see him come off the board in the top 10.
Jackson is hot name because he fits with any defensive front in the NFL. He has the ability to rush the passer from the edge in 4-3 front, and he has the size (6-4, 296) to play defensive end in a 3-4 front. In this regard, he isn’t a specialized player like Penn State’s Aaron Maybin, who would be better served playing OLB in a 3-4 scheme.
We’ve heard that Kansas City is high on Jackson, but he could be a great fit for the Packers at No. 9. With Aaron Kampman moving to OLB, they need a defensive end to play opposite Cullen Jenkins — unless defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his staff see something in former first-round pick Justin Harrell.
Jackson should be a top ten 10 on Saturday.
Browns holding on to Edwards?
As our own Michael Lombardi discussed this morning, the Browns may be forced to hold on to Edwards after their reported visit with Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree went south.
Why would the Browns do this? Because right now their depth chart at WR looks like it’s from NFL Europe. Without Edwards, Josh Cribbs and David Patten are their top two guys — and who knows what’s going to happen with Donte Stallworth and his legal troubles? Between Cribbs and Patten, there are 13 combined receptions from the ’08 season. Not good.
Make no mistake about it, this is an offensive draft for the Browns. They need help at the WR position, and I’m hearing they have some interest in a big name at offensive tackle as well. Come Saturday, we should know their true feelings about Edwards and Crabtree — and realize what is truth and what is rumor.
Philly looking at RB?
I know how many Brian Westbrook fans there are in Philly, but I think it’s safe to say it’s time for the Eagles to look at the RB position. Westbrook, who turns 30 years old in September, isn’t getting any younger, and he can’t stay healthy for an entire season.
I think Philly can still get Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno at No. 21 — a perfect fit for the west coast system in Philly. He has the playmaking ability the Eagles look for in their running backs in the open field, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. There’s been a lot of talk about Philly getting a big back such as Iowa’s Shonn Greene later in the draft, but Moreno is too talented to pass up if he’s around at No. 21. In my opinion, he’s the best RB available in the entire draft.
Rams, Chiefs looking to trade down
As we reported this week at the National Football Post, the Rams and Chiefs have put the word out that they’re looking for trade partners to get out of the top five.
The only way I see this happening is if a club is willing to trade up and get USC quarterback Mark Sanchez before Seattle picks at No. 4. Besides that, and outside of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, there isn’t a player who could demand a $30-million-plus signing bonus in this draft.
All four offensive tackles — Justin Smith, Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher — are comparable in talent. Do you need to pick at No. 2 or No. 3 to get one of them? The answer is no, and that’s why the Rams want out.
In KC, the talk is all about LSU DE Tyson Jackson, but he’s not the type of player that should come off the board at No. 3. He’s a top 10 talent, but not top five talent. It’s going to be hard to move these picks.
‘Skins still thinking Sanchez?
I’m sure they are — because he’s the biggest name available in the draft right now. We tend to forget that owner Daniel Snyder traded up to get current QB Jason Campbell and is not opposed to making another bold move — no matter the cost — to get who he wants.
And make no mistake about it, no matter what you read, Snyder is the one who makes the final decision at Commanders Park. If he can find a way to jump in front of Seattle at No. 4, he will do it — I just don’t see how.
This franchise has wasted so many draft picks over the years that it doesn’t have the ammo to bring to the table — unless it starts pillaging draft picks in 2010. But if Sanchez does get past Seattle and is still on the board when Jacksonville or San Francisco pick at Nos. 8 and 10, respectively, Snyder will have the power to get his man — and his franchise will start all over again at the quarterback position.
Vikings thinking WR?
Are the Vikes looking to the wide receiver position when they draft at No. 21?
Our own Joe Fortenbaugh reported today that Vikings head coach Brad Childress went down to Gainesville on Wednesday to meet with Florida WR Percy Harvin — which shouldn’t be a surprise.
Harvin will likely fall at least this far after some red flags popped up, and Minnesota needs a WR who can work the middle of the field. Now that it has a true drop-back QB in Sage Rosenfels, the club has to find a complement to the speed of WR Bernard Berrian, a receiver who works primarily outside the numbers. Harvin, although he’s getting mixed reviews right now, is the type of player who can work the middle of the defense once he gets the ball in the open field.
Minnesota needs to add to its depth at wide receiver, and Harvin is a better choice for what they have now than Kenny Britt of Rutgers or Hakeem Nicks of UNC.
Anyone else wonder why this team hasn’t called the Cardinals yet and at least asked about Anquan Boldin? I do.
Gonzalez to the Falcons
What a great move for both clubs, and something that our own Michael Lombardi predicted weeks ago.
Kansas City and GM Scott Piloi get to build for the future, and I like the idea that they get the Falcons’ 2010 draft pick. Tony Gonzalez wanted out, he wasn’t part of KC’s future at his age (33), and the Chiefs will now add another young player in next year’s draft.
In Atlanta, Matt Ryan has to be smiling. He has Roddy White and Michael Jenkins on the outside, Michael Turner in the backfield and now a Pro Bowl tight end he can use. Gonzalez will make this team better on third downs and will be a major force in the red zone. This should be a heads up to the rest of the NFC South because this offense is pretty tough at the skill positions.
Now, Atlanta can pick the best player available at No. 24 this weekend instead of focusing on the tight end position. I expect the Falcons to look to the defensive line, and there will be enough good talent at No. 24 for them to get a solid player who can fit into the rotation on Sundays.
Cincy and Andre Smith
We know that Cincinnati isn’t going to let character issues affect them on draft day, and considering that they gave up 51 sacks last year as a team, expect them to look at Andre Smith of Alabama if he’s still on the board at No. 6. I’ve heard the rumors of Beanie Wells jumping all the way up the board to Cincy, but that’s too high in my mind.
Plus, with a healthy Carson Palmer back under center, the Bengals need to get younger and find more talent on the offensive line. Giving up 51 sacks again in ’09 will put them back in the cellar in the AFC North.
Buffalo Dealing
With only two days left until the draft officially begins, it will be interesting to see what Buffalo can get for the three players it’s shopping around — WR Roscoe Parrish, DE Chris Kelsay and FS Ko Simpson.
Parrish is electric in the return game and can be a very effective No. 3 on most rosters because he’s a matchup nightmare for a third corner or a safety in the slot. He needs to go to a team that’s going to use him on offense just as much as it does in the return game.
Kelsay is a defensive end with a good motor, but he doesn’t produce in the sack department, and teams are going to be wary about picking up his contract.
Simpson has struggled after a decent rookie season in 2006. He’s tall and lanky with good range from the middle of the field, but he misses too many tackles and is a risk if he has to come down into the box to defend the run.
Of the three, Parrish seems to be the best deal if you’re looking at overall upside, and I don’t see many teams making a play for Kelsay and Simpson, who will most likely be in camp with Buffalo this August fighting for jobs.
Maclin talk gets quiet
For a top-10 prospect, the buzz about WR Jeremy Maclin has died down in the last week, and that could be a good thing for the former Mizzou star.
I can see Maclin going as high as No. 7 to Oakland or No. 8 to Jacksonville — depending on what happens to Crabtree. Like Crabtree, Maclin played in a spread offense in college and isn’t the most Sunday-ready WR in the draft, but he’s an athlete who can be a factor on special teams. If he does fall out of the top 15, look for the Jets to snatch him if they hold steady at No. 17.
Indy thinking RB?
With Dominic Rhodes now a Buffalo Bill, the Indianapolis Colts could look to check out the running back position when they pick at No. 27. Current starter Joseph Addai struggled with health issues in ’08, and without a proven back-up, it wouldn’t shock me to see the Colts invest their first pick in a RB — even with a need at WR.
Donald Brown of UConn could still be on the board, and if the Eagles pass on Moreno at No. 21, he could fall into the Colts’ laps. Either way, there will be talent available at the end of the first round at the running back position.
As we inch closer to the NFL Draft, talk around the league is beginning to heat up about the top prospects. Today, let’s look at the latest rumors and buzz floating around.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/04/draft-buzz-and-rumors/
Tyson Jackson Rising
LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson’s hype is beginning to peak at the right time — and we could see him come off the board in the top 10.
Jackson is hot name because he fits with any defensive front in the NFL. He has the ability to rush the passer from the edge in 4-3 front, and he has the size (6-4, 296) to play defensive end in a 3-4 front. In this regard, he isn’t a specialized player like Penn State’s Aaron Maybin, who would be better served playing OLB in a 3-4 scheme.
We’ve heard that Kansas City is high on Jackson, but he could be a great fit for the Packers at No. 9. With Aaron Kampman moving to OLB, they need a defensive end to play opposite Cullen Jenkins — unless defensive coordinator Dom Capers and his staff see something in former first-round pick Justin Harrell.
Jackson should be a top ten 10 on Saturday.
Browns holding on to Edwards?
As our own Michael Lombardi discussed this morning, the Browns may be forced to hold on to Edwards after their reported visit with Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree went south.
Why would the Browns do this? Because right now their depth chart at WR looks like it’s from NFL Europe. Without Edwards, Josh Cribbs and David Patten are their top two guys — and who knows what’s going to happen with Donte Stallworth and his legal troubles? Between Cribbs and Patten, there are 13 combined receptions from the ’08 season. Not good.
Make no mistake about it, this is an offensive draft for the Browns. They need help at the WR position, and I’m hearing they have some interest in a big name at offensive tackle as well. Come Saturday, we should know their true feelings about Edwards and Crabtree — and realize what is truth and what is rumor.
Philly looking at RB?
I know how many Brian Westbrook fans there are in Philly, but I think it’s safe to say it’s time for the Eagles to look at the RB position. Westbrook, who turns 30 years old in September, isn’t getting any younger, and he can’t stay healthy for an entire season.
I think Philly can still get Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno at No. 21 — a perfect fit for the west coast system in Philly. He has the playmaking ability the Eagles look for in their running backs in the open field, and he can catch the ball out of the backfield. There’s been a lot of talk about Philly getting a big back such as Iowa’s Shonn Greene later in the draft, but Moreno is too talented to pass up if he’s around at No. 21. In my opinion, he’s the best RB available in the entire draft.
Rams, Chiefs looking to trade down
As we reported this week at the National Football Post, the Rams and Chiefs have put the word out that they’re looking for trade partners to get out of the top five.
The only way I see this happening is if a club is willing to trade up and get USC quarterback Mark Sanchez before Seattle picks at No. 4. Besides that, and outside of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, there isn’t a player who could demand a $30-million-plus signing bonus in this draft.
All four offensive tackles — Justin Smith, Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher — are comparable in talent. Do you need to pick at No. 2 or No. 3 to get one of them? The answer is no, and that’s why the Rams want out.
In KC, the talk is all about LSU DE Tyson Jackson, but he’s not the type of player that should come off the board at No. 3. He’s a top 10 talent, but not top five talent. It’s going to be hard to move these picks.
‘Skins still thinking Sanchez?
I’m sure they are — because he’s the biggest name available in the draft right now. We tend to forget that owner Daniel Snyder traded up to get current QB Jason Campbell and is not opposed to making another bold move — no matter the cost — to get who he wants.
And make no mistake about it, no matter what you read, Snyder is the one who makes the final decision at Commanders Park. If he can find a way to jump in front of Seattle at No. 4, he will do it — I just don’t see how.
This franchise has wasted so many draft picks over the years that it doesn’t have the ammo to bring to the table — unless it starts pillaging draft picks in 2010. But if Sanchez does get past Seattle and is still on the board when Jacksonville or San Francisco pick at Nos. 8 and 10, respectively, Snyder will have the power to get his man — and his franchise will start all over again at the quarterback position.
Vikings thinking WR?
Are the Vikes looking to the wide receiver position when they draft at No. 21?
Our own Joe Fortenbaugh reported today that Vikings head coach Brad Childress went down to Gainesville on Wednesday to meet with Florida WR Percy Harvin — which shouldn’t be a surprise.
Harvin will likely fall at least this far after some red flags popped up, and Minnesota needs a WR who can work the middle of the field. Now that it has a true drop-back QB in Sage Rosenfels, the club has to find a complement to the speed of WR Bernard Berrian, a receiver who works primarily outside the numbers. Harvin, although he’s getting mixed reviews right now, is the type of player who can work the middle of the defense once he gets the ball in the open field.
Minnesota needs to add to its depth at wide receiver, and Harvin is a better choice for what they have now than Kenny Britt of Rutgers or Hakeem Nicks of UNC.
Anyone else wonder why this team hasn’t called the Cardinals yet and at least asked about Anquan Boldin? I do.
Gonzalez to the Falcons
What a great move for both clubs, and something that our own Michael Lombardi predicted weeks ago.
Kansas City and GM Scott Piloi get to build for the future, and I like the idea that they get the Falcons’ 2010 draft pick. Tony Gonzalez wanted out, he wasn’t part of KC’s future at his age (33), and the Chiefs will now add another young player in next year’s draft.
In Atlanta, Matt Ryan has to be smiling. He has Roddy White and Michael Jenkins on the outside, Michael Turner in the backfield and now a Pro Bowl tight end he can use. Gonzalez will make this team better on third downs and will be a major force in the red zone. This should be a heads up to the rest of the NFC South because this offense is pretty tough at the skill positions.
Now, Atlanta can pick the best player available at No. 24 this weekend instead of focusing on the tight end position. I expect the Falcons to look to the defensive line, and there will be enough good talent at No. 24 for them to get a solid player who can fit into the rotation on Sundays.
Cincy and Andre Smith
We know that Cincinnati isn’t going to let character issues affect them on draft day, and considering that they gave up 51 sacks last year as a team, expect them to look at Andre Smith of Alabama if he’s still on the board at No. 6. I’ve heard the rumors of Beanie Wells jumping all the way up the board to Cincy, but that’s too high in my mind.
Plus, with a healthy Carson Palmer back under center, the Bengals need to get younger and find more talent on the offensive line. Giving up 51 sacks again in ’09 will put them back in the cellar in the AFC North.
Buffalo Dealing
With only two days left until the draft officially begins, it will be interesting to see what Buffalo can get for the three players it’s shopping around — WR Roscoe Parrish, DE Chris Kelsay and FS Ko Simpson.
Parrish is electric in the return game and can be a very effective No. 3 on most rosters because he’s a matchup nightmare for a third corner or a safety in the slot. He needs to go to a team that’s going to use him on offense just as much as it does in the return game.
Kelsay is a defensive end with a good motor, but he doesn’t produce in the sack department, and teams are going to be wary about picking up his contract.
Simpson has struggled after a decent rookie season in 2006. He’s tall and lanky with good range from the middle of the field, but he misses too many tackles and is a risk if he has to come down into the box to defend the run.
Of the three, Parrish seems to be the best deal if you’re looking at overall upside, and I don’t see many teams making a play for Kelsay and Simpson, who will most likely be in camp with Buffalo this August fighting for jobs.
Maclin talk gets quiet
For a top-10 prospect, the buzz about WR Jeremy Maclin has died down in the last week, and that could be a good thing for the former Mizzou star.
I can see Maclin going as high as No. 7 to Oakland or No. 8 to Jacksonville — depending on what happens to Crabtree. Like Crabtree, Maclin played in a spread offense in college and isn’t the most Sunday-ready WR in the draft, but he’s an athlete who can be a factor on special teams. If he does fall out of the top 15, look for the Jets to snatch him if they hold steady at No. 17.
Indy thinking RB?
With Dominic Rhodes now a Buffalo Bill, the Indianapolis Colts could look to check out the running back position when they pick at No. 27. Current starter Joseph Addai struggled with health issues in ’08, and without a proven back-up, it wouldn’t shock me to see the Colts invest their first pick in a RB — even with a need at WR.
Donald Brown of UConn could still be on the board, and if the Eagles pass on Moreno at No. 21, he could fall into the Colts’ laps. Either way, there will be talent available at the end of the first round at the running back position.
