ESPN Mosley: Five burning draft questions in The Beast... 1 'boys

[WoodysGirl]

April 16, 2009 4:00 PM


Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

By this time next Thursday (it's officially 3 p.m. ET), I'll be boarding a flight to New York for the NFL draft. Through the magic of live-blogging, my plan is to take you to Radio City Music Hall with me. With that in mind, it's time to address Five Burning Draft Questions in The Beast:

1. Will Commanders owner Dan Snyder select USC quarterback Mark Sanchez?


Sanchez
Mosley: With the 13th pick overall, the Commanders should only take Sanchez if they've truly given up on Jason Campbell. And based on their recent attempt to land Jay Cutler, some of you probably think Washington has already turned its back on Campbell. Well, I think we have a split vote on that one at Commanders Park. And unfortunately for Campbell backers (me), head coach Jim Zorn can't win a contest against the formidable duo of Snyder and Vinny Cerrato. It was Zorn who moved quickly to reassure Campbell even while desperate attempts were being made to land Cutler several doors down.

Snyder and Cerrato met with Campbell, but that was simply window dressing. The club decided to take Campbell's trade value for a spin -- and it didn't like the results. After investing all this time (and a first-round pick) in Campbell, it's looking like the Commanders are ready to start all over with Sanchez, who dazzled scouts and innocent bystanders at his recent pro day. I think Snyder-Cerrato are suffering from a condition we're calling "RyanFlacconitis," which has caused front office types around the league to mistakenly think that pretty much any rookie quarterback with a solid background (Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco) can lead them to the playoffs. The best result for Commanders fans would be for Sanchez to go off the board before No. 13. I may be in the minority (shocker), but I'd love to see what Campbell could do in his second season with Zorn. Who knows? Maybe the Commanders let Sanchez learn for a season behind Campbell. On second thought, that will never happen.

2. What will the Giants and Eagles do at wide receiver?



Boldin
Wouldn't you like to know? I thought the timing of Ken Whisenhunt's "we're all ears on Anquan Boldin" comment was pretty interesting. Did it just happen to immediately follow a report that a Braylon Edwards to the Giants trade was imminent? I think not. If the Browns truly want to move Edwards, they may have lost a little leverage. Now that the Cardinals have gone public, Giants general manager Jerry Reese could play their situation against any potential Browns' offers. As Scouts Inc. stalwart Matt Williamson pointed out Wednesday on the NFC West blog, the Eagles appear to be a better fit for Boldin than the Giants. Boldin would the perfect complement to speedsters DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis. In New York, he might not be quite as effective. But if Reese thinks he can get a better deal from the Cards, then more power to him. Heard Boldin do a local radio show in Dallas recently and he indicated once again that he loves his teammates, he just doesn't care for management. If the Giants end up with Edwards and the Eagles trade for Boldin, I might have to redo my NFL schedule analysis. Surely no one wants that to happen.

3. What will the Cowboys do with the No. 51 pick?

Let's be honest. Not having a first-round pick makes the draft far less interesting. It's also made talk radio in Dallas much more of a challenge. In my Dallas Morning News days, I would've had seven mock drafts by now. But with the proliferation of mock drafts -- my pastor has one -- I've decided to take a year off. But anyway, the Cowboys aren't going to feel pressured to take any specific position at No. 51. The only way they take a quarterback is if Josh Freeman ends up in a free-fall. I'm hearing the Cowboys are in love with Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas, who is one of the best free safeties in this draft. He's 5-11, 202 pounds, but scouts say he plays much bigger than that. He's a tough run defender and his athletic ability (4.5 in the 40 and 37-inch vertical) is pretty impressive. The Cowboys signed Gerald Sensabaugh in free agency, but I think Delmas would be starting by midseason -- if not before. The other safety they really like is Darcel McBath out of Texas Tech. Excellent ball skills (eight interceptions) and he grew up in nearby Gainesville, Texas. Jerry Jones loves the homegrown kids. I'm not saying McBath's going at No. 51, but he's certainly a name to remember. In terms of receivers, the Cowboys think Brian Robiskie could be an effective receiver in the league for the next 10 years. If he's there at No. 51, they'd have a hard time passing him up.

4. Don't the Commanders need a pass rusher?

Could all this talk about Mark Sanchez be a huge smokescreen? If so, the Washington Post has bitten hard. That's why I think there's definitely some interest in Sanchez, but it won't happen in the end. The 'Skins desperately need a right tackle and a defensive end. I certainly respect the work of grizzled veterans such as Phillip Daniels, Andre Carter and the immortal Renaldo Wynn. That said, Commanders fans are suffering from a condition widely known as "Haynesworth fever." There's a thought that you pay the guy $41 million in guaranteed money and he suddenly makes old men young again. Folks, Phil Daniels isn't going to return from a serious knee injury and suddenly have 10 sacks. The Commanders need to surround Haynesworth with talent in order to get their money's worth. That's why Snyder has to forget about a quarterback and find a way to get his hands on Brian Orakpo. Yes, I know some scouts struggle with recommending University of Texas kids because they've been pampered so much, but Orakpo is the real deal. I've been watching him manhandle Big 12 blockers for years. Snyder and Cerrato have to find a way to move up and get him.

5. So what do the Eagles do with those two first-round picks?

Well, you could always send that No. 28 pick over to the Cardinals for Anquan Boldin. I don't think the Cardinals will come close to getting a Roy Williams deal, which is to say they won't get a first- and third-round pick for Boldin. And I think Boldin is much better receiver than Williams. Of course, there's always the chance the Eagles stay and home and actually make those picks. If Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher is there at No. 21, that's the direction Andy Reid will go. At No. 28, drafting Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew wouldn't surprise me at all. So what about running back, you ask? Well, I don't think the Eagles have to take someone in the first round -- especially when there are guys like Rashad Jennings out there in the second or third rounds. You can find productive backs in later rounds. Ask the Cowboys and Giants about that. And I seem to recall a man by the name of Westbrook who wasn't taken in the first round. This flies in the face of what Philly writers are saying, but you have to go out on a limb every now and then -- or every day for that matter.

If you have questions regarding this column, please feel free to utilize the Mailbag. I'm planning to spend a lot more time reading your mail in the coming days. Thanks for your continued support of The Beast.

 

[cowboyfan4life_mark]

I wonder what the Cowboys would do if both Delmas and Robiskie are available at the 51st pick?

 

[Teague31]

i think we would have to trade up for delmas and we certainly have the picks to do it if we want.

 

[BAT]

Delmas could be a smokescreen. Ciskowski (and Stephen) does not seem the type to panic and trade up for players (Jerry, is a different story).


More than likely, Dallas targets McBath on the top of the second day, he should still be there w/one of their 4ths.

 

[DFWJC]

Whether it's actual plans or a smokescreen, Mosley spends a lot of time talking about Sanchez going to Washington at 13. My guess is that the odds are about 10% that he still around by pick 13. There are at least 4 spots that he could be taken before 13: 4 to Seattle or trade,8 to Jax or for trade,10 for SF or for trade, 12 to Den or for trade. Also any of the other spots between 4 and 12 if only for trade. So he will not be there at 13.

 

[jobberone]

I hope they don't take Sanchez. I'm not enamored but I like him enough to not want him in the East. This year should tell the tale about Campbell. Zorn is a smart guy and may help him. Esp with a good running game.

I'd love for us to take Robiskie. My only problem with him is he's a possession WR and we're supposed to have those onboard. I'd have trouble passing on him though. I think he can come in and contribute right away which I normally never think.

I would love for Delmas to fall. I don't think either will see 51 but you never know.

 

[28 Joker]

I tell you this. The litmus test for Delmas is whether he's there at 51. Recent drafts say he shouldn't be there, and several experts say he will be there. Who knows? Recent drafts say 80% of the safeties taken in the 50s are busts.

Nick Collins, at 51, was the exception. The Packers were able to snag him, because other safeties went in the 40s, and Collins was from a small school.

Ken Hamlin takes terrible angles to the ball and looks like he tries to avoid contact when attacking a running back.

I've read where Delmas takes bad angles to the ball, and he isn't very big.

Brandon Jacobs and friends
Clinton Portis

I really think taking a bigger SS is the way to go. I would rather draft William Moore and gamble on getting the 2007 version than draft Delmas.

Chip Vaughn is another player I would draft over Delmas in round 3. He's bigger and faster. He can play up and back. He's real good against the run, and he runs a 4.42. He's big enough and fast enough to cover TEs. He has upside.

The Giants like him. The Cowboys spoke to him at his pro day and showed interest. Vaughn made the calls at Wake Forest and has good range playing deep in centerfield.

Patrick Chung is another player I'd take over Delmas, but he's not as good in coverage as Vaughn.

Willis Magahee is still running.
LeRon McClalin is still running.

Dallas was number 5 in the NFL in pass defense last year.

They need a big, fast SS who can play the run in the NFC East and against teams like the Ravens and cover the TE.

I've read where Delmas takes bad angles to the ball, and that would give us two safeties who take bad angles to the ball.

If the organization is dead set on drafting a safety with one of it's first two picks, they should take Moore or Vaughn. I'd take Chip Vaughn in round 3 and draft DeAngelo Willingham FS/CB (5-11, 217 4.46) in the 5th.

 

[RainMan]

I hope they don't take Sanchez. I'm not enamored but I like him enough to not want him in the East. This year should tell the tale about Campbell. Zorn is a smart guy and may help him. Esp with a good running game.

I'd love for us to take Robiskie. My only problem with him is he's a possession WR and we're supposed to have those onboard. I'd have trouble passing on him though. I think he can come in and contribute right away which I normally never think.

I would love for Delmas to fall. I don't think either will see 51 but you never know.

I think the Commanders have already told us all what needs to be said about Campbell.

They flat out don't want him. They attempted, but failed, to get Cutler. And now all these Sanchez rumors. That doesn't happen when you have any confidence in your QB.

Now, with that said, Campbell could go out there and surprise and make the Commanders feel silly they ever wanted to get rid of him. But clearly, right now, they're unsold and ready to move on -- asap.

 

[Rampage]

I tell you this. The litmus test for Delmas is whether he's there at 51. Recent drafts say he shouldn't be there, and several experts say he will be there. Who knows? Recent drafts say 80% of the safeties taken in the 50s are busts.

Nick Collins, at 51, was the exception. The Packers were able to snag him, because other safeties went in the 40s, and Collins was from a small school.

Ken Hamlin takes terrible angles to the ball and looks like he tries to avoid contact when attacking a running back.

I've read where Delmas takes bad angles to the ball, and he isn't very big.

Brandon Jacobs and friends
Clinton Portis

I really think taking a bigger SS is the way to go. I would rather draft William Moore and gamble on getting the 2007 version than draft Delmas.

Chip Vaughn is another player I would draft over Delmas in round 3. He's bigger and faster. He can play up and back. He's real good against the run, and he runs a 4.42. He's big enough and fast enough to cover TEs. He has upside.

The Giants like him. The Cowboys spoke to him at his pro day and showed interest. Vaughn made the calls at Wake Forest and has good range playing deep in centerfield.

Patrick Chung is another player I'd take over Delmas, but he's not as good in coverage as Vaughn.

Willis Magahee is still running.
LeRon McClalin is still running.

Dallas was number 5 in the NFL in pass defense last year.

They need a big, fast SS who can play the run in the NFC East and against teams like the Ravens and cover the TE.

I've read where Delmas takes bad angles to the ball, and that would give us two safeties who take bad angles to the ball.

If the organization is dead set on drafting a safety with one of it's first two picks, they should take Moore or Vaughn. I'd take Chip Vaughn in round 3 and draft DeAngelo Willingham FS/CB (5-11, 217 4.46) in the 5th.

and we created no turnovers back there. we need a playmaker. I too like William Moore but he's already 220 and most players gain more weight once they get into the NFL.

 

[SLATEmosphere]

I tell you this. The litmus test for Delmas is whether he's there at 51. Recent drafts say he shouldn't be there, and several experts say he will be there. Who knows? Recent drafts say 80% of the safeties taken in the 50s are busts.

Nick Collins, at 51, was the exception. The Packers were able to snag him, because other safeties went in the 40s, and Collins was from a small school.

Ken Hamlin takes terrible angles to the ball and looks like he tries to avoid contact when attacking a running back.

I've read where Delmas takes bad angles to the ball, and he isn't very big.

Brandon Jacobs and friends
Clinton Portis

I really think taking a bigger SS is the way to go. I would rather draft William Moore and gamble on getting the 2007 version than draft Delmas.

Chip Vaughn is another player I would draft over Delmas in round 3. He's bigger and faster. He can play up and back. He's real good against the run, and he runs a 4.42. He's big enough and fast enough to cover TEs. He has upside.

The Giants like him. The Cowboys spoke to him at his pro day and showed interest. Vaughn made the calls at Wake Forest and has good range playing deep in centerfield.

Patrick Chung is another player I'd take over Delmas, but he's not as good in coverage as Vaughn.

Willis Magahee is still running.
LeRon McClalin is still running.

Dallas was number 5 in the NFL in pass defense last year.

They need a big, fast SS who can play the run in the NFC East and against teams like the Ravens and cover the TE.

I've read where Delmas takes bad angles to the ball, and that would give us two safeties who take bad angles to the ball.

If the organization is dead set on drafting a safety with one of it's first two picks, they should take Moore or Vaughn. I'd take Chip Vaughn in round 3 and draft DeAngelo Willingham FS/CB (5-11, 217 4.46) in the 5th.

Here you go again repeating the same stuff. If I want a safety who can play the run only then I'll just draft a LB.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I think I'd take that Bob Sanders tag off him bro. You're jinxing your boy before he's even drafted. You really want a safety whose the next Bob Sanders?

A good/great player whose only going to play barely half the games in his career cause he's injured the other half?

Thanks, but no thanks, if that's the case.

 

[jazzcat22]

Delmas could be a smokescreen. Ciskowski (and Stephen) does not seem the type to panic and trade up for players (Jerry, is a different story).


More than likely, Dallas targets McBath on the top of the second day, he should still be there w/one of their 4ths.

At this time the entire draft is a smoke screen.....don't belief half of what you see or hear, and the other half all are lies.....

 

[Zimmy Lives]

I don't care who the Cowboys take as long as he's a guard, safety, or a WR. Personally, I think they take Robiskie.

 

[TwentyOne]

Ken Hamlin takes terrible angles to the ball and looks like he tries to avoid contact when attacking a running back.

Guys one thing i really can't comprehend.

Hamlin is a free safty - naturaly. He hasn't the size to play strong safety nor has he the mentality. I don't know above the bold quoted above. I couldn't see those things when i watched him playing. His angles are sometimes not the best but it's not like he take terrible ones all the time.

Hamlin to me seems like a good player at the free safety position. Now comes this "news" about us possibly taking a free safety at 51. A player who is 5 11 and 202. That doesn't make sense to me. I don't think we will convert this player into a strong safety when he already excels at the free position. And with his size i doubt he will be able to gain another 15-20 pounds to be able to play strong safety.

Other then us using t2o free safties every play or drafting a second round pick to play only in nickle and dime situations i really don't see this as a good pick for us. And to have your highest draft pick be benched most of the time and only play dime and nickle seems not the way to go for us. We have more urgent needs then to have a 2nd round pick being a bench warmer.

Then, we already signed RW designated replacement and have backup safties. I just don't see this happening even if he is there at 51.

 

[JonJon]

I wonder what the Cowboys would do if both Delmas and Robiskie are available at the 51st pick?

I would rather have Delmas and get a Derrick Williams in the 3rd.