Four teams saw their post-season ended in the first round of the NFL playoffs. Each team had a critical flaw exposed, one that could be addressed in the April draft. Here's a look at each team, and an area of need.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals' storybook season came to an end on Saturday in a 31-10 loss to the Houston Texans. They won nine games, led by strong performances from rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. But Cincinnati allowed over 150 yards rushing and an untimely breakdown in the secondary to put the game away in Houston. The Bengals could look to use their lower-half pick in the first round on a defensive player, perhaps someone who can make an impact on a rotational basis while learning the ropes as a future starter. Cornerbacks Adam "Pacman" Jones and Nate Clements could benefit from an influx of youth in the secondary.
Detroit Lions: Detroit is another team that could use some help in the secondary. The Lions ranked 22nd in the league in passing yards allowed in the regular season and watched Saints QB Drew Brees throw the ball all over the field on Saturday night. They also could consider upgrading the running game, which ranked 29th in the league in total rushing yards during the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons do not have a first round pick in 2012 after trading it to the Cleveland Browns during last year's draft. Atlanta traded up to the sixth overall pick to select wide receiver Julio Jones. The trade sent last year's first-, second- and fourth-round picks as well as this year's first- and fourth-rounders to Cleveland. Atlanta might want to consider using its first pick of the draft - a second-rounder - on a defensive lineman with pass-rushing abilities. The Falcons tied for 19th in the league in sacks during the regular season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers allowed the fewest passing yards in the league during the regular season, but they allowed over 300 to Broncos QB Tim Tebow in their 29-23 overtime loss on Sunday. Cornerback Ike Taylor had a less-than-stellar game, and the Steelers aren't getting any younger in the secondary. They could add a defensive back in the first round of the draft.
Showing posts with label Detroit Lions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Detroit Lions. Show all posts
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Daily Notes 4/17
We're less than a week away from the NFL Draft, and here's a look at some news and notes from around the league:
- Former Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh isn't sure we're he'll end up on draft day, but today, he told the Cornhuskers he'll be making a $2.6 million donation to the school.
- Speaking of Suh, Detroit Lions DB Louis Delmas said today the big DT would allow him to "sit back, read the quarterback and break on the ball." This after new Lions DB Chris Houston told the Detroit News he wants his team to draft Suh.
- Jane McManus of ESPNNewYork looks at former USC DE Everson Griffen, someone Mel Kiper Jr. says could be "a terror in the Rex Ryan system."
- BYU's all-time leading rusher, Harvey Unga, has decided to leave school because of a violation of the school's honor code, according to the Las Vegas Sun. The Sun also said Unga will try to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft in July.
- Former Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh isn't sure we're he'll end up on draft day, but today, he told the Cornhuskers he'll be making a $2.6 million donation to the school.
- Speaking of Suh, Detroit Lions DB Louis Delmas said today the big DT would allow him to "sit back, read the quarterback and break on the ball." This after new Lions DB Chris Houston told the Detroit News he wants his team to draft Suh.
- Jane McManus of ESPNNewYork looks at former USC DE Everson Griffen, someone Mel Kiper Jr. says could be "a terror in the Rex Ryan system."
- BYU's all-time leading rusher, Harvey Unga, has decided to leave school because of a violation of the school's honor code, according to the Las Vegas Sun. The Sun also said Unga will try to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft in July.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
A Lions Fan's Roar
I asked fans of a number of different teams to give me their take on how their team should draft. Kevin Patra of TheSportsUnion.com answered the call for Detroit.
I have to start by giving props to Martin Mayhew. He had one of the most solid drafts of any team in 2009 outside of Green Bay. He got his franchise quarterback, a tight end who looked good until getting hurt midway through the season, a safety who actually makes plays on the ball, a solid outside linebacker and a useful defensive tackle. He didn't draft an offensive lineman until the seventh round, but all in all it was a good draft for the first time GM.
I will not claim that I knew Mayhew had it in him, and I was just as pissed as the next guy when they took a tight end and a safety the first 33 picks--I was already over them giving $41 million guaranteed to Stafford at that point. But I was wrong.
Can you really blame any Detroit fan for being skeptical? After eight years of watching Matt Millen screw up pick after pick, we all just figured this was another case of a terrible GM making god-awful decisions. Almost a year later, I'm still stunned more than half the selections were actually players with a pulse.
The greatest part of being a Lions fan in 2010 is that after suffering a 2-30 record the past two seasons--I would have gone for the past ten, but I start to weep adding all those numbers in the right-hand column--is that no one, not even Matt Millen could screw this draft up. (There is only one scenario I can think of that would actually be disappointing, but we will get there in a bit.)
Sitting at No. 2 the Lions will go one of four ways. They take whichever DT falls to them, Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, take offensive tackle Russell Okung or trade down.
That is it, there really are no other choices.
Thankfully there is no big, flashy skill player that makes GMs lose their senses like a 14-year-old in love. All three of the players they would draft are in trench positions, a place where the Lions were despicably terrible last season. And if they trade down and obtain several more picks while saving money, all the better. They can't go wrong filling gaps in a roster that is more devoid of talent than a WB television mini-series.
Suh seems to be everyone's consensus top player in the draft, but with the Rams already spending several first rounders on their D-line the last few years, some gurus believe they will go QB with their pick, leaving Suh for the Lions. After the acquisitions of DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and DT Corey Williams, Suh wouldn't be under such enormous pressure to perform all by himself on a pathetic line. The attention on other players would give him an easier time controlling the middle. Of the top DTs he is the best at controlling the line of scrimmage, and while he doesn't provide as great an interior push as say a Warren Sapp, for a team that was so bad between the tackles last season he would solidify the middle.
McCoy, on the other hand isn't as strong or as forceful at holding his spot as Suh, but he does provide more penetration up the middle. Matched with Vanden Bosch on the outside the two could wreck havoc on opposing backfields.
Recently word has spread that after making moves in free agency and trades to shore up the line the Lions will go OT with their first pick in the draft. If this is the case, I say, Hallelujah! While both Suh and McCoy grade out better than Russell Okung, the best O-Lineman in the draft, left tackle has been a need position for the Lions since Lomas Brown left in 1996. Okung would allow the Lions to move Mr. Offsides, Jeff Backus, to guard, where he would be much more effective. That would allow Detroit to kill two birds with one stone--a good left tackle, and a decent to good left guard. It would also help Matthew Stafford stay upright a little more than last season.
Trading out of the No. 2 spot wouldn't be a bad move either. If they can move down a few spots for someone who wanted to move up and take Suh, and the Lions can get a couple extra picks and still take Okung, that would be ideal. I also wouldn't be too upset if they traded down and picked up a cornerback like Florida's Joe Haden.
There is still that one scenario that would get me upset. After last season I'm able to put it out of my mind and pretend that there is no way on God's green earth it will happen, but I'll throw it out anyway. If the Lions pull a Cleveland and trade down about 35 times (I'm assuming no one outside of the top 12 will have the goods to trade up into the No. 2 spot) and end up drafting, say, C.J. Spiller with the 17th pick, I will not be happy. Not that Spiller doesn't have the potential to be a great player, and hey if somehow they can scam an extra six picks out of the deal it will probably calm my rage.
But I would just like one draft where the Detroit Lions take players that do the dirty work. You know, like the rest of the Blue Collar people that work in Detroit.
I have to start by giving props to Martin Mayhew. He had one of the most solid drafts of any team in 2009 outside of Green Bay. He got his franchise quarterback, a tight end who looked good until getting hurt midway through the season, a safety who actually makes plays on the ball, a solid outside linebacker and a useful defensive tackle. He didn't draft an offensive lineman until the seventh round, but all in all it was a good draft for the first time GM.
I will not claim that I knew Mayhew had it in him, and I was just as pissed as the next guy when they took a tight end and a safety the first 33 picks--I was already over them giving $41 million guaranteed to Stafford at that point. But I was wrong.
Can you really blame any Detroit fan for being skeptical? After eight years of watching Matt Millen screw up pick after pick, we all just figured this was another case of a terrible GM making god-awful decisions. Almost a year later, I'm still stunned more than half the selections were actually players with a pulse.
The greatest part of being a Lions fan in 2010 is that after suffering a 2-30 record the past two seasons--I would have gone for the past ten, but I start to weep adding all those numbers in the right-hand column--is that no one, not even Matt Millen could screw this draft up. (There is only one scenario I can think of that would actually be disappointing, but we will get there in a bit.)
Sitting at No. 2 the Lions will go one of four ways. They take whichever DT falls to them, Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, take offensive tackle Russell Okung or trade down.
That is it, there really are no other choices.
Thankfully there is no big, flashy skill player that makes GMs lose their senses like a 14-year-old in love. All three of the players they would draft are in trench positions, a place where the Lions were despicably terrible last season. And if they trade down and obtain several more picks while saving money, all the better. They can't go wrong filling gaps in a roster that is more devoid of talent than a WB television mini-series.
Suh seems to be everyone's consensus top player in the draft, but with the Rams already spending several first rounders on their D-line the last few years, some gurus believe they will go QB with their pick, leaving Suh for the Lions. After the acquisitions of DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and DT Corey Williams, Suh wouldn't be under such enormous pressure to perform all by himself on a pathetic line. The attention on other players would give him an easier time controlling the middle. Of the top DTs he is the best at controlling the line of scrimmage, and while he doesn't provide as great an interior push as say a Warren Sapp, for a team that was so bad between the tackles last season he would solidify the middle.
McCoy, on the other hand isn't as strong or as forceful at holding his spot as Suh, but he does provide more penetration up the middle. Matched with Vanden Bosch on the outside the two could wreck havoc on opposing backfields.
Recently word has spread that after making moves in free agency and trades to shore up the line the Lions will go OT with their first pick in the draft. If this is the case, I say, Hallelujah! While both Suh and McCoy grade out better than Russell Okung, the best O-Lineman in the draft, left tackle has been a need position for the Lions since Lomas Brown left in 1996. Okung would allow the Lions to move Mr. Offsides, Jeff Backus, to guard, where he would be much more effective. That would allow Detroit to kill two birds with one stone--a good left tackle, and a decent to good left guard. It would also help Matthew Stafford stay upright a little more than last season.
Trading out of the No. 2 spot wouldn't be a bad move either. If they can move down a few spots for someone who wanted to move up and take Suh, and the Lions can get a couple extra picks and still take Okung, that would be ideal. I also wouldn't be too upset if they traded down and picked up a cornerback like Florida's Joe Haden.
There is still that one scenario that would get me upset. After last season I'm able to put it out of my mind and pretend that there is no way on God's green earth it will happen, but I'll throw it out anyway. If the Lions pull a Cleveland and trade down about 35 times (I'm assuming no one outside of the top 12 will have the goods to trade up into the No. 2 spot) and end up drafting, say, C.J. Spiller with the 17th pick, I will not be happy. Not that Spiller doesn't have the potential to be a great player, and hey if somehow they can scam an extra six picks out of the deal it will probably calm my rage.
But I would just like one draft where the Detroit Lions take players that do the dirty work. You know, like the rest of the Blue Collar people that work in Detroit.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Favre Gone; Is Sanchez Next?
With yesterday's announcement that Brett Favre would be retiring, let the speculation begin: Who will be the next quarterback of the New York Jets?
The Jets have three QBs currently on their roster: Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Brett Ratliff. But they also have the No. 17 overall pick, and there is heavy speculation that USC QB Mark Sanchez could fall to New York. The Trojans gunslinger would be a welcome addition in NY. He is in the pro mold with an excellent arm and good smarts. He makes pretty good reads and can be effective in short-yardage and home run ball situations.
There is some question, however, as to whether or not Sanchez will be available at 17. There is widespread speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs (3rd overall) and San Francisco 49ers (10th overall) are interested in taking Sanchez, if he isn't drafted by the Detroit Lions with the first overall selection.
There is also the possibility of the Jets trading down in the first round and selecting Kansas State's Josh Freeman, although it is more likely that they will take one of the big two or no QB at all.
I think Sanchez will be available at 17, and it will be hard for the Jets to pass him up, given his skill level coming out of a pro system at USC. If you asked me to mock the draft today, Sanchez would be a Jet.
The Jets have three QBs currently on their roster: Kellen Clemens, Erik Ainge and Brett Ratliff. But they also have the No. 17 overall pick, and there is heavy speculation that USC QB Mark Sanchez could fall to New York. The Trojans gunslinger would be a welcome addition in NY. He is in the pro mold with an excellent arm and good smarts. He makes pretty good reads and can be effective in short-yardage and home run ball situations.
There is some question, however, as to whether or not Sanchez will be available at 17. There is widespread speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs (3rd overall) and San Francisco 49ers (10th overall) are interested in taking Sanchez, if he isn't drafted by the Detroit Lions with the first overall selection.
There is also the possibility of the Jets trading down in the first round and selecting Kansas State's Josh Freeman, although it is more likely that they will take one of the big two or no QB at all.
I think Sanchez will be available at 17, and it will be hard for the Jets to pass him up, given his skill level coming out of a pro system at USC. If you asked me to mock the draft today, Sanchez would be a Jet.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
If the Draft Happened Today...
If the draft happened today, how would the top five picks play out? Like this:
1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia
There's no denying Detroit needs a quarterback, and right now that is probably the Lions' most pressing need. Which signal-caller will it be? Stafford seems to get the slight edge on a majority of boards, and as of now, he gets the edge here.
2. St. Louis Rams: OT Andre Smith, Alabama
It's no secret that the Rams have needed a solid offensive tackle since Orlando Pace was in his prime, and Smith fits that need. He has the physical attributes and skill to be that type of tackle, and the intangibles to go with it.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
The Chiefs don't need a QB - they need an anchor on the offensive line. Monroe provides that stability in the first round.
4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
The Seahawks haven't had a big-play wide receiver in quite some time, and Crabtree is an all-world talent. He is, at this point, the best player on the board (and might have been from the start) as well as the best player at a need position.
5. Cleveland Browns: OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
The Browns need help on defense, and Curry is the best player left on the board. He is an athletic linebacker who brings immediate ability to the table. He could start on day one, and Cleveland certainly needs that type of help.
1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia
There's no denying Detroit needs a quarterback, and right now that is probably the Lions' most pressing need. Which signal-caller will it be? Stafford seems to get the slight edge on a majority of boards, and as of now, he gets the edge here.
2. St. Louis Rams: OT Andre Smith, Alabama
It's no secret that the Rams have needed a solid offensive tackle since Orlando Pace was in his prime, and Smith fits that need. He has the physical attributes and skill to be that type of tackle, and the intangibles to go with it.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
The Chiefs don't need a QB - they need an anchor on the offensive line. Monroe provides that stability in the first round.
4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
The Seahawks haven't had a big-play wide receiver in quite some time, and Crabtree is an all-world talent. He is, at this point, the best player on the board (and might have been from the start) as well as the best player at a need position.
5. Cleveland Browns: OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
The Browns need help on defense, and Curry is the best player left on the board. He is an athletic linebacker who brings immediate ability to the table. He could start on day one, and Cleveland certainly needs that type of help.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
TOP 5: Wide Receivers
(1) Michael Crabrtree, Texas Tech
(2) Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
(3) Percy Harvin, Florida
(4) Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
(5) Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
(5) Brandon LaFell, LSU
There's no doubt that Crabtree is the top of the class. He's a physical specimen with a world of talent, and if the Detroit Lions didn't have the first overall pick, I'd say Crabtree had a shot to be the top selection in April. (If Detroit takes another wide receiver, all hell may break loose).
After Crabtree clearly comes Maclin, who is quite the talent himself. I wanted to put Nicks above Harvin, because I think Nicks is a better route-runner and pure receiver than Harvin. But the Florida product is more explosive and a pure playmaker. Don't discount Nicks, though.
After those two come two fine receivers. I know this is a top five, but I can't differentiate between Darrius Heyward-bey and Brandon LaFell. Both are similar in size (LaFell has an inch and a half and nine pounds on Heyward-Bey) and skill, and I think they're largely interchangeable on draft boards.
Other names to watch: Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma), Mike Thomas (Arizona)
I've always liked Iglesias' style of play and his big-play ability. He thrived with Sam Bradford at the helm, and I think he could slot into a third receiver role very well in the NFL. As for Thomas, he is certainly undersized (5'8", 197), but he plays with a lot of heart and he's a very quick receiver. With some good workouts, he could rise up teams' boards. He also has a bit of special teams potential.
(2) Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
(3) Percy Harvin, Florida
(4) Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
(5) Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
(5) Brandon LaFell, LSU
There's no doubt that Crabtree is the top of the class. He's a physical specimen with a world of talent, and if the Detroit Lions didn't have the first overall pick, I'd say Crabtree had a shot to be the top selection in April. (If Detroit takes another wide receiver, all hell may break loose).
After Crabtree clearly comes Maclin, who is quite the talent himself. I wanted to put Nicks above Harvin, because I think Nicks is a better route-runner and pure receiver than Harvin. But the Florida product is more explosive and a pure playmaker. Don't discount Nicks, though.
After those two come two fine receivers. I know this is a top five, but I can't differentiate between Darrius Heyward-bey and Brandon LaFell. Both are similar in size (LaFell has an inch and a half and nine pounds on Heyward-Bey) and skill, and I think they're largely interchangeable on draft boards.
Other names to watch: Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma), Mike Thomas (Arizona)
I've always liked Iglesias' style of play and his big-play ability. He thrived with Sam Bradford at the helm, and I think he could slot into a third receiver role very well in the NFL. As for Thomas, he is certainly undersized (5'8", 197), but he plays with a lot of heart and he's a very quick receiver. With some good workouts, he could rise up teams' boards. He also has a bit of special teams potential.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Mock Critique: SI.com's Don Banks
[Don Banks' mock draft can be found here]
The big break from a lot of different drafts here is that Banks has the Detroit Lions taking Alabama OT Andre Smith instead of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford. I can't say I completely disagree, but I have the feeling that Stafford and Mark Sanchez are pro-type quarterbacks who would fit well. Can I see Detroit going non-QB? Absolutely. Do I think they will? No. The rest of Banks' top 10 is pretty feasible, although you already know my feelings on the Kansas City Chiefs and their QB situation. Give Tyler Thigpen a chance.
I'd be stunned if the Buffalo Bills took TE Brandon Pettigrew at 11. Sure, the Bills need help on offense, but not from the TE position. WR Jeremy Maclin seems more likely for Buffalo if they choose an offensive player. I also disagree with Banks' prediction at 12. The Denver Broncos should grab DT B.J. Raji if he's on the board, which he is in this mock. The success of the 3-4 defense is predicated on the defensive tackle position moreso than the ILB position.
I don't have too many qualms with the rest of Banks' draft either. Again, at this point, I'm not going to critique each and every pick. I will say one thing though: If the Tennessee Titans are able to grab Percy Harvin at 30, Nashville should throw a party. He's a very versatile player and I think he would give the Titans the explosive receiving threat they didn't have this year.
The big break from a lot of different drafts here is that Banks has the Detroit Lions taking Alabama OT Andre Smith instead of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford. I can't say I completely disagree, but I have the feeling that Stafford and Mark Sanchez are pro-type quarterbacks who would fit well. Can I see Detroit going non-QB? Absolutely. Do I think they will? No. The rest of Banks' top 10 is pretty feasible, although you already know my feelings on the Kansas City Chiefs and their QB situation. Give Tyler Thigpen a chance.
I'd be stunned if the Buffalo Bills took TE Brandon Pettigrew at 11. Sure, the Bills need help on offense, but not from the TE position. WR Jeremy Maclin seems more likely for Buffalo if they choose an offensive player. I also disagree with Banks' prediction at 12. The Denver Broncos should grab DT B.J. Raji if he's on the board, which he is in this mock. The success of the 3-4 defense is predicated on the defensive tackle position moreso than the ILB position.
I don't have too many qualms with the rest of Banks' draft either. Again, at this point, I'm not going to critique each and every pick. I will say one thing though: If the Tennessee Titans are able to grab Percy Harvin at 30, Nashville should throw a party. He's a very versatile player and I think he would give the Titans the explosive receiving threat they didn't have this year.
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