Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent a lot of time on his back last season. Packers fan Jared Sandler believes the team needs to address that issue with their first pick - and a few more down the road.
Watching the Green Bay Packers for the first eight weeks of the season was absolutely one of the most frustrating experiences for any Packers fan. No matter the team, every defensive end or edge rusher had a field day on Aaron Rodgers because of the Packers’ horrendous offensive line play.
The problems, which existed due to injuries (read: Chad Clifton) and inexperience (read: T.J. Lang) and players playing out of position (read: Darryn Colledge and Scott Wells), were still inexcusable. The Packers have one of the brightest stars in the league in Aaron Rodgers and they damn sure better do everything they can to protect him. Chad Clifton is back but is not getting any younger or healthier. Mark Tauscher is also not getting any younger or healthier.
With the wealth of talented offensive linemen, now might be the best time for Green Bay to grab an impact offensive tackle in the first round, like a Trent Williams or Bryan Bulaga (because neither Russell Okung or Anthony Davis will fall) and add a few interior offensive linemen as the draft progresses.
If Green Bay did not draft an offensive lineman in the first round, they need to try add depth and youth to their secondary, particularly their cornerbacks. While they had one of the best secondary groups in 2009—a group that single-handedly won them a game or two— their corners, the feature part of their secondary, are getting up there in age. Charles Woodson is 33 and still looking good, but for how much longer? Al Harris is 35 and missed most of last season due to injury. Tramont Williams and Jarrett Bush are both young, but proved to be very inconsistent as starting cornerbacks.
Green Bay won’t get a guy like Joe Haden, but maybe they will get a guy like Kyle Wilson or Devin McCourty. Maybe the answer isn’t in the first round, but the secondary positions, specifically on the outside, present a few needs for Green Bay.
Next on the agenda for Green Bay is finding young players who fit the role of Dom Capers’ 3-4 scheme on defense. They let Aaron Kampman go because he simply did not fit that mold. They got better as the season progressed, but it was very evident early on that they did not quite have the best personnel. In order to do this, Green Bay needs to grab a young nose tackle to clog up the middle, and some athletic defensive tackles to play on either side of the line. There were rumors Green Bay was interested in Taylor Mays as an edge rusher. And while he might not be the answer, they need a force off the edge—someone with size and speed.
The final need, although not one that needs to be addressed in the first round, is the running back position. Ryan Grant has been very inconsistent since his breakout 2008 season. He isn’t great in the passing game and is only okay as a pass blocker. A more consistent running game would open up the Green Bay offense, which is most effective when they can use the run to open up holes downfield.
Showing posts with label Taylor Mays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taylor Mays. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Will Silver and Black be Back?
Last year, the Oakland Raiders turned heads with their first round pick. Will it be the same this year? Raiders fan Alejandro Madrid tries to make sense of what should happen.
Following a record seventh straight season of losing at least eleven games, the Oakland Raiders head in to the 2010 NFL Draft with the eighth overall pick. The draft has not been kind to Oakland in recent years. Since 2001, the Raiders have made eleven first-round selections, and only one of them had a noticeable impact—Nnamdi Asomugha.
Looking ahead, it is nearly impossible to project the Raiders’ direction, considering owner Al Davis’s penchant for head-scratching picks. On April 22 at Radio City Music Hall, the Raiders must avoid a first round debacle similar to last year’s. Davis sent a hush over the usually boisterous crowd as he inexplicably selected Darrius Heyward-Bey—projected to be a late first-round pick—with the seventh overall selection. Davis cited Heyward-Bey’s impressive 40-yard dash time as the rationale for the pick. Without a doubt, Davis is aware of safety Taylor Mays’ jaw-dropping performance at the NFL Combine a few weeks ago in Indianapolis. However, Davis must resist drafting Mays. Despite his impressive numbers at the combine, scouts are mixed on how his skills will translate to the NFL, and he fails to address the Raiders’ most considerable needs.
Unfortunately, the Raiders need upgrades at every position except kicker, punter, and tight end. In the first round, Oakland’s wisest route would be to select a quarterback or an offensive tackle.
Oakland desperately needs a QB. JaMarcus Russell has failed to prove he is an NFL-caliber player, and journeyman Bruce Gradkowski, who played well at times in relief of Russell, is not a permanent answer. Neither of the top two quarterbacks, Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford, appears to fit with Oakland. Clausen’s arrogant mentality, similar to that of Russell, will only irritate fans and alienate teammates. As for Bradford, he is coming off of a serious injury, and the Raiders cannot afford to gamble on another quarterback after Russell proved to be a bust as the first overall selection in 2007.
Despite the mismatch, Oakland may be forced to select one of these two highly touted prospects if they are still available when the Raiders pick. 2011 is filled with quality quarterbacks like Jake Locker and Ryan Mallet, who would fit in nicely with the Raiders. However, the Raiders don’t have a first round pick in 2011 after trading it away to New England for Richard Seymour last off-season. In the absence of a first-round pick next year, the Raiders need to either select a quarterback this year or wait until 2012.
Even though two years is a considerable amount of time to wait, the Raiders are not going to instantly become a title contender and should be patient. Following this logic, the best use of their first-round pick is to draft a solid offensive tackle. During 2009, Oakland’s offensive line allowed the 3rd most sacks with 49. At tackle, Oakland is depleted, and 2010 offers a crop of very athletic offensive tackles that can make an instant impact. Russell Okung and Anthony Davis both possess impressive size and blocking ability that would not only protect the quarterback—whether it is Russell or Gradkowski—but also create bigger holes for running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. While Okung and Davis are clearly the top two offensive tackles, Bryan Bulaga would be a major upgrade, and the Raiders would be wise to draft him.
In the later rounds, Oakland should address needs on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders could use a speedy, physical linebacker as well as a cornerback with above average cover skills to complement one of the league’s top cornerbacks in Asomugha. Although the receiving corps was underwhelming in 2009, the Raiders should stay away from drafting a WR. The group showed occasional signs of brilliance and will be much improved in 2010 as Chaz Schillens, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and Louis Murphy gained valuable experience last season.
After years of futility, Raiders fans cling to the hope that Draft Day 2010 will turn the franchise around.
Following a record seventh straight season of losing at least eleven games, the Oakland Raiders head in to the 2010 NFL Draft with the eighth overall pick. The draft has not been kind to Oakland in recent years. Since 2001, the Raiders have made eleven first-round selections, and only one of them had a noticeable impact—Nnamdi Asomugha.
Looking ahead, it is nearly impossible to project the Raiders’ direction, considering owner Al Davis’s penchant for head-scratching picks. On April 22 at Radio City Music Hall, the Raiders must avoid a first round debacle similar to last year’s. Davis sent a hush over the usually boisterous crowd as he inexplicably selected Darrius Heyward-Bey—projected to be a late first-round pick—with the seventh overall selection. Davis cited Heyward-Bey’s impressive 40-yard dash time as the rationale for the pick. Without a doubt, Davis is aware of safety Taylor Mays’ jaw-dropping performance at the NFL Combine a few weeks ago in Indianapolis. However, Davis must resist drafting Mays. Despite his impressive numbers at the combine, scouts are mixed on how his skills will translate to the NFL, and he fails to address the Raiders’ most considerable needs.
Unfortunately, the Raiders need upgrades at every position except kicker, punter, and tight end. In the first round, Oakland’s wisest route would be to select a quarterback or an offensive tackle.
Oakland desperately needs a QB. JaMarcus Russell has failed to prove he is an NFL-caliber player, and journeyman Bruce Gradkowski, who played well at times in relief of Russell, is not a permanent answer. Neither of the top two quarterbacks, Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford, appears to fit with Oakland. Clausen’s arrogant mentality, similar to that of Russell, will only irritate fans and alienate teammates. As for Bradford, he is coming off of a serious injury, and the Raiders cannot afford to gamble on another quarterback after Russell proved to be a bust as the first overall selection in 2007.
Despite the mismatch, Oakland may be forced to select one of these two highly touted prospects if they are still available when the Raiders pick. 2011 is filled with quality quarterbacks like Jake Locker and Ryan Mallet, who would fit in nicely with the Raiders. However, the Raiders don’t have a first round pick in 2011 after trading it away to New England for Richard Seymour last off-season. In the absence of a first-round pick next year, the Raiders need to either select a quarterback this year or wait until 2012.
Even though two years is a considerable amount of time to wait, the Raiders are not going to instantly become a title contender and should be patient. Following this logic, the best use of their first-round pick is to draft a solid offensive tackle. During 2009, Oakland’s offensive line allowed the 3rd most sacks with 49. At tackle, Oakland is depleted, and 2010 offers a crop of very athletic offensive tackles that can make an instant impact. Russell Okung and Anthony Davis both possess impressive size and blocking ability that would not only protect the quarterback—whether it is Russell or Gradkowski—but also create bigger holes for running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. While Okung and Davis are clearly the top two offensive tackles, Bryan Bulaga would be a major upgrade, and the Raiders would be wise to draft him.
In the later rounds, Oakland should address needs on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders could use a speedy, physical linebacker as well as a cornerback with above average cover skills to complement one of the league’s top cornerbacks in Asomugha. Although the receiving corps was underwhelming in 2009, the Raiders should stay away from drafting a WR. The group showed occasional signs of brilliance and will be much improved in 2010 as Chaz Schillens, Johnnie Lee Higgins, and Louis Murphy gained valuable experience last season.
After years of futility, Raiders fans cling to the hope that Draft Day 2010 will turn the franchise around.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Chiefs of the Draft?
The Kansas City Chiefs have a number of holes to fill in this year's draft. When they're on the clock at No. 5, there will be plenty of options. Chiefs fan Mike Couzens explains what KC needs to do in three weeks.
Looking into the future for the Kansas City Chiefs is not easy. There’s a lot of needs and not enough picks in the draft to fulfill them all, so the Chiefs are going to have to make some tough decisions when it comes to what positions they’re going to prioritize in this year’s pool. Looking into the future is only so tough because there are some young guys who are growing (Jamaal Charles), middle of the road guys who could flourish (Matt Cassel), and some old guys (Brian Waters) who could be gone any day now.
But those are positions with relatively stable players, especially with the addition of Thomas Jones at running back. Where the help is really needed is on defense. The Chiefs ranked 30th in overall defense in 2009, and 31st overall in 2008. The reasons the KC teams of the early 2000’s were so good was because of the offense, and it was always the defense that held them back. Even with a semi-potent offense with emerging stars like Dwayne Bowe, Charles and others, the defense can get this team to be better than its 4-12 mark of 2009.
Three names that the Chiefs need to have on their board come draft day are Safeties Eric Berry and Taylor Mays and NT Terrence Cody. Their current safeties are Jon McGraw and Mike Brown—two guys past their prime and who more importantly do not fit into the young scheme of this current team. Adding Mays or Berry, two players who could be immediate starters, would immensely improve the defense. A good safety can be like a quarterback on defense in the sense that he can control the field and see the game in a way that no other player does. The Chiefs haven’t had that on defense in a number of years.
Cody, on the other hand, would fill the role that Glenn Dorsey was supposed to when Carl Peterson drafted him back in 2008. He was supposed to be an interior tackle, but the team moved to a 3-4 defense and he’s now an end. Cody would be the massive run-stopper this team’s been in need of for a long time. Not only would that lead to teams having to double team Cody or just avoid him all together, but it would take pressure off the rest of the defense, especially when it comes down to trying to get pressure on the quarterback.
Those are the team’s most glaring needs, however there are other areas like wide receiver (who starts behind Bowe) and tight end (Leonard Pope is not the answer) that are secondary to defense. 2010 will be interesting with Scott Pioli getting his first chance to draft at the helm of the Chiefs organization. Here’s to hoping it’s better than what KC fans are used to.
Looking into the future for the Kansas City Chiefs is not easy. There’s a lot of needs and not enough picks in the draft to fulfill them all, so the Chiefs are going to have to make some tough decisions when it comes to what positions they’re going to prioritize in this year’s pool. Looking into the future is only so tough because there are some young guys who are growing (Jamaal Charles), middle of the road guys who could flourish (Matt Cassel), and some old guys (Brian Waters) who could be gone any day now.
But those are positions with relatively stable players, especially with the addition of Thomas Jones at running back. Where the help is really needed is on defense. The Chiefs ranked 30th in overall defense in 2009, and 31st overall in 2008. The reasons the KC teams of the early 2000’s were so good was because of the offense, and it was always the defense that held them back. Even with a semi-potent offense with emerging stars like Dwayne Bowe, Charles and others, the defense can get this team to be better than its 4-12 mark of 2009.
Three names that the Chiefs need to have on their board come draft day are Safeties Eric Berry and Taylor Mays and NT Terrence Cody. Their current safeties are Jon McGraw and Mike Brown—two guys past their prime and who more importantly do not fit into the young scheme of this current team. Adding Mays or Berry, two players who could be immediate starters, would immensely improve the defense. A good safety can be like a quarterback on defense in the sense that he can control the field and see the game in a way that no other player does. The Chiefs haven’t had that on defense in a number of years.
Cody, on the other hand, would fill the role that Glenn Dorsey was supposed to when Carl Peterson drafted him back in 2008. He was supposed to be an interior tackle, but the team moved to a 3-4 defense and he’s now an end. Cody would be the massive run-stopper this team’s been in need of for a long time. Not only would that lead to teams having to double team Cody or just avoid him all together, but it would take pressure off the rest of the defense, especially when it comes down to trying to get pressure on the quarterback.
Those are the team’s most glaring needs, however there are other areas like wide receiver (who starts behind Bowe) and tight end (Leonard Pope is not the answer) that are secondary to defense. 2010 will be interesting with Scott Pioli getting his first chance to draft at the helm of the Chiefs organization. Here’s to hoping it’s better than what KC fans are used to.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
USC Pro Day Report
If you were expecting anything earth-shattering from USC's Pro Day today, you didn't get it. But what transpired at Cromwell Field should bode well for the Trojans expecting to hear their name called next month at the NFL Draft.
Safety Taylor Mays didn't help his stock tremendously, but he didn't hurt it, either. He arrived for the workouts looking a little slimmer than he has been, but he looked just as athletic on the field. Mays looked good in coverage drills and displayed good hands.
He chose not to run the 40-yard dash, letting his NFL Combine time stand. When asked why he didn't run today, he said: "Didn't need to." Easy enough. Mays also said he wasn't quite sure where he's going to be on draft day, adding that he hadn't ruled out the possibility of being in New York.
Another possible first round pick, DE Everson Griffen, turned in a solid Pro Day as well. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, showcasing the speed that makes him a viable threat as an edge rusher in the NFL. Griffen also looked good in the other agility drills. He showed great bursts of speed and strength off the blocks. He should hear his name called on Thursday night.
The offense:
- WR Damian Williams looked good as well. He runs solid routes and has sound hands, making him an ideal second-round pick.
- RB Stafon Johnson continues to impress, running a 4.62 40 time. Not exactly blazing speed, but considering where he's coming from, it's pretty good. Johnson also displayed some good hands catching passes.
- Fellow RB Joe McKnight did not have a great day. He stumbled a bit in the agility drills, but it was unclear how much of that had to do with the cleats he was wearing and the synthetic surface at Cromwell Field. Either way, he was not sharp.
- It was a mixed day for the offensive line. OT Charles Brown pulled up on his second 40, grabbing at his left hamstring. He sat out the rest of the day. Jeff Byers looked good, turning in a 5.09 40 time and solid runs in the agility drills.
The defense:
- CB Kevin Thomas had a phenomenal day. He ran a 4.43 40 time and looked smooth in coverage drills, displaying good hands as well. Thomas should be a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
- S Will Harris ran a 4.59 40 and certainly helped his stock, given that he wasn't invited to the NFL Combine.
Safety Taylor Mays didn't help his stock tremendously, but he didn't hurt it, either. He arrived for the workouts looking a little slimmer than he has been, but he looked just as athletic on the field. Mays looked good in coverage drills and displayed good hands.
He chose not to run the 40-yard dash, letting his NFL Combine time stand. When asked why he didn't run today, he said: "Didn't need to." Easy enough. Mays also said he wasn't quite sure where he's going to be on draft day, adding that he hadn't ruled out the possibility of being in New York.
Another possible first round pick, DE Everson Griffen, turned in a solid Pro Day as well. He ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, showcasing the speed that makes him a viable threat as an edge rusher in the NFL. Griffen also looked good in the other agility drills. He showed great bursts of speed and strength off the blocks. He should hear his name called on Thursday night.
The offense:
- WR Damian Williams looked good as well. He runs solid routes and has sound hands, making him an ideal second-round pick.
- RB Stafon Johnson continues to impress, running a 4.62 40 time. Not exactly blazing speed, but considering where he's coming from, it's pretty good. Johnson also displayed some good hands catching passes.
- Fellow RB Joe McKnight did not have a great day. He stumbled a bit in the agility drills, but it was unclear how much of that had to do with the cleats he was wearing and the synthetic surface at Cromwell Field. Either way, he was not sharp.
- It was a mixed day for the offensive line. OT Charles Brown pulled up on his second 40, grabbing at his left hamstring. He sat out the rest of the day. Jeff Byers looked good, turning in a 5.09 40 time and solid runs in the agility drills.
The defense:
- CB Kevin Thomas had a phenomenal day. He ran a 4.43 40 time and looked smooth in coverage drills, displaying good hands as well. Thomas should be a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
- S Will Harris ran a 4.59 40 and certainly helped his stock, given that he wasn't invited to the NFL Combine.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Draft Impact: Safeties on the Move
The New York Giants desperately needed help in their secondary. Enter safety Antrel Rolle. The Cardinals had a void. Hello, Kerry Rhodes. Now, both teams can focus on other key positions.
New York picks 15th in the first round - a prime position to make a pick on the defensive line. UCLA DT Brian Price would be a great grab at that spot, as would USC DE Everson Griffen. The Giants have long believed that you can never have enough pass rushers, and Griffen excels at getting to the QB. If Alabama ILB Rolando McClain somehow slips to 15th, the Giants should pounce.
And what about the Arizona Cardinals? After letting Rolle go and trading Boldin, they made another trade today, sending a 2010 fourth rounder and a 2011 seventh rounder to the New York Jets for Rhodes.
The Cardinals pick 26th, with a number of options. Acquiring Rhodes means they almost certainly won't use their pick on USC S Taylor Mays. On the offensive side of the ball, they've been so successful because of a three-receiver attack. They lost Boldin, but they do have Jerheme Urban and Early Doucet. Both showed flashes of brilliance in the playoffs.
It seems likely at this point that they'll try to draft a linebacker, given the recent departure of Karlos Dansby to the Miami Dolphins. If possible, they'll look toward Texas LB Sergio Kindle, and possibly use some of their latter round picks to trade up to grab him.
New York picks 15th in the first round - a prime position to make a pick on the defensive line. UCLA DT Brian Price would be a great grab at that spot, as would USC DE Everson Griffen. The Giants have long believed that you can never have enough pass rushers, and Griffen excels at getting to the QB. If Alabama ILB Rolando McClain somehow slips to 15th, the Giants should pounce.
And what about the Arizona Cardinals? After letting Rolle go and trading Boldin, they made another trade today, sending a 2010 fourth rounder and a 2011 seventh rounder to the New York Jets for Rhodes.
The Cardinals pick 26th, with a number of options. Acquiring Rhodes means they almost certainly won't use their pick on USC S Taylor Mays. On the offensive side of the ball, they've been so successful because of a three-receiver attack. They lost Boldin, but they do have Jerheme Urban and Early Doucet. Both showed flashes of brilliance in the playoffs.
It seems likely at this point that they'll try to draft a linebacker, given the recent departure of Karlos Dansby to the Miami Dolphins. If possible, they'll look toward Texas LB Sergio Kindle, and possibly use some of their latter round picks to trade up to grab him.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Pac-10's Top 10
While at USC football practice Thursday to watch Day 1 of the Matt Barkley era, I spoke at length with a former Daily Trojan colleague of mine, Dan Greenspan, who currently writes for CollegeFootballNews.com. Dan has contributed to this blog before, and this is not the last time his name will show up within its confines.
Dan and I discussed the 2010 draft for a little bit, and he laid out his pre-season Top 10 Draft-Eligible Prospects in the Pac-10 Conference. This is his list.
1. Taylor Mays, S, USC
2. Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
3. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
4. Brian Price, DT, UCLA
5. Charles Brown, OT, USC
6. Syd'Quan Thompson, DB, Cal
7. Damian Williams, WR, USC
8. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
9. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
10. Lawrence Guy, DL, ASU
My Take:
Mays is an all-world defensive talent who would have certainly been a first round pick in this past year's draft. With another solid year as the anchor of the USC defense, Mays very well could solidify a top 10 pick in 2010, and likely sneak into the top 5.
Gronkowski is a physical specimen at 6-6, 265, and continues to improve his game each year. He could end up being the first or second TE off the board overall when it's all said and done.
Blount and Best are a pair of talented running backs with tremendous skillsets. I think Best has the potential to rise up this list as the season progresses, and if he reaches his full potential. could be a top-20 pick overall in the 2010 first round.
Dan and I discussed the 2010 draft for a little bit, and he laid out his pre-season Top 10 Draft-Eligible Prospects in the Pac-10 Conference. This is his list.
1. Taylor Mays, S, USC
2. Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon
3. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
4. Brian Price, DT, UCLA
5. Charles Brown, OT, USC
6. Syd'Quan Thompson, DB, Cal
7. Damian Williams, WR, USC
8. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
9. Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
10. Lawrence Guy, DL, ASU
My Take:
Mays is an all-world defensive talent who would have certainly been a first round pick in this past year's draft. With another solid year as the anchor of the USC defense, Mays very well could solidify a top 10 pick in 2010, and likely sneak into the top 5.
Gronkowski is a physical specimen at 6-6, 265, and continues to improve his game each year. He could end up being the first or second TE off the board overall when it's all said and done.
Blount and Best are a pair of talented running backs with tremendous skillsets. I think Best has the potential to rise up this list as the season progresses, and if he reaches his full potential. could be a top-20 pick overall in the 2010 first round.
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