NFL Draft Needs and Reports
As the Nfl Draft clock ticks down, let's discuss the needs, reports, and ideas about each team, from Detroit to San Diego [ 1-16].
Detroit Lions:
Coming off an 0-16 year, the Lions have many needs, and they could trade the pick for a nice package of players and picks. Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez would be their best bet, and even though I like guys like Pat White more than him, they should take Stafford.
Latest Report: Matthew Stafford or a trade is what Detroit wants.
St. Louis Rams:
The Rams are looking into selecting an OT like Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe, but could easily select LB Aaron Curry or even DE Michael Johnson, who impressed many scouts at the combine. I think it comes down to Curry and Smith, but I like the big Baylor OT to land in St. Louis.
Reports: Jason Smith is the Rams best bet and most likely pick, but don't be surprised if they take Curry.
Kansas City Chiefs:
As the team with a terrible D, KC needs a defensive player who can blitz the QB well, and that is Aaron Curry. With a terrible defense, KC needs to upgrade and use 4+ picks on defensive players.
Author Poll Results
What will the Lions do with their number one pick
*
Take Matt Stafford
75.0%
*
Take Mark Sanchez
25.0%
*
Take Jason Smith
0.0%
*
Take Someone else
0.0%
*
Trade it
0.0%
* Total votes: 4
Reports: Scott Pioli could upgrade his QB pass protection by selecting Eugene Monroe, but that shouldn't happen. I like Curry here.
Seattle Seahawks:
Until T.J Housmedzadah was signed, picking Crabtree was a lock. Now with many options, Seattle needs to choose carefully.
If he is available they should pick Aaron Curry, but if not, I would pick Michael Crabtree. Crabtree was the only reason Texas Tech did well, and they made the Cotton Bowl. The Hawks could go with Eugene Monroe if he is on the board, but their best pick is the do it all Crabtree.
Reports: Seattle can pick an OT,[Monroe or Smith], Michael Johnson or Crabtree, but Crabtree would fit as a favorite target of Matt Hasslebeck, but with Burleson, Housh, Engram, and a talented receiving corps, Seattle wont need to upgrade needs at WR, but will upgrade the position.
Cleveland Browns:
They could take a lot of players, but I like Brian Orkapo. Jeremy Maclin or Percy Harvin could be on their board, but if Crabtree is gone, the Browns could use another defensive player, who would compete for the starting job.
Reports: Johnson could work out here, but Brian Orkapo impressed scouts even in tough games. I like Orkapo here.
Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals need someone to protect Carson Palmer, and Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher works, but since Oher had bad workouts, Eugene Monroe would be an easy yes for the Bengals. They would be lucky if the OT from Virginia who is great at pass-protecting falls down to slot no. 6, where they have to take him.
Reports: The Bengals need pass protection, so if he is available take him. If not pick Andre Smith, a tackle very similar to Monroe.
They could really be competing for this slot, so Cincinnati should work both of them out, but Kansas City could be tempted to take Monroe. The Bengals have to pay very close attention to what's happening.
Oakland Raiders: Al Davis's risky draft style could pick Mark Sanchez, Michael Johnson, Andre Smith or Jeremy Maclin. Considering Johnnie Lee Higgins led Oakland in catches with 22, Jeremy Maclin and his speed is a top option.
With QB issues, Mark Sanchez could definitely fill that need, and Michael Johnson could help their defense. Smith can also protect the Raiders QB. With receiving issues, and since Al Davis loves drafting fast receivers, I like Maclin to be a Raider.
Reports: Oakland may have the most options of any team, but Maclin is their guy. I would take Maclin and trade for another first round pick this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
With 31-year-old quarterback David Garrard not at the top of his game right now, and their defense giving up a lot of points, B.J Raji and Mark Sanchez are the candidates. Raji is a tough nose tackle that would be a good fit in Jacksonville's system (3-4 defense), and Sanchez is an accurate quarterback who is very good at timing and making good decisions at USC.
Reports: This is tough, but with a good quarterback already, and a struggling defense, B.J Raji should be the pick if available.
Green Bay Packers:
A team looking for defensive strength here, Aaron Maybin, Everette Brown, Tyson Jackson, Michael Johnson, or OT Andre Smith are an option. Tyson Jackson isn't a great pass rusher, but would still be a O.K fit in the Pack's defense. I think Michael Johnson has greatly improved during workouts, and I like the Pack to take this good pass-rusher, a great fit in Green Bay's 3-4 defense.
Reports: Tyson Jackson, Michael Johnson and Aaron Maybin are good fits for GB, but I like Johnson if he is on the board.
San Francisco 49ers:
SF can turn to Mark Sanchez to help their struggling quarterbacks, Aaron Maybin to help their pass-rush, and Tyson Jackson as a blocker. If Brian Orkapo is available I would take him. The Niners could take Maybin, a great pass-rusher who fits very well in the Niners defense, who could help them gain more sacks, but if Sanchez is available, take him. He could find a way to complete more passes and turn SF into a little bit more of a passing team. I like Sanchez if available.
Reports: If available, the Niners will most likely take Sanchez. I think Sanchez is the one.
Buffalo Bills:
With defensive needs here, expect Buffalo to take a defensive player. Aaron Maybin is a good blitzer and pass-rusher with a ton of upside, and could do well in Buffalo. Everette Brown is a lot of the same thing but doesn't exactly come with Buffalo's wanted package.
Reports: It should be Maybin, Brown, or Tyson Jackson, but expect Maybin or Brown to land with Buffalo. I think Maybin is their guy.
Denver Broncos:
New defensive coordinator and former 49ers coach Mike Nolan will try to draft players that will fill holes or compete for starting jobs. Tyson Jackson and Everette Brown, both defensive ends, would work out well. If Tyson Jackson can rush the quarterback, he would be absolutely perfect in Denver's defense. Everette Brown is pretty good at that, and will compete to be drafted.
Reports: Most mock drafts have Tyson Jackson penciled into this slot, but he needs to improve in training camp wherever he lands.
Washington Redskins:
Looking for defense, Washington could take Everette Brown off the boards easily, but they are also looking for pass protection, Andre Smith would work. Everette Brown had 23 sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss in his career while leading Florida State's punishing defense. Smith was predicted the No. 2 pick in December by Todd McShay, but could be gone by here. If not, he could get picked.
Reports: If Smith falls down to 13 he will probably get picked by Washington, but I think Washington will take Everette Brown.
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints are looking for a safety or cornerback, and Malcom Jenkins plays both. He should be available at the 14th slot, but if not they could be in trouble. The speedy cornerback from Ohio State hasn't done that well in workouts and ran about a 4.5 or 4.6 in the 40 yard dash. He is still what New Orleans wants and needs, and since he has improved a little, and if he plays like he did at Ohio State, he could win Rookie of the Year.
Reports: If available, Malcom Jenkins is pretty much penciled into this slot. Not a single team ahead of them are thinking cornerback/safety, so this pick is as close as it can get to a lock.
Houston Texans:
Even though Clay Matthews or Malcom Jenkins—if available—would be a better fit in Houston, I like Houston to select Andre Smith if he is available. If Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are off the boards when Cincinnati comes up to pick, they will take Smith. Clay's uncle, Bruce Matthews coaches there, so they are more familiar with him, but every team needs blockers, and Smith is the best one on the boards now.
Reports: If available, Clay Matthews will most likely be the pick, but if available, don't rule out Andre Smith.
San Diego Chargers:
Possibly the most stocked of any team, San Diego has many options. They could take Brian Cushing, Robert Ayers, Ebon Britton, Peria Jerry, or a top reciever. I like San Diego to go with Percy Harvin here because he is the best receiver available, and San Diego's receiving corps aren't that talented, with their best receivers being Vincent Jackson or Chris Chambers.
Percy Harvin can shake and bake, outrun, and outplay almost any defense in the country in college. I think Harvin is a first round lock, although Ebon Britton would be nice here, I like SD to select Harvin.
Reports: San Diego's most likely pick seems to be Ebon Britton, Rey Maualuga or Brian Cushing, but don't be surprised if San Diego takes Harvin.
Out of the first 16, many teams need to upgrade their defense, but with many talented defensivemen in the draft, Malcom Jenkins, Brian Cushing, Vontae Davis, Rey Maualuga, Ebon Britton and even Everette Brown could fall to the round half of the draft. The draft starts on Saturday, April 25 and 4:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM PT.
Detroit Lions:
Coming off an 0-16 year, the Lions have many needs, and they could trade the pick for a nice package of players and picks. Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez would be their best bet, and even though I like guys like Pat White more than him, they should take Stafford.
Latest Report: Matthew Stafford or a trade is what Detroit wants.
St. Louis Rams:
The Rams are looking into selecting an OT like Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe, but could easily select LB Aaron Curry or even DE Michael Johnson, who impressed many scouts at the combine. I think it comes down to Curry and Smith, but I like the big Baylor OT to land in St. Louis.
Reports: Jason Smith is the Rams best bet and most likely pick, but don't be surprised if they take Curry.
Kansas City Chiefs:
As the team with a terrible D, KC needs a defensive player who can blitz the QB well, and that is Aaron Curry. With a terrible defense, KC needs to upgrade and use 4+ picks on defensive players.
Author Poll Results
What will the Lions do with their number one pick
*
Take Matt Stafford
75.0%
*
Take Mark Sanchez
25.0%
*
Take Jason Smith
0.0%
*
Take Someone else
0.0%
*
Trade it
0.0%
* Total votes: 4
Reports: Scott Pioli could upgrade his QB pass protection by selecting Eugene Monroe, but that shouldn't happen. I like Curry here.
Seattle Seahawks:
Until T.J Housmedzadah was signed, picking Crabtree was a lock. Now with many options, Seattle needs to choose carefully.
If he is available they should pick Aaron Curry, but if not, I would pick Michael Crabtree. Crabtree was the only reason Texas Tech did well, and they made the Cotton Bowl. The Hawks could go with Eugene Monroe if he is on the board, but their best pick is the do it all Crabtree.
Reports: Seattle can pick an OT,[Monroe or Smith], Michael Johnson or Crabtree, but Crabtree would fit as a favorite target of Matt Hasslebeck, but with Burleson, Housh, Engram, and a talented receiving corps, Seattle wont need to upgrade needs at WR, but will upgrade the position.
Cleveland Browns:
They could take a lot of players, but I like Brian Orkapo. Jeremy Maclin or Percy Harvin could be on their board, but if Crabtree is gone, the Browns could use another defensive player, who would compete for the starting job.
Reports: Johnson could work out here, but Brian Orkapo impressed scouts even in tough games. I like Orkapo here.
Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals need someone to protect Carson Palmer, and Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher works, but since Oher had bad workouts, Eugene Monroe would be an easy yes for the Bengals. They would be lucky if the OT from Virginia who is great at pass-protecting falls down to slot no. 6, where they have to take him.
Reports: The Bengals need pass protection, so if he is available take him. If not pick Andre Smith, a tackle very similar to Monroe.
They could really be competing for this slot, so Cincinnati should work both of them out, but Kansas City could be tempted to take Monroe. The Bengals have to pay very close attention to what's happening.
Oakland Raiders: Al Davis's risky draft style could pick Mark Sanchez, Michael Johnson, Andre Smith or Jeremy Maclin. Considering Johnnie Lee Higgins led Oakland in catches with 22, Jeremy Maclin and his speed is a top option.
With QB issues, Mark Sanchez could definitely fill that need, and Michael Johnson could help their defense. Smith can also protect the Raiders QB. With receiving issues, and since Al Davis loves drafting fast receivers, I like Maclin to be a Raider.
Reports: Oakland may have the most options of any team, but Maclin is their guy. I would take Maclin and trade for another first round pick this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
With 31-year-old quarterback David Garrard not at the top of his game right now, and their defense giving up a lot of points, B.J Raji and Mark Sanchez are the candidates. Raji is a tough nose tackle that would be a good fit in Jacksonville's system (3-4 defense), and Sanchez is an accurate quarterback who is very good at timing and making good decisions at USC.
Reports: This is tough, but with a good quarterback already, and a struggling defense, B.J Raji should be the pick if available.
Green Bay Packers:
A team looking for defensive strength here, Aaron Maybin, Everette Brown, Tyson Jackson, Michael Johnson, or OT Andre Smith are an option. Tyson Jackson isn't a great pass rusher, but would still be a O.K fit in the Pack's defense. I think Michael Johnson has greatly improved during workouts, and I like the Pack to take this good pass-rusher, a great fit in Green Bay's 3-4 defense.
Reports: Tyson Jackson, Michael Johnson and Aaron Maybin are good fits for GB, but I like Johnson if he is on the board.
San Francisco 49ers:
SF can turn to Mark Sanchez to help their struggling quarterbacks, Aaron Maybin to help their pass-rush, and Tyson Jackson as a blocker. If Brian Orkapo is available I would take him. The Niners could take Maybin, a great pass-rusher who fits very well in the Niners defense, who could help them gain more sacks, but if Sanchez is available, take him. He could find a way to complete more passes and turn SF into a little bit more of a passing team. I like Sanchez if available.
Reports: If available, the Niners will most likely take Sanchez. I think Sanchez is the one.
Buffalo Bills:
With defensive needs here, expect Buffalo to take a defensive player. Aaron Maybin is a good blitzer and pass-rusher with a ton of upside, and could do well in Buffalo. Everette Brown is a lot of the same thing but doesn't exactly come with Buffalo's wanted package.
Reports: It should be Maybin, Brown, or Tyson Jackson, but expect Maybin or Brown to land with Buffalo. I think Maybin is their guy.
Denver Broncos:
New defensive coordinator and former 49ers coach Mike Nolan will try to draft players that will fill holes or compete for starting jobs. Tyson Jackson and Everette Brown, both defensive ends, would work out well. If Tyson Jackson can rush the quarterback, he would be absolutely perfect in Denver's defense. Everette Brown is pretty good at that, and will compete to be drafted.
Reports: Most mock drafts have Tyson Jackson penciled into this slot, but he needs to improve in training camp wherever he lands.
Washington Redskins:
Looking for defense, Washington could take Everette Brown off the boards easily, but they are also looking for pass protection, Andre Smith would work. Everette Brown had 23 sacks and 46.5 tackles for loss in his career while leading Florida State's punishing defense. Smith was predicted the No. 2 pick in December by Todd McShay, but could be gone by here. If not, he could get picked.
Reports: If Smith falls down to 13 he will probably get picked by Washington, but I think Washington will take Everette Brown.
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints are looking for a safety or cornerback, and Malcom Jenkins plays both. He should be available at the 14th slot, but if not they could be in trouble. The speedy cornerback from Ohio State hasn't done that well in workouts and ran about a 4.5 or 4.6 in the 40 yard dash. He is still what New Orleans wants and needs, and since he has improved a little, and if he plays like he did at Ohio State, he could win Rookie of the Year.
Reports: If available, Malcom Jenkins is pretty much penciled into this slot. Not a single team ahead of them are thinking cornerback/safety, so this pick is as close as it can get to a lock.
Houston Texans:
Even though Clay Matthews or Malcom Jenkins—if available—would be a better fit in Houston, I like Houston to select Andre Smith if he is available. If Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are off the boards when Cincinnati comes up to pick, they will take Smith. Clay's uncle, Bruce Matthews coaches there, so they are more familiar with him, but every team needs blockers, and Smith is the best one on the boards now.
Reports: If available, Clay Matthews will most likely be the pick, but if available, don't rule out Andre Smith.
San Diego Chargers:
Possibly the most stocked of any team, San Diego has many options. They could take Brian Cushing, Robert Ayers, Ebon Britton, Peria Jerry, or a top reciever. I like San Diego to go with Percy Harvin here because he is the best receiver available, and San Diego's receiving corps aren't that talented, with their best receivers being Vincent Jackson or Chris Chambers.
Percy Harvin can shake and bake, outrun, and outplay almost any defense in the country in college. I think Harvin is a first round lock, although Ebon Britton would be nice here, I like SD to select Harvin.
Reports: San Diego's most likely pick seems to be Ebon Britton, Rey Maualuga or Brian Cushing, but don't be surprised if San Diego takes Harvin.
Out of the first 16, many teams need to upgrade their defense, but with many talented defensivemen in the draft, Malcom Jenkins, Brian Cushing, Vontae Davis, Rey Maualuga, Ebon Britton and even Everette Brown could fall to the round half of the draft. The draft starts on Saturday, April 25 and 4:00 PM ET, 1:00 PM PT.
Comments
Oh and he played for the Gators who thrashed LSU (while my sister was working for the LSU football team) so that's another strike against him.
Steve C.