April 29th- After scouring through hours of film, sitting through senior bowls, watching players run multiple drills at the combine, chartering flights to Pro-Days to watch more drills, the work of the scouts, coaches and general managers (and some owners) from all over the league finally came to a close with the end of the 2009 NFL Draft.
The results of their homework will not show itself until the start of September. But that doesn’t stop TPFSports from giving you our opinion on who were the winners in this year’s draft, starting with our review of the first round.
(1) Lions- Matthew Stafford, QB, 6’2” 225 Georgia
The obvious choice for a franchise looking for new face after being the league's first 0-16 team, Stafford’s selection was a no-brainer to most. With unearthly arm strength, the Lions will have no problem stretching the field with him playing pitch and catch to “Terminator:Salvation” cyborg, Calvin Johnson. Matthew can make all the throws and will be asked to quickly digest the complexities of an NFL offense after coming out of a simple one in Georgia. Like most QB’s, he gets erratic when under constant pressure. How he reacts to that on the next level will be the key to his success. His selection may be suited for a 2011 debut rather than next season. With the left tackle situation still in question in Detroit, the Lions should take a page out of the Bengals handbook of their handling of Carson Palmer. Stafford should sit one year behind veteran QB Dante Culpepper rather than stunt his early growth, forcing him into the bad habit of constantly looking over his left shoulder, and in the process, turning him into another David Carr.
(2) Rams- Jason Smith, LT 6’5” 309 Baylor
The heir apparent to former seven-time pro bowler Orlando Pace, Jason Smith brings stability to the Rams left side. A nasty finisher with the serious demeanor of a soldier’s son, the 310 pound tackle carries a mature approach towards the game and will quickly make the transition into the NFL. An exceptional pass blocker, he’s also a devastating run blocker but tends to stand tall on stretch plays and leads with his head at times. This may result into some missed blocks against some of the more agile defensive linemen in the league, but that can be easily corrected as Steven Jackson has a new bowling ball on the left side to run behind.
(3) Chiefs- Tyson Jackson, DE 6’4” 295 LSU
The Chiefs have quietly turned LSU into their personal farm team after drafting another Tiger for their defensive line for the second year in a row. His selection is a statement pick for new head coach Todd Haley who is trying to introduce a new culture to the Chiefs organization. The high motor DE masterfully uses his leverage and has the ability to take on and shake off offensive linemen. He will routinely disrupt running plays at the edge, forcing plays back to the inside, ultimately helping a Chiefs defense that was the third worst against the run last season. But one wonders if the Chiefs made a mistake in bypassing the next player selected in the draft.
(4) Seahawks- Aaron Curry, 6’2” 254 Wake Forest
The biggest certainty in this year's draft, his play will certainly outweigh his choice of suit selection, walking on stage as the fourth selection in this year’s draft. The mobile Wake Forest linebacker is one of the most highly touted LB coming out of the draft in years, and brings more size and speed to a Seahawk linebacking corp already featuring Pro-bowler Lofa Tatupu. It’s yet to be seen if he’s a great blitzer, since he was rarely asked to get to the QB in college. But what’s certain is that his long arms will keep offensive linemen from controlling him at the point of attack, and his sheer athleticism, ranging from sideline to sideline, will keep him penciled in the starting line up for the next decade.
(5) Jets (from Browns) Mark Sanchez, QB 6’2” 227 USC
The Jets filled an immediate need after the end of the failed Favre experiment. Considered by some to be the best QB in this year’s draft, the Jets moved up 12 slots to get him. With a strong and accurate throwing arm, the highly touted Mark Sanchez brings instant notoriety to this star quarterback starved franchise. Already used to playing in the West Coast offense, he’ll fit nicely into Schottemhiemer’s system and will more than likely be named the team’s starter by the first game. Last year’s pre-season star QB Brett Ratliff (sent to Cleveland in the trade to move up for Sanchez) could have produced a good QB battle coming into Jets training camp this year, giving Sanchez a much needed push. One wonders who Sanchez will be throwing the ball to, as the Jets failed to address the hole at receiver. (David Clowney?)
(6) Bengals- Andre Smith, LT 6’4” 334 Alabama
His off the field issues before this year's combine already has him tailor made for the Cincinnati Bengals. The most gifted tackle in this year's draft raised many eyebrows (and obviously cheeseburgers) going into his pro-day out of shape and looking very doughy as his stock in the draft slipped. But despite the questions, the 2008 Walter Camp winner will help bolster the Bengals running and passing game which was near the bottom of the league last season. While his body and work ethic have come under question, he shows remarkable patience at LT. He possesses enough footwork to wait on pass rushers to make their move before committing to block, and is an exceptional run blocker, getting to the second level with ease. This is a definite plus for a team looking to protect Carson Palmer, who played only four games last season before bowing out to an elbow injury.
(7) Raiders- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR 6’2” 210 Maryland
No surprise here as the "Clock Rules Everything Around Me" Raiders took the fastest receiver in this year's draft. Rather than giving their young QB a dependable catch everything receiver, the Raiders stayed true to form, never deviating from their days of Don Larmonica going bombs away on defenses. In Darius-Heyward Bey, the Raiders drafted a very raw receiver for their equally raw QB. Although Darius-Heyward Bey is going to be a huge project to refine into a polished receiver, he is very much suited for the heavy arm of JaMarcus Russell who will find it difficult to overthrow him, considering that Bey’s strongest suit is his straight away speed. The ultimate “boom or bust” pick in the first round, the key word on him is patience. But with a mercurial owner and the coaching carousel always at top speed in Oakland, stability from a coaching staff working on fine tuning Bey’s rough edges may not be in his future.
(8) Jaguars- Eugene Monroe, LT 6’5” 309 Virginia
After inking Maurice Jones Drew to a four year, the Jags gave their 5'8 dynamo a huge gift in signing Eugene Monroe. The long left tackle out of Virginia will provide a perfect cover for MJD get lost under, as the Jags renewed their commitment to their running game after dropping from second in the league in rushing in 2007 to 18th last season. Although his strong suit is as a pass blocker, he tends to stand tall on run blocking assignments. His health may be a major concern, as he overcame two previous knee injuries in both his sophomore and junior seasons.
(9) Packers- BJ Raji, DT 6’2” 337 Boston College
A term you will see throughout this review is called “DFYD” which stands for “Drafting For Your Division.” After giving up 130+ yards a game last season and forced to face Adrian Peterson twice a year, the Packers wisely selected a run stuffer they haven’t had since the glory years of Gilbert Brown. At 337 pounds, BJ Raji has a non-stop motor, and uses superior leverage and strength to control the line of scrimmage. The rippling effect from his presence will benefit of linebackers AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett, as the constant double teams BJ will face will open up lanes for them. His surge up the middle will also add to the Packers sack total, forcing QB’s to roll towards outside pressure.
(10) 49ers- Michael Crabtree, WR 6’2” 215 Texas Tech
In the mold of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the 215 pounder is a tough-nosed bully at wideout with great hands and the most polished route running skills out of any receiver in this year’s draft. Although he isn’t a blazer who’ll stretch the field, he’s a definite threat after the catch and isn’t afraid to go across the middle or stick his nose in there to block. Although his stock slipped in the draft after recovering from a foot injury, the new 49er receiver will start off his career out with a huge chip on his shoulder after being slighted by several teams (particularly the OTHER team also in the Bay Area). As the shadow of Jerry Rice falls over him, expect to see much of the same we all saw from him at Texas Tech.
(11) Bills- Aaron Maybin, DE 6’4” 249 Penn State
Maybin made up for a disappointing performance in this year’s NFL combine. The All-American speed rushing defensive end clocked a 4.59 during his pro day, opening the eyes of the Bills coaching staff looking to help a pass rush which was 28th in sacks last season. Maybin is ready to play opposite another Aaron (Schobel), filling a much needed void for the Northern New York state team. But the undersized rookie may not be able to help defend against the run for a team which gave up over 600 yards rushing in its last four games.
(12) Broncos- Knowshon Moreno, RB 5’11” 217 Georgia
After an off-season which saw the Broncos trade away their franchise QB, Josh McDaniels made us scratch our heads with this selection. Although Knowshon Moreno will help the Broncos, he may not be what they needed after a dismal 2008 season where their defense was next door neighbors to likes of the Detroit Lions at the bottom of the list. The do-everything Bulldog will still be an offensive a spark plug, though. He possesses exceptional lateral movement and field vision, and has a broad skill set being a gifted runner between the tackles as well as a good pass receiver. As the new face for a franchise influx, he has the makings to be the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year next season, as the Broncos will give him every opportunity to get the ball.
(13) Redskins- Brian Orakpo, DE 6’3” 263 Texas
Is there a better fit for a team as with Orakpo’s arrival with the Skins? The talented defensive end from the city of Houston is a gifted pass rusher for a team who was in the Top 5 in the NFL defensively last year, but near the basement in the sack department. His first step off the line will force many offensive linemen into false starts. He’s already blessed with pass rushing moves at the edge, but needs to work on shedding blocks when facing the run, as teams will stretch the field running away from Big Albert Hayneworth. But with Albert facing constant double teaming, Orakpo will have an opportunity to face one on one blockers and reek havoc at the edge. With room to bulk up from his 263 pound frame, the Redskins defense has taken another step forward, keeping their free-spending owner happy.
(14) Saints- Malcolm Jenkins, DB/S 6’0” 204 Ohio State
When you see this selection, think of Scottie Pippen’s offense. An obvious need for the secondary deficient Saints, Malcolm Jenkins is “good” at a lot of things, but not “great” at any particular thing. In a draft which has seen the lowest grades at the corner position in recent years, the first DB taken off the board brings versatility and will be a stabilizing force for a team that gave up almost 25 points per contest. He’s an excellent tackler and does a good job of keeping receivers in front of him. Now think of Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat. A “tweener” of sorts, the 6’0”DB will have difficulty finding a home at either safety or corner. For the New Orleans Saints, this is a GOOD problem.
(15) Texans- Brian Cushing, OLB 6’3” 243 USC
The first of the talented USC LB’s taken off the board, Brian Cushing’s selection makes perfect sense. The unofficial winners in the top three selections of the 2006 NFL draft, the Texans finally have another stud on the defensive side of the ball to go along with budding superstar Mario Williams. With the Texans offense shored up, the focus on finding a linebacker who can open up the Texans defensive playbook was solved in getting the New Jersey bred football player. Although there are questions about his athletic ability, his downhill attacking style will not be questioned by those on the receiving end of his tackles. A good tackler who can blitz the QB and drop back into coverage, he’ll play multiple roles for the Texans defense. Durability questions swirl around him, and at times he can be overly aggressive.
(16) Chargers- Larry English, DE 6’2” 274 Northern Illinois
With a pass rush that gave opposing quarterbacks last season enough time to read “War and Peace,” the Chargers signed Larry English. The Chargers hope that Northern Illinois will again produce another solid player for them, as they did in drafting Michael Turner several years ago. A mini-Dwight Freeney, he’s a future sack specialist in the making as he’ll receive the torch passed to him from Shawn Merriman who is currently rehabbing his injured knee. But like Freeney, he’ll have trouble against the run, as his up the field moves will leave space underneath for offenses to take advantage of. But as one of the Top 5 players in NCAA history in making tackles behind the line scrimmage, he has a nose for the ball and will improve the Chargers defense.
(17) Buccaneers (from Browns) - Josh Freeman, QB 6’6” 248 Kansas State
The cerebral Kansas State QB is probably a couple of years away from contributing to the Bucs, but his selection is a direct sign of change for the Bucs organization and new coach Raheem Morris. Freeman’s huge frame, smooth athleticism, and big arm was hard for teams to bypass, as his stock rose as it got closer to the draft. The lone star for a Kansas State program with coaching changes and surrounded with little to no blue chip athletes around him during his time, he still was intriguing enough to be selected in the first round. But he remains a huge question mark.
(18) Broncos (from Bears) - Robert Ayers, DE/OLB 6’3” 272 Tennessee
The Broncos used the pick acquired in the Cutler trade to select the hybrid DE/LB from Tennessee. Although he peaked for one season, his speed on the edge playing DE and size converting to OLB made him an interesting prospect for a depleted Broncos defensive line in need of his versatility. He has great closing speed when attacking the QB and is slippery when trying to get blocked in open space. Some questioned the decision to draft Knowshon Moreno at #12, bypassing Brian Orakpo who was ranked higher than Ayers on most boards. But Ayers versatility fits multiple needs for the defense inept Broncos.
(19) Eagles (from Buccaneers) - Jeremy Maclin, WR/KR/PR 6’0” 198 Missouri
After throwing to the likes of Freddie Mitchell, James Thrash and Todd Pinkston for much of his career, Donovan McNabb has witnessed the evolution of the Eagles receiving corp over the last two seasons. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin, the WR from the “Show me” State will show that he can handle any task asked of him. The multi-purpose receiver will further open up the Eagles passing attack, playing alongside DeSean Jackson and star as a return specialist. Although he has the talent to be a prolific receiver, he’s still an unpolished interior route runner who will need some fine tuning. And in drafting Maclin, the Eagles still did not resolve their short yardage situation, with a trio of running backs all under 200 pounds. In a division featuring big Albert Haynesworth, a stout NY Giants defense, and a revamped Cowboys team, bypassing RB Chris Wells may loom large over Andy Reid and the Eagles offense.
(20) Lions (from Cowboys) - Brandon Pettigrew, TE 6’5” 263 Oklahoma State
The best way to rebuild a team is from the inside- out, and the Detroit Lions did just that in drafting the best TE in this year’s draft. Soon to be Matthew Stafford’s best friend on third-down, Pettigrew knows how to create space from safeties and linebackers who’ll find it difficult to get through his huge frame as he creates space between the ball and defenders. An exceptional run blocker with good hands, he’s the type of TE that can remain on the field rather than have come off for spot duty as either a pass receiver or blocker. With Charles Johnson’s ability to stretch the field, he’ll be able to exploit the middle of the field and become a big mismatch problem for most teams.
(21) Browns (from Eagles) - Alex Mack, C 6’4” 311 California
After trading down three times in the first round, new head coach Eric Mangini finally settled on Alex Mack. For a team which only had six rushing touchdowns all last season, the move makes sense after trading their starting TE (Winslow), looking to trade one starting wide receiver (Edwards), the other in legal trouble (Stallworth), and an open QB competition coming this spring. Fortifying the middle with someone possessing the leadership qualities of the former Cal Bear will help whoever is under center and the rest of the line. But Mack’s long frame could come cause him problems where he periodically stands tall as a blocker, which may haunt him facing the Steelers Casey Hampton and Haloti Ngata of the Ravens four times a year.
(22) Vikings- Percy Harvin, WR 5’11” 192 Florida
The most explosive offensive player in this year’s draft saw off the field problems take a minor hit to his position in the draft. No problem….he’s now teammates with the NFL’s most explosive player in the NFL in Adrian Peterson. The M.O.P. (albeit forgotten in the media’s crush on Tim Tebow) in January’s BCS Title game will give the Vikings offense another player who can take it to the house at any given moment. But he does come with precautions beyond his off the field issues. The compact receiver often limped off towards the sidelines during his college career due to numerous injuries and is considered somewhat brittle.
(23) Ravens (from Patriots) - Michael Oher, LT 6’5” 309 Mississippi
The Ravens sought to keep their prized QB safe with the selection of LT Michael Oher. Pass blocking is the biggest strength for the nibble-footed and agile tackle, as the Ravens finally solidified the LT position after the retirement of perennial Pro-bolwer Jonathan Ogden at the end of the 2007 season. Oher can get very tall at times as a run blocker, but going into his fourth year playing tackle, that part of his game can easily be rectified.
(24) Falcons- Peria Jerry, DT 6’2” 299 Mississippi
The Falcons came into first round looking for defensive help and believe they found it in DT Peria Jerry. A major part of the NCAA’s stingiest run defense last season, Jerry played up and down defensive line as an interior lineman or defensive end. With an explosive first step and exceptional lateral movement, he’ll provide the Falcons a sideline to sideline presence on the defensively line, and is versatile enough to play where needed. But while his versatility and athleticism is apparent, he does a poor job of using his hands to shed off blockers, relying on his size to overwhelm linemen at the college level and may be controlled at the line of scrimmage when facing players at that next level.
(25) Dolphins- Vontae Davis, CB 5’11” 203 Illinois
Another DFYD pick, the Dolphins continued to add pieces to a much maligned 2008 secondary. Cut out of the mold of former Giants DB Mark Collins, Bill Parcells plucked the stout and sure tackling corner to shore up the Dolphins defensive backfield in a division featuring two of the Top 5 receivers in the NFL. The younger brother of 49ers TE Vernon Davis, the former D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year is a risk taker at the corner position, who may produce more rewards to a secondary that was near the bottom of the list in interceptions last season. Expect to see him rushing the passer at times next season, as the Dolphins attempt to grow on last season’s surprise success.
(26) Packers (from Ravens) - Clay Matthews Jr., OLB 6’3” 240 USC
Probably the most versatile and athletic LB’s in the USC trio. One of the fastest linebackers at this year’s combine, he’s a fluid athlete with great redirection skills, sure tackling ability and tremendous closing speed when chasing down a QB. He’ll find his way onto the field as either a pass rusher or in coverage. He comes from a great NFL pedigree, as the son of former Cleveland Brown player Clay Matthews Sr. and nephew of HOFer Bruce Matthews. Expect to see him do most of his damage this year as a special teamer, while the Packers coaching staff devise ways of putting him in their defensive schemes over the course season. He does have a problem getting blockers off him, which he’ll need to overcome if he plans to stay on the field full-time.
(27) Colts- Donald Brown, RB 5’10” 210 Connecticut
The compact RB out of UConn was the NCAA’s leading rusher last year. For a Colts franchise that lost Dominic Rhodes, the Huskie running back will find an immediate role spelling the fragile Joseph Addai and helping a running game which was 31st in the NFL last season. Teams will no longer be able to pin their ears back against the pass, as Brown is a great in between the tackles runner, with exceptional lateral movement and a quick burst through the line. But with only 48 receptions in his three-years at Stoors and questionable pass-blocking skills, he’s going to have to prove that he can catch the ball and help protect Peyton Manning in pass protection before ultimately being handed the keys as the starting RB he’ll be for the Colts in the future.
(28) Bills (from Panthers) Eric Wood, C 6’4” 310 Louisville
The push up the middle from Vince Wilfolk and Kris Jenkins hurt the Bills passing and running game last season, as the Bills reacted with the “DFYD” selection of Eric Wood. Wood is good at using leverage to push back defenders, as he’ll be able to get good movement up front for Marshawn Lynch and aid the Bills running attack. He may struggle at times facing nimble defensive linemen, but is a major upgrade for the Bills. Unfortunately, the Bills have yet to find a solution for their problems at LT, trading Jason Peters to the Eagles during the off-season.
(29) Giants- Hakeem Nicks, WR 6’1” 212 North Carolina
It was a surprise to no one that the Giants had the Tar Heel standout on their radar, but he is not expected to fill the shoes of Plaxico Burress as advertised. His style of play is more reminiscent to the often forgotten and now former Giant, Amani Toomer. A good route runner with decent speed and strong hands, he’ll slowly turn into Eli Manning’s most dependable third down target. The Giants deep threat at WR is Dominic Hixon, who’ll be asked to stretch the field and fill the void left by Plaxico.
(30) Titans- Kenny Britt, WR 6’3 218 Rutgers
The receiver starved Titans drafted a football player who happens to play the position. The Rutgers standout is fearless, whether going across the middle to catch the ball or sticking his nose in there to make a block. So aggressive was he at receiver that he even found his way on the field to play part-time safety. Always catching the ball at his highest point, he needs work a little more work on his interior route skills. A big target that’s fleet of foot, he could be the best receiver in this year’s draft outside of Crabtree.
(31) Cardinals- Chris Wells, RB 6’1” 235 Ohio State
The Ohio State standout RB slid further than anticipated in this year’s draft, and in doing so ended Edgrin James tenure in Phoenix. Questions about Chris Wells durability and endurance raised red flags for teams looking to shore up their running game. However, no one could question his talent, as the downhill-running tailback displays exceptional lateral movement for a RB his size, and an uncanny knack for finding holes where there is none. He now finds himself in a good fit where defenses will be backing off against the run, opting to key on Larry Fitzgerald (or Anquin Boldin if still around), leaving Wells with more room than he was accustomed to running through in Columbus. If he can remain healthy, he will make an already potent Cardinals offense unstoppable.
(32) Steelers- Evander Hood, DT 6’3 300 Missouri
The defensive culture of the Steelers remains in tact with the selection of Evander Hood. His cat-like quickness at the line of scrimmage and ability to penetrate will cause problems for offenses. He has the innate ability to make himself small in crowds and magically find space to make tackles. He’s explosive on his way to the QB and will be one of the few interior defensive lineman who’ll find his name high on the sack list in the future. But his quickness can be used against him in the run game, as he allows himself to be turned by offensive lineman and controlled by offensive linemen. Knowing the Steelers coaching staff, that should be quickly rectified as the Steelers will mold him into a future star.
Second Round review tomorrow
