Chris Mortensen Live at the 2008 Draft

[Regan21286]

Chris Mortensen here reporting live at the 2008 Draft. With Marshall Mayock struggling to get his analyzes out for the 2nd round, ESPN has pulled me from a quality vacation in my hometown of Torrance to cover the 3rd and possibly 4th rounds of the draft while he finishes wiping his ***. :D

Surely, this is punishment detail for continuing to spread rampant rumors about various GM's, coaches, and players. Well, that's not going to stop me from spreading em here.

With the 3rd round pretty much wrapped up, a lot of teams got some fair values and steals in this one.

 

[Regan21286]

CARDINALS select RB MATT FORTE, Tulane

With Edgerrin James ready to move into those fine retirement homes down in the desert, the Cardinals needed to build for the future at RB. Forte has a low 2nd/high 3rd grade from me and who I compare to James anyways.

Forte's a tough physical kind of RB. He won't give you explosive speed but his speed is no laughing matter and timed under 4.5 in the draft. That mix of decent speed with power is deadly. You won't be arm-tackling this young man. With RB's getting snapped up, Cardinals just had to pick one with the starting pick of the 3rd round.


Positives:
- Great size
- Very productive
- Excellent work ethic
- Plays faster than his timed speed
- Strong and powerful
- Good receiver out of the backfield
- Versatile (could possibly play FB as well)

Negatives:

- Durability concerns
- Not explosive or a big play threat
- Not very elusive

I have Forte on top of my charts for remaining RB's and Cardinals must've thought so too. He should be expected to learn from Edgerrin James as he sets himself up to be his successor.


Selection Grade: A

 

[Regan21286]

Titans select Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami (FL)

Titans take a LB coming from one of the better schools to churn out LB's. With an aging Bullock and Thornton accompanied by a group of unknowns, the Titans GM figured he needed to remedy that by taking the best LB available.


Positives:
- Athletic ability off the charts
- Good range and nose for the ball
- Excellent tackler
- Good at coverage
- Versatile
- Productive

Negatives:

- A bit undersized
- Won't be mistaken for a blitzer
- Questionable instincts and awareness

Ray Lewis, DJ Williams, Jonathan Vilma, Rocky McIntosh and Jon Beason were all great Hurricane LB products and there's no reason to think Gooden won't be one of them. Gooden will get to the ball fast and hard but he's a bit lacking in instinct and awareness. That's something that the Titans will need to fix if he's to reach the next level. He lacks toughness off the field, as he lets minor injuries affect his play and will not play hurt. But he does have good physical ability and versatile enough to play all 3 LB spots. Before the Titans start him, they'll need to see how aggressive he can be in the backfield rather than act as another safety.


Selection Grade: A-

BREAKING NEWS: SOURCE: TITANS GM AND LEAGUE COMMISSIONER QUESTIONED BY GM'S FOR RECENT SPREE OF MALCONTENT

On another note, sources say the Titans GM and the League Commissioner are getting real cozy together. Various acts have led some GM's (including a recent Super Bowl winning one) to wonder if the Commish has gone corrupt with power and that perhaps the Titans GM is behind all this. First, every draft pick for a particular team was snapped up before that team could choose. Rumor out of their security department says that security personnel discovered phones being tapped and a hidden camera placed inside an Ohio State bobblehead in the draft war-room. More recently, the league commissioner found himself under heat for changing another GM's post, leading to questions that he may have done the same for others. This would explain the bizarre 1st round selection of Jamaal Charles. In addition, sources also believe the selection of Malcolm Kelly was a clandestine urging by the Titans GM to the League Commish to screw over the Eagles. It was shown recently by the intrepid Kansas City GM and President that he has even gone out and changed a player's college. The commissioner is expected to deny these allegations and deliver severe punishment to all those connected with the rumor in yet another abuse of power.

This is Chris Mortensen reporting live from the NFL Draft. Stay tuned for further developments in Modgate.

 

[Regan21286]

Buccaneers select Justin King, CB, Penn State (FL)

With Philip Buchanon now donning red for another team, Tampa finds itself in need of a young corner to eventually replace one of the Barber twins. Scuttlebutt has it, acquiring this pick took intensive negotiations and was on the verge of collapsing. But like they say, a reward's better if you fight for it. And fight for it they did. And it pays off with a talented guy who will be in need of some grooming.


Positives:
- Great speed and agility.
- Good hands
- Good return man
- Experience with quality competition
- Smart and hard working
- Reliable guy
- Great upside

Negatives:

- A bit undersized, needs to get stronger
- Still a bit raw
- Not the best playmaker around.
- Questionable instincts
- Struggles with more refined route-runners

King is an explosive guy who is definitely an intriguing project. I had him going in the late 2nd so Bucs got a steal and should be giving the Chiefs GM a nice VIP gift. If King can fix his negatives, he could be one of the best ever.


Selection Grade: A

 

[Regan21286]

Falcons select Lavelle Hawkins, WR, California

With a slipshod motley of WR's, Falcons needed to find someone who can light it up. Seems they're going small with receivers as they've only got one WR over 6'2 with no proven elite talent at TE anymore. Rumor has it they're going spread. Certainly makes sense with the selection of Hawkins, the lesser of the two Cal WR's,and a product of Tedford's damned spread offense (aka the Pro QB bust maker). I can't fault them for picking him as he was the best WR available.


Positives:
- Quicker than his 40 would suggest.
- Will work in the middle
- Good athlete
- Experience with quality competition
- Good quick burst
- Elusive
- Great upside

Negatives:

- Poor route runner
- Sub-par speed for someone his size
- Will drop easy ones (like vs. UCLA when he was wide open)
- Average to small sized.
- Questionable work ethic.

I know Falcons needed a WR, but not sure if Hawkins is the ideal pick for them. Hawkins will be limited to playing in the slot or as a return man because of his deficiencies, which are quite major. He's no finished product so the Dirty Birds will really need to do some maintenance if he's to be a solid contributor to the offense.


Selection Grade: B

BREAKING NEWS: PANTHERS GM PUTS A CONTRACT ON BROWNS GM'S HEAD

With the Browns' selection of Matt Ryan, intensive negotiations have been going on between the Panthers and Browns for him according to several sources. The Panthers GM is said to be flaming red over Matt Ryan. However, there is indication things are going sour. In an official statement to the press, the Browns GM stated the following quote in frustration:

holy crap, will everyone just leave me alone about Matt Ryan already. If I was auctioning him, I would do what Houston did and make all the bids public. I'm only listening to offers. Please stop assuming that I am not happy with him. He is not free.

But hey, thanks for trying, just try to keep the offers a little more reasonable.

No word as to whether the FCC will fine the media for allowing this pissy rant to be broadcast. No word from the Commish for any fines for this outburst or the threat of pulling another Paul 13 on the unfortunate GM's of the League. But according to sources, famed Mafia hitman out of New York, Vinny "Old Man" Testaverde, has received an undisclosed contract from his former team. Testaverde was last seen on a flight to UCF and supposedly out of retirement (again!). It is speculated that negotiations have gone so sour and with such a strong statement to the press, that the Panthers GM has put a hit on the Browns GM. Federal agents and local authorities not been put out on alert, yet.

This is Chris Mortensen live from the 08 draft and will continue to keep you updated on this shocking report.

 

[Regan21286]

Raiders select Beau Bell, LB, UNLV

Ray Lewis should be on his toes because his successor has been chosen in Beau Bell. Like Lewis, Bell's a solid playmaker with superb field awareness at the inside LB position. Has the agility and speed to chase down WR's much less RB's. Raiders should not be disappointed with this young man under Lewis's tutelage.


Positives:
- Good size
- Aggressive
- Good at pass-rushing
- Great range
- Very good in pursuit
- Very strong and tough

Negatives:

- Can get too aggressive
- Some durability concerns
- Has some issues shedding blocks
- Questionable work ethic and leadership

An excellent selection by the Raiders as they cement their future with regards to LB. Bell's pick makes the Raiders much deeper at the position at the very least. Now they can only hope Bell will pick up some of Ray Lewis's traits. Only then will they get a true franchise LB and field general.


Selection Grade: A-

 

[Regan21286]

Jets select Kevin Smith, RB, UCF

With the only RB's on roster in Leon Washington and Thomas Jones, the Jets looked to Kevin Smith to remedy their lack of RB depth. Of course, the Jets do lack in depth in various positions but here they settle with a RB with a pretty high ceiling. It doesn't take a genius, aka me, to see that the Jets must be active in free agency and in trading if they're to fill their major gaps. But Smith's selection is a good start.


Positives:
- Good size
- Very strong and tough
- Good balance
- Good blocker and receiver
- Excellent vision

Negatives:

- Not as fast as other backs.
- Runs too tall
- Durability issues (ties in with running too tall)
- Slight character concerns
- Not a big play threat

Smith is a potential steal. May have been overhyped because of his run at Barry Sanders' record. Good all around, but not great at any one thing. Should easy complement Jones and Washington. But NY really needs a FB to go with all those RB's and Washington isn't that bad a RB himself.


Selection Grade: B+

 

[Regan21286]

Giants select Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M

Following their NY neighbors like an Italian to pasta, the Giants made their next pick in the draft with DT Red Bryant. Bryant should add depth to the all-important DL of the Giants. But I really think they should be addressing their WR position with Burress and Toomer gone. Their current patch of WR's includes two decent but short WR's and no decent WR over 6'3. For a QB whose passes tend to sail, you'd think he'd need a tall WR to grab those lofty throws (unless the GM thinks Tyree can keep catching with his helmet). But Bryant isn't that bad of a pick and should be a contributor to their DL in no time.


Positives:
- Good size
- Very strong and tough
- Can occupy blockers
- Good pusher
- Excellent leadership

Negatives:

- Lacks the speed to be good pass rusher
- Stamina issues
- Disappears often
- Raw in technique
- Inconsistent
- Some durability issues

Bryant's got a bit to go before he can help out the Giants. Physically, he has what you're looking for. It's everything else that needs fixing. But Giants do have time and they also have the right coaches to train him. But I gotta think Giants could've gotten a better player and possibly in greater need.


Selection Grade: B

Continuing to follow up on the story of suspected spying in the Giants war-room, it was believed that the Ohio State player bobblehead carrying the alleged hidden camera was discovered to be a gift from a one Jim Tressel. It has the label "For your consideration" and it is believed Terrelle Pryor was the intended recipient. NYPD has been called in for a possible grand theft charge. However, league officials still suspect some spying had occurred regarding the Giants misfortune in missing out on prospects. The Giants GM was unable to be contacted for comment.

 

[Regan21286]

Eagles select Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan

Shifting gears from NY to Philly, the Eagles selected DE Jason Jones to accompany Trent Cole and Darren Howard. Now this is a team I thought should draft a DT but they draft a DE instead. Now Jones has played DT but is undersized at the pro level. But that shouldn't take away from what Jones brings to the table. An excellent physical specimen who will definitely help the Eagles in terms of depth and be a potential starter down the road.


Positives:
- Great size
- Great speed
- Can occupy blockers
- Hard worker

Negatives:

- Lack of top competition
- Very raw
- Low sack totals in college
- A true tweener
- Inconsistent

Good sleeper pick but he's a bit of a gamble. Eagles will really need to work with this guy to train him to an NFL level. It should help that he's a hard worker because he needs a lot of hard work. I'll give the Eagles the good ol Ivy League pass.


Selection Grade: B-

 

[Regan21286]

Jets select Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

Jets find themselves again in position to fill up some major holes in their roster....and blow it. With Tom Brady presumably able to be around for a long time and Kellen Clemens as an able understudy, the Jets select a very raw QB that reeks of Akili Smith. One will point to his records and stats but in the pros, he just doesn't have the tools right now. Woodson's about as polished as splintered wood. Of course, one can groom him eventually with patience and hard work but with Brady and Clemens on the roster and needs elsewhere, it's a luxury the Jets can't afford.


Positives:
- Great size
- Strong arm
- Good intangibles
- Good scrambler
- Efficient in the college game

Negatives:

- Very raw
- Has trouble reading coverages often used in the pro level
- Mostly ran shotgun
- Relies too much on arm.
- Can be inconsistent between throws
- Questionable delivery mechanism

Woodson has a high ceiling but also a very low basement. It will really come down to how well he's coached and what kinds of opportunities he will have. As long as Brady's on the roster, I don't think Woodson will see anything more than placeholding. And that's a shame since Jets have multiple holes. FA is all but plucked and Jets still could've used a WR like Earl Bennett or a Donnie Avery. And they certainly could've used a good LB with Vilma and Barton the only dependables. With a good number of top LB's selected after this pick, it will be hard for the Jets to recover the differences. Sure Jets could use a QB, but they need an experienced one more than a raw 3-4 year project. If this were any other team with the luxury to groom such a prospect, I'd give it a much nicer grade. As it stands, the Jets have failed. Flame on.


Selection Grade: F

 

[Regan21286]

Continuing on their doomed mission to select a player from every single position in football known to man, Vikings select Duane Brown, OT, Virginia Tech

With the 74th overall, Vikes select the next best OT on the board. Not surprising considering McKinnie's legal woes. They have found a real project in this one. Brown has the foundation to be a solid LT but will need some work.


Positives:
- Good build and frame
- Strong workout stats
- Nasty guy
- Easily gets to the 2nd level
- Can handle both bull and speed rushers

Negatives:

- Raw
- Needs to bulk up a bit.
- Plays high
- Not very fluid

Brown certainly has the frame to be a good LT. But he'll need to keep working on developing it. A true sleeper pick here who could pay dividends down the road. Vikes still have other holes to be addressed in this draft and we'll see what they do next.


Selection Grade: A-

In continuing to provide coverage of Modgate, I am very well pleased to be at the center of controversy again with one of my rumors (though ESPN isn't). Seeking to address the media whirlwind caused by Modgate, the Titans GM and League Commissioner has issued this statement:

The Titans GM and the League Commissioner denies all rumors. :foundout:

This ESPN reporter remains skeptical. Note the use of singular rather than plural verb form. ...coughthetitansgmisusingthecommishasapuppetcough...oh, please excuse my cold :D...

In a related(?) incident, after having the tables turned from spy victim to bobblehead thief, the Giants GM expressed rage at the discovery of his illegal possession of Pryor's bobblehead. He has alleged that his 4th Amendment rights have been violated saying the search warrant was for illegal spycams not owned by him personally and only that. The NYPD Chief of Detectives issued a no comment response shortly before going back into his office with a giggle. Bizarre reports of NYPD's Special Victims Unit detectives combing the Giants locker room are also surfacing. Whether this has anything to do with Spygate is unknown. Jim Tressel could not be reached as to the intent behind giving Pryor a spy cam-bobblehead shortly before Pryor's visit to Penn State. We will continue to bring you the latest in these events.

 

[Regan21286]

Panthers select Ali Highsmith, LB, LSU

I thought the Panthers had a good crew of young LB's with Davis and Freddy Keiaho. But they add a guy like Ali Highsmith, possibly to replace Morgan in the future. A bit undersized but he gets the job done somehow. Really reminds me of a Zach Thomas or a Derrick Brooks.


Positives:
- Smart with great instincts
- Aggressive
- Good at pass-rushing
- Can do special teams well
- Fantastic leader
- Pretty good in pursuit
- Very quick

Negatives:

- Can get too aggressive
- Lacks size
- Lacks strength
- Needs help shedding blockers

A good selection by the Panthers as they cement their future with regards to LB. He has played for a very successful defense and it shows. He almost always compensates for his lack of size. I find him a better fit at MLB than OLB as the Panthers have listed in the depth chart. But I grade picks, not coaching strategy here. At the very least, they've got themselves a nice ST and potentially a quality 100 tackles starter.


Selection Grade: A-

 

[Regan21286]

Cowboys select Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt

I thought this was a great need pick. Even though they have Manningham, with Harrison and Owens aging, they'll likely need two WR's for the future. Bennett's a great route runner which will benefit Romo in the long run (provided Jessica Simpson is not in the stadium or in his pants). Rumor has it, Wade Phillips received a call from a disgruntled Bill Parcells regarding Phillips' lack of discipline for his wayward QB's antics. A copy of Parcells commandments was delivered through Phillips' window via brick. A similar brick was thrown at Simpson's head though doctors report no brain damage. :wink:


Positives:
- Smart with great instincts
- Good size and frame with great hands
- Unparalleled in route running
- Intangibles through the roof
- Fantastic vision
- Gets yards after the catch
- Makes Wes Welker look like a sissie

Negatives:

- Lacks athleticism
- Sub-par speed
- Not elusive

Bennett was Cutler's fave target and no reason to see why he won't become Romo's. Should be an excellent possession WR along the mold of Marty Booker, but potentially much better. He can also help the Boys' return game as well. With tutelage under a master of finding holes in the D, he could be a potential future Marvin Harrison.


Selection Grade: A

 

[Regan21286]

Lions select Phillip Wheeler, LB, Georgia Tech

With a group of aging LB's on the roster accompanying Patrick Willis, Lions sought to add a young guy to complement him in the future. Granted, I felt the Lions should've taken a DT with aging Adams and Rodgers but going LB is not much to complain about. It's a step towards fixing that poor run D.


Positives:
- Good experience
- Excellent quickness and athletic ability
- Good pass rusher
- Good instincts
- Quality leadership.

Negatives:

- Lacks coverage ability despite speed
- Slightly undersized
- Can be easily blocked

Wheeler will be a nice talented playmaker at linebacker with solid physical tools and a good ability to stop the run and blitz. Lions have a lot to work with in Wheeler but I really felt they could used a run-stuffing DT like Frank Okam. Instead, they choose a LB that I grade highly so I can't complain much about this pick.


Selection Grade: B+

 

[Regan21286]

Vikings select Josh Barrett, S, ASU

Sensing a deep lacking in their safety pool, the Vikes finally decided to get up from the couch and free poor Eric Frampton from being out on an island. They chose a pick that was probably founded more on his physical abilities than actual play.


Positives:
- Good athleticism
- Very good timed speed
- Excellent against the run
- Good size
- Quality leadership.

Negatives:

- Very inconsistent
- Poor footwork and technique
- Durability issues

With the Vikes needing some safety help, they got a long-term project in Barrett. But with enough time, he could be a force to be reckoned with and easily one of the best safeties ever. Unfortunately, he'll require much work and the Vikes had better load up on veteran safeties while this kid develops. But they targeted their weakness and with a player that has a huge ceiling.


Selection Grade: A-[/QUOTE]

With the analysis reaching the halfway point of the 3rd....hold on a second...*taps ear*...we've received an incoming wire....what? You're kidding me. Uh, we interrupt this coverage of the FH Draft 2008 for a special report. Pandemonium has struck the forum, calls of revolution have arisen, police crackdown, the public is in panic. Uh, wait, I thought that was in Tibet...look out! *camera fizzles and shakes ala Cloverfield*....This is Chris Mortensen, reporting live, we will continue to bring you the latest updates on the situation as it happens....