Spesh
#freespesh
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Despite popular opinion, this year might be the perfect storm for a Wideout to drop to us (for those who want a receiver). Let’s be honest, even if we make the playoffs we’re hardly going to make a run for a ring. I expect us to be picking somewhere around 15-20. Right now this is just an early look at the Draft Positions, and this is very rough (I did not look to deep into tiebreakers/divisional wins/conference etc.) This is not a mock draft, just a cursory glance at the past history or bigger needs on other teams.
1) St. Louis Rams:
The Rams are a mess, for my money there is no bigger trainwreck in the NFL (Cleveland included). While they do have a hole at wideout opposite of Donnie Avery, they have much more drastic holes at QB and defensive line (safe to call Adam Carriker a bust?). I’d expect some sort of franchise player here, either Suh or a QB.
2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Another team that’s in trouble, they surprisingly have some stability at the receiving positions. While Antonio Bryant has apparently been unhappy, Michael Clayton and Kellen Winslow were both given new contracts. Their defense is begging for more talent.
3) Cleveland Browns:
Yes, Eric Mangini has done a wonderful job absolutely tearing apart the offensive talent, yet they spent 2 second round picks on receivers in the last draft, and have other pressing needs. QB and Safety appear to be glaring needs, and I couldn’t see Eric Berry getting past Cleveland.
4) Detroit Lions:
No Matt Millen, so doubtful another receiver is grabbed. More seriously, they have the 32nd ranked defense in the league, and even if they don’t decide to go in that direction they have to look for a way to protect Stafford as he’s been injured twice in a year. While it might have been a mistake to pass on Michael Oher, I don’t see them missing again on a top rated tackle. All of those reasons just add to the fact they simply don’t need a wideout.
5) Kansas City Chiefs:
This is a possibility, but I would put it as a very low one. After having a historically bad year rushing the passer in 2008, they now respond with being second to last in the league in sacks (19). This on top of the issues they have along the offensive line and defensive back field. Chris Chambers is resurrecting his career, and while it’s possible they ship Bowe off, I still believe they would continue to build along the trenches.
6) Oakland Raiders:
With Al Davis nothing is safe, but last year he did grab Heyward-bey and none of the receivers we would be interested in would be a speedster that Davis might grab.
7) Washington Redskins:
Leaky offensive line, questions at quarterback, and injuries to running backs would all indicate the Redskins have bigger needs. That coupled with the fact that not only do they have a solid receiving core, they also have 2 former second round picks grabbed in the 2008 draft waiting.
8) Buffalo Bills:
If they want a big play receiver next to Lee Evans, all they have to do is resign Terrell Owens. With undoubtedly the worse offensive line in the league, and with a career backup at quarterback, it would take stupidity on an astronomical scale to burn this pick on a wideout.
9) Carolina Panthers (49’ers):
Carolina traded their pick to the 49’ers. Another team with a leaky offensive line, questions at QB though not nearly as sad as other teams, and a glaring holes at Safety and Corner. To go along with that, Crabtree/Davis/Morgan is one of the younger and more impressive receiving groups in the league.
10) Chicago Bears (Broncos):
Who knew the Jay Cutler trade would help us so much? Had the Bears kept this pick, there is no doubt in my mind that they would have taken a receiver. As it is, the Broncos have a top 2 receiving group in the NFL (Cardinals being the other). Anyone who thinks Brandon Marshall is leaving Denver is beyond delusional. Marshall has bought into the system, McDaniels loves him, Pat Bowlen loves him, and it’s already been stated by Bowlen that he has every intention on signing Marshall to a big money contract. All that being said, Denver could use some shore up on the defensive line, and even at middle linebacker. D.J. Williams, Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers and Rolando McClain as a linebacker group? Mike Nolan must be drooling.
11) Seattle Seahawks:
Matt Hasselbeck can’t stay healthy, and part of the problem is the misery of the offensive line. Back that up with the holes springing up all over the defense and running back position. T.J. Houshmandzadeh might not be the explosive spark they were hoping for, but he is as close to it as they can have right now and the least of their worries. I’d expect a QB or lineman here.
12) San Francisco 49’ers :
Already stated.
13) Houston Texans:
While it’s possible they might go for Dez Bryant because his talent might be too much to pass on, I’d put money on them continuing to shore up that defense with questions at corner and free safety. With Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, and Kevin Walter as receivers, it would be hard pressed for someone to convince me they would burn a high round pick on what could be considered a luxury “need”.
14) Pittsburgh Steelers:
How the mighty have fallen. This team has been sinking for a long time because of an inability to protect the QB and open running lanes. Last year I was shocked when they grabbed Evander Hood over an offensive lineman such as Eben Britton, and I will be equally shocked if they don’t do something to correct it this draft. They have a solid receiving core, and even if they release Hines Ward for causing trouble, they invested a second round pick in Limas Sweed (2008) and a third rounder on Mike Wallace (2009).
15) Tennessee Titans:
Their defense has been struggling, and apparently they are going to lose a number of defensive linemen to free agency, as they have the past few years (thanks for Randy Starks Titans). With Kenny Britt emerging as a solid and productive player, and with Nate Washington, Justin Gage, Bo Scaife, and Alge Crumpler on the roster, the Titans must feel very comfortable at receiver.
16) Atlanta Falcons:
Not even a small possibility. Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas (whom they lost to injury before the season if I’m not mistaken), and Tony Gonzalez on the roster, it would be absurd if they drafted a wideout. I’d expect this pick to be the best defensive player available, probably a pass rusher.
17) New York Jets:
You don’t burn a 3rd round pick on a pro-bowl receiver just to let him go after 10 games. With Edwards, Cotchery, Clowney, and Keller, receiving core seems to be the least of their worries. I’d expect this pick to be a defensive lineman, either a classic DE or a nosetackle that can be heir apparent to Kris Jenkins and play DE for a time.
18) Jacksonville Jaguars:
First real possibility so far, but Mike Sims-Walker seems to be the real deal (was a 3rd round draft pick a few years back, only didn’t play due to injury), Torry Holt still productive, as well as their recent history at burning first round picks on the wideout spot, I expect this team to shore up their defense. They are last in the league in sacks (14), and in the first half at least they had no answer to slow us down. In a division with the Colts, that’s a problem.
19) Miami Dolphins:
And we are up. As you can see, it is a very real possibility that a player with non-explosive speed and coming off a NCAA suspension can fall to us. While we all vary on opinions on what we should do with this pick, I think we all agree the top 2 needs are: Wideout and Nosetackle, with inside linebacker being a close 3rd.
20) Baltimore Ravens:
Depending on how the season ends, this is the only other team in the first round that could be picking in front of us, and has a need at this position. Even that being said, the only reason is because Derrick Mason might retire (which very well could happen, especially after last offseason), who is a mere 150 yards from another 1000 yard season. This could very well turn into a defensive pick, due to the struggle of their corners.
21) New York Giants:
No other team in the NFL has as much depth at wideout as the Giants. Hakeem Nicks is quickly turning into a weapon and it’s not like they don’t have others that play the position well. With their defense being scorched game after game, I expect this to be a defensive back of some sort.
22) New England Patriots:
Despite the “rift” between Randy Moss and the Patriots, he is there to stay for another year. Its obvious New England desperately needs pass rush and if it’s not a pass rusher, it has to be a corner. This defense is clearly rebuilding.
23) Dallas Cowboys:
The emergence of Miles Austin, as well as trading the farm for Roy Williams a few years back, the need for wideout isn’t even up for discussion. Flozell Adams is going to be 35 next year, and the more he gets fined the more retirement has to be looking nice. I’d expect Jerry Jones to do the non-flashy thing and grab an offensive lineman of some sort. Safety is another possibility.
24) Denver Broncos (Seahawks):
Already stated.
25) Arizona Cardinals:
Even if they trade or release Boldin, they have Steve Breaston (another 1000 yard receiver) and Early Doucet (3rd rounder in 2008). This team absolutely needs an heir apparent to Kurt Warner, as unbelievable as it sounds Matt Leinhart hasn’t been able to succeed with virtually the best support system in the game around him. This team rides and dies on Warner, and they need something young and waiting.
26) Cincinnati Bengals:
Ochocinco is having a solid year, they just signed Laveranues Coles, and they drafted Jerome Simpson in the second round in 2008. Honestly not sure what they have a glaring hole at, possibly the best Safety available.
27) Green Bay Packers:
Donald Driver never ages, couple that with Greg Jennings being a top notch wideout and drafting Jordy Nelson high in the second round in 2008, the receiver position is covered in Green Bay. The obvious answer is an offensive lineman is needed, yet Al Harris suffered a season ending injury, and Charles Woodson isn’t getting any younger. I could see a Corner here, or another pass rusher as Aaron Kampman wasn’t thrilled about his new position before his injury.
28) Philadelphia Eagles:
They have action Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, if they pick another wideout Andy Reid deserves to have his contract extension lit on fire. Eagles offense puts up huge numbers, while its defense struggles, expect this pick to be on the defensive side.
29) San Diego Chargers:
Another myth busted: Vincent Jackson is going nowhere. Phillip Rivers to Jackson is going to be happening for years to come. With Malcom Floyd on the other side, and good depth at that position (anyone remember when they burned a first rounder on Craig Davis?), I really can’t see them spending another first rounder at the position. LT is not the same player (looks like he’s going to finish with less than 1000 yards rushing), and if they don’t replace him, their defense is full of holes.
30) Minnesota Vikings:
Even if Bernard Berrian isn’t getting as much attention as he used to, having Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin on the other sides certainly cannot hurt. While quarterback is a glaring need, don’t forget Pat Williams is 37 years old. The strength of this team is in its defensive front. One of those two positions should be the pick.
31) Indianapolis Colts:
It seems like every single year the Colts have defensive struggles…and every single year the front office burns the first pick on a new toy for Manning. With 2 former first round wideouts, a former first round tight end, 2 former first round running backs on the roster, it finally appears to be time to shore up the defensive a bit….or they will get Manning another offensive lineman, either way, not our problem.
32) New Orleans Saints:
Marques Colston is their number one guy, and with Robert Meachem finally living up to his first round status, this is hardly a position of need. Only the Giants have more depth at this position then the Saints. If they have a hole, I can’t see it. Maybe they will draft a safety for when Sharper leaves? Who knows, either way, they won’t be trading up for a wideout.
As you can see, not only are we in a beauty of a spot to grab a position of need, even those who might want to trade up for prospect like Dez Bryant don’t have an immediate need or have bigger fish to fry or don’t have the ammunition to jump up (everyone point to the Bears). Unless something unexpected happens (which something always occurs during the draft), and someone falls in love with a particular talent, we should be in the running for one of the top Wideouts in the draft. Look for the Dolphins and Ravens to be in the mix for the top guy (depending on which team finishes to season better) with the Texans and Chiefs as outside possibilities.
1) St. Louis Rams:
The Rams are a mess, for my money there is no bigger trainwreck in the NFL (Cleveland included). While they do have a hole at wideout opposite of Donnie Avery, they have much more drastic holes at QB and defensive line (safe to call Adam Carriker a bust?). I’d expect some sort of franchise player here, either Suh or a QB.
2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Another team that’s in trouble, they surprisingly have some stability at the receiving positions. While Antonio Bryant has apparently been unhappy, Michael Clayton and Kellen Winslow were both given new contracts. Their defense is begging for more talent.
3) Cleveland Browns:
Yes, Eric Mangini has done a wonderful job absolutely tearing apart the offensive talent, yet they spent 2 second round picks on receivers in the last draft, and have other pressing needs. QB and Safety appear to be glaring needs, and I couldn’t see Eric Berry getting past Cleveland.
4) Detroit Lions:
No Matt Millen, so doubtful another receiver is grabbed. More seriously, they have the 32nd ranked defense in the league, and even if they don’t decide to go in that direction they have to look for a way to protect Stafford as he’s been injured twice in a year. While it might have been a mistake to pass on Michael Oher, I don’t see them missing again on a top rated tackle. All of those reasons just add to the fact they simply don’t need a wideout.
5) Kansas City Chiefs:
This is a possibility, but I would put it as a very low one. After having a historically bad year rushing the passer in 2008, they now respond with being second to last in the league in sacks (19). This on top of the issues they have along the offensive line and defensive back field. Chris Chambers is resurrecting his career, and while it’s possible they ship Bowe off, I still believe they would continue to build along the trenches.
6) Oakland Raiders:
With Al Davis nothing is safe, but last year he did grab Heyward-bey and none of the receivers we would be interested in would be a speedster that Davis might grab.
7) Washington Redskins:
Leaky offensive line, questions at quarterback, and injuries to running backs would all indicate the Redskins have bigger needs. That coupled with the fact that not only do they have a solid receiving core, they also have 2 former second round picks grabbed in the 2008 draft waiting.
8) Buffalo Bills:
If they want a big play receiver next to Lee Evans, all they have to do is resign Terrell Owens. With undoubtedly the worse offensive line in the league, and with a career backup at quarterback, it would take stupidity on an astronomical scale to burn this pick on a wideout.
9) Carolina Panthers (49’ers):
Carolina traded their pick to the 49’ers. Another team with a leaky offensive line, questions at QB though not nearly as sad as other teams, and a glaring holes at Safety and Corner. To go along with that, Crabtree/Davis/Morgan is one of the younger and more impressive receiving groups in the league.
10) Chicago Bears (Broncos):
Who knew the Jay Cutler trade would help us so much? Had the Bears kept this pick, there is no doubt in my mind that they would have taken a receiver. As it is, the Broncos have a top 2 receiving group in the NFL (Cardinals being the other). Anyone who thinks Brandon Marshall is leaving Denver is beyond delusional. Marshall has bought into the system, McDaniels loves him, Pat Bowlen loves him, and it’s already been stated by Bowlen that he has every intention on signing Marshall to a big money contract. All that being said, Denver could use some shore up on the defensive line, and even at middle linebacker. D.J. Williams, Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers and Rolando McClain as a linebacker group? Mike Nolan must be drooling.
11) Seattle Seahawks:
Matt Hasselbeck can’t stay healthy, and part of the problem is the misery of the offensive line. Back that up with the holes springing up all over the defense and running back position. T.J. Houshmandzadeh might not be the explosive spark they were hoping for, but he is as close to it as they can have right now and the least of their worries. I’d expect a QB or lineman here.
12) San Francisco 49’ers :
Already stated.
13) Houston Texans:
While it’s possible they might go for Dez Bryant because his talent might be too much to pass on, I’d put money on them continuing to shore up that defense with questions at corner and free safety. With Andre Johnson, Owen Daniels, and Kevin Walter as receivers, it would be hard pressed for someone to convince me they would burn a high round pick on what could be considered a luxury “need”.
14) Pittsburgh Steelers:
How the mighty have fallen. This team has been sinking for a long time because of an inability to protect the QB and open running lanes. Last year I was shocked when they grabbed Evander Hood over an offensive lineman such as Eben Britton, and I will be equally shocked if they don’t do something to correct it this draft. They have a solid receiving core, and even if they release Hines Ward for causing trouble, they invested a second round pick in Limas Sweed (2008) and a third rounder on Mike Wallace (2009).
15) Tennessee Titans:
Their defense has been struggling, and apparently they are going to lose a number of defensive linemen to free agency, as they have the past few years (thanks for Randy Starks Titans). With Kenny Britt emerging as a solid and productive player, and with Nate Washington, Justin Gage, Bo Scaife, and Alge Crumpler on the roster, the Titans must feel very comfortable at receiver.
16) Atlanta Falcons:
Not even a small possibility. Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, Harry Douglas (whom they lost to injury before the season if I’m not mistaken), and Tony Gonzalez on the roster, it would be absurd if they drafted a wideout. I’d expect this pick to be the best defensive player available, probably a pass rusher.
17) New York Jets:
You don’t burn a 3rd round pick on a pro-bowl receiver just to let him go after 10 games. With Edwards, Cotchery, Clowney, and Keller, receiving core seems to be the least of their worries. I’d expect this pick to be a defensive lineman, either a classic DE or a nosetackle that can be heir apparent to Kris Jenkins and play DE for a time.
18) Jacksonville Jaguars:
First real possibility so far, but Mike Sims-Walker seems to be the real deal (was a 3rd round draft pick a few years back, only didn’t play due to injury), Torry Holt still productive, as well as their recent history at burning first round picks on the wideout spot, I expect this team to shore up their defense. They are last in the league in sacks (14), and in the first half at least they had no answer to slow us down. In a division with the Colts, that’s a problem.
19) Miami Dolphins:
And we are up. As you can see, it is a very real possibility that a player with non-explosive speed and coming off a NCAA suspension can fall to us. While we all vary on opinions on what we should do with this pick, I think we all agree the top 2 needs are: Wideout and Nosetackle, with inside linebacker being a close 3rd.
20) Baltimore Ravens:
Depending on how the season ends, this is the only other team in the first round that could be picking in front of us, and has a need at this position. Even that being said, the only reason is because Derrick Mason might retire (which very well could happen, especially after last offseason), who is a mere 150 yards from another 1000 yard season. This could very well turn into a defensive pick, due to the struggle of their corners.
21) New York Giants:
No other team in the NFL has as much depth at wideout as the Giants. Hakeem Nicks is quickly turning into a weapon and it’s not like they don’t have others that play the position well. With their defense being scorched game after game, I expect this to be a defensive back of some sort.
22) New England Patriots:
Despite the “rift” between Randy Moss and the Patriots, he is there to stay for another year. Its obvious New England desperately needs pass rush and if it’s not a pass rusher, it has to be a corner. This defense is clearly rebuilding.
23) Dallas Cowboys:
The emergence of Miles Austin, as well as trading the farm for Roy Williams a few years back, the need for wideout isn’t even up for discussion. Flozell Adams is going to be 35 next year, and the more he gets fined the more retirement has to be looking nice. I’d expect Jerry Jones to do the non-flashy thing and grab an offensive lineman of some sort. Safety is another possibility.
24) Denver Broncos (Seahawks):
Already stated.
25) Arizona Cardinals:
Even if they trade or release Boldin, they have Steve Breaston (another 1000 yard receiver) and Early Doucet (3rd rounder in 2008). This team absolutely needs an heir apparent to Kurt Warner, as unbelievable as it sounds Matt Leinhart hasn’t been able to succeed with virtually the best support system in the game around him. This team rides and dies on Warner, and they need something young and waiting.
26) Cincinnati Bengals:
Ochocinco is having a solid year, they just signed Laveranues Coles, and they drafted Jerome Simpson in the second round in 2008. Honestly not sure what they have a glaring hole at, possibly the best Safety available.
27) Green Bay Packers:
Donald Driver never ages, couple that with Greg Jennings being a top notch wideout and drafting Jordy Nelson high in the second round in 2008, the receiver position is covered in Green Bay. The obvious answer is an offensive lineman is needed, yet Al Harris suffered a season ending injury, and Charles Woodson isn’t getting any younger. I could see a Corner here, or another pass rusher as Aaron Kampman wasn’t thrilled about his new position before his injury.
28) Philadelphia Eagles:
They have action Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, if they pick another wideout Andy Reid deserves to have his contract extension lit on fire. Eagles offense puts up huge numbers, while its defense struggles, expect this pick to be on the defensive side.
29) San Diego Chargers:
Another myth busted: Vincent Jackson is going nowhere. Phillip Rivers to Jackson is going to be happening for years to come. With Malcom Floyd on the other side, and good depth at that position (anyone remember when they burned a first rounder on Craig Davis?), I really can’t see them spending another first rounder at the position. LT is not the same player (looks like he’s going to finish with less than 1000 yards rushing), and if they don’t replace him, their defense is full of holes.
30) Minnesota Vikings:
Even if Bernard Berrian isn’t getting as much attention as he used to, having Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin on the other sides certainly cannot hurt. While quarterback is a glaring need, don’t forget Pat Williams is 37 years old. The strength of this team is in its defensive front. One of those two positions should be the pick.
31) Indianapolis Colts:
It seems like every single year the Colts have defensive struggles…and every single year the front office burns the first pick on a new toy for Manning. With 2 former first round wideouts, a former first round tight end, 2 former first round running backs on the roster, it finally appears to be time to shore up the defensive a bit….or they will get Manning another offensive lineman, either way, not our problem.
32) New Orleans Saints:
Marques Colston is their number one guy, and with Robert Meachem finally living up to his first round status, this is hardly a position of need. Only the Giants have more depth at this position then the Saints. If they have a hole, I can’t see it. Maybe they will draft a safety for when Sharper leaves? Who knows, either way, they won’t be trading up for a wideout.
As you can see, not only are we in a beauty of a spot to grab a position of need, even those who might want to trade up for prospect like Dez Bryant don’t have an immediate need or have bigger fish to fry or don’t have the ammunition to jump up (everyone point to the Bears). Unless something unexpected happens (which something always occurs during the draft), and someone falls in love with a particular talent, we should be in the running for one of the top Wideouts in the draft. Look for the Dolphins and Ravens to be in the mix for the top guy (depending on which team finishes to season better) with the Texans and Chiefs as outside possibilities.
