With the 2008 NFL Draft for the New England Patriots still freshly buried, it is time to begin our foray into the 2009 NFL Draft. NE Patriots Draft finished 4th out of 94 mock drafts in 2008 according to the Huddle Report.
We'll be using last year's order, with only future trades being noted. Check on our list of Prospects to Watch to read up on the selections.
Updated 7/18
Round 2 -- Now Available
Round 3 -- Coming Soon
1. Miami Dolphins - Michael Johnson - DE - Georgia
Johnson should be able to ease the sting of Jason Taylor's departure next year, and should be able to learn in the meantime.
2. St. Louis Rams - Michael Oher - OT - Ole Miss
The best OT prospect since Orlando Pace gets to learn from the best. Oher is a big, powerful linemen who would probably go number #1 if the Dolphins had not invested their first pick on Jake Long in 2008.
3. Atlanta Falcons - Rey Maualuga - LB - USC
Rey provides the most dynamic playmaker on a defense that needs more speed and ability at the LB position. He rushes well, and can play both the pass and the run. Sorry Pats fans, he just won't make it down to them.
4. Oakland Raiders - Fili Moala - DT - USC
Moala will finally fill the gap left by the departure of Warren Sapp. He should help out Kirk Morrison and company get to the ball unscathed.
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Matt Stafford - QB - Georgia
Provided that Brodie Croyle doesn't improve, Stafford would immediately stabilize an offense that has been in decline over the last few years.
6. New York Jets - Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech
After missing out on McFadden, Crabtree provides a homerun threat, but they'll be hard-pressed to pass on Mr. Wells from OSU.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Malcolm Jenkins - CB - OSU
Nate Clements and Jenkins should allow the line more time to get to the QB. Jenkins is a sublime talent.
8. Baltimore Ravens - James Laurinaitis - LB - OSU
Ray Lewis will be a free agent, and Animal Jr. needs the same sort of protection that Lewis does.
9. Cincinatti Bengals - Chris Wells - RB - OSU
Three Buckeyes in a row, Beanie instantly upgrades the Bengals bad-luck backfield.
10. New Orleans Saints - Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois
His brother says "Click-Clack" better, but Vontae plays football better. A converted offensive player, Davis is excelling while learning the CB position.
11. Buffalo Bills - Andre Smith - OT - Alabama
Any team could use a big talent like Smith, even a time with a pro-bowl tackle in Jason Peters.
12. Denver Broncos - Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
He hasn't played for the Browns, but Shanahan loves d-linemen.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (From Carolina) - Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia
Moreno would bring a great compliment to Westbrook's game, and insurance as well.
14. Chicago Bears - Tim Tebow - QB - Florida
Self-Explanatory need... but would the Bears really risk it with another Gator QB?
15. Detroit Lions - Curtis Painter - QB - Purdue
Speaking of Purdue QB's... Kitna and Stanton aren't the answer, and you can't waste those WR's prime years. Painter has the accuracy needed to deliver the ball.
16. Arizona Cardinals - George Selvie - DE - South Florida
After losing some rushers, Selvie would fill that hole quickly. If he runs well at the combine and has a good season, look for Selvie to vault into the top 10.
Picks 17-32 / Round 2
Saturday, June 28, 2008
2009 NFL Mock Draft
2009 NFL Mock Draft Round 2
Picks 1-16
Picks 17-32
33. Miami Dolphins - Myron Rolle - SS - FSU
The Dolphins need D-backs and Rolle is a nice consolation prize for any team that can't get Smith or Mays.
34. St. Louis Rams - Jeremy Maclin - WR - Missouri
Maclin is a dynamic playmaker that if Bulger has time, could really rack up some good numbers.
35. Atlanta Falcons - Phil Loadholt - OT - Oklahoma
Matt Ryan needs protection, and while Sam Baker was a good start, getting Loadholt here would be a coup.
36. Oakland Raiders - Alex Boone - OT - OSU
Just like Ryan, Jamarcus Russell doesn't need to be lying on the ground every other play. Boone would upgrade a shaky line.
37. Kansas City Chiefs - Herman Johnson - OG - LSU
With the Chiefs fraud of a line, Herm can't pass on Herman. Tim Tebow would also be happy about this.
38. New York Jets - DJ Moore - CB - Vanderbilt
The Jets can't cover all of the Patriot receivers, DJ should help.
39. San Francisco 49ers - James Davis - RB - Clemson
Davis would be an effective insurance policy for Frank Gore.
40. Baltimore Ravens - Sen'Derrick Marks - DT - Auburn
The Ravens would jump at the big bodied Marks at this point. He would help Haloti protect the linebackers.
41. Cincinatti Bengals - Vidal Hazelton - WR - USC
With Chris Henry gone, #85 angry, and TJ exasperated, Hazelton would provide an able-bodied WR for Carson Palmer to throw too.
42. New Orleans Saints - Maurice Evans - DE - PSU
A versatile DE/OLB prospect, Evans would help the Saints get to the quarterback in time.
43. Buffalo Bills - Al Woods - DT - LSU
Woods would provide protection for the Bills' up and coming linebacking corps.
44. Denver Broncos - Aaron Curry - OLB - Wake Forest
Curry would spice up a linebacking corps that needs help on the outside.
45. Carolina Panthers - Todd Boeckman - QB - OSU
The Panthers didn't address the QB position in the 2008 draft and will have to hope that someone better than Toddy here is on the board.
46. Chicago Bears - Nic Harris - S - Oklahoma
Harris would be a replacement for the oft-injured Mike Brown. Harris plays with a swagger that fits the Bears defense well.
47. Detroit Lions - Dallas Reynolds - OT - BYU
Reynolds would help keep the Lions QB upright long enough to hit one of their talented receivers.
48. Arizona Cardinals - Marlon Lucky - RB - Nebraska
If picked by the Cardinals, he might wan't to consider changing his last name, unless "Not" is his middle name.
49. Minnesota Vikings - Greg Hardy - DE - Ole Miss
Hardy would contine to bolster an improving pass-rush that has been lacking for years in the Twin-Cities.
50. Houston Texans - Tim Jamison - DE - Michigan
Jamison would add to an impressive young defense for the Texans, although they could easily reach for a corner here as well.
51. Philadelphia Eagles - Michael Hamlin - SS - Clemson
Unfortunately for the Eagles, Brian Dawkins can't play forever. Hamlin could learn for a couple of years from one of the best.
52. Tampa Bay Bucs - Colt McCoy - QB - Texas
After having one Texas QB not work out, the Bucs try it again with McCoy. Garcia can't hold the job forever, and nobody else on the roster is a true solution. McCoy has shown that he could blossom into a premier NFL QB.
53. Washington Redskins - Darryl Beckwith - LB - LSU
London Fletcher is getting long in the tooth and Beckwith is a good athlete that would fit well in D.C.
54. Cleveland Browns - Mitch King - DL - Iowa
King is an underrated DT/DE hybrid that could be very active in a 3-4 scheme. His motor never quits.
55. Pittsburgh Steelers - Kam Chancellor - SS - Virginia Tech
Kambo is a big hitter that would be a reliable backup for the games that Troy Polamalu will miss next season when he is injured.
56. Tennessee Titans - Gerald McGrath - OLB - Southern Miss
Keith Bullocks looks like he is fifty but he plays like he is twenty-five. That will catch up with him someday.
57. Seattle Seahawks - Brian Robiskie - WR - OSU
Robiskie would be what the Seahawks wanted to get in Koren Robinson, a quick receiver that can also help in the return game.
58. Jacksonville Jaguars - Vince Oghobaase - DT - Duke
If Vince played for Miami, he might be going in the first round. The Jags will be very happy with this pick.
59. New England Patriots (From SD) - Brian Orakpo - DE/OLB - Texas
"Rak" is the versatile defender that the Patriots love to pick. He could play end when they shift to the 4-3 or play one of the OLB spots in the "Cali" or 3-4 defenses.
60. Dallas Cowboys - Patrick Chung - SS - Oregon
Chung can actually cover people, which I'm sure the Cowboys think is pretty cool for a safety. Roy Williams says he will be faster this year, but he might be faster somewhere other than Dallas next year.
61. Indianapolis Colts - Jairus Byrd - CB - Oregon
Byrd seems like a prototypical Colts corner, made to play in the cover-2. If Dungy's successor continues to employ that defense, Byrd would be a good pickup.
62. Green Bay Packers - Mike Mickens - CB - Cincinatti
Mickens is a solid cover-corner that would learn quickly from Harris and Woodson. He could immediately play in nickel and dime packages.
63. New England Patriots - Joe Burnett - CB - UCF
Trying to catch lightning in a bottle for a second time by drafting a corner from Central Florida, the Patriots would love this mini-Asante clone.
64. New York Giants - Brandon Pettigrew - TE - Oklahoma St.
With Jeremy Shockey a question, the Giants need a second reliable TE to team up with the Boss.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
NFL Draft Prospect Viewing Guide
NE Patriots Draft: Your Source for NFL Draft Information
A chronological look at the players we selected as "Players to Watch" for the 2009 NFL Draft. Here's a hint - free up some space on your DVR and clear your schedule for October 11th.
Corey Lewis - RB - Northern Iowa
Big Game: 8/30 @ BYU
A small-school prospect from the same place that produced Kurt Warner, Lewis is a beast for the UNI Panthers. He averages nearly six yards each time he carries the rock. The combine will probably determine how high he climbs, but playing against BYU will be a great showcase for him.
Mike Mickens - CB - Cincinnati
Big Game: Sept. 6 @ Oklahoma
Tall, but light, Mickens uses his 4.4 speed very well. He rarely takes a false step and therefore isn't out of position very often. He could play in a cover 2 or a man defense on Sundays, and his value is increased by his return abilities.
Joe Burnett - CB - Central Florida
Big Game: Sept. 6 vs South Florida
From Asasnte's alma mater, Burnett has the potential to become a starting CB in the NFL as well. He shows good instincts in getting to the ball, and plays faster than his 4.45 speed indicates.
Fili Moala - DL - USC
Big Game: Sept. 13 vs Ohio St.
Moala is a big disruptive force that makes it easier for those around him. We feel he can play in either the 3-4 or 4-3.
Rey Maualuga - LB - USC
Big Game: Sept. 13 vs Ohio St.
Umm, yeah, wow. This guy hits, runs, covers, leads, and mows your lawn when he is done. Rey would be an insane addition as an OLB in any NFL defense.
Brian Cushing - LB - USC
Big Game: Sept. 13 vs Ohio St.
Didn't get the accolades that his teammates Rivers and Maualuga received, but Cushing is a solid prospect whose versatility will bring him up into the first round. Has a few "concerns" off the field that aren't too well known.
Chris Wells - RB - OSU
Big Game: Sept. 13 vs USC
This will be a big test for Wells. The USC defense boasts a front seven that is plainly amazing for the college ranks. He’ll earn any yards he runs for in this contest.
Alex Mack - C - California
Big Game: Sept 13 @ Maryland
Perhaps the top center in the NCAA, Mack is a cerebral center than can make the line call and begin to maul.
Jairus Byrd - CB - Oregon
Big Game: Sept. 13 @ Purdue
A good fit in a cover-2 system, Byrd is raw but could develop into a solid nickel/#2 corner as a rookie.
Rhett Bomar - QB - Sam Houston St.
Big Game: Sept. 20 @ Kansas
While he isn't much of an employee, Bomar can still throw the ball pretty well. While comparisons to John Elway are obviously overblown, Bomar does exhibit the creativity with his feet and arm that NFL teams covet and offensive coordinators lose sleep over.
Darius Hill - TE - Ball St.
Big Game: Sept. 20 @ Indiana
This guy is a YAC machine and would fit in really well with the Colts or Patriots where running good routes is valued.
Travis Beckum - TE - Wisconsin
Big Game: Sept. 27 vs Michigan
Travis is more Kellen Winslow Jr. than Tony Gonzalez, as he isn't known as an in-line blocker. He can stretch the field and keep safeties busy though. Beckum would fit well in a spread offense in the NFL.
Lesean McCoy - RB - Pitt
Big Game: Sept. 30 vs Iowa
"Shady" McCoy has a nose for the goal line and is big enough to handle 15+ carries per game on Sundays. He could still work on his power, but his hands and vision are very good. He would fit very well complimenting a Marion Barber or Laurence Maroney in the NFL.
Max Unger - OL - Oregon
Big Game: Oct. 4 @ USC
Hands down the best OL in the PAC-10, Unger should have his work cut out for him vs USC. Good footwork and strength make him a solid top 25 pick.
Tim Tebow - QB - Florida
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs LSU
There isn't much that hasn't been said about Tebow. Girls love him, guys want him on their team, whether they admit it or not. Urban Meyer's golden boy should bring a new wrinkle to a more progressive offense in the NFL, although he probably wouldn't fit in too well in a traditional offense. (See Alex Smith)
Percy Harvin - WR - Florida
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs LSU
Tebow's best remaining target, Harvin is a threat on returns and reverses as well. If he can stay healthy, Harvin could easily be the first WR off the board in 2009.
Matt Stafford - QB - Georgia
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs Tennessee
Some people have Stafford as their #1 QB prospect and I can't argue with him. While not as dynamic or exciting as Tebow, Stafford is ready now for an NFL offense, with his great arm and savvy playmaking.
Brandon Spikes - LB - Florida
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs LSU
Spikes is a great leader at MLB for the Gators. He led the team in tackles and has a nose for the ball in coverage as well, averaging almost a deflection per game. His 6'3/240 size will allow him to play in the 3-4 or 4-3 on Sundays.
Duke Robinson - G - Oklahoma
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs Texas
This big 6-5/335 bruiser has been a load for the Sooners, as he notched almost 100 pancake blocks last year. His smart, mauling style would fit well in any pro offense, especially one from some team in New England.
Knowhson Moreno - RB - Georgia
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs Tennessee
It will be a tossup as to whether Moreno or "Shady" McCoy from Pitt is the first RB taken next spring, but either one will prove to be a versatile addition to any backfield.
Brian Orakpo - DE - Texas
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs Oklahoma
"Rak" is a dynamic playmaker coming off the edge. At 6-4/255, this Longhorn is best suited coming off the edge in a 4-3 and getting to the quarterback. He gets to the quarterback often, but needs to work on finishing the sack and holding up against the run.
Curtis Painter - QB - Purdue
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs OSU
Looking to become the next Drew Brees to come out of Joe Tiller's pass-happy offense, Painter had an impressive 2007 campaign where he toned down his miscues. If he keep his TD/INT ratio high again this year, he could compete to be the first quarterback taken next year.
Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
Big Game: Oct. 11 @ Florida
Jackson should be a top-15 pick next year as defensive ends become more and more valuable. Tyson is a force on the outside and plays well versus the run and the pass.
Malcolm Jenkins - CB - Ohio St.
Big Game: Oct. 18 vs Michigan
This OSU corner would have been a top-20 pick in this year's draft and should top the corner rankings in 2009. He has great speed, quickness, and ball-skills, as well as being able to recover quickly. Jenkins is a complete player.
James Laurinaitis - LB - Ohio St.
Big Game: Oct. 18 vs Michigan
We aren't as high as most with Animal Junior, but he is a very solid prospect. We can't see him playing inside in a 3-4, as he doesn't shed blocks well at all. He is very tough to block, but when he is, he will disappear from the play. Inside in a 4-3 would be an ideal spot where a couple of massive DT's can protect him and allow him to use his athleticism to make plays.
William Moore - S - Missouri
Big Game: Oct. 18 @ Texas
Moore is a solid safety that plays smart enough to step in on day one and contribute. His instincts are a pretty thing to watch.
Vince Oghobaase - DT - Duke
Big Game: Oct. 18 vs Miami
Vince doesn't have good low-post moves or a sweet j, so most scouts have overlooked this Duke prospect. We feel he could provide good run support and eat some blockers on Sundays.
Pat White - QB/WR - West Virginia
Big Game: Oct. 23 vs Auburn
White won't play QB at the next level, but offensive coordinators are already drawing up plays to use his freakish ability, a la Randle El and others from the same mold. Expect White to work out as a WR at the combine.
Michael Oher - OT - Ole Miss
Big Game: Oct. 25 @ Arkansas
Teams at the top of the draft are always looking for a safe pick. Last year it was Jake Long, this year it will be Michael Oher, as he is easily the best OL prospect, while going up against some of the best pass-rushers in the nation.
Michael Johnson - DE - Ga. Tech
Big Game: Oct. 25 vs Virginia
Our #1 Pick for 2009, Johnson brings explosive power and speed from the edge for the 'Wreck. We are predicting a breakout year from MJ, a la Mario Williams a few years back. He'll have a tough time here against Monroe from Virginia.
Eugene Monroe - OL - Virginia
Big Game: Oct. 25 @ Ga. Tech
The latest product to be emerging from the First Round O-Line factory(Ferguson, Albert), Monroe brings a mean streak that shows he belongs in the same paragraph as those two players.
Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech
Big Game: Nov. 1 vs Texas
This guy just flat-out scares people. He's a big target and people just don't seem to be able to cover him or tackle him. Watch him every chance you get.
CJ Spiller - RB - Clemson
James Davis - RB - Clemson
Cullen Harper - QB - Clemson
Big Game: Nov. 1 @ BC
These three should be fun to watch in 2008-9. Harper is a quality QB prospect that should fight to be #2 on the board, while Davis and Spiller remind us of the duo at Arkansas last year, as both could be 1st Rounders.
Mitch King - DT - Iowa
Big Game: Nov. 8 vs Penn St.
Mitch King isn't a household name, yet. He is undersized, but his motor never stops and he just seems to make plays. He would fit well in a 4-3 defense that stunts often and has a deep rotation.
Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois
Big Game: Nov. 15 vs OSU
Vernon's little brother jumped on the Ron Zook recruiting train and has excelled with the Illini. His great CB size while keeping the requisite speed will make his stock soar. He is still a little rough around the edges, but should continue to develop into a solid corner.
Nic Harris - S - Oklahoma
Big Game: Nov 22 vs Texas Tech
In a similar fashion to Moore, Harris brings solid fundamentals and athleticism to the defensive backfield. He hits like a linebacker at times, but doesn't cover like one -- looking at you Roy Williams.
Sam Bradford - QB - Oklahoma
Big Game: Nov. 29 vs Oklahoma St.
After getting the chance to step in for Rhett Bomar and others, Bradford has shown that he belongs at the highest level. He will be in a small group of QB's fighting to hear their name called in the first round next April.
Myron Rolle - S - FSU
Big Game: Nov. 29 vs Florida
If you'd like your son to be a d-back in the NFL, it wouldn't hurt to change your last name to Rolle. This Rolle, of the Myron variety, provides smart football instincts and great speed and athleticism.
Hunter Cantwell - QB - Louisville
Big Game: Dec. 4 @ Rutgers
Although he has played behind Brian Brohm, Cantwell's mind and arm are projected to be even better than his predecessor. He also has the size that NFL GM's covet. With the lack of tape on Cantwell, we wouldn't be surprised if he went in the top 5 or round 5.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
NCAA Players to Watch: Non-BCS Schools
Catch Up: Big 10 / Big 12 / Big East / PAC-10 / ACC / SEC
In the past few years, Non-BCS school prospects have really climbed up draft boards, and there has been the good (DeMarcus Ware), the bad (David Carr), and the jury is still out on DRC and Leodis Mckelvin. This years crop is still changing, but here are few prospects that could go high in the draft.
Rhett Bomar - QB - Sam Houston St.
While he isn't much of an employee, Bomar can still throw the ball pretty well. While comparisons to John Elway are obviously overblown, Bomar does exhibit the creativity with his feet and arm that NFL teams covet and offensive coordinators lose sleep over.
Joe Burnett - CB - Central Florida
From Asasnte's alma mater, Burnett has the potential to become a starting CB in the NFL as well. He shows good instincts in getting to the ball, and plays faster than his 4.45 speed indicates.
Darius Hill - TE - Ball St.
This guy is a YAC machine and would fit in really well with the Colts or Patriots where running good routes is valued.
Corey Lewis - RB - Northern Iowa
Lewis is a beast for the Panthers, averaging nearly six yards each time he carries the rock. The combine will probably determine how high he climbs.
Read Full Article
Sunday, May 25, 2008
NCAA Players to Watch: SEC
Catch Up: Big 10 / Big 12 / Big East / PAC-10 / ACC
We could have done five parts just on the SEC, so it was very difficult to narrow this list down to just seven prospects. The SEC always supplies the NFL with loads of first-day talent, and 2009 will not be any different.
Tim Tebow - QB - Florida
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs LSU
There isn't much that hasn't been said about Tebow. Girls love him, guys want him on their team, whether they admit it or not. Urban Meyer's golden boy should bring a new wrinkle to a more progressive offense in the NFL, although he probably wouldn't fit in too well in a traditional offense. (See Alex Smith)
Percy Harvin - WR - Florida
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs LSU
Tebow's best remaining target, Harvin is a threat on returns and reverses as well. If he can stay healthy, Harvin could easily be the first WR off the board in 2009.
Matt Stafford - QB - Georgia
Big Game:
Some people have Stafford as their #1 QB prospect and I can't argue with him. While not as dynamic or exciting as Tebow, Stafford is ready now for an NFL offense, with his great arm and savvy playmaking.
Michael Oher - OT - Ole Miss
Big Game: Oct. 25 @ Arkansas
Teams at the top of the draft are always looking for a safe pick. Last year it was Jake Long, this year it will be Michael Oher, as he is easily the best OL prospect, while going up against some of the best pass-rushers in the nation.
Brandon Spikes - LB - Florida
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs LSU
Spikes is a great leader at MLB for the Gators. He led the team in tackles and has a nose for the ball in coverage as well, averaging almost a deflection per game. His 6'3/240 size will allow him to play in the 3-4 or 4-3 on Sundays.
Knowhson Moreno - RB - Georgia
Big Game: Oct. 11 vs Tennessee
It will be a tossup as to whether Moreno or "Shady" McCoy from Pitt is the first RB taken next spring, but either one will prove to be a versatile addition to any backfield.
Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
Big Game: Oct. 11 @ Florida
Jackson should be a top-15 pick next year as defensive ends become more and more valuable. Tyson is a force on the outside and plays well versus the run and the pass.
Friday, May 23, 2008
NCAA Players to Watch: ACC
Catch Up: Big 10 / Big 12 / Big East / PAC-10
Long home to top basketball prospects and FSU, things have gotten a bit topsy-turvy lately down in ACC country. Only one Seminole graces this list, while Duke has the same. Let's get to the prospects:
Myron Rolle - S - FSU
Big Game: Nov. 29 vs Florida
If you'd like your son to be a d-back in the NFL, it wouldn't hurt to change your last name to Rolle. This Rolle, of the Myron variety, provides smart football instincts and a great speed and athletecism.
Michael Johnson - DE - Ga. Tech
Big Game: Oct. 25 vs Virginia
Our #1 Pick for 2009, Johnson brings explosive power and speed from the edge for the 'Wreck. We are predicting a breakout year from MJ, a la Mario Williams a few years back.
Vince Oghobaase - DT - Duke
Big Game: Oct. 18 vs Miami
Vince doesn't have good low-post moves or a sweet j, so most scouts have overlooked this Duke prospect. We feel he could provide good run support and eat some blockers on Sundays.
CJ Spiller - RB - Clemson
James Davis - RB - Clemson
Cullen Harper - QB - Clemson
Big Game: Nov. 1 @ BC
These three should be fun to watch in 2008-9. Harper is a quality QB prospect that should fight to be #2 on the board, while Davis and Spiller remind us of the duo at Arkansas last year, as both could be 1st Rounders.
Eugene Monroe - OL - Virginia
Big Game: Oct. 25 @ Ga. Tech
The latest product to be emerging from the First Round O-Line factory(Ferguson, Albert), Monroe brings a mean streak that shows he belongs in the same paragraph as those two players.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
NCAA Players to Watch: Pac-10
Catch Up: Big 10 / Big 12 / Big East
This could easily be called "Players to Watch: USC". They have that much talent just on the defensive side of the ball. The other nine schools also have some good players, just not on par with the Trojans. Here are three Trojans and three Non-Trojans:
Fili Moala - DL - USC
Big Game: Sept. 13 vs OSU
Moala is a big disruptive force that makes it easier for those around him. We feel he can play in either the 3-4 or 4-3.
Rey Maualuga - LB - USC
Big Game: Sept. 13 vs OSU
Umm, yeah, wow. This guy hits, runs, covers, leads, and mows your lawn when he is done. Rey would be an insane addition as an OLB in any NFL defense.
Brian Cushing - LB - USC
Big Game: Sept. 13 vs OSU
Didn't get the accolades that his teammates Rivers and Maualuge received, but Cushing is a solid prospect whose versatility will bring him up into the first round.
Alex Mack - C - California
Big Game: Sept 13 @ Maryland
Perhaps the top center in the NCAA, Mack is a cerebral center than can make the line call and begin to maul.
Max Unger - OL - Oregon
Big Game: Oct. 4 @ USC
Hands down the best OL in the PAC-10, Unger should have his work cut out for him vs USC. Good footwork and strength make him a solid top 25 pick.
Jairus Byrd - CB - Oregon
Big Game: Sept. 13 @ Purdue
A good fit in a cover-2 system, Byrd is raw but could develop into a solid nickel/#2 corner as a rookie.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Matt Ryan > Tom Brady
Why would I say that Matt Ryan is better than Tom Brady? Well, according to the AP, the Falcons QB just sigend a 6 year, 72 million dollar contract. He is set to receive 34 million in guarantees over the life of the contract, almost five million more than Jake Long, the first pick in the draft. Both Chris Long and Darren McFadden should be very happy with what just transpired. Tom Condon, Ryan's agent, should be buying tonight...
Tom Brady, however, is sitting here making a paltry salary of 5 million dollars, with a 3 million dollar roster bonus, although due to prior bonuses, his cap number is nearly 15 million dollars.
How can a rookie QB that has never taken a snap in the NFL be making more than arguably the greatest QB of all time? Moreover, why is Gene Upshaw and the NFLPA okay with this? If I were a veteran NFL player, I would be clamoring for my piece of the pie, rather than idly watching GM's throwing cash at unproven rookies.
Think that the NFL owners voting to opt-out of the CBA had anything to do with this?
Monday, May 19, 2008
NCAA Players to Watch: Big East
Although he has played behind Brian Brohm, Cantwell's mind and arm are projected to be even better than his predecessor. He also has the size that NFL GM's covet. With the lack of tape on Cantwell, we wouldn't be surprised if he went in the top 5 or round 5.
White won't play QB at the next level, but offensive coordinators are already drawing up plays to use his freakish ability, a la Randle El and others from the same mold. Expect White to work out as a WR at the combine.
Tall, but light, Mickens uses his 4.4 speed very well. He rarely takes a false step and therefore isn't out of position very often. He could play in a cover 2 or a man defense on Sundays, and his value is increased by his return abilities.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
2009 Patriots Mock Draft Database
If you would like to be included on this list, send me your information here.
Updated 7/3
7/2 - NE Patriots Draft - Duke Robinson - G - Oklahoma
6/22 - APFootball - Anthony Heygood - OLB - Purdue
6/12 - New NFL Draft - Victor Harris - CB - Virginia Tech
6/7 - NFL Draft Blitz - Eugene Monroe - OL - Virginia
6/1 - New Era - Patrick Chung - SS - Oregon
5/29 - Walter Football - Taylor Mays - S - USC
5/23 - Draft King - Ciron Black - OT - LSU
5/20 - 49ers Thoughts - Herman Johnson - OG - LSU
5/16 - Sports Fury - Brian Cushing - LB - USC
5/8 - QI Sports - Alex Boone - OT - OSU
5/8 - NFL Draft Site - DeAngelo Smith - CB - Cinci
5/4 - Red Zone Report - Kam Chancellor - S - Virginia Tech
5/4 - Draft Expert - Darry Beckwith - LB - LSU
5/1 - NFL Draft Dog - Maurice Evans - DE - Penn St.
5/1 - Todd McShay - Brian Cushing - LB - USC
Draft Info 24/7/365 - Subscribe to NE Patriots Draft today!
Friday, May 16, 2008
NCAA Players to Watch: Big 12
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NCAA Players to Watch: Big 10
James Laurinaitis - LB - Ohio St.
Read Full Article
Saturday, May 10, 2008
2009 NFL Mock Draft (Part 2)
Picks 1-16
Round 2
17. Minnesota Vikings - Hunter Cantwell - QB - Louisville
If Jackson doesn't work out this year, they have to pull the plug. The Vikings window is closing, and they need to win now.
18. Houston Texans - CJ Spiller - RB - Clemson
A Felix Jones clone, Spiller really can change the pace. Since Ahman Green is running at about 0 mph, change is good.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Percy Harvin - WR - Florida
We don't think Desean Jackson is the guy, maybe Harvin will be. In all reality, the Eagles will probably trade down into the second round just like always.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs - Lesean McCoy - RB - Pitt
Cadillac insurance policy, and they don't build those escalades like they used too.
21. Washington Redskins - Ciron Black - OT - LSU
Black would bring depth to an oft-injured line.
22. Cleveland Browns - Taylor Mays - S - USC
Mays would aid a Browns backfield in dire need of coverage.
23. Pittsburgh Steelers - Travis Beckum - TE - Wisconsin
Beckum can't block, but boy can he catch the ball.
24. Tennessee Titans - Dace Richardson - OT - Iowa
When healthy, Richardson is a force that comes from the Ferentz O-line factory that produced the likes of Steinbach, Nelson, Gallery and Yanda.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Darius Hill - TE - BC
Hill runs well after the catch and unlike other 'hawks in the past, actually catches the ball.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars - Eugene Monroe - OT - Virginia
D-line this year, O-line next. Del Rio knows where the game is won and lost.
27. San Diego Chargers - William Moore - S - Missouri
Weddle needs help, and Moore can play both positions as well.
28. Dallas Cowboys - Max Unger - OT - Oregon
Flozell can't play forever, and Unger is a great blocker.
29. Indianapolis Colts - Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Maryland
(Insert something about Marvin Harrison)
30. Green Bay Packers - Alex Mack - C - California
Rodgers will need some protection, either from defenders or from Favre stabbing him in the back.
31. New England Patriots - Duke Robinson - OG - Oklahoma
Neal is getting older and we need a backup plan if Mankins doesn't resign, which Pioli needs to get done soon.
32. New York Giants - Brian Cushing - LB - USC
Solid linebacker that will replace Mitchell easily, although there are some "concerns" off-field.
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Friday, May 9, 2008
2009 NFL Draft: Players to Watch
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
2008 NFL Rookie Salary Cap
KC $8,221,790
ATL $7,918,670
MIA $6,538,400
STL $5,997,510
CHI $5,791,190
CIN $5,555,750
CAR $5,371,570
BUF $5,351,820
BAL $5,045,770
NYJ $4,903,030
DEN $4,877,060
DET $4,815,910
WAS $4,543,890
NE $4,344,990
NO $4,295,240
PHI $4,256,320
OAK $4,119,700
DAL $4,095,120
GB $4,076,190
ARI $3,919,230
TEN $3,822,960
JAX $3,721,960
PIT $3,719,450
TB $3,699,370
SEA $3,674,960
NYG $3,521,820
HOU $3,477,820
SF $3,413,020
IND $3,305,300
SD $2,627,940
MIN $2,055,780
CLE $1,789,980
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Thursday, May 1, 2008
May-o Day
