2009 NFL Draft Grades: St. Louis Rams

The Rams were "awarded" the second pick in the draft for the second consecutive year thanks to another season of poor play. Scott Linehan got the axe and now Steve Spagnuolo steps in. Can he turn it around? A great first draft would help.

INTRODUCTION
The Rams were able to put together a mini win streak in October. Unfortunately it lasted a mere two games. And those were the only two games all season that St. Louis outscored its opponent. The culprit? Well, everyone. Not one Rams unit was good in 2008. They averages a meager 14.5 points per game on offense and allowed 29.1. Both of those numbers got the Rams ranked 31st in the league in the categories. They were no higher than 25th in any major offensive category. Their 19th rank in passing yards allowed per game looks OK - at least it isn't in the 20s - but really is a result of teams only need to run on them. St. Louis allowed 154.7 rushing yards per game, ranking them 29th in that category. Ouch. An offensive minded coach is gone and a defensive guru steps in. Will it matter? The Rams have plenty of holes to fill.

The Rams were only marginally better than the win less Lions in 2008. Like the Lions they need as many picks as possible to restock the cabinets with young talent. Well, St. Louis ended up with only seven picks, the same amount they started with. Unfortunately for them they could not get anyone to throw a pick or two at them for Torry Holt or Orlando Pace, who they cut. They made one pick in each round.


DRAFT RECAP
Round/Pick/Overall
1/2/2 - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
2/3/35 - James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
3/2/66 - Bradley Fletcher, CB/S, Iowa
4/3/103 - Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson
5/24/160 - Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina
6/23/196 - Kieth Null, QB, West Texas A&M
7/2/211 - Chris Ogbonnaya, RB/FB, Texas


BASED ON NEEDS

• OL - Check!
  
• LB - Check!
  
• WR - Check!
  
• CB - Check!
  
• TE - Try again.
  

With seven picks the Rams were going to have a difficult time filling all of their needs and they cam up just short. They were able to add arguably the best player in the draft, one who could be an OL cornerstone for the next decade a la Orlando Pace. Speaking of a Buckeye, Laurinaitis dropped to round two like other recent star college 'backers. He fills a big need for the Rams and was a no brainer here. It would have been nice to get a WR that could make a more immediate impact, like Donnie Avery last year, but Foster will have to do. It would have been nice to get some more OL and DL depth instead of grabbing a hybrid RB/FB in Ogbonnaya and a QB many people never heard of. Also, not getting any TE in a deep class doesn't seem right.

GRADE: 70 out of 100


BASED ON TALENT
Pick 1 - Jason Smith could very well be not only the best OT in the draft but the best prospect of the group. He has that much potential. While he'll start his career at RT, it's only a matter of time until he is the teams LT of the future. Grade: 10

Pick 2 - What a steal! I'm not a huge fan of Laurinaitis - I always thought he was overrated. But at the 35th pick I can't argue with his selection plus he feels a big void in the St. Louis defense. Probably would have done the same if I was working for the Rams. Grade: 10

Pick 3 - I liked Fletcher... but not as an early third rounder. Maybe in the early 4th and definitely by the 5th. There were a few other DBs I would have gone with before him, such as Kevin Barnes, Asher Allen, Lardarius Webb, and Chris Owens, who all went later in the third. I can't blame St. Louis too much; it was a need position and they got the guy they wanted. Grade: 6

Pick 4 - I like the Scott pick better than the previous one. In fact, I'd be more than happy swapping them. Scott has the size and speed that works great in a 4-3. Some 3-4 teams were looking at him as a possible NT. This was a solid pick. Grade: 8

Pick 5 - Another good value here for the Rams. I like this draft the more and more I look at it. Sure it would have been nice to get a WR that could make a big impact his rookie season. But Foster has the size and speed to eventually be a reliable #2 and good complement to the speedy and shifty Donnie Avery. Grade: 7

Pick 6 - I spoke too soon. Null? I had not even heard of him before the draft. He was taken over someone like Curtis Painter, Brian Hoyer, Graham Harrell, and Chase Daniel? I know some of them are system QBs but, still, take the guy from the school that Ryan Leaf used to coach at? I dunno about this one, especially since Kyle Boller and Brock Berlin were already on the roster. Grade: 2

Pick 7 - A true FB was signed (Mike Karney). A hybrid RB/FB already was on the roster (Brian Leonard). Why choose Ogbonnaya? He doesn't have much upside and is almost identical to Leonard. After a pretty impressive first five picks the last two definitely hurt the class. In the 7th the Rams could have grabbed some more secondary help (Captain Munnerlyn, Curtis Taylor, Mike Mickens), more OL or DL depth (Lydon Murtha or Ricky Jean-Francois), or a better RB in Rashad Jennings. Grade: 3

GRADE: 46/70


OVERALL
The Rams were able to fill four of their five big needs. Not only did they fill them, however, the filled them with some great potential. Ignoring the TE position is puzzling and there last two picks are forgettable, at least at the moment.

FINAL GRADE: B+

WHY: This is the best draft I've graded so far. OK, it's only the second one I did. But I really think it'll turn out to be a Top 10 class when all is said and done in three weeks. Their first five picks were great value and/or filled needs. By 2011 this class could be the headliners making the Rams competitive again.

NOTE: My "final grade" is weighted and is not a simple combination of "needs" and "talent".


SUPERLATIVES
Best Pick: Smith
Worst Pick: Null
Sleeper: Scott
Instant Impact: Laurinaitis
Developmental: Foster


OTHER DRAFT GRADES - St. Louis Rams
CBS Sports (Prisco): B-
CBS Sports (Rang): B-
ESPN (Kiper): C
NFL.com (Brooks): C+
NFL.com (Fan's): B
Walter: A+

UP NEXT

ON DECK

It's Been a Great 12 Months

The 2009 NFL draft is about three weeks. When it gets here it will end by far the greatest sports year of my life. While not everything that has happened impacts me on the highest of emotional levels, many of them do. It's easy where to start. After this first one I'll try to go in chronological order.

2008 Philadelphia Phillies: What could be better than this? One of the teams I love won a league championship. That's the first time that has happened to not only me, but basically all of my friends who are Philadelphia sports fans. On a personal level it is the only sport in which almost all of my friends like the sport and the team. This is the top of the mountain for the great sports year that started in April 2008.

2008 NFL Draft - I love the draft. It is just as exciting as the games to me. What made 2008 stand out? For once I knew Miami was in good hands. Plus they had the #1 overall pick. They went with mammoth LT cornerstone Jake Long who has already turned in a Pro Bowl season (more on that later). However the biggest reason the 2008 draft kick started the best sports year of my life had to do with Miami's second pick in round two, the 57th overall selection. There, a few picks form the end of the first day of the draft, the Dolphins, my favorite team my entire life selected Michigan QB Chad Henne. Why does that matter to me, a Penn State fan (and alum)? Simple. I graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA. I played football with Chad Henne. Seeing someone you know play for your favorite NFL team? I'd say that's a longshot. But it happened in 2008. Things just kept rolling from here.

2007-2008 Philadelphia 76ers: Though basketball - specifically professional basketball - is low on my sports ladder, I still follow the team and hope they perform at the highest level. The team struggles to a mediocre 41-41 record on the season. In a weak Eastern Conference a .500 record was good enough for the 7th seed. The Sixers prize? Facing the two-seed Detroit Pistons. Despite being huge underdogs, the 76ers took a 1-0 and eventually 2-1 series lead. They couldn't hold it but the team showed what their young nucleus could be capable of in the coming years.

2007-2008 Philadelphia Flyers: After their worst season ever, the Flyers rebounded and caught fire at the right time. They were able to sneak by the 3rd seed, the Washington Capitals, in seven games. Then they took it to the top seed Montreal Canadiens in five games. They ran into a young buzz saw of a team that shall remain nameless in the Eastern Conference Finals. The fact that they made an amazing run a year after being the worst team in the league makes it remarkable and noteworthy in a great year. Funny, if the Phillies hadn't won the World Series this would have just been seen as another failure. Instead it is considered a success.

2007-2008 Pittsburgh Penguins: Not on the list by choice but by default. The Penguins had a stellar year, winning the NHLs Eastern Conference and advancing to the Stanley Cup. They didn't win it all but they came close. After many dismal years the Penguins seem to be back. And PA sports are at an All-Time high.

2008 Philadelphia Soul: Football is football, whether it's the NFL, Canadian, or Arena. While the Soul may not be considered as important as the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and 76ers, they did have quite a good season. Actually they had the best season. The Soul won ArenaBowl XXII on July 27th. Chalk up another point for the city.

2008 Penn State Women's Volleyball: What's better than a National Championship? How about back-to-back National Championships. That's what the women's volleyball team accomplished in December 2008. Along the way they didn't lose a match. Yep, that's right. The Penn State women went 38-0. What makes it even more remarkable is that 37 of those matches were won 3-0. They only lost two games all year and they were against Nebraska, the NCAA Tournament host, in the Final Four. The Championship Match went much better this year than it did in 2007.

2008-2009 Penn State Football: Hope were high in Happy Valley to start the 2008 college football season. While the "experts" felt Penn State was again an Alamo Bowl team, fans knew better. They expected to compete for the Big Ten Championship. They did just that. The Nittany Lions finished the regular season as Big Ten Champs at 11-1, suffering only a last-second heartbreaking loss to Iowa. Though their Rose Bowl berth wasn't as successful as the one in January 1995, they still were in a BCS bowl. Quite a season indeed.

2008-2009 Miami Dolphins: The 2007 Miami Dolphins were a laughingstock. They won only one game all year. They fired their coach after one season. Things were bleak. In stepped football mastermind Bill Parcells. Things changed quickly. After a solid draft that included Long and Henne plus Phillip Merling, Kendall Langford, Donald Thomas and UDFAs Davone Bess and Dan Carpenter, Miami snatched Jets castoff Chad Pennington. The Dolphins went on to win 11 games, unleash the "wildcat" offense, and win the AFC East. The hyphen shifted and so did Miami's fortunes. This had a big impact on why the last 12 months have been amazing.

2008-2009 Philadelphia Eagles: This wouldn't make my personal list at all (since I am a Dolphins fan) but this isn't just about me; it's about the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. The Eagles made another run in the NFC playoffs, reaching the NFC title game for the fifth time since 2002. This one was unexpected, unlike the first four. The team had its ups and down during the year - much like the Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers - but peaked at the right time. They, unfortunately, ran into a team that was playing even better than they were.

2008-2009 Pittsburgh Steelers: Again, this didn't really make my year but it definitely added to the states euphoria (and my fiancees). The Steelers won their 6th Super Bowl, most by any NFL franchise, and second in four years. It was also an epic game, filled with a comeback and last second victory. It was a great game and just another reason the last 12 months have been amazing.

2008-2009 Penn State Fencing: Just two weeks ago the Penn State Fencing team (a joint men's/women's venture) captured their 11th National Championship. Four fencers earned individual titles too. The sport doesn't get much recognition but the team is downright dominant. They deserve just as much praise as any other national champion squad.

2008-2009 Penn State Men's Basketball: While I was in college the men's basketball team was dreadful. In the two years I've been gone they have started coming around. This year was a huge step forward. Though the men's team was overlooked by the NCAA selection committee, the Nittany Lions accepted an invitation to the NIT. After a near disaster versus George Mason, the men went on to vanquish Rhode Island, Florida, Notre Dame, and finally Baylor to capture the programs second ever postseason title. After the game, Talor Battle's younger step-brother Taran Buie committed to the program. Buie is ranked as the 37th best prospect in the nation in the 2010 recruiting class. Though a few key contributors leave, the team should be competitive again in 2009-2010 and could make a deep run in 2010-2011.

2008-2009 Pittsburgh Men's Basketball: Not a team I follow or care much about but, again, great for the state. They were ranked #1 in the nation at least once and made it to the Elite Eight. There they lost to...

2008-2009 Villanova Men's Basketball: The Wildcats earned a three seed in the tournament after a 26-7 record. Four wins later, including an epic one over Pittsburgh to get to the Final Fout, and Villanova has a chance to make this year even better. They now must defeat preseason favorite North Carolina to make the title game. No matter what the outcome of the game tomorrow the Wildcats helped make this year quite memorable.

Has the last 12 months been the greatest in sports history? For the state of Pennsylvania, possibly. For me, definitely. May the next 12 be even better!

Dolphins Interested in Past and Future to Improve Present

The Dolphins had a busy weekend. Reports on two separate yet equally interesting developments made it to the media and they promptly took the bait. First, The Miami Herald reports that on a recent scouting trip taken by the trifecta - Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sparano - a fourth member of the organization joined them: second-year QB Chad Henne.

Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne embarked on a multicity tour of the country with the team's top three decision makers, during which time he has been throwing to potential draft picks.

The team asked Henne if he wanted to join their crew for the trip, and he agreed. During the trip, the Dolphins will work out more than six receiving prospects in several cities.

This is just another step towards handing the keys to the Dolphins offense to Henne in 2010. Henne is evaluating the available talent and to receivers he'd presumably be throwing to in just over a year (or sooner if Chad Pennington is injured). His willingness to go on the trip backs up the notion put forth by the current regime that Henne is just biding his time before he is the team leader. It also helps that Parcells and Co. have continually shown faith in the kid and this reinforcement could send his confidence through the roof, something young QB sometimes lack.

On the scouting trip, Henne threw to first round prospects Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) and Percy Harvin (Florida).

In addition to the new Henne development, The Miami Herald also reports that former Miami DE/OLB Jason Taylor is welcome to return to the Dolphins a year after the player wanted nothing to do with a rebuilding effort.

The choice will be largely up to Taylor. And the choice largely will determine who Taylor is and what he is about. If he is still driven by a desire to put himself in the best spot to win a title, he must go to New England.

But Taylor is said to also be motivated by a desire to remain close to his family and not put them through the difficulties of his disastrous 2008 experience, when he lived in Washington and they stayed in South Florida.

No team except the Dolphins can fulfill Taylor's desire to remain close to his family.

Armando Salguero, the articles author, points out that the relationship rift between Taylor and Parcells has healed and both have respect and nothing but praise for one another.

MY TAKE: Yes and yes. On the Henne front this makes me ecstatic. As a huge Henne fan and supporter, the reality is setting in that, were Miami to win a Super Bowl in the next 5-10 years, a kid I played football with could be the one leading them to victory Holy crap.

In regards to Taylor I'm all for it. Why not? As the article points out, Sparano knows that you can never have too many pass rushers. Even if Taylor would come back to Miami this regime is set on drafting a pass rusher early. Both Porter and Taylor are old and on the downside of their careers; new blood is needed regardless. How great would it be for someone so loved by the organization and fans to return? Even though I hated the way he handled things last offseason, he remains a standup guy off the field and a great leader and player on it. Please come back, Jason.

2008 NFL Draft Recap and Grades - AFC North

Now that I have had enough time to digest last weekend's draft I'd like to give everyone my thoughts and draft grades. What teams helped themselves and which teams flat out FAILED to improve? My opinion is below, referenced with Mel Kiper's grade. How do we match up?

Baltimore Ravens - Yuck. That pretty much sums up my feelings on the Joe Flacco pick. They did a great thing by trading down from 8 to 26 but everything was lost when they traded up to 18 to take the Delaware product. Who would have taken him before 26? Nobody. The Ravens panicked. That will hurt their grade for sure. I like Ray Rice and think he was a nice pick in round two but why Baltimore? They had more glaring weaknesses like CB and WR to take Rice at 55. Patrick Lee , Terrell Thomas, Charles Godfrey, and Chevis Jackson were still available. Landing Tavares Gooden at 71 was good and gave them so depth at LB. Zbikowski suits their defense well but will he end up pushing Dawan Landry or Ed Reed for a starting spot? Zbikowski's stay may only be for the length of his rookie contract. Oniel Cousins at 99 was a great value pick and adds another body to the o-line.

Bottom Line: They dropped the ball on the Flacco pick but got good value in Ray Rice, Tavares Gooden, Tom Zbikowski, and Oniel Cousins. Passing on a young player at CB and depth along the d-line will haunt them.

My Grade: C+

Kiper: B


Cincinnati Bengals - Unlucky. That is one way to describe their first round. They really need some help along the d-line but their three main targets (Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Derrick Harvey) were all snatched up. Keith Rivers was the best pure LB available so I can't fault them in taking him. Perhaps they should have tried to move up with Kansas City or New England? Jerome Simpson was certainly a reach at 46. At that point, DeSean Jackson, Malcolm Kelly, and Limas Sweed were all available. Simpson was a late 2nd rounder at best. Pat Sims was a great value pick at 77. Earlier in the year he was a fringe 1st rounder but his stock dropped throughout the draft evaluation period. Sims could be a real steal. AT 97 the Bengals took another WR. Not a bad idea with Ocho Cinco and Houshmandzadeh unhappy (plus the release of Chris Henry). Simpson was a stretch but Andre Caldwell was value at its finest. As was Anthony Collins at pick 112. He was seen by most as a late 2nd/early 3rd round pick. I don't have much else to say about the late round picks except that Corey Lynch was a good risk at 177 and Mario Urrutia could end up being the best WR the Bengals took.

Bottom Line: They filled all their needs but not with premiere talent. TE and S weren't drafted until the late rounds and DE was completely overlooked. They had one big reach in Simpson but the rest was pretty good. They obviously feel WR was a weakness and I tend to agree.

My Grade: B

Kiper: C+


Cleveland Browns - Well this evaluation will be short. However, I will take into account what the Browns used their draft picks to get. They traded their 1st round pick to Dallas during last years draft to select Brady Quinn. Their 2nd round selection went to Green Bay for Corey Williams. Their 3rd round pick (an Leigh Bodden) went to Detroit for Shaun Rogers. The jury is still out on the Quinn trade. On paper, the Williams and Rogers trades look good. Rogers will be the 3-4 NT and Williams a 3-4 DE that can play the nose. Picks well spent. The Browns addressed a LB need by taking Beau Bell at 104 and Alex Hall at 231. Bell will be tutored by Andra Davis while Hall will work under Willie McGinest. Taking Martin Rucker at 111 was an odd move since they have the young and spectacular Kellen Winslow on the roster. He adds a degree of insurance though. Ahtyba Rubin at 190 was a good value selection; Rubin was rated as a third round prospect. He adds more depth at NT and DE but is raw and needs development. I like Paul Hubbard but Cleveland had needs at CB and RB which weren't addressed. At 191 the Browns could have gone after CBs DeJuan Tribble or Wilrey Fontenot or RBs Lex Hillard or Chauncey Washington.

Bottom Line: When considering what the Browns got for their first three selections - Quinn, Williams, and Rogers - their grade is much higher. Without them they'd be looking at a C. It is a little worrisome that they left the CB position empty.

My Grade: B

Kiper: B+


Pittsburgh Steelers - This is a team that knows how to draft and that couldn't be more evident than their first 2 selections. Rashard Mendenhall (23) and Limas Sweed (53) were amazing value picks. Though RB wasn't a huge need, how could they pass up a guy some people felt was one of the 10 best players available? And it isn't like Willie Parker is a beast. That was a good pick. They may have outdone themselves with Sweed though. Big Ben Roethlisberger wanted and pleaded for a big WR. Is 6'4" 212 big enough? And at pick 53!!! Wow. They went with value over need, need being o-line. That was addressed at pick 130 with Tony Hills, who is versatile enough to play OG or OT. I would have liked to see them at another body along the line. Bruce Davis (88) and Mike Humpal (188) add depth at outside and inside LB, something Pittsburgh is always looking for. Dennis Dixon will be the new Antwaan Randle-El/Kordell Stewart when healthy. That pick doesn't surprise me at all. Ryan Mundy at 194 adds some depth and competition at S.

Bottom Line: Despite not addressing the o-line early and adding only one player there I still like this draft. I would have liked a body along the d-line too but they can get by for another year. Mendenhall and Sweed were great picks.

My Grade: B+

Kiper: B

UP NEXT: AFC South on Monday, May 5th.

Morelli has a team!

God bless the Arizona Cardinals. I don't know why they would even consider offering a contract to the kid. The sad thing is, he certainly has a decent chance to make it to 2nd or 3rd string QB by the end of the season, assuming he survives training camp. The Cards didn't draft a QB and their current lineup of QBs includes oft-injured Matt Leinart, the ancient Kurt Warner, and career 3rd-stringer Brian St. Pierre. Frankly, Morelli's smartest decision in a long time was to sign on with Arizona. If he ends up miraculously getting any playing time, he'll have Fitzgerald, Boldin and former PSUer Bryant Johnson to throw to and those guys would make me look like a good QB.

In other PSU player news...Austin Scott found himself a team too. He signed on with Cleveland. Even if he didn't get into this whole mess earlier in the year, he probably wouldn't have been drafted but the guy has talent. Who knows what will happen there. Terrell Golden stayed in state and signed on with the Eagles while Matt Hahn went to Oakland. Good for Hahn...he was a solid player before he blew out his knee.

Moving on to the Jets...they signed Danny Woodhead!! I'm not sure if he'll do any good but it's cool nonetheless. One way or another, this kid can definitely play as he holds the all-time and single season NCAA rushing records. Frankly, his size is his only downfall (5'7"). He apparently had a fantastic pro day, running a 4.33 40 and posting exceptional numbers in the other workouts. Never know...I hate to say this but could other teams have passed him up because he's white? It's something to throw out there. Maybe it's just me but I thought teams typically took late round flyers on guys like this...

CORRECTION: Apparently Austin Scott was only invited to camp? I have conflicting reports on this.

Well, well, well...

I'd first like to state that the NFL is stupid. Dan Connor still available after 2 rounds? This dude is easily first round talent. Wake up.

That being said, I'd like to state that Justin King is in fact a ginormous idiot. Over 3 months ago, I posted that he was an idiot for declaring. What the hell was Kiper Jr. saying he could go late 1st round? I'm glad he proved me correct. Again, I don't wish him any ill will, I'm just glad he's learning his lesson. Declaring for the draft was the dumbest thing he could have done. Juniors declare for the draft because they really can't improve their draft stock (ie Ray Rice of Rutgers) or if they really need money to support their family (though that seems to be more common in basketball). King had everything to improve and he declared anyway...and now he's paying the price. If he stuck around and refined his skills, he absolutely could have found his way into the 1st round. However, he's an arrogant one and thought that declaring early was a good idea. Well, it's a good idea if you like a few million dollars as opposed to about ten million dollars. King is a frekin idiot and I'm glad that he's paying the price. He never really did much for us at PSU anyway.

On another note, I'm really curious to see if someone takes a late 7th round flyer on Morelli. I'd seriously lol for days if somebody does. What did he get...a 5.1 40 at the combine? Seriously, his only redeeming aspect is he can heave the ball a decent length. His character is crap (I've heard stories that I'm sure scouts didn't hear), his accuracy is crap, and well...he's just crap.

Also, congrats to J Mays for his Dolphins takin' his boy Henne. Unfortunately (according to my friend), Henne didn't look as thrilled but I wish him the best...I typically dislike Wolverines but J Mays' love for him might have rubbed off on me a little bit.

I don't even really know what to make of the Jets' draft so far. I'm incredibly disappointed that McFadden didn't fall to us but realize Gholston could be a really good pick. Then again, Dwayne Robertson was supposed to be a good pick at #4 overall a few years back for us...oops...I understand Dustin Keller is a pretty solid TE...but I'm still bitter we didn't take J.J. Hardy. Frankly, I think it was a poor trade because we could have had Hardy at #37 and kept our other 4th round pick. I wanted this guy. Yes, he torched the overrated Justin King last year but he's 6'5! The Jets need that...bad...

Jets on the clock

Ok, so the Jets are on the clock...McFadden is gone. Stupid Raiders. Probably startled the neighbors after I punched my wall when that happened. At least Matt Ryan is gone. Amen. 7 minutes left..

Gholston is still there. Seems like the obvious pick at this point. Though does somebody else want him worse? Would it be worth it to stack up on some picks. I really want James Hardy later and there's a chance he may not be around even in the early second round. Could they take Ryan Clady. Oh man, the house would burn down...in a bad way. 4 minutes left...

Oh man, still on the clock. What's taking so long? Maybe there's a trade offer on the table? I can't think of anything else. Gholston is the obvious choice. He still hasn't picked up the phone. Makes me a bit nervous. Then again, we already have too many Buckeyes on the roster. Oh geez. 2 minutes left...

Stupid Raiders. I really wanted McFadden. Oh well. Gholston still hasn't answered the phone. There has to be a trade in the works. But with who? The Cowboys? I'd love that...grabbing 2 first rounders. If not, ahhh I don't know. DO SOMETHING!!

Ahhhhh here's the pick.....Jet fans are booing? And here's Goodell.......

Vernon Gholston.

Welcome to the Jets family...even though I've hated your guts for the last 4 years.

Draft Day Live Blog

I plan on blogging the draft for much of the first day. I won't be mentioning every pick; only the ones that surprise me or what I think a team should do. It should be a lot of fun! So if you will be around a computer tomorrow afternoon from 3pm until probably 11pm be sure to check in with me and Sports Fountainhead! THE DRAFT IS TOMORROW!!!

Also, make Draft Tek a stop for up to the minute predictions with the one of the kind draft computer model.

See you tomorrow!

NFL Draft Previews

In all of my "spare" time I have been writing team-by-team draft previews for The Football Expert. All 32 teams have been completed and are posted on the main page of their site. I finished Miami and Atlanta months ago (before free agency even) so their needs have changed. Prospect stock has risen and fallen as well. The other 30 teams have been done over the last two weeks so they are more up to date. Wondering what your team needs and who they may be targeting when? Check out the draft previews now!

Below I have some quick links for teams that get the most traffic here:

New York Jets
Philadelphia Eagles
Pittsburgh Steelers
New York Giants

2008 NFL Mock Draft Version 7.5

The Dolphins actually signing Jake Long ruined my previous mock. The Chiefs trading Jared Allen to the Vikings didn't help either. Here is the revision as promised. Things have really moved around. I am putting the mock up as an image this time to make things easier. Just click on the picture to enlarge. My comments are after the mock.



1. Previous reports had the Rams pining for Chris Long. Now apparently it is Glenn Dorsey. This pick could be traded to New Orleans or Baltimore.
2. If the Rams take Dorsey that puts Atlanta in a difficult spot. They don't need a DE so Long and Vernon Gholston are out. That leaves Sedrick Ellis and Matt Ryan. I think the Falcons covet Brohm who they can get cheaper. Ellis is a bit of a reach but is a better option than Ryan.
3. Since the Chiefs traded Allen they need a new DE to play opposite Tamba Hali. They may get a shot at Chris Long or Vernon Gholston. The Chiefs aren't known to reach so I think Branden Albert and Ryan Clady are out of the picture.
4. I'm 85% certain the Patriots will trade their pick.
The Ravens will be the first time to take Ryan barring a trade up by Carolina, Chicago, or Minnesota. Ryan could very well be bypassed by the Ravens for offensive line, rush OLB, or CB help. Maybe teams will realize how overhyped and overrated Ryan is.
5. I wanted to give the Bills a CB but they seem to be leaning towards Thomas. Don't be surprised if they do take Leodis McKelvin though.
6. Again, the Broncos prefer Chris Williams over Clady and Otah because he is a better fit for their system.
7. The Chiefs may be reaching, ever so slightly, for Cherilus but they need someone on the line and he is the best remaining option. They would rejoice if Clady or Otah fell to them.
8. The Seahawks, Jaguars, Chargers, and Packers will all try to trade out. The prospects left don't fit their needs very well.
9. I couldn't pass on giving Connor to Miami. He is slightly undersized to be an ILB in Parcells' 3-4. He has the frame to add 5-10 more pounds and then would be a great fit. Miami needs someone inside next to Channing Crowder.
10. I hope you have enjoyed my mock drafts. I have been publishing them since October. The weekend of the draft has finally arrived. Enjoy the draft everyone!

Q&A with Martellus Bennett

Hello loyal readers. Besides running this blog I am also a NFL Draft Analyst with The Football Expert and had the opportunity to ask NFL draft prospect Martellus Bennett, arguably the best TE in the 2008 class, a few questions. Here are his responses:


Joey: Being a big Dolphins fan how would you feel to be drafted by Miami and play for Bill Parcells and to help a struggling franchise return to glory?

Martellus: I would be elated Miami is beautiful and it would be a chance to be part of an up and coming franchise.

Joey: What made you choose Texas A&M over other schools like LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas?

Martellus: I chose A&M over all the other schools because I felt like that was the best fit for me and my personality. The traditions and fans as well as the coaches were a major contributor as well as my brother attending the university.

Joey: If you could compare yourself to an NFL TE (past or present) who would it be and why?

Martellus: As far as who do I think I play like I think a mixture because I'm not the fastest but very productive not the biggest but I'm big not the smartest but I'm pretty smart lol. Jus joking. Naw I watch a lot of tape on Tony G, Todd Heap, Alge Crumpler and Antonio Gates I try and pattern my game after them sort of wt my on twist anf flavor.



So there you have it. You can read Martelluss' draft blog here. I'd like to thank Martellus Bennett for taking a few minutes out of his busy day to answer my questions. Best of luck this weekend Martellus. I'd love to see you in Miami!

Mock Draft to be Revised (UPDATED AGAIN)

As I pointed out when I published my mock draft just a few hours ago, I will be revising it to take into account the Dolphins signing Jake Long. This will certainly change some things at the top which could impact the later rounds. Version 7.5 will be released tonight or tomorrow morning by Thursday at noon 1pm. I'm serious this time.

With the First Pick in the 2008 NFL Draft...

...the Miami Dolphins select Jake Long, OT, Michigan


It is official! The Dolphins negotiations with Jake Long were not a ruse, ploy, or smokescreen. FOX Sports & ESPN have reported that an agreement is in place and will be signed this afternoon. The Dolphins have scheduled a live news conference for 1:45pm.


I don't hate the choice. Jake Long was my second pick behind Chris Long. Now we just need to add Chad Henne in round two...