SeanTaylorRIP
04-27-2009, 02:36 PM
I'll try to be as completely unbiased as possible.
Dallas Cowboys:
Overview: The Cowboys had the most picks out of any NFC East team, this draft was definitely about quantity over quality. They added a bunch of potential role players but I don't see a single potential impact starter in this draft class. Still though it gives them a sick young core of depth. In comparison to the Redskins who look fine on the surface but have no depth the Cowboys now can use some of these guys in rotational situations.
Jason Williams/LB/Western Illinois (third round, 69th overall): I like the player, not entirely sure about the value though. I had Williams as a major sleeper still I had him as a 4th-5th round prospect. With that said I have no problem with his draft position. To be honest with Dallas I think he can develop into a dynamite special teamer and good linebacker depth but I don't profile him as an impact starter. I really don't see a great fit as a 34 OLB. He's definitely quick and athletic but I don't necessarily think he's
big enough and while he's quick he doesn't have the size or versatility to rush the QB on 3rd downs with his hand in the dirt. Lots of upside, not sure about his 34 fit.
Robert Brewster/OL/Ball State (third round, 75th overall): Don't like this pick very much at all. I thought it was a huge reach especially with the O-lineman still on board. Brewster has some tools to work with but he isn't really stout in the run game and doesn't really have the footwork or speed to play OT in the league. He will probably be a guard but to me he just doesn't seem like a Cowboys kind of lineman. His best fit would probably be in ZBS.
Stephen McGee/QB/Texas A&M (fourth round, 101st overall): I like this pick. With as many picks as the Cowboys had grooming at the very least a capable backup was necessary. Personally I would have taken Bomar but Mcgee is more mobile and kind of fits the Romo mold better. He can definitely develop into a potential starter down the line with or without the Cowboys. Picked right about where he should have been picked.
Victor Hunter/DE/OLB/Oregon State (fourth round, 110th overall): It might sound strange but this is probably my favorite pick the Cowboys made. I truly think that Butler over anyone else in the Cowboys draft class has a chance to become a starter down the line. He's extremely raw and will be a huge liability initially with his raw linebacker skills. With that said I see Lamar Woodley ability and could develop into a starter opposite of Ware. He's a great project to have. It's yet to be seen though how his game will translate when he is forced to play in space against superior athletes.
Brandon Williams/DE/Texas Tech (fourth round, 120th overall): Interesting pick here. Solid value. I wanted the Skins to choose him in the 5th round to be a pass rush specialist. My guess is that he's going to try to make the 34 OLB conversion. I don't like his chances. I wouldn't be shocked to see him not make this roster. At best projects to be a special teams player and possibly as pass down specialist.
Deangelo Smith/CB/S/Cincinnati(fifth round, 143rd overall): Good value pick here. I had Smith in the 4th-early 5th round range. The Cinci DB's certainly dropped big time in the draft. Smith has a lot of versatility and I think FS will be his eventual home although I wouldn't be opposed to see him fighting for some time at CB. I think though that the Cowboys waited too long in the draft before they addressed the secondary issues. Guys like Victor Hunter, Brandon Williams, Mcgee, Brewster, Williams are all nice projects but I really think they could have found starter potential especially at the safety position if they went for at least 1 secondary guy earlier.
Michael Hamlin/S/Clemson (fifth round, 166th overall): The value is fair but I'm not a big fan of his. He is good against the run and a smart player but doesn't have great coverage skills. He can make breaks on balls when they are near him but his instincts and reading of plays is poor.
David Buehler/K./USC (fifth round, 172nd overall): I really don't get this pick especially this high in the draft. I think that Buehler is just an average kicker who got overdrafted due to his rare combine performance for a kicker. Maybe they got him to be a kick off specialist but as a kicker I can't see him beating out Folk. Maybe they want to try him out at LB, lol.
Stephen Hodge/S/TCU (sixth round, 197th overall): Hodge is good value here and a pretty solid pick. Most likely he ends up being a key special teams performer, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him beat out Hamlin for a roster space as I like Hodge's potential better than Hamlin.
John Phillips/TE/Virginia (sixth round, 208th overall): Very solid player. Will have to fight to be the 3rd TE on the depth chart. Great blocker, great hands, but an inferior athlete who doesn't really do anything after the catch. He isn't an overpowering blocker either like Pettigrew, Quinn, Hill, etc., but he's a solid blocker. He is reliable though to pick up that 3rd and 5. No where near Heath Miller's level, but like him more than Tom Santi. He's smart and well coached. Good chance at making the roster or at least practice squad.
Mike Mickens/CB/Cincinnati (seventh round, 227th overall): Tremendous value here. I understand he has some red flags in terms of injury history but I couldn't believe how many CB's went over him that aren't near the talent he is. Mickens has the talent and size to develop into a solid #2 on the NFL level. Maybe I have been wrong when watching him but I thought he should have been at late 4th-early 5th round pick at worse. This could end up being a late round steal for the Cowboys. Oklahoma WR Manuel Johnson (seventh round, 229th overall): Johnson is a nice guy to take a risk on. He has the quickness and speed to possibly develop into a slot receiver on the NFL level.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
It was a solid but unspectacular draft. I see as many as 8 to 9 guys on this list making the roster. All of them should compete for a roster spot. Greg Isander and Kevin Ogletree are also 2 UDFA's the Cowboys picked up who could surprise some and fight for a roster space. All in all depth was added but I don't see any major contributers here especially year 1. Man I can't imagine how cool it must have been to have 12 picks. Hell any time the Skins have more than 5 picks I am smitten. In truth Roy Williams(WR) basically makes or breaks this particular draft class.
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Washington Redskins:
Overview: The best thing the Skins did was not trading for Mark Sanchez which would have set back the franchise 5 years. I was all in favor of getting Cutler, but definitely not Sanchez. I think in this draft we had amazing picks with our first 2 picks but the rest of our picks were duds aside from MARKO!!! This draft could have easily been a B+ for me if the Redskins had drafted for need and talent with their later picks. Still getting Orakpo made my day.
Brian Orakpo/DE/OLB/Texas(first round, 13th overall): Wow this pick made me wet. I had to follow the draft at work from my cell phone and when LionsWMD texted me that the Skins got Orakpo I thought it was a joke at first. The front office will take all the credit for “staying pat” and landing Orakpo, but it was nothing other than sheer luck. We have been searching for a while for a pass rusher opposite from Andre Carter and with failed late round picks like Rob Jackson and Chris Wilson, it was about time we invested a high pick on a DE. BTW ST21 we don’t draft DE’s first round!!!, lol. Anyways I hope that Orakpo plays LDE but I am not totally against what I am hearing which is playing him at SAM on first and second down and playing rush DE on third down much like Marcus Washington. The SAM in the skins defense doesn’t nearly have the linebacker responsibilities like on most 43 defenses, so I think it could definitely work. With that sad I’d rather he keep his weight or even bulk up a few pounds and play RE. I mean c’mon playing beside Albert Haynesworth, Cornelius Griffin, and Andre Carter. He could get 10 sacks just off the speed rushing facing one on one’s all day against slow right tackles. The defensive line was once the biggest weakness on this team, but now is one of our strengths. We aren’t the New York Giants but we are pretty damn good now. The new pass rush from Haynesworth and Orakpo definitely helps out Deangelo Hall and crew the most.
Kevin Barnes/CB/Maryland(third round, 80th overall): I am in love with this pick. I have been one of Barnes biggest fans. I truly believe that if it weren’t for his injury he would have been a first round corner. He ran the 2nd or 3rd fastest 40 for a CB at the combine proving to me that he has healed from injury. I really truly believe he has star potential. He is such a damn physical CB while still being very solid in coverage. He could be our young Shawn Springs. He definitely is an insurance policy should Carlos Rogers walk after this year. We just continue to add pieces to our already strong secondary featuring the likes of Deangelo Hall, Carlos Rogers, LaRon Landry, Chris Horton, Reed Doughty, Fred Smooth, and now Barnes. Anyways how bad ass will it be too see two guys on the field with dreads.
Cody Glenn/OLB/Nebraska(fifth round, 158th overall):Ugh Terrible pick. Especially since we need so much O-line help and at this point guys like Jamon Meredith and Duke Robinson were still on the board. Glenn to be is an undrafted project player. This isn’t Michael Mitchell reach, but it’s terrible value. He’s definitely a freak athlete with potential to be a special teams ace but this pick makes no sense to me. Linebacker depth is needed and even possibly a starting SAM, but to pass on a guy like Marcus Freeman for a project LB who’s best year at Nebraska was when he rushed for 7 TD’s is bad.
Robert Henson/Linebacker/TCU(sixth round, 186th overall): Another head scratching pick to be honest. Henson is another undrafted type talent who we reached for in the sixth when we had pressing offensive line needs. I hear we want to play him at MLB which is bad for a guy who isn’t even 240 pounds. I truly don’t expect either of the last 2 picks to make the roster. Maybe Glenn though on a special teams basis, but I really didn’t like these past 2 picks.
Eddie Williams/FB/TE/Idaho(seventh round, 221st overall): Wow this pick was even worse than the previous 2. What a head scratching pick. The guy is an H-back. Maybe if this were Joe Gibbs era I’d understand the pick, but I truly don’t. I’d be fine with a potential FB to groom as the successor to Sellers, but Williams can’t block. As a TE we already have 2 pass catching TE’s in Cooley and Fred Davis, if anything we could have used a blocking TE. What a waste of a pick and he shouldn’t make the roster unless he explodes in special teams.
Marko Mitchell/WR/Nevada(seventh round, 243rd overall): Ah finally a pick I like. I was going crazy when I saw this pick. I have been pimping Marko hard for a while now as Ocho Cinco pt. 2. That is a great exaggeration on my part but Mitchell is a tall vertical threat. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him push Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas for playing time. I’m real excited about his prospects.
Overall Draft Grade: C
I would have given the team an A for stealing Orakpo and getting Kevin Barnes but after that the draft turned sour. Still if you can land an impact starter and potential starter I’m pleased with the draft. We did add Edwin Williams as an UDFA and I can see him making the roster and possibly being the eventual replacement at center for Casey Rabach.
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New York Giants:
Overview: I hate it but the Giants I think had a monster draft. I already saw very few needs for this team but they really added some value picks that I think will make a huge difference on this roster. Should they have made a play for Anquan or Braylon, maybe and that would have put them over the top to be Super bowl favorites, but still neither of those guys were probably to be traded.
Hakeem Nicks/WR/North Carolina(first round, 29th overall): Ah I love Nicks so I hate to see him go to a rival. I’m slightly surprised that they took Nicks over Britt especially considering that many scouts thought Nicks was going to be a second round draft pick. With that said he is a tremendous player. He might not be that deep threat that the Giants were looking for, but he’s extremely strong and great after the catch. He actually has underrated deep ball skills but I don’t necessarily expect him to stretch the field on the NFL level. He’s no Burress but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Nicks become Eli’s #1 WR target towards the latter part of next season. Of course the learning curve for WR’s is always big and you might need to wait for him.
Clint Sintim/LB/Virginia(second round, 45th overall): Damnit the Giants again steal one of my favorite players. Sintim is an experienced 34 backer and really could project into any of the line backing spots. In the 43 however with the Giants I can’t see him playing MLB. Even as a WLB his coverage is poor with stiff hips and the inability to read coverage but his bread and butter is pass rush as if the Giants needed anymore especially with Osi coming back. I thought he could play with his hand down on third downs with whatever team he went to but that is unlikely now with the Giants. I compare him favorably to Marcus Washington and Sintim should compete for playing time pretty early on.
William Beatty/OT/Connecticut(second round, 60th overall): Tremendous value here. Beatty was clearly the top LT on the board. I pegged him as an early 2nd rounder with him going late round 1 in some mocks. Beatty is a guy the Giants can groom into a potential starter and for now provide depth on the offensive line. Great pick.
Ramses Barden/WR/Cal Poly(third round, 85th overall): I’m kind of on the wall with this pick. I like Barden’s potential a great deal and while third round is fair I saw him more as a late fourth to early 5th round value. I feel like the Giants took him more on the fact that they are hoping he’s the next Plexy which he isn’t In Barden you get another strong receiver but after getting Nicks I think it would have been smarter to go for a WR who is better at stretching the field vertically, Maybe a Mike Wallace, Louis Murphy, or Brandon Tate. I’m not sold on Barden being able to generate enough separation to be a productive NFL receiver, but the potential is massive and for the Skins sake I hope he doesn’t develop.
Travis Beckum/TE/Wisconsin(third round, 100th overall): I’m waffling with this pick as well. I have been a huge Beckum fan and thought he could be a 5th round steal coming off of injury but the value isn’t great here IMO especially with Shawn Nelson still on the board and possibly Jared Cook although I’m not 100% on that. He’s definitely a receiving upgrade to Boss and could be a big mismatch in the slot in 2 TE sets. I guess the Giants are hoping he’s their own Cooley. He probably will be a good special teams player in addition after being a stud linebacker in high school.
Andre Brown/RB/NCState(fourth round, 129th overall): Great, Great pick. It really is a shame because again Brown was one of my favorite prospects. My 4th rated RB who will definitely have a better NFL than college career. Prior to his Sophomore season I had him pegged as a definite top 10 pick and while his injured foot may have taken away some explosion in college I think his forty time proved that when healthy he does have that break away speed to go along with his powerful inside running. Bradshaw is still the perfect complement to Jacobs style but Brown could definitely be seeing short yard carries. While Jacobs is strong he really is a terrible short yard runner as he can’t get his shoulder pads low enough and he has a big target to take down with his legs. A good chunk of his TD’s had more to do with his great Offensive line as he basically walked in standing the end zone. Brown will probably be 3rd on the depth chart but has potential to start should Jacobs get injured.
Rhett Bomar/QB/Sam Houston State(fifth round, 151st overall): Very good pick. Great value. He was my 4th rated QB. Should develop into a nice insurance policy for Eli. Star potential is slight and minimal but he definitely has potential to be a top tier backup and capable stop gap starter. In this QB class that’s a good thing.
Deandre Wright/CB/New Mexico(sixth round, 200th overall): Will have to battle on the team for a roster space, most likely having to make the biggest contribution on special teams.
Stoney Woodson/CB/South Carolina(seventh round, 238th overall): Will most likely battle with Wright for a backup corner spot.
Overall Draft Grade:: B to B+
About as solid of a draft that you can have. Got so many of my favorite prospects. I see up to 5 potential starters from this draft class.
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Philadelphia Eagles:
Overview: Wow I absolutely love what the Eagles did. My common sense tells me that the Giants are the favorites to win the division and probably the NFC, but the Eagles were a game away from making the Super Bowl last year and these additions just give me an inkling that they could be super bowl favorites. In the past we have always said that Mcnabb has had to do it on his own, now he actually has weapons and it could be very scary for the rest of the NFC East. Say what you want about Peters. He was definitely not all pro level last year but he is 100x better than anything that was available with the 28th pick.
Jeremy Maclin/WR/Missouri(first round, 19th overall): What a home run pick here. Another great weapon for McNabb to throw to. FIt’s the WCO philosophy great with his ability to run after the catch. I like him much more than Desean Jackson as a WR prospect and he should be a great fit with the Eagles. The pair of Maclin and Jackson gives the Eagles a dynamite duo for a long time to come. Maclin as well as Hobbs also gives the Eagles another dynamite returner. They can basically play hot and cold as far as returning goes. Just put in whoever is performing best at that certain moment to return kicks.
Lesean “Shady” McCoy/RB/Pittsburg(second round, 53rd overall): Another great pick. While I think the Eagles could have used more of a power back ala Andre Brown, Shady gives them a top talent backup to Westbrook. Shady the proclaimed “poor man’s Brian Westbrook” fits in exactly with what the Eagles are doing. He will be a pass catching threat, a game breaker, and most importantly will be a great insurance policy not if Westbrook goes down, but when Westbrook goes down. He definitely got burned in the wallet by declaring early and not performing well at his pro day, but this could end up being a huge steal for the Eagles.
Cornelius Ingram/TE/Florida(fifth round, 153rd pick overall): What a great value pick here for the Eagles in a position that they needed an upgrade at. I thought they would consider Pettigrew at 21 but Ingram in the 5th round is a great consolation. I mean as a fifth rounder he has a big shot at starting over Celek. I had a feeling before the draft that Ingram might become a late second to early third round pick. Injuries obviously make him a hard prospect to evaluate but purely on physical tools and talent, Ingram has the facility to be a very good TE in a division that has so many good TE’s. Just another weapon for Mcnabb to throw to.
Victor “Macho” Harris/CB/S/Virginia Tech(fifth round, 157th overall): It’s kind of weird to see the Eagles go defense so late in the draft, but Macho is tremendous value. I thought he should have been a 3rd-4th rounder and he brings a lot of versatility to the Eagles. I don’t really think he has the catch up speed to be a starting corner in the league but his hip fluidity and quickness results at the combine were outstanding. He is very physical and an absolute balllhawk. One downside is that he’s not a very disciplined player at all. He plays more for “me” rather than cater his game to the general good of the team concept. He also provides a lot of value as a return man but that doesn’t seem to be much of a need for the Eagles at this point.
Ellis Hobbs: This has to be pointed out here as the Eagles acquired him for 2 5th round picks. That was an absolute steal. Hobbs was the best New England corner last year so they must be really confident in Darius Butler. Hobbs will be a top notch nickel for the Eagles and has starting potential should Sheldon Brown be moved. He also will probably be the starting kick returner for the Eagles and just adds another guy to help with field positioning.
Fenuki Tupou/OT/Oregon(fifth round, 159th overall): Great value here. I am a big fan of Tupou and wanted him on the Skins as a potential Right tackle. He could be groomed into a future starter on the right side.
Brandon Gibson/WR/Washington State(sixth round, 194th overall): Another Potential weapon for Donovan. I love it. The Eagles are definitely sending the message that they believe Mcnabb can lead them to a title. Gibson will have to fight for a roster spot but his upside is intriguing. He’s your typical Eagles receiver. He isn’t a burner but he is tough and willing to catch down the middle with pretty reliable hands.
Paul Fanaika/G/Arizona State(seventh round, 213th overall): Really the only Eagles pick in this draft that I wouldn’t give at least a B+ grade on. He’s definitely a mammoth of a man, but I don’t think he has the athleticism, footwork, or technique to be a player in this league. I doubt he sticks around long. I had him profiled as an undrafted prospect.
Moise Fokou/LB/Maryland(seventh round, 230th overall): Boy I love Fokou. Maybe he doesn’t have the size to become a starter in the league but he’s quick, fast, and aggressive. He definitely has potential be a special teams ace ala Brendan Ayanbendejo. Very surprised to see the Eagles only take 2 defensive players on draft day.
Overall Draft Grade: A+
IMO this was one of if not the best team drafts in the 2009 draft. Really all but 1 pick in the draft was a great pick. The Eagles will be very dangerous next year. Really all of the NFC East has improved.
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Here are my top 5 NFC East rookies going into next season, the guys who I think will make the most immediate contribution:
1) Brian Orakpo: Not trying to be a homer here but Orakpo was an amazing pick up. We have been searching for a pass rusher for the longest time. Man just imagine Orakpo playing beside Albert/Cornelius Griffin and Andre Carter. He will be facing one on one’s all day. He doesn’t even need to develop any pass rush moves lol and he could get 10 sacks by just running around slow right tackles. I think Orakpo has to be on the short list for DPOY early nominees.
2) Jeremy Maclin: Maclin is the most dynamic offensive rookie new to our division. He should get 700-800 receiving yards and make an impact in the return game as well. Just the threat of speed with him and Jackson will open things up for Westbrook.
3) Hakeem Nicks: Figures to get playing time early in New York. Could develop into one of Eli’s favorite targets.
4) Cornelius Ingram: I think Ingram could step into a starting position early on in Philly.
5) Victor Hunter: Call me crazy but Hunter is my favorite guy from the Dallas draft. I just think he’s one of those guys who will surprise people and get 5-7 sacks off situational play.
Following the Draft my 2009/2010 Divisional Projections would be:
New York Giants: 13-3
Philadelphia Eagles: 12-4
Dallas Cowboys: 9-7
Washington Redskins: 7-9
Dallas Cowboys:
Overview: The Cowboys had the most picks out of any NFC East team, this draft was definitely about quantity over quality. They added a bunch of potential role players but I don't see a single potential impact starter in this draft class. Still though it gives them a sick young core of depth. In comparison to the Redskins who look fine on the surface but have no depth the Cowboys now can use some of these guys in rotational situations.
Jason Williams/LB/Western Illinois (third round, 69th overall): I like the player, not entirely sure about the value though. I had Williams as a major sleeper still I had him as a 4th-5th round prospect. With that said I have no problem with his draft position. To be honest with Dallas I think he can develop into a dynamite special teamer and good linebacker depth but I don't profile him as an impact starter. I really don't see a great fit as a 34 OLB. He's definitely quick and athletic but I don't necessarily think he's
big enough and while he's quick he doesn't have the size or versatility to rush the QB on 3rd downs with his hand in the dirt. Lots of upside, not sure about his 34 fit.
Robert Brewster/OL/Ball State (third round, 75th overall): Don't like this pick very much at all. I thought it was a huge reach especially with the O-lineman still on board. Brewster has some tools to work with but he isn't really stout in the run game and doesn't really have the footwork or speed to play OT in the league. He will probably be a guard but to me he just doesn't seem like a Cowboys kind of lineman. His best fit would probably be in ZBS.
Stephen McGee/QB/Texas A&M (fourth round, 101st overall): I like this pick. With as many picks as the Cowboys had grooming at the very least a capable backup was necessary. Personally I would have taken Bomar but Mcgee is more mobile and kind of fits the Romo mold better. He can definitely develop into a potential starter down the line with or without the Cowboys. Picked right about where he should have been picked.
Victor Hunter/DE/OLB/Oregon State (fourth round, 110th overall): It might sound strange but this is probably my favorite pick the Cowboys made. I truly think that Butler over anyone else in the Cowboys draft class has a chance to become a starter down the line. He's extremely raw and will be a huge liability initially with his raw linebacker skills. With that said I see Lamar Woodley ability and could develop into a starter opposite of Ware. He's a great project to have. It's yet to be seen though how his game will translate when he is forced to play in space against superior athletes.
Brandon Williams/DE/Texas Tech (fourth round, 120th overall): Interesting pick here. Solid value. I wanted the Skins to choose him in the 5th round to be a pass rush specialist. My guess is that he's going to try to make the 34 OLB conversion. I don't like his chances. I wouldn't be shocked to see him not make this roster. At best projects to be a special teams player and possibly as pass down specialist.
Deangelo Smith/CB/S/Cincinnati(fifth round, 143rd overall): Good value pick here. I had Smith in the 4th-early 5th round range. The Cinci DB's certainly dropped big time in the draft. Smith has a lot of versatility and I think FS will be his eventual home although I wouldn't be opposed to see him fighting for some time at CB. I think though that the Cowboys waited too long in the draft before they addressed the secondary issues. Guys like Victor Hunter, Brandon Williams, Mcgee, Brewster, Williams are all nice projects but I really think they could have found starter potential especially at the safety position if they went for at least 1 secondary guy earlier.
Michael Hamlin/S/Clemson (fifth round, 166th overall): The value is fair but I'm not a big fan of his. He is good against the run and a smart player but doesn't have great coverage skills. He can make breaks on balls when they are near him but his instincts and reading of plays is poor.
David Buehler/K./USC (fifth round, 172nd overall): I really don't get this pick especially this high in the draft. I think that Buehler is just an average kicker who got overdrafted due to his rare combine performance for a kicker. Maybe they got him to be a kick off specialist but as a kicker I can't see him beating out Folk. Maybe they want to try him out at LB, lol.
Stephen Hodge/S/TCU (sixth round, 197th overall): Hodge is good value here and a pretty solid pick. Most likely he ends up being a key special teams performer, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him beat out Hamlin for a roster space as I like Hodge's potential better than Hamlin.
John Phillips/TE/Virginia (sixth round, 208th overall): Very solid player. Will have to fight to be the 3rd TE on the depth chart. Great blocker, great hands, but an inferior athlete who doesn't really do anything after the catch. He isn't an overpowering blocker either like Pettigrew, Quinn, Hill, etc., but he's a solid blocker. He is reliable though to pick up that 3rd and 5. No where near Heath Miller's level, but like him more than Tom Santi. He's smart and well coached. Good chance at making the roster or at least practice squad.
Mike Mickens/CB/Cincinnati (seventh round, 227th overall): Tremendous value here. I understand he has some red flags in terms of injury history but I couldn't believe how many CB's went over him that aren't near the talent he is. Mickens has the talent and size to develop into a solid #2 on the NFL level. Maybe I have been wrong when watching him but I thought he should have been at late 4th-early 5th round pick at worse. This could end up being a late round steal for the Cowboys. Oklahoma WR Manuel Johnson (seventh round, 229th overall): Johnson is a nice guy to take a risk on. He has the quickness and speed to possibly develop into a slot receiver on the NFL level.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
It was a solid but unspectacular draft. I see as many as 8 to 9 guys on this list making the roster. All of them should compete for a roster spot. Greg Isander and Kevin Ogletree are also 2 UDFA's the Cowboys picked up who could surprise some and fight for a roster space. All in all depth was added but I don't see any major contributers here especially year 1. Man I can't imagine how cool it must have been to have 12 picks. Hell any time the Skins have more than 5 picks I am smitten. In truth Roy Williams(WR) basically makes or breaks this particular draft class.
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Washington Redskins:
Overview: The best thing the Skins did was not trading for Mark Sanchez which would have set back the franchise 5 years. I was all in favor of getting Cutler, but definitely not Sanchez. I think in this draft we had amazing picks with our first 2 picks but the rest of our picks were duds aside from MARKO!!! This draft could have easily been a B+ for me if the Redskins had drafted for need and talent with their later picks. Still getting Orakpo made my day.
Brian Orakpo/DE/OLB/Texas(first round, 13th overall): Wow this pick made me wet. I had to follow the draft at work from my cell phone and when LionsWMD texted me that the Skins got Orakpo I thought it was a joke at first. The front office will take all the credit for “staying pat” and landing Orakpo, but it was nothing other than sheer luck. We have been searching for a while for a pass rusher opposite from Andre Carter and with failed late round picks like Rob Jackson and Chris Wilson, it was about time we invested a high pick on a DE. BTW ST21 we don’t draft DE’s first round!!!, lol. Anyways I hope that Orakpo plays LDE but I am not totally against what I am hearing which is playing him at SAM on first and second down and playing rush DE on third down much like Marcus Washington. The SAM in the skins defense doesn’t nearly have the linebacker responsibilities like on most 43 defenses, so I think it could definitely work. With that sad I’d rather he keep his weight or even bulk up a few pounds and play RE. I mean c’mon playing beside Albert Haynesworth, Cornelius Griffin, and Andre Carter. He could get 10 sacks just off the speed rushing facing one on one’s all day against slow right tackles. The defensive line was once the biggest weakness on this team, but now is one of our strengths. We aren’t the New York Giants but we are pretty damn good now. The new pass rush from Haynesworth and Orakpo definitely helps out Deangelo Hall and crew the most.
Kevin Barnes/CB/Maryland(third round, 80th overall): I am in love with this pick. I have been one of Barnes biggest fans. I truly believe that if it weren’t for his injury he would have been a first round corner. He ran the 2nd or 3rd fastest 40 for a CB at the combine proving to me that he has healed from injury. I really truly believe he has star potential. He is such a damn physical CB while still being very solid in coverage. He could be our young Shawn Springs. He definitely is an insurance policy should Carlos Rogers walk after this year. We just continue to add pieces to our already strong secondary featuring the likes of Deangelo Hall, Carlos Rogers, LaRon Landry, Chris Horton, Reed Doughty, Fred Smooth, and now Barnes. Anyways how bad ass will it be too see two guys on the field with dreads.
Cody Glenn/OLB/Nebraska(fifth round, 158th overall):Ugh Terrible pick. Especially since we need so much O-line help and at this point guys like Jamon Meredith and Duke Robinson were still on the board. Glenn to be is an undrafted project player. This isn’t Michael Mitchell reach, but it’s terrible value. He’s definitely a freak athlete with potential to be a special teams ace but this pick makes no sense to me. Linebacker depth is needed and even possibly a starting SAM, but to pass on a guy like Marcus Freeman for a project LB who’s best year at Nebraska was when he rushed for 7 TD’s is bad.
Robert Henson/Linebacker/TCU(sixth round, 186th overall): Another head scratching pick to be honest. Henson is another undrafted type talent who we reached for in the sixth when we had pressing offensive line needs. I hear we want to play him at MLB which is bad for a guy who isn’t even 240 pounds. I truly don’t expect either of the last 2 picks to make the roster. Maybe Glenn though on a special teams basis, but I really didn’t like these past 2 picks.
Eddie Williams/FB/TE/Idaho(seventh round, 221st overall): Wow this pick was even worse than the previous 2. What a head scratching pick. The guy is an H-back. Maybe if this were Joe Gibbs era I’d understand the pick, but I truly don’t. I’d be fine with a potential FB to groom as the successor to Sellers, but Williams can’t block. As a TE we already have 2 pass catching TE’s in Cooley and Fred Davis, if anything we could have used a blocking TE. What a waste of a pick and he shouldn’t make the roster unless he explodes in special teams.
Marko Mitchell/WR/Nevada(seventh round, 243rd overall): Ah finally a pick I like. I was going crazy when I saw this pick. I have been pimping Marko hard for a while now as Ocho Cinco pt. 2. That is a great exaggeration on my part but Mitchell is a tall vertical threat. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him push Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas for playing time. I’m real excited about his prospects.
Overall Draft Grade: C
I would have given the team an A for stealing Orakpo and getting Kevin Barnes but after that the draft turned sour. Still if you can land an impact starter and potential starter I’m pleased with the draft. We did add Edwin Williams as an UDFA and I can see him making the roster and possibly being the eventual replacement at center for Casey Rabach.
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New York Giants:
Overview: I hate it but the Giants I think had a monster draft. I already saw very few needs for this team but they really added some value picks that I think will make a huge difference on this roster. Should they have made a play for Anquan or Braylon, maybe and that would have put them over the top to be Super bowl favorites, but still neither of those guys were probably to be traded.
Hakeem Nicks/WR/North Carolina(first round, 29th overall): Ah I love Nicks so I hate to see him go to a rival. I’m slightly surprised that they took Nicks over Britt especially considering that many scouts thought Nicks was going to be a second round draft pick. With that said he is a tremendous player. He might not be that deep threat that the Giants were looking for, but he’s extremely strong and great after the catch. He actually has underrated deep ball skills but I don’t necessarily expect him to stretch the field on the NFL level. He’s no Burress but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Nicks become Eli’s #1 WR target towards the latter part of next season. Of course the learning curve for WR’s is always big and you might need to wait for him.
Clint Sintim/LB/Virginia(second round, 45th overall): Damnit the Giants again steal one of my favorite players. Sintim is an experienced 34 backer and really could project into any of the line backing spots. In the 43 however with the Giants I can’t see him playing MLB. Even as a WLB his coverage is poor with stiff hips and the inability to read coverage but his bread and butter is pass rush as if the Giants needed anymore especially with Osi coming back. I thought he could play with his hand down on third downs with whatever team he went to but that is unlikely now with the Giants. I compare him favorably to Marcus Washington and Sintim should compete for playing time pretty early on.
William Beatty/OT/Connecticut(second round, 60th overall): Tremendous value here. Beatty was clearly the top LT on the board. I pegged him as an early 2nd rounder with him going late round 1 in some mocks. Beatty is a guy the Giants can groom into a potential starter and for now provide depth on the offensive line. Great pick.
Ramses Barden/WR/Cal Poly(third round, 85th overall): I’m kind of on the wall with this pick. I like Barden’s potential a great deal and while third round is fair I saw him more as a late fourth to early 5th round value. I feel like the Giants took him more on the fact that they are hoping he’s the next Plexy which he isn’t In Barden you get another strong receiver but after getting Nicks I think it would have been smarter to go for a WR who is better at stretching the field vertically, Maybe a Mike Wallace, Louis Murphy, or Brandon Tate. I’m not sold on Barden being able to generate enough separation to be a productive NFL receiver, but the potential is massive and for the Skins sake I hope he doesn’t develop.
Travis Beckum/TE/Wisconsin(third round, 100th overall): I’m waffling with this pick as well. I have been a huge Beckum fan and thought he could be a 5th round steal coming off of injury but the value isn’t great here IMO especially with Shawn Nelson still on the board and possibly Jared Cook although I’m not 100% on that. He’s definitely a receiving upgrade to Boss and could be a big mismatch in the slot in 2 TE sets. I guess the Giants are hoping he’s their own Cooley. He probably will be a good special teams player in addition after being a stud linebacker in high school.
Andre Brown/RB/NCState(fourth round, 129th overall): Great, Great pick. It really is a shame because again Brown was one of my favorite prospects. My 4th rated RB who will definitely have a better NFL than college career. Prior to his Sophomore season I had him pegged as a definite top 10 pick and while his injured foot may have taken away some explosion in college I think his forty time proved that when healthy he does have that break away speed to go along with his powerful inside running. Bradshaw is still the perfect complement to Jacobs style but Brown could definitely be seeing short yard carries. While Jacobs is strong he really is a terrible short yard runner as he can’t get his shoulder pads low enough and he has a big target to take down with his legs. A good chunk of his TD’s had more to do with his great Offensive line as he basically walked in standing the end zone. Brown will probably be 3rd on the depth chart but has potential to start should Jacobs get injured.
Rhett Bomar/QB/Sam Houston State(fifth round, 151st overall): Very good pick. Great value. He was my 4th rated QB. Should develop into a nice insurance policy for Eli. Star potential is slight and minimal but he definitely has potential to be a top tier backup and capable stop gap starter. In this QB class that’s a good thing.
Deandre Wright/CB/New Mexico(sixth round, 200th overall): Will have to battle on the team for a roster space, most likely having to make the biggest contribution on special teams.
Stoney Woodson/CB/South Carolina(seventh round, 238th overall): Will most likely battle with Wright for a backup corner spot.
Overall Draft Grade:: B to B+
About as solid of a draft that you can have. Got so many of my favorite prospects. I see up to 5 potential starters from this draft class.
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Philadelphia Eagles:
Overview: Wow I absolutely love what the Eagles did. My common sense tells me that the Giants are the favorites to win the division and probably the NFC, but the Eagles were a game away from making the Super Bowl last year and these additions just give me an inkling that they could be super bowl favorites. In the past we have always said that Mcnabb has had to do it on his own, now he actually has weapons and it could be very scary for the rest of the NFC East. Say what you want about Peters. He was definitely not all pro level last year but he is 100x better than anything that was available with the 28th pick.
Jeremy Maclin/WR/Missouri(first round, 19th overall): What a home run pick here. Another great weapon for McNabb to throw to. FIt’s the WCO philosophy great with his ability to run after the catch. I like him much more than Desean Jackson as a WR prospect and he should be a great fit with the Eagles. The pair of Maclin and Jackson gives the Eagles a dynamite duo for a long time to come. Maclin as well as Hobbs also gives the Eagles another dynamite returner. They can basically play hot and cold as far as returning goes. Just put in whoever is performing best at that certain moment to return kicks.
Lesean “Shady” McCoy/RB/Pittsburg(second round, 53rd overall): Another great pick. While I think the Eagles could have used more of a power back ala Andre Brown, Shady gives them a top talent backup to Westbrook. Shady the proclaimed “poor man’s Brian Westbrook” fits in exactly with what the Eagles are doing. He will be a pass catching threat, a game breaker, and most importantly will be a great insurance policy not if Westbrook goes down, but when Westbrook goes down. He definitely got burned in the wallet by declaring early and not performing well at his pro day, but this could end up being a huge steal for the Eagles.
Cornelius Ingram/TE/Florida(fifth round, 153rd pick overall): What a great value pick here for the Eagles in a position that they needed an upgrade at. I thought they would consider Pettigrew at 21 but Ingram in the 5th round is a great consolation. I mean as a fifth rounder he has a big shot at starting over Celek. I had a feeling before the draft that Ingram might become a late second to early third round pick. Injuries obviously make him a hard prospect to evaluate but purely on physical tools and talent, Ingram has the facility to be a very good TE in a division that has so many good TE’s. Just another weapon for Mcnabb to throw to.
Victor “Macho” Harris/CB/S/Virginia Tech(fifth round, 157th overall): It’s kind of weird to see the Eagles go defense so late in the draft, but Macho is tremendous value. I thought he should have been a 3rd-4th rounder and he brings a lot of versatility to the Eagles. I don’t really think he has the catch up speed to be a starting corner in the league but his hip fluidity and quickness results at the combine were outstanding. He is very physical and an absolute balllhawk. One downside is that he’s not a very disciplined player at all. He plays more for “me” rather than cater his game to the general good of the team concept. He also provides a lot of value as a return man but that doesn’t seem to be much of a need for the Eagles at this point.
Ellis Hobbs: This has to be pointed out here as the Eagles acquired him for 2 5th round picks. That was an absolute steal. Hobbs was the best New England corner last year so they must be really confident in Darius Butler. Hobbs will be a top notch nickel for the Eagles and has starting potential should Sheldon Brown be moved. He also will probably be the starting kick returner for the Eagles and just adds another guy to help with field positioning.
Fenuki Tupou/OT/Oregon(fifth round, 159th overall): Great value here. I am a big fan of Tupou and wanted him on the Skins as a potential Right tackle. He could be groomed into a future starter on the right side.
Brandon Gibson/WR/Washington State(sixth round, 194th overall): Another Potential weapon for Donovan. I love it. The Eagles are definitely sending the message that they believe Mcnabb can lead them to a title. Gibson will have to fight for a roster spot but his upside is intriguing. He’s your typical Eagles receiver. He isn’t a burner but he is tough and willing to catch down the middle with pretty reliable hands.
Paul Fanaika/G/Arizona State(seventh round, 213th overall): Really the only Eagles pick in this draft that I wouldn’t give at least a B+ grade on. He’s definitely a mammoth of a man, but I don’t think he has the athleticism, footwork, or technique to be a player in this league. I doubt he sticks around long. I had him profiled as an undrafted prospect.
Moise Fokou/LB/Maryland(seventh round, 230th overall): Boy I love Fokou. Maybe he doesn’t have the size to become a starter in the league but he’s quick, fast, and aggressive. He definitely has potential be a special teams ace ala Brendan Ayanbendejo. Very surprised to see the Eagles only take 2 defensive players on draft day.
Overall Draft Grade: A+
IMO this was one of if not the best team drafts in the 2009 draft. Really all but 1 pick in the draft was a great pick. The Eagles will be very dangerous next year. Really all of the NFC East has improved.
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Here are my top 5 NFC East rookies going into next season, the guys who I think will make the most immediate contribution:
1) Brian Orakpo: Not trying to be a homer here but Orakpo was an amazing pick up. We have been searching for a pass rusher for the longest time. Man just imagine Orakpo playing beside Albert/Cornelius Griffin and Andre Carter. He will be facing one on one’s all day. He doesn’t even need to develop any pass rush moves lol and he could get 10 sacks by just running around slow right tackles. I think Orakpo has to be on the short list for DPOY early nominees.
2) Jeremy Maclin: Maclin is the most dynamic offensive rookie new to our division. He should get 700-800 receiving yards and make an impact in the return game as well. Just the threat of speed with him and Jackson will open things up for Westbrook.
3) Hakeem Nicks: Figures to get playing time early in New York. Could develop into one of Eli’s favorite targets.
4) Cornelius Ingram: I think Ingram could step into a starting position early on in Philly.
5) Victor Hunter: Call me crazy but Hunter is my favorite guy from the Dallas draft. I just think he’s one of those guys who will surprise people and get 5-7 sacks off situational play.
Following the Draft my 2009/2010 Divisional Projections would be:
New York Giants: 13-3
Philadelphia Eagles: 12-4
Dallas Cowboys: 9-7
Washington Redskins: 7-9