NFL Draft Recap

By Dalton Del Don

The Cardinals may have preferred Donald Brown, but the team has to be happy Beanie Wells fell to them at No. 31. The offensive line isn’t a great run-blocking unit, but Edgerrin James will be cut soon, and Tim Hightower has proved he’s not an effective NFL back. Hightower may still factor into goal-line duties, but at 6-1, 237 lbs, it’s not like Wells can’t be a short-yardage option as well. He may not catch a bunch of passes, but with defenses focused on stopping one of the league’s best passing attacks, Wells will definitely be a Rookie of the Year contender. Durability is a concern, but Wells is a beast – consider him somewhere in the 13-17 range on your running back rankings.

How does Michael Oher fall all the way to No. 23? The Ravens got an absolute steal there. I would call Cedric Peerman a sleeper, but Baltimore has too many options at running back.

I’m not saying Andre Smith was a bad pick, but it’s pretty funny watching the Bengals continue to stockpile players with character concerns. Ray Maualuga was great value, but Bernard Scott has been arrested five times already.

Braylon Edwards remains with the Browns, but since the team took two wide receivers in round 2, don’t be shocked if a trade still eventually happens. Brian Robiskie could be a starter from day one.

What is Josh McDaniels thinking? Really, a running back with the 12th pick? Denver’s most glaring need was on defense, specifically the front seven. They used one of their 10 picks addressing that need. Robert Ayers better be good, although Alphonso Smith looks like a solid pick. Still, why trade up for Richard Quinn? As for Knowshon Moreno, the draft’s most complete back lands in a pretty good spot in Denver. Sure, the Broncos have a crowded backfield on paper, but none of the other options are any good (Ryan Torain is the exception, but he’s coming off a torn ACL). The team downgraded massively at quarterback during the offseason, but the offensive line is underrated, paving the way to a 4.8 YPC mark, which was the second highest in football last season, despite a below average RB crop. Having Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal on the outside certainly helps as well. McDaniels used a committee system in New England, but there wasn’t a star there either, and it’s doubtful he used the 12th pick in the draft for a part-time player. Moreno can be a three down back, as he’s a capable blocker with receiving skills. His fantasy value is similar to Beanie Wells, but because of his situation and superior ability to catch the ball, he’s probably ranked slightly ahead. Think early-to-mid second round.

I’m agnostic about Matthew Stafford, but drafting a quarterback was the right move, and I also liked the Brandon Pettigrew pick. He’s the rare tight end who can both block and catch. Stafford won’t be an option in non-dynasty fantasy leagues, but at least his strong arm should keep Calvin Johnson atop WR draft boards.

One of the biggest winners this weekend as far as fantasy is concerned had to be Steve Slaton, as Houston didn’t address the running back position. They’ve since brought in a few free agents, and Slaton still isn’t guaranteed goal-line work, but clearly he’s the team’s workhorse, as he should be. Right now, I have him ranked seventh overall on my draft board.

The biggest loser, meanwhile, was easily Joseph Addai, who saw his value drop from an early second round pick all the way to somewhere around 30th in the RB rankings. That’s because Indy selected Donald Brown with the 27th pick. Brown is a complete back who can block and catch passes effectively. Addai may be the nominal starter, but he can’t stay healthy and averaged a pathetic 3.5 YPC despite playing for the Colts last season. Because he’s likely looking at a time-share, Brown’s fantasy value is lower than Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno and maybe Shonn Greene, but I’d certainly take him ahead of Addai.

I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m even higher on Maurice Jones-Drew this year after the team drafted Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton with its first two picks last weekend. Jones-Drew needs to be strongly considered with the first overall pick.

I actually like what Minnesota did. Sure, Percy Harvin comes with risk, but this is a player who could also be a true difference maker. And he landed in a terrific spot where his speed can be highlighted on turf. Also, Phil Loadholt looks like an immediate upgrade at right tackle. Both additions could really help Adrian Peterson.

No question about it, Bill Belichick is acting on a different level than all other NFL coaches/GMs. He’s by far the best. New England is going to be one of the elite teams in the NFL for years to come. I’d take Belichick over any current player in the NFL if starting a franchise. Easily.

Another clear winner this weekend was Pierre Thomas. Reggie Bush will obviously remain in the mix, but Thomas is going to be a guy to target in fantasy leagues this year.

I still think the Giants should have traded for Braylon Edwards, but it’s hard to argue with Jerry Reese at this point. Will Beatty could go down as one of the bigger steals of the draft, and while New York didn’t need a running back, how could you pass up Andre Brown at that point (129th pick)? Ramses Barden, who went to Cal Poly like myself, will be someone I’m rooting for.

I applaud the Jets’ aggressiveness. This draft certainly didn’t help their depth, but I’m one who says Mark Sanchez has the better career than Matthew Stafford. Addressing the QB position was a must. Moreover, Shonn Greene looks like an immediate upgrade over Thomas Jones, who suddenly is in serious jeopardy of getting cut. At age 31 with a new coaching regime taking over, it’s probably not the best time to be bitching about a contract. Jones’ fantasy value takes a huge tumble with the Greene selection. I’d definitely draft Greene ahead of the veteran, no doubt about it, as New York’s staff is in love with the rookie.

Da Raiders!!! Darrius Heyward-Bey is fast. OK fine, Al Davis must have him. But why not trade down then? As for their second round pick, Michael Mitchell, he was the first player this decade drafted in the second round who wasn’t even invited to the combine. Word is Chicago might have drafted him just two picks later, but most teams gave him a seventh round/free agent grade. Speed. Kills. Draft grade: F –

Jeremy Maclin was an interesting choice by Philadelphia, if only because he’s such a similar receiver to DeSean Jackson. Still, the team could use another wideout, and I’m sure Andy Reid will utilize him effectively. LeSean McCoy needs to improve his blocking, but he immediately becomes the backup to Brian Westbrook. He’s doubtful to have any value unless Westbrook gets hurt, but that’s a near certainty at some point, so he’s an important handcuff.

I’m not too high on any rookie WRs, and especially one playing in Pittsburgh. Still, don’t be surprised if Mike Wallace passes Limas Sweed on the depth chart. Ziggy Hood is a pretty cool name.

Watching ESPN’s draft coverage, one thing was apparent: Steve Young = very good. Herm Edwards = very bad.

As someone whose family has 49er season tickets, God bless Al Davis for letting Michael Crabtree slip. In Mike Singletary’s offense with no quarterback, it’s hardly an ideal landing spot for Crabtree’s fantasy value. Still, he’s the real deal and should be the first rookie WR taken this year while immediately becoming SF’s No. 1 option in the passing game. He’s supposedly battling Josh Morgan to start at split end, but I can’t fathom why both can’t be starters. It’s safe to say I will be purchasing a Crabtree jersey soon. Glen Coffee is the guy to handcuff to Frank Gore, but he’s not a big threat to take many touches.

Jason Smith is going to be a very good player, and left tackle is the second most position on the field. It also helps Steven Jackson’s fantasy value. Still, the Rams should have taken Mark Sanchez. Marc Bulger is done for.

When it comes to Josh Freeman, I vote “bust” not “boom.” Pretty funny how he has come out and said the Bucs’ signing of Byron Leftwich was only a “smokescreen” so the team could draft him.

Brian Orakpo could be the next Vernon Gholston. Washington still badly needs a quarterback.


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11 responses to “NFL Draft Recap”

  1. Dreamweapon Avatar
    Dreamweapon

    Belichick is fine and all, but I think I’d rather take an elite QB and just lure Ron Wolf out of retirement.

    Speaking of, how did you reel off that impressive barrage with nary a word about the Pack’s haul? They seemed like easily the most powerful non-playoff team in the NFC last season, missing out only after being let down by their D repeatedly. To grab a man-mountain in the Jamal Williams mold, together with one of the elite LBs in the entire draft, has to be seen as a coup, right? I guess you never want to rely on rookies too much, but a D-line containing Raji, Cullen Jenkins and Ryan Pickett should be plenty stout, and the LB corps positively sparkles with talent….Kampman/Barnett/Hawk/Matthews should be beyond fearsome once they get the scheme down. That might be the most athletic group in the league right now. Too bad Justin Harrell is a total bum or their front seven would really have sky-high promise. Still, overall, if there’s a team in the NFL primed for a five-plus-win swing on the season (remember, even though they went 6-10, they outscored their opposition by 50 points on the year), I say it’s the Packers, and in large part due to a deft draft.

    As for the Raiders, a buddy’s father (lifelong Raiders fan) sent me this email last night: “The Raiders are bad, are going to suck. Nothing is going to change till that crackhead dies. They should lock him the trunk of his car on draft day. Cable is a puppet. Davis should coach this mess and quit wasting money on guys who are head coach in name only. The NFL should take all the Picks away from them, that way they couldn’t make a bad pick. One more year and they can change their name to the Lions.”

  2. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    I am fired up for Crabtree. It might just be time to replace my JJ Stokes jersey.

    Inept ownership is one of the most depressing things in sports. If I didn’t hate the Raiders with such a passion, I’d almost feel bad. Of course, rooting for the 49ers and Warriors ain’t exactly easy these days.

    I had fun being in 1st place in the Scoop league for 1 day before my pitching decided to crap the bed and give up 20 runs in 10 innings….ugh. Chris Carpenter, come back!!! The Clams need you!!

  3. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Dreamweapon – I did like what GB did. Raji was a terrific pick. Lucky he fell. I would have probably taken him over Tyson Jackson. I agree the Packers are primed for a playoff run.

    Your friend’s dad is hardly the only Raider fan who wishes Davis’ death.

  4. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Keith – Crabtree is going to be sick…The Al Davis situation really is painful to watch. Funny. But painful. At least I’m no longer in last in the Scoop league!

  5. splevelbuge Avatar

    I know its early but where do you have chris johnson on the rb list for next year

  6. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    I actually have him 5th – right behind Turner and ahead of D. Williams. That will probably be higher than any other list.

  7. The Jewru Avatar
    The Jewru

    Great writeup. Agree with most. Especially the Belichick comment. The Raiders have become more embarassing than the Lions and Bengals combined. How Davis does not take Crabtree there is criminal for sure. I personally think Percy Harvin ( If he indeeed temporarily stays out of trouble) is the most dynamic player in the draft and could be this years Chris Johnson. He is not only a blazer but pound for pound the strongest guy in the draft. I think he benched 225 24 times at 180 pounds. Rosenfels can certainly be a top 10 QB you can get in the end game of drafts. His line is perhaps the best in football and his weapons are underrated.

    Joseph Addai sucks!!! Say night night.

    Can’t wait to see Denver go 3-13 . Looking forward to start RB’s against them all year long.

  8. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Jewru – I agree, Rosenfels could be a sneaky late round pick at QB. Also, Addai will be drafted far too high in fantasy leagues. Give me Donald Brown instead.

    I hope McDaniels fails, but I think Orton could also be a good sleeper with those weapons in that system and with a terrible D.

  9. The Jewru Avatar
    The Jewru

    Yeah that is true. Denver really may have the worst Defense in the conference and some receiving core although Marshall may be out for 4 games. I would say the league but the Lions have to hold that distinction.

  10. John Locke Avatar
    John Locke

    I wish you had believed me.

  11. Gursharn Avatar

    it better. My wife said to me as we enteerd half time looks like we’re going to the superbowl I told her that I’m not really comfortable yet , I wished we had a couple more touchdowns on the board to feel comfortable. The way the Colts came out on their first drive after the half I felt we were in trouble. No one to blame.. Our Patriots played their best. Health, age and loss of several key players while bringing newer players up to our speed of play takes time. It’s all good. I just wished I could have seen the same old Manning. (the one with his hands on his hips with his head down just shaking it side to side in dismay). We’ll get rings on every finger just watch next season. Good job Patriots, you really did play like the Champs you are. BTW, we went down to SanDiego.. great game and so much more.

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