Orton out of Elway’s Shadow

Consider this: Kyle Orton is the first Quarterback since John Elway’s retirement who wont be compared to the almighty number seven.

He’ll get comparisons to the supposed next rising of the messiah, who was shipped off to Chicago with his bottom lip puckered out, but not to Elway.

That will be a huge component of his success.

The pressure of being held up to Saint John for comparison has ruffled the feathers or gotten under the skin of every previous quarterback who has come into the Bronco’s fold. It comes from the fans and the media, who analyze each new QB and judge his worthiness by how stacks up against John Elway.

Brian Greise had the distinct disadvantage of following right on the heels of the departing Mile High Deity. He looked clumsy and lumbering after 16 years of Elway’s dexterity and dynamism.

Plummer’s displeasure with the Denver fans and the Elway comparisons is well documented (insert finger wave here).

Cutler had to feel the pressure also; in one interview he defensively quipped that he had a stronger arm than Elway.

In comes Kyle Orton and the inevitable comparisons to, wait for it, Jay Cutler.

For Orton, shaking away from the short legacy of Jay Cutler is much less a daunting task than sluffing the monkey of John Elway off one’s back. It would take 16 years, five Super Bowl appearances, with two wins, a “Drive” or two, and a handful of successful auto dealerships to live up to the legend that is Elway in Denver.

But he doesn’t have to worry about that. All he has to do is have a better 2009 season than Jay Cutler. That Or take Denver to the playoffs while Chicago stays home. Even if he breaks even, and goes nose to nose with Cutler through 2009, Orton wins.

Jay Cutler getting traded has unintentionally allowed Kyle Orton to step out from under a different shadow. One much smaller and a lot less intimidating than big John’s.

In a sense, a curse has been lifted.

 

 

 

Jay Cutler Double Standard And Why Da Bears Got Better Deal

As the dust settles somewhat from the “March Madness” drama played out between Jay Cutler, Josh McDaniels, and the Denver Broncos, I’ve decided to finally put it to rest.

Before I do, I have a few final observations:

It became clear from the outset that “the coach” was determined to follow in the footsteps and methodology of his mentor, Bill Belicheck. While his take no prisoners approach was by and large applauded in media circles, only a relative handful of writers and commentators have been brave enough to publicly lay this egg at his door step, where it belonged.

The truth is that whatever his true role and motivations, he has made a bold opening statement to his tenure that immediately weakened his new team, the Denver Broncos.

Yes, I have heard and read all of the spin regarding how this move could be a good one for Denver:

• Look at all of the draft picks they received.
• Cutler was a whiner for even getting upset.
• Josh McDaniels is the second coming of Belicheck (who was actually run out of Cleveland on a rail in his first head coaching outing).
• Look at who he was throwing to! He put up those numbers because of who he was throwing to.
• The McDaniels “system” is so good, that you can put in any QB and they can still win. (Really? Whenever I heard or read comments to that effect, I couldn’t help but think—McDaniels also had super strong Patriot Teams (Read Defenses) to back up that system. I’m looking forward to seeing this great system run with an average QB and the 29th ranked overall defense. Good luck with that.)

I’m just not buying Denver being better off without Cutler. Think about it—better off without the No. 2 ranked offense in the league, led by the third ranked QB in the league?

A Pro-Bowl QB at that? A QB who put up monster numbers and whose talent promised that with a defense strong enough to keep the other team from scoring more than 22 points, that he could make your team practically unbeatable?

Sorry, Denver. Sell stupid somewhere else. I’m not saying Jay Cutler was perfect, as he surely can stand to improve in his decision making and attitude as he matures, but that’s exactly my point—he’s a young QB, who will improve with more exposure and experience in big games.

There seemed to be a marked double standard in the overall reporting on this situation in the media in general. Even today, there has been relatively little ink given to how bad a move this has been by Josh McDaniels and the Broncos, as a whole. I can’t believe that almost everyone agrees with the decision to trade the franchise QB.

It’s almost as though McDaniels has been given a figurative “pass”. By and large, the media seems willing to wait and see if the decision implodes in his face before demanding his head on a stick, while many articles referencing Cutler don’t seem to carry the same wait and see theme.

Most carry variations along the following lines:  “Cry Baby, Whiner, Needs to Grow Up, Won’t Do Well in Chicago, Not the Answer to the Bear’s problems…etc,etc”. 

I’m still wondering why it makes a man a cry-baby to demand that his coach and organization be honest and up front with him, and tell the truth and actually mean it?

Teams need their star players more than they want to admit it. Jay demanding (and getting) traded cuts into the core belief that management is inheritantly right, and employees have to “grin and Bear it” (pun intended!).

To my way of thinking, the Bears just got better. Much better. This is a team that won 9 games last year, with the 21st ranked defense. While at 21st, the Bears weren’t much better than the Broncos were at 29th, they still have the heart of a defense that went to the Super Bowl a few years ago.

With a new QB, a new found energy, and a renewed defensive focus, I believe that they have another good run in the tank. If he’s able to stay healthy, Jay Cutler gives the Bears at least another 2 wins on the strength of his arm alone.

So, I for one, am rooting for Jay and Da Bears this season. While both sides are claiming victory in this battle, it seems clear to me that the Bears got the better end of the bargain.

I can only hope that McDaniels, for the sake of his team, realizes that you don’t need to be a dictator to be a successful head coach in the NFL. The Tony Dungy’s, Jim Harbaugh’s, Lovie Smith’s and Mike Tomlin’s of the NFL are living proof of that. Treating players like human beings and not like inhumane products can actually be a plus to a team, not a liability.

Given a choice between “my way or the high way,” some players will now actually choose the highway. And sometimes, as in this case, I believe that the highway will lead to a better opportunity.

 

Daily Haze: Still Time for the Mock Draft

If you have not signed up for our reader/blogger NFL mock draft yet, there still is time.

Seattle, Cincinnati, Oakland, San Francisco, Baltimore, Philadelphia’s second pick in the first round, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh still are up for grabs. If you want to act as GM for any of these picks, drop a comment below the story and I will hook you up.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend, and—unfortunately—it is back to the grind for the majority of us this morning. Hope you can slug through would could be a pretty harsh Monday.

Here are today’s great reads:

• Percy Harvin’s hopes of having his name called during the first round of the NFL Draft could be dwindling. [ProFootballTalk]
• Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation—and fantasy relevance—improved slightly with the acquisition of free agent Byron Leftwich. [Lester’s Legends]
• Fantasy owners and the Denver Broncos are hoping the NFL does not throw the book at Brandon Marshall. [ProFootballTalk]

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

The 15 Worst Draft Picks in the Mike Shanahan Era

The 2009 NFL draft is just around the corner and Denver Broncos’ fans are wondering how the new regime led by coach Josh McDaniels will approach it. 

Mike Shanahan had one of the more successful tenures in NFL history in his years with the Broncos winning back-to-back Super Bowls and many division titles.

However, it was the play of his defense in his last few seasons in Denver that ultimately led to his demise and firing after the 2008 season.

Looking over his record in the draft, you might not have to go very far to understand what may have been the reason for the lack of talent on that side of the ball.

As good of an offensive mind as “Shanny” was, he left a lot to be desired when it came to analyzing players coming into the league.

Here’s a look at the 15 worst draft picks in the Shanahan era:

 

15.  PHIL YEBOAH-KODIE 1995  Fifth Round – Pick 146  LB Penn State 

It was a close call for the 15 spot, but Yeboah-Kodie won out on his name alone. Drafted out of Penn State 1995 he was cut in training camp never to play a game with the Broncos. Played for the Redskins and Panthers (’95) and the Colts (’96), but never recorded a tackle in the NFL.

Other players drafted close:  Gary Walker (159), Cory Schlesinger (192), Terrell Davis (196), Adam Timmerman (230)

 

14. ASHLEY LELIE  2002  First Round – Pick 19  WR  Hawaii

Lelie, started in 22 games for the Broncos and made a few plays in his time there, but his 3,007 yards and 12 tds in four years in Denver didn’t add up to the No. 19 overall pick.  Lelie has also played for the Falcons (’06), 49ers (’07) and last season with the Raiders. 

Other players drafted close:  Javon Walker (20), Daniel Graham (21), Ed Reed (24), Lito Sheppard (30), Jabar Gaffney (33), Andre Gurode (37)

 

13.  TIM CROWDER  2007  Second Round – Pick 56  DE  Texas

Putting pressure on the quarterback has not been a strong point of the Denver defense in the last few seasons and drafting Crowder in the second round in 2007 hasn’t helped the cause. 

Crowder appeared in 13 games in his rookie season collecting 16 tackles and four sacks, but played in only six games last season.  He had one tackle and no sacks.

Other players drafted close:  Stewart Bradley (87), Trent Edwards (92), Le’Ron McClain (137), Steve Breaston (142)

 

12.  JARVIS MOSS  2007  First Round – Pick 17  DE  Florida

I guess you could say that the book is still out on the former BCS champion from Florida.  In his rookie season he played in six games and had 12 tackles and one sack before breaking his shin in practice ending his season. 

In ’08, he did bounce back to play in 12 games, but his 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks did nothing to justify a first round pick.

Others players drafted close:  Michael Griffin (19), Aaron Ross (20), Jon Beason (25), Anthony Gonzalez (32), LaMarr Woodley (46)

 

11.  LENNIE FRIEDMAN 1999  Second Round – Pick 61  G  Duke

Friedman battled back from tearing his ACL in his rookie season to start 22 games from 2000-’01, but the Broncos should have gotten more than three seasons for a second round pick.  Friedman also played for the Redskins (’03-05), Bears (’05), and Browns (’07) making just two more starts in his career.

Other players drafted close:  Joey Porter (73), Marty Booker (78), Chike Okeafor (89)

 

10.  DORSETT DAVIS  2002  Third Round – Pick 96  DT  Mississippi State

Double D was a bust for the Broncos playing just two seasons in Denver. From 2002-’04 he amassed only 10 tackles and one pass deflection.  These were his only seasons in the NFL.

Other players drafted close:  David Thornton (106), David Garrard (108), Kevin Curtis (127), Larry Foote (128)

 

9.  ERIC BROWN 1998  Second Round – Pick 61  S  Mississippi State

Brown played three seasons on the Denver defense and recorded 77 tackles and six interceptions.  He then moved on to play with the Texans until 2004 ending his career with 256 tackles and nine interceptions. 

Other players drafted close:  Jamal Williams (Supplemental 2nd/3rd round), Olin Kreutz (64), Leonard Little (65), Jerry Trotter (72), Ahman Green (76)

 

8.  CHRIS WATSON  1999  Third Round – Pick 67  CB  Eastern Illinois

A special-teams player for only one season with the Broncos, Watson was cut after his rookie campaign.  He went on to play for Bills (’00-’02) and Lions (’03).

Others players drafted close:  Joey Porter (73), Marty Booker (78), Chike Okeafor (89), Brandon Stokley (105), Dexter Jackson (113)

 

7.  NICK HARRIS  2001  Fourth Round – Pick 120  P  California

You can’t draft a punter in the fourth round if you are not going to use him.  The Broncos did just that in 2001 cutting Harris before the regular season.  Never played a game in the NFL. 

Others players drafted close:  Correll Buckhalter (121), Justin McCareins (124), Edgerton Hartwell (126), Cedrick Wilson (169)

 

6.  JEREMY LESUEUR  2004  Third Round – Pick 85  CB Michigan

LeSueur would only play for the Broncos in his rookie season and did not appear in a game.  He went on to play for the Jets (’05) and Browns (’06) seeing time in just two games in his NFL career.  He played last season for the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. 

Others players drafted close:   Matt Schaub (90), Landon Johnson (96), Shaun Phillips (98), Nathan Vasher (110), Will Allen (111)

 

5.  TERRY PIERCE  2003  Second Round – Pick 51  LB  Kansas State

For a mid-second round pick one would think a team would get more than two seasons and eight tackles out of that player.  That’s all the Broncos got from one of the worst picks in franchise history.  Was out of the NFL after the 2004 season.

Others players drafted close:  Anquan Boldin (54), Osi Umenyiora (56), L.J. Smith (61), Lance Briggs (68), Jason Witten (69)

 

4.  PAUL TOVIESSI  2001  Second Round – Pick 51  DE Marshall

The 2001 NFL draft was Shanahan’s worst.  The Broncos used the No. 52 pick on a player that never played a down for the team, or any other team in the NFL for that matter. 

Others players drafted close:  Chris Chambers (52), Travis Henry (58), Adrian Wilson (64), Steve Smith (74), Kevan Barlow (80)

 

3.  Maurice Clarette 2004  3rd Round – Pick 101  RB  Ohio State

Drafting the troubled Clarette out of OSU had everyone shaking their head. It seems that the only person on earth that didn’t know his background was Shanahan. Clarette, who was cut that season in training camp, is now blogging from his prison cell. He was arrested for robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, and resisting arrest. 

He robbed two college students at gun point in a fast food parking lot. Then he was pulled over (with spike strips) and in his SUV they found assault weapons, a huge knife and a bottle of Grey Goose. The police officers tried to tase him, but he was wearing a Kevlar vest that prevented that from working. 

They finally subdued him with mace.

Others players drafted close:  Marion Barber III (109), Brandon Jacobs (110), Kerry Rhodes (123), Darren Sproles (130), Trent Cole (146)

 

2.  MARCUS NASH 1998  First Round – Pick 30  WR  Tennessee

Despite earning two Super Bowl rings (Broncos/Ravens) Nash never lived up to a No. 1 pick. He played just two season for the Broncos. In his rookie season he had four receptions for 76 yards.

In 1999, he did not record a catch and was released in midseason. He was then signed by the Ravens for the remainder of the ’99 season and for 2000. 

He played in just one game for the Ravens and did not have a reception.  He did go on to win Offensive Player of the Year in the Arena League for the Dallas Desperados in 2004.

Others players drafted close:  Flozell Adams (38), Patrick Surtain (44) Samari Rolle (46)

 

1.  WILLIE MIDDLEBROOKS  2001 1st Round – Pick 24  CB  Minnesota

During a period in time when the Broncos needed help on defense, they took a huge swing-and-miss with Middlebrooks in the first round of the 2001 draft. Starting just one game in four seasons with the Broncos, the super-bust had only 66 tackles and no interceptions in his time with Denver. 

Played briefly in 2005 with the 49ers and now plays for the Toronto Argonaughts of the Canadian Football League.

Others players drafted close:  Reggie Wayne (30), Todd Heap (31), Drew Brees (32), Kyle VandenBosch (34), Alge Crumpler (35), Chad Johnson (36), Matt Light (48)

Denver Broncos Seven Round Mock Draft (April 12th)

It may seem as though I’m going a bit overboard with the Broncos mock draft’s, but I just cannot help it. Denver has so many different options come draft day, and with each day come new opportunities and scenarios. 

Here is a bit of a new twist that I think Denver fans will find quite interesting.

 

First Round, 12th overall:  Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC

I’m going with a switch here at the 12th pick, taking Rey Maualuga, the stud MLB out of Southern Cal. Following an impressive 2005 season in which Denver made it to the AFC Championship game, the team found itself looking for a new identity at quarterback.

Late in the 2006 season, Jay Cutler made his first start against the Seattle Seahawks.  While Cutler’s first start as a Bronco was an exciting photo finish that ended in defeat, quite possibly the most important aspect of that game came on the defensive side of the ball.

Former Broncos middle linebacker Al Wilson suffered a serious neck injury, ending his career essentially. Ever since then, Denver has lacked a dominant presence, and a stout defense in general. 

Maualuga is a stout middle linebacker who can defend the run with the best of them, and is excellent in pass coverage. He would be the perfect building block for the new 3-4 defense, and would compliment D.J. Williams nicely on the inside.

 

First round, 18th overall:  Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia

You are going to have to hear me out on this one, as I’m sure some of you who think the Broncos should draft defense, defense, defense are going to freak out.  Denver’s rush offense ranked 12th in the NFL in 2008, and they were tied for second in the league with 4.8 yards per carry—with 98 different running backs. 

Okay, so I’m being a bit sarcastic there, but undoubtedly, Denver has to be in the market for a premiere running back.  This year’s draft features two top end backs (Knowshon Moreno, Chris Wells) who will be considered the cream of the crop.

Moreno has bulked up, and has the game-changing speed to instantly add a second dimension to Denver’s offense.  Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, J.J. Arrington, and Ryan Torain are fine options, but with this pick, Denver can add even more picks by trading Selvin Young and Tony Scheffler (move Peyton Hillis to h-back).

 

Second Round, 48th overall:  Jarron Gilbert; Defensive Lineman, San Jose State

Aside from Tyson Jackson, Jarron Gilbert is hands down the best 3-4 defensive end available in this year’s draft. He stands at 6’5″ 290 pounds, and has the room on his frame to grow even more. 

He would be an excellent addition up front to Denver’s defensive line, and is extremely athletic for his size.

 

Third Round, 79th overall:  Sammie Lee Hill; Defensive Lineman, Stillman

Simply put:  Sammie Lee Hill is an absolute freak of nature. This kid played defensive end at 329 pounds, and was very productive. Hill has excellent agility, long arms, and quickness. 

Some scouts project him as a 3-4 defensive end, but with the Broncos, he will get a shot at the nose tackle position. The only concern here is his lack of competition, but Hill dominated those he faced. He could be one of the steals of the draft.

 

Third Round, 84th overall:  Mitch King; Defensive End, Iowa

As an Iowa fan, it does my heart good to see one of Iowa’s best defensive players, if not the best defensive player going to the Denver Broncos in the third round. 

What King lacks in height or weight at the defensive tackle position, he more than makes up for with his production. 

King has excellent quickness, and can get tremendous push in the backfield. He will be a great player for whatever team takes him, and I hope that the Broncos decide he is their guy with the second of three picks acquired from the Chicago Bears.

 

Fourth Round, 114th overall:  Chip Vaughn; Safety, Wake Forest

Vaughn has really impressed scouts with his size, agility, and flat out speed.  He is not as highly regarded as college teammates Aaron Curry or Alphonso Smith, but he has the potential to develop into a good safety and special teams player at the next level.

 

Fifth Round, 149th overall:  Vaughn Martin; Defensive Tackle, Western Ontario

Martin is another freak of nature athletically.  The 6’4″ 335 pounder has reportedly run the forty yard dash in under five seconds, and bench pressed 225 pounds 33 times.  He is very raw as a prospect, but is really catching scouts’ eyes right now.  If the Broncos want him, they may be foolish to try and wait until the sixth or seventh round to do it.

 

Sixth Round, 185th overall:  A.Q. Shipley; Center, Penn State

I have been a huge supporter of Shipley in the draft process, and while he may not fall this far, I am optimistic that he will.  He has the potential to be a starting center at the next level, and would be great value in this spot.

 

Seventh Round, 225th overall:  Mike Reilly; Quarterback, Central Washington

Reilly is a really under the radar prospect who would be a great value this late for the Broncos.  He was extremely productive at Central Washington, and would be a great mind to mold for quarterback guru Josh McDaniels.

 

Seventh Round, 235th overall:  Patrick Turner; Wide Receiver, USC

Turner was relatively a “bust” at the college level, but is getting a second opportunity in the NFL.  If he can produce in the NFL as he was expected to in college, he will be a steal this late for the Broncos.  He has excellent height and bulk for the position as well.

Seven Round 2009 NFL Mock Draft: Who Will Your Team Take?

I can’t even believe it. The 2009 NFL draft is in less than two weeks.

April is here now, and it’s time for my seven round mock draft.

Please enjoy the picks!

Round One:

1. Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia
After several workouts with the Lions, it seems as though this pick is set-in-stone. Detroit should go the route of drafting a quarterback first and a solid offensive tackle second. Matt Stafford could help the Lions win a few games next year.

2. St. Louis Rams- Jason Smith, Offensive Tackle, Baylor
The Rams released future hall-of-fame offensive tackle, Orlando Pace. Their offensive line is a complete mess. Alex Barron is far too inconsistent to start. Jason Smith is the best offensive tackle in the draft by miles.

3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest
Aaron Curry is one of the best linebacker’s to come out for a long time. Kansas City needs a dominant linebacker next to Mike Vrabel. Curry is my early pick for defensive rookie of the year.

4. Seattle Seahawks- Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle, Virginia
The Seahawks got their number one target, T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They still need help on the offensive line. Seattle is intent on straightening up on offense. Eugene Monroe should be a solid fit for the Hawks.

5. Cleveland Browns- Brian Orakpo, Outside Linebacker/Defensive End, Texas
I doubt many Cleveland fans would be disappointed with this pick. The Browns desperately need help in the front seven. Willie McGinest is likely done after this year. Brian Orakpo will be an impact player from the start.

6. Cincinnati Bengals- Andre Smith, Offensive Tackle, Alabama
The Bengals offensive line is amongst the worst in the league. They lost Stacy Andrews to the Eagles. Andre Smith has major character issues that he needs to deal with, but he is still a very good blocker.

7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech
A month or two ago, I would have said that this would never happen. After the Seahawks and Chiefs filled their needs somewhat for receivers, Crabtree’s stock fell out of the top 5. Oakland will have a play-maker for JaMarcus… Finally!

8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Malcolm Jenkins, Cornerback/Safety, Ohio State
Perhaps not the biggest need for the Jaguars, but Malcolm Jenkins would be a huge addition to their defense. He could play time at both cornerback and safety if they need him to do so.

9. Green Bay Packers- B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College
Towards the end of the season, Green Bay’s run defense was absolutely horrific. Opposing running backs were able to run all over them. B.J. is too good to pass up on even if he did test positive for marijuana.

10. San Francisco 49’ers- Everette Brown, Defensive End, Florida State
I contemplated with going with Mark Sanchez here. He is a real possibility, but the 49’ers may try to get a quarterback later in the draft. Everette Brown is a physical and athletic defensive end.

11. Buffalo Bills- Brandon Pettigrew, Tight End, Oklahoma State
The Bills starting tight end last year was Robert Royal. He is no longer on the team. The Bills could use a tight end that can both block and catch the ball. Pettigrew would fit that need.

12. Denver Broncos- Tyson Jackson, Defensive End, LSU
Josh McDaniels has done a fantastic job at fixing the defense for the Broncos. The one thing that’s missing is a run-stuffing defensive end. Tyson Jackson is near 290 pounds of pure muscle and power.

13. Washington Redskins- Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC
The Redskins seem focused on trading away quarterback, Jason Campbell. They were looking to make a deal with the Broncos for Jay Cutler. Mark Sanchez will be able to lead the team from day one.

14. New Orleans Saints- Chris Wells, Running Back, Ohio State
I had a crazy idea that Reggie Bush should convert to wide receiver. Okay, so maybe it’s not all that crazy. Chris Wells would be the big and physical running back that the Saints could use on offense.

15. Houston Texans- Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Missouri
Andre Johnson is perhaps in the top 3 for receivers in the league. Can you name the Texans other starting receiver? It’s Kevin Walter. Houston needs a dominant No. 2 receiver behind Andre Johnson.

16. San Diego Chargers- Rey Maualuga, Middle Linebacker, USC
With the loss of Shawne Merriman, it was clear that the Chargers defense was only average. They need help at linebacker. Rey Maualuga would be the perfect fit for their scheme.

17. New York Jets- Josh Freeman, Quarterback, Kansas State
I have never thought of Josh Freeman as being a legitimate first-round pick. I have changed my mind though after looking at a few highlight reels of his college career at Kansas State. The Jets need a franchise quarterback right now.

18. Denver Broncos from Chicago- Brian Cushing, Outside Linebacker, USC
The Broncos traded for this pick in a block-buster deal with the Bears. Denver needs a studly outside linebacker across from former pro-bowler, D.J. Williams. Denver has the possibility to have one of the better defenses in the league.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Peria Jerry, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss
I have had Peria Jerry going to the Bucs for a long time now. My mind has not changed the slightest bit. Tampa Bay needs a defensive tackle that can stuff the run. Anthony McFarland was the closest thing they had to success at this position.

20. Detroit Lions from Dallas Cowboys- Michael Oher, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss
I, honestly, don’t think the Lions could have plotted out their picks any better than this. Michael Oher seems like a steal this late in the draft. Gosder Cherilus and Michael Oher should make for a good combination.

21. Philadelphia Eagles- Robert Ayers, Defensive End, Tennessee
Head coach, Andy Reid, has selected a defensive end in the first round for four of the last five years. Although their defense is good, they have the potential to make it great if they can get a force on the defensive line.

22. Minnesota Vikings- Hakeem Nicks, Wide Receiver, North Carolina
Bernard Berrian is a decent No. 1 receiver, but Sidney Rice at the second spot is absolutely ridiculous. Hakeem Nicks is a big and physical receiver with terrific hands. He has been compared to Anquan Boldin several times.

23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, Outside Linebacker, USC
The Patriots still need to get younger on defense. Clay Matthews is vastly under-rated. He fits the kind of player that Bill Belichick loves to have on his defense. He will make a good tandem with Jerod Mayo.

24. Atlanta Falcons- Evander Hood, Defensive Tackle, Missouri
Is this too early for Evander “Ziggy” Hood? Maybe so. The Falcons don’t have that many needs to fill on offense, therefore they should look for defensive help. Evander might not make a difference right away, but in time he will make an impact.

25. Miami Dolphins- Vontae Davis, Cornerback, Illinois
Miami lost Andre Goodman to the Denver Broncos this off-season. They need to draft a cornerback that can play along with Will Poole. Vontae Davis is a steal this late. He should be a great cornerback for years to come.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Florida
Derrick Mason at best has only 2-3 years left in the tank. He was the Ravens number one receiver last year. Clearly, Mark Clayton is not prepared to be the star of the offense. Percy Harvin would be a great pick.

27. Indianapolis Colts- Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver, Maryland
Marvin Harrison is no longer on the team after his contract expired this season. The Colts need another explosive offensive weapon so that Anthony Gonzalez can remain in the slot.

28. Philadelphia Eagles from Carolina- Knowshon Moreno, Running Back, Georgia
The Eagles need somebody that can take away carries from Brian Westbrook. He has taken a lot of damage to his body. Knowshon Moreno is a quick and tough runner that Philadelphia would covet.

29. New York Giants- Sean Smith, Cornerback/Safety, Utah
As always, the Giants have very few needs to fill. I doubt they draft a receiver in the first round simply because they have invested in Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss. Sean Smith can play at safety or cornerback if need be.

30. Tennessee Titans- Michael Johnson, Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech
The Titans need help at linebacker. Keith Bulluck is 32 years old, and he can’t carry the defense on his own. Michael Johnson is a 6’7″ specimen that has been compared to Julius Peppers.

31. Arizona Cardinals- Donald Brown, Running Back, Connecticut
Tim Hightower has proven that he can’t be an every-down running back. The Cardinals need a tough runner that can take the majority of the carries. Donald Brown is the perfect fit for Arizona.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Alex Mack, Center, California
The Steelers need help on the offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger was on his back on every-other pass play last season. Alex Mack is without a doubt the best center to come out in this year’s draft.

Round Two:

33. Detroit Lions- Connor Barwin, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Cincinnati
The Lions addressed their offensive needs in the first round. Now they must get defensive help. Connor Barwin is a good 4-3 defensive end.

34. New England Patriots from Kansas City- Eben Britton, Offensive Tackle, Arizona
I think going for an offensive tackle here would be a stretch, but the Patriots could use depth on the offensive line. Eben Britton is a steal in the second round.

35. St. Louis Rams- James Laurinaitis, Middle Linebacker, Ohio State
Will Witherspoon will be moving to weakside linebacker this coming season, which leaves the middle linebacker spot, vacant. Laurinaitis can fit the bill.

36. Cleveland Browns- LeSean McCoy, Running Back, Pittsburgh
Jamal Lewis might be the slowest running back in the league right now. Cleveland must start looking towards the future at running back.

37. Seattle Seahawks- William Moore, Safety, Missouri
Brian Russell can’t keep starting at strong safety for much longer. He is a bad starter, plain and simple. William Moore will start right away.

38. Cincinnati Bengals- Paul Kruger, Defensive End, Utah
The Bengals lack a strong pass rush. Paul Kruger is a specialist at rushing for the quarterback. Solid pick here for Cincinnati.

39. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver, Rutgers
The Jaguars have pathetic receivers. Reggie Williams is the best receiver on the roster. Can you count how many times he’s been arrested? It’ll take two hands.

40. Oakland Raiders- William Beatty, Offensive Tackle, Connecticut
The right tackle spot is something that could use an upgrade. William Beatty might not make it out of the first round, which makes him a steal.

41. Green Bay Packers- Louis Delmas, Safety, Western Michigan
There is no telling what the Packers secondary will like in 2 years. I promise you this… It will be nothing like it looks today.

42. Buffalo Bills- Larry English, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Northern Illinois
Aaron Schobel has lost a step in his game. He isn’t able to use the speed he once possessed. Larry English will be a solid replacement for the future.

43. San Francisco 49’ers- Jamon Meredith, Offensive Tackle, South Carolina
Although the 49’ers signed Marvel Smith, they still need a young offensive tackle for the future. Jamon Meredith has climbed up the charts as of late.

44. Miami Dolphins from Redskins- Clint Sintim, Defensive End/Linebacker, Virginia
Joey Porter isn’t exactly a young guy. He only had one sack in his last four games. The Dolphins need another pass rusher besides him.

45. New York Giants- Brian Robiskie, Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The Giants need to draft a receiver that can replace Plaxico Burress. It won’t be an easy job by any means. Brian Robiskie could be the stud of the second round.

46. Houston Texans- Alphonso Smith, Cornerback, Wake Forest
Many of you will see this pick and thing it’s preposterous. Somebody is bound to comment me saying that Alphonso will not go that late. With that said, Houston still needs a No. 2 cornerback.

47. New England Patriots from San Diego- Jarron Gilbert, Defensive End, San Jose State
Richard Seymour’s contract expires after the 2009 season. If the Patriots were to draft Gilbert, they won’t necessarily NEED to resign Seymour.

48. Denver Broncos- Coye Francies, Cornerback, San Jose State
The Broncos secondary will improve by a large margin, but depth is still an issue. Coye Francies will solve that issue.

49. Chicago Bears- Ramses Barden, Wide Receiver, Cal Poly
Does a 6’6″, 230 pound receiver intrigue you, Bears fans? It would if I liked your team in the slighest bit.

50. Cleveland Browns from Tampa Bay- Patrick Chung, Safety, Oregon
Sean Jones left for the Eagles, which left a big need at safety. Patrick Chung should be a solid fill-in for him.

51. Dallas Cowboys- Pat White, Wide Receiver/Quarterback, West Virginia
Jerry Jones is interested in running the “Wildcat” offense in 2009. Pat White is the perfect player for that type of formation.

52. Philadelphia Eagles- Duke Robinson, Offensive Tackle/Guard, Oklahoma
The Eagles need a right guard if Stacy Andrews is going to be moving to left tackle as expected.

53. New York Jets- Juaquin Iglesias, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
The Jets need a receiver that can replace Laveranues Coles. Juaquin Iglesias should be able to do a fine job of that.

54. Minnesota Vikings- D.J. Moore, Cornerback, Vanderbilt
As a Vikings fan, I would be very excited with this pick. D.J. Moore was a great college player who will hopefully become a great role player on the defense.

55. Atlanta Falcons- Jared Cook, Tight End, South Carolina
The Falcons could use a dynamic play-making tight end. Matt Ryan needs another weapon on offense.

56. Miami Dolphins- Louis Murphy, Wide Receiver, Florida
Miami’s No. 2 receiver is Greg Camarillo who is slightly above average. The Dolphins need a target for Chad Pennington.

57. Baltimore Ravens- Fili Moala, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End, USC
This is just for depth purposes. Baltimore needs back-ups and potential starters for the future.

58. New England Patriots- Ron Brace, Defensive Tackle, Boston College
Even more depth for a defensive line that could really use it. Ron Brace is a very talented player that will play a big role in the Pats defense.

59. Carolina Panthers- Jairus Byrd, Cornerback, Oregon
Ken Lucas was recently cut which leaves a big need at cornerback. Richard Marshall also isn’t playing up to potential.

60. New York Giants- Rashad Jennings, Running Back, Liberty
The Giants need a big running back that will be able to replace Derrick Ward who went to the Buccaneers.

61. Indianapolis Colts- Marcus Freeman, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
Indianapolis has fairly weak linebackers. They could use some serious depth in the front seven.

62. Tennessee Titans- Lawrence Sidbury, Defensive End, Richmond
Jevon Kearse won’t be around for that much longer. The Titans need to look for some young defensive help.

63. Arizona Cardinals- Eric Wood, Center, Louisville
The interior blocking for the Cardinals is pretty pathetic. They need to get some solid blocking for Donald Brown.

64. Pittsburgh Steelers- Phil Loadholt, Offensive Tackle. Oklahoma
The Steelers need to spend two picks in-a-row on offensive lineman. Believe it or not, Pittsburgh’s offensive line sucks.
Round 3:

65. Detroit Lions- Chris Baker, Defensive Tackle, Hampton

66. St. Louis Rams- Keenan Lewis, Cornerback, Oregon State

67. Kansas City Chiefs- Xavier Fulton, Offensive Tackle, Illinois

68. Seattle Seahawks- Derrick Williams, Wide Receiver, Penn State

69. Dallas Cowboys from Cleveland- Fenuki Tupou, Offensive Tackle

70. Cincinnati Bengals- Sen’Derrick Marks, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

71. Oakland Raiders- Rashad Johnson, Safety, Alabama

72. Jacksonville Jaguars- Ricky Jean-Francois, Defensive Tackle, LSU

73. Green Bay Packers- Troy Kropog, Offensive Tackle, Tulane

74. San Francisco 49’ers- Derek Pegues, Safety, Mississippi State

75. Buffalo Bills- Herman Johnson, Guard, LSU

76. New York Jets from New Orleans- Mike Mickens, Cornerback, Cincinnati

77. Houston Texans- Andre Brown, Running Back, North Carolina State

78. San Diego Chargers- Javon Ringer, Running Back, Michigan State

79. Denver Broncos- Gerald McRath, Middle Linebacker, Southern Miss

80. Washington Redskins- Tyrone McKenzie, Outside Linebacker, South Florida

81. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jarett Dillard, Wide Receiver, Rice

82. Detroit Lions from Dallas- Dannell Ellerbe, Linebacker, Georgia

83. Green Bay Packers from Jets- Zack Follet, Outside Linebacker, California

84. Denver Broncos from Chicago- Nic Harris, Safety, Oklahoma

85. Philadelphia Eagles- Max Unger, Center, Oregon

86. Minnesota Vikings- Jason Watkins, Offensive Tackle, Florida

87. Miami Dolphins- Darry Beckwith, Middle Linebacker, LSU

88. Baltimore Ravens- Frantz Joseph, Middle Linebacker, Florida Atlantic

89. New England Patriots- Andy Levitre, Guard, Oregon State

90. Atlanta Falcons- Jonathan Casillas, Outside Linebacker, Wisconsin

91. New York Giants- Victor Harris, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

92. Indianapolis Colts- Shonn Greene, Running Back, Iowa

93. Carolina Panthers- Dorrel Scott, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

94. Tennessee Titans- Austin Collie, Wide Receiver, BYU

95. Arizona Cardinals- Phillip Hunt, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Houston

96. Pittsburgh Steelers- Captain Munnerlyn, Cornerback, South Carolina

97. New England Patriots (Comp)- Chip Vaughn, Safety, Wake Forest

98. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp)- James Davis, Running Back, Clemson

99. Chicago Bears (Comp)- Brandon Williams, Defensive End, Texas Tech

100. New York Giants (Comp)- Trevor Canfield, Guard, Cincinnati

Round 4:

101. Dallas Cowboys from Lions- Daniel Holtzclaw, Middle Linebacker, Eastern Michigan

102. Kansas City Chiefs- Brandon Long, Defensive End/Linebacker, Michigan State

103. St. Louis Rams- Cedric Peerman, Running Back, Virginia

104. Cleveland Browns- Aaron Kelly, Wide Receiver, Clemson

105. Seattle Seahawks- Nate Davis, Quarterback, Ball State

106. Cincinnati Bengals- Quan Cosby, Wide Receiver, Texas

107. Jacksonville Jaguars- Sebastian Vollmer, Offensive Tackle, Houston

108. Miami Dolphins from Oakland- Alex Magee, Defensive Tackle, Purdue

109. Green Bay Packers- Mitch King, Defensive End, Iowa

110. Buffalo Bills- Asher Allen, Cornerback, Georgia

111. San Francisco 49’ers- Scott McKillop, Middle Linebacker, Pittsburgh

112. Houston Texans- Cody Brown, Outside Linebacker, Connecticut

113. San Diego Chargers- Kevin Ellison, Safety, USC

114. Denver Broncos- Sammie Lee Hill, Defensive Tackle, Stillman

115. New York Jets from Washington- Augustus Parrish, Offensive Tackle, Kent State

116. New Orleans Saints- David Bruton, Safety, Notre Dame

117. Dallas Cowboys- Michael Hamlin, Safety, Clemson

118. New Orleans Saints from Jets- Terrance Taylor, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

119. Chicago Bears- Darcel McBath, Safety, Texas Tech

120. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Stephen McGee, Quarterback, Texas A&M

121. Philadelphia Eagles- Shawn Nelson, Tight End, Southern Mississippi

122. Houston Texans from Minnesota- Chris Clemons, Safety, Clemson

123. Baltimore Ravens- Lydon Murtha, Offensive Tackle, Nebraska

124. New England Patriots- Brandon Tate, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

125. Atlanta Falcons- Rhett Bomar, Quarterback, Sam Houston State

126. Oakland Raiders- Ian Campbell, Outside Linebacker, Kansas State

127. Indianapolis Colts- Kraig Urbik, Guard, Wisconsin

128. Carolina Panthers- Mike Thomas, Wide Receiver, Arizona

129. New York Giants- Chase Coffman, Tight End, Missouri

130. Tennessee Titans- Cornelius Lewis, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee State

131. Arizona Cardinals- James Casey, Tight End, Rice

132. Pittsburgh Steelers- Sherrod Martin, Safety, Troy

133. San Diego Chargers (Comp)- Roy Miller, Defensive Tackle, Texas

134. San Diego Chargers (Comp)- Tyronne Green, Guard, Auburn

135. Tennessee Titans (Comp)- Vance Walker, Defensive Tackle, Georgia Tech

136. Indianapolis Colts (Comp)- Courtney Greene, Safety, Rutgers

Round 5:

137. Seattle Seahawks from Detroit- Michael Goodson, Running Back, Texas A&M

138. Atlanta Falcons from St. Louis- Mohamed Massaquoi, Wide Receiver, Georgia

139. Kansas City Chiefs- Jeremiah Johnson, Running Back, Oregon

140. Chicago Bears from Denver via Seattle- Kory Sheets, Running Back, Purdue

141. Philadelphia Eagles from Cleveland- Kevin Ogletree, Wide Receiver, Virginia

142. Cincinnati Bengals- Morgan Trent, Cornerback, Michigan

143. Atlanta Falcons- Matt Shaughnessy, Defensive End, Wisconsin

144. Jacksonville Jaguars- Rey Feinga, Guard, BYU

145. Green Bay Packers- Antonio Appleby, Middle Linebacker, Virginia

146. San Francisco 49’ers- Devin Moore, Running Back, Wyoming

147. Buffalo Bills- Hunter Cantwell, Quarterback, Louisville

148. San Diego Chargers- Patrick Turner, Wide Receiver, USC

149. Denver Broncos- Ian Johnson, Running Back, Boise State

150. Washington Redskins- Orion Martin, Defensive End, Virginia Tech

151. New York Giants from New Orleans- Emanuel Cook, Safety, South Carolina

152. Houston Texans- David Veikune, Defensive End, Hawaii

153. Philadelphia Eagles from Jets- Corvey Irvin, Defensive Tackle, Georgia

154. Chicago Bears- Andrew Gardner, Offensive Tackle, Georgia Tech

155. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Henry Melton, Defensive End, Texas

156. Dallas Cowboys- Domonique Johnson, Cornerback, Jackson State

157. Philadelphia Eagles- DeAngelo Smith, Cornerback, Cincinnati

158. Minnesota Vikings- Jonathan Luigs, Center, Arkansas

159. Philadelphia Eagles from New England- Kaluka Maiava, Outside Linebacker, USC

160. St. Louis Rams from Atlanta- Cullen Harper, Quarterback, Clemson

161. Miami Dolphins- Gerald Cadogan, Offensive Tackle, Penn State

162. Baltimore Ravens- Kevin Barnes, Cornerback, Maryland

163. Carolina Panthers- Alex Boone, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State

164. New York Giants- Anthony Parker, Guard, Tennessee

165. Indianapolis Colts- Mike Reilly, Quarterback, Central Washington

166. Dallas Cowboys from Tennessee- Tim Jamison, Defensive End, Michigan

167. Arizona Cardinals- Travis Bright, Guard/Tackle, BYU

168. Pittsburgh Steelers- Darryl Richard, Defensive Tackle, Georgia Tech

169. Pittsburgh Steelers (Comp)- Louis Vasquez, Guard, Texas Tech

170. New England Patriots (Comp)- Travis Beckum, Tight End, Wisconsin

171. San Francisco 49’ers (Comp)- Graham Harrell, Quarterback, Texas Tech

172. Dallas Cowboys (Comp)- Louis Ellis, Defensive Tackle, Shaw

173. Tennessee Titans (Comp)- Cornelius Ingram, Tight End, Florida

Round 6:

174. Detroit Lions- Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver, Mississippi

175. Kansas City Chiefs- Brandon Gibson, Wide Receiver, Washington State

176. Atlanta Falcons from St. Louis- Cary Harris, Cornerback, USC

177. Cleveland Browns- Ryan Purvis, Tight End, Boston College

178. Seattle Seahawks- Jason Phillips, Middle Linebacker, TCU

179. Cincinnati Bengals- Curtis Painter, Quarterback, Purdue

180. Jacksonville Jaguars- Nathan Brown, Quarterback, Central Arkansas

181. Miami Dolphins from Oakland- Arian Foster, Running Back, Tennessee

182. Green Bay Packers- Bruce Johnson, Cornerback, Miami (Florida)

183. Buffalo Bills- Glen Coffee, Running Back, Alabama

184. San Francisco 49’ers- Sammie Stroughter, Wide Receiver, Oregon State

185. Denver Broncos- John Parker Wilson, Quarterback, Alabama

186. Washington Redskins- Curtis Taylor, Safety, LSU

187. Green Bay Packers from New Orleans- P.J. Hill, Running Back, Wisconsin

188. Houston Texans- Tony Fiammetta, Fullback, Syracuse

189. San Diego Chargers- Antoine Caldwell, Center, Alabama

190. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jahi Word-Daniels, Cornerback, Georgia Tech

191. Chicago Bears- Brandon Hughes, Cornerback, Oregon State

192. Detroit Lions from Dallas- Bear Pascoe, Tight End, Fresno State

193. New York Jets- Tyrell Sutton, Running Back, Northwestern

194. Philadelphia Eagles- Jamarca Sanford, Safety, Mississippi

195. Philadelphia Eagles from Vikings- Jasper Brinkley, Middle Linebacker, South Carolina

196. St. Louis from Atlanta- George Hypolite, Defensive Tackle, Colorado

197. Dallas Cowboys from Miami- Demetrius Byrd, Wide Receiver, LSU

198. Baltimore Ravens- Victor Butler, Outside Linebacker, Oregon State

199. New England Patriots- Quinn Johnson, Fullback, LSU

200. New York Giants- A.Q. Shipley, Center, Penn State

201. Indianapolis Colts- Joe Burnett, Cornerback, UCF

202. Carolina Panthers- Tom Brandstater, Quarterback, Fresno State

203. Tenneessee Titans- Kyle Moore, Defensive End, USC

204. Arizona Cardinals- Otis Wiley, Safety, Michigan State

205. Pittsburgh Steelers- Pannel Egboh, Defensive End, Stanford

206. Tennesee Titans (Comp)- Brandon Underwood, Safety, Cincinnati

207. New England Patriots (Comp)- Gartrell Johnson, Running Back, Colorado State

208. Dallas Cowboys (Comp)- Donald Washington, Cornerback, Ohio State

209. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp)- Anthony Hill, Tight End, North Carolina State

Round 7:

210. Dallas Cowboys from Detroit- Corey Smith, Outside Linebacker, Cincinnati

211. St. Louis Rams- Michael Bennett, Defensive End, Texas A&M

212. Kansas City Chiefs- C.J. Spillman, Safety, Marshall

213. Seattle Seahawks- Travis McCall, Fullback, Alabama

214. Miami Dolphins from Cleveland- Mike Teel, Quarterback, Rutgers

215. Cincinnati Bengals- Andy Kemp, Guard, Wisconsin

216. Oakland Raiders- DeAngelo Willingham, Cornerback, Tennessee

217. Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Jacksonville- Worrell Williams, Middle Linebacker, Cal

218. Green Bay Packers- Darius Passmore, Wide Receiver, Marshall

219. San Francisco 49’ers- Graham Gano, Kicker, Florida State

220. Buffalo Bills- Brooks Foster, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

221. Minnesota Vikings from Washington- Mortty Ivy, Outside Linebacker, West Virginia

222. New Orleans Saints- Jaison Williams, Wide Receiver, Oregon

223. Houston Texans- Robert Brewster, Offensive Tackle, Ball State

224. San Diego Chargers- Robert Francois, Outside Linebacker, Boston College

225. Denver Broncos- Jon Cooper, Center, Oklahoma

226. Pittsburgh Steelers from Tampa Bay- Chase Daniel, Quarterback, Missouri

227. Dallas Cowboys- Tiquan Underwood, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

228. New York Jets- Conredge Collins, Fullback, Pittsburgh

229. Chicago Bears- Greg Isdaner, Guard, West Virginia

230. Philadelphia Eagles- Loden Fryar, Cornerback, Western Michigan

231. Minnesota Vikings- Stephen Hodge, Safety, TCU

232. Jacksonville Jaguars from Miami- Josh Mauga, Middle Linebacker, Nevada

233. Tampa Bay Buccaneers from Baltimore- Jeremy Navarre, Defensive End, Maryland

234. New England Patriots- Chase Patton, Quarterback, Missouri

235. Denver from Atlanta- Vaughn Martin, Defensive Tackle, Western Ontario

236. New York Giants- Johnny Knox, Wide Receiver, Abilene Christian

237. Indianapolis Colts- Brett Helms, Center, LSU

238. Miami from Carolina- John Phillips, Tight End, Virginia

239. Tennessee Titans- Rudy Carpenter, Quarterback, Arizona State

240. Arizona Cardinals- Clinton McDonald, Defensive Tackle, Memphis

241. Pittsburgh Steelers- Maurice Crum Jr., Middle Linebacker, Notre Dame

242. Tennessee Titans (Comp)- Dominique Edison, Wide Receiver, Stephen F. Austin

243. Washington Redskins (Comp)- Javarris Williams, Running Back, Tennessee State

244. San Francisco 49’ers (Comp)- Jason McCourty, Cornerback, Rutgers

245. Seattle Seahawks (Comp)- Louie Sakoda, Kicker, Utah

246. Chicago Bears (Comp)- Anthony Heygood, Outside Linebacker, Purdue

247. Seattle Seahawks (Comp)- Al Afalava, Safety, Oregon State

248. Seattle Seahawks (Comp)- Kevin Akins, Outside Linebacker, Boston College

249. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp)- Eric Vanden Heuvel, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin

250. Jacksonville Jaguars (Comp)- Chris Ogbonnaya, Running Back, Texas

251. Chicago Bears (Comp)- Kenny McKinley, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

252. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp)- Brannan Southerland, Fullback, Georgia

253. Jacksonville Jaguars (Comp)- Marko Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Nevada

254. Arizona Cardinals (Comp)- Ellis Lankster, Cornerback, West Virginia

255. Detroit Lions (Comp)- Will Dunbar, Safety, UAB

266. Kansas City Chiefs (Comp)- Stanley Arnoux, Middle Linebacker, Wake Forest

 

2009 NFL Mock Draft With Sayre Bedinger and Tanner Thoms: Part 2

Now that we are only two weeks away from the NFL draft, we are getting a clear idea on what might happen on the greatest day in the NFL.

1. Detroit Lions

Tanner’s pick: Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia

Sayre’s pick: Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia

 

2. St. Louis Rams

Tanner’s pick: Jason Smith, Offensive Tackle, Baylor

Sayre’s pick: Jason Smith, Offensive Tackle, Baylor

 

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Tanner’s pick: Aaron Curry, Linebacker, Wake Forest

Sayre’s pick: Aaron Curry, Linebacker, Wake Forest

 

4. Seattle Seahawks

Tanner’s pick: Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle, Virginia

Sayre’s pick: Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC

 

5. Cleveland Browns

Tanner’s pick: Brian Orakpo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Texas

Sayre’s pick: Brian Orakpo, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Texas

 

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Tanner’s pick: Andre Smith, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

Sayre’s pick: Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle, Virginia

 

7. Oakland Raiders

Tanner’s pick: Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

Sayre’s pick: Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tanner’s pick: Malcolm Jenkins, Cornerback/Safety, Ohio State

Sayre’s pick: Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Missouri

 

9. Green Bay Packers

Tanner’s pick: B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College

Sayre’s pick: B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College

 

10. San Francisco 49ers

Tanner’s pick: Everette Brown, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Florida State

Sayre’s pick: Aaron Maybin, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Penn State

 

11. Buffalo Bills

Tanner’s pick: Brandon Pettigrew, Tight End, Oklahoma State

Sayre’s pick: Brandon Pettigrew, Tight End, Oklahoma State

 

12. Denver Broncos

Tanner’s pick: Tyson Jackson, Defensive End, LSU

Sayre’s pick: Tyson Jackson, Defensive End, LSU

 

13. Washington Redskins

Tanner’s pick: Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC

Sayre’s pick: Andre Smith, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

 

14. New Orleans Saints

Tanner’s pick: Chris Wells, Running Back, Ohio State

Sayre’s pick: Everette Brown, Defensive End, Florida State

 

 

15. Houston Texans

Tanner’s pick: Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Missouri

Sayre’s pick: Malcolm Jenkins, Defensive Back, Ohio State

 

16. San Diego Chargers

Tanner’s pick: Rey Maualuga, Middle Linebacker, USC

Sayre’s pick: Rey Maualuga, Middle Linebacker, USC

 

17. New York Jets

Tanner’s pick: Josh Freeman, Quarterback, Kansas State

Sayre’s pick: Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Florida

 

 

18. Denver Broncos from Chicago

Tanner’s pick: Brian Cushing, Outside Linebacker, USC

Sayre’s pick: Knowshon Moreno, Running Back, Georgia

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tanner’s pick: Peria Jerry, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Sayre’s pick: Josh Freeman, Quarterback, Kansas State

 

20. Detroit Lions from Dallas

Tanner’s pick: Michael Oher, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Sayre’s pick: Michael Oher, Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Tanner’s pick: Robert Ayers, Defensive End, Tennessee

Sayre’s pick: Chris Wells, Running Back, Ohio State

 

22. Minnesota Vikings

Tanner’s pick: Hakeem Nicks, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

Sayre’s pick: Hakeem Nicks, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

 

23. New England Patriots

Tanner’s pick: Clay Matthews, Outside Linebacker, USC

Sayre’s pick: Brian Cushing, Outside Linebacker, USC

 

24. Atlanta Falcons

Tanner’s pick: Evander “Ziggy” Hood, Defensive Tackle, Missouri

Sayre’s pick: Clay Matthews, Outside Linebacker, USC

 

25. Miami Dolphins

Tanner’s pick: Vontae Davis, Cornerback, Illinois

Sayre’s pick: Vontae Davis, Cornerback, Illinois

 

26. Baltimore Ravens

Tanner’s pick: Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Florida

Sayre’s pick: Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

 

27. Indianapolis Colts

Tanner’s pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver, Maryland

Sayre’s pick: Peria Jerry, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

 

28. Philadelphia Eagles from Carolina

Tanner’s pick: Knowshon Moreno, Running Back, Georgia

Sayre’s pick: Eben Britton, Offensive Tackle, Arizona

 

29. New York Giants

Tanner’s pick: Sean Smith, Defensive Back, Utah

Sayre’s pick: James Laurinaitis, Middle Linebacker, Ohio State

 

30. Tennessee Titans

Tanner’s pick: Michael Johnson, Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech

Sayre’s pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver, Maryland

 

 

31. Arizona Cardinals

Tanner’s pick: Donald Brown, Running Back, Connecticut

Sayre’s pick: Robert Ayers, Defensive End, Tennessee

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers

Tanner’s pick: Alex Mack, Center, California

Sayre’s pick: Darius Butler, Cornerback, Connecticut

Round 2

33. Detroit Lions

Tanner’s pick: Connor Barwin, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Cincinnati

Sayre’s pick: Paul Kruger, Defensive End, Utah

 

34. New England Patriots from Kansas City

Tanner’s pick: Eben Britton, Offensive Tackle, Arizona

Sayre’s pick: Alphonso Smith, Cornerback, Wake Forest

 

35. St. Louis Rams

Tanner’s pick: James Laurinaitis, Middle Linebacker, Ohio State

Sayre’s pick: Clint Sintim, Outside Linebacker, Virginia

 

36. Cleveland Browns

Tanner’s pick: LeSean McCoy, Running Back, Pittsburgh

Sayre’s pick: Donald Brown, Running Back, Connecticut

 

37. Seattle Seahawks

Tanner’s pick: William Moore, Safety, Missouri

Sayre’s pick: LeSean McCoy, Running Back, Pittsburgh

 

38. Cincinnati Bengals

Tanner’s pick: Paul Kruger, Defensive End, Utah

Sayre’s pick: Louis Delmas, Safety, Western Michigan

 

39. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tanner’s pick: Kenny Britt, Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Sayre’s pick: D.J. Moore, Cornerback, Vanderbilt

 

40. Oakland Raiders

Tanner’s pick: William Beatty, Offensive Tackle, Connecticut

Sayre’s pick: Ron Brace, Defensive Tackle, Boston College

 

41. Green Bay Packers

Tanner’s pick: Louis Delmas, Safety, Western Michigan

Sayre’s pick: William Beatty, Offensive Tackle, Connecticut

 

42. Buffalo Bills

Tanner’s pick: Larry English, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Northern Illinois

Sayre’s pick: Michael Johnson, Defensive End, Georgia Tech

 

43. San Francisco 49ers

Tanner’s pick: Jamon Meredith, Offensive Tackle, South Carolina

Sayre’s pick: Alex Mack, Center, California

 

44. Miami Dolphins from Washington

Tanner’s pick: Clint Sintim, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Virginia

Sayre’s pick: Connor Barwin, Defensive End, Cincinnati

 

45. New York Giants from New Orleans

Tanner’s pick: Brian Robiskie, Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Sayre’s pick: Sean Smith, Cornerback/Safety, Utah

 

46. Houston Texans

Tanner’s pick: Alphonso Smith, Cornerback, Wake Forest

Sayre’s pick: William Moore, Safety, Missouri

 

47. New England Patriots from San Diego

Tanner’s pick: Jarron Gilbert, Defensive End, San Jose State

Sayre’s pick: Jarron Gilbert, Defensive End, San Jose State

 

48. Denver Broncos

Tanner’s pick: Coye Francies, Cornerback, San Jose State

Sayre’s pick: Rashad Johnson, Safety, Alabama

 

49. Chicago Bears

Tanner’s pick: Ramses Barden, Wide Receiver, Cal Poly

Sayre’s pick: Derrick Williams, Wide Receiver, Penn State

 

50. Cleveland Browns from Tampa Bay

Tanner’s pick: Patrick Chung, Safety, Oregon

Sayre’s pick: Patrick Chung, Safety, Oregon

 

51. Dallas Cowboys

Tanner’s pick: Pat White, Wide Receiver/Quarterback, West Virginia

Sayre’s pick: Jamon Meredith, Offensive Tackle, South Carolina

 

52. Philadelphia Eagles

Tanner’s pick: Duke Robinson, Guard/Tackle, Oklahoma

Sayre’s pick: Shawn Nelson, Tight End, Southern Miss

 

53. New York Jets

Tanner’s pick: Juaquin Iglesias, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

Sayre’s pick: Duke Robinson, Guard, Oklahoma

 

 

54. Minnesota Vikings

Tanner’s pick: D.J. Moore, Cornerback, Vanderbilt

Sayre’s pick: Max Unger, Center, Oregon

55. Atlanta Falcons

Tanner’s pick: Jared Cook, Tight End, South Carolina

Sayre’s pick: Jared Cook, Tight End, South Carolina

 

56. Miami Dolphins

Tanner’s pick: Louis Murphy, Wide Receiver, Florida

Sayre’s pick: Pat White, Quarterback, West Virginia

 

57. Baltimore Ravens

Tanner’s pick: Fili Moala, Defensive Tackle/Defensive. USC

Sayre’s pick: James Casey, Tight End, Rice

58. New England Patriots

Tanner’s pick: Ron Brace, Defensive Tackle, Boston College

Sayre’s pick: Brandon Tate, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

 

59. Carolina Panthers

Tanner’s pick: Jairus Byrd, Cornerback, Oregon

Sayre’s pick: Conrelius Ingram, Tight End, Florida

60. New York Giants

Tanner’s pick: Rashad Jennings, Running Back, Liberty

Sayre’s pick: Andy Levitre, Guard, Oregon State

 

61. Indianapolis Colts

Tanner’s pick: Marcus Freeman, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State

Sayre’s pick: Jairus Byrd, Cornerback, Oregon

62. Tennessee Titans

Tanner’s pick: Lawrence Sidbury, Defensive End, Richmond

Sayre’s pick: Fili Moala, Defensive Tackle, USC

63. Arizona Cardinals

Tanner’s pick: Eric Wood, Center, Louisville

Sayre’s pick: Shonn Greene, Running Back, Iowa

 

64. Pittsburgh Steelers

Tanner’s pick: Phil Loadholt, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

Sayre’s pick: Eric Wood, Center, Louisville

Round 3

65. Detroit Lions

Tanner’s pick: Chris Baker, Defensive Tackle, Hampton

Sayre’s pick: Chip Vaughn, Safety, Wake Forest

 

66. St. Louis Rams

Tanner’s pick: Keenan Lewis, Cornerback, Oregon State

Sayre’s pick: Brian Robiskie, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

 

67. Kansas City Chiefs

Tanner’s pick: Xavier Fulton, Offensive Tackle, Illinois

Sayre’s pick: Lawrence Sidbury, Defensive End, Richmond

 

68. Seattle Seahawks

Tanner’s pick: Derrick Williams, Wide Receiver, Penn State

Sayre’s pick: Phil Loadholt, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

 

69. Dallas Cowboys from Cleveland

Tanner’s pick: Fenuki Tupou, Offensive Tackle, Oregon

Sayre’s pick: Ramses Barden, Wide Receiver, Cal Poly

 

70. Cincinnati Bengals

Tanner’s pick: Sen’Derrick Marks, Defensive Tackle, Auburn

Sayre’s pick: Coye Francies, Cornerback, San Jose State

 

71. Oakland Raiders

Tanner’s pick: Rashad Johnson, Safety, Alabama

Sayre’s pick: Sebastian Vollmer, Offensive Tackle, Houston

 

72. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tanner’s pick: Ricky Jean-Francois, Defensive Tackle, LSU

Sayre’s pick: Jonathan Luigs, Center, Arkansas

 

73. Green Bay Packers

Tanner’s pick: Troy Kropog, Offensive Tackle, Tulane

Sayre’s pick: Asher Allen, Cornerback, Georgia

 

74. San Francisco 49ers

Tanner’s pick: Derek Pegues, Safety, Mississippi State

Sayre’s pick: Glen Coffee, Running Back, Alabama

 

75. Buffalo Bills

Tanner’s pick: Herman Johnson, Guard, LSU

Sayre’s pick: Troy Kropog, Offensive Tackle, Tulane

 

76. New York Jets from New Orleans

Tanner’s pick: Mike Mickens, Cornerback, Cincinnati

Sayre’s pick: Sen’Derrick Marks, Defensive End, Auburn

 

77. Houston Texans

Tanner’s pick: Andre Brown, Running Back, North Carolina State

Sayre’s pick: Mohamed Massaquoi, Wide Receiver, Georgia

 

78. San Diego Chargers

Tanner’s pick: Javon Ringer, Running Back, Michigan State

Sayre’s pick: Michael Hamlin, Safety, Clemson

 

79. Denver Broncos

Tanner’s pick: Gerald McRath, Middle Linebacker, Southern Miss

Sayre’s pick: Sammie Lee Hill, Defensive Tackle, Stillman

 

80. Washington Redskins

Tanner’s pick: Tyrone McKenzie, Outside Linebacker, South Florida

Sayre’s pick: Cody Brown, Outside Linebacker, Connecticut

 

81. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tanner’s pick: Jarett Dillard, Wide Receiver, Rice

Sayre’s pick: Ricky Jean-Francois, Defensive Tackle, LSU

 

82. Detroit Lions from Dallas

Tanner’s pick: Dannell Ellerbe, Linebacker, Georgia

Sayre’s pick: Louis Murphy, Wide Receiver, Florida

 

83. Green Bay Packers from Jets

Tanner’s pick: Zack Follett, Outside Linebacker, California

Sayre’s pick: David Veikune, Outside Linebacker, Hawaii

 

84. Denver Broncos from Chicago

Tanner’s pick: Nic Harris, Safety, Oklahoma

Sayre’s pick: Mitch King, Defensive End, Iowa

 

85. Philadelphia Eagles

Tanner’s pick: Max Unger, Center, Oregon

Sayre’s pick: Juaquin Iglesias, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

 

86. Minnesota Vikings

Tanner’s pick: Jason Watkins, Offensive Tackle, Florida

Sayre’s pick: Fenuki Tupou, Offensive Tackle, Oregon

 

87. Miami Dolphins

Tanner’s pick: Darry Beckwith, Middle Linebacker, LSU

Sayre’s pick: Jasper Brinkey, Middle Linebacker, South Carolina

 

88. Baltimore Ravens

Tanner’s pick: Frantz Joseph, Middle Linebacker, Florida Atlantic

Sayre’s pick: Jason Phillips, Middle Linebacker, TCU

 

89. New England Patriots

Tanner’s pick: Andy Levitre, Guard, Oregon State

Sayre’s pick: Donald Washington, Cornerback, Ohio State

 

90. Atlanta Falcons

Tanner’s pick: Jonathan Casillas, Outside Linebacker, Wisconsin

Sayre’s pick: Darcel McBath, Safety, Texas Tech

 

91. New York Giants

Tanner’s pick: Victor Harris, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Sayre’s pick: Travis Beckum, Tight End, Wisconsin

 

92. Indianapolis Colts

Tanner’s pick: Shonn Greene, Running Back, Iowa

Sayre’s pick: Marcus Freeman, Outside Linebacker, Iowa State

 

93. Carolina Panthers

Tanner’s pick: Dorell Scott, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

Sayre’s pick: Brooks Foster, Wide Receiver, North Carolina

 

94. Tennessee Titans

Tanner’s pick: Austin Collie, Wide Receiver, BYU

Sayre’s pick: Victor Harris, Cornerback, Virginia Tech

 

95. Arizona Cardinals

Tanner’s pick: Phillip Hunt, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Houston

Sayre’s pick: Jason Watkins, Offensive Tackle, Florida

 

96. Pittsburgh Steelers

Tanner’s pick: Captain Munnerlyn, Cornerback, South Carolina

Sayre’s pick: Tyronne Green, Guard, Auburn

 

97. New England Patriots (Comp)

Tanner’s pick: Chip Vaughn, Safety, Wake Forest

Sayre’s pick: Alex Magee, Defensive Tackle, Purdue

 

98. Cincinnati Bengals (Comp)

Tanner’s pick: James Davis, Running Back, Clemson

Sayre’s pick: Michael Bennett, Defensive End, Texas A&M

 

99. Chicago Bears (Comp)

Tanner’s pick: Brandon Williams, Defensive End, Texas Tech

Sayre’s pick: Augustus Parrish, Offensive Tackle, Kent State

 

100. New York Giants (Comp)

Tanner’s pick: Trevor Canfield, Guard, Cincinnati

Sayre’s pick: Cary Harris, Cornerback, USC

Getting Past the Trade: How the Denver Broncos Can Improve in the Draft

The Broncos’ faithful is split down the middle when it comes to debating whether “The Trade” was in the best interest of the Broncos.

 

Some fans have their strong opinions, while others don’t know whether to place the blame on the shoulders of Jay Cutler, Josh McDaniels, Pat Bowlen, or even Bus Cook.

 

Could the relationship possibly have been salvaged? Could a Cutler-McDaniels duo have dominated in the NFL?

 

No matter your opinion, here’s what you need to realize.

 

It doesn’t matter!

 

The trade happened and there are no “do overs,” no “givesies-backsies” in the NFL. The only thing I’m worried about now is how Denver is going to improve in the draft. With picks No. 12 and 18 in the first round, there are plenty of options available.

 

It’s no secret where they need help. What was once known as the Orange Crush now tastes like Tang.

 

To improve it, they need to devote the draft to strengthening up that watered-down beverage, especially since they’ll be switching to the 3-4 defense.

 

I know many people are in love with the thought of getting Mark Sanchez if he slips that low, but we’ve got a quarterback now. If McDaniels, Bowlen and Brian Xanders didn’t think they could win with Kyle Orton, they wouldn’t have made the trade.

 

Two guys who would be absolute home runs (if you don’t mind me switching sports) would be defensive end Brian Orakpo and defensive tackle B.J. Raji.

 

Orakpo is an athletic defensive end who I think would be able to play good in a 3-4 defense. Raji is hands down the best defensive tackle in the draft, an inside presence the Broncos desperately need.

 

Neither is expected to fall to them in the 12th slot. Mel Kiper’s latest board has BO and B.J. going eighth and ninth, while Todd McShay has them going fifth and ninth, respectively.

 

If either player is still around when the draft nears double digits, the Broncos need to think about moving up a few slots to grab one.

 

The Broncos would have to leapfrog San Francisco and Buffalo (teams that also need defensive ends) if they want to make Orakpo their guy.

 

Another player the Broncos could benefit from is defensive end Aaron Maybin for the same reasons as Orakpo. Maybin, though, is expected to be off the board after the 49ers make their selection in the 10th spot.

 

Getting away from the defensive line, if the Broncos still see Rey Maualuga in the crowd when they’re ready to nab someone at 18, it’d be wise to call him to the podium.

 

He’s described by ESPN.com as being a knock-out artist who will violently explode through ball carriers when given the opportunity.

 

Sounds like someone who can bring the toughness back to the Broncos’ defense that it so desperately needs.

 

It’s a new era in Dove Valley, an era that won’t see Jay Cutler in a Broncos’ uniform and one that desperately needs to add some strength to its Tang.

« Previous Page

BroncosZone Latest

• The Denver Broncos Must Face Their New Reality
• Denver Broncos: The Beginning of a New Era, Or The Beginning of the End?
• Hey Denver, Where’s the Love for Josh McDaniels?
• Josh McDaniels Is the Poster Boy for “Too Much, Too Soon”
• Denver Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall: “I Love Being a Bronco”