Everyone knows that successful teams are built through the draft. A front office that doesn't screw up the draft is the best asset a team can have and while the first round certainly contains star power, the key to a successful draft is what happens after the first round. Whether its grabbing the quarterback of the future or grabbing some missing pieces on the cheap, finding value after the first round is vital to success in the NFL. Here is a guy at each position that may not go in the first round but you should be happy to see donning your team's uniform.
Kirk Cousins QB Michigan State
Projecting quarterbacks could be the most difficult job that an NFL scout has. For every Peyton Manning or Drew Brees there are a half a dozen Ryan Leaf's, Akili Smith's, Tim Couch's or JaMarcus Russels. Basically, when it comes to quarterbacks it truly is an inexact science. Every year GM's and scouts fall in love with athleticism and arm strength. Both happen to be Cousins weakness. A starter in 39 games in a pro-style offense as a Spartan, Cousins does have smarts and accuracy. In Cousins, a team is getting a guy that can come in and be a dependable backup right away. While quarterbacks like Nick Foles and Brock Osweiler have the impressive size and arm strength, Cousins is a proven leader who could develop nicely after a few years as a back up.
Bernard Pierce RB Temple
There is only one runningback in this class guaranteed to go in the first and that is Trent Richardson from Alabama so going with Lamar Miller, Doug Martin or David Wilson here really isn't all that outlandish. A player being overlooked is Bernard Pierce from Temple. In today's NFL, runningback-by-committee is the way to go, if Pierce goes to the right team he could contribute to a committee right away. Pierce is a tough runner with good size at 6-foot and 218 pounds, Pierce rushed for 53 touchdowns in his career at Temple. He has shown that he is able to carry a heavy workload even though he probably won't be asked to at the NFL level. The downside to Pierce is that he has little to no ball skills catching the ball out of the backfield. He has 19 career receptions in three years at Temple but in the right backfield he won't be asked to do be a receiver. Pierce would make a good short-yardage back and around the goalline, possibly as a handcuff to an established back like Darren McFadden in Oakland.
Bradie Ewing FB Wisconsin
The fullback is a dying position in the NFL so it would be surprising to see any full back taken before the fourth round but for teams looking for a solid lead blocker Ewing is their man. Fullbacks are a runningback's best friend and still are able to make a great impact on the running game as the Texans and Ravens have shown commonly utilizing the fullback to lead the way for Arian Foster and Ray Rice respectively. Wisconsin consistently has had one of the best rushing attacks in college football and Ewing has been a big part of that.
Tommy Streeter WR Miami
This wide receiver class is pretty deep with a few first round prospects and a few second round prospects so it is easy to see why Streeter has flown under the radar. Streeter's production at Miami was not all that great (46 rec 811 yards 8 touchdowns) and he probably could have used another year at Miami but the potential is there. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds Streeter has the long build that can have success in the NFL and with a 4.40 forty time, he has the straight line speed. Streeter's biggest issue is his ability to create separation with his routes. Streeter would make a great late round addition because route running can be taught and with his large frame and speed the raw talent is there for him to develop into a decent red zone threat a la Plaxico Burress.
Ladarius Green TE Louisiana Lafayette
Unlike the fullback position, the tight end position has evolved and every team will be looking for the next Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham. This may result in Ladarius Green being a bit overrated, but for now he continues to be rated well below the top prospects at the position. Green has decent size but will definitely need to add on some bulk if he wants to stay on the field in running situations (6-foot-5 238 pounds). However, what is intriguing about Green is his pass catching ability and athleticism. Green ran a 4.53 forty and is a rangy pass catcher that could split out occasionally to create matchup problems. He was an integral part of Lafayette's offense and one of the reasons for their successful campaign last year.
Zebrie Sanders OT Florida State
The biggest concern with Sanders is that he isn't physically dominant. What Sanders does bring to the table is versatility. Sanders was a mainstay on Florida State's offensive line for three years and was able to switch from the right to left side seamlessly throughout his time there. While there are certainly more physically imposing tackles ahead of Sanders, an NFL weight room should help and some of them don't have the footwork that Sanders possesses to at least be a stop-gap as a left tackle. Sanders may not be a franchise blindside protector like a Matt Kalil or Joe Thomas but the ability to play both tackle positions and be a consistent starter is extremely valuable and that is what Sanders brings to the table.
Ryan Miller OG Colorado
In the later rounds, it is rare to find a guy that is going to start right away along the offensive line. In Miller, you are getting a guy that can be formed into a good "utility" lineman. At 6-foot-7 and 321 pounds he's a guy that plays guard in a tackles body. Miller doesn't excel at any one area of the game and is an average blocker both in the run and passing game. However, Miller's coaches rave about his strength and conditioning and his work ethic. Miller isn't going to be a starter right off the bat and it is uncertain if he will ever develop into a starter but a high-character guy with that kind of versatility is the kind of player you find on rosters that win. Definitely a nice late round addition.
Michael Brewster C Ohio State
After Peter Konz from Wisconsin, this class isn't high on centers. Brewster may just be the best of the rest despite being ranked just inside the top 5 by most publications. Brewster possesses good size and is one of the bigger prospects at the position at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds. A three year starter at Ohio State, Brewster is experienced with making calls at the line which is important for centers to be able to at the NFL level. Brewster is by no means a star but in a shallow class he has more promise than most at the position due to his experience at Ohio State and size.
Chandler Jones DE Syracuse
Ok, as a huge fan of Jon Jones, I'm a bit biased here. Chandler is the younger brother of Jon Jones, the current light heavyweight champion of the UFC and the best athlete the sport of MMA has ever seen. Their older brother Art Jones, currently plays for the Baltimore Ravens so its clear that Jones' DNA is an advantage for him. Bloodlines aside, Jones is a tremendous athlete who should be able to rush the passer for years to come. Doesn't have the bulk to play as a full-time DE yet, but could make the transition to OLB on a 3-4 team or just put on the bulk needed to play well against the run. An impressive 6-foot-5 247 pound frame is enhanced by the fact that he has long arms that will help him ward off opposing tackles in space. Jones is one of those players whose stock would be higher if he hadn't suffered an injury at Syracuse but despite missing five games due to an injury in the first game of the season Jones' was able to have a productive campaign. He has the potential to produce like his first round counterparts but will be available in round 2.
Mike Martin DT Michigan
Martin is the perfect example of how measurable and combine results often overshadow game film and intangibles come draft time. While scouts drool over the potential of behemoths with great workout numbers, a team is going to get a solid contributor who brings it every play when they draft Martin. Martin lacks the prototypical size of an NFL DT but his motor is undeniable and his experience as a four year starter in different defensive fronts offers a pretty impressive library of game tape. Martin was the kind of defensive tackle that coaches had to gameplan around and while he won't be that disruptive force in the NFL he's the kind of guy that you want on your team because you know he's going to go hard, every play. That kind of motor is precious at a position that is know to have its fair share of loafers.
Demario Davis OLB Arkansas State
While most of the outside linebacker love is focused on the 3-4 variety who consistently wreak havoc on the quarterback and are the lynchpins of their defense, the 4-3 outside linebacker is becoming a more important position as tight ends continue to grow as a position to create mismatches with. An outside linebacker like Davis will be able to be drafted late and his potential in pass coverage is what makes him an interesting prospect. At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Davis' frame isn't anything to write home about but he possesses great range sideline to sideline and has produced good numbers over a three year career at Arkansas State. Davis' athleticism makes him a good candidate to contribute on special teams while he develops as a linebacker giving him good value in the later rounds.
Bobby Wagner ILB Utah State
While Luke Kuechly and Dont'a Hightower are clearly one and two at inside linebacker, there's a whole lot to like about Bobby Wagner as a valuable pick well after those two are off the board. Wagner was a four year starter at Utah State and was the anchor for the Aggie defense as he racked up over 100 tackles in three of those four seasons. Wagner racked up 147 tackles his final season and has shown that he can be a threat on blitzes and in pass coverage with 4.5 sacks and 2 interceptions. Wagner is a solid tackler that would make a solid contributor on most defenses down the road.
Brandon Boykin CB Georgia
Boykin is one of those players that has so many tools and positives that are seemingly outweighed by one con: his size. At 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, his size certainly is a concern but it may be hurting his stock too much in the long run. The fact is Boykin has great cover skills and having played in the SEC, he has shown that he can cover larger recievers such as Alshon Jeffrey and Rueben Randle. Boykin offers a corner with solid ball skills and the ability to cover and would make a great nickel back where he can cover the slot receivers. Boykin also offers returning skills and had a part in Georgia's offense. Versatility always boosts value.
George Iloka S Boise State
Taylor Mays aside, it isn't too often that a safety comes around that has the size of a linebacker and the speed of a cornerback. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds with a 4.6 forty, Iloka is that kind of player. Unlike Mays, Iloka has the ball skills to make a good safety in the NFL. Despite not having too many interceptions at Boise, Iloka is solid in coverage and has the size and athleticism to cover tight ends. Iloka needs to become more physical to match his tools but he is a great strong safety prospect who can come up and play in the box against the run. Iloka is definitely worth a look and could start early in his career.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
NFL Draft 2012: The Cleveland Browns MUST Take Trent Richardson at Number Four
With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching (ok so it's still like a month away), everyone seems to have an opinion as to who "this" team or "that" team needs. For the Cleveland Browns, there are a lot of needs.
Far be it for me to tell Mike Holmgren or Tom Heckert how to put together a team, their resumes speak for themselves. Holmgren is one of a few coaches to take two franchises to a super bowl as a head coach and has always been heavily involved with personnel choices. Heckert was a major player in putting together a team in Philadelphia that went to four straight conference championship games.
That kind of success doesn't come by accident, so they deserve some patience when it comes to their decisions. If Mike Holmgren could make the Seahawks winners, he can make the Browns winners.
That being said, the Browns must take Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the draft.
The arguments against Richardson have some validity:
Runningbacks just aren't worth top ten picks anymore
We have bigger needs
Justin Blackmon/Morris Claiborne would be better
All of those arguments hold water, I've even used some of those arguments against taking Richardson. Ultimately here's why Richardson is the best choice.
Runningbacks just aren't worth top ten picks anymore
Over the last five years, this has been true. Runningbacks taken in the first round of the draft during that time frame include the likes of Mark Ingram, Jahvid Best, C.J. Spiller, Donald Brown, Felix Jones, Jonathon Stewart and Knowshon Moreno. While these guys haven't been superstars and perhaps wouldn't have been taken in the first round in a re-draft, Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden would certainly be top ten picks.
Richardson is that good. Runningbacks like Richardson don't come around every year. He isn't the top runninback by default and he has consistently produced in college. Even when backing up last year's lone runningback taken in the first round it was clear that Richardson is special.
Richardson is able to run with both power and speed. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and is already a polished blocker who played in a pro-style offense in college. He is ready to take over from day one and be the focal point of the offense.
For an anemic offense like the Browns. That is definitely worthy of their top pick.
We have bigger needs
This one is sort of a blanket statement and its true. The Browns still have a ton of needs all over the field. A second corner, another linebacker, help along the offensive line and a wide receiver come to mind but the biggest need the Browns have is an offensive identity.
When was the last time the Browns had a bonafide star on the offensive side of the ball?
Take your time....
Time's up.
The answer?
Not since they came back. Cleveland is so desperate for a star that we acted like Mike Alstott 2.0 could carry an NFL offense after literally having one productive season. We're so desperate for an offensive star that we pretend Josh Cribbs is a star.
While Hillis and Cribbs are decent pieces, they are just that, pieces. On any other team those players are role players, definitely not studs. In Trent Richardson, Cleveland would have their first legitimate star player that would start for more than half of the teams in the NFL, filling Cleveland's biggest need.
Justin Blackmon/Morris Claiborne would be better
When the Browns are finally on the clock in April, their choices will likely come down to Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne or Trent Richardson. I've heard arguments for all three of these guys, and any of them would be filling an obvious need for years to come. The thing to remember is that the draft is all about value.
The gap between Blackmon and Michael Floyd? Not as large as originally anticipated.
Morris Claiborne and Janoris Jenkins? You are getting a solid starter either way and Haden is already cover corner number one.
The gap between Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller? The Grand Canyon. Night and Day.
This draft has plenty of receivers who could team up with Greg Little to form a formidable duo for years to come. There are plenty of corners that could team up with Joe Haden that will be available at 22 or 37 if the Browns choose to go that route. How many runningbacks in this draft can carry an offense? One, and that's something to get excited about.
Far be it for me to tell Mike Holmgren or Tom Heckert how to put together a team, their resumes speak for themselves. Holmgren is one of a few coaches to take two franchises to a super bowl as a head coach and has always been heavily involved with personnel choices. Heckert was a major player in putting together a team in Philadelphia that went to four straight conference championship games.
That kind of success doesn't come by accident, so they deserve some patience when it comes to their decisions. If Mike Holmgren could make the Seahawks winners, he can make the Browns winners.
That being said, the Browns must take Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the draft.
The arguments against Richardson have some validity:
Runningbacks just aren't worth top ten picks anymore
We have bigger needs
Justin Blackmon/Morris Claiborne would be better
All of those arguments hold water, I've even used some of those arguments against taking Richardson. Ultimately here's why Richardson is the best choice.
Runningbacks just aren't worth top ten picks anymore
Over the last five years, this has been true. Runningbacks taken in the first round of the draft during that time frame include the likes of Mark Ingram, Jahvid Best, C.J. Spiller, Donald Brown, Felix Jones, Jonathon Stewart and Knowshon Moreno. While these guys haven't been superstars and perhaps wouldn't have been taken in the first round in a re-draft, Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden would certainly be top ten picks.
Richardson is that good. Runningbacks like Richardson don't come around every year. He isn't the top runninback by default and he has consistently produced in college. Even when backing up last year's lone runningback taken in the first round it was clear that Richardson is special.
Richardson is able to run with both power and speed. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and is already a polished blocker who played in a pro-style offense in college. He is ready to take over from day one and be the focal point of the offense.
For an anemic offense like the Browns. That is definitely worthy of their top pick.
We have bigger needs
This one is sort of a blanket statement and its true. The Browns still have a ton of needs all over the field. A second corner, another linebacker, help along the offensive line and a wide receiver come to mind but the biggest need the Browns have is an offensive identity.
When was the last time the Browns had a bonafide star on the offensive side of the ball?
Take your time....
Time's up.
The answer?
Not since they came back. Cleveland is so desperate for a star that we acted like Mike Alstott 2.0 could carry an NFL offense after literally having one productive season. We're so desperate for an offensive star that we pretend Josh Cribbs is a star.
While Hillis and Cribbs are decent pieces, they are just that, pieces. On any other team those players are role players, definitely not studs. In Trent Richardson, Cleveland would have their first legitimate star player that would start for more than half of the teams in the NFL, filling Cleveland's biggest need.
Justin Blackmon/Morris Claiborne would be better
When the Browns are finally on the clock in April, their choices will likely come down to Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne or Trent Richardson. I've heard arguments for all three of these guys, and any of them would be filling an obvious need for years to come. The thing to remember is that the draft is all about value.
The gap between Blackmon and Michael Floyd? Not as large as originally anticipated.
Morris Claiborne and Janoris Jenkins? You are getting a solid starter either way and Haden is already cover corner number one.
The gap between Trent Richardson and Lamar Miller? The Grand Canyon. Night and Day.
This draft has plenty of receivers who could team up with Greg Little to form a formidable duo for years to come. There are plenty of corners that could team up with Joe Haden that will be available at 22 or 37 if the Browns choose to go that route. How many runningbacks in this draft can carry an offense? One, and that's something to get excited about.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Cleveland Browns Free Agency 2012: Why Remaining Conservative is The Right Choice
As a Cleveland Browns fan, the NFL free agency period never really lives up to expectation.
Whether it is the total lack of interest in the elite players available or the complete whiffing on the players the organization does go after (I'm looking at you Jeff Garcia). Free agency has not been kind to the Browns.
That's why, as frustrating as it may be, the Browns must remain conservative when it comes to free agency.
This isn't to say they should completely abstain from spending ANY money, they could definitely fill a few holes and pick up some good talent while remaining frugal but breaking the bank for anyone in this year's class would be a detrimental error.
At this point, going after any of the big names in this year's class (Mario Williams, Vincent Jackson, Peyton Manning, etc.) is just going to slow down what the front office is working to build.
Free agency is for teams that are one or two pieces away. Cleveland is not of those teams.
Adding a big name free agent would be like putting a 72" flat screen HD TV in your living room when you have a leaky roof, broken windows and water damaged floorboards. Big price free agents are for those with mansions.
Ask Redskin fans how building your team through free agency works.
While winning now would be nice, the Browns must realize they are in the best shape they've ever been in since the comeback in '99.
We finally have a front office run by a proven winner. This front office has shown that they deserve the trust of the fans. They have yet to make any truly boneheaded moves and are finally providing a blueprint for success. This front office has done a solid job of drafting, nabbing multiple starters in each draft.
We have one of the best young defenses in the NFL with identifiable needs (another edge rusher, a second cover corner and a linebacker) and a solid offensive line. We still have some broken windows, but we've patched up the roof. Armed with three picks in the first 37 picks of the draft you can be confident that we will get three consistent starters with those three picks (without fear of a Chaun Thompson pick).
So while the Browns may not make it to the playoffs next year, signing a Vincent Jackson or a Mario Williams is not going to change that. Instead they should hold onto their 15 million available dollars, secure their draft picks and allow this front office to continue building their foundation through the draft because they're building a mansion and mansions take time.
Whether it is the total lack of interest in the elite players available or the complete whiffing on the players the organization does go after (I'm looking at you Jeff Garcia). Free agency has not been kind to the Browns.
That's why, as frustrating as it may be, the Browns must remain conservative when it comes to free agency.
This isn't to say they should completely abstain from spending ANY money, they could definitely fill a few holes and pick up some good talent while remaining frugal but breaking the bank for anyone in this year's class would be a detrimental error.
At this point, going after any of the big names in this year's class (Mario Williams, Vincent Jackson, Peyton Manning, etc.) is just going to slow down what the front office is working to build.
Free agency is for teams that are one or two pieces away. Cleveland is not of those teams.
Adding a big name free agent would be like putting a 72" flat screen HD TV in your living room when you have a leaky roof, broken windows and water damaged floorboards. Big price free agents are for those with mansions.
Ask Redskin fans how building your team through free agency works.
While winning now would be nice, the Browns must realize they are in the best shape they've ever been in since the comeback in '99.
We finally have a front office run by a proven winner. This front office has shown that they deserve the trust of the fans. They have yet to make any truly boneheaded moves and are finally providing a blueprint for success. This front office has done a solid job of drafting, nabbing multiple starters in each draft.
We have one of the best young defenses in the NFL with identifiable needs (another edge rusher, a second cover corner and a linebacker) and a solid offensive line. We still have some broken windows, but we've patched up the roof. Armed with three picks in the first 37 picks of the draft you can be confident that we will get three consistent starters with those three picks (without fear of a Chaun Thompson pick).
So while the Browns may not make it to the playoffs next year, signing a Vincent Jackson or a Mario Williams is not going to change that. Instead they should hold onto their 15 million available dollars, secure their draft picks and allow this front office to continue building their foundation through the draft because they're building a mansion and mansions take time.
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