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NFL Mock Draft 2009 Draft of 2009 Lacks Star Power NFL Draft 2009: Getting Started Super Bowl Well Worth Tuning In For
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Prospects On Center Stage NBA Preview 2008/09: Final Call
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Grading The Draft By Ron Jumper When it comes to evaluating the NFL Draft, I think it is silly to spend so much time debating whether a team should have drafted this player or that one because we just don’t know what the future holds for each individual prospect. However, we can take a look at what a team needed to improve on going into the draft and whether or not they addressed their weaknesses. For example, if a team has an awful pass defense, wouldn’t it be nice if they drafted a corner or maybe a nice pass rushing defensive end? Another thought is what position your team is in, are you rebuilding or trying to add another piece to put you over the top? With all that in mind, I examined what teams did in terms of meeting their team’s needs.  (Before I get started though, I’m going to pat myself on the back for picking the first 6 picks exact, which Mel Kiper and Todd McShay did not do. As a matter of fact, only 4 of 194 different websites that offered a mock draft had it right. Also, I picked 8 prospects with the team they would end up with, tying Mel Kiper and finishing ahead of McShay’s 7. Surprisingly, Mike Mayock had 12 players picked correctly but I did finish ahead of the rest of the NFL Network crew: Dukes, Kirwan, Carucci, Faulk, and Wilcots.) Pass Defense: If you are one of the 5 worst teams in the league in pass defense, then it might behoove you to address this area with draft picks. Here are the 5 worst pass defenses: 28. Arizona Cardinals 29. Buffalo Bills 30. New Orleans Saints 31. Detroit Lions 32. Minnesota Vikings The Cardinals drafted a corner in the first round (Rodgers-Cromartie) and a pass rusher in the second round (Calais Campbell), so they addressed their needs in terms of improving their pass defense. The Bills drafted 3 corners, including first rounder Leodis McKelvin. They also drafted situational pass rusher Chris Ellis, so they certainly made an effort to improve their pass defense. The Saints traded up to draft DT Sedrick Ellis and he should be a nice addition to their pass rush. In the second round, they took CB Tracy Porter, who is a little undersized for man coverage but should at least provide depth. The Lions didn’t make any attempt to improve their pass defense, as they reached on OT Gosder Cherilus in the first round and OLB Jordan Dizon in the second. What did you really expect? This is the Lions we are talking about. The Vikings traded away the bulk of their draft to get Jared Allen, who led the NFL in sacks last season. In the second round, they took S Tyrell Johnson. It is safe to say they are trying to improve their pass defense. In conclusion, 4 of the 5 attempted to improve their pass defense. We’ll see if those 4 teams draft efforts pay any dividends when the regular season gets underway. Rush Defense: 28. Kansas City Chiefs 29. New York Jets 30. Denver Broncos 31. Oakland Raiders 32. Miami Dolphins The Chiefs needed help virtually everywhere, so they took players at all different positions. However, they did take DT Glenn Dorsey and he should really help inside when it comes to stopping the run. The Jets didn’t really address their rush defense, as Gholston is more of a pass rusher and could play either DE or OLB in the 3-4. The Broncos made no effort to address their rush defense, as they have had needs along the d-line for some time now. The Raiders decided to forget all of their needs and take McFadden in the first round. It is certainly a roll of the dice by Oakland, as they have a large amount of money invested in JaMarcus Russell and DMAC. Personally, I’m just not sold that either will have a great career. The Dolphins were awful in all facets of the game so they really could have gone in any direction. They did take DE Phillip Merling, who is known more for his ability to stop the run than rush the passer. In conclusion, no one made a dedicated effort to solidify their run defense but, in my opinion, the Chiefs did take the best defensive lineman in the draft so they should improve in that department. Pass Offense: 28. Minnesota Vikings 29. Carolina Panthers 30. Buffalo Bills 31. Oakland Raiders 32. San Francisco 49ers The Vikings signed Bernard Berrian to a lucrative deal, so I suspect they are planning on using him to attack down the field. They drafted John David Booty in the 5th round, which is a solid value. The Panthers didn’t draft a WR or QB, but they did draft 3 offensive lineman. Jonathon Stewart has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and TE Gary Barnidge is definitely a pass-catching TE. The Bills drafted James Hardy in the second round, as he provides a big, possession receiver for them. I had Hardy as my top wide receiver in this class, so we’ll see how this plays out. As I said before, the Raiders threw needs out the window and took McFadden. The 49ers hired Mike Martz as offensive coordinator, so they should improve in the passing game because of the new scheme. However, they should have continued to draft weapons for Alex Smith to utilize. In conclusion, it was once again the Vikings and Bills that addressed their needs. It will be interesting to see if this leads to success on the field this coming season. Rush Offense 28. New Orleans Saints 29. Arizona Cardinals 30. Chicago Bears 31. Detroit Lions 32. Kansas City Chiefs With Deuce McCallister becoming more and more injury prone and Bush unlikely to be an every down back, you can’t help but wonder when they will address this issue. They didn’t address their offensive line or take a fullback/h-back/tight end either. The Cardinals also have an aging running back in Edgerin James, but they devoted their draft picks to solidifying their pass defense. The Bears took an offensive lineman in the first round, but Williams is more of a pass-blocker than a dominant run-blocker. They did get RB Matt Forte in the second round, as I think he could be a solid NFL back. The Lions did okay here, as they took Cherilus as a run-blocking OT and RB Kevin Smith in the 3rd round. However, Rashard Mendenhall was right there for the taking. The Chiefs already have their man at running back in Larry Johnson, but they did take OG Brandon Albert to open up more holes for him. In conclusion, the Bears and Chiefs made themselves better, while the rest didn’t get the most value out of their draft picks. Super Bowl Contenders: New England Patriots The Patriots need help at linebacker and Mayo fits their system perfectly. He should be able to play early as well. They also drafted CB Terrance Wheatley and OLB Shawn Crable in rounds 2 and 3, so they made improving their defense a priority. Indianapolis Colts The Colts wanted to add depth on the interior of their o-line and add another tight end. They did just that, as they drafted 3 centers and 2 tight ends. San Diego Chargers I didn’t really understand any of the Charger’s draft picks, as they didn’t need another corner nor a 'tweener back like Jacob Hester. Had they taken a wideout in the first round, they could have added more fire power to keep up with the Colts and Patriots. Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys went after their two biggest needs: RB and CB. They got a perfect compliment to Marion Barber with Felix Jones and, in my opinion, the best corner in the draft in Mike Jenkins. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars went all in when they traded up to draft DE Derrick Harvey. If he pans out, it is all good but, if not, they basically wasted this draft. They felt they needed a stronger pass rush in order to win a Super Bowl and, while I don’t necessarily agree, they got another nice DE prospect in Quentin Groves so hopefully they will improve their pass rush. Pittsburgh Steelers The Steelers added firepower by drafting RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed, as they needed a couple more playmakers in order to keep up with the rest of the AFC. Green Bay Packers While I’m sure a lot of you think I’m generous by having the Packers in this category, I still think they can compete in the NFC. That being said, they added depth at multiple positions with this balanced draft, as well as an insurance policy (Brian Brohm) if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t pan out. New York Giants The Giants added depth all along the back seven of that defense, as they drafted 2 linebackers, a corner, and a safety in the first five rounds. The strength of their defense, in my opinion, lies along that defensive line with Umenyiora, Kiwanuka, Justin Tuck, and possibly Michael Strahan so this seems like a smart way to go.  April 30, 2008 |
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Be Careful What You Wish For
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Jumpology: My Bracket Jumpology: Scouting The Heavyweights Jumpology: Reviewing The Bracket
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