2009 NFL Draft Thread (aka Excel & Norman's personal b**ch and moan thread)

[Kaiser]

I love my Bengals draft choices. I wanted Rey Maualuga in the first but we got him anyway in the second. I couldn't believe that when I saw it! I can't wait to purchase his jersey. Him and Rivers are going to be beast. Rey is going to bring that attitude to the defense that we haven't had sense Odell Thurman.

Andre Smith
Rey Maualuga
Micheal Johnson
Chase Coffman
Johnathan Luigs
Kevin Huber

That is solid!!! I wish I would have renewed my tickets now. LOL!

 

[Spider-Fan]

I'm going to wait and see on the Browns draft. Nothing sexy, and I'm guessing they are still looking to deal Braylon. Upside, they got a young offense around Quinn, and if they can maybe draft a RB next season, the unit may solidify (assuming their picks develop). Downside, I still feel the Browns secondary is weak and our LBs don't support the 3-4 yet.

But I didn't expect them to compete for the division next season anyway. I just hope they're getting those essential pieces so they can in 2-3 years.

 

[StorminNorman]

I love my Bengals draft choices. I wanted Rey Maualuga in the first but we got him anyway in the second. I couldn't believe that when I saw it! I can't wait to purchase his jersey. Him and Rivers are going to be beast. Rey is going to bring that attitude to the defense that we haven't had sense Odell Thurman.

Andre Smith
Rey Maualuga
Micheal Johnson
Chase Coffman
Johnathan Luigs
Kevin Huber

That is solid!!! I wish I would have renewed my tickets now. LOL!

The Bengals may have locked up the most talent in the draft. My fear is the one everyone has though - character.

I think Cinci was the best place for Maualuga - not only does his arrival mean that Dehani is free to travel the globe as much as he wants, but he reunites with a high character guy in Rivers - hopefully his leadership will keep Rey from being an idiot. You mention the attitude that left with Odell Thurman - it's that same attitude that kept Thurman from lasting more than a year.

Smith, Maualuga, Johnson and Coffman - no one doubts the talents these guys bring, but there are also major question marks that must be addressed. Will Andre Smith grow up, be a man and handle his business? Will Rey be a decent human being? Will Johnson care? Will Coffman be healthy?

If they score on three of those four - their draft a fantastic.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Who won the mock draft competition?

 

[StorminNorman]

I'm on the road right now, I will give the result when I return to my home computer - either tomm night or the following afternoon.

 

[Dark Donnie]

Loved what The Eagles did in the draft. Also loved The Packers, Giants, Bengals and The Pats. I thought those teams were the clear winners. The Raiders, Browns and Cowboys made some questionable picks IMO.

 

[RAMORE]

Damn Bucs trade up to get Josh (bust) Freeman

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

StorminNorman's Winners (I will have full Draft Grades/Analysis soon)

Winners

1. Detroit - Not only did they draft Matthew Stafford, they followed that by taking the best Tight End and Safety in the draft. Detroit needs to start looking towards the future they have with their trinity of Stafford-Smith-Johnson, and Pettigrew is a pick that helps all three of those players. I am confused by their first third round pick (reminds me too much of Dizon), but Zack Follett is a player I love.

2. Giants - It's really not fair. The Giants get arguably the second most polished WR in the draft, a franchise quality left tackle and a redzone threat. I love every pick they made - the only reason I have Detroit ranked higher is that a bad team can always be helped more in the draft than an elite team.

3. Chicago - If anyone thought the Bears mortgaged the future in getting Cutler, they proved them wrong. They had a fantastic draft in spite of the fact they didn't draft until the third round. They scored 3 arguable first day talents in Gilbert, Moore and Iglesais. Marcus Freeman is a linebacker I really like from Ohio State.

Losers
1. Tampa Bay - They picked Josh Freeman. Not only that, they traded up to get Josh Freeman. Not only that, a team wanted to trade up to 19 - and they missed out on such a trade...because they took Josh Freeman. I can understand them taking Freeman, I really can - if you identify a franchise QB, you take him...period. That's not my problem. My problem is that the Tampa Buccaneers front office people are clearly idiots. There is no other way of putting it. Tampa's move indicates they believed Denver would take Josh Freeman. Denver had no interest in Freeman. Hell, after taking Moreno at 12, they had no ability to take Freeman. The funny thing is that I actually like some of their picks like Roy Miller - but such a first round move is so astronomically stupid that it's irrelevant.

2. Cowboys - Raise your hand if you had heard of anyone from their draft class besides Stephen McGee?



That's what I thought.

3. New York Jets - Congrats, you got the Draft's golden child. Where are you going from here? I understand Mark Sanchez has the charisma to make Dan Snyder wet himself - but unless the Jets plan on using that silky smooth tongue to convince Arizona to give them Boldin that's really not going to help much. People want to know why teams bust on QB's? It's because they sell their draft to take a quarterback who has more charisma than he does experience. Sanchez played 16 games in college. 16. And he didn't even play well in all 16. After trading so much for Sanchez, he is under more pressure to start Day 1 than Stafford is - and he is far less prepared to do so. And even if Sanchez was a seasoned veteran...what weapons does he have around him? His running back group consists of a 30 year old holdout and a kick returner. His receivers corps ends at Cotchery.

Sanchez has the tools to be a fantastic QB in this league - but he needs to sit and learn before he does so. The Jets are a team built to win now. By the time Sanchez is ready to win...will parts like Fanica, Jenkins, Jones, etc. still be on the roster?

I agree with pretty much everything you've written here. The Lions took Levy in the 3rd round because he'll be a MLB who hits like a truck. I dont see the Jordon Dizon comparison. Dizon is undersized, and although he has a big heart, isnt a punishing type LB.

I love my Bengals draft choices. I wanted Rey Maualuga in the first but we got him anyway in the second. I couldn't believe that when I saw it! I can't wait to purchase his jersey. Him and Rivers are going to be beast. Rey is going to bring that attitude to the defense that we haven't had sense Odell Thurman.

Andre Smith
Rey Maualuga
Micheal Johnson
Chase Coffman
Johnathan Luigs
Kevin Huber

That is solid!!! I wish I would have renewed my tickets now. LOL!

As a huge fan of USC, I did like Maualuga but I think the expectations some have of him for the NFL is a bit unreasonable. I laughed a bit when I saw that some people had him pegged to go as high as 13th or 15th overall.

Rey was a solid player with a lot of heart, but I think too many people see him and try to project him to be the next Polamalu, i guess because he played for USc and is Polynesian. He's a completely different player. Although he posted impressive tackle numbers, he still missed on his fair share, more than Carroll was happy with. He also had issues when Carroll would call defensive plays. At times, the calls made absolutely no sense, and the team succeeded solely off of ability on the defense. His issues further came to light when he absolutely tanked the Wonderlic test. Cushing was really the glue that held that defense together and to a lesser extent CM Jr. That's largely the reason they went so far ahead of him. I think the fact that the Pats who were in dire need of an LB passed on Rey twice should tell you a lot about how some teams view him. I think best case scenario he winds up being a Boss Bailey type at the NFL level.

 

[Kaiser]

I agree with pretty much everything you've written here. The Lions took Levy in the 3rd round because he'll be a MLB who hits like a truck. I dont see the Jordon Dizon comparison. Dizon is undersized, and although he has a big heart, isnt a punishing type LB.



As a huge fan of USC, I did like Maualuga but I think the expectations some have of him for the NFL is a bit unreasonable. I laughed a bit when I saw that some people had him pegged to go as high as 13th or 15th overall.

Rey was a solid player with a lot of heart, but I think too many people see him and try to project him to be the next Polamalu, i guess because he played for USc and is Polynesian. He's a completely different player. Although he posted impressive tackle numbers, he still missed on his fair share, more than Carroll was happy with. He also had issues when Carroll would call defensive plays. At times, the calls made absolutely no sense, and the team succeeded solely off of ability on the defense. His issues further came to light when he absolutely tanked the Wonderlic test. Cushing was really the glue that held that defense together and to a lesser extent CM Jr. That's largely the reason they went so far ahead of him. I think the fact that the Pats who were in dire need of an LB passed on Rey twice should tell you a lot about how some teams view him. I think best case scenario he winds up being a Boss Bailey type at the NFL level.

The Pats passing on him doesn't tell me ish. They didn't work him out. I don't care what the knacks are against him he is going to bring an intensity and attitude that this defense hasn't had for a while. I can't wait till September 27th. Rivers and Maualuga are going to be head hunting Ward.

 

[BlackLantern]

I heard this morning that a Houston draft pick said he would hold out if Houston didn't promise to not frachise him....can anyone help me out on who it was or if it's true?

 

[Dark Donnie]

^^^^You be thinking of Dunta Robinson. He was drafted a few years back though. He's threatening to sit out games.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

I heard this morning that a Houston draft pick said he would hold out if Houston didn't promise to not frachise him....can anyone help me out on who it was or if it's true?

I dont think that's possible. It's in the CBA that teams can apply a franchise tag to players provided they pay them a certain amount, and I dont believe players can sign contracts that change that since it's collectively bargained for.

 

[BlackLantern]

I dont think that's possible. It's in the CBA that teams can apply a franchise tag to players provided they pay them a certain amount, and I dont believe players can sign contracts that change that since it's collectively bargained for.

I've also been hearing that players are putting into their contracts that the organization can not franchise them....is that some sort of loophole being exploited?

 

[Dark Donnie]

Some players have had that written into there contract....Haynesworth comes to mind.

 

[Excel]

The Pats passing on him doesn't tell me ish.

Given that New Englands biggest need was LB and they passed on him multiple times should tell you something. NE is a team that doesnt even consider knocks against aplyers; they just put the players in situation where they can do what they do well. The fact that they didnt even work out Maualuga should tell you they found serious flaws in his game.

 

[Dark Donnie]

Did he flunk the wonderlic? One of the guys on NFL Network said intelligence played a big part with why he fell.

 

[Excel]

Top 5 Instant Impact:
1. Detroit Lions; they have a QB of the future though I dont know about his "instant" impact as he'll likely sit behind Culpepper for atleast a little bit. Should the season be a disaster ala 2008 I doubt he played at all. However Pettigrew is a future pro bowler and Delmas is a stud.

2. Green Bay Packers: they already have a high octane offense; they needed the nose guard in Raji and got the LB in Matthews to legitimaize their defense.

3. Philadelphia Eagles: Maclin is more of a luxury pick if you consider McNabb has/can throw for 25 touchdowns and 240 yards+ per game with just about anybody. However, Maclin may just be the missing link to the offense. The more playmakers the better, no doubt. LeSean McCoy takes instant pressure of Westbrook and is a perfect fit for the phily offense.

4. Houston Texans: Solid offense already and added to studs in Barwin and Cushing to defense. Barwin and Williams will be a brutal pass rushing duo and Cushing was arguably the best linebacker in the draft.

5. Arizona Cardinals: this is souly for the Beanie Wells pick. Hes a perfect fit for them and will be a monster here. The lanes Fitz, Boldin, and Breaston will open up for him will be enormous and he attacks the los better than anybody in the past few years. Wells is going to be a MONSTER in Arizona.

Top 5 Set for Future
1. New England Patriots: Continued to add defensive studs on defense while garnering 2 more 2nd round picks fo rnext years very depp draft class. Chung is a perfect compliment for Meriweather, Butleris a stud CB and Tate was talent-wise, the steal of the draft. Everybody forgets prior to his injury Brandon Tate, and not Hakeem Nicks, was supposed to be the big NC wr.

2. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks is a Dwayne Bowe clone who should have a instant imapct, but could be a #1 for years. Barden is a huge prospect but an enormous redzone weapon if taught properly. Sintim and Beatty were excellent pick ups and Bomar isnt a decent backup.

3. Denver Broncos: I originally thought theyd totally botched the 1st round, but have realized they havent. They made up for passing on Jenkins with taking Smith, and Ayers isnt as good as Orakpo, but its fine. However, Smith, Ayers, along with Knowshon Moreno, could spend the next 10-12 years in Denver as starter. I still know why they took Moreno when they have 7 rbs and Morenos running style is a slower version of the kind Laurence Maroney has (and McDaniels hated), but Morenos still got obvious talent.

4. Baltimore Ravens: Oher was an obv. steal at this spot, and Kruger could very likely be the next Bmore beast defender.

5. Atlanta Falcons: Jerry fills the big need they had, and Moore is a stud.

Top 5 Favorite Drafts in General; combos instant impact and long term:
1. Green Bay
2. New England
3. Detroit
4. Giants
5. Philadelphia

 

[Kaiser]

Given that New Englands biggest need was LB and they passed on him multiple times should tell you something. NE is a team that doesnt even consider knocks against aplyers; they just put the players in situation where they can do what they do well. The fact that they didnt even work out Maualuga should tell you they found serious flaws in his game.

BS. It must not have been that big of a need because they 5 positions before the selected a LB. ******ed. Get that crap out of here.

 

[FaT_tONle]

The only problem I had with the Cowboys... other than not picking the highest rated players at those respective positions according to those "expert" panel boards (maybe they rated those higher ranked guys much lower on their board)... is not adding the depth on the o-line/d-line. They did bring in one kid that can go inside and play outside as a tackle, and maybe they are content with their backups... but I thought they should have brought in another guy on the O-line. They also added ZERO depth at nose tackle which is a real head scratcher. They have solid backups but they should have brought in a DT who can do both inside and outside. The guys they brought in are pretty much outside pass rushers... I am hearing this LB they took in the third round can go inside but we just have too many players at those two spots between Ellis, Spencer, Ware, and now two rookies. It's good having a 5 man rotation but we could have used that depth elsewhere. Solid guys in the secondary to boot so I am happy with that. All in all, they drafted for special teams and nothing more. Could pan out, but I'd have liked them to look at WR, DL, and OL a lot more.

 

[Excel]

BS. It must not have been that big of a need because they 5 positions before the selected a LB. ******ed. Get that crap out of here.

Or maybe the linebackers available just SUCKED so they decided to add a good player to one of their lesser needs than a ****** player to their biggest need.

Guess what?

Need + ****** player = need

Or, in this case, Pats need LB + Maualuga = Pats still need linebacker

So why would they draft him? Explain please, because I guess I am the ******ed one.

 

[Immortalfire]

1. Detroit Lions; they have a QB of the future though I dont know about his "instant" impact as he'll likely sit behind Culpepper for atleast a little bit.

You don't pay a man $78 million to have him back up Daunte Culpepper.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

NewYorkSpider's Draft Day Winners

Winners:

1. Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals got a terrific OT in Andre Smith. The big question mark here is if he lives up to his potential. If they get the lazy Andre Smith, they're offense is junk again. Rey Maualuga should provide Marvin Lewis with a heavy hitter in the middle of the defense. With Keith Rivers coming back from an injury, the defense should improve from a lousy season. Michael Johnson(who was in my first round at one point) gives the Bengals a pass rusher. Johnson should be an impace player on the defense. Cincinnati should improve from their 4-11-1 record from last season, but they're still a little ways away from making the playoffs.


2. Buffalo Bills - Getting Aaron Maybin was HUGE for this team. They needed someone with a quick step and Maybin provide thats. He had 12 sacks his final season at Penn State. Eric Wood was a brilliant selection. He's one of those players that is always studying his next opponent. He should get better as his career progresses. Jaruis Byrd is a game changer. He racked up 17 INT in his final year with Oregon. He improves the Bills' secondary by a lot. Andy Levitre gives the Bills the option to play him at guard or tackle. He should take over a left tackle with the departure of Jason Peters.


3. New York Giants - With Plaxico Burress leaving the team, the New York Giants needed a WR. Here's where Hakeem Nicks comes into play. He's going to give Manning and the Giants another threat down field. Clint Simtim was a great pick up regardless of playing as an 3-4 OLB. The Giants will groom him into the defense. William Beatty wasn't a huge need for the Giants, but it gives them a player to develop in the future. It's always important to keep your Pro Bowl QB protected. Ramses Barden, IMO, should become a James Hardy for this team. He's going to be a great endzone threat.

4. Cleveland Browns - Alex Mack should help out the Browns running game and becomes the interior of the offensive line. Brian Robiskie is probably the most polished reciever in the draft and provides the Browns with a #2. Not a huge down the field threat, but should become a great playmaker in that Browns offense. Mohamed Massaquoi is another WR that should help the Browns offense. Massaquoi should be a great redzone reciever to pass too.

5. Tennessee Titans - I expected the Titans to draft a WR. They took Kenny Britt who will give Collins a threat in the middle of the field. The Titans offense should succeed as long as Collins can perform like he did last season. Sen Derrick Marks is a risky pick for the Titans, but he should help fill a void in the offensive line. Jared Cook also gives the Titans a threat in the middle of the field. Ryan Mouton should help the secondary in Tennessee. This is a team I like to win it all next season.

 

[NewYorkSpider]

NewYorkSpider's Draft Day Losers


Losers:

1. Tampa Bay Buccuneers - Drafting Josh Freeman was a huge mistake that will cost this team. They had much more needs than a QB in the first round. With Byron Leftwich and Brian Griese on this team, they should've drafted other team needs.


2. Kansas City Chiefs - Outside of Tyson Jackson, there's not much there. I still think they should've went with Eugene Monroe as their first pick to give Cassel the time he needs to pass the ball. Work on the defense later in the draft as well as next year.


3. Dallas Cowboys - Norman pretty much summed it up in his post.


4. Indianapolis Colts - There's something about the Colts draft that just didn't sit well with me.

5. New York Jets - Have fun with Sanchez and your other two draft picks.

 

[Excel]

Sanchez is exactly what New York needed. Though right now Beanie Wells should be the runaway fave for o rookie of the year, Sanchez should do a decent job should he be their starter.

You don't pay a man $78 million to have him back up Daunte Culpepper.

And you dont want your 78 million dollar mans first NFL experiece to be going 1-15. If the first thing he learns is to suck, thats what hell do. Sitting him a year so he comes in with a better team around him ala Culpepper in Minnesota and letting him learn the offense so hes more mature ala Aaron Rodgers is no doubt the best option for Stafford.

Say what you want about JaMarcus Russel, but the only reason he threw just 8 interceptions last season was probably because he barely played as a rookie, so when he came in he knew what NOT to do. Same thing with Jay Cutler, Donovan Mcnabb, Daunte Culpepper, Eli Manning, Ben Roethlisberger. In the NFL, you need to learn what NOT to do before you can learn what TO do. For young QB's, punts and incompletions are ok. INTERCEPTIONS are what KILL them, and you can bet that if Stafford starts from day one, he will be just the leatest 1st qb to spend the season throwing twice as many ints as touchdown. Unless its a freakishly mature qb ala Manning or Ryan, you dont want them learning the ropes, both good and bad, through personal experience. When all they learn is bad because their team sucks, thats how you get guys like David Carr or Joey Harrington: guys who cant shake the bust title and never recover. Thats the only reason I think Matt Leinart may have some sort of NFL future, or people like Brady Quinn still have bright futures.

If the team is even close to as bad as they were last year, they should just ride Culpepper all season. Rookies with that much hype need some sort of initial succeed; if they dont find it the media will eat them alive, espec. a kid like Stafford. You can tell from interviews that, while he seems self aware and bright enough, hes been treated like the golden boy his whole life. If he boes out and sucks initally and gets the media al over his ass; starts hearing the b word in his first season (which WILL happen if he starts from day 1, baring some miracle turn around for Detroits entire team), he will not ever recover; he will Joey Harrington, David Carr, Alex Smith jr.

 

[The Game]

Excel what do you make of the Pats draft this year?