Every offseason there are veteran players who are released, some come as more of a surprise than others. These players range from thirty-somethings to guys just a few years removed from getting drafted. Here are a handful of veterans I think are going to be let go at some point this offseason.
Isaiah Pead, RB, St. Louis Rams- Pead was drafted by the Rams in the second round of the 2012 draft and has failed to make a name for himself on the field. Zac Stacy and Tre Mason are the top two backs, and Benny Cunningham contributed enough on both offense and special teams last season to be third on the depth chart.
Benjarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Cincinnati Bengals- The man nicknamed The Law Firm has never been a game changing running back. He's the classic "three yards and a cloud of dust" type of back. He lacks breakaway speed, doesn't break many tackles, and doesn't have value as a receiver. Also, he doesn't contribute on special teams and he turns 29 in July. Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill are the top two backs on this team, and behind them will be Cedric Peerman and Rex Burkhead.
Akeem Dent, LB, Atlanta Falcons- Drafted in the third round by the Falcons in 2011, Dent has failed to make an impact. This was never more evident than last season, when undrafted rookies Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu usurped Dent on the depth chart and produced for the defense when starting inside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon was placed on injured-reserve. With Weatherspoon, Worrilow, and Bartu set in stone and draft picks Yawin Smallwood and Marquis Spruill added to the mix, there's a slim chance Dent makes the roster.
Peyton Hillis, RB, New York Giants- The Giants signed free agent running back Rashad Jennings to be their starter, and then drafted the powerful Andre Williams in the fourth round this year. Throw 2012 first round pick David Wilson into the mix, and that leaves little room for Hillis.
Daniel Kilgore, C, San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers drafted Marcus Martin -- arguably the best center in this year's draft -- in the third round. That could certainly make Kilgore expendable, and due to this team's depth, moves like these aren't very difficult.
LaMichael James, RB, San Francisco 49ers- We know that Frank Gore, Marcus Lattimore, and Carlos Hyde are locks to make the roster. That leaves Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James competing for the final running back spot. They have similar skill sets, but Hunter has proven himself, while James has failed to make much of an impact on offense since being selected in the second round in 2012. I think James is on his way out.
Dawan Landry, SS, New York Jets- Landry is better suited as an in-the-box strong safety. The Jets used their first round pick to draft hard-hitting safety Calvin Pryor. In my eyes, that means they have their starting strong safety, making the 31-year-old Landry expendable.
Dan Connolly, G, New England Patriots- Almost three weeks ago, Patriots drafted three offensive lineman, all of whom display the ability to play guard. Connolly is over the hill and they could use an upgrade at right guard. I think Connolly will be cut in favor of a younger, more effective player.
Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars- It's not matter of if Blackmon will be released, but when. Okay, maybe that's a bit much, but you get the point. Drafted by the Jaguars in the first round in 2012, Blackmon can't stay out of trouble. Before he even suited up for his first NFL game, he was arrested for DUI. He was suspended for the first four games of 2013 for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. Then, just two months into last season, Blackmon again violated the league's substance-abuse policy and was suspended indefinitely. According to The Associated Press' Mark Long, the Jaguars gave Blackmon's locker to undrafted rookie quarterback Stephen Morris.
*Player ages, stats, etc. courtesy of www.pro-football-reference.com
About Me
- Justin Sullivan
- Simply put, I am a football fanatic. I'm well-informed on the game- its players, statistics, history, rules, etc. I love the sport and I enjoy sharing my point of view.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Draft Report Card: NFC West
NFC West:
Arizona Cardinals- C+
I really liked the Cards' first two picks, safety Deone Bucannon and tight end Troy Niklas. Bucannon will pair with Tyrann Mathieu to form arguably the best young safety tandem in the league, while Niklas will step in and be their best tight end from day one. After those picks, I think the Cardinals' coaching staff and front office failed to address their needs, cornerback and linebacker in particular. John Abraham is 36 years old, and Daryl Washington could be facing another suspension. And behind Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie, and Jerraud Powers their are no proven cornerbacks. If one of those three goes down with an injury, this secondary could be in trouble. Tyrann Mathieu's versatility comes in hand but he's relegated to playing in the slot, which is why I think they should have drafted a cornerback.
San Francisco 49ers- A+
I questioned the decision to take Jimmie Ward in the first round, but once I heard that he can play safety and cornerback it made more and more sense. Antoine Bethea will likely hold down the strong safety spot in 2014, and Ward will contribute at cornerback and on special teams. Jim Harbaugh and his staff were very active in the draft, making many trades and stocking draft picks. I particularly likes the selections of Carlos Hyde and Chris Borland. Hyde will compete with Marcus Lattimore for carries, keeping veteran Frank Gore fresh for the postseason. And Chris Borland might be labeled as "undersized" but the man can play football and after gruesome knee injury NaVorro Bowman suffered in the playoffs last season this was a much needed addition. Borland reminds me a lot of former Dolphins and Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas. Marcus Martin will compete for the starting job at center and should save a roster spot due to his ability to play center and both guard positions. Bruce Ellington adds much needed talent and depth at wide receiver. And due to the depth this team has, Jim Harbaugh had the luxury of drafting a very talented player who suffered an unfortunate injury in the pre-draft process, Brandon Thomas, who will likely spend his rookie season on IR. The 49ers added a lot of good players and addressed all of their needs, a tremendous job by Harbaugh and General Manager Trent Baalke.
Seattle Seahawks- B
Pete Carroll and John Schneider addressed their team's needs, but I question the value of the players they selected. They drafted wide receiver Paul Richardson in the second round over Davante Adams, Allen Robinson, Jarvis Landry, Cody Latimer, and Donte Moncrief. And then later in the second round drafted offensive tackle Justin Britt, who more than likely would have been available with their next pick in the fourth round. The fourth round they got some pretty good players, Cassius Marsh has a nonstop motor and adds to their pass-rush, while they may have gotten the most athletic linebacker in the draft when they took Kevin Pierre-Louis. I was disappointed with Seattle's draft class this year as I felt they could have gotten better players with their picks.
St. Louis Rams- A-
General Manager Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher did a phenomenal job this year. They got impact players that will contribute immediately. Greg Robinson will start somewhere on the offensive line and do a great job, especially in the run game. Aaron Donald will start next to Michael Brockers on what is now hands down the most talented defensive line in the league. Lamarcus Joyner, one of the more underrated prospects in the draft, could end up starting at free safety, and his versatility will save the team a roster spot. Tre Mason will certainly steal some carries from Zac Stacy. Fourth round pick Mo Alexander is a big, hard hitting strong safety much like their current starter T.J. McDonald, and provides insurance should McDonald go down with an injury like he did last season. And, of course, I must mention their seventh round pick Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to get drafted. He's really going to have to make a name for himself and show that he can play special teams in order to have a shot at making the team. The decision not to draft a wide receiver tells me they're banking on their current group to make a significant leap in 2014.
Arizona Cardinals- C+
I really liked the Cards' first two picks, safety Deone Bucannon and tight end Troy Niklas. Bucannon will pair with Tyrann Mathieu to form arguably the best young safety tandem in the league, while Niklas will step in and be their best tight end from day one. After those picks, I think the Cardinals' coaching staff and front office failed to address their needs, cornerback and linebacker in particular. John Abraham is 36 years old, and Daryl Washington could be facing another suspension. And behind Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie, and Jerraud Powers their are no proven cornerbacks. If one of those three goes down with an injury, this secondary could be in trouble. Tyrann Mathieu's versatility comes in hand but he's relegated to playing in the slot, which is why I think they should have drafted a cornerback.
San Francisco 49ers- A+
I questioned the decision to take Jimmie Ward in the first round, but once I heard that he can play safety and cornerback it made more and more sense. Antoine Bethea will likely hold down the strong safety spot in 2014, and Ward will contribute at cornerback and on special teams. Jim Harbaugh and his staff were very active in the draft, making many trades and stocking draft picks. I particularly likes the selections of Carlos Hyde and Chris Borland. Hyde will compete with Marcus Lattimore for carries, keeping veteran Frank Gore fresh for the postseason. And Chris Borland might be labeled as "undersized" but the man can play football and after gruesome knee injury NaVorro Bowman suffered in the playoffs last season this was a much needed addition. Borland reminds me a lot of former Dolphins and Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas. Marcus Martin will compete for the starting job at center and should save a roster spot due to his ability to play center and both guard positions. Bruce Ellington adds much needed talent and depth at wide receiver. And due to the depth this team has, Jim Harbaugh had the luxury of drafting a very talented player who suffered an unfortunate injury in the pre-draft process, Brandon Thomas, who will likely spend his rookie season on IR. The 49ers added a lot of good players and addressed all of their needs, a tremendous job by Harbaugh and General Manager Trent Baalke.
Seattle Seahawks- B
Pete Carroll and John Schneider addressed their team's needs, but I question the value of the players they selected. They drafted wide receiver Paul Richardson in the second round over Davante Adams, Allen Robinson, Jarvis Landry, Cody Latimer, and Donte Moncrief. And then later in the second round drafted offensive tackle Justin Britt, who more than likely would have been available with their next pick in the fourth round. The fourth round they got some pretty good players, Cassius Marsh has a nonstop motor and adds to their pass-rush, while they may have gotten the most athletic linebacker in the draft when they took Kevin Pierre-Louis. I was disappointed with Seattle's draft class this year as I felt they could have gotten better players with their picks.
St. Louis Rams- A-
General Manager Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher did a phenomenal job this year. They got impact players that will contribute immediately. Greg Robinson will start somewhere on the offensive line and do a great job, especially in the run game. Aaron Donald will start next to Michael Brockers on what is now hands down the most talented defensive line in the league. Lamarcus Joyner, one of the more underrated prospects in the draft, could end up starting at free safety, and his versatility will save the team a roster spot. Tre Mason will certainly steal some carries from Zac Stacy. Fourth round pick Mo Alexander is a big, hard hitting strong safety much like their current starter T.J. McDonald, and provides insurance should McDonald go down with an injury like he did last season. And, of course, I must mention their seventh round pick Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to get drafted. He's really going to have to make a name for himself and show that he can play special teams in order to have a shot at making the team. The decision not to draft a wide receiver tells me they're banking on their current group to make a significant leap in 2014.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Draft Report Card: NFC South
NFC South:
Atlanta Falcons- B
Jake Matthews is going to start his rookie season at right tackle, but eventually he'll be protecting Matt Ryan's blindside. Ra'Shede Hageman is the second coming of Richard Seymour. And after Steven Jackson's lackluster first season in Atlanta, the selection of Devonta Freeman brings much needed youth to the backfield. Atlanta addressed every need except for one: tight end. Who is going to replace Tony Gonzalez?
Carolina Panthers- C+
They selected wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin with their first round pick, but he doesn't come without several question marks. Is he a one year wonder? Does he have the motivation and dedication it takes to be a pro? That remains to be seen. I like that they are preparing for a possible life without Greg Hardy, drafting defensive end Kony Ealy in the second round. They still need help at offensive tackle and would have been wise to have double-dipped at wide receiver.
New Orleans Saints- B+
Brandin Cooks is going to make an instant impact and I think he'll quickly gain the trust of his quarterback, Drew Brees. Cornerback needed some young talent and they got just that with the selection of Stanley Jean-Baptiste, he converted from wide receiver to corner and is built like a safety. I thought they could have done better than Tavon Rooks when it came to drafting an offensive tackle, but besides that pick it was a good draft for New Orleans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- A-
After a very, very active free agency period for the Bucs, head coach Lovie Smith and the front office drafted all offensive players. It makes sense considering the offense was ranked towards the bottom of the league last season and the only noticeable need on defense is a starting outside linebacker, which I think free agent acquisition Dane Fletcher will end up cementing. Wide receiver Mike Evans was selected in the first round, pairing him with Vincent Jackson to give quarterback Josh McCown a receiving duo reminiscent of what he had last season with the Bears. Austin Seferian-Jenkins gives this offense yet another threat and automatically assumes the starting job. Charles Sims is an all purpose back who flew under the radar and will serve as a good complement to Doug Martin. I like what Tampa Bay did.
Atlanta Falcons- B
Jake Matthews is going to start his rookie season at right tackle, but eventually he'll be protecting Matt Ryan's blindside. Ra'Shede Hageman is the second coming of Richard Seymour. And after Steven Jackson's lackluster first season in Atlanta, the selection of Devonta Freeman brings much needed youth to the backfield. Atlanta addressed every need except for one: tight end. Who is going to replace Tony Gonzalez?
Carolina Panthers- C+
They selected wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin with their first round pick, but he doesn't come without several question marks. Is he a one year wonder? Does he have the motivation and dedication it takes to be a pro? That remains to be seen. I like that they are preparing for a possible life without Greg Hardy, drafting defensive end Kony Ealy in the second round. They still need help at offensive tackle and would have been wise to have double-dipped at wide receiver.
New Orleans Saints- B+
Brandin Cooks is going to make an instant impact and I think he'll quickly gain the trust of his quarterback, Drew Brees. Cornerback needed some young talent and they got just that with the selection of Stanley Jean-Baptiste, he converted from wide receiver to corner and is built like a safety. I thought they could have done better than Tavon Rooks when it came to drafting an offensive tackle, but besides that pick it was a good draft for New Orleans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- A-
After a very, very active free agency period for the Bucs, head coach Lovie Smith and the front office drafted all offensive players. It makes sense considering the offense was ranked towards the bottom of the league last season and the only noticeable need on defense is a starting outside linebacker, which I think free agent acquisition Dane Fletcher will end up cementing. Wide receiver Mike Evans was selected in the first round, pairing him with Vincent Jackson to give quarterback Josh McCown a receiving duo reminiscent of what he had last season with the Bears. Austin Seferian-Jenkins gives this offense yet another threat and automatically assumes the starting job. Charles Sims is an all purpose back who flew under the radar and will serve as a good complement to Doug Martin. I like what Tampa Bay did.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Best Undrafted Free Agents of 2014
Once the 256th pick was announced, I went to NFL.com to see which players went undrafted. Lo and behold, I find a slew of talented prospects that didn't hear their name called. These players usually don't get drafted due to an injury concern or off-field issues. Then there are the players who are worth a late round pick, but were viewed by coaching staffs as someone who won't get drafted and therefore wouldn't be worth using up a draft pick on.
Christian Jones, ILB, Florida St.- Jones started at linebacker for the Seminoles before being moved to defensive end as a senior in 2013. He will likely be tried at linebacker in Chicago, considering the lack of depth at the position. He might be more effective as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense where he can get after the quarterback.
Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford- I don't understand how this guy went undrafted. He may not have good straight-line speed and or man-coverage skills, but he's aggressive, smart, instinctive, and a team leader. He signed with the 49ers and reunited with his former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Skov could benefit from his relationship with Harbaugh, but the team has solid depth at linebacker and he'll have to stand out to make that squad. Even if he doesn't, there's no doubt he's going to be on an NFL roster in 2014.
Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas- I'm shocked Jeffcoat wasn't drafted. Sure, his durability is a concern and he doesn't have the bulk teams want in a defensive end, but his talent is undeniable. I thought he warranted a fifth round pick, but ultimately signed with the Seahawks as a free agent. Hopefully the coaching and training staff make him hit the weight room hard his rookie season and add more weight to his frame. He should contribute as a situational pass-rusher if he separates himself from the competition.
Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee- At 6'6" and 336-pounds, the man nicknamed "Tiny" is anything but. According to reports from several media outlets, the reason Richardson went undrafted was because the medical part of the pre-draft process discovered he had a micro fracture knee injury that might cause him to sit out his rookie season. He signed with the Vikings and could have a chance to compete for a job as a backup right tackle and/or guard this season or next season, depending on whether or not he's shelved on the injured reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida- Roberson struggled with injuries and had some off-field issues during his time at Florida, but he's a very talented player and I was surprised no team thought he was worth drafting. He signed with the Rams and considering their depth at cornerback is a bit thin, he could have a shot at cracking the final roster but will certainly have to prove himself on special teams.
Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU- Inconsistent. That word seems to be attached to Anthony Johnson. He shows great ability one game and then looks like crap in another. His college teammate and fellow defensive tackle Ego Ferguson was selected by the Bears in the second round. Johnson signed with Dolphins and has a tough hill to climb to make the final roster.
Craig Loston, SS, LSU- Another starter on the vaunted LSU Tigers' defense who I thought was a lock to get drafted. Loston isn't strong in coverage, but he's a very aggressive and hardnosed football player. The Jaguars signed him and he has a good shot of making the roster due to the lack of talent the team currently holds at the position.
Dion Bailey, SS, USC- Bailey is hurt by his lack of speed and tweener traits. He played both safety and linebacker at USC, but his skills don't translate to a specific position in the pros. He lacks the speed to play safety and isn't big enough to play linebacker. That doesn't mean he can't play, because this guy can play. He signed with the Seahawks and knowing Pete Carroll's eye for talent in defensive backs, I bet he likes Bailey's skill set. There's not much talent behind Pro Bowlers Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor on the depth chart, giving Bailey a prime opportunity to make the team.
Christian Jones, ILB, Florida St.- Jones started at linebacker for the Seminoles before being moved to defensive end as a senior in 2013. He will likely be tried at linebacker in Chicago, considering the lack of depth at the position. He might be more effective as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense where he can get after the quarterback.
Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford- I don't understand how this guy went undrafted. He may not have good straight-line speed and or man-coverage skills, but he's aggressive, smart, instinctive, and a team leader. He signed with the 49ers and reunited with his former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Skov could benefit from his relationship with Harbaugh, but the team has solid depth at linebacker and he'll have to stand out to make that squad. Even if he doesn't, there's no doubt he's going to be on an NFL roster in 2014.
Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas- I'm shocked Jeffcoat wasn't drafted. Sure, his durability is a concern and he doesn't have the bulk teams want in a defensive end, but his talent is undeniable. I thought he warranted a fifth round pick, but ultimately signed with the Seahawks as a free agent. Hopefully the coaching and training staff make him hit the weight room hard his rookie season and add more weight to his frame. He should contribute as a situational pass-rusher if he separates himself from the competition.
Antonio Richardson, OT, Tennessee- At 6'6" and 336-pounds, the man nicknamed "Tiny" is anything but. According to reports from several media outlets, the reason Richardson went undrafted was because the medical part of the pre-draft process discovered he had a micro fracture knee injury that might cause him to sit out his rookie season. He signed with the Vikings and could have a chance to compete for a job as a backup right tackle and/or guard this season or next season, depending on whether or not he's shelved on the injured reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida- Roberson struggled with injuries and had some off-field issues during his time at Florida, but he's a very talented player and I was surprised no team thought he was worth drafting. He signed with the Rams and considering their depth at cornerback is a bit thin, he could have a shot at cracking the final roster but will certainly have to prove himself on special teams.
Anthony Johnson, DT, LSU- Inconsistent. That word seems to be attached to Anthony Johnson. He shows great ability one game and then looks like crap in another. His college teammate and fellow defensive tackle Ego Ferguson was selected by the Bears in the second round. Johnson signed with Dolphins and has a tough hill to climb to make the final roster.
Craig Loston, SS, LSU- Another starter on the vaunted LSU Tigers' defense who I thought was a lock to get drafted. Loston isn't strong in coverage, but he's a very aggressive and hardnosed football player. The Jaguars signed him and he has a good shot of making the roster due to the lack of talent the team currently holds at the position.
Dion Bailey, SS, USC- Bailey is hurt by his lack of speed and tweener traits. He played both safety and linebacker at USC, but his skills don't translate to a specific position in the pros. He lacks the speed to play safety and isn't big enough to play linebacker. That doesn't mean he can't play, because this guy can play. He signed with the Seahawks and knowing Pete Carroll's eye for talent in defensive backs, I bet he likes Bailey's skill set. There's not much talent behind Pro Bowlers Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor on the depth chart, giving Bailey a prime opportunity to make the team.
Draft Report Card: NFC East
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys- C
First round pick Zack Martin is their starting left guard and is going to help this offense tremendously. Jerry Jones traded up in the second round to draft defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, a fierce pass-rusher who put up big numbers at Boise State. Outside of those two picks, I feel could have done more with the picks they had.
New York Giants- B
Big Blue's brass capped off an active offseason with a so-so draft. The selection of Odell Beckham Jr. provides a much needed spark to the passing game. Weston Richburg will likely be the starting center for many years to come. And Andre Williams brings a bruising running style that the team hasn't had since Brandon Jacobs in his heyday. Eli Manning still needs a tight end to throw to, though.
Philadelphia Eagles- A-
Chip Kelly addressed all of his team's needs. Marcus Smith will compete with veteran Trent Cole for the starting right outside linebacker job, adding much needed pass-rushing skills to the position. Wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff make up for the release of DeSean Jackson. And the secondary was addressed, adding safety Ed Reynolds and cornerback Jaylen Watkins, who also has experience at safety.
Washington- C+
Brian Orakpo got the franchise tag applied to him, meaning he could very well enter free agency next offseason and the team needs to be prepared, which they now are after selecting Trent Murphy. Third round pick Morgan Moses will likely have a shot at the starting right tackle job. Lache Seastrunk is reunited with college teammate RGIII and should be a good complement to Alfred Morris. Their weakest link (the secondary) was given just one new member and should have been of higher priority.
Dallas Cowboys- C
First round pick Zack Martin is their starting left guard and is going to help this offense tremendously. Jerry Jones traded up in the second round to draft defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, a fierce pass-rusher who put up big numbers at Boise State. Outside of those two picks, I feel could have done more with the picks they had.
New York Giants- B
Big Blue's brass capped off an active offseason with a so-so draft. The selection of Odell Beckham Jr. provides a much needed spark to the passing game. Weston Richburg will likely be the starting center for many years to come. And Andre Williams brings a bruising running style that the team hasn't had since Brandon Jacobs in his heyday. Eli Manning still needs a tight end to throw to, though.
Philadelphia Eagles- A-
Chip Kelly addressed all of his team's needs. Marcus Smith will compete with veteran Trent Cole for the starting right outside linebacker job, adding much needed pass-rushing skills to the position. Wide receivers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff make up for the release of DeSean Jackson. And the secondary was addressed, adding safety Ed Reynolds and cornerback Jaylen Watkins, who also has experience at safety.
Washington- C+
Brian Orakpo got the franchise tag applied to him, meaning he could very well enter free agency next offseason and the team needs to be prepared, which they now are after selecting Trent Murphy. Third round pick Morgan Moses will likely have a shot at the starting right tackle job. Lache Seastrunk is reunited with college teammate RGIII and should be a good complement to Alfred Morris. Their weakest link (the secondary) was given just one new member and should have been of higher priority.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Draft Report Card: NFC North
NFC North:
Chicago Bears- B+
Charles Tillman can't play forever, which is why Kyle Fuller was selected with their first round pick. Chicago also had a huge void to fill at defensive tackle and drafted Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton in the second and third rounds, respectively. Every position of need was addressed. Ka'Deem Carey provides depth behind Matt Forte. I like what the Bears' coaching staff did
Detroit Lions- C+
The Lions needed help at cornerback prior to the draft, and drafted only one player at the position -- Nevin Lawson out of Utah State -- in the fourth round. I believe that had Justin Gilbert been available, they would have picked him rather than tight end Eric Ebron. I love the Kyle Van Noy selection in the second round, he'll be an impact player for them at outside linebacker. Their grade takes a big hit because of their failure to significantly improve the secondary.
Green Bay Packers- A+
Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy did a great job in this year's draft. Every need was addressed by adding quality players. Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix fell right in Green Bay's lap and now they have the rangy free safety they've lacked since Nick Collins. Three wide receivers and a tight end have been added to Aaron Rodgers' arsenal.
Minnesota Vikings- B+
For whatever reason, no NFL team thought to hire Mike Zimmer as their head coach until the Vikings hired him this past offseason. It's about damn time the man got a chance. In his first draft as head coach of the Vikings, he selected a very good bunch of guys. As a former defensive coordinator he added to his defense, selecting Anthony Barr and Scott Crichton, two players who should make an impact from day one. I was surprised they didn't draft a strong safety to compete with Jamarca Sanford, but maybe Antone Exum -- one of two defensive backs Minnesota selected in the sixth round -- will be tried at safety considering his size and experience playing multiple positions in college.
Chicago Bears- B+
Charles Tillman can't play forever, which is why Kyle Fuller was selected with their first round pick. Chicago also had a huge void to fill at defensive tackle and drafted Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton in the second and third rounds, respectively. Every position of need was addressed. Ka'Deem Carey provides depth behind Matt Forte. I like what the Bears' coaching staff did
Detroit Lions- C+
The Lions needed help at cornerback prior to the draft, and drafted only one player at the position -- Nevin Lawson out of Utah State -- in the fourth round. I believe that had Justin Gilbert been available, they would have picked him rather than tight end Eric Ebron. I love the Kyle Van Noy selection in the second round, he'll be an impact player for them at outside linebacker. Their grade takes a big hit because of their failure to significantly improve the secondary.
Green Bay Packers- A+
Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy did a great job in this year's draft. Every need was addressed by adding quality players. Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix fell right in Green Bay's lap and now they have the rangy free safety they've lacked since Nick Collins. Three wide receivers and a tight end have been added to Aaron Rodgers' arsenal.
Minnesota Vikings- B+
For whatever reason, no NFL team thought to hire Mike Zimmer as their head coach until the Vikings hired him this past offseason. It's about damn time the man got a chance. In his first draft as head coach of the Vikings, he selected a very good bunch of guys. As a former defensive coordinator he added to his defense, selecting Anthony Barr and Scott Crichton, two players who should make an impact from day one. I was surprised they didn't draft a strong safety to compete with Jamarca Sanford, but maybe Antone Exum -- one of two defensive backs Minnesota selected in the sixth round -- will be tried at safety considering his size and experience playing multiple positions in college.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Draft Report Card: AFC West
AFC West:
Denver Broncos- B
I loved the Bradley Roby selection, they needed a cornerback and they got one of the best in the draft. Where I think John Elway and John Fox went wrong was drafting Cody Latimer. The team signed Emmanuel Sanders in the offseason, adding a quality wide receiver to make up for the loss of Eric Decker, so wide receiver wasn't a glaring need, unlike middle linebacker. The team has no clear-cut starter at middle linebacker, yet again. I think they should have used their second round pick to draft either Wisconsin's Chris Borland or Louisville's Preston Brown, respectively. Latimer is talented but I don't expect him to make the kind of immediate impact a guy like Borland would have made for them.
Kansas City Chiefs- C-
Despite Tamba Hali and Justin Houston firmly entrenched as the starting outside linebackers I expect first round pick Dee Ford to contribute from the get-go. I find the club's decision not to draft at least one receiver mindboggling, considering Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery are not an impressive duo.
Oakland Raiders- B+
General Manager Reggie McKenzie is moving this team in the right direction. The team drafted Khalil Mack in the first round and I think he's immediately the team's starting right defensive end. Derek Carr was drafted to be their quarterback of the future and should provide some solid competition for veteran Matt Schaub. I think they should have addressed the safety position prior to the seventh round, considering Charles Woodson will be 38-yearls old in October, but that doesn't take away from how well the Raiders drafted this year.
San Diego Chargers- B-
The team's first two draft selections-- cornerback Jason Verrett and outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu-- were great picks. Two positions of need were met with very talented prospects. I was surprised that they didn't choose to double dip at cornerback, and that they didn't draft a wide receiver to complement Keenan Allen.
Denver Broncos- B
I loved the Bradley Roby selection, they needed a cornerback and they got one of the best in the draft. Where I think John Elway and John Fox went wrong was drafting Cody Latimer. The team signed Emmanuel Sanders in the offseason, adding a quality wide receiver to make up for the loss of Eric Decker, so wide receiver wasn't a glaring need, unlike middle linebacker. The team has no clear-cut starter at middle linebacker, yet again. I think they should have used their second round pick to draft either Wisconsin's Chris Borland or Louisville's Preston Brown, respectively. Latimer is talented but I don't expect him to make the kind of immediate impact a guy like Borland would have made for them.
Kansas City Chiefs- C-
Despite Tamba Hali and Justin Houston firmly entrenched as the starting outside linebackers I expect first round pick Dee Ford to contribute from the get-go. I find the club's decision not to draft at least one receiver mindboggling, considering Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery are not an impressive duo.
Oakland Raiders- B+
General Manager Reggie McKenzie is moving this team in the right direction. The team drafted Khalil Mack in the first round and I think he's immediately the team's starting right defensive end. Derek Carr was drafted to be their quarterback of the future and should provide some solid competition for veteran Matt Schaub. I think they should have addressed the safety position prior to the seventh round, considering Charles Woodson will be 38-yearls old in October, but that doesn't take away from how well the Raiders drafted this year.
San Diego Chargers- B-
The team's first two draft selections-- cornerback Jason Verrett and outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu-- were great picks. Two positions of need were met with very talented prospects. I was surprised that they didn't choose to double dip at cornerback, and that they didn't draft a wide receiver to complement Keenan Allen.
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