Bloom's Mock Draft 1.0 (Three Rounds) (1 Viewer)

[Liquid Tension]

In the first round mock did you really say that SD might use the franchise tag on Sproles?

Does anyone else think that is crazy?

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

#10- WR Jeremy Macklin

I don't think the 49ers are gonna take a receiver here.Hell,they'd be better off taking Sanchez at 10 if he's there. Using a 3-4 defense they need big time help. Somebody like DE Brian Arakpo or LB Rey Maualuga would surely help. They really need to address the defense in the draft as they were pretty close to the bottom and if you can't stop anybody on defense you put immense pressure on your offense. I could also see them trading down a few if a team covets a player at 10 and still get Mark Sanchez in the 16-20 range. QB Shaun Hill may be able to manage the offense for a couple of years while a guy like Sanchez holds a clipboard and learns. We are in desperate need of a franchise QB, not to mention other areas that need a lot of attention. I think they'll be able to develop WR's Jason Hil and the rookie they were very high on Josh Morgan. Even if Ike Bruce and Bryant Johnson left I don't think we'd be any worse for wear in the receiving dept. SF WR's didn't show much last year any way. If the younguns are healthy give them their shot. So that's why I don't think they'll be taking Jeremy Macklin with their first pick. They take the BPA that fits their 3-4 defense or trade down a few and get extra picks and still get QB Mark Sanchez.

2nd round- LB Zach Follett

Don't really care for this pick much, but here again when the 9ers pick rolls around I don't think they're enamored with anybody at that spot and elect to trade down again and amass picks. More picks they can find someone with close enouigh or equal to talent of Follett and still have extra picks. I think they trade down more this year than they have in a while. Or they may surprise evryone and with the extra picks they get trading down in the first trade back up and take QB Josh Freeman, who come draft day will sneak up into the first round possibly.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

#10- WR Jeremy MacklinI don't think the 49ers are gonna take a receiver here.Hell,they'd be better off taking Sanchez at 10 if he's there. Using a 3-4 defense they need big time help. Somebody like DE Brian Arakpo or LB Rey Maualuga would surely help. They really need to address the defense in the draft as they were pretty close to the bottom and if you can't stop anybody on defense you put immense pressure on your offense. I could also see them trading down a few if a team covets a player at 10 and still get Mark Sanchez in the 16-20 range. QB Shaun Hill may be able to manage the offense for a couple of years while a guy like Sanchez holds a clipboard and learns. We are in desperate need of a franchise QB, not to mention other areas that need a lot of attention. I think they'll be able to develop WR's Jason Hil and the rookie they were very high on Josh Morgan. Even if Ike Bruce and Bryant Johnson left I don't think we'd be any worse for wear in the receiving dept. SF WR's didn't show much last year any way. If the younguns are healthy give them their shot. So that's why I don't think they'll be taking Jeremy Macklin with their first pick. They take the BPA that fits their 3-4 defense or trade down a few and get extra picks and still get QB Mark Sanchez.2nd round- LB Zach Follett Don't really care for this pick much, but here again when the 9ers pick rolls around I don't think they're enamored with anybody at that spot and elect to trade down again and amass picks. More picks they can find someone with close enouigh or equal to talent of Follett and still have extra picks. I think they trade down more this year than they have in a while. Or they may surprise evryone and with the extra picks they get trading down in the first trade back up and take QB Josh Freeman, who come draft day will sneak up into the first round possibly.

I pondered Sanchez, but I think Maclin adds a playmaker on offense that they lack, a BPA that you don't get too many opportunities to add. I agree that it's not a perfect fit for a glaring need, but not every first round pick fits that well, and Maclin is the kind of player teams abandon draft plans to take when he's still on the board for their pick. I also think NFL teams are starting to think of returner as more of a starter and putting a premium on players that can change games with their return ability.I went with Follett in the 2nd to address the need at LB - he played OLB in Cal's 3-4, but they also played him in the middle at the Senior Bowl and he showed potential. He seems like he'd love to play for someone like Singletary and Singletary would love coaching someone as intense as he is.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Duke Robinson at the end of the 2nd looks like pipedreaming. But he would be a great pick there.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Duke Robinson at the end of the 2nd looks like pipedreaming. But he would be a great pick there.

Honestly, I dont love Robinson and would almost prefer Kraig Urbik, but a blunt force object is probably just what the doctor ordered for the Steeler run game. Robinson isn't going to do much in the second level or trapping and pulling, so he's limited, but he can cause a solar eclipse. I think both Robinson and Herman Johnson (who might not make it into my third round) are overrated because of their massive size, which can actually be a drawback depending on what a team likes to do with their offensive line.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

I think both Robinson and Herman Johnson (who might not make it into my third round) are overrated because of their massive size, which can actually be a drawback depending on what a team likes to do with their offensive line.

Well, with that in mind, and playing the Devil's Advocate a little, would that make Duke less attractive there for Pittsburgh anyway? As much as we Steeler fans rail on him, Bruce Arians looks like he's not going anywhere....and straight ahead, power blocking isn't exactly what he's all about. This year they had guys who were far more suited to that sort of a style, certainly with Kemoeatu and Colon and to a lesser degree Simmons before his injury, and yet he still tried to do the "square peg, round hole" thing by running quite a bit of zone-blocking with multiple TEs and no FB.If Arians is committed to keeping that part of the blocking scheme more prevelant.....maybe a guy like Urbik or Wood is a better pick anyway. Cuz that certainly ain't Duke's game.

 

[Tornacl]

I'd like to see the Lions take Mack with their second pick in the first. It would be great for him to fall to the 33rd pick, but I don't think that would happen. He is supposedly a great lockerroom guy, and he would anchor the middle of the line for the next decade. I know they really need to improve their defense, but picking two great OL would be my first choice.

Then maybe they'd get lucky and have Laurianitis (however you spell it) fall to the 33rd pick.

 

[Ghost of Bill Walsh]

#10- WR Jeremy MacklinI don't think the 49ers are gonna take a receiver here.Hell,they'd be better off taking Sanchez at 10 if he's there. Using a 3-4 defense they need big time help. Somebody like DE Brian Arakpo or LB Rey Maualuga would surely help. They really need to address the defense in the draft as they were pretty close to the bottom and if you can't stop anybody on defense you put immense pressure on your offense. I could also see them trading down a few if a team covets a player at 10 and still get Mark Sanchez in the 16-20 range. QB Shaun Hill may be able to manage the offense for a couple of years while a guy like Sanchez holds a clipboard and learns. We are in desperate need of a franchise QB, not to mention other areas that need a lot of attention. I think they'll be able to develop WR's Jason Hil and the rookie they were very high on Josh Morgan. Even if Ike Bruce and Bryant Johnson left I don't think we'd be any worse for wear in the receiving dept. SF WR's didn't show much last year any way. If the younguns are healthy give them their shot. So that's why I don't think they'll be taking Jeremy Macklin with their first pick. They take the BPA that fits their 3-4 defense or trade down a few and get extra picks and still get QB Mark Sanchez.2nd round- LB Zach Follett Don't really care for this pick much, but here again when the 9ers pick rolls around I don't think they're enamored with anybody at that spot and elect to trade down again and amass picks. More picks they can find someone with close enouigh or equal to talent of Follett and still have extra picks. I think they trade down more this year than they have in a while. Or they may surprise evryone and with the extra picks they get trading down in the first trade back up and take QB Josh Freeman, who come draft day will sneak up into the first round possibly.

I pondered Sanchez, but I think Maclin adds a playmaker on offense that they lack, a BPA that you don't get too many opportunities to add. I agree that it's not a perfect fit for a glaring need, but not every first round pick fits that well, and Maclin is the kind of player teams abandon draft plans to take when he's still on the board for their pick. I also think NFL teams are starting to think of returner as more of a starter and putting a premium on players that can change games with their return ability.I went with Follett in the 2nd to address the need at LB - he played OLB in Cal's 3-4, but they also played him in the middle at the Senior Bowl and he showed potential. He seems like he'd love to play for someone like Singletary and Singletary would love coaching someone as intense as he is.

Well, considering the WR's we have and the production we got out of them last year. Maclin could possibly be a guy to come in and start right away. Hell, line up the 3 younguns Maclin,Morgan and Hill. They couldn't really do much worse than last year wr's. I think Morgan's gonna develop good. As far as Follett he sounds like a guy Singletary would like to coach so we'll have to wait and see on that one.Shaun Hill's a serviceable QB and I bet he'd like 3 wr's lining up. If the Niners can finda FA QB I'd be happy with the Maclin pick. Derek Anderson is someone I think they ought to look at or trading up and taking Josh Freeman. The Singletary era begins and we're gonna find out a lot from his first draft and what direction he wants to take the team.

 

[WampusCat43]

I'd like to see the Lions take Mack with their second pick in the first. It would be great for him to fall to the 33rd pick, but I don't think that would happen. He is supposedly a great lockerroom guy, and he would anchor the middle of the line for the next decade. I know they really need to improve their defense, but picking two great OL would be my first choice. Then maybe they'd get lucky and have Laurianitis (however you spell it) fall to the 33rd pick.

This is what I'd like to see the Bengals do as well. If they can get one of the big OTs in the first (although Andre Smith is turning me off), and luck into Mack in the 2nd, I think they'd be ecstatic.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Third Round

 

[Barry Jive and The Uptown Five]

I think both Robinson and Herman Johnson (who might not make it into my third round) are overrated because of their massive size, which can actually be a drawback depending on what a team likes to do with their offensive line.

Well, with that in mind, and playing the Devil's Advocate a little, would that make Duke less attractive there for Pittsburgh anyway? As much as we Steeler fans rail on him, Bruce Arians looks like he's not going anywhere....and straight ahead, power blocking isn't exactly what he's all about. This year they had guys who were far more suited to that sort of a style, certainly with Kemoeatu and Colon and to a lesser degree Simmons before his injury, and yet he still tried to do the "square peg, round hole" thing by running quite a bit of zone-blocking with multiple TEs and no FB.If Arians is committed to keeping that part of the blocking scheme more prevelant.....maybe a guy like Urbik or Wood is a better pick anyway. Cuz that certainly ain't Duke's game.

Completely 100% agree... I don't want to see either Sooner OL (Loadholt & Robinson) called by the Steelers on Day 1. If they make it to the end of RD 3... OKMack, Wood, Unger, Urbik... any of'em 2 of 'em.I've read that Hartwig gave up more sacks than any center in 2008... 6.5And Komeatu gave up 1 more than Hartwig... 7.5

 

[Bob Magaw]

well conceived, thought provoking & entertaining as always... thanx for the insights, bloom... as to the rams, you could make a strong case for QB, LT & WR...

if stafford is as good as you suggest, maybe DET opts to build their team around him... definitely LT is a crying need & the offense neglected the OL at the expense of skill position players in a serial manner during the millen regime, but it is tough to pass on a potential franchise QB, especially when they don't have anything close to that currently (unless you count c-pepp... perhaps he can rehabilitate his career, but he hasn't show much signs of it recently)...

as to the rams, there was a report by burwell that bulger thought new OC shurmur (nephew of former rams & packers DC fritz) would be running the WCO (PHI QB coach last seven years?)... i think bulger could be effective in that role... by the same rationale as used above, stafford could be nice cornerstone to build the franchise around... the rams have SO many holes, though... unlike fellow candidates to be jettisoned that underwhelmed big time in 2008, pace & holt, that also make a lot of money, bulger isn't old (at least, not for his position)... the past few years were difficult for bulger & holt, as they clearly clashed with linehan... with better leadership from spagnuolo anticipated, bulger already sounded enthused again... a WCO offense that emphasizes getting the ball out of the QBs hands quickly could play to bulger's strengths, as he has (or used to) a lightning quick release... & for the first time since the pre-martz pleistocene era, a QB might actually avoid getting hit every other down... if he is upright more & less beat up, we could even see a return to the earlier, friskier iteration of bulger that wasn't locked on to pass rush due to the weekly mauling/maiming, & actually flashed some occasional pocket sense & maneuverability... also, i expect spagnuolo to make the defense better quickly (not giants great obviously, but better), which would take pressure off bulger, & allow OC to run a balanced attack & employ a run heavy mix, if jackson can stay healthy (opinion divided on this)...

last year, the rams supposedly targeted jake long but MIA beat them to it, & with pace on his last legs (arguably he was done a few years ago), that would be an attractive fit of potential BPA with glaring team need... it sounds like among clas of '09 LT prospects, monroe is the best OVERALL in terms of of size, prototypical physical & athletic skills, temperment, lack of red flags, etc... IF he is there & DET doesn't in fact snag him first as you currently see it... if he is gone, there is a question of whether the LT smith's warrant that high a pick (sounds like oher's stock is plummetting, though probably not out of the 1st)... even if monroe is there (& i think there is a good chance they take him if he is there), that brings us to somewhat of a wildcard...

as far as BPA, not too many people would argue with crabtree, as he is called by many one of the top 1-2 prospects in the entire draft at any position... the early talk about rams scouts pushing for him could well be a smoke screen (if they had drafted an earlier "smoke screen" in cutler, they would already have their QB of the future on the roster )... while it could seem like a reckless, irresponsible, "luxury" pick with arguably bigger holes at QB & LT, reasons have already been cited above why bulger could rebound for system/scheme reasons... sure, it will look like a foolish pick if bulger continues to get pounded, but taking one of the top collegiate WR prospects ever instead of the QB prospect, could make bulger better also, & mitigate the need to take one... if crabtree is really special, & they aren't sure the LTs are (especially after monroe, if he is gone), that could further recommend this pick...

with the GM/HC duo of devaney & spags seeming to have some juice (shaw & zygmunt have been deposed) & expected to be given AT LEAST a few years to get the ship righted (doubtful ownership has massive expectations any time soon), they can take a long view... they would very likely be much better right away with a LT (see MIA), but still not necessarily that good in 2009... unlike the dolphins, this defense may take a while to gel... if they are a few years from being competitive, they could have opportunity soon enough to land their LT of the future... if crabtree is a genuine fitzgerald-like difference maker that could be the top overall talent in the draft at any position, players like that don't come around often...

some ways it could be a good fit... IF bulger can be rehabilitated/rejuvenated, & they get a LT in 2009-2010 (maybe they could move up from high 2nd, by packaging a player like holt, to move up in last ten picks of the 1st & get their LT of the future ala ATL & baker in '08, THIS YEAR?), crabtree could bring a lot to the table... though his ball skills & athleticism have elicited fitz comparisons, it also sounds like he has a lot of TO/boldin in him... his outstanding package of size, physicality & RAC ability would dovetail perfectly with a newly implemented WCO... steven jackson & crabtree would be a NASTY, elite 1-2 punch of skill position players that few teams could match... crabtree could be a physical downfield blocker (how does he rate in this department within this class?) which would help jackson, as would his threat as a receiving weapon, & could open things up for the run game... crabtree would be a devastating red zone weapon which has probably been the single biggest achilles heel for the STL offense ever since marshall faulk's wheels came off... avery is a question mark as a future WR1, but paired with crabtree they could be an exciting tandem with complementary skills for many years...

beat writer jim thomas stated the rams think they HAVE to come way from free agency/draft with a starting LT & center (at least, eventually)... but IF one can be secured in FA, that might increase the chance rams spend the second overall pick on crabtree, as there could be some good OL talent available with their high 2nd round pick...

curry is a great talent, but if he is a more natural OLB, guys like that RARELY get taken as high as second overall... i think maybe arrington was last one in past decade+ (?), & he had mixed results, but probably not worth that high a pick if WAS had a do-over (in fairness, it might have been otherwise if his career hadn't been cut short by a knee injury)... even guys like ray lewis & derrick brooks, the greatest ILB & OLBs of their generation, went in latter half of round one, though of course those were textbook exemples of horrific miscalculations, & anyways, they came with (catastrophically overblown) size concerns, which curry doesn't...

by above rationale, it might be tough for KC to take curry as high as 3rd overall (though it sounds like talent-wise he fits top 3-5 overall)... with pioli now in charge with KC, NE never seemed to assign 1st round value to LBs before last season (figuring the scheme was so complex they would be developing youngsters for other teams on their dime & time, & they could find castoff niche players from vet ranks cheaply & easily)... & they did enjoy a lot of success with the mayo pick, & needed one with the advanced age of their LB position group entering '08... but even mayo was top 10, not top 3... getting the next best LT prospect (one of the smith's?) would allow them to return albert to his arguably more natural & better LG spot, turning a probable team weakness into being well on their way to it being a strength in the very near future... NE used a lot of 1sts on DL, but maybe not one in this class worthy of such a high pick?

to recap, IF crabtree is a safer pick to turn into anothr TO/boldin, than guy like monroe is to be an elite LT (i can't answer in the latter case as i haven't scouted the OL class of '09 at all... crabtree highlights do have me drooling & thinking he looks like the real deal), than crabtree could paradoxically be the "safer" pick, though i agree that elite LT typically higher impact player in the classic "hierarchy" blueprint followed by most successful teams... WRs are reliant on others (like QB & LT, for instance & notably) & can be taken out of game with aggressive double teams by defenses determined to stop them (than again, this frees up other members of the offense, so not a total loss)... however, the elite WRs like TO, fitz, boldin, dre johnson, etc, have generally found a way to get open & do damage despite the best efforts of defenses to stop them... LTs are in on every play, & have a probably more profound ripple through effect on the rest of the offense/team...

crabtree is admittedly a risky strategy... if bulger's confidence & physical chops have been shattered & he is a truly a shell of his former self, beyond redemption, than STL will be the lions 2.0, with a great WR like calvin johnson but without the ability to get him the ball regularly... dre johnson is a phenomenal talent but as a franchise, the texans don't look like they have the QB to get them over the hump... but with a lot invested in the until fairly recently battle tested & competent bulger, the possibility of a rebound with better coaching leadership & an eventual better OL surrounding him, crabtree's upside HAS to be tempting... STL may ultimately go with the LT or QB, but if crabtree is truly in the top 1-2 overall prospects in the draft, & with WR being a big hole as well as LT & QB, you have to think they will take a hard look at him...

i think crabtree would look sharp in horns, but think they may have monroe rated higher?

 

[Tornacl]

I'd like to see the Lions take Mack with their second pick in the first. It would be great for him to fall to the 33rd pick, but I don't think that would happen. He is supposedly a great lockerroom guy, and he would anchor the middle of the line for the next decade. I know they really need to improve their defense, but picking two great OL would be my first choice. Then maybe they'd get lucky and have Laurianitis (however you spell it) fall to the 33rd pick.

This is what I'd like to see the Bengals do as well. If they can get one of the big OTs in the first (although Andre Smith is turning me off), and luck into Mack in the 2nd, I think they'd be ecstatic.

Word is that Mack is a very rare talent for an interior lineman, the type that could be a pro-bowler for a long time. I'd rather the Lions draft someone like that, than take a guy like Laurinitis or a CB that would be an average starter. Combine Mack with Monroe, for once the Lions would have a nucleus for a good line. So I hope they beat your Bengals to it.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

96. Pittsburgh - Ricky Jean-Francois, DL, LSU - The Steelers aren’t usually ones to take risk/reward players, but Jean-Francois could be a beast of an end in the 3-4 with his length, strength, and quickness. If he takes to the Steelers culture and gives 100% on every play, he’ll be one of the steals of the draft.

Jean-Francois, eh? Not who I was guessing when you hinted at a risk/reward type at DE when we were talking Thursday. I thought you may have meant Magee.RJ-F certainly has the build and the quicks to man one of the DE spots in the 3-4. I keep thinking back to the National Championship game when LSU won it and he was practically unblockable. As you say, it'd probably be more about him giving a sh@#$ 100% of the time than it would be about ability. Very similar, in that regard, to your #2 pick for the Steelers. If Robinson doesn't make it as a pro, I think it's going to be because he didn't give enough of a s@#$#$, not because he doesn't have the ability.To play the Devil's Advocate again.....I wonder, if both of those guys ARE, indeed, perceived as having "dedication" issues, if the Steelers would take either one of them?Strictly from a talent standpoint, the Steelers would have to be pleased with a Meredith, Robinson, Jean-Francois top 3(even if Jean-Francois isn't someone that many would expect there.)Sig, if you were going to play this out with comp. picks, who are a few names you'd be considering if the Steelers net one, as expected, for Faneca?

 

[Donnybrook]

Third Round

No Nate Davis. What round are you projecting him to go in?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

How does a college kid get thousands of dollars a month to spend on supplements?

Dad.The same guy who got him working with pro trainers.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

#10- WR Jeremy Macklin

I don't think the 49ers are gonna take a receiver here.Hell,they'd be better off taking Sanchez at 10 if he's there. Using a 3-4 defense they need big time help. Somebody like DE Brian Arakpo or LB Rey Maualuga would surely help. They really need to address the defense in the draft as they were pretty close to the bottom and if you can't stop anybody on defense you put immense pressure on your offense. I could also see them trading down a few if a team covets a player at 10 and still get Mark Sanchez in the 16-20 range. QB Shaun Hill may be able to manage the offense for a couple of years while a guy like Sanchez holds a clipboard and learns. We are in desperate need of a franchise QB, not to mention other areas that need a lot of attention. I think they'll be able to develop WR's Jason Hil and the rookie they were very high on Josh Morgan. Even if Ike Bruce and Bryant Johnson left I don't think we'd be any worse for wear in the receiving dept. SF WR's didn't show much last year any way. If the younguns are healthy give them their shot. So that's why I don't think they'll be taking Jeremy Macklin with their first pick. They take the BPA that fits their 3-4 defense or trade down a few and get extra picks and still get QB Mark Sanchez.

2nd round- LB Zach Follett

Don't really care for this pick much, but here again when the 9ers pick rolls around I don't think they're enamored with anybody at that spot and elect to trade down again and amass picks. More picks they can find someone with close enouigh or equal to talent of Follett and still have extra picks. I think they trade down more this year than they have in a while. Or they may surprise evryone and with the extra picks they get trading down in the first trade back up and take QB Josh Freeman, who come draft day will sneak up into the first round possibly.

I think there will be several exceptionally talented corners and safeties at that point. And they will get a prime pick of the litter.

 

[bcr8f]

Third Round

I like both these picks. I hink Ted will trade down from #9 to #19 to get another 3rd. Donald Brown or Urbik would be nice. 73. Green Bay - Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State - Levitre played LT at Oregon State, and even though he’s being projected at guard in the NFL, he’s about the same size as starting Packer right tackle Mark Tauscher (who was sidelined with an ACL tear in December). Levitre seems like a natural for a zone blocking team, and he would provide depth at four offensive line positions.

83. Green Bay (from New York Jets) - Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati - I don’t know if the Pack would be looking to grab two OLB prospects to help their transition to the 3-4, but I also don’t know if they could pass up a talent like Barwin if he fell to the mid third round. Barwin has tons of potential and looked like a natural after he moved to DE from TE, leading the Big East in sacks this year. He could easily be a top 50 pick.

 

[Ridgelake]

Dallas got their safety

 

[Rovers]

Sig, now you really lost me.

76. New York Jets (from New Orleans) - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St - The Jets need to bolster their future at QB, whether it’s through a premium underclassman in the first round or a project in the third (or later). Bomar’s accuracy issues are worrisome, but he has a good arm, quick release, and a leader’s mindset, and he’s definitely worth a shot in the third.

So the Jets pass on Vontae Davis in the first round over character concerns, but take Bomar in the third round? Bomar needs a valet to carry his baggage compared to Davis' issues. If you were drafting for the Jets, I'd be booing as loudly as I could! A new HC who has stuck his neck out and said he can win now takes a project QB who should be a second day pick in the third round? The Jets have 3 projects at QB already. They need a fourth?

If anything, I see the Jets signing a Greise as a backup, but the job will fall to either Clemmens or Ratliff this year. I've heard all the NYC talk show interviews with Woody Johnson, Tannenbaum, Ryan, Schottenheimer, Westoff... the entire staff talks about letting these two compete. Even the Jets players have come out in support of Clemmens.

IF, in the VERY unlikely event the Jets took a QB in this draft, they would do it in the 1st or not at all. A project QB with a loooong history of issues? You lost me. :(

PS: A quote from Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets when asked about any FA QB's:

"I think we will go with our three young QB's. Flacco did well last year, and Clemmens played well in his 8 starts in 2007."

Some of that is para phrased, but the full interview:

http://www.wfan.com/topic/play_window.php?...audioId=3455897

Sig, why do you hate the Jets? J/K

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Sig, now you really lost me.

76. New York Jets (from New Orleans) - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St - The Jets need to bolster their future at QB, whether it’s through a premium underclassman in the first round or a project in the third (or later). Bomar’s accuracy issues are worrisome, but he has a good arm, quick release, and a leader’s mindset, and he’s definitely worth a shot in the third.

So the Jets pass on Vontae Davis in the first round over character concerns, but take Bomar in the third round? Bomar needs a valet to carry his baggage compared to Davis' issues. If you were drafting for the Jets, I'd be booing as loudly as I could! A new HC who has stuck his neck out and said he can win now takes a project QB who should be a second day pick in the third round? The Jets have 3 projects at QB already. They need a fourth?

If anything, I see the Jets signing a Greise as a backup, but the job will fall to either Clemmens or Ratliff this year. I've heard all the NYC talk show interviews with Woody Johnson, Tannenbaum, Ryan, Schottenheimer, Westoff... the entire staff talks about letting these two compete. Even the Jets players have come out in support of Clemmens.

IF, in the VERY unlikely event the Jets took a QB in this draft, they would do it in the 1st or not at all. A project QB with a loooong history of issues? You lost me.

PS: A quote from Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets when asked about any FA QB's:

"I think we will go with our three young QB's. Flacco did well last year, and Clemmens played well in his 8 starts in 2007."

Some of that is para phrased, but the full interview:

http://www.wfan.com/topic/play_window.php?...audioId=3455897

Sig, why do you hate the Jets? J/K

Bomar's character problems are blown out of proportion. He was the fall guy for something at Oklahoma that probably involved a lot of their kids. He got two minor in possession of alcohol charges - that doesn't worry me much, not like violence or weapons or even PI, just underage drinking. What are the other issues? Davis's issues have more to do with effort and dedication. Still, I think you're right that he won't fall out of the first. I just picked him to the "surprise fall-through" because every round has one.I hear you on the glut of projects at QB, but I think Bomar has a higher ceiling than any of those three, and I also think Ainge may not make it out of camp. Even if they are going to go with Clemens/Ratliff, they still need to make a plan if neither is long term material.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Third Round

I like both these picks. I hink Ted will trade down from #9 to #19 to get another 3rd. Donald Brown or Urbik would be nice. 73. Green Bay - Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State - Levitre played LT at Oregon State, and even though he’s being projected at guard in the NFL, he’s about the same size as starting Packer right tackle Mark Tauscher (who was sidelined with an ACL tear in December). Levitre seems like a natural for a zone blocking team, and he would provide depth at four offensive line positions.

83. Green Bay (from New York Jets) - Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati - I don’t know if the Pack would be looking to grab two OLB prospects to help their transition to the 3-4, but I also don’t know if they could pass up a talent like Barwin if he fell to the mid third round. Barwin has tons of potential and looked like a natural after he moved to DE from TE, leading the Big East in sacks this year. He could easily be a top 50 pick.

Almost gave them Brown in the 3rd, so we're on the same wavelength here.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Third Round

No Nate Davis. What round are you projecting him to go in?

3rd-4th - just didnt make the top 96 in this iteration.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

96. Pittsburgh - Ricky Jean-Francois, DL, LSU - The Steelers aren’t usually ones to take risk/reward players, but Jean-Francois could be a beast of an end in the 3-4 with his length, strength, and quickness. If he takes to the Steelers culture and gives 100% on every play, he’ll be one of the steals of the draft.

Jean-Francois, eh? Not who I was guessing when you hinted at a risk/reward type at DE when we were talking Thursday. I thought you may have meant Magee.RJ-F certainly has the build and the quicks to man one of the DE spots in the 3-4. I keep thinking back to the National Championship game when LSU won it and he was practically unblockable. As you say, it'd probably be more about him giving a sh@#$ 100% of the time than it would be about ability. Very similar, in that regard, to your #2 pick for the Steelers. If Robinson doesn't make it as a pro, I think it's going to be because he didn't give enough of a s@#$#$, not because he doesn't have the ability.To play the Devil's Advocate again.....I wonder, if both of those guys ARE, indeed, perceived as having "dedication" issues, if the Steelers would take either one of them?Strictly from a talent standpoint, the Steelers would have to be pleased with a Meredith, Robinson, Jean-Francois top 3(even if Jean-Francois isn't someone that many would expect there.)Sig, if you were going to play this out with comp. picks, who are a few names you'd be considering if the Steelers net one, as expected, for Faneca?

I dont think Magee is nearly stout enough to hang as a 3-4 end. He's a good candidate to be in a role I think the NFL will soon adopt - 3rd down DT pass rush specialist.Other names for a 3rd round comp?Pat White Eric Wood, C, Louisville, Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansasan ILB - maybe Frantz Joseph or Scott McKillopa stretch the field WR to replace NWashington like a Deon Butler or Darius Passmore

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

well conceived, thought provoking & entertaining as always... thanx for the insights, bloom... as to the rams, you could make a strong case for QB, LT & WR...if stafford is as good as you suggest, maybe DET opts to build their team around him... definitely LT is a crying need & the offense neglected the OL at the expense of skill position players in a serial manner during the millen regime, but it is tough to pass on a potential franchise QB, especially when they don't have anything close to that currently (unless you count c-pepp... perhaps he can rehabilitate his career, but he hasn't show much signs of it recently)...as to the rams, there was a report by burwell that bulger thought new OC shurmur (nephew of former rams & packers DC fritz) would be running the WCO (PHI QB coach last seven years?)... i think bulger could be effective in that role... by the same rationale as used above, stafford could be nice cornerstone to build the franchise around... the rams have SO many holes, though... unlike fellow candidates to be jettisoned that underwhelmed big time in 2008, pace & holt, that also make a lot of money, bulger isn't old (at least, not for his position)... the past few years were difficult for bulger & holt, as they clearly clashed with linehan... with better leadership from spagnuolo anticipated, bulger already sounded enthused again... a WCO offense that emphasizes getting the ball out of the QBs hands quickly could play to bulger's strengths, as he has (or used to) a lightning quick release... & for the first time since the pre-martz pleistocene era, a QB might actually avoid getting hit every other down... if he is upright more & less beat up, we could even see a return to the earlier, friskier iteration of bulger that wasn't locked on to pass rush due to the weekly mauling/maiming, & actually flashed some occasional pocket sense & maneuverability... also, i expect spagnuolo to make the defense better quickly (not giants great obviously, but better), which would take pressure off bulger, & allow OC to run a balanced attack & employ a run heavy mix, if jackson can stay healthy (opinion divided on this)... last year, the rams supposedly targeted jake long but MIA beat them to it, & with pace on his last legs (arguably he was done a few years ago), that would be an attractive fit of potential BPA with glaring team need... it sounds like among clas of '09 LT prospects, monroe is the best OVERALL in terms of of size, prototypical physical & athletic skills, temperment, lack of red flags, etc... IF he is there & DET doesn't in fact snag him first as you currently see it... if he is gone, there is a question of whether the LT smith's warrant that high a pick (sounds like oher's stock is plummetting, though probably not out of the 1st)... even if monroe is there (& i think there is a good chance they take him if he is there), that brings us to somewhat of a wildcard...as far as BPA, not too many people would argue with crabtree, as he is called by many one of the top 1-2 prospects in the entire draft at any position... the early talk about rams scouts pushing for him could well be a smoke screen (if they had drafted an earlier "smoke screen" in cutler, they would already have their QB of the future on the roster )... while it could seem like a reckless, irresponsible, "luxury" pick with arguably bigger holes at QB & LT, reasons have already been cited above why bulger could rebound for system/scheme reasons... sure, it will look like a foolish pick if bulger continues to get pounded, but taking one of the top collegiate WR prospects ever instead of the QB prospect, could make bulger better also, & mitigate the need to take one... if crabtree is really special, & they aren't sure the LTs are (especially after monroe, if he is gone), that could further recommend this pick...with the GM/HC duo of devaney & spags seeming to have some juice (shaw & zygmunt have been deposed) & expected to be given AT LEAST a few years to get the ship righted (doubtful ownership has massive expectations any time soon), they can take a long view... they would very likely be much better right away with a LT (see MIA), but still not necessarily that good in 2009... unlike the dolphins, this defense may take a while to gel... if they are a few years from being competitive, they could have opportunity soon enough to land their LT of the future... if crabtree is a genuine fitzgerald-like difference maker that could be the top overall talent in the draft at any position, players like that don't come around often...some ways it could be a good fit... IF bulger can be rehabilitated/rejuvenated, & they get a LT in 2009-2010 (maybe they could move up from high 2nd, by packaging a player like holt, to move up in last ten picks of the 1st & get their LT of the future ala ATL & baker in '08, THIS YEAR?), crabtree could bring a lot to the table... though his ball skills & athleticism have elicited fitz comparisons, it also sounds like he has a lot of TO/boldin in him... his outstanding package of size, physicality & RAC ability would dovetail perfectly with a newly implemented WCO... steven jackson & crabtree would be a NASTY, elite 1-2 punch of skill position players that few teams could match... crabtree could be a physical downfield blocker (how does he rate in this department within this class?) which would help jackson, as would his threat as a receiving weapon, & could open things up for the run game... crabtree would be a devastating red zone weapon which has probably been the single biggest achilles heel for the STL offense ever since marshall faulk's wheels came off... avery is a question mark as a future WR1, but paired with crabtree they could be an exciting tandem with complementary skills for many years...beat writer jim thomas stated the rams think they HAVE to come way from free agency/draft with a starting LT & center (at least, eventually)... but IF one can be secured in FA, that might increase the chance rams spend the second overall pick on crabtree, as there could be some good OL talent available with their high 2nd round pick... curry is a great talent, but if he is a more natural OLB, guys like that RARELY get taken as high as second overall... i think maybe arrington was last one in past decade+ (?), & he had mixed results, but probably not worth that high a pick if WAS had a do-over (in fairness, it might have been otherwise if his career hadn't been cut short by a knee injury)... even guys like ray lewis & derrick brooks, the greatest ILB & OLBs of their generation, went in latter half of round one, though of course those were textbook exemples of horrific miscalculations, & anyways, they came with (catastrophically overblown) size concerns, which curry doesn't... by above rationale, it might be tough for KC to take curry as high as 3rd overall (though it sounds like talent-wise he fits top 3-5 overall)... with pioli now in charge with KC, NE never seemed to assign 1st round value to LBs before last season (figuring the scheme was so complex they would be developing youngsters for other teams on their dime & time, & they could find castoff niche players from vet ranks cheaply & easily)... & they did enjoy a lot of success with the mayo pick, & needed one with the advanced age of their LB position group entering '08... but even mayo was top 10, not top 3... getting the next best LT prospect (one of the smith's?) would allow them to return albert to his arguably more natural & better LG spot, turning a probable team weakness into being well on their way to it being a strength in the very near future... NE used a lot of 1sts on DL, but maybe not one in this class worthy of such a high pick? to recap, IF crabtree is a safer pick to turn into anothr TO/boldin, than guy like monroe is to be an elite LT (i can't answer in the latter case as i haven't scouted the OL class of '09 at all... crabtree highlights do have me drooling & thinking he looks like the real deal), than crabtree could paradoxically be the "safer" pick, though i agree that elite LT typically higher impact player in the classic "hierarchy" blueprint followed by most successful teams... WRs are reliant on others (like QB & LT, for instance & notably) & can be taken out of game with aggressive double teams by defenses determined to stop them (than again, this frees up other members of the offense, so not a total loss)... however, the elite WRs like TO, fitz, boldin, dre johnson, etc, have generally found a way to get open & do damage despite the best efforts of defenses to stop them... LTs are in on every play, & have a probably more profound ripple through effect on the rest of the offense/team...crabtree is admittedly a risky strategy... if bulger's confidence & physical chops have been shattered & he is a truly a shell of his former self, beyond redemption, than STL will be the lions 2.0, with a great WR like calvin johnson but without the ability to get him the ball regularly... dre johnson is a phenomenal talent but as a franchise, the texans don't look like they have the QB to get them over the hump... but with a lot invested in the until fairly recently battle tested & competent bulger, the possibility of a rebound with better coaching leadership & an eventual better OL surrounding him, crabtree's upside HAS to be tempting... STL may ultimately go with the LT or QB, but if crabtree is truly in the top 1-2 overall prospects in the draft, & with WR being a big hole as well as LT & QB, you have to think they will take a hard look at him... i think crabtree would look sharp in horns, but think they may have monroe rated higher?

Nothing to say but and you should be in the Rams war room.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

Sig, now you really lost me.

76. New York Jets (from New Orleans) - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St - The Jets need to bolster their future at QB, whether it’s through a premium underclassman in the first round or a project in the third (or later). Bomar’s accuracy issues are worrisome, but he has a good arm, quick release, and a leader’s mindset, and he’s definitely worth a shot in the third.

So the Jets pass on Vontae Davis in the first round over character concerns, but take Bomar in the third round? Bomar needs a valet to carry his baggage compared to Davis' issues. If you were drafting for the Jets, I'd be booing as loudly as I could! A new HC who has stuck his neck out and said he can win now takes a project QB who should be a second day pick in the third round? The Jets have 3 projects at QB already. They need a fourth?

If anything, I see the Jets signing a Greise as a backup, but the job will fall to either Clemmens or Ratliff this year. I've heard all the NYC talk show interviews with Woody Johnson, Tannenbaum, Ryan, Schottenheimer, Westoff... the entire staff talks about letting these two compete. Even the Jets players have come out in support of Clemmens.

IF, in the VERY unlikely event the Jets took a QB in this draft, they would do it in the 1st or not at all. A project QB with a loooong history of issues? You lost me.

PS: A quote from Woody Johnson, owner of the Jets when asked about any FA QB's:

"I think we will go with our three young QB's. Flacco did well last year, and Clemmens played well in his 8 starts in 2007."

Some of that is para phrased, but the full interview:

http://www.wfan.com/topic/play_window.php?...audioId=3455897

Sig, why do you hate the Jets? J/K

Bomar's character problems are blown out of proportion. He was the fall guy for something at Oklahoma that probably involved a lot of their kids. He got two minor in possession of alcohol charges - that doesn't worry me much, not like violence or weapons or even PI, just underage drinking. What are the other issues? Davis's issues have more to do with effort and dedication. Still, I think you're right that he won't fall out of the first. I just picked him to the "surprise fall-through" because every round has one.I hear you on the glut of projects at QB, but I think Bomar has a higher ceiling than any of those three, and I also think Ainge may not make it out of camp. Even if they are going to go with Clemens/Ratliff, they still need to make a plan if neither is long term material.

The short version of why Bomar was booted is that he and another player (an OL) were set up to work at a local car lot in Norman (I think over a summer). They did not work near as many hours as was paid. A few prominent people at the lot were let go because of it. Ironically, in a town that endorsed the antics of the Barry Switzer era, there was a major backlash in Norman. For those that want to research the particulars, let me know and I will give more details.