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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2009 > April
April 2009
Big C’s Final Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions (0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Oooh baby, here I am, signed, sealed delivered, I’m yours! To the tune of a $78 million deal that includes an NFL-record $41.7 million guaranteed.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
15. Houston Texans (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
17. New York Jets (9-7): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
18. Denver Broncos (8-8): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
20. Detroit Lions (0-16): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
28. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
29. New York Giants (12-4): Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Eric Wood, C, Louisville
TweetBig C’s Mock Draft Part III
Here are my Top 10 picks to round out my first mock draft. My final mock will come on Saturday for recent trade movement has already affected some of my earlier picks.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Aside from his questionable character issues the 49ers get a steal.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Bad pub has caused Raji’s stock to dip but he shouldn’t make it past Green Bay at No. 9.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Maclin had a superb showing in Indianapolis and his performance at the school’s pro day was said to be even better. He answered all the questions on whether or not he can play outside receiver. Maclin would have a consummate professional to learn from in receiver Torry Holt should he land in Jacksonville. Did I mention that Maclin is also a dangerous return-man?
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Crabtree would give quarterback JaMarcus Russell a legitimate weapon on the outside and help jumpstart the Raiders 32nd ranked passing offense.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
With J. Smith, Monroe and Orakpo off the board, I could see the Bengals addressing their need at running back with this selection. Wells is an impact player and is highly coveted by the team. He would make for a nice complement to starting running back Cedric Benson. What’s the knock on the Beanster? Durability? Yes. But not his will to perform and nor his will to succeed.
Offensive lineman Andre Smith could also be an option here, but there are still some reservations about him wigging-out at the combine for no apparent reason.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
The Cleveland defense finished the 2008 season tied for next to last in the NFL in sacks with 17, and the Browns will undoubtedly be looking to upgrade their pass-rush. The Browns have invested a lot of time in edge-rusher. The team held a private workout with Orakpo on March 18 and brought him in for a visit on April 14.
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
What good is Mark Sanchez or any other quarterback in the Seahawks lineup if he’s flat on his back? Simply put, the Seahawks must solidify their O-line.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Although Curry may be the top prospect in the draft, the Chiefs are considering trading out of the No. 3 spot to stockpile picks.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
The Rams will need to fill the void created by offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who will be serving up pancakes in Chicago this season.
1. Detroit Lions (0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
No-brainer! The Lions are in need of a franchise quarterback and I believe Stafford is the best prospect out there.
TweetBig C’s Mock Draft Part II
As promised, I am back with picks 21 thru 11 and may have a few surprises in the mix. A notable absence from my first round selections is Penn State defensive end Aaron Maybin. I feel he is surrounded by a lot of hype and believe that he is a tad overrated. You will also find that some prospects have moved up the board while others are dropping like flies. Check back Friday for my Top 10 picks.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Running back Brian Westbrook will turn 30 years old before the season starts and boy would the team be elated to see Moreno still available. Moreno is almost identical to Westbrook in terms of talent. The best word to describe the runner is explosive. Moreno would be a steal at 21.
20. Detroit Lions (0-16): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Lions have apparently settled on quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick and now must provide protection for their franchise quarterback. Britton may not be the best offensive tackle in his class, but is one of the better pass-blockers among the group.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Jerry is a penetrating undersized defensive tackle much like former Buc Warren Sapp and should fit in well with the defense.
18. Denver Broncos (8-8): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
The Broncos are transitioning into a 3-4 defense and this hybrid pass-rusher would provide the defense with a speed rusher off the edge.
17. New York Jets (9-7): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Freeman’s stock is on the rise and the Jets have a definite need for quarterback after losing Brett Favre to retirement. However, running back is also and option here.
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Cushing is extremely versatile after having played defensive end, inside and middle linebacker for the Trojans. Crushing might be too good to pass up at 16 - if he’s available.
15. Houston Texans (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The Texans are seeking a serious pass-rush opposite Super Mario
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Saints have just four picks in this year’s draft and will have to make their first round selection count with an impact player. I feel Jenkins would be a steal at this point. Don’t rule out trading down for the Saints.
13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
I picked Jackson because he would be an adequate replacement for Jason Taylor who traded in his pads for Cuban heels and a rumba partner. Hopefully the only dancing Jackson will do is after sacking quarterbacks at FedEx Field.
12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
The inexperience of Sanchez will cause him to tumble and fall in the lap of the Broncos who will be looking for a replacement for former franchise quarterback Jay Cutler.
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Offensive tackle Jason Peters was dealt to Philadelphia and could be replaced in the lineup by Oher.
TweetBig C’s NFL Mock Draft
The NFL draft is a few days away and will spare you of the dramatics as we countdown to draft day. Picks 21 thru 11 are coming Thursday.
Here are my picks.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Eric Wood, C, Louisville
The World Champion Steelers are in need of an anchor in the middle of the offensive line and could have their sights set on arguably the best center prospect entering the draft. Wood has drawn comparisons to former Steeler great Mike Webster with his style of play and tenacity. Not to mention that the Steelers have invested a lot of time in Wood throughout this draft process.
31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Veteran running back Edgerrin James could get his wish and be released by Arizona leaving unproven Tim Hightower as the lone back on the team’s roster. Brown’s stock is rising like the desert heat. If Arizona passes on a running back here keep an eye on Javon Ringer in round two.
30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
Everyone seems to have jumped off the Laurinaitis bandwagon, but the Titans hold the linebacker in high regard. Laurinaitis could be an impact player in an already explosive defense.
29. New York Giants (12-4): Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
With Plaxico Burress knee deep in legal troubles, the Giants will need to find another reliable target for quarterback Eli Manning. Robiskie is pro ready and the most polished receiver in this draft. Not everyone is sleeping on Robiskie.
28. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
The Bills are in desperate need of a playmaker at the tight end position and Cook appears to be the main course on their menu. The organization was highly impressed with the tight end when they brought him in for a visit.
27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
The Colts have been missing a deep-threat receiver since 2007 when receiver Marvin Harrison missed most of the season with a knee injury. Now Harrison’s gone. Harvin is a burner, in more ways than one, and a big-play receiver.
26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
Maualuga could very well be the heir apparent to future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis.
25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The Dolphins need help in the secondary after finishing the season ranked 25th against the pass. Davis is a superb athlete and would solidify the team’s need for a dominant cover-corner.
24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
The Falcons haven’t had a productive tight end since Alge Crumpler and will find one in Pettigrew.
23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
Matthews is a do it all Mike Vrabel type player who the Patriots traded away this offseason. Matthews’ ability to rush the passer and play in coverage makes him a perfect fit for the Pats 3-4 defense.
22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
The Vikings biggest need is at quarterback and could snag Josh Freeman should he fall to them. If not, the team is likely to address their need of a complement receiver to Bernard Berrian.
TweetScouting Bengals Draft
The 2009 NFL draft is expected to be plentiful for the Cincinnati Bengals, who will have 11 picks this year. It is with all intents and purposes that the Bengals will look to add impact players on offense and/or defense in the early rounds and seek depth in the latter portion of the draft.
The Bengals organization is notorious for bucking the trend, so fans should prepare themselves for the unexpected on draft day.
Personally, I am not a Bengals fan, but feel very confident in saying that the team will have a successful draft this year. There are some very interesting prospects high on the team’s list who I like.
Top 5 needs: Offensive tackle, center, defensive end, running back, defensive back.
The Bengals are currently picking in the No. 6 position in round one and although offensive tackle seems to be the logical choice with a crippled O-line, the team could opt to go in different direction.
That being said, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to hear Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells’ name called as the Bengals first-round selection. The closer we get to draft day the more I keep hearing Wells’ name associated with the team’s pick.
Some may call the team’s interest in Wells nothing more than a smokescreen. However, I have reason to believe that the Bengals interest in the runner is very genuine.
If either offensive tackle, Jason Smith (Baylor) or Eugene Monroe (Virginia), are on the board when the Bengals make their selection, the decision is a pretty easy one. But if both are gone look for the Bengals to take the best available player and that could very well be Wells. Depending on how the chips fall with picks 1 thru 5. The team also holds offensive tackle Andre Smith (Alabama) in high regard, but is the risk greater than the reward?
Don’t rule out a trade here as well.
Second round
The Bengals would like nothing better than to snag hometown product Louisville center Eric Wood with the 38th overall pick, but he is unlikely to be available. Wood is the best center entering the draft in my book. The Bengals know exactly what they would be getting in Wood, and for that reason don’t count out the team taking an aggressive approach to obtain the versatile O-lineman. If not, the good people of Cincinnati may have to get used to seeing Wood in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.
Centers Alex Mack (Cal) and Max Unger (Oregon) are also viable options. If the Bengals fail to pull the trigger on a center in the second-round they could look to a guy like Cecil Newton (Tennessee St.) on Day 2. Newton has been labeled by some NFL scouts as being a diamond in the rough.
TweetPatriots showing interest in Kentucky LB Williams
Year after year, fans find themselves puzzled as to how the New England Patriots manage to stay on top of the game despite picking at the bottom of the draft.
A number of factors contribute to the team’s success, from good negotiating practices to revitalizing the careers of retreads. But maybe most important is talent evaluation; the team’s scouting department always seems to find hidden gems during the draft process.
This year, the Patriots are showing interest in little-known University of Kentucky linebacker Johnny Williams. They held a private campus workout for Williams last week, officially placing the player on their radar.
According to a source with knowledge of the workout, the linebacker was solid during position drills and showed good change of direction. NFL scouts questioned Williams’ ability to change direction until they worked him with the corners and safeties at the school’s pro day. The workout was said to be very intense, but Williams nailed it.
From a scouting standpoint, Williams is a guy who may not wow you with workout numbers, but more so with his on-field prowess. When you turn the film on you’ll know exactly what I mean.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Williams tied for fifth on the team in tackles with 39 and had eight tackles for loss and a team-high five sacks. The defining moment of Williams’ senior campaign came in the game against Alabama when he accomplished what no other defender had been able to do.
The only sack given up by Alabama stud offensive tackle Andre Smith came at the hands of Williams.
It was on a third-and-long pass play when Smith set up deep in his protection. The tackle took a short first step and Williams hit him with a speed move, faked to the inside, stopping the tackle’s feet. He attacked Smith’s outside shoulder and beat him around the edge to record the sack. Williams also tied a career-high with eight tackles against Alabama.
The Wildcats would often line Williams up at defensive end in their nickel defense to best utilize his pass-rush abilities.
The linebacker’s ability to rush the passer is what NFL teams find most intriguing. The teams showing the most interest are the 3-4 defensive teams like the Patriots, as well as the Browns, who are following up on his background with coaches and training staff.
Williams is a Bart Scott-type linebacker. He’s big, physical, runs well and possesses natural pass-rushing skills. He plays well inside of the box and is very conscientious about his technique. Williams is said to be very coachable, a student of the game who does plenty of film study.
There are those who believe Williams has little chance to make a team’s roster, but Kentucky linebackers coach Chuck Smith believes otherwise.
“I think Johnny is hungry to be successful,” Smith said in a recent phone interview. “He wants to be the best that he can be. When you have a guy that is hungry and wants to be the best that he can be, I have to really like his chances. He’s a guy that I think will do really well. Johnny has the tools and the desire. If he’s given a shot, he’ll get the job done.”
Smith went on to say that if you’re a three-year starter in the SEC like Williams, then you’re a pretty good player. He’ll find a way to make an NFL team.
See what the scouts like about Williams…
TweetSource: Jones-Drew rewarded with big contract
It is anticipated that a contract extension for Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Maurice Jones-Drew will be executed this afternoon.
According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, the contract is a 4-year extension making Jones-Drew possibly the third highest paid running back in the NFL.
With running back Fred Taylor gone to New England, Jones-Drew becomes the Jaguars’ featured back and will be rewarded as such.
TweetBengals bring in Oregon pass-rusher Reed
The Cincinnati Bengals will play host to Oregon defensive end Nick Reed who will be in town Wednesday, April 15, to visit with the team. Reed is a prospect flying under the radar, but the Bengals seem to have scoped him out and have taken a real interest in the pass-rusher.
The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Reed is an undersized defensive end but was a highly productive player for the Ducks throughout his college career. The Walter Camp first-team All-America and Pac-10 leader in sacks the last two seasons has drawn comparisons to New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi.
Reed wasn’t invited to the Scouting Combine but blew NFL teams away after putting up some impressive numbers at Oregon’s pro day.
40-yard Dash: 4.71
Vertical Jump: 31.5 inches
Bench Press Reps (225 pounds): 24
Broad Jump: 9.0 feet
Short Shuttle: 4.26
Three-Cone Drill: 6.95
60-yard Shuttle: 12.02
Reed used the snub as motivation and worked on every aspect in preparation for the school’s workout. He showed his versatility with a solid performance during linebacker drills.
The way I hear it, the Bengals talent evaluators unearthed a gem with Reed because he could really be an asset to the team.
Stay tuned in to Big C’s NFL Blitz because I will have a more in depth scouting report on Reed in the next couple days.
TweetBengals searching for Day 2 gems
The Cincinnati Bengals will attempt to address key areas of need in the early rounds of the upcoming NFL draft, but understand the importance of finding quality performers in the later rounds.
Running back is a position that the team could address early on, but with a fairly deep class they will have some options.
If the Bengals fail to address their need at running back on Day 1, the team could target Virginia tailback Cedric Peerman on Day 2.
Peerman was one of those prospects who responded well to Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl. The way I hear it, the Bengals coaching staff was quite smitten with the runner in Mobile.
“Coach Anderson helped me with my footwork and gave me pointers of things to work on while in Mobile,” Peerman said in a recent phone interview. “What he told me has really helped me out thus far. Coach was very good to talk to because he was so real. He was so truthful and wasn’t going to sugarcoat anything. I just enjoyed being around him and that whole experience.”
Coach Anderson’s words apparently went a long way with Peerman because he lit it up at the Combine a month later.
The running back answered all questions about his top-end speed when he smoked the track running a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash. He recorded the fastest time among the running backs in Indy. Many scouts thought of Peerman as being a mid 4.5 guy coming into the event.
The 5-foot-10, 215-pound Peerman showed good upper and lower body strength by doing 27 reps on the bench press and posting a 40-inch vertical. He also fared well during position drills.
However, NFL scouts have some concerns with Peerman’s short arms and small hands which translate into a possible fumbling problem. Scouts also had the same reservations about Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew coming into the 2006 draft.
Peerman has a thick build and is a tough inside runner with speed to run outside. He has good vision and shows good lateral mobility in the hole. He demonstrates good balance, body control after initial contact and is a great short-yardage runner. Peerman is a reliable receiver out of the backfield, catching 44 passes as a senior. He also does an exceptional job picking up the blitz.
Peerman reminds you of a slightly smaller version of Bengals running back Kenny Watson. He would be a nice change-of-pace back in relief of starter Cedric Benson as well as a solid contributor on special teams.
Peerman is projected to come off the board anywhere between the third and fourth rounds. The Bengals currently have two third round selections; 70th and 98th overall and a fourth rounder; 106th overall.
See more on Peerman…
TweetEveryone wants to be Bengals’ GM
Since everyone seems to think they have the solution for solving the Bengals’ problems. I thought I might take a crack at it.
So what is Bengals owner Mike Brown to do?
Hypothetically speaking, the owner hires shark General Manger Big C.
Hey, this is the year for the unexpected. After all, Obama is President.
Day 1 on the job
My first order of business would be to send Vice President and Executive Vice President Troy and Katie Blackburn on an extended vacation for some real down time. I hear Barbados is beautiful this time of year. I don’t want any interference when I’m playing Lee Iacocca. I got this!
I want the couple to free their minds of football until they return 2 months later. What can I say? I’m a sucker for love. I want them fresh and totally rejuvenated once they return because there may be some money issues to discuss.
Next on my agenda would be extending the contract of head coach Marvin Lewis. Despite what other people may think, Lewis is the best man for the job and shall be rewarded as such. Lewis would be under contract for so long that they’ll have to roll him out on the field in a wheelchair on Sundays. I’m a firm believer that patience is a virtue.
How many head coaches have the Pittsburgh Steelers had to date?
It’s time for the Bengals to adopt the Steeler way of doing business. Lewis doesn’t deserve the blame for the team’s mediocrity. I stand by my decision as GM.
After completing that task I would pitch my plan for lowering ticket prices and raising the price of beer. Many people in the world today are struggling financially and there is no reason why the organization couldn’t give back to the people who help foot the bill. If the fans aren’t watching, who is? That little stack of money with the eyeballs on it in the Geico commercial?
As for raising the price of beer, I want to make acting like an idiot expensive when having too much to drink. If you want to pay top dollar to be an imbecile, that clown badge must be very important to you.
Lastly, it’s time to get down to business and address that pesky situation involving Mr. Ocho Cinco.
There is constant chatter that the Cincinnati Bengals should rid themselves of the disgruntled wide receiver or do this, that and the other within the organization. If the receiver still wants out of Cincy maybe the team should oblige and seek a trade.
The only real problem I see here would be finding a trade partner willing to pick up the remainder of the player’s contract, which he would like to have renegotiated. Ocho Cinco is expected to earn in the neighborhood of $7.6 million for the 2009 season. His cap number is a little more than $8 million.
I would first pick up the phone and call Ocho Cinco’s agent Drew Rosenhaus, making him aware of what is about to take place, giving him ample time to prepare for his next You Tube appearance. The agent’s little Internet exposure could even help my cause in attracting team interest.
After that, I’m on the horn with Philadelphia Eagles Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Lurie trying to work a deal. Whatz up, Jeffery?!
I choose the Eagles as a potential trade partner for a number of reasons. They have cash, are very good at negotiating contracts, have a need for a big-time receiver, Ocho Cinco likes the team, and the team likes him. Sounds pretty cut and dried to me.
I would propose to the Eagles organization to send over their 21st overall selections and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2009 draft in exchange for Chad O. The Eagles own the 21st and 28th picks of the first round in this year’s draft. I can live with this deal.
Day 2 on the job
After a sleepless night, thousands of emails from crazed fans and not hearing back from my boy Jeffery, I abruptly tendered my resignation to the Bengals organization.
What I realized was it’s pretty easy to make decisions without having all the details or when you’re spending other people’s money frivolously. Anyone can conjure up what they feel might be in the best interest of a business, but until they are in those shoes they’ll never know the ramifications behind a major business decision.
I felt like I was off to a great start in my new role as Bengals General Manger, but one day of pressure was just too much for me. That’s too bad because I was about to do a serious number on the draft. Remember the Ricky Williams draft day trade? This time the Bengals come out on top.
Really, I couldn’t even imagine what these decision-makers must go through. So I will leave that to them and stick to watching my film. Remember it’s easy to call the shots from the couch.
For more on the Bengals go here: http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/index/sports/pro/nfldraft/
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