411's NFL Round Up 3.11.08
Posted by Emmett Wilks on 03.11.2008
Saying Goodbye to our generations greatest QB, a further look at free agency, and Mock Draft in this weeks edition of the Round Up!
How's everyone doing out there? Just when you think the NFL off-season couldn't throw us anymore surprises, a major whammy happens. Before we get into everything, two corrections from last weeks piece. I misreported the QB Brian Griese was headed to Atlanta, when he is actually signed to the Bucs. Also, I neglected to report on the Jaguars trade of DT Marcus Stroud to Buffalo for 3rd and 5th round drafts picks. Sorry for the shortcomings folks and I'll try to eliminate them all together. But for now we move onto this week's news.
A QUARTERBACK 4 THE AGES
Favre holds every meaningful career passing record after his 17th and final season
Last week when the news broke of the retirement of Brett Favre, I got chills. Not that it was unexpected; I guess we all guess it would be happening soon. But more so because this feels like an official end to most of our childhoods. For many of my generation, Favre was THE quarterback. For that 18-30 age group, we were just too young to remember, appreciate or have witnessed Marino, Elway, and Montana at their true peaks. That was not the case with Favre, the best quarterback of the 1990's, period. Sorry to Troy Aikman and Steve Young, but Favre was the biggest QB in my life, and most of my friends. I won't go into what is already becoming the silly and clichéd statements about how Favre brought back childhood innocence to the game. Screw that. Yes he had fun, but he had more fun winning. And to do that, you have to work your tail off, and that's what Favre did. What many of us often times forget, as we do with a great deal of quarterbacks, is recognize just how great of athletes they are. Lest we forget that Favre was a chiseled 6-2, 222 lbs. that withstood a plethora of beatings throughout his career. The man started 253 consecutive NFL games. I calculated how many games I played my whole life, from junior high to college. I totaled 100 football games total my whole career. I would have to double that, and still tack on another 50% to get to do what Favre did consecutively at the toughest position in pro sports for 16 seasons. No reasonable writer could ever have dreamed up a player to do that. But he did exist, and I was proud to have watched him.
The new trend that quickly hit presses was the collections of writers who desired to stress Favre's short comings, especially late in his career. They suggest that even with such a great career, Favre's could have been even better had he just not played to way he did. Rubbish, he had the career he had because of who he was. His free flowing, and at times reckless, style of play won more games than it lost for the Packers. Yes, the silly mistakes and poor decisions grew instead of dwindled later in his career, but I will not subscribe to the notion that by making these changes Favre would suddenly have 3 or 4 rings around his finger instead of just 1. I don't buy it. Too many other things happened or could have happened to play that game.
I also am convinced that there is no way he will make a comeback around September. There is just no way he would finally walk up to that podium and make his decision only to rescind it a few months later. Favre is gone, and everyone; fans, media, teammates, and rivals will have to accept it. He leaves more lasting memories for me than any quarterback I have ever known. While he will be behind Peyton Manning and Tom Brady when they are all said and done, it does not take away one once his accomplishments and his performance. I see little debate for him as a first ballot Hall of Fame selection, based on the numbers alone. Like every great player, he will leave the game with more than just gaudy numbers, and we appreciated every moment of the magnificent career we were able to share with you. Thanks Brett.
FREE AGENT NOTES
In what could perhaps signal the end of Shaun Alexander in Seattle, the Seahawks agreed to terms with Julius Jones after Dallas elected not to resign him. With the addition of TJ Duckett as well, its likely Alexander will be cut soon if he doesn't massively redo his contract, an act that is not likely to happen.
After a bitter disappointment in Miami that ended with his release early last month, QB Trent Green has made a return to St. Louis where he was released after the 199 season. Green will likely fit into the role of back up, which he will thrive in and can still be counted on to make a play if need be. My favorite QB acquisition of the off-season.
Concerned about injury problems to starter Cadillac Williams, the Bucs signed Warrick Dunn. Dunn played his first 5 seasons with the Bucs before heading to Atlanta where he played very well until being cut this off-season. Dunn will likely be playing a backup role, but has proved he still has some juice left in those old legs of his.
I am just not liking the Eagles decision to release Takeo Spikes. Seems they gave up good picks to get him, and only gave him a one year shot to make an impact. Eagles have always been deathly afraid to of players over 30, only having resigned a couple over the past few years. The linebacker corps will be manned by all lower round draft picks this season, and they will be under the most pressure of any group I'd say to perform.
Buffalo signed TE Courtney Anderson this week. Anderson, the 6-6 270 pounder has been a consistent player at TE and I believe will be very beneficial to Buffalo, whose offense will be reintroducing a TE after a 2 year layoff.
Versatile tackle Jake Scott headed just a little south of Indianapolis to rival Tennessee this week. Scott has started the last 55 games for Indy, mostly at guard and a few games at tackle. His addition helps bolster what has been an inconsistent O-line in Tennessee.
ROUND UP'S MOCK DRAFT
No changes in the top ten this week, but some interesting picks down below it.
1. MIAMI DOLPHINS Glenn Dorsey: DT, LSU 6-1, 310 lbs.
Still the best guy to start building a new defense around.
2. St. Louis Rams Jake Long: OT, Michigan 6-7, 309 lbs.
Look what happened to this team when Orlando Pace went down. Tackle may be the 2nd most important position in football, and Long is a terrific prospect.
3. Atlanta Falcons Matt Ryan: QB, Boston College 6-5, 221 lbs.
Having no real QB right now is scary. Will hopefully be brought in slowly with a veteran taking the early beatings.
4. Oakland Raiders
Chris Long: DE, Virginia 6-3, 266 lbs.
A match made in heaven. Would contribute immediately.
5. Kansas City Chiefs Sedrick Ellis USC DT, 6-1, 308 lbs.
Shooting up the boards with great workouts.
6. New York Jets Darren McFadden Arkansas RB, 6-2, 212 lbs
Just too good to pass up, especially after seeing what Adrian Peterson did in Minnesota.
7. New England Patriots Vernon Gholtson Ohio State LB, 6-4, 255
Startlingly great Combine moved him into Top 10.
8. Baltimore Ravens Ryan Clady OT Boise State, 6-6 317 lbs.
With the Great Ogden gone, there is a mammoth hole to fill at left tackle.
9. Cincinnati Bengals Derek Harvey DE Florida 6-4, 258 lbs.
An immediate impact type player with great athleticism
A gift that he falls this far, Sweed to replace the disappointed (and departed) Troy Williamson for some offensive firepower.
18. Houston Texans Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon, 5-11 235 lbs
This years Laurence Maroney, Stewart could give Houston that play making tailback they've yet to possess.
19.Philadelphia Eagles Devon Thomas WR Michigan State, 6-2 217 lbs
Though tackle seems to be chief concern, Birds will elect to finally grab a WR in first round and finally give McNabb some options.
20.Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State, 6-2 180 lbs
Some think Deleware's Joe Flacco here, but I don't see it. Rodger-Cromartie has HUGE upside and could be a long term solution for Bucs.
21.Washington Redskins Mario Manningham WR Michigan, 6-0 190 lbs
Though spaced would have to be made on the roster, Manningham could be another playmaker the Skins have searched have failed to grab with Brandon Lloyd and Antwan Randel-El
22.Dallas Cowboys Calaius Campbell DE Miami, 6-6 287 lbs.
Bad workouts have hurt his stock, but ignoring Campbell's potential is too difficult.
23. Pittsburg Steelers Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt, 6-5 318 lbs
Best tackle available at this point, could also go with additional help at safety here.
24 Tennessee Titans DeSean Jackson WR California, 6-0 170 lbs
One of the Drafts most interesting prospects could turn into a Steve Smith-esque playmaker with Vince Young.
25.Seattle Seahawks Jeff Otah OT Pittsburg, 6-6 340 lbs
Tough realization that Walter Jones won't be around forever sets in, Hawks will then grab powerful and athletic big man for the future.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars Quentin Groves DE , 6-3 245 lbs
Impact player needed at DE, Groves best available here, but no consolation prize. Could have great impact in the league.
27. San Diego Charger Goserd Cherilus OT Boston College, 6-7 313 lbs.
Mammoth tackle could take over right side and help Chargers O-line remain a force for years to come.
28. Dallas Cowboys Keith Rivers LB USC, 6-3 235 lbs
Major difference maker at USC, could be opening day starter for a host of NFL teams.
29.San Francisco From Indianapolis Early Doucet WR LSU, 6-2 215 lbs.
Best receiver left of the bunch. Was consistent throughout college and made multiple QB's look good.
30.Green Bay Packer Fred Davis TE USC, 6-4 245 lbs
Davis is still my top TE, but Dustin Keller isn't far behind. Both viable options here with not tackles worth the pick at this spot.
31. New England Patriots
PICK FORFEITED
32.New York Giants Dan Connor LB Penn State, 6-2 195
Still needs a little filling out for the NFL game, was nonetheless a mega playmaker for Linebacker U.
So, that would mean only one QB taken in the 1st round. Crazy to think, but I don't know if any of these teams are sold on any QB other that Matt Ryan at this point. This QB class is best described as very deep with good but not great signal callers. Joe Flacco has the best chance to crack the 1st round, and don't count out Louisville's Brian Brohm either.
Let me know what you all think. Until next week, have a safe and fun week.
I want my Bucs to get Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, especially now that Kelly is gone.
Then our team is pretty much complete... another WR wouldnt hurt
Posted By: Brad (Guest) on March 11, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Is this mock draft from January?...horrible!
Posted By: Red...Neck...Man (Guest) on March 11, 2008 at 03:00 PM
this is the worst mock draft i have ever seen. Do your research on teams before you do the mock draft.
Broncos taking Sam Baker instead of a chris williams or a jeff otah? Laughable.
Panthers taking a wide reciever when they are clearly taking either a tackle or a running back?
but the most laughable thing...
14. Chicago Bears
Phillip Merling DE Clemson, 6-4, 275 lbs
Just do your research man. Bears have 4 defensive ends on their team that can possibly start anywhere. They NEED an offensive tackle.
Posted By: andrew (Guest) on March 11, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Hey, I don't usually respond till next week, but I felt somewhat obligated. Firstly, no, this is not a draft from January, buy My Opinion about where teams needs and desires may lay. USC's Baker is still ahead of many players in the draft (which i personally don't understand) and the Bears would want to get the best player available, which at that point would be Merling. I love disagree, in fact, I believe that is what makes this so much fun to do. But please, throwing around petty insults and questioning my work is really not necessary. Keep reading though, and I hope you will enjoy the changes that will be made next week.
Posted By: Emmett Wilks (Registered) on March 11, 2008 at 10:22 PM
It wasn't meant to be an insult.. i was just upset haha. I am one of the readers that look at the sports section since I stopped the wrestling thing a while back.
However, I do live in Chicago, and this place will riot if bears get a DE or anything on defense other than safety. Everybody wants an offensive tackle, with some wanting Mendenhall.
Also, most drafts do indeed have baker going late in the first round/early second, so check that out.
I will continue reading.. this mock draft upset me though!
Posted By: Andrew (Guest) on March 12, 2008 at 01:58 AM
I can't imagine the Cowboys using 2 more first round picks on defense. Just not after all the first rounders going on the defense seemingly forever. It obviously depends who's still left on the board to pick up, but I think a lot of teams will be picking up O-linemen since there seems a lot of depth there this year, and so maybe the 'Boys will end up with a chance to draft a quality WR or even RB with at least one of their picks. The other would probably go on CB or "best-available" but I don't think D-line and LB are needs for them.
Spears, Ratliff, Canty, Johnson seem a pretty good rotation on the line, and the linebackers were great last year. Plus they have Bobby Carpenter (1st Round) and Anthony Spencer (1st Round) waiting in the wings at linebacker, so can you really see them picking there in the first round again?!?
Posted By: myk83 (Guest) on March 13, 2008 at 11:37 AM
and now unless stewart has an agent like drew devil er rosenhaus, he's likely to plummet becuase of the knee injury, and it's a shame as he is a helluva running back
Posted By: coby preimesberger (Guest) on March 15, 2008 at 11:16 PM
