411's NFL Round Up 04.01.08
Posted by Emmett Wilks on 04.01.2008
NFL owners are in sunny Florida avoiding all the important issues, and focusing on hair. This and other nonsense, as well as Mock Draft 4.0, in this week's edition of the NFL Round Up!
Hey there to everyone. Hope you all caught Wrestlemania XXIV. Excellent show, and great to see the legend Ric Flair go out in style. But I digress, this is a football column, so on with the current events.
QUICK THOUGHTS
Really like the NFL's opening game of New York Giants and Washington Redskins. Call it a bias, but the NFC East has been and is the most fun and competitive division in football. Washington is on the potential verge of a real good football team, and Eli Manning and company are out to repeat. I am getting excited already.
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson assured coach Eric Mangini that there would be no changes through the 2009 season. Bless an owner who does not get caught up in the ridiculous and unrealistic "win now" philosophy and allows coaches to build teams to win consistently.
The lingering character issues of Darren McFadden shouldn't have a major impact on his draft status. While character issues have been big the last few years, I do not believe that any man should be judged completely for actions taken when he was 20 years old. Some guys grow up and others don't. Honestly, you cannot really tell. Cris Carter was a big pain in butt early in his career, but he grew up. Laurence Phillips was an even bigger pain, and never grew up. My thought, if you don't know, just roll the dice and draft him. The potential success will outweigh the potential failure.
I always like to think of myself as forward thinking, but I hate the idea of defensive players with radios in their helmets. Something about the overabundance of technology on the field has always bugged me, and I feel now the game is getting too technical. I am for the record one of the few people who wish that even the QB shouldn't have one, but I'll never win that argument. And as I said before, if teams are concerned about getting their defensive signals stolen, CHANGE THEM! They do it almost every game in baseball, it isn't that hard.
Adam "Pacman" Jones still faces reinstatement issues, but Dallas would be a better team with him.
PACing HIS BAGS FOR DALLAS?
Big rumors continue about the reported interest of Cowboys owner/president/GM Jerry Jones' interest in acquiring suspended Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones. Let me just say right now that this still has far more good potential for Dallas than bad. The following is all based on the assumption the Pacman will be reinstated, which is still far from a forgone conclusion. The Cowboys were the best top to bottom team in the NFC last year, and are one of the top contenders to win the Super Bowl this year. Here is a team that was the NFC East champion, lost a tight game to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants, and is returning just about every major player for next year. Do they really need Pacman. No. But they certainly want Pacman. There is a simple philosophy for football that I whole heartedly agree with. If your not getting better, your getting worse. Pacman makes that team better. He is a legitimate Pro Bowl corner who may be the best punt returner in the NFL. Depending on the situation, I don't believe they will need to sign any kind of big money deal, especially since Pacman is in no position to negotiate for one. So here you have Pacman, a guy who has yet to be convicted for any crime by the way, playing for his future in the NFL. You can put him on a very short leash, which I am certain Dallas would do. Make it zero tolerance, heck, hire him a baby sitter if you want. There is one indisputable fact about Pacman, he helped Tennessee win football games. If Jerry Jones and company can keep him out of trouble of the season, then Dallas is the clear favorite in my book to with the NFC. And let us not forget a rather large prior example to how well Dallas can handle problem children. Has there been any major off-field or locker room concern with Terrell Owens since he arrived in Dallas. Sure, he's been injured (or vacationing) during training camp, and he has dropped far too many balls (a league leading 15 in 2006), but he has been far from the locker room cancer that ravaged the 49er's and Eagles locker rooms during the latter part of his tenure in both cities. Dallas worked for TO; perhaps it can work for Pacman too. Granted, these are too completely different men and situations. TO is a distraction at work, Pacman away from it. But they share a common responsibility of putting themselves is situations they created. Dallas has immeasurably helped the image of TO, and I believe Pacman deserves a chance to do the same for himself.
A HAIRY SITUATION
One of the questions facing the owners this week is one of regulating the length of a player's hair. On the surface, this seems to have at least a valid intention; to keep hair from covering the name on the uniform. But let's face reality, this is the latest in the never ending saga of the No Fun League. For goodness sakes, these are grown men, playing a professional sport. The league has no right to dictate to them how to wear there hair. An owner having standards ala George Steinbrenner's Yankees is one thing, but to dictate a major portion of the owners meeting to this idea is just ridiculous. I am not going to get into saying there is some racial overtone to this affair. Robert Gallery in Oakland and Mike Goff in San Diego, both offensive lineman and white guys, also have long hair, with Gallery's covering his name as well. This rule would affect them as well. So, let's not get too carried away with what it means and just remain on the fact that it is flat out silly. Long hair is part of many of these players characters, and some even their culture. Troy Polamalu is just one of a huge collection of Samoan people who don long hair. And if we can be real, does anyone not know how Polamalu is when they can't see his name on the back of the jersey? The NFL has already curtailed end zone celebrations, trash talk, uniforms, and anything that goes against NFL rules. I'll tell you what hurts the game, getting a corporate sponsor for every other aspect of the game. (Though the NFL is still well ahead of college football's hypocrisy in that respect.)
MOCK DRAFT 4.0
Only one change from last week, with Jake Long leaping ahead of Glenn Dorsey to fill a bigger need for St. Louis.
1. MIAMI DOLPHINS
Chris Long: DE, Virginia 6-3, 266 lbs.
I am not knocking him, but I still contend that Glenn Dorsey is better at his position. A great prospect that Bill Parcells loves. It is just best not to argue with Tuna, because he is far more right than wrong.
2. St. Louis Rams Jake Long: OT, Michigan 6-7, 309 lbs.
Moves up this week for no other reason than left tackle is just more important the DT. There is a very good position to take an excellent player here.
3. Atlanta Falcons
.Glenn Dorsey: DT, LSU 6-1, 310 lbs.
You will actually be able to hear the singing and dancing of Falcons fans if he falls.
4. Oakland Raiders Darren McFadden Arkansas RB, 6-2, 212 lbs
Little chance of bust here for those who suspect it, McFadden dominated in three seasons of SEC football. I'm not promising Emmitt or Barry, but he will not be a bust. No other position can provide a quicker shot of adrenaline to an offense like a hot running back.
5. Kansas City Chiefs Matt Ryan: QB, Boston College 6-5, 221 lbs.
It is just painfully obvious that neither Brodie Croyle or Damon Huard are the answers in KC. Ryan is the drafts best QB prospect, and KC will not let him get past 5 here.
6. New York Jets Vernon Gholtson Ohio State LB/DE, 6-4, 255
It is unlikely he is going to last this long with the momentum he has. If so, the Jets will get a gift from the heavens with Gholtson coming off the edge for years to come.
7. New England Patriots Derek Harvey DE Florida 6-4, 258 lbs.
Two seasons ago, Richard Seymour was the best defensive lineman in football. In last years post season, he had 0 sacks, and 0 pressures. Harvey could compete for playing time right away (though is still small for a 3-4 end).
8. Baltimore Ravens Leodis McKelvin CB Troy, 5-11, 186 lbs
With no elite corner, the debate of who's best is raging. My nod goes to McKelvin, whose great workout sold me that he's the one to watch at CB.
9. Cincinnati Bengals Sedrick Ellis USC DT, 6-1, 308 lbs.
A player getting lost in the shuffle of the top 10. Still can't see him jumping over Dorsey, but he will not be leaving the top 10.
10. New Orleans Saints. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tennessee State, 6-2 180 lbs
Rodger-Cromartie has HUGE upside. Perhaps the drafts best overall athlete, he could provide a game-breaker on defense that New Orleans hasn't seen in ages.
The hole that Nate Clemens left turned out to be bigger than thought, with the 29th ranked passing D. Phillip Merling is also a good thought here.
12. Denver Broncos Ryan Clady OT Boise State, 6-6 317 lbs.
With the Great Ogden gone, there is a mammoth hole to fill at left tackle.
13.Carolina Panthers Malcolm Kelly WR Oklahoma, 6-4 200 lbs Steve Smith cannot do it all alone, and Kelly is a playmaker.
14. Chicago Bears Rashard Mendenhall RB Illinois, 5-11 225 lbs
Has looked stellar at combine workouts. May be taken sooner, but if available here, will not get past Chicago. Running backs will be in again this season after Adrian Peterson showed once again what a shot in the arm a young RB can be for a team.
15. Detroit Lions Mike Jenkins CB South Florida, 6-0 200lbs.
Solid South Florida corner would be a very positive addition to Detroit's secondary.
16. Arizona Cardinals Phillip Merling DE Clemson, 6-4, 275 lbs.
Can't really see him falling this far, but if he does, a gift for the Cardinals for letting Calvin Pace get away. Jonathan Stewart would certainly be the other choice here.
Sweed is best receiver here and Vikings will likely bite. Tarvis Jackson won't mind, as he will get a real shot to become THE guy in the twin cities.
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 Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt, 6-5 318 lbs
I want to say they will go wide receiver, either DeSean Jackson or Mario Manningham, but alas, the Eagles just won't pull the trigger. Williams is far from a loss though, as he will be in the staring lineup by '09.
20.Tampa Bay Buccaneers Joe Flacco QB Deleware, 6-6 232 lbs.
While I don't love this kids potential as much as I should putting him here, he still has a great deal of natural tools to go along with a great work ethic, and is right now the 2nd best QB out there. Jon Gruden would groom him for maybe even two seasons, which would be a Godsend for Flacco.
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 DeSean Jackson WR California, 6-0 170 lbs
A new toy for Tony Romo to play with, Thomas may be most ready to play of the receiver crop this year.
23. Pittsburg Steelers Jeff Otah OT Pittsburg, 6-6 340 lbs
Best tackle available at this point, could also go with additional help at safety here.
24 Tennessee Titans Early Doucet WR, LSU,
Despite a little bit of down senior year (even though they did win a National Title) Doucet will get into first round with terrific speed and keen route running. Miami's Kenny Phillips could sneak his way in here too.
25.Seattle Seahawks Goserd Cherilus OT Boston College, 6-7 313 lbs.
Monster tackle could bolter line as he moves to more comfortable right side.
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 Calais Campbell DE Miami, 6-7 290 lbs.
Campbell would be well suited in a 3-4 scheme. While the front seven is not the most pressing concern for the Chargers, Campbell still provides an upside that few prospects have.
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 Devon Thomas WR Michigan State, 6-2 217 lbs
One of the Drafts most interesting prospects. Big, quick, and with perhaps the best route running of the receivers. A disciplined player that could be invaluable for a struggling passing attack.
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.
