It seems as though good things only come at the same time as bad ones. Rams RB Steven Jackson finally smartens up and returns to camp, but on the same day NFLPA Director Gene Upshaw passes away at age 63. Upshaw was the leader of the group from 1983-2008, and was a member of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. Upshaw died from pancreatic cancer, and will be missed...
Jackson reported to camp, but he is still seeking a new contract. The Rams forced his hand by saying no negotiations would take place until he returned to camp. So, step one is complete, and now it is up to both sides to get something worked out. Jackson wants to be paid top dollars for his services, of course, and will not rest until he gets a new deal. As I have stated numerous times before, if you want more money, GO AND PLAY. The money will come in time.
On another front, it appears Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin wants out of the desert. This comes after a rough offseason for the two sides. Boldin has wanted a new contract all summer, but it was intensified when the Cardinals granted fellow WR Larry Fitzgerald his juicy contract extension.
Now, Boldin is every bit as good as Fitzgerald, if not better. Boldin is also three years older than his counterpart, and needs to cash in while he can. Now, as I stated earlier, I am not one to condone these actions in an attempt to get more money. But, I can see Boldin's argument. His partner-in-crime Fitzgerald was rewarded for his holdout by getting a 4-year/$40 million extension, and Boldin wants his share.
This likely won't happen, however, because Fitzgerald's contract put the team into serious salary cap trouble. Boldin will either have to grin and bear it, or leave town as he has requested. The likely resolution will be a settlement of some kind, but don't expect either side to give for a while anyway. Boldin feels betrayed, and much like Brett Favre did, this might be too much for him to overcome.
OTHER THOUGHTS:
-> It appears Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan will get his starting chance in this weekend's Preseason game against Tennessee. Now, week three is usually considered the "dress rehearsal" for what is to come in the regular season. So Ryan is likely to get almost three quarters of work. If he shows some promise, we could see the $72 million man starting on Opening Day when it really counts.
-> Ravens QB Troy Smith is in the same boat. Het gets the chance to show his stuff over an extended time this weekend. After thinking about Smith's situation, he seems to be in the same situation as that Derek Anderson guy was last year: trying to hold off a hot-shot rookie. Anderson was very successful, and if Smith can do the same, Joe Flacco might be a few years away.
-> What is Chris Simms to do? It seems nobody really wants him. The Bucs have given up on him, and there are no trade offers afoot right now. I believe most teams think he will be released before the start of the regular season, so why bother. Teams interested could include: Green Bay, Dallas, New England, Minnesota and Kansas City. Any of these will likely be as a backup, but Simms has to be ready for anything.
-> And whatever team doesn't get Simms will likely make a play for Daunte Culpepper.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Preseason Thoughts
After two weeks of the preseason, there are two things that stick out to me:
1) There are a lot of positions up for grabs...more than usual.
2) Injuries.
Doesn't it seem as though every time a player makes a play, all you hear is "That guy just nabbed himself a roster spot with that effort." It just seems as though no position is safe in the NFL anymore. Now with All-Pro QBs Peyton Manning and Tom Brady having injury trouble, it brings guys like Jim Sorgi and Matt Cassell to the forefront.
Plus, add guys like Brett Favre, Jeremy Shockey and Jason Taylor all trying to get acquainted with their new teams, and this preseason is very interesting.
Right now I will take a look at 5 of the most intriguing position battles to watch over the next 2 weeks.
1) Patriots backup QB: With Tom Brady's status up in the air, it is up to three guys who you probably have never heard of. First, you have Matt Cassell. Cassell has literally been a career backup, as he didn't even start in college at USC. He has decent arm strength and accuracy, but has looked lost in the pocket so far this preseason. Word is he could be taking the first train out of town later this month. Second, there is third round pick Kevin O'Connell. O'Connell has been the sharpest of the three, and you have to think his job is safe, as they don't want to have wasted a third round pick on a guy they cut a few months later. Third is Matt Gutierrez. Gutierrez has also looked sharp, and it appears the odd man out, as stated above, will be Matt Cassell. Now the Pats should be looking to add a guy like Chris Simms or Daunte Culpepper, because I don't know how safe they can feel with these guys holding down the fort come week one. Advantage: Kevin O'Connell
2. Buccaneers RB: This is even more interesting because all of the combatants aren't even in the race at this point. Last season, Earnest Graham stepped up and produced when they needed a threat. With good power running skills and decent speed, Graham earned himself a nice contract extension. Now, he is battling with Warrick Dunn for the starting role. Dunn comes back to the team that drafted him, and he brings veteran leadership and solid abilities. Dunn isn't the back he once was, and could be better suited for a role similar to that of Patriots RB Kevin Faulk. Michael Bennett is another veteran in the mix, as he has blazing speed and solid hands out of the backfield. Bennett has struggled in the past to hang onto the football, however, and could be let go as a result. Now, everything depends on the health of Cadillac Williams, who was the starter last season before suffering a knee injury. As of right now, the Bucs say he will be back sometime this season, so this just throws a wrench into everything. Advantage: Earnest Graham
3. Colts backup QB: Similar to the situation in New England, the Colts are apparently trying to prepare for life without Peyton Manning. The backup in previous years has been Jim Sorgi. Sorgi has showed solid abilities during brief playing stints in the past, but hasn't shown anything to say he could lead this team for long periods of time. Quinn Gray was brought in to provide some game experience, as he started a handful of games last year in Jacksonville. Gray has a great arm, and is the most mobile out of all the Colts options at QB. Jared Lorenzen also brings some veteran skills, but he really hasn't shown anything to get excited about. Advantage: Quinn Gray
4. Chargers backup RB: With LT again opting out of Preseason (an angry blog in itself), the Chargers have had to fill the void with two very different RBs. They have always liked the speed and agility of Darren Sproles, but now they get to see if he can carry the load. Very small for the position, Sproles uses his elusiveness to break away. I don't believe Sproles could be called upon for long periods of time, and neither do the Chargers. So, they drafted ex-fullback Jacob Hester from LSU. Hester has looked amazing in his Preseason time, and I think they may have found another threat around the goal line. Hester has good size (5'11, 225) and strength to pound the ball up the middle, and he has shown enough speed to break away. Advantage: Jacob Hester
5a. Bears starting QB: As of today, Kyle Orton has been named the starter for week one. Orton showed little during hsi starting stint a few years ago other than his ability to win games. His arm strength and decision making skills are below average, but he mustbe doing something right that the average blogger doesn`t see. It appears that Rex Grossman is out of chances to take this job. Grossman has been nothing but inconsistant in the past, but I still believe that a terrible running game and dropped passes were things that convicted him. Grossman does have a good arm, and the Bears have never shown anything in the way of commitment, so expect to see him at some point if Orton struggles. Advantage: Kyle Orton
5b. Ravens starting QB: As of right now, no one has jumped out for this job. Kyle Boller was given the oppourtunity in week one of Preseason to take the job and run away, but he has struggled so far. The knock on Boller has always been his decision making, and his inability to manage the game. He does have great arm strength and can move around very well in the pocket. Thos exact intangibles are what second year player Troy Smith brings to the game. Doesn`t have great size for a QB, but Smith makes up for it with his mobility. Joe Flacco needs to perform to prove the Ravens made the right move in trading up to get him in the first round. He has great size and a big arm, but needs to prove he can translate his game from Division 1AA to the NFL. Advantage: Kyle Boller
Watch those play out, as well as QB battles in Miami, Kansas City, San Francisco, Green Bay and Minnesota.
1) There are a lot of positions up for grabs...more than usual.
2) Injuries.
Doesn't it seem as though every time a player makes a play, all you hear is "That guy just nabbed himself a roster spot with that effort." It just seems as though no position is safe in the NFL anymore. Now with All-Pro QBs Peyton Manning and Tom Brady having injury trouble, it brings guys like Jim Sorgi and Matt Cassell to the forefront.
Plus, add guys like Brett Favre, Jeremy Shockey and Jason Taylor all trying to get acquainted with their new teams, and this preseason is very interesting.
Right now I will take a look at 5 of the most intriguing position battles to watch over the next 2 weeks.
1) Patriots backup QB: With Tom Brady's status up in the air, it is up to three guys who you probably have never heard of. First, you have Matt Cassell. Cassell has literally been a career backup, as he didn't even start in college at USC. He has decent arm strength and accuracy, but has looked lost in the pocket so far this preseason. Word is he could be taking the first train out of town later this month. Second, there is third round pick Kevin O'Connell. O'Connell has been the sharpest of the three, and you have to think his job is safe, as they don't want to have wasted a third round pick on a guy they cut a few months later. Third is Matt Gutierrez. Gutierrez has also looked sharp, and it appears the odd man out, as stated above, will be Matt Cassell. Now the Pats should be looking to add a guy like Chris Simms or Daunte Culpepper, because I don't know how safe they can feel with these guys holding down the fort come week one. Advantage: Kevin O'Connell
2. Buccaneers RB: This is even more interesting because all of the combatants aren't even in the race at this point. Last season, Earnest Graham stepped up and produced when they needed a threat. With good power running skills and decent speed, Graham earned himself a nice contract extension. Now, he is battling with Warrick Dunn for the starting role. Dunn comes back to the team that drafted him, and he brings veteran leadership and solid abilities. Dunn isn't the back he once was, and could be better suited for a role similar to that of Patriots RB Kevin Faulk. Michael Bennett is another veteran in the mix, as he has blazing speed and solid hands out of the backfield. Bennett has struggled in the past to hang onto the football, however, and could be let go as a result. Now, everything depends on the health of Cadillac Williams, who was the starter last season before suffering a knee injury. As of right now, the Bucs say he will be back sometime this season, so this just throws a wrench into everything. Advantage: Earnest Graham
3. Colts backup QB: Similar to the situation in New England, the Colts are apparently trying to prepare for life without Peyton Manning. The backup in previous years has been Jim Sorgi. Sorgi has showed solid abilities during brief playing stints in the past, but hasn't shown anything to say he could lead this team for long periods of time. Quinn Gray was brought in to provide some game experience, as he started a handful of games last year in Jacksonville. Gray has a great arm, and is the most mobile out of all the Colts options at QB. Jared Lorenzen also brings some veteran skills, but he really hasn't shown anything to get excited about. Advantage: Quinn Gray
4. Chargers backup RB: With LT again opting out of Preseason (an angry blog in itself), the Chargers have had to fill the void with two very different RBs. They have always liked the speed and agility of Darren Sproles, but now they get to see if he can carry the load. Very small for the position, Sproles uses his elusiveness to break away. I don't believe Sproles could be called upon for long periods of time, and neither do the Chargers. So, they drafted ex-fullback Jacob Hester from LSU. Hester has looked amazing in his Preseason time, and I think they may have found another threat around the goal line. Hester has good size (5'11, 225) and strength to pound the ball up the middle, and he has shown enough speed to break away. Advantage: Jacob Hester
5a. Bears starting QB: As of today, Kyle Orton has been named the starter for week one. Orton showed little during hsi starting stint a few years ago other than his ability to win games. His arm strength and decision making skills are below average, but he mustbe doing something right that the average blogger doesn`t see. It appears that Rex Grossman is out of chances to take this job. Grossman has been nothing but inconsistant in the past, but I still believe that a terrible running game and dropped passes were things that convicted him. Grossman does have a good arm, and the Bears have never shown anything in the way of commitment, so expect to see him at some point if Orton struggles. Advantage: Kyle Orton
5b. Ravens starting QB: As of right now, no one has jumped out for this job. Kyle Boller was given the oppourtunity in week one of Preseason to take the job and run away, but he has struggled so far. The knock on Boller has always been his decision making, and his inability to manage the game. He does have great arm strength and can move around very well in the pocket. Thos exact intangibles are what second year player Troy Smith brings to the game. Doesn`t have great size for a QB, but Smith makes up for it with his mobility. Joe Flacco needs to perform to prove the Ravens made the right move in trading up to get him in the first round. He has great size and a big arm, but needs to prove he can translate his game from Division 1AA to the NFL. Advantage: Kyle Boller
Watch those play out, as well as QB battles in Miami, Kansas City, San Francisco, Green Bay and Minnesota.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Trade Of The Century
Well, a few days later, this is finally all sinking in. Brett Favre is a JET. Jeez, what is this world coming to? While the jerseys are pretty much the same, Favre must adjust to playing in the same division as the almost-World-Champion Patriots and Tom Brady. But, lets recap what was a crazy summer for us all...and I'll simplify it a bit.
March - Brett Favre says a teary goodbye to the game of football, saying he has nothing left to give.
April - Favre tells NFL Network's Steve Mariucci that he can still play.
May - Nothing, the Packers tried to recruit him a few times, but Favre was set on retirement.
June - Favre decides he wants to stay retired. The Packers tell Favre to stay away, so he asks to be released.
July - Packers coach Mike McCarthy says Aaron Rodgers will be the starting QB. Favre forces the Packers hand when he says he will report to training camp. The Packers tell him to wait a few days so they can try to move him. He does what he is told, while working out in Mississippi.
August - Wow, what a week. Brett flies to Green Bay thinking there will be an open competition at the QB position, only to leave without practising a day later. The Packers offer him a $20 million/10 year "marketing contract" to stay retired, Brett refuses. And than, just when you think Favre is being traded to the Bucs, BAM, he becomes a Jet for a conditional draft pick next year. Let me explain.
If Favre plays in 50 % of the Jets offensive plays, the Packers get a third round pick.
If Favre plays in 75 % of the Jets offensive plays and they make the playoffs, the Packers get a second round pick.
And, if Favre plays in 80 % of the Jets offensive plays and they make the Super Bowl, the Packers get a first round pick.
As it stands, the Packers get a fourth rounder.
Now, I'm only gonna say this once: the Jets won this deal....BIG TIME. Not only do they get one of the best QBs in NFL history, they get a quick solution to their QB woes. Sure, they may lose as much as a first round pick, but they could have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Favre has also said that he is very healthy, and could stay for the remainder of his three-year contract. This is unlikely, but Favre's presence should help in the development process of Kellen Clemens.
The move also allowed the Jets to release Chad Pennington, a move they should have made years ago. Pennington is dead-accurate, but can't throw the ball very hard or far.
The trade immediately raises the Fantasy values of Laverneous Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, and could take pressure off of RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Overall, the Jets did a very good job.
As for the Packers, all I can say is...you had better hope Aaron Rodgers stays healthy. They will now be forever known as the team who traded Brett Favre, and if it doesn't work out, there could be a new GM, head coach and QB in town next season. If Rodgers struggles...at all...he will be booed relentlessly by Packer-nation, and that will all but end his career. It is near impossible to replace a legend, and Rodgers may not be prepared for what lies ahead.
Also, the Fantasy values of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Donald Lee all take hits. But, I suppose it is very possible that Rodgers could come out and be successful, but in all likelyhood, this will be Brian Brohm's team come 2009.
March - Brett Favre says a teary goodbye to the game of football, saying he has nothing left to give.
April - Favre tells NFL Network's Steve Mariucci that he can still play.
May - Nothing, the Packers tried to recruit him a few times, but Favre was set on retirement.
June - Favre decides he wants to stay retired. The Packers tell Favre to stay away, so he asks to be released.
July - Packers coach Mike McCarthy says Aaron Rodgers will be the starting QB. Favre forces the Packers hand when he says he will report to training camp. The Packers tell him to wait a few days so they can try to move him. He does what he is told, while working out in Mississippi.
August - Wow, what a week. Brett flies to Green Bay thinking there will be an open competition at the QB position, only to leave without practising a day later. The Packers offer him a $20 million/10 year "marketing contract" to stay retired, Brett refuses. And than, just when you think Favre is being traded to the Bucs, BAM, he becomes a Jet for a conditional draft pick next year. Let me explain.
If Favre plays in 50 % of the Jets offensive plays, the Packers get a third round pick.
If Favre plays in 75 % of the Jets offensive plays and they make the playoffs, the Packers get a second round pick.
And, if Favre plays in 80 % of the Jets offensive plays and they make the Super Bowl, the Packers get a first round pick.
As it stands, the Packers get a fourth rounder.
Now, I'm only gonna say this once: the Jets won this deal....BIG TIME. Not only do they get one of the best QBs in NFL history, they get a quick solution to their QB woes. Sure, they may lose as much as a first round pick, but they could have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Favre has also said that he is very healthy, and could stay for the remainder of his three-year contract. This is unlikely, but Favre's presence should help in the development process of Kellen Clemens.
The move also allowed the Jets to release Chad Pennington, a move they should have made years ago. Pennington is dead-accurate, but can't throw the ball very hard or far.
The trade immediately raises the Fantasy values of Laverneous Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, and could take pressure off of RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Overall, the Jets did a very good job.
As for the Packers, all I can say is...you had better hope Aaron Rodgers stays healthy. They will now be forever known as the team who traded Brett Favre, and if it doesn't work out, there could be a new GM, head coach and QB in town next season. If Rodgers struggles...at all...he will be booed relentlessly by Packer-nation, and that will all but end his career. It is near impossible to replace a legend, and Rodgers may not be prepared for what lies ahead.
Also, the Fantasy values of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Donald Lee all take hits. But, I suppose it is very possible that Rodgers could come out and be successful, but in all likelyhood, this will be Brian Brohm's team come 2009.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Ranking The Cornerbacks
It's pretty much as it seems, as the corners take centre stage today.
U means upside...D means decline...I means injury prone...R means should retire
1. Nate Clements, San Francisco 49ers --- Clements lived up to his huge free agent contract in year one in San Fran, but he could grab a few more INTs. Had 92 tackles, which is amazing for a CB. Has good but not great speed, and is one of the most physical corners in the game.
2. Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos --- Only grabbed three INTs, but had 84 tackles to go with it. Bailey isn't the player he once was, but hasn't fallen off that much. He still has great speed, and he plays some of the best man-to-man coverage in the league.
3. Marcus Trufant, Seattle Seahawks --- Grabbed a career-high 7 INTs last year, to go with 85 tackles. Trufant has developed into one of the better corners in the league, but has some mental lapses at times. He plays better when paired with another great corner on the other side.
4. Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars --- Had career-lows in tackles and INTs, but he missed two games due to injury. Didn't live up to his numbers from the year before, but has great speed and could still improve as he gains more experiance.
5. Antonio Cromartie, San Diego Chargers (U) --- Wow, what a breakout season from this youngster. Cromartie grabbed a NFL-high 10 INTs, and the scary thing is he could still get better. His numbers may drop if teams throw away from him.
6. Leigh Bodden, Detroit Lions (U) --- Really came into his own last year in Cleveland, and he looks to continue his development in Detroit. Bodden has great cover skills, and good hands (7 INTs). He is also a sound tackler, as he notched 88 last year.
7. Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders --- Fell off big time last year, and the Raiders wouldn't give him a long-term contract because of it. But, Asomugha looks to be becoming one of the better cover-corners in the NFL. Will be better because of...
8. DeAngelo Hall, Oakland Raiders --- Had 5 INTs and 70 tackles playing in a bad situation with the Falcons. Hall has amazing speed, and paired with Asomugha will scare opposing QBs out of throwing the ball against the Raiders.
9. Terrence Newman, Dallas Cowboys --- The most underrated CB in the league, because QBs avoid throwing the ball to his side. Has never had more than 4 INTs in one season,which raises questions about his hands. Newmans is a very good player who could be a Pro Bowler before long.
10. Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles --- Many people would have him higher on the list, but I believe he was overrated. Only time will tell if he can play the strict man coverage that the Eagles play. Has good skills and could be successful with time.
11. Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers --- Seems to be playing his best ball as he gets older, Woodson has honed his skills in Green Bay. A great physical player who excels at man-to-man coverage, and has always been a solid tackler.
12. Darrelle Revis, New York Jets (U) --- Revis could be a great, as he demonstrated great cover skills and improved on his tackling as the season progressed. He has solid speed, and he lived up to his first-round status.
13. Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (D) --- Maybe the best Cover-2 CB in the league, Barber has been solid for a long time. Not the fastest, but plays great in zone coverage and tackles very well.
14. Sheldon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles --- Some forget that the Eagles already had a solid group of CBs. Brown has only 3 INTs a year ago, but made his presence felt with 68 tackles. He is always solid in coverage, as he had 14 pass deflections.
15. Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings --- Missed 6 games with injury, but still had over 60 tackles. Only had the one INT, but he has never been known as a ball-hawk as much as he is known for being stout against the run.
16. Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals (U) --- Had 5 INTs and over 60 tackles as a rookie, and looks to improve even more this year. Hall has decent speed, but uses good cover skills to his advantage.
17. Chris McAllister, Baltimore Ravens (I) --- Needs to stay healthy to return to his old form. Has good speed, but has lost a step with age. Has great hands, and can make plays on the ball like the best, but the key will be to stay on the field.
18. Leodis McKelvin, Buffalo Bills (U) --- Has an oppourtunity to start right away, and the #11 pick in this year's draft looks to impress. Has great speed and cover skills, and he can also be a huge help in the return game.
19. Shawn Springs, Washington Redskins (D) --- Has lost a step, but is still among the elite when it comes to cover corners. Springs isn't as fast as he once was, but still plays quick. Has solid hands and is not a liability in the running game.
20. Aaron Ross, New York Giants (U) --- Was a big part of the Giants surge to the finals, Ross emerged as a solid starter after Corey Webster failed. Ross has solid speed and decent hands, but knows how to stay with a receiver.
21. Quentin Jammer, San Diego Chargers
22. Ken Lucas, Carolina Panthers
23. Al Harris (D), Green Bay Packers
24. Terrence McGee, Buffalo Bills
25. Will Allen, Miami Dolphins
26. Dre Bly, Denver Broncos
27. Fred Bennett, Houston Texans (U)
28. Drayton Florence, Jacksonville Jaguars
29. Fred Smoot, Washington Redskins
30. Marlin Jackson, Indianapolis Colts (U)
31. Richard Marshall, Carolina Panthers
32. Adam Jones, Dallas Cowboys
33. Mike Jenkins, Dallas Cowboys (U)
34. Ty Law, Free Agent (D/R)
35. Ellis Hobbs, New England Patriots
36. Dunta Robinson, Houston Texans (I)
37. Aqib Talib, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (U)
38. Lito Sheppard, Philadelphia Eagles
39. Walt Harris, San Francisco 49ers (D)
40. Samari Rolle, Baltimore Ravens (D/I)
U means upside...D means decline...I means injury prone...R means should retire
1. Nate Clements, San Francisco 49ers --- Clements lived up to his huge free agent contract in year one in San Fran, but he could grab a few more INTs. Had 92 tackles, which is amazing for a CB. Has good but not great speed, and is one of the most physical corners in the game.
2. Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos --- Only grabbed three INTs, but had 84 tackles to go with it. Bailey isn't the player he once was, but hasn't fallen off that much. He still has great speed, and he plays some of the best man-to-man coverage in the league.
3. Marcus Trufant, Seattle Seahawks --- Grabbed a career-high 7 INTs last year, to go with 85 tackles. Trufant has developed into one of the better corners in the league, but has some mental lapses at times. He plays better when paired with another great corner on the other side.
4. Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars --- Had career-lows in tackles and INTs, but he missed two games due to injury. Didn't live up to his numbers from the year before, but has great speed and could still improve as he gains more experiance.
5. Antonio Cromartie, San Diego Chargers (U) --- Wow, what a breakout season from this youngster. Cromartie grabbed a NFL-high 10 INTs, and the scary thing is he could still get better. His numbers may drop if teams throw away from him.
6. Leigh Bodden, Detroit Lions (U) --- Really came into his own last year in Cleveland, and he looks to continue his development in Detroit. Bodden has great cover skills, and good hands (7 INTs). He is also a sound tackler, as he notched 88 last year.
7. Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders --- Fell off big time last year, and the Raiders wouldn't give him a long-term contract because of it. But, Asomugha looks to be becoming one of the better cover-corners in the NFL. Will be better because of...
8. DeAngelo Hall, Oakland Raiders --- Had 5 INTs and 70 tackles playing in a bad situation with the Falcons. Hall has amazing speed, and paired with Asomugha will scare opposing QBs out of throwing the ball against the Raiders.
9. Terrence Newman, Dallas Cowboys --- The most underrated CB in the league, because QBs avoid throwing the ball to his side. Has never had more than 4 INTs in one season,which raises questions about his hands. Newmans is a very good player who could be a Pro Bowler before long.
10. Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles --- Many people would have him higher on the list, but I believe he was overrated. Only time will tell if he can play the strict man coverage that the Eagles play. Has good skills and could be successful with time.
11. Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers --- Seems to be playing his best ball as he gets older, Woodson has honed his skills in Green Bay. A great physical player who excels at man-to-man coverage, and has always been a solid tackler.
12. Darrelle Revis, New York Jets (U) --- Revis could be a great, as he demonstrated great cover skills and improved on his tackling as the season progressed. He has solid speed, and he lived up to his first-round status.
13. Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (D) --- Maybe the best Cover-2 CB in the league, Barber has been solid for a long time. Not the fastest, but plays great in zone coverage and tackles very well.
14. Sheldon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles --- Some forget that the Eagles already had a solid group of CBs. Brown has only 3 INTs a year ago, but made his presence felt with 68 tackles. He is always solid in coverage, as he had 14 pass deflections.
15. Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings --- Missed 6 games with injury, but still had over 60 tackles. Only had the one INT, but he has never been known as a ball-hawk as much as he is known for being stout against the run.
16. Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals (U) --- Had 5 INTs and over 60 tackles as a rookie, and looks to improve even more this year. Hall has decent speed, but uses good cover skills to his advantage.
17. Chris McAllister, Baltimore Ravens (I) --- Needs to stay healthy to return to his old form. Has good speed, but has lost a step with age. Has great hands, and can make plays on the ball like the best, but the key will be to stay on the field.
18. Leodis McKelvin, Buffalo Bills (U) --- Has an oppourtunity to start right away, and the #11 pick in this year's draft looks to impress. Has great speed and cover skills, and he can also be a huge help in the return game.
19. Shawn Springs, Washington Redskins (D) --- Has lost a step, but is still among the elite when it comes to cover corners. Springs isn't as fast as he once was, but still plays quick. Has solid hands and is not a liability in the running game.
20. Aaron Ross, New York Giants (U) --- Was a big part of the Giants surge to the finals, Ross emerged as a solid starter after Corey Webster failed. Ross has solid speed and decent hands, but knows how to stay with a receiver.
21. Quentin Jammer, San Diego Chargers
22. Ken Lucas, Carolina Panthers
23. Al Harris (D), Green Bay Packers
24. Terrence McGee, Buffalo Bills
25. Will Allen, Miami Dolphins
26. Dre Bly, Denver Broncos
27. Fred Bennett, Houston Texans (U)
28. Drayton Florence, Jacksonville Jaguars
29. Fred Smoot, Washington Redskins
30. Marlin Jackson, Indianapolis Colts (U)
31. Richard Marshall, Carolina Panthers
32. Adam Jones, Dallas Cowboys
33. Mike Jenkins, Dallas Cowboys (U)
34. Ty Law, Free Agent (D/R)
35. Ellis Hobbs, New England Patriots
36. Dunta Robinson, Houston Texans (I)
37. Aqib Talib, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (U)
38. Lito Sheppard, Philadelphia Eagles
39. Walt Harris, San Francisco 49ers (D)
40. Samari Rolle, Baltimore Ravens (D/I)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
