NE Patriots Draft

Darius Butler Signs 4-year Contract

2009-07-10T08:45:00.007-05:00

According to WEEI, the Patriots have signed 41st pick overall Darius Butler to a 4-year contract. Monetary figures were not disclosed as of yet. This information was also mentioned on Drew Rosenhaus' twitter feed, who happens to be Butler's agent.

Butler, who was a star cornerback for the UConn Huskies, looks to be in line to compete with second-year man Jonathan Wilhite for the nickelback position. Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, both brought in during free-agency, are the likely opening-day starters.

Four years is the maximum contract length for a 2nd-rounder under the current rules. Picks 1-16 can be signed to a six year deal, while picks 17-32 can be signed to a five year deal.

Rich Ohrnberger, a fourth-round pick by the Patriots, is the only other Patriot rookie to have signed at present.

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2009 AFC East Predictions: Bills

2009-07-08T17:30:00.001-05:00

Check out our prediction for the New York Jets as well.

The Why
Terrell Eldorado Owens brings something to Buffalo that hasn't been there since Jim Kelly left town, hope. Pairing TO with a true deep threat like Lee Evans is a great move that should add another dimension to the Bills offense that has looked to break out these last few years - this could be the year.

The Why Not
The offensive line is suddenly looking a bit thin. Aaron Maybin will help bolster the defensive front for the Bills, but losing Jason Peters will be sorely missed. A quarterback can't accurately pass when his butt is planted on the field.

The Schedule
We'll see what the Bills have right out of the gate, playing the odds-on favorite to win the Superbowl: the New England Patriots in Foxborough.

@NEP (L)
@MIA (L)
@NYJ (L)
@CAR (W)
@TEN (L)
@JAC (W)
@KCC (W)
@ATL (L)

The eight home games aren't any easier, but the frigid wasteland of Buffalo is worth a win or two in December.

vs TBB (W)
vs NOS (L)
vs CLE (W)
vs HOU (W)
vs MIA (W)
vs NYJ (W) (Toronto)
vs NEP (L)
vs IND (W)

The Verdict
(9-7)
The Bills aren't quite ready for primetime with their tough schedule, but if they can get a few lucky breaks they can finish what they started in 2008 and make the playoffs.

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2010 NFL Mock Draft

2009-07-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

2010 NFL Mock Draft Order is based on our expected order of finish for the 2009 NFL Season.

Updated: 7/8/2009

1. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Missed out on Stafford and Sanchez, got to get theirs.

2. Detroit Lions
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
'09 improved offense, '10 will improve defense.

3. Cleveland Browns
George Selvie, DE/LB, South Florida
Great hybrid guy for the 3-4.

4. Oakland Raiders
Aurelius Benn, WR, Illinois
Al Davis loves his receivers. Remarkably, he still needs them.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Ciron Black, OT, LSU
Could have gone 1st round in '09.

6. Seattle Seahawks (DEN)
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Great system fit for the Hawkeye blocker.

7. Cincinnati Bengals
Taylor Mays, S, USC
Got Canton written all over him, until he got picked by Cinci.

8. Seattle Seahawks
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
Seahawks still looking for the pass rush.

9. San Francisco 49ers
Russel Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Hulking guy could supplant Joe Staley already.

10. Tampa Bay Bucs
Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
Local boy can become the next Brooks.

11. New York Jets
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Will become Sanchez's best friend.

12. Kansas City Chiefs
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
Mount Cody can anchor a new 3-4.

13. Washington Redskins
Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
Somebody has to cover the Eagles.

14. Houston Texans
Eric Berry, S, Tennesse
Great playmaking safety.

15. Dallas Cowboys
Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
Big corner can bang with the physical NFC East receivers.

16. Buffalo Bills
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Big man for a tough defense.

Picks 17-32

Listed at: DC Sports Report, Walter Football, Hail Redskins, and our very own Patriots Mock Draft Database.

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2009 AFC East Predictions: Jets

2009-07-06T08:30:00.002-05:00

The first in our four part look at the AFC East in 2009 starts at the bottom. Check back during the week for the Dolphins, Bills, and the Patriots.

The Why
The Jets have two decent lines and some astounding playmakers on defense, such as Darrell Revis and the new additions: Bart Scott, Calvin Pace, and Jim Leonhard. Rex Ryan has definitely brought some swagger to the Jets, let's hope for New York's sake that he has brought a little more than that.

The Why Not
Mark Sanchez is a rookie, however, he is not Joe Flacco nor Matt Ryan. Eric Mangini, while being a huge ass, wasn't retarded. The Mangenious picked off a few choice elements from the Jets in the Sanchez trade. By the way, Mark Sanchez is a rookie.

The Schedule
Eight road games will be dificult for the Jets this year, as the AFC East schedules include the NFC South and the AFC South.

@HOU (W)
@NOS (L)
@MIA (L)
@OAK (W)
@NEP (L)
@BUF (L)
@TBB (L)
@IND (L)

The eight home games aren't much easier, but they should be able to scratch out a few more wins.

vs NEP (L)
vs TEN (W)
VS BUF (W)
VS MIA (L)
vs JAC (W)
vs CAR (L)
vs ATL (L)
vs CIN (W)

The Verdict
(6-10)
While the Jets are sounding like Baltimore Northeast, they don't quite look like them yet. If the key parts don't age too much before they get a QB ready, the Jets could be tough for the next few years.

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2009 AFC South Predictions

2009-07-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

NFC West / NFC North / NFC South / NFC East

AFC West / AFC North

Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
This is the year that the Colts jump the shark. They still have Peyton Manning, which gives you 7-8 games by itself, but lines are beginning to show some wear and tear.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)
If the Jaguars went 2-14, I wouldn't be surprised. David Garrard doesn't inspire confidence in anyone but his banker. Fred Taylor made a great decision in coming north.

Tennessee Titans (7-9)
Titan fans gave us lots of crap for our 2008 predictions, and they ended up being right. I don't see Kerry Collins doing it again this year, and the defense will miss Haynesworth.

Houston Texans (7-9)
This team has loads of talent, but can't seem to put it all together. While Sage wasn't a Pro Bowl QB, he tended to stay healthy.

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2009 AFC North Predictions

2009-06-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

NFC West / NFC North / NFC South / NFC East

AFC West

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
The Steelers are still the most balanced team in the NFL. They have a supreme blend of offense and defense, power and precision, pride and poise. That said, they are by no means invincible. Look for a deep playoff run again from the black and gold.

Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
While a few of the main veins and arteries of the Ravens defense have been transplanted up north, the heart still remains. Ray Lewis will propel the remaining Ravens to another good defensive year, and Joe Cool should continue to develop.

Cleveland Browns (7-9)
Eric Mangini and three other Jets castoffs that came in the Mark Sanchez trade hope to do what another Bill Belichick disciple (Romeo Crennel) couldn't. Perhaps Judas will succeed where Peter didn't, but we don't see it happening this year.

Cincinnati Bengals (5-11)
The Bengals lost their best player to free agency this off-season, as TJH bolted for his old stomping grounds in the Pacific Northwest. As long as Marvin Lewis is still in charge, the Bengals will not excel.

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2009 AFC West Predictions

2009-06-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

NFC West / NFC North / NFC South / NFC East

San Diego Chargers (9-7)
This division is just awful, and might be as bad as the NFC West. We have the perennially underachieving (in the regular season anyway) Chargers winning by default really. If Merriman is back at 100%, that might make this team a championship contender again.

Oakland Raiders (7-9)
Color us more stupid than normal, but the Raiders seem to be turning things around somewhat. They have a tough schedule, but we see them pushing the Chargers in December this year.

Kansas City Chiefs (6-10)
Matt Cassel should provide a boost to Todd Haley's team, but it will take a while for the 3-4 defense to round into shape in KC. Look for a 10-6 team in 2010.

Denver Broncos (5-11)
As much as I loved Josh McDaniels during his tenure with the Patriots, he (along with the Broncos Front Office) has really bollixed up a semi-good thing in Denver. Their offense is now in shambles and their defense still sucks. Not a good situation to be in.

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2009 NFC East Predictions

2009-06-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Check out the NFC North, NFC South, and NFC West predictions!

New York Giants (11-5)
I loathe to say it, but the G-Men improved again this off-season, adding DE Chris Canty among others. Plaxico Burress and his ego will not be missed.

Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
The Eagles are sensing that Donovan McNabb's window is closing and have assembled a championship level team around him. The receivers are there, the defensive backs are there, but the prospects for this team lie surely on the injury status of one Brian Westbrook. When healthy, the Villanova Grad is the best in the game.

Washington Redskins (8-8)
The Redskins just can't get over the hump it would seem. They play in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, they constantly have their owner mortgaging their future for yesterday's players, and they haven't had a true franchise QB since, Mark Rypien!?

Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Everyone can see that the 'Boys will miss Eldorado on the field, but most people will neglect to mention Greg Ellis, Chris Canty, and Zach Thomas. There will be a large leadership void now on defense, as well as the complete lack of it on offense as well. "America's Team" looks like a train-wreck waiting to happen.

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2009 NFC South Predictions

2009-06-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Check out the NFC North and NFC West predictions as well!

Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Roddy White are the new triplets of the south. The Falcons improving defense will be the key to see how far they can go in the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints (9-7)
The one thing lacking on this team is some hard-nosed leadership. Put Ray Lewis, Rodney Harrison, or James Harrison on this team, and that would give this soft team another win or two overnight.

Carolina Panthers (8-8)
Perennial under-achievement is the hallmark of a John Fox Panthers team. This year shouldn't be any different. Their rushing game will keep them in it on most Sundays, but Jake Delhomme and the declining defense will be too much to overcome

Tampa Bay Bucs (6-10)
Six wins might be generous, as a new Head Coach and an unproven rookie QB are never a good start for a team. Either the Bucs are going to have find a rushing game or the second coming of Derrick Brooks if they plan on competing this year.

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2009 NBA Mock Draft

2009-06-23T22:00:00.002-05:00

We're listed at DC Pro Sports NBA Mock Draft Database and Walter's NBA Mock Draft Database.

Projected order based on 2007-2008 records and trades.

Updated 6/23

1. LA Clippers: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
One word: Warrior.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn
Thabeet is not short.

3. OKC Thunder: James Harden, G/F, Arizona State
He plays basketball really well. OKC needs these type of guys.

4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
An absolute steal, although if I were Rubio, the Maloofs would freak me out.

5. Washington Wizards: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyreke Evans, G, Memphis
7. Golden State Warriors: Johnny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
8. New York Knickerbockers: Steph Curry, G, Davidson
9. Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan, G, USC
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jrue Holliday, PG, UCLA
11. New Jersey Nets: Earl Clark, SF, Louisville
12. Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson, G, Duke
13. Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy
14. Phoenix Suns: James Johnson, PF, Purdue
15. Detroit Pistons: BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State

Picks 16-30

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2009 NFC North Predictions

2009-06-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

Check out the NFC West Predictions as well!

Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
Whether Mr. Wrangler Jeans comes back or not, the Vikings have the offensive and defensive lines to compete very well. If their receivers can develop as well as their defensive backfield, 10-6 might be selling them short.

Chicago Bears (10-6)
Jay Cutler said that he doesn't need Brandon Marshall. He should have asked Kyle Orton about that first... Matt Forte and the hard-nosed defense will be the real leaders on this team.

Green Bay Packers (9-7)
The Packers played much worse than they really were in 2008. This year should see them return to form and compete for a playoff spot, although we see them coming up just short.

Detroit Lions (2-14)
Technically, two wins would make the Lions infinitely better than last year. We'll just let that simmer for a while.

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2009 NFC West Predictions

2009-06-19T20:00:00.002-05:00

Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
The Cardinals are lucky to be in the worst division in the NFL. They will be hard-pressed to duplicate their run to the Superbowl, but a second division championship in as many years seems to be a lock.

San Francisco 49ers (7-9)
Michael Crabtree can't throw the ball to himself, otherwise, this might be the new team to beat in the NFC West. Mike Singletary has the defense on the right track, while bringing the leadership potential to a rolling boil. This team is on the cusp of something great, but you'll have to wait until 2010.

Seattle Seahawks (5-11)
Teams don't win with former Cyclones running the team, and until Matt Hasselbeck proves that he can be the quarterback for a full season in the Pacific Northwest, this team will have a very low ceiling.

St. Louis Rams (5-11)
Jason Smith will help keep Marc Bulger upright, but the former Pro-Bowler might be suffering from shellshock at this point. A so-so defense isn't enough to overcome the rapid aging of the once great offense.

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Smack Talk in the AFC East

2009-06-13T15:30:00.007-05:00

James of the NE Patriots Draft staff participated in a Scout.com Patriots roundtable about the smack talk coming from some of the Patriots opponents in the AFC East this offseason. A quick excerpt:

The Jets might be the self-proclaimed "tough guys" of the AFC East, but last time I checked, that doesn't earn you any points. With the acquisition of Rex Ryan, Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard, they have improved significantly on paper, but the calendar still says June. Let me know if they are still talking in January.

Click Here to read the entire roundtable, which includes some great points on who ISN'T on the Jets roster, and why that may be important.

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Ochocino: The Movie

2009-06-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

As Chad Ochocinco has made it into the news once or twice in the past few years, we feel that it is a relative certainty that one day there will be a movie based on his unique life.

The odds are pretty good that the title of said movie will have the number 85 somewhere in the title. What many people don't know though, is that when this movie hits the silver screen, a major milestone will have occurred in cinematic history. If you know why, we here at NE Patriots Draft salute you.

You see, numbers in movie titles are pretty common, and every single one of the integers from 1-100 have been used in a cinematic production-that is except one: eighty-five. Some of the works are pretty well-known, like "Twelve Monkeys" and "Apollo 13", where others are a bit more obscure. "27 Missing Kisses" and "Gypsy 83" aren't quite in my DVD collection.

So when you are shelling out $15 to see Jamie Foxx play "85", know that you are seeing the completion of something over 100 years in the making.

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Big East Players to Watch in 2009

2009-06-10T16:00:00.000-05:00

George Selvie, DE/LB, South Florida
Selvie is probably the only true 1st-round talent in the Big East that will enter the draft this year. He is a hybrid player that struggles to fill out his frame. Ideal for a speed-based 3-4 defense.

Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
Without Pat White, Devine will have to work hard to duplicate his 1200+ yards from his sophomore campaign. He has the quicks and the speed to do it.

Tony Pike, QB, Cinci
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cinci
Pike and Gilyard should continue to team up to torch the Big East defenses. While Gilyard will probably be a day one pick, if Pike plays well his senior season, he may rise all the way up to the 3rd round.

Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
Jones is able to anchor well versus the run but needs to step up his pass-rushing ability if he wants to impact the first round of the 2010 Draft.

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2009 NFL All-Food Team

2009-06-07T14:00:00.004-05:00

In 2008, we brought you the first NFL All-Food Team from NE Patriots Draft. We're back at it again with the 2010 version of this prestigious group. Without further adieu, the 2010 NFL All-Food Team:

Offense:

QB- Cleo Lemon, Jaguars (2008-Cleo Lemon)
RB- Glen Coffee, 49ers (2008-Ray Rice)

WR- Dallas Baker, Steelers (2008-Ronald Curry)
WR- Sidney Rice, Vikings (2008-Sidney Rice)
TE- Jared Cook, Titans (2008-Agle Crumpler)
TE- Chad Mustard, UFA (2008-Chad Mustard)

OL- Dustin Fry, Seahawks (2008-Dustin Fry)
OL- Rich Ohrnberger, Patriots (2008-Todd Weiner)
OL- Mike Butterworth, Falcons (2008-Ryan Cook) - Wife's not happy.
OL- Nick Hennessey, Bills (2008-Sam Baker)
OL- Erik Pears, Raiders (2008-Brian Waters)

Defense

DE- Bertrand Berry, Cardinals (2008-Julius Peppers)
DE- Paul Spicer, Saints (2008-Calais Campbell)
DT- Vince Wilfork, Patriots (2008-Vince Wilfork)
DT- Jamaal Fudge, Jaguars (2008-Sam Adams)

LB- Jerod Mayo, Patriots (2008-Jerod Mayo)
LB- Aaron Curry, Seahawks (2008-Tedy Bruschi)
LB- Calvin Pace, Jets (2008-Anthony Waters) - "New York City!"

DB- Darnell Bing, Lions (2008-Robert Bean)
DB- Benny Sapp, Vikings(2008-Terrence Wheatley)
DB- Brian Witherspoon, Jaguars (2008-Gerome Sapp)
DB- Emanuel Cook, Jets (2008-Roy Williams)

Add your own favorites below!

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SEC Players to Watch in 2009

2009-06-06T14:00:00.000-05:00

We could probably make two or three lists for SEC Players, as there is some incredible talent coming out this year. The SEC could easily have 15-16 first rounders in 2010.

Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
Spikes has the tenacity and drive to compete inside in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He and Carlos Dunlap will make it hard on other SEC offenses.

Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Will compete with Taylor Mays to be the first safety drafted. Berry is an incredible playmaker.

Rico McCoy, LB, Tennessee
McCoy reminds me of the toughness and instincts exhibited by a certain other Volunteer LB that Patriot fans know and love.

Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
A true mountain of a man, Cody will be plucked up by the first team that needs a 3-4 nose tackle.

Ciron Black, OT, LSU
Black could have been a 1st-Day pick in 2009, but chose to return to the bayou and hone his skills. That should make him a top 20 pick.

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Rodney Harrison: Still Hitting Hard

2009-06-04T19:13:00.003-05:00

Rodney Harrison is not messing around. After retiring from the Patriots just a few days ago, he is still making Peyton Manning's life miserable. During an NBC conference call, Rodney hammered the Colts QB in response to his consternation of the coaching situation in Indy:

"This is something I've discussed with Coach Dungy and I think it gives Tom Brady the edge over Peyton Manning in terms of leadership. If this went on in New England, it wouldn't come out publicly. He wouldn't make a big fuss over it. So many guys are looking up to [Peyton] that once they sense panic, they get nervous. You have to control your emotions and not allow these things to get outside the walls. I have a lot of respect for Peyton Manning, but this is a guy that needs to control his emotions."

While on the Jim Rome show today, Rodney laid it out plain and simple, stating "I didn't worry about having friends when I was playing, and I'm not worried about having friends now." Players, coaches, and fellow announcers of the NFL, you have been warned.

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Rodney Harrison Retiring: Greatest Hit Ever

2009-06-02T18:19:00.002-05:00

With Rodney Harrison officialy announcing that he will retire in order to join the NBC Broadcast team, we'd like to remind all the Patriot fans out there just what we will be missing in 2009.

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Big 10 Players to Watch in 2009

2009-06-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

While the Big 12 and the Pac-10 had some supreme talent at their disposal for the 2010 NFL Draft, the pickings are a little slim in Big 10 Country. Here are some of the prospects that made the cut.

Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Looks as dominant as Robert Gallery did in college, and we mean that in a good way. Should be a top 15 pick with the Ferentz pedigree.

Brandan Graham, DE, Michigan
Graham seems like a Brian Orakpo type of draft pick. He might not be able to transition to a 3-4, and he might be undersized to play in a 4-3. That being said, he is very adept at rushing the passer.

Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State
Coming off a torn ACL in 2008, Lee should regain his form. He is making the same transition that Paul P did, moving from outside to inside backer.

Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota
Decker is a fine player that should be able to fit in with nearly any system in the NFL. He had over 80 catches and 1000 yards last year for the Gophers.

Aurelius Benn, WR, Illinois
Good receiver with a questionable quarterback. Could easily be a top-10 pick if the Raiders have a pick that high.

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2010 NFL Mock Draft Database

2009-06-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

If you would like to be included on this list, send me your information using the contact us button above!

Updated: 7/5

My Sports Rumors: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
DK Sports: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
NE Patriots Draft: Rolando McLain, LB, Alabama
Draft Tek: Brandon Lang, LB, Troy
Scout.com: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
West Sports Report: Rolando McLain, LB, Alabama
5th Quarter Sports: Jahvid Best, RB, California
NFL Draft Prophecies: Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri
FF Toolbox: Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College
Sports Illustrated: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
Sports Fantasy Guide: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
NFL Draft Dog:Joe Pawelek, LB, Baylor
Draft King: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
Walter Football: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
MockMyDraft: Sergio Kindle, DE/LB, Texas
Sideline Scouting: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
Universal Draft: Crezdon Butler, CB, Clemson
Fox Sports: Jahvid Best, RB, California
Sports2Debate: Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

Big 12 Players to Watch in 2009

2009-05-31T13:00:00.003-05:00

A few days ago, we took a gander at some of the best Pac-10 prospects for the 2010 NFL Draft. Today we'll give you an overview of what the Big 12 has to offer. I'm sure you know all about Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford, so we'll hit some of the other prospects.

Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
This athletic longhorn seems to be a perfect in an NFL 3-4 system. Kindle has the frame to add another 10-15 pounds and will get to the quarterback.

Russel Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.
Joe Thomas, Jake Long, Russel Okung? The big ol' Cowboy seems poised to be the NFL's next great young left tackle. His feet and strength combine to make a total package that any QB would be happy to see.

Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Suh is a 6-4/300 powerhouse that has the ability and agility of a young Warren Sapp. Suh is a versatile enough to play in different formations and packages.

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Athletic big man that will be best suited as an interior lineman in a 4-3. Very disruptive in the backfield.

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St.
Bryant is the homeless man's Larry Fitzgerald. He seems to be able to snag the ball from the most improbable of places.

Jermanine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Will fight with Gronkowski from Arizona as the first TE off the board, but Gresham's big-play ability and 6-6/260 frame will place him in the top 10.

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Patriots at Odds

2009-05-29T18:30:00.000-05:00

With Tom Brady back in full swing and looking good during the OTA work this week, many fans in New England are dreaming about the Patriots adding a fourth Super Bowl banner this decade.

But realistically, with all the parity in the NFL these days (Don't tell the Lions that), just how good are the odds of that occuring? According to Bodog Sportsbook, pretty dang good. They have the Patriots going off as a 5/1 favorite to win it all. The only other team in single digits is the defending champion Steelers, who are at 9/1. The aforementioned Lions are a slight underdog, coming in at 150/1 odds.

While on paper, the Patriots only have a 20% chance of winning, I think Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and the improving defense will have a few things to say about that in the coming months. Get one ready for the pinkie boys.

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PAC-10 Players to Watch in 2009

2009-05-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

Jahvid Best, RB, California
Best will be a draft-eligible junior who averaged over 8 yards per carry in 2008. Can also contribute as a return-man and is an excellent gunner.

Ron Gronkowski, TE, Arizona
Big Guy with soft hands that can move pretty well. Should become the top threat with Mike Thomas out of the picture. He will only be limited by the caliber of his quarterback.

Joe McKnight, RB, USC
You've heard of this guy for years, thanks in no small part by the USC-Lovers at ESPN. With a new QB this year, look for McKnight to be even more involved in the offense - his athleticism is unparalleled.

Taylor Mays, S, USC
It is hard not to include at least two Trojans on this list, and Mays certainly deserves to be there. Mays would have probably been the first safety drafted in 2009 and with his unique size and skill set, a top five pick doesn't seem out of the question.

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Patriots Add Paris Lenon

2009-05-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Patriots have added to their linebacker Wednesday by signing free-agent Paris Lenon. Lenon is expected to play inside in the Patriots 3-4 scheme.

Lenon makes the second player added from the lowly Detroit Lions defense this off-season. CB Leigh Bodded was signed earlier this spring. Lenon was the leading tackler for the uber-bad Lions, who played in a 4-3 defense.

With 3rd-round pick Tyrone McKenzie going down to an ACL Injury, it was widely speculated that the Patriots would add another ILB. Lenon should compete with Gary Guyton and Tedy Bruschi for the privilege to play alongside with Jerod Mayo. Other options would include veteran Eric Alexander and UDFA Antonio Appleby.

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