The Red Zone Report

Are the South Americans a Good Bet to Win the World Cup?

Eddie Griffin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:00:26 +0000

Now that the World Cup teams have been filtered down to 8 one of the things that everyone is talking about is the strength of the South American contingent. Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay are all through. The World cup betting odds shows strong support for a South American nation lifting the 2010 trophy on the 11th July. Brazil are favourites to win to win at 5/2, Argentina are 4/1, Uruguay are 14/1 and Paraguay are 50/1. Could this year’s final be an all South American affair? It might just happen – but first let’s look at the quarters and who each team will be facing.

The first quarter final will be between the Netherlands and Brazil. The Netherlands, unlike many other European sides (Italy, England, France) who were touted as possible winners of the competition have played well to reach this stage and will certainly be no pushover but the free-scoring Brazilians, who have scored 8 goals so far, probably have the firepower to go through.

Friday will also see Uruguay take on the Ghana, who knocked out the USA. The Black Stars are the sole remaining African nation in the competition and will be looking to continue their triumphant campaign against the 2 time winners of the competition. Uruguay are evens to win the game with the Ghanaians quoted at 11/4. This match promises to be one of the most entertaining of the quarters to watch with two attack-minded teams going head to head.

On Saturday Cape Town will host the clash between Argentina and Germany. On paper this really has got to be one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament with the prospect of goals aplenty with the likes of Higuain, Tevez, Messi, Klose, and Podolski playing. Inexperience may prove to be a weak spot for this youthful German side which may explain why Maradona’s men are 6/5 to win the game. Can’t wait to see how this one pans out.

The final quarter final will be between Paraguay and Spain and for this game Paraguay are certainly considered the underdogs even though they have topped Group F and then beat Japan (on penalties) to get this far. Spain are quoted by online betting web sites as 2/1 on to go on the semis and they are second favourites to win the competition outright. Of all the South American teams still in the competition it looks like Paraquay have the biggest hurdle to overcome to progress but this World Cup has seen some big surprises so maybe the shocks aren’t over yet.

Tags: Other Sports, World Cup

LT: The Saga Continues

Guest Authors — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:10:43 +0000

NFL legend Lawrence Taylor is in trouble with the law once again.

Oh, you mean that LT? Yeah, the picture of depravity that is Lawrence Taylor is at it again. This NFL Hall of Fame linebacker is the prototypical bad boy of sports. Taylor finished an unparalleled career with the New York Giants, was considered one of the greatest men to ever play the sport, and subsequently found a new career – a low-down, back-alley crack addict.

Supposedly clean for years and working with a refreshed image, fans were saddened to hear that, on Thursday morning of May 6, LT was apprehended by authorities and charged with third-degree rape and soliciting prostitution.

Taylor was giving the third degree, literally, due to the alleged prostitute in the case being a 16-year-old Hispanic girl forced into prostitution against her will.

After pleading innocent and being released on $75,000 bond, Taylor avoided media while the case broke wide open. Reports of the girl being taken from her home last Marched and forced into the sex trade, and tales of a used condom, added another level of interest.

While Taylor, 51 and married with three children, is still asserting his innocence, others around the former football star are not so silent.

Reports of Taylor’s gambling, drug and prostitution habits are makings headlines now. As most of America watched an in-shape and happy Lawrence Taylor on Dancing with the Stars and were sure of his newfound sobriety, the darker side was still present – the side that had Taylor frequenting the best casinos and spending thousands, taking drugs recklessly and paying for multiple prostitutes while away from home.

Taylor faces up to one year in prison for solicitation, a misdemeanor, and up to four years in prison for having sex with an underage girl.

Rasheed Davis, the girl’s alleged pimp, was also charged. The 36-year-old Davis, a parolee, is charged with unlawful imprisonment and assault, and endangering the welfare of a child.

To date, LT maintains his innocence. He is due back in court on June 10.

Tags: Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants, NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame

Is it time to call Barry Zito an elite pitcher again?

Eddie Griffin — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:14:45 +0000

Barry Zito is off to the best start of his career.

At the start of the second half of last baseball season, I did a post on Barry Zito’s importance to the San Francisco Giants making a run at the postseason.

At the time, Zito was 5-9 with a 5.01 ERA in 18 starts, and he’d went into the All-Star break having allowed nine runs and 10 hits in 4.1 innings to the Padres after Jonathan Sanchez had no-hit them only two days prior.

Zito lost his first post All-Star break start, but from that start on, he pitched very solidly for much of the remainder of the season. He went 5-3 with a [] ERA in his final 14 starts of 2009, and while he had his Zito moments, he had reason to go into the off-season with at least a little confidence after what had been a horrendous start.

So far, it looks like Zito has taken that second half and run with it and then some, to the tune of the best run he’s had to start any of his 11 major league seasons. He’s 5-0, and he sports a nasty 1.49 ERA.

It took him 17 starts to register five wins last season, and it took 21 to get to the five-win mark in 2008, but it’s taken him all of six starts to reach that mark this season.

So far, Zito has made nary a misstep and mistake. All six of his starts have been quality starts, and most importantly, that penchant he’s shown for being able to get into mass amounts of trouble hasn’t been there.

In 42.1 innings pitched, he’s allowed only 27 hits and only 12 walks, and he hasn’t surrendered a single home run. Consider that he’s faced some pretty potent lineups and hitters (Dodgers, Cardinals, Marlins, and Rockies in his last four starts), and those numbers are made all the more impressive.

Even when he won the AL Cy Young in 2002, he didn’t start this well. That season, he was 1-2 with a 4.81 ERA in his first six starts before going 22-3 in his final 29 starts on the way to beating out Pedro Martinez for the award.

And that begs the inevitable question: Can he keep it up?

It would seem to be only a matter of time before he has a lull, because hey, even rotation mates Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain can have them, but there’s every reason to believe that he can and will continue to be strong throughout.

Here’s the real kicker. Over his career, Zito has been a notoriously slow starter, with the lone exception being the 2003 season, when he started 5-2 in his first seven starts (he finished 14-12 that season).

So, if he’s coming out of the gate pitching this well, then what does he have in store for the rest of the season?

Success is a contagious thing. When you see your rotation mates doing well (Lincecum’s being Lincecum, Matt Cain has it going after a slow-ish start, and Jonathan Sanchez is off to a solid start as well), it’s going to motivate you to bring your best every time out.

And when you’re doing well, that success breeds confidence, and when you’re confident, it’s a whole lot easier to get the job done than when you’re questioning your abilities, which I’m sure Zito had to do a time or two over his first three seasons with the Giants.

The only concern, at this point, is keeping him fresh for the long haul. Zito has gone at least seven innings in his last four starts, and as big as it is to be able to get seven-plus quality innings out of your starter almost every time out, those innings can add up over the course of a season.

On that note, one thing in Zito’s favor might actually be his struggles over the last few seasons, because if he‘d been pitching well, his arm would‘ve been full-on worn out by now. After pitching no less than 213 innings in his six full seasons in Oakland, Zito has thrown 196.2, 180, and 192 in his first three full seasons with the Giants.

It remains to be seen how much of a drop-off he will have as the season goes on. But at this rate, Zito looks to be well on his way to reclaiming his place as one of baseball’s best arms, and that could mean big things for both he and the Giants this season.

Tags: Barry Zito, Baseball, MLB, NL West, San Francisco Giants, Tim Lincecum

Penguins need Crosby, Malkin to step up to put away pesky Montreal

Eddie Griffin — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:05:40 +0000

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have struggled thus far against Montreal.

The Montreal Canadiens just don’t know how to go away quietly, do they?

After rallying from a 3-1 deficit to stun the top-seeded Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the Canadiens are very much in it to win it in their conference semifinal series against defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh.

After dropping the first game in Pittsburgh 6-3, Montreal rallied from an early 1-0 deficit for a 3-1 win to even the series heading back to Montreal.

Then, after a tough 2-0 loss in Game 3, it was comeback time for the Canadiens in last night’s Game 4. Pittsburgh led 2-1 only 5:18 in, but the Penguins would be shut out for the final 54-plus minutes, and two early third-period goals from Maxim Lapierre and Brian Gionta brought Montreal back for a 3-2 win and a 2-all tie in the series.

Is it time for the Penguins to actually worry about whether or not they’re going to win this series?

Pittsburgh hasn’t done well when it comes to clinching series at home, so it might actually be in their favor that it’s 2-2 and not 3-1.

However, as tenuous as things are for the defending champs right now, these are the spots where the Penguins, unlike the Capitals to this point, have excelled during their success over the last few seasons.

Last season, it was rallying from 3-0 down on the road to defeat Philadelphia in the conference quarters, winning Games 5 and 7 in Washington in the conference semis, and after staying alive with a Game 6 win at home, stunning Detroit with a Game 7 win on the road to clinch the franchise’s third title.

Most recently, in the conference quarterfinals against Ottawa, Pittsburgh roared back after losing the first game at home, and then after missing out on a chance to clinch at home in Game 5 and falling behind 3-0 in Game 6, fighting back for a 4-3 overtime win to take the series.

So, you have to expect the Penguins to come out fired up tomorrow night and, instead of letting up as may have been the case in their losses in Game 2 and Game 4, keep that same intensity and focus for the full 60.

It goes without saying that the key players need to step it up another notch from here. After scoring 14 points in six games against Ottawa, Sidney Crosby has only three points against the Canadiens, and he’s failed to find the net after scoring five times against the Senators.

A lot of it comes down to creating opportunities. Crosby had 24 shots against Ottawa, but he has only eight against the Canadiens. However, it is worth noting that, even though he didn’t beat Jaroslav Halak in Game 4, he did take five shots after registering only three in the first three games.

The same goes for Evgeni Malkin, who has only one goal and one assist in the series after scoring eight points against Ottawa.

The better those two perform, the more it opens the way for the likes of Bill Guerin, Maxime Talbot, Pascal Dupuis, and the rest of the supporting cast to be massive difference makers, as Talbot did against the Red Wings in Game 7 last year and Dupuis did against the Senators in the last round.

All that being said, if the Canadiens haven’t gone quietly to this point, they won’t now. They know they can hang with the Penguins, and they know that they have the same chance to win the series that Pittsburgh does, so they won’t go into Mellon Arena intimidated. It also doesn’t hurt when your goalie is playing at a high level like Halak has been.

But, with Mellon Arena’s days numbered, you have to be certain that the Penguins don’t want their or the fans’ last memories of Mellon to be losing ones.

Tags: Evgeni Malkin, Montreal Canadiens, NHL, Other Sports, Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby

The good, the bad, and the ugly: Taking a look at some of MLB’s early surprises

Eddie Griffin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:12:02 +0000

David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox are off to a slow start in 2010.

It’s still very early in the 2010 MLB season, and while the defending World Series champion New York Yankees have started fast with a 9-3 mark, not every expected contender has shown their worth yet.

While the Boston Red Sox, among others, have struggled out of the gate, there have also been a few surprises on the other end of the spectrum.

The Good

Happy Days Are Back in Oakland

Remember when the A’s had more talented pitchers than they had room for, when the likes of Tim Hudson, Barry Zito (when he was good), Mark Mulder (when he was healthy), Ted Lilly, Dan Haren, Rich Harden, and Joe Blanton - not all at one time, of course - were a part of Oakland staffs that helped the A’s be at the top of the AL West for the early part of the last decade?

Well, Brett Anderson, Justin Duchscherer, Dallas Braden, Ben Sheets, Dallas Braden, and Gio Gonzalez are thus far conjuring up memories of the good ol’ days in Oakland.

Anderson’s loss to the Orioles today was the first by an Oakland starter today, as their five-man rotation of three youngsters and healthy-again veterans Duchscherer and Sheets was 6-0 coming into today, helping the 9-5 A‘s jump to the top of the AL West standings early on.

So can the A’s be a legitimate threat in the AL West for the long haul? Well, that will depend not only on the rotation continuing to be strong, but also so on the bats and the bullpen.

Oakland’s bats are producing a little over four runs per game on average, and the bullpen has been responsible for four losses already, and those two areas are going to have to step up, because as talented as their rotation is, there will be more than a few bad starts along the way.

The Bad

The Un-Friendly Confines of Fenway

After being swept by the Tampa Bay Rays this weekend in the first three games of their four-game set against the Rays, the Boston Red Sox are now 1-5 at home to start the season.

If you’re searching for MLB tickets in hopes of seeing the Red Sox at Fenway sometime soon, that number might make you want to wait, or at least avoid the series involving the better teams on their schedule.

The only series win that the 4-8 Sox have on their ledger right now is a two of three showing at Kansas City, and that’s nothing to write home about. Their others? Dropping two of three at home to the Yankees - after winning the series opener, dropping two of three at Minnesota - including an 8-0 loss in the series finale, and now this weekend’s sweep at the hands of Tampa Bay, in which the Red Sox bats were only awake for all of one inning, and that proved to be for naught.

Perhaps a win in tomorrow’s finale against the Rays could well kickstart things for the Sox, as this is the start of a ten-game homestand which sees Texas and Baltimore come to town after the Rays leave.

The pitching has had its struggles, the bats are not performing at the expected level, and all in all, it’s just not a pretty sight to see the Red Sox play right now. It is only a matter of time before the ship gets righted, because this team is too talented to stink for too long. But considering that their schedule is anything but chock full of patsies, the sooner they stop stinkin’ up the joint, the better.

The Ugly

What’s Going On in the Windy City?

Well, not a lot, on either side.

The White Sox, who are 4-9 after being swept in Cleveland, have scored four or less runs in nine of their 13 games this season and are barely above the Mendoza line at the plate as a team.

On the pitching side, Gavin Floyd is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA through three starts, Jake Peavy is winless in his first three starts, and Freddy Garcia, well, it’s not 2006 anymore.

As for the Cubbies, well, there’s only so much that can be said when you lose a series at home to a team who came in 1-8. The Cubs beat on Milwaukee’s pitching staff (out of necessity), but outside of that spurt, they’ve been a sight for sore eyes just as much as the White Sox.

As much talent as both Chicago teams have, there’s no reason why they should struggle. Alas, there are some things that just defy logic, and that’s one of them.
Tags: Baseball, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Oakland A's

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Receiver trades will shape NFL playoff race in 2010 - and beyond

Eddie Griffin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:00:15 +0000

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Yes, Brandon, the contract you got really is that big.
In the midst of all of the hype, hoopla, fanfare, and pomp and circumstance (wait, did I cover everything?) leading up to next weekend’s NFL Draft, four major trades have taken place this month.

Not only will these trades have an effect on what some teams are planning to do next week, but these trades will also have a big effect on how some rabid fans bet on football come this fall.

Donovan McNabb’s trade from Philadelphia to NFC East rival Washington merits its own space, but below, I take a look at how the trades of three prominent wide receivers will shape their individual teams’ hopes for success.

Santonio Holmes to the Jets

From a football standpoint, it’s an understatement that the Jets got a serious steal in having to only give up a fifth-round pick for a 26-year-old receiver who’s coming off of the best season of his career (79 catches, 1,248 yards, 5 TD).

But more so than the Jets needed to add another threat to their aerial attack, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to jettison Holmes after his numerous off-field issues. However, if Holmes can take advantage of this chance to put the past behind him, he’ll help prove that this trade was more than just a steal on paper, and he’ll significantly boost the Jets’ hopes of being an AFC contender in 2010 and beyond.

With three quality receivers in Holmes, Braylon Edwards (when he, you know, catches the ball, that is), and Jerricho Cotchery, along with a talented young tight end in Dustin Keller, there’s no reason why Mark Sanchez should struggle in his second season. Of course, considering that Holmes is suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season, we won’t get to fully see what the Jets can accomplish through the air for a little while.

But if he does have the impact that he could and should, the Jets will be far more than a wear-you-down-on-both-sides-of-the-ball team. Online betting will favor the Patriots in the AFC East as long as B&B are around, and with several other playoff hopefuls throughout the AFC, it won’t be an easy road for the Jets. But with a prolific ground game, a stout defense, and an improving passing attack, a return trip to the AFC Championship Game won’t be nearly as much of a surprise as it was last season.

Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins

Miami already sported a top-notch backfield with rushing duo Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, but the lack of a dangerous weapon in the passing game tempered just how deadly the Dolphins could be on offense last season.

The wildcat isn’t going anywhere, but with Marshall now in the fold, the Dolphins won’t have to rely on the run to wear down opponents.

Having one of the league’s best receivers to throw to certainly makes life easier for a young quarterback, so it must be an exciting time to be Chad Henne right now. After showing a lot of potential down the stretch last season, Henne should be ready to take the next step with a bonafide stud in his receiving corps.

Not only will it benefit Henne, but the other receivers know they have to produce as well to take the heat off of Marshall. He’s going to get his catches, but when the likes of Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo, and Patrick Turner step up and prove that he’s not the only one who Chad Henne can count on, the sky’s the limit for the Dolphins offensively and overall.

Yes, Marshall does have some red flags, but I’m sure he’s well aware that Miami giving him the fat contract he wanted (and deserves) is a show of faith that he must repay both on and off of the field.

The Dolphins needed to make a big move to beef up their chances to be a serious playoff hopeful in 2010, and Marshall will give them 100+ reasons to be glad they did.

Ted Ginn, Jr. to the 49ers

The addition of Marshall made it a lot easier for the Dolphins to quickly part with Ginn, who hasn’t lived up to expectations after the speedster was drafted ninth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Will this be a case of one man’s trash being another man’s treasure? Ginn certainly won’t be going to San Francisco to be their #1 or even #2 receiver, as Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis will be Alex Smith’s primary targets.

In fact, he might not even be #3, as third-year receiver Josh Morgan is coming off of a solid sophomore campaign, and you also have to figure Frank Gore and his pass-catching abilities into the equation as well.

However, in an offense where a couple of other pass-catchers will be garnering most of the attention, Ginn could find his fair share of open opportunities, and with his speed, openness could be a very bad thing for defenses.

At the very least, Ginn will give the 49ers a much needed weapon in the return game. San Francisco averaged only 21.8 yards per kick return and 4.4 yards per punt return last season, while Ginn averaged 24.9 yards per kick return and returned two kicks for scores.
Tags: 2007 NFL Draft, AFC East, Alex Smith, brandon marshall, Chad Henne, Denver Broncos, Donovan McNabb, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, NFC West, NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Santonio Holmes, Ted Ginn Jr.

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Will Derby Favorite Eskendereya Prove the Oddsmakers Right?

Eddie Griffin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 23:00:46 +0000

Eskendereya is the horse to beat at this year's Kentucky Derby.
2010 Kentucky Derby odds are already up on the board regarding the 136th running of the most important horse race in horse betting.

Numerous people that wager horses do not even look at them right up until May. Kentucky Derby gambling signifies the beginning of the horse racing season for a lot of bettors.

2010 Kentucky Derby betting marks the start of the yearly pursuit for the Triple Crown. The Triple Crown is composed of three races. These are The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Just 11 horses have managed to win the Triple Crown but the rush begins each year in the month of May when the Kentucky Derby takes the horses out for a run.

Despite the fact that Big Brown won the Derby two years in the past as the favorite one, historical past indicates that the favorite hasn’t performed that well in the Derby. Eskendereya has a history to profit bettors and as Big Brown demonstrated in 2008, a favorite can easily win in Kentucky Derby betting.

Bettors that really don’t bet horse races can still get engaged in the Derby because it such a popular race. Such gamblers might not wager different races all year but they will wager the Derby. This may be one more reason the favorite has battled in this race. Everyone set eyes on a horse and when the public loves a horse it does not win as frequently as a person may think.

When you tend to considering 2010 Kentucky Derby odds, you must begin with pedigree. The length of the track at The Derby is a mile and a quarter and lots of horses just don’t desire to go that far. You can look at the dosage profile from the horses to see if their breeding suggests endurance. This is essential in the Derby and crucial in the Belmont.

When you look at how to handicap this year’s Kentucky Derby odds you will have to look at the favorite. Eskendereya appears to be a potent horse within the style of Big Brown from couple of years ago. That horse kind of got rid of the stigma of a typical horse not having the ability to be successful and win being a favorite. Eskendereya could be another favorite that goes against the sportsbook and wins the Derby. If you don’t think the favorite can succeed this year Kentucky Derby odds you’ll have a lot of longshots within the board to consider. With a 20 horse field you will have numerous horses with double-digit odds and as not too long ago it was proven with Mine That Bird, anything can happen.
Tags: Eskendereya, Kentucky Derby, Other Sports, Triple Crown

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Sidney’s Candy is a Kentucky Derby Betting Contender (0)

Sidney’s Candy is a Kentucky Derby Betting Contender

Eddie Griffin — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:00:36 +0000

Will Joe Talamo ride Sidney's Candy to Kentucky Derby glory next month?
Kentucky Derby betting odds should include Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy. He will be ridden by Joe Talamo who had the horse to beat last year in the Kentucky Derby odds before I Want Revenge was injured.

Kentucky Derby betting odds are not going to favor Sidney’s Candy but the horse is a contender. The role of the favorite is going to Eskendereya. Sidney’s Candy could be the second choice though in Kentucky Derby odds. The horse is trained by John Sadler. Talamo is happy to have another chance to ride in the Derby. “To have a horse in the Kentucky Derby, any kind of horse, is a tremendous feat,” Talamo said, “I feel very honored and blessed just to make it back this year, after what happened last year. We’ll see how good he is in the Derby, but the way he handled himself today was unbelievable. He relaxes so well and he does things three-year olds don’t do.”

Sidney’s Candy has already won the San Vicente, the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby this year. The question in Kentucky Derby betting is how he will run on the dirt at Churchill Downs. “I don’t think he’s going to have a problem,” Sadler said. “He’s a good horse.” Talamo has ridden Sidney’s Candy in all six of his races. “He works the horse, we like him, and he just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” Sadler said.

Sidney’s Candy will be listed behind Eskendereya on the Kentucky Derby Betting odds board. “We’ll just try to keep him happy,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “We’ll keep doing what we have been doing.” Sidney’s Candy may also be listed behind Lookin At Lucky who had a troubled trip and a terrible ride in the Santa Anita Derby. “Lookin At Lucky looks fantastic today,” said trainer Bob Baffert, “He’s happy, so that’s good. He leaves on the 12th and yeah, Gomez will ride him back. Garrett came by the barn this morning and we talked things over. I didn’t like where the horse was the first 100 yards, but I should have told Garrett exactly what to do. I just left it up to him and I messed it up.”

Sidney’s Candy is the speed horse in the sportsbook but not the only speed in Kentucky Derby betting. Illinois Derby winner American Lion is entered. “There is only one Derby and we plan on being there,” said trainer Eoin Harty.
Tags: Bob Baffert, Joe Talamo, Kentucky Derby, Other Sports, Sidney's Candy, Triple Crown

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Kevin Roberts’ 2010 NFL Mock Draft: 4.0

Kevin Roberts — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:19:20 +0000

Bradford is still arguably the top prospect.

We’ve learned a lot in the past two months, via the NFL Combine , pro days, injuries, NFL trades, and through NFL free agency .

We now know that Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy can throw the ball and are fully healed, and we know that Joe Haden isn’t as slow as his combine 40-time suggested.

Donovan McNabb getting traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the archrival Washington Redskins shook things up a bit, too.

Read on for The Red Zone Report ’s first two-round mock draft of the NFL offseason, as we engage in a (less than) three-week countdown to the 2010 NFL Draft :

Round One

1. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford , QB, Oklahoma

The No. 1 pick isn’t for defensive tackles or safeties. If you need a franchise passer, this is the pick you use to get one.

The Rams just released Marc Bulger, lost out on the Donovan McNabb sweepstakes (were they ever in them?), and have nothing at the quarterback position to suggest this isn’t the pick they make.

Bradford may have some durability questions, but he looked sharp at his pro day, and this is simply the right pick.

Honorable Mentions: Ndamukong Suh, Jimmy Clausen

2. Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

There are rumors flying around that Albert Haynesworth wants out of Washington, and reuniting with Jim Schwartz in Detroit is his top choice.

With very little chance of this happening—simply because the ‘Skins won’t allow it—look for Schwartz to do his best by getting the top inside man on the board.

The Gerald McCoy rumors can quiet down. Suh is the pick here.

Honorable Mentions: Gerald McCoy

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

McCoy is right up there with Suh, and the Buccaneers need some major improvement on the inside. They’ll take the next best available defensive tackle; no question about it.

There will be some murmurs about snagging Eric Berry, but taking a safety that high could raise some eyebrows.

McCoy will give them an inside presence who can rival with the likes of Suh, and will help dominate their defensive line for years to come.

Outside of Suh, McCoy, or Berry, Dez Bryant is the fourth option the Bucs will truly consider. With Antonio Bryant now a Bengal, Tampa Bay desperately needs some playmakers on offense for second-year quarterback, Josh Freeman.

Honorable Mentions: Eric Berry, Dez Bryant

4. Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

Washington may still desire a franchise passer, but with a huge need for youth and an overall talent upgrade on their offensive line, Mike Shanahan and Co. will be forced to bite the bullet and pick an “un-sexy” tackle.

Okung is actually far from un-sexy, as he is the top tackle in this draft. He will shore up Donovan McNabb’s blindside in 2010, and will develop into a stud down the road for whoever ends up being the franchise passer.

Jimmy Clausen or Sam Bradford are definite possibilities here, but with the addition of McNabb, quarterback isn’t a major need right now. Shanny could go the route he did a few years ago, when he ran with Jake Plummer for three years, and drafted Jay Cutler as his successor in Plummer’s third season with the Denver Broncos.

Regardless, there should be some solid quarterback talent available in the second round, while a meaty tackle like Okung will not be around for the choosing.

Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Clausen, Eric Berry

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

The Chiefs paid a hefty price to land Matt Cassel from New England last year, so there’s not a great chance they ditch him so soon, regardless of any lobbying from Charlie Weiss for the front office to draft Jimmy Clausen.

It’d be interesting, but far from the best move.

Outside of that potential dramatic splash—which would destroy most mock drafts—the Chiefs will take a good, hard look at safety, receiver, and their offensive line.

In the end, Kansas City won’t be able to pass on such a stud safety like Eric Berry, no matter how tempted Todd Haley is to throw caution to the wind and draft Dez Bryant.

Honorable Mentions: Bryan Bulaga, Dez Bryant, Jimmy Clausen

6. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

The Seahawks are the strange team with tons of directions they could go in. They have few glaring holes that stand out above the rest, making them a relative “toss-up” at the sixth spot.

You have to think Pete Carroll will be temped to reach into the USC draft barrel, but the sixth spot is arguably much too early for Damian Williams or Taylor Mays.

If Carroll can keep it together on that front, then it comes down to drafting a franchise passer, upgrading the offensive line, or possibly reaching a bit for C.J. Spiller.

Seattle didn’t trade for Charlie Whitehurst for the fun of it, and still has Matt Hasselbeck, Julius Jones, and Justin Forsett.

If we’re going on pure mathematics and logic, offensive tackle is where they go with their first selection.

Bryan Bulaga was arguably the next tackle off the board after Okung, so this should help improve Seattle’s horrible 2009 pass protection.

Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Clausen, Taylor Mays

7. Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden , CB, Florida

How does Jimmy Clausen continue to fall this far?

First, because no matter what the combine or any 40-time tells you, the Browns are completely enamored with Haden.

He’s a complete corner with elite speed on the field, and should be able to step in immediately, and help Eric Wright (solid in his own right) form a very solid corner duo.

Secondly, Mike Holmgren has been open about his lack of interest in Jimmy Clausen. Call me crazy, but I’m buying it.

I still love Clausen as a franchise passer, but Holmgren just unleashed Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, signed Jake Delhomme to a big deal (way too big), and traded for Seneca Wallace.

He’s not about to bring in a guy with even remotely questionable character, and something tells me he isn’t too high on Notre Dame passers, either.

I’m sure he and Cleveland will discuss it, but I also believe that if they’re looking to draft a passer, they already have two or three guys they feel confident in being able to land in the second or third round.

Going after a stud receiver or adding another offensive playmaker to the mix is also a solid possibility.

Honorable Mentions: Jimmy Clausen, Dez Bryant, C.J. Spiller

8. Oakland Raiders: Taylor Mays, S, USC

I’ve seen Bruce Campbell and Anthony Davis in this slot in a slew of mock drafts, but this is still Al Davis we’re dealing with.

The guy who took Darrius Heyward-Bey last year and JaMarcus Russell three years ago doesn’t exit the first round of the NFL Draft quietly.

It’d be the logical and the smart thing to beef up the offensive line, but logic and intelligence have little to with Davis or his M.O.

Mays actually fills a need, though, and also lives up to Davis’s ridiculous athletic and “measureables” standards. Despite this being an arguable reach, Mays could still end up being a rather nice pick, and potentially one heck of a football player at the next level.

Honorable Mentions: Anthony Davis, Bruce Campbell, Dez Bryant

9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen , QB, Notre Dame

The fall ends here.

Buffalo could surely use some offensive line help. If Clausen doesn’t drop this far (which is entirely possible, or almost likely), then the Bills will probably address the O-Line.

They could also grab a stud receiver here to replace the likely “gone for good” Terrell Owens, or take an early stab at Tim Tebow, who they have been rumored to be very interested in.

Hey, Chan Gailey loves athletic quarterbacks, so who’s to say it can’t happen? Then again, I’m still not ruling out a trade for Michael Vick, either.

Honorable Mentions: Anthony Davis, Trent Williams

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

Jacksonville is in major trouble on defense, where their pass rush generated just 14 sacks in 2009, leading to an equally woeful pass defense.

That needs to get better before anything else really can, which leads Jack Del Rio and Co. to choose either Morgan or Jason Pierre-Paul.

Morgan is by far the more polished and NFL-ready player. Unless Del Rio is up for taking a major risk with a likely one-year lease left on his Jaguars’ coaching career, he won’t pass on Morgan.

While winning and turning the problem areas around has to be a top priority, so too is winning back the hearts of the fans.

Adding Florida’s own Tim Tebow, to the mix could surely appease fans, and at the very least help increase ticket sales.

Honorable Mentions: Tim Tebow, Jason Pierre-Paul

11. Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

We don’t know what will come of the Brandon Marshall situation yet, so predicting the Broncos to draft De Bryant is nothing short of premature.

Guessing Josh McDaniels will fill a need, though, is definitely not going against the grain.

He may have been controversial and even misguided in several aspects of his rookie season, but drafting is one spot where he actually did a solid job.

Expect that to continue, as he grabs a potentially elite inside linebacker at the 11th spot.

Honorable Mentions: Dez Bryant

12. Miami Dolphins: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

The Dolphins could go in a number of directions, one being finally drafting a star receiver in the first round.

They haven’t had a truly legitimate stud receiver since trading away Chris Chambers, and currently have one of the NFL’s most mediocre bunch of wide-outs.

Grabbing Dez Bryant, who arguably shouldn’t even be available anymore, would quickly change their entire offense, and would help Chad Henne’s development.

While that sounds all good and well, going for the elite receiver in the first round simply isn’t the Bill Parcells way.

It makes much more sense for the Dolphins to try replacing Jason Taylor and Joey Porter, or add a talented young guy to take over in the middle of their defensive line.

Stud defensive tackles are harder to come by than pass-rushing specialists—arguably, anyway—so Dan Williams is the slight favorite here.

Honorable Mentions: Sergio Kindle, Dez Bryant

13. San Francisco 49ers : Earl Thomas , S, Texas

The 49ers have been wildly rumored to be praying and hoping either Eric Berry or Joe Haden can fall to them.

No matter how many lucky stars they wish upon, neither is happening.

That means they get to choose from adding an equally solid safety (Thomas) or giving Frank Gore that elite running mate Mike Singletary keeps talking about.

If C.J. Spiller is still available here, there’s a good chance he lasts until San Francisco picks again at the 17th spot, as the teams picking at the three slots in between the 49ers’ picks don’t need a running back.

This gives the 49ers flexibility, and makes landing Thomas a real possibility.

Offensive tackle is another big area they could think about, but Singletary needs to put the finishing touches on his progressing defense.

Honorable Mentions: C.J. Spiller, Trent Williams

14. Seattle Seahawks: Dez Bryant , WR, Oklahoma State

Pete Carroll passed on Taylor Mays earlier in the draft, and he might be kicking himself. But that doesn’t mean he’ll reach for Damian Williams over Bryant, just to appease his hunger for USC alum players.

C.J. Spiller or Jason Pierre-Paul could both fill needs and give the Seahawks an added boost, but landing Bryant finally gives them an elite receiver they can actually depend on.

Regardless of whatever or not they ever pull off a deal for Brandon Marshall, they still have to accept the fact that Nate Burleson is gone, Deion Branch wants out, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh was a free agent bust.

Honorable Mentions: C.J. Spiller, Jason Pierre-Paul

15. New York Giants: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

The Giants surprisingly ran into problems with their defense last year, and really struggled to stay healthy, consistent, and fresh up front.

For their defense to work and to keep pressure off their average secondary, they need fresh, able bodies to rotate on their defensive line and get after the quarterback.

They definitely need to address inside linebacker and their secondary at some point in this draft, but adding another talented, young body on the line will go a long way in getting them back to where they were in 2007 and 2008.

Honorable Mentions: Sean Weatherspoon, Patrick Robinson

16. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

I think this is a tremendous reach for what his stock is, but for his actual potential and overall ability, this makes more sense than most people care to admit.

The Titans need a ton of help at linebacker and could use an upgrade at corner, but they also need to fill a huge hole at defensive end, where both Kyle Vandenbosch and Jevon Kearse no longer reside.

They could opt for Brandon Graham to help their pass rush at linebacker, or reach for Kyle Wilson to help Cortland Finnegan in the secondary. Dunlap actually gives them the best package of size, athleticism, and potential.

Honorable Mentions: Brandon Graham, Kyle Wilson

17. San Francisco 49ers: C.J. Spiller , RB, Clemson

The 49ers could really use some help in one shape or another on their offensive line, so if they opt against hitting that position with their first pick, there’s a slight chance they go for it here.

But with the ability to land solid offensive linemen just about anywhere in a draft, it just doesn’t seem likely for San Francisco to pass up both Earl Thomas and C.J. Spiller.

These moves allow them to add immediate impact players on both sides of the ball, while Spiller can actually be effective in three facets of the game.

Honorable Mentions: Trent Williams, Anthony Davis

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

As usual, there aren’t a ton of areas where the Steelers are scrambling to improve, but the offensive line does continue to be the constant that needs addressing.

The Steelers won a Super Bowl and still remained competitive last season with a rather horrid offensive line, so upgrading the talent and production via a new tackle or guard is imperative.

They also need to start thinking about a solid backup to Troy Polamalu, as their defense got shredded when he missed time with injury.

Now that Willie Parker is in Washington, finding a new complement for Rashard Mendenhall is something that also need to be addressed.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Iupati, Toby Gerhart

19. Atlanta Falcons: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

Atlanta no longer has huge concerns at corner after landing Dunta Robinson. With a very solid core on offense, it really just needs to upgrade on defense across the board.

This could range from adding depth behind 34-year old Mike Peterson, finally replacing the departed Keith Brooking, or adding some pass-rush help on the line.

While all of this could fit and make sense, the biggest need by far has to be bringing aid to their paltry run defense.

Injuries dealt the Falcons a huge blow on both sides of the ball in 2009, but there is no excuse for how they handled the run. Adding a big plug in the middle like Price gives them solid depth at the position, and allows them to shape up the rest of their defense with a solid building block.

Honorable Mentions: Sean Weatherspoon, Brandon Spikes

20. Houston Texans: Ryan Mathews , RB, Fresno State

While Houston has plenty of needs to address, finally going after an elite running back who can carry the majority of the load is the top priority.

With the pass offense rated No. 1 in 2009, and the defense slowly coming together, it’s time for the Texans to get some help in their ground game and become a well-rounded offense.

Ryan Mathews adds the ability to punch inside for the tough yards, while also having the speed, agility, and quickness to make dazzling plays and break long runs.

He’ll allow Steve Slaton to play within himself, while providing a reliable source for blitz pick-up’s and pass protection out of the backfield.

Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Dwyer, Toby Gerhart

21. Cincinnati Bengals:Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Despite an average combine, Gresham still has to be regarded as the top tight end of this year’s class. Considering Chase Coffman made no strides last year, he’ll be near the top of Cincy’s radar in the first round.

The Bengals should also be discussing upgrades in the linebacking corps and possibly adding another potentially elite corner, as well.

Addressing the offensive line, both for the sake of Carson Palmer and Cedric Benson, is well advised, too.

Honorable Mentions: Sergio Kindle, Anthony Davis

22. New England Patriots: Tim Tebow , QB, Florida

Tom Brady is 32, and didn’t look his sharpest for the stretch run in 2009.

That doesn’t mean he’s on his way out, and it definitely doesn’t equate to the Patriots reaching mightily for Tim Tebow.

However, all they have behind “Tom Terrific” is Bryan Hoyer and a converted receiver, Julian Edelman.

Tebow could serve as a project, their top backup, and a situational player in his first season, as he learns the ropes behind one of the game’s greats.

If Tebow is going to succeed in this league, who better to bring him along slowly than Tom Brady and Bill Belichick?

New England has a load of picks in the first two rounds, so reaching here won’t hurt them as it might other teams.

Honorable Mentions: Anthony Davis, Maurkice Pouncey

23. Green Bay Packers: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan

Green Bay truly has four choices with their first pick: Complete their line-backing corps, upgrade their secondary, add depth to their offensive line, or trade down.

Knowing Ted Thompson, trading down makes the most sense. However, they actually traded up last year, and 2010 could mean the completion of their potentially lethal outside rushers for their 3-4.

They could easily opt for the best available corner or offensive tackle to help replace aging veterans at both positions, but if Graham is still here, he’ll be too good to pass up.

Honorable Mentions: Kyle Wilson, Bruce Campbell

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

There’s an extremely good chance that Davis—and Bruce Campbell—are long gone by this point. If they’re still around, the Eagles will nab one of them, almost guaranteed.

They definitely need help at safety and linebacker, but making sure Kevin Kolb is set on both sides when he drops back has to be the top priority with their first pick.

Replacing Brian Dawkins would be great, but if the draft shapes out like this, Nate Allen or Chad Jones would be their best options here.

Hence, drafting Davis.

Honorable Mentions: Bruce Campbell, Nate Allen

25. Baltimore Ravens: Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Before the trade for Anquan Boldin went down, Arrelious Benn was being targeted here. Now it’s being narrowed down to tight end, defensive end, and overall depth for this spot.

Baltimore could really use an elite tight end to help complete their new-look offense, but if Jermaine Gresham is gone (which he should be), they may be reaching for Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez.

Even if they can’t get those guys in Round Two, they could easily land Dennis Pitta or Garrett Graham in the middle rounds.

If the Ravens patch up their offensive line and add some depth at guard, they’re doing themselves a great favor. However, considering how nicked up Joe Flacco got last year, there’s a decent chance they take extra precautions and make sure they have him safe and sound going forward.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Iupati, Maurkice Pouncey, Jared Odrick

26. Arizona Cardinals: Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

Arizona could bring on a young signal caller to compete with Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson, but even if they do, it’s unlikely they reach here, unless Jimmy Clausen were to take a crazy fall and be here at the 26th spot.

That leaves adding an elite offensive lineman, or giving their defense another juicy pass rusher to unleash on the opposition.

They lost some stud defensive players this offseason, and while they brought in Joey Porter, they could definitely use some extra speed on the outside to keep their defense lively and unpredictable.

Honorable Mentions: Patrick Robinson, Rob Gronkowski

27. Dallas Cowboys: Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

Dallas could address safety, their offensive line, or add depth to their defense as a whole, but adding an elite receiver to pair with Miles Austin may prove to be too tempting in the first round.

Golden Tate would make the failed trade for Roy Williams forgettable—and forgivable. Getting Tate would still allow Williams to line up on the outside where he belongs, but could have Tate as the official “starter,” while operating out of the slot as a rookie.

Regardless of how it works out, Tate would be a very welcome addition to the Cowboys offense, giving Tony Romo yet another explosive weapon to choose from.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Iupati, Nate Allen

28. San Diego Chargers: Toby Gerhart , RB, Stanford

San Diego let go of LaDainian Tomlinson, and doesn’t intend on having any of it’s current backs take over as the full-time starter.

That means they’ll almost certainly spend a pick on a top running back, and there’s no reason to think it won’t be the 28th overall selection.

The Chargers have been rumored to like Ryan Mathews and Toby Gerhart, both of which would pair quite nicely with Darren Sproles.

With Mathews off the board, going to Houston, San Diego will be more than okay with Toby Gerhart. Stanford’s bruiser has more wiggle to his run than people give him credit for.

A solid 40-time at the NFL Combine should have showed the Chargers and other teams that Gerhart is plenty fast, and that he has the tools to be an every-down back at the next level.

Another area of concern is receiver, as Vincent Jackson is a restricted free agent, and the Chargers are fairly weak at the position, otherwise.

Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Dwyer, Brandon LaFell

29. New York Jets: Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

The Jets could try adding another pass-rushing specialist to make up for Vernon Gholston being a bust, but with the success Rex Ryan’s defense has had, it’s not as pressing of a need as it seems.

Adding depth to the offensive and defensive lines is also key, while getting a stud defensive tackle to pair with—and eventually replace—Kris Jenkins is a move long overdue.

However, most of those moves might as well wait until the second, third, and fourth round, as they can get a true impact player in the passing game; something they really need to ensure steady development in Mark Sanchez’s confidence.

Thomas is a coveted option despite an injured leg, while Arrelious Benn, Brandon LaFell, and Damian Williams would also be quality options at the end of the first round.

Honorable Mentions: Arrelious Benn, Jared Odrick, Sean Weatherspoon

30. Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

If Kyle Wilson is still available, this will be a very tough decision for the Vikings. After seeing what can happen to their defense when/if starter Antoine Winfield goes down—and sometimes even when he’s playing—it’s clear Minnesota needs secondary help.

They are getting long in the tooth in the middle of their defensive line, too, while they should also look long and hard in the first three rounds and an eventual franchise passer.

It’s too early at this point to reach for a passer, and they do have the “Williams Wall” back intact for 2010, so Robinson remains the call.

Honorable Mentions: Kyle Wilson, Colt McCoy, Jared Odrick

31. Indianapolis Colts: Charles Brown, OT, USC

The Colts need to continue adding bodies to compete to block for Peyton Manning, as he once again carried the entire team on his back in 2009.

It ended with a pick and a Super Bowl loss, but bringing in Brown could mean an even more formidable offensive line, which can only lead to Manning feeling even more comfortable.

However, the Colts could still opt for safety, corner, or linebacker. Their pass defense has been strong, but with so many injuries riddling their pass defense last year, adding some youth and depth couldn’t hurt.

Honorable Mentions: Kyle Wilson, Jerry Hughes

32. New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri

The Saints lost Scott Fujita and still aren’t sure if they’re getting—or want—Darren Sharper back, so safety and outside linebacker are two target spots they’ll think about.

Their offense doesn’t need to be touched, so how do you follow up a Super Bowl victory and a 13-3 regular season?

Address any and all needs, no matter how minor they may be.

This pick could also go to beefing up the run-blocking, where both Mike Iupati or Maurkice Pouncey could come into play, but there’s a good chance they go after a pass-rushing linebacker.

If it’s not Jerry Hughes, it’s Sean Weatherspoon. Weatherspoon is the more traditional outside linebacker, so he gets the nod.

Honorable Mentions: Jerry Hughes, Maurkice Pouncey

Round Two

33. St. Louis Rams: Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State

The Rams passed on two elite defensive tackles to get their franchise passer, so now they can make up for it by grabbing the best multiple-technique defensive tackle prospect left on the board.

It’ll actually be fairly amazing if Odrick is still here at the beginning of the second round, but if he is, he doesn’t slip past the Rams.

He has the versatility and athleticism to play in the middle or on the edge, and would be perfect for Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

Honorable Mentions: Daryl Washington, Kyle Wilson

34. Detroit Lions: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

Wilson’s stock is rising as we speak, so it’s already a reach that he drops out of the first round. Then again, before the NFL Combine, he wasn’t even necessarily a borderline first-round pick.

Regardless, the Lions got their man in the middle with their first pick, so the second round is about the secondary, grabbing another running back to compete, or adding some pass-rush help.

Wilson will be too tempting to pass up.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Iupati, Kareem Jackson

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU

Tampa Bay surely needs help on offense, but just like the good old days, this Tampa Bay regime is starting from the defense first, and building a solid foundation.

After all, the defense was the weak link last season.

Jerry Hughes is just one of many options, but he’s likely the most intriguing option left on the board, and he brings excellent athleticism and versatility.

Tampa Bay could also easily look for Ronde Barber’s replacement or try upgrading at safety, while a shot at a stud receiver wouldn’t be frowned upon.

Honorable Mentions: Arrelious Benn, Kareem Jackson

36. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Iupati, G/T, Idaho

Nate Allen or Chad Jones are very strong possibilities here if still available, while KC could definitely use some youth at corner, as well.

However, Iupati shouldn’t be left dragging his feet into the middle of the second round, and the Chiefs could really use the run-blocking support, along with an overall boost to the depth of their offensive line.

Iupati is very versatile and a fairly athletic offensive lineman, so he’ll fit in just fine.

Honorable Mentions: Brandon LaFell, Nate Allen

37. Philadelphia Eagles: Jahvid Best , RB, California

With Brian Westbrook gone, the future is all about Kevin Kolb, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin.

Doesn’t Jahvid Best’s name just roll off the tongue with that group?

Honorable Mentions: Pat Angerer, A.J. Edds, Perrish Cox

38. Cleveland Browns: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

The Browns will be seriously eyeing Arrelious Benn or another play-maker on offense, but not if Colt McCoy is here. This will be a no-brainer.

Honorable Mentions: Mardy Gilyard, Maurkice Pouncey, Tony Pike

39. Oakland Raiders: Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia

Oakland could definitely use a receiver with some reliable hands, but they have enough talent to work with, so it just wouldn’t make sense in the first two rounds.

They could add a quarterback here, too, but beefing up their strength (their defense) with an athletic beast of a defensive tackle like Atkins fits Al Davis’s way.

Honorable Mentions: Maurkice Pouncey

40. San Diego Chargers: Mardy Gilyard , WR, Cincinnati

Vincent Jackson is a restricted free agent. Even if he does stick around, the Chargers are overdue for some help at receiver.

Mardy Gilyard is a big deep-threat guy who can make tough catches, and have an immediate impact in year one.

San Diego could also start thinking about the departed Antonio Cromartie’s replacement at corner.

Honorable Mentions: Devin McCourty

41. Buffalo Bills: Arrelios Benn, WR, Illinois

Buffalo needs offensive line help and could beef up their pass-rush, but if Terrell Owens is gone for good, receiver is a major need.

Benn would help Lee Evans get the receiving corps back on track.

Honorable Mentions: Everson Griffin

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin McCourty , CB, Rutgers

Tampa Bay had one of the worst secondaries last year, and Ronde Barber needs to be replaced fairly soon.

McCourty is a first-round talent that needs some refinement, but he could be a fantastic steal here if the Buccaneers can coach him right.

Honorable Mentions: Brandon Lafell, Jordan Shipley

43. Miami Dolphins: Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

This could be a touchy pick for some, depending on how they view Dan Williams, who I have going to Miami in the first round. I personally think Williams can trim down and be a 3-4 defensive end.

In the case that the Dolphins don’t draft Williams, I especially love this pick.

Cody just makes sense to plug in the middle of their growing 3-4, and much more than Price in the middle. Price could still play the middle, but I think he can man an end spot even better.

Honorable Mentions: Brandon LaFell, Ricky Sapp

44. New England Patriots: Brandon LaFell , WR, LSU

New England is likely losing the 33-year old Randy Moss to free agency after the 2010 season is up. Even if they don’t, it never hurts to plan for the future.

They could add some youth to their offensive line or grab a shifty running back, but receiver is a bigger issue than people give credit for.

Honorable Mentions: Jordan Shipley

45. Denver Broncos: Everson Griffen, DE, USC

The Broncos could go after a big receiver if they get rid of Brandon Marshall, but other than that, they’re pretty set on offense (supposedly). Griffin gives them a big, versatile defensive end.

Honorable Mentions: Kareem Jackson, Sean Lee

46. New York Giants: Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida

Sean Lee would be a bit of a reach here, but he’d be a solid addition for a team in desperate need of a team leader at middle linebacker.

However, getting their rush attack back on track also has to be a top priority, and with the versatile center/guard Pouncey still on the board, this isn’t a very difficult decision to make.

Honorable Mentions: Sean Lee, Perrish Cox

47. New England Patriots: Jordan Shipley , WR, Texas

The Patriots got their Moss replacement in LaFell, and now they’re making sure Wes Welker won’t be missed if he struggles to return back to form.

They have Julian Edelman to work in the slot, as well, but depending on a 29-year old Welker (with a bum knee), a converted quarterback, isn’t the safest of routes.

Shipley helps cover all the bases, and also gives them a shifty return man.

Honorable Mentions: Nate Allen, Jerome Murphy

48. Carolina Panthers: Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson

Sapp is big, athletic, and versatile, and the Panthers need to replace the pass-rushing presence vacated by the loss of Julius Peppers.

They could also take a stab at a quarterback to compete with Matt Moore. Tony Pike wouldn’t be a bad bet if available, and I can even see the Panthers reaching a bit for Dan LeFevour or Zac Robinson. All in all, it looks like they’ll wait on a passer.

Honorable Mentions: A.J. Edds, Kareem Jackson

49. San Francisco 49ers : Kareem Jackson , CB, Alabama

The 49ers landed an elite safety and runner, and somehow they have put the icing on the cake of arguably the best draft of 2010, with the addition of a potentially elite corner in Jackson.

They could opt for a reach at safety Chad Jones or Nate Allen if they don’t land Earl Thomas earlier—and, heck, even if they do. Grabbing Damian Williams wouldn’t exactly be frowned upon either.

Going after their ailing secondary with two of their first three picks actually makes the most sense—and the biggest impact—though.

Honorable Mentions: Damian Williams, Brandon Spikes

50. Kansas City Chiefs—Nate Allen, S, South Florida

The Chiefs need secondary help (badly), and Allen is a stud in “small school-sheep’s clothing”.

He’ll get rid of a ton of problems immediately.

Honorable Mentions: Myron Rolle, Jerome Murphy

51. Houston Texans: Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida

The Texans lost a stud corner in Dunta Robinson, and need to pick up some pieces on defense.

Honorable Mentions: Perrish Cox, Myron Rolle

52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern

The Steelers are only getting older on their defensive line, and don’t really have any other problem areas with their defense. They could use some depth at safety and corner, and could always use a shot of life in their offensive line.

Wooten is a decent bet here if there’s no one they love at safety.

Honorable Mentions: Koa Misi, Jahvid Best

53. New England Patriots: Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

New England is all about getting their offense back on track. Their defense is slowly coming together after unleashing aging veterans, as well as losing some big-name defensive leaders to injury and/or retirement.

Hernandez may go to waste in their tight end-unfriendly offense, but at the very worst, he’ll make everyone forget about the loss of Benjamin Watson.

Honorable Mentions: Rob Gronkowski, Daryl Washington

54. Cincinnati Bengals: Koa Misi, OLB, Utah

The Bengals have a pretty solid offense after adding Matt Jones and Antonio Bryant, so now it’s back to the defensive drawing board.

They made things happen for the better part of the season, but really came crumbling down in the season closer and the first round of the playoffs.

Misi will help get the tenacity and consistency back.

Honorable Mentions: Daryl Washington, Brandon Ghee

55. Philadelphia Eagles: Sean Lee, ILB, Penn State

The Eagles’ linebackers struggled mightily last year, so landing an elite tackler and a guy who can direct the middle of the defense is a must.

They can still add another linebacker and not be where they need to be, so adding one in the second round is almost a necessity at this point.

Honorable Mentions: Kyle Calloway

56. Green Bay Packers: Perrish Cox , CB, Oklahoma State

The Packers need secondary help in a bad way. Both of their starting corners are over 34, and one (Al Harris) had a serious injury for the second straight season.

Cox won’t have to alleviate all the pain right away, which should help him and the other Green Bay corners slowly transition into bigger roles.

Honorable Mentions: Kyle Calloway, Myron Rolle, Chad Jones

57. Baltimore Ravens: Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona

The Ravens would have loved to get their hands on Jermaine Gresham. Alas, Gronkowski will have to do.

Honorable Mentions: Brandon Ghee, Myron Rolle

58. Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Ghee , CB, Wake Forest

Arizona could use some secondary help, boost their offensive line, or add another pass-rushing specialist.

The secondary was the thorn in the defense’s side last year, so adding Ghee will help negate that.

Honorable Mentions: Daryl Washington, Tyson Aluala

59. Dallas Cowboys: Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU

Dallas has solid linebackers and pass-rushers, but adding to a strength is actually a better move here than reaching for something they can’t actually get the right value back for.

They definitely have issues in their secondary, but beefing up their mid-range defense is a good move.

Honorable Mentions: Myron Rolle

60. Seattle Seahawks: Damian Williams , WR, USC

Pete Carroll probably gnawed his fingernails over whether or not to get Williams in the first round, and when he sees him fall to the 60th pick, he’ll finally relax in his first draft in over a decade.

Honorable Mentions: A.J. Edds, Donovan Warren

61. New York Jets: Tyson Alualu, DT, California

If Kris Jenkins goes down again, then what? Adding a big guy in the middle, both for precautionary reasons and for the future, is the best call here.

They could also get an athletic safety like Chad Jones, just in case Brodney Pool can’t stay healthy.

Honorable Mentions: Lamarr Houston, Chad Jones

62. Minnesota Vikings: Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

Brett Favre is coming back, but after Minnesota adds a corner in the first round, they should take a breath in the second to look to the future.

With the right time and coaching, Pike could be something special.

Adding another corner or beefing up their linebacker unit could be a decent move here, too.

Honorable Mentions: Myron Rolle

63. Indianapolis Colts: Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas

The Colts have all the answers on offense, but could still use some depth on their line. If they’re content there for now, though, the middle of their defense is the next place to look.

They could easily keep plucking guys out of the draft to shape up their secondary and linebackers, but it starts on the line. Houston could give them the consistent big man in the middle they’ve been lacking for some time.

Honorable Mentions: Chad Jones, Kyle Calloway

64. New Orleans Saints: Chad Jones, S, LSU

Big money says Darren Sharper is gone, and the Saints suddenly look like they’re falling behind on defense. A solid second-round steal of Chad Jones or Myron Rolle should change that rather quickly.

Suddenly, after two quiet rounds, the Saints look just as good as they did a few months ago.

Honorable Mentions: Charles Scott, Pat Angerer

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Tags: 2010 NFL Draft, Al Davis, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Bill Parcells, Brady Quinn, Brett Favre, Brian Price, Buffalo Bills, Chad Henne, Cincinnati Bengals, CJ Spiller, Cleveland Browns, Colt McCoy, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Dez Bryant, Donovan McNabb, Jahvid Best, Jermaine Gresham, Jimmy Clausen, Joe Haden, Jordan Shipley, Kansas City Chiefs, Mardy Gilyard, Matt Hasselbeck, Miami Dolphins, Michael Vick, Mike Holmgren, Mike Shanahan, Ndamukong Suh, New York Giants, NFL, NFL Combine, NFL Draft, Oakland Raiders, packers, Patriots, Pete Carroll, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Randy Moss, Ryan Mathews, Sam Bradford, San Diego Chargers, Sean Weatherspoon, Seattle Seahawks, Sergio Kindle, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Taylor Mays, Terrell Owens, Tim Tebow, Toby Gerhart, Todd Heap, Tony Pike, Washington Redskins, Wes Welker

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2010 NFL Draft Player Profile: C.J. Spiller

Kevin Roberts — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 10:53:13 +0000

Can Spiller handle a full load?

There is no denying C.J. Spiller’s freak athleticism and immense talent. He’s a natural runner with excellent vision and game-breaker ability.

However, on a Reggie Bush-scale, there are a lot of questions about his transition and role at the next level.

Strengths

CJ Spiller is unquestionably the top running back in this draft in terms of sheer athletic ability and explosiveness.

The problem is, people said the same thing about Reggie Bush.

While it’s unlikely that he’ll ever turn into a full-fledged starter at the next level, there is no doubt there is a place for his play-making ability and versatile skill-set.

Spiller has soft hands and excellent vision, which allow him to haul in passes as a receiver from virtually anywhere on the field. His size doesn’t help him much as a running back, but it aids him as a receiver, as he has elite quickness and explosion, combined with perfect timing on his cuts and angles.

If he’s not making a huge impact as a situational runner (ala Felix Jones, Darren Sproles, etc.), he should easily be able to change a team’s image in the return game, while also being able to shake things up as a receiver, both out of the back-field, and even lining up in the slot or in four-receiver sets.

For all the minor knocks he has, it will all inevitably come down to one thing: Spiller is the most explosive weapon in this draft, and he’s worth the minor risk or reach.

Weaknesses

Spiller has just one season with over 1,000 yards rushing, which shows us he’s unlikely to ever be able to handle a full rushing load by himself, and leads many to question his durability.

His rather small stature also makes it unlikely for him to transform into a successful in between the tackles runner, and his moderate strength suggests he can’t take the pounding like most 300+ carry running backs are forced to deal with.

He’s a freak athlete with a ton of upside, but he’s slightly chained down by his size and strength.

Overall

The fears that Spiller could be a major reach and/or can’t be an every-down back at the next level are warranted. But that doesn’t mean it’s written in stone.

Small backs have gone on to be solid (if not elite) starters in the NFL, and a player with his talent shouldn’t really be discussed as a reach, no matter where he’s taken. He’s just that damn good.

NFL Player Comparison: Reggie Bush

Tags: 2010 NFL Draft, CJ Spiller, NFL, NFL Draft, Reggie Bush

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