Philosophizing the NFL Draft

Delving a little deeper into the draft today, using my updated mock draft as a jumping off point. In addition to focusing on the top eight picks (along with any additional early selections for those teams) and spouting out ideas and nuggets I learned in my draft theory courses (I aced the Matt Millen part of the class - the answer to every question was always "wide receiver"),  I'll be asking for the take from you, our faithful readers, on those teams you love or simply love to hate. Without further adieu…

Detroit Lions:

1st round (1): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
1st round (20): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
2nd round (33): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

My football philosophy: put resources into both lines and then even the ordinary talents lined up behind them will appear better. This is my general argument with why I think the Lions should take an offensive lineman over a quarterback. Taking Matthew Stafford is the obvious choice and the one the chattering class is talking up. The best argument I see for taking the strong-armed but inconsistent thrower is that this year’s free agent class is so weak, there is barely a decent placeholder available, let alone a viable starting NFL signal caller. However, I think the Lions overall needs are so considerable that the foundation needs to be built first, from the bottom up. Sign a Byron Leftwich or trade for a Derek Anderson, maybe even give Dan Orlovsky another shot and them let them get beat up while the rebuilding continues. Stock pile young arms and find your way.

One could consider taking LB Aaron Curry with the top pick and adding OT Eben Britton later in the round. I say Monroe is a premier tackle prospect and along with Gosder Cherilus will form a strong combo on the ends. That type of building block is what this team needs to get Megatron and Kevin Smith, along with the new QB, space to operate. Laurinaitis, is a player from a winning background and is just the type of hard-nosed leader that can rally this rudderless defense. As for Freeman, I suspect he will slide into the latter part of the first round and not be around in the second round for the Lions come draft day, but otherwise is upside/risk is comparable to Stafford’s with less cost. If Freeman is gone, CB’s D.J. Moore and Alphonso Smith are nice alternatives.

Lions fans – To QB or not to QB, that is the question...Bonus question - are Curry and Crabtree even on your radar?

St. Louis Rams:

1st round (2) – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
2nd round (35) – D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

Everyone is searching for the next Larry Fitzgerald and while the Cardinals star receiver was the most dominant player in the playoffs, I would consider the positional dominance a rarity. Importance of a player on the field is often in direct relation to their proximity to the football before it is snapped. If the line does not protect to allow the quarterback to throw, the receiver cannot make a play.

Michael Crabtree is a silly, silly prospect and should be a star, but the Rams line is brutal and QB Marc Bulger has shown that he needs serious time to succeed. The Rams spent a second round pick on Donnie Avery last season and could do the same this time with the likes of Darrius Heyward-Bey and Kenny Britt potentially available. Smith would immediately start on the right side or take over for Orlando Pace if he is sent packing (I say Pace stays, but Torry Holt is gone). Moore is first talent that would simply be too hard to pass on and the Rams secondary another corner, at least.

Rams fans – take a big or ugly or the dynamic wide receiver? Bonus question - should Holt/ or Pace remain for the 2009 season?

Kansas City Chiefs:

1st round (3) – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
2nd round (33) – Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

Curry lacks the upside potential of previous highly touted linebackers, but he is as solid as they come and his versatility will become invaluable to a rebuilding Chiefs defense that expects to efficiently move within a game from a 3-4 to a 4-3 system. Johnson is a physical freak who some believe is more style than substance, but the fall to the second round after previously viewed as a top-10 pick could be the wake up call he needs and the Chiefs need a pass rushing end. OLB Clint Sintim is another pass rushing option while DE Tyson Jackson would be a good fit as a run-stuffing end in a 3-4 scheme.

My biggest question is why are so many willing to send Tyler Thigpen back to the sideline? Maybe I am thinking with my fantasy football brain too much (and Thiggy nearly turned my season around), but the guy was productive on a team was otherwise horrid. Todd Haley, are you saying that this guy cannot play in your offense or that your “system” is so precious it cannot be adjusted to fit Thigpen’s skill set?

Chiefs fans: Should they go Curry over a QB with the top choice? Bonus Question - why no love for Thiggy?

Seattle Seahawks:

1st round (4) – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
2nd round (37) – Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

If a reasonably healthy Matt Hasselbeck is under center for training camp, there is no reason why the Seahawks cannot reclaim their perch at the top of the NFC West. Are they getting older? Sure. Do they major holes to fill on both sides of the ball? Of course, but they also have the knowledge of how to win, especially with several key players from a recent Super Bowl trip still around. Adding the dynamic Crabtree to the mix only will enhance the likes Deion Branch and John Carlson. Taking a tackle or Boston College DT B.J. Raji would make for a more than solid option if the Texas Tech star goes to the Rams.

The Seahawks look to be in good position with their second round pick to address a key need, be at safety (Delmas), offensive line (OG Duke Robinson, OT Phil Loadholt), though running backs not so much unless LeSean McCoy falls.

Seahawks fans: Are we clamoring for Crabtree? Bonus question - if not him, who?

Cleveland Browns:

1st round (5) – Everette Brown, DE/LB, Florida State
2nd round (36) – Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

First, I would deal QB Derek Anderson. With the lack of viable options available via free agency, several teams (Vikings, Jets) could be clamoring for the strong-armed Anderson. Plus, it gives Brady Quinn room to operate and avoids any controversy (well, not counting anything involving Kellen Winslow, who I would hold on too). With the Browns, only one year removed from sporting a high-powered offense and having recently spent first round picks on QB and OT, helping the defense should be the focus of these early picks. However, I think it also speaks to the perceived value of the top running back prospects that few are even talking about the Browns taking one despite the obvious need. Curry seems to be the high end for this slot and Malcolm Jenkins would make a great fit for this below average secondary, but there is good corner depth in this draft, with the likes of Alphonso and Utah’s Sean Smith expected to be available. That allows the Browns to maybe reach ever so slightly for a desired pass rusher and I go with Brown over the more publicized Brian Orakpo from Texas.

Browns fans – do you want to see what (Everette) Brown can do for you? Bonus question - Should Anderson be sent packing before camp?

Cincinnati Bengals:

1st round (6) – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
2nd round (38) – Paul Kruger, DE, Utah

Did this fall team deteriorate quickly or what? It was not that long ago that the Bengals offense was as feared as any in the league, but last year there were arguably not even the best unit on their team by the end of the season. Getting Carson Palmer back under center will certainly change that. Cedric Benson showed enough at season’s end to maybe, just maybe, to put the thought if taking Ohio State’s Chris “Bennie” Wells on hold with the locals. Besides, the Bengals have had nothing but bad luck with recent RB draft picks.

Crabtree would be very tempting if available now that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is almost assuredly heading out of town (and possibly Chad Johnson as well), but getting the last stud tackle is the way to go, even if there are options available later. The number one resource is Palmer and they MUST do all they can to keep him healthy. Raji seems to be only other logical option in the first round, but they need to address their defensive front regardless. Connor Barwin is the way to go if they want a pass rusher (and a local talent), but Kruger is strong all-around end.

Bengals fans – is improving both lines the way to go? Bonus question - are you all as sick of Ocho Cinco as the rest of us?

Oakland Raiders:

1st round (7) – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
2nd round ( 40) – Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane

JaMarcus Russell has bust written all over him, but I think it is also fair to say that the former overall #1 pick has not been provided with enough resources to succeed. By this time next year the Raiders may be intensely scouting the likes of Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford if Russell bombs again, but shouldn’t the former LSU star at least have a viable deep threat that he can throw bombs too before being shown the door? This may be too early to grab Maclin and yes, there are other receivers that can contribute later in the draft. However, like Crabtree, the former Missouri star just makes plays. I would love to see what the Cable Guy could do with Maclin, Russell and Darren McFadden in the backfield. In addition, with all the tackles gone, receiver is their biggest need. Kropog is a bit of a project, but has a chance to contribute immediately and be a long-term solution up front.

Raiders fans – Is Maclin the best fit for the Raiders? Bonus question - Shouldn’t the Raiders do what they can to help Russell right now?

Jacksonville Jaguars:

1st round – B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
2nd round – Max Unger, C/T, Oregon

If I was a Jags fan, I would just be as giddy as a schoolgirl today. Not because it is the end of the Fred Taylor run, but because it is the start of the Maurice Jones-Drew as full-time starter era. Getting the power packed back 20+ touches consistently will do wonders for a team not that far removed from playoff glory. Remember, several pundits picked the Jags to go to the Super Bowl last season, but injuries and horrid decisions in free agency cost them.

These two picks immediately upgrade this veteran-laden squad and at spots where the franchise has historically been solid at. Raji is moving up draft boards so rapidly, I am waiting for the Lions to start talking about him, but his ability to collapse the pocket will help a so-so back seven. Any of the top tackles would also make sense and Unger can also fill that need. Corner and receiver are need positions as well, but the Jaguars need to go back to basics with these early picks.

Jaguars fans: Run stuffer or tackle? Bonus question: Sad to see Freddie T go or happy MJD will get all the touches?