Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tigers news and notes...
Jim Leyland has just made it official, Clete Thomas has made the team as an extra outfielder while Curtis Granderson is injured. This is a great move, since I think this will send a message throughout the organization that if you work hard, you can move up despite all the talent at the big league level. This also increases Clete Thomas's value, since he will have experience. Other players that have made the team include Aquilino Lopez and Yorman Bazardo out of the bullpen. Both are similar pitchers, and I imagine Lopez will have a shorter leash than Bazardo, due to the fact that Bazardo is younger and out of options, plus he has better overall stuff. Speaking of short leashes, Dontrelle is going to have to find himself soon. Options with him are limited, with the contract he signed, but he could find himself in the bullpen behind Bazardo if he continues to pitch as poorly as he has in the spring.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
My list of the top 100 prospects for the NFL draft, 26-50...
26. Philip Merling, DE, Clemson- More of a run stuffing left end who can play multiple positions. He just had hernia surgery that may be a problem for a while.
27. Dan Connor, LB, PSU- He's a tough guy to read, and he's also a tough guy. I don't see him as a MLB, but more as a SLB. He'll be a good player, and a safe pick.
28. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas- He finally gets to break free from McFadden, and show what he can do on his own. He'll be part of a good committee, which is what you need in the NFL. He hasn't shown if he can take a pounding.
29. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma- He's big and strong, but I think he's bust material. He's not a bad player, but the NFL can be tough for bigger receivers.
30. Sam Baker, OT, USC- He's been relatively quiet this offseason. I think he can be a solid pro, but not a special one. He has a decent frame, and decent footwork.
31. Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC- I see him as more of a left end in a 3-4, than as a tackle. He'll be useful against the run that way, and can swing inside on third down.
32. Desean Jackson, WR, Cal- Everybody has waited for him to break loose and become a superstar, but he is a very nice player. He needs to be put in a position where he can succeed, such as returning kicks, and slowly becoming acclimated to receiver.
33. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas- He's a very good route runner, and a solid receiver. This is a solid class, and he personifies it.
34. Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware- He's got a huge arm, and an upside to be the best QB from this draft class.
35. Gosder Cherilus, OT, BC- He plays with a mean streak that I like. He is a right tackle, and has room to be a terrific player. He needs more experience.
36. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers- He's a little firebug, but he'll whack you, too. He's got a lot of energy, and is fun to watch.
37. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona- He's an exciting player, in more ways than one. Like Talib, he'll take his chances, but he's a tough player. He's also a good returner.
38. Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas- He'd be ranked much higher if he didn't have a problem fumbling. If he corrects that problem, the sky is the limit.
39. Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC- I think he's underrated here, but he's the type who always shows up. It's not hard to find his number when you're watching him.
40. Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana- He should be ranked higher because he can cover, but I knock him down because he's not a tough football player. I need to see him tackle properly, instead redirecting people out of bounds, which is his favorite technique.
41. Trevor Laws, DT, ND- Just a bundle of energy. He shouldn't be ranked this high, but he's made it this high with his non-stop motor. One of my favorites in this draft.
42. Mario Manningham, WR, UM- He should be ranked higher, which is a challenge to him. He was a big play guy at UM, I don't know if it was the QB, or him.
43. Early Doucet, WR, LSU- He's a solid possession type, who can help a lot of teams.
44. Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue- He's not a TE per se, he's not a blocker. He is a matchup problem for defenses. He needs to prove that he's not a workout warrior, but can do a lot more. He does remind me of KWII.
45. Curtis Lofton, LB, OU- He's not a lateral guy, he's one of those straight ahead, snot nosed type of nasty MLB's that will play many years in this league.
46. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina- Talk about matchup problems? Who do you cover him with? I think what he does best is that he's a great receiver from the backfield.
47. Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland- Reminds me of his brother, and can be a top MLB himself. Safe pick, and good player.
48. Chilo Rachal, OG, USC- In a weak class, he's a versatile type who can play multiple positions. More of a protection guy than a mover, though.
49. Chris Ellis, DE, Va Tech- I think he's underrated, and can surprise. He's a solid end, and we haven't seen his best work yet.
50. Xavier Adibi, LB, Va Tech- He's a little undersized, he needs to hit the weight room. He's more solid than spectacular.
27. Dan Connor, LB, PSU- He's a tough guy to read, and he's also a tough guy. I don't see him as a MLB, but more as a SLB. He'll be a good player, and a safe pick.
28. Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas- He finally gets to break free from McFadden, and show what he can do on his own. He'll be part of a good committee, which is what you need in the NFL. He hasn't shown if he can take a pounding.
29. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma- He's big and strong, but I think he's bust material. He's not a bad player, but the NFL can be tough for bigger receivers.
30. Sam Baker, OT, USC- He's been relatively quiet this offseason. I think he can be a solid pro, but not a special one. He has a decent frame, and decent footwork.
31. Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC- I see him as more of a left end in a 3-4, than as a tackle. He'll be useful against the run that way, and can swing inside on third down.
32. Desean Jackson, WR, Cal- Everybody has waited for him to break loose and become a superstar, but he is a very nice player. He needs to be put in a position where he can succeed, such as returning kicks, and slowly becoming acclimated to receiver.
33. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas- He's a very good route runner, and a solid receiver. This is a solid class, and he personifies it.
34. Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware- He's got a huge arm, and an upside to be the best QB from this draft class.
35. Gosder Cherilus, OT, BC- He plays with a mean streak that I like. He is a right tackle, and has room to be a terrific player. He needs more experience.
36. Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers- He's a little firebug, but he'll whack you, too. He's got a lot of energy, and is fun to watch.
37. Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona- He's an exciting player, in more ways than one. Like Talib, he'll take his chances, but he's a tough player. He's also a good returner.
38. Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas- He'd be ranked much higher if he didn't have a problem fumbling. If he corrects that problem, the sky is the limit.
39. Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC- I think he's underrated here, but he's the type who always shows up. It's not hard to find his number when you're watching him.
40. Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana- He should be ranked higher because he can cover, but I knock him down because he's not a tough football player. I need to see him tackle properly, instead redirecting people out of bounds, which is his favorite technique.
41. Trevor Laws, DT, ND- Just a bundle of energy. He shouldn't be ranked this high, but he's made it this high with his non-stop motor. One of my favorites in this draft.
42. Mario Manningham, WR, UM- He should be ranked higher, which is a challenge to him. He was a big play guy at UM, I don't know if it was the QB, or him.
43. Early Doucet, WR, LSU- He's a solid possession type, who can help a lot of teams.
44. Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue- He's not a TE per se, he's not a blocker. He is a matchup problem for defenses. He needs to prove that he's not a workout warrior, but can do a lot more. He does remind me of KWII.
45. Curtis Lofton, LB, OU- He's not a lateral guy, he's one of those straight ahead, snot nosed type of nasty MLB's that will play many years in this league.
46. Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina- Talk about matchup problems? Who do you cover him with? I think what he does best is that he's a great receiver from the backfield.
47. Erin Henderson, LB, Maryland- Reminds me of his brother, and can be a top MLB himself. Safe pick, and good player.
48. Chilo Rachal, OG, USC- In a weak class, he's a versatile type who can play multiple positions. More of a protection guy than a mover, though.
49. Chris Ellis, DE, Va Tech- I think he's underrated, and can surprise. He's a solid end, and we haven't seen his best work yet.
50. Xavier Adibi, LB, Va Tech- He's a little undersized, he needs to hit the weight room. He's more solid than spectacular.
My list of the top 100 prospects for the NFL draft, 1-25
1. Vernon Gholston, DE, OSU- He is the best pass rusher in this draft, and can beat his man with power. I am convinced he is the best prospect in this draft.
2. Chris Long, DE, Virginia- He's very versatile, and has a great motor. You can't miss with either Gholston or Long, I think Gholston will be more productive.
3. Jake Long, OT, UM- He's a Pro Bowl Right Tackle right now, a very safe pick to be an outstanding player. He can play left, so he is versatile. If healthy, he's a future Hall of Famer.
4. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas- He has some off the field issues that make him a risky pick, but on the field he is dynamite. I have doubts, though, whether he can make the tough runs, where he needs to get the most out of what is there.
5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State- He's a franchise type corner, who can play in many defenses, and different coverages. He's the best corner I've seen come out since Deion Sanders.
6. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU- He needs to prove he's healthy, but he's sort of a tweener tackle for me. He'd be great as a three technique, though.
7. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC- He could bounce around, and play different fronts. He was awesome at the Senior Bowl, but inexplicably gained weight and looked heavy at the combine. He needs better consultation.
8. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State- More of a pure left tackle than Long, but not as good a player overall. He'll likely start from day one, and be a solid starter for years to come.
9. Keith Rivers, LB, USC- He's a pure LB who shouldn't be pigeon holed into weak side lb. He can play any position, and could be a Pro Bowler down the road.
10. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Ill- He's a very tough runner, which is tough to guage from running backs in spread offenses, but not tough to see with him. He's not far behind McFadden in ability, and might be a safer pick.
11. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy- He's a very tough kid who will whack you when he gets a chance. Great in all facets, but his ball skills aren't up to snuff. He's a good returner, although I would doubt many teams would risk his talent on returns.
12. Derrick Harvey, DE, Fla- He's much better against the run than given credit for, but isn't as good a pass rusher as thought. He's a solid player who will produce, though. He is a right end.
13. Chris Williams, OT, Vandy- I've gone back and forth on him, but he's got great feet, and great hand placement. He's not very physical at the point of attack, and whomever takes him will need to work him up. He's a deluxe left tackle.
14. Mike Jenkins, CB, USF- He's had some off the field troubles, but I've liked him. He has upside, but will need some time before starting. He's a good hitter, and is pretty good in coverage.
15. Brandon Albert, G/T, Va- He's gone under the radar, but is one of the best football players in this draft. He's versatile, but could be a top LG in a year or so. He can also play RT.
16. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas- He's a smooth player, but a risky one. If you don't mind the mistakes, which are manageable, he's a very good corner. He just needs to learn when to take risks, and when not to.
17. Chad Henne, QB, UM- I realize I have him rated higher than everybody else, but he's the best pure QB in this draft to me. He reminds me of Mark Bulger in that he throws a beautiful ball that is easy to catch.
18. Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon- If healthy, he's just behind the other two running backs, but he's also got the best frame to take the pounding at the next level. It's not easy to project spread to the NFL, which makes it tougher for these backs.
19. Matt Ryan, QB, BC- I have a hard time putting him this high, but there are things to like about him. Everybody talks about his intangibles being off the charts, but what about his tangibles? If somebody wants to risk a top 10 pick, it wouldn't be me.
20. Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee- He reminds me of Al Wilson, the way he plays so low; and plays with great leverage. He's a cover 2 MLB.
21. Devin Thomas, WR, MSU- He's got fresh legs, and I believe deeply he's got the best set of tools to be the best WR in this draft by a comfortable margin.
22. Quentin Groves, DE/LB, Auburn- He's versatile, the type who could play OLB in a 3-4, or put his hand down as a 4-3 down lineman. He's had injury issues, but I think he's a tough player.
23. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami-Fla- He's got great size, and can cover. He can play both safety positions.
24. Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt- He scares me. He reminds me of Stockar McDougle, so buyer beware. He's not athletically gifted, but is a taxi ride to get around. He handled Chris Long well, so he's got that on his resume.
25. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville- His injuries have hurt him, he was ranked higher last year. Them's the breaks, but he's still likely to start in the NFL.
2. Chris Long, DE, Virginia- He's very versatile, and has a great motor. You can't miss with either Gholston or Long, I think Gholston will be more productive.
3. Jake Long, OT, UM- He's a Pro Bowl Right Tackle right now, a very safe pick to be an outstanding player. He can play left, so he is versatile. If healthy, he's a future Hall of Famer.
4. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas- He has some off the field issues that make him a risky pick, but on the field he is dynamite. I have doubts, though, whether he can make the tough runs, where he needs to get the most out of what is there.
5. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State- He's a franchise type corner, who can play in many defenses, and different coverages. He's the best corner I've seen come out since Deion Sanders.
6. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU- He needs to prove he's healthy, but he's sort of a tweener tackle for me. He'd be great as a three technique, though.
7. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC- He could bounce around, and play different fronts. He was awesome at the Senior Bowl, but inexplicably gained weight and looked heavy at the combine. He needs better consultation.
8. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State- More of a pure left tackle than Long, but not as good a player overall. He'll likely start from day one, and be a solid starter for years to come.
9. Keith Rivers, LB, USC- He's a pure LB who shouldn't be pigeon holed into weak side lb. He can play any position, and could be a Pro Bowler down the road.
10. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Ill- He's a very tough runner, which is tough to guage from running backs in spread offenses, but not tough to see with him. He's not far behind McFadden in ability, and might be a safer pick.
11. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy- He's a very tough kid who will whack you when he gets a chance. Great in all facets, but his ball skills aren't up to snuff. He's a good returner, although I would doubt many teams would risk his talent on returns.
12. Derrick Harvey, DE, Fla- He's much better against the run than given credit for, but isn't as good a pass rusher as thought. He's a solid player who will produce, though. He is a right end.
13. Chris Williams, OT, Vandy- I've gone back and forth on him, but he's got great feet, and great hand placement. He's not very physical at the point of attack, and whomever takes him will need to work him up. He's a deluxe left tackle.
14. Mike Jenkins, CB, USF- He's had some off the field troubles, but I've liked him. He has upside, but will need some time before starting. He's a good hitter, and is pretty good in coverage.
15. Brandon Albert, G/T, Va- He's gone under the radar, but is one of the best football players in this draft. He's versatile, but could be a top LG in a year or so. He can also play RT.
16. Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas- He's a smooth player, but a risky one. If you don't mind the mistakes, which are manageable, he's a very good corner. He just needs to learn when to take risks, and when not to.
17. Chad Henne, QB, UM- I realize I have him rated higher than everybody else, but he's the best pure QB in this draft to me. He reminds me of Mark Bulger in that he throws a beautiful ball that is easy to catch.
18. Jonathon Stewart, RB, Oregon- If healthy, he's just behind the other two running backs, but he's also got the best frame to take the pounding at the next level. It's not easy to project spread to the NFL, which makes it tougher for these backs.
19. Matt Ryan, QB, BC- I have a hard time putting him this high, but there are things to like about him. Everybody talks about his intangibles being off the charts, but what about his tangibles? If somebody wants to risk a top 10 pick, it wouldn't be me.
20. Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee- He reminds me of Al Wilson, the way he plays so low; and plays with great leverage. He's a cover 2 MLB.
21. Devin Thomas, WR, MSU- He's got fresh legs, and I believe deeply he's got the best set of tools to be the best WR in this draft by a comfortable margin.
22. Quentin Groves, DE/LB, Auburn- He's versatile, the type who could play OLB in a 3-4, or put his hand down as a 4-3 down lineman. He's had injury issues, but I think he's a tough player.
23. Kenny Phillips, S, Miami-Fla- He's got great size, and can cover. He can play both safety positions.
24. Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt- He scares me. He reminds me of Stockar McDougle, so buyer beware. He's not athletically gifted, but is a taxi ride to get around. He handled Chris Long well, so he's got that on his resume.
25. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville- His injuries have hurt him, he was ranked higher last year. Them's the breaks, but he's still likely to start in the NFL.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Lions cut Kevin Jones...
I have to admit, I did not see this coming. He's not a franchise back, but he's definitely a winner; nobody has ever run harder than Kevin Jones. The Lions cite the injuries, and the cap for reasons he was released, but he's well worth the 2.5 million in cap room the Lions had on him. The Lions now have a real need at running back that must be addressed in the draft, and I hope they play it smart. Keeping Jones through the draft wouldn't have exposed the need as much, but it is what it is. Playing it smart in the draft would not be jumping up in the first to beat the Bears to the punch. Take what is there, and take the best player available, especially in the first round. The Lions can use a pass rusher, although I'm not enamored with the middle round pass rushers; they can use a tackle, although there is quite a dip there, too. If the Lions can be patient, and even drop back in the first, they should be rewarded. This is a deep draft.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Free agency coming to a close...
It's not over yet, but for all practical purposes the Lions are done with free agency for 2008. What impresses me about what they accomplished is that they are using the system correctly. They are almost assured of at least a couple of compensatory picks in next year's draft from their work this year. Getting a top corner in the Shaun Rogers deal helps measurably, as they didn't have to fill that hole in free agency. The Lions could sign Leigh Bodden to a long term deal now that he is their property. He seems to be a good match for the cover 2. According to the GBN Draft Report Scoreboard, I would project the Lions for two picks so far; and those could be as high as fourth and fifth round picks.
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