Sports: A Game Of Inches: 2011 Draft Special

Showing posts with label 2011 Draft Special. Show all posts

2011 Draft Special: Pick #21- Kansas City Chiefs

Oh boy, now we're in playoff team territory!

I give Kansas City all the props in the world for making it to the playoffs last season. They have a great core defense and Jamaal Charles, Matt Cassel, and Dwayne Bowe were just outstanding and I'm happy all three were Pro Bowlers. I'm also a big fan of their young tight end Tony Moeaki and I think they bailed on the Tony Gonzalez bandwagon just in time. But with all that being said, this division is still one for the Chargers to lose.

Not turning over the ball is a fantastic quality in a quarterback, but at some point you have to be able to lead you're team down the field to score a touchdown. Matt Cassel has the skill set to not turnover the ball which gives him a great TD/INT ratio but like the Baltimore/ Kansas City playoff game showed, to stop the Chiefs, you just have to stop the run. Screw the pass. I'm not sure if Cassel has that elite charge-down-the-field-to-score ability yet. Now I don't mean for that to be a huge knock on the guy but as we'll see later, this will become problematic when Cassel's talents aren't paired with the correct defense.

Both Cassel and Bowe benefited from an incredibly easy schedule in 2010. They played Denver twice (8th worst passing defense), Houston (worst passing defense), Seattle (7th worst), Tennessee (4th worst), Jacksonville (5th worst), San Francisco (9th worst), Arizona (10th worst), and St. Louis (14th worst). Seven out of the sixteen games the Chiefs played were against a bottom ten passing defense.

I have always liked the talent of Cassel and Bowe but these players need to prove to me that they can perform at a Pro Bowl level year after year. And frankly, with a tougher schedule next year (most likely), I don't think either player can rise to the challenge.

I'd like to point out at this juncture that Jamaal Charles has a career yards per carry of over 6.0. The guy is fantastic and was a third round draft pick. As much as I think the Chiefs overpaid for Thomas Jones, the Chiefs are still a runnings team and there's no reason that Charles can't get 20 carries a game while Jones gets an effective ten. This offensive model is perfectly acceptable but you need an elite caliber defense to sustain this offensive model to win playoffs games.

And Kansas City is far away from an elite defense.

According to Football Outsiders, the Chiefs had the 21st best defense (28th weighted defense), the 18th best pass defense, and the 26th best rush defense. Maybe trading away a 26 year old Jared Allen wasn't the greatest move in the world, huh? This team does has a very good (almost almost almost elite) corner in Brandon Flowers and a damn good rookie (in 2010) in safety Eric Berry. Linebacker Tambi Hall was ranked by Advanced NFL Stats as being the 18th best linebacker and Derrick Johnson as the 13th best in the game but this team has Mike Vrabel playing the LB position as well. (I mean this team *is* run by Scott Pioli and has a defensive coordinator in Romeo Crennel).

This team is still lacking that "blue chip" pass rusher. First round pick Glenn Dorsey hasn't panned out quite as well as this team had hoped, no linebacker in this 3-4 scheme as really stepped up as a pass rusher, and the entire defensive line as a whole is pretty bad. It's no surprise that both Mel Kiper's and Todd McShay's top five defensive ends are all projected first rounders. Maybe teams are finally getting smart on what they need to win football games.

Therefore, the Chiefs select Adrian Clayborn, defensive end from University of Iowa

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- OT Nate Solder (Colorado)
13) Detriot Lions- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
14) St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
15) Miami Dolphins- DE/OLB Aldon Smith (Missouri)
16) Jacksonville Jaguars- DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)
17) New England Patriots- OT Tyron Smith (USC)
18) San Diego Chargers- G/C Mike Pouncey (Florida)
19) New York Giants- DT Corey Luiget (Illinois)
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Cameron Jordan (California)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #20- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This team's corp skill positions consist of quarterback Josh Freeman, running back LaGarrette Blount, and wide receivers Mike Williams (not of Seattle) and Regis Benn. This team will be good for a long, long time. At the minimum they'll have a fun offense for the next four to five years. This team does have the obstacle of playing in the NFC South with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, but this team has the talent to compete and contend. This team has shown to draft well and compete in games. However, the biggest problem with the Bucs is that they (for the most part) beat the teams they "should" beat but could not beat the playoff caliber teams. If you want to prove your good then you have to beat the best. The Bucs have the talent to do so, but actually accomplishing this goal comes with taking your lumps like they did during the 2010 campaign. I expect big things from this team in 2011.

This team has the offensive talent to make it to playoff games but they don't have the defense just yet to win playoff games. According to Football Outsiders this team ranked 23rd in total defense. The good news is that they ranked 13th in pass defense (which is amazing considering Ronde Barber is 35 years old. Although I guess playing across from an elite corner like Aquib Talib will do that do a player) but dead last in rush defense. However, this team is still young and still should be in rebuilding mode, but they need to focus on defense more than offense.

According to Scout's Inc, the best player left is defensive end Adrian Clayborn. Mel Kiper has Mark Ingram as the best available player and Cameron Jordan (defensive end) as the best defensive player available. There are certain organizations out there that I believe actually do know what they're doing and are smarter than me and Tampa Bay has proven to me that they have reached this level. But for the purposes of this mock draft, I say the Bucs draft Cameron Jordan- defensive end out of Cal.

Bucs' Needs:

- All Defensive Positions

- Offensive Lineman

- Tight End

- Experience

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- OT Nate Solder (Colorado)
13) Detriot Lions- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
14) St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
15) Miami Dolphins- DE/OLB Aldon Smith (Missouri)
16) Jacksonville Jaguars- DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)
17) New England Patriots- OT Tyron Smith (USC)
18) San Diego Chargers- G/C Mike Pouncey (Florida)
19) New York Giants- DT Corey Luiget (Illinois)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #19- New York Giants

There are two things the Giants always seem to have a plethora of: pass rushers and running backs. At one point, Packers running back Ryan Grant was 5th on New York's depth chart behind Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Reuben Droughns. Even though the team traded Grant, released Droughns, and let Ward walk when his contract ran up, this team still has a damn fine rushing combination of Bradshaw and Jacobs.

On the other side of the ball, this team won a Superbowl based upon the pressure of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. The next year when Strahan retired (and did everything but play football) and Umenyiora got injured, the Giants were still able to bring great pressure Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka.

This is a great great GREAT formula to win games and divisions every year. Except for the tiny fact that the Giants missed the playoffs in 2010.

Last year the Giants offensive line ranked 7th in run blocking and 2nd in pass blocking. This offensive line is really good and have been above average for the past couple of years now. The Giants also have one of the best receiving corps in the game right now considering the breakout year that Hakeem Nicks had, Steve Smith (who has since earned the title "The Better Steve Smith" and Carolina's Smith now gets the title of "The Crappy Steve Smith") and Mario Manningham. Smith has proven to be a number one wide out but I think he has a better role has the possession #2 guy. Smith is a free agent this offseason and I think it would be wise to re-sign him. However, if this team truly doesn't have the cap space for him, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to let him go.

The biggest problem with the Giants offense is Eli Manning. I know Giants fans love Manning but he is on par with David Garrard for me- an average player who will have great seasons and some bad ones; a player who has the talent to start but not the talent to be elite and lead a team down field to win a game. When Manning was drafted everyone knew he didn't have the strongest arm- which is a HUGE problem when you play in the wind tunnel d.b.a. The Meadowlands. New Meadowlands helps out Manning's play a bit but considering how amazing Philip Rivers is and considering what a whiny little brat Eli Manning was coming out of college, I truly believe the Giants made an awful decision trading away Rivers for Manning.

Just a fun fact, career back up to Peyton Manning Jim Sorgi is now Eli Manning's back up in New York.

On the other side of the ball, the Giants biggest problem is their run playing abilities. As I mentioned earlier in this post, this team can rush the pass like nobody's business (which more than makes up for an average secondary) but their linebackers and defensive tackles aren't the greatest at run blocking and tackling. According to Football Outsiders, the Giants ranked 3rd in overall defense (7th in weighted defense), 3rd in pass defense but 15th in rush defense.

Like the San Diego Chargers, this team has a GREAT core and as much as I hate on them, there's very little need for improvement. And like the Chargers, the Giants main flaw was that they turned over the ball like nobody's business. The Giants were 10th in the NFC with a -3 turnover margin and dead last in the NFL with 42 give aways. Ahmad Bradshaw had 7 fumbles last year (6 lost) and Manning had a career high 25 interceptions (more than he's had in the past two years combined).

I'm going to say that the Giants should draft Illinois defensive tackle Corey Luiget here. Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have Luiget as a top 15 player overall but I'm going to trust The 'Bright' One's opinion- and he says Luiget is a early-to-mid second round talent at best. But the scouting report says that Luiget is a fantastic run blocker and NFL teams love him. So even if Corey Luiget isn't a first round talent, he'll be drafted on Day 1.

Giants Needs:

- Quarterback

- Run Stoppers

- Tight End

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- OT Nate Solder (Colorado)
13) Detriot Lions- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
14) St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
15) Miami Dolphins- DE/OLB Aldon Smith (Missouri)
16) Jacksonville Jaguars- DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)
17) New England Patriots- OT Tyron Smith (USC)
18) San Diego Chargers- G/C Mike Pouncey (Florida)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #18- San Diego Chargers

In 2011, the San Diego Chargers ranked first in offensive yards, second in points per game, third in first downs, fourth in third down percentage (offensive), first in yards given up (meaning their defensive gave up the fewest yards), 10th best in points allowed per game, and 4th best in third down conversions allowed.

And this team missed the playoffs?

Well here's why. THE best indicator to winning games is giveaways and takeaways. The Chargers were awful at that in 2010 giving up the ball six times for every one time they got a take away. Here were the top five teams in the AFC in terms of turnover differential (in order): Patriots, Steelers, Chiefs, Jets, and Ravens. Notice a trend there? All five of those teams made the playoffs.

Another reason San Diego missed the playoffs: special teams. An extremely underrated aspect of the game. I truly believe that special teams count for one third of play (with defense and offense being the other two thirds). Sure, the special teams are not on the field nearly as long as the offense and defense are, but they're just as important. So even though the Chargers were really freaking good on offense and defense, they were bad on special teams.

The Chargers were tied for first in kickoff yards given up, first in kickoff touchdowns given up, tied for second in punt touchdowns given up, fifth in punt yards given up, and first in average yards per punt given up.

Both of San Diego's main woes in 2010 are easily correctable. Getting better in special teams just takes a better special teams coach and Tiki Barber can tell you what to do to help an offensive with its give away problems.

According to Football Outsiders, the Chargers had the 4th best offense, 2nd best pass offense, 18th best rushing offense, were the most consistent offense week to week, 9th best defense, 4th best pass defense, 10th best rush defense, and the worst special teams.

This team also missed 15 games of Vincent Jackson, five games of Malcolm Floyd, and spent the entire season with the corpse of Ryan Matthews.

This team is not only set to win the AFC West again but poised to make a Superbowl run.

Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay have Illinois defensive tackle Corey Luiget already drafted at this point, but I'm going to take the advice of The 'Bright' One (A guy who actually watched Illini football games on a consistent basis) and say Luiget does not deserve to be a first rounder. Both Kiper and McShay have defensive ends Cameron Jordan and Adrian Clayborn going high as well. All would be great fits for this team. But my number one go to philosophy is that you can never have enough offensive lineman.

There are some great ones out there like Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi but not only do I love the talent of his brother but I love his versatility. So I say the Chargers should draft G/C Mike Pouncey from Florida. But if I'm truly in the Chargers position, I would trade this first round pick because that's where I think the true value is with this pick.

I can't believe I almost went this entire post without praising Philip Rivers. While I do not truly believe you need an elite quarterback to win a Superbowl (see: Trent Dilfer's Ravens, Eli Manning's Giants) it sure as hell helps. And Rivers is an elite quarterback. He is amazing. I can't say enough good things about Rivers. And for all you haters who make the argument "Well, Rivers isn't elite yet because he hasn't won a ring" then you're an idiot. Both these arguments were made about Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers before their respective Superbowl wins and these players were/are the same elite talent before their win as well as after. Plus, one of (if not THE) greatest quarterbacks of all time is Dan Marino. Who is ringless.

Anyways, Rivers is phenomenal.

Charger's Needs:

- Kick Returner

- Better Coaching

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- OT Nate Solder (Colorado)
13) Detriot Lions- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
14) St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
15) Miami Dolphins- DE/OLB Aldon Smith (Missouri)
16) Jacksonville Jaguars- DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)
17) New England Patriots- OT Tyron Smith (USC)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #17- New England Patriots

Technically, Pick 17 was reserved to the Oakland Raiders but they traded away their 2011 first round draft pick to the Patriots for Richard Seymour. I know I should talk about the Raiders team right here considering this is technically their pick, but I need to do a full discussion on the Patriots 1) In order to know what player they should draft with the 17th overall pick in order to realistically help the draft board move along 2) so I know what the Pats need when their next pick comes along and 3) I'll just do a full discussion of the Raiders when it comes to Pick 28- the true New England draft position.

If I was the GM on th New Patriots I would just go up to Bill Belichick and say, "what would you like to do with your team". I promise I'm not just saying this because I'm a Patriots fan, but I'm saying it because it's true. Bill Belichick is THE greatest active coach and is one of the greatest football coaches of all time. He truly is a football genius when it comes to play designing, player evaluation, and how to run an NFL football team. Needless to say what I think about the New England Patriots does not matter. What you think of the New England Patriots does not matter. All that matters is what Bill Belichick thinks because he is smarter than you.

It's because of this that I'm kind of going to half-ass this post. Not because I'm lazy (albeit I am) but because I really don't know how Belichick's scheme works completely. Here's what I do know:

1) Don't turn over the ball on offense.

Yes, obviously a huge cliche in football, but the Patriots are masters of it. From Week 6 on Tom Brady didn't throw an interception in the regular season and only threw at least one interception in 14 out of the 16 games he played in. Running back BenJaarvis Green-Ellis hasn't had a fumble in his entire professional career. Danny Woodhead and Wes Welker each and one last year. You can't teach awesomeness. Well, Bill Belichick can.

2) Have an amazing offensive line.

The only other team that could possibly rival the New England Patriots in terms of offensive line talent is the New York Jets- and with the Patriots putting the franchise tag on G Logan Mankins, their offensive line will still be awesome. Although it is a legitimate concerns that Mankins leaves after next year, this line is not only the catalyst for this offense (and what it should be with every team) but it gives Tom Brady so much times that it's easy not to give up turnovers.

Belichick also takes the philosophy that The 'Bright' One and I teach- it is unnecessary to draft running backs (and wide receivers) when you have an amazing offensive line. The Pats line creates more holes than a carpenter (he has drills, makes stuff... never mind) that even undrafted, 4th-guy-on-the-depth-chart BenJarvis Green-Ellis looked amazing and was a Pro Bowler in my eyes for the 2010 season.

I know many talking heads (especially those on ESPN) say the Patriots should draft a running back, but why waste the draft pick?

3)If you play defense, be extremely versatile

What made the Patriots teams of the early naughts so great was a) Because of Belichick's awesome system b) Bill was a great motivator/ found great defensive players who were hungry enough to want to win Superbowl(s) and c) Bill's great 3-4 scheme calls for versatility and Bill has always been able to find those guys.

Like any good defense- you have to be able to rush the passer. The Patriots have kind of lost that edge and lost those great linebackers like Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Roosevelt Colvin, and Willis McGinest. Sure, individually those guys were average at best. But you put them together and under a Belichick team and they did great things.

The Patriots defense have some elite parts. They probably have the best nose tackle in the game right now in Vince Wilfork, one of the best linebackers in Jerrod Mayo, and a rookie elite cornerback in Devin McCourty. Sure, the only reason I can name any other Patriots defensive player is because they have names like Tully Banta-Cain and Rob Ninkovich, but name brand really doesn't do anything because, like I've preached for the past five minutes, this is a Bill Belichick team.

In order for a Bill Belichick team to run well it needs two main parts: great offensive lineman and pass rushers. Hell, it doesn't even need an elite quarterback as Matt Cassel's 11 wins showed us in 2007 (Granted, it absolutely helps).

So let's see who fits the bill under this Patriots system that's still left to draft. In terms of offensive lineman, both Mel Kiper Jr and Scouts Inc agree that Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi and USC's Tyron Smith are here for taking. In terms of pass rush, Todd McShay thinks that Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn is a good choice while Mel Kiper believes that Purdue's DE Ryan Kerrigan would be better.

I think in terms of who the Patriots should draft (because they think they way I do) and in terms of what Kiper and McShay agree upon- the New England Patriots will take Tyron Smith. Offensive tackle out of University of Southern California.

Patriots' Needs:

- Versatile Linebackers

- Defensive Backs

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- OT Nate Solder (Colorado)
13) Detriot Lions- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
14) St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
15) Miami Dolphins- DE/OLB Aldon Smith (Missouri)
16) Jacksonville Jaguars- DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #16- Jacksonville Jaguars

We're now starting to get into the territory of good teams and within this territory comes picks solely designed around team needs and not taking the best player on the board.

However, I do not think we are at this point in the draft yet.

I think Jacksonville's biggest hurdle is its quarterback. Choosing David Garrard over Byron Leftwich a few years back was a great decisions; however, Garrard is not a franchise quarterback. Garrard's biggest asset is that he has the ability to not turnover the ball. The only problem of late is that he has been turnover prone AND he doesn't create points. Not a good combination.

I am not saying that David Garrard is talentless- he absolutely has talent. But Jacksonville is in a decently weak division and with Peyton Manning growing older and Jack Del Rio having a knack for pretty good defenses, this division is easily Jacksonville's for the taking. Heck, the Jaguars were in the driver's seat to win the AFC South for most of the year until they lost to Indianapolis late in the season. So if this team ever wants to make it over the hump and not have a 9-7 ceiling, they need to get a better quarterback than David Garrard.

But that's easily said than done.

The 'Bright' One is huge on Ryan Mallet being an awesome quarterback but I was never sold on him and think there's a good reason his draft stock is slipping. Realistically I think the Jaguars best bet is to make a trade but I'm not convinced many teams' back ups are that much of an improvement over Garrard and I don't think there's any "Matt Schaub's" out there.

But let's focus elsewhere. The Jaguars best strength is their running game led by the elite Maurice Jones-Drew and a very talented back up in Rashad Jennings. The Jaguars had the second best rushing offensive line (I believe led mainly by their talented backs) and 24th in pass blocking (I believe led mainly by their average-talented quarterback). In terms of individual blockers Jacksonville is above average and it's not a need for them but as I always preach: you can always improve your offensive line.

Jacksonville has a great tight end bordering on elite in Mercedes Lewis. Lewis has always been a great blocker and started to come on as a receiver in the 2010 season. In Game Of Inches' tight end rankings The 'Bright' One and Cubsfan ranked Lewis 7th overall and I ranked him 8th. The Jags' receivers are another story. I don't think anyone doubts that Mike Sims-Walker has talent but he's streakier than a naked fan running onto a soccer field. Mike Thomas stepped up his game big time last season, but his ceiling looks to be that of 2008 Kevin Walter. Needless to say this team needs a legitimate number one receiver.

Let's now turn to the defense. In Jack Del Rio's tenure and really throughout the entire existence of the Jaguars franchise, this team has had pretty good to great defenses. That being said, this defense was awful in 2010 ranking 5th to last in total yards given up, 5th to last in receiving yards given up per game, 11th to last in rushing yards given up per game, and 6th to last in total points given up. Part of that I think comes from the fact that I can only name one Jacksonville defensive player- cornerback Rashean Mathis. I won't be short sighted and give Jacksonville and Del Rio credit for the work he's done, but this team needs defense.

Therefore, with the 16th pick of the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select... J.J. Watt- defensive end for University of Wisconsin. I can see offensive tackle Tyron Smith (USC) and Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin) being great picks, but I think the problem/strength of the offensive line is the skill position players, not the line itself. Plus, most mock drafts have Watt going in the top ten so if Watt falls to Jacksonville- a team that needs defense- the Jags should and will swoop in and pick him up.

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- Nate Solder (Colorado)
13) Detriot Lions- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
14) St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)
15) Miami Dolphins- DE/OLB Aldon Smith (Missouri)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #15- Miami Dolphins

I have to admit I was big on Chad Henne coming into the 2010 year. He looked really good at the end of 2009 posting three 300+ yard games out of his last five. I even went so far to say that Henne was a top 15 fantasy quarterback coming into this year.

I apologize to you, I was wrong.

However, I believe that third stringer and former Kansas City quarterback is the best quarterback on the Miami roster. I think he has the potential to be a more mobile Kyle Orton. I know claiming Kyle Orton is your ceiling might be construed as an insult- but it's not. I like Kyle Orton a lot. Chad Pennington does have talent and can do great things as long as his receiver is under 20 yards down the field- but he's old, battered, and bruised. If this team had a playoff caliber defense, then having either a healthy Pennington or Tyler Thigpen would be awesome for this team. Unfortunately, this team does not have a good defense.

I'll get to Miami's defense in a second, but first let's finish up with their offense. I know Brandon Marshall didn't work out well in his first year on South Beach but the dude is immensely talented and realistically for the Dolphins, you're not going to find anyone better. Devone Bess is actually a great complimentary receiver and came into his own as a legitimate number two wide out and once Marshall turns into Broncos Brandon Marshall, Bess will become even better and get more opportunities.

Miami's running game is a different story. Ricky Williams is 33 years old and Ronnie Brown is 29. These guys are no spring chickens. It's actually a shame that these two happen to be on the same team because it gives the appearance that the Dolphins do not need another running back. If I were Miami's GM I would trade at least one or both for draft picks. Last year Miami's offensive line was 18th in run blocking, but number one in 2009. This offensive line has talent on it but opening holes can only do so much for bad skill position players. Miami is pretty mediocre to below average in their offensive line but I believe that if Miami gets better skill position players that the line will look a whole lot better.

Now we can turn to the defense. Miami does have an elite linebacker and sack specialist in pro Bowler Cam Wake. They have have a darn good safety in Chris Clemons and a borderline elite cornerback in Illinois alum Vontae Davis. Despite the fact that I haven't heard of any other starter on that team, the defense did pretty well for themselves. Miami finished 6th overall in total yards given up and 14th overall in total points given up. According to Football Outsiders, Miami had the 8th best defense in the NFL, the 4th best rushing defense, but the 23rd best passing defense. This makes sense because no none other than Wake was bringing pressure and there's a whole side of the side is which Davis and Clemons are not playing.

However, overall, this defense can be easily correctable with one or two players- maybe another elite pass rusher.

The Miami Dolphins can go a whole bunch of different ways here. According to Scouts Inc there are some great value defensive lineman such as DE/OLB Aldon Smith out of Missouri and DE J.J. Watt out of Wisconsin. But also not too far away is Alabama RB Mark Ingram ready for the taking and USC OT Tyron Smith. All of these players would be a fine fit for this club. According to Mel Kiper Jr, Aldon Smith would be a great choice but also Cal DE Cameron Jordan and Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan.

I think Miami should choose between Aldon Smith, Mark Ingram, and Tyron Smith. Because I unfortunately have not scouted these three players I don't know who I personally would have have higher on my board but for the sake of this mock I'll go with a great pass rusher who would fit perfectly in Miami's 3-4 scheme and that would be Aldon Smith

Dolphins's Needs:

- Quarterback

- Running Back

- Pass Rusher

- To Win Multiple Games At Home

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- OT Nate Solder (Colorado)
13) Detriot Lions- OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA)
14) St. Louis Rams- WR Julio Jones (Alabama)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #14- St. Louis Rams

Considering the Rams were one game/ two Laurent Robinson drops away from winning their division, I forget they still ended up with a losing record.

As much as Lions DT Donkey Kong Suh is the better player and was the better prospect, the Rams made the right choice in drafting Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. This kid looks amazing, and it shouldn't be a shock considering he looked amazing in college. It turned out going back to his senior year, hurting his shoulder, and essentially missing his entire last year didn't hurt him one bit. He still was the #1 pick in the draft and he still plays like nothing ever happened to him.

Bradford set the rookie record with the most completions, most pass attempts without an interception, and for most times me fawning over him in Box Score Tonight's. In the biggest game of his pro career, the Rams Week 17 game against Seattle, he looked amazing but his receivers were just awful. I don't think there's a synonym of "bad" that's strong enough to explain how putrid the Rams receivers are. (Although putrid is pretty darn close). The Rams two best receivers are Donnie Avery and Mark Clayton- who played a combined four total games. Both receivers should be healthy which can only help in Bradford's development. Illinois rookie tight end Michael Hoomanawanui also looked like a really good target for Bradford (in the few games he was healthy) and he's a guy whom the Rams really like. But even with those players back, the Rams still probably have the second worst receiving corps (right ahead of the Browns).

Steven Jackson is a stud but was hampered by an atrocious offensive line which ranked 25th in run blocking but 10th in pass blocking.

St. Louis improved their defense from 2009 to 2010, but it wasn't THAT hard to do considering they had the second worst defense two years ago. To be honest, I can only name two players on St. Louis's defense and that's only because 1) I looked up the defense and 2) both players were high first round draft picks in James Laurentis and Chris Long. According to Advanced NFL Stats, Laurentis was the 7th best linebacker and Long was the 8th best defensive end so these players are coming into their own and are becoming worth their first round draft pick. The team has some other nice complementary parts like cornerback Bradley Fletcher and safety Oshiomoghho Atogwe but all of those pieces can be replaced easily.

Despite the NFC West being wide open for the taking, the Rams first priority needs to be the development of Sam Bradford. Even if every Ram takes a huge step forward, this team is still not close to making it to the Superbowl. Winning the division and a playoff birth is nice, but this team needs to focus long term because they have the chance to make multiple playoff runs. So while an elite defensive player might help this term in the short run (granted also probably the long run) I think the Rams need to focus on Bradford first and the overall team second. Plus, there's no reason the Rams can't do both- they DO HAVE six more rounds after this plus free agency.

Therefore, I think the Rams need to choose between an offensive lineman or a wide receiver. An elite offensive lineman will ideally not only give Bradford more time to throw but also open up rushing lanes for Steven Jackson (and a more effective Steven Jackson should lead to a more effective Sam Bradford). But I look at the way Bradford played this year with his average line and the one obstacle in his way was his receivers. Plus, if Bradford becomes more effective that in turn will open up for rushing lanes for Jackson. That's why I think the Rams should go wide receiver here. And there's one prime for the taking: Alabama's Julio Jones.

While reading the scouting report in him there are some things that make me questioon why he's a first rounder. Things like

Flashes strong hands but has some inconsistency in this area. Can allow balls into his frame on occasion, resulting in drops. Also needs to do a better job of securing the ball in traffic

But at the other end things like a number one ranking for his big play ability and "Willing to work the middle of the field" are great skills that will only help Bradford. If Jones is an elite of a receiver as "experts" are making him out to be, then I can foresee Rick Blaine saying to them "This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship"

Rams's Needs:

- Defense

Despite the fact they were really two drops away from a playoff birth, this is still not that good of a team, and like all bad teams, they need any defensive player they can get

- Offensive Lineman

2011 Draft Special: Pick #13- Detroit Lions

Considering the Lions play in the NFC North I'm actually pretty familiar with the team's strength and weaknesses and what positions they need for the draft. However, a good friend of mine and of the podcast (and the person who suggested these posts), Daniel Bennett, is from the Detroit area and is a huge Lions fan. So I've asked him to guest write the Lions piece (with *maybe* a few edits of my own). And here... we... GO!
_____________________

Being one of three Lions fans left in the world, Sexy Rexy has asked me to do the draft analysis for Detroit, so I will try not to disappoint. You may think that a franchise that has been rebuilding since 1957, that has not been to the playoffs since 1999, has not had a .500+ season in the last decade, currently holds the NFL consecutive road loss record with 26, and had an 0-16 season may just as well pack it in, but alas, we finally have reason for hope. Two years ago, in the first non- Matt Millen run draft in the past 10 years- the Lions picked what will hopefully be a solid franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford. Then to follow it up last year the Lions picked up one of the most dominate rookie tackles to ever play the game... Donkey Kong Suh. For the first time in a long time, we Lions fans have hope.

Even with the franchise quarterback out for the season, the Lions were able to scrape together 6 wins (7 if you count that Johnson touchdown in Chicago- and I do), which is Detroit's second highest win total since 1999. This has earned the Lions the 13th pick in the draft, which allows a little breathing space which is needed since the first overall picks the last couple years is starting to really add up.

The offensive skilled positions are pretty much set. Megatron and Nate Burleson both had good years in 2010 and they should only improve in 2010. Adding Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler which the Lions like to run out of a double tight end set adds two more capable receivers and much needed extra protection on the line. The offensive line does need some help, especially on the right side, but again, being able to have two tight ends in to help block makes life a little easier on the quarterback and the running game. Finally, while the Maurice Morris/ Jahvid Best tandem could use some improving, there are many more needs on the other side of the ball that will help bring the Lions up to a contender’s status.

The defense is another story. The defensive line, I would dare to say, is one of the best in the league. Suh had 10 sacks last year as an interior lineman and consistently demanded a double team freeing up Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril, and Corey Williams who combined for another 14 sacks. Pressure was constant on opposing quarterbacks and this caused many rushed passes- which was needed to help compensate for the abysmal secondary.

Any type of screen play, quick pass, or run that made it past the front four went for big yards and typically demanded team tackling since no one player could bring anyone down themselves. Detroit's defense allowed the 8th highest completion percentage, allowing quarterbacks to complete almost 64% of their passes. Quarterbacks also averaged a QB rating of 89.2 against this dreadful defense. At the same time, the defense also only had 14 interceptions this season, one of them being by Donkey Kong, so 13 interceptions by the secondary in 16 games needs to be improved upon. Plus, the NFL rankings and statistics do not even begin to show how bad this secondary is, it is just one of those teams you have to watch to fully appreciate the awfulness.

The back seven was atrocious in 2010 so the Lions are in desperate need of a linebacker, safety, or cornerback. According to Scout's Inc, the best value picks in this area are all defensive lineman or wide receivers- none of which the Lions badly need. Therefore, the best pick available for the Lions is UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers. For the next few rounds the Lions should address their offensive line and secondary needs.

Lions' Needs:

- Linebackers

While showing some signs of competence, the linebacker core could not hold their own against lineman or running backs. For this team to become legitimate contenders, an upgrade is necessary.

- Cornerbacks

Again, the pass defense is in the bottom 3rd in the league, and this is in a division that is hard to pass in come November. The defensive secondary needs a serious upgrade.

- Offensive Linemen

Jeff Backus was unanimously named the toughest left tackle in the NFC North by his opposing defensive lineman in his division. Unfortunately, his counterparts on the right side of the line are the reason the Lions are known as the “laydowns”.

- Quarterback

Many people think that Stafford’s career is done before it’s even started. I remain on the fence. While he has missed a significant amount of games, it is due to two unrelated injuries and the Lions have too much money invested in him to give up this year. However, if he does not start at least 14 games next season, Andrew Luck may be looking at a career in Detroit.

To end a positive note, it finally looks like our Pontiac pussycats are finally turning back into the Lions that dominated the league in the 50’s.

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)
12) Minnesota Vikings- Nate Solder (Colorado)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #12- Minnesota Vikings

We're going to begin just as soon as I text my penis to you.

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)
9) Dallas Cowboys- DT Marcell Dareus (Alabama)
10) Washington Redskins- DE Robert Quinn (North Carolina)
11) Houston Texans- CB Jimmy Smith (Colorado)

OK, come on! You can't talk about a team Brett Favre just "retired" on and not make Favre references!

Before I begin discussing the Vikings drafting strategy, I first need to discuss free agency. Currently, the Minnesota Vikings have three of the top 25 free agents this season which includes stud wide receiver Sidney Rice, defensive end Ray Edwards, and Sexy-Rexy-2010-Pro-Bowler LB Chad Greenway. Not to mention the gaping hole they have at quarterback (because call me I sucker I believe Favre will actually stay retired).

However, because not only do I not know what the Vikings actually plan on doing with their players or their cap room situation or anything like that, I'm going to assume that they re-sign their three free agents. I am also going under the assumption that they will trade for Kevin Kolb. I can't remember the last time an initial trade report by ESPN actually came true and now there are reports that the Arizona Cardinals are interested in Kolb (as they rightfully should be). But for right now, I will assume Kolb goes to Minnesota. Lastly, I'm going to assume Kolb will cost the Vikings a second round draft pick, not a first one.

Obviously, I made a lot of assumptions and probably not a one will come true, but because of the huge uncertainty surrounding this organization, assumptions must be made if I am to speculate on how the team handles the draft.

But for right now, let's switch to certainties. The Minnesota Vikings have THE BEST running back in the game in Adrian Peterson, two stud wide receivers in Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin, and an above average tight end in Visanthe Shiancoe. Last year, Minnesota had the 11th best run blocking offensive line and the 19th best pass blocking offensive line. The strength of their line was the entire left side of it to complement a piss poor right side.

On defense, the team still has one of the best pass rushers in the game (even though his statistics didn't show it in 2010) in Jared Allen and probably the most underrated defensive end in Ray Edwards. The Williams brothers (Pat and Kevin- note: not ACTUAL brothers) anchor the middle of that defensive line, but Pat is currently 38 years old and Kevin is 30. Both still great talents but it wouldn't hurt to start drafting replacements so you don't screw yourself a few years down the line when they do actually break down/ retire.

The back seven starts to get a bit shaky. While I'm a big fan of linebacker Chad Greenway, the other two linebackers around him could easily be improved. Last year, according to Advanced NFL Stats, the Vikings had the 19th best (33 year old Antoine Winfield) and 75th best (youngster Asher Allen) corenerbacks. To put that into even better perspective, the Green Bay Packers had two of the top three corners (Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson) and the Chicago Bears had two of the top 7 (DJ Moore and Charles Tillman) cornerbacks. Minnesota's top two safeties ranked 57 (Madieau Williams) and 63 (Husian Abdullah). To say the Vikings need secondary help is an understatement.

Just to give the Vikings SOME credit, they do have an elite kick returner in 2009 rookie of the year and pro bowler Percy Harvin. Historically (like the past three to five years) Minnesota has had bad specials teams, but that's mainly because of blocking issues which is best addressed via coaching and absurd to do via the draft.

Ideally it would be best for the Vikings to draft a safety or cornerback but the best corner back still left in the draft is Aaron Williams out of Texas which neither Mel Kiper Jr nor Scouts Inc rank as a first round draft pick. The Vikings need defensive back field help but it is best for them to address it later in the draft or via free agency. Sure, it's a giant blow (based off of my assumption) that they do not have a second round draft pick, but it would be an even bigger blow to pass over the great talent they have at their disposal just to help a hole in the team.

The best available player on Mel Kiper's Big Board is Colorado's offensive tackle Nate Solder and the best according to Todd McShay is Illinois defensive tackle Corey Luiget. Not only does Mel Kiper not have Luiget as a first round draft pick, he doesn't have the Fighting Illini as the next best defensive tackle available. On the other hand, McShay's next best available after Luiget is Solder.

As I mentioned earlier, the Vikings do need a defensive tackle but you can never go wrong with an elite offensive lineman. NEVER. So I think the safe choice and a great choice for Minnesota is to draft Nate Solder and to address their secondary needs later in the draft.

Viking's Needs:

- Quarterback

- Defensive Backs

- Linebacker

- Offensive Line

2011 Draft Special: Pick #11- Houston Texans

2011 Draft Special: Pick #10- Washington Redskins

I've played against him before. There's no reason to shy away from him. I mean, that's hard for me to say, throwing four picks at a guy, but I'd still, if we had to play them tomorrow, I'd go at him every time, if we could.

Yeah, Hall is a bad corner and a bad player moving forward for this Redskins team.

According to Football Outsiders, the Washington Redskins had the 27th best pass defense and the 18th best rush defense.

Washington has some major holes to fill on offense. Let's be honest, when you think Rex Grossman is a better option than you're starting quarterback, then you need a new quarterback. However, the Redskins are pretty much stuck with Donovan McNabb. Not only did they gave up valuable draft picks but they are tied into a huge five year contract with the Syracuse alum.

While the Redskins don't have even close to an every down back with the aging Ryan Torrain and Clinton Portis or even with youngsters Keiland Williams and James Davis, it doesn't matter because head coach Mike Shanahan has the best zone blocking offensive line scheme ever that I could be the running back for the Redskins and gain 4 yards a carry every time I touched the rock. Plus, Shanahan takes the GOI view that running backs are as fungible as tic tacs.

Chris Cooley is a good tight end but as rookie TE's Tony Moeaki, Aaron Hernandez, and Rob Gronkowski proved in 2010, you can find better tight ends than Cooley very late in the draft. As far as wide receivers go, Santana Moss is fine, but he's 31 years old and already showing signs of decline from not the greatest talent to begin with. The receiver who plays across from Moss, Anthony Armstrong, looks really good and fast, but looks to be closer to Johnny Knox than Mike Williams.

Last year, Washington had the 22nd best run blocking and pass blocking offensive line (although I think the low run blocking ranking is because of the talent of the runners and not the talent of the guys blocking). There were some bright spots on this line but they had the second worst blocking center in 2010.

So what direction should the Redskins go? Every team needs an offensive lineman and yet so far none has been picked yet. There are some great defensive lineman like North Carolina's DE Robert Quinn still available that could help out the Redskins as well. The 'Skins are in desperate need of a center and Florida's Mike Pouncey (brother of Steeler's center Maurkice Pouncey) is still available but there are plenty of better and more talented offensive lineman still waiting to be picked.

Because the Redskins are a bad team, they should take the philosophy that other bad teams should take in drafts: draft the best and most talented player still standing. In this case, it's Robert Quinn. Mel Kiper has Quinn ranked 7th on his big board and Scout's Inc has Quinn ranked 9th. According to this mock draft, they both have Robert Quinn as the best available player left.

Redskins traded away their third round pick to New Orleans and their fourth round pick to Philadelphia so this year, even more than past years for them, they need to draft well at the top. I'm not quite sure who will be available for the Redskins in the second round but they need to take the same approach as they should take in the first round and draft, no matter the position, the best player available.

I've seen many mock drafts that have the Redskins drafting Cam Newton but considering the Cardinals, 49ers, Titans, Bills, and Bengals have (or could have) quarterback issues, I find it hard to believe that Newton will even be available to Washington.

Redskins' Needs:

- Quarterback

Donovan is done and Rex Grossman shouldn't even be in the league

- Defensive Lineman

- Defensive Back

- Wide Receiver

- Center

2011 Draft Special: Pick #9- Dallas Cowboys

Game Of Inches Mock Draft (so far):
1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)
8) Tennessee Titans- QB Cam Newton (Auburn)

The Dallas Cowboy were predicted to at least make the playoffs in 2010 and had ambitions to play the Superbowl in their home stadium. Well, look at how their season turned out. Wah wah, sad trombone. The problem with the Cowboys was not a lack of talent but a lack of caring. The team gave up on head coach Wade Phillips, didn't tackle as well or run as hard with Phillips as the head coach. Therefore, the Cowboys, for the purposes of the draft, are not a bad team. Dallas can focus taking players and positions that they need as opposed to be "forced" to take the best player available. Although that might be one in the same.

Let's look at the Cowboys offense. When the three Game Of Inches' football blog authors created their quarterback ranking all three of us put Tony Romo as the eighth best quarterback and really the last of the "elite" quarterbacks. A collar bone injury to Romo also hurt the Cowboys season but needless to say, they don't need to focus on their passing game. At the other end of the passing game, the Cowboys have a great set of receivers in Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, and Roy Williams as the teams number three guy. They also have a great tight end in Jason Witten.

The running game on the other hand is a little suspect. I know the team has three capable running backs in Marian Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice, but the team was middle of the pack in rushing yards- ranking 16th out of 32 in 2010. The problem is that this team doesn't have that back who can carry the ball 20-25 times a game. Marion Barber can get that tough one yard and has shown throughout the season to break off some greats yards, but can't be that every down back or even the first and second down back. Felix Jones is talented like nobody's business and is a darn good pass catcher, but I think he's just a guy who can only get 15 carries total a game. And Tashard Choice seems like just a complement guy/ a fill in guy if/when Barber or Jones gets injured. I think the offense (and eventually team overall) could improve if the team traded away both Barber and Jones for draft picks and took Alabama RB Mark Ingram here. But I think more realistically new head coach Jason Garrett can find a way to use the talent he has more effectively and efficiently.

Going back to Dez Bryant for a second, another overlooked position so far in this draft series as been the special teams. When you're a bad team, your special teams should be the last of your worries. Plus, the vast majority of your special teams come from back up players of your main positions anyways. But the one position you can draft is kick returner- which they got in Bryant last year.

Last year, the Cowboys had the 12th best run blocking offensive line and the 11th best pass blocking offensive line. Pretty good but always room for improvement. No one area of blocking on this line was all that impressive so any first round lineman is bound to be a better blocker than any current Cowboy, but the biggest hole in this line (no pun intended) was at left guard- which ranked 28th out of 32 in blocking.

On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas has the 25th best run blocking defensive but the 10th best pass blocking. Now Football Outsiders doesn't separate defensive lineman from linebackers as long as they started the play on the defensive line. So with an elite linebacker like DeMarcus Ware and the effective Dallas 3-4 scheme they run, this high pass block ranking doesn't surprise me at all.

But the biggest flaw in Dallas' defense was in their secondary. They were the worst team in 2010 in defending their opponents number one receiver, fifth worst at defending their opponents number two receiver, and below average at defending their opponents other receivers. Former first round draft pick CB Michael Jenkins looked awful and his counterpart Terrence Newman didn't look much better- and their safeties were even worse.

Now, there are two basic ways to improve a secondary- especially one like Dallas that has talent on it. The most obvious way is to just replace the current players with even better players. But the other way and the way probably most feasible for the Cowboys, is to improve the defensive line and add players that send constant pressure to opposing quarterbacks which will have a domino effect back to the secondary. This current Dallas 3-4 scheme is extremely beatable with short screens and a solid rushing attack which will force DeMarcus Ware back into coverage. This then brings less pressure to opposing quarterbacks who in turn can scorch the bad Dallas secondary. However, a good pass defending defensive lineman allows the Cowboys to bring constant pressure with or without linebacker pressure. Of course if that defensive lineman is also a good at run blocking as well, then you have a win/win.

The choices for Dallas here is Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Darceus and North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn. Scouts Inc says Darceus is a fantastic pass rusher and a pretty darn good run blocker as well, but admits he needs improvement. They say Quinn is above average against the pass but just average against the run. Mel Kiper ranks Darceus as the fifth best player in this draft and Todd McShay have Darceus as the 7th. Both men, as well as myself, believe that Darceus is the better player therefore....

With the ninth pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys select.... Marcell Darceus. Defensive tackle. Alabama.

Later in this draft they should focus on improving their offensive line and secondary.

Cowboys' Needs:

- Run blocking linebackers

Guys like DeMarcus Ware is amazing but they need a Brian Urlacher/ London Fletcher type linebacker- a guy who have great speed and can make open field tackles.

-Safeties

Great safety play over the top will help Newman and Jenkins perform at the level they should

- Defensive Ends

Same reason the 'Boys should draft Darceus

2011 Draft Special: Pick #8- Tennessee Titans

Just for my own sake (and I'm sure for you) according to Game Of Inches' mock draft, here's which players that have been drafted so far:

1) Carolina Panthers- DT Nick Fairley (Auburn)
2) Denver Broncos- DE Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson)
3) Buffalo Bills- CB Patrick Peterson (LSU)
4) Cincinnati Bengals- WR A.J. Green (Georgia)
5) Arizona Cardinals- QB Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)
6) Cleveland Browns- OLB Von Miller (Texas A&M)
7) San Fransisco 49ers- CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska)

Last year Tennessee Titans had the second worst run blocking offensive line and the ninth best pass blocking offensive line. A lot of Football Outsider's offensive line stats have to do with the players that play behind the line. I don't think the Indianapolis Colts have all *that* good of a pass blocking offensive line but their FO pass blocking stats look better because Peyton Manning gets rid of the ball very quickly and doesn't get sacked. But considering the Titans had a top two rushing talent in Chris Johnson had a QB carousel that had Rusty Smith playing in three games, I think it's safe to say that these offensive line statistics are because of the line itself and not because of the talent of the skill positions. In terms of blocking Tennessee had THE WORST center and left guard and the third worst right tackle. On the plus side they had the sixth best right guard. Needless to say they are in desperate need of an offensive line.

On the defensive side Tennessee had the 7th best run blocking defensive line and 13th best pass blocking defensive line. Even though they don't have Albert Haynesworth or Kyle Vanden Bosch, Jason Babin and Dave Ball have filled in quite nicely on that defensive line. According to Football Outsiders, the Titans had the 13th best defense but were awful at stopping their opponent's number one receiver. They were really good at stopping every other receivers, just not the most important one to stop.

However, Tennessee's biggest problem right now is that they do not have a quarterback. They flat out released Vince Young, Rusty Smith is barely roster-able, and Kerry Collins will turn 39 in the middle of the 2011 season. If the lockout does happen then Tennessee can wait on drafting a quarterback in this draft and focus on their secondary and offensive line in this draft. But not only is that a horrible strategy to take, I don't think the NFL will have a lockout in 2011. I'm all for building up offensive lines but in Tennessee's case I don't know if the best offensive line ever make any current Tennessee quarterback good.

According to Scout's Inc Big Board Nebraska's defensive back Prince Amukamara would not only be a perfect fit for the Titans to complement Courtland Finnegan but would not be a reach. Realistically I think The Prince will be available to Tennessee at this spot, but in terms of this mock draft he is already taken. The other players in this area that would not be a reach for the Titans would be defensive ends and defensive players. But, on paper, Tennessee isn't *that* bad of a team that they can be picky and fill specific needs. And a defensive lineman is not a need for the Titans.

If I was the Titans GM and I was running this team I would 100% draft an offensive lineman right about now because I wouldn't have released Vince Young. However, if I'm the GM and I don't have a quarterback right now I'm torn between drafting an offensive lineman and drafting a quarterback. My first instinct is to go out and get a Kevin Kolb or even Matt Leinart. But if I can not do that then here is where I think the first reach of the draft occurs as the Tennessee Titans select Auburn QB Cam Newton.

As was stated in "We Are Marshall" the best way to get around a bad offensive line is to run the option offense. Chris Johnson is currently the best back in the game (and fastest) to run the option and Cam Newton is the best QB prospect on the board to run it as well. Tennessee used to run the option with Vince Young and CJ last year and it worked great for them. Now obviously a professional football team can't (rather shouldn't) run a full option offense for fear of hurting their franchise quarterback, but Newton is a great player to help this organization and to keep the option in the Tennessee playbook. After they take Newton the Titans can then re-build their offensive line.

Cam Newton is essentially an improved version of Vince Young. When you compare both quarterback's last season in college, Newton had the better completion percentage (66.1 to 65.2), better TD/INT ratio (4.29 to 2.60), more rushing touchdowns (20 to 12), better passer rating (182.05 to 163.90), more Heisman awards (1 to 0), and more cheating fathers (1 to 0). Cam Newton also does not have a single fumble as either a wide receiver or a quarterback. Cam Newton is a more talented Vince Young with less turnovers.

Tennessee's second pick should be spent on an offensive lineman to help Chris Johnson unleash his talent and their third pick should be spent on a defensive back to help out that secondary.

Titan's Needs:

- Offensive Lineman

- Defensive Backs

- Wide Receiver

- Tight End

2011 Draft Special: Pick #7- San Francisco 49ers

"With the number one overall pick in the 2005 draft, the San Fransisco 49ers select... Aaron Rodgers. Quarterback from University of California"

Oh how amazing would life be for the 49ers if they actually had a good organization and was able to draft well. The 2010 49ers offense had seven first round players on it: Alex Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Anthony Davis, Mike Iupati and two second round players in guard Chilo Rachal and center/guard David Baas.

Needless to say at least San Fran has the right approach considering four of their five starting offensive lineman are either a first or second round draft pick. But with that being said, last year the 49ers had the 13th best rushing offensive line but the 30th best passing offensive line. Albeit I've only seen two San Fransisco games in 2010, but I think the main reason for that extremely low pass blocking ranking is due more because of the quarterback than it was because of the line. In 2010, San Fran had the second best left guard blocker and the third best right guard blocker according to Football Outsiders. This offensive line is fairly young outside of 36 year old left tackle Barry Sims. For as bad of a team as the 49ers were last year, this is the first team in this 32 for 32 series that I can say with confidence that they don't really need to focus on offensive lineman for the 2011 draft. Sure, they need a left tackle and trying to bolster your offensive line is always encouraged, but San Fransisco has more pressing matters to take care of.

While I don't truly believe that San Fran will tank an entire season just so new head coach John Harbaugh can be reunited with his college protege Andrew Luck, I don't know what San Fran's plan is to fix their quarterback problems. It's nearly impossible for Blaine Gabbert to fall this far and it would be a huge reach for the 49ers to draft either Ryan Mallet or Cam Newton. They should take a stab at prying away Kevin Kolb from Philly, but it truly sounds like Minnesota is going to get him. Vince Young is out there and is an above average quarterback, but I don't see the huge upgrade from Young over currently rostered Troy Smith.

Here's a name from the dead that I think will be a great for the Niners: Matt Leinart. I'm sure it will cost San Francisco very little to pry away Leinart from the Houston Texans and if Harbaugh truly wants to wait a year to get Luck, Leinart would be a great short term fix. Hell, I think he would be a great long term fix as well.

Another name that has been brought up since I wrote this post: Kyle Orton. The Broncos organization seem to be focusing solely on Tim Tebow (and they probably should try to develop their future franchise player) and I've been a Orton fan since his rookie year in Chicago. I don't think it would be unreasonably or unrealistic for San Francisco to give up a third or second round pick to get Orton.

The point is, the 49ers needs a QB and I think it's best for them to get one via free agency and not via the draft.

Which now brings us back to the 2011 draft. Who should the 49ers take? I think for starters it has to be a defensive player because I think the only piece missing from that offense is a competent quarterback. San Fran currently has the best (or at least a top five) linebacker on their squad. A little guy by the name of Patrick Willis. (Hey, Willis, Jeremy Shockey said you suck. Hey, don't blame me, that's just what he told me). When Willis is not filming commercials with Kenny Powers he destroying opposing offenses. However, outside of Willis, the team is full of just complementary players such as Takeo Spikes and Nate Clemons.

I think realistically Von Miller could fall to San Fran and this is the earliest and best spot for him, but I just don't think it will happen. There are some great defensive lineman such as Illinois' DT Corey Luiget, North Carolina's Robert Quinn, and Alabama's DT Marcell Dareus. The 49ers run a 3-4 scheme and Scout's Inc says that Dareus "Has enough size to play DE is certain 3-4 schemes" but I don't know if he's big enough to play nose tackle at *only* 6'2" 303 pounds. According to the scouting report Quinn doesn't sound versatile enough to play on a 3-4 defensive line and Luiget is the same size as Dareus but not as talented. Therefore, I think the 49ers should go cornerback here.

Both Mel Kiper and Todd McShay agree that Nebraska's Prince Amukamara is the second best corner (best currently on the board) and I think he'll be a great complement to Nate Clemons.

In the second round the Niners need a pass rushing linebacker. Georgia'a Justin Houston and UCLA's Akeem Ayers would be great fits but will most likely be drafted by the time the second round rolls around. However, if Nevada's Dontay Moch happens to fall to San Fran, he would be a perfect fit. He's an outside linebacker that's a converted defensive end and he's not projected to be a first round pick.

The 49ers had a top five defense in 2009 and if they draft the best defensive player on the board in the first round, Moch in the second round and is able to swipe a Kyle Orton or Kevin Kolb (or even Matt Leinart) they not only will win the crappy NFC West for sure, they could be Superbowl bound.

49ers Needs:

- Quarterback

- Defensive Lineman

- Wide Receivers

- Pass Rushing Linebackers

- Left Guard

2011 Draft Special: Pick #6- Cleveland Browns

A few years ago I won my fantasy football league with Pierre Thomas, Tyler Thigpen, and Peyton Hillis. When Hillis got traded to the Browns and starting performing well early in 2010 I suggested he be picked up for your fantasy team. Now he's become one of the best running backs in the league. Last year the team drafted Colt McCoy in the third round and he actually looks pretty darn good. He's mobile and looks accurate and is a great project and player to develop over the next few years while Mike Holmgren starts to rebuild this team. Cleveland also has a pretty good tight end in Ben Watson, although Watson's getting pretty close to being the wrong side of 30 and the wrong side of being talented. However, I truly believe that the Browns have THE WORST receiving corps in the league. This team is in desperate need of even a #2 wide receiver. Hell, I'm not even convinced that their best wide out- Mohamed Massaquoi- is even a number three receiver. It's possible that A.J. Green slips out of the top five if say the Bengals trade away Carson Palmer so they draft Blaine Gabbert and then Arizona drafts Von Miller leaving Green ripe for the taking. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening.

Before I transition over to the defense, Cleveland has a great offensive lineman in Joe Thomas and their guards are pretty good and the right side of that line is above average, but like I've said earlier, you can always improve your offensive line.

Now officially transitioning over to the defense. Off the top of my head I can not name you a single Browns defensive player. I'm looking now at the Browns depth chart and I still can't name you a single defensive player. The two best defensive players left to draft, according to Scout's Inc, is Von Miller, 'Bama's defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, and Nebraska's cornerback (and the guy who might have the best name ever) Prince Amukamara.

Local Chicago radio sports host Dan Bernstein once said that out of the three lines of defense (defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs) if he could only have one line be the best he would rank them: 1) defensive line 2) defensive back 3) linebackers. And I have to agree with Mr. Bernstein. So my gut tells me that the Browns should draft Dareus, then Amukamara, then Miller. But at the same time, I think there's a reason Miller is considered a better talent than either Dareus or Amukamara. And if you're a rebuilding team, you take the best defensive player on the board. Plus, look what great outside linebackers like Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing have done in the NFL.

So with the sixth pick of the 2011 draft, the Cleveland Browns select Von Miller.

By the time their next pick comes around to them I would be all for drafting a wide receiver. The highest rated wide receiver after A.J. Green is Alabama's Julio Jones, but he's going to go in the first round and there's no way the Browns will be able to draft Jones without trading picks to get him. Scout's Inc has Kentucky's Randall Cobb has the next best wide out while Mel Kiper doesn't even have Cobb as a top five wide receiver prospect. Kiper's third best WR is Maryland's Torrey Smith. While unfortunately I do not watch enough college football to know if either Cobb or Smith is better or really who the third best wide receiver prospect is behind Green and Jones. Either way, the Browns are in desperate need of getting Colt McCoy some receivers to throw to.

Brown's needs:

- An entire defense

If I can't name a single player on your defense, you need defensive players. If you earned the sixth draft pick, you need defensive players

- Wide Receivers

The Browns have the worst receiving corps in the league and they need talent to help McCoy grow and develop

- Center

This offensive line is decently good for a five win team that struggled to score points. Every NFL team can use an upgrade on their offensive line but the one area of concern for Cleveland is their center.

- Tight End

Just because Watson is getting up their in age plus the GOI rankers ranked him on average 19 out of 32 (and that doesn't include players like Rob Gronkowski who were left off of the list)

2011 Draft Special: Pick #5- Arizona Cardinals

This is a team that is in desperate need of a quarterback. Larry Fitzgerald is still awesome and getting open but his quarterback(s) in 2010 were atrocious. The entire history of the Chicago Bears organization looked at the 2010 Arizona Cardinals and were laughing at how bad their quarterback play was. John Skelton proved he's at least accurate enough to throw to a wide open receiver (in Fitzy) which was something Derek Anderson and Max Hall could not do.

I know this team has many other areas to address and the last "97" (the highest rating for a college player according to Scout's Inc) player left is OLB Von Miller- which this team could desperate use, but this team needs Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The Cardinals have the benefit of playing in the worst division in professional sports so the addition of Gabbert could immediately spring this team into a playoff birth.

Now the Cardinals probably are a linebacker away from being an elite defense again, but I think former Steelers coordinator Ken Wisenhunt can address those needs later in the draft. This team has a pretty darn good secondary with Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson at safety and the best Cromartie corner in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. According to Advanced NFL Stats the Cardinals had the best defensive lineman in 2010 in Darnell Dockett. So Texas A&M's Von Miller playing opposite of the aging Joey Porter could do great things, but I'll trust Whisenhunt with an offense.

After taking a *huge* whiff and miss (much like a Carlos Pena at bat in 2010) on Beanie Wells a few years back the Cardinals also need a running back. While I am under the personal belief that Tim Hightower could do pretty darn good with talented offensive line, if Illinois running back Mikel LeShoure falls out of the first round (which is entirely plausible) I think he could fall to Arizona in the second. Denver is "stuck" with Knowshown Moreno, the Bills have Spiller and Fred Jackson and the Bengals have Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. With New England having the first pick in the second round (via a trade with Carolina) and two first round picks it does worry me that they will draft either LeShoure or Alabama's Mark Ingram which will mean there is no way a good running back (in either LeShoure or Ingram) will fall to Arizona. But that being said, we're talking about the New England Patriots here. They have such a fantastic offensive line that they can plug in a practice squad guy (Danny Woodhead) and their 4th guy on the depth chart (The Law Firm) and have a great rushing attack so why draft a running back? Point is, if either LeShoure or Ingram fall to the Cardinals in the beginning of the second round, the Cardinals should snag them up in a heart beat.

Cardinal's Needs:

- Offensive Lineman

Essentially every bad team's needs offensive lineman

- Linebacker

- Defensive Lineman

Arizona needs someone, anyone to help out Dockett

2011 Draft Special: Pick #4- Cincinnati Bengals

After three posts of essentially saying the same thing (The QB, RB, and WR are good and everything else is crap) I can finally say something new. The Bungels (not a spelling error) quarterback sucks. I used to love Carson Palmer and who couldn't? His first four years in the league were really good. But then, on January 8th 2006, in a playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, defensive tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen tackled Palmer and tore up the quarterback's knee. Since that injury Palmer has not been the same player. It's a sad story to report upon, but I think Carson Palmer is done as a starter.

Now I will say there is some doubt in the back of my mind if he truly is done as a starter. In the Bengals last two games, games played without Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens (as well as in Week 15 a game played without T.O.) Palmer looked really good. Watching Palmer play throughout the 2010 season he just looked bad so I tend to think his games towards the end of the year were just outliers. However, there is some reason to believe that Palmer performed so well was because of the Eli Manning Effect. (In 2006, after Manning lost all of the "Me. Me. Me." pieces on his offense like Tiki Barber and Jeremy Shockey he had one of his best seasons ever and won a Superbowl).

However, I discount the Eli Manning Effect for many reasons: 1) Palmer looked amazing when he had Chad Ochocinco (then Johnson) before his injury so why would that dynamic and chemistry change if Palmer is fully over his injury? 2) I don't think Ochocinco is actually a "Me. Me. Me." guy- I think fans and the media confuse him for one because he's outspoken 3) Palmer to T.O. looked pretty darn good in 2010.

Like with the vast majority of struggling offenses, the problems can be traced back to the offensive line. In 2010, Cincinnati had great play out of their left tackle but below average play out of their other four lineman. Cedric Benson has proven to be a very good back and the team has Bernard Scott waiting in the wings so they're set at running back. An underlooked position (especially from me in these posts) have been the tight end position and the Bengals have a darn good and young one in Jermaine Gresham. I think Ochocinco has worn out his welcome in Cincy and there is no way T.O. stays for another year. However, the Bengals have good youngster and my boy Jordan Shipley for their possession guy and a halfway decent crop around him in Jerome Simpson and bug-eyed Andre Caldwell.

Now let's turn to the defense. Cornerback Jonathan Joseph is a free agent but if he stays, him and Leon Hall is one of the best cornerback tandems in the league. Cincy also drafted USC middle linebacker Ray Maualuaga to sure up the middle of their defense a few years back. However, for the past two years, Cincinnati has had below average run blocking and bad pass blocking efforts from their defensive line. When you run a 4-3 scheme (or really ANY scheme for that matter, but especially with the 4-3 base) and have bad play up front then it's hard to win games because you're not putting any pressure on the quarterback which in turn will allow the opposing quarterback to torch your defense.

According to Scouts Inc (and the three teams that have already "drafted") there are two top tiered talent left- wide receiver A.J. Green from Georgia and outside linebacker Von Miller from Texas A&M. Todd McShay has them both ranked as 97. However, just a notch below these players, ranked 96 is Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert and Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

Recently, Carson Palmer has made noise that he wants his team to trade him otherwise he'll retire, but the team refuses to because they think he's still their franchise quarterback. (And if the negotiations with Chad Ochocinco showed, the Bengals organization has no problem playing chicken with their players). I personally think Palmer is done and Cincy should trade him. There are plenty of teams (Arizona, Minnesota, Seattle, San Fransisco, Tennessee just to name a few) that would be more than willing to pay top dollar to get Palmer. Hell, Seattle gave up a first round pick for Deion Branch and Dallas gave up two first round picks for wide receiver Roy Williams. If I was Cincinnati's GM I would flip Palmer for draft picks, draft Gabbert, and use the extra picks to address the other, many needs my teams has.

However, I think Palmer stays and I think this team truly believes he is not done. If that's the case, then this team should draft A.J. Green. Green is 6'4" and looks like Calvin Johnson-lite. His height already puts him about a head taller than most cornerbacks and look how amazing Megatron has looked in Detroit. If Palmer truly is not done then a tandem of Green and Jordan Shipley could be the next Randy Moss/ Wes Welker (a la 2007 Patriots, not 2010 Patriots). Even if this organization does not trade Palmer, they should at least trade Ochocinco and let Palmer run his team they way he wants to.

Bengals's Needs:

- Defensive Lineman

The team has average to above talent behind the defensive line so an improved defensive line will make the entire defense better

-Offensive Lineman

If Palmer is truly back to being elite then he can throw it quickly to make up for an average line. But if Palmer is not, then a better line is needed to make up for his lack of mobility and accuracy (or to help any QB under center for the Bungels).

Sports: A Game Of Inches

2011 Draft Special: Pick #21- Kansas City Chiefs

2011 Draft Special: Pick #20- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2011 Draft Special: Pick #19- New York Giants

2011 Draft Special: Pick #18- San Diego Chargers

2011 Draft Special: Pick #17- New England Patriots

2011 Draft Special: Pick #16- Jacksonville Jaguars

2011 Draft Special: Pick #15- Miami Dolphins

2011 Draft Special: Pick #14- St. Louis Rams

2011 Draft Special: Pick #13- Detroit Lions

2011 Draft Special: Pick #12- Minnesota Vikings

2011 Draft Special: Pick #11- Houston Texans

2011 Draft Special: Pick #10- Washington Redskins

2011 Draft Special: Pick #9- Dallas Cowboys

2011 Draft Special: Pick #8- Tennessee Titans

2011 Draft Special: Pick #7- San Francisco 49ers

2011 Draft Special: Pick #6- Cleveland Browns

2011 Draft Special: Pick #5- Arizona Cardinals

2011 Draft Special: Pick #4- Cincinnati Bengals

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