(Guy on the Left: Who did we draft? Guy on the Right: Who gives a shit?)Well the first two rounds of the NFL draft are over. There really wasn't a big shock in the first round. The Raiders choice of Darrius Heyward-Bey is just the Raiders going Raiders. Other than that pick nothing was really surprising.
Crabtree falling to the 49ers at the 10Th pick, wasn't surprising. Besides the Raiders, the other teams in the top 10 weren't in the need for a receiver. Let's break down the rest of the draft.
1. Detroit, Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia: This pick was made the night before the draft. Lions fans weren't really happy with the choice, but they will have to live with it. I am not the biggest Stafford fan, but he does have the size and the arm. If Jim Schwartz is the right coach, Stafford should be fine.
2. St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The Rams needed a tackle to replace Orlando Pace. Smith is the right choice. He doesn't have the character issues like Andre Smith and he fits the mold of a typical offensive tackle. The Lions should have chosen him.
3. Kansas City, Tyson Jackson, DL, LSU: Jackson shot up the draft board in the last days leading up to the draft. The Chiefs choice of Glenn Dorsey didn't really work out last year. And they choose another LSU tackle? A curious move to say the least.
4. Seattle, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest: This move was quite puzzling. Seattle isn't in need of an linebacker but they choose one anyways. I do think Curry is the only can't miss of the entire draft.
5. New York Jets from Cleveland, Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: The Jets traded up to take Sanchez. I like Sanchez more than I like Stafford. He won't drive you crazy with the type of throws he makes. Questions surrounding Sanchez is. Is he a one year wonder? And he was hurt often in college, how will he hold up in the NFL?
6. Cincinnati, Andre Smith, OL, Alabama: He is perfect fit for the Bengals. Has character issues and he is over weight. What could go wrong with this pick? Kiper said Nick Saban saved his ass by making phone calls after the NFL combine debacle.
7. Oakland, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Here are some quotes from McShay after Goodell announced this pick. “I’m shocked. Shocked.” He also added this: “This has bust written all over it.” He is perfect for the Raiders. He is fast and he can't catch a single ball. Yep, he has bust written all over him.
8. Jacksonville, Eugene Monroe, OL, Virginia: Monroe will definitely give Gerrard the protection he needed. He will also provide run blocking for MJD. A very good pick for the Jags who keep improving their offensive line that was hammered last year with injuries.
9. Green Bay, B.J. Raji, DL, Boston College: A perfect fit for Green Bay. He is a nice space-eater for a week front seven. His play will be appreciated in Green Bay.
10. San Francisco, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: When the Raiders passed over Crabtree, ESPN showed the Crabtree table giving a sign of relief. Anyways the 49ers finally chose the best player available, instead of drafting for need. He will go along great with Brandon Jones, Isaac Bruce, Arnez Battle, and Josh Morgan. I was really satisfied with this pick.
11. Buffalo, Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St: The Bills needed either a offensive tackle or a pass rusher. So they went for a pass rusher. The Bills have had bad luck choosing defensive lineman lately, so good luck to Aaron Maybin.
12. Denver, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: Philly fans were upset that Moreno went to the Broncos. Denver really didn't need a running back, so they choose one. I guess Josh McDaniels doesn't want to play musical chairs with his running backs like previous coach Mike Shanahan did.
13. Washington, Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: The Redskins finally made a choice that you cannot question. Orakpo will make them forget about the failed Jason Taylor experiment. Just a good choice overall.
14. New Orleans, Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio St: The Saints have needed a defensive back for a long time. And Jenkins fits the mold they were looking for. He has the toughness and speed to develop into a great corner. Might even be switched to safety.
15. Houston, Brian Cushing, LB, USC: Cushing is a great run defender. He is also one of the biggest hitters in the draft. His only problem is that he might get exposed in pass coverage which is one of his disadvantages.
16. San Diego, Larry English, LB, N. Illinois: Another reach, but he is a great football player. He isn't an athlete but he a relentless pass-rusher. The Chargers must want to develop English so they don't have to sign Shawne Merriman in a couple of years.
17. Tampa Bay from Cleveland, Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: New Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris coached Freeman in college. Freeman could be a boom or a bust. He has the size and the strength you look for in an NFL quarterback. But there has been some concerns that he doesn't know how to read an NFL defense. That would be a big concern in my book.
18. Denver, Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: The Broncos needed to draft for defense and they did when they chose Ayers. He has the size to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is an excellent pass-rusher, which is what Denver needed.
19. Philadelphia from Cleveland, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin was kind of an surprise pick for the Eagles, but a good pick. Maclin needs to improve his route running but he is one of the best open-field runners in the draft.
20. Detroit, Brando Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St: The Lions got a great blocking tight end who has the size to block defensive ends. He is also a great possession receiver which the Lions needed badly.
21. Cleveland, Alex Mack, Center, Cal: Cleveland finally made a choice after trading down three times. Mack is a great all-around blocker. I watched his entire career at Cal and no one works harder than him. He has excellent foot work and uses his hands tremendously.
22. Minnesota, Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Minnesota must like troubled wide receivers. Because this is the second time the Vikings have chosen one in the draft in the last 10 years. Harvin is a great athlete who needs to work on his route running. This pick could be a risky one.
23. Baltimore from New England, Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss: Oher, who was the subject of a great book, fell kind of low in the draft. While he has the size to be an NFL offensive lineman and the footwork, he has problems picking up a new offense. He might need to sit on the sidelines at first.
24. Altanta, Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss: He has problems working against double-teams, but he can get in the backfield and disrupt a running play. He will need to work on his lower-body strength.
25. Miami, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Probably the best all-around corner in the league. Like his brother Vernon though, he has poor work ethics. If he has the same attitude as Vernon, he will be a bust.
26. Green Bay from New England, Clay Matthews, LB, USC: He has the pedigree to play in the NFL. He is also a great run-defender which was an weakness in Green Bay.
27. Indianapolis, Donald Brown, RB, UConn: I was surprised Indy made this choice but they went after the best available instead of need. Brown does read his blocks well, which will take him a long way in the NFL.
28. Buffalo, Eric Wood, Center, Lousiville: I would have chosen Max Unger, but this is a good pick. He has trouble moving sideline-to-sideline , but he has good footwork.
29. NY Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC: The Giants needed a tall receiver and they got one. He doesn't have great quickness but he can catch almost everything thrown his way.
30. Tennessee, Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Might need time to develop, but could become real effective. He has very deceptive speed and hands.
31. Arizona, Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St: The Cardinals needed a running back and they got one. There is still questions surrounding Wells' foot injury but he has rare speed and size for a running back.
32. Pittsburgh, Ziggy Hood, DL, Missouri: I have no idea who this is, but since Pittsburgh selected him I am sure he will be a first round steal.
Surprise of the Day: Rey Maualuga fell out of the first round and into the second round. There were some character issues surrounding Maualuga coming into the draft which might have hindered his selection. And since Maualuga has character issues, guess what team he went to? That's right Cincinnati!
Only the Raiders: The Raiders reach at number seven for receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Todd McShay said the Raiders made a big mistake, which makes perfect sense for the Raiders and Al Davis. Al has always liked guys who can run fast and have hands of granite.
Crabtree falling to the 49ers at the 10Th pick, wasn't surprising. Besides the Raiders, the other teams in the top 10 weren't in the need for a receiver. Let's break down the rest of the draft.
1. Detroit, Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia: This pick was made the night before the draft. Lions fans weren't really happy with the choice, but they will have to live with it. I am not the biggest Stafford fan, but he does have the size and the arm. If Jim Schwartz is the right coach, Stafford should be fine.
2. St. Louis, Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The Rams needed a tackle to replace Orlando Pace. Smith is the right choice. He doesn't have the character issues like Andre Smith and he fits the mold of a typical offensive tackle. The Lions should have chosen him.
3. Kansas City, Tyson Jackson, DL, LSU: Jackson shot up the draft board in the last days leading up to the draft. The Chiefs choice of Glenn Dorsey didn't really work out last year. And they choose another LSU tackle? A curious move to say the least.
4. Seattle, Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest: This move was quite puzzling. Seattle isn't in need of an linebacker but they choose one anyways. I do think Curry is the only can't miss of the entire draft.
5. New York Jets from Cleveland, Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: The Jets traded up to take Sanchez. I like Sanchez more than I like Stafford. He won't drive you crazy with the type of throws he makes. Questions surrounding Sanchez is. Is he a one year wonder? And he was hurt often in college, how will he hold up in the NFL?
6. Cincinnati, Andre Smith, OL, Alabama: He is perfect fit for the Bengals. Has character issues and he is over weight. What could go wrong with this pick? Kiper said Nick Saban saved his ass by making phone calls after the NFL combine debacle.
7. Oakland, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Here are some quotes from McShay after Goodell announced this pick. “I’m shocked. Shocked.” He also added this: “This has bust written all over it.” He is perfect for the Raiders. He is fast and he can't catch a single ball. Yep, he has bust written all over him.
8. Jacksonville, Eugene Monroe, OL, Virginia: Monroe will definitely give Gerrard the protection he needed. He will also provide run blocking for MJD. A very good pick for the Jags who keep improving their offensive line that was hammered last year with injuries.
9. Green Bay, B.J. Raji, DL, Boston College: A perfect fit for Green Bay. He is a nice space-eater for a week front seven. His play will be appreciated in Green Bay.
10. San Francisco, Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: When the Raiders passed over Crabtree, ESPN showed the Crabtree table giving a sign of relief. Anyways the 49ers finally chose the best player available, instead of drafting for need. He will go along great with Brandon Jones, Isaac Bruce, Arnez Battle, and Josh Morgan. I was really satisfied with this pick.
11. Buffalo, Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St: The Bills needed either a offensive tackle or a pass rusher. So they went for a pass rusher. The Bills have had bad luck choosing defensive lineman lately, so good luck to Aaron Maybin.
12. Denver, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: Philly fans were upset that Moreno went to the Broncos. Denver really didn't need a running back, so they choose one. I guess Josh McDaniels doesn't want to play musical chairs with his running backs like previous coach Mike Shanahan did.
13. Washington, Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: The Redskins finally made a choice that you cannot question. Orakpo will make them forget about the failed Jason Taylor experiment. Just a good choice overall.
14. New Orleans, Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio St: The Saints have needed a defensive back for a long time. And Jenkins fits the mold they were looking for. He has the toughness and speed to develop into a great corner. Might even be switched to safety.
15. Houston, Brian Cushing, LB, USC: Cushing is a great run defender. He is also one of the biggest hitters in the draft. His only problem is that he might get exposed in pass coverage which is one of his disadvantages.
16. San Diego, Larry English, LB, N. Illinois: Another reach, but he is a great football player. He isn't an athlete but he a relentless pass-rusher. The Chargers must want to develop English so they don't have to sign Shawne Merriman in a couple of years.
17. Tampa Bay from Cleveland, Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: New Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris coached Freeman in college. Freeman could be a boom or a bust. He has the size and the strength you look for in an NFL quarterback. But there has been some concerns that he doesn't know how to read an NFL defense. That would be a big concern in my book.
18. Denver, Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: The Broncos needed to draft for defense and they did when they chose Ayers. He has the size to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He is an excellent pass-rusher, which is what Denver needed.
19. Philadelphia from Cleveland, Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin was kind of an surprise pick for the Eagles, but a good pick. Maclin needs to improve his route running but he is one of the best open-field runners in the draft.
20. Detroit, Brando Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St: The Lions got a great blocking tight end who has the size to block defensive ends. He is also a great possession receiver which the Lions needed badly.
21. Cleveland, Alex Mack, Center, Cal: Cleveland finally made a choice after trading down three times. Mack is a great all-around blocker. I watched his entire career at Cal and no one works harder than him. He has excellent foot work and uses his hands tremendously.
22. Minnesota, Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Minnesota must like troubled wide receivers. Because this is the second time the Vikings have chosen one in the draft in the last 10 years. Harvin is a great athlete who needs to work on his route running. This pick could be a risky one.
23. Baltimore from New England, Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss: Oher, who was the subject of a great book, fell kind of low in the draft. While he has the size to be an NFL offensive lineman and the footwork, he has problems picking up a new offense. He might need to sit on the sidelines at first.
24. Altanta, Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss: He has problems working against double-teams, but he can get in the backfield and disrupt a running play. He will need to work on his lower-body strength.
25. Miami, Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Probably the best all-around corner in the league. Like his brother Vernon though, he has poor work ethics. If he has the same attitude as Vernon, he will be a bust.
26. Green Bay from New England, Clay Matthews, LB, USC: He has the pedigree to play in the NFL. He is also a great run-defender which was an weakness in Green Bay.
27. Indianapolis, Donald Brown, RB, UConn: I was surprised Indy made this choice but they went after the best available instead of need. Brown does read his blocks well, which will take him a long way in the NFL.
28. Buffalo, Eric Wood, Center, Lousiville: I would have chosen Max Unger, but this is a good pick. He has trouble moving sideline-to-sideline , but he has good footwork.
29. NY Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC: The Giants needed a tall receiver and they got one. He doesn't have great quickness but he can catch almost everything thrown his way.
30. Tennessee, Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Might need time to develop, but could become real effective. He has very deceptive speed and hands.
31. Arizona, Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St: The Cardinals needed a running back and they got one. There is still questions surrounding Wells' foot injury but he has rare speed and size for a running back.
32. Pittsburgh, Ziggy Hood, DL, Missouri: I have no idea who this is, but since Pittsburgh selected him I am sure he will be a first round steal.
Surprise of the Day: Rey Maualuga fell out of the first round and into the second round. There were some character issues surrounding Maualuga coming into the draft which might have hindered his selection. And since Maualuga has character issues, guess what team he went to? That's right Cincinnati!
Only the Raiders: The Raiders reach at number seven for receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. Todd McShay said the Raiders made a big mistake, which makes perfect sense for the Raiders and Al Davis. Al has always liked guys who can run fast and have hands of granite.
Only the Raiders, Part 2: How Raiders is this selection. In the 2nd round the Oakland Raiders selected Mike Mitchell from Ohio. And I am sure you are asking yourselves, who? He is a defensive back from Ohio who wasn't even invited to the combine. Mel Kiper was speechless after this selection. Of course the only reason the Raiders selected this guy is because he ran fast. Once again, how Raiders is this selection?
Day two of the draft is wear all the steals occur. You never know when a team is going to select the next Joe Montana or Tom Brady. It should be fun.
Day two of the draft is wear all the steals occur. You never know when a team is going to select the next Joe Montana or Tom Brady. It should be fun.
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