Ever since the conclusion of the Super Bowl, draft geeks across the country have been offering up new mock drafts, almost on a daily basis. Some folks go as far as predicting all seven rounds of the draft. In this day and age where every occupation and C-list celebrities have reality shows detailing every mundane issue surrounding their existence, I'm surprised that ESPN, Spike TV or Versus hasn't come up with a reality show based on the lives of NFL draft geeks. I mean after all, ESPN is the network which brought us such scintillating programming such as Madden Nation, championship dominoes and competitive cup stacking.
I will state outright that I don't know the 40 time for the starting 3rd wide receiver from middle western Tennessee State community college, but I am a fan of the game and will offer up my predictions of how I feel the first ten picks of the draft will shake out.
1. Miami Mullets- This team needs so much help and the Big Tuna loves to build through the draft. Jerry Jones really wants to go back to his Arkansas roots and highly covets Darren McFadden. I see the Miami/Dallas connection continuing on draft day with a blockbuster trade for the #1 overall pick. Dallas sends both first round selections and their second round selection this year plus next years first and third round picks for the right to chose Darren McFadden, RB Arkansas
2. St Louis Ewes- Orlando Pace is starting to wear down and the Ewes can't pass up an offensive line talent such as Jake Long, OT, Michigan.
3. Atlanta Songbirds- A Falcon is a bird of prey, something which strikes fear in the heart of whatever it's chasing. This team is in need of so much help, and it starts with the field general position, quarterback. Really, does the roster of Chris Redman, Joey Harrington and DJ Shockley really instill fear in a defense? Sure they signed Michael Turner in free agency, but if you can't throw, defenses will simply put 8 in the box and stuff the run. Atlanta selects Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College. They consider drafting Chris Long, Howie Long's son, but opt for the QB instead.
4. Oakland- Once one of the proudest franchises in the NFL, the holder of the best winning percentage on Monday Night Football, and now the team with the least amount of wins since their drubbing (by the Bucs) in Super Bowl XXXVII. The Raiders have spent an obscene amount of money this free agency period both on questionable players and questionable contracts. In my opinion Al Davis is realizing his window of seeing this once proud team return to it's glory days are closing so the money flows. I project the Raiders will take Vernon Gholsten DE/LB from THE Ohio State University with this pick. Gholsten has been moving up the draft charts of late, and I think he has a great NFL career ahead of him. Howie Long's son, Chris could go here, but Gholsten's stock is sky rocketing.
5. Kansas City Chefs- Herm Edwards is on the hot seat. Edwards stated yesterday that he believed the Buccaneers had tampered with C Jeff Faine on the night of the opening of the free agency period. Herm must have a short memory. He should only think back to when he was the head coach under contract with the New York, J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets. The whole arrangement which brought him to KC, screamed tampering. Herm was supposed to be the second coming of Tony Dungy, but after 7 years as head coach, has done nothing more than compile a 52-60 overall record and 2-4 playoff record, never advancing to more than a divisional playoff game.
KC has seemingly had defensive issues for the past decade, and last year was no different. KC selects, Chris Long, DL, Virginia.
6. NY Jets,Jets,Jets- This team has long been known for it's draft day blunders. Perhaps, such as selecting Ken O'Brien over Dan Marino. (How'd that work out for you?) The Jets always draft unconventionally and this year is no different, however, I believe they will select a true playmaker. It's a stretch at the #6 spot but the Jets select, Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, DB, Tennessee State.
7. New England Polaroids- Ageing defense, especially at linebacker (don't we seem to say that every year?) and some losses in the secondary. New England selects Mike Jenkins, CB,USF, a physical corner with great speed in the return game as well.
8. Edgar Allan Poe's Ravens- Brian Billick out, John Harbaugh in. QB depth chart looks like Steve McNair, Kyle Boller and Troy Smith. Troy Smith, the OSU QB was an undrafted free agent in training camp and started the final two games. McNair was showing his age and Boller has been the classic underachiever for his career so far. Baltimore will select, QB Brian Brohm, Louisville.
9. The Cincinnati 'work release' Bengals- You've really got to feel sorry for Marvin Lewis. The Bengal organization has been in turmoil for over two years now. If the players aren't getting arrested, they are mouthing off as to how unhappy they are with the direction the team is taking. Ocho Cinco, Chad Johnson, sits out all offseason workouts prior to the draft and continues to make noise about being traded. On draft day, the Bengals trade Johnson to the Buccaneers for a 4th round pick and then draft WR Limas Sweed from Texas.
10. New Orleans Saints- This past week, reports surfaced that RB Deuce McAllister might not be ready to play next season. The free agency period saw the Saints re-sign back-up Aaron Stecker, and Reggie Bush has not shown he can be an every down back in the NFL. The loss of McAllister last season helped to accelerate the demise of the Saints. Saints select Jonathan Stewart, RB Oregon.
This years biggest loser in free fall- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU, on reports of leg and knee issues.
This years biggest winner- Dominique Rogers-Cromartie-DB, Tennessee St.
As we get closer to the draft, I'll submit my picks for the Bucs, and the direction I feel that they will be headed.
This offseason the transition without football has been painful but not as much as past years. The NFL Network is replaying each week of the regular season by highlighting 3 of the best games of each week. These games are condensed and you get to watch them all in 1 1/2 hours. A little salvation in an otherwise arduous offseason.
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