Detroit Lions

Neophyte · Status: Offline

RE: Kiper thinks the Skins want Sanchez

Om · Status: Offline

Tragically, I can't even argue against that take with a straight face.

PennSkinsFan · Status: Offline

KB24 wrote:

Let's see.... we have an aging, injury-prone offensive line. We have no consistent pass-rusher at the defensive end spot. We don't have a "proven" strong-side linebacker. I GOT IT! LET'S DRAFT A QUARTERBACK WITH OUR ONLY PICK UNTIL ROUND FIVE! BRILLIANT!
At this rate, we'll be lucky to field a JV team come September.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Now the report comes out form JLC that Seattle will likely command 2 first rounders. Two first rounders for a QB who is not a sure thing, especially given, not just the Redskins have NEEDS, BUT DESPERATE NEEDS!

Om · Status: Offline

At the risk of being hit my flying tomatos ... this isn't just another player, this is the potential franchise quarterback we're talking about. Would anyone seriously balk at the idea of giving up two #1's for Tom Brady or Peyton Manning in their prime?

Not saying I favor the Redskins doing it, but to me it isn't a question of whether or not you make the move, even at that cost, but a matter of whether the team believes Sanchez is that kind of player.

-- Edited by Om on Thursday 16th of April 2009 04:16:12 PM

Aston · Status: Offline

PennSkinsFan wrote:
Ding! Ding! Ding!

Now the report comes out form JLC that Seattle will likely command 2 first rounders. Two first rounders for a QB who is not a sure thing, especially given, not just the Redskins have NEEDS, BUT DESPERATE NEEDS!

So. What's everyone's definition of "sane"?

Seems a bit steep for me, especially if we can land Orakpo.

That said, if that second first rounder was in the 30's, thumbsup

.

-- Edited by Aston on Thursday 16th of April 2009 04:19:46 PM

Neophyte · Status: Offline

Om wrote:

At the risk of being hit my flying tomatos ... this isn't just another player, this is the potential franchise quarterback we're talking about. Would anyone seriously balk at the idea of giving up two #1's for Tom Brady or Peyton Manning in their prime?

Not saying I favor the Redskins doing it, but to me it isn't a question of whether or not you make the move, even at that cost, but a matter of whether the team believes Sanchez is that kind of player.

-- Edited by Om on Thursday 16th of April 2009 04:16:12 PM

If he is all that and a bag of chips, I would love it. No question.

Now I would ask you to substitute the name "Vinny" for the noun "team" in your last sentence above. How comfortable are you with him making that judgment?

Om · Status: Offline

On his own, not very. In concert with Jim Zorn, a professional scouting staff and the reflections of the NFL evaluation machine ... still willing to believe.

Whiskeypeet · Status: Offline

Mcshay's latest still has Ayers as the pick. I'd love to see them take a shot at Brown.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=4054682

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Top three needs: QB, LOT, DE
Stafford is the very clear choice for Detroit. Among the three players the Lions have said they are negotiating with, Stafford is at the top, Jason Smith would be the next choice if negotiations with Stafford break down, and Curry is a long shot. The Lions definitely want a deal in place with the top pick before the draft, and they definitely hope it's with Stafford.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

Top three needs: OT, WR, MLB
Smith has the athleticism and tenacity of a premiere starting left tackle, which is priority No. 1 for St. Louis after it parted ways with Orlando Pace during the offseason. If Smith is on the board, it's hard to imagine the Rams going in any other direction.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Top three needs: Rush LB, DT, 3-4 DL
Here's where it starts to get interesting. This pick is suddenly much more valuable given the fact that Sanchez is projected to come off the board at No. 4, but it remains to be seen whether any team will pay the huge price it would take to get ahead of Seattle. Curry is without question the best available player, but does he fit what the Chiefs are looking to do defensively as they move to a 3-4 look? I think Curry is just as valuable inside in a 3-4 as he is outside in a 4-3, but the one thing they don't get for certain is an impact pass-rusher off the edge. I think Kansas City goes with Curry, but if the Chiefs go in a different direction it will likely be OT Eugene Monroe.

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Top three needs: OLB, OT, S
The Seahawks are clearly looking for the heir apparent to current starter Matt Hasselbeck, who has dealt with nagging injuries recently but likely has two or three more years in him. There are also questions about stud LT Walter Jones, who is coming off a serious knee injury, but selecting Sanchez will allow Seattle to eventually hand the reins from one franchise quarterback to another.

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Top three needs: OLB, WR, CB
With rumors of the Browns trading Braylon Edwards to the Giants picking up steam, it's looking more and more like they will use this pick on the premier playmaking wideout in this draft. I'm not a huge fan of spending a top-five pick on a wide receiver, but Crabtree certainly appears to be the real deal. If the trade doesn't go through or they decide to go in a different direction, look for the Browns to target an edge rusher like Brian Orakpo.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Top three needs: OT, C, RB
Monroe is the best pure pass-blocker in the draft and he makes sense for a team that has had trouble staying healthy up front and has invested significant money in QB Carson Palmer.

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Top three needs: OT, WR, DT
There's a lot of talk about Smith falling because of the debacle he made of the pre-draft process, but when all is said and done, he's one of top three offensive tackles and there are too many teams in the top 10 searching for his kind of talent for him to fall very far.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Top three needs: WR, CB, DT
The Jaguars had hoped to shop this pick to teams coveting Sanchez but that plan appears to be shot. However, in this scenario they are now able to fill their biggest need with one of the fastest, most explosive players in the draft. Maclin is a bit raw as a receiver but his speed is impressive and he can also contribute in the return game.

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Top three needs: 3-4 OLB, 3-4 DL, OT
Raji is the best player on the board at this point and would provide the Packers with a stout nose tackle in their new 3-4 defense. He has the size and strength to anchor against double-teams in the running game and the burst and quickness to collapse the pocket and get to the quarterback as a pass-rusher.

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

Top three needs: ROT, QB, S
Orakpo makes sense in this scenario because of his ability to provide pressure off the edge. I'm not convinced Orakpo is an ideal fit as a 3-4 OLB because he's a little stiff in his coverage drops, but he does have experience in that role and the 49ers could likely tailor a role for Orakpo that makes getting after the quarterback his primary goal.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Top three needs: Rush DE, C/G, TE
The Bills' biggest need could be getting some help on the interior offensive line, but they are obviously not drafting a center or guard here. That's why I think they'll take advantage of the strong class of perimeter pass-rushers and take Maybin, who I believe is the best hybrid DE/OLB in the '09 class. He needs time to develop bulk and strength, but nobody has a quicker first step getting after the quarterback.

12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Top three needs: QB, NT, 3-4 DE
The interesting thing with Denver is that on paper, the Broncos need a quarterback. But even if Sanchez were to fall to the Broncos here I don't expect them to pull the trigger. This pick is all about the D-line for the Broncos. If Raji somehow slips, they'll cash in and grab him. If not, Denver will take the best five-technique DE (interior DE in a 3-4) in this year's class.

13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Top three needs: DE, ROT, strong side LB
There are three angles with the Redskins and this pick. One, if Sanchez falls, they take him. Two, they could mortgage their future and send draft picks to move up to take Sanchez. I'm not convinced they'll do it, but it certainly wouldn't be against Dan Snyder's style. Third, assuming Sanchez is gone, they go either with an offensive tackle or a defensive end. In this case, Ayers is the best value on the board between those two positions, and his combination of power and quickness would give the Redskins versatility at the position opposite Andre Carter.

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State

Top three needs: OLB, FS, RB
Defense is where New Orleans needs the most upgrades, but there's a lot of buzz about the Saints taking Wells, whose downhill, powerful running style would be an ideal complement to the more versatile and explosive Reggie Bush.

15. Houston Texans (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Top three needs: SS, NT, rush DE
There's a high-percentage chance that Houston could trade back. This could be where a team like Philadelphia moves up for an offensive tackle. However, if the Texans get stuck here, there's no one available to address their top needs -- strong safety and nose tackle -- and Cushing is the best fit because Houston would give DeMeco Ryans a partner in crime against the run at the strongside linebacker.

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Top three needs: ROT, RG, SS
This is a luxury pick for the Chargers, and they certainly can use another playmaking presence in the secondary. Jenkins could serve a versatile role as a subpackage corner and ball-hawking safety next to Eric Weddle. He doesn't fit San Diego's top need of a right tackle, but Jenkins is a far better prospect than any tackle left on the board.

For the complete first-round projection, including what the Broncos do with the first-round pick they received from the Bears and what the Jets might do if they are unable to trade up, become an Insider today.

17. New York Jets (9-7): Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Top three needs: QB, WR, TE
I would love to see the Jets package picks and move up for Sanchez. It would be the right move for the organization, but the price will be very steep if New York moves into the top three. If the Jets are stuck here they would be smart to pass on QB Josh Freeman as well and go with a much-needed playmaker in the passing game. Heyward-Bey still has some developing to do, but he was the fastest player at the combine and can certainly stretch the field immediately.

18. Denver Broncos (from 9-7 CHI) (8-8): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Top three needs: QB, NT, 3-4 DE
The Broncos will look to continue to upgrade their defensive front seven with this pick, and Brown could help fill out the rotation of perimeter pass-rushers. The wild card here could be a running back. If Beanie Wells starts to fall, the Broncos could look to take advantage and snag the Ohio State running back because he's a perfect fit for Denver's zone-blocking scheme.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Top three needs: QB, DT, OLB
We still can't rule out Freeman here, but with so many other needs, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to reach for Freeman after signing Byron Leftwich to be the starter. Here's the interesting part -- Jerry is worth the pick from a pure value standpoint, but Tampa Bay is also trying to get bigger and stronger along the defensive front and Jerry might not be exactly what the Bucs are looking for now. Jerry fits the old system in Tampa Bay a little bit better than the new system, but he's far and away the best DT on the board. Another possibility here, if the Bucs pass on Jerry, could be OLB Clay Matthews.

20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) (0-16): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Top three needs: QB, LOT, DE
Detroit hopes it took care of its long-standing need for a quarterback with Stafford with its first pick. Now the Lions need to protect him. Oher has the physical tools, if developed properly, to emerge as a very good starting left tackle. Detroit could then move Jeff Backus to guard and really beef up its offensive line with this pick.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Top three needs: OT, WR, RB
The Eagles can go three directions with these two picks: Offensive tackle seems to be priority No. 1, followed by running back and tight end. Thing is, Moreno is just such a better value that he could make them skip over OT here. Moreno's versatility makes him a good fit in Philly as the short-term complement to Brian Westbrook and long-term replacement for him.

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Top three needs: QB, ROT, C
The Vikings would have to consider Freeman, but I'm just not sure he provides the upgrade they are looking for as a team that has a chance to win now. Freeman is at least two years away from playing at a good NFL starting QB level. I think the Vikings' philosophy is to take the best available player on the board; at this point, the juice is worth the squeeze with Harvin, who could be a dynamic presence on offense and in the return game.

23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

Top three needs: OLB, strongside ILB, CB
If Jenkins falls, don't be surprised to see the Patriots take advantage of that and select him. His versatility fits perfectly in New England. But if he's not there, Matthews has Patriots written all over him. Matthews' best football is still ahead of him, he has great NFL bloodlines, he can play multiple roles on defense, and he will be a special-teams demon from day one.

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Top three needs: DT/NT, OLB, S
Atlanta really wants to target defense with this draft, but there isn't a player close to Pettigrew's value at this point. Assuming the Falcons don't bring in a veteran between now and the draft, they have to go with the only first-round TE in this year's class if he's available.

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Top three needs: CB, WR, NT
It will be interesting to see if Bill Parcells drafts an offensive skill player, which traditionally has not been his style. There is no arguing Miami's need for a wideout opposite Ted Ginn Jr., and Britt is climbing up a lot of draft boards with his combination of size, strong hands and better-than-expected top-end speed.

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Top three needs: WR, CB, ILB
Pettigrew and Britt would be perfect fits in Baltimore, but with them gone in this scenario, Maualuga becomes a great fallback plan. His lack of discipline is concerning, but what better way to start his NFL career than to play alongside Ray Lewis, who could help hone Maualuga's recognition skills and maximize his elite physical tools.

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

Top three needs: DT, WR, OLB
The Colts are most likely to use this pick on a defensive tackle or wide receiver. WR Hakeem Nicks is worth the pick, but he might not have the type of speed that Indy looks for in its pass-catchers. If that's the case, Hood may be a bit of a reach for some teams, but his one-gap skills and quick first step make him more valuable for the Colts.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

Top three needs: OT, WR, RB
After locking in Moreno at No. 21, the Eagles can use this pick to take the best available offensive tackle. Britton has the size and good feet to fit well in Andy Reid's system.

29. New York Giants (12-4): Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Top three needs: WR, strongside LB, OT
There's a lot of speculation about Braylon Edwards being traded to the Giants, which would cost New York this pick. But there hasn't been a deal yet, and if the Giants hold on to this pick and don't bring in a veteran, Nicks is a no-brainer. He's big, has exceptional hand-eye coordination and is ready to contribute for Eli Manning right now.

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Top three needs: WR, DT, MLB
Tennessee's biggest need is at wide receiver, but that's been the Titans' biggest need for the past half-dozen years and they haven't used a first-round pick on a receiver yet, so why start now? Davis is a top-15 talent who, due to questionable work habits and some inconsistency, could fall this far and become a steal for the Titans.

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Top three needs: RB, OLB, LOT
Brown lacks exceptional breakaway speed, but he's instinctive, tough and versatile enough to contribute on all three downs in the NFL right now. Arizona doesn't have to take a running back here, but it would be wise to take advantage of Brown being there, especially with an aging Edgerrin James and a still-unproven Tim Hightower as the only two backs on the roster.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Max Unger, C, Oregon

Top three needs: OT, CB, 3-4 DE
Cornerback could be a possibility here, and Alphonso Smith, despite his lack of ideal size and top-end speed, has the playmaking skills and toughness to fit well in Pittsburgh. But this is the time for the Steelers to develop young talent along the offensive line, and Unger's size, strength and versatility are better-suited for what Pittsburgh looks for in an offensive lineman and give him a slight edge over Alex Mack and Eric Wood.

-- Edited by Whiskeypeet on Thursday 16th of April 2009 11:14:22 PM

Neophyte · Status: Offline

The idea of Ayers is growing on me. Seriously growing on me. I think I would love to see what this team could do with a truly dominate, game changing defense. Not sure we can do it without a true SAM but I think the odds of making due with lesser talent in the LB corps with great players on the line go up. I also think we have tried it with lesser line talent and greater LB talent and been good but not dominate.

-- Edited by Neophyte on Thursday 16th of April 2009 11:43:12 PM

Aston · Status: Offline

Neophyte wrote:

The idea of Ayers is growing on me. Seriously growing on me. I think I would love to see what this team could do with a truly dominate, game changing defense. Not sure we can do it without a true SAM but I think the odds of making due with lesser talent in the LB corps with great players on the line go up. I also think we have tried it with lesser line talent and greater LB talent and been good but not dominate.

-- Edited by Neophyte on Thursday 16th of April 2009 11:43:12 PM

Ayers looks like a stud, no question, and we do need some youth at DE.

But our defense was pretty freaking dominate last year. I think it's the offense that needs to catch up.

Remember that second Philly game last year? How frustrated was that to watch? The entire 4th quarter was played in their half while we were clinging to a 3-point lead. The Eagles went 3-and-out four straight times on drives that started at their own 9, 3, 10 and 20.

And we had 0 points to show for it. That was perhaps the most dominating single quarter of defense I saw from us all year, but it was almost all for naught because we weren't capable of putting together 2 or 3 first downs.

Regardless, you take the BPA at 13. I just hope he's an offense player.

Neophyte · Status: Offline

No argument Ashton. At times, the defense was amazingly dominate. However, it has issues in the categories of sacks, interceptions and fumbles. I think the fastest way to give the offense a shot in the arm is give it a short field much more often and that happened rarely last year.

I am not saying I would be disappointed with an offensive player at #13. I just don't see us taking anyone that will make that big a difference right off the bat on offense. At least not as much difference as Zorn and the current players having a year under their belts. I really think the offense's best shot comes with just hard work in the offseason and a greater familiarity with the system.

If we were to add a young dominate LDE next to Haynesworth I think the impact would be greater. That's all I am saying.

-- Edited by Neophyte on Friday 17th of April 2009 11:13:22 PM

illone · Status: Offline

I hope it's smoke and mirrors but based on past history I can't talk myself into believing the Skins would actually send out mis-information.

Part of me does like Sanchez, though. He's a much better QB prospect than JC was coming out of school I just hope the Skins don't give up the farm to get him.