The Bad Signings1) Larry Johnson, Running Back, Washington Redskins (Signed 3 years $3.5MM, could reach $12MM) Of course after I praise them earlier over a potentially strong signing for their franchise, I must curse them later for yet another potentially boneheaded Redskin free agent move. This signing would have been a showstopper a mere two seasons ago as Larry was still considered a top level halfback, however nowadays LJ is thought of as someone who lacks explosion/tackle breaking ability and brings boatloads of off field baggage. Already owning one aging runner in Clinton Portis, why bring in another when it is unlikely that their presence will improve your running game. While LJ’s contract is cheap (assuming his incentives are difficult to reach unless he is playing at a high level), he is still eating up a spot on the depth chart where the Redskins could use an explosive threat out of the backfield like Cal’s Javhid Best other such type complimentary runners. 2) Antwaan Randle-El, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (Signed 3 years)
For a team with such a solid front office, this signing truly is a head scratcher. The Steelers have a very solid receiving core 1-3 with your brightest future possibly being your number 3 Mike Wallace who showed explosion and talent. The signing of Randle-El doesn’t seem to have much of a purpose than to run Limas Sweed out of town, however from recent speculative reports, it seems that Randle-El’s contract is for more than a 4th receiver is worth. While the FSB is not against brining in such a talent, we are a bit confused on why you would want to take snaps away from such a bright young offensive player for a veteran who is not nearly the game changer Wallace can be. Not to mention the Steelers announced the signing of Arnaz Battle the same day, who is more than capable of being a number four receiver. It seems like Randle-El was brought home to be a gadget player. 3) Justin Bannan, Defensive End, Denver Broncos (Signed 5 year, $22MM, $6.3MM signing bonus, $10.5MM Guaranteed)
This is not a knock on Justin Bannan in any way, the former Raven is the definition of hard working and may help bring more of an attitude to the Broncos front. However, the last thing the Broncos needed was to invest a large chunk of their finances to a 30+ year old defensive end, which Bannan is. The Denver defensive front desperately needed a youth injection last season as it faded terribly down the stretch last season and signing Bannan to a large starter-level contract while releasing Kenny Peterson is not the answer to the Broncos problems. While Bannan can be an effective starter as a 3-4 end, he is a better rotational end as he generates very little penetration and may wear down a bit against the run as Peterson did last season due to his age. 4) Jarvis Green, Defensive End, Denver Broncos (Signed 4 years, $20MM, $7MM Guaranteed)
The Broncos make yet another appearance on this list for the signing of yet another aging defensive end. While Jarvis Green can step in right away and perform as he played in the same defensive scheme in New England with Coach McDaniels, Jarvis Green is also 31 years old and has not been an effective pass rusher for the past two seasons! His recent performance has shown signs of decline and did not warrant such an expensive contract, furthermore, as stated above the last thing the Broncos need is an aging defensive end who will do little to help Elvis Dumervil jumpstart the lackluster Denver pass-rush. If the Broncos were a team which was a couple pieces away from being serious contenders this signing would have made sense, however plugging holes and getting older when you should be getting younger is never the strategy to go for unless you like long painful/inevitable rebuilding processes. 5) David Carr, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers (Signed 2 years)
Well maybe someone within the SF front office believes that the team with the most number 1 overall draft picks has the best chance at winning in the NFL. While Carr had high promise coming out of Fresno State, a history of being constantly sacked and having his mechanics constantly tinkered with have created the shell of a QB that the 49ers acquired just recently. Carr has the talent to be a solid back up QB, however he is highly inconsistent which makes him difficult to trust behind injury prone Alex Smith. Furthermore, why bring in a question mark to back up Smith when you already have a consistent back-up who has proven that he can win with the 49ers roster?
1) Ryan Clark, Safety, Pittsburgh Steelers (Resigned 4 years $17MM)
Some may call this a surprising move considering the how the Steelers often allow veterans to leave their franchise rather than give them pricey extensions late in their careers. However, those same people may forget that the Steelers had LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons ready to replace Joey Porter and Larry Foote when they began to show their age. In the case of Clark, the Steelers this past season that they lack a promising successor to a very solid defender in Ryan Clark (as backup Tyrone Carter was continually exposed as the Steelers’ pass defense crumbled down the stretch). This is also a solid signing as Clark is a very consistent producer, which is a staple of the Pittsburgh defense; and because of the relatively low cost which Clark signed for seeing as similarly talented and 2.5 year younger FS Antrele Rolle signed for $18 MM more for only 1 extra season. With Clark signed it allows Pittsburgh to focus on more pressing issues such as their inconsistent offensive line, or porous cornerback situation.
2) Leigh Bodden, Cornerback, New England Patriots (Resigned 4 years, $22MM, $10MM Guaranteed)
Bodden went from small school prospect to high level corner when he sprung onto the scene in 2007 with 6 interceptions and some classic ESPN interview clips responding to the insanity that is Chad Johnson. However, after his emergence, Bodden began to make some contractually related noise and was subsequently traded to Detroit where he quickly fizzled out, only to find himself as the top corner in New England. Bodden proved once again that he is a high talent Corner by racking up 5 interceptions last season earning himself a big pay day in the process. However at the age of 28, and with a play style which hinges on physicality and instincts aside from blazing speed; Bodden may have enough solid seasons ahead of him to play out this contract. Furthermore, the contract which he signed is very inexpensive considering both his solid past, and quality recent production levels. It is a major win for New England as their top corner spot has been in flux since the loss of Asante Samuel to the Eagles. 3) Vince Wilfork, Nose Tackle, New England Patriots (Resigned 5 years, $40MM, $18MM signing bonus, $25MM guaranteed)
While this signing seems like it may be a bit on the pricey side, there is no doubting the value of Vince Wilfork to the New England Patriots. Many say the most important part of a 3-4 defense is the nose tackle, and Wilfork has proven himself to be one of the best every season since being drafted out of Miami. His durability and consistency make him and outstanding candidate for an extension, as well as the fact that nose tackles have proven to be able to perform at a high level late into their careers (Jason Ferguson, Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams, Kelly Gregg). 4) Will Witherspoon, Outside Linebacker, Tennesee Titans (Signed 3 years, $11MM, $7MM guaranteed)
Witherspoon is built to be a Titan linebacker. He is undersized, speedy, able to cover tight ends/slot receivers while also a sure tackler. His fit is perfect, as well as his timing as the Titans are in need of an OLB ever since Pro-Bowler Keith Bullock tore up his knee and could suddenly realize/play his true age (if he is even resigned at all), and opposite OLB starter David Thorton also tore his ACL. Witherspoon will be a nice addition to an already solid Tampa 2 defense which the Titans are beginning to revamp.
5) Maake Kemoeato, Nose Tackle, Washington Redskins (Signed 2 years, $7MM)
This signing goes under the, “amazing….if” category. Kemoeato will be an amazing find for the Skins’…if his Achilles tendon is healed after a rupture and a subsequent botched surgery. The Redskins are switching to the 3-4 defense from the 4-3 however they lack a true nose tackle aside from $100 dollar man Albert Haynesworth who has already declared his dissatisfaction with the idea of being a nose tackle. At 6’5” 345lbs Kemoeatu is the ideal size for a gap plugging NT, and has always been a successful block eater rather than penetrating DT. If he becomes healthy and can solidify the heart of the Redskins’ defense, a $7MM contract is chump change, not to mention if he does not it will not cost Washington much to release him.
Honorable Mention: Considered honorable mention as they were not unrestricted free agent signings but acquired through other ways.
Matt Moore- 1st and 3rd round Restricted Free Agent 1 year tender
Moore proved his worth last season filling in for Delhomme going 3-1 and throwing 8 touchdowns and only 1 interception. This being the second time that Moore had more than adequately filled in for Delhomme, the Panthers finally gave in and decided that 2011 would be the season that the Oregon State product would get an extended look. The first and third round tender makes it simply improbable that another team would sign Moore away, while giving the Panthers a 1 season look at a potential franchise QB for a mere $3MM. The risk here is that Moore won’t work out and that the Panthers will have to continue their search next season, while the reward could possibly be fining a diamond franchise QB off of the scrap heap for cheap. Reggie Brown- Trade for a 6th round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft (Eagles to Buccaneers)
Brown has had a solid yet unspectacular career since being drafted in the second round out of the University of Georgia. He flashed solid potential in his first, second, and third seasons with 571, 816, and 780 receiving yards, however the past two seasons have been utter disappointment as injuries and inconsistency have often landed Brown on the inactive list. With size (6’1” 200lbs) and solid ability Brown is a great and cheap pick up for the Bucs as they look for weapons to help in the development of franchise QB Josh Freeman.
Stay tuned to the FSB for parts 2-5 of our analysis of the 2010 NFL Free Agency Period. Pt 2 "The Bad Signings" will be online 3-17-2010 at 12:30PM PST!
The Grizzlies picked up Ronnie Brewer for the price of a protected 2011 draft pick. He should provide good depth for a team that leaves its starters in the longest. This team was rumored to be in on some intriguing deals. One was offering a trade of O.J. Mayo and Hasheem Thabeet for Monta Ellis. Luckily for them, this one did not go through. The team should have instead considered trading Rudy Gay. Gay will be a free-agent this summer and Memphis will likely be unable to match offers extended to him this summer, as he will likely be offered close to a maximum deal. With players such as Tayshaun Prince on the market, the Grizzlies could have acquired a player that would fit their team as they continue to build on their momentum to the playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves traded Brain Cardinal for Darko Milicic. The only team with any success of getting production out of Darko was the Magic. If Coach Kurt Rambis and GM David Kahn are able to make the infamous bust into a formidable starting center, this could be a steal. As things stand, this is a low risk high reward trade.
New York Knicks-
The Knicks cleared $9.4 million off the 2010-11 payroll by sending Jared Jeffries and 2009 top pick Jordan Hill to the Rockets and sent Larry Hughes expiring contract to the Sacramento Kings. In return, they got Sergio Rodriguez and Tracy McGrady. Both should be good fits in Coach Mike D’Antoni’s uptempo system. The Knicks also traded mercurial backup guard Nate Robinson to the Celtics for Eddie House, Bill Walker, and J.R. Giddens. House has experience in D’Antoni’s offenses from his days in Phoenix, and Giddens and Walker are athletic enough to see some time as well. Though the deals, did not incrementally improve the Knicks, and sacrificed a good amount of their future with 2009 top 10 pick Jordan Hill, a swap of 2011 picks and a top-5 protected pick in 2012. GM Donnie Walsh did exactly what he wanted to do: Clear space and make a run at superstars LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Knicks potentially will have almost 32 million in cap space this off season, which should be enough to get a max contract and another contract very close to the max.
The big problem will happen if/when none of these superstar choose to join the Knicks this Summer. Should this occur, the Knicks will have to be very fiscally responsible in free agent spending. One should not forget the moves Scott Layden and Isaiah Thomas made in the previous decade like Alan Houston and the errors Joe Dumars made last year such as Stephon Marbury. Joe Johnson, Rudy Gay, Amare Stoudemie, Carlos Boozer, and David Lee all should get nice deals, but none are worth max deals. This situation will be worth monitoring this summer, but the Knicks can get 2 capable free agent stars
Portland Blazers-
The Blazers made the early speculated move of adding Marcus Camby for Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw. It seems that they probably could have made this deal at any time, but waited for Andre Miller and Brandon Roy to mesh. As we have stated earlier, this deal probably should have happened a couple months earlier, but the Blazers waited on some internal development. Camby, a free agent at the end of the year, should be an option to return next year on a cheaper deal.
Philadelphia 76ers-
Jodie Meeks is a nice young prospect who really knows how to score. Still, Meeks is a little similar to Lou Williams, and Royal Ivey, whom they traded him for. Francisco Elson won’t likely be a factor, then again Primoz Brezec wasn’t much of a factor either. The 76ers were unable to get involved in any major deals, which should be alarming, Their current roster is stuck in mediocrity. While Sam Dalembert and Andre Igoudala were the most actively shopped names, I think Elton Brand should have also been shopped. The uptempo pace of the young 76ers doesn’t quite fit with the former Clipper and Duke star forward. Teams like Charlotte, Toronto, Miami, Utah, or San Antonio could have used his services, as a frontcourt offensive threat.
Phoenix Suns-
The Phoenix Suns, in the opinion of most experts, are the biggest losers off the trade season. The Suns had 1 very big asset in star Amare Stoudemire, and his expriring contract. Assuming, that they would not be able to retain him, they marketed him very openly. His expiring contract would have appealed to struggling luxury tax teams like the Hornets, Knicks and 76ers, while teams like Miami, Cleveland, and Spurs would have liked him to push for a Championship run. The big flaw in the Suns plan is that they let it be widely known that they were openly shopping Stoudemire. As much as players like Amare might say that trade talk doesn’t affect their performance, it certainly does, as the bigman struggled in the weeks leading up to the deadline. The day before the deadline, the Suns front office informed Stoudemire, that they would not move him. So why does this make them a loser? First, the past failures in negotiating talks of an extension and the open trade dialogue give the player an idea that they have a limited sense of his value. Since the trade deadline, Amare Stoudemire has stepped his play up to a phenomenal level, because in part, he believes he is playing for a new contract. This all but guarantees his exodus from Phoenix this summer. Phoenix will not get anything if and when the scenario occurs this summer, making them a big trade deadline loser.
Sacramento Kings-
The Kings were going nowhere and needed to find a way to get an asset for Kevin Martin, as he and rookie of the year front-runner Tyreke Evans didn’t mesh together.
The fact that the Kings got cap relief in dealing the shooting guard with Sergio Rodriguez, and Hilton Armstrong. Even better, acquiring Carl Landry and his very reasonable salary is a move in the right direction. He is perfect for Sacramento, adding to the tough mentality of the new-look Kings. The 3 man frontcourt rotation of Thompson, Landry and Hawes should be effective for years to come. The Kings could have dealt for Jose Calderon or added some more to the deal to acquire Nate Robinson, Chris Duhon or Kyle Lowry. So while this is a good deal for the Kings, it is a glass half-empty deal in that they should have gotten involved more aggressively. The Kings would have been better suited taking on Jared Jeffries' contract and reaping the benefits (Jordan Hill plus picks) that Houston got. Sacramento, though they have about 16 million under the cap next summer and could be real players in the free-agent market, likely will not be able to lure any big time free agents. They can still land a guy like Randy Foye, Nate Robinson, Jordan Farmar, Steve Blake or Kyle Lowry to pair with Evans.
San Antonio Spurs-
The Spurs saved a little money by trading Theo Ratliff or a future 2nd rounder. They remain a puzzling team going in to next season. They haven’t signed star 6th man is still unsigned going in to next season, and seems rattled that the team has not extended him an offer. Meanwhile, Richard Jefferson was brought in last Summer to add another young option to the aging Spurs, but he has struggled to find his role on the team. San Antonio was in on talks with Amare Stoudemire and Corey Magette, but didn’t pull a trigger. More than likely, Jefferson opts-in on his contract and should be a trade candidate next year
Utah Jazz-
Once the luxury-tax savings are factored in, the Jazz saved millions by moving Ronnie Brewer for a. potential future #1 pick. The Jazz did get return, but I think it should be that this move may not have been the right one. Though Wes Matthews and CJ Miles have emerged, Brewer was still a good prospect and their second best perimeter defender, though he has had a down year. Given that his salary was less than that of CJ Miles and Kyle Korver it is interesting that he was moved. Maybe it was more than they thought he was worth. However, this move has angered point guard Deron Williams, who said of the trade “I think if we’d make a trade it would be something a little different than that, You look at all the teams that are getting better around the West and we essentially get worse, if you ask me” and “That’s why I signed a three-year deal.” The deal likely should have been a trade of impeding free agent Carlos Boozer, as the team has already decided Paul Milsap is their power forward of the future. With Boozer’s impeding free agency, and Kirilenko’s big deal up at the end of summer 2011, the Jazz must make the team appealing to their star Williams.
Here is the FSB's recap of the moves which went down during the NBA trade deadline. Stay tuned for the second helping of this article to be online Tueseday 3/9! Boston Celtics-
The Celtics traded Eddie House, J.R. Giddens, and Bill Walker for Nate Robinson. While Eddie House was a very clutch shooter at times, he is a defensive liability and is better off-ball rather than handling the point. The electric and mercurial Nate Robinson is not quite the shooter House is, but he can clearly score and excite a veteran team with his play off the bench. This will also allow Marquis Daniels a clearer role of the bench. The Celtics may end up regretting not trading Ray Allen, but he is the silent leader of the team often offering insight to Rondo, sacrificing numbers, and gently citing some problems. (Yes, we know KG is a vocal leader too). The Celts will need all the depth they can get against the Cavs, Magic and Hawks, and if they can stay healthy they should make a nice playoff run.
Charlotte Bobcats-
Under the leadership of Larry Brown and soon Michael Jordan also, the Bobcats are trying to push for their first playoff run. The team moved Flip Murray, Acie Law, and likely their 1st rounder this year for the underachieving Tyrus Thomas. Thomas, who was swapped draft day for LaMarcus Aldridge, has all-star athletic potential, but has yet to put in together. The Bobcats hope that Brown can tutor Thomas to become an effective forward, as they hope to keep the restricted free agent next year. So far, Thomas has proved them right in the 6 games since the trade increasing his points (13.3 from 8.8), rebounds (7.8 from 6.3), and blocks (3.2 from 1.7), as well as shooting percentages in just 4 minutes more a game.
The team nearly made a trade for T.J. Ford and Brandon Rush in exchange for D.J. Augustin, Gerald Henderson and Nazr Mohammed. While they would have added salary, Ford would have been a great backup and insurance if Raymond Felton leaves after the season, and Rush is more polished than Henderson. It seems that the Bobcats, were more willing to wait on D.J. Augustine’s sophomore slump, than to push for Ford.
Chicago Bulls-
The Bulls had a difficult dilemma going into the trade deadline:
1) stand pat and get eliminated in the 1st round;
2) add a player to become a contender
3) lose a player to clear cap for the summer
Moving John Salmons and Tyrus Thomas for expiring contracts accomplished the last option. The Bulls should be $18 million and $19 million under the cap this summer enough to pay a max free agent like Wade, LeBron or Bosh.
With a core group of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng as a supporting cast, the Bulls should have a very persuasive pitch.
The team also salvaged a protected first-round pick from Charlotte for Tyrus Thomas.
In the short term, Chicago added Ronald Murray, Hakim Warrick, Joe Alexander, and Acie Law for young depth. Currently, they are in the playoff hunt. Despite being a worse team on paper. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team regress slightly and perhaps fall out of the playoff picture. Should Chicago sign a major free agent, (Bosh would be the most likely to leave his team), the team could consider trading Hinrich and/or Deng for stronger perimeter shooting to make them an up-and coming team in the East.
Cleveland Cavs-
The Cavs have been the best team in the East, mostly due to the play of LeBron. However, the team needed to take this trade deadline to show to the impeding free agent that the Cavs would be formidable in the years to come. By adding another good second fiddle in Antawn Jamison, they hope to do just that. The Cavs traded big Zydruas Ilgauskus and their 1st round pick for the “stretch 4.” While they were unable to land Amare Stoudemire in trade, Antawn Jamison fits more of what the Cavs schematically would like to do. Jamison, though not as young and talented, spaces the floor better and is much more focused defensively. The Cavs also didn’t have to trade young forward J.J. Hickson, whom the Cavs seem very optimistic of his upside. Big Z is also being bought out and seems likely to return to Cleveland. While this move may help the Cavs in the playoffs, they did add 2yrs/28 mil dollars in payroll for a 33 year old veteran. If by some chance LeBron does leave, Cleveland may be stuck.
Dallas Mavs-
Mark Cuban and the Mavs added payroll and talent by acquiring Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood for Josh Howard and Drew Gooden. The deal seems to revolve around the issues of Brendan Haywood’s ability to match-up with the premiere bigs in the West and Howard’s off court issues. Offensively, Caron Butler and Josh Howard are similar, though Butler is better offensively he is more of a small forward, while Howard is better defensively and a more natural swingman. It seems that the Mavs know that their window is closing, and would rather have Caron’s consistency than Howard’s streakiness and distractions in their attempts to challenge Denver and the Lakers. Haywood has been quietly improving this year and has been a very viable starting center, enabling Dampier to come off the bench. The Mavs also were fortunate that they did not have to trade J.J. Barea or Rodrigue Beabois.
Houston Rockets-
The Rockets were the biggest winners of the NBA Trade deadline this year. Before the deadline, they openly marketed Tracy McGrady, knowing that a team would be desperate to take on his talent and expiring contract. Unable to entice the Knicks or 76ers initially, they began discussions with the Sacramento Kings. After agreeing in principle to a deal, the Knicks frantically joined in surrendering 2009 top 10 pick Jordan Hill, a swap of 2011 picks and a top-5 protected pick in 2012 for the Rocket’s to take Jared Jeffries salary next year. The Rockets still got the shooting guard they wanted in Kevin Martin, and though they gave up effective 6th man Carl Landry, got a bounty of picks and prospects in return. They look better both in the long-term and the short-term. While I really am amazed at what the Rockets were able to get back, I think they probably should have offered Luis Scola and/or Kyle Lowry to the Kings as both scenarios would have likely helped both teams more short-term.
Milwaukee Bucks-
The Bucks made an interesting deal with an in-division rival. These types of trades rarely occur, because you never want to help one of your primary foes. In this case, the Bucks were able to add a solid starter in John Salmons for the athletic Hakim Warrick and the athletic bust Joe Alexander. The Bucks receive a replacement for injured Michael Redd, for the rest of the year, and maybe next, in the rare case Redd opts out for a long-term deal. They also receive the option of swapping picks with the Bulls should the Bulls pick outside of the top 10 this year. Salmons will ease some of the offensive pressure from the emerging combo of Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut, and the Bucks are 6-1 since the trade.
Los Angeles Clippers-
The Clippers made a couple interesting moves in the trade deadline. First, they got two nice assets in Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw with accompanying cash. Blake is a solid fringe starter in the NBA, and should be a nice backup for Baron Davis. While Outlaw has the tools to become a star in the league but lacks the consistent necessary focus. The Clippers then dealt point guard Sebastian Telfair and small forward Al Thorton to the Wizards for power forward Drew Gooden. This move seems questionable in that Al Thorton is a nice young complimentary piece to the core of Kaman, Griffin, Gordon, and Davis, against Gooden who is a short-term fill-in for injured rookie Blake Griffin. The Clippers as a result have Rasual Butler and Travis Outlaw at the small forward, both have expiring deals after the season. As a result of the trade deadline, the Clippers were able to clear enough cap space to make a run at an elite free agent this summer, such as LeBron James. They should be an enticing option for free agents with that solid young core, but I doubt that owner Donald Sterling could entice LeBron to play for him. I think the more likely scenario is that they re-sign Travis Outlaw and/or make a run at Rudy Gay, both could be overpaid for a team that wants to make a free agent splash
Just in case the Rams don’t trade for Vick or Josh Johnson, McCoy brings a winning attitude and mobility to a Rams team in rebuilding mode. While his weight in and measurement today left him a bit short (6’1” while listed at 6’2”), he still has high levels of intangibles and Drew Brees’ success to help float his sinking draft status.
Det- Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois
Asamoah is a great value pick in the third round. While he is a little undersized for the power run scheme that the Lions want to transition to, there is no questioning his understanding of schemes.
TB- Brandon Lang, DE, Troy
Lang’s size and speed (6’4” 260 lbs) makes him a perfect Tampa 2 rush end, however his lack of durability makes the FSB nervous. However, his upside is quite high and Tampa is in need of a pass rush after dealing the late Gaines Adams.
KC- Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas
Scott Pioli gets his Wes Welker as Shipley should fit nicely into the slot position of Todd Haley’s offense
Was- Forfeied in Compensatory Draft for DE Jeremy Jarmon
Oak- Joe McKnight, RB, USC
They constanty fall in love with physical ability, and while their runners are all have incredible potential McFadden is always hurt and hasn’t shown the big play ability and word on the street is that the Raider’s coaches are fed up with Michael Bush running out of gas whenever he gets on a roll.
Phi (Sea)- Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa
Quality depth behind already solid (but aging starters). Spievey’s great size and experience (26 consecutive starts) make him a solid pick for a Seahawk secondary lacking depth, however his burst is questionable.
Cle- Chad Jones, S, LSU
This truly is a steal. The number one safety recruit coming out of high school, Chad Jones can flat out fly (as evident through him running down Darren Mcfadden from behind during his freshman year).
Buf- Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
Lets’ be honest here, outside of Lee Evans the Bills lack any receiving threats which will help keep 8 out of the box for Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch. LaFell has the size an ability to be a nice possession complinent Evans’ deep threat style. Unfortunately for Buffalo, their Pick of James Hardy a couple seasons ago has seemed to not have panned out making LaFell an even better pick.
Mia- Thaddeus Gibson, DE/OLB, Ohio State
The Dolphins will obviously release Joey Porter after March 5th as they tried to do it once already. While Porter is old and expensive, he still brings somewhat of a threat for opposing OT’s to worry about so replacing him will be no walk in the park. Gibson has the perfect size and style for a 3-4 OLB, and his production was deflated by playing out of position his senior year (DE instead of OLB as he played earlier in his career).
Jax- Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Jack Del Rio’s constant comments about David Garrard not being a franchise QB will eventually lead to a front office move. Luckily for the Jags, Tebow will at least bring some ticket sales to a franchise on the financial rocks.
Chi- Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
If Mike Williams would have gotten his head on straight he could have been battling Dez Bryant for the #1 receiver spot in this draft. However off field/character issues and questions to commitment have landed the Bears a potential diamond in round 3.
NYG- Vladimir Ducassee, OG, UMass
Ducassee is the definition of physical upside as his potential is through the roof; however his footwork and physical conditioning are the definition of unpolished. In a couple years Vladimir could be a nice piece for the G-Men.
Ten- Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma
Cortland Finnegan is a shutdown corner, however outside of Finnegan the titans have no solid quality depth. They are in such a bad position that they are making efforts to resign Rod Hood who they brought in mid way through the season and who had already been cut by multiple teams since the beginning of the season. Franks has good size, and will fit well in Tennessee’s physical defensive style.
Car- Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon
The Panthers need to alleviate some pressure from Steve Smith and Dickson can help in that department. His blocking ability showed through at the Senior Bowl increasing his value from mostly a receiver to a balanced threat.
SF- Jason Worilds, DE/OLB
San Fran does not necessarily need another pass rusher as Lawson and Lenon can hold down the fort, but depth at this premium position is always a bonus. Worilds has strong physical intangibles, and could be a solid NFL 3-4 OLB if developed correctly and stays healthy. The main key is his health as he had significant issues staying on the field.
Den- Taylor Price, WR, Ohio
Denver showed last season that Eddie Royal did not fit Josh McDaniel’s scheme as well as people expected and Price could be the man they are looking for to compliment Brandon Marshall (expecting that he stays in the blue and orange).
Hou- Toby Gehart, RB, Stanford
They wanted a bruising goal line and short yardage runner didn’t they? Team Gehart’s bowling ball style with Slaton’s quickness and you have a nasty tandem for years to come….if they can stay healthy.
Pit- Al Woods, NT, LSU
The Steelers always stockpile talent along their defensive line and Woods is a couple seasons away from being a contributor anyway. The resigning of Casey Hampton will give woods time to develop and get stronger while Hampton holds down the fort.
Atl- Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
Tony Gonzales wont be able to catch passes at an eliete level forever (ecen through he makes it seem possible). Pitta can separate and has good hands which make him an nice recieving threat in the Matt Ryan lead offense.
Cin- Larry Asante, S, Nebraska
The drafting of Asante signals the end of the road for Roy Williams and his chronically breaking forearms. Asante is solid enough that if asked to he could step in right away for the Bengals and contribute to an already top notch secondary.
Oak (NE)- Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan
The Raider’s will eventually understand that Russell is not the QB of the future for their franchise, unfortunately LeFevour will not be ready to step in and replace him for a couple seasons.
GB- Reshad Jones, S, Georgia
While the Packers are set at FS with Nick Collins (assuming they buck up and pay him the contract he demands), they are seriously lacking in talent at the SS position (sorry Atari Bigbi). Solid speed and size make Jones an intriguing prospect.
Phi- Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State
A nice physical compliment to the slashing LeSean McCoy, if he runs well at the combine this weekend Dixon could be taken higher than this as he would have a unique blend of size and speed
Bal- Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami
This draft is all about building around their franchise QB and getting younger on defense. Flacco has no viable targets in the TE spot (Heap is always hurt, and LJ Smith is not any better in that area) and needs some assistance in order to alleviate pressure from both himself and Ray Rice. Graham is intriguing as he is massive and has all the athleticism anyone could ask for, however he only played one season of college football as he was recruited as a basketball player to Miami. It is also worth noting that he is a very intelligent student as he was named to the all-ACC academic team in 2006 and 2007 for basketball and is earning a double major.
Ari- Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama
Bryant McFadden was not the franchise corner the Cardinals expected they were getting from the Steelers, while we don’t feel Arenas will be either, he could develop into a nice piece for this franchise
Dal- Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
The Dallas offensive line is getting old in a hurry and Iupati could be converted to tackle instead of guard meaning that Dallas could use another interior lineman to prepare for the future. Johnson is a great value pick at this point and his size and power fits Dallas’ “run heavy” game well.
SD- Mike Neal DE/DT, Purdue
If last season showed the Bolts anything it is that their defensive front needs improving. Neal can play 3-4 DE at the next level and would be an upgrade over incumbent Jacques Cesaire if he develops properly.
Cle (NYJ)- Ben Tate, RB, Auburn
While the Browns have Jerome Harrison and James Davis to carry their backfield into the future, Harrison is small and James Davis missed his entire rookie season due to injury. Tate has the size and speed to carry the load as a franchise back, only time will tell if he gets the chance.
Min- Jevan Snead, QB, Ole Miss
Snead has all the tools and there is no better way to hopefully unlock those tools than to surround him with incredible talent (Peterson, Rice, Berrian, Harvin, and a solid o-line)
Ind- Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
If Indy can focus Hardy, he could potentially step in very soon and replace Mathis or Freeny. Keep in mind Hardy is easily top 15 talent, but unfortunately has shown only a top 100 attitude.
NO- Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
If Rolle would not have pursued his Rhodes Scholar opportunity, he may have been a 2nd round pick last season showing his high upside. His size and intelligence make him a high potential player; however passion for football and a year away from the sport make him a potential risk pick. The Saints can’t lean on Sharper forever (maybe not even past the Super Bowl as Sharper may land somewhere else in free agency) and Rolle would be a nice replacement.
