| 21 April 2009
The 2009 NFL draft is about to get underway and there are so many questions to be answered. Will the Lions new logo propel them to the playoffs? Will they select Matthew Stafford? Will Aaron Curry become the man, how many wide receivers will be drafted in the first round? And finally, will this be the final season of Mel Kiper at ESPN? I don't actually think that the answer to the last question is "yes," but then again the World Wide Leader seems to be transfixed upon this Todd McShay character. While you already think I am insane for suggesting Kiper will be sent by the wayside, let's look at some recent moves ESPN has made recently.
- "Screamin'" Stephen A. Smith is out.
- Len Pasquarelli, John Clayton are leaving if you believe one website, they are staying if you believe another one.
- ESPN has already instituted a hiring freeze and salaries will not be increased for top level executives (parent company Disney has said the same).
In light of these recent events, and the acquisition of Scouts Inc. by ESPN leads me to believe that the WWL would bring McShay along until Kiper was expendable. Is this my own personal conspiracy theory? Certainly, but at the same token, why pay two people to do one job? But who is this McShay individual? Is he just a Herbstreit look-a-like, or does he boast impressive credentials worthy of being a draft guru that will take over the reigns from the man who created draft interest?
McShay at a glance, according to the infallible Wikipedia:
Apparently McShay was a football player with moderate skill who walked on at I-AA Richmond. He received little playing time and eventually gained a position with The War Room, which later became Scouts Inc. According to his ESPN web biography, "numerous NFL teams have relied on his [scouting] reports since 1998."
Little else is know about the man via the internets. It is obvious that his credentials appear to be relevant as he has just over a decade in the business, but speaking simply as a fan I don't think he has any on-air ability.
He and Kiper have been going to war recently, and from my perspective I think their relationship has gone from one where Kiper tolerated him like a cute puppy who pisses and shits everywhere......but you tolerate it, to a who knows more battle for draft supremacy with McShay boasting an ESPN Rolodex, while Kiper, the old sage relies on his own knowledge and his own contacts. Recently, I was watching an episode of NFL Live where McShay raised his voice at Kiper a number of times when Mel announced that Pat White is good enough to be taken in the second round of the draft. It took all McShay had to retard his anger and not become the latest ESPN employee to swear into a hot microphone. I'm not sure if Kiper even believed what he was saying, it looked like he was half laughing just to fuck with the new guy.
Also, Todd McShay seems to rely on unsubstantiated reports from anyone that will give them to him to try to make a splash since it looks like he just wants to beat Kiper at his own game. T-MAC's draft board seems to change every day, while Kiper's remains similar week to week.
ESPN is doing that thing with McShay where they try to put him into everything. Any chance to get him on air, they probably assume will boost his fan base, credibility, and practice his on-air work. They have done this before, think Stephen A. Smith. They will do it again readers. Don't fall for this ploy.
While McShay is not a true hack, he certainly is hacky as hell. He pauses, stutters, and changes his mind with regard to draft picks like I change my underwear....almost daily. He looks lost, acts like he doesn't know what he's talking about and seeks approval from Mel. ESPN is trying to shove him down your throat because they assume you will put up with their bullshit and expect their viewership to have the shortest of short term memories. They want to Coooooooooooostanza you. Look at this exchange:
The problem for Kiper is I'm not sure where he will go from here if he has to go somewhere. If he is axed, he will still have his own body of work to rely upon, he will still have some of the most impeccable credentials, but where will he find his platform and his 1099 job? NFL Network makes the most sense, as they have recently lost Adam Schefter to ESPN (allegedly), but I think their draft day coverage has come leaps and bounds over the past two seasons and is full. They are set with Rich Eisen, insert random NFL player here, and Mike Mayock. Mayock is quickly becoming my favorite on air personality because he isn't full of 50 shitty puns every 30 minutes.
So where else could he possibly go? I have no idea and hope my conspiracy theory is flawed. In any event, the Detroit Lions are on the fucking clock.
Last year I got seven picks correct and went 27/31 in picking the first round talent.
1 - Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia
Personally, I hate drafting a quarterback so early due to the risk. Alex Smith anyone? But the Lions need a guy who can galvanize a fan base, sell tickets, and sell new merchandise with Detroit's new logo and all. With a new general manager, why not make a splash by drafting your new quarterback? Detroit made some moves in the off season but did not address the QB situation.
2 - St. Louis Rams- Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
Some might say that the Rams will draft an offensive tackle, I'm not positive. The Rams did draft Alex Barron number 19 overall, but he has been plagued by bone head plays since he has been inserted as a starter, he is penciled in to play left tackle. Also, Steve Spagnoulo is a defensive guy, making Aaron Curry a reality. In the end, statistically speaking an LT makes the most sense because the Rams got rid of Orlando Pace and left tackle is the safest bet. I think they will take Eugene Monroe, because they love Chris Long also from Virginia.
3 - Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest
Personally, I think Kansas City wants out of this spot. With Scott Pioli making decisions, history will tell us that they will do anything to move down. They might even package a deal with the pick and Larry Johnson if a suitor is willing to take the chance. Since I have to make a selection, I'd say it is Curry because they drafted an OT last season in Brandon Albert.
4 - Seattle Seahawks- Jason Smith, OT Baylor *Update- Michael Crabtree
If Curry is gone, this has to be Seattle's pick if they don't move down. They won't go for a wide receiver since they signed Houshmandzadeh, but will they gamble and take Sanchez? I think it is too soon for that. They could use some depth at offensive line, therefore I must select Jason Smith who is athletic enough to play anywhere on the line.
*Update- It looks like this is the only place Crabtree fits. I hate changing it but I know the Browns have soured on this guy.
5 - Cleveland Browns- Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech *Update- Brian Orakpo
Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth are the keys to this draft pick. If the Browns really want to deal Edwards, look for this pick to be in the mix. Cleveland could go a number of ways, they could draft BJ Raji, they could draft Malcolm Jenkins, they could draft Brian Orakpo. But the most glaring need is a wide receiver to compliment Braylon Edwards......if they keep him. That's why they will draft Crabtree. Welcome to Cleveland!
*Update- That sneaky Mangini seems to hate Crabtree. I don't know why I am bothering to make all these updates since a trade is going to ruin my whole board.
6 - Cincinnatti Bengals- Andre Smith, OL Alabama
Sure, Smith couldn't play in the bowl game for agent tampering, he blew off the combine, was out of shape during his pro day, but film don't lie. If the guy has character issues, the Bengals want him. They did elect Chris Henry as a game day captain last year after all.
7 - Oakland Raiders- Darius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland
I really want to say the Raiders will draft Jeremy Maclin, I really do. But this guy with 4.3 speed reeks of the Oakland Raiders. Sure, he can't catch the ball all well, but Jamarcus Russell doesn't understand the offense anyway.
*Update- I still refuse to change this pick and I don't care if I am wrong.
8 - Jacksonville Jaguars- Brian Orakpo, OLB Texas *Update- BJ Raji
If the Jaguars take Mark Sanchez, then they are the stupidest team in the NFL. Then again, this team did jump way up last year to snag Derrick Harvey for no reason whatsoever. Look, the ink is barely dry on the David Garard deal from last season and while his season was shitty, he needs a line to block for him and receivers that don't use cocaine to catch the ball. Since they signed Holt, they have that base covered, and I think they like Tra Thomas as their new lineman. So, I'm going to guess they are going to try to improve their defense. I think they will select Brian Orakpo, a versatile guy who will probably end up as an outside linebacker.
*Update- Rumor is the Jags are in love with a big, fat man.
9 - Green Bay Packers- Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
The Pack needs D-FENSE. Tyson Jackson makes the most sense if they are going to change their defensive scheme. Unless of course they too move down, or take Michael Oher.
10 - San Francisco 49ers- Mark Sanchez, QB USC
If the draft goes this way, then Sanchez is the perfect fit for the 49ers. They have no QB to speak of outside of Shaun Hill! California boy, California team, perfect fit. The only obstacle standing in the way is Mike Singletary who probably refers to the offense as "the players on the field when the defense isn't."
11 - Buffalo Bills- Robert Ayers, OLB Tennessee
Rumors are swirling that the Bills love Brandon Pettigrew, the tight end from Oklahoma State, but looking at the draft board, they can most certainly grab him later with one of their many picks acquired from the Eagles. Another concern is the giant void left by the loss of Jason Peters. I don't think the Bills will gamble by drafting offense, but will instead try to bolster the defense then grab offensive players in the later rounds. If the Bills really want Pettigrew, they will trade down. If they go for an offensive tackle, look for them to target Phil Loadholt or Eben Britton.
12 - Denver Broncos- B.J. Raji, NT Boston College *Update- Brian Cushing
Well according to reports, he and various other athletes did not fail drug tests are reported by less savory bloggers. Since Denver has no true nose tackle, they will definitely be tempted to take the man-child here.
*Update- The Broncos do need outside linebackers, since the man they covet is off the board, they will address this need.
13 - Washington Redskins- Michael Oher, OL Mississippi *Update- Jason Smith
Chris Samuels is 32 years old, and Mark Sanchez is off the board. Washington doesn't love Josh Freeman, so they have no other choice but to protect Jason Campbell. This is a safe, safe move.
*Update- If Smith is here, they simply sub out for the guy with the better upside.
14 - New Orleans Saints- Malcom Jenkins, CB Ohio State *Update- Chris Wells
The Saints had trouble in coverage this past season, and while fans of offense will clamor for them to select Beanie Wells, I think the Saints will take his teammate Malcolm Jenkins. He will be a great addition too, and probably a steal at 14. Remember he came back to Ohio State after being a consensus first round pick if he came out last season. This is great value.
*Updated- Tickets in New Orleans sell based off of the promise of offense. New Orleans now takes Wells in my mock.
15 - Houston Texans- Aaron Maybin, DE Penn State
Maybin is raw, and that's historically what the Texans look for in defensive lineman. Remember they took Amobi Okeye at 19 not too long ago. They did cut Tony Weaver so this would certainly make sense.
16 - San Diego Chargers- Brian Cushing, LB USC *Update- Clay Matthews
If San Diego is smart, and historically they have been smart drafters, then adding an inside linebacker is about the biggest need they have. Cushing makes sense unless they want Rey Maualuga, who has been dropping.
*Update- Swap out one USC guy for another.
17 - New York Jets- Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
Let's see, he's 6-6 250 and has some mobility. He can also throw through swirling winds. Additionally, Rex Ryan has taken everyone away from Baltimore that he can on the defensive side of the ball. This pick just makes too much sense not to happen.
18 - Denver Broncos (from Chicago)- Clay Matthews, LB USC, *Update- Evander Hood
The Broncos could choose anyone with this pick. This is a net gain of one for the team; they might trade this pick or their earlier pick. They may want to add some depth at linebacker or defensive line since there isn't a true safety that is worth the 18th pick in the draft. Let's take a total stab at this and say they draft Clay Matthews.
*Update- The Broncos wanted Raji, they will settle for Ziggy Hood.
19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Michael Johnson, DE Georgia Tech *Update- Everette Brown
Johnson had an exceptional work out but has been dogged by spotty play. The Bucs sorely need some depth at that defensive end spot, and Johnson could be a great compliment to Gaines Adams.
*Update- The Bucs may still very well draft Johnson, in the second round as he continues his free fall.
20 - Detroit Lions (from Dallas)- Phil Loadholt, OL Arkansas *Update- Michael Oher
Since the Lions got their quarterback, they should protect him. They grabbed Gosder Cherilous around this spot last season. Since Loadholt is the best available, grab him and plug him into the starting line up for the next 10 years.
*Update- Oher is on the board and provides better value than Loadholt.
21 - Philadelphia Eagles- Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
Look, Maclin could very well go to the Raiders at 7 or the Jets at 17, but since I feel Al Davis can't turn down speed, I think they will go with Bey. Maclin would fill a need for Philadelphia since they no longer need a tackle.
22 - Minnesota Vikings- Max Unger, C Oregon
The Vikings need a center since they have only one on the roster. I don't think they will go with a wide receiver here because they have been burned by drafting one too high in past years.
23 - New England Patriots- Darius Butler, CB UConn *Update- Rey Maualuga, LB USC
The Pats are infatuated with this guy. That's why. If Rey Maualuga is on the board, they may consider him.
*Update- Darius Butler looks like he may drop out of the first round and into the second where New England could grab him.
24 - Atlanta Falcons- Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
Come on, Ben Hartsock is penciled in as the starter. The Falcons have the perfect spot to grab him because they are a few slots higher than the Bills who want him, but not at 11. Another weapon to provide Matty Ice is probably a great idea.
25 - Miami Dolphis- Rey Maualuga, LB USC *Update- Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
Bill Parcells, defense, great player. If Maualuga falls this far, which many think he will he is now off the board.
*Update- If Jenkins falls this far, he will have a home in Miami.
26 - Baltimore Ravens- Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
Davis has talent for days, but his character red flags will end up probably dropping him to the end of the first round, which may be to his benefit when all is said and done. This is a great slot for him and Ozzie Newsome usually takes the best player left on the board.
27 - Indianapolis Colts- Perria Jerry, DT Mississippi
The Colts always draft the way the Colts want. Jerry is the undersized defensive lineman the Colts have always targeted, and I think their system will remain constant under Jim Caldwell. They may grab Brian Robiskie as well.
28 - Buffalo Bills (from Philadelphia) - Eben Britton, OT Arizona
The Bills will need to replace Peters. Britton is the last first round worthy offensive tackle available. Once they draft Britton, they have filled two of their largest needs.
29 - New York Giants- Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
If they don't make a trade to address this issue then they will most likely draft Nicks. Although, they could go with a linebacker if one were available.
30 - Tennessee Titans- James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
Tennessee could use a linebacker. The son of the former WWE wrestler "the Animal" is a good one.
31 - Arizona Cardinals- Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
Moreno was a great runner in college, but his measurables don't seem to make him a top to mid first round guy. He could be a great runner that could compliment Tim Hightower, since I don't think Arizona is too keen on Edgerrin James anymore.
32 - Pittsburgh Steelers- Alphonso Smith, CB Wake Forest
The Steelers lost Bryant McFadden, and while Smith isn't overly impressive with regard to speed, he certainly seems like he will fit into the Steelers system well. They may also go with Max Unger or Eric Wood if they are hanging around.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
Comments (2)
Subscribe to this comment's feedFlorida players
-
- +0
-
-
...
Murphy doesn't have the talent to be a first round pick. Once again, he has speed. Both Florida receivers are dogged by the fact the Florida receivers historically do not have great NFL careers.
-
- +0
-
-
