Todd McShay, I am coming for your job.
Every year, the NFL Draft gets more hype than it can handle. I actually heard Mel Kiper on ESPN the other day say that Calvin Johnson's hands were too small. What? I just don't understand. They (don't ask me who "they" is, just read on) put huge amounts of stock into hundredths of seconds in a 40 time and millimeters on a vertical jump when there seems to be enough evidence on tape that they really don't need to do anything else. Further, this year's word is "character". What players stock is sliding because of character? Apparently, Johnson, Amobi Okoye, and another smoke weed AND ADMITTED TO IT. Initially, this was reported as a character flaw, but as our great media always does, they spin it to the fact that "its great that they admitted it!" Next thing you know, Calvin Johnson has his picture taken wearing a white linen suit in Cuba carrying a briefcase full of what looked to be powder sugar.
All jokes aside, character is a great intangible that you cannot quantify. When you have players that resemble Larry Fitzgerald and Peyton Manning, a GM is certainly going to take them over a Terrell Owens or Pacman Jones. Terrell, if you are reading this, I hope you realize the severity of the fact that I put your name next to Pacman Jones. Anyway, if there is some eager-beaver undergraduate student out there looking to do research, do us all a favor and figure out a test that they can include at the combine to measure "character". Possibly have Drew Rosenhaus walking around trying to get players to sign with him...if you do, you fail. If you don't, congrats! You passed!
To the draft, I took a look a the top ten picks of a VERY weak draft. Look for shake ups. Here we go:
1. Oakland-JaMarcus Russell, LSU. This is a no brainer. You can read into the rumors if you want but they are just doing Brady Quinn due diligence.
2. Detroit-Joe Thomas, WIS. See trade notes at the bottom.
3. Cleveland-Adrian Peterson, OK. the next person that tells me he has durability issues, I am going to kick in the head. He is a great back who is going to flourish in a decent system. He is also elusive and will need that with the Browns shotty O-line.
4. Tampa Bay-Calvin Johnson, GT. I think he is overrated. What? I do. When he breaks every receiving record next year you can throw me under the bus, but I would fill me needs before taking the best available on this one. Also, see trade notes.
5. Arizona-Gaines Adams, Clem. The Cardinals would be in love if Joe Thomas was here. Give Edge (in the twilight of his career) and Leinart some protection.
6. Washington- Amobi Okoye, Louis. I love this guy. He is fast, young, works hard and can increase the 'skins AWFUL D-line.
7. Minnesota- Brady Quinn, ND. He is cocky and brash. He did not do well when he was knocked around by Michigan. I think he could fall even to the Dolphins. The farther he drops, the happier he will be because of his situation. He will be able to learn as opposed to perform in a situation like Cleveland or Oakland.
8. Atlanta- Alan Branch, Mich. A lot has been said about his "character" in regards to his work ethic, taking plays off, etc. Some say that he could even drop to the 20's. If he is still there at 20, can you imagine someone like New England picking up this monster? See trade notes.
9. Miami- They will be crying bec Quinn isn't on the board.
10. Houston- "Who is the opposite of David Carr?"
Players of interest: Leon Hall, UM. Aaron Ross, Tex. Levi Brown, Penn St. Marshawn Lynch, Cal. Ted Ginn Jr and Anthony Gonzales, OSU.
Trade Notes: The Lions are looking to move down and with good reason. They picked up Geroge Foster in the offseason, so they don't necessarily need Joe Thomas. Calvin Johnson may be a good fit, but they have a lot of holes to fill. They will be able to trade down, get an extra pick out of the deal and maybe a veteran player or something. Tampa really wants Johnson and will move up to get him. Look for that trade. Also, you have the Atlanta Vicks with 10 picks this year and are looking to give Mike something to throw to. Look for them to make a move as well.
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2 comments:
The more I think about it, if the Lions don't get a solid offer they should just take Calvin Johnson. Nothing scares me more than taking a QB that high, so they may as well take the top rated guy in the draft.
The best scenario would be for Atlanta to trade Detroit for their two second round picks, Detroit moves down to 8 drafts either Patrick Willis of Mississippi or a DE like Okoye or Adams (if they're available). Then they can pick up Trent Edward, Drew Stanton, or Troy Smith in a later round as a quarterback. If they are stuck at 2, take Johnson and make someone trade or have the best recieving core in the NFL with Williams, Furrey and Johnson. Kevin Jones will be more productive because defenses woudln't know how to cover all the lions reciever weapons and stop the run.
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