I had a chance to go to an Arena 2 football game recently after several weeks of wonder what it was all about and if it was really worth going to a game. The local team, the Iowa Barnstormers, appeared to not be one of the best teams in Arena 2 so I wasn’t sure what I would be getting for my ticket price. However, football is football so I thought that I would go and check it out.
The game I saw pitted the Iowa Barnstorms against the Quad City Steamwheelers. The game was to be played inside the Des Moines Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Arena here in Des Moines Iowa. The location for the game was perfect as it was just a few short miles from where I lived and it was fairly easy to get to. My girlfriend accompanied me on this new adventure to my first Arena football game not knowing what to expect either and we were both in for a treat.
At first it didn’t appear as if there were going to be too many people at the game but I had to remind myself that we got there a little bit early so we would have time to find our seats, get something to eat and drink and see what the stadium was like. We had some great seats and I felt that we would be able to see all the action down on the field. However, and most unfortunately, as we would come to find out, some of the tallest people in the building! It was hard to see at times.
The crowd that night ended up to be a record for the season to date (with one more game left to go). It was also “black out” night that night as everyone was asked to wear black to support the Barnstormers that night. I wore black and my girlfriend wore red in honor of the Barnstormers colors.
The game itself was very exciting as it appears that most Arena Football games are. There is always a lot of scoring taking place due to the fact that they are playing on a short field and the rules are fairly relaxed when compared to those of NFL Football. The game was fun too because of the players and the fans. One player in particular, Daniel McLemore, was the on the field cheerleader dancing often during breaks in the action to the music playing overhead. He provided quite a bit of entertainment for myself and my girlfriend as well as the entire crowd. You don’t see that anymore during an NFL game!
The game was pretty close for a little while but thanks to some solid quarterback play and some lucky breaks, the Barnstormers were able win by a score of 76-53. The Barnstormers 73 points were the most that they had scored during the season in a single game and we got to see it all that night.
After the game, the fans were allowed to go down on the field and meet the players. We did not stay around for this and perhaps we missed out on something special but we were clearly satisfied with the game, the fans and the team. It was quite an experience.
At the game, the row that my girlfriend and I were sitting in was selected, along with another row in the stadium, to play a game called pass the box. Our row had to pass a small pizza box down the row and back, racing another row, in hopes of winning a free meal at the sponsoring restaurant. As luck would have it, our row won and we won a free dinner at the restaurant where the Barnstormers hold their family night activities.
Family night was Monday night and so we decided to use our free meal passes and go eat dinner with the Barnstormers. We managed to get a seat right by the defensive squad and got to hear them talking about their game that Saturday and their upcoming game against the Lexington Horsemen. One thing that I did notice (and I had picked this up from the game the other night) was that their defensive coordinator, a former wide receiver for the Washington Redskins, Phoenix Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) and the Kansas City Chiefs J.T. Smith was there. I had remembered Smith from his playing days way back when I in high school and I remembered that I had several football cards of his as well.
It took a lot of nerve on my behalf but I got up and talked to Smith before leaving the restaurant. I told him that I remembered him from back in his playing days when I was younger and he said, jokingly “Are you calling me old”? I managed to get my picture taken with him, something that I will certainly always treasure. This, along with other things that I have observed about the Barnstormers, has lead me to believe that they are very community oriented and thankful for their fans.
This is the Barnstormers first season back after being gone for a few years. They did have a rich history prior to their leaving Iowa for a while and they bring that history back with them. Perhaps some of you will remember when a not so well known (at the time) quarterback who took the Arena 2 league by storm, Kurt Warner. Warner went on to become a two time NFL MVP and a Super Bowl winner.
You just never know who might end up being a star!
By Bryan Dietzler
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
2008 NFL Draft Grades
Which teams got the best value out of there picks? Who improved the most? Who wasted their opportunity to improve?What is the difference between drafting smart and overvaluing a player and reaching? We won't know those answers for sure for at least three years, that's how long it takes to fully evaluate a draft, but we can evaluate draft quality and value based off of team needs and players rankings.
It's easy to get excited when your team trades up for some really well known, seemingly highly talented player, but giving up future draft picks and mortgaging your future rarely pays off in the long run. Many times the team overpays for a player they could have had half a round or even a full round later. If you are not a team just a couple of players away from the superbowl, it's better to build your team with patience. I am talking to you Jacksonville and Carolina. The Jags traded away a lot of picks to move way up and reach for DE Derrick Harvey and the Panthers gave up next years first round draft pick to the Eagles to get OT Jeff Otah.
Below I have listed this years draft winners and losers and my grades for each team.
Winners:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
John Gruden must have some secret knowledge no other NFL coach has. He came into this years draft and found himself a list of steals. Gruden said he wanted to add playmakers to his team and with following picks he definitely did so. In the first round Tampa took Corner Aqib Talib from Kansas. Talib is easily one of the top five corners in this years draft and fits perfectly in the tampa two scheme. Second Round pick Dexter Jackson was a slight reach based on his projection but for a player who could very easily be the next Devin Hester with better hands it was well worth it. Jackson runs a 4.3 forty yard dash and has surprisingly good hands. His size may limit him in the NFL at 5'10" 182 pounds but he will at least be very dangerous from the slot and a threat to take kicks and punts all the way. In the third Gruden picked Rutgers offensive guard Jeremy Zuttah. A four year starter at Rutgers Zuttah is very technically sound blocking and could be a good starter in a couple of years. Dre Moore from Maryland went to Tampa in the fourth adding depth on the defensive line. In the fifth round Gruden got his quarterback of the future Josh Johnson. Gruden had been scouting Johnson for some time and was very high on him. Josh is the biggest steal of this years draft. He is a very smart quarterback with a good arm and incredible athletic ability. He could be the new starter within the next two years. Sixth round pick Geno Hayes from Florida State could a very good special teams player and backup. Running Back Cory Boyd from South Carolina Gruden's final pick has the quickness and balance to be a potential starter and a complete steal.In only seven picks Tampa likely added at least three starters you can't really ask for more from one draft.
Draft Grade A+
Cincinnati Bengals:
We all know how high powered the offense is in Cincinnati, but we also know how thin their linebacker corps and defensive line are. Cinci came into this years draft looking for playmakers to help their struggling defense. Their First pick (number nine overall) was linebacker Keith Rivers. Rivers is an extremely gifted athlete with a nose for the football. He seems to always be around the play and helping make big plays happen for the defense. He will definitely help the Bengals pass rush and run defense improve. Second round pick Jerome Simpson has all the tools to a great wide receiver. With Chad Johnson throwing fits and asking to be traded the Bengals had no choice but to look for insurance in the event he was to hold out or leave. Simpson doesn’t have blazing speed but he has great hands and good size and will fight for every jump ball. Third round pick Pat Sims adds much needed talent to cinci's defensive line. Wide receiver Andre Caldwell is a nice depth pick and could be a very good special teams player. Offensive tackle Anthony Collins is a very underrated and talented young lineman bringing starter ability to the table. Defensive linemen Jason Shirley and Deangelo Craig are very good depth picks and both have good talent and starter potential. Safety Corey Lynch could be a real steal late he has great ball instincts and is a very good tackler. He has all the tools to be a good starting strong safety at the least he will a pro bowl caliber special teams player. Wide Receiver Mario Uruttia has tremendous size and good speed and could be a dangerous red zone threat. New Orleans out maneavered them for DT Sedrick Ellis or this rating would have been an A+.
Draft Grade A
St Louis Rams:
The Rams may be one of the most improved teams of this years draft. The obvious need for upgrades at several positions had to come through the draft. With their first pick St Louis took defensive end Chris Long. The son of NFL hall of famer Howie Long, Chris is probably one of the best defensive players to come out of a draft since Mario Williams. He was the clear team leader of the Virginia defense in college. As the second round began Scott Linehan looked at the board and his eyes must have lit up. WR Donnie Avery sat there for the taking. Avery is a very undervalued wide out who had a tremendous career at Houston, but it's questionable that he was the top wideout in this draft. He is a good solid pick although Hardy might have been a better choice. In the third round offensive tackle John Greco was the pick. Greco has good quick feet to handle the outside rush and is also very strong. Orlando Pace is aging rapidly and can't seem to stay healthy. Greco might very easily be the Rams starter at left tackle this year or next. Cornerback Justin King brings incredible ball skills and blazing speed to a secondary that needs both badly. Offensive guard Roy Scheuning was a steal in the fifth round and a very capable starter. Keenan Burton is a absolute steal this late and could very easily end up being the successor to Issac Bruce. Cornerback Chris Chamberlain has good speed and could make a very good nickel corner. Linehan and the Rams did a tremendous job of getting value and filling needs.
Draft Grade A
Carolina Panthers:
The Panthers entered this years draft looking to upgrade the running back position and add depth. In the first round alone they filled team needs at running back and offensive tackle. RB Jonathan Stewart is arguably one of the top three backs in his draft class, but coming off of turf toe surgery, RB Reshard Mendenhall might have been the safer pick. Jeff Otah is a powerful mauling right tackle who can open massive holes for any running back, but the Panthers gave up 2009's first round pick for him, they might regret that lost pick next year, especialy if they have a bad season, which means, obviously, that that pick would be higher than justified. Cornerback Charles Godfrey has good ball skills and could be a huge steal in the third. Third round pick linebacker Dan Connor is a complete steal who has first round talent. Defensive tackle Nick Hayden is a very solid player who adds much needed depth and starter potential.Geoff Schwartz is a solid late offensive line pick that could start. Late round pick Tyler Hilee will most likely be a special teams contributor.
Draft Grade B+
Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh, NY Giants, Chicago
The Losers:
Not every team gets great value for their picks. Some reach for a player they really want or give up too much in a draft day trade. The following teams spent both draft days reaching or giving up too much or not filling needs.
Miami Dolphins:
OT Jake Long was a great pick. He is a cornerstone to build the offensive line around. Unfortunately after that the picks went downhill. Chad Henne was a decent pick my guess is this might be Beck's last year as starter. In The Second Philip Merling was a good pick. He was a bit of a steal most expected him to go in the late first round. Kendal Langford was a good pick the dolphins can use plenty of help on the defensive line. Shawn Murphy wasn’t even on some draft boards and the dolphins took him in the fourth round. He was projected to be a likely seventh rounder. Hopefully they know something everyone else missed out on. Jalen Parmele was definitely a solid pick adds depth at running back in case Ronnie Brown gets hurt again or Ricky Williams finally gets kicked out of the NFL for good. The later picks were good players but other than Donald Thomas they didn’t fill needs drafting only three offensive linemen in one of the deepest classes ever was probably not a great Idea especially when you took two running backs. A wide receiver could have been taken another offensive lineman or maybe a cornerback. Another late defensive end pick made me wonder but at least John Beck got some help at running back now if only he had a line or receivers. In the end the dolphins made some solid picks but drafted too many of the same position and didn’t even address certain needs or holes in the team at all.
Draft Grade C-
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans have real depth issues at wide receiver but didn't even draft one until the fifth round. If Justin Gage is starting you have serious needs for a upgrade. First round pick RB Chris Johnson has great speed (4.24) and could be a good starting or situational back. The problem with this pick is Chris wasn’t projected to be drafted till the middle of the second round and the Titans don’t really need a running back as they already have a good starting back in Lendale White. Unless they are going to try to teach Johnson to play wide out this pick is a waste on a complimentary player that they will overpay first round money to. If Johnson was that big of a want they should have traded out of the first round with a team that wanted an extra first round pick into the early second round and taken him there. When the Titans took Johnson there were at least two backs still graded above him. Second round pick Jason Jones from Eastern Michigan is an extremely talented edge rusher and is the best pick out of their draft. Craig Stevens and William Hayes are decent picks. Lavelle Hawkins is a good receiver and good value at the spot where he was taken. He is somewhat of steal that late. He could be a good slot receiver and special teams player. The Titans draft was bad at best. They reached horribly on their first pick and never addressed needs at wide receiver and offensive line depth.
Draft Grade C-
Detroit Lions:
Lions fans must be the most patient people ever. Every year it seems that Matt Millen gets worse at drafting. Offensive tackle Gosher Cherilous is a good young right tackle. He is second round value taken in the first round but because a run on tackles had started I will give the pick the benefit of the doubt. Linebacker Jordan Dizon is a good young player but he was listed as a fourth rounder on almost every draft board yet the Lions took him in the second. Running back Kevin Smith is a exciting young back and the best pick of Detroit’s draft. Cliff Avril could be a solid situation pass rusher but was a reach also. Jerome Felton and Caleb Campbell highlight the later rounds unfortunately by then almost every pick was a reach or better players were passed over. Not only did the team fail to get value for several of its picks but with a need at linebacker they passed over one of the best in the draft Dan Conner in two straight rounds.
Draft Grade D+
Honorable Mention: Atlanta
By Jason Baudendistel
It's easy to get excited when your team trades up for some really well known, seemingly highly talented player, but giving up future draft picks and mortgaging your future rarely pays off in the long run. Many times the team overpays for a player they could have had half a round or even a full round later. If you are not a team just a couple of players away from the superbowl, it's better to build your team with patience. I am talking to you Jacksonville and Carolina. The Jags traded away a lot of picks to move way up and reach for DE Derrick Harvey and the Panthers gave up next years first round draft pick to the Eagles to get OT Jeff Otah.
Below I have listed this years draft winners and losers and my grades for each team.
Winners:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
John Gruden must have some secret knowledge no other NFL coach has. He came into this years draft and found himself a list of steals. Gruden said he wanted to add playmakers to his team and with following picks he definitely did so. In the first round Tampa took Corner Aqib Talib from Kansas. Talib is easily one of the top five corners in this years draft and fits perfectly in the tampa two scheme. Second Round pick Dexter Jackson was a slight reach based on his projection but for a player who could very easily be the next Devin Hester with better hands it was well worth it. Jackson runs a 4.3 forty yard dash and has surprisingly good hands. His size may limit him in the NFL at 5'10" 182 pounds but he will at least be very dangerous from the slot and a threat to take kicks and punts all the way. In the third Gruden picked Rutgers offensive guard Jeremy Zuttah. A four year starter at Rutgers Zuttah is very technically sound blocking and could be a good starter in a couple of years. Dre Moore from Maryland went to Tampa in the fourth adding depth on the defensive line. In the fifth round Gruden got his quarterback of the future Josh Johnson. Gruden had been scouting Johnson for some time and was very high on him. Josh is the biggest steal of this years draft. He is a very smart quarterback with a good arm and incredible athletic ability. He could be the new starter within the next two years. Sixth round pick Geno Hayes from Florida State could a very good special teams player and backup. Running Back Cory Boyd from South Carolina Gruden's final pick has the quickness and balance to be a potential starter and a complete steal.In only seven picks Tampa likely added at least three starters you can't really ask for more from one draft.
Draft Grade A+
Cincinnati Bengals:
We all know how high powered the offense is in Cincinnati, but we also know how thin their linebacker corps and defensive line are. Cinci came into this years draft looking for playmakers to help their struggling defense. Their First pick (number nine overall) was linebacker Keith Rivers. Rivers is an extremely gifted athlete with a nose for the football. He seems to always be around the play and helping make big plays happen for the defense. He will definitely help the Bengals pass rush and run defense improve. Second round pick Jerome Simpson has all the tools to a great wide receiver. With Chad Johnson throwing fits and asking to be traded the Bengals had no choice but to look for insurance in the event he was to hold out or leave. Simpson doesn’t have blazing speed but he has great hands and good size and will fight for every jump ball. Third round pick Pat Sims adds much needed talent to cinci's defensive line. Wide receiver Andre Caldwell is a nice depth pick and could be a very good special teams player. Offensive tackle Anthony Collins is a very underrated and talented young lineman bringing starter ability to the table. Defensive linemen Jason Shirley and Deangelo Craig are very good depth picks and both have good talent and starter potential. Safety Corey Lynch could be a real steal late he has great ball instincts and is a very good tackler. He has all the tools to be a good starting strong safety at the least he will a pro bowl caliber special teams player. Wide Receiver Mario Uruttia has tremendous size and good speed and could be a dangerous red zone threat. New Orleans out maneavered them for DT Sedrick Ellis or this rating would have been an A+.
Draft Grade A
St Louis Rams:
The Rams may be one of the most improved teams of this years draft. The obvious need for upgrades at several positions had to come through the draft. With their first pick St Louis took defensive end Chris Long. The son of NFL hall of famer Howie Long, Chris is probably one of the best defensive players to come out of a draft since Mario Williams. He was the clear team leader of the Virginia defense in college. As the second round began Scott Linehan looked at the board and his eyes must have lit up. WR Donnie Avery sat there for the taking. Avery is a very undervalued wide out who had a tremendous career at Houston, but it's questionable that he was the top wideout in this draft. He is a good solid pick although Hardy might have been a better choice. In the third round offensive tackle John Greco was the pick. Greco has good quick feet to handle the outside rush and is also very strong. Orlando Pace is aging rapidly and can't seem to stay healthy. Greco might very easily be the Rams starter at left tackle this year or next. Cornerback Justin King brings incredible ball skills and blazing speed to a secondary that needs both badly. Offensive guard Roy Scheuning was a steal in the fifth round and a very capable starter. Keenan Burton is a absolute steal this late and could very easily end up being the successor to Issac Bruce. Cornerback Chris Chamberlain has good speed and could make a very good nickel corner. Linehan and the Rams did a tremendous job of getting value and filling needs.
Draft Grade A
Carolina Panthers:
The Panthers entered this years draft looking to upgrade the running back position and add depth. In the first round alone they filled team needs at running back and offensive tackle. RB Jonathan Stewart is arguably one of the top three backs in his draft class, but coming off of turf toe surgery, RB Reshard Mendenhall might have been the safer pick. Jeff Otah is a powerful mauling right tackle who can open massive holes for any running back, but the Panthers gave up 2009's first round pick for him, they might regret that lost pick next year, especialy if they have a bad season, which means, obviously, that that pick would be higher than justified. Cornerback Charles Godfrey has good ball skills and could be a huge steal in the third. Third round pick linebacker Dan Connor is a complete steal who has first round talent. Defensive tackle Nick Hayden is a very solid player who adds much needed depth and starter potential.Geoff Schwartz is a solid late offensive line pick that could start. Late round pick Tyler Hilee will most likely be a special teams contributor.
Draft Grade B+
Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh, NY Giants, Chicago
The Losers:
Not every team gets great value for their picks. Some reach for a player they really want or give up too much in a draft day trade. The following teams spent both draft days reaching or giving up too much or not filling needs.
Miami Dolphins:
OT Jake Long was a great pick. He is a cornerstone to build the offensive line around. Unfortunately after that the picks went downhill. Chad Henne was a decent pick my guess is this might be Beck's last year as starter. In The Second Philip Merling was a good pick. He was a bit of a steal most expected him to go in the late first round. Kendal Langford was a good pick the dolphins can use plenty of help on the defensive line. Shawn Murphy wasn’t even on some draft boards and the dolphins took him in the fourth round. He was projected to be a likely seventh rounder. Hopefully they know something everyone else missed out on. Jalen Parmele was definitely a solid pick adds depth at running back in case Ronnie Brown gets hurt again or Ricky Williams finally gets kicked out of the NFL for good. The later picks were good players but other than Donald Thomas they didn’t fill needs drafting only three offensive linemen in one of the deepest classes ever was probably not a great Idea especially when you took two running backs. A wide receiver could have been taken another offensive lineman or maybe a cornerback. Another late defensive end pick made me wonder but at least John Beck got some help at running back now if only he had a line or receivers. In the end the dolphins made some solid picks but drafted too many of the same position and didn’t even address certain needs or holes in the team at all.
Draft Grade C-
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans have real depth issues at wide receiver but didn't even draft one until the fifth round. If Justin Gage is starting you have serious needs for a upgrade. First round pick RB Chris Johnson has great speed (4.24) and could be a good starting or situational back. The problem with this pick is Chris wasn’t projected to be drafted till the middle of the second round and the Titans don’t really need a running back as they already have a good starting back in Lendale White. Unless they are going to try to teach Johnson to play wide out this pick is a waste on a complimentary player that they will overpay first round money to. If Johnson was that big of a want they should have traded out of the first round with a team that wanted an extra first round pick into the early second round and taken him there. When the Titans took Johnson there were at least two backs still graded above him. Second round pick Jason Jones from Eastern Michigan is an extremely talented edge rusher and is the best pick out of their draft. Craig Stevens and William Hayes are decent picks. Lavelle Hawkins is a good receiver and good value at the spot where he was taken. He is somewhat of steal that late. He could be a good slot receiver and special teams player. The Titans draft was bad at best. They reached horribly on their first pick and never addressed needs at wide receiver and offensive line depth.
Draft Grade C-
Detroit Lions:
Lions fans must be the most patient people ever. Every year it seems that Matt Millen gets worse at drafting. Offensive tackle Gosher Cherilous is a good young right tackle. He is second round value taken in the first round but because a run on tackles had started I will give the pick the benefit of the doubt. Linebacker Jordan Dizon is a good young player but he was listed as a fourth rounder on almost every draft board yet the Lions took him in the second. Running back Kevin Smith is a exciting young back and the best pick of Detroit’s draft. Cliff Avril could be a solid situation pass rusher but was a reach also. Jerome Felton and Caleb Campbell highlight the later rounds unfortunately by then almost every pick was a reach or better players were passed over. Not only did the team fail to get value for several of its picks but with a need at linebacker they passed over one of the best in the draft Dan Conner in two straight rounds.
Draft Grade D+
Honorable Mention: Atlanta
By Jason Baudendistel
Friday, February 16, 2007
Marshal Yanda, Iowa Hawkeyes
2007-nfl-draft
Marshal Yanda, 6’ 4” 305 lbs. Iowa
Sticking to the offensive line theme, I want to highlight an excellent NFL Prospect for the 2007 NFL Draft from Iowa named Marshal Yanda. He is a good sized, well coached prospect with excellent mobility and athletic ability. Yanda is still learning and improving, so he will be a little bit of a project, but he has good upside because he has improved so much in so short of a time, there is every reason to think he can continue improving. Yanda played just two years of Division I Football, his first two collegian years he played Junior College Football with Northern Iowa Area Community College in Mason City. He has started every game for the Hawks since his transfer, and in his first year (2005) he started at left guard and won the Hawkeye Hustle Award. Last season (2006), he moved to right tackle and performed brilliantly; he was a pre-season second team all-Big Ten selection by The Sporting News and was named 18th best tackle in the nation by The Sporting News. Mel Kiper loves this kid; he was even on his infamous big board for a while. I mentioned earlier that he was well coached, well his former head coach was a former NFL offensive line coach (Kirk Ferentz), and he was also tutored this season by former Nebraska assistant coach Dave Gillespie. Most “draft gurus” have him listed as a tackle, but in my opinion his position in the NFL will be guard. I project him to be a quality late-second to early-third round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He does look a little soft to me though. He will need to get in the weight room and start doing some serious power lifting to be a force in the NFL, but one good off-season in an NFL strength and conditioning program should do the trick. Check out an excellent highlight video of Yanda here: Marshal Yanda Video
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
In the Trenches
2007-nfl-draft
In the trenches is where most football games are won or lost. Most teams hesitate on using a high draft pick for the hogs in the trenches, so I want to highlight a couple NFL Prospects that should be available in rounds 3-5 in the 2007 NFL Draft. The first prospect is a very talented offensive guard from Akron: Andy Alleman, is a 6’ 4” 305 pound mauler that is exceptionally quick and as strong as a bear. He transferred from Pittsburgh prior to the 2004 season where he played defensive line for two years. Alleman moved to offensive line in the spring of 2005 and is considered to be one of the strongest players on the team, holding numerous lifting records. He was named by ESPN.com in the spring as one of the nation’s “workout freaks”. Alleman was named most valuable lineman and weight lifter of the year in the annual post season awards banquet. Alleman is very under rated prospect, he didn’t even win any All-Conference awards in the MAC, but he has been invited to participate in the 2007 NFL Combine where I predict he will emerge as a top NFL Draft Prospect.
The second prospect is much better known, but has fallen off the radar screen since he was suspended early in the season for missing classes. Kyle Young from Fresno State is one of the biggest centers to enter the NFL Draft in recent memory. At 6’ 5” 330 pounds, he is a man mountain. Young was considered to even be a possible first round draft pick in the 2006 Pre-season, he started at Fresno State at center in the beginning of his freshman year in 2003, and started 47 consecutive games before his suspension. He was on the Rimington Watch list as the nation's top center in his first three years and a consensus pre-season All-WAC awardee. Due to his suspension, his draft stock has dropped, and character issues have surfaced. NFL scouts probably feel if the senior All-American center decided to skip class, his dedication and commitment could be in question. Interestingly, he was a surprise omission for the 2007 NFL Combine, so he will have to have a good “Pro Day” workout. Young did show up at the Shrine game and played the entire second half. He did a decent job, but isn't real mobile, he looked a little heavy and wore two huge knee braces on both knees. Some think he might project to guard at the next level. Regardless, if he stays (gets) committed to football and keeps his weight down, he could be a late round steal in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Salary Cap Numbers for NFL Teams
Current salary Cap Numbers as released by the NFL:
(in millions of dollars)
San Francisco - $37.6
Tennessee - $37.3
Buffalo - $33.2
Arizona – $32.1
New England - $26.6
Cleveland - $26.6
Green Bay - $24.8
St. Louis - $22.9
New Orleans - $21.7
Jacksonville - $21.6
NY Jets - $21.1
San Diego - $20.9
Cincinnati - $18.2
Dallas - $17.2
Seattle - $17.2
Chicago - $17
Houston - $16.5
Detroit - $15.6
Tampa Bay - $15.1
Miami - $13.1
Minnesota - $12.4
NY Giants - $9.4
Oakland - $6.2
Kansas City - $5.1
Washington - $4.3
Atlanta - $3.9
Baltimore - $3.6
Philadelphia - $3.5
Pittsburgh - $3.3
Denver - $2.6
Carolina - $1.8
Indianapolis - $.6
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Safety LaRon Landry, LSU
2006 First-team All-America pick, named the winner of the George M Wallace Memorial Award after leading the Tigers with 68 tackles during the 2006 season.
2005 Third-Team All-American (AP)
2005 First-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
2005 Second-Team All-SEC (AP)
2004 Second-Team All-SEC (SEC Coaches)
2004 SEC Academic Honor Roll
2003 First-Team Freshmen All-American (Football Writer's Association, Collegefootballnews.com)
2003 Second-Team All-SEC (AP)
2003 Freshmen All-SEC Team (Coaches, Knoxville News-Sentinel, The Sporting News)
One of the top rated defensive back prospects in the nation is Safety Laron Landry from LSU. Landry would have been a first round draft pick if he would have entered the 2006 NFL Draft last year, and now after a strong senior season he should be a top 10 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
One of the top rated defensive back prospects in the nation is Safety Laron Landry from LSU. Landry would have been a first round draft pick if he would have entered the 2006 NFL Draft last year, and now after a strong senior season he should be a top 10 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Landry hits like a linebacker but runs and covers like a cornerback. He really has no weakness, he is big and strong enough at 6-2 208 to play strong safety, but also has the coverage ability and speed to play free safety.
Landry has led LSU in tackles two of the past three seasons. Very durable, with 35 consecutive starts in 2006, which began with 10 straight starts as a true freshman to cap LSU's National Championship season in 2003. As a junior he finished with 241 career tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9 interceptions and 7 sacks. This year (2006) he finished as the teams top tackler with 68 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 4 pass break-ups and 4 QB hurries. He would be a great fit for a team needing a free safety like the Dallas Cowboys.
Landry has led LSU in tackles two of the past three seasons. Very durable, with 35 consecutive starts in 2006, which began with 10 straight starts as a true freshman to cap LSU's National Championship season in 2003. As a junior he finished with 241 career tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9 interceptions and 7 sacks. This year (2006) he finished as the teams top tackler with 68 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 4 pass break-ups and 4 QB hurries. He would be a great fit for a team needing a free safety like the Dallas Cowboys.
Watch highlight video of this amazing NFL Prospect here:
More information on LaRon Landry can be found here:
http://www.answers.com/topic/laron-landry
Friday, December 29, 2006
Unofficial 2007 Senior Bowl invitees
Quarterbacks:
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
Drew Stanton, Michigan State
Troy Smith, Ohio State
Jordan Palmer, UTEP
Kevin Kolb, Houston
Trent Edwards, Stanford
John Beck, BYU will fill in.
Running Back/Fullback
Brian Leonard, Rutgers
Kenny Irons of Auburn
Tony Hunt of Penn State
Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois
Ken Darby, Alabama
Tight End
Joe Newton, Oregon State
Scott Chandler, Iowa
Ben Patrick, Delaware
Wide Receiver
David Clowney, Virginia Tech
Jason Hill, Washington State
Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
Johnnie Lee Higgins, Notre Dame
Aundrae Allison, East Carolina
Brandon Myles, West Virginia
Paul Williams, Fresno State
Steve Smith, USC
Offensive Linemen
C Ryan Kalil, USC
C Dan Mozes of West Virginia
C Doug Datish, Ohio State
C Leroy Harris, North Carolina State
G Samson Satele Hawaii
G Ben Grubbs Auburn
G Manny Ramirez, Texas Tech
G Arron Sears, Tennessee
OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
OT Levi Brown, Penn State
OT Ryan Harris Notre Dame
OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan
Defensive Linemen
DT Tank Tyler, North Carolina State
DT Brandon Mebane, California
DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville
DT Quinn Pitcock from Ohio State
DT Paul Soliai, Utah
DT Kareem Brown, Miami-Fl.
DE Gaines Adams, Clemson
DE Quentin Moses, Georgia
DE Ray McDonald, Florida
DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska
DE Jay Moore, Nebraska
De Mkristo Bruce, Washington State
DE/OLB Lamar Woodley Michigan
DE/OLB Anthony Spencer of Purdue
Linebackers
Earl Everett, Florida
Kevin McLee West Virginia's
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
H.B. Blades of Pittsburgh
Patrick Willis, Mississippi
Buster Davis, FSU.
David Harris, Michigan
Defensive Backs
Cornerbacks:
Leon Hall, Michigan
Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
Aaron Ross, Texas
Fred Bennett, South Carolina
David Irons, Auburn
Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
Daymeion Hughes, California
Marcus McCauley, Fresno State
Safeties:
LaRon Landry, LSU
Brandon Meriweather, Miami-Fl
Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
Michael Griffin, Texas
Eric Weddle, Utah
Michael Johnson, Arizona
Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame (Redshirt junior)
Kickers/Punters
place kicker Mason Crosby, Colorado
punter Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
Drew Stanton, Michigan State
Troy Smith, Ohio State
Jordan Palmer, UTEP
Kevin Kolb, Houston
Trent Edwards, Stanford
John Beck, BYU will fill in.
Running Back/Fullback
Brian Leonard, Rutgers
Kenny Irons of Auburn
Tony Hunt of Penn State
Garrett Wolfe of Northern Illinois
Ken Darby, Alabama
Tight End
Joe Newton, Oregon State
Scott Chandler, Iowa
Ben Patrick, Delaware
Wide Receiver
David Clowney, Virginia Tech
Jason Hill, Washington State
Jeff Samardzija, Notre Dame
Johnnie Lee Higgins, Notre Dame
Aundrae Allison, East Carolina
Brandon Myles, West Virginia
Paul Williams, Fresno State
Steve Smith, USC
Offensive Linemen
C Ryan Kalil, USC
C Dan Mozes of West Virginia
C Doug Datish, Ohio State
C Leroy Harris, North Carolina State
G Samson Satele Hawaii
G Ben Grubbs Auburn
G Manny Ramirez, Texas Tech
G Arron Sears, Tennessee
OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
OT Levi Brown, Penn State
OT Ryan Harris Notre Dame
OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan
Defensive Linemen
DT Tank Tyler, North Carolina State
DT Brandon Mebane, California
DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville
DT Quinn Pitcock from Ohio State
DT Paul Soliai, Utah
DT Kareem Brown, Miami-Fl.
DE Gaines Adams, Clemson
DE Quentin Moses, Georgia
DE Ray McDonald, Florida
DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska
DE Jay Moore, Nebraska
De Mkristo Bruce, Washington State
DE/OLB Lamar Woodley Michigan
DE/OLB Anthony Spencer of Purdue
Linebackers
Earl Everett, Florida
Kevin McLee West Virginia's
Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma
H.B. Blades of Pittsburgh
Patrick Willis, Mississippi
Buster Davis, FSU.
David Harris, Michigan
Defensive Backs
Cornerbacks:
Leon Hall, Michigan
Tanard Jackson, Syracuse
Aaron Ross, Texas
Fred Bennett, South Carolina
David Irons, Auburn
Jonathan Wade, Tennessee
Daymeion Hughes, California
Marcus McCauley, Fresno State
Safeties:
LaRon Landry, LSU
Brandon Meriweather, Miami-Fl
Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech
Michael Griffin, Texas
Eric Weddle, Utah
Michael Johnson, Arizona
Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame (Redshirt junior)
Kickers/Punters
place kicker Mason Crosby, Colorado
punter Daniel Sepulveda, Baylor
2007 Senior Bowl
The NFL Network will be showing the 2007 Senior Bowl as well as the entire week long of practices prior to the game. This should be some excellent live coverage for NFL Draft fans. Check back here, and at my sister blog nfl-draft-site.blogspot.com throughout the week and after the game for NFL Draft prospect analysis and coverage.
Starting on Monday 22 January, there will be week-long coverage with 14 hours of live practices throughout the week leading up to the all-star game on Saturday. Play-by-play will be called by Rich Eisen with commentary by Dick Vermeil and Mike Mayock. The game itself will be on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007 and there will be 21 hours of live programming of the event.
Starting on Monday 22 January, there will be week-long coverage with 14 hours of live practices throughout the week leading up to the all-star game on Saturday. Play-by-play will be called by Rich Eisen with commentary by Dick Vermeil and Mike Mayock. The game itself will be on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007 and there will be 21 hours of live programming of the event.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Breaking News
Small school NFL Prospect coverage will now have its very own blog. if you are interested in the small school player please check out:
http://nfl-prospects.blogspot.com/
http://nfl-prospects.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 25, 2006
New Location
http://nfl-draft-site.blogspot.com
I have started a new blog, check back here and the new site for future NFL Draft updates, thank you for your participation.
I have started a new blog, check back here and the new site for future NFL Draft updates, thank you for your participation.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Small School NFL players
I love small school players that make it in the NFL. It doesn't matter where, when or even if you get drafted, all that matters is what you do and how you play when you get that shot at the NFL. Small school players (prospects) present outstanding value for NFL teams because quite often they can get them as free agents or in the late rounds of the NFL Draft.
Here are some of the small school prospects (rookies) that made it into the NFL this year. Here are a few that I covered extensively prior to last year's NFL Draft.
1. WR Marques Colston, New Orleans (Hofstra)
Probably a lock for rookie of the year, after 12 games he has caught 66 balls for 1001 yards and recorded 7 TDs. I bragged about him last year, but he was still passed up in the NFL Draft by 251 other players. The Saints struck gold by getting him in the 7th round.
2. FS Daniel Manning, Chicago (Abiline Christian)
The starting free safety for the Bears, Manning has been outstanding in 14 games recording 59 tackles and 2 interceptions.
3. DE/OLB Jason Hunter, Green Bay (Appalachian State)
Undrafted, but he made the team. Hunter has bulked up from 220 to 255 pounds and at 6-3 he has the size to stick in the NFL. Listed on the depth chart as a back up defensive end, he is a ball hawk and should get a chance to start next year.
http://www.packers.com/team/players/hunter_jason/
4. FB A.J. Schable, Arizona (South Dakota)
OK maybe not a household name and he might never be, but as an undrafted free agent he made the active roster of the Cardinals and is listed on their depth chart as a back-up fullback. Pretty impressive for a kid that played defensive end for tiny South Dakota last year.
5. WR Miles Austin, Dallas (Monmouth)
I really thought Austin was going to get drafted last year so I was estatic when Dallas picked him up as a free agent. The Cowboys were/are very deep at receiver so it was quite a big deal for him to stay on the active roster. Parcels said he didn't want to take a chance on putting him on the practice squad because some other teams were already asking about him. Oh and did I mention he is currently the 2nd ranked kick returner in the NFC. http://www.nfl.com/stats/leaders/NFC/KRET/2006/regular
He is raw, but in a couple years we might see him starting at wideout for the Cowboys.
6. DE/OLB Brent Hawkins, Jacksonville (Illinois State)
One of my favorite small school players last year. He got drafted about where I thought he would in round five. He started out the year playing good football for the Jags, after 6 games he had a skill for getting to the QB with 7 tackles and 2 sacks. He is on IR with a groin injury now, but you should expect big things from him next year.
7. WR Brandon Marshal, Denver (Central Florida)
Marshal was actualy my favorite small school player last year. The Broncos stole him in the 4th round and they now have a gem. He is raw, he was a safety until his senior year in college, but at 6-4 230 pounds and 4.4 speed he is special. Shannahan is bringing him along slowly, he has played in 13 games recording 14 catches for 224 yards and 2 TDs. He looks like the replacement for the aging Rod Smith. If he keeps his head straight I look for him to be in the pro bowl in 2 years.
8. OG Jahri Evans, New Orleans (Bloomsburg)
How many teams would like to get a starting caliber guard in the fourth round? That is exactly what the Saints got when they drafted Evans, a fixture at guard for the next ten years if he stays healthy. Out of tiny Division II he wasn't given much of a chance in the first day of the draft. The Saints resurgence can at least partly be attributed to the play of Evans at Guard.
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/playerbio.cfm?playerid=347
Here are some of the small school prospects (rookies) that made it into the NFL this year. Here are a few that I covered extensively prior to last year's NFL Draft.
1. WR Marques Colston, New Orleans (Hofstra)
Probably a lock for rookie of the year, after 12 games he has caught 66 balls for 1001 yards and recorded 7 TDs. I bragged about him last year, but he was still passed up in the NFL Draft by 251 other players. The Saints struck gold by getting him in the 7th round.
2. FS Daniel Manning, Chicago (Abiline Christian)
The starting free safety for the Bears, Manning has been outstanding in 14 games recording 59 tackles and 2 interceptions.
3. DE/OLB Jason Hunter, Green Bay (Appalachian State)
Undrafted, but he made the team. Hunter has bulked up from 220 to 255 pounds and at 6-3 he has the size to stick in the NFL. Listed on the depth chart as a back up defensive end, he is a ball hawk and should get a chance to start next year.
http://www.packers.com/team/players/hunter_jason/
4. FB A.J. Schable, Arizona (South Dakota)
OK maybe not a household name and he might never be, but as an undrafted free agent he made the active roster of the Cardinals and is listed on their depth chart as a back-up fullback. Pretty impressive for a kid that played defensive end for tiny South Dakota last year.
5. WR Miles Austin, Dallas (Monmouth)
I really thought Austin was going to get drafted last year so I was estatic when Dallas picked him up as a free agent. The Cowboys were/are very deep at receiver so it was quite a big deal for him to stay on the active roster. Parcels said he didn't want to take a chance on putting him on the practice squad because some other teams were already asking about him. Oh and did I mention he is currently the 2nd ranked kick returner in the NFC. http://www.nfl.com/stats/leaders/NFC/KRET/2006/regular
He is raw, but in a couple years we might see him starting at wideout for the Cowboys.
6. DE/OLB Brent Hawkins, Jacksonville (Illinois State)
One of my favorite small school players last year. He got drafted about where I thought he would in round five. He started out the year playing good football for the Jags, after 6 games he had a skill for getting to the QB with 7 tackles and 2 sacks. He is on IR with a groin injury now, but you should expect big things from him next year.
7. WR Brandon Marshal, Denver (Central Florida)
Marshal was actualy my favorite small school player last year. The Broncos stole him in the 4th round and they now have a gem. He is raw, he was a safety until his senior year in college, but at 6-4 230 pounds and 4.4 speed he is special. Shannahan is bringing him along slowly, he has played in 13 games recording 14 catches for 224 yards and 2 TDs. He looks like the replacement for the aging Rod Smith. If he keeps his head straight I look for him to be in the pro bowl in 2 years.
8. OG Jahri Evans, New Orleans (Bloomsburg)
How many teams would like to get a starting caliber guard in the fourth round? That is exactly what the Saints got when they drafted Evans, a fixture at guard for the next ten years if he stays healthy. Out of tiny Division II he wasn't given much of a chance in the first day of the draft. The Saints resurgence can at least partly be attributed to the play of Evans at Guard.
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/playerbio.cfm?playerid=347
Top 5
The final draft order isn't set yet, and the juniors haven't declared for the draft, but we can speculate a bit: Yes WR Calvin Johnson is a top five player, but I just couldn't squeeze him in.
1. Detroit Lions: QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
They have a lot of holes to fill and they might be gun-shy due to the Joey Harrington fiasco, but they need a QB for the future. Brady Quinn looks like the only franchise QB in this draft, unless Brian Brohm declares early. Once Detroit fell out of the playoff race they decided not to play Dan Orlovsky, that tells me he is not ready.
2. Oakland Raiders: WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
Will they go after another QB? Andrew Walter and Aaron Brooks have looked horrible. If QB Brian Brohm declares for the draft he might be an option. They might try to trade down and get an offensive tackle, OT Tony Uguh from Arkansas would be a good option because Robert Gallery has been a bust and Langston Walker and Brad Badger are not getting the job done. The Raiders just can't pass on Calvin Johnson; Randy Moss might not be back
3. Tampa Bay Bucs: (JR) DT Alan Branch, Michigan
They have lost Warren Sapp and Booger McFarland the last few years and the defense isn't the same. They might look at QB, Gradkowski doesn't look like NFL material to me, he got benched for journeymen Tim Rattay, but Chris Simms might be back next year. Branch is a monster with huge upside. Offensive tackle is another area of need, Anthony Davis and Jeremy Trueblood have not performed well at offensive tackle.
4. Arizona Cardinals: OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
Finaly set at QB, Leinart was very impressive; there is hope for the future. They look like a team that is on the verge of being very competetive, but they just can't run the ball. They really need to trade down and rebuild their offensive line, but if they stay here Thomas would be a good start.
5. Houston Texans: (JR) RB Marshawn Lynch, California
They must be nashing their teeth over passing on Reggie Bush and that will haunt them for years to come, but drafting Lynch if he comes out, might make people forget. This player is just fantastic.
1. Detroit Lions: QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
They have a lot of holes to fill and they might be gun-shy due to the Joey Harrington fiasco, but they need a QB for the future. Brady Quinn looks like the only franchise QB in this draft, unless Brian Brohm declares early. Once Detroit fell out of the playoff race they decided not to play Dan Orlovsky, that tells me he is not ready.
2. Oakland Raiders: WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
Will they go after another QB? Andrew Walter and Aaron Brooks have looked horrible. If QB Brian Brohm declares for the draft he might be an option. They might try to trade down and get an offensive tackle, OT Tony Uguh from Arkansas would be a good option because Robert Gallery has been a bust and Langston Walker and Brad Badger are not getting the job done. The Raiders just can't pass on Calvin Johnson; Randy Moss might not be back
3. Tampa Bay Bucs: (JR) DT Alan Branch, Michigan
They have lost Warren Sapp and Booger McFarland the last few years and the defense isn't the same. They might look at QB, Gradkowski doesn't look like NFL material to me, he got benched for journeymen Tim Rattay, but Chris Simms might be back next year. Branch is a monster with huge upside. Offensive tackle is another area of need, Anthony Davis and Jeremy Trueblood have not performed well at offensive tackle.
4. Arizona Cardinals: OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
Finaly set at QB, Leinart was very impressive; there is hope for the future. They look like a team that is on the verge of being very competetive, but they just can't run the ball. They really need to trade down and rebuild their offensive line, but if they stay here Thomas would be a good start.
5. Houston Texans: (JR) RB Marshawn Lynch, California
They must be nashing their teeth over passing on Reggie Bush and that will haunt them for years to come, but drafting Lynch if he comes out, might make people forget. This player is just fantastic.
Tis the season
With the NFL playoffs starting and many teams getting eliminated, fans are starting to think about next year and with that comes rebuilding the teams via the NFL Draft. My first installment will focus on the top 5 picks for the 2007 NFL Draft.
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