The NFL off-season is in the books, training camp is upon us, and football is in the air in Baltimore. With the Orioles in the middle of a dreadful season, the excitement of the Purple and Black is just the cure for the dog days of summer here in Charm City. Much of the excitement amongst the fans is due to lofty expectations for the Ravens, not just locally, but nationally as well. I know you can never be certain of anything in the NFL, and that predictions aren’t even worth the breath you spent making them…but given everything that happened in this off-season, the AFC North is the Ravens to lose.

The Ravens were wildly inconsistent last season before finally making it into the playoffs at 9-7. One minute they looked like a Super Bowl contender (33-14 beat down of the Patriots on the road in the 1st round of the AFC Playoff, while other times the Ravens looked like a team that was over matched and undisciplined. The Ravens struggled against the elite teams in football last season, and were swept by the AFC North Champion Bengals (who swept every team in the AFC North). Unlike previous off-seasons, the Ravens went out and acquired legitimate weapons for Joe Flacco, sending a message to the rest of the division, and NFL, that they won’t accept anything short of the Super Bowl. In addition to the acquisitions of Boldin and Stallworth, the Ravens had what many, myself included, believe to be a stellar draft, giving them weapons on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The most important thing that they did, which is the difference between good and great teams, is solidify depth by acquiring Ken Hamlin and Walt Harris to bolster the secondary. Depth was a major problem last season, especially in the secondary, and while their better days are behind them, Harris and Hamlin should are a significant upgrade from some of the defensive backs the Ravens were forced to play at times last season.

Another reason for optimism is the fact that the Ravens look to have improved, while it’s a fact that the other teams in the division looked to have digressed off the field, as well as on it. I truly believe the Bengals are a legitimate contender ,but they keep bringing cancer and problems into the locker room and eventually that is going to catch up to them. Drafting Dunlap and Shipley definitely helped them on the field, but acquiring Matt Jones and his cocaine problem, should do more harm then good. The Bengals have no history of sustaining success for years, so given that and the fact that they have too many players with baggage that could come back to bite them, I think they will take a step back.

Meanwhile, the Ravens biggest rival, the Steelers will be without Big Ben( or little Ben depending which night club female you ask) for at least the first four games this season, handing the reins over to Byron Leftwich or Dennis Dixon. Once Roethlisberger returns, he is likely to return to a locker room that does not like him or support him. Some Steelers players have been very vocal in their disdain for Roethlisberger, and they are likely to rally around whoever is under center for the first four games of the season, leaving a divided locker room once Roethlisberger returns. To top it off, they traded away the former Super Bowl MVP and big player receiver Santonio Holmes and really did not make any significant strides in improving the team.

With training camp starting in just a few days, fans everywhere will be predicting 11-5, 12-4,10-6 or whatever they think the Ravens record will be. The NFL shows us that you can never assume or predict anything, but given the circumstances that transpired in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Cleveland this off-season, the AFC North looks to be the Ravens division to lose.

Many think the Ravens will be the last team standing in Dallas in February.

This is one prognostication that is alright with me. I just hope it holds true.

What time is it? What’s our name?- The Little Roman

Reed said that he should have never came back last season and that he probably shouldn’t play at all this season, and then says that he could see himself playing for ten more years. Reed claims the Ravens previously took him off the PUP prematurely and without consulting him…he also compares the team’s mistreatment of him to that of the Tennessee Titans when they locked Steve McNair out of their facilities. Reed then compares his relationship with the Ravens to a marriage that’s just hit a minor bump in the road. Oh yeah, and he wants a new contract. Despite all his health issues and erratic statements he wants the Ravens to restructure his current deal which locks him up through 2012.

I’m all for giving players who produce like Reed a pay day. In his eight season he has 46 INTs and 11 defensive TDs, not to mention a highlight reel packed with devastating hits and tremendous special teams plays (despite all the ill-conceived laterals). But if I was Ozzie Newsome I wouldn’t restructure Ed’s deal at this point, it’s just not a sound business move. He has the nerve impingement in his neck that looks like a permanent condition, his hip was just reconstructed, and lately he’s been acting like a flake. I’m not saying that something can’t be worked out financially for Ed at a later date, but right now it’s time to look at things from a business standpoint. The Ravens are one of the best managed teams in the NFL, because they aren’t afraid to make the hard decisions and hold their ground.

At the same time I can’t fault Reed for wanting a new deal; when healthy him and Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu are in a league of their own. Safety is one of the lowest paid positions on the field, but Ed Reed isn’t just another safety, he’s (cliché alert) a game changer. The reality of the NFL and sports in general is that it’s a ‘what have you done for me lately?’ business. Coaches, agents, AD’s, GM’s…they’re like vampires. Athletes are only coveted when they can produce.

I guess I’m a bit torn on the issue. Bottom line, I think Reed has a good heart and will work things out with the Ravens; however, I’m not so sure he’ll physically be able to contribute much this season. I’m just thankful that two drafts ago the Ravens invested third and sixth round picks respectively in Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura; not to mention the off season signing of Ken Hamlin. The Ravens are pretty deep at the safety position and that should get them by, but there’s no replacing Ed Reed.

~ Pat Cary

Walt Harris is a very good signing for this team. Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington are progressing well through their respective rehab efforts, but everyone knows that football players, especially speed guys, are not quite the same the first year back from an ACL. The Ravens need a proven vet to be available to start at corner. Remember two years ago when the Ravens were forced to start Frank Walker in the AFC Championship game? Or last year when Chris Carr and even Cary Williams saw their names in the starting lineup? That’s a scary scenario for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.

I realize that Harris is turning 36 and coming off his own knee injury, which forced him to miss the entire 2009 season, but he looked good in a tryout with the Ravens and has 13 years of starting NFL cornerback savvy. Harris has some pedigree as well. He was a first round draft pick by the Bears in 1996; has started just under 90% of his career games; and made the pro bowl in 2006. I’m not getting overly excited here, I actually hope the Ravens never need Harris to make a signal start. I’m just satisfied with the Ravens’ options should Webb and Washington not be available.

I’m also pretty happy with the Ravens other pro bowl signings. Ken Hamlin is a hard hitting safety that could step in should Ed Reed not fully recover from hip surgery in time for the season. Hamlin has some left in the tank at 29 and seems to be hungry to prove that he is still a starting safety in the NFL. At very least, he will push Dawan Landry.

Marc Bulger doesn’t come cheap at $3.8 million, but he is a significant upgrade over Troy Smith and Jon Beck. Hey Troy, you still want to get traded to Cleveland? Well I’m sure they’re not interested, but hopefully we can get a sixth rounder for you. I can’t stress the importance of having a competent backup QB, it’s the most important position in sports. Bulger, even as a backup, is well worth the money.

The NFL is a league of attrition, which is why the Ravens front office deserves a hand for their recent signings.

~Pat Cary

Dez Bryant has been a lightening rod for media discussion over the last year, but very little of this talk has involved his play on the football field. Almost everyone has an opinion on Bryant’s background, upbringing, work ethic, attendance record, and other off-the-field digressions. Most people also have a strong opinion with regard to where Bryant should or should not have been selected in the 2010 NFL draft. This is my opinion of Dez Bryant and what to expect from his rookie campaign in Dallas.

Before I get into my thoughts on Dez, I gotta come clean about something. Even though the World Cup is approaching and we are in the midst of the NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, and MLB regular season, all I have been thinking about is NFL football. I know that I am not alone. Fortunately for me and all fanatical football fans, NFL training camp’s begin in less than two months.

My beloved Cowboys finally got a few monkey’s off their back in 2009 by winning some big games in December and putting an end to their 12 year playoff drought. The 2010 Cowboys will try to fight another negative trend as they attempt to become the first host city to participate in the Super Bowl.

The NFL network recently aired three documentaries which chronicled the 1977, 1992, and 1993 Dallas Cowboys teams which all won Super Bowls. It has been a decade since the Cowboys were legitimate post season contenders, but the cyclical nature of sports will once again put the Cowboys back in the national spotlight. Whether you like it or not, the Cowboys are stacked and relevant once again.

How about Tony Romo? The Cowboy quarterback recently birdied three of the final four holes at a U.S. Open qualifier to force a three hole playoff (which he proceeded to win). How about that for clutch? There are so many Romo-haters out there, but what does it say about his make-up to be able to focus and execute under that pressure? Don’t you think the ability to make a big putt on that stage can help an NFL QB handle the pressure of playoff football?

Anyway, back to Dez Bryant, the Cowboys first round draft pick. I get at least one call every time I bring up Dez on the radio from someone who thinks he will be a bust. How can anyone possibly came to this conclusion? Dez was a man amongst boys in college football and would have been a top 5 pick had he not been suspended last season. Seriously, Bryant is as close to a sure thing as anyone in the 2010 NFL draft class. However, let’s keep everything in perspective.

The accepted stereotype for receivers is that they take three years to develop into dependable NFL players. Dez will be no different. Just because I think Bryant will eventually become a dynamic Pro-Bowl receiver in the NFL, does not mean I think he will be an overnight sensation. I expect him to flash his potential in the next two years and make some big plays because of his natural athleticism. But, he will not be a focal point in the Cowboy offense for the foreseeable future.

Romo has been working with Miles Austin and Jason Witten for years to build chemistry, trust, and rapport. Austin and Witten are the top options in the Cowboy’s passing game and that isn’t going to change. Jason Garrett is also trying to get the best out of Roy Williams and the talented Martellus Bennett in hopes of expanding their roles. Patrick Crayton is a reliable route runner, and Kevin Ogletree was an emerging rookie who will deserve more playing time.

The real bread and butter of the Cowboys offense is their three headed running attack led by the dynamic, home-run hitting Felix Jones. Marion Barber is healthy and has been a staple in the Cowboy back field, while Tashard Choice will deservingly get more touches in his third year. Choice and Jones both figure to be more prominent this season, and you have to wonder how Garrett will satisfy the appetite of all of these talented weapons.

If you look at the landscape of this Cowboy offense, how many touches could Dez possibly receive? I am predicting 48 receptions, 569 yards, and three touchdowns. However, there is one possibility…and I don’t want to jinx it, but here it is: what if he is just that good that Romo has to get him the ball, even as a rookie?

If Bryant wouldn’t have lied to NCAA officials about his relationship with Deion Sander’s, he would have been picked in the top of the first round, and would be suiting up for the Browns, Bills, Jaguars, etc. Basically, he would have been drafted by a bad team, with a bad quarterback, with the pressure and expectation of performing as a top 10 pick. Bryant would have been double teamed every play on a losing team, and concerns about his attitude and work ethic could have surfaced in this atmosphere.

As a late first round pick, coming to an established team with other weapons and a talented QB, Bryant is in the perfect situation to succeed. Cowboys fans are not looking for him to dominate right away. Fans want him to work hard and earn his opportunity, and two years down the road the expectation will be increased. But, as a rookie, Bryant just needs to stay humble and bust his butt. Period. Any big plays that he can manufacture will be icing on the cake.

Bryant was not suspended for rape, drugs, guns, or any violent crimes. He simply got scared and lied. Bryant’s suspension was ridiculous and this tainted his draft stock and public perception. Seriously, look at some recent negative sport’s headlines and how Bryant’s mistake pales in comparison.

I can’t wait for training camp and the start of the NFL season. Look out for the team with a star on their helmet.

Woodman – Baltimore’s biggest Cowboys fan

Last season the Baltimore Ravens were a run first team, whose passing game was defined by finding Derrick Mason on the 12 yard comeback route and Ray Rice in the flat and hope he breaks it for a long gain. Enter Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth, and the Ravens offense has weapons and the potential to be one of the most explosive in the league. Stallworth is still one of the fastest players in the NFL and his ability to stretch the field provides the Ravens with explosiveness that they have not had since Vinny Testaverde was under center. Boldin, is a great route runner and tough receiver who has more breakaway speed then people give him credit for. Couple those two with the always steady Derrick Mason, and the Ravens receiving corp possesses more weapons than North Korea.

Over the last decade no position in professional football has evolved more than the tight end position. Once reserved for people who were too small to be a lineman, but were still good blockers, the tight end position is now filled with athletic pass catchers who create mismatch problems all over the field. Todd Heap, is aging and his better days are behind him, but with Boldin, Stallworth and Mason garnering the focus of the defense, he should be able to find some seems in the middle of the field and will have lots of opportunities to make plays. The things that have made Heap so great throughout his career are his hands and his athleticism, but he is not the explosive, field stretching tight end that some of the elite offenses have.  Enter former Oregon tight end and 3^rd round pick Ed Dickson, and the Ravens offense looks like it has that game changing tight end to compliment Heap.  Dickson, who is 6’5″ and 243 pounds, ran a 4.67 40-yard dash at the combine, and is the perfect combination of size and speed that wreaks havoc on opposing defenses. Dickson has the ability to line up outside the hash as well as in the slot and very few defenses will have a defender with size and speed to match up with him. In addition to Dickson and Heap, the Ravens have sure handed Dennis Pitta who will likely be a great safety valve for Flacco, due to his steady hands and maturity. 

No longer will Ravens watch opposing offenses like the Cowboys, Colts, Patriots and Saints and yearn for the kind of weapons they have.

The Ravens now have their own weapons and a strong arm quarterback under center. Those weapons have the potential to destroy the rest of the NFL.

Boldin, Stallworth, Rice, Dickson, Heap, Mason and Flacco, those are the real “Weapons of Mass Destruction” and they can be found in Baltimore, Maryland.

 Still love smash mouth defense, but I can get to used to this explosive offense thing- The Little Roman

And you thought the UFL would die. Shame on you. You didn’t forget about it though did you?

This, the 2nd season of the UFL is certainly going to be one to remember. Why you ask? Well for one, season tickets are only $60 and two, there has already been a rearrangement of teams and that is sure to light a fire under ratings! Jack Of All Sports Tim Rescigno will be devastated to learn that his New York team is gone. The team he and the city loved was pulled out from under them like the Sonics were to Seattle folks. Tim, I am sorry. I figured with kick off only 4 months away, it was time you got familiarized with the UFL again…

• The only teams to survive season 1 were Orlando and Las Vegas. New York and San Francisco folded shop making way for the Sacramento Mountain Lions, Hartford Colonials and the Omaha (team yet to be named…but had over 9,000 suggestions through the local newspaper).
• As mentioned above, season tickets will go for as low as $60 and as high as $120 this year. The $60 seats are probably in the nose bleeds (4 rows off the field) as opposed to the top ticket which is going to probably put you on the field for a snap or two.
• If you want to try out, it looks like the closest tryout is in Petersburg, VA on Saturday. They are going to make you run the 40 yard dash and do some position drills. It’s going to cost you $60 and you better register soon.
• When I type “UFL Big Hits” into Youtube I get asked if I meant “NFL Big Hits” and then gives me a couple videos. The first one that really came up was this…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrJ9Z8VtDQE

That’s about all I have now. I will keep you updated as more news is released. We should know the final rosters in a month or two. So go out and get your season tickets now while you still can.

Baltimore fans- you have something else to look forward to as well. The LFL (Lingerie Football League). As soon as the team is set I will update you, this is certainly going to be a good time. Is it possible to get media credentials to follow the team?

Your UFL/LFL beat reporter-
Gordon

Dez Bryant may have been the most enigmatic and misunderstood prospects of any potential first round draft pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Suspended for almost his entire senior year because of lying to the NCAA about his relationship with Deion Sanders, many thought that Bryant was a deviant who had many problems off the field. People failed to see that he was an Academic- All American, which is a rarity among the elite college football players of the modern day. Furthermore, Bryant was suspended for something that was really not a problem to anyone other then the NCAA, who would suspend a player if a booster bought them a tank of gas or a pack of gum. Bryant had dinner with Deion Sanders on multiple occasions and was questioned by the NCAA about his relationship with Deion. During the meeting with the NCAA, Bryant lied about the relationship and he was later suspended, once it was determined that had indeed lied. With your senior year of college and draft stock on the line, what college kid in their right mind would not lie in that situation? Any GM or Executive who has never lied about anything in their life, has every right to drop Bryant down their draft board, but seeing as how there are none, then they should have just given Bryant the benefit of the doubt.

The NCAA suspension was just the tip of the iceberg in teams’ analysis of Bryant, as they probed into his entire upbringing and life. The story of Dez Bryant’s upbringing is one that I do not wish for anyone. When he was born, his father was 40 and his mother was 12. During his childhood, his mother was in and out of jail, so Bryant was sent to live with his father. While living with his father he was thrown out of the house for eating too much because his father claimed he could not afford to support him. Despite all of that Bryant, got into Oklahoma State where he not only emerged as the best receiver in college football, he excelled in the classroom. It is no secret that during his tenure on the OSU football team he was often late for meetings, and had is own agenda. Those factors led to Bryant being labeled as a “diva” and scared a lot of teams away from him. Those questions, if asked by GM’s were completely fair and understood, however, Miami Dolphins GM, Jeff Ireland, crossed the line completely when he asked Bryant is his mother was a prostitute.

This was a completely classless thing to do and completely irrelevant in analyzing Dez Bryant and Ireland had no right whatsoever to ask it. The story of Bryant’s tough upbringing was something that everyone knew about and something that he has talked about before. If anything, hearing his story should show you what kind of makeup Bryant has, as most people in that situation would not have made it to where he has. And to be honest, its not really anyone else’s business. Michael Oher’s story was well known and people respected him for overcoming such adversity. However, they looked at Bryant in a completely different light for an upbringing that was completely similar to Oher’s. I guarantee you that nobody asked if Michael Oher his biological mother was a prostitute, so why ask Bryant?

The fact that Jeff Ireland was not fired shows what kind of people the Dolphins have working for them and why their franchise has been perennial average since Dan Marino left. This is the same organization that still has Ricky Williams on their team despite numerous NFL suspensions. They also recently acquired Brandon Marshall who has a rap sheet 10 times as long as Bryant’s. If you have Williams and Marshall on your team, then you show that football, not off the field issues, is the number one priority. I have no problem with this thinking, but then why turn around and be hypocritical in your evaluation of Bryant.

I hope the NFL schedules the Cowboys and Dolphins to play each other for the next 10 years and Dez Bryant just lights up the Dolphins.

But most of all, I hope in his next job interview Jeff Ireland, is one of the final candidates but is not chosen because the potential employer found out that his mother once had sex with two men at the same time. If this sounds classless, it is, but typing it here, doesn’t compare to saying it to the face of a 20 something year old.

Ireland has since apologized, and I hope that the Dez Bryant accepts that apology by scoring 20+ touchdowns and leading the Cowboys to the Super Bowl against the Ravens while Ireland and the Dolphins watch from home.

Completely surprised at how classless some people can be- Marco Romanell

You can’t truly judge a draft until three or four years down the line.  That statement has been regurgitated a million times, just like “defense wins championships” and in both cases the clichés are true.  So why am I not grading the 2007 draft?  No one cares about 2007, it’s all about the here and now.  What did your favorite team get for the NFL’s equivalent of Christmas?

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys B-

The Boys swapped their 1^st round pick with New England, as well as a 3^rd for a 4^th to move up three spots to draft Dez Bryant.  This was the big splash Jerry Jones was dying to make.  Bryant will make a lot of teams look foolish for passing on him. The rest of the Cowboys draft is lackluster.  They chose Sean Lee in the 2^nd round over the likes of Brandon Spikes, Charles Brown, and Major Wright. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah will contribute right away on special teams, but is a project at cornerback.

New York Giants C+

The more I think about the Jason Pierre-Paul pick the less I like it.  He is by far the biggest boom/bust candidate in the draft.  I guess you gotta have faith in your scouts, but it’s hard to take the inexperienced, unproven athletic freak over Derrick Morgan.  Three defensive lineman out of seven picks (not to mention your first two picks) when you have greater needs.

Philadelphia Eagles B

It’s hard to f- things up when you have 13 picks.  The Eagles didn’t screw the pooch, but they didn’t hit a homerun either.  I like the move to trade up and get Graham over Earl Thomas.  I’m not saying Thomas won’t be a good safety, but Graham is a difference maker and Thomas is a bit undersized.  I’m not sure I like the decision to go with Nate Allen over Taylor Mays.  Allen was a nice player at South Florida, but isn’t exactly an intimidating defender.  If you didn’t like either of them trade down, or pick value.

Washington Redskins C

The Skins didn’t have much to work with in this draft.  I might have drafted six offensive lineman and called it a day if I was Mike Shanahan.  I seriously would have drafted Bruce Campbell with the 103^rd pick (Skins second highest pick).   At least they drafted Trent Williams with the 4^th overall and didn’t try to package this year and 2011’s 1^st round selections to get Sam Bradford.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals B/B-

I love their first two picks.  Dan Williams is a rock of a nose tackle and a tough player from a big time conference.  Daryl Washington is a speedy linebacker who can actually tackle.  After that there’s not much to write home about.

San Francisco 49ers A-

You drafted two huge offensive lineman in the first round, how could I not love this draft?  Taylor Mays at 49^th overall is a nice pick up too.  Mays may not be the best cover safety, but he carries a big stick and is blazing fast…if he can add some bulk he could be a great OLB.

Seattle Seahawks A

You got the best offensive lineman (projected) two picks after he was supposed to be gone; an athletic safety who can also play nickel; and you picked up one of the best receivers in this draft 60^th overall.  Throw in White and Washington and you have a significantly upgraded team.

St. Louis Rams B-

The jury’s still out on Bradford in my eyes.  Staffold is probably going to be a really nice guard in this league, but when you have so many needs I’m not sure that’s your guy at 33^rd overall.  I love the Mardy Gilyard pick up in the fourth round.  I think Jerome Murphy could be a sold corner in this league, but I’m not sure I like him at the top of the 3^rd round.

NFC North

Chicago Bears C

The Bears were really handicapped in this draft.  Major Wright was a nice pick to open things up.  Corey Wootton is great value in the 4^th round.  Coming back from a torn ACL last season, Wootton wasn’t himself, but this is his second season back and he should be 100%.  Dan LeFevour is Kiper’s boy, but I’ve heard he’s not an NFL QB.  I’ll give them a C, because they were working with next to nothing.

Detroit Lions B

I think Detroit had a nice draft.  Suh is obviously a beast. I like Jahvid Best, but I don’t like trading up to get him…even if St. Louis would have taken him at 33^rd overall.  Amari Spievey is a physical player, but can he press receivers at the line?  Jason Fox is huge, but will likely need time to develop.

Green Bay Packers C+

Bryan Buluga fell in their laps at 23rd and address a big need, so I’m cool with that pick, but Mike Neal at 56 was a stretch.

Minnesota Vikings C+

I hate the Chris Cook pick; think the Toby Gerhert pick is serviceable; and really like the Everson Griffen selection at 100^th overall.  Really like the big tackle out of Wake in the 5^th round as well.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons C-

Weatherspoon at 19 is a bit of a stretch.  I don’t like Atlanta’s next pick of Corey Peters when Jordan Shipley and Eric Decker are still on the board.  I know WR isn’t as much of a need, but you have to recognize value there.

Carolina Panthers B/B-

Jimmy Clausen is a great pick at 48, especially considering he was projected as high the top ten.  I don’t understand drafting Armanti Edwards in the 3^rd round as a project WR.  Eric Norwood, out of South Carolina, maybe undersized, but he knows how to get to the QB.  Tony Pike is also a nice late round pickup.

New Orleans Saints B-

I thought Robinson was a bit of a reach in the first round with so much front seven help out there.  I would have picked Brian Price, or traded out of the pick.  Big Al Woods is a nice pick up in the 4^th.  I like Charles Brown as a player, but I think he might have been available later in the draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers A

The Bucs get two of the very best defensive lineman this draft had to offer and follow that up with wide-out Arrelious Benn 39^th overall.  They also ad a huge cornerback in Myron Lewis in the 3^rd round.  The pick of the Bucs draft might have been Mike Williams in the 4^th.  They loaded up on defense and gave Josh Freeman some weapons.

~ Pat Cary

East:

New England Patriots: A

The Patriots once again showed why they have been one of the best franchises of the last decade with their stellar performance in this draft. Not only did they find good players at each one of their picks, they managed to acquire more picks for next season and now have 10 picks in the 2011 draft. Last season, defense was the Patriots weakness so they stock piled talented defensive players in this draft. Devin McCourty, Brandon Spikes and Jermaine Cunningham are all studs that should make immediate impacts in the NFL. McCourty will sure up what is a suspect secondary and also provide help on special teams. Spikes is a tackling machine who fell to the second round because of a slow time in the 40 yard dash, and Cunningham is a pass rusher that the Patriots desperately need. Offensively, they surrounded Tom Brady with more weapons drafting tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and wide receiver Taylor Price. All are likely to be factors this season. If people thought they Patriots were down and out coming into this draft, I am sure they are rethinking those thoughts after an impressive three days.   

New York Jets: B-

How do you stop the high flying offenses of the Patriots, Colts and Chargers? Shut down their receivers. This is an adage that Rex Ryan has taken to heart. Despite having maybe the best corner back tandem in football, the Jets chose the physical and fast Kyle Wilson from Boise St in round one.  They bolstered their offensive line with second round pick Vladimir Ducasse but their failure to bring in a pass rusher or safety is what prevented them from getting an A grade. Jason Taylor is a nice pick up but they need someone to get to the quarterback. Joe McKnight is a home run hitter and will adequately replace the big play ability of Leon Washington. Overall, a nice job by the Jets but there are a couple positions they did not address that would have vaulted them into the upper echelon of the best drafts in the NFL.

Miami Dolphins: C-

The Miami Dolphins sat in one of the most coveted spots in the first round at number 11, and there were a lot of directions they could have gone. With a few players available that would have filled needs, but they traded down to number 28 and got Jared Odrick. I have no problem with the Odrick pick. He was one of the top two best defensive tackles right in the draft, and will be a big time player for the Dolphins. My issue is with the rest of the picks they made. With major needs at the outside linebacker/pass rusher position and free safety the Dolphins chose Koa Misi with Sergio Kindle and Carlos Dunlap still on the board. Misi is a hard worker and is talented but is nowhere near as talented as Kindle or Dunlap. Miami had a chance to make a major impact and find the air apparent to Jason Taylor. Given the talent still available at number forty, I think they reached a little bit in their pick of Misi.

Buffalo Bills: D-

I love CJ Spiller and believe he was one of the top five best talents in the 2010 draft, but the Bills had more pressing needs that they could have filled with ninth pick in the draft. The drafting of Spiller spells the end for Marshawn Lynch, who is likely to get traded. Despite all their offensive shortcomings last season, the running game was one of the better ones in the NFL, so the Spiller pick is a little puzzling. The Bills have nobody to throw the ball and nobody to catch it and nobody to protect the quarterback. They passed on in the first round to draft Spiller and then again in the second to reach for defensive tackle Torell Troup and also passed on a bevy of talented left tackles that probably would have helped their team more. For the last decade the Bills have been known for two things: finishing last in the division and reaching in the first two rounds of the draft (just look at the Donte Whitner, John McCargo) draft in 2005. Spiller is dynamic and will produce a lot of touchdowns for the Bills but they will have hard time handing the ball to Spiller if their quarterback is constantly on the ground because they have no protection for him.

North:

Baltimore Ravens: A+

If Mel Kiper and Todd McShay give the Ravens draft an A+ then who am I to disagree. The Ravens once again has an amazing draft despite trading their first round pick. Sergio Kindle has top 15 talent and the Ravens nabbed him with the 11^th pick in the second round. They added more help on their defensive line by selecting Terrance Cody. Weight is an issue with Cody but if he controls it, he will be a tremendous player. The third and fourth round picks are where I believe the Ravens dazzled the most. Ed Dickson is a fast tight end with good hands who can play outside the hashes and stretch the defense. With Dickson and Stallworth stretching the defense, the middle of the field would be perfect for a sure handed tight end like Dennis Pitta, who they selected in round four. In addition to those picks they added depth to the defensive line in Arthur Jones who would have been a first or second round pick had he not been victim of the injury bug in college. Wide receiver David Reed is a good player who could contribute to the offense. Suddenly Joe Flacco has some weapons, and the defense has someone who can rush the passer. Ozzie Newsome looks like he has done it yet again.

Cincinnati Bengals: A

Many people forget that it was the running game and defense that were the strength of the Bengals last season. For years they were often associated as being a high octane passing team, but they lacked weapons last season. The Bengals addressed their lack of playmakers by selecting Jermaine Gresham in round one and then added a solid receiver in Jordan Shipley in round three. Last season, despite winning the division, they struggled to rush the passer after the injury to Antwan Odom. They addressed this issue by selecting Carlos Dunlap, who fell to round two for issues outside of his play on the field. Dunlap will likely be playing with something to prove and he was a steal in the second round. The Bengals didn’t reach, they got good value and addressed a lot of their needs. Although things spell success in the draft.

Cleveland Browns: B

In the first draft with Mike Holmgren at the helm, the Browns had one of their best drafts in recent memory. With the seventh overall pick, they addressed a glaring need at the corner back position by selecting Joe Haden who was the best corner back in the draft. It looked like the Browns made a mistaking passing on Colt McCoy twice but were able to get him in round three and they also landed running back Montario Hardesty from Tennessee who could become their starting tailback by season’s end.

Pittsburgh Steelers: C

It not that the Steelers has a bad draft, they just didn’t draft as well as the other teams in the division. Maurkice Pouncey fills a major offensive line need and his ability to play guard or center makes him a tremendous fit. Wide Receiver Emanuel Sanders was a great pick and has all the tools to be a legitimate pass catcher in the NFL. The puzzling thing is that the Steelers, who are already deep and talented at outside linebacker, draft three more outside backers. They are decent players but the Steelers had other needs to address and that is what prevented them from getting a higher draft grade.

South:

Houston Texans : B-

The Texans filled a glaring need at corner back by selecting Kareem Jackson from Alabama at number 20 overall. Jackson will be tested right away having to face Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning twice. If he can be the shut down corner that Houston expects him to be then certainly the grade for this draft will be higher then a B-, but I feel Kyle Wilson would have been the better fit for them. Running back Ben Tate and tight end Dorin Dickerson were tremendous picks and add much needed depth and talent at their respective positions. Dickerson may have been the most talented tight end in the draft.

Tennessee Titans: C

The Titans got Derrick Morgan at number 14 overall, representing tremendous value and he fits a glaring need for them. Morgan is top talent and should more than fill the hole left by Kyle Vanden Bosh. Damian Williams will team up with last year’s first round pick, Kenny Britt, to form a formidable young receiving corp. Trading LenDale White to the Seahawks for a 5^th round pick was a mistake as the NFL is a two back league and the Titans failed to draft a running back to back up Chris Johnson. Rhode Scholar Myron Rolle is an interesting pick, but taking him in the sixth round proves to be no risk and possibly high reward.

Indianapolis Colts: C-

Jerry Hughes is the only reason that the Colts even have a C- grade for this NFL draft. Simply put, Hughes is a beast who can get to the quarterback and he fits the Colts system very well. Other than Hughes, the Colts reached for the rest of their picks. They drafted good players, but could have waited on Pat Angerer in round two and Kevin Thomas in round three. Luckily for them they have Peyton Manning, who can help them overcome a poor draft.

Jacksonville Jaguars: D

Many expected the Raiders to leave fans scratching their heads, but it was the Jacksonville Jaguars and their pick of Tyson Alualu at number ten that took care of that. Alualu is a good player but he is not even one of the top 3 best defensive tackles on the board. Why draft a guy at number 10 that you could have gotten late in the 1^st round and now you are forced to invest at least 30 million dollars in him. Another problem I have is that prior to day two, a report leaked the Jags were interested in Sean Lee and were willing to trade up to get him. If you like a player, you absolutely do not tell anyone that may leak the story. The Alualu pick led to a snowball effect of poor draft picks for the Jaguars.

West:

Kansas City Chiefs: B+

Scott Pioli earned his paycheck by stock piling tremendous players from this draft on the Chiefs roster. At number five they selected All World safety Eric Berry, who many, including myself, think is the best overall player in the draft.  Dexter McCluster in round two was a tremendous pick. He is versatile and explosive and getting the ball in hands will often lead to good things. He provides them with a legitimate playmaker on offense. Javier Arenas fills a major need at corner back and his ability to return kicks also makes him valuable. If Matt Cassel can pan out, the Chiefs will challenge the Chargers for AFC West supremacy in the not so distant future.

San Diego Chargers: C

I like Ryan Matthews and believe he is going to be a tremendous back in the NFL but they could have gotten him later in the first round. With needs at defensive tackle and outside linebacker as well as corner the Chargers could have used the picks they traded to move up to get Matthews. If he doesn’t pan out, this draft will go down as a very bad one for San Diego. I like him and think he will be a tremendous running back, but I think it was a bit of a reach at number 12. Cam Thomas is a great value pick in round five.

Oakland Raiders: C

Al Davis must have forgotten his draft strategy of drafting workout warriors way too early in the draft, when he drafted one of the five best overall players in the draft in Rolando McClain. The Raiders had other issues but its not often that stud middle linebackers are available, so I have no problem with the McClain pick. He is ready to play, and play well at this level. Offensive line and quarterback, which were two of their main needs, got addressed by trading for Jason Campbell and drafting Bruce Campbell in round four. Many thought the Raiders would reach for Bruce Campbell, but they took him where he was projected to go. He has the physical skills to be an elite NFL tackle, but he is still very raw. Fear not however, the Al Davis did get his speed guy in Jacoby Ford from Clemson, who is not a bad player and should make some plays. Overall, not a bad job for the Raiders.

Denver Broncos: D+

Apparently in his time with the Patriots, Josh McDaniels learned nothing about how to work the draft board. He traded down to acquire more picks only to trade three of those picks to move up in the first round and take Tim Tebow. The verdict is still out on if Tebow can play at the next level but even if he becomes a good player, sacrificing three picks is ludicrous. They also passed on Dez Bryant who was the best receiver in the draft to take Demaryius Thomas, I like Thomas but I do not understand how you can pass up the best receiver in the draft when you have a glaring need at wide receiver. After mortgaging everything for Tebow, it really did not matter who Denver drafted. High character guys don’t win you championships, football players do. Josh McDaniels will learn that lesson painfully.

~Marco Romanell

The next three teams to pick all traded up to make their selections.  The 49ers leapfrogged Miami to get big Anthony Davis; San Diego came all the way up from 28^th to select Ryan Mathews; and the Eagles hopped up 11 spots to take Brandon Graham.  I like the Davis pick, even though most projections had Bulaga rated higher.  Davis has much more upside than Bulaga, whose likely going to be a career right tackle.  I thought the Chargers could have got Matthews at 28, so I have no idea why they would essentially give up a 2^nd to make that move.  Moreover, why didn’t they draft a better player?  Derrick Morgan, Brandon Graham, Jason Pierre-Paul, and all the CBs besides Haden where available for the taking.  Philly gave up two 3^rd rounder’s to move up and nab Graham, which is a steep price, but I like the move.  Graham is going to start and play well for years to come and Philly had a surplus of draft picks to work with. 

I believe there were seven trades in the first round alone, but none was more shocking than Denver’s move to acquire Tim Tebow.  The fact that Tebow went in the first round surprises me, but what’s more shocking is what Denver gave up to get him.  The Broncos sent 2^nd (43), 3^rd (70), and a 4^th(114) to Baltimore to make the move.  The Ravens didn’t have to think twice about taking that deal…Ozzie said that it was so sweet that they would have probably still done it even if Bryant was available. 

Ravens fans everywhere where salivating at the thought of Dez Bryant falling all the way to 25.  Once Denver opted for Demaryius Thomas at 22 there was only one hurdle to clear.  New England had greater areas of need and are notorious for trading down, but Dez Bryant might have been too good for them to pass up.  And then Jerry Jones and the Cowboys leapfrog the Ravens and scoop up Bryant…the best value of the draft so far. 

That left the Ravens out of the first night, out of primetime, but with seven picks.  So, what do we do now with the 11^th pick of the second round?  None of the top corners are left, but Virginia’s Chris Cook is out there.  I don’t know if Cook is worth the 43^rd overall pick.  The fact that both Clausen and McCoy are still out there helps the Ravens.  The Vikings, Browns, Raiders, and Bills all pick before the Ravens in the second round and they all have QB needs.  Clausen and McCoy will take up two of the ten spots prior to the Ravens pick, which will increase the odds that a Carlos Dunlap, Everson Griffen, or Sergio Kindle will be available. 

I will be extremely happy if the Ravens could get a first round defensive end in the second round, but I just don’t know if that’s going to happen.  I won’t be too enthused with a second rate CB, a TE, or Terrence Cody.  We shall see…should be an exciting day two.

Side note: I LOVE when teams draft two offensive linemen in the first round.  Bravo San Francisco.  The casual fan will think this boring and redundant, but the 49ers just solidified their line and became the favorite to win the NFC West. 

~ Pat Cary