Pro Football Articles Opinion & Fantasy – Football Diner

St. Louis was hoping to select offensive tackle Jake Long with the second-overall pick in the draft in 2008. However, when Long signed with Miami, the Rams were forced to go with Virginia defensive end Chris Long. With the second pick in the draft once again, this may be the year when they use that selection to upgrade their offensive line. Eugene Monroe is one of the top offensive tackles available this year and would bring loads of help to a St. Louis offensive line that has been struggling. Receiver Michael Crabtree could be another option to add a playmaker to the team’s offense.

Seattle’s offense really struggled severely this season. They were decimated by injuries along with poor and inconsistent play from their younger players. The one thing that the Seahawks desperately need is a playmaker. Michael Crabtree is exactly that. Arguably the most explosive player in the nation, Crabtree is expected to be a Top 5 pick in this year’s draft.. Seattle could also look to their offensive line with Jason Smith.

New head coach Eric Mangini has said that the Browns will remain in a 3-4 defense under his watch. He’s also mentioned that outside linebacker is one position that needs to be upgraded. I feel that this could be a very good match. Curry is one of the safest picks in this year’s draft because you know what you’re getting when you draft him. Cleveland could also go with Malcolm Jenkins to upgrade their porous secondary.

The Bengals were hoping to land USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis in the 2008 draft, however they had to settle for linebacker Keith Rivers when New Orleans traded up for Ellis. With the next Sedrick Ellis being available in this year’s draft, I’d be surprised if they passed on him. Raji’s stock is on fire right now after having a great Senior Bowl. Cincinnati had the opportunity to see Raji up close when they were coaching him at the Senior Bowl. It appears now that Raji is a lock to be a Top 10 pick. Cincinnati could also go with an offensive tackle upgrade their line.

The Raiders offensive line has continued to be among the worst in football the last few seasons. Adding Darren McFadden to play alongside JaMarcus Russell was a nice move, however they are going to need a lineman to open holes and protect Russell’s blindside. Jason Smith has quietly seen his draft stock rise as of late and is a lock to go in the Top 15.

The Jaguars had the opportunity to coach Michael Oher at the Senior Bowl this year and I they seemed to be impressed with him. Jacksonville needs to upgrade their offensive line, specifically at left tackle, which is why this pick makes a lot of sense. I could also see them going with a wide receiver in Jeremy Maclin to add a playmaker to their offense.

The Packers are officially making the move to the 3-4 defense. You can expect to see them look for players that will fit into that defense. B.J. Raji and Everette Brown would be the best options, or they could address their aging cornerback position with the best corner in the draft. Knowing Ted Thompson, I think that Green Bay will go with the best player available, which would be Jenkins. Al Harris could be gone soon and there has been talk that Charles Woodson could move to safety, so this pick makes a lot of sense. 

The 49ers will have a major decision to make if Mark Sanchez is available for them at the No. 10 pick. Their quarterback position hasn’t been solid since Jeff Garcia left, and you could argue since Steve Young retired. Shaun Hill is the starter right now, but San Francisco is expected to try and bring in competition. San Francisco could also look to offensive line or outside linebacker with this pick.

The Bills offense still appeared to lack an elite player that makes you fear their offense. They added James Hardy in last year’s draft, however he’s still developing and was placed on injured reserve at the end of the season. Brandon Pettigrew is one of the more complete tight ends to enter the draft in the past few years. He’s being underrated this year, however I really feel that he’d be a great fit with Buffalo at this point in the draft.

The Broncos defense was among the worst in the league this season. They suffered from more injuries than any other team in the league. They need to add a leader to the defense, someone who you can count on to get the job done. That’s exactly what Maualuga is. There’s a chance that Maualuga could go higher than this, however I think that he’d be a nice fit with Denver. They could also go with Peria Jerry to solidify their defensive line.

The Redskins are in the position to draft the best defensive prospect on the board when their pick comes up. They could use depth at both defensive end and on the offensive line. Orakpo had a fantastic senior season and really raised his draft stock in 2008. He’s a “physical specimen” and is one of the top pass rushers in the 2009 draft. He should have an outstanding Combine which should also raise his draft stock.

While it has gotten better, the Saints defense could still use some upgrades. Their cornerback spot has found a future starter in Tracy Porter, however the other side could still stand to be upgraded. Alphonso Smith saw his stock skyrocket after a great performance at the Senior Bowl. He’s currently my No. 2 rated cornerback and should be taken among the Top 20 picks.

The Texans offenwse has started to pick up steam this year. They found a key player at running back in Steve Slaton, and already have the other pieces around him to make a solid offensive unit. Houston could use a defensive end to play opposite Pro Bowler Mario Williams. Taking pressure off of Williams would make him even more of a dangerous player on the field. Maybin is an excellent pass rusher and could see his stock rise with a good Combine workout.

The Chargers running back position is one of plenty of intrigue this offseason. LaDanian Tomlinson’s age has caught up to him and he clearly isn’t the same player that he was just a few years ago. Darren Sproles had an excellent end to the season, however he’s a free agent and isn’t guaranteed to be brought back. Chris Wells is an outstanding running back prospect, but could fall a few spots due to injury concerns. He’d be of great value at this point in the first round for San Diego.

The Jets 2008 season could best be described as a collapse. They went from being 8-3, to not making the playoffs. With Rex Ryan taking over at head coach and possibly a new quarterback, things could turn for the better in 2009. New York’s secondary could use an upgrade at cornerback, where Ty Law and Dwight Lowery have been filling in at one cornerback spot. Darrelle Revis has played outstanding, however the other spot could stand to be upgraded. D.J. Moore is one of the top underclassmen at the cornerback position and is very likely going to be taken in the first round.

The Bears are expected to bring in competition for Kyle Orton, however that won’t come from the first round. The Bears two biggest holes are at defensive end and wide receiver. With an abundance of solid ends in this year’s draft, I really think that it’d be in Chicago’s best interest to take a wide receiver early and grab one of the ends later. Maclin is an explosive player with outstanding speed and quickness. He alongside Devin Hester would be a scary combination.

The Buccaneers may have found a legitimate starter at receiver with Antonio Bryant. On defense, the tackle position is one area that could stand to be upgraded. Their run defense has taken a few hits towards the end of the year. Peria Jerry is a player whose stock has quietly risen this year, and could end up going in the middle of the first round. I feel that he’d be a great fit in the Buccaneers 4-3 defensive scheme.

The Lions received this pick as a result of the trade that sent wide receiver Roy Williams to the Cowboys. After selecting Andre Smith with their first pick in the first round, Detroit focuses on upgrading their pass rush with Everette Brown. Brown is a junior who recently declared for the 2009 draft. He’s one of the elite pass rushers in this year’s draft and should be among the Top 20 picks in this year’s draft.

Brian Westbrook has battled injuries the past few seasons and will hit the dreaded age of 30 by the start of the 2009 season. This age is usually when running backs tend to break down. Considering that Westbrook has already started to break down, it’d be best if the Eagles find his replacement soon. I think that it’d be ideal for Philadelphia to use one of their first round picks on a running back. Knowshon Moreno is a very talented sophomore who could potentially end up being the top running back drafted.

The Vikings have three clear needs at quarterback, right tackle, and cornerback. There isn’t a quarterback available at this point in the draft, so that’s not an option. Bryant McKinnie’s suspension earlier this season has brought questions as to whether or not he has a future with the Vikings. Adding one of the last elite tackle prospects in this year’s draft would go a long way towards providing open running lanes for Adrian Peterson and good protection for the Viking’s quarterback of the future, whoever it may be. Eben Britton, a junior who has declared for the draft, is a legitimate prospect and is expected to be taken in the first round. He’d be a great fit as a right tackle for Minnesota. Sean Smith, Vontae Davis, and Coye Francies could all be options at cornerback as well.

The Patriots are a team that could use cornerback help, while they also like players with versatility. Sean Smith fits both areas. He’s a very talented corner, while also possessing great versatility, having played both cornerback and safety at Utah, while also getting some time at cornerback. Last year New England reached for Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Whilhite, and neither of those players worked out. I could also see them taking Brian Cushing and upgrading their linebackers.

The Falcons have been one of the great stories of the 2008 season. Their resurgence from last season has been a tremendous thing to watch. One area where they could still use some work is at outside linebacker. Both Michael Boley and Keith Brooking could potentially be gone next season, which would leave a rather large hole at this position. Cushing’s stock took off last week after a very good week of practices at the Senior Bowl. He could even go higher than this. Sen’Derrick Marks could be another option at defensive tackle.

The Dolphins biggest weakness this past season was in their secondary. At safety they appear to be set, however they could certainly use some help at cornerback. Vontae Davis is a very talented junior who is expected to be one of the first cornerbacks off the board. With Channing Crowder potentially heading for free agency, linebacker could also be addressed with this pick.

The Ravens two starting cornerbacks Chris McCallister and Samari Rolle are both at the age of 31 and have both suffered from injuries over the course of the past few years. In my opinion, it would make the most sense for Baltimore to upgrade their secondary. Coye Francies had an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl and has elevated his stock to the point where he could potentially go in the first round. Keep an eye on him as the draft draws closer.

The Colts defensive line could use some help, especially against the run. Indianapolis is known for drafting smaller, faster defensive players with fit well in their scheme. That’s exactly what Jarron Gilbert is. He’s a tackle/end who has very good versatility and is one of the fastest risers in this year’s draft. He’s explosive off the line and does a great job of wreaking havoc in the backfield. Like his teammate Francies, don’t be surprised if he ends up going in the first round. Sen’Derrick Marks could be another option.

One area that I think the Eagles are lacking is a pro-style receiver. When Philly had Terrell Owens, they were one of the best teams in the league. Without him, they’ve returned to being a possible playoff team. Adding a pro-style receiver in Hakeem Nicks would be a great move. Nicks, a junior who has declared for the draft, has outstanding hands with great size and strength. Adding him to a receiving core of DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis would be a dangerous combination for Donovan McNabb.

The Titans had a disappointing end to their 2008 season. Their defense has played outstanding this year, and their rushing game was by far one of the best in the NFL. One position that they need to address next offseason is wide receiver. It seems like we say this every year, but it still needs to be said. Percy Harvin is an explosive playmaker who is a specialty player and would add another dimension to the Titans offense, similar to what Chris Johnson did last year. He should be taken in the late-first round.

The Cardinals run game was inconsistent, and at times non-existent this season. Edgerrin James appears to be gone, and their backup Tim Hightower profiles best as a short-yardage back. Adding an elite talent at the running back position, who is capable of carrying the ball 20+ times per game would really help out the Cardinals offense and would make the team even that much more dangerous than they already are. McCoy is a very talented back and Arizona would be fortunate to get him at this point in the draft.

What used to be one of the strongest units on the team, the Steelers offensive line has now become one of the weaker units. The loss of guard Alan Faneca and center Jeff Hartings over the past two offseasons has really left the team with a big hole on the interior of the offensive line. Mack had a good week at the Senior Bowl and established himself as the top center prospect in this year’s draft. Pittsburgh could also look at Duke Robinson to upgrade their offensive guard position.

Shawn Zobel is a nationally recognized expert on ranking college football players. Every year he has proven to be one of the most accurate and reliable sources for player selection in the draft. Shawn has consistently graded higher than both Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay of ESPN over the past two years. His 2009 Draft Preview can be pre-ordered today at www.draftheadquarters.com