NFL Draft 2008 – Round 2

| Saturday, April 26, 2008

For the second round onward, I’ll just provide summaries courtesy ESPN and Scouts, Inc. I’ll break out Dallas Cowboys picks and trades and any major news in separate posts.

32. Miami Dolphins

The pick: Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

What he brings: Merling’s stock dropped because of a sports hernia injury. He’s going to have a harder time turning the corner at the NFL level because he doesn’t have great speed. However, he has good size and some experience lining up at defensive tackle. If he can improve his upper-body strength and learn to play lower, he could be an excellent run-stopper and effective bull-rusher.

How he fits: With Jason Taylor, 33, aging, this pick makes a lot of sense based on Meling’s upside. He will come in and work in the rotation with Taylor and Matt Roth.

33. St. Louis Rams

The pick: Donnie Avery, WR, Houston

What he brings: This is a substantial reach in our opinion. There’s a lot to like about Avery’s speed and he’s a big-play threat whether he’s catching the ball down field, running after the catch or in the return game. However, he’s an undersized receiver who’s going to get pushed around and doesn’t appear comfortable going over the middle. Finally, he has a lot of work to do to improve his route running.
How he fits: He will play the slot in the Rams’ offense. He is quicker than fast and will work in the multi-receiver sets in passing situations. WR Torry Holt is a No. 1, but Drew Bennett has concerns. This is an Al Saunders pick based on how he fits in the offense.

34. Washington Redskins

The pick: Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State

What he brings: Washington couldn’t be happier about Thomas slipping, considering no one would have blinked had the Redskins selected him in the first round. Thomas isn’t as good at stretching the field as his speed would suggest and he needs to improve his route running. But he has the quickness and athletic ability to continue to improve in those areas. He’s also very good creating after catch for a player his size.

How he fits: Thomas provides them with a big receiver who had solid production at Michigan State. He is a good fit in Jim Zorn’s West Coast offense. He is a two-level receiver and a perfect fit in Washington.

35. Kansas City Chiefs

The pick: Brandon Flowers, CB, Virginia Tech

What he brings: Flowers doesn’t have elite size or top-end speed. Occasionally, he gets caught out of position trying to make a big play. However, he plays far bigger than his size indicates and faster than his 40 time suggest. He opens his hips very well and has the upper-body strength to deliver a violent punch. There’s also a lot to like about his willingness to play the run.

How he fits: With the loss of Ty Law, the Chiefs had to address the left corner spot opposite Patrick Surtain. Flowers is a physical player who plays bigger than his size indicates, which is a good fit in the Chiefs’ defensive coverage schemes.

36. Green Bay Packers

The pick: Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State

What he brings: Nelson isn’t a very sexy pick; he doesn’t have great speed and isn’t elusive. However, this kid knows how to play the game. He is a very good route-runner, has a wide-frame that allows him to shield defenders from the ball and catches the ball very well. He is a high-character player who is going to have a positive influence in the locker room once he establishes himself.

How he fits: He is a big receiver who gives the Packers size and is a solid fit in their West Coast offense. This position wasn’t a major need, but he was a highly-productive player in college. They have Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Koren Robinson and James Jones, but Nelson gives QB Aaron Rodgers another threat in the passing game. He also has added value as a punt returner.

37. Atlanta Falcons

The pick: Curtis Lofton, ILB, Oklahoma

What he brings: Much like Nelson, Lofton isn’t going to wow you with his natural ability; he doesn’t have great speed and lacks the athletic ability to matchup with running backs in man coverage. But he’s a throwback inside linebacker. He’s tough, locates the ball and is a strong tackler who can deliver the big hit. Although he has limitations in coverage, Lofton gets adequate depth when in zone coverage and his ball skills are underrated.

How he fits: Atlanta could have gone a lot of ways with this pick, but with the concerns of aging MLB Keith Brooking, Lofton makes sense. He is an instinctive player who reacts well and should develop into a force on the interior against the run on first and second down. He has a knack for being around the football and the Falcons must continue to strengthen the interior of their defense.

38. Seattle Seahawks

The pick: John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame

What he brings: Carlson had a disappointing showing at the combine and his 4.88 40 time shows that he’s going to have problems working the seam. There are also concerns about the number of passes he dropped last year. However, he has the frame to bulk up and develop into an effective in-line blocker. He also has the wide frame and body control to develop into an effective short-to-intermediate receiver and productive red zone target.

How he fits: One of the key ingredients in Mike Holmgren’s West Coast offense has been the tight end, but the Seahawks have lacked at this position recently. Carlson is a smart and instinctive player who can be a factor in the short- and intermediate-passing game. This will open up other opportunities for WRs Deion Branch, Bobby Engram and Nate Burleson.

39. San Francisco 49ers

The pick: Chilo Rachal, G, USC

What he brings: The biggest knock on Rachal is his lack of athletic ability and has problems redirecting in pass protection. He struggles, at times, to reach blockers in the second level and athletically he has some limitations. However, he’s quick off the ball, jars defenders with a strong punch and gets in position quickly. He also does a good job holding his ground against bull-rushers.

How he fits: It’s obvious the 49ers feel they need to upgrade at guard with the loss of Larry Allen in the offseason. Rachal is a mauler who needs to be in a confined area due to his athletic limitations. However, he has the size and initial quickness to wall off and position while creating inside lanes. He should be able to come in and compete with David Baas at right guard.

40. New Orleans Saints

The pick: Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana

What he brings: Porter doesn’t have elite bulk, so bigger wideouts are going to be able to push him around, and he’s not going to be great in run support. On the flip side, he has good top-end speed and he’s a playmaker who does a good job of getting his head turned while tracking the ball downfield. He also the instincts and quickness to mirror receivers underneath. It’s also worth pointing out that Porter can contribute as a punt returner.

How he fits: Porter addresses a major need on the Saints. Even though they signed Randall Gay to cover up the mistake they made with Jason David, Porter will add even more help on the back end. Plus, the knee injury Mike McKenzie suffered last season is still a major question mark. This team has to find a way to get off the field on third down and force interceptions. He also has value as punt returner, which could take some pressure off RB Reggie Bush on special teams.

41. Buffalo Bills

The pick: James Hardy, WR, Indiana
What he brings: Hardy doesn’t make crisp cuts and needs to work on his route-running. He’s going to have a tough time separating from man coverage. On the other hand, you don’t have to separate from coverage nearly as much when you have the wide frame to shield defenders from the ball and you can make catches in traffic like Hardy can. Also, he’s fast enough to make teams pay when they try to jump the underneath route.

How he fits: This addresses the Bills’ need for a big, athletic receiver the opposite Lee Evans, who is a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Hardy steps in as the No. 2 and allows Josh Reed to move back to the slot. Hardy also gives young QB Trent Edwards another big-play threat on the outside and a big target in the red zone.

42. Denver Broncos

The pick: Eddie Royal, WR, Virgina Tech
What he brings: Royal has had some problems staying healthy, and the fact that he doesn’t have great size only accentuates concerns about his durability. He has to improve his route-running, but he has the quickness and athletic ability to separate from coverage once that happens. He’s fast enough to stretch the field and make an impact as a punt returner.

How he fits: The Broncos aggressively addressed their receiving corps this offseason with the additions of Samie Parker and Keary Colbert to play opposite No. 1 WR Brandon Marshall. Royal gives Mike Shanahan a slot receiver who can be effective in their multiple-spread sets. He gives Cutler another explosive weapon who can play in the slot. He also adds value as a punt returner.

43. Minnesoata Vikings (from CAR through PHI)

The pick: Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas State
What he brings: Johnson doesn’t have great man-to-man cover skills and is going to have trouble matching up with slot receivers. Additionally, you would have liked to see him make more big plays against inferior competition. However, he plays bigger than his size would suggest and is a sound tackler who can line up in the box. He has the range to cover the deep half of the field.

How he fits: The Vikings were active at safety in the offseason, adding Madieu Williams and Michael Boulware. Johnson gives them a physical safety who can play near the line of scrimmage or as a two-deep safety. This guy is the eventual replacement to Darren Sharper at strong safety.

44. Chicago Bears

The pick: Matt Forte, RB, Tulane

What he brings: This is a minor reach in our opinion. Forte is an instinctive runner who does a good job locating seams between the tackles and excels at picking up yards after contact. Also, he catches the ball well and is the best pass-blocker of all the running backs in this draft. However, he’s faster than quick, so he’ll have some problems turning the corner and won’t break a lot of long runs in the NFL.
How he fits: With the obvious disappointment in Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson not being an every-down back, Forte has a chance to play right away. He is a three-down back who can block very well. He is faster than quick, but he may struggle as a pass receiver. Depending on how Benson starts the season, Forte could take reps away from him. He will be on the heels of Benson all year.

45. Detroit Lions

The pick: Jordon Dizon, OLB, Colorado

What he brings: Looking at Dizon in street clothes or watching him run you wouldn’t think that he’d be an NFL linebacker. He lacks ideal size, doesn’t have great range and can be a liability in man coverage. But Dizon is a classic overachiever. He makes up for his lack of burst by reacting quickly. He takes sound pursuit angels and is an excellent open-field tackler. In addition, he rarely gets caught out of position when dropping into zone coverage.

How he fits: Dizon is a blue-collared athlete who plays hard on every down. He is going to play middle linebacker in this defense and that is an area the Lions wanted to address in the draft. He is a Cover 2 linebacker who is clearly a Rod Marinelli type of player.

46. Cincinnati Bengals

The pick: Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina

What he brings: We are surprised Simpson came off the board earlier than Limas Sweed, DeSean Jackson and Malcolm Kelly. Simpson isn’t a great route runner and played at a small school, so he faces a steeper learning curve. On the plus side, he has adequate size and the frame to get even bigger. He also has good speed, tracks the ball well and can make a spectacular catch.

How he fits: The Bengals obviously had Simpson rated higher than the other receivers on the board. This team was in a dire need of receiver due to the release of Chris Henry and the uncertainty of Chad Johnson. Depending on what Johnson does, Simpson could come in and play right away. What was once a strength in Cincy is now a serious question mark.

47. Philadelphia Eagles

The pick: Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame

What he brings: Laws lacks prototypical size for an interior run-stuffer and doesn’t have the burst to consistently get to the quarterback at the professional level. But he reminds us of the Energize bunny. He works from the snap until the whistle on every play. Also, he plays with excellent leverage and is strong for his size — he’s much stouter than you would think looking at his measurables.
How he fits: Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson loves to stockpile defensive tackles and Laws will be part of the rotation with LaJuan Ramsey and Montae Reagor. The surprising thing is that DTs Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley had good years last year, which allowed DE Trent Cole to dominate outside. This was not a serious need for Philadelphia, but it works within the Eagles’ philosophy.

48. Washington Redskins

The pick: Fred Davis, TE, USC

What he brings: There were concerns about Davis’ ability to stretch the field before the combine, and his slow 40 time backed up what we saw on film. He isn’t an overwhelming in-line blocker, either, but does a good job getting in position and fights to sustain his blocks. In addition, he has the athletic ability, big hands and long arms to emerge as a reliable possession receiver.
How he fits: Based on the offensive scheme Jim Zorn will run, the two-tight end packages will be key. Davis will allow the Redskins to move TE Chris Cooley all over and create mismatches on offense. There were no other quality tight ends on the roster and Davis fills this need for Washington.

50. Arizona Cardinals

The pick: Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Fla.)

What he brings: Campbell has great size for a defensive end and is a decent tackler, so he has the potential to develop into a run-stopper. He also has long arms to get his hands up and knock passes down when he doesn’t get to the quarterback. That’s important because we don’t see him getting to the quarterback very often. Although he’s an adequate bull-rusher, he doesn’t have great lateral ability or closing speed.

How he fits: He is a true boom-or-bust player, but with the age and injury concerns of Bertrand Berry and Antonio Smith in the final year of his contract, Campbell will fit in nicely. He will be part of the rotation on the left side behind Smith because Travis LaBoy will bring pressure off the edge as a starting right defensive end. This pick gives the Cardinals valuable depth, but we see him as a better player versus the run.

51. Washington Redskins

The pick: Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

What he brings: Campbell has great size for a defensive end and is a decent tackler, so he has the potential to develop into a run-stopper. He also has long arms to get his hands up and knock passes down when he doesn’t get to the quarterback. That’s important because we don’t see him getting to the quarterback very often. Although he’s an adequate bull-rusher, he doesn’t have great lateral ability or closing speed.

How he fits: Obviously the Redskins have taken advantage of the receivers falling on draft day. This team has lacked big and physical receivers who will open up the West Coast attack even more and the addition of Kelly will help them open up Antwaan Randle El and Santana Moss. This pick, along with WR Devin Thomas, helps bolster a questionable receiving corps.

52. Jacksonville Jaguars

The pick: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn

What he brings: Campbell has great size for a defensive end and is a decent tackler, so he has the potential to develop into a run-stopper. He also has long arms to get his hands up and knock passes down when he doesn’t get to the quarterback. That’s important because we don’t see him getting to the quarterback very often. Although he’s an adequate bull-rusher, he doesn’t have great lateral ability or closing speed.

How he fits: Obviously the Redskins have taken advantage of the receivers falling on draft day. This team has lacked big and physical receivers who will open up the West Coast attack even more and the addition of Kelly will help them open up Antwaan Randle El and Santana Moss. This pick, along with WR Devin Thomas, helps bolster a questionable receiving corps.

53. Pittsburgh Steelers

The pick: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

What he brings: Sweed is, at best, an average route-runner and can struggle when he gets slowed down at the line of scrimmage because he doesn’t have great quickness. However, he has good size and is smooth changing directions. In addition, he has good speed and does a good job of tracking the ball downfield.

How he fits: He fulfills the need of a big, tall receiver, which QB Ben Roethlisberger so desperately wanted since WR Plaxico Burress went to New York. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians loves to throw the football and Sweed gives them a receiver who can move around in the formation and create matchup problems with Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward.

54. Tennessee Titans

The pick: Jason Jones, DE, Eastern Michigan

What he brings: Jones is a classic ‘tweener. He doesn’t have great closing speed for a defensive end or the size to consistently hold up against the run and line up at defensive tackle. He has experience lining up at both spots, however. So he can line-up at end, at which he’s big enough to hold his ground on run-heavy down and is athletic enough to rush the passer from the inside on obvious passing downs.

How he fits: Based on the losses of Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, the Titans had to address the DE position. He gives them a force against the run and will have to develop as a pass- rusher. He has some versatility to possibly play inside as a defensive tackle.

55. Baltimore Ravens

The pick: Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers

What he brings: Rice is undersized and runs like a power back, so teams are concerned at his ability to take a pounding at the professional level. Also, he needs to improve his route-running ability before making a substantial contribution on passing downs. On the plus side, he reads his blocks well and has excellent lower-body strength, so he’s far more effective between the tackles than his size suggest. He also has the hands to develop into a reliable receiver, and he’s a surprisingly effective pass-blocker.

How he fits: He brings another dimension to the Ravens’ offense with Willis McGahee. They have a good, young offensive line and Rice adds another option in the offense as a playmaker. He will be a change-of-pace back who can take pressure off the quarterback. This was a good pick by Baltimore.

56. Green Bay Packers

The pick: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

What he brings: Brohm, like a lot of other young quarterbacks, can have a hard time beating pressure, doesn’t have great mobility and takes some big hits. He also needs to improve his decision-making. On the flipside, he has excellent mechanics, put great touch on his throws and is good at hitting his receivers in stride. In addition, he has good football smarts and reads defenses well.

How he fits: This is a good value pick by the Packers. Brohm clearly fell because there was a strong possibility of him being a first-rounder. Brohm has already played in a pro-style offense at Louisville, which has some similarities to Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers is still a question mark as a starting quarterback. and this pick puts pressure on him.

57. Miami Dolphins

The pick: Chad Henne, QB, Michigan

What he brings: Henne has good size and very good arm strenghth, so he can find the open receiver and get them the ball anywhere on the field. Much like Brohm, he’s a student of the game; his ability to breakdown defense should improve with time. However, he’s a little statuesque so he has problems buying time in the pocket and is not a threat to scramble. More importantly, he has tendency to lock on to his primary receiver.

How he fits: John Beck is not a Bill Parcells player and Henne fits the mold as a Parcells guy. Beck was very shaky as a starter last year and Henne will compete for the starting job right away. Beck has lots of questions about his size, arm strength and age. The Dolphins needed to take a quarterback and Henne fits this need perfectly.

58. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The pick: Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State

What he brings: Jackson is a small-school prospect who lacks ideal size and played in a read-option offense in college. As a result, there are obvious concerns about his ability to make the jump to the NFL. That said, there’s no denying Jackson has great upside. He’s quick, explodes out of his cuts and is dangerous after the catch. When teams try to take away the underneath he’s fast enough to run by most corners. He does a decent job tracking the ball downfield.

How he fits: This is a great pick by the Bucs. Even though Joey Galloway continues to play at a high level, he is getting up there in age. Jackson gives the Bucs a fast and explosive receiver Jon Gruden can utilize. This team has some decisions to make at receiver because Ike Hilliard is best suited as a No. 3, Michael Clayton has underachieved and the uncertainty of Antonio Bryant. Jackson will also help in the return game.

59. Indianapolis Colts

The pick: Mike Pollak, C, Arizona State

What he brings: He isn’t an overwhelming drive blocker and is going to have some problems when nose tackles line-up directly over his head. However, he’s the best center available. He gets into position quickly and has the balance to sustain his blocks. He also has the upper-body strength and lateral mobility to hold up in protection.

How he fits: This is a great pick. He was the best center on the board and can eventually replace an aging Jeff Saturday. He may play some guard next year, but his eventual spot is center. He fits the mold as a typical Colts offensive linemen — smart, tough and physical.

60. Green Bay Packers

The pick: Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn

What he brings: The argument can be made that Lee best fits in a Cover 2 scheme as he doesn’t open his hips as well as some of the other corners in this class. However he has enough athletic ability and speed to develop into an effective No. 2 for a team that plays man coverage most of the time. In addition, there’s a lot to like about his toughness, willingness to step up in run support and ability to contribute on special teams.

How he fits: With the aging Al Harris and Charles Woodson in Green Bay, this pick makes a lot of sense. He can also fill a role in the Packers’ nickel and dime packages as a No. 3 or No. 4 corner. He will also have a role on special teams. This is a good pick for a defense that is getting younger and keeps getting better.

61. Dallas Cowboys

The pick: Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M

What he brings: Bennett isn’t an elite run-blocker and doesn’t have great top-end speed. However, he’s a great value. Watching him on film and knowing that he played college basketball for two seasons, it’s hard not to compare him to San Diego tight end Antonio Gates. Much like Gates, Bennett knows how to use his size to box defenders out, and he can make tough catches in traffic. Taking the comparison even further, Bennett is versatile enough to flex out wide.

How he fits: With the trade of Anthony Fasano to the Dolphins, this is a good pick by Dallas. The Cowboys had to get a second tight end. They run a lot of two-tight end sets and Bennett has some functional play speed. His best fit will be as an extra blocker. His presence allows the Cowboys to utilize Jason Witten out in the formation.

62. New England Patriots

The pick: Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado

What he brings: Wheatley is another example of a player who teams are concerned about staying healthy. He doesn’t have great size and has a long history of injuries. On the plus side, he has the fluid hips, speed and burst to develop excellent man-to-man cover skills. In addition, he’s a better tackler than his size would suggest; he can make play in run support and covering punts.

How he fits: With the loss of Asante Samuel, the Pats had to address the corner position. The Pats signed a lot of stop-gap corners in the offseason in Jason Webster, Lewis Sanders and Fernando Bryant, but Wheatley has more upside. He is a small corner, but has skills and will contribute in sub packages based on matchups. His upside is somewhat-limited based on his size.

63. New York Giants

The pick: Terrell Thomas, CB, USC

What he brings: Thomas doesn’t open his hips that well, and doesn’t always get his head turned around to locate the ball while running with receivers down field. Consequently, he is vulnerable to getting beat deep when left on an island. He is also another player who has a long history of injuries. However, he has excellent size and good upper-body strength, so he can slow receivers down at the line. There’s also a lot to like about his versatility; he can line up at safety and does a very good job covering kicks.
How he fits: The Giants’ main weakness on defense last season was their secondary. Thomas will help improve this area of the game. Sam Madison is getting up in age and has declining skills. R.W. McQuarters is better suited as a No. 4 or No. 5 corner. Thomas has some versatility, but played corner primarily at USC. He fits in Steve Spagnuolo’s system, who loves to run zone-blitz schemes.

Featured posts:

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 2 #53 – Green Bay Packers – QB Brian Brohm

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 2 #54 – Miami Dolphins – QB Chad Henne

NFL Draft 2008 – Round 2 #61 – Dallas Cowboys – Martellus Bennett

Tags | James Joyner, NFL 2008 NFL Draft, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, James Joyner, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

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NFL Draft 2008 – Round 1 #14 – Chicago Bears – Chris Williams

| Saturday, April 26, 2008

The Chicago Bears are about to make their pick and the ESPN gang are all talking running back, with Reshard Mendenhall the obvious name. They most obviously need a quarterback, but there’s not anything like this value on the board at that position.

Instead, the Bears continue the run on defensive linemen with Chris Williams out of Vandy.

Scouts, Inc.: 10th

Strengths: Possesses a massive frame; is tall with good bulk, adequate arm length (33.5) and big hands (10). Displays very good overall mobility for his size, including quickness in his pass pro set. Does a very good job of using his long arms to ride pass rushers wide while he’s still getting set. Displays great footwork and gets excellent hand placement. While he may not jar defenders at the point of contact, he can lock on and then sustain his blocks. He can engulf bigger defenders once he’s in position and engaged. Displays versatility with experience at guard and tackle. He has been durable throughout his career.

Weaknesses: Still too much of a finesse player. Lacks explosive upper-body power. Does not jar defenders at the point of attack. Lacks the base and lower body power to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage in the run game.

Overall: Williams redshirted in 2003 and was ineligible in 2004, when he changed majors and didn’t qualify to play football under Vanderbilt’s stringent academic standards. In his first active season (2005), he appeared in 11 games and started the final nine at left guard, also taking game reps at left tackle. Williams moved to left tackle for good as a junior, starting all 24 games at the position over his final two seasons (2006-’07). Williams is a left tackle prospect with great feet but a bit too much finesse to his game at this point. He lacks ideal upper-body strength, which was confirmed in only 21 reps on the bench press. He also lacks ideal physicality. However, Williams possesses very good mobility for his big frame and he typically can overcome below-average strength by using excellent technique and positioning. Thanks to a productive senior season, followed by excellent showings at the Senior Bowl and combine; Williams has built tremendous momentum heading into the 2008 draft. He should be one of the top-five offensive linemen selected  likely in the middle of the first round.

Rick Gosselin: 20th

Mel Kiper: 11th

Good value with the pick.

Tags | James Joyner, NFL 2008 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears, Vanderbilt Commodores

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2008 NFL Mock Draft

| Friday, January 18, 2008

The playoffs aren’t even over yet but fans of 28 of 32 teams are already looking ahead to next year.

I read a lot about football and listen to Sirius’ NFL Radio on my daily commute but I’m not a professional scout. I can, however, see what the pros are saying and look for trends. It’s silly at this early stage to go beyond the 1st round, so I won’t; most of those who are linked below do, though, so you can click through if you’re interested.

Tags | *FEATURED, James Joyner, NFL 2008 NFL Draft, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, James Joyner, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

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NFL Power Rankings – Week 13

| Wednesday, November 28, 2007

ESPN has released their Power Rankings for Week 13 of the 2007 NFL season and, despite the AFC hype, two NFC teams are in the top three. The voting was done by ESPN writers John Clayton, Len Pasquarelli, Matt Mosley, Jeffri Chadiha and Mike Sando; Scouts Inc. Insiders Jeremy Green and Keith Kidd; and ESPN.com NFL senior editor Mike McAllister.

2007 Power Rankings: Week 13
	RK (LW)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (1)	Patriots	11-0-0	Twenty different Patriots players have scored TDs this season. That equals or is more than the touchdown totals for 11 other teams this season. We know you never get tired of those kinds of comparisons, right?
	2 (2)	Cowboys	10-1-0	Home-field advantage in the NFC likely is at stake Thursday, and the last thing the Cowboys want to do is play the NFC title game at Lambeau in January. But Wade Phillips has won a playoff game at Green Bay — as Atlanta’s D-coordinator in 2002.
	3 (3)	Packers	10-1-0	Brett Favre has played five or more regular-season games against 18 different NFL teams — and his .286 winning percentage (2-5 record) vs. Dallas is his lowest. Add his 0-3 playoff record and Favre is batting .200 against the Cowboys.
	4 (4)	Colts	9-2-0	The Colts, according to the Indy Star, have led or shared the lead in the AFC South for 90 of the 97 weeks since the division was formed in 2002. Beating the Jags on Sunday would likely add the rest of 2007 to that total.
	5 (5)	Jaguars	8-3-0	The Jags are rolling into Sunday’s division showdown against Indy with a ton of confidence. "The guys are hungry," QB David Garrard told the Times-Union. "I’m sure everybody can feel this season is different."
	6 (7)	Steelers	8-3-0	Shame on the Steelers organization for allowing their MNF game to be played on such poor field conditions. It wasn’t fair to the players, or the fans who invested time and money to watch the game. Either get it right or start using the artificial stuff.
	7 (8)	Browns	7-4-0	The Browns are plus-2 in the giveaway/takeaway category. That may not mean much to you, but the Browns have finished on the plus side of turnover differential just once since 1993.
	8 (9)	Seahawks	7-4-0	In three previous meetings against the Eagles, QB Matt Hasselbeck has been sacked 11 times (including a career-high seven back in 2001) and has a 58.8 passer rating, his lowest against any NFC team. So what’s the over/under for sacks this Sunday?
	9 (10)	Buccaneers	7-4-0	You’ve heard of QB controversies, but with the backups? Jon Gruden isn’t revealing his hand on who will start against the Saints if No. 1 guy Jeff Garcia can’t play due to a back injury. The fans of Bruce Gradkowski and Luke McCown eagerly await.
	10 (13)	Chargers	6-5-0	Of the eight division leaders, none has a worse road record this season than the Chargers’ 1-4 mark. With their next two games at KC and Tennessee, LT knows what must be done: "We’re going to have to find a way to win on the road."
	11 (6)	Giants	7-4-0	Go ahead, blame Eli (and he deserves it). But don’t forget to blame the rest of the Giants for a wretched performance against the Vikings. After all, the defense allowed Minny QB Tarvaris Jackson to post a 139.2 passer rating.
	12 (11)	Titans	6-5-0	On five drives against the Bengals, the Titans entered the red zone. Three times they had goal-to-go situations. And yet they couldn’t find the end zone. It’ll be one of their many regrets if they don’t make the playoffs.
	13 (20)	Saints	5-6-0	The Saints have underachieved, but at least they have a meaningful December, starting with a key home game against NFC South leader Tampa Bay. "It doesn’t get any better than it’s about to get," QB Drew Brees told the Times-Picayune.
	14 (12)	Lions	6-5-0	Reports have surfaced that owner William Clay Ford Sr. wants the coaching staff to increase the workload of rookie WR Calvin Johnson. On the flip side, head coach Rod Marinelli is demanding that Ford build a better-looking SUV.
	15 (15)	Eagles	5-6-0	The question in Philly: Would Donovan McNabb had played better than A.J. Feeley did in nearly beating the Patriots? When healthy, McNabb’s still the main guy, but Andy Reid is adamant that nothing less than a fully healed McNabb will play.
	16 (22)	Bears	5-6-0	So is running back Cedric Benson’s season-ending ankle injury a plus or minus for the rest of the season? Benson’s an underachiever, but it’s not like Adrian Peterson (Bears’ version) has run like Adrian Peterson (Vikes’ version) this season.
	17 (14)	Broncos	5-6-0	Until Sunday, the Broncos’ special-teams play — after a dismal start — had recently been among the league’s best. Perhaps that improvement resulted in overconfidence. Ultimately, it just led to a harsh lesson: Don’t kick to Devin Hester.
	18 (23)	Vikings	5-6-0	Earlier this month, the Vikings were blanked by Green Bay, 34-0, and dropped to 3-6. Hard to imagine now that they’re in the playoff race. A win on Sunday vs. Detroit (Adrian Peterson may be back) puts them in good shape.
	19 (16)	Cardinals	5-6-0	Kurt Warner triggered the Greatest Show on Turf, yet he never threw for as many yards with those Rams offenses as he did Sunday against the 49ers. But his career-high 484 yards was overshadowed in the shocking way the Cards lost.
	20 (18)	Redskins	5-6-0	FedEx Field will be an emotional place the next two games, as the Redskins and their fans deal with the tragic loss of Sean Taylor. Joe Gibbs will need to draw on all of his coaching experience to get his team prepared for the rest of this season.
	21 (17)	Texans	5-6-0	No team has committed more turnovers; in fact, opponents have converted Houston’s 29 turnovers into 108 points. "There are a lot of things we can do to win, but turning the ball over ain’t one of them," OT Ephraim Salaam told the Chronicle.
	22 (19)	Bills	5-6-0	The Bills’ offense is not one for steady drives, as just four TD drives this season have been 10 plays or longer. J.P. Losman just doesn’t seem like a good fit, which explains why the Bills are going back to Trent Edwards this week.
	23 (26)	Bengals	4-7-0	Admit it — you’ve missed Ocho Cinco’s TD celebrations. Chad Johnson’s TV cameraman act opens up a whole new genre. Next time, let’s see him take a sideline reporter’s microphone and interview himself about his TD. Watch out, Rachel Nichols!
	24 (21)	Chiefs	4-7-0	It has been 30 years since the Chiefs lost six home games in a single season at Arrowhead Stadium, but with a 2-4 home record, it could happen this year if they can’t beat the Chargers and Titans in December.
	25 (24)	Ravens	4-7-0	The five-game losing streak is the longest in franchise history, and it figures to reach seven with games against the Patriots and Colts the next two weeks. Right now, not even the Dec. 16 game at Miami seems like a sure win.
	26 (25)	Panthers	4-7-0	Panthers fans, frustrated by their team’s inability to win at home, are starting to stay away from Bank of America Stadium. That’s not good for the job security of coach John Fox and GM Marty Hurney, who are both on the hot seat.
	27 (30)	Raiders	3-8-0	After beating the Chiefs in the season finale of 1999, the Raiders went 33-15 the next three years, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. Will Sunday’s win at KC have the same impact? "Maybe this is our roll," DT Warren Sapp told the Tribune.
	28 (31)	49ers	3-8-0	Let’s see … Ted Tollner arrives to assist with the offense. The 49ers then produce a season-high 374 yards in beating the Cards. Does A+B=C? Seems that way, but maybe not. "Ted was very uninvolved in the play-calling," QB Trent Dilfer said.
	29 (28)	Rams	2-9-0	Gus Frerotte’s fumbled snap was a heartbreaker, but the Rams should never have let it come to that in losing to Seattle. The offense went into a shell after taking a 19-7 lead, failing to produce points on their final nine possessions.
	30 (27)	Falcons	3-8-0	TE Alge Crumpler tells the J-C that "it just puzzles me that we can’t score points." But is it really puzzling that Atlanta’s averaging four points less than last season? Mike Vick’s absence accounts for at least that much, if not more.
	31 (29)	Jets	2-9-0	If the Jets can’t beat the winless Dolphins this week, this season will likely end up as the team’s worst since the Rich Kotite days. And QB Kellen Clemens isn’t making much of a statement in his audition as the starter.
	32 (32)	Dolphins	0-11-0	Hypothetical question: Could the Dolphins beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders, who won the Grey Cup on Sunday? It’d be tough, especially using those funky CFL rules. Of course, that wouldn’t faze Ricky Williams (2006 Argonauts).

It’s hard to argue much with these rankings, even if they’re a bit too closely related to teams’ overall records. Presumably, some teams that had hot starts but have since faded (Giants, Steelers) and teams that have started poorly but have gotten better of late (Rams) should have rankings weighted to reflect the recent performance. There might also be a strength of schedule component, as some teams play in much more competitive divisions.

Tags | James Joyner, NFL Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, James Joyner, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

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NFL Power Rankings – 2007, Week 6

| Wednesday, October 10, 2007

There are still three undefeated teams going into Week 6 of the NFL season: the New England Patriots, defending champion Indianapolis Colts, and the surprising young Dallas Cowboys. They top this week’s Power Rankings as determined by the analysts at ESPN.

2007 Power Rankings: Week 6
	RK (LW)	TEAM	REC	COMMENT
	1 (1)	Patriots	5-0-0	The Pats and Cowboys have met just nine times, so history doesn’t figure to influence Sunday’s game. But if it means anything (OK, it really doesn’t), Bill Belichick is just 1-3 vs. Wade Phillips.
	2 (2)	Colts	5-0-0	Raise your hand if you figured Kenton Keith and Craphonso Thorpe (hey, no snickering!) would be integral parts of the Colts’ pummeling of the Bucs. Indy has made a habit of these 5-0 starts.
	3 (3)	Cowboys	5-0-0	Can a kicker be rookie of the year? Not only did Nick Folk nail the 53-yarder (twice) to beat Buffalo but his execution of the onside kick was flawless. His only missed FG this season was a block by the Bears.
	4 (6)	Steelers	4-1-0	Want to see a textbook example of how to protect a lead? Check out what the Steelers did Sunday, holding the ball for nearly 25 of the 30 second-half minutes in their 21-0 win over the Seahawks.
	5 (4)	Packers	4-1-0	The Packers, like most teams, aren’t good enough to turn the ball over five times, commit 12 penalties and still win. ‘We’re not a bad football team, but we’re not great either,’ said Brett Favre after the loss to the Bears.
	6 (8)	Jaguars	3-1-0	QB David Garrard is doing the things that make coaches sleep easier — basically, he’s not screwing up. Garrard has yet to throw an interception this season, which helps explain why he ranks 4th in QB ratings.
	7 (7)	Titans	3-1-0	For the fourth time since Jeff Fisher became head coach, the Titans have started 3-1. Good news for Tennessee: On those three previous occasions, they made the playoffs.
	8 (13)	Redskins	3-1-0	The 144 yards allowed to Detroit was the lowest total given up by a Redskins defense in 15 years. It helped that Washington enjoyed a nearly 10-minute edge in time of possession.
	9 (11)	Ravens	3-2-0	For the first time since their 2000 Super Bowl season, the Ravens won a game despite scoring only field goals. Injuries to the offensive line might force Baltimore to keep relying on Matt Stover for all its points.
	10 (5)	Seahawks	3-2-0	Will having a new lead blocker get Shaun Alexander untracked? Leonard Weaver will be the new lead blocker for Alexander now that 15-year vet Mack Strong is retiring after suffering a herniated disc in his neck.
	11 (9)	Buccaneers	3-2-0	If the Bucs are going to be playoff contenders in the second half, they must find a solution (re: trade) to their RB injury woes. Names being mentioned by the Tampa Bay media: Vikings’ Mewelde Moore, Chargers’ Michael Turner, Broncos’ Mike Bell.
	12 (16)	Chargers	2-3-0	There are confidence boosters. And then there are CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS. The Chargers got the latter in routing the Broncos and can now move into at least a tie for the AFC West lead by beating the Raiders on Sunday.
	13 (15)	Cardinals	3-2-0	With Matt Leinart out and 36-year-old Kurt Warner now the full-time QB, the Cards need a solid backup. But The Arizona Republic reports that it won’t be ex-Cardinal Jake Plummer, who has retired.
	14 (18)	Giants	3-2-0	The Giants go into Monday night’s game at Atlanta having won three straight. Inconsistent play is still a troubling sign, though. Eli Manning on Sunday: 22 yards passing in first half, 164 in second half.
	15 (20)	Bears	2-3-0	Although the Bears knocked the Packers from the ranks of the unbeatens, just how impressive was the win? The Chicago defense was steamrolled in the first half, and the rushing game produced only 82 yards on 33 attempts.
	16 (17)	Texans	3-2-0	Will Kris Brown’s 5-FG performance go down as the greatest kicking day in NFL history? It should. He nailed three from 50-plus yards, including the winner from 57 with one second left to beat the Dolphins.
	17 (14)	Panthers	3-2-0	The Panthers are in a precarious state at quarterback. Jake Delhomme is out for the rest of the season. David Carr is banged-up. Undrafted rookie Matt Moore is now the backup. The phone lines will be heating up in Charlotte.
	18 (12)	Lions	3-2-0	Take away the fourth-quarter, 34-point explosion against the Bears, and this much-ballyhooed Lions offense has been held out of the end zone in its past 10 quarters. But hey, it can’t be Mike Martz’s fault. After all, he’s an offensive genius.
	19 (10)	Broncos	2-3-0	Life figures to get worse before it gets better for the Broncos. They’ve been humiliated at home, have lost three straight and will come out of the bye week with games against Pittsburgh, Green Bay and Detroit.
	20 (24)	Raiders	2-2-0	Don’t look now, but your AFC West leaders are … the Raiders, the only team without a losing record. The next two games (San Diego, Kansas City) should provide a better picture of just how seriously we should take Oakland.
	21 (19)	49ers	2-3-0	The 49ers rank last in the league in time of possession, and with QB Alex Smith hurt, it doesn’t figure to get better. RB Frank Gore ranks 36th in the league in yards per carry (3.6).
	22 (22)	Eagles	1-3-0	Only Detroit (27) has allowed more sacks than the Eagles’ 19, but despite facing intense pressure, quarterback Donovan McNabb has thrown just one interception this season.
	23 (23)	Bengals	1-3-0	The Bengals hope to repeat their post-bye-week success of 2003 (when they won six of seven after going into the bye 1-4) and 2004 (when they won five of eight after going into the bye 1-3).
	24 (25)	Browns	2-3-0	The last time the Browns won two consecutive games was 2003, and they sure weren’t going to do it Sunday at New England. But give the Browns credit for putting up a fight, even though, as 16-1/2 point underdogs, they still failed to beat the spread.
	25 (21)	Chiefs	2-3-0	How bad has it gotten in K.C.? Tight end Tony Gonzalez is hoping the final-play TD the Chiefs scored to avoid being shut out by the Jags is ‘something we can build from.’ Well, might be easier if the Chiefs had a running game.
	26 (30)	Bills	1-4-0	The Bills fortunately have a bye week to deal with the anguish of losing a game they should’ve won. But as many big plays as Buffalo made against the Cowboys, Dick Jauron correctly pointed out that it needed just one more.
	27 (27)	Vikings	1-3-0	A tough stretch awaits the Vikings coming out of their bye week. They face four consecutive playoff teams from 2006, starting with Sunday’s game at Chicago, then must travel to Green Bay in Week 10. Minnesota needs to improve in a hurry.
	28 (26)	Jets	1-4-0	Is Chad Pennington on a short leash? The Jets quarterback has thrown five interceptions in the past two weeks, prompting some discussion that backup Kellen Clemens should start warming up. The Jets need a turnaround. Quick.
	29 (28)	Falcons	1-4-0	Warrick Dunn is expected to reach the 10,000-yard career rushing mark this season. But at this rate, it won’t be anytime soon. He gained just 27 yards in the loss to Tennessee, giving him 9,710 for his career.
	30 (29)	Saints	0-4-0	Odds are against the Saints’ returning to the playoffs this season. Since the NFL increased the playoff teams to 12 in 1990, just one team — the ’92 Chargers — has made the playoffs after an 0-4 start.
	31 (32)	Rams	0-5-0	If St. Louis loses at Baltimore on Sunday, this squad will tie the ’62 Rams for the worst start (0-6) in franchise history. And 0-7 is a distinct possibility, given that the Rams must travel to Seattle in Week 7.
	32 (31)	Dolphins	0-5-0	How soon will the John Beck era begin Miami? Trent Green is out, and his career might be over. Cleo Lemon is now the starter, but it’s Beck, the second-round draft pick from BYU, who’s pegged as Miami’s future QB. The future might be now.

Tags | James Joyner, NFL Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, James Joyner, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

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Cowboys Sign Tank Johnson

| Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The Dallas Cowboys have signed former Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson to a two year contract. He won’t be available until some time in November.

Johnson has at most six games left on an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy even though he has been unsigned. At the time, commissioner Roger Goodell announced Johnson’s suspension, he left open the possibility of reducing it to six games, although Johnson would have to apply for early reinstatement.

The chances of Johnson’s suspension being reduced to six games could have taken a hit when he was pulled over by Gilbert, Ariz., police for driving while impaired in June, although the charges were eventually dropped. The Bears released Johnson three days after the incident.

If Goodell upholds the eight-game suspension, then the earliest he could play would be Nov. 11 at the New York Giants. If the suspension is reduced to six games, he could debut Oct. 21 at Texas Stadium against Minnesota.

Under league rules, the Cowboys will have to release a player to make room for Johnson on the active roster for one day before he will revert to the team’s suspended list.

Johnson, 25, spent his first three seasons with Chicago, coincidentally the Cowboys’ opponent Sunday. In 46 games, he was credited with 63 tackles and nine sacks.

The Cowboys’ interest in Johnson increased when starting nose tackle Jason Ferguson was lost for the season with a torn right biceps in Week 1. Jay Ratliff has replaced Ferguson in the starting lineup and the team re-signed Remi Ayodele as the backup.

The Cowboys had character concerns about Johnson when he entered the 2004 draft out of the University of Washington. Chicago drafted him in the second round.

Clarence Hill wonders how “coincidental” the timing was.

Those who believe the Cowboys aren’t using the Tank Johnson interview to get inside information on Bears — this Sunday’s opponent and Johnson’s former team — are being naive. This stuff goes on all across the league and has been for years. Teams would routinely bring in players for “tryouts” or “free agent visits” the week before playing said player’s former team.

Now that doesn’t mean the Cowboys aren’t legitimately interested in Johnson’s services as a nose tackle because they are. But the timing of this week’s visit is no coincidence.

Anything to get an edge, within the rules, I guess.

Over on the print side, Hill reports additional terms of the deal:

Because he is currently serving an eight-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy and won’t be eligible to play until the Cowboys play at the Giants Nov. 11, he will get a prorated portion of the league minimum of $510,000 in 2007.

His salary in 2008 is an incentive-laden minimum deal. He will get no signing bonus.

That makes it virtually a no-brainer for the Cowboys. Potentially, they get a great player at a bargain basement price. At worst, they pay the minimum salary for as many weeks as it takes to find out that they signed the wrong guy and put him back out on the street.

And goodness knows they could use some help at nose tackle with Jason Ferguson out for the year.

Tags | James Joyner, NFL Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, James Joyner, New York Giants

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Cowboys Wade Wilson Questions Pats’ Punishment

| Saturday, September 15, 2007

Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach, serving a suspension for taking Human Growth Hormone to treat diabetes, sees a double standard in the League’s punishment of the New England Patriots for blatant on-the-field cheating.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said Friday in Fort Worth that the punishment assessed Patriots coach Bill Belichick for breaking videotaping rules “sure gets your attention, and it really was a tough penalty.”

[...]

Belichick was fined $500,000 and the Patriots $250,000. If the team makes the playoffs, the Patriots will lose a first-round draft pick in 2008; if they don’t make the playoffs, they will lose their second- and third-round picks. Jerry Jones said that he knows “probably the most punitive thing you can do with Belichick is take draft picks away from him.”

There has been an outcry that Belichick should have been suspended.

Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson was suspended five games and fined $100,000 after admitting he purchased a drug banned by the NFL as a performance-enhancing substance. He said he used the substance to combat complications from diabetes and improve his quality of life. He was with the Chicago Bears (2004-2006) when the purchase was made. He was told he was suspended five games because coaches are held to a higher standard.

Jones said Wilson’s penalty was “harsh,” but “I don’t have the ability to compare” it to Belichick’s.

Wilson is unhappy with the differences in the discipline, especially when considering intent. “I would say there is definitely a double standard being applied here,” Wilson told ESPN.com. “I don’t want to be seen as a crybaby or as someone questioning the commissioner’s decision, but I see some major inconsistencies here. To me, they’re holding the organization accountable instead of the person. I don’t want to bash the commissioner, but … intent was a big issue in my defense. What their [Patriots] intent was, I don’t know.”

It’s a fair point. Belichick was unquestionably cheating to gain an advantage on the field. By contrast, there’s no way Wilson’s taking HGH improves his ability to coach quarterbacks. A half million dollar fine isn’t exactly getting off easy, even for a multi-millionaire coach. But Wilson’s penalty was way too harsh.

FWST’s Randy Galloway is more harsh:

With supreme arrogance, Belichick had openly defied Goodell last week by continuing to do what the commissioner had said don’t do. No more video recorders could appear on the sidelines of NFL games because they were used to steal defensive signs of an opponent. Belichick was known to be the No. 1 practitioner of this illegal activity. And on Sunday in the Meadowlands, he went right ahead and did it again, did it against the Jets, coached by one of his former assistants, who knew Belichick always did it.

[...]

Belichick was given a $500,000 fine, the maximum allowed in the NFL, with the stipulation he had to pay it, not the team. Wanna bet on that? And besides, that half a mil would hardly dent this man’s wallet anyway. The Patriots were fined $250,000, or nothing owner Bob Kraft can’t handle out of petty cash.

Plus, the Pats were ordered to give up a first-round draft pick in April (if they made the playoffs this season) or a second- and third-rounder if they don’t. New England will make the playoffs and owns two first-round picks in the next draft. No harm done at all.

[...]

The fine was one-third of Wilson’s salary. The five-game suspension cut out an embarrassed Wilson’s heart, because it took him away from the game and job he loved. Twenty-six years in the NFL, 19 as a player, seven as a coach, and with a spotless record until this, Goodell said a humiliated Wilson had to be used as an example to others.

“Coaches,” he preached, “must be held to a higher standard.”

And when the opportunity came to hold big-time Bill Belichick to the same standard as small-time Wade Wilson, the commissioner patty-caked, and caved like a wimp. If Wilson is worth five games, then Belichick had to get 10. If, of course, coaches are really being held to a higher standard by The Man.

Mr. Goodell, you are a fraud.

May Michael Vick’s pit bulls bite you in the butt forever more.

Now, the Patriots made a trade this year to get the additional 1st next year, so the idea that losing it doesn’t hurt is silly. Teams build for the future with their first day draft picks and the Pats have been among the best at making them count.

The problem isn’t that Belichick’s punishment was too light but that Wilson’s was too harsh. By about five games and $100,000.

Tags | James Joyner, NFL Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, James Joyner, New England Patriots

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Don Meredith in Hall of Fame as Broadcaster

| Monday, August 6, 2007

Dandy Don Meredith has been enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a broadcaster. Some think he should already be in for his career as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.

Don Meredith finally made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Meredith was recognized for his 15-year broadcast career, winning the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. He was honored at a dinner Friday night. “I really appreciate that,” Meredith said. “It’s a nice thing to be honored in any way, so I can certainly say thank you, thank you very much. That’s what Elvis would say.”

Meredith’s best friend, Hall of Famer Frank Gifford, argues that Meredith might be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player if he hadn’t played for an expansion team. A trade for future draft picks was worked with the Chicago Bears so Meredith could be signed by the expansion Cowboys. He began his career as a backup to Eddie LeBaron.

“The expectations in Dallas are much higher than they are in other places, so as soon as you get somebody like Meredith, who was a high school hero in Texas and an SMU hero, so much more is expected of him,” said Gil Brandt, the Cowboys’ former player personnel director. “So whatever he did, it was going to be, ‘Well, why didn’t he do more?’ “He played with broken ribs. He played when other guys would not play. The guy was a special guy.”

Meredith played in 104 games in nine seasons, passing for 17,199 yards and 135 touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 1966, ’67 and ’68, and was named the Maxwell Club’s NFL Player of the Year in ’66 after throwing for 2,805 yards and 24 touchdowns while running for 242 yards and five touchdowns.

He led the Cowboys to the NFL Championship Game in 1966, when they lost to the eventual Super Bowl I champion Green Bay Packers 34-27. The following year, the Cowboys lost to the Packers in the Ice Bowl, 21-17, which decided the NFL title and a trip to Super Bowl II. “I did think we had the best team that year,” Meredith said of the Ice Bowl loss to the Packers. “… Under better [weather] circumstances, I think we would have a better outcome. Our whole offense [was] based on speed and running and passing.”

Meredith’s legacy might have been different, too, if not for Bart Starr’s quarterback sneak, which still ranks as one of the NFL’s most memorable plays. “They make [Meredith] the governor of Texas if the Cowboys win that game,” Gifford said.

Meredith, who lives in Santa Fe, N.M., and has a second home in Palm Springs, Calif., disappeared from public view after retiring from broadcasting in 1984. He has rarely granted interviews or been seen, even by his teammates, since.

I was born in November of 1965, so don’t recall Meredith’s days as a Cowboy, although I have seen replays of a couple of those championship games. He was among the stars of his era; whether he deserves to be in Canton without a championship, though, I don’t know.

I can vouch for the fact that he added a lot of color to those Monday Night Football broadcasts, though. And it’s arguable that MNF helped make the NFL what it is today: by far the most popular spectator sport in America. Howard Cosell was more instrumental to that than Meredith but it was definitely a team effort.

Tags | James Joyner, NFL, Television & The Media Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, James Joyner

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10 Best NFL Linebacking Corps

| Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Doug Farrar of Football Outsiders ranked the 32 NFL linebacking corps. Here are his top 10.

1. Baltimore Ravens (12)

How talented is this group? So talented that they can lose Adalius Thomas to the Patriots and still finish first in our rankings. Ray Lewis and Bart Scott man the inside. While Lewis’ best days are behind him, he’s still the leader of this unit and the man who keeps everyone in line. You’ll see the occasional superlative moment (and reasonable consistency), but he’s no longer the player who defined his position in the early part of this decade. Scott took his first opportunity as a full-time starter and enjoyed a breakout season. He finished sixth in the NFL in Stop Rate and was the Head Quarterback Terrorizer among Baltimore’s linebackers with 9.5 sacks, 11 hits and 15 hurries.

Left outside linebacker Terrell Suggs’ fourth season was very much like his first three: outstanding from a pass rush perspective (he’s never finished a season with less than eight sacks and has averaged 10 per year), with an additional focus on run-stopping. Suggs finished third in the NFL in yards allowed per rushing play at 2.2, although that’s partly because he plays some defensive end in the Ravens’ flexible alignment. Replacing Thomas’ versatility and athleticism will be no easy task, and it’s possible that defensive coordinator Rex Ryan will try to do it by committee. Jarret Johnson is listed as the preseason replacement, but Dan Cody and Antwan Barnes will try to shake up the second tier in training camp.

2. San Diego Chargers (3)

If we were compiling a separate list for outside linebackers, the Chargers would take the top spot in an absolute rout. Shawne Merriman led the league in sacks despite missing four games last season after testing positive for steroids. Merriman claimed the test results came from a tainted supplement, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disclosed in April of this year that Merriman has tested clean in 19 of the 20 drug tests he’s taken. It may be difficult for some to get over the stigma, because at his best, Merriman does things that simply defy belief. When Walter Jones pushes you to the ground on a pass play, and you somehow get up, get past the NFL’s best left tackle and still pick up the sack … well, people are going to wonder.

Lost in the shadow of Merriman’s “Lights Out” persona was the job turned in by Shaun Phillips on the weak side. Phillips had 11.5 sacks of his own and didn’t miss a beat when Merriman was out of the lineup, with three sacks and 20 tackles in three November games. The questions about San Diego’s linebackers are on the inside. The Chargers lost both of their inside starters: veteran Randall Godfrey was released after the draft, and free agent Donnie Edwards returned to the Chiefs after five seasons in San Diego. Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm are in line to replace Godfrey and Edwards, respectively, and that’s a lot of continuity to ask for when the “new kids” have totaled eight starts in eight seasons between them. Third-round pick Anthony Waters from Clemson could find an early place on the inside if he’s recovered from the torn ACL he suffered in his senior season.

3. Chicago Bears (2)

The defending NFC champs have had more than their share of off-season drama, and most of it surrounded the defense that got the Bears back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 21 years. The roster churn in the front four has been the big public story, thanks to Tank Johnson. But the real Sword of Damocles for the best defense of 2006 has been the battle between the team and Lance Briggs. The Bears franchised Briggs, and the elite weak-side linebacker has responded by threatening to sit out the first 10 games of the season. The Bears almost had a pre-draft trade done with the Redskins in which Briggs would be dealt for Washington’s first-round pick, but that fell through. We’re projecting him playing a full season, what with the potential payday and all. Briggs is a force no matter what is coming at him; he finished fifth in Stop Rate against the run and in the top five in Defeats against the run and the pass.

As good as Briggs is (and as improbable as his return to Chicago would be after this season), the defense belongs to Brian Urlacher. Urlacher continues the Chicago tradition of great middle linebackers, and may be the most versatile of the Bill George/Dick Butkus/Mike Singletary line. His closest antecedent of that group is George, the Hall-of Famer who played for the Bears from 1952 to 1965 and is credited by some as the first middle linebacker, a position he may have created when he dropped back from his middle guard spot in the five-man lines of the time and began defending the aerial game. George picked off eighteen passes in his career. Urlacher has long been regarded as one of the best in the modern game against the pass, and he matched his career highs in 2006 with three interceptions and six passes defensed. Though he didn’t record a sack last season, he was credited with 10 quarterback hits, the most of any inside linebacker. Hunter Hillenmeyer fills out the best 4-3 group in the NFL, though Briggs’ situation and uncertainty about the front four could see Chicago’s linebackers give way to …

4. Seattle Seahawks (4)

This was a formidable group on paper after the acquisition of Julian Peterson, but schematic issues and one key injury conspired to provide less than optimal results. Peterson put up a career year in the sack department with 10, but his versatility was the real worth behind the seven-year, $54 million contract Seattle gave him before the 2006 season. Lining him up as a rush end, as the Seahawks did frequently to start the season, overemphasized one aspect of his talent. As the season progressed and the fit began to happen, Peterson’s ability to drop into coverage became a factor. This also helped Leroy Hill, who was negatively affected by Peterson’s initial focus on quarterback pressure. In his 2005 rookie season, Hill posted 7.5 sacks and had the highest Stop Rate against the run of any Seahawks linebacker. Hill does these things well, but he doesn’t have a reverse gear, and this was made very evident from his rookie season when he found himself routinely embarrassed in coverage. Seattle’s defensive coaching staff promises to allow Hill to be less reactive and more aggressive in his third year.

The injury that affected Seattle’s linebackers actually happened to the front four, when defensive tackle Marcus Tubbs missed 11 games with a knee injury. Nobody was more impacted by this than middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, an undersized Tasmanian devil who makes the defense go when he can shoot gaps and make plays. With Tubbs gone, Tatupu proved unable to consistently shed blocks at the line. Still, he continued to develop his ability to read opposing offenses as if they were cereal boxes, and he’s surprisingly adept when retreating into deep coverage. He’s also a textbook tackler, but he’ll need Tubbs (or third-round pick Brandon Mebane of Cal) to man the nose and soak up blockers.

5. Dallas Cowboys (5)

The transition at head coach for the Cowboys from Bill Parcells to Wade Phillips means that more aggressive defensive schemes will be in play. Phillips, who served as San Diego’s defensive coordinator during Shawne Merriman’s development, could have another monster on his hands in DeMarcus Ware. In his second NFL season, Ware not only increased his sack total from eight to 11.5, he also blew away all other linebackers with 25 quarterback hurries (New England’s Rosevelt Colvin was second with 20). Joining Ware this season will be first-round pick Anthony Spencer of Purdue, who will bring his disruptive abilities and self-proclaimed “Fro-hawk” to a linebacker unit already stuffed with pass rushers. Spencer is an ideal outside man in a 3-4; he’s aggressive and on point, racking up 10½ sacks and 26½ tackles for loss in his senior year alone. Optimally, Spencer could play Shaun Phillips to Ware’s Merriman, though those comparisons are a reach at this point.

Ten-year veteran Greg Ellis manned the strong side last year, but concerns about his recovery from a torn Achilles, and past struggles with his role, could have Spencer in the mix sooner than later. On the inside, fellow Purdue alum Akin Ayodele has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, ranking eighth in Stop Rate against the run and 19th in Success Rate against the pass. With Bradie James, Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett available for different personnel packages, the Cowboys match their enviable frontline talent with impressive depth. Whatever the doubts about his ability to maintain overall discipline with a mercurial roster, Phillips’ influence could put this bunch of linebackers over the top.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (1)

We ranked Pittsburgh’s linebackers number one last year for good reason — it could be argued that the Steelers went through the NFL’s four best offensive lines in the postseason on the way to their fifth Super Bowl title. The changes came quickly after the team’s disappointing follow-up year, starting with the hire of new head coach Mike Tomlin. Though Tomlin has a graduate degree in Tampa-2, he’ll defer to Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 professorship.

Joey Porter took $20 million in guaranteed money from the Miami Dolphins; now the Steelers will find out whether Porter was the defense’s soul, or just its mouth. Replacing him at right outside linebacker is James Harrison. Harrison has spent most of his time as a backup, though he did enjoy cups of coffee as a starter in 2004 and 2005. He may be good enough against the run and rushing the passer that there won’t be a decline, though Porter was one of the better linebackers against the pass last season. Looking to the future, the Steelers can turn rookies Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley loose on enemy quarterbacks. Timmons, Pittsburgh’s first-round draft pick, seems a natural for his new team — he won Florida State’s “Hines-man Award” for best overall performance.

Opposite Harrison will be Clark Haggans, a savvy and reliable veteran. James Farrior and Larry Foote have been the primary inside men for the last three seasons. Farrior’s 27 Defeats led the team, and Foote ranked 11th in the league with a 75 percent Stop Rate against the run. The concern here is that overall depth could be an issue with two rookies to rely on.

7. Oakland Raiders (26)

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan put together one of the most remarkable coaching jobs in recent memory; the Raiders defense ranked ninth in our DVOA stats even though the offense was pathetic. This defense faced the fewest pass attempts (410) and most rushing attempts (542) in the league. That may make an offensive strategy easier to discern, but the mental wear of playing at that level with nonexistent hope on the other side of the ball must be astonishing.

Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison is the star of this unit, an oft-ignored product of the same 2005 draft that produced Merriman and Tatupu. He ranked sixth with a 67 percent Success Rate against the pass, the highest among inside linebackers. His 33 Defeats tied him for third with Brian Urlacher and Cato June. Rookie Thomas Howard impressed on the weak side, though his run-stopping skills need to improve. Sam Williams and Robert Thomas alternated on the strong side, with Thomas proving to be the better player. Morrison and Howard have a world of talent, excellent coaching and an extremely solid group around them. If they had an offense that wasn’t reminiscent of the 1927 Dayton Triangles (link: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/day1927.htm), there might be some relief in store.

8. Miami Dolphins (9)

Zach Thomas led the NFL with 174 plays, and had a Stop Rate of 61 percent, one of the best percentages for any inside linebacker whose responsibilities comprised more than just staying at home in a 3-4. Add in nine passes defensed and three sacks and you have an amazing season from a 33-year old who didn’t fade out no matter how often he was targeted.

To complement Thomas’ abilities, the Dolphins threw a great deal of money at Joey Porter. Porter will try to put a somewhat disappointing 2006 behind him, but his seven sacks are still more than the 5.5 that Miami’s entire linebacker corps managed last year. The Dolphins will need continued improvement from strong-side linebacker Channing Crowder. He ranked fifth in Stop Rate against the run, but his Success Rate in pass coverage was just 32 percent, one of the worst of any linebacker.

9. Cleveland Browns (21)

The Browns haven’t posted a winning season since 2002 and suffer from several positional shortfalls, but their linebackers aren’t part of the problem. Cleveland drafted Kamerion Wimbley to get after the quarterback on the weak side, and he did so with abandon, racking up 11 sacks, 16 hits and 19 hurries. On the other side, 14-year veteran Willie McGinest might split time with Antwan Peek this season. Houston’s switch back to a 4-3 left Peek as a man without a position, but he could surprise in Cleveland. On the inside, D’Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis are players who work well in this system and would have much better numbers with better linemen in front of them. Chaun Thompson provides good depth.

10. New England Patriots (13)

The dominant linebacker sets of the recent Super Bowl years are a memory; at this point, Bill Belichick is balancing the value of experience against the effectiveness of pure athleticism. As usual, the Pats come up trumps when presented with such a conundrum. This time, they split the difference between veteran know-how and pure talent by signing free agent Adalius Thomas, formerly of the Ravens. Thomas will be a perfect fit in his new system, because Belichick may have a greater appreciation than any other coach for players who can do many things well. Thomas isn’t just another mid-level “Swiss Army Knife” guy, either. He managed to stand out in Baltimore’s ridiculous 2006 group, and fared better than any teammate when considering all aspects of linebacker play. Thomas’ prominence will increase in New England, because the talent around him is starting to fade a bit.

The names you know — Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Junior Seau (post-temporary retirement version) — are still here, but there will have to be a serious re-set sooner than later. The Patriots finished eighth in Defensive DVOA last season, but remember what we’ve said about dominant front lines skewing linebacker performance. New England’s improved ranking here is almost all about the new guy. Bruschi and Vrabel are still strong against the run, but suffer in pass coverage. Rosevelt Colvin, the other outside linebacker, is an excellent pass-rusher, with nine sacks, 19 hits and 20 hurries.

Due to a lack of depth, The Patriots can’t be ranked higher. Larry Izzo is mostly a special-teamer, and Eric Alexander’s first start in his three-year NFL career (a good portion of which has been spent on the practice squad) was in the 2006 AFC Championship Game. Dallas Clark has your learning curve right here, Eric.

These comparisons are a little strained given the different ways NFL teams use linebackers. Certainly, it’s easier for linebackers to dominate in a 3-4 than a 4-3, where the main rush comes from defensive ends. Still, if the Cowboys can live up to this #5 ranking, they should be much improved over last year.

Tags | James Joyner, NFL Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks

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