TIKI COMMITS PROFESSIONAL SUICIDE, 2010 DRAFT INFO YOU NEED TO KNOW & A RECORD DAY AT 'RFR'
Tiki Barber has made a life choice that could cripple his chances of being in front of a TV camera, at least for the foreseeable future. The likable former running back moved out of the home he shared with his wife Ginny of 11 years. Ginny is 8 months pregnant with twins & Tiki left her for a 23-year old NBC intern. End of story.
I told you yesterday about the ongoing squabble between the New Orleans Saints & the local media, especially WWL TV in the Crescent City. PFT.com's Mike Florio is reporting tonight the CBS affiliate has been removed from the Saints' press release list. They were also informed the Saints would no longer answer text messages, emails or phone calls & the station might not receive press credentials for the upcoming NFL Draft. This is getting ugly.
There is considerable talk around the Bay Area that the 49ers might have to move up in the draft for one of the top-4 offensive tackles. San Francisco has two first round picks, #13 & #17. Plus they have the 50th pick, which is a second rounder. If Washington signs newly released Flozell Adams to play left tackle, the draft pick-poor Redskins might be a possible trading partner. They could reap both first round picks & Frisco could at worst, get the 2nd best OT available, a win-win situation. Trading with K.C. is also a possibility, but if two tackles were already selected by the time K.C.'s #5 selection comes up, I doubt the Chiefs could secure both of Frisco's 1st rounders, more like the 13th pick & 50th. I can't see Seattle, also with two 1st round picks, #6 & #14, trading down as they have serious needs at offensive tackle, running back & defensive end.
As the draft approaches, two weeks from tomorrow, there are a few basics you need to know, regardless of which team you follow. This looks to be an exceptional draft talent-wise, made that way by the influx if 53 juniors & 3rd year sophomores. I could easily see 22 of the 32 1st round picks coming from this pool. This senior class was already above average, this just made it better. NBC analyst & former NFL general manager Charlie Casserly, believes this one could rival the 1983 draft that produced John Elway, Eric Dickerson, Bruce Mathews, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, Darrell Green, Richard Dent, Albert Lewis, Roger Craig & many more all-pro caliber players. Some years have a balance of talent on offense & defense, some, like the 1981 draft, are lopsided to one side of the ball, in this case it was defense. The '81 draft produced Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, Kenny Easley, Howie Long, Mike Singletary, Rickey Jackson, Hugh Green, Dennis Smith, Dexter Manley plus eight other draftees who went onto the Pro Bowl. Everson Walls & Deron Cherry were also in this class but went undrafted. This year's draft is much deeper on the defensive side. Because of that depth, if a team has offensive needs, they'll need to get it earlier. And because of that depth, a team needing defensive help can get it in the later rounds. I'll breakdown each position for high quality prospects, depth & an overall grade so you will know the strengths & weaknesses at each position.
Quarterback--Always tough to call, but I think this year's group, tho small, does have some real talent. Not much depth to choose from & overall, I'd give the QB position a grade of C+. I would rate Matthew Stafford(#1 overall last year & Matt Ryan #3 overall in '08) better than Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen.
Running Back--Some decent depth well into round 4 but the top RB picks(C.J. Spiller & Ryan Mathews) don't compare favorably to the top-2 last season(Knowshon Moreno & Beenie Wells). Overall grade of C+.
Wide Receiver--Very good depth, Better than last year, I could see 30-35 wideouts drafted but the top talent(Dez Bryant, Golden Tate & Arelious Benn) doesn't compare to last years' top picks(Michael Crabtree, Percy Harvin & Jeremy Maclin). Because of the depth, I give the position a grade of B-.
Tight End--Average talent, slightly better than average depth. Jermaine Gresham & Rob Gronkowski are the most complete combination of receiver & blocker, both 6-5+ & 260 lbs. BYU's Dennis Pitta & Miami's Aaron Hernandez are better receivers but can't compare as inline blockers. Overall grade of C+.
Tackle--The top-3(Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga & Trent Williams) are quite good, Pro Bowl good in the right schemes. Okung & Bulaga might be Joe Thomas/Michael Oher good, Williams would be best in a zone blocking scheme. The next 3 come with question marks but should go in round one too. Then the talent drops off dramatically. There is decent depth, but it's more of potential than proven production. As many as 25-30 tackles could hear their names called during the seven rounds. Overall grade of B.
Guard & Center--A down year at both positions, Idaho's Mike Iupati & Florida's Markice Pouncey are the only prospects that carry a first round grade. Not a lot of depth either, altho there are several 5th-6th round possibilities who could develop into reliable starters. Overall grade of D+.
Defensive End--Size, speed & very good depth in this draft class. Especially for teams playing a 4-3 defense. The top-10 prospects at DE all go 270 or better & have had good success rushing the passer. I could see five of them going in the 1st round. Overall grade of B+.
Defensive Tackle--Best group in many years. This position has been the hardest to evaluate over the years with the highest percentage of total bust-outs. I still believe this group is truly exceptional led by Nebraska's Ndamakong Suh, the best D-lineman I've seen in maybe 20-years. Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy is an eyelash behind Suh & both could play anywhere on any line except the nose because it would be a total waste of their talents. I see five going in round one, five in round two & possibly five more in round three & that is the definition of depth. There are several good nose tackle prospects too & with so many teams converting to 3-4 schemes, that depth is important. Overall grade of A.
Inside Linebacker--The only defensive position with down talent & very limited depth. Because of this, Alabama's Rolando McLain will go higher in round one than he should but he'll be the only one selected on day one. Other than TCU's Daryl Washington, there's almost no speed here this year but there are a few real tackling machines(Florida's Brandon Spikes, Penn State's Sean Lee & Boston College's Mike McLaughlin) but overall the talent level isn't what it's been in the past. Overall grade of C-.
Outside Linebacker--For grading, I've combined the 4-3 linebackers with the 4-3 prospects. Many times they are not suited to play in either defense, the 3-4 linebackers rush the passer a lot & are usually 10-20 pounds heavier. They're basically playing a stand up defensive end. These are the guys who get a lot of sacks, James Harrison, DeMarcus Ware & Lamarr Woodley, those guys. There may only be 2-3 selected in the first round(Sean Weatherspoon, Sergio Kindle & Jerry Hughes) but look for as many as 10 to go in rounds 2 & 3. Good tacklers with above average speed, especially in the backfield & excellent potential. Overall grade of B.
Cornerback--Once again, the top talent at this position might not be future hall of famers but there are some excellent corners with good size, speed & ability. The depth is exceptional. There might be 35-40 corners selected in this draft. I see only three 1st round selections(Florida's Joe Haden, Boise State's Kyle Wilson & Rutgers' Devin McCourty) but you'll see 4-5 per round after that & many of them will stick. The bonus here is there are several excellent kick returners in this group. Overall grade of B.
Safety--If the top two prospects at this position, Tennessee's Eric Berry & Texas' Earl Thomas, switch to cornerback, which they could do, the cornerback grade would be increased to an A-. These two are exceptional in my opinion. Both play that centerfield type of safety like Ed Reed. They have superior ball skills, Berry with 494 yards on 12 interception returns & Thomas with 3 touchdowns on 10 interception returns. Berry, a junior & Thomas, a 3rd year sophomore, could play free safety or either corner. I rate South Florida's Nate Allen ahead of USC's Taylor Mays, who's more athlete than football player. There's decent depth as well at both safety positions. Overall grade of B+.
So as you can see, the defensive talent is better & more plentiful. So if you need offensive help, better get it early on or you might be left wanting by time the draft rolls into round 4 & later. I will give you two first round mock drafts, one next week & one the day before the draft. I will also be posting a full mock draft for the Chiefs as well as a few other teams.
Yesterday marked an all-time record for traffic on this site & for that, I thank each & everyone of you who spend a little of your day right here with me. Please keep coming back & I'll do my level best to make it interesting & fun enough you'll want to visit daily. A sincere thank you to all.
Comments or questions? Submit your comments at the end of any article or email me at rich@richsfootballreport.com
I told you yesterday about the ongoing squabble between the New Orleans Saints & the local media, especially WWL TV in the Crescent City. PFT.com's Mike Florio is reporting tonight the CBS affiliate has been removed from the Saints' press release list. They were also informed the Saints would no longer answer text messages, emails or phone calls & the station might not receive press credentials for the upcoming NFL Draft. This is getting ugly.
There is considerable talk around the Bay Area that the 49ers might have to move up in the draft for one of the top-4 offensive tackles. San Francisco has two first round picks, #13 & #17. Plus they have the 50th pick, which is a second rounder. If Washington signs newly released Flozell Adams to play left tackle, the draft pick-poor Redskins might be a possible trading partner. They could reap both first round picks & Frisco could at worst, get the 2nd best OT available, a win-win situation. Trading with K.C. is also a possibility, but if two tackles were already selected by the time K.C.'s #5 selection comes up, I doubt the Chiefs could secure both of Frisco's 1st rounders, more like the 13th pick & 50th. I can't see Seattle, also with two 1st round picks, #6 & #14, trading down as they have serious needs at offensive tackle, running back & defensive end.
As the draft approaches, two weeks from tomorrow, there are a few basics you need to know, regardless of which team you follow. This looks to be an exceptional draft talent-wise, made that way by the influx if 53 juniors & 3rd year sophomores. I could easily see 22 of the 32 1st round picks coming from this pool. This senior class was already above average, this just made it better. NBC analyst & former NFL general manager Charlie Casserly, believes this one could rival the 1983 draft that produced John Elway, Eric Dickerson, Bruce Mathews, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, Darrell Green, Richard Dent, Albert Lewis, Roger Craig & many more all-pro caliber players. Some years have a balance of talent on offense & defense, some, like the 1981 draft, are lopsided to one side of the ball, in this case it was defense. The '81 draft produced Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, Kenny Easley, Howie Long, Mike Singletary, Rickey Jackson, Hugh Green, Dennis Smith, Dexter Manley plus eight other draftees who went onto the Pro Bowl. Everson Walls & Deron Cherry were also in this class but went undrafted. This year's draft is much deeper on the defensive side. Because of that depth, if a team has offensive needs, they'll need to get it earlier. And because of that depth, a team needing defensive help can get it in the later rounds. I'll breakdown each position for high quality prospects, depth & an overall grade so you will know the strengths & weaknesses at each position.
Quarterback--Always tough to call, but I think this year's group, tho small, does have some real talent. Not much depth to choose from & overall, I'd give the QB position a grade of C+. I would rate Matthew Stafford(#1 overall last year & Matt Ryan #3 overall in '08) better than Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen.
Running Back--Some decent depth well into round 4 but the top RB picks(C.J. Spiller & Ryan Mathews) don't compare favorably to the top-2 last season(Knowshon Moreno & Beenie Wells). Overall grade of C+.
Wide Receiver--Very good depth, Better than last year, I could see 30-35 wideouts drafted but the top talent(Dez Bryant, Golden Tate & Arelious Benn) doesn't compare to last years' top picks(Michael Crabtree, Percy Harvin & Jeremy Maclin). Because of the depth, I give the position a grade of B-.
Tight End--Average talent, slightly better than average depth. Jermaine Gresham & Rob Gronkowski are the most complete combination of receiver & blocker, both 6-5+ & 260 lbs. BYU's Dennis Pitta & Miami's Aaron Hernandez are better receivers but can't compare as inline blockers. Overall grade of C+.
Tackle--The top-3(Russell Okung, Bryan Bulaga & Trent Williams) are quite good, Pro Bowl good in the right schemes. Okung & Bulaga might be Joe Thomas/Michael Oher good, Williams would be best in a zone blocking scheme. The next 3 come with question marks but should go in round one too. Then the talent drops off dramatically. There is decent depth, but it's more of potential than proven production. As many as 25-30 tackles could hear their names called during the seven rounds. Overall grade of B.
Guard & Center--A down year at both positions, Idaho's Mike Iupati & Florida's Markice Pouncey are the only prospects that carry a first round grade. Not a lot of depth either, altho there are several 5th-6th round possibilities who could develop into reliable starters. Overall grade of D+.
Defensive End--Size, speed & very good depth in this draft class. Especially for teams playing a 4-3 defense. The top-10 prospects at DE all go 270 or better & have had good success rushing the passer. I could see five of them going in the 1st round. Overall grade of B+.
Defensive Tackle--Best group in many years. This position has been the hardest to evaluate over the years with the highest percentage of total bust-outs. I still believe this group is truly exceptional led by Nebraska's Ndamakong Suh, the best D-lineman I've seen in maybe 20-years. Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy is an eyelash behind Suh & both could play anywhere on any line except the nose because it would be a total waste of their talents. I see five going in round one, five in round two & possibly five more in round three & that is the definition of depth. There are several good nose tackle prospects too & with so many teams converting to 3-4 schemes, that depth is important. Overall grade of A.
Inside Linebacker--The only defensive position with down talent & very limited depth. Because of this, Alabama's Rolando McLain will go higher in round one than he should but he'll be the only one selected on day one. Other than TCU's Daryl Washington, there's almost no speed here this year but there are a few real tackling machines(Florida's Brandon Spikes, Penn State's Sean Lee & Boston College's Mike McLaughlin) but overall the talent level isn't what it's been in the past. Overall grade of C-.
Outside Linebacker--For grading, I've combined the 4-3 linebackers with the 4-3 prospects. Many times they are not suited to play in either defense, the 3-4 linebackers rush the passer a lot & are usually 10-20 pounds heavier. They're basically playing a stand up defensive end. These are the guys who get a lot of sacks, James Harrison, DeMarcus Ware & Lamarr Woodley, those guys. There may only be 2-3 selected in the first round(Sean Weatherspoon, Sergio Kindle & Jerry Hughes) but look for as many as 10 to go in rounds 2 & 3. Good tacklers with above average speed, especially in the backfield & excellent potential. Overall grade of B.
Cornerback--Once again, the top talent at this position might not be future hall of famers but there are some excellent corners with good size, speed & ability. The depth is exceptional. There might be 35-40 corners selected in this draft. I see only three 1st round selections(Florida's Joe Haden, Boise State's Kyle Wilson & Rutgers' Devin McCourty) but you'll see 4-5 per round after that & many of them will stick. The bonus here is there are several excellent kick returners in this group. Overall grade of B.
Safety--If the top two prospects at this position, Tennessee's Eric Berry & Texas' Earl Thomas, switch to cornerback, which they could do, the cornerback grade would be increased to an A-. These two are exceptional in my opinion. Both play that centerfield type of safety like Ed Reed. They have superior ball skills, Berry with 494 yards on 12 interception returns & Thomas with 3 touchdowns on 10 interception returns. Berry, a junior & Thomas, a 3rd year sophomore, could play free safety or either corner. I rate South Florida's Nate Allen ahead of USC's Taylor Mays, who's more athlete than football player. There's decent depth as well at both safety positions. Overall grade of B+.
So as you can see, the defensive talent is better & more plentiful. So if you need offensive help, better get it early on or you might be left wanting by time the draft rolls into round 4 & later. I will give you two first round mock drafts, one next week & one the day before the draft. I will also be posting a full mock draft for the Chiefs as well as a few other teams.
Yesterday marked an all-time record for traffic on this site & for that, I thank each & everyone of you who spend a little of your day right here with me. Please keep coming back & I'll do my level best to make it interesting & fun enough you'll want to visit daily. A sincere thank you to all.
Comments or questions? Submit your comments at the end of any article or email me at rich@richsfootballreport.com
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