TEAM NEEDS, CINCY, CARDS, BROWNS & FRISCO
Headed down the home stretch, only seven left, should have all of them finished by Monday morning. Then a pair of posts for Upon Further Review, one of the blogs owned by the Kansas City Star. After that....the dreaded mock draft. Stay tuned, the draft information is coming fast & furious.
Cincinnati #4
The biggest stumbling block in trying to figure the Bengals' needs & how they'll attack those needs is quarterback Carson Palmer. He has said he will retire before he plays for the Bengals ever again. He wants to be traded, he's not particular where, he just want to play in Cincinnati anymore. To drive home that point, he sold his Cincinnati home & moved his family out of state. To complicate things even more, Carson's younger brother, Jordan, is the Bengals' #2 quarterback. Talk about your conflict of interest. Tho Cincinnati made the playoffs in 2009, they crash dived right back into mediocrity last season with a pathetic 4-12 record. Disruptive wide receiver Terrell Owens won't be retained despite being the clubs' leading pass catcher. Chad Ochocinco, the 2nd leading receiver, remains in limbo with Marvin Lewis & it's unknown if he'll be back for the 2011 season.
1. Quarterback-Owner Mike Brown is known as being the most stubborn team owner in the national Football League. He has repeatedly stated the team will not trade Carson Palmer as it will open the flood gates for others who want out of Cincinnati. Jordan Palmer is not an NFL starting quarterback, period. So if brown wants coach Marvin Lewis to have any sort of a fighting chance to win a few games, a quarterback will either have to be drafted or traded for after the new CBA is signed.
2. Wide receiver-Not resigning Owens & possibly Ochocinco removes the two most productive receivers from the Bengals' roster. Rookie Jordan Shipley caught 52 passes, mostly from the slot. Jerome Simpson & Andre Caldwell made contributions in limited roles. I guess a case for these three could be made, but I believe the Bengals will need a true #1 receiver.
3. Defensive end-Robert Geathers made zero impact last season & was benched for much of the second half of the season. Rookie Carlos Dunlap made the most of his opportunity recording 9.5 sacks. Michael Johnson stalled out after a good start at RDE. Very little depth that can be counted on since Antwan Odom fought back from injuries only to hurt again.
4. Safety-Reggie Nelson & Roy Williams play well against the run but in pass defense, they both come up short. The pair had 3 picks between them & were thrown over all season. FAt least one faster, more alert safety is needed in the deep backfield for the Bengals.
5. Cornerback-The starters, Leon Hall & Jonathan Joseph, are effective in coverage & will support the run. The problem with this tandem is they can't stay on the field. Injuries have plagued the pair & the drop off to Brandon Ghee & Morgan Trent is a big one.
Picking 4th overall, the Bengals can pick just about anybody they want, except a safety. The problem they'll have to address is what to do about Carson Palmer? Do they trade him, take the player(s) & or 2012 draft picks & move on? Or do they let him retire & get nothing for him? Either way, they're going to need a QB & I think drafting one will be necessary no later than round two. I think they want Georgia WR A.J. Green & who wouldn't, many believe he's the top player in this draft. If they pick Green #1 & grab Florida State QB Christian Ponder in round two, they will have done well.
Arizona #5
Another team needing a quarterback. They also need linebackers, so what the Bills & Bengals do directly in front of them will dictate much of the Cards' decision.
1. Quarterback-Since Kurt Warner retired, everything went sour offensively. The Cardinals claim they don't want to expend such a high pick on a quarterback when there really isn't an apparent true franchise QB in this draft. in other words, no Sam Bradford.
John Skelton & Max Hall are 2nd year players with a little upside but neither compare to this year's top QB prospects.
2. Outside linebacker-Clark Haggans & Joey Porter probably won't be retained, both are 34 years old. Rookie O'Brien Schofield showed some good upside in his limited playing time. But another OLB that can rush the passer is essential in this 3-4 scheme.
3. Inside linebacker-Once again, the 3-4 is only as good as it's nose tackle & the four linebackers. Paris Lenon & Daryl Washington had decent seasons in the middle but have no one behind them, Reggie Walker & Gerald Hayes are just warm bodies IMO.
4. Left offensive tackle-Levi Brown struggled in his first season after moving over from the right side. He might be better served moving back to the right side but that's not a great move for a player's confidence, maybe another season of intense coaching will elevate Brown's game.
5. Tight end-Head coach Ken Whisenhunt is a former tight end & he'd like to integrate more formations that use the TE. Unfortunately, the bench is devoid of any NFL talent. Ten total receptions from all three tight ends combined last season, by far, the league's worst. With the quarterback play the Cards are getting, spread offensive schemes with 3 & 4 wide receivers has little chance of success. Running the ball more & using the tight end is a more realistic approach.
Sitting at five, the Cardinals might have a shot at either Blaine Gabbert or Texas A&M OLB Von Miller, but there's also the possibility they'll both be gone, the Bengals are the wild card. if this happens, Arizona may have to trade out of the spot for the best available deal.
Cleveland #6
The Browns played a bunch of very competitive games for a 5-11 team. What the Browns lack right now is a game changer on offense, a productive pass rusher & a right tackle. Rookie QB Colt McCoy may or may not be the answer, but I think Mike Holmgren will improve his supporting cast & see if it helps to elevate his game.
1. Wide receiver-Cleveland needs a clear-cut number one wide receiver. The rest of the wideouts could shake out more clearly if a true #1 guy is established.
2. Defensive end-The Browns need to get faster at the position, their starters, Kenyon Coleman & Robaire Smith are on the wrong side of 30 & don't cover much ground. The roster has little in the way of developmental talent.
3. Cornerback-Joe Haden was the Browns #1 selection last year & he is very solid. On the other side, Sheldon Brown also played well but he just turned 32. Drafting a player comparable to Haden would really solidify the Browns secondary for years to come.
4. Outside linebacker-Reliable corps of linebackers who are just getting old. Two 12-year vets in Eric Barton & David Bowens, Scott Fujita will be in his 10th season plus Matt Roth(7th), Eric Alexander(7th) & Chris Gocong(6th) complete the roster. They need an infusion of younger, faster linebackers.
5. Right tackle-Set on the left side with Joe Thomas, the Browns need an upgrade on the right. Ten-year vet Tony Pashos continues to miss time with injuries & the backup John St. Clair isn't an NFL starter.
Cleveland could find exactly what they're looking for with the 6th pick of the first round. I doubt A.J. Green will drop to them, but if the Bengals go for a quarterback, it's possible. If not, Alabama WR Julio Jones will work just fine. Then there's the possibility LSU CB Patrick Peterson also drops into their laps, now the decision becomes more difficult. I still think they will lean to a wide receiver.
San Francisco #7
The Niners still have the same number one priority they've had since Steve Young retired, a quarterback. Alex Smith has had too many new offensive coordinators to count, which is a problem in to itself, but he still hasn't displayed the type of take-charge leadership needed in Frisco. Otherwise the franchise is good enough to win the NFC West.
1. Quarterback-When the overall number one player in the 2004 draft, Alex Smith, didn't produce the franchise player they need so the Niners may be reluctant to take another shot with the 7th overall selection, especially in a reach situation.
2. Cornerback-Nate Clements can't stay with faster WR's downfield anymore. Moving him to the nickel spot would be a good option as he sticks like glue in the short area & is an excellent run supporter. The position's depth isn't good either.
3. Outside linebacker-Decent sack totals by the backups, much better run defense by the starters causes real problems in the outside linebacker rotation. They need a bigger, tougher, pass rusher than Manny Lawson & a quicker sideline to sideline player than Parys Harralson.
4. Running back-Frank Gore is & will be the bell cow in this offense, but after suffering a broken hip in November, one wonders how much this workhorse back has left in the tank. He's not that old, but he's sustained a lot of major inuries. Brian Westbrook was O.K. is relief, but he too has taken a pounding in his 10-year career.
5. Nose tackle-Aubrayo Franklin has been solid year after year, occupying blockers & keeping them off of ILB's Patrick Willis & Takeo Spikes. His backup Ricky Jean-Francois, is a major drop off. They need an upgrade to a player who can not only close that drop off but allow Franklin more down time.
I look for the Niners to go for a cornerback with their first round pick. But there's the possibility someone like the Texans will be willing to trade up a couple of spots to snag Patrick Peterson. The Niners will most likely go for a deal like this as long as they don't fall out of range for Prince Amukamara. I sincerely doubt Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert will fall this far, so QB is very unlikely for Frisco in round one.
Cincinnati #4
The biggest stumbling block in trying to figure the Bengals' needs & how they'll attack those needs is quarterback Carson Palmer. He has said he will retire before he plays for the Bengals ever again. He wants to be traded, he's not particular where, he just want to play in Cincinnati anymore. To drive home that point, he sold his Cincinnati home & moved his family out of state. To complicate things even more, Carson's younger brother, Jordan, is the Bengals' #2 quarterback. Talk about your conflict of interest. Tho Cincinnati made the playoffs in 2009, they crash dived right back into mediocrity last season with a pathetic 4-12 record. Disruptive wide receiver Terrell Owens won't be retained despite being the clubs' leading pass catcher. Chad Ochocinco, the 2nd leading receiver, remains in limbo with Marvin Lewis & it's unknown if he'll be back for the 2011 season.
1. Quarterback-Owner Mike Brown is known as being the most stubborn team owner in the national Football League. He has repeatedly stated the team will not trade Carson Palmer as it will open the flood gates for others who want out of Cincinnati. Jordan Palmer is not an NFL starting quarterback, period. So if brown wants coach Marvin Lewis to have any sort of a fighting chance to win a few games, a quarterback will either have to be drafted or traded for after the new CBA is signed.
2. Wide receiver-Not resigning Owens & possibly Ochocinco removes the two most productive receivers from the Bengals' roster. Rookie Jordan Shipley caught 52 passes, mostly from the slot. Jerome Simpson & Andre Caldwell made contributions in limited roles. I guess a case for these three could be made, but I believe the Bengals will need a true #1 receiver.
3. Defensive end-Robert Geathers made zero impact last season & was benched for much of the second half of the season. Rookie Carlos Dunlap made the most of his opportunity recording 9.5 sacks. Michael Johnson stalled out after a good start at RDE. Very little depth that can be counted on since Antwan Odom fought back from injuries only to hurt again.
4. Safety-Reggie Nelson & Roy Williams play well against the run but in pass defense, they both come up short. The pair had 3 picks between them & were thrown over all season. FAt least one faster, more alert safety is needed in the deep backfield for the Bengals.
5. Cornerback-The starters, Leon Hall & Jonathan Joseph, are effective in coverage & will support the run. The problem with this tandem is they can't stay on the field. Injuries have plagued the pair & the drop off to Brandon Ghee & Morgan Trent is a big one.
Picking 4th overall, the Bengals can pick just about anybody they want, except a safety. The problem they'll have to address is what to do about Carson Palmer? Do they trade him, take the player(s) & or 2012 draft picks & move on? Or do they let him retire & get nothing for him? Either way, they're going to need a QB & I think drafting one will be necessary no later than round two. I think they want Georgia WR A.J. Green & who wouldn't, many believe he's the top player in this draft. If they pick Green #1 & grab Florida State QB Christian Ponder in round two, they will have done well.
Arizona #5
Another team needing a quarterback. They also need linebackers, so what the Bills & Bengals do directly in front of them will dictate much of the Cards' decision.
1. Quarterback-Since Kurt Warner retired, everything went sour offensively. The Cardinals claim they don't want to expend such a high pick on a quarterback when there really isn't an apparent true franchise QB in this draft. in other words, no Sam Bradford.
John Skelton & Max Hall are 2nd year players with a little upside but neither compare to this year's top QB prospects.
2. Outside linebacker-Clark Haggans & Joey Porter probably won't be retained, both are 34 years old. Rookie O'Brien Schofield showed some good upside in his limited playing time. But another OLB that can rush the passer is essential in this 3-4 scheme.
3. Inside linebacker-Once again, the 3-4 is only as good as it's nose tackle & the four linebackers. Paris Lenon & Daryl Washington had decent seasons in the middle but have no one behind them, Reggie Walker & Gerald Hayes are just warm bodies IMO.
4. Left offensive tackle-Levi Brown struggled in his first season after moving over from the right side. He might be better served moving back to the right side but that's not a great move for a player's confidence, maybe another season of intense coaching will elevate Brown's game.
5. Tight end-Head coach Ken Whisenhunt is a former tight end & he'd like to integrate more formations that use the TE. Unfortunately, the bench is devoid of any NFL talent. Ten total receptions from all three tight ends combined last season, by far, the league's worst. With the quarterback play the Cards are getting, spread offensive schemes with 3 & 4 wide receivers has little chance of success. Running the ball more & using the tight end is a more realistic approach.
Sitting at five, the Cardinals might have a shot at either Blaine Gabbert or Texas A&M OLB Von Miller, but there's also the possibility they'll both be gone, the Bengals are the wild card. if this happens, Arizona may have to trade out of the spot for the best available deal.
Cleveland #6
The Browns played a bunch of very competitive games for a 5-11 team. What the Browns lack right now is a game changer on offense, a productive pass rusher & a right tackle. Rookie QB Colt McCoy may or may not be the answer, but I think Mike Holmgren will improve his supporting cast & see if it helps to elevate his game.
1. Wide receiver-Cleveland needs a clear-cut number one wide receiver. The rest of the wideouts could shake out more clearly if a true #1 guy is established.
2. Defensive end-The Browns need to get faster at the position, their starters, Kenyon Coleman & Robaire Smith are on the wrong side of 30 & don't cover much ground. The roster has little in the way of developmental talent.
3. Cornerback-Joe Haden was the Browns #1 selection last year & he is very solid. On the other side, Sheldon Brown also played well but he just turned 32. Drafting a player comparable to Haden would really solidify the Browns secondary for years to come.
4. Outside linebacker-Reliable corps of linebackers who are just getting old. Two 12-year vets in Eric Barton & David Bowens, Scott Fujita will be in his 10th season plus Matt Roth(7th), Eric Alexander(7th) & Chris Gocong(6th) complete the roster. They need an infusion of younger, faster linebackers.
5. Right tackle-Set on the left side with Joe Thomas, the Browns need an upgrade on the right. Ten-year vet Tony Pashos continues to miss time with injuries & the backup John St. Clair isn't an NFL starter.
Cleveland could find exactly what they're looking for with the 6th pick of the first round. I doubt A.J. Green will drop to them, but if the Bengals go for a quarterback, it's possible. If not, Alabama WR Julio Jones will work just fine. Then there's the possibility LSU CB Patrick Peterson also drops into their laps, now the decision becomes more difficult. I still think they will lean to a wide receiver.
San Francisco #7
The Niners still have the same number one priority they've had since Steve Young retired, a quarterback. Alex Smith has had too many new offensive coordinators to count, which is a problem in to itself, but he still hasn't displayed the type of take-charge leadership needed in Frisco. Otherwise the franchise is good enough to win the NFC West.
1. Quarterback-When the overall number one player in the 2004 draft, Alex Smith, didn't produce the franchise player they need so the Niners may be reluctant to take another shot with the 7th overall selection, especially in a reach situation.
2. Cornerback-Nate Clements can't stay with faster WR's downfield anymore. Moving him to the nickel spot would be a good option as he sticks like glue in the short area & is an excellent run supporter. The position's depth isn't good either.
3. Outside linebacker-Decent sack totals by the backups, much better run defense by the starters causes real problems in the outside linebacker rotation. They need a bigger, tougher, pass rusher than Manny Lawson & a quicker sideline to sideline player than Parys Harralson.
4. Running back-Frank Gore is & will be the bell cow in this offense, but after suffering a broken hip in November, one wonders how much this workhorse back has left in the tank. He's not that old, but he's sustained a lot of major inuries. Brian Westbrook was O.K. is relief, but he too has taken a pounding in his 10-year career.
5. Nose tackle-Aubrayo Franklin has been solid year after year, occupying blockers & keeping them off of ILB's Patrick Willis & Takeo Spikes. His backup Ricky Jean-Francois, is a major drop off. They need an upgrade to a player who can not only close that drop off but allow Franklin more down time.
I look for the Niners to go for a cornerback with their first round pick. But there's the possibility someone like the Texans will be willing to trade up a couple of spots to snag Patrick Peterson. The Niners will most likely go for a deal like this as long as they don't fall out of range for Prince Amukamara. I sincerely doubt Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert will fall this far, so QB is very unlikely for Frisco in round one.
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