1. Lions
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
The Lions set a new standard last season for being bad in the NFL. One player is not going to fix a 0-16 team, but they have to start somewhere. QB is the position to build around and Stafford has the pro-style talent you can build a franchise around. However, do not be surprised if the Lions take an OT with this pick.
2. Rams
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
This guy is a beast and is just the replacement the Rams could use after releasing Orlando Pace earlier in the Offseason.
3. Chiefs
Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas
The Chiefs are hoping on the 3-4 defense bandwagon. Orakpo is a hybrid DE who has the speed to play Linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
4. Seahawks
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
With the signing of WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Seahawks do not need to use this pick to get that number one receiver like Michael Crabtree. Picking Monroe will give them some much needed help on that O-line so maybe they can keep QB Matt Hasselbeck healthy this season.
5. Browns
Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Possibly the safest pick in the draft. Curry will be a stud no matter where he ends up.
6. Bengals
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Would have gone higher if it were not for the foot injury. Crabtree has very special talent and size. With the loss of Houshmandzadeh, Crabtree could be a perfect fit to come in and make a difference right away for the Bengals.
7. Raiders
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith was supposed to be the first OT taken, but his disappearing act at the combine and his character issues make him the perfect candidate to become Al Davis’ next problem child.
8. Jaguars
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
In actuality I think the Jaguars are going to trade back to a later selection with a team hoping to snatch Mark Sanchez, possibly with the Jets at pick 17. However, if the Jaguars do end up picking here at #8, I think they have to address their huge need for a big play wide receiver after losing Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, and Matt Jones in the off season. The acquisition of OT Tra Thomas, allows them to focus mainly on receiver.
School
9. Packers
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Raji definitely raised his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. He would excel in the 3-4 defense that the Packers are switching to.
10. 49ers
Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Someone might trade ahead of this pick to grab Sanchez. But, if he is available I do not see how the 49ers could pass on a guy with his talent, especially with their questions at QB.
11. Bills
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
With only 24 sacks in 2008, the Bills are in desperate need of a pass rusher. Brown is just the guy to fill that need.
12. Broncos
Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
A very talented pass rusher.
13. Redskins
Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Tackle is a huge need for Washington. Look for them to address that need with this pick.
14. Saints
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Saints have a depleted secondary. Jenkins performed badly at the Combine so his stock has dropped. I think this would be a steal at pick 14.
15. Texans
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Cushing is the first of three USC linebackers I have coming out of round number one.
16. Chargers
Ray Maualuga, LB, USC
With the resigning of LT, the Chargers really do not have any huge needs. Picking up another playmaking linebacker would not hurt.
17. Jets
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
I still think they will trade up for Sanchez but Moreno could be a good fit here.
18. Bears
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Kyle Orton desperately needs someone to throw the ball to. Hester is not a number one receiver.
19. Buccaneers
Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
This guy has “groom me for the future” written all over him.
20. Lions
Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
You could give Detroit all 32 picks in the first round and it will not turn this team around. An offensive tackle to give Stafford time to throw the ball to Calvin Johnson might help though.
21. Eagles
Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
The Eagles had lots of trouble converting on 3rd and short last season. “Beanie” would more than fix that problem.
22. Vikings
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Would immediately become the best player in the Vikings secondary.
23. Patriots
Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
The Patriots are one of the best drafting teams in the NFL. With the loss of Mike Vrabel, they will need to fill the void at linebacker.
24. Falcons
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
One of the great surprises of the 2008 season, the Falcons need to improve their pass rush. Jackson is a very talented DE who could play both the 4-3 and the 3-4.
25. Dolphins
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
The Dolphins are still looking for a playmaking receiver. Ted Guinn is good but not the answer. Harvin has the speed that could change a game in one play.
26. Ravens
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Fantastic combination of hands, size, and speed.
27. Colts
Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
The Colts need help inside stopping the run.
28. Eagles
Alex Mack, C, California
Eagles need help at the offensive line. Mack is the best offensive lineman left on the board.
29. Giants
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
With Plaxico Burress’ legal issues, the Giants have to consider giving Eli Manning another weapon.
30. Titans
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Tennessee has an aging group of defensive ends. A little youth couldn’t hurt.
31. Cardinals
Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
Edgerrin James has not done much since leaving Indy and Tim Hightower is an underachiever. Greene could give a much needed boost to this past first offense.
32. Steelers
D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Not many huge needs for the Super Bowl Champs. I guess they could use some depth at CB.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Just walk in the park for “Skip to My Lou”
Rafer Alston has only been a member of the Orlando Magic for a little more than a week. However, he is gelling with the team like he has been here for years now. In the six games he has been with the team, he has started five and is averaging 10 points, and six assists, in just less than 30 minutes per game. “Oh it’s great,” Alston said as he sat in a chair in front of his locker Friday night before the Detroit Pistons game. “It’s a great group of guys to be around, it’s a fun group. They really had great chemistry before I came here. I just, you know want to be a positive teammate as well and just add on to the great chemistry.”
It is obvious to see the difference in the team since he has arrived. After losing All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson to a torn labrum for the season, the team looked sluggish and out of sync with back up Anthony Johnson in the starting lineup. Once Alston arrived the ball has been moving quicker and much more efficient. On February 22 against the Heat, in just his 2nd game, and first start with the Magic, he had seven assists in the 1st quarter. “Oh on the court, I mean you can see by the record we’ve been good on the court, and me personally I’m just a guy that loves to play team ball so I fit right in from day one”.
Alston and Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy are no strangers. Alston played for the Heat, under Van Gundy back in the 2003-04 season. “I’m used to Stan, I understand what he wants everyday whether its practice or games,” Alston said of playing under Van Gundy again. “We had a great time there my one year there that I did play, it was a great year. It felt like the one year I was there it felt like I was there ten years, that’s how much fun we had.”
The Magic acquired Alston after they traded away Brian Cook, Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, and a future 1st round draft pick in a trade that also involved the Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets
Alston came to Orlando from Houston where he started 48 of 48 games, and averaged 12 points and five assists per game. Houston and Orlando have at least one thing in common. They both have All-Star centers. Yao Ming of the Rockets was the starting center for the Western All-Stars, and Dwight Howard of the Magic, was the starting center for the Eastern All-Stars and the leading vote getter in fan voting for the All-Star game. “Two great centers, Dwight’s more versatile a little more athletic, Yao possess the inside game and he can shoot the pick and roll jump shot. Two different styles of play but both effective,” said Alston.
With a 4-2 record since acquiring Alston, many around the league feel that the Magic are back to the being able to contend for a championship this year. Alston is one of those people. “The sky is the limit; I think its all on us. Everyday we got to come with the focus and the mentality that we have room for improvement and that we can improve and get better each practice and each game.”
It is obvious to see the difference in the team since he has arrived. After losing All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson to a torn labrum for the season, the team looked sluggish and out of sync with back up Anthony Johnson in the starting lineup. Once Alston arrived the ball has been moving quicker and much more efficient. On February 22 against the Heat, in just his 2nd game, and first start with the Magic, he had seven assists in the 1st quarter. “Oh on the court, I mean you can see by the record we’ve been good on the court, and me personally I’m just a guy that loves to play team ball so I fit right in from day one”.
Alston and Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy are no strangers. Alston played for the Heat, under Van Gundy back in the 2003-04 season. “I’m used to Stan, I understand what he wants everyday whether its practice or games,” Alston said of playing under Van Gundy again. “We had a great time there my one year there that I did play, it was a great year. It felt like the one year I was there it felt like I was there ten years, that’s how much fun we had.”
The Magic acquired Alston after they traded away Brian Cook, Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, and a future 1st round draft pick in a trade that also involved the Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets
Alston came to Orlando from Houston where he started 48 of 48 games, and averaged 12 points and five assists per game. Houston and Orlando have at least one thing in common. They both have All-Star centers. Yao Ming of the Rockets was the starting center for the Western All-Stars, and Dwight Howard of the Magic, was the starting center for the Eastern All-Stars and the leading vote getter in fan voting for the All-Star game. “Two great centers, Dwight’s more versatile a little more athletic, Yao possess the inside game and he can shoot the pick and roll jump shot. Two different styles of play but both effective,” said Alston.
With a 4-2 record since acquiring Alston, many around the league feel that the Magic are back to the being able to contend for a championship this year. Alston is one of those people. “The sky is the limit; I think its all on us. Everyday we got to come with the focus and the mentality that we have room for improvement and that we can improve and get better each practice and each game.”
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