With Houston Texans currently holding onto the number one pick overall, the question becomes what should they do with the pick, and who they should draft.
First, should the Texans trade down for more draft picks? Quick answer, no. While more draft picks would be very beneficial for a team that completely collapsed last year, the best option for this team is to hang onto this pick and draft the best player at the positions they need most.
That being eliminated, who should the Texans draft becomes the next question. Before this past weekend at the combine, the obvious pick here would be Johnny Manziel. First because the team is in desperate need of a franchise quarterback and second because of the proximity of Texas A&M to Reliant Stadium. Bringing in the Aggies former QB would bring a massive amount of new fans who have already been following the young QBs college career. Manziel is fast, sharp and elusive. In his two years starting for the Aggies he won the Heisman Trophy, the Davey O'Brien Award and led his team to a victory in the Cotton Bowl in 2013. He ran a 4.68 40 yd dash at the combine, which isn't the fastest, but pretty good. He would be an excellent pick for the Texans after years of misery, uncertainty and injuries at the quarterback position.
The combine however, changed everything. The most impressive player to come out of this weekend is former South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney ran a 4.53 40 yd dash putting him on par with some of the top WRs who were at the combine. The 6'6" 249 pound defensive end is big and explosive. While his 21 bench press reps was unimpressive, his speed and size make him dangerous coming off the end on a pass rush. Clowney was an All-American and won the Ted Hendricks award and led his team to an Outback Bowl victory.
Either pick would be a great one for the Texans but the Texans need to address their most pressing need. If they are smart, they draft a quarterback with this pick. The logic of course nowadays is that teams draft the best player on the board regardless of need, which would be Clowney. With two months to go until the draft, it is wait and see time for the NFL and all their fans.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Draft order and who should draft what in 2014
With the combine completed and the draft just two months away, teams are busy preparing themselves for locking in the players that they want to fit into each slot they need to fill. Here are the teams and the positions that they need to fill and some likely candidates to fill vacancies.
1. Houston Texans
Need: QB, OT, Safety
This team started 2-0 before dropping the next 14 games straight and firing their coach with three games left in the season. The biggest issue for them is their desperate need for a franchise quarterback. After that would be an offensive tackle who can protect the QBs blindside, a major issue all season for the Texans. They also need to address their secondary issue by bringing in a safety who won't get burned on every play. They will most likely draft their quarterback in the first round.
2. St. Louis Rams
Need: OL, WR, Safety
This team is in desperate need to upgrade their o-line. They lack the ability to keep any quarterback upright or get a push for any running back out the backfield. The lack of a true number one receiver has plagued them for years and will need to be addressed in this draft along with their issue at safety in the secondary. It is likely they will draft their receiver first.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Need: QB, DE, OT
The mission to turn Blaine Gabbert into a franchise quarterback has failed miserably. This team will need to find a new quarterback quickly. They also need to address issues on offensive line at the tackle position and defensive line at end. They will most likely go after the DE first.
4. Cleveland Browns
Need: QB, RB, OG
Browns are another team in need of a franchise QB. From Colt McCoy to Seneca Wallace to Jason Campbell to Brandon Weeden, none have been the answer the Browns need to turn this team around. After trading away RB Trent Richardson midseason last year, they will also need to bring in a running back as well as an offensive guard. Quarterback is their most likely pick in the first round.
5. Oakland Raiders
Need: QB, WR, OT
All of the Raiders needs are on the offense with the most obvious need at quarterback. They also need a quality number one receiver and an offensive tackle. Quarterback should be the need they address first.
6. Atlanta Falcons
Need: DE, OL, TE
With the retirement of Tony Gonzalez, this team will need to bring in a tight end, but their most pressing issue is at defensive end and O-line so they can get the ball moving down the field. Expect the O-line issue to be addressed first.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Need: DE, TE, OT
Bucs are in need of an edge rusher on defense and a tackle on offense as well as a decent tight end. They may go offensive tackle as well.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Need: QB, DE, OG
After the collapse of Christian Ponder, the disastrous choice of bringing in Josh Freeman then back to Ponder, the Vikings MUST address their quarterback issue FIRST. They also need to bring in an offensive guard to protect the quarterback and a defensive end to come in off the edge.
9. Buffalo Bills
Need: LB, TE, RT
While the bills are in need of a right tackle, and a good tight end for their young star quarterback, the most pressing issue issue is linebacker. Expect this to be the issue they address first.
10. Detroit Lions
Need: CB, WR, Safety
The Lions started off well and fell off quickly. They need to find a quality number 2 receiver, but their most pressing needs are on defense where they are sorely lacking in the secondary both at corner and at safety. CB is the position they will most likely fill first.
11. Tennessee Titans
Need: Safety, DE, QB
Another team that needs to address their secondary issues especially at safety. They need a good edge rusher and with QB Jake Locker plagued with injuries, another quarterback would be in their best interest as well. The safety position is the one most likely to be filled first.
12. New York Giants
Need: LB, CB, OL
Keeping QB Eli Manning vertical is an issue that the Giants suffered from all season. They will need to find a top notch O-Line fast. They also will need to address the linebacker and the CB positions. They will most likely fill their O-Line need first.
13. St. Louis Rams
Need: OL, WR, Safety
With their second pick in the first round the Rams will likely draft their O-lineman here.
14. Chicago Bears
Need: DL, Safety, OL
The Bears were plagued with injury on defense throughout the season, both on the line and in the secondary at safety. They also need to address issues on their O-Line which failed QB Jay Cutler miserably. The D-Line issues will most likely be addressed first.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Need: OT, Safety, CB
The Steelers are in serious need of a good offensive tackle. What may be more pressing though is their issues in the secondary both at safety and at CB. They will most likely address their OT issue first though.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Need: DE, CB, Safety
The Cowboys always start out promising and fizzle out quickly. This has more to do with their problems on the defense especially at end and in the secondary. Their best choice would be to draft a safety with their first selection.
17. Baltimore Ravens
Need: OT, C, WR
The Ravens had a poor showing last year with their offense struggling to score points. They have to address their offensive tackle and center issues but a quality number two receiver may be the way they go.
18. New York Jets
Need: WR, OG, RB
Defense can only get you so far when your offense is a mess. This is the lesson learned by the Jets this past season. They need to get a top wide receiver, an offensive guard to protect the quarterback and a running back who can rush up the middle especially in third down situations. Best pick here would be a wide receiver.
19. Miami Dolphins
Need: OT, OG, RB
The controversy with the Dolphins was a distraction, but worse was their poor performance on the field. This team will need to get an offensive tackle, offensive guard and a running back. The OT is the most likely position filled here.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Need: OT, CB, OLB
Cards biggest issue is the OT position though needs at CB and an outside rusher on D can't be overlooked. This is likely to be a OT selection.
21. Green Bay Packers
Need: TE, Safety, LB
The Pack needs to replace the loss of Jermichael Finley but will more than likely fill their needs on defense first. They need another LB and at safety with Safety being the safest bet to fill at this spot.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Need: OLB, Safety, CB
The biggest needs of the Eagles are all on defense starting with a need for an outside pass rush at linebacker and needs at safety and cornerback.Linebacker is the likeliest pick here.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Need: WR, DL, ILB
With Dwayne Bowe being there best receiver, a good deep threat at WR is a necessary addition. They also need to address their defensive woes at lineman and linebacker. Andy Reid will most likely go for a DL here.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Need: CB, OLB, Safety
Another team with a strong offense but a shaky defense. Bengals would do best to pick up a corner here and address their LB and safety needs in later rounds.
25. San Diego Chargers
Need: CB, OG, OLB
The Chargers are good but need to fix an issue in the middle of their offensive line. They also need an outside pass rusher and a decent corner in their secondary. The OG would be the safest pick here.
26. Cleveland Browns
Need: QB, RB, OG
With their second pick in the first round the Browns should address their need at RB if they made the smart pick and picked their QB earlier, but the safe bet is for them to pick their offensive guard here.
27. New Orleans Saints
Need: OT, OLB, CB
The Saints could use an offensive tackle an outside pass rusher and a solid corner in their secondary. This pick could go any of those three ways but likely the OT will be picked here.
28. Carolina Panthers
Need: WR, CB, OL
The Panthers could definitely use another top quality WR to compliment the aging Steve Smith and Brandon Lafell. They could also use an offensive lineman and a reliable safety in their secondary. The WR would be their best pick here.
29. New England Patriots
Need: OL, DL, CB
Patriots need more protection up front to help Brady. They also need a good pass rusher and a solid corner on their defense. The offensive lineman is the likeliest pick here.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Need: WR, DL, CB
With Boldin and Crabtree as their main threats the 49ers could use a deep play receiver. They also need to address their issues on their defense at the line and in the secondary at CB. The likeliest here is DL.
31. Denver Broncos
Need: OT, CB, DL
After a crushing defeat in the SB the Broncos are in need of an offensive tackle to protect Peyton. They also need more pass rushing on their defense and a solid CB to replace the aging Champ Bailey.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Need: WR, TE, OL
Seahawks could use a true number receiver as well as a top shelf tight end. Their O-Line could use an upgrade as well. This slot will likely go to the WR.
1. Houston Texans
Need: QB, OT, Safety
This team started 2-0 before dropping the next 14 games straight and firing their coach with three games left in the season. The biggest issue for them is their desperate need for a franchise quarterback. After that would be an offensive tackle who can protect the QBs blindside, a major issue all season for the Texans. They also need to address their secondary issue by bringing in a safety who won't get burned on every play. They will most likely draft their quarterback in the first round.
2. St. Louis Rams
Need: OL, WR, Safety
This team is in desperate need to upgrade their o-line. They lack the ability to keep any quarterback upright or get a push for any running back out the backfield. The lack of a true number one receiver has plagued them for years and will need to be addressed in this draft along with their issue at safety in the secondary. It is likely they will draft their receiver first.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Need: QB, DE, OT
The mission to turn Blaine Gabbert into a franchise quarterback has failed miserably. This team will need to find a new quarterback quickly. They also need to address issues on offensive line at the tackle position and defensive line at end. They will most likely go after the DE first.
4. Cleveland Browns
Need: QB, RB, OG
Browns are another team in need of a franchise QB. From Colt McCoy to Seneca Wallace to Jason Campbell to Brandon Weeden, none have been the answer the Browns need to turn this team around. After trading away RB Trent Richardson midseason last year, they will also need to bring in a running back as well as an offensive guard. Quarterback is their most likely pick in the first round.
5. Oakland Raiders
Need: QB, WR, OT
All of the Raiders needs are on the offense with the most obvious need at quarterback. They also need a quality number one receiver and an offensive tackle. Quarterback should be the need they address first.
6. Atlanta Falcons
Need: DE, OL, TE
With the retirement of Tony Gonzalez, this team will need to bring in a tight end, but their most pressing issue is at defensive end and O-line so they can get the ball moving down the field. Expect the O-line issue to be addressed first.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Need: DE, TE, OT
Bucs are in need of an edge rusher on defense and a tackle on offense as well as a decent tight end. They may go offensive tackle as well.
8. Minnesota Vikings
Need: QB, DE, OG
After the collapse of Christian Ponder, the disastrous choice of bringing in Josh Freeman then back to Ponder, the Vikings MUST address their quarterback issue FIRST. They also need to bring in an offensive guard to protect the quarterback and a defensive end to come in off the edge.
9. Buffalo Bills
Need: LB, TE, RT
While the bills are in need of a right tackle, and a good tight end for their young star quarterback, the most pressing issue issue is linebacker. Expect this to be the issue they address first.
10. Detroit Lions
Need: CB, WR, Safety
The Lions started off well and fell off quickly. They need to find a quality number 2 receiver, but their most pressing needs are on defense where they are sorely lacking in the secondary both at corner and at safety. CB is the position they will most likely fill first.
11. Tennessee Titans
Need: Safety, DE, QB
Another team that needs to address their secondary issues especially at safety. They need a good edge rusher and with QB Jake Locker plagued with injuries, another quarterback would be in their best interest as well. The safety position is the one most likely to be filled first.
12. New York Giants
Need: LB, CB, OL
Keeping QB Eli Manning vertical is an issue that the Giants suffered from all season. They will need to find a top notch O-Line fast. They also will need to address the linebacker and the CB positions. They will most likely fill their O-Line need first.
13. St. Louis Rams
Need: OL, WR, Safety
With their second pick in the first round the Rams will likely draft their O-lineman here.
14. Chicago Bears
Need: DL, Safety, OL
The Bears were plagued with injury on defense throughout the season, both on the line and in the secondary at safety. They also need to address issues on their O-Line which failed QB Jay Cutler miserably. The D-Line issues will most likely be addressed first.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Need: OT, Safety, CB
The Steelers are in serious need of a good offensive tackle. What may be more pressing though is their issues in the secondary both at safety and at CB. They will most likely address their OT issue first though.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Need: DE, CB, Safety
The Cowboys always start out promising and fizzle out quickly. This has more to do with their problems on the defense especially at end and in the secondary. Their best choice would be to draft a safety with their first selection.
17. Baltimore Ravens
Need: OT, C, WR
The Ravens had a poor showing last year with their offense struggling to score points. They have to address their offensive tackle and center issues but a quality number two receiver may be the way they go.
18. New York Jets
Need: WR, OG, RB
Defense can only get you so far when your offense is a mess. This is the lesson learned by the Jets this past season. They need to get a top wide receiver, an offensive guard to protect the quarterback and a running back who can rush up the middle especially in third down situations. Best pick here would be a wide receiver.
19. Miami Dolphins
Need: OT, OG, RB
The controversy with the Dolphins was a distraction, but worse was their poor performance on the field. This team will need to get an offensive tackle, offensive guard and a running back. The OT is the most likely position filled here.
20. Arizona Cardinals
Need: OT, CB, OLB
Cards biggest issue is the OT position though needs at CB and an outside rusher on D can't be overlooked. This is likely to be a OT selection.
21. Green Bay Packers
Need: TE, Safety, LB
The Pack needs to replace the loss of Jermichael Finley but will more than likely fill their needs on defense first. They need another LB and at safety with Safety being the safest bet to fill at this spot.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
Need: OLB, Safety, CB
The biggest needs of the Eagles are all on defense starting with a need for an outside pass rush at linebacker and needs at safety and cornerback.Linebacker is the likeliest pick here.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
Need: WR, DL, ILB
With Dwayne Bowe being there best receiver, a good deep threat at WR is a necessary addition. They also need to address their defensive woes at lineman and linebacker. Andy Reid will most likely go for a DL here.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
Need: CB, OLB, Safety
Another team with a strong offense but a shaky defense. Bengals would do best to pick up a corner here and address their LB and safety needs in later rounds.
25. San Diego Chargers
Need: CB, OG, OLB
The Chargers are good but need to fix an issue in the middle of their offensive line. They also need an outside pass rusher and a decent corner in their secondary. The OG would be the safest pick here.
26. Cleveland Browns
Need: QB, RB, OG
With their second pick in the first round the Browns should address their need at RB if they made the smart pick and picked their QB earlier, but the safe bet is for them to pick their offensive guard here.
27. New Orleans Saints
Need: OT, OLB, CB
The Saints could use an offensive tackle an outside pass rusher and a solid corner in their secondary. This pick could go any of those three ways but likely the OT will be picked here.
28. Carolina Panthers
Need: WR, CB, OL
The Panthers could definitely use another top quality WR to compliment the aging Steve Smith and Brandon Lafell. They could also use an offensive lineman and a reliable safety in their secondary. The WR would be their best pick here.
29. New England Patriots
Need: OL, DL, CB
Patriots need more protection up front to help Brady. They also need a good pass rusher and a solid corner on their defense. The offensive lineman is the likeliest pick here.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Need: WR, DL, CB
With Boldin and Crabtree as their main threats the 49ers could use a deep play receiver. They also need to address their issues on their defense at the line and in the secondary at CB. The likeliest here is DL.
31. Denver Broncos
Need: OT, CB, DL
After a crushing defeat in the SB the Broncos are in need of an offensive tackle to protect Peyton. They also need more pass rushing on their defense and a solid CB to replace the aging Champ Bailey.
32. Seattle Seahawks
Need: WR, TE, OL
Seahawks could use a true number receiver as well as a top shelf tight end. Their O-Line could use an upgrade as well. This slot will likely go to the WR.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
What Russell Wilson's Super Bowl Win Means For the NFL
While many people focused on the previous rantings of Richard Sherman and the dominating performance of the Seahawks defense in the Super Bowl, one small factor flew under the radar for many.
Russell Wilson become on the second African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl.Wilson threw for 206 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions for a 123.1 passer rating in the 43-8 defeat over the Denver Broncos.
Not since Doug Williams led the Redskins to a victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII has another black quarterback won it. This isn't because there haven't been or aren't currently great African American quarterbacks, it is because so few African Americans are giving the opportunity to play the position.
Many great African American quarterbacks find themselves being moved to wide receiver when they reach the pro ranks. They are often said to have great speed and great hands, but lack the mental capacity to handle the most important position on the field. It doesn't matter how well they performed in college, they more often than not will not be given the opportunity to play quarterback.
This is not a new phenomena. Warren Moon was a celebrated quarterback coming out of college. Despite his college statistics, he went undrafted by the NFL and signed to play in the CFL where he would lead the Edmonton Eskimos to five consecutive Grey Cups, be named the Grey Cup's MVP twice and the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in his final season. Only then did the NFL come calling. He is one of only two people to be named to both the NFL and CFL Hall of Fame.
While Moon had an opportunity to prove himself in the Canadian League, many African American quarterbacks do not have that opportunity. There are many great African American quarterbacks who have superb careers in high school and college who we never get to see their full potential in the NFL. Maybe with another African American quarterback winning the Super Bowl, more of them will be given a chance. We can only hope.
Friday, February 14, 2014
What Michael Sam's Announcement Means to the NFL
Recently former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam announced to the world that he was gay. Sam is the first ever NFL prospect to be openly gay.
Recently I wrote an article that no gay NFL player would come out while still playing in the league. While Sam is a prospect, he has not been drafted as of yet. This still does not take away from the fact that there are more players in the league currently who, despite Sam's announcement, will not come forward and admit their sexuality. Not that they need to, a person's sexuality is as relevant to their ability to play sports as hair or eye color.
Reaction to Sam's announcement has been overwhelmingly positive both by fans and personnel in the league. While I applaud Sam for his announcement, I await the day when someone admitting that their gay is not a big deal. As a diehard NFL fanatic I only care that someone can play the sport well and bring their team championships. Anything in regards to their personal life is irrelevant. Let their play speak for them as an athlete.
Recently I wrote an article that no gay NFL player would come out while still playing in the league. While Sam is a prospect, he has not been drafted as of yet. This still does not take away from the fact that there are more players in the league currently who, despite Sam's announcement, will not come forward and admit their sexuality. Not that they need to, a person's sexuality is as relevant to their ability to play sports as hair or eye color.
Reaction to Sam's announcement has been overwhelmingly positive both by fans and personnel in the league. While I applaud Sam for his announcement, I await the day when someone admitting that their gay is not a big deal. As a diehard NFL fanatic I only care that someone can play the sport well and bring their team championships. Anything in regards to their personal life is irrelevant. Let their play speak for them as an athlete.
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