Scouting Rookie WRs: Britt and Wallace

Being in a dynasty football league, I really watch the rookies on the field. Especially against tough opponents. You need these guys to make splashes and step up.

Looking at Kenny Britt.

I passed on him in the rookie draft, and he made me wish I didn’t. Although Collins doesn’t have the confidence in him like Just Gage, Britt is learning. Watching the game, Britt showed pretty good straight line speed.

His hands seemed pretty reliable, and he really looked the ball in. His biggest weaknesses are route running and ball adjustment. He even said it after the game, referring to the Polomalu interception:  “It was a great catch by him. A rookie mistake. You learn, if I can’t get it, nobody gets it.”

His route running got better during the game. On an out in the second half, Ike Taylor nearly jumped it, as Britt didn’t come back to the ball. If Britt wasn’t so big, it may have been a pick six.

However, later in the drive, they went right back to it, Britt came back hard, and had a nice completion. If Britt can consistantly come back to the ball, make those catches, and not allow his QB to get intercepted deep, he will be an elite receiver in this league.

He already does a great job blocking. Right now, he’s as good as Roy Williams (Dallas), just not as consistent—yet. Last night’s line: six targets, four catches, 85 yards.

Mike Wallace reminded me of Desean Jackson and Eddie Royal.

He’s fast. He’s open. Ridiculous speed (He plays with that 4.3 speed). He showed at the combine. 

If he had been drafted by the Colts, he’d may be a lock for 6-9 TDs, what Stokley did a few years ago. I’m glad I traded for him in my dynasty league. When he learns to block better, he’ll get much more playing time.

It appeared that he is much more comfortable than Sweed in Pittsburgh’s offense. It seems that Big Ben feels pretty confident in him. Last night’s line: six targets with three catches. One of those targets was a pass to Ward that Wallace almost got to from across the field.

If you’re in a dynasty league, and either of these are available, you may want to stick them on your roster if you have the space. There is a lot of upside here. Good picks by both the Titans and Steelers. Nicks, Harvin, and Maclin have some more pressure put on them by the performances of these two.

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2006 Colts Draft- Typical Colts

It’s time to grade the Colts on their 2006 draft.

For grading criteria, if the player made it to the Pro Bowl, he gets an A. If he has started at least 24 games, 1.5 seasons, he gets a B. C’s are still on the team. D’s are still in the NFL. F’s are no longer in the NFL.

Plus and minuses are subjective.

Round one, Pick 30: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU:

Addai has already made the Pro Bowl, but is often injured. His only full season was his first, where he didn’t start until the playoffs, and was part of a good RB tandem. Since then his numbers have decreased each season, as well as the number of games played, and the amount of playoff games the Colts have been to.

Addai has 748 total touches with 3,592 yards from scrimmage in three seasons. He has scored 30 TDs. The Colts will only go as far as their RBs can take them.

Grade: A

Round Two, Pick 62: Tim Jennings, CB, Georgia:

Tim has played in 38 games, earning 16 starts. He has two interceptions and 104 tackles in his career. I’m going to grade him as a starter, because when you play nickel for the Colts, it should be considered a start.

Grade: B+

Round Three, Pick 94: Freddie Keiaho, LB, San Diego State:

Keiaho has started 25 games for the Colts, and played in another 14. He has gathered 205 tackles, an interception, and half of a sack. He is a typical Colts pick, and I don’t expect him to stick around very long.

Grade: B

Round Five, Pick 162: Michael Toudouze, G, Texas Christian:

He appeared in four games for the Colts in 2007, and was released. He is no longer in the NFL.

Grade: F

Round Six, Pick 199: Charlie Johnson, T, Oklahoma State:

Charlie is the Colts sixth lineman. He is versatile, and that allows him to gather playing time and starts. In his Career he has started 27 games including all 16 last year. He may end up as the starting Right Tackle in 2009, after filling in for Tony Ugoh last year.

Grade: B+

Round Six, Pick 207: Antoine Bethea, SS, Howard:

A 2007 Pro Bowler, he is the yin to Bob Sanders yang. He has started all 33 of his appearances with seven career interceptions and 256 tackles.

Grade A

Round Seven, Pick 238: T.J. Rushing, CB, Stanford:

T.J. has played in 20 games for the Colts, making 24 tackles. He was on the injured reserve in 2008.

Grade: C

So we will add up all of the grade points, just like you would in college, grade x credits. Lets pretend that the first round is a seven credit class, the second round is six and so forth. The Colts have 26 credits, with 80.4 grade points. 

That gives them a GPA of 3.09.

Here would be how the Colts would describe their draft strategy. Lets take at least one O lineman every year. Linebackers are easy to come by for our scheme, so lets always keep that position stocked with youth, and let other teams overpay our linebackers.

That will also ring true with our DBs. But if we happen to get an exceptional one, we’ll pay him. If we happen to have a “need” and their is a player that represents “average value.” We’ll take him, as long as he will also fit our system.

That being said. The Colts will always have good drafts from this grading standpoint. They play their kids early and let them develop. Then replace the with New kids. It works pretty well.

Grading the Texans’ 2006 Draft: A Blueprint for Making Your Team Competitive

It’s time to grade the Texans on their 2006 draft. For grading criteria, if the player made it to the Pro Bowl, he gets an A. If he has started at least 24 games (1.5 seasons), he gets a B. C’s are still on the team. D’s are still in the NFL. F’s are no longer in the NFL. Pluses and minuses are subjective.

 

Round One, Pick One: Mario Williams, DE, NC State

He is one of the best young pass rushers in the league and went to his first of many career Pro Bowls last year. Take 30.5 sacks in three years, add 159 tackles, and you’ve got a pretty complete player. Exactly what you want with your first round pick, especially the first overall. Grade: A

Round Two, Pick 22: DeMeco Ryans, MLB, Alabama

DeMeco was a starter in the 2008 Pro Bowl over Ray Lewis. Expecting that would have been insane—getting it is a blessing. Ryans has 395 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two interceptions in three years. He is their defense. Grade: A

Round Three, Pick 65: Charles Spencer, T, Pittsburgh

Spencer started both games he appeared in as a rookie. He can play four positions on the line. He sat out the 2007 season with injury, and he didn’t get into a game last year. He could make a difference now that he is completely healthy. Grade: C

Round Three, Pick 66: Eric Winston, T, Miami (Fla.)

Eric has played in 44 games, starting 39. Any time you get a starting tackle with a mid-round choice, it’s a good thing. Grade: B+

Round Four, Pick 98: Owen Daniels, TE, Wisconsin

Owen has played in 46 games, starting 44. He has accumulated 167 receptions for 1,982 yards and 10 TDs. He has made the Pro Bowl. Grade: A

Round Six, Pick 170: Wali Lundy, RB, Virginia

Wali had fantasy relevance for four games in 2006 (weeks 7-10). He did get 680 yards (rushing and receiving) and scored four TDs during his career. He was cut in 2007 after the preseason and is no longer in the NFL. Grade: F+

Round Seven, Pick 251: David Anderson, WR, Colorado State

David is still on the Texans’ roster and secured his first start in 2008. For his career he has 32 receptions, 399 yards, and three TDs. Grade: C

 

We’ll add up all of the grade points, just like you would in college (grade x credits), and we’ll pretend that the first round is a seven-credit class, the second round is six, and so forth. The Texans have 30 credits, with 97.1 grade points. That gives them a GPA of  3.24.

If someone was to ask, “How do you make your team competitive?” I’d say look at this draft. If you get a Pro Bowl sack master, a Pro Bowl tackling machine, a Pro Bowl complete tight end, a good starting tackle, a sixth lineman, and a fourth string WR all in one draft, you would make your team a whole lot better.

This draft also happens to be the second best draft I have rated so far (Broncos 3.40). Check out all of my 2006 draft grades as I go through all 32 teams.

San Diego Chargers’ 2006 Draft: Good, but a Few Wasted Picks

It’s time to grade the Saints on their 2006 draft. For grading criteria, if the player made it to the Pro Bowl, he gets an A. If he has started at least 24 games (1.5 seasons) he gets a B. C’s are still on the team. D’s are still in the NFL. F’s are no longer in the NFL. Plus and minuses are subjective.

 

Round One, Pick 19: Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State

He has played in all 48 games, starting 23. He has 12 Ints with two Tds. He was selected to the 2008 pro bowl. Grade A.

 

Round Two, Pick 50: Marcus McNeil, T, Auburn

He has played in 46 games, starting all of them. He was also selected to the 2008 pro bowl. Grade A.

 

Round Three, Pick 81: Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Clemson

He got into two games as a rookie, gathering two rushes for 13 yards and a TD. He’s still on the roster today. Grade C.

 

Round Five, Pick 151: Tim Dobbins, LB, Iowa State

Tim has played in all 48 games possible. He managed eight starts in 2008. He will return to a back up role with Merriman coming back from injury, and the drafting of English. He has made 96 tackles with one INT. Grade C+

 

Round Six, Pick 187: Jeromey Clary, T, Kansas State

Jeromey has played in 32 games, starting 22 of them. Since he started in the playoffs as well, I’m going to grade him with 24 starts. Grade B+.

 

Round Six, Pick 188: Kurt Smith, K, Virginia

He never made an NFL Roster. Grade F

 

Round Seven, Pick 225: Chase Page, DT, North Carolina

Chase made the Chargers roster in 2006, then was cut and signed with the Dolphins. He appeared in six games in 2007, gathering five tackles. He is no longer in  the NFL. Grade F.

 

Round Seven, Pick 227: Jimmy Martin, C, Virginia Tech

He made the Vikings roster in 2006 after being cut by the Chargers. He never played in a game, and is no longer in the NFL. Grade F.

 

So adding up all of the grade points, just like you would in college (grade x credits). And we’ll pretend that the first round is a seven credit class, the second round is six and so forth. The Chargers have 27 credits, with  80.5 grade points. That gives them a GPA of  2.98.

A.J. Smith did a pretty decent job in this draft. Picking a kicker was a waste of a pick, even if that is a sixth round choice.

Kaeding was selected just two seasons earlier. The seventh round choice weren’t terrible, but they aren’t in the league anymore. Had Smith not picked a third string QB, and wasted those three picks, this draft would have rivaled the Broncos (3.40).

I have done all of the AFC West rankings. The Chargers were the second best in their division, then it was the Raiders(2.70) and Chiefs (2.38).

I will be doing all of the 2006 drafts by team. Check my profile for all of the updates!

Chiefs 2006 Draft- Just Average

It’s time to grade the Chiefs on their 2006 draft. For grading criteria, if the player made it to the Pro Bowl, he gets an A. If he has started at least 24 games (1.5 seasons) he gets a B. C’s are still on the team. D’s are still in the NFL. F’s are no longer in the NFL. Plus and minuses are subjective.

Round 1, Pick 20: Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.

Tamba has played in 47 games starting all of them. He has recorded 18.5 sacks, however only three last year. This can be attributed to being the only pass rushing threat on the roster, and teams running out the clock. He also has 170 tackles and an interception. Grade B+

Round 2, Pick 54: Bernard Pollard, DB, Purdue

He has played in all 48 games with 31 starts. Not really a ball hawk(only 3 int), but does a good job amassing tackles, as he has 198. All but ten of those in the last two years. Grade B.

Round 3, Pick 85: Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama

Has only appeared in 13 games starting eight. With 1,401 yards, six TDs and eight INTs his performance leaves a lot to be desired. He will either be cut or be the third string QB this season. Not what you want for a round three pick. Grade C-

Round 5, Pick 154: Marcus Maxey, CB, Miami (FL.)

He has appeared in two games, one each for the Chiefs and Bears. He is no longer in the NFL. Grade F

Round 6, Pick 186: Tre’ Stallings, G, Mississippi

He played one game in 2007. He is now out of the NFL. Grade F

Round 6, Pick 190: Jeff Webb, WR, San Diego State

He has played in 31 games, starting three. He has recorded 36 receptions with one TD. Grade C

Round 7, Pick 228: Jarrad Page, DB, UCLA

Jarrad has appeared in all 48 possible games, starting 34. He has gathered 179 tackles, a sack, ten interceptions, and two forced fumbles. I would consider this a great find, so a little “Extra Credit” is due here. Grade B+

So adding up all of the grade points, just like you would in college (grade x credits). And we’ll pretend that the first round is a seven credit class, the second round is six and so forth. The Chiefs have 26 credits, with  61.9 grade points. That gives them a GPA of  2.38.

This draft basically netted 3 starters and 2 back-ups. While none of the starters are pro bowlers, the Chiefs didn’t do too bad. But had they not missed on their mid round selections, they may have been a much better team last year. Cortland Finnegan was there when they took Marcus Maxey.

I am grading all of the 2006 drafts by team. Check out the grades so far!

New Orleans 2006 Draft: A Seventh Round Gem

It’s time to grade the Saints on their 2006 draft. For grading criteria, if the player made it to the Pro Bowl, he gets an A. If he has started at least 24 games (1.5 seasons) he gets a B. C’s are still on the team. D’s are still in the NFL. F’s are no longer in the NFL. Plus and minuses are subjective.

 

Round One, Pick two: Reggie Bush, RB, USC

Reggie has accumulated 3,149 yards of total offense, and scored 20 Touchdowns. However, He is only averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and 7.5 yards per reception. More would be desired of a second overall choice. I’m giving a little bump for his return skills here. Grade:B+

Round Two, Pick 43: Roman Harper, SS, Alabama

Roman has started every game in which he has played. He has amassed 205 tackles, 5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. He may be traded before the season starts, as he may be the fourth or fifth best safety on the roster. Grade B

Round Four, Pick 108: Jahri Evans, G, Bloomsburg

Evans has played and started in all 48 possible games. This is a great find in the fourth. He may even have a pro bowl ahead of him if he keeps developing. Grade B+

Round Five, pick 135: Rob Ninkovich, DE, Purdue

Played with the Saints his first year, totaling four tackles in three games. Spent 2007 and most of 2008 with the Dolphins appearing in five games. He ended the 2008 season back on the Saints roster. Grade: C-

Round Six, Pick 171: Mike Hass, WR, Oregon State

Played in one game in 2007 for the Bears after making their roster as a rookie. He is no longer in the NFL. Grade: F

Round Six, Pick 174: Josh Lay, CB, Pittsburgh

Made the Rams roster as a rookie, didn’t play, and is now out of the NFL. Grade: F

Round Seven, Pick 210: Zach Strief, G, Northwestern

Zach has played in 41 games, starting three. He is a good find in Round 7. Grade: C+

Round Seven, Pick 252: Marques Colston, WR, Hofstra

Marques is the most productive player in this Saints class, gaining 3,000 yards receiving on 215 catches with 24 TDs. I could go on and on here, but it’s all been said, so I’m giving some major extra credit here. Grade: A+

 

So adding up all of the grade points, just like you would in college (grade x credits). And we’ll pretend that the first round is a seven credit class, the second round is six and so forth. The Saints have 26 credits, with 67.3 grade points. That gives them a GPA of  2.58.

What really brings this draft down is an almost no show at round five, and two complete whiffs in round six. With Bush not really performing like a high pick yet, there is definitely room for improvement.

Stacking up the NFC South, the Saints had the second best draft behind Carolina (2.78). They were narrowly ahead of Atlanta (2.56), and smoked the Bucs lowly 1.84.

Watch for all my updates, as I am grading all of the 2006 drafts

 

 

Carolina Panthers’ 2006 Draft: Two Picks from Being an Amazing Draft

It’s time to grade the Panthers on their 2006 draft. For grading criteria, if the player made it to the Pro Bowl, he gets an A. If he has started at least 24 games (1.5 seasons), he gets a B. C’s are still on the team. D’s are still in the NFL. F’s are no longer in the NFL. Plus and minuses are subjective.

 

Round One, Pick 27: Deangelo Williams, RB, Memphis

With 2,733 rushing yards, 23 rushing TDs, 609 yds receiving and four receiving TDs, he is a near lock to make the pro bowl in the future- As long as he stays healthy and gets his touches. (Gave a little extra bump here) Grade: A-

 

Round Two, Pick 58: Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State

Played in all 48 possible games, starting 14 of them. In those games, he has seven interceptions and 246 tackles. It’s quite possible that he starts this year for the Panthers, after being an integral part of their pass defense the last three years. I’m going to give him a little bump too, as he didn’t meet the starting criteria: Grade B

 

Round Three, Pick 89: James Anderson, LB, Virginia Tech

Has played in 34 games, earning three starts. 41 tackles. Nothing special at this point, but a nice quality back up: Grade C.

 

Round Three, Pick 89: Rashad Butler, T, Miami (FL)

Butler is now a member of the Houston Texans. He has appeared in eight games for them with no starts. He will more than likely be a back-up his whole career. Grade: D

 

Round Four, Pick 121: Nate Salley, DB, Ohio State

He has played in 24 games for the Panthers, including all 16 last year. He has made 11 NFL tackles. Could possibly be the nickelback in 2009. Grade C+

 

Round Five, Pick 155: Jeff King, TE, Virginia Tech

Jeff has appeared in 41 games with 31 starts. More of a blocker than receiver, he has accumulated 68 receptions for 602 yards and 4 TDs. All but a one-yard TD catch the last two years. Grade: B+

 

Round Seven, pick 234: Will Montgomery, G, Virginia Tech

He played 13 games, starting six. Those were the first two years he was in the league. He was on the Jets and Redskins’ roster last year. Grade: D

 

Round Seven pick 237: Stanley McClover, DE, Auburn

Stanely was on Houston’s Roster last year. He has played in 14 games, accumulating eight tackles and a sack. Grade: D

 

Adding up all of the grade points, just like you would in college (grade times credits). And we’ll pretend that the first round is a seven-credit class, the second round is six and so forth.The Panthers have 29 credits, with 80.7 grade points.

That gives a GPA of  2.78.

That’s definitely passing. Maybe I should give them a little extra credit for Jeff King? But than again, if they would have hit those two third rounders, this would have been an AMAZING class.

I’m slowly working may way around the NFL, grading all of the teams draft. Stop by later to see how they all stacked up!

The Raiders’ 2006 Draft—Good Quality

It’s time to grade the Raiders on their 2006 draft. For grading criteria, if the player made it to the Pro Bowl, he gets an A. If he has started at least 22 games (1.5 seasons) he gets a B. C’s are still on the team. D’s are still in the NFL. F’s are no longer in the NFL. Plus and minuses are subjective.

Round One, Pick Seven: Michael Huff, S, Texas

39 starts, 191 tackles, one sack, one safety, one interception, 17 passes defensed. Huff is more of a tweener safety at this point. But since all teams do against the Raiders is run, I’m not going to put a minus on him.

Grade: B-

Round Two, Pick 38: Thomas Howard, OLB, Texas El-Paso

47 starts, 302 tackles, two sacks, 17 passes defensed, seven interceptions, and two TDs! I really had a hard time not giving him a bump up one more grade.

Grade: B+

Round Three, Pick 69: Paul McQuistan, G, Weber State

Appeared in 31 games in his first two seasons, starting 12. His third season he played in the first game, suffered an injury and was placed on injured reserve. The jury is still out on this pick. I am going use a plus for a future upside, and red mullet.

Grade: C+

Round Four, Pick 101: Darnell Bing, S/LB, USC

Played S in college, projected as a LB in the pros. He didn’t make it into a game his rookie year due to a neck injury. In 2007 he was on the 49ers practice squad. 2008 he started on the Lions practice squad, and was promoted to the active roster in week 12, appearing in one game and making one tackle. 

Grade: C

Round Six, Pick 176: Kevin Booth, G, Cornell

Cut by the Raiders after a rookie campaign that included 14 starts. He signed with the Giants and got into only one game in 2007. In 2008 he played in all 16 games.

Grade: C+

Round Seven, Pick 214: Chris Morris, C, Michigan State

Has played in 31 games for the Raiders, starting his first game during the 2008 season. Giving a plus just for the Raiders keeping him.

Grade: C+

Round Seven, Pick 255: Kevin McMahan, WR, Maine

Has never played in an NFL game. He has made, and been cut from teams three teams—NYG (Oct ’07) and KC (Oct. ’07, Aug. ’08).

Grade: F+

 

So adding up all of the grade points, just like you would in college (grade times credits). And we’ll pretend that the first round is a 7 credit class, the second round is six and so forth.The Raiders have 26 credits, with 70.4 grade points. That gives a GPA of  2.70.

This would be a good draft for the Raiders if they could keep every one on their team. Two starters, two sixth men (lineman that are versatile and can fill many positions in rotation or injury), and a special teamer.

This draft may not have graded so well if not for the two previous wretched drafts—two starters and and two roster place holders out of 12 picks. Whereas in this draft there is only one pick not in the NFL.

Was the Darrius Heyward-Bey a Good Risk to Take?

Many people are down on the Raiders draft. There is a good reason for this, as it appears most picks were reaches, and in most cases the the Raiders could have traded down and drafted the same player, or gotten that player is a different round.

The madness of Raider fans starts with Darrius Heyward-Bey. While I agree that they could have gotten him 15-20 picks later, this wasn’t totally a bad choice.

Most GMs believed that outside of the top four our five picks, the next 30 were pretty equal. So many teams were only willing to trade up if they were afraid the person that fit the need would be gone when they got to draft.

The Raiders chances of trading down were greatly impaired with Sanchez being picked at five. The only person that was worth trading up for was Monroe. The teams that needed a left tackle had either already picked, or were going DE in round one-Buffalo- due to the depth in this class.

Other than Jacksonville, which picked Monroe, the next team that would have been looking at tackle, was Detroit at 20. I don’t see them giving up the 33rd pick to get Monroe. So Jacksonville didn’t have to get in the bidding battle, because there wasn’t any competition. And now the Raiders are stuck at 7.

That being said, DHB was rated as the third best WR in this draft on most boards. But look at the offense that is going to be run in Oakland. It reminds me of Baltimore’s Superbowl offense. Run, Run, and Run. And when the defenses start stacking the box, throw it deep for the big play.

While Maclin is fast, DHB is faster, not to mention taller. DHB also played in a pro style offense at Maryland. Maclin played in the spread which is all about get the ball to fast player in space. DHB is a fit for classic Al Davis offense. The major reason for Cable keeping the job was the belief in this system.

There are two major reasons why players are either busts or slow starters- They are either rushed into playing too early, or poor fit in scheme or position. In the Davis system a premium is put on the ability to stretch the field.

Crabtree really doesn’t fit here. Although he has the potential to be a great receiver, he doesn’t have the game breaking speed that the Davis system requires. If Davis was looking for that type of player, he probably would have given up his 1 to get Bolden.

Maclin would have been a fit, as he does have enough speed to stretch the field. I believe Maclin is a Bernard Berrian/Donnie Avery clone. Its all about speed. I don’t see a whole lot of upside.

If you are looking for something more, than you have to risk more. Al Davis has stuck neck out trying to get something more than a Bernard Berrian. Maybe he gets lucky and gets a Roddy White. But, he could be the second coming of Ashley Lelie.

If DHB can keep his attitude straight, develop his game, and avoid the injury bug this could be the best pick Davis could have made.

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