Items by

St. Louis Rams 2009 Draft Report Card

Published: June 23, 2009

commentNo Comments

St. Louis Rams – Draft Report Card
Written By: Bill Riley

ST. LOUIS RAMS
Draft Grade:                          B-

Fantasy Impact Grade:         F
 
The Rams didn’t draft a single guy who will help fantasy production for any 2009 St. Louis Ram. Impossible, you say? Probably, but this is a Web site, and I’m supposed to talk in hyperbole.
Seriously, though, Jason Smith was a great pick. The right pick. But, he’s not going to help Stephen Jackson. Why? Jason Smith brings the good lineman count in St. Louis up to two.  

And they’re both pass protecting tackles. The middle of that line is bad. Real bad. Nate Davis Wonderlic bad. So, Stephen Jackson will still look like a top 3 back and perform like a top 10 back.

Laurinaitis is fun to say and spell but won’t make that terrible defense any better.
 

Fantasy Advice:
Hope the Rams draft interior linemen next year, in time for Stephen Jackson to live up to the hype.
Article can also be found at: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php?id=39

Seattle Seahawks 2009 Draft Report Card

Published: June 23, 2009

commentNo Comments

Seattle Seahawks – Draft Report Card
Written By: Bill Riley

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Draft Grade:                          B+
Fantasy Impact Grade:         B-
 
Great draft for the Seahawks. Three starters. Denver’s No. 1 pick next year. The best defensive player in the draft, Aaron Curry. All of a sudden, Seattle has an impressive receiver core: Burleson, Houshmandzadeh, Branch, and draftee Deon Butler will stretch the field for them. If Hasselbeck is healthy, I like Seattle in the west this year, or at least giving the Cardinals a tough time.
 
Fantasy Advice:
Hasselbeck gets boosted by a couple of receivers and a better line. Seattle’s defense gets a little better and gets to play in the NFC West. Pick ‘em both.
Article can also be found at: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php?id=38

San Francisco 49ers Draft Report Card

Published: June 23, 2009

commentNo Comments

San Francisco 49ers – Draft Report Card
Written By: Bill Riley

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Draft Grade:                          B-
Fantasy Impact Grade:         A-
 
The 49ers plucked the star of the 2009 rookie class, and with the 10th overall pick. Michael Crabtree is really, really good at sports, specifically football. More specifically, running very fast, catching footballs, and then running very fast. Crabtree should be the first pick in your keeper draft and should be in the 15-20 range overall for wide receivers.
 
Picking Crabtree was the easy part (ok, so only for the team on this side of the bay). Apparently, the rest of the draft was the hard part.
 
Glen Coffee isn’t a good choice in the third round, and I think the 49ers were hoping Shonn Greene fell to them. Well, if you’re waiting on a player and he gets taken, there’s no rule saying picking the next best player at that position is mandatory.

 I did like Nate Davis in the 5th round, and given recent history, he might get a chance in a couple of years. Of course, he scored an 11 on the Wonderlic, the lowest score in history. EVER.

You know all the dumb things NFL players do: making it rain, crunches in the driveway, killing people, letting opponents cross their face on kickoff returns? Yeah, all those guys have operated with more intelligence than Nate Davis. Good luck with that. But a real nice arm. Can’t wait for the conversations between Davis and all-around smart guy Alex Smith.

 

Fantasy Advice:
If your league rules allow, pick Crabtree early and often.

Atlanta Falcons 2009 Draft Report Card

Published: June 22, 2009

commentNo Comments

Atlanta Falcons – Draft Report Card
Written By: Eric Mattingly

ATLANTA FALCONS

Draft Grade –                         B

Fantasy Impact Grade –        C-

 

After the unexpected levels of success from QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner, the Falcons looked to shore up some defensive concerns with their 2009 draft selections.  I really liked the defensive line selections.  Peria Jerry (DT, Ole Miss) has amazing quickness and is a tenacious competitor. 

He had some injuries early in the year, but the way he battled through them shows me he can handle the Sunday Grind!  Lawrence Sidbury (DE, Richmond) may be one of the more underrated lineman in the draft.  He may not be an immediate impact player, but could help out the Falcons organization in the long run.

 Defensive backfielders William Moore (S, Missouri), Christopher Owens (CB, San Jose St.), and William Middleton (CB, Furman) give the Falcons some solid future athlete in the backfield.  They may need some fine tuning, but their athleticism could make them gamers.

The Falcons didn’t really mess with their offensive side of the ball other than a depth chart lineman that probably won’t see much of the field.  I like the picks, and on the fantasy side of things, the less time the other team has the ball, the more time Ryan and Turner can do their thing.

 


Fantasy Advice

Teams won’t be surprised by the Falcons this year, but look for QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner to continue putting up big numbers, especially with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez.

 

Article can also be found: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php?id=33


Denver Broncos 2009 Draft Report Card

Published: June 22, 2009

commentNo Comments

Denver Broncos – Draft Report Card
Written By: Bill Riley

DENVER BRONCOS

Draft Grade:                          C

Fantasy Impact Grade:         B

 

The Cradle of Running Backs got another in Knowshon Moreno.  Moreno will pick up a lot of blocking responsibility in the shotgun, and he can handle it. 

If he can’t (and who would put money on a Denver running back putting together a full season?), Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, Selvin Young, and Peyton Hillis will pick up the slack, and in that order.  Sure, the Broncos reached a bit for Moreno at pick 12, but who cares?  He’s the guy they needed, especially since Kyle Orton will need a stout running game.

 

The second pick, Robert Ayres, is a speed merchant but only put one good season together in Tennessee.  Can he do it in the show?  I think the best safety they picked was the second safety they picked; David Bruton could be pretty darn good.

 


Fantasy Advice:

Sure, Shanahan is gone, but you can usually count on the pile of running backs in Denver to be a mile high.  Moreno is a good one and should get plenty of work, at least in the first half of games.  I think Denver will be pretty bad this year, so that should steal some carries. 

 

Article can also be found: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php?id=28


Jacksonville Jaguars 2009 Draft Report Card

Published: June 22, 2009

commentNo Comments

Jacksonville Jaguars – Draft Report Card
Written By: Eric Mattingly

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
 
Draft Grade –                        C
Fantasy Impact Grade –       C
 
This was a blue collar draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After the offensive line of the Jaguars fell apart last year, the front office looked to add some depth and talent in front of RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Eugene Monroe (OT, Virginia) and Eben Britton (OT, Arizona) are two big beasts that could hanker down the outsides of the Jacksonville line. 
Jones-Drew is going to need a little more protection next year if he is going to shoulder more carries than he has ever in the past. The Jaguars added a couple athletic defenders with Terrence Knighton (DT, Temple) and Derek Cox (CB, William & Mary), but look for this year to be a year where Coach Del Rio to get back to the basics….Run! Run! Run! 
The Jaguars also added three wide receivers in Mike Thomas (WR, Arizona), Jarret Dillard (WR, Rice), and Tiquan Underwood (WR, Rutgers) that could help the Jaguars find a much needed stability on the outside.
 
Fantasy Advice
If RB Maurice Jones-Drew can handle the extra load left behind by Fred Taylor and if the line can open some holes look for Jones-Drew to have some skyrocketing numbers.

Arizona Cardinals 2009 Draft Report Card

Published: June 22, 2009

commentNo Comments

ARIZONA CARDINALS
Written By: Bill Riley
Draft Grade:                          B
Fantasy Impact Grade:         A
 
If Chris Wells can stay healthy, this was a great draft for the Cardinals. And, it’s a draft for THIS year. I think—again, if no injuries—Wells will be the third biggest rookie fantasy producer behind Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree. Tim Hightower doesn’t exactly breed confidence, and the rushing opportunities should be plentiful.
 
The rest of the marquee players taken by Arizona were defensive, and not enough to make you think about picking up their defense this year. Although, they do play the 49ers, Seahawks, and Rams twice…
 
Fantasy Advice:
Chris Wells. Do it. But, do it late.

Article can also be found on: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php


Chicago Bears 2009 Draft Report Card

Published: June 22, 2009

commentNo Comments

Chicago Bears – Draft Report Card
Written By: Eric Mattingly

CHICAGO BEARS

Draft Grade –                        C-

Fantasy Impact Grade –       F+

To continue with the one name draft analysis, let me sum up the Chicago Bears 2009 draft with this name:  Jay Cutler.  Even though the Bears did not get to select a player until round four, the struggled to find talent worthy of anything more than practice bodies and depth to the charts. 

Jarron Gilbert (DT, San Jose St), the Bears first selection at pick number 68, was probably the best choice the could have made in that spot.  Gilbert is a very athletic, versatile DT that could possible help out in the Bears defensive scheme this year.

 The other two selections I really liked for the Bears were Juaquin Iglesias (WR, Oklahoma) and Marcus Freeman (LB, Ohio State).  Both have their downsides, but with a possibly revamped passing game under the guidance of Jay Cutler’s big play arm, Iglesias could be a contributor in an offense lacking outside talent


Fantasy Advice

Jay Cutler was a great addition to the Chicago Bears, who have been missing a legitimate starting QB since McMahon shuffled around in his sunglasses and headbands. 

Cutler definitely has his faults, but also one of the best arms in the game.  His deep-ball potential could open up some running lanes for an already deadly RB Matt Forte.

 

Article can also be found on: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php


Indianapolis Colts Draft Report Card

Published: June 22, 2009

commentNo Comments

Indianapolis Colts – Draft Report Card
Written By: Eric Mattingly

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
 
Draft Grade –                       B-
Fantasy Impact Grade –       D
 
If you could sum up the Colts recent drafts in one sentence it would be: “Doubt ‘em on draft day, praise ‘em with production.” Once again the Colts looked to shore up some depth issues with their draft.

I really liked their top choices from a front office perspective…as a fan, I’d be a little cornfused. (it’s what happens to Hoosiers when they’re dumbfounded) With the loss of highly touted backup RB Dominic Rhodes, the first round pick up of Donald Brown (RB, Connecticut) makes sense.

Brown had great college numbers, is very durable, and has an unmatchable work ethic…Mr. Manning will like that. He could compete for some respectable carries. The next two defensive selections look to patch up a sieve-like defense.

Fili Moala (DT, USC) and Jerraud Powers (CB, Auburn) are both hard-nose, attack-the-ball players that could help bolster a defense suffering from injuries and lack of identity. The backend of their draft seams a little weak.

Austin Collie (WR, BYU) is very disciplined with great hands but could lack the speed help out as a No. 3 or No. 4 option, depending on the fate of WR Marvin Harrison. I’m not sure about the Curtis Painter (QB, Purdue) selection, unless the Colts are looking to use Painter’s pass-happy background to challenge QB Jim Sorgi for the backup position. 

 

Fantasy Advice
Don’t look for a lot of fantasy value from the Colts draft, but pay close attention to the Marvin Harrison situation. Without Manning’s favorite target around, look for WR Anthony Gonzalez to benefit tenfold.
Article can also be found on: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php

Brett Favre: Enough Is Enough

Published: June 22, 2009

commentNo Comments

Enough is Enough
Written By: E.T. Mattingly

 

Like any other aging sitcom, the Brett Favre Un-Retirement Show, a show we’ve all seen in recent summers, is in dire need of a pulled plug.

 

I watched Friends to the cliché end, as Ross and Rachel finally found their inner peace.  I sat straight-faced as Seinfeld writers rode off on a horse named Rerun, and I stared blankly as The Sopranos left me hanging, confused, and upset.  Let’s face it, all things must come to an end, but not all end like Elway.  

 

Brett Favre has so many reasons to be proud.  A second-round draft choice of the Atlanta Falcons, Favre welcomed a trade to the Green Bay Packers and carved out a Hall of Fame resume wearing the gold and green.  

 

To scratch the surface I remind you of just a few:  three-time league MVP, 10 time Pro-Bowler, and a lengthy NFL record list that is highlighted by career yardage, career touchdowns, and consecutive starts. 

 

Statistically, there is nothing left to prove.  Favre’s legacy remains safe: the exuberant child-like professional that brought the Lombardi Trophy–and the respect of a nation–back to Titletown.  

 

The working-class faithful of the NFL want to remember Favre as the everyday hero, the NFL legend with whom we felt a connection.  What we don’t want to remember is the whiny, indecisive, “gotta get back at Green Bay” Favre.

 

I understand the attraction in it for Favre.  He still thinks he can go out there and wing it with the best of ‘em.  Come on people, we’ve seen him in those Wrangler commercials.  He’s accurate.  He’s clutch.  He’s having fun the Brett Favre way. Why can’t he saddle up for one more ride to the big show? 

 

As sad as it is to say, Favre just doesn’t have what it takes anymore.  Looking back on his career, Favre was successful when he could move around the pocket, pull off circus throws from underneath a blitzing linebacker, and fire fastballs across the middle to Pro Bowl receivers.  There is still a little of that spark left in the Ole Gunslinger, but not enough to sustain an entire season.

 

Look at his last season with the New York Jets.  Through week 12, after 11 games, Favre had thrown for 20 TD’s and 13 INT’s, good for Favre standards.  He was averaging almost 225 yards per game, boasted an 8-3 record and was looking at putting the Jets right smack into the playoffs.  

 

Packer Nation was not having the same success and was starting to think twice about letting the legend go.  In the final five games of the season, Favre’s age showed through.  Favre played the Jets out of the playoffs averaging a mere 200 yards per game, threw 9 INT’s to only 2 TD’s, and lost 4 of the last 5 games. 

 

Favre will turn 40 this year, only Clint Eastwood can play a gunslinger after 40, and I hope he takes a good look at what he has achieved.  He brought pride back to an ailing town.  He charmed a nation that stood by him through addiction, death and cancer.  

 

He set records that no draft expert could ever imagine a playground quarterback from Mississippi could set and he played himself into a deserving spot in Canton.  As Favre shops around the NFL for the right fit, those who hold his legacy dearly can only sit and hope, “Please, Brett…enough is enough.”

This article can also be found on: http://www.ecouchcoach.com/articles.php


« Previous PageNext Page »