EMQB's Fantasy Sleepers - AFC North

Today's fantasy sleepers come to us via the AFC North, which was known for its hard-nosed, run- first mentality, but is slowly evolving into a more passer friendly group. With the great defenses in the division, these sleepers better keep their eyes open and their head on a swivel.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Mike Wallace, WR: Considering the trade of Santonio Holmes, Wallace might not be a guy many owners are sleeping on. With bigger "name" wide receivers on the roster, like Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El, Wallace could be overlooked and be an awesome value pick. Wallace is a speedster who is adept at making plays down the field. He averaged 75 receiving yards a game the last three games of last season and added 3 touchdowns in those contests. If he could keep that up over a full season, that would be more than 1200 receiving yards. He could be available for sixth or seventh round draft pick and could far out produce guys drafted ahead of him.

Cleveland Browns - James Davis, RB: A rookie who had an awesome pre-season last year but was sidelined after week three for the entire remainder of the 2009 season. With the drafting of Montario Hardesty and the strong finish of Jerome Harrison last season, Davis will be an afterthought in many draft magazines and websites. He fought off C.J. Spiller for a starting job for three years and has as much physical talent as Hardesty or Harrison. Don't sleep on this guy. If he wins the starting job in Cleveland, he is a solid no. 3 running back, and if he doesn't, he will be a top name to watch in case of injury.

Baltimore Ravens - Donte' Stallworth, WR: After being suspended for the entire 2009, Stallworth gets a new opportunity with the Ravens. Existing starters Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton are still on the roster, and Baltimore made a big trade for Anquan Boldin, so Stallworth is facing a tough battle to get reps. He could surpass Clayton, who has been a disappointment and is coming off a knee injury. He will never be a number one but has nice run after the catch ability, and this Ravens wide receiver corps is lacking blazing speed. Stallworth is not drafting at this point, but if he moves up the depth chart in the pre-season, he could fill in nicely as a bye week replacement.

Cincinnati Bengals - Matt Jones, WR: Another player looking to revive his career, Jones has elite physical talent. He is on a team that is filled with wide receivers (Chad Ochocinco, Antonio Bryant, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, and Jordan Shipley) so he could have trouble making the roster. Jones has never had a huge season (65 catches, 761 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns are his career highs) so my optimism is guarded. But if he wins the fourth receiver job and an injury occurs, Jones suddenly becomes a nice player to stash on your roster. Jones is the biggest long shot I have profiled so far, but a player with his ability should always be on your radar.

Tomorrow we will explore the hidden gems on the Texans, Colts, Jags, and Titans. With all the offensive firepower, it's going to be hard to find guys who aren't high on everybody's cheat sheet. The Every Morning Quarterback is up to the challenge. Prepare to dominate your league in your knowledge of third string wide receivers and developmental quarterbacks.






Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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Baltimore Ravens 2010 Draft Review

The Ravens didn't change a thing in the 2010 draft. They moved down and picked up players that were values at their positions. Sergio Kindle was thought to be a top 15 but a knee injury and character issues allowed the Texas pass rusher to fall to the Ravens at pick 43. Terrence Cody was also rumored to be a first round possibility, and Baltimore was able to secure him with the 57th overall pick. Two possible impact defensive players for a discount price. The selections of Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta have been rumored to end the Ravens' career of Todd Heap. The Ravens' second selection of the fifth round, Arthur Jones, could develop into a starting caliber defensive end. The Ravens might have traded out of the first round, but they came away with plenty of top-end talent.


Round 2, Pick 43
Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas

Ht: 6’ 2 7/8” Wt: 250

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Kindle is an excellent pass rusher.  He plays the game in the opponent's backfield and is perfectly suited for the Raven's 3-4 defense.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Athletic, explosive hybrid rusher with the power and explosion to make a Shawne Merriman-like impact heating up the edges from the outside in a “30” front. Biggest questions center around his maturity, but there is no doubting his physical talent.

NFL projection: Top-15 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Teams running 4-3 or 3-4 base defenses should be enamored with his elite athleticism, ability to play in space, length, and pass-rush skills.  His inconsistency getting off blocks, even from tight ends, shows he has some room to grow before becoming an all-around playmaker.  Kindle’s off-field issues will be part of his draft resume.  He served a three-game suspension in 2007 for a drunk and driving charge.  Then in July 2009, he made headlines by running his car into an apartment building because he was texting while driving.   

Round 2, Pick 57

Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

Ht: 6’ 3 5/8” Wt: 354

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Cody is a classic, run-stuffing, nose tackle.  A huge behemoth, he can instantly change a team's run defense game.  He's not a three down player and will need to be part of the rotation but the Ravens are deep at the D-line position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Exceptionally strong, one-dimensional, two-down run stuffer who can factor on first and second downs as the anchor of a 3-4 front. Entered the program tipping 420 pounds on the scales and has continually dropped weight, cutting from 370 at the Senior Bowl to 354 at the Combine. Still must prove that he can keep his weight in check and a lack of overall discipline will knock him off some draft boards.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  No running back rushed for 100 yards against the Tide after Cody transferred from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  As dominate as he is in this role, he is a one-trick pony.  Alabama rotated or substituted at the position enough that some teams view Cody as a specialist, which will no doubt impact his draft standing with those teams

Round 3, Pick 70

Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon

Ht: 6’ 4 ¼” Wt: 249

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dickson is a fine tight end prospect who's a better blocker than most "big wide receiver" types  in this class. He has excellent hands and could develop into a starting tight end after Todd Heap retires.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Is best split wide working against air and could become a pass-catching weapon detached from the line if he can assimilate to a pro-style offense. The ability to grasp a more complex, demanding playbook will define his career.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Dickson leaves as Oregon’s all-time receiving leader at the position with 124 catches for 1,557 yards and 12 scores.  He won’t provide his future NFL team with much as a blocker, but should fit right in with the new emphasis clubs are placing on matchup nightmares who can stretch defenses down the seam.  

114.)  Baltimore Ravens
Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
Ht:  6' 4"  Wt 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Pitta is a classic 'tweener:  bigger than a wide receiver yet probably too small to be a full-time tight end, he is an extremely intriguing prospect.  The Ravens can use him right away to create matchup problems against line backers.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Although he’s a better blocker than most think, the three-time first-team All-mountain West Pick might struggle to convince NFL teams he can be more than situational receiving option.  Pitta must prove he has the agility and strong hands to handle coverage from top-flight linebackers.

156.)  Baltimore Ravens
David Reed, WR, Utah
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 188

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Reed is another player that needs to get stronger physically and learn the NFL passing game.   He does not possess the speed to return punts or kicks so his chances of making the Ravens are not excellent.  If he can find a place on the team playing special teams in some other capacity that would improve his chances of staying on.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Reed was the go-to big-play receiver in Utah’s offense the past two seasons after setting the national junior college reception record with 11 catches in only 10 games in 2007.  Considering his lanky frame and ability to absorb hits while maintaining his feet to make plays in space, some NFL team will get a good return on its investment in Reed.  

157.)  Baltimore Ravens
Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 301

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jones is an undersized 4-3 defensive tackle but maybe perfectly suited as a 3-4 defensive end in Baltimore's D.  Jones has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but has played at a much higher level than his draft position would indicate.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Jones had a torn pectoral muscle after the 2008 season and torn meniscus in his knee, ending his ’09 season and drawing durability questions from scouts.  If those scouts see that pre-injury versatility to push the pocket, discard blockers to make plays in the backfield and downfield hustle in pre-draft workouts, then Jones may get himself back into the top 75 overall. 

194.)  Baltimore Ravens
Ramon Harewood, OT, Morehouse
Ht: 6' 7" Wt: 360

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another steal by the Ravens, Harewood is a huge physical specimen and could develop into a starter.  With tackle being a strength, taking a risk on this raw prospect was worth it.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   College left tackle who will have to make it on the right side in the pros or potentially on the inside, where he would have help on each side and could better function in a short area. Combination of size, smarts and arm length could attract a patient coach eager to refine raw talent. Would be best playing closer to 330 pounds and clearly has coachable upside.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 6, Pick 190 - 194

190.)  Oakland Raiders
Travis Goethel, LB, Arizona State 

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 240

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Raiders add another inside linebacker and special teams player.  Goethel has an excellent work ethic and will probably make a Raiders' team that is lacking depth at this position.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Gothel is the classic over-achieving MLB who struggles greatly to carry his college production onto the NFL. He has all the intangibles that NFL teams want, but lacks the foot quicks, agility and playing speed to make plays out-side of a small area in the NFL and cannot adjust to tackle well out in space. Overall, Goethel is not going to be drafted because of his lack of athleticism, but his toughness, instincts, smarts and intangibles will likely lead to him being signed as a free agent. He is going to have a tough time carving out a long NFL career, but is the type of player who often finds a way to make teams because he has all the great intangibles that NFL coaches fall in love with.

191.)  Cincinnati Bengals
Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 207

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Briscoe was highly rated coming in to last season, but did nothing to increase his draft stock.  A good route runner with NFL size, Briscoe lacks the top end speed to be an elite receiver.  He could contribute as a returner.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The lack of national publicity, a new coaching staff and the graduation of QB Todd Reesing made Briscoe’s decision to head to the NFL an easy one.  The Jayhawks’ career leader in receiving yards and touchdowns, he is a highly productive player with good size and playmaking skills.  But concerns about his lack of top-end speed and playmaking skills will likely keep Briscoe out of the top 50.  

192.)  Buffalo Bills
Danny Batten, DE,  South Dakota State
Ht: 6 ' 3" Wt: 248

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Batten is probably going to be converted to an outside linebacker.  He doesn't have any experience and is raw coming from a small school.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Tough, overachieving, effort rusher who needs to be schemed to slant, stunt and play in gaps to have a chance in the pros. Could be tried as a rush linebacker, although he has little experience playing in space and could require a big adjustment period. Developmental prospect with athletic limitations.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

193.)  Green Bay Packers
James Starks, RB, Buffalo

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 218

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Starks is a good overall running back who doesn't do anything particularly well but does everything none the less.  He could stick on with the Packers as a back up runner and special teams player.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  “Little Buck’s” lack of elusiveness will be noted.  But as long as his shoulder checks out, his surprising strength, straight-line speed and receiving hands (93 catches in 2007-08) still make him stand out in a weak senior running back class.

194.)  Baltimore Ravens
Ramon Harewood, OT, Morehouse

Ht: 6' 7" Wt: 360

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another steal by the Ravens, Harewood is a huge physical specimen and could develop into a starter.  With tackle being a strength, taking a risk on this raw prospect was worth it.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   College left tackle who will have to make it on the right side in the pros or potentially on the inside, where he would have help on each side and could better function in a short area. Combination of size, smarts and arm length could attract a patient coach eager to refine raw talent. Would be best playing closer to 330 pounds and clearly has coachable upside.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 5, Pick 157 - 161

157.)  Baltimore Ravens
Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 301

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jones is an undersized 4-3 defensive tackle but maybe perfectly suited as a 3-4 defensive end in Baltimore's D.  Jones has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but has played at a much higher level than his draft position would indicate.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Jones had a torn pectoral muscle after the 2008 season and torn meniscus in his knee, ending his ’09 season and drawing durability questions from scouts.  If those scouts see that pre-injury versatility to push the pocket, discard blockers to make plays in the backfield and downfield hustle in pre-draft workouts, then Jones may get himself back into the top 75 overall. 

158.)  New Orleans Saints
Matt Tennant, C, Boston College
Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 300 


EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Tennant is an undersized prospect but is a good enough athlete to make it in the NFL.  He needs to continue to add strength but has the potential to become a starter.  


Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  In 2009, Tennant joined current new England Patriot Dan Koppen as the only Boston College finalist in the history of the Rimington award, given to the nation’s top center (won by Pouncey).  Tennant lacks Pouncey’s size and physicality, but is blessed with good athleticism.  




159.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Riley Cooper, WR, Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 222

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another one of my favorite players in this draft, Cooper is sneaky fast and possesses excellent hands.  He could contribute in the slot immediately for the Eagles and would be willing to play special teams.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Cooper is moving up draft boards due to his size, underrated speed and production in the big spotlight.  His ultimate stock will be determined by how fast he runs in workouts, but no matter what his time is, Cooper is a big, savvy, physical route-runner and a good fit as a possession receiver.   

160.)  Cleveland Browns
Larry Asante, S, Nebraska

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 212

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Asante is an excellent in the box strong safety.  The reason that he fell to this part of the draft is his lack of instincts which are crucial at the safety position.  Though he may never develop into a starter, he is sure to become a special teams standout.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Well-built, physical junior-college linebacker equipped with the toughness and hitting ability to bang in the box. Has some limitations in coverage but has starter-quality traits as a run defender in the box and could excel with good coaching if schemed to conceal his coverage deficiencies.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

161.)  Minnesota Vikings
Chris Degeare, OT, Wake Forest

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 325

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Degeare is a back up right guard prospect who lacks the speed to play on the outside at tackle.  He provides good depth for the position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Big-bodied, plodding mauler easily outmatched against quickness. Lined up at left tackle as a senior but must convert inside in the pros to have a chance.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 5, Pick 152 - 156

152.)  Cincinnati Bengals
Otis Hudson, OG, Eastern Illinois

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 312

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Hudson is another athlete who's not translated that to the field completely.  He's a developmental prospect with big upside but if he can't get enough snaps, he may never reach potential.  The Bengals have been consistent in their drafting where athleticism has trumped immediate impact.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Hudson is a player I knew nothing of when I began to evaluate LT Campbell, but within just a few snaps it became clear that he is as good an athlete as Campbell, if not better, and has the physical tools to play in the NFl.  He began his college career at Minnesota where he was a backup DT who got legitimate playing time, but he transferred to EIU before the 2008 season and ended up starting 9 games of 2008 season at RT and then started the entire 2009 season at Rt.  There is no doubt that he is a better athlete than OT right now, but his combination of foot quicks, athleticism, flexibility and excellent natural strength is very hard to find.  Overall, I doubt Hudson is going to be drafted as he was not invited to the Combine or one of the major All Star Games, but he is definitely a better athlete than many of the big school OL who will be drafted.  he is an ideal practice squad, developmental prospect who has all the talent to become a good starting RT in a few seasons which is why he is worth a 5th/6th round selection (he may be the type of player who impresses enough in pre-season games that he cannot be cut and  slipped thru to the practice squad so he may have to stay on the active roster while he develops).  

153.)  Jacksonville Jaguars
Austen Lane, DE, Murray State

Ht: 6' 6" Wt:  267

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jacksonville continues to overhaul their defensive line with this player.  He is an experienced pass rusher but needs to get stronger to be able to become a full-time player.  Lane has starter potential, but if he doesn't physically develop, he could languish as a back up.   

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Lane helped his cause with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and is a unique athlete likely to wow in workouts.  Even with the additional 50 pounds he added over his career, Lane isn’t yet strong enough to hold up against an NFL running game.  He is surprisingly refined as a pass rusher and has a blend of burst and size 3-4 and 4-3 defenses can work with.  A team willing to invest a mid-round pick in Lane would see the move pay big dividends down the road.  

154.)  Green Bay Packers
Andrew Quarless, TE, Penn State

Ht: 6'4" Wt: 248

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Quarless is seen as a pass catching threat which is interesting considering the other tight ends that are already on the Packers.  He is developing as a blocker and will make for interesting two tight end sets with Jermichael Finley.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Although Quarless is primarily seen as a pass-catching tight end, he has improved his blocking to the point where it is a plus.  He is a matchup problem, able to threaten the seam with his height, speed and hands.  If teams are satisfied that he has turned the corner in terms of his maturity, he’ll be among a handful of tight ends fighting to be chosen in the top half of the draft.

155.)  Arizona Cardinals
John Skelton, QB, Fordham

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 244

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another pre-draft favorite of scouts, Skelton is a quarterback who throws well on the run, has prototype size, and could - with time - develop into an NFL starter.   

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Skelton not only passes the eye test, but also moves well and throws the ball with velocity.  His game is a bit raw and he tends to take chances, but so did former Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco, who ascended to the first round in 2008.  The Fordham captain might not be drafted that high, but should be picked by a team banking on his upside.

156.)  Baltimore Ravens
David Reed, WR, Utah

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 188

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Reed is another player that needs to get stronger physically and learn the NFL passing game.   He does not possess the speed to return punts or kicks so his chances of making the Ravens are not excellent.  If he can find a place on the team playing special teams in some other capacity that would improve his chances of staying on.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Reed was the go-to big-play receiver in Utah’s offense the past two seasons after setting the national junior college reception record with 11 catches in only 10 games in 2007.  Considering his lanky frame and ability to absorb hits while maintaining his feet to make plays in space, some NFL team will get a good return on its investment in Reed.  

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 4, Picks 110 - 114

110.)  San Diego Chargers
Darrell Stuckey, FS, Kansas

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 205

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Stuckey is another try-hard prospect.  Not blessed with overwhelming speed, he will come in and help on special teams immediately.  He is also capable to fill in as an injury replacement at the safety position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Stood out as a junior but posted a disappointing senior season and did not stand out at the Shrine game. Moved around well enough at the Combine to warrant re-evaluating junior tape and is athletic enough to warrant interest as a solid No. 3 safety.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

111.)  Seattle Seahawks

Walter Thurmond, CB, Oregon

Ht:  5' 11" Wt: 189 

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Injuries have caused Thurmond to drop this far.  An excellent prospect if he can stay healthy, he could possibly turn into a very good starter.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:    Lean, long-limbed, athletic cover man who might have warranted interest in the first two rounds had he not blown out his knee as a senior. Durability will affect his draft value, but possesses starter-caliber athletic ability, quickness and ball skills and offers versatility as a return man. Value selection if he can stay healthy.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

112.)  New York Jets
Joe McKnight, RB, Southern Cal

Ht: 5' 11" Wt:  198

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The knock on McKnight is that he is not a tough runner.  With the Jets already having two backs that are more power than finesse, McKnight could come in as a good change of pace back.  I believe this spells the end of Leon Washington's Jets' career.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Capable of making defenders miss in tight quarters due to breathtaking lateral agility and sudden acceleration, McKnight will supply big plays.  But for all the hype, his production and consistency at USC was a bit underwhelming.  His lanky build and only average strength are of concern to scouts who wonder if he can prove to be anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level.  

113.)  New England Patriots
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  I'm suspicious of the reasons that Hernandez has fallen this far as he was rated to go a round or two higher.  An excellent all-around player, he needs to get stronger and develop his game in certain areas but the Pats, once again, got excellent value out of a fourth-round draft pick. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Not big or strong enough to compete as an inline blocker, Hernandez’s appeal is as a matchup nightmare and he could be moved to H-back.  Blessed with good quickness as a route-runner, surprising strength and balance after the catch and sticky, reliable hands.  He could make an immediate impact.   

114.)  Baltimore Ravens
Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU
Ht:  6' 4"  Wt 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Pitta is a classic 'tweener:  bigger than a wide receiver yet probably too small to be a full-time tight end, he is an extremely intriguing prospect.  The Ravens can use him right away to create matchup problems against line backers.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Although he’s a better blocker than most think, the three-time first-team All-mountain West Pick might struggle to convince NFL teams he can be more than situational receiving option.  Pitta must prove he has the agility and strong hands to handle coverage from top-flight linebackers.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 3, Pick 70 - Baltimore Ravens - Ed Dickson

Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon

Ht: 6’ 4 ¼” Wt: 249

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dickson is a fine tight end prospect who's a better blocker than most at the position in this class.  Though he lacks top end speed, he has excellent hands and could develop into a starting tight end after Todd Heap retires.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Is best split wide working against air and could become a pass-catching weapon detached from the line if he can assimilate to a pro-style offense. The ability to grasp a more complex, demanding playbook will define his career.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Dickson leaves as Oregon’s all-time receiving leader at the position with 124 catches for 1,557 yards and 12 scores.  He won’t provide his future NFL team with much as a blocker, but should fit right in with the new emphasis clubs are placing on matchup nightmares who can stretch defenses down the seam.  

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 2, Pick 57 - Baltimore Ravens - Terrence Cody

Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

Ht: 6’ 3 5/8” Wt: 354

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Cody is a classic, run-stuffing, nose tackle.  A huge behemoth, he can instantly change a team's run defense game.  He's not a three down player and will need to be part of the rotation but the Ravens are deep at the D-line position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Exceptionally strong, one-dimensional, two-down run stuffer who can factor on first and second downs as the anchor of a 3-4 front. Entered the program tipping 420 pounds on the scales and has continually dropped weight, cutting from 370 at the Senior Bowl to 354 at the Combine. Still must prove that he can keep his weight in check and a lack of overall discipline will knock him off some draft boards.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  No running back rushed for 100 yards against the Tide after Cody transferred from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  As dominate as he is in this role, he is a one-trick pony.  Alabama rotated or substituted at the position enough that some teams view Cody as a specialist, which will no doubt impact his draft standing with those teams. 

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 2, Pick 43 - Baltimore Ravens - Sergio Kindle

Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas

Ht: 6’ 2 7/8” Wt: 250

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Kindle is an excellent pass rusher.  He plays the game in the opponent's backfield and is perfectly suited for the Raven's 3-4 defense.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Athletic, explosive hybrid rusher with the power and explosion to make a Shawne Merriman-like impact heating up the edges from the outside in a “30” front. Biggest questions center around his maturity, but there is no doubting his physical talent.

NFL projection: Top-15 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Teams running 4-3 or 3-4 base defenses should be enamored with his elite athleticism, ability to play in space, length, and pass-rush skills.  His inconsistency getting off blocks, even from tight ends, shows he has some room to grow before becoming an all-around playmaker.  Kindle’s off-field issues will be part of his draft resume.  He served a three-game suspension in 2007 for a drunk and driving charge.  Then in July 2009, he made headlines by running his car into an apartment building because he was texting while driving.   

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Pay Agency

 Former Chicago Bears' defensive end Alex Brown is visiting the Saints today. That isn't huge news. The huge news is the Saints are actually having a free agent visit. Can anyone say "Mardi Gras party"?


The "Final Eight Plan" has left a quarter of the League inactive in free agency. If you're impatient and don't want to click on the link, here is the short version:  all the teams that made it to the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs (the final eight) have to lose a free agent before they are able to sign another free agent in his place.  Additionally, the "Final Four" have financial restrictions on top of that.


This has led the "Final Eight" (Jets, Colts, Vikings, Saints, Cardinals, Cowboys, Chargers, Ravens) to sign a grand total of 6 unrestricted free agents and sign about eight more players that had been cut (which doesn't count against the "Final Eight Plan").


The list of free agents reads like the police blotter in a town with a population of only 150 people - unimpressive and without real action. In this fictional scenario, where the town drunk is the most exciting person to hit the papers, LaDainian Tomlinson would play the "Otis" (by virtue of almost signing with the Vikings and actually inking a contract with the Jets), and the rest of the players who have signed would just be speeders going through town.


So in my first offseason as a football writer, I want to thank you, NFL, for making 25% of my potential readers bored out of their minds. I can't wait until the draft. Cue The Andy Griffith Show theme........



 





Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.