Craig's List Trade - NFL Style

The Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams have completed a trade by swapping linebacker Bobby Carpenter for Alex Barron.  That in itself is not big news.

The bigger story is the fact that these guys couldn't have been traded for anybody but themselves. Having the conversation: "I'll trade you Bobby Carpenter for Alex Barron" is like saying "I'll trade you my broken leaf blower for your Atari 5200 that has no controllers." Just remember that these guys are "as is".

Barron is an awesome athlete that struggles with in-game adjustments and sometimes plays down to his competition. Carpenter has 3 starts in four seasons and has basically been a special teams player. He has acquired the nickname "Barbie" from his teammates because of his lack of physical play and because of his long flowing blonde mane. This was documented in HBO's 2008's Hard Knocks and is an interesting watch if you have the time.

The fact of the matter is that both players will be free agents after this season and both seem to fit a need for their new teams. Tackles as athletic as Barron are hard to find, and Carpenter is much better suited for a 4-3 defense. 

Having the free agency eligibility moved from four years to six years in the League has allowed for much more trading this off season. Though this trade doesn't look like a big deal, the fact that so many trades have transpired is keeping things interesting. These trades have replaced traditional free agency in a sense, and teams can get a draft pick in return for a player they would have released or let go in free agency in a standard capped year.  It's definitely keeping me busy.






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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Pacman Yes, T.O. No

The announcement came last Thursday that Adam "Pacman" Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. This is not a shock as the Bengals are known to take risks with players that other teams have deemed "damaged goods".

Jones is probably better known for his season long suspension in 2007 and his numerous run-ins with the law than he has been for his on the field accomplishments in the NFL.

If someone who didn't even play last season and has a questionable legal past like Jones can get an NFL job, what does that say about the playing future of wide receiver Terrell Owens?

The Bengals brought Owens in for a visit in early March and was very close to signing him but ended up signing the younger Antonio Bryant to a four year contract.

Adam Jones understands one thing that Owens doesn't. Your only monetary worth as an employee is what someone is willing to pay you. Jones most likely took a deal at the league minimum and was given playing incentives to increase the total amount of the contract. Owens, and his agent Drew Rosenhaus, reportedly want at least 5 million dollars for Terrell's services this next season.

The reality is Owens is a 36 year old who is coming off his worst season since 1999. He turned the 49ers locker room on its head and tried to create dissent amongst his teammates in Philadelphia. Then there was his  Romo-Witten writing secret plays on table napkins incident in Dallas. T.O. was quiet last season in Buffalo, but if he would have spoken up, would anybody have listened to him anyway?

Adam Jones has had his problems off the field, but by all accounts has been a decent "locker room" guy. Owens, like Barry Bonds, will never shake the reputation as a locker room cancer and still believes he is an elite player. The Bengals obviously felt that Jones was worth the risk and Owens wasn't. "Pacman" seems to realize this is his last chance to play in the NFL. It seems that Owens last chance may have come to pass.




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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One Question Leads To Another

The hot topic in NFL news this last week has been the question Miami Dolphins' G.M. Jeff Ireland asked new Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver Dez Bryant during a pre-draft interview: "Is your mother a prostitute?" will forever go down in NFL infamy.

I don't think it was an appropriate comment in any context.  However, for the sake of journalistic integrity (of which I have none), I wasn't there and do not know the exact situation.

The NFL is well-known for objectifying players. They are viewed as commidities and are discarded with ease. This incident shines a light on a much bigger problem. It is safe to assume that the question during Bryant's interview is not the worst question that a prospect has ever been asked.

The rising contracts and available resources for NFL rookies has helped to further this attitude. With the top picks getting coached on interviews and receiving the top salaries in the entire League, the pressure has been put on NFL general managers to get production out of their draft picks or quickly be replaced. The employment world outside of the NFL is no different.  A $40 per hour employee is going to be scrutinized in the interview process much more than a $10 an hour employee.

These types of interviewing methods are accepted by the prospective draftees because of the money at stake. The NFL minimum for rookies is $285,000 and that is an exceptional salary in any industry. They view the chance to play in the NFL and make a great salary as far outweighing being treated in way that we might believe to be degrading or dehumanizing. The players have the choice to not be subjected to this type of behavior and enter the regular work world like the rest of us (where you can be treated poorly in also) or to deal with the scrutiny of the NFL.

The NFL has proposed to cut the rising cost of rookie salaries by about 75% and reduce the lengths of their contract from 5-6 years to 3 years.  (I brought up the subject in a previous post.) This would solve the problem of the teams being tied to busts with long term contracts and big money.

This change wouldn't effect the overall attitude of NFL toward the treatment of players, but could change the paranoia and anxiety related to paying huge salaries to top prospects with issues like Bryant. The interview process would not be as important because the player would be more disposable.

The ugly side of the NFL has shown its face. Now the NFL needs to figure out how to put some makeup on it.



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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Dallas Cowboys 2010 Draft Review

Make no mistake about it:  if Dez Bryant plays up to his potential, it won't matter what anybody else does in this draft class. Wide receiver wasn't even a need and the Cowboys still felt he was worth moving up to get. Bryant couldn't go to a better situation as a rookie because he will be one of three talented receivers and could see one-on-one coverage because of it. Sean Lee is a versatile aggresive linebacker and could move into a starting role. Owusu-Ansah may have been anonymous to the masses, but he was well known in the football scouting community. He should provide the Cowboys with the punt returner they have been lacking and could turn into a starting caliber corner down the road. Sam Young, Jamar Wall, and Sean Lissemore have uphill battles but still could make the team. 


Round 1, Pick 24

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Ht: 6’2” Wt: 225

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Bryant is a Top 5 talent that dropped because of concerns regarding his attitude.  Jerry Jones has never been one to shy away from a "confident player".  If this pick pays off for them, they could be playing at home on Super Bowl Sunday.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A terrific game-day competitor with immaturity issues that could sidetrack a brilliant career if he does not learn that he will not be able to get by on his natural talent alone at the pro level. Appeared heavier and less agile as a junior than he did early in his career and showed up at the Combine at a bulked-up 225 pounds and did not work out. Proved he could be a difference maker from Day One in college and has the physical traits to become a dominating, No. 1 receiver if he figures out the meaning of hard work.

NFL projection: Top-15 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Bryant is a junior who is coming out early for the 2010 Draft after a disappointing 2009 season which saw him suspended early on for the rest of the season.  He was a highly productive receiver once he got on the field at Oklahoma State and in our view he was as good a receiver in 2008 as Michael Crabtree and in our view is as good a prospect.  He has the combination of size, strength, athleticism, quickness, hands and receiving skills that have become so popular in the NFL in recent seasons.  There is no doubt he is going to need to step up and run routes more aggressively if he is going to be a consistent route runner in the NFL, which he will need to be in order to consistently get separation from NFL defenders.  Overall, Bryant is a big time receiving talent who is going to be a high level starter early in his career.  He will not only be a valuable receiver for the QB to throw traffic, but will be an excellent red zone target who can make great catches over defenders.  There is no doubt that Bryant hurt himself when he showed up unprepared for his pro day – he forget his cleat and ends up working out in new cleats and struggled to do well in the shuttles, cone drills and 40.  His lack of preparation for such an important day definitely makes the questions about his maturing and off-field work ethic more concerning and will likely cause him to slide on a number of teams’ draft boards.  However, despite my history of drastically lowering player’s grades when there are worth ethic questions, I am not doing that in Bryant’s case because on the field he shows excellent competitiveness, toughness and consistency catching the ball and making big plays. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Teams’ will questions Bryant about his NCAA suspension, but they will likely overlook the mistakes when they pop in the film.  Scouts will also questions his top-end speed, but they know that plenty of big-bodied receivers have succeeded in the NFL without running 4.4 40s.  Bryant’s hands, strength and surprising elusiveness should keep him in the top half of the first round.

Round 2, Pick 55

Sean Lee, LB, Penn State

Ht: 6’ 2 1/8” Wt: 236

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Lee is a excellent player who is known as a hard worker and fine teammate.  His ability to play either inside or outside linebacker makes him a valuable commodity.  The Cowboys will probably put him inside to make up for the mistake of drafting Bobby (AKA "Barbie") Carpenter.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Versatile, active, highly competitive ’backer who fits a throwback mold. Stability of his knee will have to be checked out, and he needs to get stronger, but Lee makes all the plays he should and brings the type of dependability and lunch-pail mentality valued in the middle of the defense. Offers versatility to play any linebacker spot.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  In addition to proving he’s at full strength health-wise, Lee has to convince scouts he has NFL caliber speed and strength, but his intelligence and toughness are virtually unquestioned.  His ability to play inside and outside in any scheme should see him selected before the end of the third round.

126.)  Dallas Cowboys
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana (PA)
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 207

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An excellent returner, he will step into that role immediately for the Cowboys.  As a corner back, he has tremendous upside and potential but, again like many prospects in the draft, will need time to reach full potential.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Well-built, long-levered, raw corner with upside and versatility to potentially contribute as a return man or line up at safety down the road. Could require some patience while adjusting to the speed of the pro game and becoming more technically proficient but has upside with an intriguing size-speed ratio and moldable physical tools.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

179.)  Dallas Cowboys
Sam Young, OT, Notre Dame
Ht: 6' 8" Wt: 316

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A big kid who needs to get much stronger, Young was man-handled at the Senior Bowl and his draft stock suffered.  He is worth the late round flier because of his work ethic and smarts.  The Cowboys have a need at tackle and guard, and Young could fill in as a reserve.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Not considered one of the more athletic tackles in the draft, Young’s size, strength and pedigree are likely to land him a spot in the middle rounds and give him the potential to have a long NFL career. 

196.)  Dallas Cowboys

Jamar Wall, CB, Texas Tech

Ht: 5'  10" Wt: 204

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Wall was a value pick in the sense that he fell because of his lack of instincts.  If Wall can make a good impression on the Cowboys, he has a chance to make the roster as a nickel or dime corner.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Squatty, squarely built former high school running back with man-coverage limitations who is not exceptional in any area but has enough size, athletic ability and ball skills to make it as a No. 4 or No. 5 corner for a cover-2 team.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

234.)  Dallas Cowboys
Sean Lissemore, DT, William and Mary
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 298

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: An excellent value for a late round pick, Lissemore is a prototypical block-eating 3-4 defensive end.  He needs to get stronger and develop technique, but he has a shot to make the practice squad with the Cowboys.

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 7, Pick 229 - 239

229.)  Washington Redskins
Erik Cook, C, New Mexico
Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 318

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Cook is another developmental line prospect that needs to increase his functional strength.  The Redskins selected him in hopes of adding depth to their offensive line, and he could possibly make the practice squad.   

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   College pivot who lacks the foot quickness needed to survive at center in the pros and projects to guard. Could function only in a phone booth and may be too underdeveloped physically for teams to be interested in developing him.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

230.  Green Bay Packers
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 290

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  As the 3-4 defensive teams look for value in the 7th round, Wilson is an excellent example of finding a specialized defensive end for that front.  Not big enough to be a 4-3 defensive tackle, Wilson could find a role as a rotational player for the Packers.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Is not a top-notch athlete and lacks ideal body length, but has enough bulk and functional strength to play the five-technique in a “30” front or be a base left end in a “40” front. Could also shift inside and serve as a nickel rusher, although does not have the wardaddy mentality to consistently play inside.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

231.)  Washington Redskins
Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 308

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Many thought Capers would go much higher than the 7th round, but his lack of speed in open space and having no experience at guard caused his fall.  Perhaps Washington thinks they can convert him a left guard where he would not be alone on an island against quick pass rushers.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Scouts are wrestling with the question of whether Capers is versatile or lacks a natural NFL position.  His frame screams left tackle but his inconsistent lateral footwork might limit his effectiveness protecting on the edge.  If a team is convinced he’s a good fit at one position, he could be a second-round pick.  If not, he’ll go into the next two rounds.  

232.)  Denver Broncos
Jammie Kirlew, DE, Indiana
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 260

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Kirlew is a perfect 'tweener type defensive end to convert to a 3-4 outside linebacker.  He has the high character and energy that seems to be the standard for Bronco draft picks this year.  

GM Jr’s scouting report:   Kirlew may not be the most well known player on Indiana’s defense, but he was definitely their most consistently productive defender in 2009. He played defensive end at Indiana, but is going to have to make the switch to rush-linebacker to have any chance of being a contributing defensive player in the NFL. He is not a top level, quick twitch athlete which could hinder his ability to play well off the ball out in space as a linebacker at the next level. Overall, Kirlew is likely going to be a late round pick by a team that plays a 34 scheme in the hope that he can make the transition to playing rush-linebacker. He will likely end up as a backup rush-linebacker who contributes as a pass rusher and as a coverage man on special teams

233.)  Arizona Cardinals
Jim Dray, TE, Stanford

Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 246

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Dray was brought in to provide inline blocking for Arizona's power running game, which will now feature Beanie Wells.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Dray’s upside is a bit limited because of his average speed, but his size, blocking and soft hands make him an excellent late-round value.  He’s likely to be a reliable reserve, or better, in the NFL.

234.)  Dallas Cowboys
Sean Lissemore, DT, William and Mary
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 298

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: An excellent value for a late round pick, Lissemore is a prototypical block-eating 3-4 defensive end.  He needs to get stronger and develop technique, but he has a shot to make the practice squad with the Cowboys.

235.)  San Diego Chargers
Dedrick Epps, TE, Miami

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 250

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Epps fell down the draft board because of a serious knee injury but could have time to develop behind Antonio Gates.  He also could help with blocking on running downs.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Teams will take a look at Epps’ left knee, which underwent surgery for a torn ACL before the team’s 2008 bowl game.  His blocking ability and length will intrigue scouts enough to consider taking him in the late rounds as a possible reserve with upside.




236.)  Seattle Seahawks
Dexter Davis, DE, Arizona State
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 244

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A projected situational pass rusher, Davis hopes to add depth to a Seahawks' team that has struggled in recent years with pressuring the QB.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  A tightly wound, college defensive end who projects to rush linebacker in the pros.  Must prove he can handle adjusting to linebacker in the pros and needs to figure out how to translate his workout numbers to the field.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

237.)  Minnesota Vikings

Ryan D'Imperio, LB, Rutgers

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 230

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another high-effort middle linebacker who can play special teams.  A disappointing senior season dropped his stock significantly.  Lack of speed and ability to fight off blocks will prevent him from being a starter in the NFL.  

238.)  Indianapolis Colts

Ricardo Mathews, DE, Cincinnati

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 294

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Mathews projects to defensive tackle in the Colts' one-gap, upfield, penetrating defensive system.  A smart player who provides his team with energy and effort, he could make the practice squad on a team even as talented as the Colts. 

GM Jr’s scouting report:   Mathews is a decent athlete who has enough positives to bring to training camp, but not enough to be drafted. He is a squatty body player that when he is playing hard and low, is a force. But he tends to come off the ball high, expose his chest and gets stalemated. He is good for 2 or 3 plays, then he gets tired and stays blocked. He has enough natural strength to hold the point of attack versus the run at him, but more often than not, he will miss with his hands off the ball, turn his shoulders and give up his body. He will end up on the ground and is blocked with ease. When he does stay square, he has the lateral quickness and strength to play off the block, shed with strong hands and slide down the line to make the tackle. He is a good wrap up tackler who will put all his force into the ball carrier to get him on the ground. Mathews does not play with much awareness and will get out of position too often. He is not a threat as a pass rusher. He lacks any type of pass rush moves but the bull rush. He ends up standing around the line of scrimmage more times than not as a pass rusher. Mathews will get into training camp for a NFL team, but he will have a hard time making a NFL roster. 

239.)  New Orleans Saints

Sean Canfield, QB, Oregon State

Ht: 6’ 3 ¾” Wt: 223

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Canfield is going to the perfect situation in New Orleans.  He doesn't appear to have the physical tools necessary to be a starting quarterback in the NFL but his intelligent decision making and anticipation make him a suitable back up candidate.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Inexperienced, soft-armed south-paw who needs to play in a dink-and-dunk West Coast offense where he can make a living off play-action and will need to be surrounded by a strong offensive line and talented skill players to be serviceable. Could battle for a No. 3 QB job if he really works at it.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Better able to avoid pass rushers after dropping 20 pounds last offseason, Canfield emerged as one of the hottest senior prospects.  He rode that to a Senior Bowl invite, but his struggles there to drive the ball consistently outside the hashes could relegate him to a West Coast offense.

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 6, Pick 195 - 199

195.)  Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Brown, WR, Central Michigan

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  The Steelers continue to try to add depth to their wide receiver corps after the loss of Santonio Holmes.  Brown is a slot receiver and returner.  He faces an uphill battle to make the team because of the number of receivers already on the roster.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Could have used another year of development, but opted to come out instead of returning with a new coach and QB. A smallish, slot receiver with run-after-catch ability and return skills, Brown’s strength and instinct deficiencies will make it difficult to separate at the next level. Character concerns could limit his appeal and knock him off draft boards.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

196.)  Dallas Cowboys

Jamar Wall, CB, Texas Tech

Ht: 5'  10" Wt: 204

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: Wall was a value pick in the sense that he fell because of his lack of instincts.  If Wall can make a good impression on the Cowboys, he has a chance to make the roster as a nickel or dime corner.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Squatty, squarely built former high school running back with man-coverage limitations who is not exceptional in any area but has enough size, athletic ability and ball skills to make it as a No. 4 or No. 5 corner for a cover-2 team.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

197.)  Houston Texans

Trindon Holliday, KR, LSU

 Ht: 5' 5" Wt: 162

EMQB’s analysis on the pick: A returner with sprinter speed, Holliday is a one dimensional player in the fact that he can only contribute in the NFL by returning kicks and punts.  He does excel at that, and, if he can stay healthy, he could be a game changing player based upon his effect on field position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Dangerous, diminutive punt and kickoff returner who only needs a sliver of daylight to take it the distance. Also shows versatility to contribute as a change-of-pace back or work out of the slot.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

198.)   Carolina Panthers

David Gettis, WR, Baylor

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 217

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Gettis is a blazer who is still learning the game of football.  The pro-passing game is not learned easily, and Gettis might not be given the time or repetitions to reach his potential.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  A classic size-speed prospect, Gettis’ 6-3 frame and track speed give him the tools to be a fantastic receiver.  Far from a finished product, Gettis flashes explosive ability but also needs work catching the ball with more consistency and running crisper routes.    

199.)  Minnesota Vikings

Joe Webb, QB, UAB

Ht: 6' 3" Wt:  223

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A prospect in the mold of Percy Harvin, Webb could run the "wildcat" offense or be converted to wide receiver.  He is a long term project and might not make a talented squad.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Converted QB project who will require some time to adapt to an NFL playbook, but Webb has enough size, athletic ability and run skills to warrant giving a chance running routes.

NFL projection: Priority free agent.

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 6, Pick 175 - 179

175.)  Carolina Panthers
Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 281

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Hardy, a player with first-round physical ability, was derailed by injury and motivational issues his last two seasons in college.  The Panthers take a flier on him knowing that, at this point in the draft, he is low risk with high reward potential.  Hardy is a prototype right defensive end and if he can play hard and stay healthy has Pro Bowl potential.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   One of the most naturally gifted pass rushers in the draft, Hardy has too many big questions overshadowing his raw traits, with concerns about his injury history, weight fluctuation, work ethic and mental makeup. Has the ability to become a double-digit sack artist if he ever figures it out. Could be managed and will need a strong support structure to make it. Senior season was derailed by injuries and he was used primarily as a pass-rush specialist when he was healthy. Could minimally fit a similar role in the pros.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

176.)  Tennessee Titans
Rusty Smith, QB, Florida Atlantic 
Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 230


EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Smith comes from a pro-style offense at FAU.  His career ended in injury and he - like Tim Tebow - has  a throwing motion issue.  He has excellent size and a decent arm.  He could develop into a nice back up quarterback in the National Football League.




177.)  Cleveland Browns
Carlton Mitchell, WR, South Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 215

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Mitchell is a prospect that has all of the attributes you would want in a wide receiver except consistency.  He needs to get stronger in the weight room but is an excellent draft choice by the Browns at this point in the draft because of the level of expectation.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Mitchell decided to leave USF only after coach Jim Leavitt was fired.  He has shown good route-running skills and more toughness than his lanky frame would indicate, allowing him to creep up boards throughout the draft process – as long as teams believe he can become more consistent catching the ball and blocking for the run.     

178.)  Buffalo Bills 
Arthur Moats, DE, James Madison
Ht:  6' 0" Wt: 246

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Moats projects to outside linebacker because of his lack of size.  He may not have the speed to be effective at the position but his college production and measurables make him worthy of a late round pick.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: College defensive end who piled up behind-the-line production, but likely will have to stand up in the pros. Is not explosive off the edge, lacks strength to play with his hand in the dirt and is not comfortable operating in space. Measurables are more intriguing than his tape.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

179.)  Dallas Cowboys
Sam Young, OT, Notre Dame

Ht: 6' 8" Wt: 316

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A big kid who needs to get much stronger, Young was man-handled at the Senior Bowl and his draft stock suffered.  He is worth the late round flier because of his work ethic and smarts.  The Cowboys have a need at tackle and guard, and Young could fill in as a reserve.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Not considered one of the more athletic tackles in the draft, Young’s size, strength and pedigree are likely to land him a spot in the middle rounds and give him the potential to have a long NFL career. 

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 122 - 126

122.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Kafka, QB, Northwestern

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 225

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Kafka is a mobile and accurate quarterback.  He needs to put on weight to be able to take NFL hits but is an interesting prospect with upside and another great value pick by the Eagles.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Averaging only 7.0 yards per attempt in Northwestern’s spread offense and throwing 12 interceptions (five in a bowl game loss to Auburn in which he also threw for 532 yards on 78 attempts) in 2009 did not impress scouts.  Still, his size, intelligence, mobility and fair accuracy make him a possible late-round selection.

123.)  New Orleans Saints
Al Woods, DT, LSU

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 309

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another Saints' developmental prospect, Woods may take a few years to yield a return, but he's going to a team with great depth in front of him and that should allow him the time to become who he can be.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Still-developing widebody with untapped potential, Woods shed weight as a senior, became a full-time starter for the first time and started to figure it out. Has the raw size, strength and power DL coaches covet and could become an effective space eater at the next level if he is able to keep his weight in check and continue refining his technique.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick. 

124.)  Carolina Panthers
Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina 

Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 245

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An excellent edge rusher, the Panthers will probably use him as a situational pass rusher on third down and also as a tackler on special teams.  A player who could have gone much earlier, this is another good pick at this point in the draft.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   Thickly built power-leverage rusher at his best pinning his ears back and rushing the quarterback. Better football player than athlete and would be best as a rush linebacker for an aggressive “30” front such as that of the Steelers, Ravens or 49ers.

NFL projection: Second- to third-round pick.

125.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Clay Harbor, TE, Missouri State

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 252

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Harbor will come in and make an impact as a special team blocker and possibly as a goal line blocker for the Eagles.  He has excellent route running skills and could also score some goal line touch downs as a decoy.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Harbor is the type of hybrid moving tight end/fullback combo many NFL offenses like to use as a positional blocker on the edge and a matchup problem for safties and linebackers.  The former receiver has the ability to get open in zones and stretch the field, and scouts envision him playing early downs as a motion tight end.

126.)  Dallas Cowboys
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana (PA)
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 207

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An excellent returner, he will step into that role immediately for the Cowboys.  As a corner back, he has tremendous upside and potential but, again like many prospects in the draft, will need time to reach full potential.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Well-built, long-levered, raw corner with upside and versatility to potentially contribute as a return man or line up at safety down the road. Could require some patience while adjusting to the speed of the pro game and becoming more technically proficient but has upside with an intriguing size-speed ratio and moldable physical tools.

NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round 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

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