Archive for March, 2009
26. Baltimore Ravens
-Tyson Jackson (DE/LSU)
- Tyson Jackson (NFL.com)
It’d hard to argue that a team that played the Super Bowl Champion within an inch of their life has a lack of talent on its roster. For Baltimore, they are facing depth issues at a few select positions more than being without a viable starter. They could use another receiver to take over for Derrick Mason, a defensive end to challenge Trevor Pryce, the replacement for Bart Scott and backup for Ray Lewis, and another good cornerback to add depth..
Ravens’ GM Ozzie Newsome came into the organization in 2002, after the previous regime already established a strong defensive talent base. But over the past two seasons, in his attempt to upgrade the offense by using each of his first 2 draft choices on offensive players, some of the core defensive players have aged. CB’s Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle were released, Ray Lewis is about to turn 34, and DE Trevor Pryce is a spry 34 too.
At the 26th pick, DE Tyson Jackson makes great sense as Baltimorebeatdown.com humorously puts it:
“when a super talented defensive lineman who perfectly fits your system at a position where your starter is 34 and there is no heir apparent falls to you, you thank God for blessing your team and waltz write up to the podium and take him.”
The LSU lineman has the versatility, desire, and intelligence to absolutely thrive in the Ravens defense. A perfect fit for 3-4 defensive end, Jackson is a great run stuffer at 6’4 295 lbs.
-Trade Up (for Rey Maualuga)
You just know that the Ravens are drooling over a guy with the nasty demeanor of Rey Maualuga. The guy is a thunderous hitter that could very well pick up the torch when Ray Lewis retires. Those Polynesian football players play the game with reckless abandon, and Baltimore has had terrific success with another Polynesian player by the name of Haloti Ngata who was a former rugby player. It just so happens that Maualuga also happens to fill one of position that Bart Scott just vacated, thus adding more value to this possibility. If the Ravens plan on getting an immediate starter to go beside Lewis, then the options outside of Maualuga are relatively slim.
-Darius Butler (CB/Connecticut)
- Darius Butler (NFL.com)
As mentioned earlier, former bookend corners McAllister and Rolle have been cut, leaving vacancies to be filled by injury-prone Fabian Washington, up-and-comer Domonique Foxworth, and backups. I’m not sure exactly how the defense will change under new coordinator Greg Mattison, but if it is anything like Rex Ryan’s attacking style, he will want another young, athletic, instinctive cornerback opposite Washington.
UConn’s Darius Butler claims that the Ravens are one of the two teams that have shown great interest in him lately. With his athleticism and coverage instincts, he is a steal at #26. Personally, I would have thought the Ravens would want a guy who is known for more aggression. But Butler is very similar to Fabian Washington in that I believe he will get the message sent by his fellow teammates that physicality is expected from a Raven defender. If Butler is chosen, he should be honored to play with such a proud group of football players.
You can be sure that his cousin, Willis McGahee is talking up Butler to Ravens personnel, too!
Next on the clock: Indianapolis Colts
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.Michael Crabtree
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Texas Tech
Size: 6′1/ 215 lbs.
Combine Results:
(Did not compete)
Michael Crabtree Scouting Report
Known for his physicality, Michael Crabtree plays like a sledgehammer with legs. Especially physical when the ball is in the air, shows good awareness of the sidelines, uses his body to wall of defenders from the ball. Extremely productive in college (1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns last year). Superb hands, very reliable even in clutch situations. Tough, willing to play with minor injuries. Excellent at gaining additional yardage after the catch.
Lacks elite speed, displays poor ball protection, some injury concerns.
Overall, top 10 pick.
Note: 49ers and Seahawks draft segments have been updated.
25. Miami Dolphins
-Aaron Maybin (OLB-DE/Penn St)
- Aaron Maybin (NFL.com)
The Big Tuna (Bill Parcells) engineered the comeback of the decade by turning the 1-15 Miami Dolphins into the 11-5 AFC East divisional champs. He addressed some of the teams’ most pressing needs in the ’08 draft, working hard to build the trenches and lay a strong foundation for the running game. This season Miami should be looking to add depth and to create some more in-house competition. The place Parcells especially likes to develop is the linebacking corps. By no means did the set of 4 starters do a poor job (recording 22.5 sacks). But Pro Bowl OLB Joey Porter is entering his 11th season, and Matt Roth would only benefit from adding a young player to challenge him to play at a higher level.
Furthermore, I looked closely at Bill Parcells draft history, and he has drafted 6 LB’s in the 1st round and 4 in the 2nd round. At every franchise he helped rebuild, he has used a 1st round pick on a LB in at least one of the first 3 years with the team. With the Giants, it was Carl Banks (3rd selection). While with the Jets, it was James Farrior (8th selection). In New England, Parcells used the 4th pick on Willie McGinest. And in Dallas, Demarcus Ware, Bobby Carpenter, and Anthony Spencer (picked 11th, 18th, 26th respectively). The average height of his drafted LB’s is 252 lbs and stands 6’3 1/2 inches tall.
If one of the top 3-4 OLB’s falls into his lap at 25, I believe he will count his blessings and choose that player.
Aaron Maybin is an intriguing prospect. He has been praised for having a superior burst off the edge, plays with high intensity, and has an athletic, lean physique that includes long arms to prevent opposing linemen from getting into his pads. On the flipside, he has been criticized for disappearing for large stretches, not being physical enough at the point of attack, and for possessing a small lower body that can’t generate a decent bull rush.
However, at 6’4 and 249 lbs, he is exactly the average size of Parcells’ linebackers and his productivity is more than sufficient (12 sacks last season).
One last note: Maybin had a solid pro day (ran 4.6 forty yard dash), which might push him back up a few spots. If he is unavailable here, Connor Barwin is also an enticing option for Miami. Clay Matthews is discounted from contention because of size factor and because he might fit better as a 3-4 ILB, which is not a need for the Dolphins at this time.
-Darius Butler (CB/Connecticut)
- Darius Butler (NFL.com)
The other primary need that could be worthy of a 1st round selection is cornerback. The Dophins are thin after losing Andre Goodman to the Broncos. Will Allen and Jason Allen combined for a total of 4 interceptions last season. Plus, there is little depth to speak of behind them. Therefore, it seems likely that cornerback Darius Butler will be under consideration by Miami.
An amazing athlete, the 5’10 speedster ran somewhere around a 4.40 forty yard dash at his pro day, and recorded a 43 inch vertical at the combine. He is extremely smooth in his backpedal and high points the football well. Also, Butler’s lack of bulk wouldn’t be too important in the Dolphins off-coverage system.
Butler could break into the nickel spot with relative ease, and maybe crack the starting roster by season’s end.
According to the Miami Herald, Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland has attended a handful of Connecticut games, and Parcells has mentioned how impressed he is with Butler.
Additionally, Bill Parcells has used 3 first round picks on cornerbacks during his NFL career (tied for second most 1st round picks on a single position).
-WR is a need, but Parcells doesn’t use many early picks on wide outs.
Next on the clock: Baltimore Ravens
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.Matthew Stafford
Position: Quarterback
School: Georgia
Size: 6’2/ 225 lbs.
Combine Results:
40 yard dash- 4.81 sec
20-yard shuttle-4.47
Matthew Stafford Scouting Report
Much has been said about Stafford and his golden arm. He hails from the SEC, having started there since he was a freshman at Georgia. Not the most most accurate passer,
but is more than adequate. Tends to force throws into tight spaces, but that is due to his supreme confidence in his ability. Needs to work on his touch a bit, yet he excels at throwing deep passes where he can showcase his incredible arm strength. Did a heck of a job in the interview process during the combine. Decent mobility and has better than average pocket awareness. No known character issues. Ideal competitor. Needs to improve his decision-making. Top 10 talent.
