Archive for March 4th, 2009
Start from the beginning: Detroit Lions
Previous Pick: Buffalo Bills
12. Denver Broncos
-Rey Maualuga (ILB/USC)
- NFL.com
I’m afraid that selecting at #12 may be a poor position for Denver. Most of the players they may target should be gone by now or aren’t a good value. It’s way too early to select Aaron Maybin or Tyson Jackson, B.J. Raji should be long gone by now, and Green Bay might take Knowshon Moreno. Because Denver is moving to a 3-4 alignment, they should be looking for playing that are well-suited for that role. I think Jarvis Moss and Elvis Dumervil will be tried out at rush linebacker. This leaves inside linebacker as one of the only logical areas to address need-wise. Outside of new signee Andra Davis, the Broncos are thin at that position.
Rey Maualuga is a perfect fit for Denver. They have been searching for a top notch middle linebacker since Al Wilson fell off the map. Maualuga is a wonderful football player who plays the game with passion and intensity. He would be a great addition to the Broncos undersized/underachieving defense.
-Trade up/Down*
If Maualuga is gone by now, then the Broncos are in a tight spot. I think they should trade down to the beginning of the second round if their prime targets are gone. If they suspect the 49ers might take Maualuga, Jacksonville will choose Raji, then trading up is a definite possibility.
-If Denver chooses the best player available, then a wide receiver like Darrius Heyward-Bey would be a reasonable choice.
There just isn’t much else to say….
If you think I am overlooking anyone, post a suggestion for me to include here.
Next on the clock: Washington Redskins
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Previous Pick: San Francisco 49ers
11. Buffalo Bills
-Everette Brown (DE/Florida St)
- NFL.com
Buffalo really needs help getting pressure especially after Aaron Schobel went down with an injury. The secondary is quality- if only the linemen could get some pressure on the passer (produced only 24 sacks). Marcus Stroud had an outstanding season, but he needs aid from his fellow linemen. Drafting a high quality defensive end to replace Chris Kelsay (2 sacks) is a high priority for the Bills.
Despite my belief that Everette should be a rush linebacker, some teams may disagree with that assessment. To the Bills, Everette Brown could be a poor man’s version of Dwight Freeney. Buffalo might want Brown to be a pure pass rusher like Freeney. And they could be looking to shift Schobel to the left or to replace him altogether. But I seriously don’t think the Bills need another undersized defensive end on their line. Schobel is 240 lbs. and Kelsay weighs 260 lbs. Everette Brown is lighter than both (252 lbs). But hey, maybe the Bills fancy speed rushers on the end and massive tackles to occupy the other blockers.
Brown is a fun player to watch. He is like an animal hunting its prey. He explodes from a crouch, ducks and weaves, spins, and rips through obstacles to pounce on his prey (the ball carrier).
If Cleveland decides to pass on Everette Brown, then Buffalo would be the next probable candidate to draft him. But once again, can he play defensive end in the NFL?
-Brian Cushing (OLB/USC)
- NFL.com
The Bills have been trying to restock the linebackers ever since they lost their star duo of Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher. The team found two promising player in Kawika Mitchell and Paul Posluszny. But Keith Ellison is only an adequate starter. Assuming all the top defensive ends are off the board, Buffalo might have to draft a quality linebacker and address the pass rush in round 2 or beyond.
-Brandon Pettigrew (TE/Oklahoma St)
Tight end is also a strong area of need. The career-ending injury involving Kevin Everett about two years ago ended a hopeful future at tight end. Robert Royal was serviceable as the replacement. But I definitely think Trent Edwards would love an athletic pass catcher to throw to in the red zone.
Brandon Pettigrew is molded like Jason Witten: doesn’t possess blazing speed, but has the knack for finding soft spots in coverage, and is a terrific blocker. His 40 time at the combine wasn’t stellar (4.85 sec), but he is very strong (bench pressed 22 reps) and basically is another offensive tackle in the running game. If Bufffalo picks a tight end in round 1, expect to see Pettigrew called upon.
- NFL.com
If Buffalo wants a player with more receiving ability, they might pass on Pettigrew in favor of the freakishly athletic Jared Cook in round 2.
Next team on the clock: Denver Broncos
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