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AFC WEST Draft Grade: Kansas City Chiefs
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 10-6
Points For: 403
Points Against: 325
Rushing Yards PG: 148.9
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 98.1
Passing Yards PG: 238.1
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 229.9
Drafted:
1.20 (20) - Tamba Hali, DE, Penn St.
2.22 (54) - Bernard Pollard, S, Purdue
3.21 (85) - Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama
5.22 (154) - Marcus Maxey, CB, Miami (FL)
6.17 (186) - Tre’ Stallings, OL, Mississippi (from Dallas)
6.21 (190) - Jeff Webb, WR, San Diego St.
7.20 (228) - Jarrad Page, S, UCLA
Comments:
Known mostly for their offensive output the past several seasons, the regime coming in with new Head Coach, Herm Edwards, will concentrate a little more on the defensive side of things. And that was displayed with their first round draft choice, going with defensive end, Tamba Hali, and their next pick, safety Bernard Pollard.
Regarding Hali, I’m just not sure if he was the pick at 20, simply because he doesn’t have the tools. A definite positive with him is his motor and explosion off the line. But, he is kind of small at 6’2” for a lineman, needs better recognition skills, and doesn’t have any speed. In other words, he’s not the second coming of the Indianapolis Colts’ Dwight Freeney, another short and questionable defensive linemen coming into the pros a few years back.
And as questionable as Hali is, Pollard is just as questionable, if not more. He’s a headcase and has some baggage after getting less playing time his senior season due to run-ins with the coaching staff. I guess Edwards is hoping to turn Pollard around the way he did with another perceived headcase coming out of college, Lavernues Coles back when Edwards was with the New York Jets. It worked out great with Coles, but time will tell with Pollard, who is able to sneak up to the line and play the run or short drops and finish plays.
Croyle was one of the better second tier quarterbacks in the draft, but does have some durability questions, partly because of his thin frame. However, he has the talent to get the job done and this is a definite move for the future when Trent Green eventually retires or his skills have diminished so badly.
Maxey is coming out of “The U,” but is nothing special like most players coming out from there. Stallings will have all the opportunity to learn from a great and veteran offensive line, in hopes that he can eventually replace their excellent production over the years. Webb will be decent, but we all know the offense is going to be all about running back, Larry Johnson, anway. Page is eh… nothing too special, but he does come from a good program.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C
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AFC WEST Draft Grade: Denver Broncos
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 13-3
Points For: 395
Points Against: 258
Rushing Yards PG: 158.7
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 85.2
Passing Yards PG: 201.7
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 227.7
Drafted:
1.11 (11) - Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt (from St. Louis)
2.29 (61) - Tony Scheffler, TE, W. Michigan
4.22 (119) - Brandon Marshall, WR, UCF (from Washington)
4.29 (126) - Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville
4.33 (130) - Domenik Hixon, WR, Akron (Compensatory Selection)
5.29 (161) - Chris Kuper, OG, North Dakota
6.29 (198) - Greg Eslinger, C, Minnesota
Comments:
The best move during the draft for the Broncos was probably acquiring disgruntled Green Bay Packers WR, Javon Walker, for only a second-round pick. There was speculation that the Pack wanted either a first-rounder or a player for Walker, but the Broncos called the Pack’s bluff and got some much needed WR help, especially considering that the Broncos have their own disgruntled WR in Ashley Lelie.
Moving up a few spots to draft Cutler was a good move as QB Jake Plummer is about to enter his tenth season. Cutler, arguably the best of the Big Three QBs in this draft – along with Matt Leinart and Vince Young – won’t start right away, but will have the opportunity to learn the system and the NFL without any pressures put on him, which is a good thing. Just ask Carson Palmer.
Scheffler is a great receiving TE and is very athletic. Marshall goes both ways… I’m talking about Ironman Football, people! Get your minds out of the gutters! In any case, here’s how athletic Marshall is – he led Central Florida in receptions AND interceptions as he also played safety on top of wide receiver. Look for Marshall and Scheffler to be groomed along with Cutler to be core offensive players for the Bronco’s future.
Dumervil has some upside, but he came out too early as a junior. I guess the Broncos thought they may as well take a chance on the potential because their DT position needed depth and a look to the future. Just not sure it’s with Dumervil. Hixon can flat out burn. Kuper had a good combine, displaying his speed and athleticism. Eslinger could be snapping the ball for the Broncs for the next decade.
ENDSCORE GRADE: A-/B+; including Walker deal/not including Walker deal
AFC EAST Draft Grade: New York Jets
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 4-12
Points For: 240
Points Against: 355
Rushing Yards PG: 83.0
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 136.6
Passing Yards PG: 165.1
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 172.2
Drafted:
1.4 (4) - D’Brickashaw Ferguson, T, Virginia
1.29 (29) - Nick Mangold, C, Ohio St.(from Denver)
2.17 (49) - Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon (from Dallas)
3.12 (76) - Anthony Schlegel, ILB, Ohio St. (from Philadelphia)
3.33 (97) - Eric Smith, S, Michigan St. (Compensatory Selection)
4.6 (103) - Brad Smith, WR, Missouri
4.20 (117) - Leon Washington, RB, Florida St. (from Kansas City)
5.18 (150) - Jason Pociask, TE, Wisconsin (from Dallas)
6.20 (189) - Drew Coleman, DB, TCU (from Washington through N.Y. Jets and Dallas)
7.12 (220) - Titus Adams, DT, Nebraska (from Philadelphia)
Comments:
Some people (okay, jaded Jets fans) were pessimistic about choosing Ferguson over Arizona Cardinals’ QB Matt Leinart who is “New York” all the way off-the-field. However, the Jets needed to stay away from the flash and go the safe and smart route.
If Leinart was chosen, who was going to protect him? Most of the Jets offensive line from previous seasons were excellent, but most of it left this offseason, in particular perennial All-Pro center, Kevin Mawae. Leinart would have been crushed, if he even got on the field. It’s still up in the air how QBs Chad Pennington and Patrick Ramsey are going to do, but they are more than serviceable this season and have NFL experience.
Add Ferguson, who was rated as high as second overall regardless of position, in addition to second round pick Mangold to take Mawae’s place and the Jets have a solid line for the foreseeable and long-term future. Both Ferguson and Mangold were rated numbers one and two as blockers in the entire draft. Whoever ends up being the quarterback this season will be happy.
Speaking of the quarterback position, the Jets didn’t totally ignore the it as they drafted the hard-nosed Clemens in the second round, who some thought had the best mechanics of all the quarterbacks in the draft. While he doesn’t have the glamour of Leinart, Clemens definitely has the grit.
Schlegel is a solid lineback and could be a great compliment to Jonathan Vilma. Schlegel has very good leadership ability and should help Vilma take his game up another level. E. Smith plays a smart game and has very good ball skills. B. Smith will need to switch from QB to WR, but has the athleticism and speed to make the move. Washington is small, but is a very good runner with receiving skills out of the backfield. Pociask is known as a blocking TE and a very good one. He’ll definitely add to the Jets running game.
Coleman is short, but doesn’t have exceptional speed or coverage skills to overcome that. Adams is a speed defensive lineman, but is limited in every other way. In the right situation, he can rush off the edge and get to the QB or stop the run in the backfield. Its just that that situation probably won’t come up much for Adams.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B+
AFC EAST Draft Grade: New England Patriots
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 10-6
Points For: 379
Points Against: 338
Rushing Yards PG: 94.5
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 98.8
Passing Yards PG: 257.5
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 231.4
Drafted:
1.21 (21) - Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
2.4 (36) - Chad Jackson, WR, Florida (from Green Bay)
3.22 (86) - David Thomas, TE, Texas
4.9 (106) - Garrett Mills, TE, Tulsa (from Detroit)
4.21 (118) - Stephen Gostkowski, K, Memphis
5.3 (136) - Ryan O’Callaghan, OG, California (from Oakland)
6.22 (191) - Jeremy Mincey, DE, Florida
6.36 (205) - Dan Stevenson, OT, Notre Dame (Compensatory Selection)
6.37 (206) - Le Kevin Smith, DT, Nebraska (Compensatory Selection)
7.21 (229) - Willie Andrews, S, Baylor
Comments:
Getting Maroney, who will eventually take over for Corey Dillon was a great pick. And, considering Dillon’s health issues, Maroney could get a chance to shine this season. Maroney was rated as the second-best RB after the New Orleans Saints’ Reggie Bush on most draft boards and should flourish in the Patriots offense when he steps on the field.
I particularly like the Jackson pick because he has first-round talent, but fell into the second round because his game speed was questionable. Umm, 120 receptions and 16 scores… that doesn’t say enough about his gameday RESULTS? Hey, the Patriots lucked out and Jackson will be another weapon for Tom Brady to utilize.
I question drafting tight ends in back-to-back rounds, but we’re talking about the Pats here, so they probably know what they’re doing. The first TE they took, Thomas, has great hands and an even greater work ethic. The second TE, Mills, is a converted fullback that caught a ton of passes at Tulsa. Not really sure how he’ll be used, especially considering how deep the position is for the Pats now with Daniel Graham and Ben Watson.
The Pats probably could have gone defense to find eventual replacements for their “old” group of defenders, especially their LB corp. The draft was definitely deep in that position, but again, these are the Pats and it’s hard to question them.
Gostkowski is a very good kicker with the ability to hit from beyond 50 yards when the opportunity comes up. O’Callaghan could be a very good bargain pick at five. Mincey is a good DE that could switch to LB in the 3-4 due to his speed. Stevenson came on as a senior at Notre Dame under former Patriots offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis. Smith is a compact player that excels in a compact space. Andrews could catch on with the Pats, but won’t get any consistent time on the field.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
AFC EAST Draft Grade: Miami Dolphins
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 9-7
Points For: 318
Points Against: 317
Rushing Yards PG: 118.6
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 110.7
Passing Yards PG: 206.3
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 206.7
Drafted:
1.16 (16) - Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
3.18 (82) - Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona St.
4.17 (114) - Joe Toledo, OT, Washington
5.16 - Exercised in Supplemental Draft
7.4 (212) - Fred Evans, NT, Texas State (from Green Bay)
7.18 (226) - Rod Wright, DT, Texas
7.25 (233) - Devin Aromashodu, WR, Auburn (from Chicago)
Comments:
Skill-wise, Allen was one of the better DBs out there as his draft place shows. However, on pure talent alone, it would have been validated if he went higher in the round… if not for his hip. Ah ha! That’s why Allen fell. In any case, if Allen can stay healthy, he has the chance to be All-Pro good thanks to his coverage skills. He has the ability to put a WR on lock-down.
Hagan had tons of receptions and scores at ASU, but totally soiled his pants at the Senior Bowl with uncharacteristic drops, which is why Hagan’s stocked dropped. Are you sensing a trend here with the Dolphins’ picks?
Toledo is a raw O-lineman as he has only played the position for one season. He’s big and if he can refine his technique and add some skill, he could do okay for the Dolphins. Evans is solid against the run, but not much else.
Wright could be the SOD – steal of the draft as he can play the gaps and was a standout with the NCAA champion Texas Longhorns. However, because of his enigmatic behavior, Wright’s stock dropped hard. This is a great risk-reward pick.
Aromashodu didn’t get as many looks as he could have (and probably deserved) at Auburn because they liked to run the ball. With the Dolphins change in personnel, Aromaxhodu will have a chance to be a very solid WR in the NFL.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B-
AFC EAST Draft Grade: Buffalo Bills
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 5-11
Points For: 271
Points Against: 367
Rushing Yards PG: 100.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 137.8
Passing Yards PG: 157.2
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 205.7
Drafted:
1.8 (8) - Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St.
1.26 (26) - John McCargo, DT, N.C. State (from Chicago)
3.6 (70) - Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio St. (from Tennessee)
4.8 (105) - Ko Simpson, S, South Carolina
5.1 (134) - Kyle Williams, DT, LSU (from Houston)
5.10 (143) - Brad Butler, T, Virginia
6.9 (178) - Keith Ellison, LB, Oregon St.
7.8 (216) - Terrance Pennington, OT, New Mexico
7.40 (248) - Aaron Merz, OG, California (Compensatory Selection)
Comments:
The Bills offense left something to be desired last season and ideally it would have been wise to go offense here, but talent level in the first round were on the other side of the ball as 19 of the 32 picks in the round were on defensive players!
However, the Bills could have done a lot better than Whitner who did not project #8 overall at all by anyone. It’s safe to say that the pick was a stretch. However, I guess the pick was more to fill in a safety spot in Dick Jauron’s Tampa Two defensive scheme than anything else. And it’s not like Whitner doesn’t have the goods, it’s just that he doesn’t have Top Ten goods and the Bills missed out on some other talented defensive players that could have helped them.
I personally like the McCargo pick, despite the lack of size factor. However, collectively, the value picks for the Bills were in the third and fourth rounds with Youboty, who should play the nickel, and Simpson, who could be a steal in the fourth. Both should do well in the T2. Williams is a gamer who won’t get in the game as much, but when he does, he’ll be around the ball somewhere. Butler should be a solid offensive lineman, either on the right side (where he played in college) or the left side (unfortunately, he played with someone named D’Brickashaw) where some say he can easily adapt to in the NFL. Ellison is a serviceable linebacker. Pennington and Merz have some limitations as offensive linemen.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C
Who Should The Houston Texans Take First? NOT Reggie Bush!
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, NFL,
If you’re a regular reader here at Endscore, then you know my feelings on what the Houston Texans should do, especially considering the presence of a young proven running back already in the Texans fold - Domanick Davis. The Texans do not need Reggie Bush and would simply be taking on excess. Granted, that’s some great excess there when you put into perspective the tools that Bush would bring. However, arguably, he wasn’t even the best back for the USC Trojans this past season - LenDale White was in my opinion. And, apparently, factoring in Pete Carroll’s play calling and personnel choices used during the National Chmapionship game against the Texas Longhorns in January, Carroll agrees.
Ideally, the Texans should trade down and grab an offensive lineman, most notably D’Brickashaw Ferguson, so that they can give QB David Carr a real chance to shine and not feel his helmet pounded into the grass or turf on every other offensive play. But, for argument’s sake, if they didn’t trade the pick, the Texans should take defensive end, Mario Williams.
Wait, before you blow a gasket, consider that Bush would probably be a punt and kick returner primarily (okay, potentially a very good one) to begin with, and maybe get 10 or so touches out of the backfield, is Bush really going to be worth #1 overall money? No. Unless he takes the job away from Davis, which I sincerely doubt because Davis has rushed for over 1000 yards twice in his three year career (came up just short in his third season last year) and can also catch the ball out of the backfield with very good production. At best, Bush will take about one-third of the carries as to keep himself fresh from the pounding he’d be sure to take considering how bad the Texans O-Line is. So, altogether, that’s going to be about 15 or so touches a game.
Now, Williams, whose been compared to Reggie White, the best defensive linemen in the history of the game, is versatile enough to attack the run, penetrating through the line and tackle for a loss, and the play the pass, putting up pressures in his stat line or just plain old making the opposing QB eat dirt. He’s tall (6’7”), big (295 lbs.), has long arms, and quick with the ability to explode and make plays all over the field. Granted he’s still raw, but that’s it… he’s still raw. Taught proper technique and working on his motor, Williams will be a FORCE on defense. He could make the same kind of impact Julius Peppers (another player he is compared to) did in his rookie season when he finished with a dozen sacks in a dozen games. Williams has the upside to be an elite pass rusher. And, let’s face it, HE fills a need.
And when was the last time the Texans could boast a player like Williams? If Bush happens to rush for over 1000 yards and score double digit touchdowns, guess what? The Texans current running back, Domanick Davis has done that already. And, he’s primed to do it again. Shantee Orr led the team last year in sacks with 7.0.
I’d be willing to bet that Williams can get at least 10.
Who Should the Houston Texans Choose? Who Else? Reggie Bush
Posted by Jeff Chan Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, NCAA, College Football, NFL,
I have the task of convincing you that the Houston Texans don’t need to rack their brains over the decision, the choice is clear; go with your first instinct - Reggie Bush. All this talk about Reggie Bush not being an every-down back, he’s not durable…baloney. In this day and age of the NFL, it’s a copy cat league in which successful teams now employ multiple back sets. Sure the Texans already have Domanick Davis, but they’re going to need another weapon. Look at the New England Patriots, a backfield by committee, the Denver Broncos using multiple backs, the Pittsburgh Steelers surely needed both Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker. If they pass on Bush, the Texans will surely regret their decision. Bush is the most promising running back prospect since Gale Sayers and Barry Sanders. Don’t get me started on being a “smaller” back, did that effect Barry Sanders? Tiki Barber? Warrick Dunn? I didn’t think so.
If your team is going to invest in a number one draft pick, he should be a franchise player. Bush not only is an exceptional player, but he has absolutely none of the off-field issues you are going to worry about with every other prospect in this draft. Mario Williams, his weakness is that he has a questionable work ethic and needs to be motivated. Do you want ride your #1 draft choice to play hard? Come on, this is the pros; teams should demand more of the #1 pick. Matt Leinert, maybe he’s not focused entirely on football and more on becoming a celebrity. Vince Young? This guy could end up being a bust altogether and he might not be able to even grasp the simplest of NFL offenses. Reggie Bush he already has the maturity as you can see from the way he has handled himself throughout the so-called “Agent for house scandal”. All the interviews Bush has been apart of the last few days, on MTV TRL, on Conan O’Brien, this guy is ready for the big stage and will not disappoint.
Reggie Bush Versus Domanick Davis
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, NFL,
Yes, Reggie Bush is nice. He’s athletic, a game breaker, and he has a sweet piece of tin called the Heisman. But, let’s be serious. The Texans don’t need a RB as they already have a very good one in Domanick Davis. Davis had over 1300 total yards and six total TD last season… in only 11 games! Okay, so Davis is diminutive and has all of the negative stuff associated with being small for a RB, but so is Bush. The difference to me, and it’s a big one, Davis is already proven in the NFL. Bush, obviously, has done diddly squat.
Did you watch the Rose Bowl? Was it me or did USC head coach Pete Carroll keep Bush out during critical downs and on short yardage situations? It was all LenDale White on those plays. Meanwhile, Davis for the past three years busted his butt for every single yard he rushed for, thanks to defenses loading the box because the secondary only had to focus on WR Andre Johnson and QB David Carr had as much protection as cake from a fat kid. Before last season, Davis rushed for over 1000 yards each of his previous two seasons. Last season Davis was only 24 yards away from achieving the 1000 yard benchmark again.
And, Davis has skills catching the ball out of the backfield. In 2004, Davis had 68 receptions, 588 receiving yards, and a score. Last season in 2005, Davis had 39 catches for 337 receiving yards, and four TD… need I remind you, in only 11 games. Okay, so Bush has the ability to take it to the house should he catch the ball anywhere on the field, at least from what we’ve seen in his college career. But, will that translate to the NFL where players are more experienced, have better technique, and are bigger and stronger? Maybe, but why chance it with the number one overall pick on a player that would basically be excess for the Texans? So that he can be a punt and kick returner? Don’t think so.
If I were the Texans and I could trade away the number one overall pick to the Tennessee Titans who pick third and pick up an extra pick, say the Titans 39th overall pick in the second round (okay, so it’s a pipe dream; I’d settle for the 103rd overall pick in the fourth round), I’d do it yesterday. There is a battle between the Titans and New York Jets in jockeying for position to take Matt Leinart and the Texans can play those teams against each other. So, let’s say this happens where Texas drops to third overall, whom do they pick?
Isn’t it obvious?
Carr has no protection and often finds himself eating grass for most of the game. So, it has to be OT standout D’Brickashaw Ferguson from Virginia to help Carr stay healthy and really give Carr a shot at being the QB he can be. The addition of WR Eric Moulds helps a lot as it will give Carr another target, but mostly to draw secondary attention away from WR Andre Johnson. This should make defenses play honest against the Texans and possibly open up more holes for Davis to take advantage of. But, most of all, in picking Ferguson, Carr will be better protected and will actually be able to sit in the pocket looking for an open man, instead of a way to escape oncoming defensive players. The whole offense will benefit.
The Texans’ most important need is at the O-Line, so I’d pass on Bush and take the Brick. Their running game is already solid in the hands of Davis.
After reading the newest edition of the Sporting News, they published a mock-draft article. They mentioned Young’s poor decision to participate in a college QB all-star challenge, where he was not very impressive. My personal opinion is that Young’s showing should not diminish his stock; sometimes teams put too much emphasis on combines, 40 yard dash times, and silly obstacle course tests, but not of actual game footage. Let’s not forgot how impressive he has been throughout his career at Texas as a whole.
Sporting News had Young falling all the way down to the 10th spot, in the Arizona Cardinals lap. This would definitely make Coach Dennis Green happy. This mock draft didn’t even have Young as the first Texas Longhorn picked; they had S Michael Huff going ninth to the Detroit Lions. Well that throws the logic of some people’s thinking right out the door. Conversely, the Sporting News likes to publish some of e-mails fans send, and one Vince Young fan points out “If you want to win games, pick Reggie Bush in the NFL draft. If you want to win championships, pick Vince Young. Use your own judgment and common sense on draft day, and hope your team’s GM makes the right decision.
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