The Draft Kicks Off April 22
Spring has finally arrived in the Northeast corridor after weeks and weeks of monsoons and flooding, the gorgeous weather this past weekend means it is time for the Brotherhood to wake up from it’s winter long hibernation. Spring means a lot of things to a lot of people and it is mostly associated with new beginnings. Like in the NFL where we are 17 days away from the NFL Draft. The Combine is over and we have seen the majority of the big name prospects pro day come and go already. (Still Waiting for Jimmy Clausen to Throw4/9)
Here at Fantasy Football Brothers we love the draft and it is our Thanksgiving to our Christmas (The Christmas being fantasy drafts). We are eagerly awaiting April 22nd so that we can officially begin the 2010 Fantasy Season. I know I have made my thoughts known about the Thursday Night 1st Round Prime Time sellout show and I am not a fan. I hope it is a disaster and it gets moved back to the weekend. Doesn’t the NFL know it’s fans yet? This is the only sport that fans actually have Draft parties all across the Country. For most teams if this isn’t the best day of the year it is at least the happiest. Every team has the same record,every team has a chance to improve. What could be better than dedicating an entire weekend to watching your beloved team improve? Now I have to spend Thursday night and Friday night inside watching the draft, and yes I love it but will the misses or your future ex-wife? I will watch it all but it doesn’t mean I will like it.
Rob,Paul and I have gone back and forth with these picks and each one of us has added some analysis to each of the selections. We have been working on this draft for over two-weeks and last night McNabb was traded to Washington for a second rounder (37 Overall) and a conditional 3rd or 4th rounder in 2011. This has all but solidified Russell Okung or another lineman to the Redskins in the four spot. Be sure to check back on Thursday as the Brotherhood will be releasing Round Two. This article is for you Dan.
Sam Bradford Is Everyones Number One Pick
- St. Louis Rams-QB-Sam Bradford-Oklahoma
Bradford was always our number one ranked QB, but he was able solidify his number one QB status at his pro-day yesterday(Editors Note: Now Last Week) . He is not only the best QB out there, but has become a top 3 pick. He was able to show great accuracy only missing two passes during his scripted session. Bradford was able to make all the throws necessary and was able to perform under significant pressure in a scene that could only have been more accurately billed as a three ring circus. The path for Bradford has been all but cleared with the release of QB Marc Bulger. If the Rams are able to get him into camp on time, he becomes a huge threat to start the season as the starter. (Bill)
2. Detroit Lions-DT-Ndamuukong Suh-Nebraska
Suh is in our opinion the best available player in the draft. His game film speaks for itself. We honestly don’t understand how Gerald McCoy is even 1B next to Suh. If the Rams hadn’t passed on a Quarterback the last few years we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. The Lions will have to address the o-line in the second round and take the best available lineman because otherwise, Matt Stafford will not be able to develop properly if he is always on his back. (Paul)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-DT-Gerald McCoy-Oklahoma
McCoy is not a bad consolation prize next to Suh, but he is no Suh. McCoy does have some upside and should project into a solid defensive linemen, something the Bucs desperately need as they continue to turn over their roster. The Bucs desperately need a presence in the middle of their defense to take pressure off of the back seven. He has the highest potential amongst the top 5 to become a bust. (Rob)
4. Washington Redskins-OT-Russell Okung-Oklahoma St.
(Editor’s Note: This was written well before the McNabb trade but only further solidifies this pick) Okung is the best offensive linemen overall according to the Brotherhood. We love his size, yet he could still add some more weight to his 6’8″ frame, and retain his strength and athleticism. Yes, we acknowledge Clausen could go here, but that doesn’t mean he should. The Redskins o-line is in shambles and Okung would add an instant impact that Clausen can’t. The Redskins might also discover they have a pretty decent QB in Jason Campbell with an improved offensive line. Look for Mike Shanahan to build this team from the inside out, after all one of the staples of his great Denver Broncos teams’ was an imposing and athletic offensive line. (Bill)
5.Kansas City Chiefs-S-Eric Berry-Tennessee
Yes, the Chiefs are desperate for offensive line help but, Berry’s talent might be even too much for the talent lacking Chiefs to pass up. Berry would immediately upgrade a below average secondary that routinely was torched by opposing offenses and give the defense backfield some needed flexibility. Of course none of this will matter if the front 7 doesn’t put more pressure on opposing Quarterbacks. Even Darrel Revis can’t cover someone for six seconds. (Paul)
6. Seattle Seahawks-OT-Trent Williams-Oklahoma
We like Williams more than the other tackles available even though many scouts and alleged draft experts do not like him this early. He has size, and strength and plus athleticism for a big man. The Seahawks have a ton of needs as their entire roster got real old real fast. Pete Carroll needs to solidify the offensive line before addressing other parts of this team. The Seahawks would like to keep Hasselbeck for at least one more year and the best way to keep him healthy is behind a solid offensive line. (Rob)
7. Cleveland Browns-WR-Dez Bryant-Oklahoma St.
Bryant has had by far the most tumultuous off-season. He has been as high as a top 3 pick to sliding all the way down to the end of the first as far as the Jets. Until he runs a 4.6 forty time, he still rates the most dynamic offensive weapon in this draft. In what seems like his never ending string of bad decisions, Bryant stock has taken a beating. Yes he has not associated himself with the greatest of people, add in the season long suspension and owners would be wise to raise an eyebrow. Look for his pro-day to remove most of the doubters out there. (Editor’s Note: His Pro-Day has come and went. His forty time wasn’t lights out but he is still the best available offensive weapon. That being said his character issues could seriously effect him on draft day if a team doesn’t fall in love with him.)(Bill)
8. Oakland Raiders-OT-Bruce Campbell-Maryland
While Campbell had an amazing combine, there are still plenty of concerns out there about his ability to stay healthy and on the field. He still needs to work on his technique because everyone is fast and strong in the NFL. We don’t rate Campbell this high but when the Raiders are on the board, not only do we anticipate a meltdown, we expect it. (Paul)
9. Buffalo Bills-QB-Jimmy Clausen-Notre Dame
Clausen goes to the Quarterback desperate Bills. Clausen has yet to work out in a pro-day event. He has been the consensus number two QB here, and he could goes as high as four to Washington or drop to the end of the first round with a team trading back into the first to grab him in the twenties. He is the most pro ready, but we have concerns about his lack of upside, but he could become a serviceable starter. We are not huge fans of Clausen going this high, but we can see Buffalo grabbing him here, since QB is a huge need. (Rob)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars DE Derrick Morgan Georgia Tech
Morgan is a great 4-3 DE that can stop the run and put pressure on the QB. He will make an immediate impact as a rookie and likely push Harvey for playing time. The Jaguars acquired Aaron Kampman as a short term solution but Morgan will be the future. (Bill)
11. Denver Broncos ILB Rolando McClain Alabama
McClain is the best linebacker in this class and he fills a need after the release of Davis. He should be a key cog in the rebuilding of the front seven. McClain has the size and speed to play sideline to sideline and has the uncanny knack to diagnose plays as they develop before him. (Paul)
12. Miami Dolphins DT Dan Williams Tennessee
Dan Williams from the University of Tennessee. A couple of facts, Jason Ferguson is 35 years old and is a roid head, therefore he was caught by the NFL and will serve an eight game suspension. I also like this pick because it is a Parcells pick and what better type of player than Williams to start in the middle of an improving defense. (Rob)
13. San Francisco 49ers RB C.J. Spiller Clemson
CJ Spiller would go later but the fact that Seattle already addressed their offensive line needs earlier and know they can still get either Bryan Bulaga, or Anthony Davis when they pick again at 17. Spiller provides a dynamic jack of all trades player. He is an excellent kick returner, with great hands and is a threat to take it to the house if he gets outside. Spiller provides the perfect compliment to the hard running Frank Gore. (Bill)
14. Seattle Seahawks DE Everson Griffen USC
Though DE Jason Paul-Pierre is tough to pass up because of his tremendous upside the fact is, he may be better suited to play in a 3/4. Pete Carroll will stick to what he knows and select Everson Griffen. Griffen should compete right away for playing time as the Seahawks continue to turn over their roster with younger players. (Paul)
15. N.Y. Giants CB Joe Haden Florida
The Giants take Joe Haden, they can’t pass up his value at 15. Haden has been the number one rated cornerback despite his poor combine, but was able to improve his stock after a solid pro-day. His on the field play can not be discounted and he was by far the best corner in college football. Linebacker is a need, though too high for Kindle, and if they miss out on him Brandon Spikes should be there at 46 in the second round. (Rob)
16. Tennessee Titans DE Carlos Dunlap Florida
With both of their starting D-Ends gone from their 2009 team the Titans are desperate for help and select back to back Gators in Carlos Dunlap who is the best available 4/3 DE despite his character issues. He is still a top 15 talent and can start immediately. (Bill)
17. San Francisco 49ers (From CAR) OT Bryan Bulaga Iowa
After selecting Spiller with their first pick the 49ers are able to sure up the o-line with a solid player who’s not sexy but a necessity. Strongly considered Pierre-Paul in this spot. I could see them going with Paul at 13 and O-line at 17. That’s probably what they’ll do, but Rob has Bill’s ear so Spiller was the pick. (Paul)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers OT Anthony Davis Rutgers
Pittsburgh selects Anthony Davis to address an aging offensive line. Davis went into the off-season as a top 3 offensive linemen but concerns around his character and work ethic have emerged. Davis is a solid strong tackle and fills a huge need since the Steelers have struggled keeping Roethlisberger upright the last few years. Davis also offers some mauling ability something Pittsburgh has needed as they try to re-establish themselves as a power run team. (Rob)
19. Atlanta Falcons S Earl Thomas Texas
S Earl Thomas slid a little but provides needed help in the secondary to go along with recent free agent acquisition Dunta Robinson. Thomas is athletic enough to play corner or secondary and will fill what ever need the Falcons secondary needs. The Falcons secondary was one of the worst in 2009. (Bill)
20. Houston Texans CB Kyle Wilson Boise State
Wilson fills a need with a fore mentioned free agent loss of CB Dunta Robinson. Wilson is a solid cover corner, with a good ball hawking skills. Wilson often went unnoticed because he played in the WAC, but his skills were on display at the combine and many scouts raved about this kids intangibles. (Paul)
21. Cincinnati Bengals OG Mike Iupati Idaho
Iupati offers a need to improve the Bengals offensive line. Though a bit raw he is by far the best guard in the draft and the best available offensive lineman. He is a mauler, but still needs to work on his technique. (Rob)
22. New England Patriots DE Brandon Graham Michigan
The Patriots trade down twelve spots for a second round bust or The Pats select OLB/DE Brandon Graham. Not since Tedi Bruschi came to the Pats as a tweener out of Arizona has a player prospect like Graham screamed Im a Patriot through and through. (Bill)
23. Green Bay Packers C Maurice Pouncey Florida
The Pack would love to select CB Devin McCourty with this pick but cant because they really need to upgrade the o-line. That’s why they need to draft Maurice Pouncey. Pouncey is the pick by default and will start and anchor the offensive line right away. He is hands down the best available center and can provide consistency in the middle something the Packers need desperately. (Paul)
24. Philadelphia Eagles S Taylor Mays USC
The Eagles look for the heir apparent to Brian Dawkins and select Taylor Mays who scares the crap out of any wide receiver going over the middle. Mays has size,speed and athleticism that teams drool over. The problem is his skills never match his on field production. (Rob)
25. Baltimore Ravens OLB/DE Sergio Kindle Texas
Baltimore always goes with the best available athlete and Kindle provides the instant spark to the pass rush that the Ravens were missing last season. He has much to learn as a backer but Baltimore has enough depth to bring the former Longhorn along slowly. Baltimore would be wise to start addressing their aging secondary but their is plenty of talent in this draft as far as the secondary is concerned. (Bill)
26. Arizona Cardinals CB Devin McCourty Rutgers
Zona could have gone in several different directions with this pick. The defense has had significant losses over the last few week and trying to replace top talent with the like of Joey Porter and Kerry Rhodes is a recipe for disaster. Safety, Corner and Linebacker and even the D-line could all use an upgrade with this pick. We liked LB Jerry Hughes,DE Jared Odrick,DT Brian Price and LB Sean Weatherspoon here but feel McCourty fills a pressing need more than any of the other guys mentioned. McCourty is a solid pick here and is considered to be a top 3 corner in this draft. (Paul)
27. Dallas Cowboys OT Rodger Saffold Indiana
Yes this might be a reach pick, but it also a need pick. Anyone who saw the playoffs last year saw what age can do to an offensive line, that’s you Flozell Adams as they were run over and QB Tony Romo was running for his life. By the way if Bruce Campbell is still available they’ll take him instead. (Rob)
28. San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews Fresno State
Ryan Mathews is the perfect fit right here for the Chargers. He is young, fast, strong and has sneaky agility. He possesses an uncanny ability to move sideways while also showing a little wiggle. He is the most complete back in the draft. Mathews was able to ease concern around his hand during his recent pro-day event showing soft hands and was able to show some decent route running. (Bill)
29. N.Y. Jets DE Jared Odrick Penn State
Although there is still the possibility of a B. Marsh trade with this pick it hasn’t happened yet. Other players the Jets could have interest in is WR Arrelious Benn and Golden Tate. I don’t see them going in this direction. Wide out is a position of need but not as pressing as some people would think. They tendered Edwards a first and third round pick and also have a decent option in Cotchery. However, I think they would be more than happy if Odrick fell to them at this point. He’s a perfect fit as a 3/4 defense end in a Rex Ryan defense and would add an upgrade to an already stellar defense. (Paul)
30. Minnesota Vikings DT Brian Price UCLA
The Vikings select Brian Price. Pat Williams has hinted at retirement and Price would give this team some youth up front something they are desperately lacking. He can provide a breather for both aging big men this year and move into the starting line up in 2011. (Rob)
31. Indianapolis Colts OLB Sean Weatherspoon Missouri
Weatherspoon’s speed and athleticism fit perfectly in the Tampa-2 scheme that the Colts employ. He has great speed and athleticism allowing him to chase down plays on the backside and also has the speed to get deep in coverage and cover Tight-Ends and backs.(Bill)
32. New Orleans Saints OLB/DE Jason Pierre-Paul USF
How good would Arrelious Been look in a Saints jersey? However, I just don’t see them going with a wide out when linebackers has become a need with the defection of Scott Fujita. The Saints like their linebackers athletic and Pierre-Paul is an absolute steal here at the end of the first round. He might not be a prototypical 4-3 LB but he is worth drafting here just for his pass rushing ability alone. He is super raw but is very athletic, how much of his success last season was due to fellow Bulls D-End George Selvie receiving a ton of attention from opposing offensive lines remains to be seen. (Paul)
Come Back On Thursday For Round Two
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