Packers Please Fans With Smart Draft Picks

By: Sunset Brown

Certain NFL teams were very on edge approaching Draft 2010. They needed very specific positions filled and they had first pick at the best players entering the league which made teams and fans very anxious. Draft day was a lot less stressful for Packer coaches, players, and fans. There were some obvious weaknesses on the O-Line that needed to be addressed, but other than that, we were already working with a very capable squad.

My hopes for the draft were that the Packers would pick up:

A star Offensive Linemen (or two) to strengthen the line and give Rodgers the time he needs to stay of the ground (he got sacked WAY too many times last season)

A more capable Kick off and Punt Returner. Tramon Williams rarely returned the ball for more than 20 yards last season and hasn’t scored a big touchdown on return since 2007. (My real hopes were that Kansas City’s Dante Hall would sip from the fountain of youth and come play in Green Bay, but since that didn’t happen…)

Our 1^st round pick was #23 Offensive Tackle out Iowa, Bryan Bulaga. This was a pleasant surprise to me being that OT’s Chad Clifton and Mark Tausher both re-signed and we still decided to use our #1 pick on the O-Line. Its a very good choice in my opinion because Tausher and Clifton have been very effective and consistent but they are getting older this being their 10^th and 11^th year with the Packers. The decision to use the first pick on an O-Lineman shows the Packers commitment to stepping up the offense and protecting Rodgers, which I believe is critical in the Packers making it to the SuperBowl. As GM Ted Thompson said, its always good to draft linemen. They don’t get a lot of hype but they are usually the best and most dependable rookie performers.

2^nd pick-The beautiful Mike Neal, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End from Purdue. I’ve attached a picture of him not because he has the body of a god, but to show what a great pick this was. He is so strong, yet physically fit for a lineman. He’s big, yet in shape. He is known for rarely coming out of the game at Purdue. He’s got lots of speed and stamina which will be a great addition to our already stellar defense. What I love is how confident yet humble he is. He was very appreciative to the Packers picking him in the 2^nd round at #56. He says they had faith in him and he will deliver.

3^rd-Morgan Burnett, Corner back/Safety from Georgia tech

We were only on our 3^rd pick and the Packers had already made the picks I thought were most needed. The added protection to Aaron Rodgers blindside from Bulaga, and now Burnett who could potentially serve on special teams as kickoff/punt returner. The Packers traded both their 2^nd 3 round pick and their 4^th round pick to get Morgan Burnett. Nick Collins was solid at the position last season after taking over for Atari Bigby who was hurt in the 1^st game of the season. Burnett can also play Line Backer even though I don’t think he’ll see much play at that position with the awesome line up of LB’s we already have. TEAM CLAY MATTHEWS =)

5^th-Tight End Andrew Quarless from Penn State

Andrew Quarless is unfortunately not most known for his incredible athletic ability. Most college football followers know him as the talented kid with a drinking problem who had gotten into a series of problems involving alcohol including a DUI which almost got him kicked off of his team. However he quickly got himself together and will now join Donald Lee, Jermichael Finley, and Spencer Havner at the TE position. I doubt he’ll get much run with all 3 TE’s playing great ball last year and having major contributions in critical games; but as they get older or god forbid anyone gets hurt, he will eventually get his chance.

The Packers also drafted Tackle/Guard, Marshall Newhouse from TCU, Defensive End, C.J. Wilson from East Carolina, who was Conference Defensive Player of the Year (ESPN), and Running Back James Starks from Buffalo.

Picked in round 6 James Starks would’ve gone much earlier if he hadn’t missed his last year at Buffalo due to a shoulder injury. He is an extremely talented and versatile player. He entered Buffalo as a Quarter Back, then played at Corner, then ended in the Running Back position. Having to study the intricate details of all these positions he has more insight of the game the most. Some thought this was a risky pick but the Packers are very satisfied with Ryan Grant and wont need too much from James Starks as of yet. Starks claims he is 100% healed and the Packers trust that he is.

Overall I’m extremely pleased with the choices General Manager Ted Thompson and the Packer Organization have made and I am excited to see the new draftees play this season! I had no doubt as this team has a legacy of successful management which makes me proud to be a fan. Once again I’ve got Super Bowl hopes…GO PACK GO!

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Raiders 2010 Draft Was Different..............

As a Raiders fan, the NFL Draft is not something that I look forward to. This year however was different. Each year the draft has a player with speed, that’s overhyped and if you leave it up to Al the Raiders would get him and overpay. Our first round draft pick would surprise me but not disappoint me. Rolando McClain, a LB that will add fire and youth to the defense and make up for the Kirk Morrison trade.

The remainder of the draft gave me hope that the Oakland Raiders are slowly but surely piecing the Commitment to Excellence puzzle back together to hit the league hard and become a contending team again. The Raiders chose Offensive and Defensive lineman such as LB Rolando McClain, DT Lamarr Houston and OL Bruce Campbell. That will add an immediate spark to the team. Jacoby Ford (WR) will have to compete with the likes Chaz Schillens and Louis Murphy for a starting spot but he mirrors DHB so we’ll have to see which one Oaklands thinks is the better of two evils.

Watching the draft there was word going around that Oakland was in talks with the Washington Redskins to get Jason Campbell. Curiosity was killing me, I thought after the signing of Kyle Boller; Oakland must be up to something. Signing Jason Campbell was a good step in the right direction. AlthoughCampbell was beat down as a Redskin, he managed to improve at the QB position yearly. The draft of OT Jared Valdheer will keep Campbell off of his back seeing that during his college career, Jared never allowed a sack. Jeremy Ware (DB) will fit well opposite side of Nnamdi. Ware isn’t afraid to hit and is capable of separating the Wide Receivers from the ball. His size will play a role in defending taller, heavier receivers but his speed and awareness should make up for that. Travis Goethel Linebacker from Arizona ranks with Rolando McClain to me. He is able to play any of the LB positions and can defend the run. Stevie Brown, a DB out ofMichigan has a lot to prove to join the Oakland roster. His team had a losing season and he has only 4 interceptions in his 4 years as a Wolverine. That’s not going to cut it when the Raiders have had great DBs like Charles Woodson and Lester Hayes.

The Raiders also signed 8 undrafted rookie free agents. While LB Brashton Satele, DE Alex Daniels, FB Chane Molina and RB Andre Anderson will need to leave everything on the field to make an impact, I believe the other 4 will be able to start immediately and make their presence felt. Wide out Trent Guy should serve best on Special Teams as a return guy, running for positive yardage each time. FB Manase Tonga has great lower body strength with good size. Kellen Heard can line up as an OT/DT and plays well on both sides of the ball and RG Alex Parson out of USC. The Raiders came out decent in this draft. Oakland selected players wisely and picked up some good talent in late rounds. Now it’s time to see what they can do with it.

By: JaNaye

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Eagles Had Defense In Mind For 2010 Draft

It's no big surprise that the Eagles drafted with our defense in mind in the 2010 NFL draft. That's were we showed a great deal of weakness last season especially after loosing the heart and soul of our defense, Brian Dawkins, to the Denver Broncos. So we worked our way up to a 13th pick in the first round to ensure we got our hands on pass rusher extraordinaire, Brandon Graham out of Michigan. After Graham, more defensive picks followed including a free safety, a defensive end, a cornerback, and a linebacker all being added to the roster before one offensive player got an Eagle-eyed look. We picked up a total of nine defensive players and drafted more new players than any other team in the 2010 rounds for a total of 13! Talk about a remodeling project. That's almost a total makeover!

And I get it.

We were completely exposed in the secondary to the point that we were almost nude. So to ensure that we locked up the 37th draft pick of South Florida safety Nate Allen in the second round, we had to do some serious finagling in the off season. And that included ditching veteran Quarterback Donovan McNabb. Ouch. (It still hurts me to think about it.) As a part of the Eagle's defensive unit Nate Allen and Brandon Graham will be charged with stopping McNabb, the new Washington Redskins quarterback as opposed to being teammates with the man that lead the team to an 11-4 season last year.

It sucks to win sometimes, and this was one of those rare times because we just didn't win enough with McNabb. I understand that we didn't win the big games plus we sorely missed Brian Dawkins relentless attack and leadership on our defense so I certainly get it. Our selection of Allen was a great one! Costly if you ask me but great.

On draft day our wheeling and dealing for picks had you wanting to yell bingo after all the numbers were finally worked out. Only New England came close to drafting as many new players with 12 additions to the Pats Roster. We got the quickness and speed we needed on defense and with quarterback Kevin Kolb as the new leader of the offense, former Saints running back Mike Bell in the line-up following the release of Brian Westbrook, we're embarking on a new era in Eagles football.

The Birds will hit the ground running with a mini-camp scheduled for the end of April to start the off season prep work. I can certainly say that if nothing else, the 2010 season will be an interesting year of rebuilding.

I know I can't wait. Not to rush through the spring and summer, but I'm ready for some football!

So I'll see you on the sidelines...after the beach and the barbeques of course!

Helen "Love My Eagles" Little

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The Wizard Of Patriots Nation

Dust off your Belichick sweatshirt and get ready for some football! It’s April…but I'm not kidding. Celts just closed out the Heat, the Bruins are heading to the Stanley Cup and the Red Sox are back to business, but I’m missing my football fix. It’s about the time I start surfing for old playoff games and Arena football…wait. There is hope, the World Champion Saints roll into Gillette less than 4 months from now and I’m already excited. The team is already back to business in every way. The NFL Draft weekend extravaganza just puts a stamp on that. It always leaves some people feeling more confused than watching an episode of LOST, but it can also bring pure football joy.

Every team went under the Roger Goodell Festivus pole and unwrapped their new gift. With childlike anticipation I waited for our turn. Would there be a gift of defense, or would Tom Brady’s dreams come true in the form of a new receiver to match Randy Moss. 19…20…21…oh here we go…and with the 22^nd pick…I couldn’t contain myself. Then it happened, those tiny words at the bottom of the screen, Patriots trade to Denver. Well, that’s ok I thought; perhaps Bill owed Josh a favor and is repaying him here. Ok two more and we’re up again with the 24^th pick, before I even got that out of my mouth, I see at the bottom of the screen once again, we’ve decided to trade to Dallas, and they took the guy I was secretly banking on, Dez Bryant; the guy that was easily the top wide receiver in the entire draft. What was my team thinking!?! I was crushed. I wanted to kick something, and fortunately for my tv it was situated far from where I was positioned with my laptop on the floor. By this point I was annoyed I actually watched this thing, but I was lying to myself, because there was no way I would be doing anything else at that moment, but as a fan, I felt a little betrayed.

On the next pick, number 27, I was already thinking that if the Pats traded again, I would just console myself in the half gallon of Edy’s ice cream I had. Here we go…feeling uneasy because I have no idea which way my team is going to go at this point. Finally, much to my relief, they pick up Devin McCourty a cornerback out of Rutgers. My gut reaction was to tweet; “well of course we chose him, we will need him now that we’ve given Dez Bryant away to Dallas.”

It took me two days, eleven more picks and three football discussions to recover from that first night. Now I’m at ease with the 2011 dozen. Others seem not so secure in the Coach’s decisions. They’ve said we made no move that improves us as a team. They’ve said all the other teams built on what they had last year, while we remained the same. I don’t necessarily agree with that line of thinking. Belichick is known for taking the ordinary and making it look extraordinary. He has created a solid niche for those who others see as “mediocre” players. He is seeking guys that fit his system. All others need not apply. The Patriots system proved successful in the last decade, but can it continue to do so moving forward. Most are saying it’s over, we’re done, we’re rebuilding. Well, yes, we are rebuilding. The team dynamic and chemistry from previous years we may never see again. But I’d argue the system is still working. We filled in every major gap we had on both sides of the ball this draft. Belichick worked his usual strategy of multiplying picks for not just this year, but next year as well. He's methodical and patient, seeking long term reward instead of satisfying our needs for instant gratification.

And look at what was in our gift bags; Two wide receivers, two Tight Ends, InsideLinebacker,Outside Linebacker, a Cornerback, a Quarterback, Defensive Linemen, a much needed Center and even a Punter. Oh my, we couldn't have done better if Dorothy clicked her ruby slippers. The beauty of having so many picks are the odds involved for successfully working them into the system.

People in New England have been bitten by the Championship bug, so just making the playoffs is no longer enough, the only result we want is in the form of a title. That might be more pressure than a guy who knows his girlfriend is waiting for a ring. The rookie is trying to learn, trying to push themselves and trying to stay here. I'm feeling pretty positive about the direction of my team so everyone step away from the ledge and let’s see with these young guys can do.

By Caprice

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Niners Draft A Success!

This year's draft was different with the change to primetime and three days instead of two. I personally like the new format even though it's during the NBA playoffs. I can miss a game or two.

The Niners made some good picks in the draft, especially in the first two rounds. They picked Anthony Davis, a tackle from Rutgers (Go RU!), who can step in immediately and allow Joe Staley to move to right tackle where more help is needed. Their second pick in the first round was Mike Iupati, a guard from Idaho, who is a great run blocker. These two picks sure up the offensive line to protect the QB and allow a better running game. The second round pick was Taylor Mays, a free safety from USC. Mays was a projected first round pick so this was a steal for them in the mid second round.

Rounds 3-7 involve players that may not have an impact early this season but will contribute in the future. Navorro Bowman (third round) and Phillip Adams (seventh round) should benefit under the guidance of Coach Singletary, a defensive minded coach. Anthony Dixon gives the Niners a three-headed running monster with Frank Gore and Glen Coffee. Nate Byham gives then a blocking tight end to compliment Vernon Davis, and Kyle Williams can be used as a fourth receiver or return man.

Before the draft, the Niners made moves to shake things up a bit. They traded away Shaun Hill and signed David Carr. This gives them a veteran QB core. The offensive line just has to protect either Alex Smith or Carr and allow them to show why they were both #1 overall picks. They also traded for Ted Ginn Jr. to add to the receiving core and return game.

Last year the Niners finished 8-8 with a couple close losses to the Colts, Vikings and Packers, all playoff teams. I believe with these signing, those close losses will turn into close wins. Either way I will be cheering them on all season long.

By Ashley

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In Ozzie We Trust- Words To Live By!

On Thursday, the Ravens and their fans patiently waited for their turn to pick in the 75th NFL Draft. We'd seen guys that many thought would possibly fall to us go off the board. There was Jermain Gresham, who went to Cincy. There was Demaryius Thomas, who made his way to Denver. And just as we thought WR Dez Bryant would fall into our laps, Dallas traded with New England, the pick before us, and snatched him up.

As I eagerly waited to see who we would pick at 25, the news came that the Ravens traded their pick to Denver. Great! I waited all night for this and you trade it away. But then word came in on what Denver gave up to move back into the first round. A 2nd, 3rd and 4th round pick, in exchange for our 25th overall pick. This HAS to be highway robbery, isn't it?! The Ravens had struck draft gold. From that point on I knew, Ozzie Newsome still amongst the great GMs in the NFL.

Newsome turned around and used those extra picks to have a very good draft, taking LB Sergio Kindle (originally projected as a 1st round pick) and DT Terence Cody (AKA Mt Cody) in the 2nd round, along with TEs Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta in the 3rd and 4th rounds, respectively.

While most fans are still concerned about not drafting a cornerback in the draft, Ozzie addressed 2 huge needs for the Ravens- a pass rusher and a run stuffer. In order for the defensive backfield to be effective, it has to have a good pass rush. The Ravens front office is also one of the top organizations is recognizing talent in undrafted free agents as well. I suspect the cornerback situation will be addressed in the players who haven't been drafted, but looking for an NFL home.

While most questioned Ozzie's strategy this offseason, let's take a look at what he did- He brought in Anquan Boldin via trade for their 3rd and 4th round picks. He received the 3rd and 4th rounders back and added a 2nd round pick when he traded his 25th overall pick to the Denver Broncos. The Ravens went from having 5 draft picks to 7, and in doing so added an abundance of talent from the draft.

While we have yet to know how the new Ravens will pan out, it's an early prediction that the Ravens were one of the best teams during Day 2 of the NFL Draft. I am fully please at what the Ravens have done so far, and I expect more things to come in the coming months, up until training camp.

In Ozzie We Trust- Words that a true Ravens fan should live by!

By: The NFL Chick

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Chiefs- The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

While April is a time of renewal for most people, for NFL owners, managers, and friends, it is like Christmas. Everyone is anxious to see what presents are going to come their way. Sometimes, you get a gift that you can use immediately and is an absolute treasure (Matt Ryan), or you can get a lump of coal, who after three years, still hasn’t matured into a diamond (JaMarcus Russell). So, we fans wait for the incarnation of Santa that is our general manager and his elves (coaches and coordinators) to deliver presents that will turn our teams into Super Bowl contenders. The past three years, the Kansas City Chiefs have been getting passing grades for their drafts, yet none of these guys have matured into NFL Stars. 2007 1^st round draft pick Dwayne Bowe is a fairly good receiver, most fans thought the Chiefs hit pay dirt gaining both Glenn Dorsey and Brandon Albert in 2008 (remember them?), and in 2009, the Chiefs drafted Tyson Jackson. All high ranking on draft boards; all still trying to live up to that hype and money they were given.

This year the Chiefs, by virtue of the suckage that was their record, found themselves once again in the top 10 of the draft and at #5 they took safety Eric Berry from Tennessee. While I was shocked that they did not pick a kid from LSU, they did stay within the SEC with Berry. As a fan of the SEC, I’m rather biased, but Berry is a very accomplished player. Turnovers are something the Chiefs had 15 interceptions and 11 forced fumbles as a team. As a Vol, Berry had 14 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. I’m not foolish enough to believe that those 14 will translate onto the NFL stage, but I do believe that Berry will be a welcome addition to the Chiefs defense under the tutelage of Romeo Crennel.

Sticking with the SEC, the drafted from my home state, Ole Miss’s Dexter McCluster who had 1169 yards and 8 TDs as a Rebel. However, the Chiefs have him listed as a WR…huh? What? Jamaal Charles had 1120 yards last year with 7 TDs last year, followed by Larry Johnson, who is now a Redskin, and Matt Cassell (that’s right the third leading runner was the QB). Why Dex is going to be a receiver? Maybe Coach Haley and Weis know something I don’t. Well, I know they do…well, never mind.

Chiefs picked up DB Javier Arenas from Alabama (SEC, go figure). The Chiefs received this pick in exchange for the greatest Tight End Ever, Tony Gonzalez…moment of silence for the loss of TG…Any who, Arenas played corner for Saban’s Crimson tide. I’m not impressed by the 5’9” size considering some of the receivers in the AFC West. The Chargers alone with their skyscrapers Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd, and TE Antonio Gates-all of these jokers are over 6’4”. I know, he won’t be Tony G. caliber, but Javy, I’m saying a prayer for ya brother…

Chiefs tried to shore up the OL with Jon Asamoah of Illi and grabbed TE Tony Moeaki from Iowa in the 3^rd, Kendrick Lewis DB from Mississippi and Cameron Sheffield LB in from Troy in the fifth. Romeo Crennel should be happy with his new players on D, but I’m interested in what Charlie Weis is going to do with the O, considering poor Matt “60 million dollar man” Cassell spent a large part of the season run for his life. All in all the Chiefs draft wasn’t that bad. I’d give it a B, but we have been getting passing grades for the last three years with not much to show for it . I’m naturally a pessimist (I find life is a little easier that way); however, I’m cautiously optimistic about the Chiefs chances this year. Maybe Santa Pioli has a playoff win in his draft sack for all the anxious boys and girls at Arrowhead…

CHunt-Slightly Obnoxious and Overly Pessimistic Chiefs Fan

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Jets Draft- Finally On To Something

By: Terita

So I'll be spending the next 136 days wondering if the Jets draft choices were the right ones. On the surface, it looks like Tannenbaum and Co. did a great job of addressing some glaring needs.

I'm sad to see Leon Washington and Alan Faneca go, but the thing is-nobody knows what kind of player Washington is going to be if and when he comes back, and Faneca is growing old.

The Jets Chose CB Kyle Wilson out of Boise State with their first pick. He was rated one of the top 15 DBs in the draft, and should definitely be able to start sooner rather than later. The Jets then addressed some offensive needs, picking up UMass OL Vladimir Ducasse in the second round, USC RB Joe McKnight in the fourth round, and in the fifth round, with the pick they got from Seattle in exchange for Leon Washington, they took Kentucky FB John Conner.

It's looking like the Jets are finally on to something. What it turns into this season is a whole other story. Next stop? OTAs

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