Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 1)

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Category : Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Draft / Off Season, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins

Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 1)

It’s a little early to be predicting the first round of the NFL Draft, yet people love to speculate what teams will do (Mel Kiper 9.0 by March). Every year Gridiron Experts refuses to post a Mock Draft too early, so instead we’re posting a 3 part team needs mock draft, giving an educated guess to what teams might be thinking.

Not every position that is lacking on an NFL squad has to be filled with a first round pick. There are still a ton of free agents that are about to hit the open market, and second year players who can step in now that they have a year under them; the first few weeks of March should completely change the draft, so here is a look at the NFL Draft based on how teams are sitting at the moment.

1) St. Louis Rams Team Needs: DT | QB | OT | CB | WR

The Rams really can’t screw this up. There are so many needs on this team that no matter whom they are able to grab in free agency, a blue chip player will be added to this team in the first round. Everyone is preaching about Ndamukong Suh, but the Rams have so much already invested on the defensive line that trading down a couple spots could really pay off with adding more talent quickly. A trade that could drop the Rams down just 5-6 spots is worth its weight in gold.

Mike Vick would be a great fit for this club since the Rams play in a dome, but the Eagles “no trade until the pre-season” smoke screen means the price is not cheap. Right now we’d say unload DE L. Little to the Eagles for Vick, and try to steal a couple of Philly’s late round picks, then grab Suh at pick one. Like we said, the end result is hard to mess up with the top pick in the draft, but teams do it all the time. The good news is there is so much offensive and defensive talent on the board this year that we’d be amazed if the Rams couldn’t improve on their 2 win season.

2) Detroit Lions Team Needs: DE | LB | CB …Anything On Defense

The Lions added a couple good defensive pieces last year with SS Louis Delmas and DT Sammie Lee Hill, but they need more. It’s unlikely that any of these bottom feeder teams are going to lure away an elite unrestricted free agent, so the Detroit Lions best bet is to simply take the best defensive player available. Another top key to this offseason for the Lions would be re-signing Larry Foote, who didn’t play as bad as his surrounding cast last year (70 tackles and 2 sacks). Re-signing Foote and maybe CB Williams James are the Lions top priorities in the next couple weeks.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Needs: DT | DE |LB | OL

The Buccaneers had the NFL’s worst rushing defense last year, allowing an average of 158.2 yards per game on the ground. Fans can say what they want about needing offense, but they’re in a division with Carolina’s J. Stewart and D. Williams, Falcons Michael Turner  and the Saints offensive attack. Pressure on the QB and stopping the run are big needs this offseason. DT Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma would be a great fit for the Bucs, but if Tampa can somehow add depth through free agency they would benefit from adding some kind of a pass rusher or one of the

NFL Quick Hits & Insights

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Category : Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles

LeSean McCoy – RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Beat writer Sheil Kapadia expects the Philadelphia Eagles to pursue a veteran complement to LeSean McCoy as opposed to drafting a backup. Grid-X= There’s no way the Eagles are going to burn a pick at running back in this years draft. The Eagles are in need of DB help along with LB help. A veteran RB signing is very possible, but with Leonard Weaver looking like the Hulk in green and the signing of CFL running back star Martell Mallett the Eagles are set at RB, despite what many might think. LeSean McCoy is very young and entered the draft at a very young age, his potential is huge.

Nnamdi Asomugha – CB, Oakland Raiders
Beat writer Rich Cimini believes the New York Jets could realistically be interested in trading for Nnamdi Asomugha, who is reportedly being dangled by the Raiders. Grid-X = We talked it over, and while the Jets are already very strong at CB, this isn’t the craziest rumor out there. In a year where money doesn’t seem to matter, why not go after the top DB and dominate against the pass? The Jets are in a conference with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, etc. -take it down.

Brett Favre – QB, Minnesota Vikings
Vikings LB Ben Leber indicated on Tuesday that he had a “gut feeling” that Brett Favre will return for another season. Grid-X= Why the hell not? Seriously, this time around Favre is not a pity thing, he is a Super Bowl ringer. Favre’s ‘09 season 49ers.comwas above and beyond better than anyone could have predicted, and Vikings fans have never been closer to a Super Bowl in the last 15 years than they were in the last season with number 4 under center.

Julius Peppers – DE, Carolina Panthers
Citing a league source, Brian Selzer of ESPN has said that Philadelphia confirms that the Eagles “are a target of interest” for free agent Julius Peppers.


2010 NFL HOF Ballot

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Category : Around the League, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers

My 2010 HOF Ballot

First of all, I’m not a fan of “big” Hall of Fame classes. I’d honestly like to see no more than five guys inducted a year. I think smaller classes shine the spotlight on each player receiving the greatest individual achievement in their sport.  I also think that when the big-name players are enshrined, the classes should be smaller, like three players max. Point in case: we’re already forgetting that David Robinson and John Stockton were part of the Michael Jordan NBA HOF Class of 2009.  Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan and Rutgers women’s basketball coach Vivian Stringer were also part of that class, but no one will remember that in five years. It’s a shame.

That being said, the problem with the NFL Hall of Fame is that the voters continue to overlook a lot of well qualified individuals, thus creating a backlog of players who should be enshrined in Canton, OH. (Cough, cough…RAY GUY!!!)

So, I pared my list down to seven individuals. That’s more than the five I’d like to see. But, as you’ll see, there are some old-schoolers on this list

NFL 2009’s Worst Personnel Decisions

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Category : Around the League, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

NFL 2009’s Worst Personnel Decisions

In the off-season each team makes moves in the effort of strengthening their team. Some of them are blockbuster deals (Albert Haynesworth), while others go unnoticed (Jeff Garcia). With the 2009 season at a wrap, here’s a look at some of the worst personnel decisions that specific teams have made. Some players don’t succeed due to injury, some due to coaching ineptitude, and the others simply due to their poor performance or a combination of these factors. Whatever the reason, I have compiled my list for you.

The Kansas City Chiefs lead off this list for us with the initial acquisition and subsequent signing of quarterback Matt Cassel. On November 14th the Chiefs signed Cassel to a 6 year 63 million dollar contract. In theory this was a good move as he was tagged by the Patriots and would have made much more of an impact on the cap in 2009 for the Chiefs. On the field Cassel showed some instances of brilliance but also showed signs of a quarterback who was clearly playing in a superior system the previous season. I expect the carousel at quarterback to keep rotating for the Chiefs in the next few seasons, but it was a good try, hence why they rest at the top of the list.

I obviously can’t not mention Terrell Owens’ name on this list, although when it was all said and done T.O. didn’t have the worst season: 55 grabs for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns. Owens has had worse seasons, 1999 with the 49ers to be exact, so I’m hard pressed to push him lower down on this list. I mentioned coaching ineptitude in the introduction, and this was specifically what I was speaking of. All of Owens’ receptions, yards, and touchdowns came at inopportune times; for example his 197 yard 1 touchdown performance in a loss to the Jags, or on the contrary his 44 total combined yards against the Jets.  Owens never seemed to be the go to guy for bills QB’s, and when a player of his calibre is brought in he must.

Jamarcus Russell is, for now at least, not the answer at QB in Oakland; if you still have faith, shelving it might be the best thing for your emotions. That being said, the signing of Jeff Garcia was an excellent move for the

NFL Headlines

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Category : Around the League, Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans

NFL Headlines

  • Reid: Westbrook “looks pretty good”  | PFT.com
  • Gruden says he won’t be joining the Redskins  | PFT.com
  • Bengals travel to Louisiana for Henry funeral | CBS Sports
  • Houston’s hot offense cools off in red zone | SportingNews
  • Titans lose two starting LBs for rest of season | Foxsports
  • Suisham in, Folk out in Dallas | ESPN
  • Raiders’ Tommy Kelly losing his pants | With Leather
  • “Had to Establish the Rules and Reggalations of the Game…Which Was 89” | Kissing Suzy Kolber
  • Classic Flick: Ice Cube’s Ode To The Raider Nation | KSpaceTv
  • Even with Gridiron Experts awful week 15 of picks, we’re still ahead of most of ESPN’s Experts with 150-75

Oakland Raiders No Joke

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Category : Around the League, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders

Oakland Raiders Hold Their Heads High

For years the Oakland Raiders were the punchline to any NFL joke. Al Davis’s itchy trigger finger for his head coach earned Oakland the reputation of being a nightmare job where no one wanted to go. The rotation of quarterbacks that have taken snaps for the black and silver during this 7 year drought can make a list as long as most NFL rosters. And while you have to add the 2009 year into the losing category, respect has to be given to a team that is making huge strides at becoming better.

The Oakland Raiders have knocked off the following playoff contending teams this year: Denver on the road, Pittsburgh on the road, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. All have winning records, and all faced a Raiders team that controlled the game from the first snap. A few bad turnovers did help in the Cincinnati game, but overall these were earned victories.

In week 15 JaMarcus Russell came into the game in relief and led the game-winning, 58-yard touchdown drive to beat the Broncos . Russell hasn’t been great this season, but baby steps need to be made with the 1st overall draft pick. He might not be the answer at quarterback, but time is on his side and big performances like this one should give him more game time. Michael Bush also ran for 133 yards, the second 100-yard effort by a Raiders running back this season. There is talent on this team, it’s just a matter of building on it. The Raiders need to address a few more holes but for the first time in years Oakland Raiders fans can go to work Monday morning with a smile on there face knowing their team could have ruined a divisional rivals playoff opportunity.

NFL Headlines

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Category : Around the League, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Headlines1999-f-da-eagles-heather1

  • Jason Avant – WR, Philadelphia Eagles
    Jason Avant is projected to be the Eagles’ starting wideout opposite DeSean Jackson with Jeremy Maclin (foot) out for Week 15.
  • Percy Harvin – WR, Minnesota Vikings
    Vikings coach Brad Childress said Tuesday that Percy Harvin (migraines) should be able to practice in some fashion Wednesday.
  • Todd Heap – TE, Baltimore Ravens
    Todd Heap injured his right ankle in the third quarter of the Ravens’ Week 14 win over Detroit.
  • Chris Henry – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
    Bengals coaches and players reportedly attribute Carson Palmer’s decline in numbers to Chris Henry’s season
  • J.P. Losman – QB, Buffalo Bills
    Profootballtalk.com’s Mike Florio reports the Raiders have agreed to terms with free agent QB J.P. Losman.
  • Kevin Smith - RB, Detroit Lions
    Lions placed Kevin Smith (knee surgery) on season-ending injured reserve.
  • DeMarcus Ware – LB, Dallas Cowboys
    DeMarcus Ware is scheduled to undergo more tests on Wednesday to ensure that the swelling in his neck has gone down.
  • Larry Fitzgerald – WR, Arizona Cardinals
    Larry Fitzgerald’s MRI revealed a bone contusion and right knee sprain, though the knee is stable and there is no significant damage.
  • Mike Bell – RB, New Orleans Saints
    Mike Bell (knee) is expected to return to game action this week.
  • Nick Folk - K, Dallas Cowboys
    Nick Folk will compete with kickoff specialist David Buehler for field goal duties this week.
  • Kevin Curtis – WR, Philadelphia Eagles
    Scout.com’s Adam Caplan expects Kevin Curtis (knee) to be a No. 4 receiver at best should he be healthy enough to play in Week 15.
  • Dwayne Bowe - WR, Kansas City Chiefs
    Chiefs beat writer Josh Looney expects Dwayne Bowe to return to the starting lineup in Week 15 “as long as he’s in game shape.”
  • Zach Miller – TE, Oakland Raiders
    Raiders coach Tom Cable revealed Monday that Zach Miller suffered a concussion in Sunday’s loss to Washington.
  • Joshua Cribbs – WR, Cleveland Browns
    Browns coach Eric Mangini revealed Monday that he’s considering converting Joshua Cribbs into a full-time tailback

NFL Headlines

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Category : Carolina Panthers, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans

NFL Headlines

  • buccaneers-cheerleadersChris Johnson – RB, Tennessee Titans
    Chris Johnson assured Thursday that his ankle is not an issue despite missing practice time this week.
  • JaMarcus Russell - QB, Oakland Raiders
    JaMarcus Russell said Thursday that he would be opposed to restructuring his contract this offseason.
  • Albert Haynesworth - DT, Washington Redskins
    Albert Haynesworth (ankle) remains a protective boot and is in danger of missing Sunday’s game at Oakland.
  • Marion Barber – RB, Dallas Cowboys
    Coach Wade Phillips has given no thought to putting the struggling Marion Barber in a strict “closing” role.
  • Percy Harvin - WR, Minnesota Vikings
    The Vikings confirmed that Percy Harvin has missed the past two days of practice with migraine headaches.
  • Matt Moore – QB, Carolina Panthers
    According to beat writer Steve Reed, sources close to the Panthers have indicated that Matt Moore will start at quarterback again this week.
  • DeAngelo Williams – RB, Carolina Panthers
    DeAngelo Williams (ankle) and Jonathan Stewart (heel) both participated in full practices for the second straight day.
  • Brian Westbrook – RB, Philadelphia Eagles
    Brian Westbrook (concussion) was officially limited in Wednesday’s practice.
  • Isaac Bruce – WR, San Francisco 49ers
    Beat writer Matt Maiocco would “not be surprised” if the next and last time Isaac Bruce (ankle) plays is Week 17 at St. Louis.

Parity is Over… Thank God

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Category : Around the League, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins

Season is OverParity is Over… Thank God

One of the most annoying things in the NFL over the past few seasons has to have been the word “parity” being loosely thrown around in the vernacular of all NFL analysts and announcers. Why was this so annoying? Because parity completely replaced the “Any Given Sunday” rule. On Monday Night ESPN Analyst and former all time 49ers great Steve Young busted out the term once more, albeit in a different fashion telling us all that “the days of parity are over”. Well these days, if they did exist, are in fact over because there is a large crop of teams this year that just can’t get it together and hence are paving the way for the teams that should be racking up the W’s.

Looking back historically, by this week the NFL has an average of 98.3 losses over the last 4 seasons; right now the NFL currently has 107 losses, which is not dangerously over pace but is a quick example of what is being spoken about.  What I mean to say exactly is that there are a handful of teams this year that can easily be scratched off your teams schedule for a win, unless of course you are one of these teams. These teams are: the St. Louis Rams (0-7), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7), the Tennessee Titans (0-6), the Cleveland Browns (1-6), the Kansas City Chiefs (1-6), the Detroit Lions (1-5), the Washington Redskins (2-5), the Oakland Raiders (2-5), the Seattle Seahawks – if they fail to stay healthy (2-4), the Carolina Panthers (2-4),  the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3), and