Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 2)

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Category : Around the League, Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, NFL Draft / Off Season, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks

Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 2)

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 a 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 that can step in now that they have a year under them, and 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.

Read the First Article: Team Needs Mock Draft (Part 1)

11) Denver Broncos Team Needs: DT | DE | WR | QB

Strange to see Denver this high on the board considering the fast start to the season with new coach Josh McDaniel’s. The Broncos completely fell apart in the final month of the season, losing 4 games in a row, including losses to the Chiefs and Raiders.

The Broncos will likely try to improve their running defense through free agency and could target an offensive playmaker with pick 10. The Brandon Marshall trade rumors have started to fire up, causing many mock draft experts to target the top wide receiver landing in Denver.

Demaryius Thomas is high in our books, but a broken foot could hurt his stock value, making Dez Bryant a strong favorite. There is also a chance that if a top QB is available at 10 the Broncos could fill the shoes left by Jay Cutler. Either way the Broncos are sitting strong at pick 10 to take the best player available without the huge rookie money at the top of the draft.

12) Miami Dolphins Team Needs: WR | LB | SS

The Dolphins had injuries to key players in ‘09, but did an amazing job filling position spots. Players stepped up week after week to fill roles unlike any other team. The Dolphins are a diamond in the rough; if they can stay healthy and add a couple playmakers, this team could challenge for the AFC East division title.

This young team is a year older and wiser now, and will try to grow on the accomplishments of the ‘09 season. Personally Gridiron Experts would like to see this pick used on the offensive side of the ball, and we’re sure fans would agree. Adding a WR that can stretch the field would be ideal for this running attack, yet the team has enough rookies, and leadership would be nice as well.

We think trading this pick to a team like Arizona for a smart, tough WR like Anquan Boldin would be a great move. At 29 the trade wouldn’t be pick for player, but if a mid round pick came with Boldin, the Dolphins would walk away happy. Gridiron Experts sees pick 12 the first traded away pick of the draft, either down to gain more picks, or to another team for a veteran leader. The Dolphins are already a young team and need to add talent and wisdom now.

13) San Francisco 49er’s Team Needs: OT | WR | SS | KR

The only thing the 49er’s need to do this offseason is cut Takeo Spikes. Why? Because the veteran linebacker is a playoff curse. In the 12 years that Takeo Spikes has been in the NFL he has never been a part of a team that has made the playoffs…wow!

The 49er’s don’t really have any massive needs on the team, despite what some may say about QB Alex Smith.

Alex Smith was solid down the stretch and should have done just enough to have earned another opportunity to start for the 49er’s next season. There is a chance that Smith could succeed and lead this team into the post season if a smart offensive system can be installed that this young club can get behind.  Keep in mind we’re being optimistic, as newly hired offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye II doesn’t come with an impressive resume. Raye has never run an offense that has ranked high in any category that mattered, and his hiring makes no sense in the direction the

NFL Headlines

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Category : Around the League, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams

NFL Headlinesjoanna_krupa_bikini

  • Matt Ryan – QB, Atlanta Falcons
    Matt Ryan (turf toe) was limited in Friday’s practice.
  • Michael Turner - RB, Atlanta Falcons
    Michael Turner (ankle) and Matt Ryan (toe) were both limited in Friday’s practice and are listed as questionable for Week 15.
  • Larry Fitzgerald – WR, Arizona Cardinals
    Larry Fitzgerald’s (questionable, knee) practice reps were increased Friday, and he said after the workout that he will play at Detroit.
  • Calvin Johnson – WR, Detroit Lions
    Coach Jim Schwartz confirmed Friday that Calvin Johnson (knee) will be a game-day decision in Week 15.
  • Steven Jackson - RB, St. Louis Rams
    Steven Jackson, already on the Week 15 injury report with lingering back spasms, missed practice Friday with what Rams coach
    Steve Spagnuolo termed “flu-like symptoms.”
  • Mark Sanchez – QB, New York Jets
    Jets coach Rex Ryan confirmed Friday that Mark Sanchez will start Sunday’s game against the Falcons.
  • Reggie Brown – WR, Philadelphia Eagles
    Coach Andy Reid confirmed Friday that Reggie Brown will replace Jeremy Maclin (foot) as the Eagles’ starting split end in Week 15, not Jason Avant.
  • Terrell Owens – WR, Buffalo Bills
    After missing his second straight practice Friday, Terrell Owens (illness) was listed as questionable for Week 15.
  • Justin Forsett - RB, Seattle Seahawks
    Coach Jim Mora revealed Friday that he plans to use Justin Forsett and Julius Jones in a “split series” rotation Sunday versus Tampa Bay.
  • Jeremy Shockey - TE, New Orleans Saints
    Jeremy Shockey (toe) was limited in Friday’s practice and is listed as questionable for Saturday night’s game.
  • Sedrick Ellis – DT, New Orleans Saints
    Saints DT Sedrick Ellis is listed as questionable for Saturday night after developing a sore knee during practice this week.
  • Joe Flacco – QB, Baltimore Ravens
    This week’s Ravens-Bears game at M&T Bank Stadium has been moved from 1PM ET to 4:15ET due to expected heavy snowfall.

Mike Vick: Pity or Increased Role

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Category : Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles

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Mike Vick: Pity or Increased Role

On Sunday in Atlanta Michael Vick went 2/2 throwing for 48 yards and 1 touchdown while putting in another score on the ground with 4 carries for 17 yards. Based on what we all saw out of Michael Vick on Sunday, is one supposed to believe that Vick will have an increased role going forth in the Eagles offense, or was he simply getting pity touches in his former pantheon of brilliance?

The short answer is “pity”. If you didn’t happen to catch the game, Vick’s first pass, and subsequent next play that led to his rushing score came while the Eagles had a very comfortable margin of victory (13-0 with 9:44 to go in the third). The margin of victory was so comfortable, that Falcons fans seemed not to care that their team was losing; the fans were cheering feverously for Vick, so Eagles head coach Andy Reid obliged the fans request and sent number 7 out onto the field. Later on Sheldon Brown took a pick to the house and the birds were up 20-0, and sure enough in the 4th Vick came back out onto the field, this time hooking up with budding star tight end Brent Celek for a 5 yard score.

Vick was put into the game because they were up comfortably and more importantly because they were in his former home. However seeing him in this role had to have intrigued the coaching staff for the Eagles. We shouldn’t expect to see Vick taking snaps too often, but I do think it’s logical to

NFL Headlines

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Category : Around the League, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks

NFL HeadlinesJoanna_krupa_bikini

  • DeSean Jackson – WR, Philadelphia Eagles
    DeSean Jackson admitted he had headaches and was fatigued all last week, but says the headaches stopped on Sunday.
  • Julius Jones – RB, Seattle Seahawks
    Julius Jones (chest) came out of Sunday’s win over the 49ers in full health despite 25 touches.
  • Anthony Gonzalez - WR, Indianapolis Colts
    Colts President Bill Polian revealed that Anthony Gonzalez had a setback with his knee and needed arthroscopic surgery.
  • Mike Wallace – WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
    Rookie Mike Wallace is expected to start at wide receiver Thursday if Hines Ward (hamstring) can’t go.
  • Steve Slaton – RB, Houston Texans
    Steve Slaton has been dealing with numbness in his shoulder for about a month, status a wait and see.
  • Mark Clayton – WR, Baltimore Ravens
    Mark Clayton injured his hamstring during Monday night’s loss to the Packers, the Ravens are struggling on offense and the loss of Clayton wouldn’t help
  • Roddy White – WR, Atlanta Falcons
    Roddy White was targeted 20 times in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles. White is a must start this week for the Falcons
  • Clinton Portis – RB, Washington Redskins
    Clinton Portis’ season is over after the Redskins placed him on injured reserve due to complications from his concussion.
  • Matt Schaub – QB, Houston Texans
    After undergoing an MRI on his left (non-throwing) shoulder, Matt Schaub remained optimistic that he will be able to play Sunday.
  • Graham Gano – K, Washington Redskins
    Redskins signed K Graham Gano and released K Shaun Suisham
  • Nick Folk – K, Dallas Cowboys
    Nick Folk has missed five of his last seven field goal attempts.

Waiver Wire Sleepers

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Category : Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Fantasy Football Strategies, Sleepers & Player Rankings

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Last Minute Waiver Wire Sleepers

Believe it or not, whether you’re 11-0 or 5-6 at this point in the season, searching for and finding gems on the waiver wire never gets old. At least it shouldn’t, not if you’re as dedicated to fantasy football success as we are.

The names won’t blow you away, but there are at least a couple of guys at each position that can help you out in some manner, and all should be available in over 50% of fantasy leagues.

Read on to find out what darkhorses could help you in Week 13, and possibly even in your league’s playoffs:

Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals (95%)

Leinart didn’t throw a touchdown in his 2009 starting debut, but he did play well, and ended the game against the Titants be going 13-16 in the second half. Kurt Warner is still having post-concussion issues, so there’s a decent chance Leinart could start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings can rush the passer, but they also have issues stopping elite pass offenses, so Leinart could easily find some solid numbers. Even if Leinart doesn’t play this week, or if you don’t like him against the Vikings, hold onto him for the stretch run, as concussion symptoms tend to linger.

Chris Redman, QB, Atlanta Falcons (97%)

Redman stepped in for the injured Matt Ryan last week, and completed 23 passes for 240+ yards and two scores, including the game-winner. Redman picked up right where he had left off after a solid 2007 season, and will go into Week 13’s match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles as Atlanta’s starter, as Ryan nurses a turf toe injury.

The Eagles pass defense isn’t weak, but with no Michael Turner to help him, Redman could be in for a busy day.

Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta Falcons (80%)

It was Jason Snelling two weeks ago, and now that Micharl Turner is back on the shelf and Norwood is healthy again, the tiny back from Mississippi State gets a crack at extra playing time.

He was decent in his return last week, rushing for 22 yards and catching two passes for another 28 yards and a touchdown, but should see a much larger role this week against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The match-up isn’t great, but the touches should be there, making him a solid Flex play for Week 13, and until Turner returns.

Chris Brown, RB, Houston Texans (94%)

Brown has rushed the ball 11 times in the past two games, despite coming off the bench, and has even had a role in the passing game. Brown is the best blocking back on the team, doesn’t put the ball on the ground, and is solid in every facet of the game.

Steve Slaton will continue to start for the Texans and will play a role in the offense, but Brown’s role appears to be a bit more dependable. He has a solid match-up against a weak Jacksonville defense this week, so use him with confidence if you need running back help.

Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints (54%)

Grading The Draft: NFC SOUTH

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Category : Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, NFL Draft / Off Season, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grading The Draft: NFC SOUTH
Gridiron Experts looks at each teams selections for the NFL draft, evaluates whether the moves they made will have an immediate or long term impact, and questions some if not all of the picks the teams made.


Peria Jerry Atlanta Falcons
1(24) DT Peria Jerry- The defensive line got a boost with this huge nose tackle. While we had the Falcons taking a linebacker after losing LB Keith Brooking and LB Michael Boley, the loss of big man Grady Jackson must have been more of a concern. Jerry gives Coach Smith the “3-technique” that he loves and can’t work without.
2(23) SS William Moore- This Missouri Tiger was ranked high on many boards, but with nagging injuries Moore was seen as a risky player. Despite playing four years and starting all but 2 games in his final two years at Missouri, Moore couldn’t seem to crack the first round as a blue chip player. Instead, the Falcons score with a 2nd round sleeper. If healthy, Moore has the size and skills to be an interesting prospect with huge potential in the Falcons’ two-deep scheme.
Other Moves: The Falcons added two corners in the later rounds, Christopher Owens and William Middleton, but neither looks to be anything but added depth. Overall this is an excellent draft for the Falcons, especially if William Moore turns out to be the future safety for Atlanta.
Draft Grade: B


Josh freeman Tampa Bay Bucs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1(17) QB Josh Freeman- Smoke screens and distractions were apparently used by the Bucs to convince the league they weren’t interested in Josh Freeman. No one bought it, in fact the Buccaneers moved up a couple spots, afraid they wouldn’t get their man. Freeman might ride the bench for the first half of the season, but he is no doubt the future for the Buccaneers. Freeman is a beast among giants, at 6′6″ 240 lbs he is just as big as any of the linebackers on the team. Being a quarterback for the Bucs these days couldn’t be easier as Jon Gruden’s over the top complicated offense is gone. New coach Raheem Morris will ease Freeman into the league, as opposed to throwing him into the fire.
3(17) DT Roy Miller- Miller is a strong guy that can play the 3-technique early in a rotation for Tampa. Good pick, but might not find the field as often as people would like.
Other Moves: Tampa didn’t really grab anything after their first two picks. OT Xavier Fulton is a project after being a defensive player at Illinois, while E.J. Biggers and Sammie Stroughter are long shots to make the team.
Draft Grade: C+ Don’t forget the Bucs got Kellen Winslow with their 2nd rounder, but without that trade this draft class is a little weak.


New Orleans Saintsmalcolm jenkins
1(14) CB Malcolm Jenkins- We called this pick in our mock draft for New Orleans, as Jenkins is a perfect fit for what the Saints need. This talented corner has the ability to be a top notch player squaring off with elite receivers around the league. The Saints were burned on more than one occasion last year and might employ more blitz zones allowing Jenkins to play a converted cover 2 at the corner spot. Although, there are rumors that Jenkins may end up being moved to safety as his tackling skills and zone instincts are excellent.
2(16) SS Chip Vaughn- Vaughn is more of a strong safety than a free safety and will add depth to the Saints while being a major player on special teams.
Other Moves: LB Stanley Arnoux from Wake Forest was added in the 4th round and might have a great shot at a solid backup role. Odd move of the day was the Saints moving up into the 5th round to pick a punter.
Draft Grade B+


everette-brown

Carolina Panthers
2(11) DE Everette Brown- Huge steal in the 2nd round, Brown has blazing speed and great instincts. May need to add weight at the next level, but could be easily groomed into the future replacement if J. Peppers is traded.
2(27) SS Sherrod Martin- A bit of a reach as Martin is in between a safety and a corner. May take time to devlop, but Martin has a lot of upside with his great speed and height.
Other Moves: This draft class has a few question marks. I’m sure the Panthers have positions all carved out for these rookies, but wasting picks on players like RB Mike Goodson and FB Tony Fiammetta in an already crowded backfield make you wonder if team needs were even considered when selecting in the later rounds.
Draft Grade C+

Team Needs: Atlanta Falcons

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Category : Atlanta Falcons, NFL Draft / Off Season

Team Needs: Atlanta Falconsfalconslarge
Gridiron Experts is randomly picking NFL teams to evaluate their off-season acquisitions. We are predicting their game plan heading into the NFL Draft, using last year’s stats as a guide for improvement.

The Atlanta Falcons had an amazing turnaround season in 2008, and now look to add pieces to prove they were not a one year wonder. Offensively the Falcons were very strong, with rookie Matt Ryan playing like a seasoned pro, and Michael Turner destroying defenses after breaking away from the shadow of LaDainian Tomlinson. Many mock drafts have the Falcons selecting an offensive player such as a Tight End or Wide Receiver in the first round, which in our opinion is not a glaring need.

Atlanta has been juggling their defensive core in the free agency, losing several starters: DT Grady Jackson, LB Keith Brooking, and LB Michael Boley. The only replacement at linebacker so far is Mike Peterson from Jacksonville who started 10 games last year. Fans aren’t too happy about having key starters picked off in free agency, but if there was a way to attack the Falcons last year, it was by running the ball against them. The Falcons allowed an average of 127 yards per game on the ground and gave up 17 rushing TD’s.

Gridiron Experts thinks the Atlanta Falcons will make their defensive line a priority, going after the best defensive tackle or linebacker on the board at 24. Stopping the run is a must, now especially after losing some key starters from last season. There is still time to attempt to lure away a restricted player like LB Brandon Johnson or DT Gabe Watson, although drafting a player like Brian Cushing from USC or Clint Sintim from Virginia could solve the Falcons needs at linebacker. Brian Cushing’s durability is a concern, but he has huge upside, and someone will take a shot by picking him in the early 20’s. If Cushing is gone, Clint Sintim would be a great fit for the Falcons. Sintim at 6′2″ and 250 lbs is more of a pass rusher, but he is a great tackler with long arms and excellent size. The Falcons are a smart organization and will address their needs at defensive line and linebacker throughout the draft. Look for the Falcons to use one of their later picks on a Tight End if they don’t sign one in free agency. If Jared Cook is available in the 2nd round, the Falcons should jump at the chance to add this extremely athletic player with great hands. Cook had an excellent combine and will probably not fall that far, but he is worth moving up for.

Building A Championship Team

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Category : Around the League, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins

Every season, teams juggle their rosters around through free agency and the draft to hopefully improve enough to become a playoff contending team. This season, there are seven new faces entering the playoff race, and since it’s been a few years for a couple of these teams, Gridiron Experts takes a look at some of the moves that helped them get there.

Miami Dolphins
2007 season: 1-15
2008 season: 11-5

There’s no doubt that what was accomplished in Miami this season will go down as one of the best turnarounds in NFL history. One of theParcells hardest parts for Bill Parcells must have been trying to figure out what to do with all of these young players that were drafted in the last couple years that didn’t fit into his system. Trades and cuts were made, but keeping most of this team intact and MIAmolding it into a cohesive unit is a feat that Bill Parcells, Tony Sparano, and the rest of the coaching staff may not get credit for. Chad Pennington had a great season, capping it off by beating his old team to clinch the AFC East title and a playoff berth. Pennington’s numbers were among his personal best, while his leadership skills were what this team looked up to the most. Who could forget the Wildcat formation, a college type hybrid play that the entire league tried out at least once or twice after a couple of huge wins over the Patriots and Chargers early in the Dolphins season. Of course, nobody could run it better than Ronnie Brown and his army of speedy receivers.

On Sunday this Cinderella story will be put to the test, as the Dolphins go up against the best defense in the league. Baltimore is having a surprise season of their own, but the one thing that never seems to change for the Ravens is their ball hawking defense. While many are still not respecting the Dolphins, this game will be close and could come down to the wire.

Atlanta Falcons
2007 season: 4-12
2008 season: 11-5

Atlanta has shocked many with their playoff berth; not only do they have a rookie quarterback at the helm, they also have a rookie head coachMatt Ryan calling the shots. Free agency and the draft couldn’t have gone better for this rebuilding team. Matt Ryan stepped in from day one, looking calm and cool making all the throws. Ryan’s first pass was a bomb touchdown, opening eyes around the league. Of course signing Michael Turner was brilliant, even he couldn’t have predicted how well his first season would turn out. There are many players on the Falcons that had great seasons, but two that stood out to us were Curtis Lofton, the rookie from Oklahoma, and John Abraham. Linebacker Curtis Lofton was a 2nd round pick who made plays all season, racking up 94 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Lofton was a steal for Atlanta, and he is a potential pro bowler in a few seasons. Then there’s the defensive stud John Abraham, who was somehow snubbed from the Pro Bowl with his 16.5 sacks (career high) and four forced fumbles. Abraham is banged up heading into this weekend’s game; the Falcons will be in trouble if he can’t produce against the Cardinals.

Overall the Falcons had one of the best turnaround seasons we’ve seen in years. Atlanta Falcons fans will have lots to get excited about, as technically this was a rebuilding season.