2010 NFL remaining unsigned picks
Now that all 32 NFL teams have begun training camp, the annual ritual of unsigned draft pick hold outs has begun. Every snap that these rookies miss is a detriment to their potential contributions in 2010. Let’s take a look at the remaining unsigned picks from this April’s draft:
2. Ndamukong Suh DT Lions- With Bradford signed, and the 4th pick Trent Williams signed, it should be fairly easy for the Lions and Suh to come to terms fairly quickly. Especially when Mcoy is signed
6.Russell Okung OT Seahawks- With Joe Haden also holding out, it will difficult for Seattle to get Okung to sign. He may not sign until he knows what the pick below him will get.
7.Joe Haden CB Browns- Reports indicate that Haden is nowhere to be found near the Browns training camp, and that he is not close to signing.
9.C.J. Spiller RB Bills- The pick with the biggest potential fantasy football impact is also thought to be the player most likely to remain unsigned the longest. A long holdout could increase the value of Fred Jackson and possibly even Marshawn Lynch.
10.Tyson Alualu DT Jaguars- Considering what a shock it was to most people that he went this high in the draft, it is surprising that he hasn’t come to terms yet. Rumors are that he and the Jags are “making progress” towards a deal
12. Ryan Mathews RB Chargers- As high as Mathews ADP has been so far in 2010, this is the pick that most fantasy football owners are watching the closest. With the two picks around him are signed, it should be relatively easy for the Chargers to iron out a deal soon.
…Continue reading 2010 NFL Remaining Unsigned Picks
Collegiate NFL Prospects
No genuine college football fan watches games on Saturdays worrying about the player’s chances for future Sundays. But still, much like anything with fantasy football, it adds another layer of appreciation to the college game, specifically for those of you who refuse to take it seriously because of its illogical post-season format and/or you’re from the northeast. Without further ado, here are seven almost randomly selected NFL prospects to keep your eye on for the 2011 and 2012 fantasy seasons, because you never want to be the last man to a party.
Ryan Mallett – I have to admit, my undying admiration for Ryan Mallett probably stems from his transferring out of Michigan when Rich Rodriguez came to town. For that alone, he will always hold a special place in my heart. But if you don’t believe me, take into consideration some of Arkansas performances last season (specifically Georgia, Florida, LSU and Auburn), then look at his numbers and take a gander at some of his teammates, and it’s increasingly difficult to believe he accomplished the latter with the former. With any other quarterback in the country starting for them, one could argue that Arkansas would have gone damn near winless in the SEC. In short at 6’7 with a rocket arm and laser precision, I can understand why Rich Rod thought he was expendable. If I’m a Browns fan, this 2010 …Continue reading Collegiate NFL Prospects
Safety First
The 2010 draft is one which pundits continuously called “the deepest” in years. Whether or not it truly is, only time will tell. However, in this depth I noticed something interesting, that astonishingly five safeties were taken within the first two rounds (a position not usually so highly coveted in the draft). Tennessee’s Eric Berry, Texas’ Earl Thomas, South Florida’s Nate Allen, Oregon’s T.J. Ward, and USC’s Taylor Mays all bring unique skill sets with them to the NFL. Let’s take a look at what these specific skills are.
Eric Berry 6’0″ 211 lbs. Kansas City Chiefs. Round 1, Pick 5
In Berry the Chiefs have found themselves an elite player. It’s hard to find one thing not to like about Berry, he hits with incredible force, is vicious, has fantastic coverage skills and terrific instincts, and simply is a flat out playmaker. Many critics say Berry …Continue reading Elite Draft Class: Safety First
Are you sick of all the draft grades yet?
This has been the week everyone compiles their “know it all” NFL draft scores, and we’re all supposed to listen up.
I don’t know about you, but we’ve grown tired of the same old A-B-C ‘s. Your favorite team gets an “A” with one guy and a “C+” with the next, so who’s right and who’s wrong? It’s all personal opinion.
Sure, there are some obvious reaches and steals, but Gridiron Experts is going to try to give you our insight using something you can relate to: relevant NFL terminology. Hopefully this tides you over until we kick off our NFL team off-season pages.
Seattle Seahawks
NFL Draft On Field Equivalent: Playaction Pass, Defense bites… Touchdown
Best Pick: OT Russell Okung- Instant starter
Fantasy Watch: WR Golden Tate- Should have a big year in Seattle
Reach: none
Highlight of the Draft: Pete Carrol’s little happy dance where he pretends to punch one of his coaches in the gut while he was on the phone. That and walking away with 3 first round grade players in our books.
Summary: It’s hard to go wrong with two first round picks, but Seattle made the most of every pick, gaining excellent value on each of the 3 days.
New England Patriots
NFL Draft On Field Equivalent: Brady Threads the Needle, Easy Score
Best Pick: CB Devin McCourty- Will fit well into New England’s system
Fantasy Watch: TE Aaron Hernandez- Playmaker, better receiver than blocker
Reach: WR Taylor Price- Not a bad pick, but a little high.
Highlight of the Draft: Loading up on quality players this year, and extra picks for next year.
Summary: Nothing flashy, but a very solid underrated draft class. While big names make easy headlines, the Pat’s do what they do best, quietly re-build the powerhouse.
Oakland Raiders
NFL Draft On Field Equivalent: Smart, Patient, 2 Minute Drive to Win
Best Pick: LB Rolando McClain- Fills a huge need for the Silver & Black
Fantasy Watch: RB Darren McFadden- With 2 new OT’s the Raiders run game should improve
Reach: none
Highlight of the Draft: Waiting until day 3 to select B. Campbell and J. Ford. Not splurging on the sexy pick in the 1st round and taking care of business.
Summary: We’re proud of the Raiders, they’re usually the most clumsy of all NFL clubs on draft day. But this year …Continue reading Gridiron Experts Unique Draft Grades
Broncos Draft Day Gambles
There is a lot of negative commentary being made about the Denver Broncos acquisition of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Many feel the Broncos gave up way too much in order to move into the end of the first round in order to draft Tebow. Personally, I was quite shocked when I saw that the Broncos had moved up to the 25th overall selection and the next thing to be seen on the screen was Tim Tebow on his cell phone.
In order get into position to draft Tebow the Broncos sent three picks to Baltimore, which included a 2nd rounder (43rd overall), a 3rd rounder (70th overall), and a 4th rounder (114th overall). Many experts skilled at player evaluations deemed Tebow unready and unlikely to become a starting quarterback in the NFL. The main concern about Tebow was his overall mechanics, most notably his throwing motion. In the weeks leading up to the draft Tebow made every effort to correct his mechanics and improve his draft stock. He already had high marks on the intangible assets, which included things such as, hard worker, strong leader, and great locker …Continue reading Broncos Draft Day Gambles
Cleveland Browns 2010 Draft: Looks Better On Paper
The NFL draft. There are few things more overhyped and underwhelming than that fateful event every April (I realize this is a minority position). Sure, we all have staunch, unwavering opinions that couldn’t possibly be wrong under any circumstances. But after the dust settles, all we’re left with is a collection of names that in some way impressed a franchise’s front office. In short, it isn’t an exact science.
Now obviously that isn’t to say teams aren’t significantly improved by the draft. To the contrary, given the NFL’s salary limitations, it is easily the pragmatist’s method of choice toward building a contender. So I understand the obsession with it and what’s at stake. But assessing each player five days after the draft ends, like there’s any sort of accurate barometer for how 95% of these guys will perform, is just as insane as it is unavoidably enjoyable.
There are the rare instances, however, when a team is undoubtedly improved by the draft and we can conclude as much the very next day. This anomaly is attributed mostly to the state of the team, and not the quality of players they …Continue reading Cleveland Browns 2010 Draft: Looks Better On Paper
With the NFL Draft hardly a few days old, we’re already turning out heads to the 2010 NFL season, and almost as importantly, the new fantasy football season.
With that said, what better way to prepare for the new season, than to assess the fresh meat the recent draft has laid out in front of us?
Here’s a look at the top 10 sleepers on offense coming out of the 2010 NFL Draft. To rid of any issues over what a “sleeper” qualifies as, this article will concentrate solely on players selected in the third round and beyond.
Colt McCoy, QB, Cleveland Browns (3rd Round)
Sure, McCoy was drafted as the potential future for Cleveland. And yes, Mike Holmgren says the Browns have no intentions of playing McCoy in his rookie year.
But can we all be real for a second? This team is riding into 2010 with Jake Dehomme as it’s starter under center, and …Continue reading 10 Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers
Ah, the NFL Draft. 
The pretty cousin of the regular season – you know, the one you feel guilty about spending a whole day with? Well, now you get three days with it/her!
More is better, right?
Well, in some things and according the to TV ratings and TJ, more football is ALWAYS better.
With the new three day format, there’s without a doubt going to be MANY more trades involved, which at the very least makes the entire process more interesting to the average fan. Not to mention it gives the educated fan more …Continue reading NFL Draft: Bigger Better Faster
