FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

May 5th, 2009 9:37pm PST

[Tuesday late edition]

The NFL Draft: More Fantasy Recap

A Second Glance....
Last week I reviewed some of the notable early picks from 1st round of the NFL draft and today I would like to offer a second look at some of the picks from the middle of the first round.

Picks from the middle of the First Round…

You would have to think having already acquired Terrell Owens in the offseason, the Bills must have felt they had already upgraded their offense prior to the draft. It’s not that they would not address the offense, but you knew defense would be their first priority. With a plethora of choices, it was not a big surprise they chose Aaron Maybin (Penn State), although there were several other choices that would have fit at number 11 as well. Maybin will come in an add some needed pressure missing (only 24 sacks in 2008) from last year’s 14th ranked defense.

The Bronco’s were a bit of a puzzlement with the 12th pick of the draft. Prior to the draft many analysts had been very critical of McDaniel’s movements in the offseason, with so much attention paid to reshaping the league’s number two offense. With his trading of quarterback Jay Cutler under tremendous scrutiny, many felt the obvious move at 12 would be a highly rated defensive gem. Let’s put it this way, McDaniels has been tough to figure out thus far and with his pick of running back Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), he’s still tough to figure out. Nonetheless, the Bronco’s picked themselves up a very good and versatile back that has a good shot to start and contribute right away. The Broncos would finally address their needs on defense with their second pick (18th overall) by selecting defensive end Robert Ayers (Tennessee). Ayers adds talent, but slightly undersized on the edge could make him a risky bet against the run.

It was little surprise once Sanchez was off the board, the Redskins would turn their direction to making their team better by improving the defense. Their selection of Brian Orakpo was a bit of a steal at 13 and adds a talented player to an already good defense (ranked 4th in 2008). Add the fact that Washington already added arguably the best defensive player in the game today with the signing of Albert Haynesworth this offseason and you have to ask, “How good did they just get?” Very good.

A young and improving Texan’s team continued its’ youth movement and building of their defense. The team selected linebacker Brian Cushing (Southern Cal) who will join their former number one overall selection (in 2006) DE Mario Williams and (33rd overall pick in 2006) LB DeMeco Ryans. The Texans have been a very mediocre defense the past couple of seasons (ranked 22nd in 2008), but with so much talent they are poised to get better and a player like Cushing gets them that much closer.

A surprise move that was not completely understood was the Buccaneers move up the draft to select quarterback, Josh Freeman (Kansas State). He’s viewed as a project, probably a year or two away, so surely the Bucs are looking for him to be there starter in 2009. A pick that likely could have been made much later, you have to wonder if this was a costly move.

Perhaps the move I found most impressive during the middle of the first round was made by the Philadelphia Eagles. Sitting at 21, the team moved up four spots to nab wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (Missouri). The team desperately needed to add a playmaker to its’ passing game and while only a rookie Maclin should give them plenty of spark to compliment their current line-up. The Missouri product was highly regarded as one of the top talents in this year’s draft at the wideout position. The Eagles would also add some depth in the backfield with the selection of LeSean McCoy. McCoy not only adds depth, but he also will battle Lorenzo Booker this summer to backup Westbrook. This could be just what D-Mac ordered.

We are still months away from training camps opening, so I’ll continue to offer my take on this year’s draft. Check back again soon!

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