FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 25th, 2009 12:07pm PST

DRAFT DAY IS HERE!!

NFL Draft Preview:
THE COUNTDOWN IS OVER!



On The Ticker: 11 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Houtson Texans....
What They Need: With the Number 15 pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Texans will be looking to fill their needs on the defensive side of the ball. 2008 the team clearly showed they have playmakers on the offense with; WR Andre Johnson, RB Steve Slaton, and TE Owen Daniels. Where the team fell short last season was on the defense (ranked 27th in scoring). In 2006 Kubiak went with DL Mario Williams as the overall number one pick, this season he'll be looking for a stud defensive back and playmaking linebacker to compliment Williams and company.

On The Ticker: 10 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: San Diego Charger....
What They Need: The Chargers will be on the big board with the 16th overall pick in this year's draft. With so many injuries to their defense last season, especially at the linebacker position, this will be an immediate area of focus. Merriman is in a contract year and coming off surgery. The team could look for a young stud linebacker to play behind an otherwise talented group or search for some help at the receiver position. WR Vincent Jackson stepped up his play in 2008, but there was still too much inconsistency at the position. Even though LaDanian Tomlinson is going to be on board in 2009 as the team's starting running back, the team will still have to address the position for the future.

On The Ticker: 9 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: New York Jets....
What They Need: Although the team has appeared steadfast with it's position to roll with Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff as their starter in 2008, with their number 17 draft pick this year, the team could look to make a move and trade up to address a position (QB) that clearly needs help. They also need to look at the receiver position with the departure of Laveranues Coles. Expect the team to possibly be one of those teams to shake things up early in this year's draft, by trying to move up or trading down to acquire more mid-to-late round picks.

On The Ticker: 8 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Denver Broncos....
What They Need: The Broncos will enter the "big board" for the second time with the 18th overall pick. If the teams holds steady and does not try anything crazy, they will follow their number 12 pick with another defensive selection here. There's no hiding the team's biggest deficiency last season, their defense. They were especially awful against the run, so finding a big man in the middle to clog things up will be a top priority. The

On The Ticker: 7 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Tampa Bay Buccaneers....
What They Need: With the 19th pick the Bucs will be looking to fill needs at the LB position and could even consider taking a QB.

On The Ticker: 6 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Detriot Lions....
What They Need: Having basically auctioned off their future on the arm of Matthew Stafford, the Lions should be looking to protect their big investment with an offensive lineman. Even at 20, they could still have a shot at one of the top five or six OL.

On The Ticker: 5 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Philadelphia Eagles....
What They Need: The Eagles will have one of the more interesting positions in the draft, although we may not have to wait to til the 21st spot to see them make a move. The team needs more playmakers on offense to help Donovan. In the one year the team made a run to the Super Bowl, they had Terrell Owens. They have a similar nucleus on offense as their 2003 Super Bowl team, but are just missing that big playmaker. many think the Eagles should make a move for WR Anquan Boldin and I would have to agree. If this move does not pan out, they will likely look at a RB to help Westbrook or a stud linebacker.

On The Ticker: 4 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Minnesota Vikings....
What They Need: The Vikings missed out on the T.J lottery, but with the 22nd pick they could still look for some talent at the WR position. The team will also need to consider a stud offensive tackle, if one of the top prospects should reach this far. They also have holes in the secondary that will need to be filled.

On The Ticker: 3 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: New England Patriots....
What They Need: It's never easy to figure out just what Belichik is going to do, but with Maroney playing fragile in 2008 this could be an area of consideration early, maybe a Chirs Wells. A backup quarterback will be addressed, but not likely until late in the draft, with their early picks, the Patriots could also target another stud linebacker to join the likes of Jerod Mayo.

On The Ticker: 2 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Atlanta Falcons....
What They Need: The Falcons enjoyed a huge turnaround in 2008 and with the recent acquisition of Tony Gonzales at tight end, thier offense could be one of the best in the NFC this coming season. Expect the Falcons to turn most of their focus in this year's draft on the defense.With losses at the lineback position, expect the team's brass to target this position early.

On The Ticker: 1 Days left to the Draft
On the Board: Miami Dolphins....
What They Need: The Dolphins made a huge improvement in 2008, thanks to creative play-calling and a good defense. The defense will need some help on the edges in 2009 and Pennington still needs a go-to receiver.

The Rest of the 1st round draft order...

Pick - Team name
26. Baltimore....the Raven will be looking for more help at WR and on the offensive line.
27. Indianapolis....the Colts will be in search of playmakers on the defensive side of the ball to plug up their soft middle.
28. Buffalo....the Bills will likely use their second pick in the first round to address their need on the defense.
29. New York....the Giants could be a player in a first day, first round trade using this pick to acquire a needed WR.
30. Tennessee....the Titans are still deficient at the WR position and should still be able to find some talent even at 30.
31. Arizona.....the Cardinals could be active on day moving up the board if a deal goes down for Boldin. The Cards need help at RB.
32. Pittsburgh....all may seem well and good for the Super Bowl champs, but a talented defensive back could be the tall order for the first day.


Check back soon as the Draft is up next!!

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

April 23rd, 2009 11:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

Boldin: Will He Stay or Will He Go?

It started back in February following the Cardinals loss to the Steelers when an unhappy Anquan Boldin made it well known that he wanted out. For a few weeks following the big game, it sounded very much like Boldin wanted out and would not look back. He called the situation "irreparable" and so began the countdown to his last day in the desert.

When it all started, things heated up quickly and Boldin's departure seemed imminent. There was talk of trades and it looked like a deal could happen. That was over two months ago and now that the draft is quickly approaching, it sounds like someone is trying to stir up the hornet's nest once again.

There are stories and rumors abound indicating there is plenty of interest, but really what are the chances of Boldin being dealt. The Cardinals number two receiver has been a solid contributor averaging 84 receptions, 1,082-yards, and six touchdowns in each of his six seasons, but is he really worth two draft picks (including a first round) and the exorbitant salary he'll demand? That may have been what the Cowboys paid for Roy Williams last season, but clearly they OVER-paid.

The asking price does not seem realistic and it sounds more like teams are going to wait to see if the Cardinals break. There's also the possibility team's could be waiting to make a last minute play in an effort to eliminate the possibility of a second team swooping in and stealing the deal. With teams like the New York Jets (17th pick), Baltimore (26th pick) and Tennessee (30th pick) in the mix, something could very well happen during the first round.

The question is, will any team meet the Cardinal's asking price or will GM Rod Graves blink and counter with a price reduction. The Cardinals soared well down the stretch in 2008, even with an injured Boldin sidelined for the last two games. The team has to be considering the possibility of just taking a first round pick for "Q." Gaining a early draft selection could pay huge dividends.

Currently there are several teams lining up to make a bid for Boldin, but so far no team seems willing to pony up the big bucks. Right now, the Jets would seem to have the inside track on any discounted counter from Graves with the 17th overall pick. If any other team is to become a playeer, they made need to add that second pick (although not sure that it would have to be a third round).

With the clock clicking down to draft day, anything seems possible and even more likely.

.

YOUR GM

(Dilbert by Scott Adams)

Let’s Play the GM Game.

What to do in the Mile High City?

Now that the smoke has finally settled from what has become affectionately known as "McJaygate" there seems to be a peace in the Mile High area as Head Coach Josh McDaniels prepares for his first NFL Draft or could it just be the calm before the storm? When the deed went down a few weeks ago, there were many skeptics and critics that did not agree with the decision to trade away your former first round pick for a journey man quarterback.

Now that we've had time to digest what has changed? One thing seems to be certain, McDaniels appears content to remain steady with his two quarterbacks (Orton and Simms). If this is the case and Mr. Peter King (SI.com) is correct with his assessment that McDaniels really likes Orton, then as the Bronco's GM what do you do with your two picks?

As part of the Cutler deal, the Bronco's inherited the Bears 2009 first round pick at number 18. If you are the team's GM what do you do with your two first round draft picks? This is a dilemma that the team's new GM Brian Xanders is facing.

If Orton is now the right guy in Denver, then the answers for Xanders and McDaniels seem logical. Following one of the worst seasons this franchise has ever seen with their defense finishing near the bottom in 2008, this should be the focus on Saturday.

This year's pool of prospects is filled with a great many talents and the Bronco's should have plenty of opportunity to snag a couple at 12 and 18 in the first round of the draft on Saturday. At number 12, the team could easily target one of this year's talented class of linebackers and out of Southern California, there are three (Brian Cushing, Ray Maualuga, & Clay Matthews) to choose from alone.

Switching to the more traditional 3-4 defensive scheme the Broncos are in need of strong inside linebacker play as well as a big man in the middle to play nose tackle. Some experts think that Boston College's B.J. Raji (DT) could fall to number 12 and this is where the Broncos should look, but it is not likley that he'll slide that far. Another name that will be on the team's radar, but it is unlikely he'll last past the top 10 is Texas' Brian Orakpo (DE).

Again there is plenty of talent to consider, but the way the draft is likely to shape up, the Broncos will likely have their pick of litter (past Aaron Curry) at the linebacker position. All signs would point towards the Broncos taking inside linebacker Ray Maualuga. His addition inside could allow LB D.J. Williams to move back to a more natural outside linebacker position.

At number 18, the team would then be able to look for a defensive playmaker in the secondary or up front. Defensive end Tyson Jackson (LSU) and defensive tackle Jerry Peria (Ole Miss) could be potential targets for this spot if the team is looking for their needed help up front or they could give a look at corner back Vontea Davis (Illinois). Davis is considered one of the best athletes and defensive backs in the nation entering this year's draft.

If I am the GM of the Broncos my choices may not be quite clear yet, but with two first round picks I know I have very good choices. The speculation of making a deal to draft up would not be a consideration. Based on what I know about Orton and what I believe in McDaniels as an orchestrator and offensive mind, my needs to be addressed in this year's draft will be the defense.

An inside playmaker, an immovable force up front, and a stud defensive back will be high on my charts for 2009.


Keep checking back for more football....

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 22nd, 2009 9:07pm PST

12 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: New Orleans Saints....
The Saints will enter the 2009 draft with the 14th pick overall and if all the stars align on Saturday, all signs would point towards Head Coach Sean Payton selecting the first running back in this year's class of freshman. While the Saints do have the electric Reggie Bush (844-yards, 9-total touchdowns), the loss of an effective Deuce McAllister creates a hole in their running game.

Last season the team struggled at the position (ranked 28th in the NFL) often rotating players in and out trying to find a winning formula. At 5'11" Pierre Thomas was the team's biggest and most consistent runner averaging 4.8-yards per carry and leading the team with 625-yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Thomas appears hardnosed, but undersized it's hard to imagine he could withstand the season-long punishment. Like Bush, Thomas is versatile and a better fit in open spaces as part of the short passing game.

With the 14th pick and their next not due until the fourth round (116th overall), it would make sense for the team to look at running back early. The team has many holes on defense, but with such a well-oiled machine on offense just needing a bit of tinkering, it would make sense for Payton to look for that missing piece.

While some are project the Saints to go running back at 14, there seems to be an even divide as to who they take. With Thomas and Bush considered small at the position, it's only logical to look for more size and bulk to compliment. At 6'1' and 235-lbs, Chris Wells (Ohio State) would seem to be the perfect fit in New Orleans.

(Photo by Al Tielemans/SI.com)

Wells has size, strength, power, and for his frame very good speed. In 31 career games, Wells rushed for 2,804-yards and scored 26 touchdowns. Although he's not a great receiver, he won't need to be playing in the same type of role as Deuce did and he won't need him to be an every down back either sharing carries with Bush and Thomas. Wells will give Payton and company an inside runner who can also bounce it outside.

There are a lot of places the Saints could go with their 14th pick, but this is likely their best stop for a team hoping to return to the post-season in 2009.

Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

April 21st, 2008 11:37pm PST


[Wednesday Edition]
TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK


So who is number one?

This time of year and with the main event just days away, is there really anything else we should be talking about other than the draft, maybe; perfect steaks, fast cars, hot chicks, and good cigars? Okay, all that other stuff aside (but only for a moment) the NFL draft this coming weekend has to be on every football fans' mind. We are just days away, I'm so excited, but I still don't know "Who's going number one?"

If you've been following all the commotion online as I have, you are probably as confused as well. Some say it will be Matthew Stafford, others say defense, and then there are still others that think considering the team's (Lions) draft history a safe approach will be the way to go by selecting an offensive lineman.

While this is all pure speculation, consider the choices Detroit will have come draft day.

If the team sides with the pro-Stafford camp, it's likely going to cost the team considerable millions to sign the star quarterback from Georgia. Another high dollar risk that this team has not had much success with, consider their past 1st round picks since 2003; Charles Rogers (out of the league), Mike Williams (did not play in 2008), Roy Williams (traded to the Cowboys last season), and Joey Harrington (with the Saints). None of which ever panned out well for Detroit. If Stafford is signed, does he start right away? Considering his new contract that he'll receive, how long does he sit? All indications are the team will select Stafford nonetheless, but it still remains a risky play.

A more conservative approach would be to consider an offensive lineman, a choice the team made last season with the 17th overall pick (Gosder Cherilus). Cherilus played in all 16 games, starting in 13 including the last 10. The top prospects the Lions will consider are Jason Smith (Baylor) and Eugene Monroe (Virginia). Both players are ideal size at 6'5' and 6'6" respectively and could easily step in and start at left tackle for whatever team drafts them. If the team is buying into Culpepper's comeback or Stanton as a possibility for the future, this could be the way to go.

Defense typically seems to great direction of focus for a team looking to rebuild. What is it they say, "Defense wins championships", maybe for a team that was not 0-16. If the team's brass is considering this move, there seems to be one unanimous choice for the top defensive prospect in this year's draft; Aaron Curry (Wake Forest). Curry is considered an outstanding all around player, who could make a big splash on the defense as a pass rushing outside linebacker. With Detroit playing a 3-4 in 2009, he's a shoe-in to start for the Lions.

(AP Photo)

There's no question that the Lions GM Martin Mayhew and Head Coach Jim Schwartz could go several directions with their first pick and with four picks in the top 65 overall, there's just no telling. Even with some sources (The Oakland Press) reporting the team is close to a deal with Georgia's quarterback Matthew Stafford, according to MLive.com a team spokesman said "the report is absolutely untrue."

Stafford, Smith, Monroe, and Curry, tough decisions and no clue to the answer, but it sounds like the smart money may be on Stafford. There are some that actually rank Southern California's quarterback Mark Sanchez higher than Stafford, but there doesn't seem to be any sign that the Lions would make that pick. And while the number one pick comes along with a lot of pressure, there are no signs yet that the Lions will be trading down (but you never know).

So we're back to square one, "Who's going number one?" We may not know, but we've got a pretty good idea of who the Lions may pick. So it's okay that we don't know, because Saturday is already gearing up to be a big day and the unknown only adds to the excitement.

Next up, Draft Day!

Check back with me every Tuesday for more of my "Tuesday Football Talk."

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 20th, 2009 9:47pm PST

13 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Washington Redskins....
By the time you get this deep into any pre draft scenario, it really becomes anyone’s guess. A few weeks ago it may have been easier to sit back and draw analysis from what the team lacked in 2009, but now just days away from the actual draft and the stories are starting to surface everywhere. Just weeks ago, I recall hearing and reading many reports indicating that the Redskins were just fine with Jason Campbell. Now we hear they may make a move up in the draft to target Sanchez.

While Mark Sanchez could be a nice fit for the future, where does that leave Campbell (who is only 27)? If the team targets Sanchez or if the former Trojan should fall to number 13, does Daniel Snyder make this pick?

The team spent a lot of money in the offseason to shore up an already pretty good defense (ranked 4th overall). Does that mean the draft will be all about the offense? Sanchez is not expected to make it to number 13, so if the Skins are interested they'll have to make a push to move up the board. While offense may be on their minds, another position of interest could be the receiver position, one that gets very thin, once you look past Santana Moss.

By this juncture in the draft a couple of names that could be available, Heyward-Bey and Hakeem Nicks. Both receivers are not the proto-typical size "Big receivers", but with each standing over six feet they offer good size and blazing speed to compliment the speedy Moss.

(Photo by Gerry Broome/Ap Photo)

Head Coach Jim Zorn runs a traditional style west coast system that relies on the short passing game to compliment the run. Last season the Redskins were 23rd in passing with only Moss producing at least 55 receptions at the receiver position. Expect Snyder and company to try and upgrade through the draft. And although there seems to be a plethora of talent available in this year's pool, they are likely to find their best pickins at 13.

Don't expect Zorn to wait too long.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 20th, 2009 10:47pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Talkin Sum (fantasy) Football

2009: The Wide Receivers

Sure there is a lot of time to debate any of this, but I thought I would get all the chatter started by throwing out some early banter about the wide receivers for 2009. Last season was a solid season for the wideout position, especially for fantasy owners. With 22 receivers eclipsing the 1,000-yard barrier and 27 reaching at least 70 receptions in 2008, there seems to be no lack of production at the position (18 players accomplished both).

When you look at last season's lineup and you consider some of the offseason changes and how they will effect, we could easily see more than 18 players top these numbers this coming season. With Kurt Warner back in Arizona and if the team should move Anquan Boldin to another destination, number three wideout Steve Breaston (77 receptions, 1,006-yards) figures to continue his brotherhood to this fraternity along with Mr. Fitzgerald.

Over in Philly, Donovan McNabb has managed to do it without great talent on the outside. With another season with his 2nd year receiver DeSean Jackson (62 receptions, 912-yards), and Eagles fans and fantasy football owners could be saying welcome to the club (70-receptions/1,000-yards).

In Buffalo, the Bills could be initiating a couple of entries of their own into the club with the addition of some new fire power. Last season, both Terrell Owens (69-receptions, 1,052-yards) and Lee Evans (63-receptions, 1,017-yards) just miss the club, but now playing side-by-side both could benefit greatly and be granted entry in 2009.

The Saints are no strangers to putting up big numbers, especially in the passing game, but both Lance Moore (79-receptions, 928-yards) and Marques Colston (47-receptions, 760-Yards) missed out in 2008. Both receivers will be back together healthy in 2009 and figure to be solid locks to join this fraternity.

With T.O. out in Dallas, wide receiver Roy E. Williams (36-receptions, 430-yards) and tight end Jason Witten (952-yards) will have excellent chances at reaching the fantasy measuring stick. Another receiver benefitting from a departure is 2nd year receiver Donnie Avery, who inherits the number one position with release of Torry Holt. Players like Bernard Berrian and Anthony Gonzalez could also benefit greatly in 2009 with the recent personnel changes on their respective clubs.

There are also wideouts like Boldin and Braylon Edwards, who could land somewhere new and still remain active members of the club, then there are those like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Laveranues Coles that have found new homes that could easily post big numbers in 2009.

With some many changes around the league this offseason, fantasy owners could easily see as many as 25 or more receivers reach the plateau of 70 catches and 1,000-yards. The impact of this increased production could have a tremendous effect on fantasy drafts, turning the early focus away from the receivers to the other positions.

…something for fantasy owners to keep in mind for this summer.


Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STUFF

April 19th, 2009 7:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Stuff

This Weekend's Talk

Broncos Being Linked to Sanchez...
With the NFL draft less than a week away, many teams will be turning their focus towards this Saturday's Main event. One team many folks will be watching come this Saturday will be the Denver Broncos and in particular the team's new head coach Josh McDaniels. Former head coach Mike Shanahan had not had recent success in the "W" column, but over the past couple of seasons he had enjoyed quite a bit of success on draft day finding gems like Eddie Royal, Ryan Clady, Peyton Hillis, Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, and Tony Scheffler (all since 2006). You can expect the Bronco faithful to be watching McDaniels closely this Saturday.

With all the dust starting to settle following the Cutler fiasco and eventual trade, fans will have to wonder what will be the Broncos first move in the upcoming draft. In Denver the recent talk following the infamous Cutler-Orton trade has been the speculation of the team possibly making a move for quarterback Mark Sanchez. It does sound logical considering everything that has happened, but then you have to wonder if it's time to bring some stability to what has been an otherwise home for chaos and commotion.

Recent sound bites from the Bronco's camp would indicate just that. Head coach Josh McDaniels has indicated that the team will focus on the defense in the draft and SI's Peter King is also noted as saying "McDaniels likes Kyle Orton a lot." The trade with Chicago gave the Broncos a second first round pick (number 18) to go along with their number 12 pick overall. Considering how McDaniels has handled matters thusfar in Denver, who can really tell what he is thinking or what he'll do on Saturday. While Sanchez might make sense on the surface with the trading of Cutler, it stands to reason that the Broncos did not lose as much as first perceived. Orton seems to be a favorite and with the additional pick in the first round, defense would make better sense for a team that struggled near the bottom a year ago.

Bronco fans can only hope that McDaniels will do the right thing, whatever that may be!

Larry Johnson Not Gone Yet...
Although the team opened its’ first offseason minicamp this past week and Johnson was inserted as the team's number one tailback, there seems very little chance that LJ will remain in Kansas City after this weekend's draft. With that said, I would have to believe there does remain one outside possibility for the Chiefs troubled star to stay in town, if he's willing to restructure his contract. There's been no indication or such talk, but just do the math.

Johnson is set to make almost $4-million in 2009. Now is the time for LJ to make an impression with new head coach Todd Haley (who could give him a clean slate) if he hopes to have a place on the roster this summer, but it's not likely the team would keep him with his current contract.

Because the team does lack depth and size behind Johnson, if the former Nittany Lion can make good during the minicamps, I don't think it would be a far reach to expect the Chiefs to offer him a restructured deal to stay on with the team. Saturday will not only be a big day for the Chiefs, but Johnson as well. If the team is too release LJ following this weekend's event at Radio City Music Hall in New York, it would make sense that they draft a running back to compliment that roster of undersize scat-backs. Not only will Chiefs fans be watching intently as the team's brass makes those key decisions, but there's little doubt that LJ's camp will be glued to the events that unfold as well.


Check back every Sunday for more Football Stuff!

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 18th, 2009 11:17pm PST

14 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Denver Broncos....
Even with the draft yet to arrive, new head coach Josh McDaniels has been creating plenty of turbulence and waves in the Mile High country since his arrival.

After trading away arguably the team’s best player, McDaniels is not making many friends in Denver fast. While some have might mixed emotions about the new coach after some of his recent hirings; Brian Dawkins (Eagles), Andra Davis (Browns) and Correll Buckhalter (Eagles), McDaniels will have a chance on April 25 to win more favor with two draft picks in the top 20.

Sitting at number 12, the Broncos will likely be targeting a top defensive prospect to help continue the overhaul of the leagues 29th defense. Initially following the infamous Cutler-Orton deal, it would have made sense for the Broncos to package a few picks and move up the tree to target one of the young arms in the draft. After consideration and evaluation, the team may be better off holding serve with their current hand under center and continue to make the defense the priority.

The popular talk for the Broncos first pick has been defensive tackle B.J. Raji (Boston College). There’s no question the team will need to look for help in the middle up front on defense and the draft will be a major source in their search, but talent can’t be overlooked either. With defense the priority, inside linebacker Ray Maualuga (University of Southern California) is going to be hard to pass over.

(Photo by Getty Images)

The team has added quite a number of players via free agency to the defense, but Maualuga looks like a solid selection for the McDaniels and company at number 12. At SC Maualuga was a two-time First Team All-Pac 10, finished his career as a Trojan with 194 total tackles, and a winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award.

With the number 18 selection remaining in the first round, it is expected that the team could also use their second first round pick for defense as well. If the team passes on Raji, it could come back later in the round with a pick to fill the need.

Saturday (April 25) will be a big day in the Mile High City for Broncos fans, but it will be even bigger for McDaniels as a new era begins in Denver. His first three months have been anything but quiet, so I wouldn’t expect anything less than lots of excitement come draft day.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 18th, 2009 11:07pm PST

15 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Buffalo Bills....
With the recent trading of offensive tackle Jason Peters, the Bills clearly have a decisive need to fill in this year’s draft and with two picks in the first round it’s certain they will.

With the eleventh pick in the draft the Bills may have to settle with the fourth or even fifth best tackle available in the draft. It’s not likely they’ll see Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, or even Andre Smith make it this far, but Michael Oher (University of Mississippi) should still on the board. With a late first round pick still available, it makes sense for the Bills to grab one of this year’s best offensive lineman prospects.

(AP Photo)

Oher is an ideal 6’6” and 325-lbs at left tackle and with 34 consecutive starts in the SEC, he is more than ready to make the transition to the NFL. Oher could have made the move a year ago and was set to enter the 2008 draft as a top 20 pick, but a change of mind kept him at Ole Miss for his senior season.

The Bills recently signed free agent running back Dominic Rhodes to add some temporary help in the backfield. This will be one need they can address later in the draft, but defense will still remain a concern. There are some people pegging the Bills to target a top defensive prospect like Aaron Maybin (Penn State) or Everette Brown (Florida State).

With an added pick (number 28 overall) in the draft, it makes sense for head coach Dick Jauron to invest in his newly revamped offense (with T.O.). In 2009, this is the side of the ball where the Bills figure to make the most impact. The loss of Peters hurts, but at number 11 on April 25, the team can fill that void immediately.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"