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 5th, 2009 11:07pm PST

20 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Cincinnati Bengals....
In the recent offseason the Bengals did not re-sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh and lost him to free-agency. There are talks of trading wide receiver Chad Johnson, and Chris Henry (suspended three times and cut by the team once) is always a crap-shoot. Even though the team did sign free agent Laveranues Coles, if the recent rumors are true and team does move Johnson, they will be left with a huge void at the receiver position to fill.

No different than many of the bottom-third teams in the league, the Bengals face many issues leading up to this year's NFL draft. The Bengals could also use a little help on the defensive side of things, but with the leagues 12th ranked squad, this is one of the team's least concerns. One of their biggest deficiencies aside from the lack of depth at the wideout spot is the lack of talent along their 'O' line. Over the past two seasons the Bengals have lost two starting offensive tackles and come draft day they will be looking hard to fill this void.

At number six on the "Big Board" the Bengals can count on grabbing either Eugene Monroe (University of Virginia) or possibly Andre Smith (University of Alabama). With a great frame, great feet, combined with his strength (lifted 225-lbs 23-times) Monroe would be the ideal choice at this spot for Cincinnati. The team is expecting a healthy Palmer back in 2009 and they're going to need to protect his blindside. With his size (6'4" and 325-lbs) Smith is a consideration, but his disappearance at the combine and less than spectacular Pro Day didn't do a whole lot to state his case.

If the Bengals look anywhere else on April 25th, they could take a run at one of the top wideout prospects if available (Crabtree or Maclin), that is if the team decides to part ways with "Ocho-Cinco." The team has not done particularly well in t recent drafts and if head coach Marvin Lewis is going to remain the man in charge, he may have to start taking a more sensible and safe approach. Look for Cincy to start rebuilding its’ offensive line with Monroe on draft day.


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