FSH: NFL DRAFT REVIEW

January 13th, 2009 11:55pm PST

2009 NFL Draft Review

Working with the staff over at the NFL Draft Bible, the following is my assessment of how the Rams did with their seven 2009 draft picks. The grade is based on the pick, considering when the pick was taken and how the player developed or did not. For complete coverage of all 32 teams, check out the NFL Draft Bible.

ST. LOUIS RAMS 2009 DRAFT REVIEW

(1-2) Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The man-beast from the University of Baylor did not have the spectacular rookie season many in St. Louis would have hoped to see him have. Smith played in only eight games this season and with not having anything handed to him he started just five. His inaugural season as a professional lineman was marred by injuries (knee, concussion) which just didn't allow the behemoth ample time on the field to make a consistent contribution. Grade: C-

(2-35) James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State: Perhaps one of the better picks of the 2009 NFL Draft, the rookie from thee Ohio State University quickly earned his reputation as a tough nose gap stuffer. Laurinaitis didn't waste any time earning the starting middle linebacker assignment during training camp. He started all 16 games as a rookie and led the club with 120 tackles, including 107 solo this past season. He's a strong anchor in the middle the team can build around. Grade: A

(3-66) Bradley Fletcher, DB, Iowa: The Ohio native showed some promise early in the season earning the starting gig at one corner for three games before suffering a hyper-extended knee that ended his season in week 7. The third round pick has impressive athletic ability and plays with a physical style of defense, but for a shortened campaign he was on his way to becoming a mainstay at the corner. Grade: B+

(4-103) Darell Scott, DT, Clemson: The big man in the trenches didn't exactly have a coming out party his rookie season. The fourth round pick didn't make much of an impact as a run-stopper this season playing in only 11 games and starting in just five this season (five of the last six). The Rams ranked near the bottom of the well against the run in 2009 and with only 18 tackles his rookie season Scott will have plenty of room for improvement. Grade: D

(5-160) Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina: The South Carolina native out of UNC brought tremendous athletic ability to the position with good size. Unfortunately for Foster, he suffered a foot injury during training camp that required surgery and ended his rookie campaign prematurely. Foster was expected to challenge for time in the slot, but he will now have to wait until 2010 to see if he can earn a spot in the rotation. Grade: No grade. (Pick received from Falcons)

(6-196) Keith Null, QB, West Texas AM: The sixth round pick wasn't really expected to do anything more than hold a clip board and learn from the sideline, but injuries this season changed all that. A long shot at best, Null had impressive numbers coming out of college, but odds are stacked against making the transition to the bigs. Null had limited opportunity in 2009 starting just four games, but the kid did not fare well throwing nine interceptions. Unfortunately for Null during his short stint he did not show enough to convince management he is the future now. He's still raw, undeveloped, and a ways away from taking the reins in St.Louis; we still need to see a lot more. Grade: C- (pick received from Falcons)

(7-211) Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Texas: The three-year letterman from the University of Texas started out his professional career on the Rams practice squad. He wasn't promoted to the active roster until late November. Buried deep behind running back Steven Jackson on the depth chart Ogbonnaya saw little action during his active stay. He doesn't appear to be the answer as Jackson's backup right now, but with his size and strength he could easily contribute as a special-teams player; we just haven't seen enough of this kid. Grade: D

Check back for more as I will be covering the NFC West Review…..

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 1st, 2009 9:37pm PST

24 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: St. Louis Rams....
In 2008 the Rams finished their disappointing season at 4-12. Injuries, faulty pass protection, and a poor defense were the biggest culprits last season for St. Louis. That's why, if the Lions follow suit with the selection of Matthew Stafford at number one, the Rams will likely follow with Jason Smith from the University of Baylor. The compelling factor leading many to project precisely this pick has to be the vacancy created by the loss of former all-pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace.

It makes perfect sense. Last season the line was woeful allowing 45 sacks and just 4-yards per carry with one of the league’s elite running backs in Steven Jackson. In 2009 the Rams are expected to be a primary running team, but with the hefty investment they've made in quarterback Marc Bulger, culminated with the loss of Pace, the offensive line is the best place for this team to start rebuilding.

There doesn't seem to be much mystery with what the Rams should be thinking and at 6'5" and 309-lbs, Smith is a specimen that would be tough to pass on. The Baylor prospect is athletic, has good feet, combined with long arms making him the jewel of the draft at his position. Smith is a three year starter in the Big-12 and looks like a solid bet to easily make the transition to the pros. He is considered the one of the best offensive lineman in the draft and in some circles he is projected to be better than previous draftees, Jake Long and Joe Thomas. It would be hard to imagine the Rams going in any other direction and passing on Smith.

(Photo by Baylor Athletics)

When you consider that the Rams were the 28th ranked defense overall a year ago, it becomes easy to argue that this could become a prevalent direction that the team could look. The defense only generated 30 sacks a year ago and allowed teams to average almost 30-points per game. There's no question the team could use a lot of help on the defensive side.

While reviewing many mock drafts from various sites, it seems almost an afterthought now that the Rams will go offensive lineman, but if they decide to take a quick look across the ball, they won't go any further than Wake Forest's Aaron Curry. The dynamic world class hard-hitting backer is considered the best at his position in this year's draft. Like Detroit's dilemma, whether to go offense or defense, the Rams can't go wrong with Curry as the second overall selection.

While many are going to speculate and teeter back and forth in the coming weeks, the Rams have a few components in place on offense and need to continue to build a team that only averaged less than 15-points per game last season. The smart money is going to go with Smith joining the Rams on draft day.

Just a quick fantasy note, considering how well rookie OT Ryan Clady played for Denver in 2008, with a new full-back and a future all-pro tackle (Smith) to replace a former all-pro tackle (Pace), 2009 could be a good year for RB Steven Jackson and the Rams offense.


Check back everyday for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: ON THE TICKER

March 31st, 2009 10:07pm PST

25 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Detroit Lions....
There has been so much talk surrounding the Lions and there number one draft pick. Recently there was speculation that the Lions could be looking to make a run at Cutler offering their top pick, but it seemed mostly talk, until now! With the breaking news coming from Denver announcing the Bronco's intent to trade quarterback Jay Cutler, the Lions could very well be back in business. The big question to ask is "Will the Broncos bite?"

With the top pick many folks were contemplating what the Lions might do, but if they make a deal and trade their number one pick to Denver, all bets are off. With Cutler under center and no pick in the first round, managements' focus will likely turn to build a defense through the draft while their new arm gets settled in.

If the Lions hold onto the number one pick, you would have to think since this team is in full-rebuild mode the obvious pick is going to be Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford. Since following many draft sites that are now in full NFL draft mode, many so-called experts are projecting that this is exactly what Detroit will do. One thing I have not heard nor seen from anyone, sure Stafford is talented, but is anyone buying that he IS a franchise quarterback. If you select a quarterback number one overall, then he is a franchise quarterback.

(Photo by Ben Liebenberg/NFL.com)

Many think Stafford has the tools and enough talent to start, but very few have gone out on that limb to say he's going to turn a franchise around. Some are comparing his skill, play and arm strength to that of Cutler, while it may be a compliment in some ways, the Bronco or soon-to-be former Broncos still has a lot of progression left. Stafford will be a work in progress, but unfortunately for Detroit, he'll also be expensive.

One thing I keep being reminded of when I think of the Lions and draft day is their recent lack of success; Joey Harrington, Mike Williams, and Charles Rogers. Drafting a quarterback number one overall is going to demand a hefty pay-day to suit and will likely warrant starting right away out of necessity. While too many Stafford makes sense, it's still a tough decision no matter how you break it down.

At 0-16, there is so much to fix and even if Stafford is a hit, as a rookie he's not going to win you anymore than maybe five or six games. Another conceivable direction the team could chose to go is defense. Unquestionably the number one rated NFL prospect in this year's draft has to be Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry. Curry appears to be a dynamic athlete with tremendous ability and talent. There is little doubt that he will easily make the transition to the next level and be a star of the future. With so much hype surrounding Curry, he would be a safe pick for the Lions and one that the team could build on.

If I'm a betting man, because there's been so much talk lately about who the Lions will select, I would have to wager on Stafford being the popular choice. I guess the real question though folks should be asking at the moment, "Will the Lions have the overall number one pick in this year's draft?" It's very possible that with all that has taken place in the last 48-hours we could be talking about another team.

Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!" all the way up to the 2009 NFL Draft!!

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STUFF

March 29th, 2008 9:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Stuff

This Weekend's Talk

The Big Talk is a longer season....
Apparently some folks just can't get enough football, so the league's commissioner is pitching to the owners a plan to extend the regular season to as many as 18 games. I will certainly not disagree with more football, but in all honesty I do think the season is already long enough. 16 games can be tough on NFL players and extremely grueling because of the physical nature of the game. I would argue, that while many of us would prefer to see less preseason games, because many of these games exclude some of the more popular and talented players, putting these same players through an 18-game schedule could make for a very difficult challenge for many to maneuver through injury-free. I would have to ask the question, what would make more sense, having preseason games that star players miss or post-season games without star players?

I am just like the next fanatical football fan and would love more games, but I also understand and see what these players go through in the current set up. Four games seems like many, but if these games were structured more to be safe for the big names (quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers) although there may be less contact we could see more of the players we'd like. That's just my thought.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Who's going Number One?...
If you've been following many of the football sites as I have over the past couple of weeks, you're probably as confused as I am about who is projected to go number one in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Lions sit atop the draft totem pole and coming off an 0-16 record last season, they need all the help they can get. Many of the mock drafts I have seen have the Lions all over the board, but barring any last minute block-buster trades Georgia's quarterback Matthew Stafford appears to be the popular choice as the overall number one.

The unanimous argument is the Lions are in full rebuild-mode and the team will need to start at the quarterback position. Considering the options they currently have available (Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton) it only makes sense, especially with the talent of Stafford. His development will be a work in progress, but so will the entire team's.

Two other prospects coming into consideration are OT Jason Smith out of Baylor and LB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest. Both players are a world of talent at their respective positions and like Stafford make sensible selections for a team in great need. With the quarterback being such a critical position and having the most impact, it would be hard to imagine seeing the Lions passing on the opportunity to select the kid many scouts are so high on.

(Photo by John Bazemore/AP)

Stafford clearly a favorite to go number one is considered to have a strong arm, and at 6'3" and 235-lbs he has great size. He's shown athletic ability and has good leadership, but the Lions staff will have to work very hard to improve his decision making and turnover tendency.

Certainly there are no guarantees in the draft, but Detroit fans will be very hopeful on draft day that they could be looking at another Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco.

Check back every Monday for the "Monday Morning Huddle!"