Draft Analysis: AFC North
Baltimore Ravens – Thought Provoking
The Ravens drafted Ben Grubbs with their first pick in the 2007 Draft. This was a good idea. He was the best guard available at the time (Thomas went third overall). The new running back, McGahee, needs extra holes to really break out. Between him and Mike Anderson, the Ravens look decent out of the backfield. The funny pick that Baltimore went with was Troy Smith in the 5th round. That’s right, the 174th pick of the draft goes to the Heisman Winner. This could actually prove to be an interesting gamble if he becomes a multi-position player. We know he isn’t going to throw anytime soon (McNair, Boller), but having Smith adds an athletic element if he wants it bad enough. The Ravens didn’t take any other big names in the other rounds, but filled some needs in their depleted linebacker corps.
Cincinnati Bengals - Fanciful
I like what the Bengals did in the first two rounds of the draft. First, they didn’t take any felons, which is cool. Second, they got Leon Hall and Kenny Irons. Hall could be the best CB in the draft class and Kenny Irons is a fantastic tailback out of Auburn. Irons won’t get many touches, but Hall will probably see immediate action if he doesn’t fire a gun, snort a line, or slap some girl’s ass during mini-camp. I’m not sure who Jeff Rowe (Nevada QB) is, but he’ll probably hold a towel for Carson Palmer anyway. In the last round, the Bungles took two Notre Dame boys, perhaps in an attempt to solidify team character.
Cleveland Browns – Double-Take-erific
I say double-take because I couldn’t believe how savvy the Browns ended up looking. Right out of the gate, they smell like crap because they don’t take the hometown boy who is dying to come there and save the franchise. Then, after drafting the big-time tackle, pick after pick after pick, that hometown boy is still there. Then, like caped crusaders, the Browns front office swoops in and grabs Quinn at 22. Amazing and probably well worth the first round choice they gave up. They were going to need a QB in the first round next year (most likely) anyway. Why not get a well-coached, well-groomed, marketable guy now? The Browns’ first two rounds were awesome. Joe Thomas, Brady Quinn, and CB Eric Wright. In the later rounds, they firmed up the D-line. The Browns could win 6-8 games next season. Write it down.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Not half bad
The Stillers grabbed Timmons and Woodley in the first 46 picks. Timmons, a quick LB from FSU was a highly touted recruit from the combine. Woodley could have been a first rounder, so the Black-and-Gold got good value for the Michigan DE with good closing speed. Through the rounds, Pitt did what they had to do adding a TE, some line assistance, a punter, and a corner. What amazes me is the seventh round pick. Dallas Baker from Florida. This could prove to be a great late-round addition to the Steelers passing offense. Baker comes from a winning program and even caught a few big TDs in his day. It’ll be interesting to see what comes of him. With a new coach and some fancy defensive help, perhaps the Stillers can NOT lose ten games.
2 comments:
The AFC North could turn out to be one of if not THE toughest division in football in the next couple of years. You have so much young talent (sans Baltimore), and three franchises who are consistently competing. Now obviously I have a bias, but seriously. Baltimore my have taken the future of their franchise in Troy Smith. Who better to learn behind if you're Troy Smith than Steve McNair? Boller is out next year because his contract is up, so Smith automatically moves up, and will be there to take over when McNair retires/gets hurt.
Cleveland, well they had a good draft. I don't think Quinn should start this year, and perhaps not next year, he should do a Carson Palmer thing, and come in in his third year. As far as Joe Thomas, that is as sure a thing as you can get. (and Craig Joe Thomas is a Tackle, not a guard)
Cincy, well, they bolstered their defense, which they needed to do, cause Carson can't do it all.
Now on to my Stillers. The more time goes on, the more I like this draft. Timmons will start Outside, but will end up replacing Farrior inside. Woodley will be LOLB, replacing Clark Haggans next year and backing him up in coverage this year. Spaeth is huge, and will allow Heath Miller to go in the slot(which will assuage the critics of Whiz who say he underutilized Miller), as well as the team going with single back sets. Sepulveda is as exciting as a punter can be. He punts a mile (holds record for single season punt avg.) and he covers his own punts, he was recruited as a LB into Baylor. Gardocki sucks, and will be cut no doubt. A guard and a corner push for positions but show only a little promise, and Dallas Baker, who I think is the Steelers steal of the draft, will be a decent possession receiver. The team signed Kevan Barlow today to a one year contract, which I love. They didn't want to reach for anyone in the draft, and I think Parker, Barlow, and Davenport (aka the Dump Truck) will make for a decent backfield. There are too many question marks for this team to pencil them in, but they show some damn promise, and I am WAY TOO EXCITED for this season. End Article.
Correction (since you corrected me): I'm certain that Palmer only sat for one year. He won the 2003 Heisman and was drafted that year. His first start was in 2004, 13 games.
Quinn should sit for at least 8 games, but who knows. I would have never seen Vince Young having a great close to the season and Quinn was better coached.
Post a Comment