RoastedLinux2010 Draft - Position Analysis
April 13th 2010 02:23
Quarterbacks
RB's
WR's
Rookie QB's always take a lot of flack. With teams anlayzing everything from throwing motion to release time, the NFL has pro QB-analysis down to a science... except that sometimes, QB's play better than the science of passing predicts.
I've been disappointed at all the negative hype surrounding the several quality QB's entering the draft this year, young men who've succeeded and won throughout their lives. Sure, the game is faster at the pro level, and sure, making decisions in the pocket is crucial. Calling the QB who's going to end up a star is ridiculously difficult. Tom Brady was never expected to make waves in the NFL.
Here are the quarterbacks to watch:
- Sam Bradford, Oklahoma. He has the size and accuracy (and poise) to become a starter. It wouldn't surprise anyone if the Browns traded up for him. Of course, the Rams might not take the trade. They need a QB, too.
- Tim Tebow, Florida. Tebow has gotten more negative criticism than any other QB in this draft. His throwing motion is all wrong they say. Shucks. It really held him back in college, didn't it? Does the boy know how to win? I think he does. He'll figure out how to win in the NFL, too, provided he doesn't end up in Oakland.
- Jimmy Clausen, Notredame. Clausen is considered the #2 QB in this draft by many experts. He has size and accuracy. His TD/INT ratio is excellent. He's expected to be chosen by either the Rams or the Browns.
- Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan. LeFevour had a mediocre pro day, according to several resources, but it wasn't a bust. Many experts place him in the 3rd round, but he may end up in the 2nd, if a team needs to address a hole at QB and is willing to take a chance.
- Colt McCoy, Texas. Someone is going to ignore his size (6' 1'') and draft this QB early. If I had to make a guess, I'd guess that McCoy is the superstar in this rookie class.
- Tony Pike, Cincinnati. Pike is listed in the top five on many draft boards, but I'm skeptical because of his injury-ridden college campaign. At 6' 6'', he's an attractive draft for many teams, but... teams had better have a good backup if he starts.
But here's the thing. No matter which of these quarterbacks ends up becoming what we hope, the team that drafts him matters more. If any of these young men end up at Oakland, kiss him good-bye. Seriously. Anyone who fantasy-drafts any player from Oakland is insane. Until Davis turns the team over entirely to someone else, Oakland is a fantasy black hole.
The Rams are not nearly as bad. If they could get a good QB, Steven Jackson would give him time to grow.
Cleveland is a mess, but at least they're a mess with a Cribbs on the field.
Buffalo might also pick up a QB. Trent Edwards still hasn't come around since his last concussion, it seems. At least his arm hasn't recovered, or is it his decision-making, or his confidence? Whatever his problem, the Bills need a fast, accurate arm in the backfield if they're ever going to compete again. If they don't they'll end up in Toronto before too long.
Another team predicted to look at rookie QB's this season is Jacksonville. Their needs aren't as serious, with a fairly solid starter in Garrard, so whichever QB they do draft will have time to mature. On the other hand, he might disappear if Garrard continues to improve. That's the danger for a top QB, either be drafted by a really bad team and get hit and hurt, or get drafted as a backup and sit the bench for 10 years, unless the starter gets injured.
The last team that might take a look at the rookie QB class is San Francisco. The 49ers actually did fairly well with Smith behind center last year, to my repeated shock and dismay after trading away Vernon Davis. Does SanFran trust Smith enough to NOT back him up with quality. I don't think so. If they don't draft one of the top 5 or 6 QB's in the first round, they'll try to find a needle in the haystack in rounds 2 or 3. San Francisco has a lot of needs, so it's difficult to predict their priorities.
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
RB's
WR's
Rookie QB's always take a lot of flack. With teams anlayzing everything from throwing motion to release time, the NFL has pro QB-analysis down to a science... except that sometimes, QB's play better than the science of passing predicts.
I've been disappointed at all the negative hype surrounding the several quality QB's entering the draft this year, young men who've succeeded and won throughout their lives. Sure, the game is faster at the pro level, and sure, making decisions in the pocket is crucial. Calling the QB who's going to end up a star is ridiculously difficult. Tom Brady was never expected to make waves in the NFL.
Here are the quarterbacks to watch:
- Sam Bradford, Oklahoma. He has the size and accuracy (and poise) to become a starter. It wouldn't surprise anyone if the Browns traded up for him. Of course, the Rams might not take the trade. They need a QB, too.
- Tim Tebow, Florida. Tebow has gotten more negative criticism than any other QB in this draft. His throwing motion is all wrong they say. Shucks. It really held him back in college, didn't it? Does the boy know how to win? I think he does. He'll figure out how to win in the NFL, too, provided he doesn't end up in Oakland.
- Jimmy Clausen, Notredame. Clausen is considered the #2 QB in this draft by many experts. He has size and accuracy. His TD/INT ratio is excellent. He's expected to be chosen by either the Rams or the Browns.
- Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan. LeFevour had a mediocre pro day, according to several resources, but it wasn't a bust. Many experts place him in the 3rd round, but he may end up in the 2nd, if a team needs to address a hole at QB and is willing to take a chance.
- Tony Pike, Cincinnati. Pike is listed in the top five on many draft boards, but I'm skeptical because of his injury-ridden college campaign. At 6' 6'', he's an attractive draft for many teams, but... teams had better have a good backup if he starts.
But here's the thing. No matter which of these quarterbacks ends up becoming what we hope, the team that drafts him matters more. If any of these young men end up at Oakland, kiss him good-bye. Seriously. Anyone who fantasy-drafts any player from Oakland is insane. Until Davis turns the team over entirely to someone else, Oakland is a fantasy black hole.
The Rams are not nearly as bad. If they could get a good QB, Steven Jackson would give him time to grow.
Cleveland is a mess, but at least they're a mess with a Cribbs on the field.
Buffalo might also pick up a QB. Trent Edwards still hasn't come around since his last concussion, it seems. At least his arm hasn't recovered, or is it his decision-making, or his confidence? Whatever his problem, the Bills need a fast, accurate arm in the backfield if they're ever going to compete again. If they don't they'll end up in Toronto before too long.
Another team predicted to look at rookie QB's this season is Jacksonville. Their needs aren't as serious, with a fairly solid starter in Garrard, so whichever QB they do draft will have time to mature. On the other hand, he might disappear if Garrard continues to improve. That's the danger for a top QB, either be drafted by a really bad team and get hit and hurt, or get drafted as a backup and sit the bench for 10 years, unless the starter gets injured.
The last team that might take a look at the rookie QB class is San Francisco. The 49ers actually did fairly well with Smith behind center last year, to my repeated shock and dismay after trading away Vernon Davis. Does SanFran trust Smith enough to NOT back him up with quality. I don't think so. If they don't draft one of the top 5 or 6 QB's in the first round, they'll try to find a needle in the haystack in rounds 2 or 3. San Francisco has a lot of needs, so it's difficult to predict their priorities.
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
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