Post by XFLBlitz on Apr 30, 2008 8:01:03 GMT -5
With the draft only a few days away, here's the Blitz' take on how the 1st round might go....
1. Birmingham - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
I mean really, with Flacco and Ryan gone, what other choice do the Bolts have? Do they have other problems besides QB? Yes. Do any of them take precedence over stability at QB? Absolutely not! Clearly the best one in this draft class. Here's what they get in Brohm: Considering he is the son of a coach and his brother coached him at Louisville, it is no surprise that he has great footwork and technique. He typically makes great decisions, although he had to force things trying to carry the offense as a senior. In addition to his strong, accurate arm, Brohm has both the mental and athletic acumen to become a terrific XFL quarterback who should start from day 1.
2. Pittsburgh - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.
Another mock had Andre Calwell here, or maybe (just maybe) DT Frank Okam for Rex Ryan's 3-4 defense, but with Dorsey, Balmer and Ellis gone to the NFL, the next best DT is Trevor Laws, whose size and skill set makes him SO unfit for this D. Also, with the I-men losing both Kelly Campbell and Johnnie Morant, there's a huge hole. Stuckey, as good as he is, is not a #1 receiver, and I won't waste any space writing about David Terrell. Devin Thomas can more than replace Campbell, he's better than Campbell was coming out. Thomas is a big, physical receiver who can make big plays with the ball in his hands, and he can be a dangerous kickoff returner. He should quickly get onto the field as the No. 2 receiver, (and eventually the #1) provided he learns the offense quickly. Thomas' arrival should enable Chansi Stuckey to move into the slot in passing situations, where his quickness off the line and ability to get down the middle in a hurry should provide a boost to the aerial attack.
3. Las Vegas - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
As for me, if I'm a Outlaw opponent both Tony Hollings, and Jerome Harrison do NOT scare me. And at first glance, Rice (5'-8", 200) wouldn't either. But he's a durable pounding back who got almost 5,000 yards in his collegiate career. He has rare playmaking ability and toughness. He consistently plays bigger and stronger than his measured size would suggest. He might be small, but he is a powerful back who runs low to the ground and with good body lean. Although he shows good cutting ability, he is basically a north-and-south runner. All-XFL DT Rien Long might not be available for 2008, and the Outlaws could make a move to get Red Bryant, DT, out of Texas A&M
4. Chicago - Chris Ellis, DE, Vir. Tech.
Having three first round picks allow the Enforcers to in essence rebuild overnight. Since L. Jackson, D. Harvey, and even Phillip Merling are gone, Chicago takes the next best one. With Justin Tuck in the KC fold, Chi-town needs this in a major way.Luckily for them Ellis has been described as the next Tuck. A good pass rusher with the speed beat people off the edge. He uses his hands well to keep blockers off his body. He also is a good leverage player against the run. Some scouts viewed him as a potential strongside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme because of his athleticism and lateral agility. He'll need to develop better counter moves at the pro level, but the Enforcers can use him as a situational pass rusher who adds to their D-line rotation.
5. Carolina - Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
While some may feel the Colonels should go for a RB here, this is too deep a draft to miss a good one - they can wait till round 2. However, not too CB's have Porter's talent. He has the speed, agility and quickness to recover and make plays even when he is beaten initially. He can match up in single-coverage assignments and handle fast play makers. Despite his smallish frame, he has proven to be a very durable defender with only a freshman shoulder injury forcing him to miss playing time. In short, he could start as a nickel, but be a starting CB by season's end. They might take a shot at Steve Slaton, RB, out of W. Vir., to inject some life into their running game.
6. Detroit - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Get well Gabe Watson. His season-ending injury makes this pick necessary. Enter Trevor Laws. He could project to either tackle or end at the next level depending on the scheme. He's the type who will never be a XFL star but could play in the league for a long time and coaches will adore him. Plugging him into the lineup will allow rookie Jamaal Anderson to continue his growth. Plus the team can use someone who can take the pressure off of star OLB Michael Boley. You can bet ND head coach Charlie Weis gets into Detroit's front office's ear to talk up Laws. But in truth, I feel his play can speak for himself.
7. San Francisco - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
While the Demons will most likely take Matt Forte if he's here, Chad Henne is another name to remember. He's a classic pocket passer with a big arm, and the Demons QB play might convince them this is the way to go. Forte has good size, and while he might lack explosive speed, his lower body strength, balance and body control allow him to shift his weight, sink his pads and drive through arm tackles. He is an efficient receiver out of the backfield and adds to his resume as a gunner on special teams. He quietly goes about his job and is slowly developing into a solid cut blocker. He seems to get stronger as the game wears on and has made steady progress recovering from late 2006 knee problems.
8. Jacksonville - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Tyler Palko was a nice feel good story here. DJ can make him a LOT better if J-ville picks him. Some experts compare him to Santana Moss, but he is much more explosive in his drive off the ball to the break point and brings much more value on special teams. Others liken him to Devin Hester, but he is not in that class yet as a returner and, because of size issues, he has never really taken to the kickoff-return role. Jackson is a better deep threat with better hands as a receiver than Hester. His best comparison might be to Steve Smith - both have a combination of explosive burst, quick change-of-direction agility and cutting ability to threaten the deep secondary consistently. If that's the case, folks in the XFL East are going to feel like Cal opponents did - queasy.
9. Los Angeles - Fred Davis, TE, USC
This is just too easy for the X-men, who love adding USC players, (and UCLA players, Cal players, Fresno State players, USD players, well you get the drift) to their roster. It's a toss between TE and CB as greatest need, but TE wins here. Davis was a highly-regarded prep recruit who actually began his college career at wide receiver.He has just three years of experience as a tight end, so his best years are still ahead of him. He was the Trojans top pass catching threat in '07. Davis is already a fantastic pass catcher and is making great strides as a blocker. He might never be an elite player at the pro level but has the ability to be a very good all-around starter and possibly even more if he continues to improve. We could be looking at another Chris Cooley here.
10. Washington - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
Sims is one of the better gap-shooters you will find. He showed his toughness playing all year with a cast to protect the broken bones in his left hand in 2007, but he also learned how to use it as a weapon. Now THAT is tough. He has very good explosion off the snap to impact the pocket. He is still lacking experience and will need time to develop, and what better person to mentor him than Israel Raybon? Depending on his learning curve, we could be looking at another Stroud-Henderson combo. For those who think he can't be coached need only examine the case of the NFL's Titans showing extreme patience with Albert Haynesworth. Some team could luck out with Sims using the same approach.
11. Memphis - Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Lee played in the physical SEC, and is not afraid of contact, which is the trademark of the Maniax' defensive backfield. Affter having lost Reggie Durden in the off-season, he should fit in nicely behind stopgap cornerbacks David Pittman and Charles Gordon. Other options include Antwaun Molden of Eastern Kentucky, but to use a first-rounder on him would be too high. So in the end they'll happily take regional pick Lee, who will challenge for a starting job from opening day of training camp and also enable them to grab another corner, like Molden or a safety like Quintin Demps, later on.
12. Chicago - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
It is common knowledge how important the tight end position is in Chicago's offense. Ben Troupe never developed into the valuable play-making threat he was advertised as. He bombed for all sorts of reasons, but if the GM's eye for talent (or character) failed him, his knowledge of the West Coast didn't. Stretching the seam and opening space for the short routes the WC is built upon and providing the kind of versatility as a blocker and receiver to explode through the run game and capitalize through play action. Carlson, although many still consider him the top TE in this draft will be a perfect fit for the Enforcers, plus build on their ND fan base.
13. Seattle - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Seattle will gladly step to the podium and make this pick. Sweed is tall, well built and extremely fluid for his size. Instinctive route runner; finding soft spots in zone comes very naturally to him. He does an excellent job of finding the ball over his shoulder and adjusting to the deep ball. Displays soft hands and very good concentration. Knows how to use his body to shield defenders and uses his upper body subtly to gain separation from defenders when the ball is in the air (see: TD vs. Oklahoma in 2006). Very difficult to defend one-on-one inside the red zone. Displays good leaping ability, long arms and big, strong hands to challenge for the jump ball. Supremely confident in his ability. Shows good body control along the sideline. He has good quickness and change-of-direction skills for his size. He will consistently make the first defender miss after the catch and he also shows the ability to make sharp cuts in the open field after the catch. John Navarre and the other Reign WR's get another weapon. Watch for him to make a play for the #1 WR spot by next season.
14. Kansas City - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
Just as how Seattle will glad step up pick Sweed, KC will do the same for this guy. TE Martellus Bennett is expected to take over as the team's No. 2 tight end behind starter Teyo Johnson. Bennett replaces TE Kevin Everett, who was paralyzed in a horrible accident and whose football career is most likely over. Bennett is expected to be used a lot in two-tight end formations. Head coach Donnie Henderson said Bennett reminds him of San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates.
15. Dallas - DaJuan Morgan, SS, NC State
With Erik Coleman now a Monarch and the other safeties still a work in progress, Big D had to find another young safety. This is a solid move for the Lonestars because Morgan could also be insurance in the event Junior Rosegreen does not step up this season. Morgan provides some defensive pop in the secondary and can also be a flyer on special teams. He’s steadily improved each season and he’s been on Dallas' radar screen since last year when the team was scouting his teammate, Tank Tyler.
16. New York - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
First, here's what I know of Chad Henne. I know that he's a tough SOB, playing through injuries (like separated shoulders) quite frequently. I know that Henne DOES have a cannon for an arm. Seriously, some of his "laser-like" throws are impressive to watch, though his arm isn't quite as strong compared to Joe Hamilton. So he certainly has the arm strength to make every single throw and his deep ball is sometimes considered a thing of beauty. I also know that he's a big, strong guy. He won't need to add weight or anything to help his body hold up to the beating that the XFL could give a young quarterback. And I also know that Henne is a workaholic much like Hamilton is. This is the perfect spot for him to land - XFL champs, talented team, plus time to be groomed and developed.
17. Chicago - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
With the third of three 1st round picks, Chi-town can go WR here. Early should fit the bill. Doucet is a tough guy who doesn't get jammed at the line or flinch when working the middle. He'd be an instant upgrade for the Enforcers on slant, drag and crossing patterns--essential stuff in the West Coast. He catches the ball away from his body, though I wouldn't say hands are his hallmark. His best trait has got to be his feet. He generates a lot of speed with short, choppy steps. It allows for the quickness out of cuts that creates separation and the agility and explosiveness in the open field that maximizes yards after the catch. He's quick enough to make hay with a direct snap, and tough enough to bounce back.In short, the Enforcers will have themselves a low downside possession receiver with a little dynamite in his shoes.
1. Birmingham - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
I mean really, with Flacco and Ryan gone, what other choice do the Bolts have? Do they have other problems besides QB? Yes. Do any of them take precedence over stability at QB? Absolutely not! Clearly the best one in this draft class. Here's what they get in Brohm: Considering he is the son of a coach and his brother coached him at Louisville, it is no surprise that he has great footwork and technique. He typically makes great decisions, although he had to force things trying to carry the offense as a senior. In addition to his strong, accurate arm, Brohm has both the mental and athletic acumen to become a terrific XFL quarterback who should start from day 1.
2. Pittsburgh - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St.
Another mock had Andre Calwell here, or maybe (just maybe) DT Frank Okam for Rex Ryan's 3-4 defense, but with Dorsey, Balmer and Ellis gone to the NFL, the next best DT is Trevor Laws, whose size and skill set makes him SO unfit for this D. Also, with the I-men losing both Kelly Campbell and Johnnie Morant, there's a huge hole. Stuckey, as good as he is, is not a #1 receiver, and I won't waste any space writing about David Terrell. Devin Thomas can more than replace Campbell, he's better than Campbell was coming out. Thomas is a big, physical receiver who can make big plays with the ball in his hands, and he can be a dangerous kickoff returner. He should quickly get onto the field as the No. 2 receiver, (and eventually the #1) provided he learns the offense quickly. Thomas' arrival should enable Chansi Stuckey to move into the slot in passing situations, where his quickness off the line and ability to get down the middle in a hurry should provide a boost to the aerial attack.
3. Las Vegas - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers
As for me, if I'm a Outlaw opponent both Tony Hollings, and Jerome Harrison do NOT scare me. And at first glance, Rice (5'-8", 200) wouldn't either. But he's a durable pounding back who got almost 5,000 yards in his collegiate career. He has rare playmaking ability and toughness. He consistently plays bigger and stronger than his measured size would suggest. He might be small, but he is a powerful back who runs low to the ground and with good body lean. Although he shows good cutting ability, he is basically a north-and-south runner. All-XFL DT Rien Long might not be available for 2008, and the Outlaws could make a move to get Red Bryant, DT, out of Texas A&M
4. Chicago - Chris Ellis, DE, Vir. Tech.
Having three first round picks allow the Enforcers to in essence rebuild overnight. Since L. Jackson, D. Harvey, and even Phillip Merling are gone, Chicago takes the next best one. With Justin Tuck in the KC fold, Chi-town needs this in a major way.Luckily for them Ellis has been described as the next Tuck. A good pass rusher with the speed beat people off the edge. He uses his hands well to keep blockers off his body. He also is a good leverage player against the run. Some scouts viewed him as a potential strongside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme because of his athleticism and lateral agility. He'll need to develop better counter moves at the pro level, but the Enforcers can use him as a situational pass rusher who adds to their D-line rotation.
5. Carolina - Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana
While some may feel the Colonels should go for a RB here, this is too deep a draft to miss a good one - they can wait till round 2. However, not too CB's have Porter's talent. He has the speed, agility and quickness to recover and make plays even when he is beaten initially. He can match up in single-coverage assignments and handle fast play makers. Despite his smallish frame, he has proven to be a very durable defender with only a freshman shoulder injury forcing him to miss playing time. In short, he could start as a nickel, but be a starting CB by season's end. They might take a shot at Steve Slaton, RB, out of W. Vir., to inject some life into their running game.
6. Detroit - Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
Get well Gabe Watson. His season-ending injury makes this pick necessary. Enter Trevor Laws. He could project to either tackle or end at the next level depending on the scheme. He's the type who will never be a XFL star but could play in the league for a long time and coaches will adore him. Plugging him into the lineup will allow rookie Jamaal Anderson to continue his growth. Plus the team can use someone who can take the pressure off of star OLB Michael Boley. You can bet ND head coach Charlie Weis gets into Detroit's front office's ear to talk up Laws. But in truth, I feel his play can speak for himself.
7. San Francisco - Matt Forte, RB, Tulane
While the Demons will most likely take Matt Forte if he's here, Chad Henne is another name to remember. He's a classic pocket passer with a big arm, and the Demons QB play might convince them this is the way to go. Forte has good size, and while he might lack explosive speed, his lower body strength, balance and body control allow him to shift his weight, sink his pads and drive through arm tackles. He is an efficient receiver out of the backfield and adds to his resume as a gunner on special teams. He quietly goes about his job and is slowly developing into a solid cut blocker. He seems to get stronger as the game wears on and has made steady progress recovering from late 2006 knee problems.
8. Jacksonville - DeSean Jackson, WR, California
Tyler Palko was a nice feel good story here. DJ can make him a LOT better if J-ville picks him. Some experts compare him to Santana Moss, but he is much more explosive in his drive off the ball to the break point and brings much more value on special teams. Others liken him to Devin Hester, but he is not in that class yet as a returner and, because of size issues, he has never really taken to the kickoff-return role. Jackson is a better deep threat with better hands as a receiver than Hester. His best comparison might be to Steve Smith - both have a combination of explosive burst, quick change-of-direction agility and cutting ability to threaten the deep secondary consistently. If that's the case, folks in the XFL East are going to feel like Cal opponents did - queasy.
9. Los Angeles - Fred Davis, TE, USC
This is just too easy for the X-men, who love adding USC players, (and UCLA players, Cal players, Fresno State players, USD players, well you get the drift) to their roster. It's a toss between TE and CB as greatest need, but TE wins here. Davis was a highly-regarded prep recruit who actually began his college career at wide receiver.He has just three years of experience as a tight end, so his best years are still ahead of him. He was the Trojans top pass catching threat in '07. Davis is already a fantastic pass catcher and is making great strides as a blocker. He might never be an elite player at the pro level but has the ability to be a very good all-around starter and possibly even more if he continues to improve. We could be looking at another Chris Cooley here.
10. Washington - Pat Sims, DT, Auburn
Sims is one of the better gap-shooters you will find. He showed his toughness playing all year with a cast to protect the broken bones in his left hand in 2007, but he also learned how to use it as a weapon. Now THAT is tough. He has very good explosion off the snap to impact the pocket. He is still lacking experience and will need time to develop, and what better person to mentor him than Israel Raybon? Depending on his learning curve, we could be looking at another Stroud-Henderson combo. For those who think he can't be coached need only examine the case of the NFL's Titans showing extreme patience with Albert Haynesworth. Some team could luck out with Sims using the same approach.
11. Memphis - Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn
Lee played in the physical SEC, and is not afraid of contact, which is the trademark of the Maniax' defensive backfield. Affter having lost Reggie Durden in the off-season, he should fit in nicely behind stopgap cornerbacks David Pittman and Charles Gordon. Other options include Antwaun Molden of Eastern Kentucky, but to use a first-rounder on him would be too high. So in the end they'll happily take regional pick Lee, who will challenge for a starting job from opening day of training camp and also enable them to grab another corner, like Molden or a safety like Quintin Demps, later on.
12. Chicago - John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
It is common knowledge how important the tight end position is in Chicago's offense. Ben Troupe never developed into the valuable play-making threat he was advertised as. He bombed for all sorts of reasons, but if the GM's eye for talent (or character) failed him, his knowledge of the West Coast didn't. Stretching the seam and opening space for the short routes the WC is built upon and providing the kind of versatility as a blocker and receiver to explode through the run game and capitalize through play action. Carlson, although many still consider him the top TE in this draft will be a perfect fit for the Enforcers, plus build on their ND fan base.
13. Seattle - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
Seattle will gladly step to the podium and make this pick. Sweed is tall, well built and extremely fluid for his size. Instinctive route runner; finding soft spots in zone comes very naturally to him. He does an excellent job of finding the ball over his shoulder and adjusting to the deep ball. Displays soft hands and very good concentration. Knows how to use his body to shield defenders and uses his upper body subtly to gain separation from defenders when the ball is in the air (see: TD vs. Oklahoma in 2006). Very difficult to defend one-on-one inside the red zone. Displays good leaping ability, long arms and big, strong hands to challenge for the jump ball. Supremely confident in his ability. Shows good body control along the sideline. He has good quickness and change-of-direction skills for his size. He will consistently make the first defender miss after the catch and he also shows the ability to make sharp cuts in the open field after the catch. John Navarre and the other Reign WR's get another weapon. Watch for him to make a play for the #1 WR spot by next season.
14. Kansas City - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
Just as how Seattle will glad step up pick Sweed, KC will do the same for this guy. TE Martellus Bennett is expected to take over as the team's No. 2 tight end behind starter Teyo Johnson. Bennett replaces TE Kevin Everett, who was paralyzed in a horrible accident and whose football career is most likely over. Bennett is expected to be used a lot in two-tight end formations. Head coach Donnie Henderson said Bennett reminds him of San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates.
15. Dallas - DaJuan Morgan, SS, NC State
With Erik Coleman now a Monarch and the other safeties still a work in progress, Big D had to find another young safety. This is a solid move for the Lonestars because Morgan could also be insurance in the event Junior Rosegreen does not step up this season. Morgan provides some defensive pop in the secondary and can also be a flyer on special teams. He’s steadily improved each season and he’s been on Dallas' radar screen since last year when the team was scouting his teammate, Tank Tyler.
16. New York - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
First, here's what I know of Chad Henne. I know that he's a tough SOB, playing through injuries (like separated shoulders) quite frequently. I know that Henne DOES have a cannon for an arm. Seriously, some of his "laser-like" throws are impressive to watch, though his arm isn't quite as strong compared to Joe Hamilton. So he certainly has the arm strength to make every single throw and his deep ball is sometimes considered a thing of beauty. I also know that he's a big, strong guy. He won't need to add weight or anything to help his body hold up to the beating that the XFL could give a young quarterback. And I also know that Henne is a workaholic much like Hamilton is. This is the perfect spot for him to land - XFL champs, talented team, plus time to be groomed and developed.
17. Chicago - Early Doucet, WR, LSU
With the third of three 1st round picks, Chi-town can go WR here. Early should fit the bill. Doucet is a tough guy who doesn't get jammed at the line or flinch when working the middle. He'd be an instant upgrade for the Enforcers on slant, drag and crossing patterns--essential stuff in the West Coast. He catches the ball away from his body, though I wouldn't say hands are his hallmark. His best trait has got to be his feet. He generates a lot of speed with short, choppy steps. It allows for the quickness out of cuts that creates separation and the agility and explosiveness in the open field that maximizes yards after the catch. He's quick enough to make hay with a direct snap, and tough enough to bounce back.In short, the Enforcers will have themselves a low downside possession receiver with a little dynamite in his shoes.