The Seahawks wisely upgraded a few key positions (OT Russell Okung, S Earl Thomas and WR Golden Tate) and provided they all develop, could be solid additions to this team for year’s to come. Trading late round picks for RB LenDale White and RB Leon Washington were both solid moves and if Washington is healthy, look for him to provide some big plays out of the backfield.
Baltimore Ravens
Ozzie Newsome and Co. always draft well and it’s why they’ve been perennial Playoff participants over the last decade. Trading out of round one to secure DT Terrence Cody and LB Sergio Kindle in round two were both smart moves. The defense, a top unit in 2008, had a slight drop off due to injuries in 2009, and this infusion of youth should get them back to top form in 2010. Taking two TEs in rounds three and four should provide depth – and talent – to the passing game.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers needed to get better along the offensive line and grabbed two big bodies in round one: LT Anthony Davis and OG Mike Lupati. Keeping Alex Smith off his back and providing Frank Gore with more running room was the top priority in this Draft and they’ve addressed that. They also found S Taylor Mays in round two and he’ll have a chip on his shoulder after being passed over by his college coach (Carroll) in round one.
New York Giants
The Giants felt they needed to get younger and more physical on defense and this is exactly what they did. Their top four picks were on the defensive side of the ball and their top pick, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, could end up a double digit sack man and Pro Bowl player for years to come.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles always draft well and continuously find guys who fit their system. They traded up to land DE Brandon Graham and nabbed a Safety with their Donovan McNabb pick in round two. One area where Philly needed help was in the back seven and off the edge and they’ve upgraded these areas in the Draft.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs had gaping holes in the interior of its defense last year and focused solely on this area at the top of the NFL Draft. DTs Gerald McCoy and Brian Price provide youth and talent in the middle and they then focused on a LB later in round three. The Bucs have a long way to go, but this is certainly a solid start.
Cincinnati Bengals
Towards the end of last season, after WR Chris Henry went on IR, the Bengals passing game, and in particular, deep passing game, became non-existent. Teams knew if you shut down Ochocinco, there was little danger from the Bengals’ skill players. So, in addition to their off-season of FA Antonio Bryant, they added the top TE, Jermaine Gresham, and WR Jordan Shipley to handle the slot. Carson Palmer has a huge grin on his face right now and could be a fantasy football nightmare in 2010.
A few more teams we like are the Lions, Raiders and Rams. The problem for these teams though, and the Raiders in particular, is they rarely develop their young talent, so while the Draft may look like a home run on paper, it rarely pans out when the pads go on.
Mr. Bozeman
May 4th, 2010 at 06:43
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I really like the moves that the Seahawks made. I think they picked up 2 top 10 players in their first 2 picks, and then Golden Tate probably had first round potential as well.