The Greatest Photo of All Time- Jess's Camel Toe kicks off The Nudge Draft Analysis
Alright, Nudge Fans, you ready for it. This is The Nudge's Guru Mel Kiper's Mock 2009 First Round picks. I've also added the commentary from the always great Walter Football website for a third take on the picks. As every NFL fan knows, no matter what type of science the experts put behind their picks, its still anyone's guess. There's no rhyme or reason to who will pan out and who will be the next Tony Mandarich. I figured I'd spice up the analysis Nudgette Style, so enjoy!
Kiper's got: 1 Detroit Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
What the Nudge Say’s: (Player-Flat Out) Stafford is your prototypical first pick in the NFL Draft. Since winning all those titles in big-time Texas High School football and performing very well in Mark Richt’s offense, you have to say that this guy is going to be a solid pro. But is he going to be a great pro? If he’s sentenced to life in Detroit, and I think with the new regime in there, their going to opt away from trading this pick, call him the next David Carr. After his fourth concussion in his rookie season, his career will be basically over. In Detroit, he has no chance at becoming the next Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco. But if Detroit does the right thing and trades away the pick, possibly to the Jets, the skies the limit for this kid.
What Walter Football Say’s: Stafford's arm is much more powerful than Sanchez's, so he presents the Lions with more upside. Also, Stafford has much more starting experience than Sanchez. After going 0-16, the Lions can't afford to whiff here, and taking a signal caller with one real year of starting experience is really risky.
What Walter Football Say’s: Stafford's arm is much more powerful than Sanchez's, so he presents the Lions with more upside. Also, Stafford has much more starting experience than Sanchez. After going 0-16, the Lions can't afford to whiff here, and taking a signal caller with one real year of starting experience is really risky.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Major, 50 % (there’s a lot of teams that are going to want this kid after he throws the fifteen yard out in the combine)
Kiper's got: 2 St. Louis Andre Smith OT Alabama
Kiper's got: 2 St. Louis Andre Smith OT Alabama
What the Nudge Say’s: (Player-Flat Out) Best left tackle prospect since Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden. This guy has started at Bama since day one. He has never disappointed. There is no way Smith drops past the second pick, put that in the bank. If you draft this kid, you don’t have to worry about what I think is the second most important position in all of football, the left tackle spot. St. Louis is not going slapping themselves on the back with this pick.
What Walter Football Say’s: It looks like this is going to come down to Andre Smith and ene Monroe. Steve Spagnuolo said in his introductory press conference that he wants to really emphasize the running game. Also, Orlando Pace is still under contract for three more years. I don't know if he'll last that long, but he'll at least be back for 2009. If the Rams take Monroe, what are they going to do with two left tackles? Smith makes more sense because he can man the right side until Pace's tenure in St. Louis is finished.
What Walter Football Say’s: It looks like this is going to come down to Andre Smith and ene Monroe. Steve Spagnuolo said in his introductory press conference that he wants to really emphasize the running game. Also, Orlando Pace is still under contract for three more years. I don't know if he'll last that long, but he'll at least be back for 2009. If the Rams take Monroe, what are they going to do with two left tackles? Smith makes more sense because he can man the right side until Pace's tenure in St. Louis is finished.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10% ( it depends if Spagnulo thinks he can get a couple of years out of Pace, if he thinks he can, Rams trade down and go for a defensive end, or corner.
Kiper's got: 3 Kansas City Mark Sanchez QB USC
What the Nudge Say’s: I thought a lot about Sanchez for the past couple of years. Ever since winning in Mission Viejo, I thought the guy was a prototypical QB prospect. The pluses on him are that USC runs a pro style offense and that Snachez can be up and running in an NFL Scheme quicker than the other QB’s in the draft. But this last season, especially facing adversity in the OSU game, my opinion of this kid dropped drastically. There has been a lot of criticism about USC’s wide receivers, but I don’t buy into that. Ron Johnson is an awesome WR prospect and Dirty Sanchez threw to FB Havili way too much. I think that he has trouble with his progressions. Arm strength is good. Past injuries are goin to play a factor, especially after the combine examinations. Believe it or not, I think KC sticks with Brodie Coyle and takes Aaron Curry at this spot. Way too high a pick to spend on Dirty Sanchez. He is definitely going to be the second QB taken. After Sanchez, the crop of QB’s drops significantly.
What Walter Football Say’s: This isn't as much of a lock as Matt Stafford going first or the Seahawks taking Michael Crabtree, but I think there's a pretty good chance that the Chiefs select Mark Sanchez. A new regime usually means a new quarterback, and Sanchez is way too talented to pass up. Some may argue that new general manager Scott Pioli has never taken a quarterback this high. That may be true, but it's fairly obvious why - he had Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady in New England. Why would he use a first-rounder on a signal caller?
What Walter Football Say’s: This isn't as much of a lock as Matt Stafford going first or the Seahawks taking Michael Crabtree, but I think there's a pretty good chance that the Chiefs select Mark Sanchez. A new regime usually means a new quarterback, and Sanchez is way too talented to pass up. Some may argue that new general manager Scott Pioli has never taken a quarterback this high. That may be true, but it's fairly obvious why - he had Drew Bledsoe and Tom Brady in New England. Why would he use a first-rounder on a signal caller?
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10% (slim to none, unless someone wants to steal Crabtree with this pick, and the Rams think they can get a QB prosepct in the second round).
Kiper's got: 4 Seattle Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) No brainer here. Crabtree has only three years playing at the WR position. His major strength is running routes inside the Red Zone. Very precise routes, great hands and incredible athletic ability. The Nudge is rating Crabtree as the Number 1 Pro Prospect in the draft. He’s a difference maker, and responds well in crucial spots. We all know that Detroit is not taking another WR in the First round, but I would be surprised if another team doesn’t trade up and snatch Crabtree with the second or third pick after he wow’s them at the combine. Another possibility in this pick is Malcolm Jenkins, depending on his combine.
What Walter Football Say’s:It's pretty much a lock that the Seahawks will choose Michael Crabtree with this selection. Bobby Engram, 36, will be hitting free agency. Deion Branch, who is always hurt, could be a cap casualty. Nate Burleson stinks and is coming off a torn ACL. The rest of the wideouts are terrible. If the Seahawks don't address the position, they can have fun struggling offensively next year.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10% ( not likely)
Kiper's got: 5 Cleveland Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) I’ve been really impressed with this kid. Great movement, reads plays well, and wraps his tackles. I’m still not sold that he’s the best LB prospect in this draft. I think Rey Maualuga the top LB. But I’m definitely in the minority there. Do the Browns really need help at LB. I think the better pick here is ene Monroe or Michael Oher to line up on the other side of the line from Joe Thomas. Establishing a running game for Jamal Lewis is more important. Look for Cleveland to address their defensive needs in free agency and take another offensive lineman.
What Walter Football Say’s:With the hiring of Eric Mangini and the continued use of the 3-4 defense, it looks like this selection will come down to one of three players: Brian Orakpo, Aaron Curry or Everette Brown. The Browns need help throughout their linebacking corps, so either one of the three would make sense. I'm saying it'll be Curry, who will be an instant upgrade in the middle of the 3-4. Orakpo didn't play well in the Doritos Fiesta Bowl, while Brown at No. 5 will be a bit of a reach unless he blows everyone away at the Combine
What Walter Football Say’s:With the hiring of Eric Mangini and the continued use of the 3-4 defense, it looks like this selection will come down to one of three players: Brian Orakpo, Aaron Curry or Everette Brown. The Browns need help throughout their linebacking corps, so either one of the three would make sense. I'm saying it'll be Curry, who will be an instant upgrade in the middle of the 3-4. Orakpo didn't play well in the Doritos Fiesta Bowl, while Brown at No. 5 will be a bit of a reach unless he blows everyone away at the Combine
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 35% ( I’m saying that this pick has a pretty good chance at being traded away. Someone is going to try and move up here to get their hands on Percy Harvin after his combine run of 4.3 forty.
Kiper's got: 6 Cincinnati Jason Smith OT Baylor
What the Nudge Say’s: I have to say, every baylor game that I watched this year, I couldn’t take my eye off of their freshman QB Robert Griffin III. That kid is awesome. But if Kiper thinks this kid is good enough to be taken in the first 6 picks of the draft, that’s good enough for me.
What Walter Football Say’s: See’s him dropping to number 8 with jacksonville
What Walter Football Say’s: See’s him dropping to number 8 with jacksonville
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 35% ( I have to think that this pick is where the draft day trades start to go nuts)
Kiper's got: 7 Oakland Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) World Class speed, game breaking ability. I see Maclin as a Teddy Ginn type of player. You have to think of great ways to get the rock in his hands. The question is whether or not Al Davis is going to spend this high of a pick on a WR out of the spread throw first system. The Nudge say’s no way. An offense with Darren McFadden and Maclin would be sick, but Davis is going to spend this pick on Maybin.
What WalterFootball say's: He's going 26th.
Kiper's got: 8 Jacksonville ene Monroe OT Virginia
What the Nudge Say’s: Good player. I wasn’t incredibly impressed though. Solid both run blocking and pass blocking, but hey what the Hell do I know. I see Jax picking Harvin, Moreno or Vontae Davis here. Don’t sleep on Vontae!
What Walter Football Say’s: Has him going sixth to the Bengals.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10% ( I think Jack’s hangs on to this pick)
Kiper's got: 9 Green Bay Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio St.
What the Nudge Say’s: Way over rated. I’ve watched just about every college game this kid has played and I still don’t know what the Hell all the hype is about. (If you go by The Cardinal Rule of Nudge Draft Analysis) that statement adds up to be that this kid will wind up having the best pro career of anyone. Since I am sleeping on this kid’s ability, that usually means he’ll be a perennial Pro Bowler.
What Walter Football Say’s: Dropping to 17 with the Jets. I definitely agree with Walter and not with Kiper on this one.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 0% (nil, Packa’s are using this pick, no doubt)
Kiper's got: 10 San Francisco Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn St.
What the Nudge Say’s: Major Major hype about this kid. My knock on him is that he plays in the Big Ten. He might have all the physical tools, but I think his stats are a little misleading to say the least. The JoePa’s were a far superior team this year to the rest of their regular season competition. This kid could basically “pin his ears back” and rush the passer for the last two quarters of every game. Maybe he goes to the combine and shows freakish physical tools, thats not my area of expertise. All I know is that I’m not sold on his run defense ability. If he’s put at Tweener backer (Outside speed rusher) ala Lamar Woodley or Demarcus Ware, he has the possibility of being special, but I don’t take him at 10. Look out for Rey Maualuga here. I think Singletary knows a pro bowl inside backer when he sees one.
What Walter Football Say’s: He sees SanFran taking Everette Brown here and Maybin dropping to 23 with New England.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10% ( San Fran needs a lot of help and if the right offer comes along, they might think that they could get a defensive player ten picks or so later)
Kiper's got: 11 Buffalo Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St.
What the Nudge Say’s: Excellant player. Played on an explosive offense. But no way is going this high, no way. I see Pettigrew on the board going into the second round. Buffalo needs a speed rusher off of the edge. I bet they take Orakpo here. No way you waste an eleventh pick on a TE, but hey it is Buffalo we're talking about.
What Walter Football Say’s: Same. He sees pettigrew falling to 24 with the Falcons.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10%
Kiper's got: 12 Denver B.J. Raji DT Boston College
What the Nudge Say’s: I watched a lot of BC football, wasn’t impressed with this kid. But everyone is talking about how great he is, so there must be something there. Denver jumps on my number one RB prospect and Nudge 2008 Pre-Season Heisman hopeful LeSean McCoy here. No one is talking about LeSean right now. Wait.
What Walter Football Say’s: Rey Maualuga. Josh McDaniels was just hired as the head coach, and he brought on Mike Nolan as his defensive coordinator. Nolan will implement his 3-4 defense, meaning the Broncos will be busy scouring for the right personnel to fit that scheme in the next two drafts. They can start by selecting Rey Maualuga, the top pure 3-4 inside linebacker on the board. Maybe he can help the team rank outside the bottom five in defense for the first time in ages.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Nil, no way
Kiper's got: 13 Washington Brian Orakpo DE Texas
Kiper's got: 13 Washington Brian Orakpo DE Texas
What the Nudge Say’s: Over rated, but hey, I’ve always hated Tex-Ass so what do I know. Orakpo will be drafted high no matter what. Everyone loves Tex-Ass. The guy can probably go to the combine and get a 3 on the Wonderlic and everyone will say what great shoes he was wearing to the test.
What Walter Football Say’s: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. The Redskins have major problems at right tackle. Jon Jansen, who turns 33 in January, is playing on his last legs. Jansen will be back with the team, but it's clear that Washington will be looking for a major upgrade at the position. Eben Britton would fit in well on the right side, and could potentially slide over to the blind side once Samuels' time is up.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Hey it’s Snyder we’re talking about. I’d be surprised if they have this pick going into the draft.
Nudgette Ashley Simpson showing that she can do whatever her sister can
Kiper's got: 14 New Orleans Vontae Davis CB Illinois
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) I love this kid. Major upside. Swagger and poise that a CB needs. Plays hard, excellent closing speed, makes big plays. I don’t see him dropping this far, and I definitely don’t think he should be taken after Jenkins. Don't sleep on Vontae, he might be the steal of the draft.
What Walter Football Say’s: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State. Thanks to Jonathan Vilma's recent arrest, the Saints will have better luck retaining him. There was no alcohol involved, so it's clear that Vilma wasn't training to be Cedric Benson's disciple, but teams could hesitate to offer the stud linebacker a massive contract. New Orleans will have to wait until the free agency period begins to re-sign Vilma. If they manage to do that, they can move him over to weakside linebacker and draft James Lauriniaitis to man the middle. The Saints could also keep Vilma in the middle and have Laurinaitis on the weak side. Either way, there's a good chance New Orleans goes with the Ohio State defender.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Slim
Kiper's got: 15 Houston Everette Brown DE Florida St.
What the Nudge Say’s: What you get is what you see: FSU speed DE with strength. I like this guy. But I don’t think How-Stun spends a pick on a DE. They need to get Shaub some weapons. Look for Harvin if available or Maclin
What Walter Football Say’s: William Moore, S, Missouri. This could be a spot where the Texans trade down. William Moore hasn't exactly been lighting it up at the Senior Bowl, as other safeties are starting to close in on him. Any team desperate to obtain Chris Wells or Knowshon Moreno could move up to this selection. Either way, there's a good chance that the Texans land William Moore. Houston's secondary has been an abomination for years and has always missed a ball-hawking leader. Moore can be that guy. Malcolm Jenkins is also a major option if Dunta Robinson is let go.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 50% (How-Stun has a lot of holes to fill. This is a spot where you can get a good bang for your buck)
Kiper's got: 16 San Diego Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) What? Does Kiper know something about LT that we don’t know. Is LT done in Sandy Dog? I don’t think so. I’ve been following Knowshon since he was a junior in Joysey HS. He actually played the fullback position in a wing-T system. This is a guy that I project will do very well in the Big Show. Will he be the next LT? No way. Shifty runner, great breaks through the hole. Good hands out of the backfield. Makes tacklers miss. A wee bit small. I don't care what they are saying in San Diego about doing what's best for the team, they're not getting rid of LT, now way.
What Walter Football Say’s: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State.It's amazing how much can change in half a year. In August, LaDainian Tomlinson was going first in nine out of 10 fantasy football drafts. Now, there's speculation that Tomlinson could be let go. RotoWorld, meanwhile, reported that several NFL executives don't believe LT2 is even worth a Day 1 selection at this point. With Darren Sproles also hitting free agency, the Chargers may look to secure a top-tier running back in April's draft.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: I in the minority here, but I think SD will be open to some offers, especially if they could get a veteran offensive lineman.
Nudgette Bianca Beauchamp
Kiper's got: 17 New York Jets Percy Harvin WR Florida
What the Nudge Say’s: (Player of all Players) I love this kid. Speed, excitement, hands, agility. I’m going so far as saying that this kid could carry the ball out of the backfield for four or five plays in the big show. This is the perfect receiver for the bubble screen pass in the NFL. But there’s no way he drops this far. I think The Jets definitely take a defensive player with Rexy calling the shots on the sideline. GM Mike Tannenbaum is going to let Rexy get a D prospect in this pick (if they don’t trade way up for Stafford which I think they should). I’m predicting D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt. He’ll help out on Special teams and give them another CB with Revis. That’s all assuming that Maualuga is off the board at this point.
What Walter Football Say’s: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State. A few days prior to the Jets-49ers game, I wrote a short column for USA Today's Sports Weekly, opining that Shaun Hill was a great fantasy start that weekend. My reasoning was that the Jets gave out 240-yard passing performances like candy on Halloween. Hill went on to throw for 285 yards and two touchdowns. That's one of about 5,000 examples that proves the Jets desperately need corner help
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 50% (I’m saying strong to quite strong)
Nudgette Keeley Hazell knows a good draft pick when she's holding one in her hand
Kiper's got: 18 Chicago Tyson Jackson DE LSU
What the Nudge Say’s: Not sold on him. The Bayou Bengals D disappeared to much this year. I don’t have a lot of confidence in Tyson Jackson. Da bears let Kevin Jones go and pick up a RB here, especially if LeSean is still on the board. Now that would be exciting seeing LeSean play in Chicago.
What Walter Football Say’s: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech. The Bears really need help at receiver, and with mega-talents like Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin on the board, choosing one of them is a possibility. But I doubt Chicago does that. The Bears will upgrade their perennial strengths - the offensive line and defense - before anything else.
It sounds weird to say this, but the Bears need help at defensive end. Prior to playing the Rams, who count more as a Big XII team than an NFL squad, starters Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye had just five combined sacks in 10 games. Mark Anderson, meanwhile, recorded only one sack. Chicago needs to upgrade its pass rush. Everyone talks about Michael Johnson not performing up to his physical talents, but the athletic end recorded 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven passes broken up.
It sounds weird to say this, but the Bears need help at defensive end. Prior to playing the Rams, who count more as a Big XII team than an NFL squad, starters Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye had just five combined sacks in 10 games. Mark Anderson, meanwhile, recorded only one sack. Chicago needs to upgrade its pass rush. Everyone talks about Michael Johnson not performing up to his physical talents, but the athletic end recorded 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven passes broken up.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Nil
Kiper's got: 19 Tampa Bay Josh Freeman QB Kansas St.
What the Nudge Say’s: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing your next JaMarcus Russell. This kid is 6'6" with all the physical tools. I just don’t think he makes the right decisions. He has trouble reading defenses and he played in the Big twelve for Christmas Sake. He faced zero defensive competition this past year. I’m just not sold on him. He’ll never be more than a second stringer. TB is going to go after a linebacker here (Laurinaitis) or Oher if he’s still on the board (depending on his Wonderlic).
What Walter Football Say’s: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia When Cadillac Williams went down with yet another injury, I immediately thought of giving the Buccaneers a running back at No. 19. With Earnest Graham coming off injury, Warrick Dunn turning 34 and Cadillac a virtual unknown, Tampa Bay really needs help at running back. Knowshon Moreno is a steal here. He and Chris Wells would be top-10 prospects if the need for running backs hadn't diminished. If Moreno isn't available, this could be a spot where Josh Freeman comes off the board.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10%
Kiper's got: 20 Detroit (from Dallas) Rey Maualuga LB USC
Kiper's got: 20 Detroit (from Dallas) Rey Maualuga LB USC
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) Love this kid. Heart and soul player that was at the center of one of the best defensive units that I have ever seen. Pro Bowler for many years to come. Reminds me of a much better Tatupu. If Detroit can get their hands on him this high he’s a steal.
What Walter Football Say’s: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut. Is this a bit of a reach? I think so. But as we saw last year, the offensive tackle position is in such high demand that teams don't really have a choice but to target those players early. See Sam Baker and Duane Brown as prime examples. The Lions surrendered 52 sacks in 2008. They desperately need a dominant left tackle, allowing Jeff Backus to slide inside.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 65% (they should trade this pick away, they need a lot of veteran help)
Bianca, Bianca. Bianca- Will you never stop haunting my mind
Kiper's got: 21 Philadelphia Chris "Beanie" Wells RB Ohio St.
What the Nudge Say’s: Way over rated. Look, he’s a good college player, I got that. But he hits the whole’s way too slow. He is not Brandon Jacobs. Everyone is sold on Beanie. I think his phantom inury (high ankle sprain) is going to make him drop into the second round come combine time. I’m going to love to see what he runs in the forty. If it’s a 4.6 he’s done. He is not Eddie George or Archie Griffin, I’m happy he’s leaving though.
What Walter Football Say’s: Alex Mack, C, California With Brent Celek's 10-catch performance in the NFC Championship, Andy Reid can focus on upgrading the offensive line in the first round.Alex Mack is the top lineman on the board. As Matt McGuire pointed out in his outstanding 2009 Senior Bowl Updates, Mack has distanced himself from Max Unger in terms of being the No. 1 center on the board. Center is not a weakness for the Eagles, but it's certainly not a strength. Getting a potential All-Pro like Mack would really bolster Philadelphia's pedestrian rushing attack - assuming Big Red actually decides to run the ball.
What Walter Football Say’s: Alex Mack, C, California With Brent Celek's 10-catch performance in the NFC Championship, Andy Reid can focus on upgrading the offensive line in the first round.Alex Mack is the top lineman on the board. As Matt McGuire pointed out in his outstanding 2009 Senior Bowl Updates, Mack has distanced himself from Max Unger in terms of being the No. 1 center on the board. Center is not a weakness for the Eagles, but it's certainly not a strength. Getting a potential All-Pro like Mack would really bolster Philadelphia's pedestrian rushing attack - assuming Big Red actually decides to run the ball.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Nil
Huh, what? See through, what's that Nudge?
Kiper's got: 22 Minnesota Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina
What the Nudge Say’s: Thug Life Forever. Love this guy, a thug from a thug deep team that has all sorts of swagger baby. Did you see his behind the back catch against WVU, sick. But I think this is way high a pick for this guy. Vikings pick up Josh Freeman here
What Walter Football Say’s: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. I really want to give the Vikings an offensive tackle, but with all of the top-tier players at that position off the board, Minnesota could look to address its second greatest need, which is cornerback. Cedric Griffin has had an up-and-down season, and Minnesota simply needs more consistency in its defensive backfield.
This is also another spot where Josh Freeman will be considered. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Minnesota went that direction in an effort to find an upgrade for the horrendous Tarvaris Jackson.
What Walter Football Say’s: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. I really want to give the Vikings an offensive tackle, but with all of the top-tier players at that position off the board, Minnesota could look to address its second greatest need, which is cornerback. Cedric Griffin has had an up-and-down season, and Minnesota simply needs more consistency in its defensive backfield.
This is also another spot where Josh Freeman will be considered. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Minnesota went that direction in an effort to find an upgrade for the horrendous Tarvaris Jackson.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 10%
Kiper's got: 23 New England Brian Cushing LB USC
Kiper's got: 23 New England Brian Cushing LB USC
What the Nudge Say’s: I’m not sold on Cushing. I love this kid, but there’s something there that I don’t think he’s going to project well in the NFL. He’s not fast enough. I think his deficiencies were masked because of the quality of players around him. Had one Hell of a high school career though. But, if he is drafted by New England here, look for him to have a Vrabel type career. Belicheck’s a genius. He can turn water into wine (see Tommy Brady and Matt Cassell)
What Walter Football Say’s: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State. Bill Belichick added a young inside linebacker to his roster last April. He may look to upgrade the exterior this time around. The Patriots struggled to put pressure on the quarterback at times (31 sacks) and Mike Vrabel, though still dependable, will be 34 in August. Something has to be done about this.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 0% Not likely at all
Nudgette Sarah Silverman knows where 90% of all draft analysis belongs
Kiper's got: 24 Atlanta Larry English DE/OLB No. Illinois
What the Nudge Say’s: Not sure, Northern Illinois still has a football team. Ever since Garrette Wolff left, I refuse to watch their horrible brand of football. (Nudge Draft Wisdom means he’ll be a perennial pro bowler). I agree with Walter, Pettigrew would be a steal here
What Walter Football Say’s:Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. Could you imagine how lethal Atlanta's offense would be if the team somehow acquired a dynamic tight end? Matt Ryan would be unstoppable. With Brandon Pettigrew going as high as No. 11 in some mocks, the Falcons will be very fortunate if they manage to get the top-rated tight end down here.
What Walter Football Say’s:Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. Could you imagine how lethal Atlanta's offense would be if the team somehow acquired a dynamic tight end? Matt Ryan would be unstoppable. With Brandon Pettigrew going as high as No. 11 in some mocks, the Falcons will be very fortunate if they manage to get the top-rated tight end down here.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Nil
Kiper's got: 25 Miami Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
Kiper's got: 25 Miami Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
What the Nudge Say’s: Without a doubt the most over rated player in this draft. I don't know who this kid's agent paid off to get such glowing praise. Everyone loves this kid, I can’t understand why? Does he walk on water? Is he especially speedy? No, no, no. And there’s no way Parcells wastes a first rounder on this kid. No doubt about it, he takes a defensive player or trades down, way down.
What Walter Football Say’s: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma. The Dolphins can take care of a huge hole at left guard by drafting Duke Robinson in this spot. With Jake Long and Robinson on the left side, Miami would boast one of the elite rushing attacks in the league.
What Walter Football Say’s: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma. The Dolphins can take care of a huge hole at left guard by drafting Duke Robinson in this spot. With Jake Long and Robinson on the left side, Miami would boast one of the elite rushing attacks in the league.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 75% (Parcells is a wheeler and dealer)
Kiper's got: 26 Baltimore D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt
Kiper's got: 26 Baltimore D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) I love this kid. Any team that drafts him will be able to line him up against the best WR on the field. He also offers the added dimension of being a special teamer. Outside of Maclin and Harvin, I have him as the third best ST returner available. There’s no way he drops this far. Exciting player that didn’t get a lot of buzz because he played for an under the radar Vandy team. But if you watched Vandy football, you know who the Hell this kid is.
What Walter Football Say’s: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Mark Clayton has started playing really well lately, but with Derrick Mason, who just turned 35, a year away from hitting free agency, it's time the Ravens begin developing their next No. 1 receiver for Joe Flacco.
What Walter Football Say’s: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Mark Clayton has started playing really well lately, but with Derrick Mason, who just turned 35, a year away from hitting free agency, it's time the Ravens begin developing their next No. 1 receiver for Joe Flacco.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Your guess is as good as mine. What, 10%, I don’t know.
Kiper's got: 27 Indianapolis Peria Jerry DT Mississippi
Kiper's got: 27 Indianapolis Peria Jerry DT Mississippi
What the Nudge Say’s: Not sold on him. He played along side awesome DE Greg Hardy. And that made him look a lot better than he is. Kiper has him way high here. Maybe he goes in the late second round. If Oher is still on the board for Indy’s pick, he won’t be when their done.
What Walter Football Say’s: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss. Both sides of Indianapolis' run defense has to be addressed. Defensive tackle has always been a problem for the Colts, especially after the Ed Johnson marijuana scandal. I could see the Colts taking the best available player in terms of a running back, defensive tackle or offensive tackle.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 5%
Kiper's got: 28 Philadelphia (from Carolina) Michael Oher OT Mississippi
Kiper's got: 28 Philadelphia (from Carolina) Michael Oher OT Mississippi
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) I can’t say enough about Oher, his life or the player. He’s got a biographical movie in his future, there’s no doubt about it. You cannot help but root for this kid. If he’s still available when Philly is up, I quit. You’ll never see another draft analysis from me again (again, depending on his Wonderlic score). Freak of nature.
What Walter Football Say’s: Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan. Brian Dawkins is adored by all Eagles fans, but the future Hall of Fame free safety turns 36 in October. Even if Dawkins re-signs with Philadelphia, the team will need to find his successor soon because he's somewhat of a liability in coverage. It's clear that Quintin Demps isn't the answer after his horrific performance in the NFC Championship. Louis Delmas has really shined at the Senior Bowl and put himself into first-round consideration.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 5%
Come on, its me...Nudgey. You knew I had to throw this in here. A scorpion is a scorpion
Kiper's got: 29 New York Giants James Laurinaitis LB Ohio St.
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) The Road Warrior. Boy am I happy to see him leave slOhio St. Has a chance to be really special in the big show. Wears his heart on his sleave ala Katzenmoyer. Look, picking slOhio Linebackers and how they are going to perform in the NFL is the most impossible thing anyone can do. For starters, the Big Ten Sucks. And Big Ten offenses suck even more (they’re too predictable). By the way, has anyone seen Vernon Gholston anywhere, I’ve been looking for him. If the Road Warrior falls this far, the Giants have to jump on him, but he won’t so don’t worry. Look for them to address a serious need a WR with this pick. “ Paging Jarrett Dillard, Jarett Dillard please respond to the hotel desk, you’ve been drafted in the first round.”
What Walter Football Say’s: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah. This pick really depends on what the Giants do with Mathias Kiwanuka once Osi Umenyiora comes back. If they bring Kiwanuka back to strongside linebacker, they'll likely take a defensive end in Round 1. If they keep Kiwanuka up front, they'll choose a linebacker like Clint Sintim or Brian Cushing.
Wide receiver is also an option, but this draft is so deep at the position that the Giants can take someone like Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks in the second round.
What Walter Football Say’s: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah. This pick really depends on what the Giants do with Mathias Kiwanuka once Osi Umenyiora comes back. If they bring Kiwanuka back to strongside linebacker, they'll likely take a defensive end in Round 1. If they keep Kiwanuka up front, they'll choose a linebacker like Clint Sintim or Brian Cushing.
Wide receiver is also an option, but this draft is so deep at the position that the Giants can take someone like Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks in the second round.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: No Way. 0%
Kiper's got: 30 Tennessee Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech
Kiper's got: 30 Tennessee Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech
What the Nudge Say’s: A lot of hype. I’m not sold on him. I don’t understand all the hoopla over Johnson. I think he drops to the mid-second round. Look for Ten-I-See to take the best available OT.
What Walter Football Say’s: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida Yeah, I know... the Titans don't draft receivers. Hey, miracles can happen, and maybe they'll be embarrassed because everyone made fun of them for not taking one last year. In all seriousness, Tennessee has proven in the past that they look for skill-position players with great 40 times. Percy Harvin would qualify for that.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: Sure, why not 10%
Kiper's got: 31 Arizona LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh
Kiper's got: 31 Arizona LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh
What the Nudge Say’s: (Flat Out Player) I love this kid. I tried to think of another RB prospect over the past five years that I have rated higher than McCoy. The three that I came up with are McFadden, Adrian Peterson and Reggie Bush, that’s it. I put McCoy up there with all of them. He’s the type of player that get’s teams to the Super Bowl. Look, he doesn’t have the stats, but that’s because he only played at Pitt for two years, and he carried that horrible team. He hasn’t even got started yet. Shifty-ness, speed, breaks through the holes, this kid does it all. If I’m an NFL GM, I’m taking him with the second pick, no doubt. But there’s no way he drops this far for either Pitt or Zona, it’s just not happening.
What Walter Football Say’s: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh. The Cardinals were somehow able to run the ball during their unexpected playoff surge, but that doesn't change the fact that they need an upgrade in the backfield. Edgerrin James' days in Arizona are numbered, while Tim Hightower does too much dancing around.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 0%
Kiper's got: 32 Pittsburgh Alex Mack C California
Kiper's got: 32 Pittsburgh Alex Mack C California
What the Nudge Say’s: Everybody loves this kid. Me, I’m not impressed. Good player, but not a first round pick type of kid. He’s no Mawae that’s for sure. Look for Pitt to take the best available RB. I’m rolling with C.J. Spiller Clemson. If you don’t know him, he’s the great player that no one is talking about. Look for him to be available for this pick, and if he gets drafted by Pitt and Willie (undrafted look how good the draft analysts are) Parker goes down, Spiller will be my favorite for rookie of the year in the AFC (Fantasy football drafters put on notice)
What Walter Football Say’s: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. With tons of talented offensive linemen off the board, the Steelers may choose to add the best available player to their defensive line. That would be Tyson Jackson, who will eventually take Aaron Smith's spot in the lineup. Smith turns 33 in April.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 0%
What Walter Football Say’s: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. With tons of talented offensive linemen off the board, the Steelers may choose to add the best available player to their defensive line. That would be Tyson Jackson, who will eventually take Aaron Smith's spot in the lineup. Smith turns 33 in April.
Trade Away the Pick Possibility: 0%
Coco and The Camel Toe. I think that was the name of a seventies cop show
A big Nudge Thank You to WalterFootball's 2009 Mock Draft. If you haven’t checked out the site yet, what are you waiting for. click here
To see the history of the NFL Draft and how wrong all the GM's and analysts are click here
And enjoy Nudge-ites, it's all about fun! See ya sports fans!
