Race to the Edge - Quinn v. Miller

Photo finish heading into Draft

Debated, over analyzed, and self promoted (see Miller) this duo are vying for the spot as top pass rusher heading into 2011 NFL Draft.  But who has the edge? They both had terrific campaigns in 2009 (see table below).  Things got trickier in 2010 as Quinn was suspended and Miller played with an ankle sprain which limited his playmaking ability.  Let’s get into the numbers to see who rules the QB sack kingdom. 

 

The Physics

Name	Height	Weight (lbs)	40 time	225 lb reps	Vertical Jump	Shuttle
Robert Quinn	6’4”	265	4.60	24	34	4.31
Von Miller	6’3’	246	4.42	21	37	4.06

 

The Production

2009	Games	Sacks	Forced Fumble	Tackles (loss)	Tackles
Robert Quinn	12	11 (Soph)	6	19	52
Von Miller	12	17 (Jr)	4	21	44

Von Miller seems to have the edge in production, speed (40 time & shuttle) and explosiveness (vertical jump).  Robert Quinn has size and strength advantage and is younger (Quinn will turn 21 in May – Miller is 22).  It would have been interesting to see what Quinn would have done his Junior year.  What really stands out is the shuttle time by Miller (4.06) as we haven’t seen an edge rusher post that kind of number since DeMarcus Ware ran a 4.07 at combine in 2005.

We like Robert Quinn and feel he is a better fit for the Cardinals 4-3 defense and will be selected #5 overall.  However, Von Miller is the better athlete and is superior to Quinn in speed and explosiveness, and has similar size to other NFL edge rushers who have enjoyed considerable success (Clay Matthews, Trent Cole and Robert Mathis).  It wouldn’t shock us if Denver decides to go with Von Miller over Patrick Peterson at #2.

 

Where they Project: 

Robert Quinn: Raw athlete whose lateral movement and short-area burstwould make a transition to 3-4 rush linebacker possible.  Ideally he would play DE in 4-3. What is rare about Quinn is his burst off the edge at 265 pounds.  We see a player that is driven to succeed.  Many point out his brain tumor surgery as an area of concern.  We disagree wholeheartedly.  We think that overcoming such a huge obstacle (Quinn was told by doctors he would never play sports again) gives Quinn an advantage.  Lance Armstrong once wrote that winning became easy when compared to life and death outcomes.

Von Miller: With Miller standing up his junior year and rushing the QB from the hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position called the "joker” we feel he is perfect fit for 3-4 OLB.  Miller is capable of playing DE in a 4-3 as his size is very similar to Trent Cole of the Philadelphia Eagles who play a 4-3 defense.  But we think Miller can be a better player standing up and getting after it.

 

2011 NFL Mock Draft - 4/15/2011

 

Video Highlights (First 10 picks) at bottom of page or here:  2011 NFL Draft Highlights 

 

1. CAROLINA PANTHERS:   MARCELL DAREUS, DT, ALABAMA

   Ndamukong Suh was so effective in his rookie season teams will try to find this year’s version.  It starts with power and Dareus has it. Possesses an explosive initial punch that he combines with surprising burst of speed into the backfield.  A low center of gravity guy allows him to anchor as NT/DT but also can flash pass rushing ability as DE in 3-4.

2.  DENVER BRONCOS:    PATRICK PETERSON, CB, LSU

   The cleanest player in the draft meaning he has virtually no weakness in his game.  Big enough to play press coverage as CB but also athletic and fast enough to play in the slot on passing downs similar to what Charles Woodson does for GB.  Throw in his game breaking ability on special teams and you have an elite talent from day one.

3.  BUFFALO BILLS:   BLAINE GABBERT, QB, MISSOURI

   Great pro day for Gabbert as he was making throws (especially deep throws) that were giving scouts flashbacks to Matt Ryan and Sam Bradford’s pro-day. Great size at 6-foot-5 and completion percentage was an impressive 63% last year.  Gabbert ran shotgun formation 98% of the time so expect an initial adjustment period.

4.  CINCINNATI BENGALS:   JULIO JONES, WR, ALABAMA

   New offensive coordinator Jay Gruden runs a west coast offense.  Jones has leapfrogged A.J Green with his stunning combine performance and clearly is the better blocker which is essential for WCO.  Jones will have fans at Paul Brown Stadium forgetting about Ocho (who is trying out for MLS) and TO quickly.

5.  ARIZONA CARDINALS:   ROBERT QUINN, DE, NORTH CAROLINA

 Based on ability Quinn should be the first player selected.  But a year off and post-brain surgery will cause a few teams to pause, but not the Cardinals.  Nobody is more impressive on video than Quinn.  Dallas and the Texans are a better fit but the Cardinals will jump at the chance to take the best pass rusher in this draft.

6.  CLEVELAND BROWNS:    A.J. GREEN, WR, GEORGIA

  Cleveland has big needs at DE and WR.  They will settle on a sleek receiver with long arms and huge hands in A.J. Green.  General Manager Tom Heckert runs the Browns' draft like a chess master and will gamble on DL depth in this draft sliding to him in second round.

7.  SAN FRANCISCO 49ER'S:   CAM NEWTON, QB, AUBURN

   The biggest weakness on this team is QB.  Cam Newton is the biggest enigma in this draft.  So what happens when these two realities converge…you have a potentially explosive outcome.  We mean that in a good way as Newton is huge QB (6’6” 250lbs) who is extremely difficult to bring down and has cannon of an arm. Dan Reeves compares Newton to Michael Vick with a better arm. 

8.  TENNESSEE TITANS:   VON MILLER, OLB, TEXAS A&M

   I think this could be the first trade in the draft.  Von Miller is still on the board but the Titans run a 4-3 and Miller is better in a 3-4. Maybe the Titans feel Miller is talented enough to play in any formation and take the explosive pass rusher.  I can also see Dallas moving up a spot to keep the rival Redskins from leapfrogging them to get their targeted player Nick Fairley.

9.  DALLAS COWBOYS:   NICK FAIRLEY, DT, AUBURN

   Jerry hasn’t forgotten how effective Leon “Big Cat” Lett was (when he wasn’t horn doggin the ball on way to the endzone).  Fairley starts day one as Rob Ryan’s new toy.  He is big, athletic and dominated similar to what Ndamukong Suh did at Nebraska.  Ryan can flip Jay Ratliff and Nick Fairley from DT or DE.  Teams will no longer be able to max-protect DeMarcus Ware side of the ball.  If Anthony Spencer hints at having a rebound year – this defense is top 5 when factoring in maniacal defensive guru Rob Ryan. 

10.  WASHINGTON REDSKINS:   J.J. WATT, DE, WISCONSIN

   Not sure the Redskins are deserving of such a high quality player.  Watt is really the anti-Synder prototype.  He isn’t flashy.  He doesn’t have a bloated attitude and he certainly isn’t past his prime.  The skins land a leader here.  The best 5 tool player the draft.  Ideal 3-4 DE who will work every play and make Synder look logical for a moment.  As they say....even a broken clock is right twice a day!  Of course this happens only because Synder was unable to draft ahead of Dallas to select Fairley who would help wash away the memories of potentially the biggest FA bust in NFL history in Albert Haynesworth.

 

11. HOUSTON TEXANS:   DA’QUAN BOWERS DE, CLEMSON

 With ramped up rumors that Bowers might need knee microfracture surgery, one NFL team recently stated that his knee looked great.  So place your bets.  And let’s not get carried away with Bowers dropping too far as he once was projected as the number one pick overall.  Farm-content sites like bleacher report had him going number 1 a few hundred times.  If you have watched Reggie White you will see the similarities.  This team is a competent defense away from being a major playoff contender and Bowers is a steal here.

12.  MINNESOTA VIKINGS:   PRINCE AMUKAMARA, CB, NEBRASKA

With Leslie Frazier as Minnesota’s head coach look for them to go defense with their first pick.  An aging secondary is a concern for Frazier.  Antoine Winfield, Frank Walker, and Lito Shepard will each be 10+ year veterans next season. Amukamara is good fit for Vikings as he can play press coverage and a good tackler who isn’t afraid of contact (he is converted RB).  However his zero interceptions last year is an area of concern.

13.  DETROIT LIONS:  TYRON SMITH, OT, SOUTHERN CAL.

    The Lions would love nothing more than having Prince Amukamara slip to them and reunite him with Ndamukong Suh.  However Prince will be gone by this pick.  Aldon Smith is intriguing as it addresses an aging defensive line and puts two players together with dynamic ability to get to the QB.  But Strafford has been injured his first two seasons of his career and the Lions must bring in more talent to protect their franchise player.

14. ST. LOUIS RAMS:   ALDON SMITH, OLB, MISSOURI

    The Rams need a defensive pass rusher to start opposite Chris Long.  Smith has a long, lean frame with room to add bulk and shows natural pass-rush skills.  Only 20 years old with big upside, the Rams jump at the chance to add a DE who brings an explosive burst.  However his slow shuttle time and lack of “bend” limits his role to a 4-3 DE exclusively.

15.  MIAMI DOLPHINS:   MARK INGRAM, RB, ALABAMA

   This is the consensus, safe pick.  They do have a need at running back with the potential departure of Williams and Brown but Sporano is on loose footing in Miami and will need to bring in someone who can immediately help this team.  Ingram has the potential to be the consistent big-play threat the Dolphins offense lacks. 

16.  JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS:   CAMERON JORDAN, DE, CAL.

    The Jags have bigger needs such as linebacker and need a young QB to develop, but Jordan's total package is too hard to pass up.  Why the slide?  Boatload of talent along DL in this draft.  Jordan is a top 10 pick in any other draft.

17.  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:  RYAN KERRIGAN, DE, PURDUE

   How do the Pats always have two #1 picks?  They're smart, that's why.  They treat it like a business and don’t make it personal.  Kerrigan is an excellent pass rusher with a nose for creating turnovers.  Kerrigan is a team leader and co-captain who reminds scouts of Aaron Kampman. He seems custom made for the Patriots who need a few more pieces on their young defense.

18.  SAN DIEGO CHARGERS:   JUSTIN HOUSTON, OLB, GEORGIA

    The Chargers have a very good D, but need to generate more pressure on the passer.  Houston should be able to handle that task with gusto.  Houston posted ridiculous numbers at Georgia as he finished with 18.5 tackles for loss to go along with 10 sacks and an almost unheard of 44 quarterback hurries. Perfect fit for as an OLB  in their 3-4 defense.

19.  NEW YORK GIANTS:   AKEEM AYERS, OLB, UCLA

    The Giants have been looking for linebackers for the last five years and will be pleasantly surprised to find the ultra-athletic and versatile Ayers still there at #19.  The Giants have a bevy of talent along their defensive line and a solid secondary.  Ayers could be the missing link in the middle. 

20.  TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS:  ADRIAN CLAYBORN, DE, IOWA

    The up and coming Bucs lack anyone who can consistently pressure the QB.  Clayborn has medical condition called Erb’s palsy, a nerve damage condition suffered at birth.  So far the only damage has been to opposing QB when Clayborn is on the field.  Clayborn generated significant attention during Iowa’s pro day.

21.  KANSAS CITY CHIEFS:  MIKE POUNCEY, OG, FLORIDA

    The chiefs try to cash in by taking Mike Pouncey the twin brother of NFL All-Pro Maurkice Pouncey of the Steelers.  Mike doesn’t have the same ceiling as Maurkice so he will be slightly overrated for this draft.  He is still quality lineman who will be given a shot at center as current starter Casey Wiegmann is expected to retire.

22.  INDIANAPOLIS COLTS:   DEREK SHERROD, OT MISSISSIPPI ST.

    Huge need at offensive tackle for the  Colts and they take the most NFL ready tackle in Derek Sherrod.  Started 47 of 50 games in college and showed some of the best recognition skills of any offensive lineman at the combine.  With the team built to win now Sherrod is perfect fit as he will start day one.

23.  PHILADELPHIA EAGLES:   JIMMY SMITH, CB, COLORADO

The Eagles have two major needs to address that were major sore spots last year which resulted in them giving up a franchise record 31 touchdown passes.  The first is a CB to take the spot of Eric Hobbs who retired due to a major neck injury.  The second is a pass rusher who can actually apply pressure to QBs, who had plenty of time in 2010 to pick apart the secondary, especially in the red zone.  Jimmy Smith is the most talented player on the board and can be an instant starter.  Reid will have to put on his social worker hat again and try to keep Smith on the right path (smith failed four drug test during his college career).

 

24.  NEW ORLEANS SAINTS:   NATE SOLDER, OT, COLORADO

   With Jon Stinchcomb’s play dropping off dramatically and Jerome Bushrod a FA the Saints take the best OT on the board.  Solder has a 747’s  wingspan at 81 inches and is still filling in at 6’8” 319 lbs.  A converted TE, Solder has the athleticism that Sean Payton looks for in his players.  Concerns over Solder ability to maintain weight drops him in the draft to this spot.  Solder dropped 12 pounds from the combine to his pro day weighing in at 307 lbs.

25.  SEATTLE SEAHAWKS:   JAKE LOCKER, QB, WASHINGTON

   Regardless of whether they keep both Hasselback and Whitehurst, neither is the long-term answer at QB.  They can both be adequate starters while the future QB is groomed. In a surprise, the Seahawks select local product Locker who was once thought of the same way people now view Andrew Luck.

26.  BALTIMORE RAVENS:  ANTHONY CASTONZO, OT, BC

    Boston College has a long tradition of sending offensive lineman to the NFL. Castonzo has huge size and is an intelligent player. He majored in biochemistry and had second highest wonderlic test score.  Jared Gaither, the starting left tackle in 2008 and 2009, missed all of last season with a back injury and has questionable work ethic. Michael Oher is better on the right side, so Castonzo is good fit for the left side where he played better at in collage. 

27.  ATLANTA FALCONS:   CAMERON HEYWARD, DE, OHIO STATE

   With All-Pro defensive end John Abraham turning 33 and in the final year of his contract – Flacons look to add some youth and pressure on the edge. Cameron is the son of the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward.  “Ironhead” terrorized linebackers for years by brutally using his head as a battering ram.  In Cameron’s own words on how he would tackle his dad: “I’d take him on, full head. He would too, he would lower his head too. I’m going to go right at him. I’m not going for the ankles, I’m going to take him down right away.”

28.  NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:   AARON WILLIAMS, CB, TEXAS

    The Pats addressed their defensive line with their first #1, now they fill a need in the secondary with the selection of Williams.  Williams has good size at 6’ 204 lbs, plays aggressive and ran a 40 time of 4.44.  He is climbing the draft boards and makes it into the first round.  Could also project as a safety.

29.  CHICAGO BEARS:   GABE CARIMI, OT WISCONSIN

   Jay Cutler was sacked more than any other QB in NFL last year.  Chicago could use upgrades at four offensive line spots.  Center Olin Kreutz the only stalwart on this line, is 34 years old this year.  Mike Tice will start the overhaul with this pick.  Carimi is big with a nasty mean streak and built to play in sub freezing conditions in December.  Carimi is being projected as RT as he doesn’t possess the footwork of LT.  Carimi doesn’t slide his feet correctly against edge rushers and is better at handling power rushers on the right side.  

30. NEW YORK JETS:   COREY LIUGET, DT, ILLINOIS

  With Rex Ryan running variations of the 3-4, 4-3, and 4-6 hybrid defensive fronts…flexibility is king.  Liuget has experience at the five-technique, nose tackle (3-4 alignment) and can generate a pass rush from the three-technique (4-3 alignment).  Look for the Jets to go OLB in the second round now that the Vernon Gholston experiment is finally over.

31.  PITTSBURGH STEELERS:   BRANDON HARRIS, CB, MIAMI (FL)

   We typically don’t see a Steelers defense lacking talent as they usually draft unconventional players they can feed into the system.  However, outside of Ike Taylor (30 years old) the rest of the cornerbacks couldn’t start for many teams.  The Steelers are forced to draft for need and take Harris here.  Harris was the most natural, free-moving cornerback in drills at the combine. This talented CB excels in man coverage as opposing QBs stopped throwing to his size of field in 2010 while at Miami.

32. GREEN BAY PACKERS:  MUHAMMAD  WILKERSON, DE, TEMPLE

 The Pack get a talented DE who drops due to limited quality competition playing in the MAC division.  At 6-4, 315 lbs Wilkerson can play the three-technique in Packers 4-3 defensive alignment.  He needs to improve upper body strength and will take time to develop as he is far from a finished product being a converted TE.

 

Highlights of Top 10 draft picks from our Mock Draft 4/15/11

Team by Team Pre Draft Analysis

By: Steve Kleppin

www.nfldraftrage.com

AFC West:

 

This was almost an old school AFC West this year.  And when I say “old school” I am talking pre-Elway Broncos.  We had a resurgent Chiefs team, a dangerous Chargers team and a competitive Raiders teams.  Bringing up the bottom were the hapless Broncos who are going to spend the next couple of years cleaning up Josh McDaniel’s mess. 

 

Kansas City Chiefs 10-6

 

The Chiefs took a big leap last year and experienced some growing pains late in the season.  Those growing pains were experienced by QB Matt Cassel as well as head coach Todd Haley.  Haley is a good leader and hopefully will learn form his mistakes.  Cassel has the ability but needs to prove he can be a playoff winning QB.  While the 2011 Chiefs took a big step forward, the 30-7 playoff shellacking they took at the hands of the Ravens shows there is more talent and experience needed in order for them to take the next step.

 

Strengths: 

1.  Running back.  There is depth as well as complimenting talents.

2.  Dwayne Bowe is a big play wideout.

3.  Matt Cassel emerged as a solid to good starting QB.

 

Weaknesses: 

1.  Offensive line.  There are a few pieces but not one of them is irreplaceable.

2.  Wide receiver.  Someone to take pressure off Bowe would be nice.

3.  More playmakers on defense.

 

Needs:  Chiefs fans, who I consider the best fans on the league, have a lot of reason to be optimistic.  They have a good young coach and a capable signal caller.  They need to revamp the offensive line and add a few more playmakers on both sides of the ball in order to take the difficult step from a good, competitive team to that of a dangerous playoff opponent. 

 

Sand Diego Chargers 9-7

 

Another year, another mediocre finish.  Norv Turner is a great offensive mind, but quarterbacks and head coaches are judged by their post season performances and ultimately Super Bowls.  Norv has yet to take any of his talented teams to that level, although there have been opportunities.  One major positive is that they have a franchise quarterback just entering his prime.  I am a Philip Rivers fan.  He has a big arm, plays hurt and isn’t afraid to be the leader.

 

Strengths: 

1.  Philip Rivers.

2.  Good depth and stability at running back. 

3.  Tight end.

4.  Solid cornerback play. 

 

Weaknesses: 

1.  Linebackers.  Questions on the inside and aside from Phillips, no pass rush on the outside.

2.  Defensive line.  Solid but unspectacular end play.    

3.  Offensive line, specifically depth at tackle.   

4.  Wide receiver.  Jackson is good but can you count on him? 

 

Needs:  The Lightning Bolts are a solid team but in order for them to take the next step they need more playmakers on both sides of the ball.  A dependable big play wide receiver would make a huge difference on offense.  The defense is solid but they haven’t generated any pass rush since Shawne Merriman was on the roster doing his Charlie Sheen imitation.      

 

Oakland Raiders 8-8

 

It’s kinda sad every time you see Al Davis these days.  He used to be the maverick of the sport and now he just looks kind of pathetic.  The Raiders have been stuck in the muck for a long time now & Al has to take the lion’s share of the blame.  He changes coaches like I change my boxers and makes some horrific draft choices.  The poster child would obviously be JaMarcus Russell while overreaching for players like Robert Gallery, Rolando McClain and Darrius Heyward-Bey.  Or they trade #1 picks away for aging players like Richard Seymour who probably won’t be back either (that is why the Pats are perennial favorite & the Raiders are not).  When they do make good selections they don’t seem to be able to retain them, say bye-bye to Nnamdi Asomugha.

 

So out goes the tumultuous Tom Cable and in walks Hue Jackson.  Jackson is a highly regarded coach but now he is in Al’s glare.  Hopefully for Raider Nation he can bring them back to respectability.  A little hint, start with a real quarterback. 

 

Strengths: 

1.  Darren McFadden had a break out season in 2010. 

2.  A strong secondary, but this grade is based on Asomugha & Huff staying with the team. 

3.  Solid front seven, but losing Seymour would change the grade. 

 

Weaknesses: 

1.  Quarterback.  They have a bunch of backups & no starter. 

2.  Wide receiver.  A bunch of mediocrity and Louis Murphy is facing legal problems. 

3.  Offensive line, especially if they lose Gallery.

4.  Secondary, simply because they are going to lose two quality players, both of whom are recent first round picks. 

 

Needs:  The Raiders made it back to 500 this past season.  It seemed like they found something under Tom Cable but Apparently Al was expecting more.  Of course assault doesn’t help matters much.  First and foremost the Raiders need a QB.  The answer is not on the roster and with no first round pick they will have to see if one falls to them at pick # 48.  They also need to do a better job of not drafting quality players for other teams, as their first round picks don’t seem to stay with the team. 

 

Denver Broncos 4-12

 

Yuck!  There are few teams that received a “yuck” grade, but the Broncos definitely earned one.  The Josh McDaniels era has mercifully ended.  Note to owners: not every young genius is ready to be a head coach.   Daniels left this team in shambles, having traded away young talent like Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall and Peyton Hillis.  Then they way overreach for Tim Tebow who, far from being a sure thing, would have been available later.  The Tebow pick was even stranger considering they have Brady Quinn and Kyle Orton already on the roster.  In comes John Fox, who immediately will restore order. It will take a few years to replace the lost talent but at least the free-fall has stopped.

 

Strengths: 

1.  The #2 pick should give the Broncos an elite player they can build around. 

2.  John Fox is a good coach who will have this team back in contention in short order.

3.  Champ Bailey is still a good player despite his age.

 

Weaknesses: 

1.  Quarterback.  Orton is serviceable. Former first rounder Quinn’s career has never taken off while Tebow is a complete wild card.

2.  Wide receiver.  Brandon Marshall anyone? 

3.  Playmakers everywhere.

 

Needs:  The simple addition by subtraction, now that McDaniels is gone, and the substitution of Fox should give all Broncos fans reason to be optimistic.  Orton and Fox will work well together & should provide some stability & respectability.  With the #2 pick Fox can rebuild from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense.  I have a feeling you’ll be seeing Marcell Dareus or Patrick Peterson in Mile High next year. 

 

Us returning home from road trip - 2011 NFL Draft

After long flight…nice to be back !

Road Trip 

AFC North Pre Draft Analysis

By: Steve Kleppin

www.nfldraftrage.com

AFC North

This is a tale of two halves.  The Steelers and Ravens represent the “have’s” while the Browns and Bengals represent the “have not’s”.  To be more specific, the Steelers are one of the best run organizations in all of sports.  They continuously turn over their roster and it seems that there is always talent obtained with a majority of their draft picks. The Ravens might be the class of the AFC if it weren’t for the Steelers and maybe if Joe Flacco could be a tad more clutch when it counted. 

 

The bottom of the division is two different stories also.  There is reason for optimism in Cleveland because of the play of Colt McCoy while the Bengals are a disgruntled group of malcontents in complete disarray.  Are any of you surprised at that?  

 

Pittsburgh Steelers 14-2

The Steelers have just about everything going for them and came within a touchdown of another Super Bowl victory.  They have a young, dynamic coach in Mike Tomlin and also a big time and underrated QB in Big Ben.  Big Ben didn’t have his best game v. the Pack but he is a clutch performer and a winner.  Hopefully he can finally put his off the field issues behind him. 

 

Strengths: 

These are repeats but:

Top-run organization.  They draft well, know when to get rid of players and are constantly a playoff contender.

Great offense, with big time play makers and a stud QB.

Aggressive, nasty defense.

 

Weaknesses: 

Offensive line, particularly tackle.  Flo did a good job filling in, but his best days are behind him.

Cornerback.  Ike Taylor is a good player but is a free agent and there is no guarantee that he’ll be back. 

Defensive line.  Still solid, but starting to get a little long in the tooth. 

 

Needs:  There is no reason to believe the Steelers won’t be contending for another title next season.  Well, Rex Ryan did predict another Jet Super bowl and I’m sure the Vegas odds makers have taken that to the bank. 

 

 

Baltimore Ravens 14-2

Like I said above, if it weren’t for the Steelers the Ravens might have another Lombardi Trophy on the shelf.  A lot of the Ravens big time offensive players failed to give big time performances against the Steelers.  In order for the Ravens to take that next step they need Flacco to become a clutch, championship player.  If he does that the other players games will be elevated as well.  

 

Strengths: 

Despite his lack of playoff victories, Flacco is a young, franchise quarterback.

Solid veteran defense with Lewis, Reed and Suggs. 

Good skill position players in Rice and Boldin.

 

Weaknesses: 

Aside from Suggs there is no pass rush.

Age at key positions.

Flacco’s inability in the clutch. 

 

Needs:  Funny thing about the Ravens is that a lot of their strengths can also be seen as weaknesses.  Ray Lewis can’t play forever.  Terrell Suggs and Reed are also great players but their rookie seasons were quite a few years ago also.  The Ravens have a chance to win with this group but will only go as far as Flacco takes them.   If Flacco fails to deliver in the next couple years the Ravens will be forced to rebuild around him or find a new QB.      

 

 

Cleveland Browns 5-11

Another seasons and more change in Cleveland.  Gone is the Man-Genius and in his place is Pat Shurmur who’ll be going back to a 4-3 defense which will undoubtedly lead to roster turnover.  There are rumblings the Browns will take a QB at #6 because they feel Colt McCoy can’t hold up an entire season.  Don’t believe the pre-draft hype.   McCoy is a winner and yes he needs to improve his frame but the Browns hopefully wont make the mistakes that other teams make when a new regime comes in by abandoning him because he wasn’t “their guy”. 

 

Strengths: 

Colt McCoy.  Yes, I am a fan. 

Peyton Hillis. Thank you Denver. 

#6 pick in the draft should get them an immediate impact player.

 

Weaknesses: 

Defensive line, particularly a pass rusher.  And the switch to the 4-3 plays more emphasis on this position.

Wide receiver.  They have some young complimentary pieces, but no stud. 

Secondary.  Almost anywhere.

Offensive line.  The right side is a major problem.  

 

Needs:  I am in the Cleveland glass if half full camp.  If McCoy is not the answer then the Browns will be picking in a similar position next year.   I am not as big a Gabbert or Newton fan as many and if I were picking for the Browns I wouldn’t look at QB until late, if at all.  The Browns should be able to get a stud pass rusher or top wideout when they pick.   

 

Cincinnati Bengals 4-12

What a mess!  Two seasons ago the Bengals were 10-6 and won the division.  Last year they imploded.  You can’t even blame TO for that one.  Can the Bengals add more malcontents?  TO, Pac Man, Roy Williams, this kind of mix never works.  I am not sure if Carson Palmer is done or not and in this atmosphere it’s impossible to tell.  Maybe the best thing for the Bengals to do is trade Palmer and everyone else with any value and start from scratch. 

 

Strengths: 

Solid defense, particularly the cornerbacks and defensive line. 

Cedric Benson but he’s not getting any younger. 

The #4 pick in the draft, but if they draft a QB this could be a future weakness.

 

Weaknesses: 

The organization from ownership through the head coach.

Wide receiver.

Quarterback.

Offensive line, especially at guard.

Safety.

 

Needs: First and foremost they either need to decide if Carson Palmer is their future.  If I was running the show, I would see if I cold get a #3 pick for him, draft a stud pass rusher in Round 1, and look for a QB in round 2 and quality players throughout the draft.  At the same time I would jettison some of the older baggage like Ocho Stupido.