Steelers QB Roethlisberger could interest Seattle Seahawks

With Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback recently being in the news for harassment as well as other possible charges involving an incident in Atlanta, the Rooney family is not so high on Big Ben with this second off the field incident in his career and could be willing to part with the star quarterback if the Rooney’s don’t feel Ben is a part of the family.

The Steelers have said they would be content with current backup Dennis Dixon as the team’s starting quarterback or could acquire one via the NFL draft, but Dixon would be the more immediate choice.

Now who would be interested in the 28-year old quarterback?

The Seattle Seahawks led by new head coach Pete Carroll would be the first team that would be a great fit for Roethlisberger, while being rumor to be searching around the league for a new franchise quarterback with the aging Matt Hasselbeck not sitting well with Carroll.

So far Kevin Kolb, Jimmy Clausen, Derek Anderson, Charlie Whitehurst and possibly Donovan McNabb are on Pete Carroll’s “possible quarterback list”. Could Ben Roethlisberger’s name be added to that list?

Yes.

If you look at the situation that is currently in front of Pete Carroll when it comes to his franchise quarterback there is no one better on that list then Ben Roethlisberger.

Now you also have to look at it from the Pittsburgh Steelers point of view with their franchise taking a step back this past season.

The Steelers currently hold the No. 18 overall pick in the upcoming 2010 NFL draft which is too far for Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford to fall. Then you have to look at the next few quarterbacks in the draft with Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Jevan Sneed and others behind the top two.

With Seattle holding the No. 6, No. 14 and No. 40 overall picks in the draft as well as a few players the Steelers would be interested in to fill some holes on defense it would seem that both teams could come to an agreement on a trade.

The Seahawks currently have linebackers David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill who can both fill the Steelers need at linebacker, more likely Hill because he’s an inside linebacker with talent and experience where Hawthorne is still a backup.

What would be the most logical trade proposal involving the Seahawks-Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger would be like this.

The Seahawks would send the No. 14 pick, No. 101 pick, second-round pick in 2011 and Leroy Hill to the Steelers for Ben Roethlisberger and a third-round pick in the 2010 draft.

Now looking at the proposal, what does it do for both teams involved?

It gives the Steelers a top 15 pick in the 2010 draft where they could fill their offensive line issues at either guard with Idaho’s Mike Iutpi or an offensive tackle like Anthony Davis from Rutgers, Trent Williams from Oklahoma or Bruce Campbell from Maryland whichever is still available.

Then it gives them a starting inside linebacker in their 3-4 defense who can come in right away and make an immediate impact, and is also signed long-term through 2013. Also with the added 2011 pick it gives them options to make a later trade for another first-round pick in 2011 should they decide they want another first-round pick.

What it gives the Seahawks is a proven, talented, young starting quarterback that has already won two Super Bowls (one against Seattle) and can make everyone else around him look better.

Now the Seahawks would be giving up a lot in order to Roethlisberger but it gives the Seahawks what they’ve been searching for, a true franchise quarterback who’s already signed long-term and one that you don’t have to groom behind Hasselbeck or try to build through the draft in the later rounds.

Also when you look at the Seahawks giving up the No. 14 pick in the draft for Roethlisberger you have to look at the possibilities of who they could be drafting compared to what Roethlisberger would bring.

Defensive end Derrick Morgan, offensive tackle Anthony Davis, running back C.J Spiller would not bring the immediate impact that the Seahawks need like Roethlisberger would.

Now if the Seahawks were to make this trade it still leaves them with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft as well as a third-round pick where they could pickup an offensive tackle to fit in Alex Gibbs’ zone blocking scheme.

If the Seahawks wanted to really make their offense a complete Super Bowl caliber offense they could seal the deal on Broncos’ restricted free agent Brandon Marshall and sign him to an offer sheet giving Roethlisberger and the Seahawks a true No. 1 wide receiver.

It’s not really asking a lot it just has a lot of moving parts. It’s an interesting scenario, one that could become a reality should the Steelers and the Rooney family decides they don’t want their team picture tarnished by Roethlisberger’s off-field problems.

NOTES:

Talking with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the rumors about the New York Jets trading for Brandon Marshall “have no legs” so consider that Marshall rumor along with the Bengals rumor of bogus, the Seattle Seahawks still remain the only real team involved with Brandon Marshall.

-The Seahawks signed former Patriots tight-end Chris Baker to a two-year contract, making him the No. 2 tight-end behind John Carlson.

- The Seahawks are still negotiating with restricted free agent quarterback Charlie Whitehurst but not deal is official as of yet.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

In my opinion: Matt Hasselbeck

Disclaimer: Usually journalist and especially good journalist don’t usually use “I” in articles and recently I’ve been trying to improve on that and just stick with reporting. However I’ve decided to try a little experiment and create a new series of articles titled “In my opinion” which will include players, coaches and other aspects of the NFL an give my opinion on those topics. So articles titled “In my opinion” will be the only time I use “I” in an article, but when it comes to reporting on the Seahawks and the draft, “I” won’t be included. Just needed to clear that with this disclaimer.

Matthew Hasselbeck has come a long way since growing up in Boulder Colorado. Hasselbeck, now 34-years old went from receiving honorable mention All-American in high school to being selected in the sixth round in the 1999 draft by the Green Bay Packers all the way to being a starting quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks for eight years and counting.

Hasselbeck became a part of the NFL in 1999 when Mike Holmgren and Andy Reid (Packers QB coach at the time) selected the Boston College quarterback in the sixth round of the 1999 NFL draft. At the time Reid was pressing harder for Hasselbeck then Holmgren was but neither coach really saw Hasselbeck as a franchise quarterback.

For the first two years (99-01) Hasselbeck was holding field goal kicks and a clip board as he sat behind future hall-of-famer Brett Favre.

In 1999, a year after the Packers selected Matt Hasselbeck; his head coach Mike Holmgren left the Green Bay Packers organization for a lucrative offer from Seattle Seahawks owner Paul Allen to become the team’s head coach and general manager.

Holmgren did not forget about Hasselbeck and two years later, on March 2nd 2001 Mike Holmgren traded the Seahawks 10th overall pick and two third round draft picks in exchange for the young Hasselbeck as well as the Packers 17th overall pick and a seventh round pick in the 2001 NFL draft.

What came of that trade?

The Seahawks landed their franchise quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck as well as a future cornerstone of their offensive line, Steve Hutchinson with the 17th overall pick.

The Packers selected Florida State defensive end Jamal Reynolds who totaled 18 tackles and three sacks from 2001-2004 before his NFL career was over. Reynolds was plagued by injuries that ultimately ended his NFL career when he failed his physical with the Indianapolis Colts which voided a potential trade. He was released and signed by the Cleveland Browns but failed to make the teams regular season roster in 2004 and has not played in the NFL since.

In his first two seasons with the Seahawks Matt Hasselbeck battled with veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer for the starting quarterback job. However with an excellent finish to the 2002 season Hasselbeck became the teams’ full-time starter in 2003.

Hasselbeck did not disappoint in his first full season as a starting quarterback in the NFL. He compiled 3,841 yards passing and 26 touchdowns while only throwing fifteen interceptions. Hasselbeck also led the Seahawks to a 10-6 regular season record and a wildcard berth for the first time since 1998.

He continued his success in 2004 by leading the Seahawks to their first division title since the team joined the NFC in the alignment in 2002. Hasselbeck missed two games during the regular season and his touchdown total dropped from 26 to 22.

However Hasselbeck’s mouth got caught in the divisional round of the 04 playoffs against the Green Bay Packers. Hasselbeck went out in overtime to call the coin toss and once the referee announced Seattle had won the toss the question came “do you want the ball?”

Hasselbeck’s famous response was “We want the ball, and we’re gonna score!” Shortly thereafter Hasselbeck threw a pick-six to Packers corner back Al Harris which sealed the Seahawks playoff fiat.

In 2005 Matt Hasselbeck made up for his prediction in the 2004 playoffs by leading the Seahawks to a 13-3 regular season record, the most wins in franchise history as well as the franchises’ first trip to the Super Bowl. Hasselbeck received his first all-pro award in 2005 and led what was arguably the best single season Seahawks team in franchise history.

2006 Hasselbeck took a step back after starting the season 4-1 he went down in week seven with a sprained right MCL, caused by Minnesota linebacker E.J Henderson. He came back to lead the Seahawks to a 9-7 record and made it back to the playoffs after losing the Super Bowl the previous year.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo stole the show in the closing seconds in what fans will remember the most about the wildcard game between the Seahawks and Cowboys. Romo botched a 19-yard field goal snap with 1:19 left in the game.

The Seahawks lost in overtime to the Chicago Bears in the divisional round of the playoffs after Robbie Gold kicked the game winning field goal.

2007 became Matt Hasselbeck’s “comeback” year when the Seahawks, led by Mike Holmgren’s decision to become a pass first and pass only offense with the absence of a starting running back. Hasselbeck had his best statistical season in 2007 when he put up 28 touchdowns while only throwing twelve interceptions. He also posted a career best 91.4 quarterback rating.

However since his great season in 2007, Matt Hasselbeck’s career has continued to degrade with each snap that he takes, which hasn’t been that often.

In 2008 Hasselbeck played only seven games due to several injuries that would devastate any quarterback. He suffered a severe back injury that effected nerves in his lower back, which causes him to lose power in his legs and ultimately led to a knee injury.

Hasselbeck suffered a bulging disk in the pre-season, a knee injury against the Giants on October 5th and a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Arizona Cardinals.

The loss of Hasselbeck, along with several other key players on the Seahawks led to the Seahawks finishing with a 4-12 record and the fourth overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft.

2009 started out questionable under new head coach Jim Mora Jr. Hasselbeck threw two interceptions in the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams in week one before bouncing back to finish with three touchdowns and 276 yards passing and a 28-0 win over the St. Louis Rams at home.

However in week two he suffered two broken ribs when he attempted to dive into the end zone with under two minutes left in the half. Patrick Willis went helmet first into the back of Hasselbeck and he went downhill from there. He missed the next three games before coming back in week five against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hasselbeck threw four touchdowns in a 42-0 win which seemed to be a good sign for Hasselbeck and the Seahawks coming off three straight loses.

However in week six at home against the Arizona Cardinals the Seahawks had the franchises worst game flat out. Hasselbeck finished the game completing only ten passes and a completion percentage of only 34.

Hasselbeck would go on to finish the 2009 season with seventeen touchdowns and seventeen interceptions while crossing the 3000 yard mark for the sixth time in his NFL career.

So going through Matt Hasselbeck’s career what you find is one of toughest, grinding and competitive quarterbacks in NFL history. Hasselbeck has been the face of the Seattle Seahawks franchise for nine seasons out of the ten that he’s been with the organization.

He’s gone to three Pro Bowls in his 12 years in the NFL (03,05,07) and also led the Seahawks to five straight playoff appearances from 2003-2008. He led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance in franchise history in 2005 and emerged as one of the league’s top quarterbacks from 2004-2007 before injuries took away his playing time.

Hasselbeck is arguably the best quarterback in Seahawks history alongside Dave Krieg who finished his Seahawks career with a record of 70-49 while Hasselbeck sits at 58-45.

So In my opinion Matt Hasselbeck is the best quarterback in Seattle Seahawks history for many reasons and even though he does not have hall-of-fame numbers Matt Hasselbeck’s career is not over just yet. If Hasselbeck has three great seasons left in the tank and if he can still get the Seahawks to win their first Lombardi trophy then Hasselbeck could be mentioned in the hall-of-fame but not until then.

However in my opinion if Hasselbeck had not suffered the amount of injuries he has gone through in his career I think his success rate might be just a little bit higher over the past two seasons. Now it’s up to the new era of Seahawks football, John Schneider and Pete Carroll to revive Matt Hasselbeck’s career.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

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Seahawks trade Seneca Wallace to Browns

According to ESPN’s John Clayton and Adam Schefter the Seattle Seahawks have completed a trade that will send Seahawks backup quarterback to the Cleveland Browns for an undisclosed 2011 draft pick.With the acquisition of Wallace, he gets the opportunity to reunite with former head coach Mike Holmgren in Cleveland and possibly get the chance to be a full time starting quarterback in the NFL.

Wallace now joins Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn as the three quarterbacks in Cleveland. However with Mike Holmgren being the man in charge it’s been rumored recently that Anderson will be cut in the coming weeks and Brady Quinn could either be released or traded as well before the NFL draft.

With Wallace, you don’t get that pocket quarterback who is your prototypical NFL quarterback. Wallace is known for his athletic ability outside the pocket, but can also make the throws necessary to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

Now with the Seahawks trading away Seneca Wallace it really signals that Pete Carroll is looking for a long term quarterback behind current starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

One possibility could be Florida product Tim Tebow, who is scheduled to have his pro day at Florida on March 17th and then also have a private workout with the Seattle Seahawks shortly thereafter in Seattle.

Another possibility is Notre Dame Quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who has known Pete Carroll since he was 13-years old. With the free agency quarterbacks not being the type that Seattle is looking for expect Pete Carroll and John Schneider to look for the aire apparent to Matt Hasselbeck in the upcoming April NFL Draft.

Now the Seahawks have a dilemma about drafting Jimmy Clausen. The Seattle Seahawks have been in serious negotiations with the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who visited with the Seahawks this past weekend.

With the Broncos’ placing a first round tender on Marshall, if the Seahawks decide to hammer out an offer sheet with Marshall the Seahawks would have to pony up the sixth overall pick the draft, which would mean missing out on Clausen.

However the Seahawks can work out a sign-and-trade with the Broncos’ and trade their 14th overall pick to the Broncos’ instead of the sixth overall pick.

So with this trade of Seneca Wallace to the Browns it opens up a lot of possibilities for the Seahawks moving forward at the quarterback position.

It’s clear that Matt Hasselbeck will be the starter in 2010, but it’s not clear who will be the starter in 2011 when Hasselbeck’s contract is up.

Notes:

-An interesting note came to me with the Seahawks trading Seneca Wallace today. His old number of 15 is now up for grabs, the same number as Brandon Marshall.

-The Seahawks have visits scheduled this week for RB Mike Bell, TE Ben Watson, OG Ben Hamilton, TE Chris Baker, DE Tyler Brayton and CB William James.

-Tim Tebow, as I already noted in the article above is scheduled to have a private workout with the Seahawks sometime shortly after his pro day, March 17th.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Seahawks notes: Owens, Jones, Combine, Running backs

As the free agency deadline nears the major movement in the NFL has come from the running back position this past week with five running backs being let go or non tendered to free agency.

San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson, Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook, Cleveland's Jamal Lewis, San Diego's Darren Sproles and New Orleans' Mike Bell. Also New York Jets running back Thomas Jones will be released next week so he will be added to the list when that becomes official.

Terrell Owens was informed by the Buffalo Bills Saturday that the 36 year old wide receiver would not be back with the organization in 2010 making him a free agent.

The New Orleans Saints have yet to tender a contract offer to Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans and running back Mike Bell. Most likely scenario is the Saints are more willing to sign a long term contract with Evans but let Mike Bell walk with the reports of Reggie Bush being 100 percent guaranteed to be back with the Saints in 2010 along with his eight million dollar price tag.

So with the CBA negotiations not going anywhere anytime soon it's clear that many of the expected unrestricted free agents will be restricted free agents.

However free agency isn't the only topic around the NFL.

Saturday marked the beginning of the NFL combine in Indy where all 32 teams will have their eyes on the top tier players in the upcoming NFL draft as well as the sleepers that will become steals in the draft.

So with that being said here's some news, notes and rumors regarding the Seattle Seahawks.

-WR Terrell Owens: The rumors and reports will start flying on March 5th about Terrell Owens and the Seahawks being a good pair with Nate Burleson testing the free agent market after not receiving a contract offer from the Seahawks.

Now there are a few questions if you want to picture T.O in Seattle.

One, would the Seahawks want to sign an aging wide receiver like T.O at the age of 36? Two, how much would the Seahawks be willing to offer Owens to come to Seattle because he's only going to get around one to two million max in free agency at this point in his career.

Now Owens can still put up numbers at his current age. Last season in Buffalo, a quarterback dead zone he compiled 55 receptions for 829 yards and five touchdowns. With Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback there is no reason to think T.O's numbers would go down if Owens came to Seattle.

Currently the Seahawks have TJ Houshmandzadeh (32), Deion Branch (30), Deon Butler (24) as the starting three wide receivers for 2010. Houshmanzadeh is guaranteed to be back in Seattle next season as is Deon Butler but there have been many questions surrounding Deion Branch in his three years in Seattle.

Terrell Owens, at the price of $1-2 million would be a great addition in Seattle to go along side TJ Houshmandzadeh and Deon Butler who would be the slot wide receiver like Bobby Engram use to be two years ago.

-LT Walter Jones: Pete Carroll said at the NFL combine that Walter Jones has not come to a final decision on whether to retire or come back for his 14th NFL season.

Here is a quote from Pete Carroll via Danny O'Neil from the Seattle Times.

"I would be wrong to tell you that I know right now, specifically," Carroll said. "I know he's thinking about pursuing the retirement thing and all that. And until that's really final, that's about where it is."

- NFL Combine: The offensive tackles and tight ends worked out Saturday at the NFL combine and five players really stood out and improved their draft stock by their performance at the combine.

Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, Oklahoma OT Trent Williams, Pittsburgh TE Dorin Dickerson, Oregon TE Ed Dickson and Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung (left early with a groin injury).

Clausen and Bradford are both at the combine but will not workout at the combine. They will meet with coaches and scouts from a lot of teams but nothing hands on.

You can probably bet that Jimmy Clausen will be looking for Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll after the comments he made today during an interview.

Clausen said "as a person I love coach Carroll to death" and also that he'd love being a part of Carroll's team in Seattle if drafted by the Seahawks.

Carroll and Clausen go way back to when Clausen was 13 years old and Carroll was recruiting him to come play at USC. So Jimmy Clausen is a name to watch for the Seahawks when they select No. 6 overall.

-Running backs: There have been a lot of rumors swirling about the Seahawks and adding a running back in free agency. Mainly Tomlinson, Thomas Jones, Darren Sproles, Westbrook and Chester Taylor among others.

For all those wondering if the Seahawks will sign a big name back this off season the answer is simply this.

No.

The Seahawks under new head coach Pete Carroll and new general manager John Schneider plan to build the foundation of the Seahawks through the NFL draft to insure long term success.

Quarterback, running back, left guard and tackle, defensive tackle and safety all make up the core foundation of an NFL team so take all those positions and cross them off the Seahawks free agent list. Only safety would be one to fill via free agency with Darren Sharper.

The Seahawks will be looking for an every down back in the draft with Clemson running back CJ Spiller topping that list.

A couple of other added notes:

-Seahawks franchised kicker Olindo Mare

-Nate Burleson will be an unrestricted free agent

Should the Seattle Seahawks draft a QB?

The million dollar question looming in Seattle is centered around Pete Carroll and what he wants to do at the quarterback position.

Carroll and Schneider are in a rough position because they have come in during the middle of a horrendous rebuilding process, which was created by former Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell.

Matt Hasselbeck is entering into the final year of his contract and with the amount of injuries he's had over the past two years his future, with the current offense is questionable. The Seahawks have Seneca Wallace and Mike Teel behind Hasselbeck and neither have the complete package to be a 16+ game starter in the NFL.

What makes the Seahawks quarterback situation even more intresting is the fact that Seattle holds two of the top 15 picks in the upcoming 2010 draft with really only two quarterbacks being worthy of a starting job in the NFL.

Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen. Other quarterback who need a lot of work, along with Clausen and Bradford would be Texas' Colt McCoy, Florida's Tim Tebow, Ole Miss' Jevan Sneed as well as other late round possible.

Needless to say this is one of the weakest draft classes for quarterbacks in a while. So the question becomes, is Pete Carroll willing to make a bold decision and possibly take one of the two top quarterbacks in the draft and should the Seahawks even draft a quarterback this year having passed on Mark Sanchez last year.

The answer is no.

The Seahawks do need an answer long term at quarterback but with one year remaining on his contract and still having many more important needs on this football team, drafting a quarterback is not something the Seahawks can afford to do.

Pete Carroll said at his introductory press conference that Paul Allen along with the rest of the front office want to be a winner now and moving forward. The Seahawks and Carroll need to use free agency as well as the draft to build around Hasselbeck.

Building around Hasselbeck will setup short and long term success for the Seahawks organization, which will be crucial for Pete Carroll's success in Seattle.
The Seahawks need to find an every down running back, possibly CJ Spiller in the draft. An explosive wide receiver, possibly Brandon Marshall. At least two or three offensive linemen (left tackle, left guard and right tackle) which most will come from the draft.

Matt Hasselbeck said recently that if given the help (offensive line and running game) that he can lead the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl and win in the Super Bowl.

Take his word for it, when the Seahawks have a running back gain over 1000 yards they are a 10+ win team as history has shown with Shaun Alexander and Ricky Williams as well as others before them.

So with all that being said the Seattle Seahawks should not entertain drafting a quarterback in this draft class.

NOTE: Jake Locker, the University of Washington quarterback will enter the draft
next year so look for Seattle to try as hard as possible to keep Locker in the state of Washington. Imagine Seattle's fan base moving from the Dawg Pound to Qwest Field.

Seahawks notes: Marshall, Mawae, Rolle and LT

In an effort to further inform the readers I’ve decided to have a weekly article about any and all Seahawks notes and rumors from around the league.

With the Seahawks being one of the most “link attached” teams this off season it will be interesting to see what unfolds under this new direction of Seahawks football under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.

With the Seahawks having an owner in Paul Allen, who early in the off season made it apparent that he is not afraid to make a bold statement with a lot of cash attached to that statement.

The Carroll example being the hire former USC head coach Pete Carroll to a five year $35 million dollar contract while buying out Jim Mora Jr. of his remaining $12 million.

Now with the coaching and front office slots all filled out it’s that time of the year where those personnel guys make their living with free agency coming up on March 5th and the NFL draft April 22nd-24th.

Heading into the off season the Seahawks have a lot of question marks throughout the depth chart from the starting quarterback to the offensive line to the defensive line and secondary.

The Seahawks will need to fill the “needs” at QB, WR, OL, DL, CB/S as well as overall talent depth throughout the team. Matt Hasselbeck is in the final year of his six year $47 million dollar contract and isn’t getting any younger at the age of 34.

Then at wide receiver the Seahawks lack a dynamic play making receiver with TJ Houshmandzadeh being more of an “over the middle/moving the chains” type of receiver.

Nate Burleson is expected to hit the open market unless a new contract is reached.Deion Branch…well that’s always a question mark and the possible trade rumors with the Patriots don’t make that easier. Deon Butler will be entering his second season in the NFL and fits mostly in a quick slot receiver, not a “play maker”.

The Seahawks have been heavily rumored to Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is expected to be a restricted free agent, unless there is a new CBA.

On the offensive line the Seahawks don’t know about Walter Jones’ true status and if he will be able to return for a 14th season in the NFL. Then the Seahawks have question marks with right tackle Sean Locklear who became a human turnstile last season and doesn’t look worthy of being a starter in the NFL.

At defensive end they don’t know what to expect from Patrick Kerney who has underperformed since breaking out with 14 sacks in his first season in 2007. Then outside of Kerney the Seahawks don’t have any effective pass rushing defensive end which seriously hurt them last season.

Corner back is also a question mark with Ken Lucas, 31, becoming an unrestricted free agent and Josh Wilson is really more of a fit at safety than corner for his size. So the Seahawks could look to target Joe Haden in the draft for that. At safety Deon Grant isn’t getting any older or better for that matter and Jordan Babineaux, while having over 100 tackles really underperformed as an overall safety and having Darren Sharper becoming an unrestricted free agent the Seahawks would be more inclined to go a different direction and look to target Sharper in free agency.

So with that being said here’s a few rumors and notes about the Seahawks.

- WR Brandon Marshall: There has been a lot made of the trade rumors surrounding Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is a restricted free agent unless a new CBA is agreed upon. The Broncos want the best deal they can get for Marshall if they decide that they should in fact trade the dynamic receiver.

The Seahawks seem like the most likely team with the most firepower to acquire Marshall. They have two first round picks (No. 6 and No. 14) in the 2010 NFL draft as well as the No.40 pick in the second round. Seattle also have a few players that could be included like wide receiver Deion Branch (worked with McDaniel’s in New England) and linebacker Leroy Hill (underperformed last season, still has great athletic ability).

The Broncos hold the 11th overall pick in the 2010 draft and if a scenario came up where on draft day both Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen are both gone before the Seahawks pick at six overall that pick would become great bait for the Broncos who could swap first round picks (No. 6 for No. 11) and the Seahawks would include Deion Branch while the Broncos would include Brandon Marshall.

With that pick at six overall the Broncos could select their replacement for Marshall in Dez Bryant or could go linebacker with Rolando McClain.

-C Kevin Mawae: The 39 year old veteran center will hit the open market once free agency opens up, Mawae’s agent Jim Wyatt said today. “He will definitely hit the market, but [we'll] continue to talk to the Titans.”

With the Seahawks having question marks at both left and right guard there could be the possibility of moving Max Unger, the Seahawks second round pick from 2009 to left guard and plugging in Mawae in a center, giving the Seahawks an experienced NFL center (like former Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck).

Mawae wouldn’t command top dollar so the Seahawks don’t have to worry about breaking the bank on him. Having an experienced NFL center would be very helpful should the Seahawks draft either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen in the draft, which will most likely happen.

- S Antrel Rolle: The Seahawks biggest division rival, the Arizona Cardinals have taken a few steps back this off season with the loss of quarterback Kurt Warner to retirement and linebacker Karlos Dansby will be hitting the free agent market as the Cardinals won’t franchise him.

However the salary strapped Cardinals could also be sending safety Antrel Rolle along with Dansby to free agency.

Rolle is scheduled to make $8.1 million in base salary this upcoming season along with a $4 million dollar roster bonus on March 1st. The Cardinals, according to Arizona Republic reported Kent Somers are not willing to shell out that much for Rolle.

So now the Cardinals, who already are paying $7.8 million for another safety in Adrian Wilson, have to decided do they want to cut him lose or come to an agreement on a new long term contract.

With the Cardinals still having to work out wide receiver Anquan Boldin’s contract situation as well as other players the most likely route will be to cut Rolle lose, making him an unrestricted free agent.

This could be a perfect situation for the Seahawks who are in desperate need of a play making safety. The Seahawks could make it a win-win for the team. If the Carroll and company get the word that Rolle will be an unrestricted free agent it makes a lot of sense to make a heavy push for the safety.

- RB LaDainian Tomlinson: With the big news coming down Monday afternoon that the Chargers have decided to let go of nine year veteran LaDainian Tomlinson it makes the free agency picture a little more thicker.

There is going to be a lot of rumors about the Seahawks being linked to a lot of running backs from Willie Parker to Chester Taylor to LT but I’d like to take the time to put and end to them before they officially start.

The Seahawks are not in need of a running back with Justin Forsett’s performance last season. So you can ignore the rumors about CJ Spiller or any other running back, unless it’s Ryan Mathews because he’s the only fit in the ZBS.

As the free agency period approaches there is going to be a lot of rumors with the “Seattle Seahawks” tag right next to it so I will do my best to sort out the fact and the national enquirer rumors out there involving the Seahawks.

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Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

2010 NFL Mock Draft: First round (third edition)

In my second installment of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft I received some comments from outspoken Redskins and Lions fans discussing their opinion on my selections of a quarterback and offensive tackle respectively.

Well now that the Senior Bowl has come and gone that has only a very slight effect on the third edition of my mock draft. So with that being said here is the third edition of my 2010 NFL Mock Draft. Click here for my first and second editions of my previous mock drafts (click first for the first edition and second for the second edition and it the future so on and so forth).

1) St Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska

Examination: This pick, baring some bizarre reason Suh suffers a major injury, is set in stone for me for two reasons. One, because Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo is a true defensive minded head coach and that’s exactly how he plans to build up the Rams with defense first.

Two, the Rams are a team dying for talent and Suh is with out any doubt the best player with the best upside in the entire 2010 draft.

Suh brings immediate impact along with unmatched talent and intensity which makes Ndamukong Suh the best overall pick going No. 1 overall to the St Louis Rams.

Second option: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

2) Detroit Lions: Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State

Examination: No matter what people say Russell Okung is the right pick for the Detroit Lions at No. 2 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

A lot of people have the Lions choosing between Okung and Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy but when you are a team like the Detroit Lions in a rebuilding mode, with your franchise quarterback and wide receiver already in the fold you need the third piece of the triangle.

That being left tackle, the most important position outside of quarterback because the Lions need to have a long term answer to protect Matt Stafford’s blindside.

Right now the Lions have 32 year old Jeff Backus and 34 year old Jon Janson at left tackle. For a team rebuilding the Lions will need to get younger as well as upgraded talented at the left tackle position and no one fits that bill better than OT Russell Okung from Oklahoma State with the second overall pick.

Second option: Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma

Examination: A lot of people have Tennessee safety Eric Berry going to the Buccaneers third overall and I had him going to Tampa in my last mock draft but after reviewing the Bucs needs and areas where they need improvement I landed on defensive tackle over safety.

Currently the Bucs have Chris Hovan (31) and Ryan Sims (29) currently starting at the defensive tackle positions (4-3 defense).

With the selection of McCoy, it would bring a fresh, aggressive pass rushing defensive tackle into the Bucs defensive line. Something the Buccaneers defense could definitely use as Raheem Morris rebuilds this franchise.

Second option: Eric Berry, S Tennessee

4) Washington Redskins: Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers

Examination: I was debating between Jimmy Clausen and Anthony Davis for this pick and I decided for my third edition to go with Davis, which will most likely change as the draft moves closer.

With Mike Shanahan as the Redskins new head coach and executive VP there is going to be a tough decision in the Redskins war room come draft day. It’s ultimately going to come down to Clausen vs Davis and more importantly QB vs LT and which need is more of a concern to Shanahan and his coaching staff.

The Redskins lost LT Chris Samuel to retirement after suffering a career ending injury. Replacing Samuel was Levi Jones who does not fit long term as a corner stone of the Redskins franchise.

It’s always the key in the NFL to select the franchise left tackle, then the quarterback then either running back or wide receiver depending on need but left tackle and quarterback are 1a and 1b in order of importance.

So with that being said I have the Washington Redskins selecting OT Anthony Davis from Rutgers fourth overall in the 2010 draft.

Second option: Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, S Tennessee

Examination: If the draft falls the way I have it falling in this mock draft it becomes very hard for the Chiefs to make this pick because their biggest need at left tackle is gone with Russell Okung and Anthony Davis already off the board, the only two tackles worth taking in the top 10.

Then you have to move down to wide receiver and it might be too early to take a player like Dez Bryant from Oklahoma State but it is still a possibility.

So flip over to the defensive side where they have selected defensive ends Tyson Jackson (09) and Glenn Dorsey (08) in the first round the last two years so defensive line is not a high priority for the Chiefs. Their linebacking corps is in motion but is still a solid core of players.

So move to the defensive backs where there isn’t much talent outside of Brandon Flowers. So if Russell Okung and Anthony Davis are both off the board then safety Eric Berry is the best pick for the Chiefs fifth overall.

Berry can bring a great added presents into the Chiefs defensive backfield which will help improve their defense which ranked 29th in the NFL allowing 26 PPG.

Second option: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

6) Seattle Seahawks: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

Examination: This couldn’t work out better for Pete Carroll and his new coaching staff as they look to rebuild the Seahawks organization so they can be a winning franchise competing for a Super Bowl year in and year out.

The selection of Sam Bradford is a perfect fit for the Seahawks now and long term for two reasons.

One, the Seahawks have a 34 year old quarterback in Matt Hasselbeck who has had more than his fair share of injuries of his career and they have begun to pile on the last two years. With a new philosophy coming in with Jeremy Bates as the offensive coordinator it is a perfect fit to bring in Sam Bradford into the fold as the Seahawks look to build the core of their team through the draft and they need to put the pieces in place this season not a year or two down the road.

Two, the Seahawks have always had their offense up and running which allows the defense to be a lot more successful that it has been in the past three years. The Seahawks have everything in place on offense but a few missing pieces on the offensive line, some which Alex Gibbs (new OL coach who is a genius with the ZBS and doesn’t need high drafted OT and OL to be successful, he uses third, fourth and fifth round offensive linemen) can help with and some that the Seahawks will have to address later in the draft. Other than LT the Seahawks have a secure group of wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs led by Justin Forsett who will be the number one running back next season.

The only thing missing for the Seahawks on offense is a talented young quarterback who can lead this team back to the Super Bowl.

Sam Bradford is the best quarterback in the draft with impeccable accuracy and a highly underrated arm and great awareness for a quarterback and knows where he is at all times.

So with the sixth pick in the 2010 NFL draft and the first pick in the Pete Carroll era in Seattle I have Sam Bradford going to Seattle.

Second option: Joe Haden, CB Florida

7) Cleveland Browns: Joe Haden, CB Florida

Examination: With “Big Mike” now running the show in Cleveland the decision that has to be made with Holmgren and Mangini is who is going to be the quarterback in Cleveland? Brady Quinn, Derek Anderson or ditch both and go with a QB like Clausen in the draft.

Once the two decide on a quarterback then they can decide where they want to go in the draft. Holmgren has always been an offensive minded coach and GM but has a solid draft record and recommendation when he wasn’t the GM but still was the head coach.

Marcus Trufant, Lofa Tatupu and other late round picks. So if Holmgren and Mangini want to fill a void as well as add some high end talent then the pick of Joe Haden from Florida is the perfect pick. Haden has a lot of similarities to Jets corner Darrell Revis.

Second option: Dez Bryant,WR Oklahoma State

8) Oakland Raiders: Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida

Examination: Like I have stated in my previous two mock drafts when it comes to mocking the Raiders pick you have to turn into a 80 year old grumpy outdated GM and Owner who always gets called out for his picks, most recently of Darius Heyward-Bay and Jamarus Russell.

So in this case I’m sticking with my previous selection of Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap. Dunlap has great talent at defensive end with a 4.7 40 time which would still appease Davis.

Whether Richard Seymour will see-more enough dough to be convinced to come back to Oakland is yet to be seen but even with him Dunlap is the selection.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

9) Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame

Examination: Much like the Seattle Seahawks at No. 6 overall this is the perfect scenario for the Buffalo Bills. Right now the Buffalo Bills have nothing at the quarterback position.

Now yes new GM Buddy Nix said they have some good QB’s but they never have the protection needed, you can not stand there and tell me that you are muy contento with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards and Brian Brohm at quarterback moving forward.

I don’t think anyone in their right mind would say that.

Now granted they did hire Chad Gailey as the teams new head coach so who knows they might even draft Tim Tebow here.

Now in all seriousness the Buffalo Bills, should the draft fall this way which is has a good chance of doing, need to select Jimmy Clausen with the ninth overall pick.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

10) Jacksonville Jaguars: Derrick Morgan, DE GT

Examination: Te-Bow…Te-Bow…Te-Bow. That’s the sound you’re going to hear from a lot of Jacksonville Jags fans over the next few months leading up to the draft. However I do think Tebow should and will end up in Jacksonville but this is way to early to take him.

The Jags have a few options here depending on how the draft falls. They could just go ahead and take Tim Tebow to bring back the fans and start to make some profit in Jacksonville. Or they could actually decide to go for talent and need and hope that Tebow falls to them in the second round and take a pass rushing defensive end like Derrick Morgan or Jason Pierre Paul.

I feel that the Jags will take the Georgia Tech product over the USF product in this case.

The Jaguars recorded only 14 team sacks in 2009. Morgan recorded 12.5 sacks alone in his final season at GT so that shows if the Jags want to improve the team to a winning franchise they will need to look at a defensive end, in this case I have them taking Derrick Morgan from Georgia Tech with the tenth pick in draft.

Second option: Tim Tebow, QB Florida

11) Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, LB Alabama

Examination: This pick is all hanging in limbo with what happens to Brandon Marshall and where he will be traded or not. I still will have McClain mocked here for the Broncos even if Marshall is traded, which I see as a high likely hood.

Also the Broncos will have to figure out about Elvis Dumervill and his situation but overall I have this pick being Alabama ILB Rolando McClain to the Denver Broncos 11th overall.

Second option: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

12) Miami Dolphins: Earl Thomas, S Texas

Examination: Bill Parcells is large and in charge still in Miami so right off the bat that rules out Dez Bryant with this pick because Big Tuna never takes wide receivers high in drafts. Terry Glenn was the exception because the owner at the time, Bob Kraft demanded it when he was the head coach.

Now that Parcells runs the show in Miami he will be looking at NT, FS, CB and LB as the main holes to fill this off season and mainly in the draft.

Today the Dolphins cut disgruntled linebacker Joey Porter so linebacker becomes a little bit more of a glaring need. However I have Rolando McClain going one spot higher to the Denver Broncos so that option is out (in this mock draft at least).

So looking at those positions of need for the Dolphins and then look at the players still on the board. Nose Tackle would be Dan Williams, free safety would be Earl Thomas, corner back would be Donovan Warren and linebacker would be Sean Weatherspoon.

Out of those four and looking at the needs I have decided to go with Texas safety Earl Thomas to the Miami Dolphins 12th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Second option: Dan Williams, NT Tennessee

13) San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma

Examination: For some reason a lot of people have running back C.J Spiller being selected here by the Niners but the last time I looked Frank Gore was still in the 49ers backfield so that would be a waste of a pick.

However they do have a need on the offensive line and at the tackle position. Trent Williams, along with Bruce Campbell are the two best offensive tackles on the board and for the 49ers Trent Williams fits more into their scheme than Campbell.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

14) Seattle Seahawks: Jason Pierre Paul, DE South Florida

Examination: In this mock Pete Carroll is batting a thousand in his first ever draft for the Seahawks with Sam Bradford and now Jason Pierre Paul.

The Seahawks had zero pass rush last season and as I pointed out in my Julius Peppers article the Seahawks defensive success starts with the pass rush. Last season the Seahawks recorded 28 sacks, the lowest amount in over five years.

So as Pete Carroll starts his Seahawks era it will be very crucial to get a dominant pass rushing defensive end, or two if the team decides to sign Julius Peppers in free agency.

It has shown in recent years, as I pointed out in my Peppers article that the higher the team sack total the better the defense is as a whole which leads to more wins for the Seahawks.

Second option: Mike Iupati, G Idaho

15) New York Giants: Dan Williams, DT/NT Tennessee

Examination: This will come down to who’s on the board and what happens with Osi Umenyiora. No matter what happens the Giants need to draft a defensive tackle to stop the run because last season the Giants defense gave up over 420 points a franchise high.

So now that defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan is out after only his first season on the job it’s now the focal point of the Giants off season to improve their underachieving defense.

Selecting defensive tackle Dan Williams from Tennessee to stick in the middle of the Giants defensive line will go a long way to improving the run defense and the overall Giants defense for a long time.

Second option: Brian Price, DT UCLA

16) Tennessee Titans: Brian Price, DT UCLA

Examination: The Titans need help on defense but Carlos Dunlap, Derrick Morgan and Jason Pierre Paul are all off the board so they can move to defensive tackle and still select a great consolation prize with Brian Price from UCLA.

Price made a great decision to come out a year early and the Tennessee Titans will love this pick if Dunlap, Morgan and Pierre Paul are all of the board.

Second option: Brandon Graham, DE Michigan

17) San Francisco 49ers: Donovan Warren, CB Michigan

Examination: With the 49ers taking an offensive tackle with their first of two first round picks they can now turn their attention to their next need, that being corner back.

This season the 49ers had to resort to signing Dre Bly as well as not having any long term solution opposite of Nate Clements.

So the selection of Donovan Warren gives the 49ers a great cover corner for a long time.

Second option: C.J Spiller, RB Clemson

18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, G Idaho

Examination: The Steelers can go one of two ways with their first round pick. They can address their need on the offensive line or they can look for a long term replacement for NT Casey Hampton who will be 33 soon.

Even if the Steelers decide to franchise Hampton they still won’t have a long term solution at nose tackle but right now there isn’t any elite or close to elite nose tackles on the board so the Steelers have to turn to the offensive line and that’s where Mike Iupati from Idaho fits perfectly.

Iupati is a stand out offensive guard who can play anywhere on the offensive line so that makes this pick all the better for Pittsburgh.

Second option: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland (I have him as a lot of teams second option)

19) Atlanta Falcons: Everson Griffen, DE USC

Examination: The Falcons have only one need this off season and that is to greatly improve the pass rush on defense which only recorded 28 sacks in 2009.

The Falcons could go with a linebacker here but defensive end us the number one need and because I don’t see Peppers dawning red next season Everson Griffen is their next best option with all the other defensive ends off the board.

Second option: Sean Weatherspoon, linebacker Missouri

20) Houston Texans: Taylor Mays, S USC

Examination: The ideal pick for the Texans here would be Earl Thomas from Texas but he’s long gone in this draft so they have to slide down to the next best safety which would be hard hitting Taylor Mays from USC.

The Texans have never had that elite safety presents in franchise history so it’s important they add an aggressive hard hitting safety early in the draft.

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

Examination: Talk about taking a Brady Quinn fall except this time there isn’t any place between the Broncos and Bengals for Dez Bryant to go so the Bengals hit the lotto with this one . The Bengals are in need of receivers and with the passing of Chris Henry and that age of Chad Ochocinco it’s key that the Bengals pickup a sure handed wide receiver that they can add with Chad as well as build on as the future continues.

Tight end is also an option but I’m not sold on Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham over Dez Bryant.

Second option: Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma

22) New England Patriots: C.J Spiller, RB Clemson

Examination: It’s amazing that Spiller would fall all the way to the Patriots at 22 but I don’t see any team dieing for a running back ahead of them and the Seahawks don’t need a running back and the 49ers could grab one later in the draft.

This would be great for New England’s offense because Spiller is an explosive running back but can also catch the ball out of the backfield and be great on special teams which will be the seal for Bill Belichick.

Second option: Jared Odrick, DT Penn State

23) Green Bay Packers: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

Examination: I think a lot of teams will be worried about Campbell’s injury history and that he’s another product of the Maryland system, however he is a great offensive tackle which will keep him in the top 25.

This is a dream come true for Green Bay because they don’t have to trade up to get an elite left tackle for the long term to protect Aaron Rogers, something that is a high importance for the Packers this off season.

Second option: Charles Brown, OT USC

24) Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Graham, DE Michigan

Examination: The winners of every draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have a chance to turn an almost elite player into a break out player, in this case a break out defensive end with Brandon Graham.

The Eagles will need to upgrade their defensive line opposite of Trent Cole and if they don’t sign Julius Peppers in free agency they will be hot for a defensive end in the draft and Brandon Graham would be an excellent selection for the Eagles.

25) Baltimore Ravens: Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma

Examination: The Ravens are in the same position as the Bengals are, in need of receiving options for Joe Flacco. Derrick Mason is on the fence again in terms of retirement and Todd Heap isn’t getting any younger.

With all the options of receivers on the board Gresham is the best of all them still remaining and a player who can come in right away and make an impact.

Second option: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

26) Arizona Cardinals: Charles Brown, OT USC

Examination: Well now that we all know Warner has retired to join the Jay Leno football league and that Matt Leinart will once again be given the chance to be the starting quarterback for the Cardinals in 2010.

However now that they know who the quarterback will be they will need to improve their offensive line which is really shaky with Mike Gandy giving up over nine sacks this season and having Levi Brown being at right tackle.

Brown can come right in as a rookie and start at left tackle which will be important for the Cardinals moving forward.

27) Dallas Cowboys: Maurkice Pouncey, G Florida

Examination: Here’s a player who’s stock will rise or fall depending on how the rest of the draft plays out ahead of him.

The Cowboys need help on the offensive line and Pouncey is the best offensive lineman available while bringing a lot of talent with him, he’s only a small reach.

Second option: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

28) San Diego Chargers: Jared Odrick, DE Penn State

Examination: The Chargers have two ways they could go with this pick. They could address their need a running back with LaDanian Tomlinson’s release coming soon but C.J Spiller isn’t on the board and Jahvid Best is really a home run hitting running back not a first and second down back.

So that leaves their need on the defensive line as the best option for this pick. Outside of defensive end Luis Castillo the Chargers don’t have a great defensive end threat on both sides of the line so it’s important for them to go out and select a guy like Odrick who can come in and be that guy.

Second option: Jerry Hughes, DE TCU

29) New York Jets: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

Examination: The Jets made the right decision by going with Mark Sanchez last season but now their next goal is to get him a long term wide receiver that he can build and grow with as his Jet career moves along.

The Jets acquired Braylon Edwards from the Browns for a second round pick in the 2010 Draft and now he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent if the Jets don’t resign him.

However while Edwards did help the Jets he still doesn’t have good hands and that worries a lot of people for the Jets but even if the Jets decide to resign Edwards long term they are still going to need a young productive wide receiver opposite of Edwards and Benn fits the bill.

Second option: Jerry Hughes, DE TCU

30) Minnesota Vikings: Kyle Wilson, CB Boise State

Examination: Here’s another player to watch fly up draft boards, Kyle Wilson from Boise State is probably the second best corner in the draft but because not many teams have needs for corners he’ll fall to the mid to late first round and that’s good news for the Minnesota Vikings.

Cedric Griffin is an above average corner in this leage, not the best of the best but still above average. However after his ACL surgery it’s going to take 8-10 months before he can return so not only did they need another corner opposite of Griffin but now they are most likely going to need someone to step in at the one to take his place.

Wilson is that guy who can fill in for Griffin and to a great job until he gets back. Then after Griffin is able to return Wilson just slides over to the two, opposite of Griffin and continue.

It’s a win-win for the Vikings.

31) Indianapolis Colts: Bryan Bulaga, OT Iowa

Examination: The Colts don’t have that many big needs, their biggest need is signing Manning which shouldn’t be too hard. Who knows maybe he’ll take a page from Seattle Mariners ace lefty Cliff Lee “I want a ten year deal for about $200 billion, haha I don’t know”.

However after Manning the Colts do need to improve on their offensive line and especially at left and right tackle which Bulaga can play both.

So I’m sure Bill Polian will do wonders again and Bryan Bulaga will eventually be their left tackle for the long term.

32) New Orleans Saints: Sean Weatherspoon, OLB Missouri

Examination: Well the Saints won a Super Bowl, now before they can think of going back to back they first have to survive their off season which consists of over 23 total free agents.

The Saints have a solid linebacking core right now but they do need another play maker in the front seven and Weatherspoon is that play maker.

NOTE: I received a lot of comments on both of my first and second editions of my mock drafts saying I need to update my mock draft. Well here is how I do it, I don’t have one draft that I edit over and over and over because eventually it gets confusing. So now I post a new mock draft with links to my first two and as time goes on I add the rest and etc. But this is just a note to everyone that I post a new mock draft, not edit the same one over and over.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

Seahawks 2009 offensive MVP: TE John Carlson

With my friend Scotty Kimberly wanting peoples opinion on the 2009 Seattle Seahawks offensive MVP I decided to give my take. I had a short list consisting of TJ Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson, Justin Forsett, Matt Hasselbeck and John Carlson.

In the end it came down to Forsett and Carlson with John Carlson receiving my vote as the 2009 Seattle Seahawks offensive MVP.

Now some people might question right off the bat, why John Carlson? He was irrelevant for the first eight games of the season. Well there is a reason why his stats were down for the first eight games,outside of week one and that was because due to the inconsistency of the offensive line Carlson had to stay home and be an additional blocker instead of a route running tight end like he’s built for.

Now overall when the offensive line situation was resolved with Mike Gibson at right guard and Max Unger at center Carlson was able to get back to his normal form as a pass catching tight end.

In 2009 Carlson played all 16 games while recording 51 receptions for 571 yards and seven touchdowns, a team high in 2009. Carlson average yards per catch was 11.3 with 271 yards after catch. Carlson was only targeted 83 times this season.

When you compare Carlson’s 2009 numbers to those of TJ Houshmandzadeh, Nate Burleson and even Deion Branch he stands out as being the best overall receiving option for Hasselbeck.

Here’s a breakdown of Carlson’s 2009 stats vs TJ, Nate and Deion

TJ Houshmandzadeh: 79 receptions, 911 yards, three touchdowns, 11.5 average, 237 yards after catch and 135 targets.TJ’s difference for targets and receptions is 56.

Nate Burleson 63 receptions, 812 yards, three touchdowns, 12.9 average, 290 yards after catch and 103 targets.Nate’s difference for targets and receptions is 40.

Deion Branch: 45 receptions, 437 yards, two touchdowns, 9.7 average, 150 yards after catch and 79 targets. Deion’s difference for targets and receptions is 34.

Now compare that to John Carlson’s numbers overall and it’s clear that Carlson is the best. Carlson’s difference between targets and receptions is 32, even lower than Deion Branch.

So with that being said my vote for the 2009 Seattle Seahawks offensive MVP goes to tight end John Carlson.

Sound off.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

Seattle Seahawks: Five players to watch at the Senior Bowl

The first official task that head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider will be working on together is evaluating players this Saturday at the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama.

Carroll, the former USC head coach is considered the best at scouting college players and that will be very crucial as the Seahawks look to build their organization through the NFL draft as well as picking up a few players through free agency.

Overall the draft is how you build the core of your team for the long term and the Seahawks plan on rebuilding mainly through the NFL Draft. With the Seahawks having three of the first 40 picks in the 2010 draft this will be the most important draft in Pete Carroll’s short era so far in Seattle.

With that being said here are five players that the Seahawks and Pete Carroll will have their eyes on come Saturday.

Taylor Mays, S USC

Examination: Taylor Mays has been and will continue to pop up in tons of mock drafts as the draft process continues to move along. Mays is not being targeted just because Pete Carroll use to coach him at USC. It’s because the Seahawks are missing a huge presents in their defensive backs, especially at safety.

Jordan Babineaux recorded over 100 tackles this season which looks good on paper but when it comes down to the entire game he gave up way to many bit plays this season. He used to be great as a hard hitting situational safety/cornerback and now he’s really a hit and miss starter which has weakened the Seahawks defense.

Mays was not known for making interceptions but he was known for being a hard hitting cover safety that could cover without giving up big plays.

Mays is a name that every Seahawks fan needs to keep their eyes on as the draft moves closer.

Mike Iupati, OG Idaho

Examination: With out any doubt Iupati is the best offensive guard in the 2010 NFL draft. However that’s all he is fitted for is being either a left or right guard depending on team need, which for the Seahawks would be left guard.

Iupati has great quickness, power and is a gritty player that will be a future Pro Bowler, like former Seahawks OG Steve Hutchinson.

The Seahawks need to build the the majority of the offensive line in order for the entire offense to start clicking once again. That would start with adding an offensive guard like Mike Iupati in the 2010 NFL draft.

He’s not hard to miss so here is another name to keep your eyes on.

Tim Tebow, QB Florida

Examination: The selection of Tebow for me is two fold. One Tim Tebow is going to have everyone looking at him except for the Colts who have Peyton Manning. Two because the Seahawks have a solid starter in Matt Hasselbeck who has been banged up recently due to poor offensive line production and bad coaching ala Greg Knapp.

As ESPN’s Todd McShay pointed out he is starting to get better taking snaps under center but still has a lot of improvement to make in order to be an NFL starting quarterback.

The Seahawks don’t have a long term answer at quarterback but I think with Carroll being a high energy coach who wants winners and the best players, along with offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates who is great with any quarterback can turn him into an NFL starting quarterback in two years.

Maybe like Vince Young except in the second round. He’s got speed and talent but needed/needs the time to develop into a true NFL starting quarterback.

Myron Rolle, S Florida State

Examination: This one might shock a lot of people but the reason I have him as one of my five players to watch for the Seahawks at the senior bowl is because he still is a very hard, aggressive player who will always come up in the run support from his safety position to make those hard tackles.

However there is some down side to Rolle, who was the number one rated high school player coming out in 2006 ahead of the likes of Taylor Mays and others.

Rolle has been considered a slacker and not that enthused when it comes to playing but when he does play and play at a high level he’s a very talented player.

The only question I would raise in this case is can Pete Carroll get Rolle into mental shape if he decided to select him between the 4th and 5th round of the draft.

Brandon Graham, DE Michigan

Examination: It was clear to the entire country that Michigan’s defense was horrendous this season but their was one bring spot this season and that was defensive end Brandon Graham.

Graham was always hustling to the ball on every play and was very aggressive and strong both against the run and pass. The Seahawks lack a talented pass rusher and even though Graham would be a fifth option behind the likes of Derrick Morgan, Jason Pierre-Paul and others he’d still be a good selection late in the draft.

So those would be my top five players to watch this Saturday at the senior bowl but the Seahawks will have a lot better choices coming from the junior class and other seniors that aren’t at the senior bowl like Sam Bradford and C.J Spiller among others.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Seahawks player review: WR TJ Houshmandzadeh

This is the first in a long series of articles reviewing the Seahawks players of 2009. Did they under perform, over perform or just be average? We kick off the series with the Seahawks biggest free agent acquisition from last off season, wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh.

The Seahawks rewarded the NFL's most consistent wide receiver with a five year $40 million dollar contract with $15 million guaranteed.

With the Seahawks finishing 5-11 in TJ's first season with the team, needless to say it wasn't happy times in Houshmandzadeh-ville. Houshmnadzadeh looked to some fans and reporters like a smaller in scale version of T.O. Running in with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and questionable actions on the sideline with former head coach Jim Mora Jr.

However from a statsical stand point Houshmandzadeh did about avgerage for what he's done in his career. He didn't have a good quarterback or a great offense in general for many reasons, some of which have been fixed. The firing of offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will help fix those problems. In at offensive coordinator is Jeremy Bates who was in Denver with Jay Cutler when he lit up the NFL through the air.

TJ couldn't be more happy to have Bates as the offensive coordinator. Now for Houshmandzadeh's stats from 2009.

TJ fininshed 2009 playing in all 16 games and recording 79 receptions (team high), 911 yards receiving (team high) and three receiving touchdowns. Houshmandzadeh also had 11.5 YPC (yards per catch).

Houshmandzadeh never was really apart of the Seahawks offense, which was almost nonexistent this season. Housh, along with Nate Burleson, Deion Branch and tight end John Carlson all never became apart of what was suppose to be an explosive offense for the Seahawks.

TJ, Nate and Deion caught national headlines when Nate and Deion hosted their weakly talk radio show in Seattle on 950 KJR Seattle. The Branch and Burleson Show went from being a fun an interactive talk session with the passionate 12th man to a show that had the trio of receivers (TJ, Deion and Nate) calling out Matt Hasselbeck, Jim Mora Jr, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp as well as local TV analyst Hugh Millen, who TJ took personal exception to.

However TJ's first season in Seattle can not be taken as a bust or a desaster because he let the team in receptions and receiving yards. The letdown came on the offensive line and at quarterback and running back with the exception of Justin Forsett.

So we will list TJ Houshmanzadeh's first season in Seattle as average.

Hopefully with a new head coach in Pete Carroll and a new offensive coordinator in Jeremy Bates the Seattle Seahawks offense, including TJ Houshmanzadeh will be alive and firing on all cylinders in 2010.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

2010 NFL Mock draft: First Round (Updated 1, 18, 10)

In my first installment of my 2010 NFL Mock draft I received a lot of comments with people speaking out about two or three of my picks. Mainly Tim Tebow going sixth to the Seattle Seahawks, Gerald McCoy 12th to the Miami Dolphins and Jahvid Best 21st to the New York Jets.

So far no new big names have thrown their name into the 2010 draft pool. However I would like to point out that UW quarterback Jake Locker IS NOT going to be in the 2010 mock draft. I have seen at least five or more mock drafts in the last few days with Locker still in them.

So with that being said here is my second edition of my 2010 NFL mock draft. My mock draft order follows the offical order.

1) St Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska

Examination: I still have the best overall player in the draft going No 1. Overall to the St Louis Rams, over Jimmy Clausen, Sam Bradford and even Eric Berry. The Rams have selected in the top two each of the last three years (Chris Long 08, Jason Smith 09 and now Ndamukong Suh 10). Chris Long has been great at defensive end racking up 83 tackles, nine sacks and one forced fumble in his two years in the NFL, however he only started five games which needs to be changed fast for him to have more of an impact on the defense. Jason Smith still looks to be their LT for the long term after getting into his second year next season. Having Chris Long along with Ndamukong Suh would go a long way in helping improve the Rams defense who allowed 436 points this season. Suh is a dominating force on defense and if the Rams do the right thing and go with Suh first overall that will allow the entire defense to become better.

2) Detroit Lions: Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State

Examination: Yes the top two, and farther down will remain the same for the obvious reasons. The Lions selected Matt Stafford first overall in the 2009 draft, which is ok if you already have a decent, established offensive line. Problem for the Lions is they didn’t really have that offensive line. Stafford was inconsistent in his first season in the NFL, but rookies will have those problems. However Stafford didn’t play the entire season. He was sidelined by a knee injury that ended his season a little more than half way through the season. He also lost Calvin Johnson for a few games which hurt their chemistry. So with the Lions passing on a top left tackle last year there is no other choice other than to take the best offensive tackle in the draft. That tackle being Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung. Okung is an athletic monster; at left tackle at 6-8 300 lbs he’s a perfect fit in Detroit. Giving Stafford and the offense a solid offensive line anchored by Okung will go a long ways to help the Lions grow to a winning franchise

3)Tampa Bay Bucs: Eric Berry, S Tennessee

Examination: The Bucs have their quarterback in Josh Freeman and it’s way too early to reach for a play making wide receiver like Dez Bryant. So the only great pick the Bucs can make in this position is to go with Eric Berry, the talented safety from Tennessee and get some help in the secondary. People have been comparing Berry to former Bucs safety John Lynch. The Buccaneers have Tanard Jackson and Sabby Piscitelli currently starting at strong safety and free safety. Adding Eric Berry in the defensive backfield will help improve their young defense greatly.

4) Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

Examination: The Redskins have a new head coach and EVP in Mike Shanahan. The last time he was a head coach he got his quarterback in the form of Vandy QB Jay Cutler. Now Shanahan and new GM Bruce Allen have the task at hand of turning around the fortune of the Washington Redskins organization. With current starting quarterback Jason Campbell being a free agent this off season and not really playing as well as he could have to lock up a long term contract the most likely bet is for the Redskins to take the talented accurate quarterback from Oklahoma in Sam Bradford. Bradford is coming off right shoulder surgery but all signs have been great for his recovery and should be throwing in a month or two. Not only does the selection of Campbell fill their long term answer at quarterback but it also will bring a lot of revenue and give the Skins a face of the franchise for years to come.

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

Examination: Same as my last mock draft with Russell Okung off the board and both the Chiefs and Lions having the similar situations of needing to protect their big money quarterbacks, in this case it’s Matt Cassel and his $63 million dollar contract. The Chiefs have former first round pick Brandon Albert but he’s been underperforming this season allowing 10sacks. Albert can also play at the LG position and that would allow the Chiefs to select talented offensive tackle Bruce Campbell to play LT.

6) Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame

Examination: Ok first off let me say that you people who read my mock draft, I know there is a lot but at least the ones who comment need to read the examination first before ripping. The Tim Tebow selection was based on Jim Mora Jr. and Greg Knapp still being in charge of the offense. Now with Mora and his entire offensive coaching staff fired and Pete Carroll and Jeremy Bates now running the offense the selection of Jimmy Clausen is a perfect fit. Pete Carroll endorsed Matt Hasselbeck but the Seahawks can’t pass on their future starting quarterback two years in a row. Last year they passed on Mark Sanchez and Hasselbeck had another horrendous season this year. He was very hit and miss. I see the Seahawks quarterback situation like the Lions last year. They have an NFL veteran in Matt Hasselbeck (Daunte Culpepper, Lions) but need a long term answer at quarterback and Jimmy Clausen (Matt Stafford, Lions) would be that answer. Clausen can learn behind Hasselbeck, get into the Carroll/Bates system and then when Hasselbeck’s contract runs up at the end of the upcoming season Clausen will become the full time starter and moving forward. He could even take over this season depending on his progression into the NFL which shouldn’t be that much. The Seahawks could also look OT or S here but Berry and Okung/Campbell are both gone so QB is the next biggest need without reaching.

7) Cleveland Browns: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State:

Examination: The Browns have their front office and coach’s in place now for at least one more year (Eric Mangini was allowed back but he has to perform this upcoming year to stay long term). The Browns problems were never on defense this year, it was always the offense. Josh Cribbs wants out because Mike Holmgren “offered him an insulting contract” so Cribbs doesn’t think he will be back. They do have a quarterback in Brady Quinn and a running back in Jerome Harrison but don’t have any receiving support for Quinn. Don’t tell me that Mike Holmgren, one of the best offensive minded guy to ever be in the NFL to settle for Brain Robieski and Mohamed Massaquoi as his leading wide receivers. Massaquoi led the team in receptions with 34 (tied with running back Jerome Harrison) and receiving yards with 624 your offense is never going to get anywhere. The Browns have almost all the pieces in place on offense with a QB, RB, OL and now just need a real play making wide receiver. The Browns can get that in the form of Dez Bryant with the seventh overall pick.

8) Oakland Raiders: Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida

Examination: I’m sorry but when you are trying to figure out who Al Davis is going to take you can’t. It’s simply impossible. So don’t try to examine it or think of a logical selection because there is a reason they call Oakland the black hole. So you have to think of someone who at least fits Davis’ akward draft style. Fast and for this selection the Raiders need a young defensive end. Richard Seymour is not coming back and Dunlap, although being drafted way too early still has a lot of talent to offer Al Davis.

9) Buffalo Bills: Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers

Examination: Last time I had the Bills still going with an offensive tackle. However the OT was Oklahoma’s Trent Williams. This time I’ve looked at the comparisons of both Davis and Williams and I just have a gut feeling that Davis will wind up being that guy. As the draft continues to move closer and the combine and pro days come and go then it will probably change. Keep in mind that these upcoming mock drafts are before the combine and when teams really get into the draft mind. So all are subject to change but one thing is for sure. If there is no QB on the board (Bradford or Clausen) then the Bills will take an offensive tackle. For now I have that tackle being Anthony Davis from Rutgers.

10) Jacksonville Jaguars: Tim Tebow, QB Florida

Examination: Well Jags fans can now breathe easy that the Seahawks finally wised up, fired Jim Mora Jr and replaced him with Pete Carroll who knows how to be a head coach, and run an explosive offense. So now the Jaguars can get their man, in a non football related move. Everyone who knows the NFL and the Jacksonville Jaguars knows that Tim Tebow is the only way to save their franchise and actually put people in the seats. They went with a need pick last year with Eugene Monroe. They can’t do that again this year with their fan base all but gone. Tim Tebow wearing 15 and saying in his home state of Florida.

11) Denver Broncos: Rolando McClain, LB Alabama

Examination: The Broncos off season will kick off when the playoffs end and Brandon Marshall starts to talk again. There have been rumors about a possible trade with the Seattle Seahawks, and some people think that they could get a couple of players plus a draft pick for him but I have put a stop to those rumors with my last article. So people need to put aside any Brandon Marshall trade ideas for a while. Getting back the Broncos pick. For now they still need some help at linebacker and the best linebacker in the draft who can come in right away is Rolando McClain from Alabama. McClain is the best choice here and the best player who fits a need for the Broncos.

12) Miami Dolphins: Terrance Cody, NT Alabama

Examination: The Dolphins could go with a wide out but tell me the last time Parcells took a wide receiver in the first round. Probably before I was born. They have a need at nose tackle and Terrance Cody is a monster nose tackle at 6-5, 365 lbs. So because Parcells won’t take a wide receiver I see Terrance Cody going to the Dolphins 12th overall.

13) San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma

Examination: The 49ers have just about everything on offense. They have a QB in Alex Smith. A running back in Frank Gore. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis as receiving options. All they are missing is a left/right tackle depending on where they put Joe Staley. Either way RT/LT will be the only hole the 49ers need to fix on offense and it just so happens that Williams is available at 13th overall. This would be a dream pick for the 49ers and I do think they will take him.

14) Seattle Seahawks: Charles Brown, OT USC

Examination: Well you know that Carroll won’t have any problems scouting the players from USC. It’s also obvious that Carroll, some point in the draft will take at least two or more players from USC because the Seahawks have needs at RB (McKnight), OT (Brown) and S (Mays) so this pick of offensive tackle Charles Brown will not come as a shock. The Seahawks have already selected their long term answer at quarterback with Jimmy Clausen and now they need to move to their long term answer at left tackle. Walter Jones missed the entire 2009 season because he was unable to “get started” after having off season knee surgery. Plus Jones is going to be 36 come the 2010 season and the Seahawks have seen that Sean Locklear won’t be that tackle to replace Jones long term. With Okung, Campbell, Davis and Williams all off the board at OT the Seahawks still need to take Charles Brown to solidify their long term answer at left tackle.

15) New York Giants: Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma

Examination: Well the Giants and Eli Manning worked wonders with Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Dennis Dixon and Kevin Boss so they don’t have any problems at receiver but if they do want to patch up a need it would be on defensive line. They could go with Sergio Kindle from Texas, which I had them going with in my last mock draft. However if you look at how much emphasis Jerry Reese puts on the defensive line then the pick of Gerald McCoy 15th overall is a perfect selecting. Also defensive tackle is a need for the Giants.
16) Tennessee Titans: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB Texas
Examination: The Titans and Jeff Fisher have one major need and only one need and that’s to get an aggressive, attacking and relentless defensive end this off season. They do have options to go sign a top defensive end in free agency like Julius Peppers, Richard Seymour and others but for the long term answer and overall talent for what the Titans need in a defensive end Kindle is the best of all their options. Kindle is this year’s version of Brian Orakpo, also out of Texas who went 14th overall to the Redskins last year. Kindle is very physically gifted but only had 3.5 sacks in his senior season so he might fall but I see Kindle going 16th overall to the Tennessee Titans.

17) San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden, CB Florida

Examination: Well now that Tebow can go to Jacksonville it means that Haden will most likely fall to the 49ers who are in desperate need of an excelted cover corner back. Seattle might all snatch him before he gets to San Fran but for now I have Haden going the Niners 17th overall. Dre Bly won’t cut it and the majority of the Niners defensive backs have been injured this past season and they don’t have a talented young corner to lead the defensive backs. So with the 17th overall pick the Niners can fill their void at corner with Joe Haden from Florida.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, OG Idaho

Examination: Well this is kind of a tough spot for the Steelers to pick because its way too early to select OG Mike Iupati but they still need some serious help on the offensive line. Watching Max Starks and Willie Colon against the Dolphins in the first round of the playoffs just made me hang my head when every time you saw a flag being thrown you knew it was holding on Colon or Starks. So with that being said the Steelers need to improve the talent at OG and they can do that by selecting Mike Iupati 18th overall from Idaho, even though it’s a little early.

19) Atlanta Falcons: Navorro Bowman, LB Penn State

Examination: Mike Smith has led the Falcons to consecutive winning seasons for the first time in…well it’s been so long I can’t remember. The point is their defense has come around but still needs some work. They selected Curtis Lofton at MLB last year and he’s done wonders for the Falcons defense. They can improve upon that with the selection of Navorro Bowman 19th overall.

20) Houston Texans: Jahvid Best, RB Cal

Examination: The Texans have two key needs that could turn into three depending on what Kevin Walter decides to do. The Texans need a top corner, a bursting running back and possibly another wide receiver. Taking those three positions and then looking at who is still on the board the best pick for the Texans is to go with home run hitting running back Jahvid Best from Cal. Best was a Heisman favorite coming into the season but due to a concussion he had to miss the last part of the season. However Jahvid Best has been touted as the closet college player to Chris Johnson. For a team like the Texans who already have a great passing game with Matt Schaub adding Jahvid Best will make them one of the best teams in the AFC.

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

Examination: It was very clear to me watching the Bengals-Jets game what the Bengals need to fix via the NFL draft. That is to add another top notch wide receiver, who is explosive and electric as the old Chad Johnson. The running game and the Bengals defense is really what led them into the playoffs this year so they are going to need to have their passing attack comes back and Chad Johnson and Laveranues Coles are not going to cut it. So with the 21st pick in the 2010 NFL draft I have Illinois play making wide receiver Arrelious Benn going to the Bengals.

22) New England Patriots: CJ Spiller, RB Clemson

Examination: As usual the Pats have four picks in the first two rounds and still have a lot to improve on. This seemed to be the most interesting season for the Patriots in a long time with Bill going for it on fourth down and then losing in the first round of the playoffs to the visiting Baltimore Ravens. For the entire year the Pats never had a running game. Also their linebackers outside of Mayo underperformed so LB will be a need as well. However I don’t see a linebacker for the Pats to take and currently Spiller is the best player available so it makes perfect sense for the Pats to take him 22nd overall.

23) Green Bay Packers: Jason Fox, OT Miami

Examination: Well here we have to go with another early selection but the Packers have a serious need on the offensive line and mostly at LT. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher won’t make it another year and protecting Aaron Rogers is going to be curtail to their success. So I have Jason Fox going to the Packers 24th overall.

24) Philadelphia Eagles: Derrick Morgan, DE GT

Examination: Watching the Eagles get destroyed by Romo and the Cowboys offense showed me what they need to do to improve, mainly on defense. The Eagles NEED a young aggressive pass rushing defensive end to put more pressure on the likes of Eli Manning and Tony Romo. They could also improve the defensive backs and linebackers as well with this pick but seeing as they go with flash Morgan is the right pick.

25) Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Spikes, LB Florida

Examination: Well in my last mock draft I had the Cardinals taking OT Charles Brown. Well in my second mock draft he’s long gone to Seattle. With Karlos Dansby and many others wanting new contracts and Arizona not wanting to spend the money they are going to have to replace them through the draft. The number one need is offensive line but there aren’t really any offensive tackles that would be a good pick here so Spikes is the right pick to replace if they don’t bring back Dansby.

26) Baltimore Ravens: Brandon LaFell, WR LSU

Examination: Putting up three points against the Colts in the playoffs isn’t going to get you far at all and no one knows if there will be a wide receiver on the Ravens depth chart next year so no matter what they are going to have to get all the talented receivers they can. Brandon LaFell will get that started in the right direction.

27) Dallas Cowboys: Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame

Examination: The Roy Williams experiment in Dallas has gone worse than the David Beckham experiment in LA. However Beckham is at least decent and helpful in LA where as Roy Williams is a expensive paper weight in Dallas. Miles Austin will most likely stay and they still have Jason Witten but they are going to need another sure handed wide receiver to help out Romo next year. Tate is the best wide receiver available at 27th overall.

28) San Diego Chargers: Dan Williams, DT Tennessee

Examination: Jamal Williams is getting up there in age at 34 and they need a young defensive monster at DT for the long term and Dan Williams at 6-3, 327 lbs would fit the bill perfectly. They don’t need another running back because Darren Sproles is still in town so DT/NT is their next need to fill.

29) Minnesota Vikings*: Patrick Robinson, CB Florida State

Examination: It’s hard to think the Vikings defense still needs a little bit of help. However they do need to add another talented starting cornerback to the defensive backs. The Vikings can also go with Colt McCoy or defensive line help. But Robinson has the best value for the Vikings at a need position.

30) New York Jets*: Damian Williams, WR USC

Examination: The Jets have almost everything on offense except a young talented wide receiver. Braylon Edwards is full of questions and the Jets NEED a wide receiver who has real catchable hands and someone who can stretch the field for Mark Sanchez, also from USC. So this pick is an obvious one for the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets.

31) New Orleans Saints*: Sean Weatherspoon, LB Missouri

Examination: Well Weatherspoon is the best available player and the Saints defense is in need of a young talented strong side linebacker. So Weatherspoon would be the right pick for the Saints.

32) Indianapolis Colts*: Bryan Bulaga, OT Iowa

Examination: Well with their being only four teams remaining in the playoffs (Colts, Saints, Vikings and Jets) there is always those players you select at the backend of the draft that can always become the next star in your franchise. In this case Bryan Bulaga has that chance to be a great starting left or right tackle for the Colts.
Santonio Holmes turned out great for the Steelers.

NOTE: * means that team is in the playoff and current pick isn’t a lock (Overall wise).

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