Interesting draft in 2009. A lot of teams went and drafted bad players.

Drafting aint like Math. Though
maybe its a weird fusion of Algebra and Jackson Pollock. I dunno.

What if the Rams had taken Alex Mack the Center
instead of Smith the tackle?

w
v

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-04-25-nfl-draft-analysis_N.htm
Draft analysis: Jets trade up to No. 5 to select Mark Sanchez

1. DETROIT LIONS: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Pro analysis: Stafford gives hope to a Lions franchise that reached the bottom of the NFL last year when it completed the first 0-16 season in league history. He will face high expectations in Detroit, which has the worst record in the NFL since 2000. Having signed Stafford (to a six-year deal with $41.7M guaranteed) before the draft, the Lions have ensured they won’t face the same frustrations the Raiders had when they took JaMarcus Russell first overall in 2007, and then he held out until after Week 1 of his rookie season. Stafford will be in training camp on time, but he might not be able to start right away. Daunte Culpepper probably heads to training camp as the presumptive starter, but he’ll be on a short leash. And expect the Lions to give Stafford an opportunity to play as soon as he shows he’s adapted to the NFL.

College analysis: Stafford arrived at Georgia as one of the top quarterback prospects in his recruiting class. During his three-year stay in Athens, he showcased the anticipated physical ability and an excellent career. But he was also hampered by inconsistency and questionable decision-making in some of the Bulldogs’ biggest games. A lot will be expected of him as the No. 1 pick. While he might not be Ryan Leaf, he is also no sure thing, like Peyton Manning, either.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Jason Smith, T, Baylor

Pro analysis: The Rams originally planned to move right tackle Alex Barron to the left side to replace Orlando Pace, who was released in the offseason; Barron, who has one year left on his rookie contract, has filled in for the oft-injured Pace at left tackle before. But after taking Smith, don’t be surprised to see St. Louis immediately move the rookie into Pace’s vacated spot. Smith, who often played in a two-point stance in a pass-heavy Baylor attack, will have to put his hand down and run-block more for an offense that is built around RB Steven Jackson. With free-agent C Jason Brown also imported this offseason, expect the Rams to continue morphing from Greatest Show on Turf to ground-bound.

College analysis: Smith was not a household name in college football, or even the Big 12, before his senior season. But an outstanding campaign in Art Briles’ first year in Waco demonstrated the athletic ability of the former tight end. He could be a better fit in the NFL with his ability protect the passer.

3. KANSAS CITH CHIEFS: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Pro analysis: The Chiefs confirm the buzz in recent days by taking Jackson with the third pick. A five-technique DE (Jackson is essentially a 3-4 end), he will anchor a K.C. defense that is transitioning to the new scheme. Jackson has been compared to New England’s Richard Seymour, so it’s not a shock that new K.C. GM (and former Patriots architect) Scott Pioli would want him. It is a surprise that Jackson was taken with the third overall pick as he’s not likely to stuff the stat sheet or excite the fan base (think fellow former LSU DE Marcus Spears, a similar player who has played in relative anonymity in Dallas’ 3-4 for years). The selection of Jackson is a pretty good indicator that the Chiefs could not find takers for their No. 3 pick as he probably would have been available a bit later in the first round.

College analysis: Jackson was a fixture on the LSU defensive line as a three-year starter. Jackson had an outstanding year against the run and rushing the passer in helping the Tigers win a national championship in 2007. He didn’t have a great final season before leaving for the NFL, but that was true for most of the Tigers defense in 2008. Jackson is a steady player, but he will need to make more plays to justify his selection at No. 3.

4. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Pro analysis: Curry, rated the top player in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, USA TODAY’s scouting service, goes to Seattle … and incidentally buzz prospect Mark Sanchez remains available (will the Browns deal?).

Curry will step into a linebacking corps that has been a strength of the Seattle roster for years. Expect LeRoy Hill, who got the franchise tag from the Seahawks, to switch to the weakside post formerly occupied by Julian Peterson (traded to Detroit on March 14) while Curry will take over on the strong side. Curry, who will flank MLB Lofa Tatupu, should bolster the Seattle run defense but is also a three-down player who is very good as a pass defender on tight ends and backs. But don’t expect tons of sacks … Hill should be the guy hunting quarterbacks with more frequency now.

College analysis: Curry is one of the rare players that have come to the NFL with almost no question marks. He was durable at Wake Forest, starting 49 of 51 games. And he was productive, finishing his career as the school’s top all-time tackler and winning the Butkus Award as a senior. He should be ready to make an immediate impact on the Seattle defense.

5. TRADE: NEW YORK JETS (from CLEVELAND BROWNS): Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California

The New York Jets traded their first two picks (17 and 57) plus QB Brett Ratliff, DE Kenyon Coleman and S Abram Elam to acquire the fifth overall pick.

Pro analysis: The Jets have made the big move of the draft thus far, moving into the No. 5 slot to select Sanchez. Jets rookie head coach Rex Ryan has been revamping the defense in the offseason — signing LB Bart Scott, S Jim Leonhard and trading for CB Lito Sheppard among others — but the team’s biggest question was who’d play under center after Brett Favre retired Feb. 11. Sanchez may not play right away unless he can displace fourth-year man Kellen Clemens. If nothing else, the polished Sanchez should be well-prepared to deal with the New York media.

Don’t be surprised if Sanchez is given the keys to the offense out of the chute, though. Ryan watched rookie Joe Flacco help the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game. If Sanchez can grasp Brian Schottenheimer’s offense quickly and avoid mistakes, he could have a running start on becoming the most ballyhooed QB for Gang Green since Joe Namath. Mangini continues to stock Cleveland’s roster with former Jets, though Elam and Coleman weren’t major cogs on the Jets defense while Ratliff has never thrown an NFL pass.

Ratliff played extremely well in the preseason in 2008 and could continue to develop if the Browns decide to anoint either Anderson or Quinn as their starter and use the other as trade bait (Broncos? Redskins?) … let the speculation begin.

College analysis: With Matt Leinart and John David Booty ahead of him, it wasn’t surprising Sanchez did not play much during his first three seasons. He did make three starts as a sophomore with mixed results. Sanchez then blossomed in his junior year and capped off it with four touchdown passes against Penn State in the Rose Bowl. Another year as a starter might not have hurt Sanchez, especially with him going to the pressure cooker in New York.

6. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Andre Smith, T, Alabama

Pro analysis: So after all the drama surrounding Smith in recent months — a suspension from the Orange Bowl, skipping out on the combine without telling NFL officials he was leaving and a humdrum pro day — he ends up going No. 6 overall … not too bad considering some thought he’d be the first overall pick heading into the combine but had free fallen down the board. Expect Smith to displace LT Levi Jones as Carson Palmer’s primary bodyguard in Cincinnati.

College analysis: There was no denying that Smith was considered the best offensive lineman in college football. The mammoth left tackle won the Outland Trophy and was a possible No. 1 overall pick after the regular season. That was until off-the-field issues cropped up. He missed Alabama’s loss in the Sugar Bowl due to rules violations and then his performance at the combine put his draft status in jeopardy. The film doesn’t lie, however, and the Bengals should reap the rewards if Smith stays on the straight and narrow.

7. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Pro analysis: No shocker, the Raiders march to the beat of their own drum, making Heyward-Bey the first WR off the board. Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin were widely regarded as the best receivers in this draft, but Al Davis loves speed and Heyward-Bey ran a combine-best 4.30 in the 40-yard dash. If his hands prove reliable enough, QB JaMarcus Russell could enjoy a scary deep threat for the next decade, a guy who could be the next Cliff Branch while opening the field for RB Darren McFadden and TE Zach Miller. But will Heyward-Bey be the next Troy Williamson? Stay tuned …

College analysis: When he got his hands on the ball, Heyward-Bey showed his excellent speed and playmaking ability. The problem was that Heyward-Bey didn’t get his hands on the ball as much as you would expect of a top wide receiver. Part of that was some shaky quarterback play at Maryland. Part of it, though, falls to Heyward-Bey. He fits the Raiders’ focus on speed at the receiver position, but will he be as productive as some of the other top receivers that were available at No. 7?

8. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia

Pro analysis: The Jaguars, who signed stalwart LT Tra Thomas (formerly of the Eagles) when free agency started, continue to rebuild an offensive line that was a shambles in 2008. Given that Thomas, a three-time Pro Bowler, is an established player, expect Monroe to begin his career at right tackle and learn from the veteran. Current RT Tony Pashos could kick inside to guard. This is definitely good news for RB Maurice Jones-Drew and QB David Garrard after the line gave up 42 sacks in 2008 and didn’t open enough holes for MJD and the departed Fred Taylor.

College analysis: Rated as one of the top offensive lineman in high school, Monroe is one of the rare players that fulfill their promise at the college level. Monroe had the benefit of Virginia teammates D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Branden Albert, both recent first-round picks, as role models. The left tackle should be a solid addition to the Jaguars offensive line.

9. GREEN BAY PACKERS: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Pro analysis: Raji, far and away the top defensive tackle prospect in the draft, is ticketed for a Green Bay defense that is switching to the 3-4 scheme in 2009 after its 4-3 unit largely led to the team’s downfall in 2008. The 337-pound Raji should immediately take over at the nose for the Packers and suck up blockers. The Packers will hope his enormous presence allows LBs A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar, Brady Poppinga and newly converted Aaron Kampman go after ballcarriers and quarterbacks.

College analysis: The light finally came on for Raji entering his final season at Boston College. After missing the 2007 campaign with academic issues, Raji displayed his rare athletic ability for an interior lineman in helping the Eagles rank as one of the top run defenses. Should the wake-up call he received continue to keep him motivated, the Packers are going to love having him as part of their defense.

FALLING DRAFT STOCK: The players currently free falling are WRs Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) and Jeremy Maclin (Missouri). It wouldn’t be a surprise to see receiver-starved San Francisco take one with the 10th pick, but if the Niners pass, both could stay on the board well into the first round.

10. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Pro analysis: The 49ers seemingly get great value in Crabtree, the two-time winner of the Biletnikoff award as the country’s top receiver. Concerns about his foot surgery may have scared some teams, but Crabtree was regarded as a top-three overall prospect by most scouting services. He should immediately become the most dangerous receiver in a Niners receiving corps that has the declining Isaac Bruce, the workmanlike Arnaz Battle and unproven players like Josh Morgan, Jason Hill and Brandon Jones. The big question now is, do the 49ers have a QB on their roster — Shaun Hill, Alex Smith or Damon Huard — who can take advantage of Crabtree’s skills, which include awesome run-after-catch ability and a penchant for outfighting defensive backs for most balls.

College analysis: Crabtree did more in two years at Texas Tech than most players accomplish in their entire career. Playing in the pass-happy Texas Tech offense didn’t hurt, but Crabtree was more spectacular than Wes Welker or any other wide receiver in that program. And he makes big plays at big times as evidenced by his game-winning touchdown catch against Texas last year. The lack of seasoning is less of an issue than the foot injury that plagued him during the second half of his sophomore season and did not allow him to run for pro scouts. That could be the only thing keeping him from NFL success.

11. BUFFALO BILLS: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Pro analysis: The Bills only had 24 sacks in 2008, largely because DE Aaron Schobel struggled mightily with injuries. Buffalo chose to address its pass rush rather than its offensive line — now without Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters — by taking Maybin, who will probably play DE in the Bills’ 4-3 look. At 249 pounds, Maybin is light for an end, but he may not have the makeup to be a linebacker for a 4-3 team. He is a player many scouts love, but others are wary of. It will be interesting to see if the Bills are right in selecting him rather than T Michael Oher, who would seem a logical replacement for Peters.

College analysis: Entering 2008 as a non-starting junior, Aaron Maybin got into the lineup due to injury and started turning heads and harassing quarterbacks. He finished with 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss to provide a major boost to Penn State. The big question is whether the Bills are getting someone that had one year of success or someone that is just reaching his potential.

12. DENVER BRONCOS: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Pro analysis: Moreno becomes the first running back off the board as a bit of a surprise selection for the Broncos. There’s no arguing Moreno’s pedigree — he rushed for 2,734 yards in 26 games at Georgia — but is he what Denver really needs after the defense gave up 448 points in 2008, especially since that defense is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme and will likely need personnel that fit it? Remember, too, the Broncos have already signed RBs LaMont Jordan, J.J. Arrington and Correll Buckhalter in free agency, so stay clear of Moreno, fantasy geeks.

College analysis: Moreno was the most-complete running back in college football with an ability to both run and catch the football. A lot of comparisons get made around draft time. Moreno does remind you of a young Walter Payton in that he makes up for his lack of top-end speed with his shiftiness and strength for his size. The Broncos would be pleased to have Moreno be half as productive as Payton in his career.

13. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Pro analysis: Many thought the Redskins would make a big push for Mark Sanchez, but with the USC QB on the way to New York, Washington opts for Orakpo. He looks to be an excellent fit for the ‘Skins, who would have relied on aging DEs Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn without an upgrade. Orakpo could have a huge impact as a rookie starting opposite speed rusher Andre Carter while playing alongside $100 million pocket crusher Albert Haynesworth. A 10-sack season from Orakpo, who’s also bulkier than Carter and should hold up better against the run, would be no surprise.

This isn’t good news for Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb or Eli Manning, who have been able to set up without much fear against Washington in recent seasons.

College analysis: Orakpo grew into his defensive end position and retained the athletic ability that he had when he arrived at Texas. He was one of the top pass rushers in the country, which was demonstrated against No. 1 Oklahoma when he harrassed Sam Bradford and recorded two sacks. The only thing that derailed the Lombardi Trophy winner was a knee injury that caused him to miss one game. For a team that needs pass-rushing, the Redskins found the right man.

14. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

Pro analysis: Widely thought of as the best defensive back in the draft, Jenkins will wear a New Orleans Saints uniform. The question now is, will he play cornerback or safety? The bet here is corner, especially in light of Mike McKenzie’s departure and the likely transition of Usama Young to safety. Give the Saints credit for bolstering their defense given that head coach Sean Payton loves his offense.

College analysis: Jenkins has been one of the top defensive backs in the Big Ten for the past three seasons. He routinely played against the opposition’s top receiver and often didn’t get a lot of attention from opposing quarterbacks. He returned for his senior season and won the Jim Thorpe award. His size and physical style could see him switch from cornerback to safety; he has experience at both positions with the Buckeyes.

15. HOUSTON TEXANS: Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California

Pro analysis: Cushing becomes the first of USC’s talented troika of linebackers to come off the board. Expect Cushing to start on the strong side right away for a Texans defense that was a big reason the team didn’t make its first playoff appearance in 2008 and finished 8-8 instead. Look for Cushing and probably Cato June to flank MLB DeMeco Ryans with Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi seeing a lot of snaps. Given former Cardinals DE Antonio Smith’s arrival — he’ll upgrade the spot opposite all-world DE Mario Williams — the Texans could be forming a dangerous unit that might help the team earn its first winning record in 2009. The secondary could still use help.

College analysis: Cushing brought his East Coast attitude to the Trojans during his four years. His physical style was a constant for the defense and his flexibiity to plug into all the different linebacker positions should be an asset to the Texans, who are getting someone that consistently makes plays.

16. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois

Pro analysis: The Chargers go defense with hybrid pass rusher Larry English. Projected as a late first- or second-round pick, this could be another indication that no trades piqued the Chargers’ interest. Then again, GM A.J. Smith, who’s admitted he needs to draft better, may just love English, a talented quarterback killer from Northern Illinois. The selection of English is curious given that the Chargers have a top-flight OLB in Shawne Merriman and a highly effective one in Shaun Phillips. But Merriman’s contract is up after the season and he’s coming off a year that saw him play one game before he shut himself down to have knee surgery.

College analysis: Northern Illinois doesn’t come to mind when you think of first-round picks, which means Larry English might have to silence doubters after dominating the MAC during his career. English’s ability to get after the quarterback shouldn’t be doubted. He finished as the school’s all-time leader in sacks and fits the scheme of the Chargers, who like to blitz and pressure the passer.

17. TRADE: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (from N.Y. JETS via CLEVELAND BROWNS): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

The Bucs acquired the 17th pick from Tampa in return for the 19th overall pick and a sixth-round (191) selection.

Pro analysis: Many mock drafts had Freeman going with the 17th pick … they just thought it would be to the New York Jets. Freeman does indeed come off the board at 17, but he’s headed instead to the Buccaneers. New Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris was K-State’s defensive coordinator in 2006 and has publicly voiced his admiration for Freeman’s game. Though he might have the upside to ultimately be the most talented QB from this draft, expect the somewhat raw, 6-6, 250-pound Freeman to sit and watch behind Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown for a year or two. The Bucs obviously thought Denver had an eye on Freeman at 18 after moving up two spots to get him. Cleveland got the 191st pick and the Bucs No. 19 selection to consummate the deal.

College analysis: Another year as a starter would have benefited Freeman, whose play was inconsistent throughout his three years in Kansas State. What Freeman does have is NFL size and arm strength. He didn’t lead the Wildcats to tremendous success on the field, however, except for two wins against Texas. He is probably a bigger project than the other two first-round quarterbacks, which means Tampa Bay is going to have to be patient.

18. DENVER BRONCOS (from CHICAGO BEARS): Robert Ayers

Pro analysis: With the “Jay Cutler pick”, the Broncos nab Ayers. At 272 pounds, he isn’t the prototypical 300-pound, 3-4 DE, but he has enormous upside and should start immediately for a team that’s struggled to import quality linemen in recent years. A freakish athlete, Ayers was a sprinter on the Vols’ track team, and Denver will hope he puts its new-look defense on the fast track to success in 2009.

College analysis: Ayers was plagued by inconsistency throughout his first three seasons before maturing as a senior. He was moved around the defensive line at Tennessee and did not put up huge numbers. Ayers, though, does have the size and athletic ability to play in the NFL. The question is whether his lack of production was due to playing out of position for the Volunteers or a lack of consistency on his part.

19. TRADE: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (from TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS via CLEVELAND BROWNS): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Browns traded a first-round pick for the third time today, moving back two spots to 21 and netting another sixth-round pick (195) from the Eagles.

Pro analysis: The Eagles continue their offensive makeover — they’ve already added tackles Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews — and import Maclin, who should eventually become the team’s No. 1 receiver, though DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett will still get a lot of balls, especially as Maclin develops into his role. Don’t expect Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards or Chad Ocho Cinco to come to Philly now. With 4.45 speed, Maclin may not have the top-end speed Jackson does, but he’s a game-breaking talent who gives Donovan McNabb an array of options and further opens the field for a running game that could add help for incumbent starting RB Brian Westbrook.

College analysis: Because he played at Missouri and not one of the premier schools on television each week, Maclin didn’t garner as much attention as other gamebreakers in college football. Maclin, however, was just as explosive as anybody in the country. Playing at multiple positions on offense and as a return man, he brings extra value to the Eagles and will definitely make McNabb happy.

20. DETROIT LIONS (from DALLAS COWBOYS): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Pro analysis: The Lions opt not to follow the 2008 Falcons blueprint — at least not yet — and take TE Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th pick rather than a new tackle to protect QB Matthew Stafford. But Pettigrew may actually be a perfect companion to Stafford. Pettigrew has the hands to help Stafford on intermediate routes and he’s an excellent blocker who should help Kevin Smith in the running game. The top tight end on the draft board, Pettigrew helps the offense become more physical.

College analysis: Pettigrew helped the prolific Oklahoma State offense with both his pass catching and run blocking from his tight end spot. He probably would have recorded more than 42 catches for an offense that ran the ball less than the Cowboys. But his blocking showed the complete package to the NFL and makes him a good fit for any offense that wants to have balance.

21. CLEVELAND BROWNS (from PHILADELPHIA EAGLES): Alex Mack, C, California

Pro analysis: After trading their first-round pick three times, the Browns finally select Mack with the 21st pick. A cerebral player from Cal, Mack joins a line that already has two established stars in Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach. And don’t forget, Mangini’s Jets took C Nick Mangold in the first round in 2006, and he blossomed into a Pro Bowler while anchoring New York’s line. Mack’s selection should be good news for Jamal Lewis and whoever’s under center in Cleveland in 2009.

College analysis: Mack was the anchor of the California offense at center for his three years as a starter. His ability to both pass and run block was required with the Golden Bears and had to be attractive to the Browns. One bonus was there are no character questions about Mack, who won the Draddy Trophy, given to college football’s top scholar-athlete.

22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Pro analysis: The Vikings throw caution to the wind and select Harvin, despite the off-field concerns he brings. But Harvin, who has game-breaking skills comparable to Reggie Bush, should be quite an asset to the Minnesota offense, especially since he merely has to complement a unit led by Adrian Peterson. Harvin actually had more carries (194) than catches (133) during his Gators career so the Vikings know there are multiple ways to get the ball into Harvin’s hands. Not a bad consolation prize for the Vikings after they failed to land WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency, provided Harvin doesn’t cause any problems outside the lines.

College analysis: Harvin was considered the No. 1 recruit in the nation when he signed with Florida in 2006. He didn’t disappoint the Gators in helping them to two national titles with his explosive ability when he has the ball. Harvin also is exceptionally versatile. At times, he started at running back for Florida in addition to being their leading receiver. The off-the-field issues pushed his draft stock down. Should he keep those under control, this could be a great addition for the Vikings to pair with Adrian Peterson.

23. TRADE: BALTIMORE RAVENS (from NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS): Michael Oher, T, Mississippi

New England traded the 23rd pick to the Ravens in return for the 26th overall pick and a fifth-round selection (165). The Patriots announced the move on their Twitter feed.

Pro analysis: The Ravens move up three spots and grab Oher, the last of what were considered the four elite tackle prospects in the draft. Oher, famous after his life story was depicted in Michael Lewis’ book The Blind Side, could become the successor to longtime Ravens star LT Jonathan Ogden, who retired after the 2007 season. Oher’s arrival should certainly be a boon to QB Joe Flacco. Ravens RT Willie Anderson may lose his job to Jared Gaither, who may be displaced from his left side post.

College analysis: The one certainty about the Mississippi offense for the last few years was Oher as part of the offensive line. He made 47 straight starts for the Rebels, starting at right guard before switching to left tackle in his sophomore season. He brings tremendous size, talent and a tough-minded attitude to his position, which fits exactly the style of play in Baltimore.

24. ATLANTA FALCONS: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Pro analysis: Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff built quite an offense in 2008, drafting QB Matt Ryan and LT Sam Baker while signing RB Michael Turner. A few days ago, he added TE Tony Gonzalez. In the draft, Dimitroff goes defense, adding Jerry, a 300-pound penetrator who instantly makes DE John Abraham — and DE Jamaal Anderson, the Falcons hope — more dangerous coming off the edge. Expect the Falcons to continue shoring up their defense after losing LBs Keith Brooking and Michael Boley and CB Domonique Foxworth in free agency.

College analysis: Jerry was a disruptor from his defensive tackle spot, making 18 tackles for loss and pressuring the quarterback. His performance lifted up the Mississippi defense in his senior season and helped the Rebels stop opponents on their way to the Cotton Bowl. The lone issue for Jerry is some injury problems that hampered his performance, but none were enough to scare off the Falcons.

25. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Pro analysis: After losing CB Andre Goodman in free agency to Denver, the Miami Dolphins select Vontae Davis — brother of S.F. TE Vernon Davis. Like his older brother, Vontae is a supremely gifted athlete but not necessarily the most disciplined player in the world. Expect him to get plenty of discipline from coach Tony Sparano and the Bill Parcells regime in Miami. Davis fills quite a need for the Dolphins considering they must neutralize players like Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Lee Evans, Joey Galloway and Wes Welker as they fight to retain their surprise AFC East title from a year ago.

College analysis: Not picked as high as his brother Vernon was in 2006 (sixth overall), Vontae Davis still had an outstanding college career. In his three seasons at Illinois, Davis established himself as one of top cornerbacks in the country. Relying on his outstanding athletic ability and consistency of effort were problems, however.

26. TRADE: GREEN BAY PACKERS (from BALTIMORE RAVENS via NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS): Clay Matthews, LB, Southern California

The Patriots traded their first-round pick for the second time today. They surrendered the 26th and 162nd overall picks for the 41st, 73rd and 83rd overall picks.

Pro analysis: Bill Belichick moves out of the first round, sending the 26th pick to Green Bay as the Patriots continue to stockpile selections. At 26, the Packers make their second pick of the first round and grab Matthews. Given the Packers’ number of quality linebackers — A.J. Hawk, Nick Barnett, Brandon Chillar, Brady Poppinga and, possibly, Aaron Kampman — this is an interesting selection, though linebackers are generally the playmakers for 3-4 teams. Given that Kampman is not ideally suited to play LB in a 3-4 scheme, could he be headed out of Green Bay in a trade?

College analysis: Matthews had big shoes to fill when he arrived at Southern California as a walk-on. His dad Clay and uncle Bruce had an outstanding USC careers and went on to become stars in the NFL. His family background didn’t overshadow his ability. Matthews slowly but surely gained more and more playing time for the Trojans, eventually starring as a senior. The family background now is a benefit as the Packers get someone that has learned what it takes to play in the NFL before he gets to the league.

27. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Pro analysis: Colts GM Bill Polian has a history of striking gold late in the first round — think WR Anthony Gonzalez, RB Joseph Addai, CB Marlin Jackson, TE Dallas Clark and WR Reggie Wayne. With the 27th pick of this draft, Polian opts for Connecticut RB Donald Brown, who led the country with 2,083 rushing yards in 2008. It’s a patented Colts move as the team once again focuses its high picks and cash on offense while finding defensive players who fit their system later in the draft. Brown should immediately fill the role vacated by the departed Dominic Rhodes (Bills) and could split carries with Addai, who has battled injuries in recent seasons.

College analysis: Nobody was more productive running the football in 2008 than Brown. The Connecticut running back had more than 2,000 yards on the ground as a junior, which was his first year as a full-time starter. His 367 carries should answer questions about his durability, especially because the Colts already have Addai and won’t be using Brown as the lone ballcarrier.

28. BUFFALO BILLS (from CAROLINA PANHERS via PHILADELPHIA EAGLES): Eric Wood, C, Louisville

Pro analysis: With their second selection of the first round, Buffalo drafts Wood. The Bills are rebuilding their line after trading Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters, releasing LG Derrick Dockery and deciding not to re-sign Cs Duke Preston and Melvin Fowler. If Wood remains at center in 2009, that probably indicates that free-agent signee Geoff Hangartner will take over for Dockery at left guard. The Bills also added G/C Seth McKinney in free agency, but he’ll probably provide depth. Right now it looks like RT Langston Walker will move to Peters’ spot while the team mulls its options at right tackle.

College analysis: A common thread with many of the offensive linemen taken in the first round, Wood was also a durable player that was a fixture on his team. Wood started 49 consecutive games for Louisville at his center position. Though the Cardinals didn’t make a bowl game in his last two years, Wood still managed to earn first-team honors in the Big East. His steady play should be a big help to the Bills’ offensive line.

29. NEW YORK GIANTS: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Pro analysis: The Giants select Nicks with the 29th pick, ostensibly to replace Plaxico Burress, whom the team cut ties with April 3 amid his legal problems. Nicks has 4.51 speed and had 1,222 receiving yards and 12 TDs with the Tar Heels in 2008. His weight ballooned prior to the draft, but he should play in the 210-pound range. Expect Nicks to start alongside WR Steve Smith — Amani Toomer’s de facto replacement — with Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon in the mix. Nicks’ arrival appears to be a strong indicator that Cleveland’s Braylon Edwards will not be coming to New York.

College analysis: Nicks quietly was one of the more productive receivers in college football for the past two seasons. Even without a consistent quarterback throwing to him, he had 142 catches and 17 touchdowns as North Carolina’s top offensive weapon. His size and pass-catching ability are two valuable skills that will help the Giants offense.

30. TENNESSEE TITANS: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Pro analysis: The Titans break form and take a receiver in the first round. Britt has 4.5 40 speed and caught 87 passes for 1,371 yards last year for the Scarlet Knights. Wideout has seemingly been a need for the Titans for years, but they took DB Michael Griffin in the first round in 2007 and RB Chris Johnson last year, and both have become Pro Bowl-caliber performers, so it’s hard to argue with coach Jeff Fisher and GM Mike Reinfeldt. Their acumen is also a testament to the kind of player Britt could be in the NFL. Expect Britt to ease in as a No. 3 option for QB Kerry Collins alongside newly signed deep threat Nate Washington and possession man Justin Gage.

College analysis: All Britt did in three seasons at Rutgers was become the Big East’s all-time leading receiver. His best year was his final one that included 1,371 yards and 17 touchdowns that encouraged him to leave as a junior. Britt doesn’t have blazing speed, but has excellent size and knows how to make yards after the catch.

31. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

Pro analysis: The NFC champion Cardinals get arguably the best back in the draft with the selection of Wells. Expected to go in the middle of the first round, Wells averaged 1,165 rushing yards a year during his three seasons in Columbus. Wells is a load at 235 pounds and brings 4.4 speed to the table. His arrival likely means the end of Edgerrin James’ tenure in Arizona. And expect Wells to carry the load next year while Tim Hightower gives Wells, who is susceptible to injuries, occasional breathers.

College analysis: Blessed with strength, size and speed, Wells certainly showed he was one of the top running backs in the country … when he was on the field. The problem was that Wells missed time for various ailments in his three seasons with Ohio State. That was the same knock on Adrian Peterson coming out of college, too. Wells probably won’t be asked to carry as much as Peterson, so don?t be surprised if he can stay healthy, and the Cardinals get a great value.

32. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

Pro analysis: The world champion Steelers wrap up the first round by grabbing Hood. Given the aging front line in Pittsburgh, Hood brings needed depth, though he’s not the space eater that NT Casey Hampton is. Hood could see time alongside Hampton as a DE … or his arrival could mean the Steelers will eventually transition to the Tampa 2 look that head coach Mike Tomlin learned in Tampa and utilized as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator in 2006. Still, this pick was likely made with defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s blessing and Hood should see the field plenty in 2009.

College analysis: Being the best player on Missouri’s defensive line had its drawbacks for Hood. He was constantly double-teamed by offensive lines, but that didn’t stop him from making an impact. He still managed 62 tackles and five sacks in his senior season, when he was a first-team All-Big 12 pick. Sounds like the perfect player for the hard-nosed Steelers.

SECOND ROUND

33. DETROIT LIONS: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

Analysis: The Lions kick off the second round by taking Delmas, the first defensive player Detroit has taken with its three picks. Delmas should step in immediately to a defense that surrendered 517 points in 2008, second-worst in league history. The Lions only got one interception from their secondary in 2008.

34. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (from KANSAS CITY CHIEFS): Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Analysis: Another safety is tabbed at No. 34 as the Patriots select Chung with their first pick of the day. The Patriots love versatility all along their roster, but particularly in their DBs. But Chung looks to be a pure safety after a distinguished career with the Ducks. His arrival could mean curtains for Rodney Harrison’s tenure in New England.

35. ST. LOUIS RAMS: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

Analysis: Highly decorated coming out of Ohio State, Laurinaitis could take over in the middle of the Rams defense with Will Witherspoon shifting to the outside. New Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo has a defensive background and will put Laurinaitis in the middle of a unit that drafted DT Adam Carriker and DE Chris Long in the first round of the 2007 and 2008 drafts, respectively. Laurinaitis’ arrival could mean Chris Draft goes back to being a situational player.

36. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State

Jadeveon Clowney’s rehab: What can Texans expect in 2015?

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483366/article/jadeveon-clowneys-rehab-what-can-texans-expect-in-2015

On Thursday, as if to remind their fans of what might still be, the Houston Texans noted on their websitethat exactly a year ago they were covering Jadeveon Clowney’s pro day at South Carolina. The videos document what everybody saw that day — the eye-popping athleticism, the burst and movement that drew comparisons to Lawrence Taylor and convinced the Texans to make Clowney the first overall draft pick a month later. Clowney wept backstage when his name was announced at Radio City Music Hall and Johnny Manziel jumped up to embrace him.

It was hard not to wonder, watching those highlights this week and remembering that night, if Clowney will ever have those kinds of days again, where he wows with his explosiveness and disruptiveness, where he is a very tall and very fast vessel for the Texans’ hope and optimism. As another draft approaches, Clowney seems like a shadow first-rounder, not so much a bust but an unknown. He played in just four games last year. He has nearly disappeared from public view, receding into an arduous and sometimes mind-numbingly monotonous rehab schedule that might return him to what he was or merely could represent another few months toward a premature decline.

There is no way for Clowney, his doctors or coaches to know right now exactly which way his recovery from microfracture surgery on his right knee will go. Texans coach Bill O’Brien said last week at the NFL Annual Meeting that Clowney had just experienced his best week of work in rehab. In a brief interview with the Houston Chronicle during an appearance at a local store last weekend, Clowney, in his first remarks since his December surgery, said he was very encouraged.

But that’s as far as anyone can go this early in the process. Recovery from microfracture surgery is a long ordeal — nine or 10 months is the usual prediction — although Clowney might have already gone through the worst part of it: the six to eight weeks of forced immobility immediately after the surgery, when patients are not allowed to put any weight on the repaired leg.

Microfracture is a common and relatively uncomplicated procedure. Doctors drill tiny holes into the bone plate, which allows blood and bone marrow to leak out. That forms a blood clot full of cartilage-building stem cells. The intent is for that to form a cushion between the bones. One man with a lot of experience in performing microfracture procedures is Nicholas DiNubile, the Philadelphia 76ers former team doctor and a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He equates the procedure to trying to fill a pothole. The question is how big was the “pothole” in Clowney’s knee — a bigger pothole makes recovery more difficult.

That first period after surgery is when cells are forming, DiNubile said, and a patient’s leg is often attached to a machine that slowly rocks the knee back and forth. At about eight weeks, there is enough of a gel between the bones to gently put weight on it, but a patient cannot run on it. Slowly the gel gets firmer. But the process can take up to two years to complete.

“The real issue is how much regeneration happens,” said DiNubile, who has read up on Clowney’s case but has not examined him. “To even require microfracture is a bad thing at a young age. It means you’ve damaged the joint cushion down to the bone. Even with the best results, it does not fill in with a normal cushion. It fills in with hybrid material — cartilage cells and scar tissue.”

The good news is that if Clowney recovers well, there is no reason why he can’t return to the player the Texans hoped he would be when they drafted him.

“If all goes perfectly and he gets a nice fill in there — it’s almost like people who are bald and are using something … some get nothing, some get peach fuzz and some get everything — if he gets a nice fill and he rehabs well, he should be able to do what he’s done before,” DiNubile said. “If he gets a partial fill, then the knee is going to be cranky and it’s going to act like a knee that has a problem. As far as speed and burst, he should be able to get that. The real question is, how long does it hold up?”

The risk is that if Clowney were to return too soon, the gel would not have a chance to firm up enough into cartilage and he might require a second microfracture surgery.

That said, professional athletes have returned well from the surgery. Amar’e Stoudemire had it when he was 22 and returned to make an All-NBA First Team and five All-Star games. Stoudemire’s lesion was reported to be about one centimeter. A lesion greater than two centimeters are more problematic. Clowney and the Texans have not indicated how big his lesion is.

“His career could be shortened by something like this if it’s a large enough lesion,” DiNubile said. “But they make up for a lot of it. They are so fit and so strong. They can do more than the average patient. A lot of them have a really good pain threshold.”

Clowney, in his comments to the Houston Chronicle, said he was making progress, “but we’re not going to rush it.”

The hope is that Clowney can get back on the field toward the end of training camp, in August. That would be about eight months after his surgery, a reasonable projection for him to start running and cutting, DiNubile said. The next key indicator will be if his knee can tolerate the increasing activity — if Clowney needs days off for soreness or swelling, that is a bad sign.

Before he was drafted, there were concerns about Clowney’s desire, about the nagging injuries that bedeviled him at South Carolina, about Steve Spurrier’s public questioning of his work ethic. His very limited debut last season did nothing to answer the fundamental question about Clowney: Does he have the will to match his skill? In the long hours he will spend rehabbing his repaired knee, many of them while his teammates are practicing without him, Clowney might finally be able to provide an answer.

“Like I tell him, it’ll all come down to what he does when he puts the pads on,” O’Brien said last week in Arizona. “Can he stay? Can he take care of his body? There’s no question about his ability to affect the game. He’s a hell of a player, but he’s got to be out there.”

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25134444/nfl-draft-superlatives-clowning-the-members-of-the-class-of-2015
NFL Draft Superlatives: Crowning the members of the class of 2015
By Chris Trapasso | CBSSports.com
April 3, 2015 1:46 pm ET

Superlatives — the best part of our high school yearbooks. Yes, you deserved “Worst Driver.”

Now it’s time to hand out awards for the 2015 NFL Draft class.

Looks like Tarzan plays like Jane Aaron Curry Award: Mississippi State LB Benardrick McKinney

Benardrick McKinney is 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds of sculpted linebacker muscle. He did 16 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press at the combine and exploded off the ground en route to a 40.5-inch vertical.

His measureables scream STUD NFL LINEBACKER. But as was the case with former Wake Forest freak of nature linebacker Aaron Curry, McKinney’s film just doesn’t parallel his imposing stature.

While a productive and key member of Mississippi State’s defense, McKinney’s reaction and closing speed are noticeably slow, and relative to his size, he’s not physical when he needs to scrape offensive linemen off him or when he works through traffic to get to the ball-carrier.

McKinney will represent far better value than Curry did, and that’s important. Curry went No. 4 overall to the Seattle Seahawks in 2009 and was a universally applauded selection. McKinney will likely be a second- or-third-round pick.

Don’t let Bernardrick McKinney’s muscles fool you. (USATSI) Don’t let Bernardrick McKinney’s muscles fool you. (USATSI)

Running back most likely to keep the “feature back” label alive Le’Veon Bell Award: Boise State running back Jay Ajayi

The NFL has gone running back by committee crazy. The reason? To prolong running backs’ careers.

But hey, hold up. The older generation doesn’t want the feature back to quietly fade away to nothing.

The mumbling noise you just heard was today’s American grandpa hollering “Pro football was built on star, center-of-the-offense running backs!!!” as he slammed his rocks glass onto the side table next to his rocking chair.

In 2014, Le’Veon Bell’s 2,215-yard, defense-destructing campaign made a strong case for an ultra-skilled running back to not have to share his carries with lesser talents.

Jay Ajayi bears a striking resemblance to the Steelers stud.

Remember though, Bell was a heavy, bruising back at Michigan State and really benefitted from shedding weight after making Pittsburgh his new home.

Ajayi is a sturdy 6’0″ and 220 pounds — similar to Bell — and is much more nimble than his size suggests. He can be patient behind his blockers when need be, but he showcased impressive suddenness bursting through lanes and after he reached the second level while in college.

Like Bell, Ajayi doesn’t have world-class speed and won’t hit many “home runs.” However, when he’s not running through weak arm tackle attempts, he’s making a linebacker miss down the field with sharp cuts that come from “smart” anticipatory vision.

Is Jay Ajayi the next Le’Veon Bell? (USATSI) Is Jay Ajayi the next Le’Veon Bell? (USATSI)

Tape is boring because he just blocks everyone Evan Mathis Award: La’El Collins

There’s no doubting La’El Collins’ collegiate pedigree after a long and distinguished career at NFL stud manufacturing plant LSU.

He finished as the Tigers left tackle, but is he a left tackle in the pros? No, wait, a right tackle. Actually, maybe he’s a guard?

Honestly, nit-pickers, it doesn’t matter where Collins plays. He’s a country strong offensive lineman who was also put through LSU’s strength and conditioning program for four years. Collins plays with correct knee-bend (see: leverage), quick footwork and is rarely put out of position by the hands of defensive linemen.

Despite his immense power, like Mathis, Collins isn’t the classic definition of a “road-grader.” He just blocks everything in front of him in what seems to be an effortless manner. Mathis has been doing the same in Philadelphia for years now.

Collins’ film isn’t loaded with “highlight reel pancakes,” but you may fall asleep watching him. His tape is that “boring.”

You don’t want to get in La’el Collins’ way. (USATSI) You don’t want to get in La’el Collins’ way. (USATSI)

Prospect who’ll shockingly go in the first-round mainly due to outrageous athleticism Dontari Poe Award: UConn cornerback Byron Jones

Byron Jones had a bonkers combine workout in February, and he became a trending topic on Football Twitter because of a not-human 12-foot, 3-inch broad jump which was thought to break a 46-year-old world record.

Jones had the best 60-yard shuttle among cornerbacks and finished in the top 3 at his position in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.

This just in: the majority of special athletes — who are more than just Ferraris in the 40-yard dash — ultimately thrive in the NFL.

Due to that widely-accepted theory, a defensive back-needy team in the first round will take Jones. It’s not as if his tape is bad either — it’s just that his rare athleticism is more stunning.

Before the 2012 combine, Memphis’ Dontari Poe was just a wide-bodied nose tackle from a small football school. After the 2012 combine, Poe was considered a first-round lock and went No. 11 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 6’1″, 200-pound Jones — with arms as long as Richard Sherman’s — is this year’s Poe in that his supreme athletic talent will elevate him into Round 1.

Byron Jones is pretty good at jumping. (USATSI) Byron Jones is pretty good at jumping. (USATSI)

Most likely to be the next surprisingly good undrafted free-agent running back C.J. Anderson Award: Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson

All you’ve been hearing about is how LOADED this running back class is. Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley, Ameer Abdullah, Jay Ajayi, Duke Johnson, David Cobb, Tevin Coleman, T.J. Yeldon — yeah it’s stacked.

But the name you haven’t read when the 2015 running back class has been discussed or analyzed is 5’8″, 217-pound boulder-of-a-man Josh Robinson.

Why?

I really don’t know.

Well, probably because of his lack of height or “elite” speed. What’s funny though — neither of those attributes are needed to be a productive runner in the NFL. Actually, shorter running backs are usually better off because they “hide” behind offensive linemen and have a lower center of gravity that allows them to fall forward often.

Not only did Robinson average more than 6.0 yards per carry in his three-year stay in the SEC, but he ran with assertiveness and deceptive power between the tackles in college football’s finest conference. He routinely broke arm tackles and displayed desired shiftiness at the second level.

Don’t be surprised if and when Robinson goes undrafted, although his tape alone warrants him being a mid-round pick.

Like C.J. Anderson did, even if the former Bulldog hits the undrafted free-agent ranks, he’ll make an impression in the NFL much larger than his size.

Josh Robinson hides behind linemen and can hit the hole. (USATSI) Josh Robinson hides behind linemen and can hit the hole. (USATSI)

Off-field concern plummeting draft stock Justin Houston Award: Nebraska outside linebacker Randy Gregory

OK, so this is a layup. But layups still count, people. Randy Gregory is a long and lean outside pass-rusher who was demoralizing to opposing Big Ten offenses during his career with the Huskers.

But after admitting to failing drug tests while at Nebraska and flunking his test for marijuana at the combine, Gregory has been hit with the unenviable “pothead” label.

Houston failed his drug test at the 2011 combine, and despite being a consensus Round 2 prospect, he sank to Round 3.

Gregory’s tape shows a rangy, aggressive backfield disruptor with the plus athleticism to drop into coverage. He was undeniably in the discussion to be the first pass-rusher taken, likely somewhere in the top 10.

Now, because of that failed test, he’s likely to sink into the later stages of the first round.

If Gregory can stay clean in the NFL, he’ll represent tremendous value to the team that took a sizable risk by drafting him.

Randy Gregory’s smoking habits will likely cost him in the draft. (USATSI) Randy Gregory’s smoking habits will likely cost him in the draft. (USATSI)

Small school quarterback you should probably know because he has NFL skills Tony Romo Award: Colorado St.-Pueblo quarterback Chris Bonner

No, Chris Bonner and Tony Romo aren’t similar in size or playing style. Romo, an Eastern Illinois product who went undrafted in 2003, is an underrated athlete at 6’2″ and 230 pounds. Bonner is 6’7″ and 225 pounds and almost strictly a pocket passer.

We know this quarterback class isn’t exceptionally strong — after Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota there are major question marks regarding the rest of the signal-caller prospects.

But a name rarely mentioned in the “who’s the next best quarterback after Winston and Mariota?” talk is Bonner.

On tape, he demonstrates an NFL-like command of a pro-style offense in which he routinely dropped from center, operated rollouts and had to find his second or even third read down the field.

His arm isn’t stunning, but it seems to be good enough, and despite occasional accuracy issues, he made a handful of savvy throws away from coverage on the run while his intended target was covered. If a team absolutely needs a quarterback to play as a rookie, Bonner might be the next “pro-ready” quarterback behind Winston. Seriously.

There’s a chance he goes undrafted, and, much like Romo, with his size, usually sound decision-making, flashes of calm pocket drifting and appropriate footwork, Bonner could become a diamond in the rough for the team he joins after the draft.

Chris Bonner may be the most pro-ready QB after Jameis Winston. (USATSI) Chris Bonner may be the most pro-ready QB after Jameis Winston. (USATSI)

Safest pick in the draft who is actually a safe pick A.J. Green Award: Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper

Cooper gives you everything you want in a wide receiver besides menacing size. He can create separation by flipping on the jets, changing speeds, or running his routes sharply. In some instances, he’ll win jump ball situations.

You can throw him bubble screens and he’ll eat up yards after the catch with plus quickness and acceleration. He can play in the slot or on the perimeter.

When Green was coming out of Georgia, there were essentially no knocks on his game.

The same can be said about Cooper, that is … if you’re fine with him being only about 6’1″.

Take Cooper, and you get a perennial 75-catch, 1,000-yard wideout.

He’s safe. Extremely safe.

Amari Cooper is a sure thing. (USATSI) Amari Cooper is a sure thing. (USATSI)

Safest pick who will ironically bust Mark Barron Award: Alabama safety Landon Collins

Nick Saban is a fantastic football coach. He may be an even better recruiter, as his Crimson Tide teams are not only perennial national title contenders loaded with blue chippers, but flocks of his guys go high in the NFL Draft every year.

His Alabama program defines the football phrase “reloading, not rebuilding.”

For some recent examples, look no further than at the safety position. In 2012, Mark Barron went No. 7 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was snagged by the Green Bay Packers with the No. 21 overall selection.

This year, the prized ‘Bama safety prospect is Landon Collins.

Unfortunately, Collins is much more like Barron — who was traded in 2014 after two massively underperforming seasons with the Bucs — than Clinton-Dix, who turned in a fine rookie campaign.

Both Barron and Collins are macho, in-the-box, in-your-face hard-hitters who excel against the run but are not nearly as comfortable backpedaling in coverage.

Barron wasn’t playing free safety in Tampa Bay, but even keeping him closer to the line as a quasi-linebacker didn’t help him or mask his coverage weakness.

Collins will run into the same issues in the pass-happy NFL.

Playing for Saban, college football’s defensive virtuoso, has made Collins a trendy “safe” pick for clubs in need of a safety in Round 1.

But he’ll fizzle in the pros like Barron.

Some team is bound to be disappointed by Landon Collins. (USATSI) Some team is bound to be disappointed by Landon Collins. (USATSI)

Offensive lineman most likely to be an All-Pro as a rookie Zach Martin Award: Florida State center Cameron Erving

If Cameron Erving turned pro after he won the final BCS championship with Florida State in 2013, he would have been picked no later than Round 2 as an offensive tackle prospect.

Instead, he stayed with the Seminoles and made a relatively unheard of flip from protecting Jameis Winston’s blind side to snapping him in the football … and Erving thrived as a center.

At 6’5″ and 315 pounds with vines for arms, the backbone of FSU’s line has NFL left tackle size and length but guard mobility and through-the-whistle nastiness as a drive blocker.

A year ago, Zach Martin was seen as a reliable left tackle for Notre Dame. Despite not possessing classic NFL offensive tackle measureables, the Dallas Cowboys picked him — presumably over Johnny Manziel — in the first round, and he was named the team’s starting right guard.

After that, Martin took off. He played like a polished veteran all season and routinely punished defensive linemen and linebackers with surprising power, balance and agility … sounds a lot like the plug-play-(and maybe) rookie All-Pro Erving.

Cameron Erving looks like a future All-Pro. (USATSI) Cameron Erving looks like a future All-Pro. (USATSI)

Small-school deep sleeper who’ll have a long NFL career Corey Graham Award: Albany TE Brian Parker

It’s fine that you don’t know who Parker is … a few days ago, I didn’t either. After doing some research and watching film I realized that his small-school prospect is a specimen.

While the former Great Dane standout stands nearly 6’5″ and weighs a mammoth 267 pounds, he moves more like he’s a 6’3″, 245-pound H-back.

Parker was utilized in all areas of a field while at Albany, and a handful of his 39 catches in 2014 came well down the field on straight seam routes and flags to the deep corner. But his yards-after-the-catch ability stood out more than his pure speed.

He’s not a plodding, big-bodied tight end who’s complacent with lugging his way to three or four yards after catching a short check down. Parker couples the urgency needed to make people miss with the athleticism to do so and routinely demonstrates running-back like vision in the open field.

And because he’s not exactly small, he isn’t easily taken to the turf. He reaches legitimate sleeper status when his tenacious blocking habits — which feature ideal hip sink and continual leg drive — are factored in.

In 2007, Corey Graham was picked in Round 5 by the Chicago Bears out of rather obscure New Hampshire. He made the Pro Bowl in 2011 while a Windy City resident. In 2012, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens and became an unheralded member of the team’s Super Bowl run.

Last year with the Buffalo Bills, Graham may have had his finest season a professional. At nearly 30 years old, the former Colonial Athletic Conference stud is now entering his ninth NFL season.

In the future, someone will write that same sentence about Parker.

Brian Parker is the stud TE you’ve never heard of. (USATSI) Brian Parker is the stud TE you’ve never heard of. (USATSI)

Impressive talent but off-field concerns will make him go undrafted Da’Rick Rogers Award: Louisville running back Michael Dyer

Da’Rick Rogers was a first-team All-SEC wideout in 2011 with the Tennessee Volunteers, but he was suspended prior to the 2012 season and was a serial drug-failer.

He transferred to Tennessee Tech and had a fine year with nearly 900 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. So he declared for the draft. Somewhat shockingly, Rogers went undrafted and signed with the Bills as an undrafted free-agent. He stayed clean during his first training camp; however, his somewhat lackadaisical efforts and mental mistakes led to his release from Buffalo.

He then spent time in Indianapolis with the Colts and had a six-catch, 107-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2013. That was overshadowed by a DUI arrest before the 2014 season. He’s now on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

No one ever questioned Rogers’ ability, he just has too many dings on his off-field resume and those dings have directly led to him not reaching his massive potential.

The same can be written about Louisville running back Michael Dyer, a prized, five-star recruit with a low-center-of-gravity, defined frame and scary athleticism. He began his career as the feature back on the Cam Newton-led, national-title winning Auburn Tigers in 2010.

After breaking Bo Jackson’s school record for most rushing yards by a true freshman (1,093), Dyer was a member of the same 2011 All-SEC First-Team as Rogers.

Before the team’s bowl game in 2011, he was suspended for violation of team rules which led to him demanding a transfer. The college-jumping was just beginning.

He went to Arkansas State to play for former Tigers offensive coordinator Guz Malzahn. In March of 2012, Dyer had a run-in with the law that involved a gun and marijuana. He left Arkansas State and attended Arkansas Baptist College and didn’t play football, instead choosing to work on his studies. After that, his final move was to the University of Louisville.

In 2014, the 5’9″, 215-pounder with sub 4.6 speed ran for 481 yards and five touchdowns in a running back committee for the Cardinals.

Like Rogers, not many will doubt what Dyer is capable of doing on a football field. It’s just that teams might not trust the 24-year-old off it.

Can Michael Dyer be trusted? (USATSI) Can Michael Dyer be trusted? (USATSI)

Most likely to be considered a reach on draft day then lauded as a fantastic pick two years later Travis Frederick Award: Mississippi State defensive lineman Preston Smith

He’s not getting the same publicity has Vic Beasley, Dante Fowler Jr., Shane Ray, Randy Gregory or Bud Dupree. Probably because his line versatility is his most appealing attribute, not his burst off the snap strictly from the edge position.

Preston Smith can play any of the four defensive line spots and produce from each one.

He’s refined as a pass-rusher, skillfully using his hands to keep offensive linemen off him or swimming past them if they do get into his pads. He’s SEC-strong at the point of attack and is rarely pushed back in the run game.

The team that drafts him isn’t getting a flashy, Von Miller-esque, 20-sack-per-season phenom. They’re getting Michael Bennett 2.0.

Smith could go as early as the late first-round, and there could be some gasps if he’s taken in the late 20s or as one of the final three picks in Round 1 … kind of like that happened when the Dallas Cowboys picked relatively unheralded center Travis Frederick out of Wisconsin in 2013.

He’s totally ignored his doubters and those who claimed he was a monstrous reach by anchoring arguably the best line in football as one of the league’s most reliably devastating run-blockers.

Best football player who will fall in the draft because he was a combine disappointment Brandon Spikes Award: TCU linebacker Paul Dawson

Athleticism. The NFL loves it. No, it absolutely, positively adores it. At Florida, Brandon Spikes was the unquestioned leader of a defense oozing with NFL talent. But during the pre-draft process in 2010, he ran suuuuper slow in the 40-yard dash and was stiff in positional drills. The tape showed a thumping, set-the-tone, first-round linebacker. The combine and pro day workouts said otherwise.

He went in Round 2 to the New England Patriots and immediately flexed his muscle en route to becoming the NFL’s premier run-stopping inside linebacker.

Paul Dawson finds himself in a similar predicament. If the combine didn’t exist and players were drafted on tape alone, he’d be a first-round lock. At 6’0″ and around 240 pounds, while at TCU, he consistently flashed speed to meet rushers before they turned the corner, flexibility and agility to react to cutbacks, comfort in coverage and a powerful hitting style.

But his combine efforts didn’t match the speed and athleticism that were clear as day on film. Unsurprisingly, Dawson’s pro day went slightly better, but there most certainly will be teams that drop him down their board due to timed workout concerns … just like what happened to Spikes.

Just don’t be surprised then when Dawson is an instant impact player as a second- or-third-round pick.

It’s time to put together the yearbook for the class of 2015. (USATSI) It’s time to put together the yearbook for the class of 2015. (USATSI)

Topics: A.J. Green, Bell,Le’Veon, Brandon Spikes, C.J. Anderson, Cam Newton, Corey Graham, Dontari Poe, Evan Mathis, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Johnny Manziel, Josh Robinson, Justin Houston, Mark Barron, Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Rogers,Da’Rick, Tony Romo, Travis Frederick, Von Miller, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL

Fisher won’t let relocation talk become a distraction

By Kevin Patra

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000483204/article/fisher-determined-not-to-let-relocation-talk-become-a-distraction

With owner Stan Kroenke planning to build a football stadium in California, speculation that the St. Louis Rams will once again become the Los Angeles Rams isn’t going away anytime soon.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher has heard all the rumors and prefers to try to ignore them.

NFL Now delivers a non-stop video stream highlighting the next generation of NFL talent in preparation for the 2015 NFL Draft. Start using it now!

“I’m looking forward to this year in St. Louis and hoping we can get things worked out,” Fisher said, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “It makes no sense for me or the players to spend time concerned about it, worried about it. If it happens, it happens.”

The biggest hurdle will be when his players are asked repeatedly this summer about a potential move — and by locals to proclaim their loyalty to St. Louis.

“You know, I’ve had some discussion with the players,” Fisher said. “And they’re actually more excited right now about what we’ve done in free agency, and looking forward to what we’re doing in the draft, and looking forward to coming back to work than they are talking about any potential to relocate.”

Fisher has prior experience with relocations. As the coach of the former Houston Oilers, his team moved to Tennessee after the 1996 season.

“Having gone through it however, I don’t think it’d be fair to compare both situations,” Fisher said. “But the end result was good (in Tennessee) … But going to ’96 and early ’97, we focused on our job. I remember back then telling them don’t worry about it. It’s out of our control.”

Fisher will run that advice back again this season in St. Louis.

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Fisher hopes Rams fans still come out in 2015

By Jim Thomas

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/article_473e90bc-2978-5c44-8a7c-36dbb9f18065.html#.VR17SQf_TlI.twitter

One of the most-asked questions for Jeff Fisher at last week’s NFC coaches breakfast concerned the possible relocation of the Rams to Los Angeles. Writers from near and far quizzed him about the distractions of a looming move in what could be a lame-duck 2015 season in St. Louis.

Fisher patiently answered all such questions, then again, he better get used to it. The questions, and the issue, aren’t going away any time soon.

“I’m looking forward to this year in St. Louis and hoping we can get things worked out,” Fisher said. “It makes no sense for me or the players to spend time concerned about it, worried about it. If it happens, it happens.”

But how does he keep players from California dreaming, especially if the league follows through on discussions to move up the timetable for filing for relocation into the 2015 regular season?

“You know, I’ve had some discussion with the players,” Fisher said. “And they’re actually more excited right now about what we’ve done in free agency, and looking forward to what we’re doing in the draft, and looking forward to coming back to work than they are talking about any potential to relocate.”

The start of the Rams’ offseason conditioning program is April 20, just 2½ weeks away.

“I’m not concerned about distractions,” Fisher said. “Been through it before. This game’s too hard, too competitive to spend time worrying about something that’s out of your control.”

Fisher was head coach of the Houston Oilers when they left Texas after the 1996 season for Tennessee. The team played in Memphis in 1997, then spent a season borrowing Vanderbilt University’s stadium in 1998 before finally getting a stadium of its own in ’99 — the season the Titan won the AFC title and lost to the Rams 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV.

“Having gone through it however, I don’t think it’d be fair to compare both situations,” Fisher said. “But the end result was good (in Tennessee). . . .But going to ’96 and early ’97, we focused on our job. I remember back then telling them don’t worry about it. It’s out of our control.”

As the 2015 season approaches, it’s uncertain how Rams fans will react to the team’s potential departure. The possibility exists that the Rams won’t have much of a home-field advantage if upset fans stay away in droves.

“We’re hoping and expecting fans to come out and watch us, because we’re a much-improved football team,” Fisher said. “The fans are gonna like what we have to offer this year. They have every right to be as excited as we are.”

Fisher half-jokingly has said on more than one occasion that he doesn’t want to know what’s happening on the relocation front. That way, he can just plead ignorance. But he did concede last week that he’s taken a peek at the latest renderings of the St. Louis riverfront stadium project.

“I saw some things three, four weeks ago,” Fisher said. “I thought the location’s ideal. And I think the game should be played on grass. Outside. So that’s a plus.”

Coach Sherman’s Open Book

by Tiffany White

http://www.stlouisrams.com/ramsplus/longform/sherman.html

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE COMBINE, I caught up with Rams Wide Receivers Coach Ray Sherman during one of his breaks from watching film. After briefing me on the pop culture news of the day, he brought up a few YouTube clips on his computer and said, “Tell me, what do you think of this?”

He asked the same question before and after we watched each video. I imagine he routinely asks his players the same thing because as he puts it plainly, “Sometimes, you’ve just got to shut up and listen.”

Of the hundreds of players he’s coached over the past four decades, many – including his current receivers – view him as a father.

“I look up to him,” Rams wideout Brian Quick said. “You should definitely put that in your story.”

Quick, who had only recently begun playing football in high school, was highly regarded for his natural gifts and big-play potential coming out of college. Sherman recognized that and patiently awaited his breakout season and 2014 seemed to be a likely target.

Four games into the season, Quick recorded his first multi-touchdown game of his career and surpassed his previous career highs in touchdowns, receiving yards, and catches. He injured his shoulder in Week 8 at Kansas City and Head Coach Jeff Fisher confirmed the injury was season-ending the following Monday.

When asked how involved his coach has been in his recovery process since then, he didn’t hesitate to acknowledge Sherman’s level of engagement.

“He’s in the process right now,” Quick said following a February rehab session. “He comes down to the training room every day that he’s here to check on me.”

He went on to share some of the lessons that his coach taught him and every story was soaked in gratitude.

“I’m here to help them be the best player they can be,” Sherman said. “I think that’s important because I always enjoy watching progress, watching a man grow. I’ve watched that with Brian Quick. Until he got injured, he was on the verge of having an outstanding year.”

A season after drafting Quick, the Rams traded up to the No. 8 spot of the 2013 draft and selected a speedy Tavon Austin out of West Virginia. By the third round, Sherman had a pair of Mountaineer receivers after St. Louis drafted Stedman Bailey with the 92nd overall pick.

“I’ve watched guys get better,” Sherman said. “Stedman and Tavon, I saw them get better from their first year. I saw Chris Givens improve in his third year. It’s funny when they look at film of themselves from the previous year and they say, ‘Was that me?’ So, when you point those things out to them to get better, they buy into it. ”

Conversation eventually led me to ask Coach Sherman who his mentor was.
 He took a few seconds to think before answering.
 “I don’t really think I have one,” he lamented. “I’ve just found my own way. But, if I did have to point to someone it would be Vince Dooley from Georgia.”

Six years after leading the University of Georgia to a perfect 12-0 record and a national championship title in 1980, Dooley hired Sherman as one of his assistant coaches.

“If we were sitting around talking before a meeting and Vince Dooley walked in,” Sherman went on to explain, “everybody stopped talking. You could hear a pin drop. He commanded respect.”

An offer from the Houston Oilers limited Sherman to only two seasons with the Bulldogs legend. It was always his dream to coach in the National Football League, and so he left Athens, Ga. for Texas in 1987. He went on to coach nine Pro Bowlers, three First-Team All-Pros, and four Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees during his NFL coaching tenure. A track record that, like Dooley’s, commands respect.

HOWLING AND CACKLING FLOODED THE RECEIVERS ROOM after Coach Sherman delivered his spiel on why Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard were the greatest boxers of all time.

“Mayweather, Coach! Money Mayweather,” Austin retorted back at him.

“Man, you don’t know about Ali,” Sherman smirked. “Ali is one of the greatest fighters that ever fought. Sugar Ray Leonard, Hitman Hearns, Marvin Hagler – you guys don’t know anything about these guys. All you do is get caught up in your own little world about one fighter.”

While the receivers groaned in disagreement, Sherman scanned YouTube for boxing highlights. By the end of the first video, players’ mouths had wilted open. Some sighed and others couldn’t help but whisper a few ‘wows.’

“I tell them from Day 1, ‘We’re gonna work our butts off, but we’re gonna have fun. You’re going to come in here happy.’”

“That’s right, check your history,” Sherman said proudly, knowing he had proven his puppies wrong. “Don’t you guys come in here and try to act like you know more than me.”

Like a game of ping pong, Sherman and his receivers constantly exchange jokes with one another. He welcomes the laughter his debates draw. He enjoys their friendly squabbles and doing the little things that get his “young guns” to relax and loosen up.

“I tell them from Day 1, ‘We’re gonna work our butts off, but we’re gonna have fun,’” Sherman said. “You’re going to come in here happy. Come into this room with energy. If you’re going to come in with your lips poked out, then stay outside of the room.”

On the field, his receivers take on an intense alter ego. They’re a different group and other players take notice and tell Sherman.

“Aye, Sherm, they’re working,” they say to Sherman, who receives their feedback with a satisfied “proud papa” smile. “Man, Coach, those guys are working. They’re doing it.”

According to his wife, Yvette, Sherman craves perfection and he wants to win. He can’t stand excuses and doesn’t allow them.

“Ray has been in so many different systems, he has coached many different positions, and he’s been an assistant head coach and offensive coordinator,” Yvette said. “He’s a brilliant X’s and O’s guy. You can give him any type of player and he will develop that man. He will get the best out of him as an athlete no matter what.”

INNOCENT DROPS QUICKLY SPIRALED into an embarrassing showing for one of Sherman’s former receivers.

“I had to pull him aside and ask him, what’s going on?” Sherman said.

The two talked briefly and Sherman sent him back onto the practice field. He dropped the next pass that came his way and they continued through the entire practice.

“The head coach came to me later on and started asking questions about him,” he said. “I had to let him know that his grandmother who raised him was real sick. I always tell my guys to keep their personal things personal and not to bring it to work – except for when it comes to family because that’s how I was raised.”

Since arriving in St. Louis, Coach Fisher has created a culture where he wants guys excited about coming to work and Sherman has bought in. His personal approach is to talk to his receivers about life, to relate everything on the football field to their lives. Anything that is important to his players, he’ll talk about with them – their kids, wives, mom and dad, brothers and sisters – anything at all.

“Every player is different,” he explained. “Different things make guys tick differently. For me, I want to know them as people because sometimes there are things that go on in life that troubles guys. So, you want to know what it is instead of just yelling or screaming at him because he makes a mistake on the field.”

Sherman is one who cares about what his players do and how they conduct themselves off the field, so he started a “Keep it Real” program with his players early on in his career.

“He earns his players’ trust,” Sherman’s wife said. “They look up to him and they appreciate him. More so than anything, they know that the conversation they have with him, stays with him and I think that helps him be a better coach. He understands what’s going on in the players’ lives outside of the NFL and that has been a successful formula for him from the beginning of time.”

STAY READY so you won’t have to get ready. It’s a quote that Sherman repeats to his group often and one that Quick will never need to write down or post in his locker.

“Coach Sherm won’t allow you to make mistakes where you shouldn’t make mistakes,” Quick said. “He expects the best out of you and he pushes you to be great.”

When training camp opened in 2012, the recently drafted Quick had all of Sherman’s attention. During one seemingly never-ending seven-on-seven period, Sherman critiqued his rookie’s every move – the remarkable catches he made, misran routes, the mental errors, his resiliency, everything.

“I stay on top of them,” Sherman said. “I don’t let anything slide. I’m very particular about details. If I see you slipping, I’m going to address it with you and that’s the way I am. I don’t care who you are because I feel that if I don’t do that, if I don’t address it, then I’m not doing my job.”

Prior to joining the Rams, Sherman coached wide receivers for the Dallas Cowboys from 2007-2010. The Cowboys had a 1,000-yard receiver in each of those seasons. Terrell Owens, who ranks third on the NFL’s all-time list for most receiving touchdowns, saw one of his best seasons in Sherman’s first year in Dallas and caught a franchise-record 15 touchdowns. He oversaw the development of Miles Austin and coached him to a Pro Bowl and career highs in every major receiving category.

“I want my players to know that I’m here to help them be the best they can be and I want to watch them grow,” Sherman said. “Just like when I was in Dallas and I had Danny Amendola. I knew he was going to be a good player and when you see something in a young man, you try to pull that out where they can use that to excel at it.”

Sherman and Amendola were reunited in St. Louis in 2012 and despite battling injuries, Amendola neared career highs in catches and receiving yards. Meanwhile, rookie Chris Givens, the 13th wide receiver drafted that year, finished fourth among NFL rookies in receiving yards and caught a pass of 50 yards or more in five consecutive games.

“I’m excited about the crew that I have,” Sherman said. “I think Kenny Britt has come in here and really done a great job. You just see great things, great work ethic. The young guys see it and they say, ‘Wow, I like the way he works. I like the energy that he brings.’ All those things are contagious.”

Britt was one of the Rams’ free agent pickups last spring. In his inaugural season with the club, he led the Rams in receiving yards and finished second in receptions. Both figures marked career highs for the six-year veteran.

“Coach Sherm won’t allow you to make mistakes where you shouldn’t make mistakes. He expects the best out of you and he pushes you to be great.”

Bailey gradually improved over the course of his sophomore campaign and finished the year with 435 receiving yards and a touchdown on 30 receptions. Of his total receptions, 25 spanned the final seven games of the season. In the previous year, Austin became the first player in NFL history to record a 95+ yard punt-return touchdown, an 80+ yard receiving touchdown, and a 65+ yard rushing touchdown in a single season.

“I truly believe when my husband is no longer in the NFL, he will be missed,” Yvette said. “He genuinely is giving and helps people without expecting anything in return. He is a man of God. His faith is so strong – he’s read the Bible multiple times from front to back – and he has been a father figure to his players from the beginning. He is the best at what he does and players love working with him because they know that he is the best.”

“FROM THE INSIDE LOOKING OUT, coaching in the NFL is not a glamorous job,” Sherman’s wife said. “It is a grueling job that requires tremendous family sacrifice.”

While focus is often shifted to NFL coaches who work tedious and tireless hours, their spouses rigorously multi-task in the background to support the family.

“For the wives, you have to be a woman of all trades, self-sufficient and you have to raise your children to do the same,” Yvette explained. “When you deeply love someone who is not only a great husband and father, you can’t classify them as sacrifices – it’s just what you do.”

Among the Rams coaching staff, Sherman has made the most coaching stops, however his wife and kids only moved with him an estimated 80 percent of the time. Upon receiving an offer to work in St. Louis with the Rams, Sherman and Yvette decided they would make Florida their permanent residence in light of Alana’s budding tennis career.

“Our youngest daughter wanted to train to be a tennis player and Florida was the best place to come,” Yvette said. “We already had a home that we traveled to over the summers, so it worked out. We made the sacrifice and it’s difficult for our daughter, but it is worth it.”

Prior to honing in on tennis, Alana played volleyball, soccer, danced and also did gymnastics. Sherman never coached any of her teams, but often provides winning advice that she leans on even after losing a match.

“I’m ‘daddy’s little girl,’” Alana said as she described her relationship with her dad. “Even though he’s far, he is always there to support and he makes that clear. It gets hard sometimes, but it’s not too bad because this has been my life. It’s nice reconnecting and seeing him when I do go and visit or when he comes home. The first thing I do is I like to run up to him and give him a big hug because he’s like a big teddy bear!”

While tennis kept Alana in Florida, it has ironically brought the family closer in several facets, particularly in the sibling rivalry category.

“My sister and I are competitive in a positive way and I like knowing I’m better at tennis than she was at my age,” Alana said through a burst of laughter. “I can beat her off the court, even though she’ll never admit it!”

In addition to the benefits tennis has provided through sisterly competition, it has been an outlet for Alana to make her parents proud.

“No matter how far away he is, he makes sure I know that he cares and is always there,” Alana said. “Especially after losing a child, he still finds ways to put a smile on his face and to make sure that we have everything we need no matter what the circumstances were. Everything that he has done is well deserved and he has worked very hard for it. I’m not saying this because he’s my dad, but I feel as if he is one of the greatest coaches the NFL has ever had and they are very lucky that he is a part of their organization.”

WHEN I’M DONE COACHING I’ll look at all the player’s lives that I touched. I’ll look at the accolades that they’ve received and if they haven’t received that, as far as a Pro Bowl or being a Hall of Famer, I’ll look at how I was able to help him be a better football player – not only a player, but a person because that’s important to me, what kind of person you are. Because when you’re a good person, that means you’re going to be good to your family. You’re going to be good to the people that are close to you. I want them to be that type of person. I don’t want them to be one way with me and be a jerk somewhere else.

You’ve got to be respected. You don’t ever want to embarrass yourself. You don’t ever want to embarrass your family and don’t embarrass this organization. I tell them, ‘You guys always have to be accountable everywhere you go.’ It’s about doing things right in life.

When I get them to do the right thing, they’re going to be fine.

Rams mailbag: Concerns on the offensive line

By Nick Wagoner | ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/17215/rams-mailbag-concerns-on-the-offensive-line

EARTH CITY, Mo. — We’re more than a week into free agency and the St. Louis Rams have been pretty active, just not in the areas many of us expected.

Michael Wendler @MrAnalog
I keep hearing the same 3 names to fill Rams O-line but are there some other options we aren’t hearing about via FA?

Austin Rotell @LB_Rotell
Is Stacy on the trade block

Dave Bettlach @ramsffaan
JT puts the odds of Rams staying in STL at 46-54…how about you?

Luiz Maia @LuizMaia12
How difficult is to Barret Jones fill in the C spot? Isn’t he ready after 2years and plus this offseason?

Nicholas @Cards_Rock
Would the Rams try to sign Tim Tebow

Kenneth Pavloff @84JSnow
@nwagoner Do you believe that LA Relocation will be a Owners Meeting subject next week in AZ?

@nwagoner: At the moment, I don’t know if it’s technically on the agenda or not, but I think it would be naive to think that it’s not going to be a point of discussion –perhaps even a major point of discussion — during the week. With all the owners in one place, it would stand to reason that plenty of lobbying will take place with Kroenke, Dean Spanos and Mark Davis among fellow owners, especially in Kroenke’s case. What that yields, I don’t know, but I’d think there will be some news to come out of it all. I’ll be there, so be sure to stay tuned for daily updates and thoughts on the situation. And with that, enjoy the weekend of college hoops; we’ll be back at it next week

http://www.rams-news.com/foles-pep-rally-turns-into-inquisition-on-bradford-trade-pd/%5DFoles Pep Rally Turns into Inquisition on Bradford Trade –PD
Friday’s introductory news conference for quarterback Nick Foles had all the trappings of a pep rally.

http://www.rams-news.com/britt-fairley-sign-on-big-day-for-rams-pd/%5DBritt, Fairley Sign on Big Day for Rams –PD
Just hours after signing Detroit defensive tackle Nick Fairley, the Rams continued to make moves in free agency by re-signing wide receiver Kenny Britt to a two-year deal, according to the team.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-re-sign-kenny-britt-pd/%5DRams Re-sign Kenny Britt –PD
Just hours after signing Detroit defensive tackle Nick Fairley, the Rams continued to make moves in free agency signing wide receiver Kenny Britt to a two-year deal according to the team.

http://www.rams-news.com/kenny-britts-return-to-rams-best-for-both-sides-wagoner/%5DKenny Britt’s Return to Rams Best for Both Sides –Wagoner
From the moment wide receiver Kenny Britt arrived in St. Louis on a one-year “prove it” deal in 2014, he made it clear that he needed a fresh start with a familiar face.

http://www.rams-news.com/no-guarantees-rams-are-done-adding-qbs-wagoner/%5DNo guarantees Rams Are Done Adding QB’s –Wagoner
Poor Nick Foles. Surrounded by the pomp and circumstance of a glorified pep rally Friday afternoon at Rams Park, Foles was supposed to be the center of attention as the new, albeit possibly temporary, face of the St. Louis Rams franchise.

http://www.rams-news.com/bernie-fairley-and-ayers-good-fits-for-rams/%5DBernie: Fairley and Ayers Good Fits for Rams
There’s risk involved, because Fairley was up and down in his career with the Detroit Lions.

http://www.rams-news.com/gray-an-in-depth-look-at-the-bradford-foles-trade/%5DGray: An In-Depth Look at the Bradford-Foles Trade
Just five years ago, former Oklahoma Sooners Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford was dropping jaws and setting the NFL world abuzz with an astonishing showing at his pre-draft pro day.

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-discusses-the-foles-ayers-and-fairley-additions-audio/%5DJeff Fisher Discusses the Foles, Ayers and Fairley Additions –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/under-the-lights-new-rams-qb-nick-foles-video/%5DUnder the Lights: New Rams QB Nick Foles –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rich-eisen-interviews-rams-gm-les-snead-video/%5DRich Eisen Interviews Rams GM Les Snead –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/adam-schefter-breaks-down-the-nick-fairley-signing-for-the-rams-video/%5DAdam Schefter Breaks Down the Nick Fairley Signing for the Rams –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-offer-nick-fairley-chance-to-reach-his-potential-wagoner/%5DRams Offer Nick Fairley Chance to Reach his Potential –Wagoner
In the 2011 NFL draft, the St. Louis Rams had the 14th pick and patiently waited their turn to make a selection while superstar pass-rushers such as J.J. Watt, Von Miller, Aldon Smith and Marcell Dareus came off the board.

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-sign-fairley-introduce-foles-pd/%5DRams Sign Fairley, Introduce Foles –PD
ust before introducing their new quarterback, Nick Foles, the Rams brought in another Nick to meet the assemblage of reporters and Rams employees.

http://www.rams-news.com/so-who-won-the-bradford-foles-trade-pft/%5DSo Who Won the Bradford-Foles Trade? –PFT
In a week full of surprising moves in the NFL, none came as a bigger shock than the news that the Eagles had traded quarterback Nick Foles to the Rams for quarterback Sam Bradford.

http://www.rams-news.com/morning-ram-blings-return-on-qbs-wagoner/%5DMorning Ram-blings: Return on QBs –Wagoner
The St. Louis Rams certainly haven’t been shy about making deals that involve quarterbacks going elsewhere and getting draft pick compensation in return.

http://www.rams-news.com/nick-foles-thankful-to-be-in-st-louis-video/%5DNick Foles Thankful To Be In St. Louis –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/nick-fairley-talks-after-signing-with-the-rams-video/%5DNick Fairley Talks After Signing with the Rams –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/jeff-fisher-talks-bradford-foles-trade-audio/%5DJeff Fisher Talks Bradford-Foles Trade –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/rams-gm-les-snead-explains-foles-bradford-trade-free-agency-and-draft-audio/%5DRams’ GM Les Snead Explains Foles-Bradford Trade, Free Agency and Draft –Audio

http://www.rams-news.com/nick-foles-its-an-honor-to-be-here-video/%5DNick Foles: “It’s an honor to be here.” –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/amari-cooper-discusses-his-pro-day-video/%5DAmari Cooper Discusses His Pro Day –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/will-witherspoon-breaks-down-the-bradford-foles-trade-video/%5DWill Witherspoon Breaks Down the Bradford-Foles Trade –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/lance-kendricks-talks-re-signing-with-rams-video/%5DLance Kendricks Talks Re-Signing with Rams –Video

http://www.rams-news.com/grudens-qb-camp-best-of-brett-hundley-video/%5DGruden’s QB Camp: Best Of Brett Hundley –Video

Bernie: Bradford should cut Rams a break

By Bernie Miklasz

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/bernie-bradford-should-cut-rams-a-break/article_2cf334ea-38f7-53f4-b1b8-743ed39b16fc.html

Oh, goodie … it’s your lucky day! Time for another hot take on Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. And I’m sure there will be many more before he moves on, or the Rams move on, or whatever happens next in their unfortunate, unsuccessful relationship.

Let’s start by getting a several preliminaries out of the way:

* Bradford is entering the final season of his six-year rookie deal worth $76 million. Bradford is scheduled to make $12.985 million in salary this season, but he’ll count $16.58 million against the team’s salary cap.

* It’s not Bradford’s fault that he got stuck with a terrible football team, or that he was the last No. 1 overall draft pick before the NFL and the NFL players’ union changed the system for rookie compensation in 2011. Bradford’s $76 million was pretty much locked in as soon as the Rams picked him at the top of the 2010 draft. There were no negotiations. He was going make as much money as a Wal Mart heir no matter what he did during the life of the contract.

* Our Jim Thomas — the former star running back at Southwest High School on the city’s south side — has reported, on multiple occasions, that the Rams would like Bradford to restructure the contract and play 2015 at a lower salary.

* Our man Thomas also reports that the Rams and Bradford’s agent Tom Condon have been unable to reach an agreement. There is resistance in the Bradford camp.

* Despite the fact that Bradford has had two knee surgeries … since the fall of 2013 … and that he’s missed the last 25 regular season games … and that he has started only 49 of a possible 80 games during his first five seasons … and that his injury problems date back to his final season of college ball and missing most of the games at Oklahoma in 2009 … the Rams LOVE him. Coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti and QB coach Chris Weinke have all made that abundantly clear. To quote the famous poet 50 Cent, the Rams’ bosses LOVE Sam Bradford the way a fat kid love cake. (And I do love cake, by the way.) Heck, Fisher basically sought Bradford’s approval before promoting Cignetti and hiring Weinke.

* When the Rams’ folks talk about Bradford, I have to go for the Q tips to clean my ears and make sure I’m hearing things correctly; the Indy Colts don’t carry on about Andrew Luck the way the Rams slobber over Bradford. My late father Bernie Sr. never talked about Johnny Unitas the way Fisher pumps up Bradford.

* It’s one of the most remarkable things I’ve seen, considering that the Rams have WON 18 GAMES WITH BRADFORD AS A STARTING QB since the beginning of the 2010 season. … yes, a whopping 18 WINS … Goodness, the way this is going, I fully expect Rams owner Stan Kroenke to go to Bradford to seek Sam’s permission to move the team to Los Angeles or keep it in St. Louis. I’m surprised that Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff hasn’t gone to Dave Peacock and Bob Blitz to demand that Bradford be put in charge of designing the new football stadium.

* Of course, the current predicament is mostly the Rams’ own fault. Snead and Fisher failed to take a proactive and aggressive approach in securing a legitimate QB alternative to Bradford. Especially after Bradford went down the first time, the Rams should have used a premium draft choice to select and develop Bradford’s successor or replacement. They could have, at least in theory, made a trade for a veteran NFL starter. Or reached higher than, say, Shaun Hill. Instead, Snead-Fisher drafted Garrett Gilbert in the 6th round last year, they signed Hill, and they brought Austin Davis back. That’s it. Do you see quality insurance or a future plan there? Nope.

* Condon is a great agent. A legendary agent. A wise agent. And a tough agent. Condon is apparently determined to make sure that Bradford receives full payment on the original contract. And if you look at this from Condon’s viewpoint … why should he settle for less? There’s a shortage of quarterbacks in this league, which explains the recent free-agent feeding frenzy to sign marginal NFL starter Josh McCown. (Cleveland “won” the bidding.) The Buffalo Bills just made a trade with Minnesota for that prized catch, Matt Cassel. The list of remaining free-agent quarterbacks reads like something out 1987, when desperate teams were signing replacement-squad QBs to rush in and start games with the veterans out on strike. Heck, Sammy Garza and Shawn Halloran might be able to find a backup gig right now.

* And when Condon looks at the free-agent list, and when he scans the Rams roster, and when he knows that the Rams have done nothing to give themselves a legitimate option at QB to possibly move Bradford to the side … well, what do you expect Condon to do? In this barren quarterback market, why should Bradford accept less money when the Rams — more than anyone — are faithfully declaring their undying love for Sam?

From a pure business/bargaining position, I’m on Condon’s side. Again, the Rams largely put themselves in this mess by drafting Bradford, and they’ve kept themselves stuck in the muck by staying with Bradford and ignoring the obvious alarms.

But that’s only one side of it.

Here’s the other: Bradford should give the Rams a break.

Why?

I could list many reasons, but let’s stick with three:

1. Because $am already collected about $63 million from the Rams, and he’s started only 61.25 percent of the regular-season games, and the team is 18-30-1 when he starts. Again, he has no obligation to take a pay cut. But in this case, it’s the right thing to do. The Rams have been incredibly supportive and patient with Bradford. And it isn’t unreasonable to ask him to help out _ yes, even though they clearly deserve to be caught in this foolish position of depending on him again.

2. Because if $am accepts less money in 2015, the Rams will have more money to spend on free agents. I’m not saying they’d spend it wisely. They’ve had too many swings-and-misses in free agency during the Snead-Fisher regime. But at least the Rams would have more money in hand to seek solutions, fill holes, and put a better team around Bradford. The Rams require assistance on the offensive line. They need a tackle, a guard, and probably a center. Bradford is coming off two consecutive seasons wrecked by knee injuries. Doesn’t he want the best possible protection he can get? By taking a pay cut, Bradford would be investing in his own safety.

3. Because if $am plays at a reduced rate, and he has the 2015 season that he and everyone else has been waiting for … can you imagine the kind of berserk, preposterous and insane bidding for him on the open free-agent market after the ’15 season? If NFL general managers are losing their minds over Josh McCown, Bradford would cash in for a huge contract.

If the Rams are willing to put attainable incentives in a reworked Bradford contract, he’d probably end up making close to the original $13 million, anyway.

Bradford needs to play and perform. And if he plays and performs at a quality level in 2015, he’ll make plenty of money going forward, and will more than make up for any salary concessions he grants now.

If five-time league MVP Peyton Manning can take a pay cut in Denver … it’s hardly unreasonable, let alone outrageous, to ask Bradford to do the same.

=============================
MMQB
Peter King
The Super Bowl Story, According to Tom Brady

http://mmqb.si.com/2015/02/09/tom-brady-super-bowl-49-nfl/6/

The Game Plan.

FULL STORY
McDaniels: “I didn’t get to see tape on Seattle until about 4 in the afternoon the day after our championship game. The way we do it is, we take care of all our Super Bowl logistical work first, so we can concentrate on game preparation after that without a lot of distractions. I watched a lot of them, obviously.

And when you saw people have success against them, you saw teams stringing eight or 10 normal successful football plays together. Not explosive plays. But the word that kept coming to my mind, and I must have said it to our offensive players 25 times in two weeks of prep, was ‘patience.’ I told them, ‘Maybe we can come out of the game with one or two big plays. Maybe. But just trust the process.

Be patient.’ The keys, to me, were being patient and never running horizontally after the catch. Just go upfield. You’re not going to create yards by trying to get around one guy, because two guys will be waiting for you. We did so many catch-and-run drills during the week of practice. Vertical, vertical, vertical. For Tom, the key was: Do not hold the ball for four seconds, or bad things are gonna happen.”

Brady: “I watched a lot of tape. A lot.”

He watched the Seahawks’ NFC Championship Game three times.

Brady: “They’d allowed the fewest big plays of any team all season, and you saw pretty early why you don’t want to go into the Super Bowl throwing up a bunch of posts, a bunch of ‘nine’ routes. [‘Go’ routes.] Richard Sherman picks off the go route every time you throw it. The plan was to exploit other parts of the field—but short parts of the field. Michael Bennett rushes from everywhere. Cliff Avril kills people. They believe in what they do. We countered that by saying, ‘Okay, here’s what we’re pretty good at: Space the field, find the soft spots, be satisfied with the four-yard gain, be happy with the four-yard gain. We were gonna be happy with a two-yard gain.”
Ball Security.

McDaniels: “The thing nobody talks about with Seattle is their ability to create disruptive plays. We worked on that literally every day, and in our six or seven practices before the game. Ball security. How to run after the catch. We told the scout team guys to punch, strip, whack at the ball, all the time. I knew every time we would have the ball in space, they’d be chopping at it. And that’s exactly what happened in the game. In fact, I have this thing I do during the first half of our games. I write down on my play sheet what I want to talk about to the team at halftime. And after seeing this five, six, seven times in the first half, I wrote down: ‘Constantly stripping at the ball.’ And we talked to them about it again at halftime.”

In 72 offensive plays in Super Bowl XLIX, New England did not fumble.

(Gregory Payan/AP)Josh McDaniels and Tom Brady have both been a part of all four of the Patriots’ Super Bowl titles. (Gregory Payan/AP)
The First Drive.

Seattle led 24-14 early in the fourth quarter. After an eight-yard Bruce Irvin sack, New England had second-and-18 with 11:30 to play at the Patriots’ 24.

In the regular season, Brady was among the most deliberate quarterbacks in the league in getting rid of the ball, at 2.39 seconds per pass drop, according to Pro Football Focus. On second down he took 1.01 seconds to dump a slip-screen to Brandon LaFell on the right side. Gain of four. Third and 14.

Brady: “Would this have been a four-down situation here? I don’t know. The way it worked, Sherman had Gronkowski. Danny had a deeper incut. He was the go-to guy, but they squeezed him on defense, so I couldn’t go there. Now LaFell … He had a deep comeback. When you wait for a guy—what does he run the 40 in, and what can he run 25 yards in? Maybe 2.8 seconds, three seconds? You have to wait for him. So their rush sort of ran past me, and I moved up in the pocket. As a quarterback, you start to feel the rhythm of the pass-rush as the game goes on; your body develops a cadence. You feel what they’re doing. Russell Wilson, he doesn’t care—he can outrun them. I can’t. So I have to make the calculated decision. I had the ball quite a while there.

Me: “Well, 3.48 seconds, to be exact.”

Brady: “Probably the longest time I had all game. Julian was the last option I had on the play, and there he was, in the middle.”

Edelman caught it, bounced off Kam Chancellor, and gained 21.

New life. First down in the flat to Vereen (1.76 seconds), with an extra 15 tacked on because of a late hit by Earl Thomas.

New Goal: Three-Hawks

No team in the salary-cap era has ever been to three consecutive Super Bowls. With the majority of its talent coming back and the motivation after its Arizona disappointment, Seattle has more than a legitimate chance to become the first, Greg Bedard writes.

FULL STORY
Brady: “We knew Shane needed to play a big role in the game. The halfback would be critical against an All-Pro secondary because you’re not going to target Sherman 12 times, Chancellor 12 times. The big challenge for him was to catch it and make yards, while at least one of their guys was going for the strip. They killed the Broncos last year with that in the Super Bowl.”

Now incomplete into the end zone for LaFell, trying to take advantage of the matchup against backup corner Tharold Simon. Then Vereen over the right side for two.

Third-and-eight, 8:46 to go. Four-down territory now?

Brady: “We had two guys running opposite seams, Gronk and LaFell. Both safeties had vision on that. Julian’s route was supposed to be four yards. This was identical to a play we ran [against Seattle] in 2012. I hit Wes Welker. They played that same coverage against Welker in 2012, with a lineman dropping back on him in coverage in the short middle, and I hit him. I watched a lot of tape—our game with them from two years ago three times, Dallas this year multiple times, their championship game against Green Bay three times. I’m always trying to match the perfect amount of physical preparation with the right mental preparation. And I’m 37, I’ve got to get a lot of rest. I am a person that relies on my sleep. Anyway, that is what makes my relationship with Josh so special, because I feel at this point we’ve been together so long and we know each other so well and we’re so synchronized. This game, awesome. This play was an example of that. He knew it would work. He knew Julian would be there for me, and he was. Watching that tape, I saw it from a couple of years ago—and Josh saw it too.”

Dump to Edelman. Gain of 21.

First-and-goal, Seattle 4-yard line, 8:04 left. Plenty of time.

Now, for the only time in his last 18 plays, Brady errs. Edelman runs a quick fake post on Simon, pirouettes to the left, leaving Simon in the dust, and turns to Brady—who throws a line drive too high. Too hard, and too high. But a lesson to him. And a lesson to McDaniels.

Brady: “There’s a mental part to a football throw and a physical part. The mental part is being decisive. Every throw is risk-reward. When you’ve played for 15 years, you have what I call ‘no-fear throws.’ Josh calls them that too. You’re confident, you know you’ve got it, and you just rip it. Some other throws, just before you let the ball go, you’re still not quite convinced that’s what you want to do. It comes right off your last fingertip, and you’re just not convinced. I admire Andrew Luck; he is so decisive for a guy who is so young. Aaron Rodgers, same thing. But this throw, the last thing I wanted to do was throw it to the other guy. Just as I let it go, I caught a glimpse of the DB [Simon]. He’s looking at me, I’m looking at him, as I let it go, it was a mental mistake, I got indecisive. My fault. I have had so many plays where I have made bad plays and I say, ‘I ain’t never doing that again.’ Josh has done such a good job trying to break down the mental blocks. Some of those decisions go right up to the time before the ball leaves your fingertips. On that one, it was, like, yes yes yes, NO! On my two interceptions in the game, the first one I should have called time because I just didn’t like what I saw, and then it was too late when I made the throw. Dumb throw. The second one, Bobby Wagner made a phenomenal play. He read my eyes. He got me. If I ever play those guys again, I will not lead Bobby Wagner anywhere with my eyes.”

McDaniels: “Tom learns from everything, and he doesn’t let it bother him. What happened next was Tom took advantage of Earl [Thomas] not being quite as aggressive as he could have been. And Danny Amendola played the back of the end zone perfectly. Tommy knows, in the tight red area, you always have to err away from the defender.”

Thomas and Amendola were on the end line, Thomas to Amendola’s right, and Brady threw hard to the outside of Amendola, away from Thomas. Touchdown. Seattle 24-21.

Brady: “Earl was indecisive, thank God.”

Brady wasn’t. And he wouldn’t be on the next drive either. He would have a long memory, as would McDaniels.
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Danny Amendola finished with five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Second Drive.

Before the drive started, McDaniels said to Brady: “I got some things I’m gonna go with. I’m gonna pull ’em from everywhere.”

In the huddle to start the series, Brady, as heard on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” show, told his team: “We need a big championship drive! That’s what we need!”

First down at the New England 36 after a short Jon Ryan punt … 6:52 to play, Seattle 24, New England 21.

• Brady to Vereen, one-handed catch. Gain of eight.
• Brady to Vereen in the left flat. Gain of four.
• Edelman, in motion to the left, grabs a quick dump-off from Brady. Gain of nine.
• After a pass-interference call on Amendola, Gronkowski beats Chancellor on a shallow cross. Gain of 20.
• Brady to Vereen, right flat, Sherman sniffs it out. No gain.

Second-and-10 at the Seattle 32, 4:05 to play. Field-goal range. But no settling now.

Brady: “So K.J. Wright walks up to Gronk. We know it’s man. Same coverage Wright had on the touchdown pass to Gronk earlier. So if you’re K.J. Wright, you’re thinking, ‘I don’t want to get beat on a TD pass again,’ and he plays him high. Gronk sells the go route, and runs the stop route. Gronk knew it. Later, he told me, ‘As soon as the ball was snapped, I knew you were throwing it to me.’ Gronk’s a tough matchup. I’ve seen it for a long time. You put two guys on him, we got three wideouts single-covered. We’ll win those, somewhere. Big fast, unbelievable hands. He’s got vacuum hands.”

Vereen on a quick snap, up the middle for seven. Seattle was tiring now. This was the 15th round of a 15-round donnybrook, and the Seahawks were on the ropes. Brady to LaFell—with no one covering him—for seven. Blount up the middle for two.

New England ball at the Seattle 3-yard line, 2:06 left.

Remember six minutes ago? New England ball at the Seattle 4-yard line?

McDaniels: “It wasn’t very complicated.”
(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Julian Edelman’s fourth-quarter score capped a nine-catch, 109-yard day. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Brady: “After the last drive, I went to the sidelines and told Josh, ‘Josh, come back to that call. Please come back to that call.’ I knew even before the call came in what it was going to be. I knew how it was going to play out. Earl in same place. Simon in same spot. Only this time, they ended up blitzing, really a max blitz, creating one-on-one with Jules. He ran a great route. It’s a tough route to cover. The cornerback has no help. Looks like a slant. How do you not respect the coverage on the slant?’’

Edelman pushed off Simon, mildly, on the slant, then pirouetted again, just like last time. Only this time the throw wasn’t 115 miles an hour, and it wasn’t high. It was thrown medium speed, and right to Edelman.

Touchdown. New England 28, Seattle 24.

Immediately, McDaniels pointed at Brady. The NFL Films cameras captured Brady pointing at McDaniels. The message from each man was simple.

McDaniels: You executed the play exactly how it should have been done.

Brady: You trusted me on the same play again—and this time I didn’t let you down!

In the span of 10 minutes, Brady took the Patriots 76 yards in eight plays (after the Irvin sack), then 64 yards in 10 plays. He completed 13 of 15 passes. He’s had some good Super Bowl quarters in his three previous wins, but none like this one. None under this pressure, against a defense this good (though wounded, without Avril down the stretch) and with so much on the line.
The End.
(David L. Ryan/Getty Images)Brady (David L. Ryan/Getty Images)

Brady: “I haven’t thought about that yet—two touchdowns in that short a time against them. I felt good that we got the lead. I was THE reason we lost the lead. I felt like my teammates can count on me. I felt satisfied I overcame those two interceptions. I never want to be the reason why we lose.

“They trust me with the ball. All the hopes we had coming in … When you throw it 50 times, the team is saying, ‘We trust you with the ball.’ But I have to give credit to so many other guys. The emotional energy you put into games like this, the physical energy. The game is 30 percent longer, 40 percent longer because of the long pre-game and the long halftime. First time we played in 70-degree weather in two months. Football is such a game of attrition, never more than in the Super Bowl.”

McDaniels: “It’s one of the best examples of what we talk about so much—we identify how we want to play an opponent, and then we design a game plan to do that, and it might be the exact opposite of the game plan we had the previous game. But we give it to the players. We told them in this case to stay patient and not panic, and to practice the way we planned. It was an incredible example of the harmony between the players and the staff, and to Bill’s leadership making it all work, and the players buying into it, and just believing. Believing in the plan is so important, and they believed—never more than this game.”

Brady: “I had a nice moment with my wife Tuesday morning. Monday was taken up with getting home, and I finally had a chance to sleep Monday night … We woke up Tuesday, and, now, she’s woken up twice next to me after Super Bowl losses, and [for those] I was like, ‘The game’s today, right? What I just had was a nightmare, right? That didn’t really happen, right?’ And this time, I just looked at her and it was, it was …”

Pause. Three, four seconds.

Me: “What happened? What’d you say?”

Brady: “It was just special. Just pretty special.”

(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)The Falcons went 6-10 in 2013-14 at the Georgia Dome, where they’re accused of piping in artificial crowd noise. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
On all the cheating

One of the most important things facing Roger Goodell this offseason (you mean there’s more?) is to clear the police blotter of the nagging cheating scandals/problems that have surfaced in the last couple of months.

New England is cooperating with the investigation by Ted Wells and Jeff Pash into allegations brought by Indianapolis GM Ryan Grigson that one or more footballs the Patriots used in the AFC title game were significantly underinflated. There’s no timetable for the investigation, but I wouldn’t think a decision is imminent; it took Wells 14 weeks to finish his probe into the Miami bullying scandal, and he’s been on the job here only two-and-a-half weeks.

Atlanta owner Arthur Blank told the Associated Press he expects the team will be found guilty of some wrongdoing in connection with fake crowd noise pumped into the Georgia Dome over the past two seasons. “I think what we’ve done in 2013 and 2014 was wrong,” Blank said last week, implicitly acknowledging a violation. “Anything that affects the competitive balance and fairness on the field, we’re opposed to, as a league, as a club and as an owner. It’s obviously embarrassing. But beyond embarrassing, it doesn’t represent our culture.” Some good it did. The Falcons were 3-5 at home in 2013, and 3-5 at home last season. The league could fine the Falcons or dock the team a draft choice or choices. Expect a decision as soon as this week.

Cleveland is expecting a decision soon, too, that could be harsher for the franchise than the punishment for Atlanta. GM Ray Farmer stands accused of illegally communicating via text message with coaches and in-game staffers. The NFL bans that kind of communication during games because of the potential advantage that could be gained from electronic messages from outside sources. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Farmer could be fined and suspended, and draft choices taken from the team, if the investigation finds he texted coaches during games. Quite a week for the Browns, who also saw a spokesman for potential starting quarterback Johnny Manziel announce that Manziel was in rehab for a substance-abuse problem. The NFL also announced a one-year suspension (minimum) for wide receiver Josh Gordon for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. It never showers in Cleveland. It only pours torrentially.

Jerry Rice … Now, this is a strange one. Rice, clearly defending Joe Montana as comparisons between Montana and Tom Brady mount, has been critical of the Patriots for cheating. (Join the outside-of-six-northeastern-states club.) Now comes Rice’s admission, on an ESPN feature in January, that he used Stickum during his NFL career on his already-tacky gloves. Stickum was banned by the league in 1981, and Rice’s NFL career began in 1985. As he said in the ESPN piece: “I know this might be a little illegal, guys, but you put a little spray, a little Stickum on [the gloves] to make sure that texture is a little sticky.”

I’m not one to indict the entire business for the acts of a few. I am also not one to dismiss rule-breakers, even if those in the game say everyone’s doing something or other. Goodell needs to be sure there are teeth in all his sanctions, preferably involving draft picks, to be sure teams aren’t tempted to cheat in any way in the future.

And one more thing: Rice should tell us which cheating is allowable and which is reprehensible, since he knows so well.

* * *
(Larry French/Getty Images)Darren Sharper’s 14-year career ended in New Orleans in 2010. (Larry French/Getty Images)
On Darren Sharper

I mentioned in this column last week that former Green Bay and New Orleans safety Darren Sharper would be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in 2016, along with Brett Favre, Terrell Owens and Alan Faneca. I wrote those four would be leading candidates to be finalists in 2016 and said of the four players: “Pretty thin at the top, but two premier guys.” Meaning Favre and Owens.

Sharper stands accused of serial sexual assault in California, Arizona and Louisiana, in some cases by using drugs on the women he attacked.

So some media people, and quite a few fans, picked up on my note, and the reaction was intense: How can you consider a man sitting in jail, accused of drugging multiple women and raping them, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame? I wish it had been that civil. But of course it wasn’t.

I understand the emotion involved in a case like this. The crimes are deplorable and reprehensible, and if true, Sharper should be imprisoned for a very long time. And it became very clear to me last week that fans want Sharper nowhere near the Pro Football Hall of Fame, ever. To even consider him should be cause for the 46 voting members of the Hall to first be dismissed from the committee and secondly to have their heads examined.

To clarify the way the Pro Football Hall of Fame works, we have a bylaw that says we can consider only football-related factors in determining a candidate’s worthiness for election. For example, when Lawrence Taylor was up for election 16 years ago, we were allowed to consider the fact that Taylor missed four games once for a drug suspension, but we weren’t allowed to consider his drug use or his other off-field transgressions, of which there were many. I can’t tell you whether some voters considered the other things; I can just tell you that I considered Taylor as a football player only. He was enshrined on his first season of eligibility, 1999.

Talk Back
Have a question or comment for Peter King? Email him at talkback@themmqb.com and it might be included in Tuesday’s mailbag.
Maybe you would say: If a candidate is convicted of a felony, he cannot get into the Hall of Fame. Leaving the scene of an accident is a felony. Arson is a felony. Selling drugs is a felony. Animal cruelty is a felony. Should those crimes be enough to automatically eliminate a candidate?

Maybe you would say: Don’t complicate things! It’s obvious that a very serious crime, such as murder or rape, should bar a candidate from the Hall. Obvious to whom? There are 46 voters for the Hall of Fame. Do you want to leave it up to the conscience of each individual voter as to what constitutes a crime serious enough to ban a person from the Hall?

I don’t. The voters for the Hall of Fame should consider what a player did on the field, and the influences of a coach on the game and how many games he won, and the contributions that other figures have made to the sport. Beyond that, the slope is far too slippery.

I plan to devote my Tuesday column—barring some major NFL development pushing this issue aside—to your email on the subject. Send them here, and I’ll pick a handful. Thanks in advance for your interaction.

* * *
On the passing of Dean Smith

One of my fondest memories as a sportswriter came early in my career, as a 25-year-old college basketball writer for the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1982. On a late March Monday night in the Superdome, I was in the second row of the press area, even with the foul line at the basket where North Carolina was shooting, when 19-year-old UNC freshman Michael Jordan took a pass at the left wing. Georgetown led 62-61. Jordan was about 16 feet from the basket, not closely covered, and he rose to take a jump shot. It was perfect. North Carolina won the game, 63-62. That night was the first of many legendary baskets in huge games by Jordan.
Michael Jordan and Dean Smith, in 2007 (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)Michael Jordan and Dean Smith, in 2007 (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The cool part of the story came the next morning. In those days, the media’s access to teams wasn’t as tightly controlled as it is today (I am assuming it’s the same after a Final Four as for a big NFL playoff game). And a few reporters, including me, learned the North Carolina team would be leaving the next morning, pretty early, on the plane back to Chapel Hill. So a few of us went out to the airport. Not much security then; we went right out to an outer tarmac, where the players were waiting to board the flight home. I talked to James Worthy for a couple of minutes, and then saw Matt Doherty, another one of the players, and went up to speak to him. It was early, and I assumed most of the guys had been up much of the night celebrating. No matter. They had to get home. “Dean,” one of the North Carolina staffers told me, “wants his players back on campus for afternoon classes. If they’ve got a Tuesday afternoon class, he wants them there.”

Doherty talked about the exhilaration of the win. I looked over to the side, and there was Jordan, with a packed gym bag slung over his shoulder, wearing a coat and tie, as all traveling Tar Heels did. He was also carrying a film projector in his right hand, and a few canisters of film (this was in the pre-video days) in the other hand. I asked Doherty, “What’s Jordan doing with that film projector?”

“The freshman always carry the film and the film projector,” Doherty said.

Coat and tie. Back for Tuesday afternoon classes. Freshmen, regardless of their greatness, earning their stripes. That’s what I thought of Sunday, when I heard Dean Smith had died at 83.

Quotes of the Week

I

“Other than my parents, no one had a bigger influence on my life than coach Smith.”

—Michael Jordan, on the passing of Dean Smith.

II

“Look fellas, it’s the same thing we talked about in the Baltimore game. We just need everyone to do their job! All right? There are no new plays. We have to contain the quarterback and get to his level. We’re getting high-armed because we’re not playing with our hands. We have to step up and challenge the line of scrimmage. We have to wrap [Marshawn] Lynch up. We have to do a good job in our man-to-man coverage. There is no mystery here, fellas. It’s trusting each other and everybody doing their job!”

—New England coach Bill Belichick, to his defensive players, gathered on the bench in the second half of the Super Bowl, imploring them to remember their fundamentals, on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL” program, in a similar rant to those he’s given his defenses for years.

III

Part 1

“You gave me the best year of my life!”

—Julian Edelman, to Bill Belichick, on the field after the Patriots won the Super Bowl, as captured by NFL Films and aired on “Inside the NFL.”

Part 2

“You know what? You guys went out there and won it. It’s a players’ game.”

—Belichick, to Edelman, via NFL Films.

Part 3

“I’d do anything for you, coach.”

—Edelman, to Belichick, via NFL Films.

IV