I find myself getting itchy and antsy when I think about the possibility of there not being an NFL season come August. In the past, this would have nearly killed me. Literally. But now, I think I will just share some of my thoughts on how the teams from the NFC West should draft when the time comes. Sure, they won't listen to me, but I'm going to do it anyway. For my own sake, and for yours, if you're jonesing like I am. We will speak of the teams in the order they will make their picks when the draft begins on April, 28. The numbers in parenthesis reflect the team's record, followed by their respective first round draft position.
Arizona Cardinals (5-11, 5)
The Cardinals' quarterback play in 2010 was, um, forgettable (you know I'm being nice). Many -in fact, most- "NFL Draft experts" say that they need to take a QB with their #5 pick. They would be wrong. For the bigger problem last season was their inability to get to the opposing quarterback and cause hurried and inaccurate throws. They only generated 33 sacks as a team, which is a hair over two per game and down from 43 in 2009. To achieve those type of numbers again, they need to upgrade the linebacking core, which was led by Joey Porter and Clark Haggans (5.0 sacks each). Compare that to should-have-been-defensive-player-of-the-year Clay Matthews, who had 13.5 all by his lonesome, and you can see that I'm right. Put that together with the fact that Porter and Haggans -who were teammates at Colorado State in the late '90s- are a combined age of 67, and you have a recipe for defensive disaster in 2011 if they don't address the need in late April.
Who should they take at #5? Von Miller, Texas A&M. He had 28 sacks in his final two seasons as an Aggie, and is much like the aforementioned Matthews. They're the same height, and Matthews has about 10 pounds on Miller. Both are lightning quick off the ball, and get around or run through offensive linemen with little trouble. Miller is smart, and he is a leader. Causing pressure in the backfield is essential to the success of a defense. Without Clay Matthews, for example, the Packers don't even sniff the playoffs last season, let alone get in and dominate everyone en route to hoisting up the Lombardi Trophy. A great pass rushing linebacker takes pressure off of the secondary, it allows your corners to relax a bit (see Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie) and your safeties to be able to drop into coverage more often without the need to play up at the line of scrimmage.
San Francisco 49ers (6-10, 7)
The 49ers also have a need for a quarterback, but unlike Arizona, they need to address this with their first pick. Cam Newton will most likely be there, but I am not sold on him one bit. He can run like the wind, but as stated in a previous entry, he needs much work in the throwing department. San Fran cannot afford to wait for him to develop into a true QB, as their leading receiver was tight end Vernon Davis, who had only 56 catches in 2010. They have a fairly talented receiving core, which starts with Michael Crabtree. He led the team with 101 targets (passes attempted for him), but only managed to catch 55 of them. That is just terrible.
Who should they take at #7? Blaine Gabbert, Missouri. He has the size (6'-5'' 235lbs) and the arm to produce at a high level for a number of years. Gabbert reminds me of Matt Ryan in that he can step right in and run the offense with success and be a leader immediately. His completion percentage last season wasn't ideal, but if you watched any of the Tigers' games (you probably did not), you would have seen many drops by receivers. This was the norm for Missou in 2010. But as long as Gabbert can get the ball out on time and to the hands of Crabtree, the 49er offense will be vastly improved. And with Frank Gore returning healthy, defenses beware.
St. Louis Rams (7-9, 14)
I envy the Rams because they are in the unique position in the NFC West of actually NOT needing a QB. The defense was decent enough in 2010, so they can address a need or two later in the draft. They only caused 14 interceptions, but made up for it by forcing 27 fumbles. That's only one less than Super Bowl runner up Pittsburgh Steelers, who pride themselves in having one of the best defenses in the NFL every year. Quite impressive. No, what they need more than anything is a big target for Mr. Golden Arm to throw to. Danny Amendola caught almost 90 passes in 2010, but for less than 700 yards. They need a deep threat in the worst way.
Who should they take at #14? Julio Jones, Alabama. Many found out just how good an athlete he is at the NFL Combine, when he blew away the competition, running a 4.39 in the 40 yard dash, and an amazing 11'-3'' broad jump, just 2'' off the combine record. His speed and leaping ability aside, he has probably the best set of hands among wide receivers in this draft, and many have compared him to the great Larry Fitzgerald -myself included. So for the Rams, this seems like a no-brainer.
Seattle Seahawks (7-9, 25)
The Seahawks won the NFC West in 2010, then won a playoff game on Wild Card Weekend in mid-January. Therefore, they have a lower pick in the first round than a 7-9 squad should probably have. They -like everyone in the division but St. Louis- need a QB, because Matt Hasselbeck will be 36 on Sept. 25. And let's be honest, how many more years will he be able to endure 30 sacks per and still get up? Be that as it may, their best bet will be to sign a younger free agent or trade for one once the new CBA is signed. They need help in the secondary. The defense as a whole collected only 12 interceptions all of last year, and unless that changes, things will only get worse on defense for them.
Who should they take at #25? Chimdi Chekwa, THE Ohio State. I would have said they should draft Prince Amukamara out of Nebraska, but he likely won't be available at 25. For some, this may be a stretch. Not for me. As you know, I am a Buckeye, born and bred. I watched this young man from the time he was a freshman through the 2011 Sugar Bowl, and let me tell you, he will shine on Sundays. His 4.4 second 40 ranked him 3rd among corners in the draft, and having worked with head coach Jim Tressel's staff for four years, he is a mature defender who stays home when in a zone defense, and is constantly in the hip pocket of his assignment when running man to man. He possesses poise beyond his years, and the ability if you ask it of him to blitz from his corner position.
