The draft is soon approaching and even though the playoffs are not completed it is time to talk draft rankings. My NFL team stunk it up this season so I could careless about the playoffs at this point as I have focused 100% of my energy to compiling my first ever: DRAFT BOARD OF TALENT.
My Top 12 Overall Draft Rankings:
1. Malcolm Jenkins (DB - Ohio State)
2. Michael Crabtree (WR - Texas Tech)
3. Michael Oher (OT - Mississippi)
4. Aaron Curry (OLB - Wake Forest)
5. Andre Smith (OT - Alabama)
6. Sam Bradford (QB - Oklahoma)
7. Brian Orakpo (DE/OLB - Texas)
8. Taylor Mays (S - USC)
9. Eugene Monroe (OT - Virginia)
10. Ray Maualuga (ILB - USC)
11. Chris Wells (RB - Ohio State)
12. William Moore (S - Missouri)
13. Mark Sanchez (QB - USC)
14. SenDerrick Marks (DT - Auburn)
15. Matt Stafford (QB - USC)
SO WHO WILL GO WHERE??
The difficult question for all 32 teams to answer is - Do we draft on need or overall talent?
Detroit needs a DB desperately, but you could say that for almost their complete roster. An OT or QB would be the logical choice for Detroit especially with a new coach coming in.
At #2 St. Louis is also in need of some OL help but is it worth taking the 2nd best OT if Detroit takes the #1 guy? Will both teams rank the same guy at #1? Would STL take the best QB if Detroit takes the best O-lineman? How dependable can Bulger be? His line was absolute crap all season so maybe he can return to old form if the Rams get him some blocking.
For sheer arguments sake we will assume the top 2 picks will go like this:
1. Detroit - #1OT or #1QB
2. St Louis - #1QB or #1OT
On to pick #3 where Kansas City could be sweating as they sit in the same boat with Detroit and St Louis with a need at OT and QB. Tyler Thigpen would be a serviceable backup to hold onto as he played as good as expected but this team needs that franchise QB.
Pick #4 is held by the disappointing Seahawks. Injuries plagued their skill players again in 2008 so even though an OT would be a great addition to their front four. I assume Seattle will focus their attention on getting some healthy and youthful WR or QB help.
3. Kansas City - #2 OT or #2 QB
4. Seattle - #1 WR or #2 QB or #2 OT
Pick #5 are my beloved Brownies. What a kick in the crotch 2008 has been. The defense is bad, the offense decided to take a vacation from scoring TD's and to top it all off the coach and GM have been canned. Where to start?? Defense wins…. I won't say championships. The Browns have quite a bit of money invested in their OL so I doubt a OT is selected here. RB is a need but that can be found in the later rounds. WR is a need but do they need another Top 5 WR? So far no team has taken a DE, DB or LB. The Browns should have their choice of the best at each position.
Cincinnati holds pick #6 and I believe this team can return to contention if they keep Carson upright, their OL healthy and because the schedule will be easier come September. Cincinnati should focus on defense as well since they will be forced to tag TJ and finally have found a RB that fits their system in Benson.
5. Cleveland - #1DB, or #1OLB, or #1DE
6. Cincinnati - #1ILB, or #1DE, or #1 OLB
*As more underclassman declare I will enhance this article to the remainder of the 1st Round. See more from DeMange at http://draftguru.wordpress.com/