NFC West Draft Grades

San Francisco 49ers


Draft Recap:
1 (30): A.J Jenkins WR, Illinois
2 (61): LaMichael James RB, Oregon
4 (117): Joe Looney G, Wake Forest
5 (165): Darius Fleming OLB, Notre Dame
6 (180): Trent Robinson FS, Michigan State
6 (199): Jason Slowey C, Western Oregon
7 (237): Cam Johnson OLB, Virginia


Impact Rookie: LaMichael James RB, Oregon
-The 49ers went with the play maker at 61st Overall and it was a steal for their offense. James reminds most people of Saints RB Darren Sproles thanks to his size (5'8) and game changing speed (4.45). He uses his incredible speed and elusiveness to avoid tackles and turn a small dump of pass into a 60 Yard TD. While the 49ers are stacked at RB with Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, and Kendall Hunter there may not be as many carries for him but he will find opportunities to make plays. The 49ers will likely give him the chance to return kicks and he could come in on passing downs as another speed demon. Due to his speed, James should have a immediate impact as a rookie.
Pick for the Future: Cam Johnson OLB, Virginia
-The 49ers went out with their last pick of the draft to pick up another OLB, Last season the 49ers managed to make it a full season short handed at the position. What they are hoping for is that Cam Johnson can come in as an insurance man at the DE or OLB position while they develop his game. Johnson has nice size but lacks the quick first step you look for in a pass rusher, and struggles to get low. He still struggles against the run, but if the defensive staff can work with Johnson to work on his weaknesses, he can develop into a situational pass rusher.
Questionable Selection: A.J Jenkins WR, Illinois
-I questioned the selection by the 49ers when it happened and I still question it today. While A.J Jenkins is a burner clocking in at a 4.39 40 time to go along with a 38.5 Vertical Jump I don't believe he was the best WR available at the time. Reuben Randle, Stephen Hill were both on the board at 30 and may have been the better WR to take. What Jenkins will bring to the 49ers is a deep threat who Alex Smith can hope to find down the field for the big play. Jenkins doesn't possess the strength or size of Reuben Randle or the upside of Stephen Hill, he could turn into a nice weapon to stretch the field for the 49ers.
Draft Grade: B











St. Louis Rams

Draft Recap:
1 (14): Michael Brockers DT, LSU
2 (33): Brian Quick WR, Appalachian State
2 (39): Janoris Jenkins CB, North Alabama
2 (50): Isaiah Pead RB, Cincinnati
3 (65): Trumaine Johnson CB, Montana
4 (96): Chris Givens WR, Wake Forest
5 (150): Rokevious Watkins OT, South Carolina
6 (171): Greg Zuerlein K, Missouri Western
7 (209): Aaron Brown LB, Hawaii
7 (252): Daryl Richardson RB, Abilene Christian

Impact Rookie: Janoris Jenkins CB, North Alabama 

-Despite being a mid 2nd Round pick thanks to enormous red flags revolving around character concerns, Jenkins was a Top 10 talent in this draft. When he joins Jeff Fisher in St.Louis you can bet there will be a crackdown on his off the field behavior as the team will keep a close microscope on him. What he will do on the field is give the Rams a legitimate CB duo of Jenkins and former Titans CB Cortland Finnegan. The Rams have put together one of the best secondaries in one season.

Pick for the Future: Michael Brockers DT, LSU

-Brockers was a first round pick for the Rams, so it may be a surprise to some that I have him as their pick for the future but consider this. He is being drafted for his enormous upside, which I strongly believe is legitimate. At 6'6 305 lbs Brockers is a force inside, who uses his athleticism to penetrate and create pressure. He is still very raw at the position and has to work on his pass rushing, but the talent is there to be one of the better DT's in the NFL.

Questionable Selection: Brian Quick WR, Appalachian State

-I loved what the Rams did with nearly every selection in this draft, but one of the few problems I had was with the selection of Brian Quick at 33 Overall. Players like Alabama OLB Courtney Upshaw (was my Best Player Available), and even if they wanted to address the WR position LSU WR Reuben Randle was the better WR available. This is not a slight on Quick as I think he has a high ceiling, I just believe Randle or Upshaw would have been the wiser choice/

Draft Grade: A-

Arizona Cardinals

Draft Recap:
1 (13): Michael Floyd WR, Notre Dame
3 (80): Jamell Fleming CB, Oklahoma
4 (112): Bobby Massie OT, Mississippi
5 (151): Senio Kelemte OT, Washington
6 (177): Justin Bethel CB, Presbyterian
6 (185): Ryan Lindley QB, San Diego State
7 (221): Nate Potter OT, Boise State

Impact Rookie: Michael Floyd WR, Notre Dame  

-The Cardinals kept their promise to Larry Fitzgerald at 13 by select Fighting Irish WR Michael FLoyd.The Cardinals have lacked a true No.2 WR since Anquan Boldin from a few years back and now they have their new man in Michael Floyd. Floyd struggled with an alcohol problem in his career at Notre Dame, but his play on the field remained consistent despite inconstant QB play. What Floyd gives the Cardinals is another weapon for Kevin Kolb to throw to with Fitzgerald drawing the double coverage on every play. At 6'3 225 lbs, Floyd will step in right away as the Cardinals No.2 WR and will be an impact player as a rookie.

Pick for the Future: Justin Bethel CB, Presbyterian

-Justin Bethel didn't face the greatest competition at Presbyterian but made an impact that was heard around the scouting world. Bethel blocked an outstanding 9 kicks in four seasons thanks in part to his 60' Vertical Jump he possesses nice size (6'0) and ran a 4.5 40 at his Pro Day. He shows great instincts with the ability to go up and grab the jump ball. He still has work to do when it comes to covering NFL WR's as it will be a big talent jump for him, but until he develops he should step in on Special Teams right away and create pressure on opposing Kickers.

Questionable Selection: Ryan Lindley QB, San Diego State

-This is more of a personal opinion rather then the selection of a QB in the 6th Round. I watched Lindley play 3 times, then once in the Senior Bowl and came away thinking he shouldn't be drafted. His accuracy is below average which is a big problem for QB's in the NF:. He has a big arm but if you can't hit your target that doesn't matter anyways. Lindley doesn't have good instincts and is a strict pocket passer due to his lack of athleticism. In the 6th Round there were plenty of options available that I feel could have offered more upside then Lindley and at a better value.

Draft Grade: B-

Seattle Seahawks

Draft Recap:
1 (15): Bruce Irvin DE, West Virginia
2 (47): Bobby Wagner ILB, Utah State
3 (75): Russell Wilson QB, Wisconsin
4 (106): Robert Turbin RB, Utah State
4 (114): Jaye Howard DT, Florida
5 (154): Korey Toomer ILB, Idaho
6 (172): Jeremy Lane CB, Northwestern State (La.)
6 (181): Winston Guy CB, Kentucky
7 (225): J.R Sweezy DE, North Carolina State
7 (232): Greg Scruggs DE, Louisville

Impact Rookie: Bobby Wagner ILB, Utah State

-Bobby Wagner was one of the more underrated LB's in this draft but what he can do for the Seahawks  is step in as a starter right away and contribute. Wagner is an athletic LB who can play both the ILB and OLB spots. He is fundamentally sound as a tackler, and as the speed to develop into a decent pass rusher. Wagner will start right away for the Seahawks, and be the top rookie performer this year.

Pick for the Future: Russell Wilson QB, Wisconsin 

-I am a believer in Russell Wilson and strongly believe if given a few years to develop he can be a solid NFL Starting QB. Wilson was looked down upon by many scouts and some teams because he stands 6'0 and that's on a good day, but he makes up for that with his athleticism and accuracy. That is no slight on Wilsons' arm as he has shown he can make the throws he needs to. What Wilson will need is just a few years to learn the Seahawks system and develop more as a QB. If after 3 years Matt Flynn doesn't work out Wilson will be ready.

Questionable Selection: Bruce Irvin DE, West Virginia

-The selection of Bruce Irvin with the 15th Overall pick was definitely one of the more sup rising picks for NFL Fans and some individuals inside the NFL. While Irvin was considered to be one of the most talented Pass Rushers in the draft. The problems for Irvin have to do with his smaller size (6'3 245 lbs), the biggest red flag is Irvins' off the field issues, which include an arrest the day after his Pro Day for destruction of property. The talent is there to be great, but at 15 I am not sure the Risk is worth the Reward in the first round.

Draft Grade: C

NFL Playoffs: NFC/AFC Championship Preview

#4 New York Giants vs. #2 San Francisco 49ers
Date: Sunday, January 22nd 2012, 6:30 EST (FOX)
Location: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Previous Meeting(s): 49ers 27 Giants 20

Alex Smith busted the "Bust" Label with his impressive
playoff win and late game heroics

When San Francisco has the Ball:     
-We thought that all the 49ers could do was run the football, run out the clock and Alex Smith was merely a "Game Manager". We were wrong Alex Smith can throw the football and he showed that the 49ers can match high scoring offenses. Saturday against the Saints, Smith threw for 299 Yards and 3 Pass TD's and added  a 28 yard Rush TD as well. His favorite target is Vernon Davis who unleashed against the Saints for 180 Receiving Yards and 2 TD's, including one to win the game. Even without the Passing game the 49ers have Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter to rely on, and both backs can break a long run at any time. When the 49ers take the field against the Giants expect them to use the run often against the Giants 19th ranked Rush Defense, and that will wear down the Giants defense and enable the 49ers to pass later in the game.

Keys to the Game:
1.) Get Pressure on Eli
2.) Hold onto the football
3.) In Vernon Davis we trust

The Giants are getting hot, but if they want to make it back
to the Super Bowl they will have to beat a Elite 49ers Defense

When New York has the Ball: 
-The New York Giants are burning hot right now, after running over the Falcons in the Wild Card Round, they went to the air against the Packers and found success often. Eli Manning went off for 330 Yards with 3 TD's and only 1 INT. 2 of those TD's came on big plays to Hakeem Nicks  (165 Receiving Yards 2 TD's). The Giants were nearly perfect when they went to the air, but they didn't find as much success on the ground until later in the 4th Quarter when the game was in hand.. Against the 49ers No.1 Ranked Rushing Defense, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw aren't likely to find much success. If the Giants can't establish the run the pressure will be on Eli Manning to win this game. Manning has already proven he was Elite, now he has to do it again if he wants to make it to his 2nd Super Bowl

Keys to the Game:
1.) Create Pressure
2.) Use the Middle of the Field
3.) Give Eli time.

Prediction: Giants 27
                   49ers 24

#2 Baltimore Ravens vs. #1 New England Patriots
Date: Sunday, January 22nd 2012, 3:00 EST (CBS)
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
Previous Meeting(s): None

When New England has the Ball:

At this point it doesn't matter who is going against Tom Brady,
he just can't be stopped

-There is only one word to describe Tom Brady "MVP" and he proved it once again against the Broncos. Brady tied a Playoff Record with 6 TD Passes and 363 Yards. Rob Gronkowski caught 10 passes for 145 Yards and 3 TD's continuing his record breaking 2011 season. The Patriots also changed things up in the running game as TE Aaron Hernandez carried it 5 times for 61 yards. The Patriots will now face a tough test as they take on a veteran Ravens Defense who rank 4th against the Pass (196 YPG) and 2nd against the Run (92 YPG). The Patriots will be playing at home which will give them an extra advantage, but they are in for a difficult task.


Keys to the Game:
1.) Make Flacco Throw
2.) Use the Gronk Monster
3.) Keep 8 in the Box

The key for the Ravens will be defense, and even
at the age of 33, Reed is still the key to stopping Brady

When Baltimore has the Ball:
The Baltimore Ravens are well known for their great defense, but their offense isn't always "eye-popping". They are led by Pro Bowl Ray Rice (2,068 Total Yards 15 TD's). Rice is the Ravens Swiss Army Knife on Offense. He has become one of Joe Flaccos' favorite targets. Even if Rice is blocking, Flacco does have other options. WR Anquan Boldin (57 Catches 887 Yards 3 TD's) and rookie WR Torrey Smith (50 Catches 841 Yards 7 TD's). Unfortunately, the Ravens don't give the ball to Rice nearly as much as they should, and they instead rely upon QB Joe Flacco. When the Ravens take on the 31st ranked Pass Defense it may seem like a cushy match up, but the Patriots are a very opportunistic defense creating 34 Turnovers (23 INT's 11 FF's). If the Ravens want to knock off the Patriots and make their first trip to the Super Bowl since 2000.

Keys to the Game:

1.) Put Pressure on Brady

2.) Establish the Run

3.) Create Early Turnovers

Prediction:  Patriots 31
                    Ravens 17

NFL Rewind Week 15

Instant Recap:
Upset Sunday was the storyline of the week, and there were alot of headlines to go around. The Indianapolis Colts who came into Week 15 0-13 beat the Titans for their first win of the season. Meanwhile in Kansas City, the Packers put their 13-0 record on the line, and lost to the Chiefs ending their undefeated chances. In an NFC East clashing the Redskins upset the Giants, who were essentially in a must win game. Drew Brees dismantled the Vikings for 5 TD Passes, and in Tebow land the Patriots showed who the real class of the AFC was in a 41-23 victory. As for the prime time games, well that was a whole new story. The Ravens came in confident and left begging for mercy after the Charges beat them 34-14. On Monday night we had to wait just a little longer for football. Twice the stadium lost power, which maybe was sign of the Steelers offense. Big Ben turned the ball over 4 times, 3 resulting in a combined 13 points for the 49ers. The win kept the Packers from clinching the No.1 seed, and also did the same for the Steelers. This may have been the most suprising week yet, and that makes it even more fun for NFL Fans.

"Say What" Stats:

4,780: Passing Yards by Saints QB Drew Brees. Only 304 yards short of Dan Marinos record (5.084)

1,006: Receiving Yards by Bengals rookie WR A.J Green. 16th rookie to ever do so.

19: Straight wins by the Green Bay Packers before their 19-14 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.

214: Receiving Yards by Lions WR Calvin Johnson Sunday vs. Oakland. A career best

MVP Watch:

Drew Brees NO (@ MIN): 32/40 412 Pass Yards 5 TD's 0 INT's 149.2 QB Rating
2011 Total: 417/583 4,780 Pass Yards 37 TD's 11 INT's 109.1 QB Rating, 1 Rush TD

Aaron Rodgers GB (@ KC): 17.35 235 Pass Yards 1 TD 0 INT's  80.1 QB Rating, 1 Rush TD
2011 Total: 322/473 4,360 Pass Yards 40 TD's 6 INT's 120.1 QB Rating, 3 Rush TD's

Tom Brady NE (@ DEN: 23/34 320 Pass Yards 2 TD's 0 INT's 117.3 QB Rating, 1 Rush TD
2011 Total: 345/530 4,593 Pass Yards 35 TD's 11 INT's 106.7 QB Rating, 1 Rush TD

LeSean McCoy PHI (vs. NYJ): 18 Carries 102 Yards (5.7 YPC) 3 TD's, 2 Catches -5 Yards, 1 FUM
2011 Total: 260 Carries 1,274 Yards (4.9 YPC) 17 Rush TD's, 46 Catches 305 Yards 3 TD's, 1 FUM

Defensive Player of the Week:

John Abraham DE, ATL: 5 Tackles (4 Solo) 3.5 Sacks, 2 FF

On Thursday Night, Abraham stepped up big collecting 3.5 Sacks, and forcing 2
fumbles as a result.

-From now on watch only the prime time games, you are likely to find the Defensive Player of the Week in there. Last week it was Jason Pierre-Paul, and this week it is John Abraham. On Thursday Night Football on NFL Network, Falcons DE John Abraham proved to be a disrupting force for the Jaguars. Abraham made it a rough night for rookie QB Blaine Gabbert sacking him 3.5 times, and forcing 2 fumbles. The Falcons went on to win 41-14 and Abraham played an important role in the blowout victory. Nice job John Abraham, and great job Atlanta Falcons.

Browns 80 yard TD run against the Titans, played a key part in
the Colts first win of the season

Plays of the Week

Greg Little 76 Yard TD Catch

Plaxico Burress 9 Yard TD Catch

Donald Brown 80 Yard TD Run

Top Play of the Week: Donald Brown 80 Yard TD Run
-Donald Brown wins the "Play of the Week" Honors with his amazing 80 yard TD run. Brown broke tackles in the backfield, then reversed direction to find open space and dash 80 yards down the field for the score. It was the longest TD play of the year for the Colts, and it also gave the Colts their first Win on the year. Brown is turning heads in the NFL and will be someone to keep an eye on in 2012.

Coaches Hot Seat:

Steve Spagnulo, STL: Seared
-Steve Spagnulo the former Giants DC may be on the way out after only 2 seasons in St. Louis. Spagnulo has taken a team that fell just short of an NFC West Crown last year at 7-9 and turned it into a 2-12 Squad, struggling to avoid being the worst team in the NFL. Granted there have been injuries along the way but the Rams 27th ranked offense and 32nd ranked run defense just aren't getting the job done. Spagnulo may be given one more year to save the Rams, but he just as easily could be out after this season.

Raheem Morris, TB: Simmering
-Another case of a young coach who did well in 2010, but in 2011 is facing a much different issue. The 2011 Buccaneers are 4-10, and keep in mind they had 10 wins just last year. The Bucs rank 26th against stopping the pass and 29th against stopping the run. The Bucs have also dealt with some injuries on defense, but there was poor play even before the injuries. While their is no doubt in my mind Morris will keep his job in 2012, his seat is starting to get hot.


"Suck for Luck" Sweepstakes

-The Colts Won, The Colts Won. Thank Tebow all mighty, the Indianapolis Colts won a football game without Peyton Manning. Despite the sarcasm a win was big for the Colts, and it provides a small glimmer of hope for Colts fans. However, it doesn't change the status of who will have the 1st Overall pick. There is no question about it, the Indianapolis Colts are the worst team in the NFL, and will be drafting Andrew Luck 1st Overall. He is a rare QB Prospect who can come in right away and help lift the spirits of the franchise that selects him. His ability to run when he needs to, make the accurate pass,his knowledge of the game, and ability to make bad WR's look good is rare in rookie QB's. The only problem, the Colts will have a healthy Peyton Manning in 2012, so which of the 2 QB's do they trade for a Kings Ransom.

Andrew Luck didn't win the Heisman but there should be no doubt
he is the No.1 Draft Pick in 2012

Once the Colts draft Andrew Luck however, that is where the real problem starts. All reports indicate that come Training Camp, Peyton Manning will be healthy and ready to go. Now with any other rookie QB that is fine, just let the young QB learn from the bench. Luck is different though, he has the ability to start right away, and he will want to start right away. It is highly unlikely that the Colts will keep both so it will come down to which QB will they get more for. My guess is Andrew Luck will be traded, most likely to the Browns for multiple 1st round picks. It is going to be a interesting storyline when the draft comes around, and one EVERYONE will be keeping an eye on.



With so many questions about whether or not Moore can be an NFL
QB, he will have alot to prove against Arizona State



Draft Prospects to Watch

Kellen Moore QB, BSU:

Height: 6'1 Weight: 191 Class: Senior

Bowl Game: MAACO Bowl
       - Date: Thursday December 22nd
 What to Watch for:
-Accuracy
-Deep Ball
-Pocket Presence

Vontaze Burfict LB, ASU:
Height: 6'3 Weight: 250 Class: Junior
Bowl Game: MAACO Bowl 
      - Date: Thursday December 22nd
What to Watch for:
-Coverage Skills
-Motor
-Block Shedding

Vinny Curry DE/OLB, Marshall:
Height: 6'5 Weight: 242 Class: Senior
Bowl Game: Beef O' Bradys Bowl
       - Date: Tuesday December 20th
What to Watch for:
-Coverage Skills
-Block Shedding
-Run Stopping