2008 Draft:

1 (28) Lawrence Jackson, DE  STARTER
	Well, maybe not a for sure starter, but he did start 14 games for the Hawks, starting nine at one end before being benched and subsequently coming back in and starting five more as an injury replacement at the other end.  If Jackson could be said to have a problem, it would be that he can't seem to generate any rush yet, though he flashes some tremendous explosiveness, and thus isn't starter quality material.  On the other hand, he is progressing nicely, which is standard issue for even the really good Dlinemen.  He certainly won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
2 (38) John Carlson, TE  STARTER
	As a rotational and package starter on the end of hte line, Carlson has impressed.  Probably the best pick of the 2008 draft for Seattle, he was also the highest rated TE.  Seattle had to trade their third rounder to move up and get him, but knowing they needed help at tackle, with none available in the draft, they did the next best thing in picking up an end blocker (who works hard at getting better) and quick outlet for the QB.
4 (121) Red Bryant, DT  Backup
	Bryant's less than stellar college career followed him to Seattle where injuries sidelined him too often.  Seattle looks to be trying to establish some depth in the rotation, despite losing linemate Rocky Bernard, and the worry is that any depth added could potentially bury Bryant amongst the backups for good.
5 (163), Owen Schmitt, FB  Backup
	Seattle refused to throw Schmitt into the mess that was 2008, probably because his pass blocking wasn't yet significantly better than Leonard Weaver's.  That won't be an option in 2009, and Seattle needs to findout whether the top rated blocking FB in the draft has what it takes to start.
6 (189) Tyler Schmitt, LS  Backup
	When a guy is drafted specifically to be a longsnapper, even if it is with a 6th round pick, it is a serious blow when they can't contribute.  After going to IR before the season, Schmitt didn't miss out on much, and his stock isn't likely hurt in Seattle.
7 (223) Justin Forsett, RB  Backup
	Another player with a lot of potential who was never given a chance to do anything in 2008.  With the 'hawks moving to a likely committee system int eh backfield, there is a good chance that 2009 could be Forsett's chance to get a lot of carries.
7 (235) Brandon Coutu, K  Backup
	The more of Ruskell's drafts I analyze, the less I understand what he is trying to accomplish.  Coutu wasn't able to win the starting job as a rookie, yet was retained on a roster that was decimated with injuries.  It is likely he goes into 2010 trying to win the starting job again, but I have to wonder what happens if he once again isn't up to tthe task...  Do they give him a raise?

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 2008 Draft:

1 (2) Chris Long, DE  STARTER
	While Long's production may not be where many would like to see it, it is generally regarded as acceptable for  defensive linemen to take a little time to develop, and in Chris' case, he does all the little things to make you comfortable with giving him that leeway.  Reportedly a hard studier and film-room buff, he is a solid guy in practice and hustles on the field.  The feeling, and it seems pretty accurate, is that he is well on his way to being a consistent, and possibly stellar, player.
2 (33) Donnie Avery, WR  STARTER
	Avery contributed immediately to the team, posting good numbers for a rookie WR and flashing some terrific instincts, body control and hands.  The Rams liked his efforts enough to name him their rookie of the year, and he has a bright future ahead of him as the team improves around him
3 (65) John Greco, OT  Backup
	Greco came along slowly, but was moved ahead of G Incognito on the depth chart at the end of the season, where he was adequate.  WIth Incognito likely to attempt an "attitude-readjustment" there will likely be a battle in camp for the starting RG spot.  While Greco could win the spot in a darkhorse role, Cogs is certainly capable of hanging on to it, and Greco may end up learning to backup the C and LG in order to capitalize on his roster spot, and better position himself for an inevitable move into the starting lineup someday.
4 (107) Justin King, CB  Backup
	Sidelined by an injury in training camp, he looks to be healthy and ready to return.  He will need to catch the coaches eye all over agian, but he was on his way to doing that once ,and he has the confidence to repeat it.
4 (128) Keenan Burton, WR  Backup
	Burton found himself in and out of the lineup with injuries and inconsistent play, but flashed the ability to play a possession role in a more spread out offense.  Unfortunately, if he doesn't get more durable, playing over the middle will drop his value out of sight, and the Rams won't be willing to hang onto him.
5 (157) Roy Schuening, OG  Backup
	A promising prospect who is being developed very carefully by the Rams.  May compete for a backup spot, but could likely end up on the practice squad in 09, with redundant interior depth ahead of him.  He got off to a rough start, and the season finished with him not getting in on the "talent scouting" where the team played a lot of their depth in the final games, but in between reporst from the front office for him were favorable, so he seems to be doing the little things behind the scenes.
7 (228) Chris Chamberlain, SS/OLB  Backup
	After spending the season inactive he was able to get on the field towards the year, but didn't turn any heads while getting reps at OLB.  his coverage skills appear to be solid, and he could provide key depth at the SAM position going forward.
7 (252) David Vobora, ILB  Backup
	Vobora didn't impress with plenty of playing time.  He might be best suited to a move outside, as he is a tad undersized, but the Rams will likely try to upgrade the middle,a nd he will end up ahving his work cut out for him to keep a job.

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 2008 Draft:

1 (16) Domonique-Rodgers-Cromartie, CB  STARTER
	Cromartie definitley lived up to his first rounb billing, first stepping into the starter role, and then stepping onto the biggest stage inthe NFL in the SuperBowl.  While he still has some parts of his game he could work on, he showed the ability to be not just the top rookie for the Cards, or a top player on the team, but one of the best in the NFL.
2 (50) Calais Campell, DE  Backup
	Campell made maximum use of limited reps, by being both a  playmaker on special teams and in rare defensive snaps.  By staying healthy and productive, he looks to have earned a chance to start at DE in the new 3-4 look.
3 (81) Early Doucet, WR  Backup
	A groin strain put him behind the eightball early in Arizona, and he barely managed to see the field at all, being deactivated msot of the time.  However, with the superior depth at WR, Arizona may be hoping to keep him around, since he proveds the reliable sure handed play that can be effective coming cold off the bench.
4 (116) Keeny Iwebema, DE  Backup
	Not quite the upside of Campbell, Iwebama didn't get the chance to impress on STs, but still managed to produce ont eh Dline in relief duty to injured starters at DE and DT.  His size and strength make him a versatile complement to the 3-4 line, and he will likely be a solid backup there.
5 (149) Tim Hightower, RB  STARTER
	THough he may end up being part of a committee at RB for the Cards, Hightower proved that he is part of their starting offensive packages.  After a redhot start he definitely cooled off after being named the starter, but all signs point toward a solid player with a bright future in Arizona.  With Edge likely on his way out, it is only a question of how Arizona is able to replace him, in dealing with where Hightower ranks against the other runners.
6 (185) Chris Harrington, DE  Backup
	After earning a spot on the practice squad harrington was poached by the Bengals.
7 (225) Brandon Keith, OT  Backup
	He hasn't been given much of a look, but the Cardinal's line caught some grief in 2008 and he might be looked at as an upgrade for the running game.

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 2008 Draft:

1 (29) Kentwan Balmer, DT  Backup
	Not exactly a hot start for the rookie, collecting almost as many kick returns as he had tackles, all on special teams.  With the anticipated switch to a 3-4 the Niners are just hoping he has the ability to move over to DE.  It will probably be a suitable move that gets him on the field, as he has the length and ability to take on blockers and force double teams.
2 (39) Chilo Rachal, OG  STARTER
	With  the advent of new Head Coach Mike Singletary, Rachal went from benchwarmer to starter.  He appears to have the starting guard spot locked down, and shows the athleticism to be moved out on the edge if needed, should the Niners find themselves in a good position to target Guards in the draft.
3 (75) Reggie Smith, CB  Backup
	The latest addition of the highly targeted CB spot for the niners.  Smith saw action on special teams, but where it gets interesting for him is his experience as a SS.  While he doesn't quite have the range to drop all the way back as a FS, he certainly has the versatility to give the Niners optional looks and packages in their secondary.  No doubt he will be around for awhile, as an intriguing set of possibilities.
4 (107) Cody Wallace, C  Backup
	Wallace will get some time to develop on the bench, as C Eric Heitmann recieved a contract extension to go along with arguably his best year as the Niner's center.  Wallace is solid depth, and should be ready to step in if there wre to be interior line injuries.
6 (171) Josh Morgan, WR  Backup
	Morgan should get an opportunity to compete for first team reps, after a rookie season that started out with a lot of promise during the pre-season, but hit the brakes after a staph infection and then a groin injury sidelined him.  He has good size/strength, and could be a playmaker if he can build up some solid connections with whomever ends up QBing the niners.
7 (214) Larry Grant, OLB  Backup/Rams
	Was poached early from San Francisco's practice squad, and now serves as an inexperiencd strongside backup for the Rams.

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 Time to catch up on the weeks happenings in the NFC West!

The Seahawks paid up to nab WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, which could end up having a tremendous trickle down effect on the draft day top 20 or so.  Arizona finally got Kurt Warner under wraps and the 49ers are slowly solidifying role players on offense and defense.  St. Louis has been less than active, but locking up C Jason Brown will turn out to be one of the biggest moves in free agency, and re-signing their own CB Ron Bartell may end up being one of the better long term signings they could have made.

Below you will find the charts updated and notes on the most recent signings.  See you below the fold!

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 Keeping track of a team's dynamic roster gain/loss throughout the offseason is one of the keys to understanding their draft day moves and choices.  Enter Monitoring Team Needs, an at-a-glance way of checking up on your team's latest roster flux, as we count down through Free Agency, and into the days before the 2009 Draft.

Below is a table that breaks down this roster flux, showing who has come and gone, as well as updating the neediest areas of the team and some of the top names that have a good chance of being available when they pick in the Draft.  Draft prospects are linked to their Mocking the Draft Profiles and any names or positions highlighted in bold should be considered either to be positions of particular need and emphasis, or players of particular relevance and interest to the team's situation.  Below the chart we will discuss some of the names and situations described, and as always, you can join in on the discussion in the comments.

See you below the fold!

Continue reading this post »

 Keeping track of a team's dynamic roster gain/loss throughout the offseason is one of the keys to understanding their draft day moves and choices.  Enter Monitoring Team Needs, an at-a-glance way of checking up on your team's latest roster flux, as we count down through Free Agency, and into the days before the 2009 Draft.

Below is a table that breaks down this roster flux, showing who has come and gone, as well as updating the neediest areas of the team and some of the top names that have a good chance of being available when they pick in the Draft.  Draft prospects are linked to their Mocking the Draft Profiles and any names or positions highlighted in bold should be considered either to be positions of particular need and emphasis, or players of particular relevance and interest to the team's situation.  Below the chart we will discuss some of the names and situations described, and as always, you can join in on the discussion in the comments.

See you below the fold!

Continue reading this post »

 Keeping track of a team's dynamic roster gain/loss throughout the offseason is one of the keys to understanding their draft day moves and choices.  Enter Monitoring Team Needs, an at-a-glance way of checking up on your team's latest roster flux, as we count down through Free Agency, and into the days before the 2009 Draft.

Below is a table that breaks down this roster flux, showing who has come and gone, as well as updating the neediest areas of the team and some of the top names that have a good chance of being available when they pick in the Draft.  Draft prospects are linked to their Mocking the Draft Profiles and any names or positions highlighted in bold should be considered either to be positions of particular need and emphasis, or players of particular relevance and interest to the team's situation.  Below the chart we will discuss some of the names and situations described, and as always, you can join in on the discussion in the comments.

See you below the fold!

Continue reading this post »