2009 NFL Draft Thread

[RedFlash]

Most likely. Cutler isn't taking up much room at all, I'm pretty sure less than whatever the 1st pick would have been. If they spend no money on a 1st or 2nd, they will easily have room to sign the 3-7s. Also, with Cutler and Boldin, their other needs would disappear.

 

Agreed.

[dew1679666265]

The Cardinals have apparently now reduced their demands for Boldin.

 

I really don't see any real negatives with the Titans surrendering a 2nd round pick and, for instance, Lavelle Hawkins for Boldin. Heck, I'd throw in Willie Mays Hayes for Boldin.

 

If Arizona is TRULY willing to take a 2nd round offer plus considerations for Bolden, I don't understand why the Bears don't jump in. Bolden is clearly better then anybody the Bears could draft at 49 anyways. I don't expect the Bears to take a shot at Bolden, but I wish they would. But if not Chicago, then Tennessee would be a nice fit for Bolden.

 

It could well be cost for them. Both Cutler and Boldin are likely to be paid significantly more than a draft pick will be - do the Bears have the cap room for him and the rest of their picks/needs?

 

Most likely. Cutler isn't taking up much room at all, I'm pretty sure less than whatever the 1st pick would have been. If they spend no money on a 1st or 2nd, they will easily have room to sign the 3-7s. Also, with Cutler and Boldin, their other needs would disappear.

 

Ok, I'm completely unaware of Cutler's salary. Just assumed it'd be high.

[bukie]

Ok, I'm completely unaware of Cutler's salary. Just assumed it'd be high.

The Bears are paying Cutler just over 1 million in salary this year. Orton is going to make 995,000 this year. So, really, in the Orton-Cutler exchange, the Bears are out about 10k.

[dew1679666265]

Ok, I'm completely unaware of Cutler's salary. Just assumed it'd be high.

The Bears are paying Cutler just over 1 million in salary this year. Orton is going to make 995,000 this year. So, really, in the Orton-Cutler exchange, the Bears are out about 10k.

 

Wow. That's pretty nice to have that little invested in such a good QB.

[Derwood]

Ok, I'm completely unaware of Cutler's salary. Just assumed it'd be high.

The Bears are paying Cutler just over 1 million in salary this year. Orton is going to make 995,000 this year. So, really, in the Orton-Cutler exchange, the Bears are out about 10k.

 

Wow. That's pretty nice to have that little invested in such a good QB.

 

Just means he's one good season away from demanding a new contract

[ELCABALLO45]

Stafford and the Lions agree on a 6 year deal.

 

6 year deal, 78 million. 41.7 guarenteed...

 

wow

[RedFlash]

Stafford and the Lions agree on a 6 year deal.

 

6 year deal, 78 million. 41.7 guarenteed...

 

wow

 

Wow, indeed.

[Flames24Rulz]

Stafford and the Lions agree on a 6 year deal.

 

6 year deal, 78 million. 41.7 guarenteed...

 

wow

 

The NFL really needs to change the way rookies are paid. I'm sure this is going to be a major reason why the players association and owners might not come up with a new CBA after this season.

[TruffleShuffle]

Stafford and the Lions agree on a 6 year deal.

 

6 year deal, 78 million. 41.7 guarenteed...

 

wow

 

The NFL really needs to change the way rookies are paid. I'm sure this is going to be a major reason why the players association and owners might not come up with a new CBA after this season.

 

maybe, but i bet a lot of current NFL stars who weren't top 10 picks would be happy to introduce a system that places controls on the way that the elite draft picks get paid. elite OTs are not happy with a system that lets jake long be paid more than them without playing a down, for example.

 

you are right that the system does need to be overhauled, though. it's gotten to the point where nobody wants to trade up for a top 5 pick because you have give up draft picks and then sink so much money into a guy who could just be a bust.

[Guest]

They definitely need to come up with some sort of rookie pay scale like the NBA has.

[dew1679666265]

soccer, I was listening to the JT the Brick show on Fox Sports Radio on the way home tonight and he says he works for the Raiders. He said through his connections he has learned that Oakland is likely to go with Heyward-Bey with the #7 pick.

 

He then interviewed Rob Rang (sp?) who said it's a "done deal" of DHB to the Raiders.

 

Not sure of the legitimacy of it all, but that's the rumor I've heard.

[Guest]

JT the Brick knows his Raiders.

 

I can't believe crappy LA sports talk radio is now going across the country thanks to FOX radio.

[Guest]

Isn't that a pretty big stretch for DHB?

 

On the mock draft stuff I've seen, he's behind Maclin and Crabtree and not going until at least the middle of the first round.

 

I'd prefer Crabtree or Maclin but most of all I want a WR, so if it has to be DHB, so be it.

 

Hopefully if they do draft DHB, they're able to trade down and get an extra pick or so in the deal.

[dew1679666265]

Isn't that a pretty big stretch for DHB?

 

On the mock draft stuff I've seen, he's behind Maclin and Crabtree and not going until at least the middle of the first round.

 

I'd prefer Crabtree or Maclin but most of all I want a WR, so if it has to be DHB, so be it.

 

Hopefully if they do draft DHB, they're able to trade down and get an extra pick or so in the deal.

 

From what JT and Rob Rang inferred, it sounds like they're just taking DHB at 7.

 

And it would be a huge stretch. DHB is raw, but incredibly talented. Taking him in the middle of the first would be a bit of a reach, though.

[dew1679666265]

JT the Brick knows his Raiders.

 

I can't believe crappy LA sports talk radio is now going across the country thanks to FOX radio.

 

He seems to know his Raiders and Boston/New York baseball. And of the Fox Sports late night guys he's probably the one I enjoy the most. He and Tom Looney aren't bad together.

[Guest]

Isn't that a pretty big stretch for DHB?

 

On the mock draft stuff I've seen, he's behind Maclin and Crabtree and not going until at least the middle of the first round.

 

I'd prefer Crabtree or Maclin but most of all I want a WR, so if it has to be DHB, so be it.

 

Hopefully if they do draft DHB, they're able to trade down and get an extra pick or so in the deal.

 

From what JT and Rob Rang inferred, it sounds like they're just taking DHB at 7.

 

And it would be a huge stretch. DHB is raw, but incredibly talented. Taking him in the middle of the first would be a bit of a reach, though.

 

Even when drafting a position of need the Raiders still (according to this guy) go and do something stupid.

[RedFlash]

Stafford and the Lions agree on a 6 year deal.

 

6 year deal, 78 million. 41.7 guarenteed...

 

wow

 

The NFL really needs to change the way rookies are paid. I'm sure this is going to be a major reason why the players association and owners might not come up with a new CBA after this season.

 

maybe, but i bet a lot of current NFL stars who weren't top 10 picks would be happy to introduce a system that places controls on the way that the elite draft picks get paid. elite OTs are not happy with a system that lets jake long be paid more than them without playing a down, for example.

 

you are right that the system does need to be overhauled, though. it's gotten to the point where nobody wants to trade up for a top 5 pick because you have give up draft picks and then sink so much money into a guy who could just be a bust.

 

 

I think MOST if not all current NFL players would be in favor of a rookie pay scale if it meant adding more dough to their own pocket when it comes to negotiations. Most veterans are losing jobs and/or money because teams spend so much on unproven players.

 

So yeah, I do see the rookie pay scale happening in the NFL real soon, the question will be what the owners will give up to make it happen?

[Guest]

Just checked out the San Francisco Chronicle's website and they've got a story saying the same thing.

 

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/24/SPOV178JIJ.DTL

[dew1679666265]

Just checked out the San Francisco Chronicle's website and they've got a story saying the same thing.

 

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/24/SPOV178JIJ.DTL

 

Look at it this way: if he reaches his potential, he'll be worth the pick.

[Flames24Rulz]

Packers are supposedly going to take Crabtree (if he's still there at #9) or trade down. Meh. I like Crabtree a lot, but I don't see why we keep drafting WR's because that's probably our biggest strength. I guess it would make sense since Driver is getting up there in years and a tandem of Jennings and Crabtree with Jones and Nelson as the 3-4 guys would be pretty dominant for quite some time. Still, we need a little something called defense if we actually want to compete this year.

[Guest]

Just checked out the San Francisco Chronicle's website and they've got a story saying the same thing.

 

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/24/SPOV178JIJ.DTL

 

Look at it this way: if he reaches his potential, he'll be worth the pick.

 

I'm certainly not going to be disappointed with the pick like I have been with some of their past first rounders. They need a WR and it sounds like they're going to take one, which is fine with me. Like I said, I'd prefer Crabtree or Maclin but I'd rather have them take DHB than use the pick on another position. Hopefully, if they draft him, he can become a top-notch WR.

[Splendid_Splinter]

Packers are supposedly going to take Crabtree (if he's still there at #9) or trade down. Meh. I like Crabtree a lot, but I don't see why we keep drafting WR's because that's probably our biggest strength. I guess it would make sense since Driver is getting up there in years and a tandem of Jennings and Crabtree with Jones and Nelson as the 3-4 guys would be pretty dominant for quite some time. Still, we need a little something called defense if we actually want to compete this year.

I don't know what rumors about the Packers scares me more, this one or the one about the Packers picking Andre Smith if he is still on the board.

 

At this point it would probably be best to prepare myself for the worst.

[Flames24Rulz]

Packers are supposedly going to take Crabtree (if he's still there at #9) or trade down. Meh. I like Crabtree a lot, but I don't see why we keep drafting WR's because that's probably our biggest strength. I guess it would make sense since Driver is getting up there in years and a tandem of Jennings and Crabtree with Jones and Nelson as the 3-4 guys would be pretty dominant for quite some time. Still, we need a little something called defense if we actually want to compete this year.

I don't know what rumors about the Packers scares me more, this one or the one about the Packers picking Andre Smith if he is still on the board.

 

At this point it would probably be best to prepare myself for the worst.

 

Next to Curry, Andre Smith would be my favorite pickup at #9 (if available of course). Overall, he's the best player in the draft and we'd have an anchor on the offensive line for the next decade.

[Splendid_Splinter]

Packers are supposedly going to take Crabtree (if he's still there at #9) or trade down. Meh. I like Crabtree a lot, but I don't see why we keep drafting WR's because that's probably our biggest strength. I guess it would make sense since Driver is getting up there in years and a tandem of Jennings and Crabtree with Jones and Nelson as the 3-4 guys would be pretty dominant for quite some time. Still, we need a little something called defense if we actually want to compete this year.

I don't know what rumors about the Packers scares me more, this one or the one about the Packers picking Andre Smith if he is still on the board.

 

At this point it would probably be best to prepare myself for the worst.

 

Next to Curry, Andre Smith would be my favorite pickup at #9 (if available of course). Overall, he's the best player in the draft and we'd have an anchor on the offensive line for the next decade.

I agree with you wholeheartedly about Aaron Curry being my favorite pick for the Packers. The speculation that he may fall tomorrow gives me a glimmer of hope that the Packers could have a chance to draft him. His versatility would be a huge asset for the new defense. On the other hand I disagree about Andre Smith, especially for Green Bay.

 

One of the reasons why I hope the Packers don't pick Smith is he probably won't be able to stay at LT. In my opinion he just does not have the lateral movement that is needed in order to defend against the best speed rushers of the NFL. With how much the Packers throw the ball I would not feel comfortable at all with him defending Aaron Rodger's blind side. Although I do think that the Packers would probably adjust their playbook to include more running plays. While there is a chance that Smith could play RT or OG, his value as the ninth pick diminishes substantially. Then there are even questions if he could do well in a different positions that he has never played in.

 

The next concern I have with Smith is his work ethic. While it's nice that he could be motivated by coaches to do well that does not cut it with me. I'm of the philosophy that if a player can't motivate himself to perform at a high level, then that is not a player I want on my team. Add to that weight concerns, I feel the chances of him eating his way out of the league are too high to risk for such a high draft pick.

 

There is no denying that Smith performed extremely well while at Alabama, but college football is not the NFL. Smith was able to dominate opposing players simply with his size and athleticism, but in the NFL he will not be able to get away with that most of the time. Like every other rookie he will have to make the necessary changes in his game in order to excel in the NFL. With the questions about his ability to motivate himself I don't think he will be able to ever reach full potential.

 

When all of these factors are added together, for me personally, I feel the risk far outweighs the benefits with Smith. That's not to say that he doesn't have a chance to a great player in the league. There are plenty of teams that love fat guys that can drive block, but cannot do much else at all well. Unless Mike McCarthy is willing to completely revamp the Packers' playbook I don't see Smith as a good fit for Green Bay.

[RedFlash]

One of the reasons why I hope the Packers don't pick Smith is he probably won't be able to stay at LT. In my opinion he just does not have the lateral movement that is needed in order to defend against the best speed rushers of the NFL. With how much the Packers throw the ball I would not feel comfortable at all with him defending Aaron Rodger's blind side. Although I do think that the Packers would probably adjust their playbook to include more running plays. While there is a chance that Smith could play RT or OG, his value as the ninth pick diminishes substantially. Then there are even questions if he could do well in a different positions that he has never played in.

 

You're not the only one who believes Andre Smith's best and long term position in the NFL will be LG, and NOT LT and for the reasons you mention. Personally, I think Dre will be good enough to be a swing OL in the NFL, good enough to play all the none center position on the line, but not a master or Pro Bowl at any one position. Ultimately, LG is prolly Smith's best and future position.

 

The next concern I have with Smith is his work ethic. While it's nice that he could be motivated by coaches to do well that does not cut it with me. I'm of the philosophy that if a player can't motivate himself to perform at a high level, then that is not a player I want on my team. Add to that weight concerns, I feel the chances of him eating his way out of the league are too high to risk for such a high draft pick.

 

Don't be concern about Smith's work ethic. I know his offseason has left a lot of people :scratch: , buyt ultimately he was given a great reference by Nick Saban, hence the reason why Andre Smith has remained in the Top 10, even tho he could have dropped out of the Top 10. Dre is a good kid, but he does have maturity issues that I think time will have fixed. Work ethic I have no fears about it.

 

There is no denying that Smith performed extremely well while at Alabama, but college football is not the NFL. Smith was able to dominate opposing players simply with his size and athleticism, but in the NFL he will not be able to get away with that most of the time. Like every other rookie he will have to make the necessary changes in his game in order to excel in the NFL. With the questions about his ability to motivate himself I don't think he will be able to ever reach full potential.

 

Give the young man a chance before you label him a bust. I think this offseason has been eye-opening experience for Dre. This is a young man who wants to get better, maybe played a diva a bit during his junior yr, but overall was one of the better players in the conference. I have no problem if the Bears took Andre Smith, if that says anything. I remember Chris Samuels (another Tide OL who had maturity ??? after missing a bowl game)a few yrs back (I think 99) had similar question marks about him and he turned out to be a 6X Pro Bowl OL. Not saying he will turn into a Pro Bowler, but I don't him being the next Mike Williams, Robert Gallery, etc, etc.

 

When all of these factors are added together, for me personally, I feel the risk far outweighs the benefits with Smith. That's not to say that he doesn't have a chance to a great player in the league. There are plenty of teams that love fat guys that can drive block, but cannot do much else at all well. Unless Mike McCarthy is willing to completely revamp the Packers' playbook I don't see Smith as a good fit for Green Bay.

 

If the Packers don't want Smith, I am more then estatic about that, cause the Bears wouldn't have to face him. But I will say this, Andre Smith will be a fine player in the NFL for a long time.