2 MaAY- 2008

1) Winners and Losers

Many people are quick to brand a team winners/losers in their draft class based on their selections. How anyone could possibly make such an assertation at this point seems ridiculous. So, here are my winners and losers based on how teams addressed needs and god value. Winners - Kansas City, Carolina, Miami. The Chiefs were stocked with picks after the Jared Allen trade, but used them wisely. By getting Glen Dorsey to sure up the DL at #5 was amazing, moving back into the 1st to pick up Brandon Albert equally impressive, and with Brandon Flowers getting the nod in the second, a solid first day. Some will argue that with Brohm and Henne available in the second, they should have pulled the trigger, but faith in Brodie Croyle is strong it appears. Carolina mightn't have been in the winners section if they hadn't gotten back into the first round. Jonathon Stewart is a top back with their first-first rounder. But with other needs, the Panthers went OL and brought in Jeff Otah to ensure blocking up front matches the talented backfield. Miami were under the microscope with first overall pick, but taking Jake Long was a safe and smart choice. Getting Phillip Merling at the top of the second and then Chad Henne later in the round was huge. All three should be opening day starters. Losers - Jets, Ravens, Bears. The Jets should have taken Brohm or Henne. Simple. They reached for Dustin Keller, but Gholston will need to pan out. So will Pennington or Clemens. The Ravens wanted a QB and got him. But they could have played it smarter. Trading back from #8 to get a QB was perfect. Trading up from 26 to 18 to get him was not smart. Nobody else was going to get him. Most teams had Brohm and Henne ahead of Flacco. Bears whiffed on WR and QB help. No QB's at all, no high WR. OL was a need and was addressed. Matt Forte should be a good player, but there were some key skill positions left exposed.

2) Opening Mini-Camps

The picks are now under scrutiny of the public and media as the rookie mini-camps opened up. My main focus...who is wearing which number? Jake Long it appears will wear 79 in Miami, whilst Henne gets to keep #7. D-Mac will wear the #20 in Oakland, hopefully trying to channel Barry Sanders. Matt Ryan goes for #2 in Atlanta, Dorsey remains 72 as Albert remains 76 in KC. Gholston will look to be the next coming of LT or Shaun Merriman in 56 for the Jets. Trivial, but interesting.

3) Shepherd Attends Mini-Camps

With a trade still on the cards, Shepherd has done what many won't - attend mini-camp. Who knows, he may remain in Philly, bu until anything happens, he is playing the professional!