1) Carolina Panthers — Carolina went through last year without a solid starting QB, hoping Matt Moore could at least hold it down til Jimmy Clausen was ready. The outcome ended Carolina here. New Head Coach Ron Rivera, is “Defensive Minded” to say the least and will not stake his job on any of the not ready QB’s in this Draft. Instead Rivera shocks most and fills a need in both attacking the QB and a solid core player for his Defense. If Patrick Peterson is the Top Talent of the Draft, Miller is a close 1A. Carolina will still address QB and DL early in this draft, but depth at DL made this choice.
— Von Miller, LB Texas A&M –

2) Denver Broncos — The Two Johns! Should be a very interesting draft in Denver. The phones will be ringing now that the top QB’s are there and Buffalo next. Washington, Minnesota, Tennessee, and even Miami might inquire, but the cost is just too much. Denver’s need for QB is way over rated, so look for New Head Coach John Fox to help anchor his Defense. There is need in Denver’s Secondary so P.P. will be in play once again. All in all, the need to clog the middle will overcome. Personally, I think John Fox was sold at his Pro Day!
– Nick Fairley, DT Auburn –

3) Buffalo Bills — Chan Gailey needs this years pick to actually have a real impact in the first year. The Bills have a huge need of a pass rusher, but with Miller gone, I see Robert Quinn jumping up the board. Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert will be discussed, as well as as A.J. Green. The entire DL as well. It comes down to Santonio Holmes, and Wes Welker.
– Patrick Peterson, CB LSU –

4) Cincinnati Bengals — With or Without a Quarterback, is that the question? No T.O. or Ocho? Marvin Lewis took care of that by making a switching to a Jay Gruden Offense. It made “The Lines” the Biggest needs for the Bengals. A.J. Green, Julio Jones, and even either of the QB’s might seem the wise pick for the fans. The Bengals take their gift, ignoring fans’ desires.
– Marcell Dareus, DT ALA –

5) Arizona Cardinals — The top LB and CB gone, Arizona’s draft starts it’s change. The Defensive 3-4 is in need of a youth insurgence, yet they need someone to throw it to Larry Fitzgerald better. It’s Hot in Arizona!
– Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri –

6) Cleveland Browns — The Browns Top 3 are gone, yet their glaring need at WR could still be filled with A.J. Green or Julio Jones. A “No Brain-er” for Tom Heckert right. Cleveland always seems to need pieces so Holmgren/ Heckert trade with Washington. They swap 1st Rounders in 2010, Cleveland receives Washington’s 2nd Round pick in 2011 and 2013 4th Round pick, while the Skins get the Browns 3rd Round pick in 2011; easily covering the 300 points needed to move up four spots. Washington in need of a QB for the future nabs maybe the Top Prospect on their Board.
– Cam Newton, QB Auburn – Washington

7) San Francisco 49ers — Patrick Peterson gone and no QB ready for the task of instilling Harbaugh’s Offense. The Niners look for an impact pass rusher over the 2nd best corner in the draft.
– Robert Quinn, DE North Carolina –

Tennessee Titans — Washington’s move now creates added pressure for Tennessee needing to get a signal caller in the Draft. Miami, Minnesota, Seattle all looking for QB help; Tennessee might feel pressed. Nick Fairley was to be the next Albert Haynesworth type interior presence needed to anchor their defense. They still think they found that.
– Da’Quan Bowers, DT Auburn –

9) Dallas Cowboys — Dallas has a new Defensive Coordinator in Rob Ryan, so some new faces to complete his Defense are a must. Help for DeMarcus Ware on the line, and an especially thin secondary make this pick for the Defense. Just what Ryan hoped for, Right? Jerry Jones goes in a different direction securing the Offensive line.
– Tyron Smith, OT USC –

10) Cleveland Browns — The Browns cleverly took a gamble and it paid off, at least for the moment. Even with a great need to fill the Defensive line for the Dick Jauron 4-3 scheme, the Browns fill their biggest need by grabbing the #1 rated WR.
– A.J. Green, WR Georgia –

11) Houston Texans — The Texans could surprise all and grab Julio Jones to pair with Andre Johnson but that’s just a dream pick. Needing Secondary help and outside rushers to complete Wade Phillips 3-4 scheme prevail.
– Cameron Jordan, DE Cal –

12) Minnesota Vikings — Tyron Smith probably would have been the pick here, but he went to Dallas. The Vikings could fill their O-line needs with Solder or Castonzo or even address the aging Defensive line. The bigger problem in Minnesota is the lack of a QB for the future. Jake Locker or Andy Dalton might be good fits, but the Vikings love the power arm.
– Ryan Mallett, QB Ark –

13) Detroit Lions — I wouldn’t put it pass Detroit to go grab Julio Jones but the Lions have bigger needs. More O-line help to protect the oft-injured Matthew Stafford, even a Defensive End to help last years Rookie of the Year, Suh. Detroit is wise and adds much needed youth to it’s Secondary.
– Prince Amukamara, CB Neb –

14) St. Louis Rams — The Rams originally thought they would have to move up to get in this position. In need of a big time Play-making WR or another D-Line anchor, St. Louis rewards Sam Bradford.
– Julio Jones, WR Ala –

15) Miami Dolphins — Miami’s in an interesting pickle here. They need help on both lines, need RB’s in a bad way and, now might even need help in the WR position. The lack of the QB for the future has to wait as the Dolphins choose to fix their core.
– Mike Pouncey, C/G Florida –

16) Jacksonville Jaguars — The Jags will be looking to trade back at this point, but with no suitors Jacksonville remains stuck with the #16 pick. A Hybrid D-line player is Jacksonville’s biggest need and they do better grabbing this very versatile Defensive End.
– J.J. Watt, DE Wisc –

17) New England Patriots — Coach Bill Belichick would like to move back and acquire more picks, but the other 31 teams are done helping the Patriots get better. The Pats still have another pick in the first round, so both the O-line and D-line will get addressed. Six teams pick after the Patriots all needing O-line help so New England starts there.
– Anthony Castonzo, OT BC –

18) San Diego Chargers — Jacques Cesaire and Travis Johnson are both free agents so this becomes the Charges biggest need. Secondary help will be a thought, but the stop gap ability weighs out. Philadelphia makes it all easier for the Chargers swapping 1st Rounders and giving them their 2011 3rd Rounder(#21) and 2012 3rd Rounder. The Chargers give up their 2012 4th rounder as well. Philly by jumping in front of Tampa Bay grabs its Secondary need.
– Jimmy Smith, DB Colorado – Philadelphia

19) New York Giants — New York’s need for Linebacker help might seem pressing, although Akeem Ayers here might be too costly. The youth movement on their aging O-line takes over.
– Gabe Carimi, OT Wisc –

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Legal trouble and age has made the Bucs Secondary a major need. The top three corners gone, free agency will now be the plan to stabilize there. Looking for an edge rusher for their D-line is the money pick here.
– Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue –

21) Kansas City Chiefs — Where should KC go? O-line, WR, D-line or LB? All are interesting possibilities. The Colts and Chargers now follow this pick both needing interior D-linemen. The Chiefs make at least one of them unhappy.
— Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Temple –

22) Indianapolis Cots — The Colt’s passed on O-line help last year, so is this that year? A Defensive Tackle to clog the middle? Maybe even Secondary help or a RB? The Colts take their highest rated player at this point, finally finding the plug in the middle of their line.
— Corey Liuget, DT Illinois —

23) San Diego Chargers — The need inside on the D-line still over rules the O-line. Liuget might have been their Top Choice but they feel just as happy.
– Phil Taylor, DT Baylor –

24) New Orleans Saints — This position the Saints own might become the cheapest way back into the first round; with no picks in rounds 4-6, and no glaring huge holes. A few picks couldn’t hurt. The Saints find no takers. They find the heir apparent for Will Smith.
– Aldon Smith, DE Missouri –

25) Seattle Seahawks — Pete Carroll in a position to trade out to gather more picks or even grab the QB of the future, maybe Jake Locker. Seattle is still building it’s Carroll team, so the there are all kinds of options. The Seahawks play everything smart.
– Danny Watkins, OG Baylor –

26) Baltimore Ravens — The Ravens biggest needs seem to be the aging and injured secondary. A deep threat/younger receiver also is in huge need. Grabbing an edge rusher will also fall in the mix. The Ravens were close last year so Ozzie’s cool mind prevails allowing him to grab a steal again.
— Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa –

27) Atlanta Falcons — Drafting another linebacker this high two years in a row might be helpful, but not the biggest need. A running mate for Roddy White is definitely a solid option, but Atlanta has a problem and this draft fixed it. The possibilities of 3 Free Agent O-linemen wins.
– Nate Solder, OT Colorado –

28) New England Patriots — No team in need of jumping this far to grab a quarterback, so Bill and the Patriots go and grab the Seymour replacement.
– Cameron Heyward, DE OSU –

29) Chicago Bears — Chicago could use upgrades in the Secondary, the D-line, and even youth at Linebacker. That all has to wait as the Bears take the best value.
– Derek Sherrod, OT Miss St –

30) New York Jets — The Defensive front should be where the Jets address first and hopefully often during the draft. New York without a second round pick decides to go for the most impact, giving Rex Ryan a new Defensive Toy.
– Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA –

31) Pittsburgh Steelers — Pittsburgh had visions of moving up to grab Mike Pouncey, but 15 was to high. Mike Tomlin and staff choose better value filling the need that cost them.
– Aaron Williams, CB TEX –

32) Green Bay Packers — This will kind of fall into the luxury pick role for the Packers. Yes, continuing the O-line rebuilding, or help for Clay Matthews III are both viable. Yet the Packers go for need and value.
– Brandon Harris, CB Miami –

The late round trades never happen with New England holding the next pick and almost always willing to acquire more.

Enjoy The Draft All!

Have you had a slip of the Cleveland Kool-Aid yet? It’s now fully available and has been sampled be yours truly. I said it in my previous review of the AFC North, Cleveland will win their Division. After watching them today, I still feel true to my previous prediction. Yes, the first two slipped away, yet due to injuries the Cleveland Browns have found their Quarterback. Colt McCoy has shown that he can lead this team. The exception of a Chansi Stuckey fumble on a 3rd Punt attempt, Colt might have been 3-0 against 3 of the Elite in the NFL. He has figured out how to manage games. Brian Daboll, Cleveland’s Offensive Coordinator, has taken off the handcuffs and is now fully using all parts of the Cleveland playbook. We haven’t seen it all, but Daboll is giving McCoy a lot to work with, especially given their past young Quarterbacks.

On top of Colt McCoy’s tremendous play comes the little known til this year, Peyton Hillis. Hillis has become the Beast of the AFC. His physical running style is now feared throughout the league. It has given an identity to this young Cleveland Browns’ Offense. Hillis has 644 yards this season on 133 carries through 8 games bringing smash mouth football back to the Browns. Peyton’s success has given the opportunity for Cleveland to develop their young, inexperienced receiving corp into a serviceable group.

The Cleveland Browns true identity lies within Rob Ryan’s Defense, for without them the Browns would not have been in every game this year. Yes, they lost leads in the fourth quarter in the seasons first two games, but with a resurgence of confidence from the Offense, the Browns now have figured out how to close games. Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady all have had problems recognizing the Defensive responsibilities due to Ryan’s creative Amoeba Defense. The additions of Sheldon Brown, Chris Gocong, and Scott Fujita have proven to be more than locker room leaders, they are the ring leaders of this Defensive Chaos first developed by Buddy Ryan, and now redefined by his son Rob. Their knowledge of the game has made the transition for rookies T.J. Ward(S) and Joe Haden(CB) into impactful, positive experiences.

Head coach, Eric Mangini, entered this year riding a four game winning streak, and new football czar, Mike Holmgren, looking over his shoulder. The unfortunate two loss start already had Cleveland fans calling for the likes of Holmgren, Jon Gruden, even Bill Cowher to take over. Mangini has stayed the course, selling his system and now finally seeing the results. A continuation of success will only secure his job and prove once again that a solid group of his type of players can compete at a winning level in the NFL. Eric Mangini built the nucleus of the New York Jets for Rex Ryan, even helping them to secure Mark Sanchez, and gift rapping Braylon Edwards. This upcoming Sunday the Jets will learn just how much they lost when they lost Mangini.

On November 7th, 1995 the Cleveland Browns fans voted to raise $175 million to renovate Cleveland Municipal Stadium for Art Modell. We all remember what happened from then on! Fifteen years to the day later, the Cleveland Browns announced to the NFL that they are back, by whooping the NFL leading New England Patriots 34-14. Thanks to Roger Goodell, the last two games of the season will mean something, with both Baltimore and Pittsburgh coming to Cleveland to finish out the season.

In 2002, the Browns needed their last two games against Baltimore and Atlanta to clinch the Wild Card berth. In 1988, on a snow filled day, the Browns beat the then Houston Oilers to clinch a home Wild Card game against the same Oilers. It’s in our history here in Cleveland, and now the fans once again Believe in Cleveland, as our team has grown to Believe within themselves.

Now that the Minnesota Vikings have waived Randy Moss who will benefit most from the addition of the Headache Wide Receiver? The hefty price tag, the off plays, and the mouth of the veteran will all be included in his next stop. So is your team ready to take on this kind of plague or is the risk too much for the potential short term rental? Let’s Break it Down:

The Most Likely Stops:

Buffalo Bills(Waiver #1): The Bills at 0-7 could definitely use the talents of Moss. The price tag will not be the deterrent here, and neither should be the gamble. Ryan Fitzpatrick would get a solid #1 receiver to help the development of Steve Johnson, and the running game might also open up with the presence of Moss. The absence of a strong nucleus of team leaders might be the one reason to pass, the overall #1 Draft Choice might be the other. I give the Bills about a 90% chance of adding Randy.
Carolina Panthers(W #2): Even with Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers are in need of big time Play-makers. The youth movement and the money might prevent them from acquiring Moss. Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen both will probably be in favor of the pick up, that being said Carolina’s chances sit at 80%.
San Francisco 49ers(W #4): Expectations of the Playoffs looking grim at 2-6, and a new Quarterback in Troy Smith at least for the time being, San Francisco might be salivating. If Randy could help right the ship, I can see no reason not to gamble. Mike Singletary will be on his way out if the Niners can’t pull it together, so the 49ers seem the best destination for both Moss and the Team, 95% Chance.
Cleveland Browns(W #9): Cleveland has the one the NFL’s worst receiving corps, yet Coach Eric Mangini desires men that fit his program. The departures of the likes of Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow have already shown that Mangini prefers less headaches over talent. The addition of an unsettled Quarterback position also hurts Cleveland’s chances, I say 78%.
Arizona Cardinals(W #11): Steve Breaston has been injured so returning as the slot receiver might help. Derek Anderson is still a bum, so rookie Max Hall needs help desperately to compliment Larry Fitzgerald. Arizona still is in the race so Fitzgerald’s relationship with Moss might make this actually happen, if San Francisco passes, the Cardinals would look about 93% and keeping Moss from Seattle.
St. Louis Rams(W #16): The Rams are sitting at 4-4 with no true #1 receiver. Sam Bradford looks to be the real deal with what he has left in play-makers. Adding Moss to the mix could help the worst team last year cement a Playoff run. Chances are 89%.

On Top of the Bubble:

Jacksonville Jaguars(W #12): The Jags are in need of legitimate receivers through and through. David Garrard’s strength is not his deep pass. The money is probably the biggest hurdle for Jacksonville to overcome. So give the Jags about a 71% chance.
Washington Redskins(W #15): Dan Snyder will pay, but would another Alpha Dog sit well with Coach Mike Shanahan. McNabb and T.O. got to the Superbowl, could Moss and McNabb do the same? Ego’s aside Moss might just give them the added threat to a least reach the Playoffs. Chances are 73%.
Seattle Seahawks(W #16): Pete Carroll already tried for a big play-maker and was unable to pull Vincent Jackson from the Chargers. Getting Moss seems almost a done deal. Yet what Seattle has going is working somewhat, so why take a chance of messing with their growing chemistry? If he falls to the the Seahawks it would be about 72%.
Kansas City Chiefs(W #25): There are ties with Moss and Scott Pioli. They might be New England West as Moss is concerned. The need is definitely there, and the Chiefs will gamble on older players. At 5-2 the Chiefs are in the driver’s seat and the addition of Moss might be the extra Nitro they need. 70% is where I see them.

The Other Possible Stops:

Miami Dolphins(W #18): Even with the addition of Brandon Marshall the Dolphins still are having problems getting into the end zone. Plus by grabbing Moss, they keep him from the Jets and Patriots. Chances are 65%.
Chicago Bears(W #17): Mike Martz offense, with Jay Cutler throwing the long ball, seems like a win win. Chicago has spent a ton of money already this year, so why not a few million more? Chance are 62%.
Atlanta Falcons(W #29): Roddy White is a beast, and Mike Jenkins is more than serviceable running mate. The extra weapon would help but might not be that necessary. I give the Falcons a 60% chance.
Houston Texans(W #23): Chemistry will be the hardest thing to overcome with the Texans. Andre Johnson is the best receiver in the NFL, and has the desire to play not talk. Moss as a weapon might help the Texans supersede the Colts as division winners, so there is a huge upside. Texans get a 59% chance.
New York Jets(W #30): Rex Ryan might just claim Moss to keep him from returning back to New England, Period. There is no huge need for his services, yet the Jets have been willing to gamble in the past; Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. The Jets chances are 52%.
New England Patriots(W #32): Everyone would have to pass and New England would be seeing that they could resign him for a minimum price and stick the Vikings with the unpaid contract. If he falls this far I’d say New England chances would be 80%.

The remaining teams will all get the grade of 7% seeing it’s possible but highly unlikely.

Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Cincinnati Bengals
San Diego Charges
Oakland Raiders
Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay Packers
New Orleans Saints
Tennessee Titans
Indianapolis Colts
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Giants
Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers