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**The Franchise** · 01-28-2009, 11:07 AM

San Diego Chargers: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
It's amazing how much can change in half a year. In August, LaDainian Tomlinson was going first in nine out of 10 fantasy football drafts. Now, he and general manager A.J. Smith hate each other so much that Smith removed LT2 as his friend on Facebook. RotoWorld, meanwhile, reported that several NFL executives don't believe LT2 is even worth a Day 1 selection at this point.

With Darren Sproles also hitting free agency, the Chargers may look to secure a top-tier running back in April's draft.

New York Jets: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
This definitely isn't New York's greatest need, but Knowshon Moreno could be too good to pass up with the top two corners off the board. Thomas Jones just had a great year, but the fact remains that he turns 31 in August.

Pick change; previously Malcolm Jenkins, CB

Chicago Bears: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
Larry English is made for the 3-4, but I think he could definitely work well in a Tampa-2 4-3 scheme. English's stock is on fire after an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl.

The Bears really need help at receiver, and with mega-talents like Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin on the board, choosing one of them is a possibility. But I doubt Chicago does that. The Bears will upgrade their perennial strengths - the offensive line and defense - before anything else.

It sounds weird to say this, but the Bears need help at defensive end. Prior to playing the Rams, who count more as a Big XII team than an NFL squad, starters Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye had just five combined sacks in 10 games. Mark Anderson, meanwhile, recorded only one sack. Chicago needs to upgrade its pass rush.

Pick change; previously Michael Johnson, DE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Josh Freeman didn't exactly have the best senior year, but his size and arm strength could propel him into the first round, just like Joe Flacco last year.

If Jon Gruden were still coaching, I couldn't see this happening. Gruden, while a very good coach, has proven over the years that he refuses to work with young quarterbacks.

Well, there's a new regime in Tampa Bay, and a new regime usually means a new quarterback.

Pick change; previously Knowshon Moreno, RB

Detroit Lions: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Is this a bit of a reach? I think so. But as we saw last year, the offensive tackle position is in such high demand that teams don't really have a choice but to target those players early. See Sam Baker and Duane Brown as prime examples.

The Lions surrendered 52 sacks in 2008. They desperately need a dominant left tackle, allowing Jeff Backus to slide inside.

Philadelphia Eagles: Alex Mack, C, California
With Brent Celek's 10-catch performance in the NFC Championship, Andy Reid can focus on upgrading the offensive line in the first round.

Alex Mack is the top lineman on the board. As Matt McGuire pointed out in his outstanding 2009 Senior Bowl Updates, Mack has distanced himself from Max Unger in terms of being the No. 1 center on the board.

Center is not a weakness for the Eagles, but it's certainly not a strength. Getting a potential All-Pro like Mack would really bolster Philadelphia's pedestrian rushing attack - assuming Big Red actually decides to run the ball.

Minnesota Vikings: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
I really want to give the Vikings an offensive tackle, but with all of the top-tier players at that position off the board, Minnesota could look to address its second greatest need, which is cornerback. Cedric Griffin has had an up-and-down season, and Minnesota simply needs more consistency in its defensive backfield.

If Tampa Bay doesn't take Josh Freeman, this is another spot where he'll be considered. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Minnesota went that direction in an effort to find an upgrade for the horrendous Tarvaris Jackson.

Pick change; previously Vontae Davis, CB

New England Patriots: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
Bill Belichick added a young inside linebacker to his roster last April. He may look to upgrade the exterior this time around.

The Patriots struggled to put pressure on the quarterback at times (31 sacks) and Mike Vrabel, though still dependable, will be 34 in August. Something has to be done about this.

Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
Could you imagine how lethal Atlanta's offense would be if the team somehow acquired a dynamic tight end? Matt Ryan would be unstoppable.

With Brandon Pettigrew going as high as No. 11 in some mocks, the Falcons will be very fortunate if they manage to get the top-rated tight end down here.

Miami Dolphins: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
The Dolphins can take care of a huge hole at left guard by drafting Duke Robinson in this spot. With Jake Long and Robinson on the left side, Miami would boast one of the elite rushing attacks in the league.

Baltimore Ravens: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Mark Clayton has started playing really well down the stretch, but with Derrick Mason, who just turned 35, a year away from hitting free agency, it's time the Ravens begin developing their next No. 1 receiver for Joe Flacco.

Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Both sides of Indianapolis' run defense has to be addressed. Defensive tackle has always been a problem for the Colts, especially after the Ed Johnson marijuana scandal. I could see the Colts taking the best available player in terms of a running back, defensive tackle or offensive tackle.

Philadelphia Eagles: Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan
Brian Dawkins is adored by all Eagles fans, but the future Hall of Fame free safety turns 36 in October. Even if Dawkins re-signs with Philadelphia, the team will need to find his successor soon because he's somewhat of a liability in coverage. It's clear that Quintin Demps isn't the answer after his horrific performance in the NFC Championship.

Louis Delmas has really shined at the Senior Bowl and put himself into first-round consideration.

New York Giants: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
With solid talents like James Laurinaitis, William Moore and Michael Johnson slipping, the Giants have plenty of options.

The best player available of those three is Laurinaitis, who could really help out New York's linebacking corps. This season could be Antonio Pierce's last in New York, while the weakside position is in need of an upgrade.

Wide receiver is also an option, but this draft is so deep at the position that the Giants can take someone like Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks in the second round.

Pick change; previously Paul Kruger, DE

Tennessee Titans: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Yeah, I know... the Titans don't draft receivers. Hey, miracles can happen, and maybe they'll be embarrassed because everyone made fun of them for not taking one last year.

In all seriousness, Tennessee has proven in the past that they look for skill-position players with great 40 times. Percy Harvin would qualify for that.

Arizona Cardinals: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
The Cardinals were somehow able to run the ball during their unexpected playoff surge, but that doesn't change the fact that they need an upgrade in the backfield. Edgerrin James' days in Arizona are numbered, while Tim Hightower does too much dancing around.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
With tons of talented offensive linemen off the board, the Steelers may choose to add the best available player to their defensive line. That would be Tyson Jackson, who will eventually take Aaron Smith's spot in the lineup. Smith turns 33 in April.

01-28-2009, 11:07 AM	#60
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2065047	San Diego Chargers: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State It's amazing how much can change in half a year. In August, LaDainian Tomlinson was going first in nine out of 10 fantasy football drafts. Now, he and general manager A.J. Smith hate each other so much that Smith removed LT2 as his friend on Facebook. RotoWorld, meanwhile, reported that several NFL executives don't believe LT2 is even worth a Day 1 selection at this point. With Darren Sproles also hitting free agency, the Chargers may look to secure a top-tier running back in April's draft. New York Jets: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia This definitely isn't New York's greatest need, but Knowshon Moreno could be too good to pass up with the top two corners off the board. Thomas Jones just had a great year, but the fact remains that he turns 31 in August. Pick change; previously Malcolm Jenkins, CB Chicago Bears: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois Larry English is made for the 3-4, but I think he could definitely work well in a Tampa-2 4-3 scheme. English's stock is on fire after an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. The Bears really need help at receiver, and with mega-talents like Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin on the board, choosing one of them is a possibility. But I doubt Chicago does that. The Bears will upgrade their perennial strengths - the offensive line and defense - before anything else. It sounds weird to say this, but the Bears need help at defensive end. Prior to playing the Rams, who count more as a Big XII team than an NFL squad, starters Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye had just five combined sacks in 10 games. Mark Anderson, meanwhile, recorded only one sack. Chicago needs to upgrade its pass rush. Pick change; previously Michael Johnson, DE Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State Josh Freeman didn't exactly have the best senior year, but his size and arm strength could propel him into the first round, just like Joe Flacco last year. If Jon Gruden were still coaching, I couldn't see this happening. Gruden, while a very good coach, has proven over the years that he refuses to work with young quarterbacks. Well, there's a new regime in Tampa Bay, and a new regime usually means a new quarterback. Pick change; previously Knowshon Moreno, RB Detroit Lions: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut Is this a bit of a reach? I think so. But as we saw last year, the offensive tackle position is in such high demand that teams don't really have a choice but to target those players early. See Sam Baker and Duane Brown as prime examples. The Lions surrendered 52 sacks in 2008. They desperately need a dominant left tackle, allowing Jeff Backus to slide inside. Philadelphia Eagles: Alex Mack, C, California With Brent Celek's 10-catch performance in the NFC Championship, Andy Reid can focus on upgrading the offensive line in the first round. Alex Mack is the top lineman on the board. As Matt McGuire pointed out in his outstanding 2009 Senior Bowl Updates, Mack has distanced himself from Max Unger in terms of being the No. 1 center on the board. Center is not a weakness for the Eagles, but it's certainly not a strength. Getting a potential All-Pro like Mack would really bolster Philadelphia's pedestrian rushing attack - assuming Big Red actually decides to run the ball. Minnesota Vikings: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt I really want to give the Vikings an offensive tackle, but with all of the top-tier players at that position off the board, Minnesota could look to address its second greatest need, which is cornerback. Cedric Griffin has had an up-and-down season, and Minnesota simply needs more consistency in its defensive backfield. If Tampa Bay doesn't take Josh Freeman, this is another spot where he'll be considered. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Minnesota went that direction in an effort to find an upgrade for the horrendous Tarvaris Jackson. Pick change; previously Vontae Davis, CB New England Patriots: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State Bill Belichick added a young inside linebacker to his roster last April. He may look to upgrade the exterior this time around. The Patriots struggled to put pressure on the quarterback at times (31 sacks) and Mike Vrabel, though still dependable, will be 34 in August. Something has to be done about this. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State Could you imagine how lethal Atlanta's offense would be if the team somehow acquired a dynamic tight end? Matt Ryan would be unstoppable. With Brandon Pettigrew going as high as No. 11 in some mocks, the Falcons will be very fortunate if they manage to get the top-rated tight end down here. Miami Dolphins: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma The Dolphins can take care of a huge hole at left guard by drafting Duke Robinson in this spot. With Jake Long and Robinson on the left side, Miami would boast one of the elite rushing attacks in the league. Baltimore Ravens: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri Mark Clayton has started playing really well down the stretch, but with Derrick Mason, who just turned 35, a year away from hitting free agency, it's time the Ravens begin developing their next No. 1 receiver for Joe Flacco. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss Both sides of Indianapolis' run defense has to be addressed. Defensive tackle has always been a problem for the Colts, especially after the Ed Johnson marijuana scandal. I could see the Colts taking the best available player in terms of a running back, defensive tackle or offensive tackle. Philadelphia Eagles: Louis Delmas, FS, Western Michigan Brian Dawkins is adored by all Eagles fans, but the future Hall of Fame free safety turns 36 in October. Even if Dawkins re-signs with Philadelphia, the team will need to find his successor soon because he's somewhat of a liability in coverage. It's clear that Quintin Demps isn't the answer after his horrific performance in the NFC Championship. Louis Delmas has really shined at the Senior Bowl and put himself into first-round consideration. New York Giants: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State With solid talents like James Laurinaitis, William Moore and Michael Johnson slipping, the Giants have plenty of options. The best player available of those three is Laurinaitis, who could really help out New York's linebacking corps. This season could be Antonio Pierce's last in New York, while the weakside position is in need of an upgrade. Wide receiver is also an option, but this draft is so deep at the position that the Giants can take someone like Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks in the second round. Pick change; previously Paul Kruger, DE Tennessee Titans: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida Yeah, I know... the Titans don't draft receivers. Hey, miracles can happen, and maybe they'll be embarrassed because everyone made fun of them for not taking one last year. In all seriousness, Tennessee has proven in the past that they look for skill-position players with great 40 times. Percy Harvin would qualify for that. Arizona Cardinals: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh The Cardinals were somehow able to run the ball during their unexpected playoff surge, but that doesn't change the fact that they need an upgrade in the backfield. Edgerrin James' days in Arizona are numbered, while Tim Hightower does too much dancing around. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU With tons of talented offensive linemen off the board, the Steelers may choose to add the best available player to their defensive line. That would be Tyson Jackson, who will eventually take Aaron Smith's spot in the lineup. Smith turns 33 in April.
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