NFC North Draft Forecast
The NFC North was scorned often last year by analysts for its weakness. The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings made second-half surges that brought the division back into the realm of respectability. On the other hand, the Lions and Packers continued their losing ways all season to the tune of top ten draft picks in the upcoming draft. Needless to say, every team has legitimate and numerous needs to be filled.
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Green Bay Packers (4-12)
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The Packers main needs are on the defensive side of the ball. They need at least one quality lineback to compliment Nick Barnett. The secondary is also weak at cornerback, where no one has stepped up but Al Harris. 2004 first round pick, Ahmad Carroll, has struggled mightily in a starting role. The Packers need someone to at least put pressure on his job. On the offensive side of the ball, the names Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle should remind the Packers of their greatest need. The repercussions of losing both starting guards in the 2005 off season are still being felt. There should be good value at guard in rounds two and three.
(5) AJ Hawk, LB. Ohio State
With the fifth pick in the draft, the Packers will be able to address a giant need at Linebacker with AJ Hawk. Most any Big Ten fan could tell you jst how disruptive Hawk can be on the field. His name was called on defense more often than anyone in the country these past four years. Consider his one the field production with his Combine best shuttle and cone drill times for linebackers, and it is easy to see why Hawk is so highly regarded. At the Ohio State Pro Day, he managed a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash which put him into an elite catagory for speed as well. Simply put, AJ Hawk has the acceleration, agilty, speed, and football IQ to take his game to the NFL tomorrow.
(36) Kelly Jennings, CB. Miami
Sticking to defense in round two would make a lot of sense for the Packers. Clearly, that is the side of the ball that is most deficient at the moment. Kelly Jennings is a suprememly athletic cornerback. He has fliud hips that allow him to excel in one-on-one man coverage. His sub-4.40 speed is considered elite, along with his sub-4.0 20-yard shuttle. Jennings lacks strength (12 reps @ 225lbs) and performs poorly while supporting the run, but his coverage skills are excellent. The Packers need to stop the pass, and his big play abilities will be appreciated in Green Bay.
(67) Charles Spencer, OG. Pittsburgh
With the pick at #36 not presenting good value to draft an offensive guard, the Packers will surely address their need in the offensive front in the third round. Charles Spencer from Pittsburgh and Taitusi Lutui of USC would be competent pros and solid third round picks. Spencer is a converted defensive tackle who weghs in at 355 without losing his nimbleness or athleticism. Lutui weighs around 350 as well, and what he lacks in the form of Spencer's agility he makes up for with dominant, road-grading run blocking. He is an unstoppable force once he gets any momentum.
(*) Antonio Cromartie, CB. Florida State
Antonio Cromartie could make the Packers think twice on a corner like Kelly Jennings in round two. Cromartie simply has upside and tools that are off the charts. He continues to prove that the ACL tear is behind him. Should Charles Spencer not be avilable in the third round, the Packers may option to find further value at linebacker. Abdul Hodge of Iowa would present good value as an ILB/OLB tweener with supreme abilities.
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Detroit Lions (5-11)
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The Lions need no wide receivers; this is for certain. Upgrades on the defensive side of the ball could take their unit to the next level and among the NFL's elite. Terrance Holt is not the answer in center field; a replacement at free safety could supply a significant upgrade to both the pass and rush defenses. With the loss of Earl Holmes, the linebacking unit is now one member short. Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey are two up and coming stars. Adding a third young talent to the mix would give the Lions a base for their defense for many years. Corey Redding could use some competition at defensive end as he is more of a situational guy than a starter, but that is not a pressing need. On the other hand, the O-Line could use some serious upgrading. With the skill positions taken care of, the Lions are a solid offensive line away from moving the ball effortlessly down the field. A franchise tackle would help immensely. Finding late valu at guard could give the Lions a unit that is passable by NFL standards. Currently, the unit is very below average. Kevin Butler is not the answer.
(9) Michael Huff, S. Texas
As discussed in a previous post, Michael Huff makes a ton of sense for the Lions. Huff has the ability to play both cornerback and safety in the NFL. Someone with his athleticism and versatility is very hard to find. Running at 4.34, he can handle anyone but a handful of guys in the league in man coverage. At 6'0"/204, he has the size to shoulder the load at safety. Huff has a nose for the ball that was evident during every game he played with the Longhorns. Huff would be a gigantic upgrade over Terrance Holt at free safety. He could contribute tomorrow as a nickel back at the very least. If drafted, it would be surprising to see him not in the starting lineup by week five.
(40) Jon Scott, OT. Texas
After passing on Winston Justice at #9, the Lions would be well advised to take their franchise tackle in round two before the depth of talent dissipates. Jon Scott from Texas has a game that is more refined and NFL-ready than Justice at the moment. What he lacks in upside, he makes up for in grit, footwork, and durability. Scott's frame could accomodate added weight, and he is already a 6'6"/316 giant. He is a smart player with top intangibles. Considered to have first-round talent, he is exactly the player the Lions desire for their offensive line.
(74) Spencer Havner, LB. ULCA
Being given no reasonable choice at linebacker in round one and being presented with no remarkable option in round two, it is likely that the Lions address their need for a young, talented backer in the round three. Spencer Havner of UCLA and Abdul Hodge of Iowa both possess the size, strength, and athleticism to play either inside or outside in the NFL. A player of such caliber would be desirable to the Lions since their skills could be evaluated alongside Teddy Lehman's to determne exactly who the best fit is for the ILB spot that has been vacated by Earl Holmes. Both Hodge and Havner are underrated talents whose games are so well-rounded that they lack both glaring weakness and easily identifiable strengths. Hodge possesses slightly more athleticism, but is undersized at 6'0"/236. Havner is a relative giant at 6'4"/242.
(*) Manny Lawson, DE. NC State
Manny Lawson is an incredible talent. Having lined up at defensive end opposite Mario Williams his entire career at NC State, he translates to OLB in the NFL. At 6'6"/241, he is lanky but by no means undersized as an outside linebacker. His 7'2" wingspan and 42" vertical mean that the classical device to measure the vertical leap stat needs to be propped up to accomodate his ability. His 4.43 speed is unparalleled among both defensive ends and linebackers. Lawson is simply a freak of nature that would make an excellent pass rushing linebacker to compliment the run stopper, Teddy Lehman, and the coverage guy in Boss Bailey. Expect Manny Lawson, if available, to delay the drafting of an offensive tackle to round three. He is simply too talented to pass on.
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Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
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The Vikings rid themselves of Daunte Culpepper and Nate Burleson. While it was certainly not worthwhile to match the Seahawks 7-year/$49m deal to keep Burleson, the loss of Culpepper may have been less excused. Losing a franchise fixture at quarterback for a second round pick may become an executive decision looked upon poorly in the years upcoming. Regardless, the Vikings have other needs. It is unfortunate that Steve Hutchinson can only play one guard spot. The Vikings need another to polish off their O-Line. Once thought to be targetting a running back in the draft, Chester Taylor has solved that issue through free agency. He is one of the best running backs that 75% of NFL fans have never heard of. On the defensive side of the ball, Dontarrius Thomas is simply not a starting linebacker in the NFL. A competent starter at outside linebacker needs to be found early in the draft. The last pressing need is at cornerback. While Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot make a great starting duo, there exists no depth on the roster. While both Smoot and Winfield have years remaining on their contracts, they are not getting any younger and an NFL-ready nickelback would make their defense even better.
(17) Ernie Sims, OLB. Florida State
You can bet that former Tampa Bay Buccaneer assistant Mike Tomlin is paying attention to the Derrick Brook's comparisons for Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims. Undersized at 5'11"/231, Sims plays larger than his size might suggest. He can flat out lay the lumber. HIs measureables are quite excellent. His 4.48 speed gives him sideline-to-sideline range. An experienced and productive player at Florida State, Sims is a fiery competitor who simply made plays week in and week out. Ernie Sims would fill a giant need at linebacker for the Vikings. There is definitely a chance that Sims does not make it to #17, but with teams ahead of the Vikings with defensive needs focusing heavily on secondary and line, the Vikings will likely find Ernie Sims gift-wrapped come draft day.
(48) Max Jean-Giles, OG. Georgia
Grabbing an offensive guard will be essential to the Vikings draft. In the middle of the second round, the top candidates will likely start presenting themselves as good value to teams in need. The top guard in the field is Davin Joseph from Oklahoma. He would give the Vikings an athletic, versatile guard to compliment the NFL-best Hutchinson for years to come. Joseph has a ton of proven experience against top-flight competition and appears as NFL-ready as anyone in the draft class. Dwarfing the 6'2"/311 Davin Joesph is Georgia's 6'4"/355 Max Jean-Giles. Should Davin Joseph not be on the board at 48, Jean-Giles would make a lot of sense. Although he is very large, he possesses excellent footwork. Needless to say, he is massively strong and provides an incredible initial punch at the line. Different from Joseph, Jean-Giles has the ability to manhandle opponents. However, he must watch his weight as he has struggled with it in the past.
(51) Alan Zematis, CB. Penn State
The loss of Daunte Culpeppper has given the Vikings a second pick in round two to polish off their final needs. The last of the sure-fire cornerbacks will be falling off the board at this point in the draft, and the Vikings are better off grabbing one now than waiting until the late rounds where projected the talent becomes a crap shoot. Penn State's Alan Zematis is neither the fastest (4.56) nor most athletic corner in the draft class. Yet, his game is incredibly polished. He is oversized at 6'1"/194 and his intuition allows him to play very well in zone coverage. This fits perfect with the Vikings cover-2 scheme. To top it all off, Zematis is a sure-handed tackler who is a monster against the run. He stops the run better than any defensive back in the entire draft.
(83) Omar Jacobs, QB. Bowling Green
Having the flexibility to address their major issues during the first two rounds, the Vikings will have an opportunity to grab a pure value pick in round three. With the world supply of BenGay being limited, it appears Brad Johnson's NFL career is coming to a close sooner than later. With Brodie Croyle of Alabama likely off the board by this point, Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green would give the Vikings what they desire at quarterback. Jacobs is vastly underrated. His 6'4"/232 frame is NFL-ready. He moves well in the pocket and is incredibly accurate, even while throwing on the run. His 41:4 (TD-INT) ratio in 2004 was the best in NCAA history. A leader on the field, Jacobs simply is an excellent decision-maker and projects well to the NFL because of this.
(95) Andrew Whitworth, OT. LSU
With all the immediate needs addressed to this point, the Vikings can begin to add legitmate depth to areas where they have none. Andrew Whitworth is a four year starter at LSU. At 6'7"/334, he possesses a large frame. He uses his size effectively with his superior strength to overwhelm opponents, particularly in the running game. He is a technically sound blocker that has the uncoachable, nasty demeanor that every coach desires from their offensive lineman. Having played left tackle in college, Whitworth projects to the right side in the pros. However, as a back-up, he would simply provide depth at both ends of the line for the Vikings.
(*) Vince Young, QB. Texas
Among all big names to slip on draft day, Vince Young is one whose name has surfaced often. Simply put, Vince Young is an elite prospect. His low arm angle should not be frowned upon as much as it is perceived to be. If Jake Delhomme can throw with a three-quarter arm angle at 6'2", then Vince Young can do it at 6'5". Young has excellent throwing power and surprising accuracy. Should Young slip to the deeper portions of the top ten, do not be surprised if the Vikings package up one of their plentiful draft picks to grab him. In fact, the Lions may be a target. The Lions could move down, grab Ernie Sims at 17, Jon Scott at 40, and USC Safety Darnell Bing at 51 with the Vikings pick. The Vikings could manage a franchise arm and still have picks to satisfy their needs at guard and linebacker in rounds two and three.
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Chicago Bears (11-5)
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The biggest surprise in the NFL was the Chicago Bears last year. The defense dominated to the point where the passing offense could be non-existent and the team still manage eleven wins. Among all teams in the draft, the Bears have the most glaring need: the passing game. Bernard Berrian and Justin Gage are not #2 receivers in the NFL. At tight end, Desmond Clark is a horrific pass catcher. Consequently, upgrades are needed both at tight end and receiver. A home run threat would be a great complement to the physical Mushin Muhammad. Defensively, Charles Tillman showed gaps in his game last year. While corner is not a pressing need, it is an area that will require attention before day one is through.
(26) Sinorice Moss, WR. Miami
One who remembers Super Bowl XXXVIII can remember how dominant the combination of Mushin Muhammad and Steve Smith was. Having missed out on Antwaan Randle El during free agency, the Bears would be well served to grab a speedy, go-the-distance receiver in the first round. Sinorice Moss from Miami is walking is the same shoes as his older brother Santana. He is undersized at 5'8"/185, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in blazing speed and quickness. At the Senior Bowl, he was uncoverable in practices and the game itself. His 42" vertical makes his height more easily looked over as a big negative. Added value can be found in Sinorice's ability to return kicks. With the loss of Jerry Azumeh, Moss could step in and give the Bears a big-play threat in the return game as well.
(57) Dominique Byrd, TE. USC
Passing on elite tight end prospect Leonard Pope in round one, the Bears are better served with the value that will have surfaced in the second round. Dominique Byrd of USC is one familiar to the spectacular. One-handed catches are not uncommon for someone with such incredible hands and complementary athleticism. While lacking elite speed (4.85), Byrd has the size at 6'4"/255 and pass-catching skills to make up for it. The Bears need a threat in the passing game from tight end, and Byrd would be a perfect fit. His production at USC it impossible to ignore. A talent like Byrd would make excellent sense at this point of the draft.
(88) Marcus Maxey, CB. Miami
With the glaring needs in the passing game behind them, the Bears can now address the depth that they now lack in the secondary. The loss of Jerry Azumeh will be felt as much more responsibility will be placed on the incomplete game of Charles Tillman. The Bears may have to roll the dice a bit with this pick, but two names will likely make sense. Marcus Maxey of Miami and Tim Jennings of Georgia both have excellent skill sets. Maxey, at 6'1"/198 has the size to couner his sub-par, 4.51 speed. Let us not forget that Maxey got the starting nod over the freakish, speedy (4.36) Devin Hester at The U. Tim Jennings is undersized at 5'8"/185, but his 4.32 speed is simply impossible to ignore. His in-game skills are very refined and height is the only piece of his game that is lacking. Both present two very different, but equally valuable alternatives for the Bear's defense.
(*) Ashton Youbouty, CB. Ohio State
The wild card for the Bears will be their first-round pick. It is certainly possible taht an elite talent like Ashton Youbouty or Jonathan Joseph slips into the Bears lap at 26. A talent of this caliber would be very tough to pass on. The slide in talent is very evident from Joesph and Youbouty to the next best thing. This would shift the Bears focus majorly and leave them without a top notch talent at either WR or TE. It will be interesting to see how illusioned the defensive-minded Bears may end up on draft day. Their glaring need is in the passing game. They are better off not forgetting this.
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The NFC North is filled with many needs and many draft picks to fill those needs. Up next is the AFC South Forecast coming Monday, April 3rd.
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Green Bay Packers (4-12)
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The Packers main needs are on the defensive side of the ball. They need at least one quality lineback to compliment Nick Barnett. The secondary is also weak at cornerback, where no one has stepped up but Al Harris. 2004 first round pick, Ahmad Carroll, has struggled mightily in a starting role. The Packers need someone to at least put pressure on his job. On the offensive side of the ball, the names Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle should remind the Packers of their greatest need. The repercussions of losing both starting guards in the 2005 off season are still being felt. There should be good value at guard in rounds two and three.
AJ Hawk fills a giant need and presents good value at #5
(5) AJ Hawk, LB. Ohio State
With the fifth pick in the draft, the Packers will be able to address a giant need at Linebacker with AJ Hawk. Most any Big Ten fan could tell you jst how disruptive Hawk can be on the field. His name was called on defense more often than anyone in the country these past four years. Consider his one the field production with his Combine best shuttle and cone drill times for linebackers, and it is easy to see why Hawk is so highly regarded. At the Ohio State Pro Day, he managed a 4.42 in the 40-yard dash which put him into an elite catagory for speed as well. Simply put, AJ Hawk has the acceleration, agilty, speed, and football IQ to take his game to the NFL tomorrow.
Kelly Jennings would sure up the Packer secondary
where Ahmad Carroll has struggled
(36) Kelly Jennings, CB. Miami
Sticking to defense in round two would make a lot of sense for the Packers. Clearly, that is the side of the ball that is most deficient at the moment. Kelly Jennings is a suprememly athletic cornerback. He has fliud hips that allow him to excel in one-on-one man coverage. His sub-4.40 speed is considered elite, along with his sub-4.0 20-yard shuttle. Jennings lacks strength (12 reps @ 225lbs) and performs poorly while supporting the run, but his coverage skills are excellent. The Packers need to stop the pass, and his big play abilities will be appreciated in Green Bay.
(67) Charles Spencer, OG. Pittsburgh
With the pick at #36 not presenting good value to draft an offensive guard, the Packers will surely address their need in the offensive front in the third round. Charles Spencer from Pittsburgh and Taitusi Lutui of USC would be competent pros and solid third round picks. Spencer is a converted defensive tackle who weghs in at 355 without losing his nimbleness or athleticism. Lutui weighs around 350 as well, and what he lacks in the form of Spencer's agility he makes up for with dominant, road-grading run blocking. He is an unstoppable force once he gets any momentum.
(*) Antonio Cromartie, CB. Florida State
Antonio Cromartie could make the Packers think twice on a corner like Kelly Jennings in round two. Cromartie simply has upside and tools that are off the charts. He continues to prove that the ACL tear is behind him. Should Charles Spencer not be avilable in the third round, the Packers may option to find further value at linebacker. Abdul Hodge of Iowa would present good value as an ILB/OLB tweener with supreme abilities.
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Detroit Lions (5-11)
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The Lions need no wide receivers; this is for certain. Upgrades on the defensive side of the ball could take their unit to the next level and among the NFL's elite. Terrance Holt is not the answer in center field; a replacement at free safety could supply a significant upgrade to both the pass and rush defenses. With the loss of Earl Holmes, the linebacking unit is now one member short. Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey are two up and coming stars. Adding a third young talent to the mix would give the Lions a base for their defense for many years. Corey Redding could use some competition at defensive end as he is more of a situational guy than a starter, but that is not a pressing need. On the other hand, the O-Line could use some serious upgrading. With the skill positions taken care of, the Lions are a solid offensive line away from moving the ball effortlessly down the field. A franchise tackle would help immensely. Finding late valu at guard could give the Lions a unit that is passable by NFL standards. Currently, the unit is very below average. Kevin Butler is not the answer.
(9) Michael Huff, S. Texas
As discussed in a previous post, Michael Huff makes a ton of sense for the Lions. Huff has the ability to play both cornerback and safety in the NFL. Someone with his athleticism and versatility is very hard to find. Running at 4.34, he can handle anyone but a handful of guys in the league in man coverage. At 6'0"/204, he has the size to shoulder the load at safety. Huff has a nose for the ball that was evident during every game he played with the Longhorns. Huff would be a gigantic upgrade over Terrance Holt at free safety. He could contribute tomorrow as a nickel back at the very least. If drafted, it would be surprising to see him not in the starting lineup by week five.
Longhorns' Scott (OT) and Huff (S/CB) are both NFL-ready
(40) Jon Scott, OT. Texas
After passing on Winston Justice at #9, the Lions would be well advised to take their franchise tackle in round two before the depth of talent dissipates. Jon Scott from Texas has a game that is more refined and NFL-ready than Justice at the moment. What he lacks in upside, he makes up for in grit, footwork, and durability. Scott's frame could accomodate added weight, and he is already a 6'6"/316 giant. He is a smart player with top intangibles. Considered to have first-round talent, he is exactly the player the Lions desire for their offensive line.
(74) Spencer Havner, LB. ULCA
Being given no reasonable choice at linebacker in round one and being presented with no remarkable option in round two, it is likely that the Lions address their need for a young, talented backer in the round three. Spencer Havner of UCLA and Abdul Hodge of Iowa both possess the size, strength, and athleticism to play either inside or outside in the NFL. A player of such caliber would be desirable to the Lions since their skills could be evaluated alongside Teddy Lehman's to determne exactly who the best fit is for the ILB spot that has been vacated by Earl Holmes. Both Hodge and Havner are underrated talents whose games are so well-rounded that they lack both glaring weakness and easily identifiable strengths. Hodge possesses slightly more athleticism, but is undersized at 6'0"/236. Havner is a relative giant at 6'4"/242.
Manny Lawson might alter plans if he slips to #40
(*) Manny Lawson, DE. NC State
Manny Lawson is an incredible talent. Having lined up at defensive end opposite Mario Williams his entire career at NC State, he translates to OLB in the NFL. At 6'6"/241, he is lanky but by no means undersized as an outside linebacker. His 7'2" wingspan and 42" vertical mean that the classical device to measure the vertical leap stat needs to be propped up to accomodate his ability. His 4.43 speed is unparalleled among both defensive ends and linebackers. Lawson is simply a freak of nature that would make an excellent pass rushing linebacker to compliment the run stopper, Teddy Lehman, and the coverage guy in Boss Bailey. Expect Manny Lawson, if available, to delay the drafting of an offensive tackle to round three. He is simply too talented to pass on.
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Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
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The Vikings rid themselves of Daunte Culpepper and Nate Burleson. While it was certainly not worthwhile to match the Seahawks 7-year/$49m deal to keep Burleson, the loss of Culpepper may have been less excused. Losing a franchise fixture at quarterback for a second round pick may become an executive decision looked upon poorly in the years upcoming. Regardless, the Vikings have other needs. It is unfortunate that Steve Hutchinson can only play one guard spot. The Vikings need another to polish off their O-Line. Once thought to be targetting a running back in the draft, Chester Taylor has solved that issue through free agency. He is one of the best running backs that 75% of NFL fans have never heard of. On the defensive side of the ball, Dontarrius Thomas is simply not a starting linebacker in the NFL. A competent starter at outside linebacker needs to be found early in the draft. The last pressing need is at cornerback. While Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot make a great starting duo, there exists no depth on the roster. While both Smoot and Winfield have years remaining on their contracts, they are not getting any younger and an NFL-ready nickelback would make their defense even better.
(17) Ernie Sims, OLB. Florida State
You can bet that former Tampa Bay Buccaneer assistant Mike Tomlin is paying attention to the Derrick Brook's comparisons for Florida State linebacker Ernie Sims. Undersized at 5'11"/231, Sims plays larger than his size might suggest. He can flat out lay the lumber. HIs measureables are quite excellent. His 4.48 speed gives him sideline-to-sideline range. An experienced and productive player at Florida State, Sims is a fiery competitor who simply made plays week in and week out. Ernie Sims would fill a giant need at linebacker for the Vikings. There is definitely a chance that Sims does not make it to #17, but with teams ahead of the Vikings with defensive needs focusing heavily on secondary and line, the Vikings will likely find Ernie Sims gift-wrapped come draft day.
Davin Joseph and Max Jean-Giles would both make great
sense to polish off the interior line in Minnesota
(48) Max Jean-Giles, OG. Georgia
Grabbing an offensive guard will be essential to the Vikings draft. In the middle of the second round, the top candidates will likely start presenting themselves as good value to teams in need. The top guard in the field is Davin Joseph from Oklahoma. He would give the Vikings an athletic, versatile guard to compliment the NFL-best Hutchinson for years to come. Joseph has a ton of proven experience against top-flight competition and appears as NFL-ready as anyone in the draft class. Dwarfing the 6'2"/311 Davin Joesph is Georgia's 6'4"/355 Max Jean-Giles. Should Davin Joseph not be on the board at 48, Jean-Giles would make a lot of sense. Although he is very large, he possesses excellent footwork. Needless to say, he is massively strong and provides an incredible initial punch at the line. Different from Joseph, Jean-Giles has the ability to manhandle opponents. However, he must watch his weight as he has struggled with it in the past.
(51) Alan Zematis, CB. Penn State
The loss of Daunte Culpeppper has given the Vikings a second pick in round two to polish off their final needs. The last of the sure-fire cornerbacks will be falling off the board at this point in the draft, and the Vikings are better off grabbing one now than waiting until the late rounds where projected the talent becomes a crap shoot. Penn State's Alan Zematis is neither the fastest (4.56) nor most athletic corner in the draft class. Yet, his game is incredibly polished. He is oversized at 6'1"/194 and his intuition allows him to play very well in zone coverage. This fits perfect with the Vikings cover-2 scheme. To top it all off, Zematis is a sure-handed tackler who is a monster against the run. He stops the run better than any defensive back in the entire draft.
Omar Jacobs holds the NCAA record for TD:INT Ratio
(83) Omar Jacobs, QB. Bowling Green
Having the flexibility to address their major issues during the first two rounds, the Vikings will have an opportunity to grab a pure value pick in round three. With the world supply of BenGay being limited, it appears Brad Johnson's NFL career is coming to a close sooner than later. With Brodie Croyle of Alabama likely off the board by this point, Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green would give the Vikings what they desire at quarterback. Jacobs is vastly underrated. His 6'4"/232 frame is NFL-ready. He moves well in the pocket and is incredibly accurate, even while throwing on the run. His 41:4 (TD-INT) ratio in 2004 was the best in NCAA history. A leader on the field, Jacobs simply is an excellent decision-maker and projects well to the NFL because of this.
(95) Andrew Whitworth, OT. LSU
With all the immediate needs addressed to this point, the Vikings can begin to add legitmate depth to areas where they have none. Andrew Whitworth is a four year starter at LSU. At 6'7"/334, he possesses a large frame. He uses his size effectively with his superior strength to overwhelm opponents, particularly in the running game. He is a technically sound blocker that has the uncoachable, nasty demeanor that every coach desires from their offensive lineman. Having played left tackle in college, Whitworth projects to the right side in the pros. However, as a back-up, he would simply provide depth at both ends of the line for the Vikings.
The wild card for the Vikings is Vince Young
(*) Vince Young, QB. Texas
Among all big names to slip on draft day, Vince Young is one whose name has surfaced often. Simply put, Vince Young is an elite prospect. His low arm angle should not be frowned upon as much as it is perceived to be. If Jake Delhomme can throw with a three-quarter arm angle at 6'2", then Vince Young can do it at 6'5". Young has excellent throwing power and surprising accuracy. Should Young slip to the deeper portions of the top ten, do not be surprised if the Vikings package up one of their plentiful draft picks to grab him. In fact, the Lions may be a target. The Lions could move down, grab Ernie Sims at 17, Jon Scott at 40, and USC Safety Darnell Bing at 51 with the Vikings pick. The Vikings could manage a franchise arm and still have picks to satisfy their needs at guard and linebacker in rounds two and three.
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Chicago Bears (11-5)
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The biggest surprise in the NFL was the Chicago Bears last year. The defense dominated to the point where the passing offense could be non-existent and the team still manage eleven wins. Among all teams in the draft, the Bears have the most glaring need: the passing game. Bernard Berrian and Justin Gage are not #2 receivers in the NFL. At tight end, Desmond Clark is a horrific pass catcher. Consequently, upgrades are needed both at tight end and receiver. A home run threat would be a great complement to the physical Mushin Muhammad. Defensively, Charles Tillman showed gaps in his game last year. While corner is not a pressing need, it is an area that will require attention before day one is through.
Sinorice Moss is a lot like his brother Santana
(26) Sinorice Moss, WR. Miami
One who remembers Super Bowl XXXVIII can remember how dominant the combination of Mushin Muhammad and Steve Smith was. Having missed out on Antwaan Randle El during free agency, the Bears would be well served to grab a speedy, go-the-distance receiver in the first round. Sinorice Moss from Miami is walking is the same shoes as his older brother Santana. He is undersized at 5'8"/185, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in blazing speed and quickness. At the Senior Bowl, he was uncoverable in practices and the game itself. His 42" vertical makes his height more easily looked over as a big negative. Added value can be found in Sinorice's ability to return kicks. With the loss of Jerry Azumeh, Moss could step in and give the Bears a big-play threat in the return game as well.
One-handed catch in the National Title Game: no biggie
(57) Dominique Byrd, TE. USC
Passing on elite tight end prospect Leonard Pope in round one, the Bears are better served with the value that will have surfaced in the second round. Dominique Byrd of USC is one familiar to the spectacular. One-handed catches are not uncommon for someone with such incredible hands and complementary athleticism. While lacking elite speed (4.85), Byrd has the size at 6'4"/255 and pass-catching skills to make up for it. The Bears need a threat in the passing game from tight end, and Byrd would be a perfect fit. His production at USC it impossible to ignore. A talent like Byrd would make excellent sense at this point of the draft.
(88) Marcus Maxey, CB. Miami
With the glaring needs in the passing game behind them, the Bears can now address the depth that they now lack in the secondary. The loss of Jerry Azumeh will be felt as much more responsibility will be placed on the incomplete game of Charles Tillman. The Bears may have to roll the dice a bit with this pick, but two names will likely make sense. Marcus Maxey of Miami and Tim Jennings of Georgia both have excellent skill sets. Maxey, at 6'1"/198 has the size to couner his sub-par, 4.51 speed. Let us not forget that Maxey got the starting nod over the freakish, speedy (4.36) Devin Hester at The U. Tim Jennings is undersized at 5'8"/185, but his 4.32 speed is simply impossible to ignore. His in-game skills are very refined and height is the only piece of his game that is lacking. Both present two very different, but equally valuable alternatives for the Bear's defense.
(*) Ashton Youbouty, CB. Ohio State
The wild card for the Bears will be their first-round pick. It is certainly possible taht an elite talent like Ashton Youbouty or Jonathan Joseph slips into the Bears lap at 26. A talent of this caliber would be very tough to pass on. The slide in talent is very evident from Joesph and Youbouty to the next best thing. This would shift the Bears focus majorly and leave them without a top notch talent at either WR or TE. It will be interesting to see how illusioned the defensive-minded Bears may end up on draft day. Their glaring need is in the passing game. They are better off not forgetting this.
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The NFC North is filled with many needs and many draft picks to fill those needs. Up next is the AFC South Forecast coming Monday, April 3rd.