Last Minute Moves
The Draft will be here in less than a week, and news is flying off the press. This past week, three moves have caused significant adjustments to the texture of the draft. In the final days upcoming, there will certainly be more moves of note. Further updates need to and will be made to the Mock Draft that was updated on 4/21.
The San Francisco 49ers made the biggest splash by trading the 37th and 68th overall picks for Denver's 22nd overall selection. By moving into the first round, the 49ers are telling their fans that they need impact players. While this is true, it is also true that the 49ers have many holes to fill. By sacrificing one first day pick, they may have cost themselves the opportunity to nab another player that could fill a hole on their roster. At the same time, the team can not be faulted. With a legitimate prospect likely making it to #22, the 49ers can get a player that can start and have an impact from week one. Look for the team to either target a prolific pass rusher like Manny Lawson and Kamerion Wimbley or a versatile defensive back like Jimmy Williams and Jason Allen. This selection will hinge on their first pick at #6. AJ Hawk would mean defensive back; Vernon Davis would mean pass rushing linebacker.
The Denver Broncos, moving down, allow themselves to get better value while filling team need areas. Up front, the team needs a pass rusher, and with names like Tamba Hali and Mathias Kiwanuka slipping down draft boards recently, a move to #37 allows the Broncos to grab one of these two without reaching. At #68, the Broncos regain a third round selection, giving themselves a chance to grab a safety or a tight end with good value. Interestingly, the Broncos actually tried to move up the board as Plan A. The team offered the Green Bay Packers both of their first round picks (#15 and #22) for the Packers pick at #5. This would have given the Broncos a chance at tight end, Vernon Davis. However, the Packers refused this offer, and now the Broncos have taken a different angle. Nevertheless, don't rule out the Broncos trying to move the #15, #37, and #61 picks for the Packers #5. Vernon Davis is a guy that the Broncos really have their eye on.
There is no doubt that Lavar Arrington can be a dominant football player. He has rare athleticism. He is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league from the outside linebacker spot in the 4-3. He is now a New York Giant. With the acquisition, the Giants can now focus their energies elsewhere in round one. Wide receiver Sinorice Moss is a legitimate option as he would supply the team with an explosive option to compliment both Plaxico Burress in the receiving game and Willie Ponder in the return game. Finding a cornerback before the depth is gone in round two is also a legitimate option. The Giants pass defense was simply horrible last year.
Figured to draft a defensive back in round one, the Bears have filled their need in the form of Ricky Manning. Manning is the perfect corner to offer insurance for the up and down Charles Tillman. Now, the Bears can address their most glaring need: the receiving game. It appears that Sinorice Moss is the most likely candidate as the Bears first round pick. Should he be off the board, a tight end like Leonard Pope or Mercedes Lewis would be an excellent Plan B.
The draft is taking its final steps to solidification. The 49ers, Broncos, Giants, and Bears all made the necessary adjustments to put themselves in a better positionfor the draft. Keep your eye out for a new mock draft. With each new mock comes more certainty. Lets see if any other team takes a chance
The Draft is taking shape
The San Francisco 49ers made the biggest splash by trading the 37th and 68th overall picks for Denver's 22nd overall selection. By moving into the first round, the 49ers are telling their fans that they need impact players. While this is true, it is also true that the 49ers have many holes to fill. By sacrificing one first day pick, they may have cost themselves the opportunity to nab another player that could fill a hole on their roster. At the same time, the team can not be faulted. With a legitimate prospect likely making it to #22, the 49ers can get a player that can start and have an impact from week one. Look for the team to either target a prolific pass rusher like Manny Lawson and Kamerion Wimbley or a versatile defensive back like Jimmy Williams and Jason Allen. This selection will hinge on their first pick at #6. AJ Hawk would mean defensive back; Vernon Davis would mean pass rushing linebacker.
Mike Nolan has traded up to get a difference maker
The Denver Broncos, moving down, allow themselves to get better value while filling team need areas. Up front, the team needs a pass rusher, and with names like Tamba Hali and Mathias Kiwanuka slipping down draft boards recently, a move to #37 allows the Broncos to grab one of these two without reaching. At #68, the Broncos regain a third round selection, giving themselves a chance to grab a safety or a tight end with good value. Interestingly, the Broncos actually tried to move up the board as Plan A. The team offered the Green Bay Packers both of their first round picks (#15 and #22) for the Packers pick at #5. This would have given the Broncos a chance at tight end, Vernon Davis. However, the Packers refused this offer, and now the Broncos have taken a different angle. Nevertheless, don't rule out the Broncos trying to move the #15, #37, and #61 picks for the Packers #5. Vernon Davis is a guy that the Broncos really have their eye on.
Lavar Arrington is now a Giant
There is no doubt that Lavar Arrington can be a dominant football player. He has rare athleticism. He is one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league from the outside linebacker spot in the 4-3. He is now a New York Giant. With the acquisition, the Giants can now focus their energies elsewhere in round one. Wide receiver Sinorice Moss is a legitimate option as he would supply the team with an explosive option to compliment both Plaxico Burress in the receiving game and Willie Ponder in the return game. Finding a cornerback before the depth is gone in round two is also a legitimate option. The Giants pass defense was simply horrible last year.
Ricky Manning sures up the Bears secondary
Figured to draft a defensive back in round one, the Bears have filled their need in the form of Ricky Manning. Manning is the perfect corner to offer insurance for the up and down Charles Tillman. Now, the Bears can address their most glaring need: the receiving game. It appears that Sinorice Moss is the most likely candidate as the Bears first round pick. Should he be off the board, a tight end like Leonard Pope or Mercedes Lewis would be an excellent Plan B.
The draft is taking its final steps to solidification. The 49ers, Broncos, Giants, and Bears all made the necessary adjustments to put themselves in a better positionfor the draft. Keep your eye out for a new mock draft. With each new mock comes more certainty. Lets see if any other team takes a chance