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If you are the one person that follows the NFL Draft and didn’t watch Andrew Luck or Robert Grifffin III in game action this may be news to you.  They are both pretty good spinners of the football.

In consecutive days the NFL eyes were squarely on Waco, TX and Palo Alto, CA.  The two guys that will hear their names called first and second on April 26th were on display for their pro days.

The collective buzz surrounded around the fact that both were as advertised.  Griffin spun the ball indoors in impressive fashion displaying his customary blend of athleticism and arm talent.  Griffin featured himself from under center which he rarely did in his collegiate career.  It was a rarity to see an incompletion as most came in the form of a drop.  Most impressive was Griffin’s “get off” from under center as he looked natural in his drops which ranged from three to seven steps.  His footwork has been a source of contention from some talent evaluators but it looked clean and crisp on the move and standing tall from the pocket.

Andrew Luck was equally impressive on Thursday throwing in the elements of Stanford’s outdoor practice facility.  On an overcast, windy day luck battled heavy winds in a George Whitfield scripted workout.  In typical Whitfield style, they featured every NFL pass in as many packages as possible with the obvious intention of answering any questions about Luck’s arm strength.  As the workout came to a close a scout requested a “deep ball”.  Luck obliged by raring back and launching a 70 yard bomb against the wind.  An appropriate ending to the workout of a guy that most consider a “special talent” at the quarterback position. Read the rest of this entry » «Rave reviews for Griffin and Luck on their pro days»

Micheal Profetta will update readers on the draft needs and targets of each team in alphabetical order, on the slate for today the Atlanta Falcons.

Left Tackle   Will Svitek held his head above water longer than most expected after taking over for Sam “Sackmaker” Baker, but let’s be real here folks…he’s Will Svitek. The Falcons currently don’t have the cap space to sign Demetrius Bell or Marcus McNeill, but a few cuts (Baker, Peria Jerry, etc.) may do the trick. If this position hasn’t been addressed by draft day, Florida State’s Zebrie Sanders could be a Day Two target. A mid-to-late round project like UAB’s Matt McCants or Oklahoma’s Donald Stephenson might be in the Falcons’ crosshairs, but another project is probably the last thing this O-line needs.

Pass Rushers   Whether it’s a DT or a DE, a prospect (or two) capable of bringing consistent pressure is a must. Starting DTs Corey Peters and Jonathan Babineaux are solid against the run, but a quick gap-shooter capable of chipping in five sacks a year could be on the Falcons’ radar. If UConn’s versatile Kendall Reyes is around at #55, Thomas Dimitroff could pounce. Florida’s Jaye Howard could be an intriguing option later on, as could Cincinnati’s Derek Wolfe. Read the rest of this entry » «Atlanta Falcons 2012 NFL Draft Needs and Targets»

The NFL/Roger Goodell lowered the “boom” on the New Orleans Saints for their bounty system.  It was expected to be ugly and the NFL didn’t disappoint.

Head coach Sean Payton will be suspended for the entire 2012 season.  Former defensive coordinator (currently St. Louis Rams DC) Gregg Williams received an indefinite suspension, which will be presumably worse than the year suspension that Sean Payton received.  Assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt received a six game suspension.  Finally, General Manager Mickey Loomis has been suspended for first eight games of the 2012 season.

In addition to crippling the coaching staff, the NFL fined the team $500,000 and confiscated two second round picks, one in 2012 and 2013.  The Saints will not pick until the third round of April’s draft with the team trading their first round pick to the Patriots in exchange for Mark Ingram in 2011.

The bounty program was conducted from 2009-11 and targeted opposing players.  Gregg Williams received the harshest penalty by the league due to the NFL concluding that he administered the program.  League Commissioner Roger Goodell has taken a firm stance on player safety and this is the grossest example of neglect.  Hence, the crippling penalties for the parties involved.

Here’s Goodell’s statement on the penalty:

“We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game,” Goodell said in a statement announcing the punishments. “We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities. No one is above the game or the rules that govern it. Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised. “A combination of elements made this matter particularly unusual and egregious,” Goodell said. “When there is targeting of players for injury and cash rewards over a three-year period, the involvement of the coaching staff, and three years of denials and willful disrespect of the rules, a strong and lasting message must be sent that such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game.”

Facing off as allies

The phenomenon that is Tim Tebow just got a whole lot bigger.  Tim Tebow has been traded to the media capital of the world.

Hot of the heels of the Peyton Manning saga, the Denver Broncos wasted no time in dealing Tebow to the Jets in exchange for a fourth-round pick in April’s draft.   In addition the Broncos will send a seventh-round pick to the Jets in exchange for a sixth-round pick.  None of this really matters because in the grand scheme of things, the NFL map has been altered.

Tebow’s stardom has taken on a cult-like following among fans.  People that didn’t pay attention to football before Tebow’s entrance into the league, now tune in to watch the former Gator.  The man that has been given credit for blending religion and sports is now a player on the largest of scenes in NYC.

This can’t work out good for the Jets and/or Mark Sanchez.  One poor Mark Sanchez performance will have the Jets ‘passionate’ fanbase (and the rest of the world) calling for Touchdown Timmy.

UPDATE:  After the on again, off again nature of this deal its officially back on and Tim Tebow will be a Jet.

Micheal Profetta will update readers on the draft needs and targets of each team in alphabetical order, starting today with the Arizona Cardinals.

Could Reiff be the answer at LT for the Cards?

Offensive Tackle   Even with the re-signing of Levi Brown, a quality left tackle remains the Cardinals greatest need. Brown is ticketed for the right side, so barring a late, risk/reward signing like Marcus McNeill or Demetrius Bell, Rod Graves and Co. will surely be doing their due diligence on Iowa’s Riley Reiff, Stanford’s Jonathan Martin, Ohio State’s Mike Adams, and perhaps even Mississippi’s late-rising Bobby Massie as draft day nears.

Wide Receiver   A quality complement to Larry Fitzgerald is still on the Cardinals’ checklist. A vertical threat like Baylor’s Kendall Wright could be very tempting at #13. It’s no secret that Arizona borrows heavily from the Pittsburgh Steelers organizational blueprint…they could see Wright as a fascimile of Mike Wallace.   Read the rest of this entry » «Arizona Cardinals 2012 NFL Draft Needs and Targets»

Let the QB derby begin in Seattle. Something tells us it is a one-man race

After a long week of a frustrating lack of activity and perceived interest, quarterback Matt Flynn signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Flynn leaves the comforts of Green Bay for a 3 year, $26M contract with up to $10M guaranteed. The base deal is $19M with incentives that take it to the $26M figure.

That’s not bad money, but it is far from the franchise tag value of $14M that some folks thought Flynn might get from the Packers. In his two starts, first against New England in 2010 and then the 2011 finale against Detroit, Flynn put up truly monstrous numbers: 55-for-81 with 731 yards, 9 touchdowns and two INTs, including a team-record six TD passes against Detroit. He hit free agency immediately after authoring that Detroit masterpiece, which led many Packers fans to assume GM Ted Thompson would use the franchise tag and subsequently trade Flynn for at least a 2^nd round pick. Talk of as much as a $50M contract abounded. Read the rest of this entry » «Seattle Goes In with Flynn»

1. Indianapolis Colts:  Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Colts are ready to turn the page on the Peyton Manning era in Indy.  As tough as it is/was it is made easier with Andrew Luck sitting atop the 2012 NFL Draft to comfort the fall.

Alternative pick:  None

2.  Washington Redskins:  Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The talk of Washington mortgaging their future drafts is old already in my mind.  For me, this was an outstanding deal that netted the future of this organization.  It’s tough putting a price on that.

Robert Griffin III is a special talent that should re-invigorate the Redskin fan base, Mike Shanahan, and sell a whole bunch of merchandise.  This trade and pick was a win for the Redskins no matter the cost.  My prediction is that there will be teams regretting their decision to not go all-in on the No. 2 pick.

Alternative pick:  None

3.  Minnesota Vikings:   Matt Kalil, OT, USC

Talk of Minnesota trading out of this pick is absurd…they are not passing on taking the best player available at their position of greatest need.  0% chance this pick is in anyone’s hands outside of Minnesota.

Kalil is a perennial Pro Bowler at LT with an elite skill set for the position.  The Vikings and Christian Ponder run this pick to Roger Goodell.

Alternative pick:  None

4.  Cleveland Browns:  Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

I have felt really strongly that the Browns brass would jump in on Morris Claiborne because of positional value.  With the loss of Peyton Hillis to the Chiefs, the Browns may not be able to pass on TR.  Richardson is a special talent that I would contend is a better overall player than Adrian Peterson.  He’s as complete as they come at the position with the ability to play in any system.  I love his possibilities in the West Coast as will Browns fans.

Alternative pick:  Morris Claiborne, Ryan Tannehill

5.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Bucs spent a ton of money on Eric Wright’s services.  That said, no way they pass on Claiborne if he’s sitting there at five for the taking.  With Aqib Talib’s future hanging in the balance, the Bucs will look early to the cornerback position.  If Claiborne’s available, he’s the guy.

Alternative pick:  None Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft : Free Agency Frenzy Edition»

17.  Cincinnati Bengals (f/OAK):  Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Stephon Gilmore is slowly gaining traction on Kirkpatrick and Jenkins for the rights to No. 2 corner on most boards.  I will stick with Kirkpatrick for the time being although I think Gilmore has a chance to be a better pro.  Either way, the Bengals have to go hard after a corner given their current rotation.

Alternative pick:  Cordy Glenn, Stephon Gilmore

18.  San Diego Chargers:  Cordy Glenn, OT/OG, Georgia

Cordy Glenn going ahead of Riley Reiff, Jon Martin and Mike Adams.  What a travesty.  Glenn’s versatility to play RT or inside could be an intriguing fit for the Chargers.  The Chargers were able to retain the services of Jared Gaither but lost Marcus McNeill.  Glenn could fill in immediately at RT and has some questioning whether he is capable of playing the left side in the NFL.  I have spent a day on Glenn, outside of the Boise game, you would be hard pressed to find a game that he didn’t look like a natural fit on the left side against SEC pass rushers.

Alternative pick:  Courtney Upshaw, Dont’a Hightower

19.  Chicago Bears:  Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

The trade for Brandon Marshall came as a bit of a surprise to many, including myself.  It most likely frees the Bears up to take BPA.  Gilmore is a man on the rise and fills a major need area for the Bears.  If the board falls this way, they should have plenty of options including taking a tackle.

Alternative pick:  Riley Reiff, Courtney Upshaw, Whitney Mercilus Read the rest of this entry » «2012 NFL Mock Draft : Free Agent Frenzy Picks 17-32»

A marriage made in Heaven

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen have reported that Peyton Manning has given the go-ahead to agent, Tom Condon to begin negotiations on a contract with the Denver Broncos.

Barring a major sticking point, which there won’t be at five-years, $95 million, Manning will be leading the Denver Broncos in 2012.  With Broncos players already weighing in on their new quarterback, it appears to be a forgone conclusion.  With one slight hang up.

Tim Tebow has taken on a persona almost as big as the NFL itself.  With wall-to-wall coverage of everything Tebow related, fans are sure to be inundated with the possibility of Tebow on the open market.  The trade talk has already heated up and taken over fresh off the heals of the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and NFL Network’s resident GM, Charlie Casserly have already begun the speculation game on Touchdown Timmy’s trade value.  Casserly went on record, saying he “would be surprised if he went for much more than a fifth-round pick.”  Mortensen added fuel to the fire by saying the Broncos would likely release Tebow if they can’t trade him.   Read the rest of this entry » «All signs point to Manning in the Mile High City, where does Timmy go from here?»

33. St. Louis Rams- Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers

A poor forty time (4.67) at the Combine has dinged Sanu’s stock a bit, but I still like him. His game isnt about blazing speed…it’s more about strength, pristine route-running, determined RAC ability, and reliable hands. For Sam Bradford, who has dealt with a WR corps that couldn’t catch a cold during his first two NFL seasons, “reliable hands” is sweet music.

34. Indianapolis Colts- Coby Fleener TE Stanford

I swear – the Stanford connection had no influence on this pick. I was very close to giving new DC Greg Manusky a quality corner like Stephon Gilmore or Josh Robinson here, but giving Luck more weapons takes priority. Luck has certainly lived a charmed life…famous, millionaire father…life of privilege…top-notch education…now he gets to bring along his comfy security blanket from school all the way to Indianapolis. Some guys have all the…nevermind.

35. Minnesota Vikings- Stephon Gilmore CB South Carolina

The Vikes need a big, game-changing target for Ponder, so Alshon Jeffery was tempting here, but Gilmore is a great value at the top of the second round and fills a pressing need for a physical, playmaking corner. if Chris Cook can keep his nose clean, Gilmore could even play FS…also a glaring need.

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Lavonte David OLB Nebraska

It came down to David and Zach Brown here. Brown offers the greater upside, but David’s far superior instincts sealed the deal. A tough, intelligent leader capable of calling the defensive plays…a role that Mason Foster struggled with during his rookie season. Read the rest of this entry » «Profetta’s 2nd Round of the 2012 NFL Mock Draft»