MAY 2009

NOLAN NAWROCKIS DRAFT GRADES FOR EACH TEAM ... ONLY AT PROFOOTBALLWEEKLY.COM
2009 NFL DRAFT REVIEW
Fresh faces
in new places
Fresh faces
in new places
MARK
SANCHEZ
MATTHEWSTAFFORD
MICHAEL
CRABTREE
JASON
SMITH
AARON
CURRY
Michael Crabtree should bolster the 49ers offense in 2009.
CREATORS & FOUNDERS
Arthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski and Joel Buchsbaum
ADMINISTRATION
Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush
General manager Mike Waters
EDITORIAL
Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden
Managing editor Mike Holbrook
Executive editors Dan Arkush
Neil Warner
Senior editors Nolan Nawrocki
Eric Edholm
Mike Wilkening
Associate editors Matt Sohn
Dan Parr
Michael Blunda
Production assistant Matt Quinnan
Editorial assistants Matt Feminis
Seth Gruen
COLUMNISTS
Ron Borges, Barry Jackson
AFC REPORTERS
Baltimore Ravens Jamison Hensley
Buffalo Bills Chuck Pollock
Cincinnati Bengals Joe Reedy
Cleveland Browns Tony Grossi
Denver Broncos Frank Schwab
Houston Texans Megan Manfull
Indianapolis Colts Tom James
Jacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino
Kansas City Chiefs Kent Babb
Miami Dolphins Harvey Fialkov
New England Patriots John Tomase
New York Jets Mark Cannizzaro
Oakland Raiders Michael Wagaman
Pittsburgh Steelers Jim Wexell
San Diego Chargers Chris Jenkins
Tennessee Titans Jim Wyatt
NFC REPORTERS
Arizona Cardinals Kent Somers
Atlanta Falcons D. Orlando Ledbetter
Carolina Panthers Charles Chandler
Chicago Bears Bob LeGere
Dallas Cowboys Mickey Spagnola
Detroit Lions Nicholas J. Cotsonika
Green Bay Packers Bob McGinn
Minnesota Vikings Sean Jensen
New Orleans Saints Mike Triplett
New York Giants Paul Schwartz
Philadelphia Eagles Dave Weinberg
St. Louis Rams Jim Thomas
San Francisco 49ers Kevin Lynch
Seattle Seahawks Clare Farnsworth
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Roy Cummings
Washington Redskins John Keim
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tom Danyluk, Art Edelstein,
Pat Fitzmaurice, Court E. Mann
STATISTICIAN
Rick Arkush
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CONTENTS
2 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
COVER STORY 13
PFWdraft analyst Nolan Nawrocki takes you behind the scenes of
what happened in this years NFL draft, telling you what happened and
why, and how it will impact the pro football landscape in 2009.
TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS 14
We break down how each and every player chosen in the draft will fit
with his new team.
THE FANTASY DOCTOR 30
PFWs resident fantasy football expert, Michael Blunda, offers up his
list of the top 10 youngsters most likely to break out and reward those
brave enough to gamble on rookies in this summers fantasy drafts.
THE WAYWE SEE IT..................3
DRAFT-DAY REACHES
AND STEALS..............................3
THE WAYWE HEAR IT ..............4
FINAL PLAYER RANKINGS ......22
ROUND-BY-ROUND
DRAFT LIST................................26
POSITION-BY-POSITION
DRAFT LIST................................27
OPINION: Editorial, letters,
Publishers Pen..........................28
COLUMNISTS:
Dan Parr, Ron Borges,
Dan Arkushs A-bombs ..........29
2009 NFL TEAM-BY-TEAM
SCHEDULES ............................32
2009 NFL WEEK-BY-WEEK
SCHEDULE ..............................33
NFL TRANSACTIONS..............33
FREE-AGENCY UPDATE..........34
AUDIBLES................................35
NFLIST: High draft picks
outplayed by lower-round peers..35
ONLYAT PROFOOTBALLWEEKLY.COM
THE GRADES ARE IN Nolan Nawrocki offers his assessment of each
teams 2009 draft, assigning early grades to each franchise in this Web-
only exclusive.
INSTANT ANALYSIS For even more opinions, check out our online of-
ferings from Draft Day, which include PFWeditors sounding off on all
the news from the leagues annual player selection weekend.
FREE-AGENT TRACKER After the draft, theres often a second wave of
free-agent signings, as teams look to fill remaining holes that werent
addressed in the draft. Keep up-to-date on all player movement by
checking out our free-agent coverage.
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Cover photos by SportPics
Head coach Marvin Lewis and the Bengals were not scared off by the character issues of OT Andre Smith.
2009 DRAFT STEALS
AND REACHES
There is not only an art to evaluating talent,
but a method to understanding the value of
players as perceived by other teams around
the league, and their needs, and being able to
manipulate the draft board in ones favor. Fol-
lowing are players who were drafted sooner
than necessary, being overvalued, and others
who were landed later than expected, reaping
great value, along with some who could turn
out to be steals after the draft.
OVERVALUED
OLB Larry English (16), Chargers
Could be a solid pro but has huge expectations to fill
and may struggle to ever live up to his draft billing.
DE Connor Barwin (46), Texans
Has upside but brings back visions of Jason Babin and
was selected awfully high for a developmental project.
FS Mike Mitchell (47), Raiders
The Raiders would have been wise to have used their
eyes instead of their ears on this evaluation.
OT Sebastian Vollmer (58), Patriots
Having enough try-hard, injury-prone stiffs on their line
already, the Pats didnt need one with a bad back.
CB Sean Smith (61), Utah
Smith, like former Cowboys FS Pat Watkins, is too tall
to transition cleanly and match up with NFL receivers.
DE Matt Shaughnessy (71), Raiders
Al Davis could have filled this entire column, repeatedly
reaching for measurables and not understanding value.
UNDERVALUED
CB Malcolm Jenkins (14), Saints
Anytime teams can land potential Pro Bowl talent, es-
pecially at the CB position, there is great value.
WR Jeremy Maclin (19), Eagles
Was worth moving up for; possesses the playmaking
ability and dual return ability to make an instant impact.
WR Mike Thomas (107), Jaguars
Could contribute in multiple phases and possesses the
competitiveness to develop into a starter.
TE Shawn Nelson (121), Bills
Brings instant value as a pass catcher and has upside
to develop into a more complete player.
DE Lawrence Sidbury (125), Falcons
If Sidbury develops a pass-rush repertoire, he could be
a terror off the edge.
TE Cornelius Ingram (153), Eagles
May need another surgery on his knee, but even if he
needs to redshirt, could come back with a vengeance.
SURPRISINGLY
UNDRAFTED
MLB Darry Beckwith, LSU
Was off many draft boards for medical concerns but
could become a solid pro if he can stay healthy.
WR Kevin Ogletree, Virginia
Strong Combine performance and long speed were
outweighed by injury concerns for the junior.
ILB Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia
Has the physical tools to start in the pros, but question-
able character could always land him in trouble.
QB John Parker Wilson, Alabama
Pro-style quarterback took strides in Joe Pendrys of-
fense as a senior and could find a job in the pros.
OLB Jonathan Casillas, Wisconsin
Was not able to run on a bad knee until days before the
draft but has big-time speed when healthy.
DL Mitch King, Iowa
All-out overachiever will be difficult to cut for whichever
team decides to give him a chance.
Nolan Nawrocki
I used to bash the Bengals for taking on players with suspect
character, but at this point they might as well keep gambling on
talent. After all, werent the Cowboys of the 1990s a bunch of junk-
yard dogs and everyone elses rejects?
More now than either the Cowboys or Raiders, the Bengals have
become the team in the NFL to gamble on players with major ques-
tion marks if they feel there is talent to develop.
It has backfired before Odell Thurman, Chris Henry, Fros-
tee Rucker and A.J. Nicholson raised major character red flags
and flopped, and high picks with durability concerns such as Ken-
ny Irons and Caleb Miller predictably flamed out.
But playing the safe route now makes no sense. Thats why they
have continued to look for talent major questions be damned
with the pressure on Marvin Lewis to win now.
Andre Smith was given a surprise weigh-in by the Bengals two
days before the draft and passed the test. Rey Maualugas tape is
just too good for a second-round pick, so the Bengals went against
need for great value. Michael Johnson took plays off and was a
non-factor vs. the run but has rare gifts. Chase Coffman has a bad
foot and hasnt run full speed in four months.
Yet, talent-wise, they got maybe four of the top 50 players in
the whole draft. Why not gamble on greatness? Eric Edholm
Bengals roll dice with boom-or-bust picks
RISKY BUSINESS
Our weekly take on the hottest
topics from around the NFL.
THE WAY WE SEE IT
A
P
3 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
Trading for Sanchez puts
Jets back on winning path
In an era when trading down has be-
come vogue, Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum
has practiced a decidedly opposite ap-
proach. And while he most certainly de-
serves some of the blame for the Jets
recent playoff drought, the trading up he
has executed including Darrelle Revis,
David Harris and Dustin Keller has un-
doubtedly paid dividends. By moving up
to draft Mark Sanchez, Tannenbaum
made his best trade yet. As hard as it is
to find franchise quarterbacks, its even
harder to find those who will flourish
under the bright lights of Broadway.
Sanchez has that rare blend of talent
and poise, and its only a matter of time
before Gang Green realizes how lucky it
was to swing and miss on Jay Cutler.
Matt Sohn
BUCKING THE TREND
Panthers win face-off with
disgruntled star Peppers
The bell hasnt rung to end this fight
yet, but with no serious pursuit by any
team to obtain Julius Peppers, its al-
most certain that hell be back in Car-
olina, which is a major victory for GM
Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox.
Peppers, who has yet to sign his fran-
chise tender and wants to play else-
where, has certainly had his ups and
downs, but hes one of the leagues few
irreplaceable players. There is no one out
there who can match his freakish ath-
letic ability or take over a game the way
he does at his best. For the Panthers to
even consider dealing Peppers, they
would have needed at least two first-
round picks in return. No team was will-
ing to pony up that package, and
Carolina is better off for it. Dan Parr
NO TAKERS FOR PEP
Cardinals pick of Wells
highlights strong draft
You have heard the chatter about Ohio
State RB Chris Beanie Wells lack of
durability; without it, there is no way he
lasts until the 31st pick in a draft that has
been panned for its lack of quality. But
the Cardinals, in need of RB help, were
wise not to pass on him, and if Wells can
stay healthy, he could become a star. In
Round Two, the Cardinals selected Con-
necticut DE Cody Brown. I dont know if
Brown will be best as a 4-3 end or a 3-4
outside linebacker; all I know is that he is
tough to block, and I would not be
shocked if he notched double-digit sacks
at some point during his career. Also, in-
stinctive Alabama S Rashad Johnson
was a good find in Round Three. All in all,
a good weekend for the NFC champions.
Mike Wilkening
STAYING THE COURSE
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC EASTBy Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
Unlike their cast of
receivers, most of
whom bring some-
thing distinctly differ-
ent to the table, the
Bills top three run-
ning backs Mar-
shawn Lynch, Fred
Jackson and the re-
cently signed Do-
minic Rhodes
share the common
trait of being no-non-
sense, straightfor-
ward ballcarriers. The
collection of backs is
largely by design, as
the club feels that es-
tablishing a definitive
running style will
keep the linemen
from needing to
make repeated ad-
justments based on
who is carrying the
ball on any particular
snap.
We hear the Dol-
phins will be staging
an open competition
for both the kick- and
punt-return gigs. De-
spite his blinding
speed, KR Ted Ginn
Jr. has yet to win over
the staff, while PR
Davone Bess de-
pendability only
somewhat alleviates
the reality that he of-
fers little big-play po-
tential.
We hear that the
Jets third-round pick
of Iowa RB Shonn
Greene was very
much a message to
disgruntled RB
starter Thomas
Jones that the club
has no trouble mov-
ing on without him
should he continue to
sequester himself
from the club in
search of a new con-
tract. Greenes thick
build and straight-
forward running style
comes close to mir-
roring Jones style.
Even though there
was little chance of
the Jets caving to
Jones wishes before
the draft, their third-
round pick only rein-
forces their position.
The Patriots selec-
tion of NT Ron
Brace is insurance
for Vince Wilfork.
Wilforks contract is
set to expire after the
season, and he will be
demanding a top-dol-
lar deal.
Buffalo has slowly devolved into
a bit of a madhouse, with players
legal troubles becoming frequent
occurrences. Of all the character-
related issues that have plagued
the club the past two seasons, the
reported incident of SS Donte
Whitner forcing authorities to
Taser him into submission during
an aggravated disorderly conduct
arrest outside a Cleveland night-
club is potentially the most damn-
ing. Unlike fellow police-blotter
occupants Marshawn Lynch, Ko
Simpson, James Hardy and
Roscoe Parrish, Whitner was re-
garded as an emotional leader on a
club seriously lacking them. In fact,
one team source called the stand-
out strong safety the only real ral-
lying cry this team has. Because
this is Whitners first incident of
note, its unlikely hell get sus-
pended for violating the personal-
conduct policy, but how effectively
hell command the respect of his
teammates remains to be seen.
New Dolphins owner Stephen
Ross is winning over a front office
and fan base that initially had their
doubts about the real estate
mogul. The A-list entourage he
buddies with had rubbed many the
wrong way, but its become in-
creasingly clear that the celebrity
crew is more just an example of
Ross affable persona and business
savvy reports have surfaced
about potential celebrity invest-
ments in the club than an indica-
tion that hes trying to turn
Dolphins Stadium into Glitterati
Central. While immersing himself
into the Miami community, the
most revealing aspect of his young
ownership is how hes distanced
himself from the football opera-
tion. An owner who has prior expe-
rience as a football executive (he
previously owned the USFLs
Philadelphia Stars), Ross is aware
that the franchise is better off with
the personnel brain trust executing
the football decisions.
While it appeared a few months
ago that SS Rodney Harrison
would be back in a Patriots uni-
form next season, his return is be-
coming less of a possibility. Atorn
quadriceps muscle ended the sea-
son of the now 36-year-old safety
in Week Seven against the Bron-
cos, and his contracts expiration
at the end of 2008 muddled his
situation considerably. Since his
injury, the club has re-signed S
James Sanders, who has made
improvements in his once spotty
coverage ability, and Brandon
Meriweather has also taken
strides in his game. The drafting of
SS Patrick Chung in Round Two
is only further evidence that Harri-
son is likely done. The greatest
chance of Harrison coming back
into the fold would be if injuries
hamper the Patriots safety spot
at some point during the season.
The long-time veteran said that if
he does return, it would likely only
be with New England.
For as much pure athletic talent
as it boasts, for as much money
thats invested in it, and for as
much tantalizing potential it brims
with, the Jets star-laden line-
backer corps isnt necessarily the
gold mine it appears to be on
paper. Its certainly hard to argue
with the names comprising the
unit, which includes three former
first-round picks OLBs Calvin
Pace, Bryan Thomas and Ver-
non Gholston all of whom are
relatively young, and the most
sought-after inside linebacker on
the free-agent market this offsea-
son, Bart Scott. ILB David Har-
ris, who looked like a Pro Bowl
fixture in the making as a rookie in
2007, only further bolsters the unit.
But significant questions remain
about each player. For Pace and
Thomas, its whether their domi-
nant 2007 and 2006 campaigns
amid otherwise lackluster careers
can be replicated. For Harris, its
whether his sophomore slump of
08 can be traced to injury woes or
whether he outdid himself off
rookie adrenaline in 07. The con-
cern with Gholston is that hes a
lost cause playing in space given
that his natural position is defen-
sive end. Scott, meanwhile, has to
prove he can command the huddle
and spotlight after playing second
fiddle to Ray Lewis in Baltimore.
Given the concerns, new head
coach and defensive guru Rex
Ryan is devoting much of his en-
ergy to studying the strengths and
weaknesses of the linebackers. Ex-
cept for Gholston, the thought
process is that the players wont
develop new skill sets by way of
coaching, so trying to mold them
to fit a pre-set scheme wouldnt be
maximizing their ability.
Among the most critical revela-
tions has been that all the players
are at their best operating in an at-
tacking scheme where theyre en-
couraged to put their athleticism
to use without over-thinking their
role. One of the chief criticisms of
ousted coach Eric Mangini was
that his elaborate system called for
too many coverage responsibilities
for his linebackers, which man-
dated they play a more cerebral
than physical game.
On the other hand, green-light-
ing less rigid roles for his lineback-
ers puts greater responsibility onto
the defensive backs to make in-
play adjustments. Thats why its of
particular importance that trade
acquisition CB Lito Sheppard re-
verts to his top-shelf form.
The Dolphins new owner, Stephen Ross, has taken a hands-off approach when it comes to football decisions.
A
P
BUFFALO
BILLS
MIAMI
DOLPHINS
NEWENGLAND
PATRIOTS
NEWYORK
JETS
4 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
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THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC NORTHBy Mike Wilkening
WHISPERS
Browns RB Jamal
Lewis will be 30 at
the start of this sea-
son, and he is return-
ing from offseason
ankle surgery, but
GM George Kokinis
believes Lewis can
still be an effective
player. I think hes
still got tread there, I
really do, Kokinis
said before the draft.
Being around Jamal,
although it hasnt
been the last couple
years, you cant
count that man out.
He had a little clean-
up in the ankle; he
feels good. He is re-
habbing, and I think
hes going to come
back strong. Lewis is
signed for two more
seasons. He has
salary-cap numbers
of $6.5 million in
2009 and $4 million
in 2010.
Asource close to
the Steelers says the
club did not seriously
consider signing any-
one other than
Byron Leftwich or
Charlie Batch to
back up Ben Roeth-
lisberger. Batch
signed a one-year
deal with the Steelers
after Leftwich inked a
two-year deal with
Tampa Bay. Batch,
who is entering his
eighth year with the
Steelers, will com-
pete with second-
year passer Dennis
Dixon for the No. 2
QB job. The Steelers
signed Leftwich last
summer only after
Batch suffered a
shoulder injury that
ended his 08 sea-
son.
The way we hear it,
the Ravens are
pleased with their DL
depth, especially with
NT Kelly Gregg re-
turning after having
missed all of last sea-
son with a knee in-
jury. However, a
source close to the
club notes that a fu-
ture concern will be
replacing disruptive
DT Trevor Pryce
down the road. Pryce,
who will be 34 in Au-
gust, has 19
1
2 sacks
in three seasons in
Baltimore. Pryces
contract runs for two
more seasons.
The re-signing of Samari Rolle
gives the Ravens five cornerbacks
who started at least two games last
season. Rolle, who started 10
games in 2008 and made three in-
terceptions, is not expected to
start. Instead, he will compete for
playing time with former Titan
Chris Carr as the first corner off
the bench. The Ravens question-
able secondary depth contributed
to the teams struggles in 2007,
when they slumped to a 5-11 record
and finished 20th vs. the pass and
30th in yards allowed per passing
play. The depth was improved last
season, and it was further bol-
stered by the signings of Carr and
ex-Falcons CB Domonique Fox-
worth, as well as the unexpected
return of Rolle, who had been re-
leased in March. The Ravens con-
tinued to add to their CB depth
chart in the draft, selecting
Nicholls State CB Lardarius Webb
in Round Three. Webb may also
help in the return game.
The way we hear it, Bengals DT
Tank Johnson has a good chance
of seeing regular playing time as the
clubs three-technique tackle, espe-
cially if he can be the disruptive
presence he was earlier in his career
with Chicago. We had a promising
defensive performance last season,
and the addition of Tank will in-
crease our ability to apply pressure
on the football, Bengals head coach
Marvin Lewis said. Johnson
notched nine sacks in three seasons
in the Bears 4-3 scheme, which
puts a premium on penetrating de-
fensive tackles. However, after off-
the-field problems ended his stint in
Chicago, he landed with Dallas,
where he was not as good a fit play-
ing nose tackle in the Cowboys 3-4
scheme the last two seasons. More-
over, Johnsons playing time was re-
duced last season as Jay Ratliff
emerged as a Pro Bowler, and we
hear the sense in Dallas was that it
would be best for both parties if
Johnson moved on in free agency.
In two NFL seasons, Steelers LB
Lawrence Timmons has flashed
considerable potential at times,
and never more so than in 2008,
when he notched 65 tackles and
five sacks in a part-time role. The
way we hear it, the feeling is Tim-
mons will be tough to keep out of
the starting lineup in 2009, likely at
the expense of ILB Larry Foote.
The good news for the Steelers is
that Foote remains an effective run
defender and would, at the very
least, be a capable reserve if
pushed out of the lineup. Foote, 28,
has started the last 80 regular-sea-
son games for Pittsburgh and has
made at least 63 tackles in each of
the last five years. His presence
has allowed the Steelers to slowly
develop Timmons, who will only be
23 in May, and that approach has
paid off nicely. The 6-1, 234-pound
Timmons, who can also play out-
side linebacker, has very good ath-
leticism and bolsters an already
formidable Steelers pass rush.
Browns CB Brandon McDon-
ald prepares for the 2009 season
with two major goals. The first goal,
McDonald said, is being more con-
sistent.
The other thing: I want to be
one of the best cornerbacks in the
game, and that means making the
Pro Bowl, he added.
Reaching the first goal will be
necessary to harbor hopes of the
second, as McDonald is well aware.
And when it comes to the subject
of McDonalds play, it is hard to get
past the issue of consistency.
At times last season, the 5-10,
184-pound McDonald played very
well. He notched 75 tackles, de-
fended 17 passes and led the
Browns with five interceptions
four coming in Clevelands three
Monday Night Football appear-
ances. However, the 23-year-old
McDonald also struggled mightily
at times, particularly in early No-
vember, when the Broncos at-
tacked him with success in a 34-30
comeback victory in Week 10. Most
notably, Broncos WR Eddie Royal
beat McDonald on a 93-yard TD.
That was the worst game of my
career, McDonald told PFWa few
days before the NFL draft.
It could have also marked a turn-
ing point for the worst for McDon-
ald. There were rumblings that he
would be benched, but after sitting
out just the first play of the Week 11
game at Buffalo, he was back in the
lineup. He intercepted a pass vs.
the Bills, one of four he picked off
after the Denver game.
I just kind of settled down and
let the game come to me, McDon-
ald said of his play in the final
weeks of the season.
McDonald said he has gone back
and looked at some of the games
in which he struggled to learn told
from the experience with an em-
phasis on understanding game sit-
uations better and improving his
technique. When not working out in
Cleveland, he has worked out in
Mississippi with his brother, former
Alcorn State CB Corey McLaurin,
who went undrafted.
When youve got somebody
with you, it makes you competitive,
work a little harder, McDonald
said.
McDonald has talked with new
head coach Eric Mangini on a
couple of occasions and has had
one meeting with him. He seems
like hes the type of guy whos
going to (instill) some discipline,
which is exactly what this team
needs right now, McDonald said.
Emerging Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons will be hard to keep out of the starting lineup in 2009.
A
P
BALTIMORE
RAVENS
CINCINNATI
BENGALS
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
CLEVELAND
BROWNS
6 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC SOUTHBy Mike Wilkening and Matt Sohn
WHISPERS
Before the draft,
Texans GM Rick
Smith said he was
not worried about TE
Owen Daniels, LB
DeMeco Ryans and
CB Dunta Robinson
all wanting new con-
tracts, noting he had
pretty good confi-
dence that those
guys will show up and
play and be produc-
tive players for us.
Said Smith: Our phi-
losophy is to build
through the draft as
weve talked about,
and part of that
process and part of
that philosophy is
that you sign your
young players to
long-term contracts.
Now sometimes,
thats a process in
and of itself that has
some ups and downs.
But were committed
to that, and well con-
tinue to do that.
For as much as he
teases with quality
play at the Colts OLT
post, theres a dis-
tinct feeling that
Tony Ugoh needs to
display a more ag-
gressive mentality
before the club is
sold on him as the
long-term answer at
the position. The
2007 second-round
pick has also been in-
jury-prone. Hell be
scrutinized through-
out the offseason
program and into the
season.
Three 2007 Titans
draft picks WRs
Paul Williams and
Chris Davis and RB
Chris Henry are
under pressure to
show more in their
third NFL seasons.
The feeling before the
draft was that
Williams may have
had the best chance
to contribute in the
upcoming season be-
cause of the lack of
established options
behind starters Nate
Washington and
Justin Gage, but the
Titans selection of
WR Kenny Britt in
Round One did not
help his cause.
Gone is the tank-like build David
Garrard used to operate with. In
its place is a newer, sleeker model
that he and the Jaguars hope will
translate to more offensive options
and greater stamina as the game
and season wears on. The Jaguars
offensive catalyst has shed approx-
imately 20 pounds from his 250-
pound frame of a season ago,
which makes getting out of the
pocket a little easier, he told the
Florida Times-Union. Although
Garrard was already regarded as
one of the stronger quarterbacks
on the scramble, the increased
mobility could be invaluable con-
sidering the potential problems
along the offensive line. Both start-
ing guards are returning after sit-
ting out 2008 with early-season
injuries, and the tackle situation is
largely dependent upon rookies.
The receivers, meanwhile, are an
even more downtrodden group
who could require the playmaking
help of their quarterback.
The Titans have some interest-
ing decisions to make in the com-
ing years on starting OLBs Keith
Bulluck and David Thornton,
who are both in their 30s and near-
ing the end of their contracts. Bul-
luck, 32, is signed through next
season. He notched 98 tackles in
2008 and has been a consistent
performer since entering the start-
ing lineup in 2002, failing to miss a
start in that span. The swift Thorn-
ton, whose contract runs through
2010, made 78 tackles last season
after racking up more than 100 in
each of his first two seasons in Ten-
nessee. Thornton turns 31 in No-
vember. The Titans have two
young OLB prospects. Second-
year OLB Stanford Keglar has
upside and may be a future starter,
but he did not play much as a
rookie, making three tackles in 13
games. Rookie Gerald McRath, a
speedy fourth-rounder from
Southern Miss, could push for
playing time.
Colts MLB Gary Brackett has
beaten the odds throughout his ca-
reer. At 5-11, 235 pounds a soft
235 pounds, at that he is many
standard deviations away from the
NFLs middle linebacker mean. He
has thrived in Indianapolis largely
because the Colts free-flowing
scheme values instincts, speed
and coverage ability more than size
and take-on strength for their line-
backers. Yet that philosophy ap-
pears to be gradually shifting
under the new coaching staff,
which is trying to improve the beef
in the defensive front seven. Were
hearing that such a shift could
prove detrimental to Bracketts
long-term future in Indy, seeing as
he has just one more year left on
his deal. The Colts had trouble
stopping the run for much of 2008,
but they were near their best down
the stretch, when Brackett was out
with a broken fibula. In Weeks 14-17,
Indy allowed an average of just 90
yards on the ground.
The transition to the NFL was
not easy for Texans OLT Duane
Brown, and one of the obstacles
he faced as a rookie was of his own
doing.
I was pretty overweight, Brown
said.
Combine Browns lack of condi-
tioning with a lack of experience
last season was only his second
at left tackle and you had the
makings of a rookie campaign
marked by ups and downs. Brown
allowed 11
1
2 sacks in 2008 and ro-
tated with veteran Ephraim
Salaam.
I did OK, Brown said, but I had
bad plays that cost the team.
It didnt help that he faced a
gauntlet of outstanding pass rush-
ers, including Steelers ROLB
James Harrison, Dolphins ROLB
Joey Porter and Colts DRE
Dwight Freeney. But along the
way, the 6-foot-4 Brown learned
several lessons. He has lost weight,
for one. He currently tips the scales
at 312 pounds, and he expects to
play at or around that weight this
season. He believes this will en-
hance his mobility.
Thats my biggest asset, to mir-
ror guys (in pass protection) and in
the run game, to cut guys off on
the back side, he said.
Brown also learned the impor-
tance of good footwork and hand
use.
That was something I struggled
at early, he said. Id get a late
jump, and my feet would get tan-
gled up, and it would be over before
it started.
Perhaps as much as anything,
the 23-year-old Brown appears to
be benefiting from having a full off-
season to work on his game. Less
than five months elapsed from the
time Brown was drafted to the time
he was facing Harrison at Heinz
Field at Pittsburgh.
I realize so much goes into the
offseason, Brown said. It just
doesnt happen in that six-month
span. You have to put in so much
time.
He added, This is where I can
work on (a technique) against air
and not worry about an opponent.
The Texans are likely to count on
Brown even more this season after
Salaam was released. His life is
much different than a year ago,
when he was a nervous, anxious
draft prospect, but some things
havent changed.
Im pretty much the same per-
son, Brown said. I couldnt be
in a better situation.
Texans OLT Duane Brown is working hard this offseason to make improvements prior to his second season.
A
P
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
TENNESSEE
TITANS
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
HOUSTON
TEXANS
7 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
AFC WESTBy Dan Parr and Michael Blunda
WHISPERS
Word out of Denver
is OLB Jarvis Moss
will need to have an
outstanding training
camp to make the
teams final roster.
Moss struggled
mightily in his first
two seasons, and was
reportedly shopped
in trade talks during
the draft. One report
indicated he could be
had for as little as a
seventh-round pick.
We hear he wasnt re-
ceiving many reps at
Denvers recent mini-
camp and was basi-
cally limited to
running with the
nickel unit. Moss, a
first-round pick of
Mike Shanahans in
2007, will likely find
himself out of a job
come late August if
he doesnt show
major improvement.
The Raiders have a
logjam at quarter-
back following the
signing of Jeff Gar-
cia, which left the
team with four signal-
callers, including Ja-
Marcus Russell,
Bruce Gradkowski
and Andrew Walter.
We hear Walter is the
one on the way out,
but Oakland will likely
hold on to him
through training
camp, just in case
one of the other QBs
gets injured. Word is
Walter, who was de-
moted to third string
late last season, has
been unhappy with
the team for some
time and has skipped
some voluntary activ-
ities this offseason.
After being upset
last season about
having to play road
games against the
Dolphins and Bills
when each opponent
was fresh off a bye,
the Chargers were
pleased when the
schedule was an-
nounced that they
dont have to face a
single club coming off
a bye week in 2009.
Norv Turner has said
that he often judges
the difficulty of his
teams schedule by
looking at whom his
opponents had to play
in the previous week.
We hear the Broncos quarter-
back competition is very much a
battle. Even though Kyle Orton is
considered the front-runner to win
the top job, head coach Josh Mc-
Daniels wasnt just paying lip serv-
ice when he called the duel real.
Sources say Chris Simms looked
good at the teams recent mini-
camp and appeared to be ahead of
Orton in terms of grasping the of-
fense. Simms, who signed with the
Broncos about a month before
Orton was acquired from Chicago
in the Jay Cutler deal, is in good
shape and impressed observers.
McDaniels didnt add another po-
tential competitor at quarterback
in the draft, but did find a long-
term project in Fresno States Tom
Brandstater, a sixth-round
choice. Orton has the most start-
ing experience of the quarterbacks
on the roster, but Simms, who has
been through a great deal of adver-
sity in his career, doesnt appear to
be ceding any ground in this fight.
As head coach Tom Cable con-
tinues his quest to get the Raiders
back to respectability, one of his
key tasks will be making a con-
certed effort to get the ball in RB
Darren McFaddens hands more
frequently than he did last season.
McFadden was slowed in his rookie
year not only by turf toe on both
feet but also by a shoulder injury,
which required minor surgery this
offseason, and was unable to make
the significant contribution many
expected from him. Although in-
juries were partly to blame,
sources say Cable didnt call
enough plays for McFadden in
2008. In the nine games McFadden
played under Cable, he averaged a
little more than nine touches. But
he averaged 14.5 touches through
the first four games of the season,
when Lane Kiffin was head coach.
Although hes unproven, McFadden
is the teams most dangerous
weapon on offense and should be
utilized to a greater extent in 09.
As the Chargers look to position
themselves for a run to next years
Super Bowl in Miami, the offensive
line especially the right side
continues to come up as an area of
need. After all, when the offense
stalled in 2008, it was often due to
O-line breakdowns. However, GM
A.J. Smith has passed thus far on
bringing in any linemen through
free agency, instead showing faith
in relatively unknown ORT
Jeromey Clary. From what we
hear, though, while San Diego may
be backing Clary publicly, the club
is still not sold on him as a starter
going forward. Asixth-round pick in
the 06 draft, Clary did start all 16
games for the Bolts last season,
but he gave up 6
1
2 sacks and didnt
contribute much as a run blocker.
Even though head coach Norv
Turner has expressed his support
for the 25-year-old, it wouldnt be
surprising if someone is acquired
to replace Clary at right tackle be-
fore the season.
In what has been a busy offsea-
son for the retooling Chiefs, the
look of the teams new 3-4 defense
is beginning to take shape.
With the clubs mid-April signing
of LB Zach Thomas, three of the
linebacking corps four starting
spots appear to be set. Thomas
and Derrick Johnson are ex-
pected to line up inside, with Mike
Vrabel manning one of the outside
slots. Although veteran newcomers
Thomas (who turns 36 in Septem-
ber) and Vrabel (who turns 34 in
August) certainly arent long-term
solutions at their advanced ages,
they will help the D transition to a
scheme in which very few of its
players are familiar.
Since GM Scott Pioli opted not
to take Wake Forest LB Aaron
Curry with the third overall pick in
the draft, the Chiefs are left to pick
between unappealing options
Monty Beisel and Demorrio
Williams at the remaining outside
spot, with the younger Williams
probably having a slight edge. That
is, of course, unless they roll the
dice and turn DE Tamba Hali into
an OLB.
From what we hear, coordinator
Clancy Pendergast is strongly
considering shifting Hali off the D-
line. Not suited to play end in a 3-4
alignment, the team thinks Hali
might make a bigger impact taking
his hand off the ground and lining
up as a standup rusher, where he
can better use his pass-rushing
skills to get after opposing quarter-
backs. Although hed be used pri-
marily on passing downs, the 2006
first-rounder has a chance to be
more effective in limited duty than
he was as a full-timer last season.
The jury is still out as to what the
defensive line would look like with-
out Hali, but things became a bit
clearer after the draft. By using the
No. 3 pick on LSU DE Tyson Jack-
son, Pioli solidified one of the
units 3-4 end spots. That move
means Jackson likely will be
teamed with his former college
teammate, Glenn Dorsey, in this
new alignment. Although not an
ideal fit for the 3-4, Dorseys best
fit in the scheme would probably
be as a D-end, since hes more
adept at using his motor to get up-
field than at standing pat and clog-
ging the middle. That responsibility
likely will go to DT Tank Tyler, who
said in a recent interview that the
Chiefs have been working him out
at nose tackle, where the 306-
pounder could use his massive size
to swallow up rushers inside.
QB Kyle Orton is considered the front-runner to win the Broncos starting job for 2009.
A
P
DENVER
BRONCOS
OAKLAND
RAIDERS
SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
8 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC EASTBy Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
There is still a
chance the Redskins
will re-sign LB Mar-
cus Washington
after the draft. He
was cut for salary-
cap purposes, and
the team still thinks
he has something
left, even if injuries
are a problem. Still,
with a lack of depth
at that position, get-
ting Washington back
would make sense
because he knows
the system and there
is no other veteran
player whom the
coaches deem
starter-worthy at that
spot.
Even though PK
John Carney hasnt
been offered a con-
tract and likely wont
return to the Giants,
its possible and even
likely that the team
will provide
Lawrence Tynes
with some competi-
tion at kicker. They
view Tynes as a viable
option but worry
about his health long
term.
The Cowboys ap-
parently have told
Greg Ellis that
Anthony Spencer
will start, with Ellis
coming in on third
downs and other
pass-rush situations.
Ellis did not appear
thrilled with the deci-
sion, but if he can buy
into the plan, it
should maximize
both players best
value at this stage.
Spencer hasnt devel-
oped as a pass
rusher to date, but
the coaches have
lauded his run de-
fending. And Ellis no
longer can be a three-
down player and
likely is best going
after the QB.
The pressure is on
Eagles C Jamaal
Jackson, who had a
subpar 2008 season
but now is sur-
rounded by tremen-
dous OL talent and
will be expected to
bounce back. Other-
wise, the team likes
Nick Cole and would
consider making a
switch if Jackson
doesnt improve.
It is assumed that the Giants will
maintain a partnership at running
back this season based on the re-
cent success of the teams platoon
situations in the backfield. And that
very well could happen. But it
would not surprise some if the Gi-
ants increase RB Brandon Ja-
cobs load this season, assuming
he can stay in the lineup. The team
signed Jacobs to a four-year deal
as an upper-tier running back, and
though partnerships are more the
norm in the backfield around the
league, he still is making a healthy
salary for a player who averaged
only 16.8 carries per game. That
number could rise toward the 20-
mark this season without Derrick
Ward, who left in free agency.
Ahmad Bradshawhas done it at
times and could be a good backup
option if he curbs his fumbling, and
Danny Ware and rookie Andre
Brown are intriguing. But we hear
Jacobs could get the first crack at
replacing some of Wards carries.
Using the flawed corollary of if
the season started today, Jon
Jansen probably would be the
starting right tackle. But today is
yesterday in NFL terms, and the
Redskins have not hid the fact that
they would like to upgrade over
Jansen. The problem is that the
team really has no one in place
that it likes as a starter-grade re-
placement. Stephon Heyer won
the job out of training camp, with
Jansen on the bench, but lost the
job when he got hurt. Jansen got
back into the starting lineup and
had some good moments but
wasnt as forceful and effective as
the team would have liked. Jansen
told PFWat the end of the season
that hed like to consider himself
the starter, but that doesnt appear
to jibe with the teams thinking.
Even if Mike Williams, who was
signed before the draft, or Heyer
dont pan out, it should shock no
one if the Redskins try to replace
Jansen in that spot.
Apro scout whose team faced the
Cowboys last season made the fol-
lowing observation about their de-
fense: They have the talent; its
there. They have a lot of players who
grade high individually; they just
dont all play well together. (DeMar-
cus) Ware, hes clearly the guy
there, and I thought (NT Jay) Ratliff
had a heck of a season. Some other
guys were OK, too, but they should
be much better than what we saw. In
fact, some Cowboys officials would
say they agree. They feel they have
the talent to have a top-five unit, but
that depends on a few key players
improving. FS Ken Hamlin fell off
badly last season, OLB Anthony
Spencer didnt develop as hoped,
and CB Mike Jenkins wasnt ready.
If those three players perform up to
their ability and DE Marcus Spears,
who is heading into the final year of
his contract, plays like Chris Canty
did last season heading into his final
year, the Cowboys could have a de-
fensive revival.
The Eagles have assembled one
of the NFLs premiere offensive
lines with the trade for OLT Jason
Peters and the free-agent signing
of ORT Stacy Andrews.
But that doesnt guarantee that
this will be a group that fulfills its
potential. There are a few concerns
that could arise that could hold
back this unit from greatness.
One is Peters returning to form.
Yes, he made the Pro Bowl each of
the prior two seasons, but scouts
who watched him play last season
say its obvious that he did not
earn the title meritoriously.
Peters held out up through the
first week of last season, unhappy
with his contract at the time, and
he returned in Week Two seemingly
out of shape. The agile feet and
power that Peters displayed in
2007 were nowhere to be seen
early in 08, and by the time he
worked his way into form, he was
injured down the stretch and did
not finish healthy, playing only 13
games.
Now that the Eagles have com-
pleted this trade and paid Peters
handsomely, one teams pro per-
sonnel director wonders if Peters
will play with the same fervor he
did in 07.
Does he have that burning de-
sire? the director asked rhetori-
cally. I sure dont know. I respect
what Andy (Reid) does with his
linemen, and some of those same
questions came up when people
looked at (Shawn) Andrews com-
ing out of Arkansas.
But with Peters, I wonder if hell
continue to play that hard as he
was when he was trying to score
the big contract. And I am not the
only one who thinks this way.
Shawn Andrews appeared to an-
swer most of his questions about
motivation in his first few seasons,
in which he developed into one of
the strongest and nastiest guards
in the league. But more questions
were raised last year when he held
his own camp holdout from the Ea-
gles and rumors circulated about
his weight and depression being
serious issues.
The team is less concerned
about those than it is about An-
drews back following major surgery
that kept him out nearly the entire
season. But before the Peters trade,
Reid talked openly about Andrews
being a possibility at left tackle and
we hear everyone expects Andrews
to be ready to go lined up at his fa-
miliar ORG spot next to his brother
and new teammate.
Giants RB Brandon Jacobs could see his number of touches increase in 2009 without Derrick Ward around.
T
O
M
B
E
R
G
NEWYORK
GIANTS
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
DALLAS
COWBOYS
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
9 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC NORTHBy Dan Arkush and Eric Edholm
WHISPERS
Look for a spirited
battle this offseason
for the Bears starting
DT spot opposite
Tommie Harris be-
tween Dusty Dvo-
racek, who has been
injured more often
than not in his first
three seasons in the
league, and Anthony
Adams, who was in-
explicably left on the
outside looking in at
the start of last sea-
son. And dont forget
(second-year pro)
Marcus Harrison, a
team insider told
PFW. He certainly
has the talent to win
the job.
Packers GM Ted
Thompson in a pre-
draft press confer-
ence on the reports
that some teams set
up phantom Face-
book pages to see
what players post on
their pages: I have
never heard of it. If we
do it, I would be
shocked. Actually, we
dont do it, but Ive
never even heard of
that. Quite frankly, I
dont know what a
Facebook is. I under-
stand the theory be-
hind it, but I have
never been on one as
far as I can tell, unless
I have been on yalls.
Hes hardly en-
trenched as the
Bears starting
strong-side line-
backer, but we hear
Nick Roach appears
to have an edge over
former starter
Hunter Hillen-
meyer, whose level
of play has declined
somewhat. Word is
the savvy Hillenmeyer
remains a serviceable
performer, however,
and is still expected
to see plenty of ac-
tion both as a backup
backer and on spe-
cial teams.
The Lions still have
defensive needs at
certain defensive po-
sitions, especially at
tackle and middle
linebacker, where the
holdovers from Rod
Marinellis Tampa-2
scheme are bad fits
in Jim Schwartzs and
Gunther Cunning-
hams brand of the 4-
3.
The Vikings cant be unhappy with
the way their schedule lays out, de-
spite a brutal December slate and
having to face both Super Bowl
teams. The team has an excellent
chance to open at 5-1 or 6-0 with
some of its least-intimidating oppo-
nents coming right out of the chute.
They open with two games on the
road, but they are against the Browns
and Lions, two last-place teams in re-
building mode with new head
coaches. Thats great news if the
team is facing suspensions for DTs
Kevin Williams and Pat Williams
for four games. Even through Week
Six against the Ravens, a playoff
team a year ago, the schedule is fa-
vorable. The two games that might be
the toughest early on, against the
Packers and Ravens, both are played
at the Metrodome. Even with the
tough closing run vs. the Bears
(twice), Cardinals, Panthers and Gi-
ants, the Vikings 2009 opponents
combined to win only 42 percent of
their games last season.
The Packers free-agent game
plan remains a hot topic in Green
Bay, with as many as eight
starters WR Greg Jennings,
FS Nick Collins, LOLB Aaron
Kampman, OLT Chad Clifton,
OLG Daryn Colledge, NT Ryan
Pickett, DLE Johnny Jolly and
OG-C Jason Spitz entering
their contract years. We hear Jen-
nings, who has established him-
self as one of the leagues most
dangerous big-play receivers, is a
near-lock to be re-signed, possibly
soon. As for the others, though,
there currently isnt nearly as
much certainty that they will re-up
with the team. We hear Collins
who would figure to be next in line
to re-sign following his first Pro
Bowl berth remains pretty
upset with his contract status. As
for Kampman, word is the Packers
will wait to see how well he makes
the transition to left outside line-
backer in the teams new 3-4
scheme.
Jim Schwartz referred to his de-
fenses in Tennessee as a game
plan-specific unit, able to switch
from one scheme to another based
on what was called for against a cer-
tain opponent. Schwartz had D-line-
men with the Titans who could play
end or tackle, linebackers who could
stay on the field for three downs and
defensive backs who could alternate
between man and zone coverages
without too much hitch. The Lions
defense he has taken control of is
nowhere near this deep or versatile.
That said, there are a few players to
keep an eye on. DE Cliff Avril has
intrigued the new coaching staff to
the point where it might want to
stand him up on occasion, move him
around and use him similarly to the
way the Steelers brought up OLB
James Harrison and worked him
into their scheme. And Anthony
Henry, brought over to compete for
a starting CB job, might figure in at
safety if Gerald Alexander isnt
ready when training camp opens.
If first impressions mean any-
thing, the consensus around Halas
Hall after Jay Cutlers first official
meeting with the local media was
that he didnt seem anything like
the petulant, thin-skinned problem
child he was widely perceived to be
in his final days in Denver.
He didnt seem like a brat at all,
said one team insider who hun-
kered down with the Bears new
quarterback off to the side in a
smaller group after Cutlers initial
press conference.
He said he didnt want to re-
hash everything that happened
with the Broncos, but he admitted
that, if he had the opportunity over
again, he would have done some
things differently, and it was re-
freshing to see him accept some
blame in the whole situation.
Cutler also did a very smooth job
of quickly defusing a potential prob-
lem moving forward with Bears of-
fensive coordinator Ron Turner,
who created some hard feelings
when, as the head coach at the Uni-
versity of Illinois, he rescinded a
scholarship offer to Cutler.
But what impressed sources on
the scene most was the way Cutler
so quickly appeared to embrace
the team concept.
When we asked him about run-
ning an offense that no longer had
players like Brandon Marshall or
Eddie Royal in the mix, he pro-
ceeded to mention every Bears re-
ceiver by name with a positive
reference, the insider said.
He didnt say anything remotely
indicating that he would be working
with a lesser group of receivers.
At the same time, were told that
the reaction to Cutlers arrival on
the Windy City scene by the Bears
players has been overwhelmingly
positive, despite the fact QB Kyle
Orton, who was traded to Denver
as part of the Cutler deal, was ex-
tremely popular in the locker room.
Sources considered the presence
at Cutlers first press conference of
both WR Devin Hester and TE
Greg Olsen who figure to be the
primary targets for Cutlers passes
as a very positive sign.
As for Cutler wasting no time at
all making his presence felt at nu-
merous lively Chicago nightspots,
clearly enjoying his instant
celebrity status to the hilt, Bears
GM Jerry Angelo said it was not
anything to worry about.
Im not going to micromanage a
person,Angelo said. What he does
on Sunday is how were going to
evaluate him. Thats the bottom line.
New Bears QB Jay Cutler has made a positive first impression since being traded to Chicago.
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MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
GREEN BAY
PACKERS
DETROIT
LIONS
CHICAGO
BEARS
10 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC SOUTHBy Dan Parr
WHISPERS
Sources say Fal-
cons QB D.J. Shock-
ley, the teams No. 3
quarterback, could
be in trouble if At-
lanta adds another
signalcaller before
training camp. Since
hes a favorite of the
teams fan base, cut-
ting Shockley would-
nt be a popular move
with many of the
clubs followers, but
GM Thomas Dim-
itroff built up much
goodwill with them in
his first year on the
job, so the move
would probably
cause less of a stir
than it would have
last summer. We hear
Atlanta isnt inter-
ested in utilizing
Shockley in any kind
of Wildcat setup, al-
though his skill set
would seem to be an
intriguing fit for that
scheme.
With little cap
space to spend on a
free-agent long snap-
per, the Panthers
dealt a conditional
2011 seventh-round
pick to the Packers
for LS J.J. Jansen on
April 13. However,
sources say that
trade doesnt neces-
sarily preclude the
Panthers from re-
signing their long
snapper of the previ-
ous eight seasons,
Jason Kyle, who is
an unrestricted free
agent.
Sources say Mark
Brunell is still ahead
of Joey Harrington
on the Saints depth
chart at quarterback.
New Orleans re-
signed Harrington in
late March, but head
coach Sean Payton
still has more confi-
dence in Brunell,
should he need to go
to a backup if Drew
Brees were to suffer
an injury that kept
him out for a few
games. Word is the
Saints view Brunell
as a near-perfect fit
as a primary backup
he doesnt have
great arm strength,
but thats not neces-
sary in Paytons of-
fense. Brunell is
known as a sound de-
cision maker, which is
a trait Payton values.
While rumors spread that C
Todd McClure boycotted the Fal-
cons voluntary workouts and is
contemplating retirement in an ef-
fort to show frustration with his
contract situation, sources say
that is not the case. McClure, an
11th-year veteran, is not facing
pressure to attend the workouts
and isnt considering holding out
of mandatory events, although he
would like to re-work his deal. He
signed a five-year, $10 million ex-
tension in 2006 and still has three
years left on the contract. Mc-
Clure, considered a team leader, is
coming off one of the best seasons
of his career and has started every
game since 02. The Falcons would
like to find an eventual replace-
ment for McClure, but we hear
they have no intention to replace
him in the near future. GM
Thomas Dimitroff is unlikely to
give him a new contract within the
year, but could re-address the situ-
ation in 10.
With CB Richard Marshall mov-
ing into the starting lineup to re-
place Ken Lucas, who was cut in
March, the Panthers have a void at
nickel back, a role Marshall has
played very well since entering the
league in 2006. C.J. Wilson was
the early frontrunner to take over
as Marshalls replacement in nickel
situations, but second-round pick
Sherrod Martin will be converted
from safety to corner and could
challenge Wilson for the job. Wil-
son, a seventh-round pick in 07,
has played in just eight games in
his career and will have a difficult
time meeting the standard that
Marshall set at the spot. At 6-1, Wil-
son has good size, but hes not a
great athlete and will struggle to
keep up with speedy, shifty slot re-
ceivers such as the Saints Lance
Moore and the Falcons Harry
Douglas. The Panthers tight cap
situation has prevented them from
adding more competition for Wil-
son in free agency.
The Buccaneers have penciled in
Angelo Crowell as their starting
strong-side linebacker and Jer-
maine Phillips, who has only
played safety in the pros, on the
weak side as they try to replace
Derrick Brooks and Cato June,
sources say. Looking long term, we
hear the outside backer they are
most optimistic about is third-year
veteran Quincy Black. He has con-
tributed almost exclusively on spe-
cial teams since entering the
league as Tampa Bays third-round
pick in 2007, but word is Black has
turned heads in practices and has
the ability to become a starter in
the near future. His good lateral
quickness fits well in new defensive
coordinator Jim Bates scheme, in
which outside backers are ex-
pected to beat backs to the corner
and force them inside. He fits best
on the weak side, but will have a
hard time beating Phillips out for
the job. Unlike Phillips, toughness
is not a strength of Blacks game.
Although Saints DE Will Smith
posted a career-low three sacks
last season, his first after signing a
new contract that made him one
of the highest-paid players at his
position, sources say there have
been few complaints from the
team about Smiths effort in 2008,
even if he did fail to live up to ex-
pectations. Nor is there much of
an outcry from fans, even though
many of them are losing their pa-
tience after a two-year playoff
drought.
In fact, we hear Smith will enter
the 09 campaign with even more
respect from teammates, coaches
and the Saints faithful than he had
prior to last season. Smith started
every game in 08 while suffering
through a sports hernia that had
nagged at him since Week One. He
showed toughness and waited until
the end of the season to undergo
surgery.
Smith has not met with the
media since the procedure took
place, but word is, he has recov-
ered well. Ahealthy, re-energized
Smith is going to be essential if the
Saints are going to reach the post-
season for the first time since the
06 campaign, and the makings of
a bounce-back year for him are in
place.
In addition to his poor health, the
ineffectiveness of former defensive
coordinator Gary Gibbs, who was
fired in January, contributed to
Smiths struggles last season. New
D-coordinator Gregg Williams
more aggressive approach should
be beneficial to Smith and the rest
of New Orleans pass rushers.
Williams is going to focus a great
deal of his energy on finding ways
to make sure Smith and the clubs
other starting end, Charles Grant,
are put in more advantageous situ-
ations than Gibbs was able to cre-
ate for them.
While optimism about a return
to prominence for Smith is high,
there are still lingering concerns
that the four-game suspension he
received last season but never
served while a lawsuit filed by the
players involved was heard in a fed-
eral court could go into effect
during the upcoming season.
Smith and Grant were suspended
after testing positive for StarCaps,
a water pill that contains
bumetanide, which is banned by
the NFL. Smith and other players
suspended for taking StarCaps
filed a lawsuit against the company
that produces the product. AJune
trial could settle the matter.
Saints DE Will Smith had only three sacks last season, but sources expect him to bounce back in 2009.
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FALCONS
CAROLINA
PANTHERS
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
11 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
THE WAY WE HEAR IT
NFC WESTBy Dan Arkush
WHISPERS
While the Niners
continue to have high
hopes for former
first-round OLB
Manny Lawson,
who has primarily
been a one-down
player up to now,
there are some daily
team observers who
have their doubts he
can ever become a
true impact player,
even though he has
bulked up from 235
to 250 pounds. Hes
just too much of a
long-strider, said one
team insider. You
need quicker, shorter
steps to get that
pass-rush burst.
Sources on the
scene said there was
a noticeable differ-
ence in free-agent
addition T.J. Housh-
mandzadeh from
the first day to the
second day of the
Seahawks first mini-
camp under new
head coach Jim
Mora. On the first
day, T.J. was just kind
of out there, one ob-
server told PFW. The
next day it looked like
he and (QB Matt)
Hasselbeck started
clicking instantly.
Its no secret that
the Cardinals have
told disappointing
third-year NT Alan
Branch that hes fac-
ing a make-or-break
season. What isnt
common knowledge,
though, is the major
change hes made in
his eating habits in an
effort to improve his
metabolism and
avoid the weight
problems that have
hindered him at the
pro level. Word is, be-
fore this year, Branch
almost never ate
breakfast or lunch,
choosing to eat only
in the evenings.
We hear under-
achieving former
Rams second-round
picks RB Brian
Leonard and TE Joe
Klopfenstein
both of whom have
been limited by injury
problems could be
facing an uphill battle
to make the final ros-
ter.
Observers of the Cardinals whole-
heartedly agree that one of the
biggest keys to remaining the NFC
West kingpin in 2009 will be more
substantial contributions from two
second-year players DEs Calais
Campbell (a second-round pick in
08) and Kenny Iwebema (fourth
round). We hear the Cardinals feel
pretty confident that the combina-
tion of Campbell and Iwebema will
effectively compensate for the loss
of Antonio Smith as the starter
and primary backup at left end, re-
spectively. They really like Camp-
bells size (6-7, 282), a team insider
told PFW. Hes bigger than Antonio,
and when he gets his arms up, it
could cause real problems. Hes
very bright, and hes very diligent,
unlike (2007 second-rounder) Alan
Branch, whose work ethic hasnt
been great. And when the team
goes to a 4-3, Campbell can move
inside. They like Iwebema a lot, too.
Hes a lot stronger than he looks,
and he also works real hard.
All indications from team insiders
point toward the Rams implement-
ing a West Coast-style offense with
a physical power-running game fea-
turing RB Steven Jackson that
can hopefully set up a lively play-ac-
tion passing attack. Jackson who
a year ago at this time had contract
concerns weighing more on his
mind couldnt be more psyched
about the Rams offense under new
coordinator Pat Shurmur. Hes
very fired up, a team insider said.
The Rams went out and got him a
pure fullback (former Saint Mike
Karney), a blocking tight end (for-
mer Niner Billy Bajema) and a big
center (former Raven Jason
Brown) before the draft, and he
feels all those moves will help him.
Better offseason conditioning would
also help Jackson, considering his
injury problems the last two years,
and word is he has been a regular at
the teams conditioning sessions
since missing the first week of drills
while his girlfriend had a baby.
Team insiders were hardly sur-
prised when the Niners who have
enough money under the salary cap
to seriously consider extending the
contracts of more than a few players
recently agreed to new long-term
deals for OLB Parys Haralson, who
was locked up through 2013, and PK
Joe Nedney, who was signed
through 2011. (Head coach Mike)
Singletary loves Haralson, a team
insider told PFW. Hes well-suited
for the teams 3-4 because in addi-
tion to being able to rush the passer
(he led the team with eight sacks
last season), he is stout enough to
set the edge and can play the run
very well.As for Nedney, in addition
to being a rock-solid kicker, hes con-
sidered invaluable in the locker
room. Its unusual for a placekicker
to be such a team leader, but hes
seen it all, and he has always been
very good with the media, the in-
sider said. Singletary wants to cre-
ate a family atmosphere, and
Nedneys a great father figure.
Theres no denying that the Sea-
hawks were in a zone literally
at the teams first minicamp under
new head coach Jim Mora.
While there were a host of inter-
esting observations by sources on
the scene, the one aspect that
stuck out was the emphasis on the
zone-blocking scheme being in-
stalled by new coordinator Greg
Knapp that has been used with
great success in Knapps previous
coordinator stops in San Francisco,
Atlanta and Oakland.
Its worth noting that Knapp or-
chestrated top-ranked rushing at-
tacks in all three of those stops.
The key in a zone-blocking sys-
tem is a more decisive, one-cut-
and-go approach by the running
backs. It is designed to eliminate
plays for negative yardage and cut
down on 3rd-and-long situations.
The linemen all say its easier, a
team source said. Youre on a
track, blocking an area instead of a
guy. Its a lot more quick-hitting,
and it should suit both RBs Julius
Jones, who for whatever reason
was having problems surveying the
field late last season, and T.J.
Duckett, who the coaches feel can
do a lot more than just be involved
in short-yardage situations.
Knapp has always been a big
zone proponent, and (O-line
coach) Mike Solari used it some-
what in his time at Kansas City.
Enthusiasm for the zone con-
cept is heightened by the prospect
of Solari having his entire starting
offensive line together for the first
time by the end of training camp.
With Solari entering his first year
on the job last season, starting C
Chris Spencer was already nicked
up, and the new O-line coach never
had a fully healthy unit to work with
the entire year.
Spencer, ORG Rob Sims and
ORT Sean Locklear were all able
to participate in the first minicamp,
but the left side of OT Walter
Jones and OG Mike Wahle was
still recovering from microfracture
knee surgery and shoulder sur-
gery, respectively.
Jones, who has never been
much of a talker during his stellar
career, raised some eyebrows
when he openly acknowledged
that, at the age of 35, he could
possibly see the end in sight.
But the feeling is that he should
be OK, the source said. His partic-
ular surgery was not on a weight-
bearing bone, and that should
make a difference. They hope Wal-
ter will be ready for training camp."
RB Steven Jackson is excited about the style of offense the Rams will play under the new coaching staff.
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CARDINALS
ST. LOUIS
RAMS
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
12 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
COVER STORY
13 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
By Nolan Nawrocki
Senior editor
I
n a draft that may be remembered more for what it was
not than what it becomes, NFL teams could not have been
happier to trade down and stock up on future picks, with
reach being the theme of the 2009 NFL draft.
From Tyson Jackson to Darrius Heyward-Bey to Larry Eng-
lish, players were consistently drafted higher than would have
been expected in a normal draft, given the dearth of talent
available. Big names entered the weekend on the trading
block, with Marc Bulger, Jason Campbell, Braylon Edwards,
Anquan Boldin, Julius Peppers and a host of others being
discussed, with at least one big-name receiver expecting to
find a new home.
Instead, draft picks carried less weight in trade discus-
sions, and few teams were eager to ship off veterans while
on the clock. One exception was the Jets, who were seek-
ing to land their franchise quarterback. They followed up
their aggressive pursuit of Brett Favre last summer with a
bold move for his replacement, creating the first major dra-
ma of Draft Day when they beat the Redskins to the punch
for talented USC QB Mark Sanchez, who will be expected
to bring his charm to Broadway.
Years from now, Mike Tannenbaums decision to boldly
pursue Sanchez will mark this draft, as will Detroit first-
year GM Martin Mayhews decision to guarantee Georgia
QB Matthew Stafford more money than any player in the
history of the NFL, and Tampa Bay first-year GM Mark Do-
miniks decision to leapfrog the Broncos and secure his clubs
future franchise quarterback, Kansas States Josh Freeman.
For as valuable as the quarterbacks were in this draft, de-
fensive signalcallers were clearly devalued, as Ohio States
James Laurinaitis and USCs Rey Maualuga slipped out of
the first round, and LSUs Darry Beckwith, due to medical
reasons, slipped completely out of the draft, similar to fel-
low Tigers LB Ali Highsmith a year ago.
The big wild card, with character questions staining a very
talented receiving class, was how far the top receivers would
fall. In the end, with the exception of Darrius Heyward-Bey,
they all fell, as the talent many teams regarded as the best
in this draft, Texas Techs Michael Crabtree, surprisingly land-
ed in the Bay Area with a 49ers team desperately in need
of a playmaker. Missouris Jeremy Maclin fell to the 19th
slot, where Philadelphia eagerly traded up to stop his fall.
Arguably the most dynamic playmaker in the draft, Flori-
das Percy Harvin, still drew great interest from four
teams the Jets, Vikings, Patriots and Dolphins despite
testing positive at the Combine for marijuana and having
major boom-or-bust potential, revealing the sense of urgency
Minnesota head coach Brad Childress feels to win this year.
Harvin could combine with Adrian Peterson to give the
Vikings two of the leagues more dynamic playmakers. With
Hakeem Nicks and Kenny Britt rounding out the round,
six receivers in all were drafted in the first round.
Although a big run was expected on tackles early in the
draft, only three were drafted in the top 10, with Virginias
Eugene Monroe sliding to the Jaguars because of concerns
about his knee, and Michael Oher falling all the way to No.
23, where Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome traded up three spots
to rescue the last of the nine players remaining in the green
room. California C Alex Mack was even drafted ahead of
Oher, and versatile Louisville C-OG Eric Wood also fit into
the first round, marking the first time since 1968 that two
centers were drafted so early.
The Browns and Patriots, recognizing the lack of talent in
this class, eagerly sought to trade down on multiple occasions
and stockpile more picks. Having begun the day with only five
selections, the Browns finished with eight, plus three veter-
an ex-Jets DE Kenyon Coleman, S Abram Elam and QB
Brett Ratliff adding 11 new players to the team.
The 49ers and Seahawks both came away with extra first-
round picks in 2010. The Panthers mortgaged next years first-
rounder in exchange for the Niners 43rd pick, which they used
to select Florida State DE Everette Brown, and the 111th pick,
which they used on Texas A&M RB Mike Goodson.
The Broncos, who had two first-round picks next year af-
ter securing the Bears top pick in the Jay Cutler trade, sent
one to Seattle to improve their secondary this year, grabbing
Alphonso Smith at the No. 37 overall slot, showing more ur-
gency to win now after making the bold move of shipping out
their punky, young Pro Bowl QB at the beginning of the month.
The Patriots, with Bill Belichick wheeling and dealing, came
away with two additional second-round picks, picked up in
trades from the Jaguars and Titans.
The Miami Hurricanes, who had the NFLs longest ac-
tive running streak of first-rounders with 14, not only did
not have a first-round pick this year, they produced only one
drafted player, LB Spencer Adkins, whom the Falcons se-
lected in Round Six despite having lost his starting job late
in the season. Notre Dame also produced only one pick
fourth-rounder David Bruton as both the Fighting
Irish and Hurricanes were eclipsed by Abilene Christian in
the draft department, with Wildcats WR Johnny Knox and
RB Bernard Scott both having been drafted, signaling the
demise of the talent base at two formerly rich programs. Con-
versely, Connecticut, which never before produced a first-
round talent, broke the barrier when Indianapolis select-
ed Donald Brown at the No. 27 slot. Three other Huskies
CB Darius Butler, OT William Beatty and DE Cody Brown
also landed in the second round.
Thirty-seven of 46 underclassmen who entered the draft
early were selected in this years draft, with 15 hearing their
names called in the first round and seven in the second, leav-
ing 15 to be drafted in Rounds 3-7 and nine, or 20 percent,
going undrafted, including Virginia WR Kevin Ogletree and
Wisconsin RB P.J. Hill, both of whom were considered med-
ical risks by teams because of knee injuries.
MARK IT DOWN
New York attracts next Broadway star in a forgettable, talent-starved draft
The Jets bold move into the top five to select USC QB Mark Sanchez was the most memorable moment of the 2009 draft.
DRAFT REVIEW
AFC EASTBy Matt Sohn
Aaron Maybin
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BILLS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Aaron Maybin DE Penn State 11
1 Eric Wood C Louisville 28
2 Jairus Byrd CB Oregon 42
2 Andy Levitre OG Oregon State 51
4 Shawn Nelson TE Southern Mississippi 121
5 Nic Harris SS Oklahoma 147
6 Cary Harris CB USC 183
7 Ellis Lankster CB West Virginia 220
The Bills listless pass rush should re-
ceive an immediate boost from Penn
States Aaron Maybin, who will be the first
DE reserve off the bench until hes ready
to unseat Chris Kelsay for the starting job.
The early entry might be brought along
slowly to allow him to grow into his
body, and he should be far better a cou-
ple years from now than as a rookie. The
interior of the offensive line needs to re-
place its center and left guard, and grit-
ty Eric Wood has the tempermant to be
a quality left guard despite playing cen-
ter in college. Versatile OL Andy Levitre
is likely to be a guard long-term but
could help out in a pinch at tackle. The
Bills surprisingly waited until Round
Four to address their glaring need at tight
end, when they picked up vertical threat
Shawn Nelson. Like Maybin, Nelson
needs to log some weight-room time, but
hell at least be the athletic seam-stretch-
er in the interim that Buffalo has lacked.
The secondary needed more help at safe-
ty than at cornerback, and theyre gam-
bling that tough and physical Jairus Byrd
can make a smooth transition to safety af-
ter operating at cornerback at Oregon.
Ironically, the one college safety they
drafted, Nic Harris, might be shifted to
outside linebacker; the Bills prefer their
backers swift at the expense of girth. Late-
round CBs Cary Harris and Ellis Lankster
need standout training camps to make the
final 53-man squad.
Vontae Davis
MIAMI
DOLPHINS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Vontae Davis CB Illinois 25
2 Pat White QB-WR West Virginia 44
2 Sean Smith CB Utah 61
3 Patrick Turner WR USC 87
4 Brian Hartline WR Ohio State 108
5 John Nalbone TE Monmouth (N.J.) 161
5 Chris Clemons FS Clemson 165
6 Andrew Gardner OT Georgia Tech 181
7 J.D. Folsom ILB Weber State 214
The Dolphins draft was heavily influ-
enced by need, as their first five picks were
spent on their two most barren positions,
cornerback and wide receiver. The CB tan-
dem of Vontae Davis and Sean Smith brims
with possibility because of the players rare
physical gifts, but each comes equipped
with significant concerns. Davis, an explo-
sive athlete, carries a prima donna sense
of entitlement that the Dolphins tough-
minded staff needs to correct. Mean-
while, Smiths lanky build and limited CB
experience make him more of a project
than a significant rookie contributor. WRs
Pat White, Patrick Turner and Brian Hart-
line each bring something different to the
table. White, an exceptional collegiate
quarterback, appears destined for a slot
role, and will make the teams Wildcat for-
mation even more dangerous. Turner, a
thick possession receiver, puts Ernest
Wilfords job in jeopardy. Hartlines a
short-area technician with outstanding
agility and football smarts. Much like the
veteran tight ends on the roster, small-
school product John Nalbone will be put
to use as both a blocker and receiver,
though he doesnt excel in either depart-
ment. Andrew Gardner has the tremen-
dous height and arm length the Dolphins
covet in their O-tackles, but his stiffness
limits his potential. S Chris Clemons and
LB J.D. Folsom will have to make an im-
pact on special teams to stick.
Patrick Chung
A
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NEWENGLAND
PATRIOTS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
2 Patrick Chung SS Oregon 34
2 Ron Brace DT Boston College 40
2 Darius Butler CB Connecticut 41
2 Sebastian Vollmer OT Houston 58
3 Brandon Tate WR North Carolina 83
3 Tyrone McKenzie OLB South Florida 97
4 Rich Ohrnberger OG Penn State 123
5 George Bussey OT Louisville 170
6 Jake Ingram LS Hawaii 198
6 Myron Pryor DT Kentucky 207
7 Julian Edelman QB-WR Kent State 232
7 Darryl Richard DT Georgia Tech 234
The Pats were loaded with picks enter-
ing the draft, and traded out of Round One
to accumulate even more, including two
second-round picks in 2010. The sec-
ondary benefits from the hard-nosed play
of S Patrick Chung, who also could be valu-
able in nickel situations. What CB Darius
Butler lacks in physicality, he overcomes
with the smooth stride and closing burst
the Pats value in their corners. Butler also
can contribute at receiver. Widebody DT
Ron Brace should keep Vince Wilfork
fresh and give the Pats contract negotia-
tion leverage with the veteran star. Bran-
don Tates superb return skills could pay
bigger dividends than his receiving abil-
ity, but he might not be ready for much
rookie action after tearing his ACL and
MCL last October. An offensive line that
could be victimized by personnel attrition
after the season adds towering project OT
Sebastian Vollmer, polished OG Rich
Ohrnberger and George Bussey, who may
switch from tackle to guard, as candidates
to log heavy minutes in 10. Try-hard
OLB Tyrone McKenzies figures to bolster
the special teams. LS Jake Ingram has a
shot at making it. Myron Pryors square
body fits better in a one-gap scheme, and
Darryl Richard can make it on effort.
College QB Julian Edelmans pro shot will
be at receiver.
Mark Sanchez
K
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NEWYORK
JETS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Mark Sanchez QB USC 5
3 Shonn Greene RB Iowa 65
6 Matt Slauson OG Nebraska 193
True to their form of recent seasons, the
Jets pulled the trade trigger to get the play-
er they wanted. In 2009, that meant
shipping their first- and second-round
picks, as well as DE Kenyon Coleman, S
Abram Elam and QB Brett Ratliff to for-
mer coach Eric Manginis Browns to ac-
quire QB Mark Sanchez. Although Sanchez
started just one year at USC before declar-
ing early, he showcased enough to make the
Jets believe they have a future All-Pro on
their hands. A true gamer who throws with
good accuracy and places uncanny touch
on the deep throws, Sanchez will be giv-
en the opportunity to win the starting job
as a rookie. What makes him a particular-
ly enticing entity in New York is his poise,
confidence and affability that made him a
star attraction in Los Angeles. He plays best
on the biggest stages he carved up Ohio
States and Penn States terrific defenses in
the Trojans highest-profile games of the
year. He ll be paired in the backfield with
thumping RB Shonn Greene, whom the
club selected with the first pick on Day Two,
after trading third-, fourth- and seventh-
round picks to the Lions to move up and
grab him. The heir apparent to Thomas
Jones, Greene is all business on the field.
Although he wont add much receiving, he
should be productive as long as the Jets
maintain their road-grading O-line. The
club isnt banking on sixth-round pickup
Matthew Slauson making waves on a sol-
id O-line. An effort player who can man nu-
merous OL positions, he should have a
chance to stick on the roster as a versatile
swing backup and get the chance to devel-
op.
14 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
DRAFT REVIEW
AFC NORTHBy Mike Wilkening
Michael Oher
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BALTIMORE
RAVENS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Michael Oher OT Mississippi 23
2 Paul Kruger DE Utah 57
3 Lardarius Webb CB Nicholls State (La.) 88
5 Jason Phillips ILB TCU 137
5 Davon Drew TE East Carolina 149
6 Cedric Peerman RB Virginia 185
The Ravens did not expect OT Michael
Oher to last as long as he did in Round
One, but when he fell to No. 23, they trad-
ed into New Englands spot to select him.
Oher will compete for the starting ORTjob
with Willie Anderson, but his greatest im-
pact may come down the road. Oher is big,
quick-footed and nimble, and he boasts
considerable upside. However, he must im-
prove his technique and gain strength. Also,
his desire has come into question. That
said, the Ravens are unlikely to rush his de-
velopment, and he will benefit from the op-
portunity to learn from Anderson. In
Round Two, the Ravens selected Utahs
Paul Kruger, who the front office indicat-
ed projects to left defensive end in Balti-
mores scheme. Kruger is tough, hardwork-
ing and athletic and has the ability to put
his hand down and rush the passer, as well
as to drop in coverage, but he will need to
add weight to play end. Kruger comes with
some durability concerns; he has only one
kidney. Lardarius Webb could contribute
immediately in sub packages and in the
return game. Despite being on the short
side, he is strong, physical and could
bring versatility as a safety or corner. ILB
Jason Phillips is smart and productive, but
he is not an exceptional athlete and is com-
ing off knee surgery, which caused him to
slide. Davon Drew is an athletic former
quarterback who could stick as the teams
No. 3 tight end. RB Cedric Peerman has
good speed and could make the club by
contributing on special teams.
Andre Smith
CINCINNATI
BENGALS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Andre Smith OLT Alabama 6
2 Rey Maualuga ILB USC 38
3 Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech 70
3 Chase Coffman TE Missouri 98
4 Jonathan Luigs C Arkansas 106
5 Kevin Huber P Cincinnati 142
6 Morgan Trent CB Michigan 179
6 Bernard Scott RB Abilene Christian 209
7 Fui Vakapuna RB Brigham Young 215
7 Clinton McDonald DT Memphis 249
7 Freddie Brown WR Utah 252
OT Andre Smith figures to start imme-
diately on either the left or right side and
could develop into a high-caliber player
if he matures and adds strength. The long-
armed, athletic Smith understands the
game and is capable of succeeding against
NFL competition right off the bat, provid-
ed hes in shape and ready to learn. LB Rey
Maualuga will also be hard to keep off the
field if he plays to his potential. Maualu-
ga is a thumper vs. the run and could de-
velop into the leader of the defense in time.
However, he is somewhat limited in cov-
erage and stiff. Inconsistent DE Michael
Johnson has long arms and a great burst
and could contribute immediately as a
pass-rush specialist. TE Chase Coffman
could become a key part of the offense in
a pass-catching role. C Jonathan Luigs will
compete to start immediately; hes quick
but must get stronger. Homegrown tal-
ent Kevin Huber is a good directional
punter and could replace incumbent
Kyle Larson. CB Morgan Trent is a size-
speed prospect. RB Bernard Scott pro-
duced big numbers in Division II but has
a troubled past with multiple arrests on
his record. Fui Vakapuna will try to make
it at fullback. DT Clinton McDonald is
quick but must add strength. WR Fred-
die Brown can compete for a job as a pos-
session receiver.
Alex Mack
CLEVELAND
BROWNS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Alex Mack C California 21
2 Brian Robiskie WR Ohio State 36
2 Mohamed Massaquoi WR Georgia 50
2 David Veikune OLB Hawaii 52
4 Kaluka Maiava OLB USC 104
6 Don Carey CB Norfolk State 177
6 Coye Francies CB San Jose State 191
6 James Davis RB Clemson 195
The Browns moved down three times in
Round One (from No. 5 to No. 17 to No.
19 to No. 21) before finally selecting C Alex
Mack, who could replace Hank Fraley in
the starting lineup in short order. Mack is
a big, tough, athletic pivot who can also play
guard if needed. Macks job will be neutral-
izing interior linemen such as Steelers NT
Casey Hampton and Ravens DT Trevor
Pryce. In Round Two, the Browns bolstered
their WR corps, selecting two good-sized,
savvy receivers from big-time collegiate
programs in Brian Robiskie and Mo-
hamed Massaquoi. Robiskie, the son of
longtime NFL assistant Terry Robiskie, is
one of the more polished receivers enter-
ing the league, but he lacks deep speed.
However, he works hard, and his leaping
ability could make him a threat in the red
zone. Massaquoi runs good routes and
could develop into a solid complementa-
ry target. Like Robiskie, he is not stop-
watch-fast. David Veikune is strong and has
a very good motor. He will play outside
linebacker in the Browns 3-4 scheme. He
must improve his hand use to reach his po-
tential. ILB Kaluka Maiava is quick and
strong and could be a nice fit in the
Browns nickel packages. However, he is
on the small size for the position. CB Don
Carey is athletic but must improve his foot-
work. CB Coye Frances is a strider with
good length and toughness. RB James
Davis is a bowling-ball runner and could
compete for the No. 3 role.
Evander Ziggy Hood
PITTSBURGH
STEELERS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Evander Ziggy Hood DE Missouri 32
3 Kraig Urbik OG-OT Wisconsin 79
3 Mike Wallace WR Mississippi 84
3 Keenan Lewis CB Oregon State 96
5 Joe Burnett CB Central Florida 168
5 Frank Summers RB UNLV 169
6 RaShon Sonny Harris DT Oregon 205
7 A.Q. Shipley C Penn State 226
7 David Johnson TE Arkansas State 241
Missouri DT Evander Ziggy Hood
will play defensive end in the Steelers 3-
4 front. Hood is strong, athletic and dis-
ruptive and likely will be a key member of
the DE rotation as a rookie. The key for
Hood will be learning a variety of count-
er moves he struggles when initially
stopped and playing less tall. Also, his
lack of hip flexibility is a weakness. Kraig
Urbik could contribute immediately at
right guard and could play right tackle in
a pinch. Urbik is strong, generates good
hand punch and moves well for a guard but
must play more consistently with power.
WR Mike Wallace is exceptionally fast in
a straight line and could take over as the
Steelers primary kickoff returner. If he
makes strides as a receiver, he could be-
come a vertical threat in the mold of ex-
Steeler Nate Washington. CB Keenan
Lewis has good size and long arms to press
receivers. CB Joe Burnett is quick and in-
stinctive but undersized. He could con-
tribute in the return game. RB Frank
Summers is short but stout and could make
it as a reserve, pitching in at fullback and
in short-yardage situations. Like Hood,
RaShon Harris, a college defensive tack-
le, projects to end in the Steelers scheme.
He has good strength but must be more
consistent. C A.Q. Shipley is smart and
quick but has very short arms. David
Johnson could be used as an H-back/full-
back.
15 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
DRAFT REVIEW
AFC SOUTHBy Mike Wilkening and Matt Sohn
Brian Cushing
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HOUSTON
TEXANS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Brian Cushing OLB USC 15
2 Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati 46
3 Antoine Caldwell OG-C Alabama 77
4 Glover Quin CB New Mexico 112
4 Anthony Hill TE North Carolina State 122
5 James Casey TE Rice 152
6 Brice McCain CB Utah 188
7 Troy Nolan S Arizona State 223
OLB Brian Cushing will push to imme-
diately start on the strong side. Cushing is
strong, tough and ultracompetitive and
could help the Texans considerably on run
downs, but he comes with questions about
his durability, and he is not fluid in pass
coverage. He could be turned loose to rush
the passer on third downs and should be
ready to contribute right off the bat. DE
Connor Barwin figures to get most of his
work as a situational pass rusher early in
his career. Barwin played end for only one
season in college but flashed considerable
potential, notching 11 sacks. He is athlet-
ic and hardworking but has a ways to go
in the areas of technique and strength. An-
toine Caldwell is smart, long-armed and
durable, but he is not especially strong or
athletic. He will provide depth at guard and
center. CB Glover Quin could compete to
play in sub packages as a rookie. Instinc-
tive and tough, Quin also has the ability to
play free safety. Anthony Hill is a very good
blocker who could immediately see play-
ing time in two-TE sets while James
Casey, a former minor-league baseball
player, is insurance in the event Owen
Daniels departs in free agency after the
2010 season. Casey caught 111 passes in his
final season at Rice and understands how
to get open but needs to develop as a block-
er to reach his potential. Speedy CB Brice
McCain and instinctive S Troy Nolan will
compete for reserve roles, with McCain
having a chance to stick as a gunner.
Donald Brown
INDIANAPOLIS
COLTS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Donald Brown CB Connecticut 27
2 Fili Moala DT USC 56
3 Jerraud Powers CB Auburn 92
4 Austin Collie WR Brigham Young 127
4 Terrance Taylor DT Michigan 136
6 Curtis Painter QB Purdue 201
7 Pat McAfee P West Virginia 222
7 Jaimie Thomas OG Maryland 236
The Colts came into the draft with de-
fensive tackle as their clear top need, yet
GM Bill Polian remained true to his
mantra of not reaching for prospects.
With no available defensive tackle worthy
of the 27th selection, Indy opted to bolster
its sagging ground game with one of the
safest prospects in the RB draft crop,
Connecticuts Donald Brown. Although the
5-10, 210-pounder is similar in size to
starter Joseph Addai, hes considerably
stronger in the lower body and should be
a threat to unseat Addai sooner rather than
later. The clubs DT need was addressed in
Round Two with USCs Fili Moala, who
carries some question marks. Although the
slashing tackle fits the quick, penetrating
mold that Indy likes in its interior D-line-
men, his motor runs hot and cold, and he
benefited greatly from the tremendous tal-
ent surrounding him in college. Terrance
Taylor lacks the pass-rush array of Moala,
but hes a physically strong run stuffer who
can aid the DT rotation in a two-down role.
Jerraud Powers lacks the size Indy favors
in its corners, but his savvy and instincts
allow him to compete for nickel and dime
duties in a loaded secondary. BYUs Austin
Collie could complement Reggie Wayne
well and help replace Marvin Harrison.
Mauling OG Jaimie Thomas is an odd fit
in Indys spread. Curtis Painter has more
ability than No. 2 QB Jim Sorgi if he ever
finds his confidence. Pat McAfee could win
the punting and kickoff jobs.
Eugene Monroe
JACKSONVILLE
JAGUARS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Eugene Monroe OLT Virginia 8
2 Eben Britton OT Arizona 39
3 Terrance Knighton DT Temple 72
3 Derek Cox CB William & Mary 73
4 Mike Thomas WR Arizona 107
5 Jarett Dillard WR Rice 144
6 Zach Miller TE Nebraska-Omaha 180
7 Rashad Jennings RB Liberty 250
7 Tiquan Underwood WR Rutgers 253
GM Gene Smith stuck true to his word
that bolstering the O-line was the top pri-
ority. Eugene Monroes slide made him an
easy pick at No. 8. He should immediate-
ly be plugged into the OLT spot vacated by
disappointing Khalif Barnes, despite the
signing of ex-Eagle Tra Thomas in free
agency. Monroes tremendous in pass pro-
tection, and keeping QB David Garrard
clean is an even more pressing need than
opening running lanes. Eben Britton proj-
ects to left guard because of his short arms
but could slide out to tackle if needed.
Scared off by receivers high on measur-
ables and low on production, the club
hopes undersized but ultraproductive
Mike Thomas can handle slot responsibil-
ities. Thomas is a flash of lightning who can
make things happen after the catch. Fel-
low blazer Tiquan Underwood is taller and
just as fast but has a slight build. Jarett Dil-
lard, on the other hand, is a red-zone men-
ace whose 60 TD receptions set an NCAA
record. DT Terrance Knighton, a raw,
athletic gem, could be a force with some
seasoning. One spot later, the Jaguars trad-
ed two picks to the Patriots, including their
10 second-rounder, to grab speedy CB
Derek Cox, who had two TDs off intercep-
tions and another two off punt returns in
08. TE Zach Miller has good speed and a
high football IQ as a former quarterback.
Burly RB Rashad Jennings could be a sol-
id complement to Maurice Jones-Drew.
Kenny Britt
TENNESSEE
TITANS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Kenny Britt WR Rutgers 30
2 SenDerrick Marks DT Auburn 62
3 Jared Cook TE South Carolina 89
3 Ryan Mouton CB Hawaii 94
4 Gerald McRath ILB Southern Mississippi 130
4 Troy Kropog OT Tulane 135
5 Javon Ringer RB Michigan State 173
6 Jason McCourty CB Rutgers 203
6 Dominique Edison WR Stephen F. Austin 206
7 Ryan Durand OG Syracuse 239
7 Nick Schommer FS North Dakota State 242
WR Kenny Britt could develop into
the Titans top target in time. Britt is tough
and physical and runs hard after the
catch but does not have exceptional elite
speed, and he must be willing to accept
coaching to be successful. DT SenDerrick
Marks is quick off the ball and plays hard
and could contribute in the Titans DT ro-
tation as a rookie. He must get stronger and
improve his technique. The Titans traded
their 2010 second-round pick to take TE
Jared Cook. Cook has rare athleticism for
the position and could give Tennessee a
seam-stretching presence. CB Ryan Mou-
ton is quick and could contribute in sub
packages as well as on special teams.
Speedy LB Gerald McRath will provide
depth but is very thin-framed, overaged
and injury-prone and could struggle to
stick. OT Troy Kropog is a developmental
project and will have time to develop be-
hind starters Michael Roos and David
Stewart. RB Javon Ringer could push
2007 second-round pick Chris Henry for
the No. 3 RB role. Ringer carried 390 times
as a senior at Michigan State and gets the
most out of his ability, but he lacks top-end
speed. CB Jason McCourty also brings val-
ue as a returner. WR Dominique Edison
could stick as a vertical threat. OG Ryan
Durand and FS Nick Schommer will com-
pete for roster spots.
16 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
DRAFT REVIEW
AFC WESTBy Dan Parr and Michael Blunda
Knowshon Moreno
DENVER
BRONCOS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia 12
1 Robert Ayers OLB Tennessee 18
2 Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest 37
2 Darcel McBath CB Texas Tech 48
2 Richard Quinn TE North Carolina 64
4 David Bruton FS Notre Dame 114
4 Seth Olsen OG Iowa 132
5 Kenny McKinley WR South Carolina 141
6 Tom Brandstater QB Fresno State 174
7 Blake Schlueter C TCU 225
Head coach Josh McDaniels made 10
choices, but stunned observers by spend-
ing five of them on offensive players, includ-
ing his top pick, which was RB Knowshon
Moreno. Denver was badly in need of front-
seven defenders, but passed on Texas
DE-OLB Brian Orakpo and only came
away with one player to plug into one of
those spots. Moreno, the highest-rated run-
ner available, rises to the top of the pack
in a crowded Denver backfield. He has
great quickness and should take pressure
off whoever becomes the Broncos starting
quarterback. OLB Robert Ayers came off
the board with the first of the picks ac-
quired from Chicago in the Jay Cutler
trade. Ayers fills a major need and will
bring plenty of energy and toughness as a
stand-up rush backer off the edge. Second-
round pick CB Alphonso Smith lacks
size, but has big expectations after the
Broncos sacrificed a first-rounder next year
to obtain him. Safeties Darcel McBath and
David Bruton should both stick. OG Seth
Olson will be a backup interior lineman.
The team traded fifth- and sixth-round
picks to move up eight spots for wiry WR
Kenny McKinley. McDaniels also found a
project quarterback in the sixth round,
trading a seventh-rounder and a 2010 fifth-
round pick to take Tom Brandstater. C
Blake Schlueter, who lacks ideal size, will
compete hard for a roster spot.
Tyson Jackson
A
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KANSAS CITY
CHIEFS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Tyson Jackson DE LSU 3
3 Alex Magee DT Purdue 67
4 Donald Washington CB Ohio State 102
5 Colin Brown OT Missouri 139
6 Quinten Lawrence WR McNeese State 175
7 Javarris Williams RB Tennessee State 212
7 Jake OConnell TE Miami (Ohio) 237
7 Ryan Succop PK South Carolina 256
In his first draft as Chiefs GM, Scott Pi-
oli made one thing abundantly clear: He
was going to take the players that best fit
his system, regardless of their perceived val-
ue and was intent on building from the in-
side out. This was evident from the get-go,
as Pioli selected DE Tyson Jackson with the
third overall pick. Jackson, a true five-tech-
nique at 6-4, 296 pounds, fills an imme-
diate need for Kansas City as it transitions
to a 3-4 scheme. Jackson doesnt have ex-
traordinary athleticism or explosiveness as
a pass rusher, but he is ultra-tough, will oc-
cupy space up front and can efficiently stop
the run. He should be a Week One starter
at end. The Chiefs further bolstered the line
by drafting Alex Magee in the third round.
Possessing the versatility to play inside in
the 4-3 or outside in the 3-4, Magee
moves well for a guy his size, but some
questions exist about his effort and in-
stincts. Hes likely to be a reserve to begin
the season but should see plenty of play-
ing time. Pioli rolled the dice on a high-up-
side player in CB Donald Washington in
the fourth round. Washington has some
character concerns, but hes off the charts
athletically and could develop into a
starter down the road. Adding depth with
some lesser-known players in Rounds 5-
7, K.C. grabbed OT Colin Brown, WR
Quinten Lawrence, RB Javarris Williams,
TE Jake OConnell and PK Ryan Succop
all of whom could fill niche roles if they
make the 53-man roster.
Darrius Heyward-Bey
OAKLAND
RAIDERS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland 7
2 Mike Mitchell S Ohio 47
3 Matt Shaughnessy DE Wisconsin 71
4 Louis Murphy WR Florida 124
4 Slade Norris DE Oregon State 126
6 Stryker Sulak DE Missouri 199
6 Brandon Myers TE Iowa 202
Al Davis set off a firestorm of criticism
when the Raiders owner opted for Mary-
land WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, even
though the more highly regarded Michael
Crabtree was available. Heyward-Bey
has rare talent and speed, but he was pro-
jected as a late first-round choice because
he doesnt have reliable hands. He will be
thrust into the fray immediately because
the Raiders have few established re-
ceivers and desperately need a vertical
threat. Davis found a speedy complement
to Heyward-Bey in the fourth round,
selecting WR Louis Murphy, another
prospect with top-tier speed but question-
able hands and injury concerns that
pushed him down boards. It could take
him time to adapt to playing in a pro-style
offense after working out of the spread in
college. Davis made the stunning decision
to take Ohio S Mike Mitchell, a fifth-round
talent in the mind of most evaluators, in
the second round. Mitchell ran a sub-4.5
40-yard dash at his pro-day workout. He
will be given a shot to compete for play-
ing time in an unimpressive safety corps.
The Raiders added depth at defensive end,
taking Matt Shaughnessy, considered
worthy of a late-round flier, in the third
round and selecting Stryker Sulak in the
sixth. Slade Norris is penciled in as a de-
velopmental speed rusher, but he must get
bigger and stronger to stick. Oakland trad-
ed two picks, including a 2010 sixth-
rounder, to move up and take solid-
blocking TE Brandon Myers.
Larry English
SAN DIEGO
CHARGERS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Larry English OLB Northern Illinois 16
3 Louis Vasquez OG Texas Tech 78
4 Vaughn Martin DT Western Ontario 113
4 Tyronne Green OG Auburn 133
4 Gartrell Johnson RB Colorado State 134
5 Brandon Hughes CB Oregon State 148
6 Kevin Ellison S USC 189
7 Demetrius Byrd WR LSU 224
After the Chargers defense took a big
step back last season, GM A.J. Smith fo-
cused heavily on beefing up that side of the
ball through the draft. Surprising just
about everyone, Smith used the 16th over-
all pick on Larry English, a hybrid player
who ll play outside linebacker in San
Diegos 3-4 scheme. A smart, natural ath-
lete and an incredibly hard worker, Eng-
lish looks to be the long-term replacement
for Shawne Merriman, who might not be
back with the club after this season. The
Bolts also addressed their D-line issues by
taking DT Vaughn Martin in the fourth
round. Martin is an intriguing prospect,
possessing tremendous size and strength;
he could be the heir apparent to NT Jamal
Williams. To help out a pass D that fin-
ished 31st in 2008, they selected two DBs
late in CB Brandon Hughes and S Kevin
Ellison. Hughes can provide depth as a
press corner, but Ellison could see time ear-
ly on, as SS Clinton Hart struggled last year.
On the offensive side, Smith used a third-
round pick on OG Louis Vasquez to bolster
a thin O-line. The extremely strong Vasquez
is a load to handle in the running game, but
hes slow-footed and suffers in pass protec-
tion. In Round Four, San Diego added RB
Gartrell Johnson to give its backfield some
thump. A true battering ram, he provides
the offense with a short-yardage option. OG
Tyronne Green was chosen for depth pur-
poses. The club concluded its draft by tak-
ing recently injured WR Demetrius Byrd.
17 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
DRAFT REVIEW
NFC EASTBy Eric Edholm
Jason Williams
DALLAS
COWBOYS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
3 Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois 69
3 Robert Brewster OG Ball State 75
4 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M 101
4 Victor Butler OLB Oregon State 110
4 Brandon Williams DE Texas Tech 120
5 DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati 143
5 Michael Hamlin FS Clemson 166
5 David Buehler PK USC 172
6 Stephen Hodge OLB TCU 197
6 John Phillips TE Virginia 208
7 Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati 227
7 Manuel Johnson WR Oklahoma 229
The Cowboys saw players they liked
come off the board in Round Two Max
Unger was their target at No. 51 and trad-
ed out of Day One. They were busy on Day
Two, starting with OLB Jason Williams,
who has the athleticism and blitzing abil-
ity to fit as a nickel backer, but he must play
stronger and hone his instincts. A college
right tackle, Robert Brewster projects in-
side, where depth is a need. He is a hard
worker who started 50 college games. QB
Stephen McGee is a player to watch with
intangibles, leadership, toughness and the
mobility to move behind a heavy O-line. Vic-
tor Butler and Brandon Williams are devel-
opmental nickel rushers. Butler might be
more polished, but Williams has more
upside. DeAngelo Smith is a press-zone cor-
ner who isnt terribly athletic, and college
teammate Mike Mickens has a great nose
for the ball but doesnt run fast and needs
to stay healthy. Michael Hamlin is rangy and
could play either safety spot. He might be
better in the box. David Buehler has NFL
leg strength and will be a kickoff special-
ist, with Nick Folk rarely driving touchbacks.
Stephen Hodge is a bulked-up hitter but
must make it on special teams. TE John
Phillips is a solid blocker who does a little
of everything. Manuel Johnson was over-
shadowed at Oklahoma and has tiny hands,
but he showed big-play ability.
Hakeem Nicks
NEWYORK
GIANTS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina 29
2 Clint Sintim OLB Virginia 45
2 William Beatty OT Connecticut 60
3 Ramses Barden WR Cal Poly 85
3 Travis Beckum TE Wisconsin 100
4 Andre Brown RB North Carolina State 129
5 Rhett Bomar QB Sam Houston State 151
6 DeAndre Wright CB New Mexico 200
7 Stoney Woodson CB South Carolina 238
With no deal materializing for a veter-
an receiver, the Giants opted to stockpile
pass catchers in WRs Hakeem Nicks and
Ramses Barden and TE Travis Beckum.
Nicks will have a chance to compete with
Dominik Hixon as the starting split end.
Hicks is big and attacks the ball, and he will
win over fans and coaches with his com-
petitiveness, sticky hands and ball skills.
Barden has raw upside but could develop
into a red-zone target at 6-foot-6 if he can
learn to beat press coverage, read pro cov-
erages and improve his route running.
Beckum has been productive when healthy
but is coming off a leg injury and was lim-
ited in pre-draft workouts. Beckum has the
athleticism to be a nice contrast to starter
Kevin Boss. In Round Two, the Giants
grabbed LB Clint Sintim, who fits the
teams pressure packages but is in a crowd-
ed situation, and OT William Beatty, who
can be groomed as a future left tackle. An-
dre Brown reminds some of the departed
Derrick Ward with the strength, hands and
contact balance to fit in the mix with Bran-
don Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Dan-
ny Ware. Browns durability, though, is a
question. Rhett Bomar has the arm and
competitveness worth developing; hell bat-
tle for the third spot with Andre Woodson.
DeAndre Wright might be a step slow but
has good ball skills and toughness. Stoney
Woodson is nearly identical in size but faces
a full roster.
Jeremy Maclin
PHILADELPHIA
EAGLES
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri 19
2 LeSeanShady McCoy RB Pittsburgh 53
5 Cornelius Ingram TE Florida 153
5 Victor Macho Harris CB Virginia Tech 157
5 Fenuki Tupou OT Oregon 159
6 Brandon Gibson WR Washington State 194
7 Paul Fanaika OG Arizona State 213
7 Moise Fokou OLB Maryland 230
Considering the team dealt two 2009
picks for OLT Jason Peters, the Eagles had
quite a haul and even acquired third-, fifth-
and sixth-round picks in 10 to boot. Andy
Reid didnt target Jeremy Maclin but
couldnt pass on a top-10 talent who slid to
the 19th slot. Maclin joins a deep WR corps
and likely wont start, but his speed and run-
after-the-catch ability will put him in
three- and four-WRsets. He also will vie for
the punt- and kickoff-return duties. The Ea-
gles added LeSean McCoy, who might
lack a second gear but runs hard, catches
the ball and has great inside vision. McCoy
must get out of his bad cut-blocking habits
to be the third-down back. With Sheldon
Brown angering the team with his de-
mands for a new contract, it acquired Pa-
triots CB Ellis Hobbs, who will have a
chance to start at right corner whether
or not Brown is traded and drafted Ma-
cho Harris, a tough cover-2 defender. Se-
rious medical red flags have been raised on
TE Cornelius Ingram, but he has very
good athletic ability and could be red-
shirted a la Jack Ikegwuonu if Ingrams knee
requires another surgery. A college left tack-
le, Fenuki Tupou has the size Reid likes but
might have to move to guard and play
tougher. Massive Paul Fanaika likely will
battle Tupou for a reserve OG spot. Bran-
don Gibson is a possession Z receiver who
might have trouble cracking a deep rotation.
Moise Fokou is athletic and could help on
special teams.
Brian Orakpo
S
P
O
R
T
P
I
C
S
WASHINGTON
REDSKINS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Brian Orakpo DE Texas 13
3 Kevin Barnes CB Maryland 80
5 Cody Glenn LB Nebraska 158
6 Robert Henson ILB TCU 186
7 Eddie Williams FB Idaho 221
7 Marko Mitchell WR Nevada 243
When Daniel Snyder failed to acquire Jay
Cutler, many assumed the Redskins would
sell out to trade up for USCs Mark
Sanchez, who more than piqued their in-
terest. But with the Jets beating them to
the punch, they instead waited for Brian
Orakpo, one of the top five players on their
board. Orakpo is incredibly strong and
fiercely competitive, and he should have a
great chance to play immediately. His
technique and pass-rush arsenal are still
raw, but Orakpo figures to get better un-
der the tutelage of DL coach John Paler-
mo, who has a history of developing
young pass rushers. The Redskins ad-
dressed the defense again in Round Three
with CB Kevin Barnes, who has good
height and could match up with the NFC
Easts big wideouts, but he must answer
questions about durability and tough-
ness and might not get on the field much
right away in a deep secondary. A convert-
ed running back, LB Cody Glenn has in-
triguing upside and likely will make his
mark as a special-teamer, especially if
the team doesnt re-sign Khary Campbell.
The similarly sized Robert Henson prob-
ably will be restricted to special-teams and
backup ILB duties. Eddie Williams is a hy-
brid fullback/H-back who has durability
concerns, but hes a smart, high-effort pass
catcher who takes the game seriously and
could complement Mike Sellers. WR
Marko Mitchell is a size-speed prospect
who might not have the hands or strength
to make it.
18 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
DRAFT REVIEW
NFC NORTHBy Eric Edholm and Dan Arkush
Jarron Gilbert
CHICAGO
BEARS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
3 Jarron Gilbert DT San Jose State 68
3 Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma 99
4 Henry Melton DE Texas 105
4 D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt 119
5 Johnny Knox WR Abilene Christian 140
5 Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio State 154
6 Al Afalava S Oregon State 190
7 Lance Louis OG San Diego State 246
7 Derek Kinder WR Pittsburgh 251
For the first time since 1978 and only the
third time in team history, the Bears did
not make a pick in the first two rounds of
the draft. After the Bears intended targets
came off the board early and a deal could
not be struck for Cardinals WR Anquan
Boldin, the team traded its second-round
pick to the Seahawks in exchange for
Seattles third- and fourth-round picks, set-
ting the stage for a very busy Sunday with
nine second-day selections. In the third
round, the Bears took Jarron Gilbert, a big
three-technique who can spell Tommie
Harris, and WR Juaquin Iglesias, who
should be able to compete for the teams
slot receiver role. In Round Four, they
added depth at defensive end and corner-
back with the selections of converted RB
Henry Melton and D.J. Moore, respective-
ly. Melton has very good edge speed.
Moore is the teams fifth former Vander-
bilt standout. The Bears remained in a WR
mode in Round Five, selecting Johnny
Knox, who displayed eye-opening speed at
the Combine, before switching back to the
other side of the ball to select OLB Mar-
cus Freeman, whose history of knee injuries
dropped his stock. Sixth-round pick Al
Afalava is a tough, aggressive safety with
good strength who will likely have to
earn his keep on special teams. In the sev-
enth round, the Bears took workout war-
rior Lance Louis and one-speed wideout
Derek Kinder.
Matthew Stafford
DETROIT
LIONS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Matthew Stafford QB Georgia 1
1 Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State 20
2 Louis Delmas S Western Michigan 33
3 DeAndre Levy OLB Wisconsin 76
3 Derrick Williams WR Penn State 82
4 Sammie Hill DT Stillman (Ala.) 115
6 Aaron Brown RB TCU 192
7 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska 228
7 Zack Follett OLB California 235
7 Dan Gronkowski TE Maryland 255
The Lions believe they got the top-rat-
ed players at quarterback, tight end and
safety with their first three picks. Clearly,
Matthew Stafford will make or break the
class, but fans might have to wait to reap
the benefits. He has a golden arm, great in-
tangibles and the ability to work through
his progressions. Questions exist about
Staffords decision making and the fact that
he flopped in some big games, but the Li-
ons can groom him for an extended peri-
od with Daunte Culpepper ready to start
in Week One. TE Brandon Pettigrew could
make a big impact in the run game as one
of the best in-line blockers in the past few
drafts. But he also could emerge as a red-
zone threat and short receiver. Louis Del-
mas is a tough safety who could start
right away if Gerald Alexander isnt ready
following a fractured vertebra. DeAndre
Levy is no thumper but could be an OLB
backup and core special-teamer. Derrick
Williams will get a chance to beat out
Ronald Curry as the slot receiver and is a
good returner. Sammie Hill fills the need
for power and mass inside, but hes raw.
Speedy RB Aaron Brown has a history of
ankle and knee injuries. OT Lydon Murtha
has size but lacks power. LB Zack Follett
might be tight-hipped with injury concerns,
but hes a high-motor player with passion
and strength. Smart, strong, stiff Dan
Gronkowski could be the No. 3 tight end.
B.J. Raji
GREEN BAY
PACKERS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 B.J. Raji NT Boston College 9
1 Clay Matthews OLB USC 26
4 T.J. Lang OG Eastern Michigan 109
5 Quinn Johnson FB LSU 145
5 Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina 162
6 Jarius Wynn DE Georgia 182
6 Brandon Underwood CB Cincinnati 187
7 Brad Jones OLB Colorado 218
The Packers had a very productive
opening day in this years draft, selecting
two defenders in NT B.J. Raji and OLB
Clay Matthews who figure to play promi-
nent roles in the teams new 3-4 scheme
for a long time to come. The powerful Raji
might not start immediately with veteran
Ryan Pickett currently holding down the
nose, but he will definitely spell Pickett on
base downs and become an instant fixture
in passing situations. GM Ted Thompson
very uncharacteristically traded up in the
first round to select Matthews, sacrificing
the teams second- and third-round picks
in order to obtain a player with great lever-
age and mobility and outstanding blood-
lines. He has a great shot to start at either
left or right outside linebacker. In the fourth
round, the team switched gears to the of-
fensive line and selected T.J. Lang, who
could play any position on the line and
could possibly figure prominently in the
mix at right tackle. The Packers got good
value in the fifth round in FB Quinn
Johnson, who should help open lanes for
Ryan Grant, and OT Jamon Meredith, a
good fit in the teams zone blocking scheme
if he can toughen up. The teams defensive
mindset returned in the sixth round with
the selections of DL Jarius Wynn, a late
bloomer who can play either inside or out-
side, and CB-S tweener Brandon Under-
wood, a raw, developmental prospect with
upside. LB Brad Jones should help on spe-
cial teams.
Percy Harvin
L
E
S
B
E
N
T
L
E
Y
MINNESOTA
VIKINGS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Percy Harvin WR Florida 22
2 Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma 54
3 Asher Allen CB Georgia 86
5 Jasper Brinkley ILB South Carolina 150
7 Jamarca Sanford SS Mississippi 231
The Vikings resisted taking ORT
Michael Oher at No. 22, which would have
filled a need. Instead the Vikings brass took
a risk on greatness with Percy Harvin. With
head coach Brad Childress needing to win
now, he and the front office believe Harvins
character and durability issues are worth
gambling on, considering his tremen-
dous ability. Harvin might be the most ex-
plosive offensive talent in the draft, able to
hit home runs on short routes and giving
two average quarterbacks a dynamic play-
er alongside Adrian Peterson. Although
Harvin did not work as a returner at
Florida with all the talent there, he could
be asked to field kickoffs or punts. He also
could find himself in the backfield in
specialty packages. Rewarded for their pa-
tience, the Vikings found their starting
right tackle in Round Two when massive
Bryant McKinnie clone Phil Loadholt
fell into their lap. Loadholt struggled
with elite pass rushers such as Texas DE
Brian Orakpo, but with blocking help, good
coaching and his extremely long arms,
Loadholt could become a power blocker
who paves big holes for Peterson. Smart CB
Asher Allen will get a chance to fill the nick-
el role with Marcus McCauley failing to im-
prove and Charles Gordon coming off an
injury. A big, strong Mike backer, Jasper
Brinkley is insurance for E.J. Henderson,
who is coming off an injury. Brinkley can
lay the wood but is stiff and lacks great
range. Jamarca Sanford is short and lim-
ited in pass coverage, but he can deliver a
blow and be a special-teams ace.
19 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
DRAFT REVIEW
NFC SOUTHBy Dan Parr
Peria Jerry
ATLANTA
FALCONS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Peria Jerry DT Mississippi 24
2 William Moore S Missouri 55
3 Chris Owens CB San Jose State 90
4 Lawrence Sidbury DE Richmond 125
5 William Middleton CB Furman 138
5 Garrett Reynolds OT North Carolina 156
6 Spencer Adkins OLB Miami (Fla.) 176
7 Vance Walker DT Georgia Tech 210
Atlanta was able to focus exclusively on
making defensive upgrades in the draft af-
ter trading for TE Tony Gonzalez April 23.
GM Thomas Dimitroff passed on Glenn
Dorsey last year but found his defensive
tackle in Round One this time around in
Peria Jerry, who fills a void left by Grady
Jackson and improves the inside pass
rush. Jerry will start opposite Jonathan
Babineaux on the interior of the teams de-
fensive line. The Ole Miss product has a
high motor, plays the run well and also can
create consistent pressure rushing the
passer, despite concerns about his durabil-
ity and strength. Atlanta nabbed another
intriguing defensive lineman in the fourth
round, selecting DE Lawrence Sidbury. He
will fit as a nickel pass rusher in his first
season and could add a new dimension to
the defense, crashing the corner opposite
John Abraham. He has great edge burst,
producing the best 40-yard dash time (4.5)
of all the defensive linemen who ran at the
Combine this year. Second-round pick
William Moore will compete to replace
Lawyer Milloy as Atlantas strong safety.
He doesnt have great instincts, but he plays
tough and is a good athlete. CB Chris
Owens doesnt have prototypical height for
a corner, but he is tough and feisty. The Fal-
cons added depth to key spots by plucking
CB William Middleton, two more linemen
in OT Garrett Reynolds and DT Vance
Walker, and LB Spencer Adkins. Reynolds
is a developmental tackle with promise.
Everette Brown
CAROLINA
PANTHERS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
2 Everette Brown DE Florida State 43
2 Sherrod Martin FS Troy 59
3 Corvey Irvin DT Georgia 93
4 Mike Goodson RB Texas A&M 111
4 Tony Fiammetta FB Syracuse 128
5 Duke Robinson OT Oklahoma 163
7 Captain Munnerlyn CB South Carolina 216
GM Marty Hurney dealt away a future
first-round choice for the second consec-
utive year to build his club on the front
lines, providing protection against a Julius
Peppers trade. Carolina traded its first-
rounder in 2010 to the 49ers to move up
into the 43rd slot and select explosive DE
Everette Brown. Brown is a bit short for
his position, but he will become Carolinas
starting right end opposite Peppers if he
can shore up his skills vs. the run. He has
the potential to become a feared pass
rusher with a quick first step to beat
blockers off the ball. The Panthers filled an-
other need on defense 16 picks later,
swiping Sherrod Martin, who played safe-
ty in college but will move to cornerback
in the pros, the inverse of what Charles
Godfrey did so well a year ago. Hurney
filled his triumvirate of needs in the third
round by adding DT Corvey Irvin, a raw
prospect who could take a year to devel-
op physically but who possesses the mo-
tor and toughness to compete. With Nick
Goings still unsigned in free agency, Car-
olina added both RB Mike Goodson, with
a pick it acquired in the deal with San Fran-
cisco, and FB Tony Fiammetta. The club
didnt have a pressing need for backs, but
Goodson likely will contribute as a return-
er next season and Fiammetta eventual-
ly will replace the aging Brad Hoover.
Duke Robinson adds much-needed depth
at guard, and CB Captain Munnerlyn
will battle for a roster spot.
Malcolm Jenkins
A
P
NEW ORLEANS
SAINTS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State 14
4 Chip Vaughn FS Wake Forest 116
4 Stanley Arnoux ILB Wake Forest 118
5 Thomas Morstead P SMU 164
The Saints entered the draft with just
four picks the fewest in the league af-
ter trading away choices to acquire MLB
Jonathan Vilma and TE Jeremy Shockey
last year. New Orleans focused almost ex-
clusively on defense, which has been the
main culprit in the clubs failure to reach
the postseason in back-to-back years, al-
though head coach Sean Payton admitted
that he explored moving into the first round
again to take RB Chris Beanie Wells, be-
fore deciding the cost of such a deal a
2010 first-rounder was too great. The
Saints added three defenders for new de-
fensive coordinator Gregg Williams to
mold, most notably first-round selection
Malcolm Jenkins, who brings versatility to
New Orleans much-maligned second-
ary. Jenkins, a long-armed physical spec-
imen, has a great pedigree, following a long
line of Ohio State corners who have gone
on to have successful NFL careers. He can
play corner or safety but will enter camp
as a corner and has the inside track at gain-
ing a starting job. He ll face competition
from last years second-round pick, Tracy
Porter, and free-agent signee Jabari Greer
at the top of the depth chart. New Orleans
took S Chip Vaughn, a size-speed prospect
with upside, in the fourth round. He
should contribute immediately as a gun-
ner. Another fourth-rounder, LB Stanley
Arnoux, will help out on special teams right
off the bat. He has outstanding straight-
line speed but is stiff in the hips. The Saints
traded their seventh-round pick this year
and a fifth-round pick in 2010 to move up
and take P Thomas Morstead.
Josh Freeman
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Josh Freeman QB Kansas State 17
3 Roy Miller DT Texas 81
4 Kyle Moore DE USC 117
5 Xavier Fulton OT Illinois 155
7 E.J. Biggers CB Western Michigan 217
7 Sammie Stroughter WR Oregon State 233
After years of searching for a long-
term answer at quarterback, the Bucca-
neers are hoping they found one in Josh
Freeman. Fearing that the Broncos might
nab him one slot ahead of where they were
scheduled to pick, the Bucs traded up two
picks to land Freeman, a prospect with a
great deal of raw ability. Spending a top se-
lection on Freeman was a gamble, but head
coach Raheem Morris was adamant that
Freeman was his guy, saying he wouldve
taken him with the No. 1 pick overall. Free-
man will get a chance to battle Byron Left-
wich and Josh McCown for the top job in
camp. He would benefit from a year of sea-
soning but quickly could become a full-time
starter. The team shifted its attention to a
defense riddled with needs on Day Two of
the draft, selecting DT Roy Miller and DE
Kyle Moore in the third and fourth rounds,
respectively. Miller should fit well in new
defensive coordinator Jim Bates scheme.
Bates needs big-bodied tackles who can
plug gaps up front, and thats what Miller
figures to be. Hes not much of a pass rush-
er but doesnt need to be in Bates defense.
The Bucs traded up to get Moore, who will
compete to fill the vacancy at left end cre-
ated by Kevin Carters departure. Moore
needs to add strength and grow into his
body; he could take a year or two to fully
develop. Fifth-round pick OLT Xavier
Fulton is a developmental project. CB E.J.
Biggers and WR Sammie Stroughter were
selected in the last round. Stroughter
could surprise if he can stay even-keeled.
20 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
DRAFT REVIEW
NFC WESTBy Dan Arkush
Chris Beanie Wells
A
P
ARIZONA
CARDINALS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Chris BeanieWells RB Ohio State 31
2 Cody Brown DE Connecticut 63
3 JulianRashadJohnson S Alabama 95
4 Greg Toler CB St. Pauls (Va.) 131
5 Herman Johnson OT LSU 167
6 Will Davis DE Illinois 204
7 LaRod Stephens-Howling RB Pittsburgh 240
7 Trevor Canfield OG Cincinnati 254
After Connecticut RB Donald Brown
was drafted four picks earlier, the Cardi-
nals selected the next-best running back
available, in their opinion, in Chris Beanie
Wells, who is expected to compete right
away with Tim Hightower for the starting
RB job. Whether or not he wins the job,
Wells is expected to get considerable play-
ing time in head coach Ken Whisenhunts
preferred multiple-back system. Wells
has the speed to make big plays, but he was
limited by a foot injury last season, and
there are some concerns about his dura-
bility and toughness. Cody Brown played
defensive end at Connecticut but will be
used heavily at outside linebacker, where
he will be groomed behind the teams vet-
eran four-man rotation to rush the pass-
er. The Cardinals added depth in the sec-
ondary with S Rashad Johnson, a walk-on
at Alabama who displayed a knack for
making big plays, and speedy CB Greg Tol-
er, who the team hopes might eventually
follow in the footsteps of fellow small-
school product Dominique Rodgers-Cro-
martie. King-sized Herman Johnson has
great length but lacks ideal foot quickness
to handle the edges. DE Will Davis can be
developed as a pass rusher. In the final
round, the Cardinals selected vastly under-
sized but quick RB LaRod Stephens-
Howling, who showed well at his pro
day, and another warm body for the offen-
sive line in OG Trevor Canfield.
Jason Smith
ST. LOUIS
RAMS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Jason Smith OLT Baylor 2
2 James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State 35
3 Bradley Fletcher CB Iowa 66
4 Dorell Scott DT Clemson 103
5 Brooks Foster WR North Carolina 160
6 Keith Null QB West Texas A&M 196
7 Chris Ogbonnaya RB Texas 211
Jason Smith emerged from a neck-
and-neck battle with fellow OT Eugene
Monroe to become the Rams top pick and
eventual heir apparent to longtime elite
OLT Orlando Pace. With his aggressive-
ness and ability to finish plays ultimately
giving him an edge over Monroe, Smith
might begin his NFL career as the Rams
starting right tackle as he learns the ropes
at the pro level. With all the wide receivers
the Rams had rated high on their board
having been selected before the 35th
overall spot, they opted for LB James
Laurinaitis, who figures to be a strong can-
didate to replace Will Witherspoon as the
starting middle linebacker. A hardwork-
ing, instinctive, every-down player with sol-
id coverage skills, Laurinaitis also fig-
ures to be a regular on special teams.
Bradley Fletcher is a big corner who can
jam wideouts. He is considered ahead of
where 08 fourth-round pick Justin King
was a year ago at this time. Dorell Scott
should immediately fit into the Rams D-
line rotation by spelling starters Adam Car-
riker and Clifton Ryan. With the fifth- and
sixth-round picks swapped with Atlanta as
part of the early April trade that netted
them WRLaurent Robinson, the Rams se-
lected Brooks Foster, a naturally athletic
wideout who can make the tough catch but
is considered a raw route runner, and
Keith Null, a strong-armed developmen-
tal QB prospect. RB Chris Ogbonnaya adds
size and strength behind Steven Jackson.
Michael Crabtree
SAN FRANCISCO
49ERS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech 10
3 Glen Coffee RB Alabama 74
5 Scott McKillop ILB Pittsburgh 146
5 Nate Davis QB Ball State 171
6 Bear Pascoe TE Fresno State 184
7 Curtis Taylor FS LSU 219
7 Ricky Jean-Francois DT LSU 244
Despite a glaring need for help at tack-
le, the Niners couldnt resist making
Michael Crabtree their top selection. A con-
sensus choice as the best wideout available
in the draft, Crabtree adds instant pop to
the Niners attack. Called the closest
thing Ive seen to Anquan Boldin in col-
lege by Niners GM Scot McCloughan,
Crabtree is envisioned as a split end tailor-
made to wreak havoc in press coverage.
The Niners Saturday selections ground-
ed to an abrupt halt when McCloughan
traded the teams second- and fourth-
round picks to the Panthers in exchange
for Carolinas No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft
after both players he would have consid-
ered with the teams No. 2 pick were tak-
en. The Niners first Sunday pick was
Glen Coffee, a relatively light (6-0, 210)
running back who plays much bigger
than his size. With their first pick in the
fifth round, the Niners selected Scott
McKillop, a tackling machine at Pitt who
eventually could replace the aging Takeo
Spikes at the Ted LB spot. With their sec-
ond No. 5, they gambled on QB Nate Davis,
whose stock plummeted after he finished
his collegiate career with a pair of bad out-
ings, including the Mid-American Confer-
ence championship game. TE Bear Pascoe
is expected to replace departed Billy Ba-
jema as a blocking specialist. LSU gradu-
ates Curtis Taylor and Ricky Jean-Francois
have some raw, natural talent to develop
if they can stay healthy.
Aaron Curry
SEATTLE
SEAHAWKS
RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK
1 Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest 4
2 Max Unger C Oregon 49
3 Deon Butler WR Penn State 91
6 Mike Teel QB Rutgers 178
7 Courtney Greene SS Rutgers 245
7 Nick Reed DE Oregon 247
7 Cameron Morrah TE California 248
With their highest pick since drafting CB
Shawn Springs third overall in 1997, the
Seahawks selected Aaron Curry, the Butkus
Award winner who plays the game violent-
ly like the awards namesake did. A high-
energy player with outstanding character
and excellent skills both against the run
and in coverage, Curry should make a
seamless transition into the teams start-
ing SLB role previously filled by Julian Pe-
terson. The Seahawks proceeded to give up
their second-round pick to Denver in ex-
change for a first-round pick in 2010 and
then traded their third- and fourth-round
picks this year to Chicago to move back into
Round Two to select Max Unger. If Unger
doesnt replace Chris Spencer as the start-
ing center, he will more than earn his keep
replacing the departed Pork Chop Wom-
ack as the teams most versatile offensive
lineman. The Hawks kept on wheeling and
dealing on Day Two of the draft, giving up
this years fifth- and seventh-round picks
and a third-round pick in 2010 to the Ea-
gles in exchange for a third-round pick they
used to select Deon Butler, the all-time re-
ceptions leader at Penn State. A quick but
small receiver similar to former Seahawk
Bobby Engram, Butler shapes up as a good
candidate in the slot. QB Mike Teel was a
three-year starter at Rutgers. SS Courtney
Greene and DE Nick Reed could provide
help on special teams. TE Cameron Mor-
rah has the speed to get up the seam but
has questionable character.
21 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
22 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
PLAYER PRINTOUT
KEY TO SYMBOLS IN PLAYER PRINTOUT
6071 Players height is shown as a four-digit number, with the first digit signifying feet;
the second and third inches; and the fourth, eighths of an inch. In this example, its 6-7
1
8.
Age Player is overaged.
ATHPlayer has the athletic ability to play multiple positions and could be drafted higher
because of it.
BB Has played minor-league baseball and could pursue career at professional level.
Ch. Character (i.e., history of arrests, teamsuspensions or off-field problems) can af-
fect status.
DNP Player did not play football in 2006.
E Player had eligibility remaining.
Jr. Player is a junior.
So. Player is a sophomore.
MI More information is needed to accurately rate this player.
QB Can also play quarterback (applies to other positions, too, such as S for safety, H-
B for H-back, RS for return specialist, LS for long-snapper, PRS for pass-rush specialist,
ST for special-teamer, etc.).
X May have a medical problem, past or present, that could impact where player is
drafted.
XXMore serious injury concern.
XXXDefinite injury concern.
LS-5.05 Player has separate grade of 5.05 as a long-snapper.
GRADE SCALE FOR NFL PROSPECTS
9.00 Aonce-in-a-lifetime player (e.g., John Elway, JimBrown, Lawrence Taylor).
8.00-8.99 Perennial All-Pro (e.g. Ray Lewis).
7.50-7.99 Future All-Pro.
7.00-7.49 Should become a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
6.50-6.99 Sure-fire first-rounder who could become a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
6.00-6.49 Should become a quality NFL player.
5.50-5.99 Could become a quality NFL player and should be a first-day pick.
5.10-5.49 Could make an NFL roster. Has a good to great chance of being drafted.
5.01-5.09 Has a better than 50-50 chance to make a roster or practice squad.
5.00 Has a 50-50 chance to make a roster or practice squad.
4.75-4.99 Should be in an NFL training camp.
4.50-4.74 Has a chance to be in an NFL training camp.
4.00-4.49 Aplayer who could be in an NFL training camp but who likely will need to de-
velop in the CFL, Arena League or NFL Europe.
GRADE-TO-ROUND CONVERSION SCALE
5.90 or above First round
5.55 - 5.89 Second round
5.38 - 5.54Third round
5.30 - 5.37 Fourth round
5.23 - 5.29 Fifth round
5.10 - 5.22 Better-than-even chance to be drafted in sixth or seventh round
ABOUT THE PLAYER PRINTOUT
Players are ranked according to the grades we have given them, but not necessarily in
the order we believe they will be drafted. Factors such as a drafting clubs needs and the
abundance or scarcity of available talent at a given position can cause a player to be drafted
higher or lower than his grade would indicate.
All grades are based on information available to us as of our April 26, 2009, copy dead-
line. Late workouts and other information can change grades, sometimes dramatically. The
printout includes underclassmen who have been declared eligible for the draft by the NFL.
Grade-to-round conversion scale is curved with each printout to try to get the correct num-
ber of players into each round.
NOTE: Players sorted by grade, not necessarily best overall or how they were drafted.
REGARDLESS OF POSITION
RK. POS, NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. QB Matthew Stafford Georgia 6.60 6022 225 4.82 Jr.
2. OTJason Smith Baylor 6.60 6050 309 5.19
3. OT Eugene Monroe Virginia 6.55 6052 309 5.22 X
4. OLBAaron Curry Wake Forest 6.50 6016 254 4.54 ILB
5. WR Michael Crabtree Texas Tech 6.50 6013 215 4.55e Soph.-3, X
6. CB MalcolmJenkins Ohio State 6.45 6001 204 4.54 FS
7. OTAndre Smith Alabama 6.45 6042 325 5.31 Jr., OG, Ch.
8. WRJeremy Maclin Missouri 6.40 6001 198 4.46 Soph.-3, X, RS
9. RB Knowshon Moreno Georgia 6.40 5105 217 4.55 Soph.-3, X
10. DE Aaron Maybin Penn State 6.40 6041 250 4.74 Soph-3, OLB
11. OLB Brian Orakpo Texas 6.35 6030 263 4.64 X, DE
12. QB Mark Sanchez USC 6.35 6021 227 4.94 Jr., X
13. DE Tyson Jackson LSU 6.35 6041 296 4.96 DT
14. OT Michael Oher Mississippi 6.35 6044 301 5.24 OG
15. OLB Brian Cushing USC 6.27 6027 243 4.68 X, ILB
16. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey Maryland 6.25 6015 210 4.27 Jr.
17. CB Darius Butler Connecticut 6.25 5104 188 4.37 WR, KR, X
18. RB Chris Beanie Wells Ohio State 6.25 6010 237 4.51 Jr., X
19. ILBJames Laurinaitis Ohio State 6.25 6017 244 4.79 OLB
20. TE Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State 6.25 6053 263 4.82
21. DT Peria Jerry Mississippi 6.25 6016 299 4.98 X, Age
22. CBVontae Davis Illinois 6.20 5111 203 4.42 Jr., Ch.
23. DE Robert Ayers Tennessee 6.20 6031 272 4.82 DT, OLB, Ch.
24. ILB Rey Maualuga USC 6.20 6016 249 4.86 Ch.
25. QBJosh Freeman Kansas State 6.20 6056 248 4.98 Jr.
26. DT B.J. Raji Boston College 6.20 6014 337 5.16 X, Ch., NT
27. RB Donald Brown Connecticut 6.00 5102 210 4.49 Jr.
28. OLB Clay Matthews USC 6.00 6031 240 4.67 DE
29. WR Percy Harvin Florida 5.95 5111 192 4.42 Jr., X, Ch.
30. OLB Clint Sintim Virginia 5.95 6026 256 4.79 MLB
31. DE Everette Brown Florida State 5.90 6014 256 4.67 Jr., OLB
32. OT Eben Britton Arizona 5.90 6060 309 5.16 Jr., OG
33. WR Kenny Britt Rutgers 5.85 6027 218 4.52 Jr., Ch.
34. CBAlphonso Smith Wake Forest 5.85 5087 193 4.52 X, RS
35. CAlex Mack California 5.85 6042 307 5.17 OG
36. FS Louis Delmas Western Michigan 5.85 5113 202 4.54 X
37. C Eric Wood Louisville 5.85 6037 310 5.23 OG
38. WR Brian Robiskie Ohio State 5.80 6027 209 4.49 KR
39. DE Michael Johnson Georgia Tech 5.80 6067 266 4.72 PRS, X
40. C Max Unger Oregon 5.80 6045 309 5.34 OT
41. SS Patrick Chung Oregon 5.75 5112 212 4.51
42. WR Mohamed Massaquoi Georgia 5.75 6014 207 4.53
43. CBJairus Byrd Oregon 5.75 5100 201 4.69 Jr., PR, S
44. OLB Larry English Northern Illinois 5.75 6021 255 4.84 DRE
45. OGAndy Levitre Oregon State 5.75 6025 305 5.36 C, OT
46. OT Phil Loadholt Oklahoma 5.75 6076 332 5.51 Ch.
47. FS Rashad Johnson Alabama 5.70 5112 203 4.51
48. TE Cornelius Ingram Florida 5.70 6037 245 4.69 H-B, X
49. OTJamon Meredith South Carolina 5.70 6050 307 5.04 OG
50. WR Derrick Williams Penn State 5.65 5115 198 4.49 RS
51. RBAndre Brown North Carolina St. 5.65 6001 224 4.46 X, KR
52. WR HakeemNicks North Carolina 5.65 6006 212 4.53 Jr.
53. TE Shawn Nelson Southern Mississippi 5.65 6050 240 4.54 H-B
54. WR Pat White West Virginia 5.65 6002 197 4.57 X, QB, BB
55. FS WilliamMoore Missouri 5.65 6001 221 4.58 X, SS, Age
56. OG Duke Robinson Oklahoma 5.65 6050 329 5.37 X, OT, Ch.
57. TE Jared Cook South Carolina 5.60 6045 249 4.51 Jr.
58. DT Evander Ziggy Hood Missouri 5.60 6027 300 4.89 DE
59. OLB Cody Brown Connecticut 5.59 6021 244 4.78 DE
60. RB LeSeanShady McCoy Pittsburgh 5.55 5103 198 4.51 Soph.-3, Ch.
61. CB Donald Washington Ohio State 5.55 6002 197 4.53 Jr., Ch.
62. DE Lawrence Sidbury Richmond 5.55 6024 265 4.56 OLB, PRS
63. DT Fili Moala USC 5.55 6040 305 5.12 DE, Age
64. OTWill Beatty Connecticut 5.55 6060 307 5.09
65. DT Ron Brace Boston College 5.55 6030 330 5.52 NT
66. WR Mike Thomas Arizona 5.50 5077 195 4.32
67. CB Sherrod Martin Troy 5.50 6010 198 4.49 FS, X, Age
68. RB Shonn Greene Iowa 5.50 5104 227 4.59 Jr., X, Age
69. SS Michael Hamlin Clemson 5.50 6021 209 4.61 X, FS
70. DTAlex Magee Purdue 5.50 6023 286 4.82 X, DE
71. DE Paul Kruger Utah 5.50 6042 263 4.88 Soph-3, XX, Age
72. OLB Kaluka Maiava USC 5.50 5114 229 4.74
73. CBAsher Allen Georgia 5.45 5097 195 4.42 Jr.
74. RB Mike Goodson Texas A&M 5.45 5117 208 4.46 Jr., X
75. FS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest 5.45 6013 221 4.47
76. CB Sean Smith Utah 5.45 6034 214 4.54 Jr., FS, WR
77. DTJarron Gilbert San Jose State 5.45 6052 288 4.84 DE, OT
78. TE Richard Quinn North Carolina 5.45 6037 264 4.89 Jr., X
79. OG Kraig Urbik Wisconsin 5.45 6051 328 5.39 OT
80. TE Chase Coffman Missouri 5.45 6056 244 4.8e X
81. RB Glen Coffee Alabama 5.42 6001 209 4.53 Jr., X
82. WRJuaquin Iglesias Oklahoma 5.40 6007 210 4.49 RS
83. CB D.J. Moore Vanderbilt 5.40 5087 192 4.58 Jr., KR
84. DE Connor Barwin Cincinnati 5.40 6035 256 4.62 OLB, TE
85. TE Travis Beckum Wisconsin 5.40 6030 239 4.64 H-B. X
86. CB Victor Macho Harris Virginia Tech 5.40 5112 198 4.64 PR, Ch.
87. OLB Marcus Freeman Ohio State 5.40 6005 239 4.67 X
88. ILB Darry Beckwith LSU 5.40 6003 234 4.69 X
89. TE James Casey Rice 5.40 6030 246 4.76 Soph.-3, Age
90. DT SenDerrick Marks Auburn 5.40 6016 306 5.07 Jr., X
91. WR Mike Wallace Mississippi 5.39 6003 199 4.31 KR
92. FBTony Fiammetta Syracuse 5.39 6001 245 4.59 X, H-B
93. WR Kevin Ogletree Virginia 5.39 6004 196 4.39 Jr., X
94. CB Coye Francies San Jose State 5.39 6003 185 4.64 X, FS
95. WRAustin Collie BrighamYoung 5.39 6011 196 4.53 Jr., X
96. ILB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh 5.39 6007 244 4.73
97. DE David Veikune Hawaii 5.39 6021 257 4.78 OLB
98. QBJohn Parker Wilson Alabama 5.39 6014 219 4.79 BB, Age
99. OGT.J. Lang Eastern Michigan 5.39 6042 312 5.21 C
100. OTTroy Kropog Tulane 5.39 6053 309 5.34
101. WR Brooks Foster North Carolina 5.38 6004 201 4.47
102. RB Rashad Jennings Liberty 5.38 6010 231 4.61
103. WR Louis Murphy Florida 5.37 6023 203 4.34 X
104. RB Cedric Peerman Virginia 5.37 5094 216 4.39 X, KR
105. CB Chris Owens San Jose State 5.37 5097 197 4.44
106. WR Sammie Stroughter Oregon State 5.37 5094 185 4.45 KR
107. CB Ryan Mouton Hawaii 5.37 5094 179 4.47 RS
108. ILBJason Phillips TCU 5.37 6006 239 4.64 X
109. CBJerraud Powers Auburn 5.37 5090 187 4.49 Jr.
110. FS Darcel McBath Texas Tech 5.37 6002 198 4.64 SS
111. DE Henry Melton Texas 5.37 6034 269 4.66 OLB
112. ILBJasper Brinkley South Carolina 5.37 6015 249 4.69 X, DE
113. DT Dorell Scott Clemson 5.37 6032 314 4.94
114. TE Anthony Hill North Carolina St. 5.37 6052 260 4.86 X, OT
115. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia 5.37 6031 302 4.99
116. OT Gerald Cadogan Penn State 5.37 6051 309 5.07 OG
117. OG Herman Johnson LSU 5.37 6072 364 5.61 OT
118. CB Bradley Fletcher Iowa 5.35 6001 193 4.45 Ch., FS
119. RBJavon Ringer Michigan State 5.35 5094 203 4.51 X, KR
120. CB Mike Mickens Cincinnati 5.35 5115 186 4.58 KR, X
121. ILB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 5.35 6010 237 4.64 X, OLB, Ch.
122. DE Kyle Moore USC 5.35 6050 272 4.86 X
123. SS Nic Harris Oklahoma 5.35 6023 234 4.89 OLB
124. DT Roy Miller Texas 5.35 6015 312 4.94
125. CB Lardarius Webb Nicholls State (La.) 5.33 5096 179 4.39 S, Ch.
126. FS David Bruton Notre Dame 5.33 6020 219 4.44
127. CB Greg Toler St. Pauls (Va.) 5.33 5110 191 4.48
128. WR Brandon Gibson Washington State 5.33 6001 206 4.60
129. QB Stephen McGee Texas A&M 5.33 6027 225 4.64 X
130. DTTerrance Knighton Temple 5.33 6032 317 5.03 NT, DE
131. CB DeAngelo Smith Cincinnati 5.33 5107 191 4.65 FS
132. DT Sammie Hill Stillman (Ala.) 5.33 6040 329 5.17 DE
133. OLBTyrone McKenzie South Florida 5.33 6015 241 4.71
134. DT Ricky Jean-Francois LSU 5.33 6024 294 5.21 Jr., X, Ch.
135. FS Chris Clemons Clemson 5.30 6007 211 4.36
136. WR Demetrius Byrd LSU 5.30 6002 199 4.37 X, Ch.
137. OLBJason Williams Western Illinois 5.30 6010 241 4.47
138. RBJames Davis Clemson 5.30 5107 211 4.47 X, KR
139. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon State 5.30 6007 208 4.52 S
140. OLB DeAndre Levy Wisconsin 5.30 6016 236 4.54 X
141. SS Courtney Greene Rutgers 5.30 6002 212 4.57 FS
142. WR Ramses Barden Cal Poly 5.30 6060 229 4.59
143. FS Curtis Taylor LSU 5.30 6022 209 4.64 SS
144. CB Cary Harris USC 5.30 5113 187 4.66 X, FS
145. FB Brannan Southerland Georgia 5.30 6000 242 4.71 X
146. QB Rhett Bomar SamHouston St. 5.30 6022 225 4.74 X, Ch., Age
147. TE John Phillips Virginia 5.30 6053 251 4.81
148. DE Brandon Williams Texas Tech 5.30 6030 254 4.81 Jr., PRS
149. TE Bear Pascoe Fresno State 5.30 6054 253 4.86
150. OTXavier Fulton Illinois 5.30 6042 302 5.04 X, Ch.
151. OCAntoine Caldwell Alabama 5.30 6032 309 5.28 OG, Ch.
152. CB Brandon Hughes Oregon State 5.27 5104 182 4.43
153. OLB Stephen Hodge TCU 5.27 5115 234 4.59 SS, Ch.
154. CB Brandon Underwood Cincinnati 5.27 6010 198 4.53 FS
155. DTVance Walker Georgia Tech 5.27 6017 304 5.33 DE
QUARTERBACKS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Matthew Stafford Georgia 6.60 6022 225 4.82 Jr.
2. Mark Sanchez USC 6.35 6021 227 4.94 Jr., X
3. Josh Freeman Kansas State 6.20 6056 248 4.98 Jr.
4. John Parker Wilson Alabama 5.39 6014 219 4.79 BB, Age
5. Stephen McGee Texas A&M 5.33 6027 225 4.64 X
6. Rhett Bomar SamHouston State 5.30 6022 225 4.74 X, Ch., Age
7. Hunter Cantwell Louisville 5.17 6043 235 5.24
8. Nathan Brown Central Arkansas 5.12 6005 219 4.92
9. Cullen Harper Clemson 5.10 6024 217 4.88 X
10. Brian Hoyer Michigan State 5.10 6017 216 5.06
11. GrahamHarrell Texas Tech 5.10 6021 223 5.11
12. Mike Reilly Central Washington 5.09 6030 212 4.80 Age
13. Jason Boltus Hartwick (N.Y.) 5.09 6026 225 4.84
14. Nate Davis Ball State 5.09 6013 226 4.97 Jr.
15. LiamCoen Massachusetts 5.08 6012 220 5.01 X
16. John White Bentley (Mass.) 5.07 6036 224 4.87 X
17. TomBrandstater Fresno State 5.07 6050 220 4.89
18. Willie Tuitama Arizona 5.05 6023 234 5.04 X, Ch.
19. Chase Patton Missouri 5.00 6044 222 4.88
20. Curtis Painter Purdue 5.00 6027 225 4.91
21. Mike Teel Rutgers 5.00 6031 225 5.15
22. Tyler Lorenzen Connecticut 4.99 6050 227 4.61 ATH, X
23. Chase Daniel Missouri 4.95 6000 218 4.83 X
24. DrewWilly Buffalo 4.90 6031 215 4.92
25. Todd Boeckman Ohio State 4.85 6046 240 4.81 Age
26. Rudy Carpenter Arizona State 4.80 6020 217 4.87 X., Ch.
27. Sean Glennon Virginia Tech 4.80 6041 220 4.89
28. Nate Longshore California 4.80 6037 232 5.14 X
29. Chris Pizzotti Harvard 4.75 6054 223 4.89 X
30. Brian Johnson Utah 4.75 6005 211 4.89 Ath
31. Chase Holbrook New Mexico State 4.75 6041 242 5.14 X
32. Rodney Landers James Madison 4.70 6000 220 4.72 Ath, RB
33. Chris Crane Boston College 4.70 6047 231 4.81 X
34. Billy Malone Abilene Christian 4.70 6022 226 5.19
35. Chase Clement Rice 4.65 6005 208 4.62 Ath, FS
36. Julian Edelman Kent State 4.65 5101 195 4.66 Ath, S
37. David Johnson Tulsa 4.65 6015 217 4.96
38. Joe Ganz Nebraska 4.60 6002 200 4.96
39. Bobby Reid Texas Southern 4.60 6030 230 4.65e Ath
FULLBACKS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Tony Fiammetta Syracuse 5.39 6001 245 4.59 X, H-B
2. Brannan Southerland Georgia 5.30 6000 242 4.71 X
3. Quinn Johnson LSU 5.25 6012 250 4.74
4. Eddie Williams Idaho 5.09 6013 249 4.75e X, H-B
5. Brock Bolen Louisville 5.05 5114 233 4.79 RB, H-B
6. Eric Kettani Navy 5.00 5115 231 4.68 X, H-B
7. Marcus Mailei Weber State 5.00 5116 248 4.88 X
8. Jason Cook Mississippi 4.95 5113 241 4.72
9. Conredge Collins Pittsburgh 4.80 5112 224 4.68 RB
10. Dan Lawlor Penn State 4.80 6017 240 4.84
11. Collin Mooney Army 4.75 5097 246 4.74
12. Zeek Zacharie Louisiana-Monroe 4.75 6017 238 4.86 H-B
13. Will Taufoou California 4.75 5107 241 4.99
14. Matthew Quillen New Mexico 4.70 5113 240 4.88 X
15. Jorvorskie Lane Texas A&M 4.70 5117 297 5.07 RB
16. Eric Hoskins Mississippi State 4.60 5097 240 4.87
RUNNING BACKS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Knowshon Moreno Georgia 6.40 5105 217 4.55 Soph.-3, X
2. Chris BeanieWells Ohio State 6.25 6010 237 4.51 Jr., X
3. Donald Brown Connecticut 6.00 5102 210 4.49 Jr.
4. Andre Brown North Carolina State 5.65 6001 224 4.46 X, KR
5. LeSeanShady McCoy Pittsburgh 5.55 5103 198 4.51 Soph.-3, Ch.
6. Shonn Greene Iowa 5.50 5104 227 4.59 Jr., X, Age
7. Mike Goodson Texas A&M 5.45 5117 208 4.46 Jr., X
8. Glen Coffee Alabama 5.42 6001 209 4.53 Jr., X
9. Rashad Jennings Liberty 5.38 6010 231 4.61
10. Cedric Peerman Virginia 5.37 5094 216 4.39 X, KR
11. Javon Ringer Michigan State 5.35 5094 203 4.51 X, KR
12. James Davis Clemson 5.30 5107 211 4.47 X, KR
13. ParrishP.J. Hill Wisconsin 5.25 5102 218 4.61 Jr., X
14. Kory Sheets Purdue 5.23 5111 208 4.43 Ch.
15. Aaron Brown TCU 5.23 6004 196 4.52 RS, Ch.
16. Marlon Lucky Nebraska 5.20 5113 216 4.53 Ch.
17. Jeremiah Johnson Oregon 5.20 5090 213 4.59 X, RS
18. Gartrell Johnson Colorado State 5.15 5102 219 4.79 FB
19. Ian Johnson Boise State 5.10 5112 212 4.44 X
20. Javarris Williams Tennessee State 5.10 5096 223 4.51 FB
21. Chris Ogbonnaya Texas 5.10 5116 220 4.62 FB
22. Joshua Vaughan Richmond 5.09 5112 224 4.61
23. Arian Foster Tennessee 5.09 6010 224 4.71 X, Ch.
24. Devin Moore Wyoming 5.07 5090 187 4.36 RS
25. Frank Summers UNLV 5.07 5091 243 4.62 FB, Age
26. Antone Smith Florida State 5.05 5077 191 4.34 X
27. Tyrell Fenroy Louisiana-Lafayette 5.05 5080 190 4.59
28. Tyrell Sutton Northwestern 4.95 5076 213 4.66 X
29. Tarrion Adams Tulsa 4.95 5114 211 4.83
30. Anthony Kimble Stanford 4.90 6001 214 4.58 X, KR
31. Derron Thomas Miami (Fla.) 4.90 5093 203 4.61
32. Kahlil Bell UCLA 4.90 5111 211 4.76 X, Ch., KR
33. LaRod Stephens-Howling Pittsburgh 4.85 5070 185 4.47
34. Kestahn Moore Florida 4.85 5102 219 4.57
35. Walter Mendenhall Illinois State 4.85 5107 226 4.62
36. Bernard Scott Abilene Christian 4.80 5102 200 4.47 Ch.
37. Ben Williams South Florida 4.80 5060 206 4.68
38. Kyle Bell Colorado State 4.75 6005 233 4.56 FB, H-B
39. Brad Lester Auburn 4.75 5091 190 4.58 Ch., X
40. Branden Ore West Liberty State 4.75 5107 214 4.66 X, Ch., E
41. Herb Donaldson Western Illinois 4.75 5097 225 4.81
42. Tony Dixon Kentucky 4.70 5071 200 4.51 X
43. Wynel Seldon Wyoming 4.70 5110 212 4.63
44. Mike Davis South Carolina 4.70 5091 202 4.68 Ch.
45. Corey Lewis Northern Iowa 4.70 5113 190 4.72
46. Rodney Ferguson New Mexico 4.70 5105 245 4.79 FB, H-B
47. Brandon Mason Stony Brook (N.Y.) 4.70 6014e 225e 4.6e Jr.
23 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
PLAYER PRINTOUT
48. Keegan Herring Arizona Sate 4.65 5093 203 4.44
49. Demyron Martin SMU 4.65 6017 235 4.6e FB, H-B
50. Eugene Holloman James Madison 4.60 5084 180 4.49
51. Jordan Scott Colgate 4.60 5091 205 4.85
52. Shannon Woods Texas Tech 4.60 5103 202 4.55e X
TIGHT ENDS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State 6.25 6053 263 4.82
2. Cornelius Ingram Florida 5.70 6037 245 4.69 H-B, X
3. Shawn Nelson Southern Mississippi 5.65 6050 240 4.54 H-B
4. Jared Cook South Carolina 5.60 6045 249 4.51 Jr.
5. Richard Quinn North Carolina 5.45 6037 264 4.89 Jr., X
6. Chase Coffman Missouri 5.45 6056 244 4.8e X
7. Travis Beckum Wisconsin 5.40 6030 239 4.64 H-B. X
8. James Casey Rice 5.40 6030 246 4.76 Soph.-3, Age
9. Anthony Hill North Carolina State 5.37 6052 260 4.86 X, OT
10. John Phillips Virginia 5.30 6053 251 4.81
11. Bear Pascoe Fresno State 5.30 6054 253 4.86
12. Cameron Morrah California 5.25 6033 244 4.68 Jr.
13. Marquez Branson Central Arkansas 5.10 6021 247 4.61 H-B
14. Kory Sperry Colorado State 5.10 6046 238 4.71 X, H-B
15. Zach Miller Nebraska-Omaha 5.09 6040 233 4.54 Ath, S, QB
16. Rob Myers Utah State 5.09 6031 238 4.61 FB, H-B, X
17. Dan Gronkowski Maryland 5.09 6054 255 4.81 H-B, Age
18. Davon Drew East Carolina 5.09 6041 249 4.83
19. Ryan Purvis Boston College 5.09 6036 254 4.95
20. David Johnson Arkansas State 5.07 6022 260 4.77 FB, H-B
21. Branden Ledbetter Western Michigan 5.07 6052 236 4.81 FB, H-B
22. Kevin Brock Rutgers 5.05 6054 255 4.66
23. Jared Bronson Central Washington 5.05 6037 253 4.73 X, Age, H-B
24. Devin Frischknecht Washington State 5.05 6037 257 4.86
25. Brian Mandeville Northeastern 5.05 6057 258 4.89 XXX
26. Jake OConnell Miami (Ohio) 5.00 6031 250 4.67 H-B
27. Robbie Agnone Delaware 5.00 6053 267 4.94 H-B
28. John Nalbone Monmouth (N.J.) 4.95 6042 251 4.71 H-B
29. Brandon Myers Iowa 4.85 6033 250 4.79 Ch.
30. Darius Hill Ball State 4.80 6070 247 4.86 H-B, Ch.
31. Joe Monteverde Richmond 4.75 6044 247 4.81
32. Andrew Mooney Ohio 4.75 6020 226 4.83 H-B
33. Steve Brouse Connecticut 4.75 6036 252 4.92 FB, H-B, X
34. Carson Butler Michigan 4.70 6043 255 4.59 Jr., Ch.
35. Chris Zellner Miami (Fla.) 4.70 6015 229 4.69 FB
36. Travis McCall Alabama 4.70 6020 276 5.14 FB
37. Andrew Davie Arkansas 4.65 6040 256 4.92 Jr.
38. Nick Walker Alabama 4.65 6044 253 4.96 H-B
39. Rory Nicol Ohio State 4.65 6043 250 4.85e
40. Robbie Agnone Delaware 4.65 6053 267 4.96
41. Tripp Chandler Georgia 4.65 6050 270 4.93 Ch.
42. Colin Cloherty Brown 4.60 6021 246 4.64 H-B
43. Mark Hafner Houston 4.60 6020 221 4.86 H-B, FB
44. Marcel Frost Jackson State 4.60 6035 265 5.07 DE
45. David Carter Ohio 4.60 6044 260 4.95e
46. Jamar Hunt UTEP 4.60 6066 253 4.9e LS
WIDE RECEIVERS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Michael Crabtree Texas Tech 6.50 6013 215 4.55e Soph.-3, X
2. Jeremy Maclin Missouri 6.40 6001 198 4.46 Soph.-3, X, RS
3. Darrius Heyward-Bey Maryland 6.25 6015 210 4.27 Jr.
4. Percy Harvin Florida 5.95 5111 192 4.42 Jr., X, Ch.
5. Kenny Britt Rutgers 5.85 6027 218 4.52 Jr., Ch.
6. Brian Robiskie Ohio State 5.80 6027 209 4.49 KR
7. Mohamed Massaquoi Georgia 5.75 6014 207 4.53
8. Derrick Williams Penn State 5.65 5115 198 4.49 RS
9. HakeemNicks North Carolina 5.65 6006 212 4.53 Jr.
10. Pat White West Virginia 5.65 6002 197 4.57 X, QB, BB
11. Mike Thomas Arizona 5.50 5077 195 4.32
12. Juaquin Iglesias Oklahoma 5.40 6007 210 4.49 RS
13. Mike Wallace Mississippi 5.39 6003 199 4.31 KR
14. Kevin Ogletree Virginia 5.39 6004 196 4.39 Jr., X
15. Austin Collie BrighamYoung 5.39 6011 196 4.53 Jr., X
16. Brooks Foster North Carolina 5.38 6004 201 4.47
17. Louis Murphy Florida 5.37 6023 203 4.34 X
18. Sammie Stroughter Oregon State 5.37 5094 185 4.45 KR
19. Brandon Gibson Washington State 5.33 6001 206 4.60
20. Demetrius Byrd LSU 5.30 6002 199 4.37 X, Ch.
21. Ramses Barden Cal Poly 5.30 6060 229 4.59
22. Johnny Knox Abilene Christian 5.25 5116 181 4.32 RS
23. Brandon Tate North Carolina 5.25 5117 180 4.45e X, Ch., RS
24. Kenny McKinley South Carolina 5.23 5117 190 4.43 X
25. Patrick Turner USC 5.23 6051 223 4.65e
26. Deon Butler Penn State 5.20 5103 182 4.32 PR
27. Marko Mitchell Nevada 5.20 6035 218 4.46
28. Jarett Dillard Rice 5.17 5104 187 4.52
29. Quan Cosby Texas 5.17 5085 196 4.52 Age, BB, RS
30. Tiquan Underwood Rutgers 5.15 6011 184 4.36 KR
31. Dominique Edison Stephen F. Austin 5.10 6023 196 4.41
32. Andrew Means Indiana 5.10 6005 214 4.47 Jr., BB
33. Brian Hartline Ohio State 5.10 6015 195 4.54 Jr.
34. Jamarko Simmons Western Michigan 5.09 6016 231 4.51 H-B
35. Manuel Johnson Oklahoma 5.09 5107 187 4.5e X
36. Jordan Norwood Penn State 5.07 5107 184 4.61
37. Aaron Kelly Clemson 5.05 6047 202 4.52
38. Taurus Johnson South Florida 5.05 6002 206 4.53 KR
39. T.J. Williams Valdosta State 5.05 6020e 185e 4.45e Jr., CB, Ch.
40. Eron Riley Duke 5.00 6032 206 4.34 KR
41. Jeremy Childs Boise State 5.00 6000 196 4.48 Jr., Ch.
42. Quinten Lawrence McNeese State 4.90 5117 190 4.43 X, KR, CB
43. Greg Carr Florida State 4.90 6053 217 4.62
44. Maurice Covington Virginia 4.90 6042 225 4.81 H-B
45. Jaison Williams Oregon 4.85 6043 231 4.53 H-B
46. David Richmond San Jose State 4.85 6013 197 4.53
47. Darius Passmore Marshall 4.85 6003 188 4.54 X, Ch.
48. Dicky Lyons Jr. Kentucky 4.85 5102 189 4.55e X, RS, Ch.
49. Brennan Marion Tulsa 4.85 5112 188 4.5e X, KR
50. Michael Jones Arizona State 4.80 6034 211 4.52 BB
51. Dudley Guice Northwestern St. (La.) 4.80 6024 213 4.54
52. Greg Orton Purdue 4.80 6026 210 4.62
53. Justin Brown Hampton 4.75 6013 202 4.48
54. Julio Pruitt Ouachita Baptist (Tex.) 4.75 6017 208 4.49
55. Matt Simon Northern Illinois 4.75 6013 199 4.50
56. Nick Moore Toledo 4.75 6020 198 4.55 X, Ch.
57. Charly Martin West Texas A&M 4.75 6007 212 4.62 X
58. Nate Swift Nebraska 4.75 6017 200 4.64
59. Vinny Perretta Boise State 4.70 5092 186 4.48
60. Jamayel Smith Mississippi State 4.70 6003 186 4.51
61. Kayne Farquharson Miami (Fla.) 4.70 6002 186 4.58
62. Isaiah Williams Maryland 4.70 6022 205 4.59
63. Quentin Chaney Oklahoma 4.70 6043 208 4.64
64. Rob Theodele Northeastern 4.70 6040 218 4.64
65. George Smith Vanderbilt 4.70 6024 200 4.68 X
66. Lucas Taylor Tennessee 4.65 5112 189 4.48 Ch., KR
67. Ed Gant North Alabama 4.65 6013 186 4.49 CB
68. Tommy Breaux Towson 4.65 6067 199 4.54
69. Desmond Tardy Purdue 4.65 6000 192 4.56
70. Eddie Thompson Idaho State 4.65 5084 185 4.59 X, RS
71. Danny Oquendo Maryland 4.65 6002 193 4.64
72. Chris Vaughn Louisville 4.65 6030 221 4.52
73. David Grimes Notre Dame 4.65 5091 185 4.6e
74. Jaron Harris South Dakota State 4.60 6004 193 4.47 X
75. Jarrett Byers NE Oklahoma St. 4.60 5100 190 4.49
76. Carleton Robinzine Memphis 4.60 6015 210 4.52
77. Jeremy Gilchrist Hampton 4.60 5085 182 4.54 PR
78. Jason Chery Louisiana-Lafayette 4.60 5103 189 4.56
79. Derek Kinder Pittsburgh 4.60 6002 202 4.57 X
80. Kole Heckendorf North Dakota State 4.60 6016 190 4.59
CENTERS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Alex Mack California 5.85 6042 307 5.17 OG
2. Eric Wood Louisville 5.85 6037 310 5.23 OG
3. Max Unger Oregon 5.80 6045 309 5.34 OT
4. Antoine Caldwell Alabama 5.30 6032 309 5.28 OG, Ch.
5. A.Q. Shipley Penn State 5.25 6011 304 5.21 DT
6. Jonathan Luigs Arkansas 5.23 6035 301 5.16 OG
7. Edwin Williams Maryland 5.23 6022 308 5.54
8. Blake Schlueter TCU 5.15 6020 286 4.88
9. Cecil Newton Tennessee State 5.09 6015 300 5.14 LS, OG
10. Rob Bruggeman Iowa 5.05 6040 293 5.07 X, OG
11. Robby Felix UTEP 5.00 6032 302 5.30 XX
12. Alex Fletcher Stanford 4.95 6023 299 5.43 OG
13. Brett Helms LSU 4.90 6016 286 5.42 X, OG
14. Jon Cooper Oklahoma 4.85 6017 291 5.12
15. JohnRyan Shuman Virginia Tech 4.75 6026 289 5.25
16. Juan Garcia Washington 4.75 6022 299 5.29 XX, Ch.
17. Ryan McDonald Illinois 4.70 6043 293 5.32 OT
18. Jake Griffin South Florida 4.70 6027 308 5.43
19. Jonathan St-Pierre Illinois State 4.70 6030e 305e 5.4e
20. Mike Dent West Virginia 4.65 6017 295 5.25e
21. Philip Beliles Memphis 4.60 6040 300 5.18
22. Daniel Sanders Colorado 4.60 6024 316 5.48
OFFENSIVE GUARDS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Andy Levitre Oregon State 5.75 6025 305 5.36 C, OT
2. Duke Robinson Oklahoma 5.65 6050 329 5.37 X, OT, Ch.
3. Kraig Urbik Wisconsin 5.45 6051 328 5.39 OT
4. T.J. Lang Eastern Michigan 5.39 6040 316 5.21 C
5. Herman Johnson LSU 5.37 6072 364 5.61 OT
6. Louis Vasquez Texas Tech 5.25 6050 325 5.21
7. Cornelius Lewis Tennessee State 5.25 6034 336 5.31 OT, Ch.
8. Roger Allen Missouri Western St. 5.23 6034 325 5.33 X
9. Robert Brewster Ball State 5.20 6041 325 5.26 OG
10. Rich Ohrnberger Penn State 5.20 6022 301 5.32 C
11. Tyronne Green Auburn 5.17 6016 309 5.41 C
12. Andy Kemp Wisconsin 5.15 6046 313 5.51 X
13. Brandon Walker Oklahoma 5.10 6025 306 5.18
14. Jaimie Thomas Maryland 5.10 6041 329 5.31 Ch.
15. Travis Bright BrighamYoung 5.10 6042 321 5.33 X, Age
16. Anthony Parker Tennessee 5.09 6016 297 5.14 XX, Ch., C
17. Ryan Stanchek West Virginia 5.09 6033 298 5.32 OT
18. Maurice Miller Mississippi 5.09 6030 325 5.39 OT
19. Paul Fanaika Arizona State 5.09 6055 327 5.54
20. Ray Feinga BrighamYoung 5.09 6042 329 5.3e X
21. Matt Slauson Nebraska 5.05 6052 313 5.26
22. Trevor Canfield Cincinnati 5.05 6046 308 5.31 OT
23. TimHenderson NWState (La.) 5.05 6023 326 5.2e
24. Cedric Dockery Texas 5.00 6032 314 5.40 X
25. C.J. Davis Pittsburgh 4.95 6020 308 5.54 C
26. Lance Louis San Diego State 4.90 6023 303 4.88 C
27. Andrew Hartline Central Michigan 4.90 6043 297 4.97 OT
28. Greg Isdaner West Virginia 4.80 6035 324 5.29 Jr.
29. Ryan Durand Syracuse 4.80 6045 305 5.17 OT
30. Lou West Henderson St. (Ark.) 4.75 6064 372 5.3e OT
31. Cliff Ramsey Boston College 4.70 6060 299 5.29
32. Nick Marshman Virginia Tech 4.70 6051 360 5.66 OT
33. Curtis Crouch North Carolina State 4.70 6042e 330e 5.05e Ch.
34. Ryan Scmidt South Florida 4.70 6034 330 5.42
35. Jeremy Perry Oregon State 4.70 6022 340 5.4e XX
36. Roland Martin Michigan State 4.70 6050e 335e 5.5e
37. Dennis Conley Hampton 4.65 6015 300 5.32
38. Dwayne Delaney Morgan State 4.65 6010 325 5.63
39. Calvin Darity North Carolina 4.65 6022 303 5.57
40. Matt Huners South Florida 4.65 6020 303 5.38 X
41. Jeremy Davis NWMissouri State 4.65 6020 300 5.29
42. WilliamGiles Tenn.-Chattanuga 4.60 6037 285 5.2e OT, XX
43. Robert Conley Utah 4.60 6010 201 5.45e
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Jason Smith Baylor 6.60 6050 309 5.19
2. Eugene Monroe Virginia 6.55 6052 309 5.22 X
3. Andre Smith Alabama 6.45 6042 325 5.31 Jr., OG, Ch.
4. Michael Oher Mississippi 6.35 6044 301 5.24 OG
5. Eben Britton Arizona 5.90 6060 309 5.16 Jr., OG
6. Phil Loadholt Oklahoma 5.75 6076 332 5.51 Ch.
7. Jamon Meredith South Carolina 5.70 6050 307 5.04 OG
8. Will Beatty Connecticut 5.55 6060 307 5.09
9. Troy Kropog Tulane 5.39 6053 309 5.34
10. Gerald Cadogan Penn State 5.37 6051 309 5.07 OG
11. Xavier Fulton Illinois 5.30 6042 302 5.04 X, Ch.
12. Lydon Murtha Nebraska 5.25 6070 306 4.89 X
13. Jason Watkins Florida 5.25 6055 318 5.52 OG
14. Andrew Gardner Georgia Tech 5.20 6064 305 5.04 X, OG
15. Gus Parrish Kent State 5.20 6040 302 5.38 OG
16. Garrett Reynolds North Carolina 5.20 6075 309 5.44
17. Fenuki Tupou Oregon 5.15 6053 314 5.43 OG, Age
18. Ramon Foster Tennessee 5.15 6051 328 5.59
19. Sebastian Vollmer Houston 5.10 6074 312 5.19 X
20. Jose Valdez Arkansas 5.10 6045 319 5.26 OG
21. Alex Boone Ohio State 5.09 6072 328 5.21 Ch.
22. Ryan McKee Southern Mississippi 5.00 6063 293 5.08 X
23. Seth Olsen Iowa 5.00 6044 305 5.26 OG
24. Dan Gay Baylor 4.95 6040 303 5.49 DT, OG, X
25. Joel Bell Furman 4.90 6070 316 5.14 X
26. SamAllen Grand Valley State 4.90 6054 280 5.18 X
27. Dallas Reynolds BrighamYoung 4.90 6043 309 5.29 Age, X, OG
28. Marc Dile South Florida 4.85 6027 293 5.43
29. Eric Vanden Heuvel Wisconsin 4.85 6075 325 5.3e OG, WNP
30. Brandon Pearce Memphis 4.80 6055 310 5.38
31. Ben Coblyn Massachusetts 4.75 6065 305 4.99
32. Fred Roland Duke 4.75 6065 303 5.08 X
33. Dane Randolph Maryland 4.75 6047 300 5.27 DE
34. Phil Trautwein Florida 4.75 6060 308 5.38
35. Nick Hennessey Colgate 4.75 6057 293 5.43 OG
36. Reggie Youngblood Miami (Fla.) 4.75 6054 301 5.43
37. Kyle Link McNeese State 4.75 6055 303 5.46
38. Doug Dedrick Iowa State 4.70 6036 301 5.08 OG
39. Patrick Brown Central Florida 4.70 6051 285 5.22
40. Stanley Bryant East Carolina 4.70 6044 299 5.25 X, TE
41. Steve Jonas Colgate 4.70 6033 300 5.38
42. Scott Burley Maryland 4.70 6047 315 5.47
43. Branndon Braxton Oklahoma 4.70 6062 306 5.62
44. Dakarai Grimsley Morgan State 4.70 6040 365 5.78
45. Cameron Goldberg Duke 4.65 6043 286 4.98 Ch.
46. George Bussey Louisville 4.65 6037 304 5.21 OG
47. Greg Ryan Western Kentucky 4.65 6037 304 5.29 OG
48. Sean Sester Purdue 4.65 6074 325 5.36 X
49. Justin Sorensen South Carolina 4.65 6065 316 5.42 CFL, X
50. Tavita Thompson Oregon State 4.65 6054 300 5.47
51. Demario Deese Gardner-Webb 4.65 6030 300 5.64 OG
52. Brent Russum Montana 4.65 6043 301 5.25e X, Ch.
53. Khalil El-Amin Cincinnati 4.65 6033 317 5.51 Ch.
54. Dave Oswald BrighamYoung 4.60 6077 321 5.22
55. Colin Brown Missouri 4.60 6070 341 5.48
DEFENSIVE ENDS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Aaron Maybin Penn State 6.40 6041 250 4.74 Soph-3, OLB
2. Tyson Jackson LSU 6.35 6041 296 4.96 DT
3. Robert Ayers Tennessee 6.20 6031 272 4.82 DT, OLB, Ch.
4. Everette Brown Florida State 5.90 6014 256 4.67 Jr., OLB
5. Michael Johnson Georgia Tech 5.80 6067 266 4.72 PRS, X
6. Lawrence Sidbury Richmond 5.55 6024 265 4.56 OLB, PRS
7. Paul Kruger Utah 5.50 6042 263 4.88 Soph-3, XX, Age
8. Connor Barwin Cincinnati 5.40 6035 256 4.62 OLB, TE
9. David Veikune Hawaii 5.39 6021 257 4.78 OLB
10. Henry Melton Texas 5.37 6034 269 4.66 OLB
11. Kyle Moore USC 5.35 6050 272 4.86 X
12. Brandon Williams Texas Tech 5.30 6030 254 4.81 Jr., PRS
13. Zach Potter Nebraska 5.20 6064 276 4.94 DT
14. Derek Walker Illinois 5.17 6036 268 4.98 DT
15. Will Davis Illinois 5.15 6021 261 4.87 TE, PRS
16. Matt Shaughnessy Wisconsin 5.15 6050 266 4.89 X, OLB
17. Pannel Egboh Stanford 5.15 6056 276 4.92 DT
18. Maurice Evans Penn State 5.15 6014 274 5.04 Jr., Ch., DT
19. Michael Bennett Texas A&M 5.12 6034 274 5.04 Ch., DT
20. Orion Martin Virginia Tech 5.10 6022 262 4.76 OLB, Age
21. Rulon Davis California 5.10 6046 281 5.04 X, DT, Age
22. Brandon Long Michigan State 5.09 6026 254 4.62
23. Neefy Moffett Florida State 5.09 6004 258 4.72 OLB
24. TimJamison Michigan 5.09 6024 256 5.09
25. Julius Williams Connecticut 5.05 6015 263 4.62 X, OLB
26. Cyril Obiozor Texas A&M 5.05 6041 267 4.79 OLB
27. Ian Campbell Kansas State 5.05 6037 263 5.03 X, OLB
28. Stryker Sulak Missouri 5.00 6044 251 4.69 PRS, X
29. Will Johnson Michigan 4.90 6042 281 5.08 X, DT
30. Rhyan Anderson New Mexico State 4.85 6037 283 4.61
31. Slade Norris Oregon State 4.85 6020 232 4.61 OLB
32. Jeff Schweiger San Jose State 4.85 6040 275 4.72
33. J.D. Skolnitsky James Madison 4.80 6052 263 4.74 Jr., DT
34. Jamaal Westerman Rutgers 4.80 6021 257 4.79 X, DT
35. Pierre Walters Eastern Illinois 4.80 6040 265 4.81 OLB
36. Joe Lardinois North Dakota State 4.75 6043 260 4.68 OLB
37. Kirston Pittman LSU 4.75 6025 250 4.71 X
38. Lamonte Nelms Cincinnati 4.75 6030 244 5.03 OLB
39. Zack Slate East Carolina 4.75 6050 226 5.12 OLB
40. Antwain Robinson Arkansas 4.70 6002 258 4.76 Ch.
41. Jordin Lindsey South Carolina 4.70 6031 268 4.92
42. Luis Vasquez Arizona State 4.70 6021 253 4.96
43. Ataefiok Etukeren Georgetown (D.C.) 4.70 6026 239 4.7e
44. Aaron Lewis Texas 4.70 6031 277 4.85e
45. Dexter Manley West Texas A&M 4.70 6016 268 4.68 X, DT
46. Maurice Lucas Colorado 4.70 6032 260 4.9e
47. Moton Hopkins Tulsa 4.70 6016 276 5.27
48. Willie Vandesteeg Minnesota 4.70 6040 261 4.89
49. Kenny Mainor Troy 4.65 6040 237 4.64 X, OLB, Ch.
50. George Covington Maryland 4.65 6023 235 4.79
51. Jarriett Buie South Florida 4.65 6023 251 4.79
52. Tommie Hill Colorado State 4.65 6054 256 4.75
53. Ryan Kees St. Cloud State (Minn.) 4.60 6053 272 4.87 DT
54. Dan Cline Western Kentucky 4.60 6053 272 4.99
55. Jeremy Lomax Georgia 4.60 6041 251 4.91 X, Ch., OLB
56. Gerald Washington USC 4.60 6054e 250e 5.0e TE
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Peria Jerry Mississippi 6.25 6016 299 4.98 X, Age
2. B.J. Raji Boston College 6.20 6014 337 5.16 X, Ch., NT
3. Evander Ziggy Hood Missouri 5.60 6027 300 4.89 DE
Pro Football Weekly May 2009
PLAYER PRINTOUT
24
4. Fili Moala USC 5.55 6040 305 5.12 DE, Age
5. Ron Brace Boston College 5.55 6030 330 5.52 NT
6. Alex Magee Purdue 5.50 6023 286 4.82 X, DE
7. Jarron Gilbert San Jose State 5.45 6052 288 4.84 DE, OT
8. SenDerrick Marks Auburn 5.40 6016 306 5.07 Jr., X
9. Dorell Scott Clemson 5.37 6032 314 4.94
10. Corvey Irvin Georgia 5.37 6031 302 4.99
11. Roy Miller Texas 5.35 6015 312 4.94
12. Terrance Knighton Temple 5.33 6032 317 5.03 NT, DE
13. Sammie Hill Stillman (Ala.) 5.33 6040 329 5.17 DE
14. Ricky Jean-Francois LSU 5.33 6024 294 5.21 Jr., X, Ch.
15. Vance Walker Georgia Tech 5.27 6017 304 5.33 DE
16. Chris Baker Hampton 5.25 6022 316 5.02 Jr., DE, Ch.
17. Terrance Taylor Michigan 5.25 6000 306 5.27
18. John Gill Northwestern 5.23 6031 302 4.94 DE
19. Mitch King Iowa 5.20 6014 280 4.87 DE, ILB
20. Darryl Richard Georgia Tech 5.20 6024 297 5.2e X
21. Jarius Wynn Georgia 5.17 6031 272 4.96 DE
22. Everette Pedescleaux Northern Iowa 5.15 6043 306 5.28 X, DE, Ch.
23. Marlon Favorite LSU 5.15 6010 317 5.18 X, NT
24. Clinton McDonald Memphis 5.10 6020 283 4.91 DE
25. Myron Pryor Kentucky 5.09 6002 319 5.07 Ch., X
26. John Faletoese California-Davis 5.09 6020 286 5.09
27. Vaughn Martin Western Ontario (Can.) 5.09 6032 328 5.2e Jr.
28. RaShonSonny Harris Oregon 5.09 6036 297 4.95
29. George Hypolite Colorado 5.05 6007 299 5.04
30. Adrian Grady Louisville 5.05 6012 307 5.19 X
31. Dwayne Hendricks Miami (Fla.) 5.00 6030 289 4.92 X, DE
32. Terrill Byrd Cincinnati 5.00 5113 270 5.08 Ch., DE
33. Demonte Bolden Tennessee 4.85 6036 294 4.96 Ch.
34. Antoine Holmes North Carolina State 4.80 6020 289 4.81
35. Khalif Mitchell East Carolina 4.80 6046 316 5.05 X. Ch.
36. Nader Abdallah Ohio State 4.80 6032 289 5.29
37. Daniel Skuta Grand Valley State 4.75 6024 249 4.74 X, LB
38. Jake Visser Ferris State (Mich.) 4.75 6014 289 5.17
39. Bobby Greenwood Alabama 4.75 6046 277 5.27 DE
40. Louis Ellis Shaw (N.C.) 4.75 6021 315 5.41
41. James Vess TCU 4.70 6023 265 4.94 DE
42. Rashaad Duncan Pittsburgh 4.70 6015 300 5.14
43. BrighamHarwell UCLA 4.70 6005 290 5.14 DE
44. Mike Newkirk Wisconsin 4.70 6013 285 5.21
45. Rashaad Jackson Clemson 4.70 6020 298 5.27 X
46. Desmond Bryant Harvard 4.65 6057 290 4.97
47. Pat Kuntz Notre Dame 4.65 6023 276 5.06 X
48. Dion Gales Troy 4.65 6042 265 5.11 Ch.
49. Jason Chapman Wisconsin 4.65 6021 281 5.11 DE
50. Jeremy Navarre Maryland 4.65 6025 275 5.13 DE
51. Elris Anyaibe Georgia Tech 4.65 6021 287 5.18
52. Ryan Baker Purdue 4.60 6044 294 5.11
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. James Laurinaitis Ohio State 6.25 6017 244 4.79 OLB
2. Rey Maualuga USC 6.20 6016 249 4.86 Ch.
3. Darry Beckwith LSU 5.40 6003 234 4.69 X
4. Scott McKillop Pittsburgh 5.39 6007 244 4.73
5. Jason Phillips TCU 5.37 6006 239 4.64 X
6. Jasper Brinkley South Carolina 5.37 6015 249 4.69 X, DE
7. Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 5.35 6010 237 4.64 X, OLB, Ch.
8. Stanley Arnoux Wake Forest 5.23 6001 232 4.57 OLB
9. Antonio Appleby Virginia 5.20 6034 245 4.7e DE
10. Worrell Williams California 5.17 5106 240 4.84 OLB
11. Gerald McRath Southern Mississippi 5.10 6017 231 4.51 Jr., Age, X
12. Reggie Walker Kansas State 5.10 6001 240 4.68 X, OLB
13. Brit Miller Illinois 5.09 6000 243 4.58 OLB
14. Josh Mauga Nevada 5.09 6013 243 4.64 X, OLB
15. Brett Warren Virginia Tech 5.09 6004 230 4.99 X, OLB
16. Joe Mortensen Kansas 5.05 6002 240 4.71 OLB
17. Morris Wooten Arizona State 5.00 6003 239 4.84
18. Rob Francois Boston College 4.95 6022 244 4.60
19. Michael Tauiliili Duke 4.90 5100 231 4.81 OLB, Ch.
20. Frantz Joseph Florida Atlantic 4.85 6010 242 4.86 OLB
21. Glenn Cook Miami (Fla.) 4.80 5116 220 4.68 X, OLB
22. Robert Henson TCU 4.75 6001 240 4.76
23. Derek Nicholson Florida State 4.75 5117 230 4.86 OLB
24. Daniel Holtzclaw Eastern Michigan 4.75 6007 245 4.88
25. J.D. Folsom Weber State 4.70 6026 232 4.71
26. Andy Schantz Portland State 4.70 6006 234 4.74
27. Brock Christopher Missouri 4.70 6013 235 4.89 OLB
28. Marvin Sapp South Carolina 4.70 5110 233 4.94 OLB
29. Cyrus Mulitalo Sacramento State 4.70 5104 235 5.10
30. Rashad Bobino Texas 4.70 5095 228 4.86 OLB
31. Tony Fein Mississippi 4.60 6023 242 4.75
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Aaron Curry Wake Forest 6.50 6016 254 4.54 ILB
2. Brian Orakpo Texas 6.35 6030 263 4.64 X, DE
3. Brian Cushing USC 6.27 6027 243 4.68 X, ILB
4. Clay Matthews USC 6.00 6031 240 4.67 DE
5. Clint Sintim Virginia 5.95 6026 256 4.79 MLB
6. Larry English Northern Illinois 5.75 6021 255 4.84 DRE
7. Cody Brown Connecticut 5.59 6021 244 4.78 DE
8. Kaluka Maiava USC 5.50 5114 229 4.74
9. Marcus Freeman Ohio State 5.40 6005 239 4.67 X
10. Tyrone McKenzie South Florida 5.33 6015 241 4.71
11. Jason Williams Western Illinois 5.30 6010 241 4.47
12. DeAndre Levy Wisconsin 5.30 6016 236 4.54 X
13. Stephen Hodge TCU 5.27 5115 234 4.59 SS, Ch.
14. Russell Allen San Diego State 5.25 6026 230 4.64
15. Jonathan Casillas Wisconsin 5.25 6011 229 4.6e X, Ch.
16. Zack Follett California 5.23 6017 236 4.73 X
17. Ashlee Palmer Mississippi 5.23 6016 236 4.79 ILB
18. Victor Butler Oregon State 5.20 6021 239 4.72 PRS, DE
19. Anthony Felder California 5.20 6017 233 4.76 ILB
20. Moise Fokou Maryland 5.10 6012 232 4.69
21. Mike Rivera Kansas 5.10 6020 245 4.71
22. Spencer Adkins Miami (Fla.) 5.09 5113 230 4.39 ILB
23. Dave Philistin Maryland 5.09 6013 235 4.74 X, ILB
24. Kevin Akins Boston College 5.09 6020 219 4.75 CB, Ch.
25. Mortty Ivy West Virginia 5.09 6014 248 4.94 ILB
26. Phillip Hunt Houston 5.05 6007 244 4.80 DE
27. Lee Robinson Alcorn State 5.05 6021 247 4.86
28. Jovan Belcher Maine 5.00 6013 243 4.89
29. Cody Glenn Nebraska 4.95 5117 237 4.68 X, ILB, Ch.
30. Johnny Williams Kentucky 4.90 6012 236 4.79
31. Jon Foster Central State (Ohio) 4.80 6037 230 4.64
32. David Nixon BrighamYoung 4.80 6030 234 4.64
33. Corey Smith Cincinnati 4.80 6001 221 4.72
34. Maurice Crum Notre Dame 4.75 5115 235 4.85 ILB
35. Ezekial Knight ex-Alabama 4.75 6027 233 4.87 XXX
36. AdamGunn Pittsburgh 4.75 6012 225 4.7e XX
37. Dahna Deleston Connecticut 4.70 6001 212 4.47
38. Brian Toal Boston College 4.70 6002 228 4.66 XX, ILB
39. Anthony Heygood Purdue 4.70 6006 225 4.68
40. James Holt Kansas 4.70 6017 223 4.73
41. Diyral Briggs Bowling Green 4.70 6025 242 4.76 DE
42. Darren Burns California (Pa.) 4.70 6014 224 4.83
43. Dominic Douglas Mississippi State 4.70 6005 230 4.83
44. Merrill Johnson Auburn 4.65 5106 206 4.68 SS
45. Tyrell Sales Penn State 4.65 6022 230 4.72
46. Terrence Jackson Indiana (Pa.) 4.65 5105 236 4.83 ILB
47. Willie Williams Union College (Ky.) 4.65 6027 211 4.7e Ch.
48. Pierre Bell East Carolina 4.65 6012 235 4.79 ILB
49. Kevin Malast Rutgers 4.60 6007 236 4.64
50. Solomon Elimimian Hawaii 4.60 5103 230 4.75e SS
STRONG SAFETIES
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Patrick Chung Oregon 5.75 5112 212 4.51
2. Michael Hamlin Clemson 5.50 6021 209 4.61 X, FS
3. Nic Harris Oklahoma 5.35 6023 234 4.89 OLB
4. Courtney Greene Rutgers 5.30 6002 212 4.57 FS
5. Mike Mitchell Ohio 5.25 6005 221 4.49
6. Kevin Ellison USC 5.20 6005 224 4.84 X, OLB
7. Emanuel Cook South Carolina 5.15 5096 201 4.58 Jr., X, Ch.
8. Troy Nolan Arizona State 5.10 6007 205 4.53
9. Jamarca Sanford Mississippi 5.09 5096 209 4.45 Ch.
10. Justin Garrett Missouri 5.07 6004 199 4.68 X
11. Al Afalava Oregon State 5.05 5110 207 4.48 Ch.
COMING
IN
JUNE
FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDE 2009
PRE VI E W 2009
12. Anthony Reddick Miami (Fla.) 5.00 5117 201 4.52 Jr., Ch.
13. Reshard Langford Vanderbilt 5.00 6010 212 4.68 OLB
14. Trimane Goddard North Carolina 4.95 5091 198 4.69 X
15. Robert Haynes Michigan Tech 4.90 5092 189 4.38
16. Keith Fitzhugh Mississippi State 4.80 5102 210 4.59 Ch.
17. DeVon Hall Utah State 4.75 6026 212 4.51
18. Mark Rubin Penn State 4.75 6026 223 4.74
19. JimJohnson Minnesota-Duluth 4.70 6017 216 4.63
20. Terence Moore Troy 4.70 6013 215 4.74
21. Byron Glaspy Virginia 4.70 5110 206 4.77
22. Adrian Aye-Darko Duke 4.65 6040 203 4.61
23. Glen Lee Rutgers 4.65 6012 196 4.51 FS
24. Nick Fellows Abilene Christian 4.60 5093 196 4.41
25. Tony Clark Georgia Tech 4.60 6004 207 4.54 ILB
26. Carlton Williams South Florida 4.60 6024 218 4.87
FREE SAFETIES
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Louis Delmas Western Michigan 5.85 5113 202 4.54 X
2. Rashad Johnson Alabama 5.70 5112 203 4.51
3. WilliamMoore Missouri 5.65 6001 221 4.58 X, SS, Age
4. Chip Vaughn Wake Forest 5.45 6013 221 4.47
5. Darcel McBath Texas Tech 5.37 6002 198 4.64 SS
6. David Bruton Notre Dame 5.33 6020 219 4.44
7. Chris Clemons Clemson 5.30 6007 211 4.36
8. Curtis Taylor LSU 5.30 6022 209 4.64 SS
9. Otis Wiley Michigan State 5.25 6010 212 4.66 X, SS
10. Glover Quin New Mexico 5.23 5106 204 4.53 X, CB
11. C.J. Spillman Marshall 5.10 6000 197 4.49 X, SS
12. Marcus McClinton Kentucky 5.00 6001 204 4.54 X
13. Lendy Holmes Oklahoma 4.85 6000 206 4.73 CB
14. Eric Thatcher Pittsburgh 4.75 5091 200 4.73
15. Anthony Scirrotto Penn State 4.75 5116 202 4.6e PR, Ch.
16. TomNelson Illinois State 4.70 5110 195 4.60
17. Kenny Ingram Florida State 4.70 6044 232 4.62
18. Marshall McDuffie Florida International 4.65 6004 200 4.61
19. Kevin Patterson Wake Forest 4.65 5097 185 4.64
20. Nick Schommer North Dakota State 4.65 6000 201 4.65
21. Tavares Williams Troy 4.65 5117 200 4.78 SS
CORNERBACKS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. MalcolmJenkins Ohio State 6.45 6001 204 4.54 FS
2. Darius Butler Connecticut 6.25 5104 188 4.37 WR, KR, X
3. Vontae Davis Illinois 6.20 5111 203 4.42 Jr., Ch.
4. Alphonso Smith Wake Forest 5.85 5087 193 4.52 X, RS
5. Jairus Byrd Oregon 5.75 5100 201 4.69 Jr., PR, S
6. Donald Washington Ohio State 5.55 6002 197 4.53 Jr., Ch.
7. Sherrod Martin Troy 5.50 6010 198 4.49 FS, X, Age
8. Asher Allen Georgia 5.45 5097 195 4.42 Jr.
9. Sean Smith Utah 5.45 6034 214 4.54 Jr., FS, WR
10. D.J. Moore Vanderbilt 5.40 5087 192 4.58 Jr., KR
11. Victor Macho Harris Virginia Tech 5.40 5112 198 4.64 PR, Ch.
12. Coye Francies San Jose State 5.39 6003 185 4.64 X, FS
13. Chris Owens San Jose State 5.37 5097 197 4.44
14. Ryan Mouton Hawaii 5.37 5094 179 4.47 RS
15. Jerraud Powers Auburn 5.37 5090 187 4.49 Jr.
16. Bradley Fletcher Iowa 5.35 6001 193 4.45 Ch., FS
17. Mike Mickens Cincinnati 5.35 5115 186 4.58 KR, X
18. Lardarius Webb Nicholls State (La.) 5.33 5096 179 4.39 S, Ch.
19. Greg Toler St. Pauls (Va.) 5.33 5110 191 4.48
20. DeAngelo Smith Cincinnati 5.33 5107 191 4.65 FS
21. Keenan Lewis Oregon State 5.30 6007 208 4.52 S
22. Cary Harris USC 5.30 5113 187 4.66 X, FS
23. Brandon Hughes Oregon State 5.27 5104 182 4.43
24. Brandon Underwood Cincinnati 5.27 6010 198 4.53 FS
25. Kevin Barnes Maryland 5.25 6003 184 4.47 X
26. Don Carey Norfolk State 5.25 5113 192 4.54
27. Morgan Trent Michigan 5.23 6005 193 4.52
28. Domonique Johnson Jackson State 5.20 6020 188 4.54
29. Jason McCourty Rutgers 5.15 5117 193 4.32
30. Captain Munnerlyn South Carolina 5.15 5085 186 4.43 Jr.
31. Lydell Sargeant Penn State 5.15 5092 187 4.49 Ch.
32. Derek Cox William& Mary 5.10 6012 188 4.41
33. Ellis Lankster West Virginia 5.10 5094 190 4.51 PR, Ch.
34. Joe Burnett Central Florida 5.10 5093 192 4.59 PR, S
35. Trevor Ford Troy 5.09 5117 188 4.54 X
36. DeAndre Wright New Mexico 5.09 5106 198 4.56 X
37. Derek Pegues Mississippi State 5.09 5095 194 4.56 Ch., FS
38. Vincent Anderson Webber International 5.09 6014e 205e 4.4e
39. Brice McCain Utah 5.05 5090 181 4.32
40. WilliamMiddleton Furman 5.05 5094 193 4.39
41. Tony Carter Florida State 5.05 5086 178 4.43 X, PR
42. Bruce Johnson Miami (Fla.) 5.05 5094 170 4.49 KR
43. Londen Fryar Western Michigan 5.05 5106 195 4.63 X
44. Wopamo Osaisai Stanford 5.05 5101 201 4.5e RS
45. DeAngelo Willingham Tennessee 5.00 5110 217 4.48 S
46. Ryan Palmer Texas 5.00 5083 187 4.59 X
47. Jahi Word-Daniels Georgia Tech 5.00 6001 191 4.61 X
48. E.J. Biggers Western Michigan 4.90 5111 186 4.36
49. Terrail Lambert Notre Dame 4.90 5102 188 4.37
50. Michael Ray Garvin Florida State 4.85 5075 174 4.26 KR
51. Vincent Butler New Mexico State 4.85 5096 186 4.42
52. Pete Ittersagen Wheaton (Ill.) 4.80 5102 189 4.51 FS
53. LaDarious Key McNeese State 4.80 5083 175 4.53
54. Carlos Thomas South Carolina 4.80 5111 186 4.54 RS
55. Jacob Lacey Oklahoma State 4.75 5097 177 4.54
56. Jerek Hewett East Carolina 4.75 5105 199 4.63 X
57. Tramaine Wright Tarleton State (Tex.) 4.70 5093 172 4.42
58. Derrick Clark Idaho State 4.70 6012 200 4.51
59. Woodny Turenne Louisville 4.70 5113 183 4.52 X
60. Glenn Williams Duke 4.70 5090 192 4.52
61. Mark Parson Ohio 4.70 5090 186 4.58 S
62. Rico Murray Kent State 4.70 5113 185 4.60
63. Arkeith Brown Texas A&M 4.70 5114 178 4.61
64. Derrick Richardson New Mexico State 4.70 5105 187 4.64
65. Sean Smalls Massachusetts 4.70 6001 197 4.66 X
66. Evan McCollough James Madison 4.70 5094 186 4.59
67. Jamar Love Arkansas 4.65 6001 191 4.46
68. Danny Gorrer Texas A&M 4.65 5115 185 4.53
69. Courtney Robinson Massachusetts 4.65 5112 195 4.53
70. Stoney Woodson South Carolina 4.65 5104 196 4.55
71. James CooterArnold North Carolina 4.65 5096 191 4.59
72. Corey Small Florida Atlantic 4.65 5090 185 4.6e
73. Courtney Smith Central Washington 4.60 5100 190 4.56 .
PLACEKICKERS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. David Buehler USC 5.15 6016 227 4.61 KO
2. SamSwank Wake Forest 5.10 6000 193 5.0e X
3. Louie Sakoda Utah 5.09 5084 176 4.89
4. TimMasthay Kentucky 5.09 6014 198 4.83 KO
5. Pat McAfee West Virginia 5.07 5114 228 5.0e KO, P
6. Ryan Succop South Carolina 5.05 6023 218 5.2e
7. Jose Martinez UTEP 4.85 5093 197 5.0e Ch.
8. Austin Starr Indiana 4.70 6025 200 4.95e
9. Matt Fodge Oklahoma State 4.70 6002 193 4.95e
10. Jared Keating Mesa State (Colo.) 4.65 5092 199 5.26
PUNTERS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. GrahamGano Florida State 5.20 6003 194 5.15e PK, KO
2. Kevin Huber Cincinnati 5.15 6007 220 4.9e
3. Thomas Morstead SMU 5.10 6042 225 4.9e
4. Aaron Perez UCLA 5.09 6030 230 4.9e
5. Justin Brantly Texas A&M 5.09 6031 249 5.0e
6. Chris Miller Ball State 5.05 6013 210 4.78
7. Britton Colquitt Tennessee 4.95 6025 205 4.9e Ch.
8. Jake Richardson Miami (Ohio) 4.70 6004 198 4.85e
LONG-SNAPPERS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Jake Ingram Hawaii 5.09 6032 230 5.11
2. Sean Griffin Michigan 4.85 6014 242 5.17
3. Dave Peck Wisconsin 4.80 6042 245 5.13
RETURN SPECIALISTS
RK. NAME COLLEGE GR. HT. WT. SP. COM.
1. Chris Williams New Mexico State 5.09 5074 169 4.39 WR
2. Marcus Thigpen Indiana 5.00 5090 185 4.48 RB
3. Tristan Davis Auburn 4.70 5093 212 4.48
25 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
PLAYER PRINTOUT
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w w w . P r o F o o t b a l l W e e k l y . c o m
ROUND-BY-ROUND LIST
ROUND ONE
PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE
1 Detroit Matthew Stafford QB Georgia
2 St. Louis Jason Smith OLT Baylor
3 Kansas City Tyson Jackson DE LSU
4 Seattle Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest
5 New York Jets Mark Sanchez QB USC
(from Cleveland)
6 Cincinnati Andre Smith OLT Alabama
7 Oakland Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
8 Jacksonville Eugene Monroe OLT Virginia
9 Green Bay B.J. Raji NT Boston College
10 San Francisco Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
11 Buffalo Aaron Maybin DE Penn State
12 Denver Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
13 Washington Brian Orakpo DE Texas
14 New Orleans Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State
15 Houston Brian Cushing OLB USC
16 San Diego Larry English OLB Northern Illinois
17 Tampa Bay Josh Freeman QB Kansas State
(from New York Jets through Cleveland)
18 Denver Robert Ayers OLB Tennessee
(from Chicago)
19 Philadelphia Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
(from Tampa Bay through Cleveland)
20 Detroit Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State
(from Dallas)
21 Cleveland Alex Mack C California
(from Philadelphia)
22 Minnesota Percy Harvin WR Florida
23 Baltimore Michael Oher OT Mississippi
(from New England)
24 Atlanta Peria Jerry DT Mississippi
25 Miami Vontae Davis CB Illinois
26 Green Bay Clay Matthews OLB USC
(from Baltimore through New England)
27 Indianapolis Donald Brown CB Connecticut
28 Buffalo Eric Wood C Louisville
(from Carolina through Philadelphia)
29 New York Giants Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina
30 Tennessee Kenny Britt WR Rutgers
31 Arizona Chris BeanieWells RB Ohio State
32 Pittsburgh Evander Ziggy Hood DE Missouri
ROUND TWO
PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE
33 Detroit Louis Delmas S Western Michigan
34 New England Patrick Chung SS Oregon
(from Kansas City)
35 St. Louis James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State
36 Cleveland Brian Robiskie WR Ohio State
37 Denver Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
(from Seattle)
38 Cincinnati Rey Maualuga ILB USC
39 Jacksonville Eben Britton OT Arizona
40 New England Ron Brace DT Boston College
(from Oakland)
41 New England Darius Butler CB Connecticut
(from Green Bay)
42 Buffalo Jairus Byrd CB Oregon
43 Carolina Everette Brown DE Florida State
(from San Francisco)
44 Miami Pat White QB West Virginia
(from Washington)
45 New York Giants Clint Sintim OLB Virginia
(from New Orleans)
46 Houston Connor Barwin DE Cincinnati
47 Oakland Mike Mitchell S Ohio
(from San Diego through New England)
48 Denver Darcel McBath CB Texas Tech
49 Seattle Max Unger C Oregon
(from Chicago)
50 Cleveland Mohamed Massaquoi WR Georgia
(from Tampa Bay)
51 Buffalo Andy Levitre OG Oregon State
(from Dallas)
52 Cleveland David Veikune OLB Hawaii
(from New York Jets)
53 Philadelphia LeSean Shady McCoy RB Pittsburgh
54 Minnesota Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma
55 Atlanta William Moore S Missouri
56 Indianapolis Fili Moala DT USC
(from Miami)
57 Baltimore Paul Kruger DE Utah
58 New England Sebastian Vollmer OT Houston
59 Carolina Sherrod Martin FS Troy
60 New York Giants William Beatty OT Connecticut
61 Miami Sean Smith CB Utah
(from Indianapolis)
62 Tennessee SenDerrick Marks DT Auburn
63 Arizona Cody Brown DE Connecticut
64 Denver Richard Quinn TE North Carolina
(from Pittsburgh)
ROUND THREE
PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE
65 New York Jets Shonn Greene RB Iowa
(from Detroit)
66 St. Louis Bradley Fletcher CB Iowa
67 Kansas City Alex Magee DT Purdue
68 Chicago Jarron Gilbert DT San Jose State
(from Seattle)
69 Dallas Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois
(from Cleveland)
70 Cincinnati Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech
71 Oakland Matt Shaughnessy DE Wisconsin
72 Jacksonville Terrance Knighton DT Temple
73 Jacksonville Derek Cox CB William & Mary
(from Green Bay through New England)
74 San Francisco Glen Coffee RB Alabama
75 Dallas Robert Brewster OG Ball State
(from Buffalo)
76 Detroit DeAndre Levy OLB Wisconsin
(from New Orleans through New York Jets)
77 Houston Antoine Caldwell OG-C Alabama
78 San Diego Louis Vasquez OG Texas Tech
79 Pittsburgh Kraig Urbik OG-OT Wisconsin
(from Denver)
80 Washington Kevin Barnes CB Maryland
81 Tampa Bay Roy Miller DT Texas
82 Detroit Derrick Williams WR Penn State
(from Dallas)
83 New England Brandon Tate WR North Carolina
(from New York Jets through Green Bay)
84 Pittsburgh Mike Wallace WR Mississippi
(from Chicago through Denver)
85 New York Giants Ramses Barden WR Cal Poly
(from Philadelphia)
86 Minnesota Asher Allen CB Georgia
87 Miami Patrick Turner WR USC
88 Baltimore Lardarius Webb CB Nicholls State (La.)
89 Tennessee Jared Cook TE South Carolina
(from New England)
90 Atlanta Chris Owens CB San Jose State
91 Seattle Deon Butler WR Penn State
(from New York Giants through Philadelphia)
92 Indianapolis Jerraud Powers CB Auburn
93 Carolina Corvey Irvin DT Georgia
94 Tennessee Ryan Mouton CB Hawaii
95 Arizona Julian RashadJohnson S Alabama
96 Pittsburgh Keenan Lewis CB Oregon State
97 New England* Tyrone McKenzie OLB South Florida
98 Cincinnati* Chase Coffman TE Missouri
99 Chicago* Juaquin Iglesias WR Oklahoma
100 New York Giants* Travis Beckum TE Wisconsin
ROUND FOUR
PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE
101 Dallas Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M
(from Detroit)
102 Kansas City Donald Washington CB Ohio State
103 St. Louis Dorell Scott DT Clemson
104 Cleveland Kaluka Maiava OLB USC
105 Chicago Henry Melton DE Texas
(from Seattle)
106 Cincinnati Jonathan Luigs C Arkansas
107 Jacksonville Mike Thomas WR Arizona
108 Miami Brian Hartline WR Ohio State
(from Oakland)
109 Green Bay T.J. Lang OG Eastern Michigan
110 Dallas Victor Butler OLB Oregon State
(from Buffalo)
111 Carolina Mike Goodson RB Texas A&M
(from San Francisco)
112 Houston Glover Quin CB New Mexico
113 San Diego Vaughn Martin DT Western Ontario
114 Denver David Bruton FS Notre Dame
115 Detroit Sammie Hill DT Stillman (Ala.)
(from Washington through New York Jets)
116 New Orleans Chip Vaughn FS Wake Forest
117 Tampa Bay Kyle Moore DE USC
(from Dallas)
118 New Orleans Stanley Arnoux ILB Wake Forest
(from New York Jets)
119 Chicago D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt
120 Dallas Brandon Williams DE Texas Tech
(from Tampa Bay)
121 Buffalo Shawn Nelson TE Southern Mississippi
(from Philadelphia)
122 Houston Anthony Hill TE North Carolina State
(from Minnesota)
123 New England Rich Ohrnberger OG Penn State
(from Baltimore)
124 Oakland Louis Murphy WR Florida
(from New England)
125 Atlanta Lawrence Sidbury DE Richmond
126 Oakland Slade Norris DE Oregon State
(from Miami)
127 Indianapolis Austin Collie WR Brigham Young
128 Carolina Tony Fiammetta FB Syracuse
129 New York Giants Andre Brown RB North Carolina State
130 Tennessee Gerald McRath ILB Southern Mississippi
131 Arizona Greg Toler CB St. Pauls (Va.)
132 Denver Seth Olsen OG Iowa
(from Pittsburgh)
133 San Diego* Tyronne Green OG Auburn
134 San Diego* Gartrell Johnson RB Colorado State
135 Tennessee* Troy Kropog OT Tulane
136 Indianapolis* Terrance Taylor DT Michigan
ROUND FIVE
PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE
137 Baltimore Jason Phillips ILB TCU
(from Detroit through Seattle)
138 Atlanta William Middleton CB Furman
(from St. Louis)
139 Kansas City Colin Brown OT Missouri
140 Chicago Johnny Knox WR Abilene Christian
(from Seattle through Denver)
141 Denver Kenny McKinley WR South Carolina
(from Cleveland through Philadelphia and Baltimore)
142 Cincinnati Kevin Huber P Cincinnati
143 Dallas DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati
(from Oakland through Atlanta)
144 Jacksonville Jarett Dillard WR Rice
145 Green Bay Quinn Johnson FB LSU
146 San Francisco Scott McKillop ILB Pittsburgh
147 Buffalo Nic Harris SS Oklahoma
148 San Diego Brandon Hughes CB Oregon State
149 Baltimore Davon Drew TE East Carolina
(from Denver)
150 Minnesota Jasper Brinkley ILB South Carolina
(from Washington)
151 New York Giants Rhett Bomar QB Sam Houston State
(from New Orleans)
152 Houston James Casey TE Rice
153 Philadelphia Cornelius Ingram TE Florida
(from New York Jets)
154 Chicago Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio State
155 Tampa Bay Xavier Fulton OT Illinois
156 Atlanta Garrett Reynolds OT North Carolina
(from Dallas)
157 Philadelphia Victor Macho Harris CB Virginia Tech
158 Washington Cody Glenn LB Nebraska
(from Minnesota)
159 Philadelphia Fenuki Tupou OT Oregon
(from New England)
160 St. Louis Brooks Foster WR North Carolina
(from Atlanta)
161 Miami John Nalbone TE Monmouth (N.J.)
162 Green Bay Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina
(from Baltimore through New England)
163 Carolina Duke Robinson OT Oklahoma
164 New Orleans Thomas Morstead P SMU
(from New York Giants through Philadelphia)
165 Miami Chris Clemons FS Clemson
(from Indianapolis)
166 Dallas Michael Hamlin FS Clemson
(from Tennessee)
167 Arizona Herman Johnson OT LSU
168 Pittsburgh Joe Burnett CB Central Florida
169 Pittsburgh* Frank Summers RB UNLV
170 New England* George Bussey OT Louisville
171 San Francisco* Nate Davis QB Ball State
172 Dallas* David Buehler PK USC
173 Tennessee* Javon Ringer RB Michigan State
ROUND SIX
PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE
174 Denver Tom Brandstater QB Fresno State
(from Detroit)
175 Kansas City Quinten Lawrence WR McNeese State
176 Atlanta Spencer Adkins OLB Miami (Fla.)
(from St. Louis)
177 Cleveland Don Carey CB Norfolk State
178 Seattle Mike Teel QB Rutgers
179 Cincinnati Morgan Trent CB Michigan
180 Jacksonville Zach Miller TE Nebraska-Omaha
181 Miami Andrew Gardner OT Georgia Tech
(from Oakland)
182 Green Bay Jarius Wynn DE Georgia
183 Buffalo Cary Harris CB USC
184 San Francisco Bear Pascoe TE Fresno State
185 Baltimore Cedric Peerman RB Virginia
(from Denver)
186 Washington Robert Henson ILB TCU
187 Green Bay Brandon Underwood CB Cincinnati
(from New Orleans)
188 Houston Brice McCain CB Utah
189 San Diego Kevin Ellison S USC
26 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
POSITION-BY-POSITION LIST
QUARTERBACKS(12)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
1 Matthew Stafford Georgia 1
5 Mark Sanchez USC 1
17 Josh Freeman Kansas State 1
44 Pat White West Virginia 2
101 Stephen McGee Texas A&M 4
151 Rhett Bomar SamHouston St. 5
171 Nate Davis Ball State 5
174 TomBrandstater Fresno State 6
178 Mike Teel Rutgers 6
196 Keith Null West Texas A&M 6
201 Curtis Painter Purdue 6
232 Julian Edelman Kent State 7
FULLBACKS(3)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
128 Tony Fiammetta Syracuse 4
145 Quinn Johnson LSU 5
221 Eddie Williams Idaho 7
RUNNING BACKS(19)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
12 Knowshon Moreno Georgia 1
31 Chris BeanieWells Ohio State 1
53 LeSeanShady McCoy Pittsburgh 2
65 Shonn Greene Iowa 3
74 Glen Coffee Alabama 3
111 Mike Goodson Texas A&M 4
129 Andre Brown North Carolina St. 4
134 Gartrell Johnson Colorado State 4
169 Frank Summers UNLV 5
173 Javon Ringer Michigan State 5
185 Cedric Peerman Virginia 6
192 Aaron Brown TCU 6
195 James Davis Clemson 6
209 Bernard Scott Abilene Christian 6
211 Chris Ogbonnaya Texas 7
212 Javarris Williams Tennessee State 7
215 Fui Vakapuna BrighamYoung 7
240 LaRod Stephens-Howling Pittsburgh 7
250 Rashad Jennings Liberty 7
WIDE RECEIVERS(33)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
7 Darrius Heyward-Bey Maryland 1
10 Michael Crabtree Texas Tech 1
19 Jeremy Maclin Missouri 1
22 Percy Harvin Florida 1
29 HakeemNicks North Carolina 1
30 Kenny Britt Rutgers 1
36 Brian Robiskie Ohio State 2
50 Mohamed Massaquoi Georgia 2
82 Derrick Williams Penn State 3
83 Brandon Tate North Carolina 3
84 Mike Wallace Mississippi 3
85 Ramses Barden Cal Poly 3
87 Patrick Turner USC 3
91 Deon Butler Penn State 3
99 Juaquin Iglesias Oklahoma 3
107 Mike Thomas Arizona 4
108 Brian Hartline Ohio State 4
124 Louis Murphy Florida 4
127 Austin Collie BrighamYoung 4
140 Johnny Knox Abilene Christian 5
141 Kenny McKinley South Carolina 5
144 Jarett Dillard Rice 5
160 Brooks Foster North Carolina 5
175 Quinten Lawrence McNeese State 6
194 Brandon Gibson Washington State 6
206 Dominique Edison Stephen F. Austin 6
224 Demetrius Byrd LSU 7
229 Manuel Johnson Oklahoma 7
233 Sammie Stroughter Oregon State 7
243 Marko Mitchell Nevada 7
251 Derek Kinder Pittsburgh 7
252 Freddie Brown Utah 7
253 Tiquan UnderwoodRutgers 7
TIGHT ENDS(19)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
20 Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State 1
64 Richard Quinn North Carolina 2
89 Jared Cook South Carolina 3
98 Chase Coffman Missouri 3
100 Travis Beckum Wisconsin 3
121 Shawn Nelson Southern Mississippi 4
122 Anthony Hill North Carolina St. 4
149 Davon Drew East Carolina 5
152 James Casey Rice 5
153 Cornelius Ingram Florida 5
161 John Nalbone Monmouth (N.J.) 5
180 Zach Miller Nebraska-Omaha 6
184 Bear Pascoe Fresno State 6
202 Brandon Myers Iowa 6
208 John Phillips Virginia 6
237 Jake OConnell Miami (Ohio) 7
241 David Johnson Arkansas State 7
248 Cameron Morrah California 7
255 Dan Gronkowski Maryland 7
CENTERS(6)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
21 Alex Mack California 1
28 Eric Wood Louisville 1
49 Max Unger Oregon 2
106 Jonathan Luigs Arkansas 4
225 Blake Schlueter TCU 7
226 A.Q. Shipley Penn State 7
OFFENSIVE GUARDS(15)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
51 Andy Levitre Oregon State 2
75 Robert Brewster Ball State 3
77 Antoine Caldwell Alabama 3
78 Louis Vasquez Texas Tech 3
79 Kraig Urbik Wisconsin 3
109 T.J. Lang Eastern Michigan 4
123 Rich Ohrnberger Penn State 4
132 Seth Olsen Iowa 4
133 Tyronne Green Auburn 4
193 Matt Slauson Nebraska 6
213 Paul Fanaika Arizona State 7
236 Jaimie Thomas Maryland 7
239 Ryan Durand Syracuse 7
246 Lance Louis San Diego State 7
254 Trevor Canfield Cincinnati 7
OFFENSIVE TACKLES(19)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
2 Jason Smith Baylor 1
6 Andre Smith Alabama 1
8 Eugene Monroe Virginia 1
23 Michael Oher Mississippi 1
39 Eben Britton Arizona 2
54 Phil Loadholt Oklahoma 2
58 Sebastian Vollmer Houston 2
60 WilliamBeatty Connecticut 2
135 Troy Kropog Tulane 4
139 Colin Brown Missouri 5
155 Xavier Fulton Illinois 5
156 Garrett Reynolds North Carolina 5
159 Fenuki Tupou Oregon 5
162 Jamon Meredith South Carolina 5
163 Duke Robinson Oklahoma 5
167 Herman Johnson LSU 5
170 George Bussey Louisville 5
181 Andrew Gardner Georgia Tech 6
228 Lydon Murtha Nebraska 7
DEFENSIVE ENDS(19)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
3 Tyson Jackson LSU 1
11 Aaron Maybin Penn State 1
13 Brian Orakpo Texas 1
32 Evander Ziggy Hood Missouri 1
43 Everette Brown Florida State 2
46 Connor Barwin Cincinnati 2
57 Paul Kruger Utah 2
63 Cody Brown Connecticut 2
70 Michael Johnson Georgia Tech 3
71 Matt Shaughnessy Wisconsin 3
105 Henry Melton Texas 4
117 Kyle Moore USC 4
120 Brandon Williams Texas Tech 4
125 Lawrence Sidbury Richmond 4
126 Slade Norris Oregon State 4
182 Jarius Wynn Georgia 6
199 Stryker Sulak Missouri 6
204 Will Davis Illinois 6
247 Nick Reed Oregon 7
DEFENSIVE TACKLES (20)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
9 B.J. Raji Boston College 1
24 Peria Jerry Mississippi 1
40 Ron Brace Boston College 2
56 Fili Moala USC 2
62 SenDerrick Marks Auburn 2
67 Alex Magee Purdue 3
68 Jarron Gilbert San Jose State 3
72 Terrance Knighton Temple 3
81 Roy Miller Texas 3
93 Corvey Irvin Georgia 3
103 Dorell Scott Clemson 4
113 Vaughn Martin Western Ontario 4
115 SammieHill Stillman (Ala.) 4
136 Terrance Taylor Michigan 4
205 RaShonSonny Harris Oregon 6
207 Myron Pryor Kentucky 6
210 Vance Walker Georgia Tech 7
234 Darryl Richard Georgia Tech 7
244 Ricky Jean-Francois LSU 7
249 Clinton McDonald Memphis 7
LINEBACKERS(28)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
4 Aaron Curry Wake Forest 1
15 Brian Cushing USC 1
16 Larry English Northern Illinois 1
18 Robert Ayers Tennessee 1
26 Clay Matthews USC 1
35 James Laurinaitis Ohio State 2
38 Rey Maualuga USC 2
45 Clint Sintim Virginia 2
52 David Veikune Hawaii 2
69 Jason Williams Western Illinois 3
76 DeAndre Levy Wisconsin 3
97 Tyrone McKenzie South Florida 3
104 Kaluka Maiava USC 4
110 Victor Butler Oregon State 4
118 Stanley Arnoux Wake Forest 4
130 Gerald McRath Southern Mississippi 4
137 Jason Phillips TCU 5
146 Scott McKillop Pittsburgh 5
150 Jasper Brinkley South Carolina 5
154 Marcus Freeman Ohio State 5
158 Cody Glenn Nebraska 5
176 Spencer Adkins Miami (Fla.) 6
186 Robert Henson TCU 6
197 Stephen Hodge TCU 6
214 J.D. Folsom Weber State 7
218 Brad Jones Colorado 7
230 Moise Fokou Maryland 7
235 Zack Follett California 7
CORNERBACKS(39)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
14 MalcolmJenkins Ohio State 1
25 Vontae Davis Illinois 1
27 Donald Brown Connecticut 1
37 Alphonso Smith Wake Forest 2
41 Darius Butler Connecticut 2
42 Jairus Byrd Oregon 2
48 Darcel McBath Texas Tech 2
61 Sean Smith Utah 2
66 Bradley Fletcher Iowa 3
73 Derek Cox William& Mary 3
80 Kevin Barnes Maryland 3
86 Asher Allen Georgia 3
88 Lardarius Webb Nicholls State (La.) 3
90 Chris Owens San Jose State 3
92 Jerraud Powers Auburn 3
94 Ryan Mouton Hawaii 3
96 Keenan Lewis Oregon State 3
102 Donald Washington Ohio State 4
112 Glover Quin New Mexico 4
119 D.J. Moore Vanderbilt 4
131 Greg Toler St. Pauls (Va.) 4
138 WilliamMiddleton Furman 5
143 DeAngelo Smith Cincinnati 5
148 Brandon Hughes Oregon State 5
157 Victor Macho Harris Virginia Tech 5
168 Joe Burnett Central Florida 5
177 Don Carey Norfolk State 6
179 Morgan Trent Michigan 6
183 Cary Harris USC 6
187 Brandon Underwood Cincinnati 6
188 Brice McCain Utah 6
191 Coye Francies San Jose State 6
200 DeAndre Wright New Mexico 6
203 Jason McCourty Rutgers 6
216 Captain Munnerlyn South Carolina 7
217 E.J. Biggers Western Michigan 7
220 Ellis Lankster West Virginia 7
227 Mike Mickens Cincinnati 7
238 Stoney Woodson South Carolina 7
SAFETIES(18)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
33 Louis Delmas Western Michigan 2
34 Patrick Chung Oregon 2
47 Mike Mitchell Ohio 2
55 WilliamMoore Missouri 2
59 Sherrod Martin Troy 2
95 JulianRashadJohnson Alabama 3
114 David Bruton Notre Dame 4
116 Chip Vaughn Wake Forest 4
147 Nic Harris Oklahoma 5
165 Chris Clemons Clemson 5
166 Michael Hamlin Clemson 5
189 Kevin Ellison USC 6
190 Al Afalava Oregon State 6
219 Curtis Taylor LSU 7
223 Troy Nolan Arizona State 7
231 Jamarca Sanford Mississippi 7
242 Nick Schommer North Dakota State 7
245 Courtney Greene Rutgers 7
PLACEKICKERS(2)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
172 David Buehler USC 5
256 Ryan Succop South Carolina 7
PUNTERS(3)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
142 Kevin Huber Cincinnati 5
164 Thomas Morstead SMU 5
222 Pat McAfee West Virginia 7
LONG SNAPPERS(1)
PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD
198 Jake Ingram Hawaii 6
190 Chicago Al Afalava S Oregon State
191 Cleveland Coye Francies CB San Jose State
(from Tampa Bay)
192 Detroit Aaron Brown RB TCU
(from Dallas)
193 New York Jets Matt Slauson OG Nebraska
194 Philadelphia Brandon Gibson WR Washington State
195 Cleveland James Davis RB Clemson
(from Minnesota through Philadelphia)
196 St. Louis Keith Null QB West Texas A&M
(from Atlanta)
197 Dallas Stephen Hodge OLB TCU
(from Miami)
198 New England Jake Ingram LS Hawaii
(from Baltimore)
199 Oakland Stryker Sulak DE Missouri
(from New England)
200 New York Giants DeAndre Wright CB New Mexico
201 Indianapolis Curtis Painter QB Purdue
202 Oakland Brandon Myers TE Iowa
(from Carolina)
203 Tennessee Jason McCourty CB Rutgers
204 Arizona Will Davis DE Illinois
205 Pittsburgh RaShon Sonny Harris DT Oregon
206 Tennessee* Dominique Edison WR Stephen F. Austin
207 New England* Myron Pryor DT Kentucky
208 Dallas* John Phillips TE Virginia
209 Cincinnati* Bernard Scott RB Abilene Christian
ROUND SEVEN
PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE
210 Atlanta Vance Walker DT Georgia Tech
(from Detroit through Dallas)
211 St. Louis Chris Ogbonnaya RB Texas
212 Kansas City Javarris Williams RB Tennessee State
213 Philadelphia Paul Fanaika OG Arizona State
(from Seattle)
214 Miami J.D. Folsom ILB Weber State
(from Cleveland)
215 Cincinnati Fui Vakapuna RB Brigham Young
216 Carolina Captain Munnerlyn CB South Carolina
(from Oakland)
217 Tampa Bay E.J. Biggers CB Western Michigan
(from Jacksonville)
218 Green Bay Brad Jones OLB Colorado
219 San Francisco Curtis Taylor FS LSU
220 Buffalo Ellis Lankster CB West Virginia
221 Washington Eddie Williams FB Idaho
(from Minnesota)
222 Indianapolis Pat McAfee P West Virginia
(from New Orleans through Philadelphia)
223 Houston Troy Nolan S Arizona State
224 San Diego Demetrius Byrd WR LSU
225 Denver Blake Schlueter C TCU
226 Pittsburgh A.Q. Shipley C Penn State
(from Tampa Bay)
227 Dallas Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati
228 Detroit Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska
(from New York Jets)
229 Dallas Manuel Johnson WR Oklahoma
(from Chicago through Tampa Bay)
230 Philadelphia Moise Fokou OLB Maryland
231 Minnesota Jamarca Sanford SS Mississippi
232 New England Julian Edelman QB Kent State
(from Miami through Jacksonville)
233 Tampa Bay Sammie Stroughter WR Oregon State
(from Baltimore)
234 New England Darryl Richard DT Georgia Tech
235 Detroit Zack Follett OLB California
(from Atlanta through Denver)
236 Indianapolis Jaimie Thomas OG Maryland
237 Kansas City Jake OConnell TE Miami (Ohio)
(from Carolina through Miami)
238 New York Giants Stoney Woodson CB South Carolina
239 Tennessee Ryan Durand OG Syracuse
240 Arizona LaRod Stephens-Howling RB Pittsburgh
241 Pittsburgh David Johnson TE Arkansas State
242 Tennessee* Nick Schommer FS North Dakota State
243 Washington* Marko Mitchell WR Nevada
244 San Francisco* Ricky Jean-Francois DT LSU
245 Seattle* Courtney Greene SS Rutgers
246 Chicago* Lance Louis OG San Diego State
247 Seattle* Nick Reed DE Oregon
248 Seattle* Cameron Morrah TE California
249 Cincinnati* Clinton McDonald DT Memphis
250 Jacksonville* Rashad Jennings RB Liberty
251 Chicago* Derek Kinder WR Pittsburgh
252 Cincinnati* Freddie Brown WR Utah
253 Jacksonville* Tiquan Underwood WR Rutgers
254 Arizona* Trevor Canfield OG Cincinnati
255 Detroit* Dan Gronkowski TE Maryland
256 Kansas City* Ryan Succop PK South Carolina
27 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
Post-Draft blues?
Post-Draft blues?
ITS NOT OVER
UNTIL WE SAY ITS OVER!
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OPINION
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S
o, did you enjoy the 2009 NFL
draft? Like me, do you start to look
forward to it about 10 minutes after
the final gun of each Super Bowl? Do you
marvel, as I do each year, at the unbe-
lievable job Nolan Nawrocki does of
breaking it all down for us? Did your fa-
vorite club finally have that draft that
youve been waiting for, which guaran-
tees it a crack at the next few Super
Bowls? Which clubs do you think did the
best, and who came up short once again?
All great questions, all a part of why so
many of us so look forward to the draft
as one of our favorite sports events annu-
ally, in and of itself. So, what do you
think the National Football League
would be like if there were no more
draft? Sorry for the buzz kill, folks, but
unless everybody starts to take this little
collective bargaining problem seriously
soon, the 2010 NFL draft could very well
be the last!
That there has been an NFL draft ever
since NFL commissioner Bert Bell and
George Halas (historians will debate to
this day which one of them actually
thought it up first, so I prefer to credit
both) came up with the idea in 1936 is ir-
relevant. The fact is, it violates antitrust
laws and restricts free trade, and the
NFL owners are able to conduct it and
abide by it only because its been includ-
ed in every Collective Bargaining Agree-
ment the owners and players have nego-
tiated since the NFL Players Association
was first recognized in 1968. Antitrust
restrictions can be overridden by agree-
ments between recognized unions and
management, and thats the only reason
that players coming out of college are
forced to work for the team that drafts
them.
So, heres the reality of whats at stake
between the owners and players, and for
all of us as fans, with the owners deci-
sion to opt out of the current CBA early.
If there is no extension of the current
CBA or a new agreement negotiated by
March 2010, there will be a draft in
2010, but the salary cap goes away for
the season and veteran players will need
six years of service to become unrestrict-
ed free agents rather than four. And if
the spring of 2011 rolls around without a
new deal, there will be no CBA at all, and
although the league maintains that there
would be another draft in 2011, the legal-
ity of holding a draft under those cir-
cumstances is debatable. In other words,
the NFL would be facing complete anar-
chy. It is assumed but not a given that,
with no rules to play by, the owners
would choose to lock the players out, and
there would be no football in 2011 until
one side or the other cries uncle.
What happens if, during an interim
period in the spring of 2011 with negoti-
ations ongoing but no deal in place, one
of the leagues wealthier owners lets
say a Daniel Snyder or a Jerry Jones
chooses to sign the 10 or 15 best players
coming out of college to contracts, even
if a deal is eventually struck and the draft
reinstated? Anarchy is right around the
corner, guys, and its time somebody gets
serious about it, right now.
DeMaurice Smith may have logged
just days, rather than months or years,
on the job leading the NFLPA, but the
calendar is not the friend for any of us
who love the NFL. All weve heard from
Smith so far is that if the owners want
the significant givebacks theyre looking
for, theyre going to have to open up their
books to justify the request. Its a posi-
tion that I couldnt possibly agree with
more, but its a development that Roger
Goodell has already indicated is highly
unlikely to happen. So, the reality is
theres a stalemate before talks can even
begin.
The players have stated as emphatical-
ly as they can that if the salary cap is al-
lowed to go away next year, its never
coming back. Could the same be true of
the draft? I know the owners are playing
poker here, but I sure hope they dont
call the players bluff.
N
ow that the draft is over, NFL teams
begin the process of overpaying
rookies who have yet to play a down
in the league.
Actually, that process started even be-
fore the draft with the Detroit Lions sign-
ing QB Matthew Stafford to a six-year
deal that could be worth as much as $78
million, with almost $42 million guaran-
teed.
Stafford could turn out to be a Hall of
Famer. Or he could be a bust. We just
dont know. What we do know is that he
hasnt proven himself to be worth that
kind of money.
Thats not a knock on Stafford, or any
other rookie who signs a big-bucks con-
tract. If someone were willing to pay us
that kind of money, wed take it too.
But its ridiculous for any first-year
player to get a contract that puts him
among the games elite at his position.
Thats why were among those who think
that a rookie salary scale should be part
of the next Collective Bargaining Agree-
ment.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has made
it clear that owners will push hard for a
rookie wage scale in the next CBA, and
they should. The escalation of rookie con-
tracts over the past decade has made a
top pick more of a curse than a blessing.
A high draft pick is supposed to be a way
for a team to improve after a bad season.
But missing on that pick can set a fran-
chise back even further by tying its hands
financially for years.
We suspect that even a lot of NFL play-
ers agree that it simply makes no sense to
pay an untested rookie so much more
than veterans who have proven their val-
ue. The late Gene Upshaw, the former
head of the players union, argued that
big rookie contracts drove up salaries for
everyone. While that may be true for the
stars, for most veterans it simply means
that a team has less money to spread
around.
DeMaurice Smith, the new head of the
NFL Players Association, seems to be do-
ing his best to avoid taking a clear posi-
tion on the issue. That gives us hope that
the union may be open to a rookie pay
scale. In return, owners should consider
opening their books to the union to
demonstrate the need for givebacks and
as a show of good faith in the difficult ne-
gotiations to come.
The NFL would do well to adopt a poli-
cy similar to the NBAs, in which first-
round draft choices are assigned salaries
based on their draft position. Contracts
are for two years, with team options for
the third and fourth seasons and built-in
raises each year. That means a player
doesnt have to wait more than four years
for free agency and a chance to cash in re-
ally big on his second contract if hes
earned it.
Future of NFL draft is in jeopardy
Rookie salaries need to be slotted
Youre not world champs
Can anyone explain why both the Amer-
ican baseball and American football
champions call themselves world cham-
pions? After all, the World Series has
nothing to do with the rest of the world;
no other non-American professional base-
ball team plays in the World Series, so why
do Americans insist on calling themselves
world champions? Who else in the world
have they played or beaten?
Similarly, it rankles to hear coaches of
Super Bowl champions call themselves
world champions of professional foot-
ball.As far as I know, American-style foot-
ball is played only in the USA, while
professional football, aka soccer, is
played throughout the world. As far as I
know, the Steelers did not play any other
non-American football team last year, in-
cluding Manchester United, Bayern Mu-
nich, the Calgary Stampeders, or anyone
else. They are, therefore, not entitled to
style themselves as world champions of
anything. They are, in fact, champions of
American football. End of story. I wonder
what American sports fans would think if
Canadians started shouting to the
rooftops so all the world could hear, that
the Calgary Stampeders are the world
champions of professional football. Even
the Stanley Cup winner does not call itself
world champions of professional hockey.
David Densmore, Lake Country, B.C.
States rights supporter
The Constitution of the United States
allocates certain enumerated powers to
the federal government; ALL other pow-
ers go to the states (Amendment X). So,
without opining on the merits (or lack
thereof) of sports gambling, there is no
question but that the voters of every
state should decide this issue. If Con-
gress wants to get in on the act, it should
follow the prescribed procedure to
amend the Constitution
John McLeod, Jacksonville, Fla.
Personnel men accountable
Ive read that Dick Jaurons status with
the Bills is iffy, that hes on the hot seat
for 2009. Do you know who makes the
personnel decisions for the Bills? It
seems to me that whoever made the de-
cisions to trade Jason Peters and bring in
T.O. is the person who should be fired, not
the head coach, unless the head coach is
that person. Seems all too often the head
coach gets the ax for a teams failures,
even though they just have the responsi-
bility to put the talent together into a
team and plan and manage the games.
Gordon Craig, Crown Point, Ind.
28 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
OPINION
PATRIOTIC TRADER Ron Borges
C
onsidering how he handled the first
day of this years annual NFL lottery,
Bill Belichick should have been put
in charge of handing out the TARP mon-
ey by President Obama.
If he had been, he would not only have
known where the money went, but he
would have made sure it wasnt wasted on
bonuses to guys not likely to ever earn
them.
Belichick may not have been sure what
he wanted at the top of this years college
draft, but he knew what he didnt want.
He didnt want to waste his money on a
first-round draft choice he wasnt sold on.
The days of profligate spending in Ameri-
ca are gone, and that surely seemed to be
the case at Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots twice traded down to
move out of the first round, yet they actu-
ally increased the number of picks they
had in the top 100 from six to eight and
did it without being stuck with any of the
top 32 selections.
Those top picks cost millions more
than the players who follow them in
Rounds Two and Three but often are less
productive. No one ever knows for sure if
that will be the case or not until about
three years after the draft, but this year
the one sure thing in Belichicks opinion
was that there were few sure things, so
why not gather as many lower-cost picks
as you can and spread out the risk while
saving some money?
If the CEO at AIG thought like that,
the company might still be in the insur-
ance business instead of in the borrow-
ing-from-the-taxpayers business.
Belichick began this process of redefin-
ing his draft when he traded his first-
round pick to Baltimore to move down
from No. 23 to 26 while picking up an ex-
tra fifth-round selection. Then he traded
what hed gotten from Baltimore to the
Packers for a second and two thirds, giv-
ing him four picks in the second round,
four in the third and none who were go-
ing to cash a significant bonus check.
Belichicks moves were a cost-efficient
solution to the dilemma of not feeling
strongly about anybody at the top of what
was widely regarded as a talent-thin elite
group of players. Why spend money on
things you dont want?
Instead of drafting (and paying) one
guy they werent excited about, the Patri-
ots ended up with four second-round
picks, four third-round picks and 13 over-
all by the end of the first round on a day
that began with them holding a first-
rounder, three in the second and two in
the third.
In other words, there was still a lot of
value left on their draft board and not a
lot of expense to go with it. In the end,
they added reinforcements to an aging
defense in Oregon safety Patrick Chung,
Boston College NT Ron Brace and Con-
necticut CB Darius Butler before ending
their days work with little-known OT Se-
bastian Vollmer with their final second-
round pick of a long first day.
Four players were acquired very likely
for the cost of what the No. 8 pick in the
first round is likely to be paid. At a time
when everyone in America is looking for
such things, the Patriots got the only sure
thing they could find in this draft good
value and reduced risk. These days, what
more could you ask for?
Ron Borges is a columnist for the Boston
Herald.
Belichick finds value in fickle draft
THE McDANIELS WAY Dan Parr
F
ire front-office staff that nailed its top
two draft picks in Ryan Clady and
Eddie Royal last year to promote Bri-
an Xanders to general manager.
Check. Josh McDaniels wants to pick
his own guy to work with, which is under-
standable, albeit a bit arrogant.
Swing and miss on trading for old bud-
dy Matt Cassel, angering Pro Bowl QB
Jay Cutler.
Check. Again, arrogant, but its Mc-
Daniels right to explore.
Trade disgruntled, uncommunicative
Cutler, the most rare and sought-after of
commodities as a 25-year-old signalcaller
in his prime, for two No. 1 draft picks and
a much less talented replacement in Kyle
Orton.
Check. Uh, this is getting ridiculous.
Pressure is on. McDaniels better hit on
these picks.
Rather than redeeming self on the big
stage, make boneheaded decisions on
Draft Day, most notably giving up No. 1
draft pick next year for second-rounder
this year, and spend it on a 5-foot-8
7
8 cor-
nerback who isnt tall enough or fast
enough to be a No. 1 corner.
Check.
This is McDaniels bizarre list of ac-
complishments thus far. While each deci-
sion brims with boldness, many of them
have been damaging to the team. On pa-
per, this looks like a worse club than the
8-8 one he inherited, thanks in large part
to losing Cutler, and you have to wonder
just what he was thinking at various
points of the draft.
Denver, which needed help on defense
in the worst way, particularly in the front
seven, took Georgia RB Knowshon
Moreno, the highest-rated back available,
with its first pick at No. 12, passing on
stud Texas DE-OLB Brian Orakpo and
Ohio State CB-S Malcolm Jenkins. The
Broncos could have used a defender more
than a runner here, but Moreno is talent-
ed and will immediately become the
teams No. 1 ballcarrier.
McDaniels was sensible enough to take
Tennessee OLB Robert Ayers with the
18th pick, acquired from Chicago, but he
quickly dashed hopes that he had a solid
plan in place by trading next years first-
round pick, which could be in the top 10
the way hes headed, to get the aforemen-
tioned diminutive Wake Forest CB
Alphonso Smith in the second round.
No first-time head coach in history has
reversed the perception of who he is so
drastically without having coached a sin-
gle game for his new team.
McDaniels was once known only as the
brightest young offensive mind in the
league, a guy who had learned under the
tutelage of the most successful head
coach of his generation in Bill Belichick.
He was young, getting the job at age 32,
but it was hard to question his pedigree.
In less than four months as a head
coach, however, questioning McDaniels
has become as easy and as justifiable as
possible. The luster has faded away and
the curtain pulled back.
Theres a chance this draft class could
turn out to be a great one, and Orton will
morph into a Cassel clone under Mc-
Daniels guidance. Early impressions
have been wrong before.
McDaniels has to hope as hard as he
can for that outcome. First-time head
coaches usually get to enjoy a honeymoon
period, but McDaniels ended in a hurry.
Poor decisions plague Broncos coach
A-BOMBS
Saturday stud: Seahawks
More than a few teams rose to the occa-
sion on the first day of the 2009 draft. The
Eagles hit a home run trading up in the
first round to select Missouri WR Jeremy
Maclin, who fills a major need and should
become a very dangerous, multifaceted
weapon in Philly. Both the Rams and the
Packers did themselves well, each acquir-
ing players with their first two picks who
figure to be instant starters (OLT Jason
Smith and MLB James Laurinaitis for
the Rams, NT B.J. Raji and OLB Clay
Matthews for the Packers). But nobody
did better than Seattle. First-round pick
Aaron Curry, the best defensive player
available in the draft, immediately fills a
huge need as the replacement for Julian
Peterson at strong-side linebacker, the
position at which Curry excelled at Wake
Forest. In Round Two, not only did Sea-
hawks team president Tim Ruskell pick
up a first-round pick in what is expected to
be a much better draft next year from
Denver in exchange for the 37th overall
pick, he managed to grab an extremely
versatile offensive lineman in Oregon C
Max Unger after trading away Seattles
third- and fourth-round picks in exchange
for the Bears No. 2 (49th overall). Unger,
who Ruskell said would have been strongly
considered with the 37th pick, should give
Chris Spencer a run for his money right
away. Thats some big-time value.
Saturday dud: Raiders
There was no competition for this A-
bomb, which no doubt triggered more
than a few F-bombs in Raiders Nation. We
all know Al Davis likes to work outside the
box, but the reach the Raiders made with
the seventh overall pick selecting Mary-
land WR Darrius Heyward-Bey when
Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree was
there for the taking was flat-out unfath-
omable. Amazingly, the Raiders made
themselves look even more foolish with
their second-round pick, Ohio S Michael
Mitchell, a player considered a fifth-
round talent at best on most draft boards.
Just when I was sensing the arrow was
pointing up in Oakland, the Raiders re-
versed course in resounding fashion.
Big deals never materialize
The biggest disappointment in the
2009 draft? It has to be the lack of trades
involving established players that had
been so widely rumored. So much for
Julius Peppers turning into this years
version of Jared Allen. Same goes for
the false alarms in Arizona and Cleveland,
where disgruntled WRs Anquan Boldin
and Braylon Edwards, respectively,
stayed put after having been considered
by many as locks to be playing elsewhere
in 09. Alittle more trade action would
have spiced up what was widely consid-
ered a relatively weak draft.
Dan Arkush un-
leashes his 2009
draft reflections.
29 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
By Michael Blunda
Associate editor
If last season proved anything, its that
rookies can make a huge impact upon their
arrival regardless of what position they
play.
In 2008, first-year rushers ruled the roost.
Almost overnight, fantasy studs were born in
the Bears Matt Fort, the Titans Chris John-
son and the Texans Steve Slaton, each of
whom will be a very high pick in fantasy
drafts this summer. Beyond that trio, rookie
backs Jonathan Stewart and Kevin Smith
also put forth solid campaigns, while Darren
McFadden and Felix Jones showed impres-
sive flashes of what they could become. It
was a talented class, to say the least.
Maybe more important to those surveying
the rookies of 09 a group thats much
deeper at receiver than running back is
the immediate success that wideouts had
last season. Denvers Eddie Royal asserted
himself as a pass-catching machine, and
Phillys DeSean Jackson used his speed to
become a premier big-play threat. We also
witnessed solid production from guys like
the Rams Donnie Avery and the Dolphins
Davone Bess, proving that rookie receivers
can indeed contribute right away.
Its no longer the days of old, when rookies
had to sit on the bench and wait their turn.
With that in mind, here are the 10 players (in
descending order of predicted production)
from the Class of 2009 expected to make
the biggest fantasy impact in Year One. Dont
be afraid to take a chance on one or two of
them this season.
10
BRIAN ROBISKIE
WR / CLEVELAND BROWNS
Robiskie may have been selected in the sec-
ond round, but he goes to a team that is ab-
solutely desperate for wide receivers. Even if
the Browns keep Braylon Edwards around,
Robiskie still could be a Week One starter for
them, which should translate to instant pro-
ductivity. He played well in his final two years
at Ohio State, and while hes not a great ath-
lete, Robiskie is smart and will consistently
work hard to improve his game. Since Ed-
wards is currently the only real pass-catch-
ing threat in a Cleveland offense that should
be better in 2009, Robiskie should put up
numbers right off the bat and isnt a bad guy
to grab late.
9
CHASE COFFMAN
TE / CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals havent had a quality pass-
catching tight end on their roster in recent
memory, but Coffman could be that guy. As
a senior at Missouri last year, he impressed
with 90 catches for 987 yards and 10 scores.
With some of the best hands to ever come
along at the position, Coffman should imme-
diately become a favorite target for QB Car-
son Palmer on short and intermediate
routes, where Palmer loved to throw to for-
mer Bengal T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The
rookie also could become a preferred goal-
line option in an offense that needs players
who can score in short-yardage situations.
As long as his foot injury doesnt set him
back, its possible that he could be worth a
starting spot in larger fantasy leagues this
season.
8
MARK SANCHEZ
QB / NEW YORK JETS
Considering the Jets traded all the way up to
the fifth pick to grab him, Sanchez clearly
lands with a franchise that wants him, giving
him a realistic opportunity to play from Day
One. Even though Sanchez only started for
one season at USC, it was quite a productive
one, as he threw for 3,207 yards with 34 TDs
and 10 interceptions. He goes to a Jets team
with a stout offensive line and solid running
game much like Joe Flacco did with the
Ravens last year so there wont be a ton of
pressure on him to air it out 50 times a
game. Also, he has a reliable target outside in
WR Jerricho Cotchery and a solid safety
valve over the middle in TE Dustin Keller.
Sanchez will still need to beat out Kellen
Clemens in training camp to earn the start-
In Michael Crabtree, the 49ers finally have a playmaking receiver who should be an immediate fantasy contributor as the teams No. 1 target.
FANTASY FOOTBALL
30 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
PASS-CATCHING
PHENOMS
Crabtree leads an impressive group of rookie WRs who can make an instant splash
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FANTASY FOOTBALL
31 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
ing gig, but if hes successful, he has the up-
side to be worthy of a late-round pick. Just be
prepared to show some patience.
7
JEREMY MACLIN
WR / PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
After drafting DeSean Jackson last year, the
Eagles add another lightning-fast wideout in
Maclin. In addition to being an impact re-
turner while at Missouri, Maclin also put up
huge numbers as a receiver, catching 102
passes for 1,260 yards and 13 TDs last year
as a redshirt sophomore. Despite the pres-
ence of Jackson and Kevin Curtis in Philly, the
rookie figures to be given a shot to contribute
right away, as coach Andy Reid likes to deploy
multiple receivers and air it out. Maclin isnt a
huge target at 6-foot, but hes a natural play-
maker and someone QB Donovan McNabb
will love throwing to deep. He probably wont
find the endzone much this season, but
Maclin could pile up a bunch of yardage in
2009. He makes for a solid grab with definite
upside in the later rounds of your fantasy
draft.
6
HAKEEM NICKS
WR / NEW YORK GIANTS
If the Giants were hoping to replace Plaxico Bur-
ress with their first-round pick, they found a very
similar player in Nicks. Aphysical specimen with
incredible hands and the ability to make eye-pop-
ping grabs, Nicks emerged last season as the
best of a talented North Carolina receiving
corps, catching 68 passes for 1,222 yards and
12 TDs. He isnt a burner in terms of pure
straight-line speed, but Burress wasnt either,
and it certainly didnt hinder his production in
New York. The rookie has a good chance to be-
gin the season in the starting lineup, so the pos-
sibility is there for him to have real fantasy val-
ue. If youre looking for young, high-upside
players late on draft day, dont forget about Nicks.
5
DONALD BROWN
RB / INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
After getting shaky play from their backfield
last season, the Colts needed a solid player to
pair with Joseph Addai; they got their guy in
Brown. Last year, as a junior at Connecticut,
Brown had 367 carries for 2,083 yards and 18
TDs, rushing for more yardage than anyone
else in the FBS. Aterrific all-around runner
with the ability to pick up tough yards inside
and also beat defenders to the edge, he could
play a role similar to the one Dominic Rhodes
assumed in Indy in 2008. Considering the
health issues Addai has experienced recently
he missed four games last season
Brown should see a fair amount of action in
09 in order to keep the veteran fresh and
without injury. And if Addai goes down again,
the rookie stands to take on a sizable work-
load. Brown is a solid mid-round pick and a
must-have for all Addai owners.
4
PERCY HARVIN
WR / MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Putting Harvin in the same offense as RB
Adrian Peterson is a scary proposition. With
blazing speed, incredible versatility and the
power to plow through tacklers, he is a game-
breaking talent who fell to No. 22 because of
character concerns. Even though injuries cost
him two games last season at Florida, Harvin
still rushed for 660 yards, had 644 yards re-
ceiving and scored 17 TDs. He might not find
a spot in the starting lineup right away, but
coach Brad Childress will find ways to get the
multidimensional threat on the field often, lin-
ing him up as a receiver, rusher and returner.
Health always has been an issue with Harvin,
but his ceiling is sky high, especially playing
alongside explosive talents like Peterson and
Bernard Berrian. This rookie is absolutely
someone to target toward the latter part of
your draft.
3
KNOWSHON MORENO
RB / DENVER BRONCOS
Probably the most complete running back in
this draft, Moreno lands with a Denver team
that just got done stockpiling backs this off-
season. However, given his pure talent, it
probably wont take long for the Georgia prod-
uct to ascend to the top of the depth chart. As
a redshirt sophomore last season, he rushed
for 1,400 yards and 16 TDs, adding 392 more
yards and two more TDs through the air. Pow-
erful, fast and athletic, hell be a great addition
to a Broncos offense that already figured to
have a prolific passing attack under new
coach Josh McDaniels. Although hell proba-
bly lose some touches to 09 acquisitions
Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan and J.J. Ar-
rington, Moreno should wind up being the
most productive guy in Denvers deep back-
field. Hes at worst a No. 3 fantasy back this
season with the potential to explode.
2
CHRIS BEANIE WELLS
RB / ARIZONA CARDINALS
Things couldnt have worked out any better
for the Cardinals, who get their running back
of the future without having to trade up from
pick No. 31. Wells is a big, powerful and explo-
sive runner who also has the speed to break
away from defenders in space. Despite miss-
ing three games last year with a toe injury, he
still rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and gained
5.8 yards per carry for Ohio State. Wells has a
workhorse mentality and should immediately
become Arizonas starter, handling the bulk of
carries on first and second down. He may
share goal-line work with Tim Hightower, but
the rookie shouldnt have trouble finding pay-
dirt. Among the 2009 rookies, Wells may have
landed in the best spot to contribute right
away, as the Cards were in dire need of a
rusher. Even though he joins an offense that
prefers the pass to the run, Beanie projects
to be a viable No. 3 fantasy back in all leagues.
1
MICHAEL CRABTREE
WR / SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The Niners got a tremendous value in Crab-
tree at No. 10. In two seasons at Texas Tech,
all he did was catch 231 passes for 3,127
yards and 41 TDs while capturing two Bilet-
nikoff Awards. Crabtree instantly will provide
San Francisco with the playmaking receiver
its offense has been lacking for years. He is
tough, has incredibly strong hands and can
pick up tough yards after the catch. Although
he wont be catching balls from a superstar
quarterback, Shaun Hill assuming he wins
the job is at least adequate and has the ac-
curacy to get Crabtree the ball often. The
rookie will likely bypass Isaac Bruce and
Brandon Jones and step right into the start-
ing lineup, where he and Josh Morgan should
make a formidable receiving duo for years to
come. Consider Crabtree a mid-round pick
and someone who could be a No. 3 fantasy
wideout this season.
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LINEUP BACK TO HEALTH.
Send questions about your fantasy draft, roster,
potential matchups or trades you may be considering
to fantasydoctor@pfwmedia.com througout the 2009 NFL
preseason and regular season. The good doc will answer
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2009 TEAM-BY-TEAM SCHEDULES
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Sept. 14 at New England 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 Tampa Bay 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 27 New Orleans 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Miami 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 11 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Carolina 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 1 Houston 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Bye
Nov. 15 at Tennessee 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 Miami 1 p.m.
Dec. 3 N.Y. Jets 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 New England 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Miami Dolphins
Sept. 13 at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Sept. 21 Indianapolis 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 4 Buffalo 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 12 N.Y. Jets 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 Bye
Oct. 25 New Orleans 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 1 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 at New England 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Nov. 19 at Carolina 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Buffalo 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 New England 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Tennessee 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Houston 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
New England Patriots
Sept. 14 Buffalo 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 20 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Atlanta 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Baltimore 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Denver 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 Tennessee 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Tampa Bay (London) 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Bye
Nov. 8 Miami 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Indianapolis 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 22 N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 30 at New Orleans 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Miami 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 13 Carolina 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Buffalo 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Houston 1 p.m.
NewYork Jets
Sept. 13 at Houston 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 New England 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Tennessee 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at New Orleans 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 12 at Miami 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 18 Buffalo 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Oakland 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 1 Miami 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Bye
Nov. 15 Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at New England 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 29 Carolina 1 p.m.
Dec. 3 at Buffalo (Toronto) 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Atlanta 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Indianapolis 4:15 p.m.
Jan. 3 Cincinnati 1 p.m.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Sept. 13 Kansas City 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at New England 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Minnesota 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Bye
Nov. 1 Denver 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Nov. 16 at Cleveland 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 Pittsburgh 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 7 at Green Bay 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 Detroit 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Chicago 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Oakland 4:15 p.m.
Cincinnati Bengals
Sept. 13 Denver 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Green Bay 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Cleveland 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 Houston 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Chicago 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Bye
Nov. 8 Baltimore 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Oakland 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 29 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 Detroit 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Minnesota 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at San Diego 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 27 Kansas City 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Cleveland Browns
Sept. 13 Minnesota 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Denver 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Buffalo 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Green Bay 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Chicago 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Bye
Nov. 16 Baltimore 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Detroit 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 San Diego 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 10 Pittsburgh 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Oakland 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Sept. 10 Tennessee 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Chicago 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 San Diego 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Detroit 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Minnesota 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Bye
Nov. 9 at Denver 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Baltimore 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 6 Oakland 1 p.m.
Dec. 10 at Cleveland 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 20 Green Bay 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Baltimore 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Miami 1 p.m.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Sept. 13 N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Tennessee 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Oakland 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 San Francisco 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Buffalo 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 Bye
Nov. 23 Tennessee 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 29 Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 Seattle 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at St. Louis 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Miami 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 New England 1 p.m.
Indianapolis Colts
Sept. 13 Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Miami 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Arizona 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 4 Seattle 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Tennessee 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 18 Bye
Oct. 25 at St. Louis 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 San Francisco 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Houston 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 New England 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Houston 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 Tennessee 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 Denver 1 p.m.
Dec. 17 at Jacksonville 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 27 N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Buffalo 1 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Sept. 13 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 Arizona 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Houston 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Tennessee 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 St. Louis 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Bye
Nov. 1 at Tennessee 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 8 Kansas City 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 Buffalo 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 6 Houston 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 Miami 1 p.m.
Dec. 17 Indianapolis 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 27 at New England 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Cleveland 1 p.m.
Tennessee Titans
Sept. 10 at Pittsburgh 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 Houston 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 Indianapolis 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 18 at New England 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 25 Bye
Nov. 1 Jacksonville 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 8 at San Francisco 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 15 Buffalo 1 p.m.
Nov. 23 at Houston 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 29 Arizona 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 St. Louis 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Miami 1 p.m.
Dec. 25 San Diego 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Sept. 13 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 Cleveland 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Oakland 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 4 Dallas 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 New England 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 19 at San Diego 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 25 Bye
Nov. 1 at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Nov. 9 Pittsburgh 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Washington 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 San Diego 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 26 N.Y. Giants 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Oakland 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 Kansas City 4:15 p.m.
Kansas City Chiefs
Sept. 13 at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 Oakland 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 Dallas 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Washington 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 San Diego 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Bye
Nov. 8 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Oakland 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 22 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at San Diego 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 6 Denver 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 Buffalo 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Denver 4:15 p.m.
Oakland Raiders
Sept. 14 San Diego 10:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Denver 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Houston 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 Philadelphia 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 25 N.Y. Jets 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 1 at San Diego 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 8 Bye
Nov. 15 Kansas City 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 22 Cincinnati 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 26 at Dallas 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 Washington 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Denver 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Cleveland 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 Baltimore 4:15 p.m.
San Diego Chargers
Sept. 14 at Oakland 10:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 Baltimore 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 Miami 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Pittsburgh 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 11 Bye
Oct. 19 Denver 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Oakland 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 8 at N.Y. Giants 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 15 Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Denver 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 29 Kansas City 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Cleveland 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Dallas 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 20 Cincinnati 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 25 at Tennessee 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 Washington 4:15 p.m.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 N.Y. Giants 8:20 p.m.
Sept. 28 Carolina 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Denver 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 Bye
Oct. 25 Atlanta 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 1 Seattle 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Philadelphia 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Green Bay 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 Washington 1 p.m.
Nov. 26 Oakland 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 6 at N.Y. Giants 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 13 San Diego 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 19 at New Orleans 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Washington 8:20 p.m.
Jan. 3 Philadelphia 1 p.m.
NewYork Giants
Sept. 13 Washington 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Dallas 8:20 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Kansas City 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 Oakland 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at New Orleans 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Arizona 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 8 San Diego 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 15 Bye
Nov. 22 Atlanta 1 p.m.
Nov. 26 at Denver 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 6 Dallas 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 13 Philadelphia 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 21 at Washington 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 27 Carolina 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Minnesota 1 p.m.
Philadelphia Eagles
Sept. 13 at Carolina 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 New Orleans 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Kansas City 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Bye
Oct. 11 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Oakland 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 26 at Washington 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 1 N.Y. Giants 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 8 Dallas 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 15 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Chicago 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 29 Washington 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at N.Y. Giants 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 20 San Francisco 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Denver 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Dallas 1 p.m.
Washington Redskins
Sept. 13 at N.Y. Giants 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 St. Louis 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Detroit 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Carolina 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 Kansas City 1 p.m.
Oct. 26 Philadelphia 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 1 Bye
Nov. 8 at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 Denver 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Dallas 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 New Orleans 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Oakland 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 21 N.Y. Giants 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 27 Dallas 8:20 p.m.
Jan. 3 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears
Sept. 13 at Green Bay 8:20 p.m.
Sept. 20 Pittsburgh 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Seattle 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 4 Detroit 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 Bye
Oct. 18 at Atlanta 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Arizona 1 p.m.
Nov. 12 at San Francisco 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 22 Philadelphia 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Minnesota 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 St. Louis 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 Green Bay 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Dec. 28 Minnesota 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Detroit 1 p.m.
Detroit Lions
Sept. 13 at New Orleans 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 Minnesota 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Washington 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Chicago 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Green Bay 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Bye
Nov. 1 St. Louis 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Seattle 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Minnesota 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 Cleveland 1 p.m.
Nov. 26 Green Bay 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Baltimore 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Arizona 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.
Jan. 3 Chicago 1 p.m.
Green Bay Packers
Sept. 13 Chicago 8:20 p.m.
Sept. 20 Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at St. Louis 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 at Minnesota 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 Bye
Oct. 18 Detroit 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Cleveland 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Minnesota 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 Dallas 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 San Francisco 1 p.m.
Nov. 26 at Detroit 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 Baltimore 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Chicago 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Seattle 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.
Minnesota Vikings
Sept. 13 at Cleveland 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Detroit 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 San Francisco 1 p.m.
Oct. 5 Green Bay 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 at St. Louis 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 Baltimore 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Green Bay 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Bye
Nov. 15 Detroit 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 Seattle 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 Chicago 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 13 Cincinnati 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Carolina 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 28 at Chicago 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Sept. 13 Miami 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 Carolina 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at New England 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 Bye
Oct. 11 at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 18 Chicago 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Dallas 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 02 at New Orleans 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 Washington 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Carolina 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 New Orleans 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Buffalo 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Carolina Panthers
Sept. 13 Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Dallas 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 Bye
Oct. 11 Washington 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Buffalo 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 8 at New Orleans 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 15 Atlanta 1 p.m.
Nov. 19 Miami 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 29 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at New England 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Minnesota 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 27 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 New Orleans 1 p.m.
New Orleans Saints
Sept. 13 Detroit 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Buffalo 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 4 N.Y. Jets 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 11 Bye
Oct. 18 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Miami 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 02 Atlanta 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 Carolina 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 15 at St. Louis 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Nov. 30 New England 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Washington 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Dec. 19 Dallas 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 27 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Carolina 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sept. 13 Dallas 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Buffalo 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 27 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Washington 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 Carolina 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 New England (London) 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 Bye
Nov. 8 Green Bay 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Miami 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 New Orleans 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Atlanta 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Carolina 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 27 at New Orleans 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 Atlanta 1 p.m.
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Sept. 13 San Francisco 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Indianapolis 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 4 Bye
Oct. 11 Houston 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Seattle 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 25 at N.Y. Giants 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 1 Carolina 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 8 at Chicago 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 Seattle 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 at St. Louis 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Tennessee 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 Minnesota 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 14 at San Francisco 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Detroit 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 St. Louis 4:05 p.m.
Jan. 3 Green Bay 4:15 p.m.
St. Louis Rams
Sept. 13 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Washington 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 Green Bay 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at San Francisco 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 Minnesota 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Detroit 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Bye
Nov. 15 New Orleans 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 Arizona 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 29 Seattle 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Chicago 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Tennessee 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Houston 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.
Jan. 3 San Francisco 1 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers
Sept. 13 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 Seattle 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Minnesota 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 St. Louis 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 Atlanta 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 18 Bye
Oct. 25 at Houston 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Tennessee 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 12 Chicago 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Green Bay 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 Jacksonville 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 14 Arizona 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 Detroit 4:05 p.m.
Jan. 3 at St. Louis 1 p.m.
Seattle Seahawks
Sept. 13 St. Louis 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 27 Chicago 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 Jacksonville 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 Arizona 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 25 Bye
Nov. 1 at Dallas 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 Detroit 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Minnesota 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at St. Louis 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 San Francisco 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Houston 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 Tampa Bay 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Green Bay 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 Tennessee 4:15 p.m.
32 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
ALLTIMES EASTERN Sunday-night games in Weeks 11-16 subject to change as part of the NFLs flexible-scheduling policy.
2009 NFL WEEKLY SCHEDULE
WEEK ONE
Thursday, Sept. 10
Tennessee at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 13
Miami at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Philadelphia at Carolina, 1 p.m.
Denver at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Minnesota at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Houston, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Detroit at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Dallas at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
San Francisco at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
Washington at N.Y. Giants, 4:15 p.m.
St. Louis at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.
Chicago at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 14
Buffalo at New England, 7:00 p.m.
San Diego at Oakland, 10:15 p.m.
WEEK TWO
Sunday, Sept. 20
Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Cincinnati at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Arizona at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
New England at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.
New Orleans at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
St. Louis at Washington, 1 p.m.
Seattle at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Buffalo, 4:05 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Chicago, 4:15 p.m.
Cleveland at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
Baltimore at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 21
Indianapolis at Miami, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK THREE
Sunday, Sept. 27
Cleveland at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Washington at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m.
San Francisco at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Atlanta at New England, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
New Orleans at Buffalo, 4:05 p.m.
Chicago at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
Tennessee at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 p.m.
Denver at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.
Miami at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.
Indianapolis at Arizona, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 28
Carolina at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK FOUR
(Byes: Arizona, Atlanta, Carolina,
Philadelphia)
Sunday, Oct. 4
Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Oakland at Houston, 1 p.m.
Seattle at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Baltimore at New England, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Washington, 1 p.m.
Buffalo at Miami, 4:05 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at New Orleans, 4:05 p.m.
Dallas at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
St. Louis at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.
San Diego at Pittsburgh, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 5
Green Bay at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK FIVE
(Byes: Chicago, Green Bay,
New Orleans, San Diego)
Sunday, Oct. 11
Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
Washington at Carolina, 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Dallas at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Oakland at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Minnesota at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Atlanta at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
Houston at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
New England at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
Jacksonville at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.
Indianapolis at Tennessee, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 12
N.Y. Jets at Miami, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK SIX
(Byes: Dallas, Indianapolis, Miami,
San Francisco)
Sunday, Oct. 18
Houston at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Detroit at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
St. Louis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Baltimore at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at Washington, 1 p.m.
Philadelphia at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.
Arizona at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
Tennessee at New England, 4:15 p.m.
Buffalo at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 p.m.
Chicago at Atlanta, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 19
Denver at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK SEVEN
(Byes: Baltimore, Denver, Detroit,
Jacksonville, Seattle, Tennessee)
Sunday, Oct. 25
Chicago at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Minnesota at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
San Francisco at Houston, 1 p.m.
San Diego at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Indianapolis at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
New England at Tampa Bay (London), 1 p.m.
Buffalo at Carolina, 4:05 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.
New Orleans at Miami, 4:15 p.m.
Atlanta at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.
Arizona at N.Y. Giants, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 26
Philadelphia at Washington, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK EIGHT
(Byes: Cincinnati, Kansas City,
New England, Pittsburgh,
Tampa Bay, Washington)
Sunday, Nov. 1
Denver at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Houston at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Seattle at Dallas, 1 p.m.
St. Louis at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Minnesota at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
San Francisco at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Miami at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m.
Oakland at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.
Carolina at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 2
Atlanta at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK NINE
(Byes: Buffalo, Cleveland, Min-
nesota, N.Y. Jets, Oakland, St. Louis)
Sunday, Nov. 8
Washington at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Arizona at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Miami at New England, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Carolina at New Orleans, 4:05 p.m.
Detroit at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
San Diego at N.Y. Giants, 4:15 p.m.
Tennessee at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.
Dallas at Philadelphia, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 9
Pittsburgh at Denver, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 10
(Byes: Houston, N.Y. Giants)
Thursday, Nov. 12
Chicago at San Francisco, 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 15
Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Miami, 1 p.m.
Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
New Orleans at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Buffalo at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Denver at Washington, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.
Seattle at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
Dallas at Green Bay, 4:15 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.
New England at Indianapolis, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 16
Baltimore at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 11
Thursday, Nov. 19
Miami at Carolina, 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22
Indianapolis at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Washington at Dallas, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Detroit, 1 p.m.
San Francisco at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Buffalo at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Seattle at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Atlanta at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Arizona at St. Louis, 4:05 p.m.
San Diego at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at New England, 4:15 p.m.
Cincinnati at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.
Philadelphia at Chicago, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 23
Tennessee at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 12
Thursday, Nov. 26
Green Bay at Detroit, 12:30 p.m.
Oakland at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at Denver, 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 29
Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Indianapolis at Houston, 1 p.m.
Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Carolina at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.
Washington at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Seattle at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Arizona at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.
Jacksonville at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 30
New England at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 13
Thursday, Dec. 3
N.Y. Jets at Buffalo (Toronto), 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Philadelphia at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m.
St. Louis at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Detroit at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Denver at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Oakland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
New Orleans at Washington, 1 p.m.
San Diego at Cleveland, 4:05 p.m.
Minnesota at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 4:15 p.m.
San Francisco at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.
New England at Miami, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 7
Baltimore at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 14
Thursday, Dec. 10
Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 13
New Orleans at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Detroit at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Seattle at Houston, 1 p.m.
Denver at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.
Miami at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
Buffalo at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Cincinnati at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Carolina at New England, 1 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
St. Louis at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Washington at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.
San Diego at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 14
Arizona at San Francisco, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 15
Thursday, Dec. 17
Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 8:20
p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Dallas at New Orleans, 8:20 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20
Chicago at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
Arizona at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Kansas City, 1 p.m.
Atlanta at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.
San Francisco at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
Houston at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Miami at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
Oakland at Denver, 4:05 p.m.
Cincinnati at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.
Tampa Bay at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.
Minnesota at Carolina, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 21
N.Y. Giants at Washington, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 16
Friday, Dec. 25
San Diego at Tennessee, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 27
Buffalo at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.
Oakland at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Seattle at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
Houston at Miami, 1 p.m.
Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at New England, 1 p.m.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Denver at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
St. Louis at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.
Detroit at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.
N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis, 4:15 p.m.
Dallas at Washington, 8:20 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 28
Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
WEEK 17
Sunday, Jan. 3
Indianapolis at Buffalo, 1 p.m.
New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m.
Jacksonville at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Philadelphia at Dallas, 1 p.m.
Chicago at Detroit, 1 p.m.
New England at Houston, 1 p.m.
Pittsburgh at Miami, 1 p.m.
N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.
San Francisco at St. Louis, 1 p.m.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Green Bay at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.
Kansas City at Denver, 4:15 p.m.
Baltimore at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.
Washington at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.
Tennessee at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.
Note: Sunday-night games in Weeks
11-16 subject to change as part of the
NFLs flexible-schedule policy.
POSTSEASON
Saturday, Jan. 9
AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs
Sunday, Jan. 10
AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs
Saturday, Jan. 16
AFC and NFC divisional playoffs
Sunday, Jan. 17
AFC and NFC divisional playoffs
Sunday, Jan. 24
AFC and NFC championship games
Sunday, Jan. 31
Pro Bowl at Dolphins Stadium
Sunday, Feb. 7
Super Bowl XLIVat Dolphins Stadium
ALLTIMES EASTERN
33 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
TRANSACTIONS
(As reported, March 30-April 24)
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
BALTIMORE April 2: RFA re-signed: S Dawan
Landry. April 6: UFAs re-signed: QB Todd Bouman; CB
Samari Rolle. UFA lost: QB Kyle Boller (Rams). April 9:
RFAs re-signed: TE Quinn Sypniewski; WR Demetrius
Williams. Club rights terminated: S Daren Stone.
BUFFALO March 30: UFA lost: C Duke Preston
(Packers). March 31: RFA re-signed: S George Wilson.
ERFAre-signed: QB Matt Baker. April 2: ERFAre-signed:
TE Jonathan Stupar. April 8: UFA signed: OG Seth McK-
inney (Browns). April 20: Traded: OTJason Peters to Ea-
gles for first- and fourth-round picks in 2009 draft and
sixth-round pick in 2010 draft. UFA signed: RB Dominic
Rhodes (Colts). April 23: ERFAre-signed: LS Ryan Neill.
CINCINNATI April 8: UFA signed: NT Tank John-
son (Cowboys). April 16: RFA re-signed: LB Brandon
Johnson. April 17: Assigned on waivers: RB Gary Rus-
sell from Steelers. RFA re-signed: LB Rashad Jeanty.
April 23: Placed on waivers: OT Kirk Barton. April 24:
Roster addition: FB Jeremi Johnson (released by Ben-
gals 11/26/08).
CLEVELAND April 8: UFA lost: OG Seth McKinney
(Bills). April 24: Placed on waivers: RB Patrick Allen.
DENVER March 31: Placed on waivers: RB Cory
Boyd. April 3: Traded: QB Jay Cutler, fifth-round pick in
2009 draft to Bears for QB Kyle Orton, first-round pick in
2009 draft, first-round pick in 2010 draft, third-round pick
in 2009 draft. April 6: UFA lost: QB Patrick Ramsey (Ti-
tans). Placed on waivers: QB Darrell Hackney. April 16:
Reserve/retired: OG Scott Young. April 17: UFA signed:
OT Brandon Gorin (Rams).
HOUSTON March 30: UFA signed: NT Shaun Cody
(Lions). April 2: UFA lost: CB Demarcus Faggins (Titans).
April 6: Roster addition: LB Cato June (released by Buc-
caneers 2/25). April 7: Roster addition: LB Buster Davis
(released by Colts 3/30). RFAre-signed: OTRashad Butler.
INDIANAPOLIS March 30: Placed on waivers: LB
Buster Davis. April 8: UFA re-signed: LB Tyjuan Hagler.
April 17: UFA re-signed: S Matt Giordano. April 20: UFA
lost: RB Dominic Rhodes (Bills). April 22: Roster addi-
tions: OG Brandon Barnes (released by Ravens
6/26/08); C Kyle DeVan (released by Jets 8/30/08).
April 24: Placed on waivers: CB Brandon Sumrall.
JACKSONVILLE March 31: ERFA re-signed: DT
Jonathan Lewis. April 3: Contract terminated: TE
George Wrighster. April 21: Roster addition: WR Torry
Holt (released by Rams 3/13).
KANSAS CITY April 7: Roster additions: LS Tanner
Purdum (Baker); WR Rodney Wright (ended season with
Arena Football Leagues San Jose Sabercats). April 13:
UFA signed: LB Zach Thomas (Cowboys). Placed on
waivers: WR Will Franklin. April 20: RFA re-signed: WR
Jeff Webb. April 21: UFA signed: TE Sean Ryan (49ers).
Placed on waivers: OTAndrew Carnahan; LB Curtis Gate-
wood; WR Kevin Robinson. April 24: Roster addition: TE
Tony Curtis (not tendered as RFA by Cowboys 2/25). RFA
re-signed: C Rudy Niswanger.
MIAMI March 31: ERFA re-signed: LB Quentin
Moses. April 14: Roster addition: PJy Bond (Australia).
April 23: Traded: TE Tony Gonzalez to Falcons for a sec-
ond-round pick in 2010 draft.
NEWENGLAND April 21: RFAre-signed: LB Pierre
Woods. April 22: UFA re-signed: DT Kenny Smith.
N.Y. JETS April 15: Roster addition: P Eric Wilbur
(released by Jaguars 8/8/07). April 20: Roster addition:
OT Mike Kracalik (released by Ravens 9/9/08).
OAKLAND April 1: UFA signed: DT Ryan Boschetti
(Redskins). UFA re-signed: LB Sam Williams. April 6:
UFAs signed: QB Jeff Garcia (Buccaneers); OT Marcus
Johnson (Vikings). April 13: ERFAre-signed: S Hiram Eu-
gene.
PITTSBURGH March 30: UFA lost: OT Marvel
Smith (49ers). April 6: UFA re-signed: LB Keyaron Fox.
April 14: UFAlost: QB Byron Leftwich (Buccaneers). April
16: UFAre-signed: QB Charlie Batch. Placed on waivers:
RB Gary Russell.
SAN DIEGO April 14: RFAre-signed: CB Cletis Gor-
don.
TENNESSEE April 2: UFA signing: CB Demarcus
Faggins (Texans). April 6: UFA signed: QB Patrick Ram-
sey (Broncos).
NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
ARIZONA March 31: RFAs re-signed: TE Leonard
Pope; NT Gabe Watson. ERFA re-signed: CB Michael
Adams. April 2: Roster addition: FB Dan Kreider (re-
leased by Rams 11/28/08). April 16: UFAlost: FB Terrelle
Smith (Lions).
ATLANTA April 7: Reserve/retired: OTTodd Weiner.
Traded: WR Laurent Robinson, fifth- and sixth-round picks
in 2009 draft to Rams for fifth- and sixth-round picks in
2009 draft. April 15: RFA re-signed: OG Harvey Dahl.
April 23: Traded: second-round pick in 2010 draft to
Chiefs for TE Tony Gonzalez.
CAROLINA March 30: ERFA re-signed: DT Nick
Hayden. April 6: Roster addition: WR Jason Carter (not
tendered as ERFA by Panthers 2/26). April 13: Traded:
Conditional seventh-round pick in 2011 draft to Packers for
LS J.J. Jansen. April 17: RFA re-signed: LB James Ander-
son. April 20: RFA re-signed: S Nate Salley.
CHICAGO April 3: Traded: QB Kyle Orton, first-
round pick in 2009 draft, first-round pick in 2010 draft,
third-round pick in 2009 draft to Broncos for QB Jay Cut-
ler, fifth-round pick in 2009 draft. April 6: Roster addi-
tion: OT Orlando Pace (released by Rams 3/10).
DALLAS April 2: RFA re-signed: OG Cory Procter.
April 6: RFA re-signed: DE Stephen Bowen. April 8: UFA
lost: NT Tank Johnson (Browns). April 13: UFA lost: LB
Zach Thomas (Chiefs). April 21: RFA re-signed: WR Sam
Hurd. April 23: RFA re-signed: WR Miles Austin. ERFAs
re-signed: RB Alonzo Coleman; TE Rodney Hannah.
DETROIT March 30: UFAlost: NTShaun Cody (Tex-
ans). April 3: Roster addition: OG Dylan Gandy (released
by Raiders 12/4/08). April 6: UFA re-signed: OT George
Foster. April 7: Roster addition: OG Matt Lentz (ended
season on Buccaneers practice squad). April 14: As-
signed on waivers: WR William Franklin from Chiefs. April
16: UFA signed: FB Terrelle Smith (Cardinals). Placed on
waivers: SS Dowayne Davis. April 17: Roster additions:
WR Ronald Curry (released by Raiders 2/20); CB Antonio
Smith (released from Lions practice squad 11/18/08).
April 20: Roster addition: Pacino Horne (Central Michi-
gan). April 22: Assigned on waivers: LB Curtis Gatewood
from Chiefs. April 24: Assigned on waivers: OT Kirk Bar-
ton from Bengals. April 25: Draft choice signed: QB
Matthew Stafford (1/1).
GREEN BAY March 30: UFA signed: C Duke Pre-
ston (Bills). April 6: UFA re-signed: TE Tory Humphrey
(not tendered as RFA by Packers 2/26). Contract termi-
nated: DE Kenneth Pettway (failed physical). April 13:
Traded: LS J.J. Jansen to Panthers for conditional seventh-
round pick in 2011 draft. April 14: Roster addition: DT
Brian Soi (released by Giants 6/23/08). April 17: RFAs re-
signed: S Atari Bigby; FB John Kuhn; WR Ruvell Martin.
MINNESOTA March 30: UFA re-signed: DE Otis
Grigsby. April 6: UFAlost: OTMarcus Johnson (Raiders).
RFAre-signed: DT Fred Evans.
NEW ORLEANS March 30: UFA signed: QB Joey
Harrington. April 13: RFAs re-signed: OTZach Strief; CB
Leigh Torrence. April 15: Roster addition: LB Anthony Wa-
ters (released by Chargers 2/26). April 21: RFAre-signed:
OG Jahri Evans. April 22: RFA re-signed: WR Lance
Moore.
N.Y. GIANTS April 3: Contract terminated: WR
Plaxico Burress. April 13: RFAre-signed: CB Kevin Dock-
ery. April 22: Assigned on waivers: OTAndrew Carnahan
from Chiefs.
PHILADELPHIA March 31: RFA re-signed: C Nick
Cole. April 7: Roster addition: DE Eugene Bright (Pur-
due). April 20: Traded: First- and fourth-round picks in
2009 draft and sixth-round pick in 2010 draft to Bills for OT
Jason Peters. April 23: RFAre-signed: WR Hank Baskett.
ST. LOUIS March 31: UFA signed: TE Billy Bajema
(49ers). Roster addition: DT Michael Marquardt (ended
season on Eagles practice squad). April 6: UFA signed:
QB Kyle Boller (Ravens). April 7: Traded: Fifth- and sixth-
round picks in 2009 draft to Falcons for WR Laurent Robin-
son, fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2009 draft. April 10:
Roster addition: WR Horace Gant (ended season on Red-
skins practice squad). April 14: Placed on waivers: WR
Joel Filani. April 17: UFAlost: OTBrandin Gorin (Broncos).
April 20: RFA re-signed: DE Victor Adeyanju.
SAN FRANCISCO March 30: UFA signed: OTMar-
vel Smith (Steelers). March 31: UFA lost: TE Billy Bajema
(Rams). April 21: UFA lost: TE Sean Ryan (Chiefs).
SEATTLE April 25: Franchise tag withdrawn: LB
Leroy Hill.
TAMPA BAY April 6: UFA lost: QB Jeff Garcia
(Raiders). April 14: UFAsigned: QB Byron Leftwich (Steel-
ers). RFA re-signed: OT Donald Penn.
WASHINGTON April 1: UFAlost: DTRyan Boschetti
(Raiders). April 2: Roster addition: LB Robert Thomas
(released by Raiders 12/16). UFA re-signed: DE Phillip
Daniels. April 10: RFAre-signed: DTKedric Golston. April
24: Contract terminated: PDirk Johnson. April 25: Ros-
ter addition: OT Mike Williams (ended 2006 season with
Jaguars).
34 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
Big deal: Cutler sent to Bears
in landscape-shaking trade
By Dan Parr
Associate editor
J
ust two days after announcing for the
first time publicly that QB Jay Cutler
was on the trading block, the Broncos
and Bears completed a swap the likes of
which the NFL has rarely seen.
Broncos owner Pat Bowlen hit a boiling
point March 31, announcing Cutler was
available after alleging that his star signal-
caller did not respond to his attempts at
opening a dialogue.
There was a breakdown in communica-
tion following an unsuccessful attempt by
head coach Josh McDaniels to smooth
things over with Cutler, who was miffed that
McDaniels nearly traded him to the Bucca-
neers in a proposed three-way deal at the
start of free agency in late February. Forty-
eight hours after Bowlen released his state-
ment, Bears GM Jerry Angelo couldnt
contain a wide grin as he announced Chica-
go had acquired Cutler, a 25-year-old Pro
Bowler in his prime.
Denver collected a bounty of draft choic-
es the No. 18 pick overall this year, a first-
round pick in 2010, a third-round pick this
year (No. 84) and QB Kyle Orton in re-
turn for Cutler and a fifth-round pick this
year (No. 140).
Orton, a fifth-year veteran with 33 career
starts, will compete against Chris Simms to
replace Cutler as Denvers top quarter-
back.
The Bears also announced they had
signed OT Orlando Pace to protect Cutlers
blind side on April 2. Pace received a three-
year, $15 million contract.
Loaded with the most picks in this years
draft (12), the Eagles figured to be active in
trade talks, and they didnt disappoint,
dealing for Bills OT Jason Peters on April
20.
Philadelphia sent Buffalo one of its two
first-round picks this year (No. 28 overall),
an 09 fourth-round pick (No. 121) and a
sixth-round pick in 10 for Peters, a five-year
veteran. Peters was unhappy with his con-
tract situation and wanted out of Buffalo.
He was greeted with a new six-year deal
upon arriving in Philadelphia, which will
keep the two-time Pro Bowler locked up
through 2014.
Peters will fill a void at left tackle left by
Tra Thomas, who signed a three-year deal
with the Jaguars in March.
The Falcons added an extra weapon on
offense, acquiring TE Tony Gonzalez from
the Chiefs on April 23. Atlanta sent Kansas
City its second-round pick in 2010.
Gonzalez, who has made the Pro Bowl in
each of the past 10 seasons, gives the Fal-
cons a much-needed pass-catching tight end.
The 33-year-old was unhappy in Kansas
City, which is in rebuilding mode, and he
skipped the teams voluntary workouts this
offseason.
Eric Mangini made a deal with his old
team, the Jets, on Draft Day, acquiring DE
Kenyon Coleman, S Abram Elam and QB
Brett Ratliff and the No. 17 overall pick for
the Browns No. 5 pick.
Troubled WR Plaxico Burress has
been available for nearly a month, but he re-
mains unsigned as of this writing. Burress
was cut by the Giants on April 3 to give the
team a chance to evaluate its options for re-
placing him prior to the draft.
Teams appear disinterested in taking
the risk of signing Burress, who could face
jail time during next season for his gun-pos-
session charge, the case for which was ad-
journed to June 15. Burress, who turns 32
years old Aug. 12, accidentally shot himself
in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub on
Nov. 29 and missed the rest of the season.
The two felony charges against him stem
from the incident.
Two veteran quarterbacks landed with
teams in April after lengthy stays on the open
market. Jeff Garcia signed a one-year deal
with the Raiders on April 6 and Byron Left-
wich inked a two-year, $7.5 million contract
with the Buccaneers April 14.
Garcia, 39, is expected to back up JaMar-
cus Russell, but could take over on offense
if Russell does not make strides in his sec-
ond full season as the clubs starter. Leftwich
will compete with Luke McCown and Josh
Freeman for the top job in Tampa Bay.
None of the seven franchised free
agents Panthers DE Julius Peppers,
Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs, Rams S O.J.
Atogwe, Chargers RB Darren Sproles, Tex-
ans CB Dunta Robinson, Bengals PK
Shayne Graham and Titans TE Bo Scaife
who had yet to sign their tender in our last
issue have re-signed with their teams.
Teams have until July 15 to sign a fran-
chised player to an offer sheet, and they
would have to give up two first-round draft
choices as compensation. After July 15, fran-
chised free agents no longer can seek offers
from opposing teams and will either need
to sign the one-year tender or hold out and
try to force a trade.
The Seahawks removed the franchise-tag
designation from OLB Leroy Hill on April
25. He becomes an unrestricted free agent,
but Seattle is expected to continue working
on a potential long-term deal for the fifth-
year pro.
No restricted free agents ended up join-
ing different teams this offseason as the
deadline for RFAs to receive offer sheets
from new teams passed on April 17. Only
four players Texans WR David Anderson,
Packers CB Jarrett Bush, Jets S Abram Elam
and Vikings FB Naufahu Tahi had to have
offers matched.
Jeff Garcia and Byron Leftwich finally found homes for the 2009 season, with
Garcia joining the Raiders and Leftwich inking a two-year deal with the Bucs.
A
P
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O
S
RANKING THE FREE-AGENT CLASS OF 2009
Below are the highest-graded players who were scheduled to hit the free-agent market at seasons end. Some re-
signed before free agency began Feb. 27. Some came free because their contracts expired, others were cut in cost-
cutting moves. Asterisk (*) denotes a player who received the franchise tag. (Updated through April 26)
TOP 50 FREE AGENTS
RK. POSITION/PLAYER 2008 TEAM 2009 TEAM TERMS (YRS. VALUE GUARANTEED)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
FREE AGENCY UPDATE
DTAlbert Haynesworth Titans Redskins 7 years / $100 million / $41 million
CB Nnamdi Asomugha Raiders Raiders 3 years / $45.3 million / $28.5 million
DE Julius Peppers* Panthers
LB Terrell Suggs* Ravens
OTJordan Gross Panthers Panthers 6 years / $54 million / undisclosed
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh Bengals Seahawks 5 years / $40 million / $15 million
QB Matt Cassel* Patriots Chiefs 1 year / $14.651 million / $14.651 million
QB Kurt Warner Cardinals Cardinals 2 years / $23 million / $19 million
LB Karlos Dansby* Cardinals Cardinals 1 year / $9.7 million / $9.7 million
RB Brandon Jacobs* Giants Giants 4 years / $25 million / $13 million
LB Ray Lewis Ravens Ravens 7 years / $44.5 million / $15.5 million
ILB Bart Scott Ravens Jets 6 years / $48 million / $22.5 million
C-OG Jason Brown Ravens Rams 5 years / $37.5 million / $20 million
TE Owen Daniels Texans
S O.J. Atogwe* Rams
RB Darren Sproles* Chargers
WR Antonio Bryant* Buccaneers Buccaneers 1 year / $9.884 million / $9.884 million
CB Kelvin Hayden Colts Colts 5 years / $43 million / $22 million
P Shane Lechler Raiders Raiders 4 years / $16 million / $9 million
LB Leroy Hill Seahawks
CB DeAngelo Hall Redskins Redskins 6 years / $54 million / $22.5 million
DE Chris Canty Cowboys Giants 6 years / $42 million / $17.25 million
OG Jahri Evans Saints Saints 1 year / $2.792 million / $2.792 million
OTVernon Carey Dolphins Dolphins 6 years / $42 million / $15 million
CB Bryant McFadden Steelers Cardinals 2 years / $10 million / $5 million
C Jeff Saturday Colts Colts 3 years / $13.3 million / undisclosed
RB Derrick Ward Giants Buccaneers 4 years / $17 million / $6 million
OT Stacy Andrews Bengals Eagles 6 years / $40 million / undisclosed
CB Dunta Robinson* Texans
WR Terrell Owens Cowboys Bills 1 year / $6.5 million / $6.5 million
WR Laveranues Coles Jets Bengals 4 years / $27.5 million / undisclosed
S Brian Dawkins Eagles Broncos 5 years / $17 million / $7.2 million
S Yeremiah Bell Dolphins Dolphins 4 years / $20 million / $10 million
PK Rob Bironas Titans Titans 4 years / $12 million / $5 million
ILB Channing Crowder Dolphins Dolphins 3 years / undisclosed / undisclosed
WR Nate Washington Steelers Titans 6 years / $27 million / $9 million
OT Orlando Pace Rams Bears 3 years / $15 million / undisclosed
OT Mark Tauscher Packers
MLB Jonathan Vilma Saints Saints 5 years / $34 million / $17 million
PK Shayne Graham* Bengals
QB Byron Leftwich Steelers Buccaneers 2 years / $7.5 million / none
DE Antonio Smith Cardinals Texans 5 years / $35 million / $12.5 million
DE Jason Taylor Redskins
QB Kerry Collins Titans Titans 2 years / $15 million / $8.5 million
OG Derrick Dockery Bills Redskins 5 years / $26.5 million / $8.2 million
TE Bo Scaife* Titans
OG Harvey Dahl Falcons Falcons 1 year / $1.545 million / $1.545 million
OT Max Starks* Steelers Steelers 1 year / $8.451 million / $8.451 million
WR Lance Moore Saints Saints 1 year / $1.545 million / $1.545 million
WR Torry Holt Rams Jaguars 3 years / $20 million / undisclosed
AUDIBLES NFList
Its very difficult to question the success Pittsburgh has had in the draft, but I dont see
any way Ziggy Hood could play up front for a 30 front. Aaron Smith is the most under-
rated player in Pittsburgh. Just because he does not have a (household) name does not
mean hes easy to replace. Guys like him, Trevor Pryce, Ty Warren, Luis Castillo they
are so valuable. Its like Dan Hampton when he was in Chicago. When he left, that defense
fell apart. It all starts up front.
One of the biggest problems with
coaches in the draft not enough under-
stand. There is only so much talent avail-
able. They want a safety who can be an
extra defender in the box, go out and cover
receivers in the slot in nickel situations and
also have the range to drop deep and play
the deep ball. Well, unless you are going to
resurrect Ronnie Lott, there are only three
of those guys in the league right now, and
you are lucky if you could find one in any
given draft. Thats why its so important to
know what traits you value the most in
players and what you can win with.
Bill Parcells preaches how important
intelligence is, and then he turns around
and drafts (Utah CB) Sean Smith. I dont
know what he was thinking.
What scared everyone about (USC LB
Rey) Maualuga were the alcohol issues.
Thats why he lasted as long as he did.
The money going to the top players in
the draft is a problem that needs to be cor-
rected. You cant give away those picks. No
one wants to pay the money you have to at
the top of the draft. All we got were a few
exploratory calls to see what was happen-
ing. We never had a single offer.
When you look at what Philadelphia did
in this draft, you got to be impressed. To
come away with one of the best left tackles
in the league alone would have been a win.
But give the quarterback that much help
to get a left tackle, elite receiver and a run-
ning back. They did a helluva job.
The Redskins really needed to come
away with an offensive tackle, a defensive
end and a quarterback after how they
screwed up the QB situation. Im surprised
the owner did not get it done. He was will-
ing to trade his first-round pick next year.
He could have gotten up to No. 3 or No. 4
there was not much activity there. I think it
was a miscalculation. (Owner) Dan Snyder
needs a bailout package.
Have you ever seen a draft just fall apart
in the first round? Our board was com-
pletely out after the first two rounds. I re-
ally thought some teams were going to
pass on their picks.
The problem with Julius Peppers is he
needs to be paid, and he is trying to control
the process. He is being selective. We
would like to have him, but there is a lot
that has to fall the right way.
We had (Ole Miss OT) Michael Oher off
our board. I know a lot of teams did. He will
not be easy to manage. He was one of the
worst they ever had in that program.
(Former Browns GM) Phil Savage may
not have been a bad evaluator. He just did
not know how to build a team. His most
colossal error was trying to do it all. He did
not trust anyone. You got to have a good
team around you.
Boldin exceeded Cardinals
Draft Day expectations
By Mike Wilkening
Senior editor
Cardinals WR Anquan Boldins career has
taken some twists and turns, from a prolific
Florida high school career as a quarterback
to a successful transition to wide receiver at
Florida State (overcoming a torn ACL in his
knee along the way) to becoming a star
wideout for Arizona.
Perhaps the most amazing aspect of
Boldins story? He was not even the first wide
receiver the Cardinals took in the 2003 draft.
That distinction belongs to Bryant John-
son, whom Arizona selected No. 17 overall in
2003. Johnson has been a serviceable
player, catching at least 35 passes in all six of
his NFL seasons for the Cardinals and the
49ers, and he is expected to start opposite
Calvin Johnson in Detroit in 2009. But he has
not produced nearly as much as Boldin. To
wit: Boldin caught a career-low 56 passes in
an injury-shortened 04 season and that is
seven more passes than Johnson has ever
caught in a full season.
As the NFL draft approached, and with the
Cardinals publicly contemplating whether to
deal Boldin, we took a look back at the last
20 drafts with an eye on finding similar cases
of high-round selections being outperformed
by their lower-round peers at the same posi-
tion. Here are some other notable examples:
1990: Johnny Johnson and Larry Cen-
ters outlast Cardinals RB Anthony
Thompson When Thompson, the Cardi-
nals top draft pick (Round Two, No. 31 over-
all), missed the start of training camp in a
contract dispute, Johnson took the starting
job and did not relinquish it. Johnson, a sev-
enth-round pick from San Jose State, rushed
for 926 yards as a rookie and would go on to
have a productive five-year career with the
Cardinals and Jets, while Thompson never
rushed for 400 yards in any of his four NFL
seasons. As Thompson and Johnson were
fading from the scene, Centers, a fifth-round
pick, was coming to prominence, and the
pass-catching fullback from Stephen F.
Austin ended his Cardinals career as the
clubs reception leader.
1994: Redskins No. 1 pick Heath Shuler
loses the starting QB job to Gus Frerotte
The Redskins spent the No. 3 overall selection
in the 1994 draft on Tennessee QB Heath
Shuler. Six rounds later, they appeared to bol-
ster the bottom of their QB depth chart, draft-
ing Tulsa passer Gus Frerotte. The rest is
Washington lore: Shuler struggled in his rookie
season, missed most of the 95 campaign with
injuries and lost the starting job for good the
next year, taking only one snap in the 96 sea-
son as Frerotte earned a Pro Bowl berth.
Shuler was traded to the Saints two days be-
fore the 97 NFL draft and played just one year
with New Orleans. Frerotte played with the
Redskins for two more seasons before em-
barking on a long, winding career as a backup
and occasional starter that has taken him to
Detroit, Denver, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Miami,
St. Louis and back to Minnesota again.
Frerotte, 37, is a free agent as of this writing.
Shuler, meanwhile, is a Democratic congress-
man in the 11th District of North Carolina.
1999: The Packers find their man at
cornerback ... on the third try The Pack-
ers entered the 99 draft with a desire to bol-
ster the secondary. GM Ron Wolf spent his
first three picks on cornerbacks, selecting
Clemsons Antuan Edwards in Round One,
Vanderbilts Fred Vinson in Round Two and
Memphis Mike McKenzie in Round Three.
McKenzie proved the most effective player of
all, starting all 16 games his rookie year, lead-
ing the club in interceptions and becoming a
key part of the defense before being traded
to New Orleans in 2004 in a contract dis-
pute. Edwards developed into a serviceable
backup and spot starter, while Vinson,
slowed by a foot injury, played just one sea-
son in Green Bay before being traded to
Seattle for RB Ahman Green. Vinson never
suited up for the Seahawks.
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Anquan Boldin is an example of a player outproducing a teammate picked earlier in the draft.
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The following quotes are from NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel, speaking
on the condition of anonymity.
35 Pro Football Weekly May 2009
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