3/7/09
2009 NFL Draft E-mails – Moreno to the Giants; Sanchez to the 49ers
I really disagree with the Giants taking Knowshon Moreno in the 1st round of your latest mock draft. I personally believe that the Giants will trade up in this draft since they have few needs and few open roster spots. But I do know that you are not predicting trades in your mock….
The Giants have a lot of faith in both Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware. This is evident by their “refusal” to resign Derrick Ward this season. Also last offseason, the Giants did not quickly resign Derrick Ward to his 1 year deal. In fact, the Giants were willing to let him walk after winning SBXLII but only took him back because he was very cheap and received no interest in free agency. The Giants were already prepared to move on without Ward being the number 2 guy last off season and having Bradshaw be that guy….let us not forget how well Bradshaw played after Ward went on I.R. during the 2007 season. Now during the 2008 preseason/season, Danny Ware must of really impressed the Giants that they are prepared to move on with him being 3rd on the depth chart.
Now if the Giants were to draft Moreno, he would be buried on the depth chart because of Tom Coughlin’s preference to not play rookies. So why “waste” a 1st rounder for a guy who is going to be the 4th RB? The giants have other needs such as OLB, MLB (Pierce is overrated), S, CB, OL, and mostly WR (thanks Plax)
My Response:
I really wouldn’t consider Knowshon Moreno a “waste.” He’s arguably the top back in this class. Matt McGuire calls him the best all-around back since LaDainian Tomlinson.
The Giants pretty much addressed almost all of their needs in free agency. I know they have some holes to fill, but other than receiver, none of them are that dire. They can afford to take the best player available.
Moreno won’t be the “4th running back.” He’ll split carries evenly with Brandon Jacobs, and eventually get most of the work down the stretch once Jacobs suffers his annual injury.
I’m aware the Giants like Danny Ware and Ahmad Bradshaw, but I don’t think you can pass on such a great talent that deep in the first round. It’s not like I have them taking LeSean McCoy or anything; Moreno is one of the top players in the draft.
I really enjoy reading your website. However, I�m going to be one of the negative emailers on the Sanchez pick.
I think the need to obtain a RT to essentially complete the OL will supersede the need for a future QB.
1) RT is definitely a need position and the 49ers did not even send out feelers to RTs in free agency.
2) QB situation: I really believe that McCloughan is going to do everything in his power to demonstrate that Alex Smith was not a mistake on his part.
3) Singletary�s vision of a power running game.
Given the scenario that you painted in the latest mock draft, I believe it�s a pretty easy call that Andre Smith will be the guy. I know you don�t like Smith at all, for maturity and attitude reasons, but I think Singletary believes that he can mentor some of the younger, immature players. He�s hinted at that stuff this offseason. And I think Singletary has visions of a dominant run blocking right side of the line, with Rachal and A.Smith.
My Response:
I considered Andre Smith for the reasons you mentioned – the running game, the need for a right tackle and the fact that Smith could be a Mike Singletary reclamation project.
However, the need for a right tackle never surpasses the need for a quarterback. The 49ers were willing to pay Kurt Warner near $15 million a year, so that shows they feel the quarterback position is a need. Singletary is a new coach and Scot McCloughan is entering his second year as the GM, so they may want “their guy.”
Right tackles are a dime a dozen, and can be found in the middle rounds. That position is not one of high value.
That’s why, in my opinion, Sanchez makes more sense than Smith, though the case for Smith can be made.
I don’t see the Jets passing on Maclin for Wells when WR is the bigger need and Thomas Jones was a pro-bowler with Leon Washington being a great back-up. I’d even see them going Freeman before they go Wells.
My Response:
I could see receivers falling again like they did last year. I only have 2 WRs in the first round for that specific reason.
The Jets need a young running back. Thomas Jones is 31 and is likely playing his final season with the Jets. Chris Wells and Knowshon Moreno will be way too difficult to pass up. I can’t really see them going Josh Freeman because general manager Mike Tannenbaum drafted Kellen Clemens and also acquired Brett Ratliff. If the Jets had a new GM like the Chiefs, 49ers, Buccaneers, etc., they would definitely go with a quarterback. But the Jets don’t have a new regime in place. Tannenbaum is not going to sit on the hot seat while a young quarterback develops.
The Bears are my team, so let me tell you I’ve had to endure watching 16 games of the most pathetic WR’s in the NFL (exception of Hester). Watching Rashied Davis drop passes, Brandon Lloyd fake injuries, and washed up vet like Marty Booker gasp for air had me questioning my life’s meaning.
That being said, I cannot see us passing up on the stacked talent waiting for us in the first round for Larry English. Yes, pass rush was a problem for us and I’d be ecstatic if we got Orakpo or Everette Brown, but they’ll be off the board and we can’t just settle for 2nd round DE talent at the 18th pick. Larry English has even had a huge injury history and greatly lacks finesse moves. This is the perfect opportunity for us to add a #1 receiver (which Jerry Angelo recently said must be done, and most likely in the draft). Hakeem Nicks would be the perfect Yin to Hester’s Yang. He is a beast, has nice height at 6’1, awesome after the catch ability, and is the most NFL ready receiver in this class behind Crab (I also wouldn’t mind DHB or Britt).
You also mentioned us considering Britton, but no way would I pick him over one of the stud WR’s either. I’d only consider Oher at 18, as we signed OL Frank Omiyale and are gonna get St. Claire back at RT opposite LT Chris Williams.
My Response:
I agree that receiver is a need, but like I’ve told many e-mailers this week, I could see receivers falling again like they did last year. I only have 2 WRs in the first round for that specific reason.
I feel as though the Bears are way too conservative to draft a receiver in the first round. Plus, it’s not like defensive end and right tackle don’t need to be addressed.
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