Author Archives: NFL Draft News Feed

Rookie Review: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2010 NFL Draft Class–

(1-24) Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: He was the showstopper many expected him to be, and a whole lot more. Bryant’s phenomenal leaping ability and body control allowed him to come down with balls that most receivers would only dream of holding on to. His strength and agility after the catch also proved to be an asset, not to mention the fact that he was a terror as a special teams return man as well. Alas, the only thing that stands in the way of the wide out’s superstardom is his sometimes defiant attitude when it comes to studying the playbook and listening to coaches. Wow, just what the NFL needs: another diva at the wide receiver position. What a novelty! Grade: A

(2-55) Sean Lee, ILB,

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Team Needs: New England Patriots

New England Patriots: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2011 NFL Draft–

  • OLB – Finding a big-play outside pass rusher would help elevate the Patriots defense immensely as they try to regain the dominant status they possessed during their Super Bowl run. Veteran Tully Banta-Cain saw his sack total cut in half, from ten in ’09, to five in ’10. He will be 31 years old and is better utilized as a role player. Plug-ins Rob Ninkovich and Jermaine Cunningham are solid but can be improved upon.
  • DE – The Patriots were able to count on Gerard Warren week in and week out. The feisty 330-pound lineman has publicly stated that he would like to return to New England and that feeling should be mutual. Adding some more beef to the mix would be viewed as

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Rookie Review: Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2010 NFL Draft Class–

(3-75) Major Wright, SS, Florida: The flashy young safety was the talk of training camp early on, as he continually turned heads with way he was jumping routes and getting his hands on passes. Wright’s regular season, though, was marred by lingering hamstring issues, which caused him to miss some time and limited his development. In addition, the promising defender got caught out of position on some big plays by the opposition. The future looks bright if he can stay in one piece going forward. Grade: C

(4-109) Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern: The imposing 6’7” end spent much of his rookie season on the practice squad. Wootton’s primary focus this past year was to prepare for the speed of the pro game, as well as to learn new

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Team Needs: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2011 NFL Draft–

  • CB – The Dallas secondary regressed significantly in 2010 due to some flat out poor play from Michael Jenkins, who time and again made poor decisions, jumped the gun early on too many occasions and was a liability that the defense could not cover up. While Orlando Scandrick played well at times, he is viewed as a number three cornerback who prefers zone coverage. Possibly the most alarming concern was the play of Terence Newman, whose skills have begun to erode at age 32. Major reinforcement is mandatory in both free agency and the draft.
  • FS – This area has been a weak spot on the roster for several seasons. It’s time to simmer expectations on Alan Ball and deal with the realization that he

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Rookie Review: New England Patriots

New England Patriots: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2010 NFL Draft Class–

(1-27) Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers: A terrific shutdown corner with incredible leaping ability, McCourty anticipates routes and does an excellent job of supporting the run. It didn’t take long for the New York native to establish himself as one of the best at his position. Grade: A+

(2-42) Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona: “Gronko” proved to be a competent in-line blocker and sure-handed pass catcher who can pluck the ball out of the air. He can also steamroll the competition after the catch. Grade: A

(2-53) Jermaine Cunningham, OLB, Florida: Cunningham showed glimpses of his pass rushing prowess but often wasn’t able to finish the play once he made contact with the quarterback. He must also defend the run better. Grade: C

(2-62) Brandon Spikes,

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Team Needs: Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2011 NFL Draft Class–

  • OT – After flopping at left tackle, 2008 first round pick Chris Williams was shifted to guard and has battled injuries—he trying to shed the ‘bust’ label. The Frank Omiyale experiment at left tackle drew mixed reviews and the team would like to ultimately move him back to the interior of the line. If Chicago can acquire a reliable player on the left side, it would strengthen the depth and help upgrade the guard position.
  • C – The ultra-durable Olin Kreutz started all 16 regular season games for the eighth consecutive season. However, the 34-year old did show his age and appears to have lost a step. He is currently a free agent and could return as an insurance policy, but expect the Bears to begin to

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Rookie Review: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2010 NFL Draft Class–

(2-43) Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas: It’s hard to label anyone a “bust” only one year into his pro career but the Ravens may never be able to get anything out of this investment. In addition to fracturing his skull after falling down a flight of stairs, which landed him on injured reserve, Kindle was arrested for driving under the influence in late December. The long, athletic pass-rusher’s physical and character issues may be too much for his team to deal with. Grade: F

(2-57) Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama: The 349-pound human colossus, also known as “Mount” Cody, improved significantly toward the end of the season. He was clearly more mobile and physical down the stretch. The larger-than-life space eater should continue to be a stout and

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Team Needs: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2011 NFL Draft–

  • QB – Matt Hasselbeck has expressed his interest in returning to Seattle after their playoff loss in Chicago and Seattle seems to be interested in keeping him. Seattle and Hasselbeck have both known that the quarterback’s career is winding down; it’s time for Seattle to start looking for their new face of the franchise—questions remain whether Charlie Whitehurst is the answer.
  • DB – Seattle’s defensive backs gave up nearly 250 passing yards per game last season, sixth worst in the league. With safeties Jordan Babineaux and Lawyer Milloy, as well as cornerback Kelly Jennings all up for bid in free agency this offseason, Seattle needs to replenish their secondary.
  • DT – Starters Kentwan Balmer and Colin Cole are the only two defensive tackles not entering free agency

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