Author Archives: NFL Draft News Feed

Draft Blast: Cincy to Workout Joe Horn

Draft Bible Insider Bo Marchionte Presents ‘Draft Blast,’ featuring an intriguing perspective on future stars of the NFL.

“The lights are brighter,” was the reaction to the environment at the Ohio State Buckeyes’ pro day on March 11. It was there that receiver Joe Horn was fortunate to enough to perform in front 29 of the 32 NFL teams. “There were lots of things to shake your focus,” added Horn, and it’s not hard to understand. After all, he played his college ball for the Division II Ashland Eagles of the GLIAC, hardly a comparable atmosphere to that at Ohio State. However, once the adrenaline of the bigger stage ceased Horn found his comfort zone and his talent was evident.

For Horn, football wasn’t always his main focus. He grew up lettering in golf, soccer, basketball, track as well as football. “My entire life,

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Team Needs: Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2011 NFL Draft–

  • CB – The Lions defense is still a work in progress but they’re a lot closer than many believe. The next step in the rebuilding process is to land a shutdown corner.  Fortunately for Detroit, this is a deep class of cornerbacks and they’ll likely be able to add more than one defensive back in this draft.  Detroit has found a way to get to the passer but without a true shutdown corner, they’ll still struggle against the offenses within their division.
  • OT – If Detroit wants franchise quarterback Matt Stafford to live to see his next birthday, they had better add some offensive line help.  The patchwork right side of the line that features Stephen Peterman and free agent Corey Hilliard needs help in a major way,

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Rookie Review: Detroit Lions

2011 NFL Draft–

(1-2) Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: The man was a trained killer on the football field, one who continually overwhelmed blockers with his superhuman strength. What’s amazing about Suh is that he dominated without using a wide variety of pass rush moves, relying instead on his physical tools and first-step agility to disrupt offenses. The Oregon native registered 10 sacks in his first pro season and was named the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with being voted into the Pro Bowl. He is suddenly evoking comparisons to “Mean” Joe Greene. Lofty praise, indeed!  Grade: A+

(1-30) Jahvid Best, RB, California: Best shocked and amazed onlookers with his mesmerizing speed and ability to plant and accelerate in training camp. But although he offered glimpses of his explosiveness, Best’s year was a rather disappointing one due to two lingering turf toes that prevented him from

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Team Needs: St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2011 NFL Draft–

  • OG – The Rams did a terrific job filling both tackle positions in last year’s draft with the selections of Jason Smith (right) in the first round and Rodger Saffold (left) in the third round. St. Louis could once again look to strengthen the offensive line early in the draft after subpar performances from Jacob Bell and Adam Goldberg at the guard position. It is assumed that they will let Goldberg walk away in free agency. The team is hoping for John Greco to be healthy but banking on that is a gamble. An insurance policy is much needed here.
  • DT – When head coach Steve Spagnuolo arrived in St. Louis, he brought over a familiar face in Fred Robbins to help implement his

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Rookie Review: Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2010 NFL Draft–

(1-28) Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State: The forceful and agile end broke his leg during the season opener and was added to the injured reserve list as a result. Odrick was   impressive enough in the preseason to win a starting job. Grade: Incomplete

(2-40) Koa Misi, OLB, Utah: Misi proved to be a hard worker who was serviceable but   not outstanding in any one area. He did rack up 41 tackles and 4.5 sacks but actually   should’ve had a few more considering the constant double teams Cameron Wake was   facing on the opposite side. The youngster held up pretty well versus the run but needs   to expand his pass rushing repertoire of moves. Grade: C+

(3-73) John Jerry, OG, Mississippi: The Dolphins’ declining running attack, which dropped

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Team Needs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2011 NFL Draft–

  • DE – This has been a pressing need for quite some time. Jacksonville appeared to have found some help last off-season when they signed free agent Aaron Kampman. He provided some semblance of a pass-rush before suffering a torn ACL and missing the entire second half of the year. He is expected to return in time for training camp but this is his second such injury. Former first round pick Derrick Harvey has produced just eight sacks in three seasons. Overall, the Jags had just 26 total sacks—a number that must be improved upon to help get the defense heading in the right direction. It should be noted that Jeremy Mincey, Austen Lane and Larry Hart are developing players but none is a major force.

Rookie Review: St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams: Team Needs Rookie Review On The Clock Insider Podcast

2010 NFL Draft Class–

(1-1) Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: He was named the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year for his constant improvement throughout his first season in leading the Rams from a 1-15 record to a more respectable 7-9 total. Doubts about Bradford’s durability were completely put to bed, as the young triggerman took every one of his team’s snaps. He was far more than a caretaker at quarterback despite the lack of firepower at wide receiver. Grade: A

(2-33) Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana: Surprised his coaching staff by claiming the left tackle spot. Saffold proved to be a tremendous pass protector with great feet, balance and the ability to recover from mistakes. Grade: A

(3-65) Jerome Murphy, CB, South Florida: Combined impressive plays versus the run

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