Blog Archives

Atlanta Falcons – Everyone knows the Falcons are looking to win right now with their blockbuster trade to move up and take wide receiver Julio Jones. They also traded up later on to get running back Jacquizz Rodgers. While both of these players should help the team, there is still a question mark at defensive end. John Abraham is 33 and the only real threat they have. They may go after someone in free agency or hope that seventh round pick Cliff Matthews will pan out.

16) Jacksonville Jaguars – Ryan Kerrigan, Defensive End, Purdue

The Jaguars greatly improved the inside of their defensive line in last year’s draft and will look to fix the edges this year. Kerrigan was a three year starter and an Academic All-American who was very productive on the field. Jacksonville managed almost no pass rush down the stretch and Aaron Kampman is coming off his second ACL tear in two years.

17) New England Patriots – Aldon Smith, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Missouri

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons are on the league’s most solid teams, with few holes at any position. With tight end Tony Gonzalez getting up there in age, the team should consider bringing in some young talent at the position. Defensive end is also an area to add some youth as John Abraham is approaching his mid-30’s and likely won’t be able to maintain his high level of play.

We are getting in to the home-stretch of the NFL season where the teams that can truly win under pressure separate themselves from the talented teams that can’t function under pressure (ahem, Dallas). With that said, if you are going to bet on Super Bowl futures, you can get some pretty good deals if you think you know which teams have the right make up to win in high-pressure situations.

A Look Back – Things didn’t go so well for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009, but no one was really expecting much for a team in rebuilding mode. First year HC Raheem Morris wasn’t all that impressive, but at least he had his team playing hard at times. Tampa Bay flirted with a winless season for awhile, but one must remember that this was a team that beat some solid teams, including the New Orleans Saints on the road and the Green Bay Packers at home.

Winners

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy is perfect for them and they got him exactly where he should go.

Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry is exactly what they needed. They might have been able to trade down a few spots and still pick him, but Berry is exactly what they needed.

Seattle Seahawks: Russell Okung probably shouldn’t have fallen to Seattle, so great for them to pick him up. Earl Thomas is another great pick at 14. The Seahawks probably did the best of anyone on Day 1.