I don't know enough about Kevin Smith to say if he'll succeed or not. 450 carries last year is a concern. But getting drafted by Detroit makes him a serious fantasy sleeper because he'll have a chance to start sooner than later.
Jamaal Charles is a very interesting pick by Kansas City. While he's more of a third-down threat, they could have flexibility to dump Larry Johnson next year if he doesn't bounce back quickly. He adds some explosiveness to the backfield that LJ and Kolby Smith lacks.
The Patriots finally started getting younger at linebacker. Might be a year late, but Jerod Mayo and Shawn Crabel will be IDP players to watch. The Pats also picked up a second rounder in 2009 from the Chargers (and a fifth) by trading out of the third round. San Diego continues to trade away picks.
Early Doucet fits in nicely in the slot in Arizona, although that hurts his long-term value if Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald stay there long-term.
Earl Bennett is added to the quagmire at receiver in Chicago. He can compete for snaps immediatley.
Dan Connor could be an IDP sleeper as Dan Morgan's replacement.
Steve Slaton is probably only a third-down back, but landing in Houston gives him a chance to matter. Their running back roles are wide open.
Mario Manningham lands in a nice spot to make an impact down the line in New York. He'll be the fourth receiver initially, but should allow them to drop Amani Toomer in another season. Ron Jaworski doesn't think he gets enough seperation, the NFL Network crew likes him.
The Kevin O' Connell pick will spark a lot of discussion. Many ranked him as the fifth quarterback in this class. The stats are ugly, so FO's projection system that is based on starts and completition percentage won't like him. But he tests out as the top athlete at his position in the draft and Ron Jaworski thinks he's uncannily accurate and blamed any struggles on his teammates. Jaws was right on with Matt Moore a year ago. Looks like Matt Cassell isn't long for New England.
The Bengals appear to be planning for life without Chad Johnson by taking another wideout.
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Comments
I think Kevin Smith came in underrated and landed in one of the better spots for a RB. The last time the Lions took a 2000 yard college back worked out pretty well.
Earl Bennett just became the best receiver on Chicago's roster. I'm surprised the Bears didn't make a late play for another QB (with half the 7th left).
Posted by: Chad Ferguson | April 27, 2008 05:23 PM
Those Patriots know LB. They obviously wanted Mayo badly, and they moved down to take him as a better value.
Shawn Crable, although not rated excessively high, almost looks like a Mike Vrabel clone to me. I think thats a pick that is going to pay high dividends in the end.
How does anybody trade a 3rd Rd pick, and get a 2nd Rder in return? Mind boggling.
This team always reloads. Pricks!
Posted by: DoobieBros | April 28, 2008 09:46 AM
I think the lauding of the Patriots draft is a bit heavy on here. Everyone who evaluates talent says they're reaching but because guys they've taken in the past have panned out, they get a pass from fans. I would rank their draft among the worst in the league this season.
Posted by: DJOmaha | April 28, 2008 04:03 PM