2009 NFL Draft

Seminoles DE Brown to go pro
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January 7
ESPN.com
 
"Florida State junior defensive end Everette Brown told ESPN on Wednesday that he will enter the NFL draft. Brown, 6 feet 4 and 252 pounds, had 13½ sacks this season and 21½ tackles for losses, ranking among the nation's leaders. Brown will be one of the top speed rushers in the NFL draft. Scouts Inc. draft expert Todd McShay has Brown rated as the ninth player in his Top 32. "This is a business decision," Brown said Wednesday. "I can bring the whole package as far as a guy who can get up the field quickly and will also study the playbook everyday and work hard." Brown said he's been told he could be among the first 20 picks in the draft. "I have always tried to take a little bit from the ..."
Sources: Stafford, Moreno to leave Georgia for draft
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January 7
ESPN.com
 
"Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and running back Knowshon Moreno, who led the SEC in passing and rushing this season, respectively, are expected to announce Wednesday that they will enter April's NFL draft. Multiple sources with knowledge of the players' decisions said Moreno was definitely leaning toward entering the NFL draft, but said Stafford had wrestled with his decision for several days. Stafford, a junior from Highland Park, Texas, might be the first player selected in the draft, according to Todd McShay, director of college football scouting for Scouts Inc. who also does NFL draft analysis for ESPN. The strong-armed passer set a Georgia single-season record with 25 touchdown ..."
Lewis to use Senior Bowl to scout
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January 6
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"For the second time, Marvin Lewis and the Bengals' coaches have been selected as one of the staffs for the Senior Bowl, which takes place Jan. 24 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala. "Coaching in the Senior Bowl was very valuable to us in 2004, and we are excited to once again have this opportunity," Lewis said in a release. "The top talent is always going to be at this game, and there's nothing like the evaluation you can get from actually coaching these players in practice and game situations." Lewis and the Bengals coached the North squad in the 2004 game, which lost to the South 28-10. In the draft that year, the Bengals selected three players who participated in that game - Keiwan ..."
Norwood says he'll hold off on draft
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January 5
ESPN.com
 
"South Carolina linebacker Eric Norwood , who led the Southeastern Conference in sacks, said Monday he has changed his mind and will return to school. "I've been looking at some of the guys from last year who increased their draft stock by returning," Norwood, a 6-foot-1, 253-pound junior, said. "So I changed my mind. I like the security that returning to school will provide.""
Top corner Davis to go pro
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December 22
ESPN.com
 
"Illinois junior cornerback Vontae Davis will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL draft. The two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection could be the first cornerback selected in April's draft. Davis' older brother, Vernon, plays tight end for the San Francisco 49ers. "It has been a goal of mine for a long time to have the opportunity to play in the NFL," Davis said in a statement. "I thank coach [Ron] Zook and all my teammates at Illinois who have helped me get to this place. Because I was able to get on the field early at Illinois and because coach Zook believed in me so much, I think I am ready for the new challenge that professional football brings.""
Mays delays draft talk
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December 22
Orange County Register
 
"USC junior safety Taylor Mays isn't shying away from NFL draft talk, and he isn't stressing out about it either. "It's not hard to deal with," Mays said after Sunday's practice. "I think about it, but I'm able to focus and take care of business." Mays knows he will have a business decision to make by Jan. 15, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the April draft. Pro Football Weekly ranks Mays as the No. 1 draft-eligible safety, and ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has Mays as the top safety among underclassmen. With a workout that is expected to have scouts double-checking their stopwatches, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Mays probably is bound for the first round. He has discussed his status with ..."
O'Dea grad Taylor Mays has NFL in his sights
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December 17
Seattle Times
 
"USC safety Taylor Mays was named to the Walter Camp All-American team last week, which is good news for Mays but not necessarily great for the Trojans. As Mays concludes his junior year, there is less for him to accomplish, and he appears headed toward an early entry in the NFL draft. "If I'm up there [in the top 15], I think even [Trojans coach Pete Carroll] will tell me to leave," said Mays, who was named a first-team AP All-American on Tuesday. Mays admitted he frequently imagines playing in the NFL next season. "Yeah, I think about that," Mays said. "It might get to me, but I need to stay focused. If I let it get to my head, it could mess me up and be a negative. But I'm a positive ..."
Bengals on clock, almost
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December 8
Cincinnati Enquirer
 columnist Paul Daugherty
"With 1:13 left in the first half, Indianapolis cornerback Kelvin Hayden picked off Ryan Fitzpatrick and ran the ball back 22 yards to the Bengals' 15. Two plays later, Peyton Manning threw to Marvin Harrison in the right front corner of the end zone, as easy as yawning. The point-after made it Indy 14, Bengals 3, at which time I smacked myself awake and dialed up long-time draft guru Jerry Jones. Probably, the Bengals' massive personnel "department" won't need Jones' advice. They get as much information as the 31 other teams in the NFL. But what the heck. This could be the earliest I've ever started discussing the NFL Draft, which I love like back pain. Got a better idea? From his home in ..."
Leaping to the NFL?
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December 2
Florida Today
 
"Florida junior linebacker Brandon Spikes, one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which honors the best defensive player in college football, told FLORIDA TODAY he intends to petition the NFL's draft advisory board to find out about his draft status. Spikes is UF's leading tackler and a two-year standout who came into his own this season, returning two interceptions for touchdowns. While quarterback Tim Tebow and receiver-running back Percy Harvin may also petition the NFL, Spikes is the first Gator to announce his decision to check on his draft status. "It's kind of like a dream come true," Spikes told FLORIDA TODAY, of having a chance to play in the NFL. "It's something an ..."
O's like their options for No. 4 draft pick
May 21
Baltimore Sun
 
"For the second consecutive year, the Orioles pick in the top five in baseball's first-year player draft, and the club's philosophy is simple: Emerge with a top-quality player, regardless of the position. "Baseball is not a draft where you draft need. It's not the NFL," Orioles president Andy MacPhail said recently. "I just want them to get the guy that they think will be the most productive big league player." After snagging Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters with the fifth overall selection last year, the Orioles will pick fourth on June 5. It's the highest the Orioles have selected since 2002, when they took Canadian left-handed pitcher Adam Loewen at No. 4."
Grading the NFL Draft
April 29
Florida Today
 
"Buffalo Bills: Taking a wide receiver -- their biggest need -- at No. 11 would have been a reach. They got the highest-rated cornerback in the draft in Leodis McKelvin, then took 6-foot-5 receiver James Hardy in the second round. Other than those two picks, though, nothing very exciting. Grade: C+"
Rick Gosselin's NFL draft analysis
April 28
Dallas Morning News
 
"The Cardinals needed to address their pass defense, which ranked 28th in the NFL last season. CB Rogers-Cromartie was a steal at 16 and defensive ends Campbell, Iwebema and Harrington can help dial up the heat up front."
Picking the NFL's winners and losers
April 28
Los Angeles Times
 
"Let's be honest: It's almost impossible to say which teams are winners and losers in the immediate aftermath of the NFL draft. It takes at least two years to figure out the true diamonds, dogs, reaches, bargains and busts of any draft class."
NFC Draft Report Card
April 28
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"The trade for Lorenzo Booker and the additions of return man Jackson and Laws give the Eagles three guys who should be able to make a contribution right out of the gate. Multiple picks in the fourth round made Ikegwuonu an affordable investment."
AFC Draft Report Card
April 28
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Flacco will need time to develop, but second-rounder Rice should be a nice immediate complement to Willis McGahee."
Mike O'Hara grades the draft
April 28
Detroit News
 
"Ryan was the best quarterback in the draft, but Baker was a reach lower in the first round. Lofton will strengthen the interior defense. Six of the last seven picks were on defense."
Grading the NFL draft
April 28
Kansas City Star
 
"Rodgers-Cromartie will be making a big jump from Division I-AA football to the NFL but doesn’t have to start right away. Campbell did not reach his potential at Miami and fell deep in the second round. Doucet lacks speed but will be third receiver, replacing Bryant Johnson."
NFL Draft Winners and Losers
April 28
Washington Times
 
"1. Kansas City: The Chiefs had six of the first 84 picks and seem to be committed to rebuilding. They drafted the best-rated player (defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey) and an immediate offensive line starter (Branden Albert) in the first round. Later, they added cornerback Brandon Flowers and running back Jamaal Charles."
Grabbing Bargains In The Later Rounds
April 28
New York Post
 
"Because the NFL opted to begin its draft at 3 p.m. Saturday instead of noon, only two rounds were completed. The Post looks at the most impressive picks from Day 2. Both the Jets and Giants made the list and former Jets and Giants coach Bill Parcells, who did a great job in the first two rounds for the Dolphins, kept it going."
Dolphins add big block to rebuilding effort
April 27
Miami Herald
 
"At the end of a cul-de-sac on Mulberry Lane, a few blocks from the cornfields and tractors that make this place home, a new black Ford F-250 pickup is waiting in Jake Long's driveway. The street where the new anchor of the Miami line grew up is simple, nothing like the circus that is the NFL Draft in New York."
Dolphins hopes riding on Long
April 27
Miami Herald
 columnist Dan Le Batard
"It was exhausting to watch the The Newest Hope work the room on this, his first day officially representing the Miami Dolphins to the world. ''I've got to stop sweating,'' giant Jake Long said to himself in the bowels of Radio City Music Hall, taking off his Dolphins baseball cap and wiping his brow with the sleeve on his expensive beige suit."
Rams go Long
April 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Chris Long wants to see the Gateway Arch as soon as he gets to St. Louis. The Rams want to see sacks from Long as soon as he gets here. Straying from their final board to address a major need, the Rams selected Long, a defensive end from the University of Virginia, with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft Saturday."
Rams drafted the man more than the player
April 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 columnist Bernie Miklasz
"In one respect, the Rams' draft process worked to perfection. Billy Devaney was brought in to run the show, and he did. Devaney's influence carried the day when the Rams made Virginia defensive end Chris Long their first-round draft pick, and the No. 2 overall selection."
Falcons draft QB Ryan
April 27
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"The suspense -- and the Michael Vick era -- are over. With their first pick in the NFL draft Saturday, No. 3 overall, the Falcons selected Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan."
Raiders Take McFadden
April 27
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Raiders owner Al Davis spoke. Glamorous size and world-class speed trumps glaring need. He proved it by taking Arkansas running back Darren McFadden with the fourth overall pick of the NFL draft Saturday, with Raiders coach Lane Kiffin nodding in agreement afterward."
Selection of explosive back is about winning now
April 27
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Nancy Gay
"But with that $31 million quarterback, JaMarcus Russell, now the full-time starter, this is a win-now year. Running back Darren McFadden may not have made the most sense. But he was the win-now pick."
LSU defensive tackle Dorsey has too much upside to pass up
April 27
Kansas City Star
 
"Glenn Dorsey could stop sweating now. The big defensive tackle sat in New York and talked about moving to Kansas City and how hot it gets for a 300-pound man in the room where they keep the top draft prospects."
Chiefs make good picks for a bad team
April 27
Kansas City Star
 columnist Jason Whitlock
"The glaring hole in Glenn Dorsey’s game was made obvious Saturday afternoon. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards announced that with Dorsey’s acquisition journeyman defensive tackle Alfonso Boone will move to left defensive end. Boone’s flip to end indicates that Turk McBride, Kansas City’s second-round pick a year ago, is a flop."
Jets select Ohio State's Vernon Gholston with No. 6 pick
April 27
New York Daily News
 
"Addressing their sorry pass rush, and perhaps swiping a player from the rival Patriots, the Jets picked Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston in yesterday's draft. It was anti-climactic, considering the build-up surrounding McFadden, but the offensively challenged Jets later made an aggressive move for a less celebrated playmaker."
Darren McFadden and Matt Ryan go early, so Jets take Vernon Gholston
April 27
New York Daily News
 columnist Gary Myers
"It took just a few painful minutes for the Jets to first lose Matt Ryan, their potential quarterback of the future, and then Darren McFadden, who would have provided the burst their singles-hitter offense desperately needed."
Saints call an audible and trade up to get their man
April 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"They made no secret about their desire to land one of the top two defensive tackles, calling every team that picked ahead of them to talk about trading up. And eventually they got their man, Southern California defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, by moving up three spots to No. 7 overall."
It's wait-and-see for Saints defense
April 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 columnist Peter Finney
"If Glenn Dorsey wasn't just being modest, if he knows what he's talking about, Sean Payton took a giant step toward mending his team's Achilles' heel in drafting Sedrick Ellis, a 6-foot-1, 307-pound tackle from Southern Cal."
End arounds
April 27
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"The future is now. That was the message from the Jaguars on Sunday when they made a bold move to improve their pass rush by trading up to select defensive end Derrick Harvey of Florida and Quentin Groves of Auburn in the first two rounds."
Harvey happy, not surprised
April 27
Jacksonville Times-Union
 
"Jaguars defensive line coach Ted Monachino hid out in his office during the first round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, thinking there was no way his team would land the guy he coveted. Interestingly, that guy - Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey - thought otherwise."
Bengals bamboozled
April 27
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"The Bengals selected a fine player at No. 9 in Southern Cal linebacker Keith Rivers, a sure-handed tackler who should help upgrade the run defense. But the Bengals ignored defense again in the second round, giving in to the temptation to add a wide receiver from a small school who played against sub-par competition and doesn't even return kicks."
Character now part of Bengals' draft focus
April 27
Dayton Daily News
 columnist Tom Archdeacon
"Before the NFL draft, Arthur Rivers said he had only one lasting impression of the Cincinnati Bengals: "I was watching ESPN, and I saw one of their players, Frostee Rucker, spit on another guy at practice. I told my son, 'That's not the kind of pro — not the kind of teammate — you want to be. You can be just the opposite of that.' " Now Keith Rivers will get that chance."
Pats trade down, add Mayo at 10
April 27
Boston Herald
 
"The way they dealt with New Orleans, moving down from the No. 7 spot to the No. 10 position after the pieces played out, merely is the latest example of how well they play the draft game. In Tennessee’s Jerod Mayo, they selected a linebacker who will allow them to get younger at the position, especially if he’s as good as the Pats had him rated."
What did this team need? To get young at linebacker
April 27
Boston Herald
 
"Finally, a young linebacker. The position where the Patriots most desperately needed an infusion of youth received just that yesterday with the somewhat surprising selection of Tennessee’s Jerod Mayo with the 10th overall pick in the NFL draft."
Bills turn corner at draft
April 27
Buffalo News
 
"The Bills filled a big need by drafting Troy University cornerback Leodis McKelvin with the 11th overall pick. He gives them another weapon in the defensive backfield to contend with the Patriots’ passing offense, which is the best in the NFL."
Draft nudges the Bills another step forward
April 27
Buffalo News
 columnist Jerry Sullivan
"I can’t promise you that Leodis McKelvin will be a Pro Bowl defensive back one day, a true lock-down corner. I can’t guarantee that James Hardy is the second coming of Michael Irvin, a big, dynamic wide receiver who will turn a perennially weak offense into one of the NFL’s best."
Broncos bolster left side
April 27
Denver Post
 
"Ryan Clady was able to share his special moment with about 150 of his favorite loved ones. His younger brother and two younger sisters were the