Dunson Checks In With Post Draft Thoughts

    Given JaMarcus Russell’s reported battle of the bulge was it wise to draft a running back that reminds him of the fast food empire every time he hands off?  Probably not.  Chances are Russell pulled a hamstring(whoops just got him hungry) jumping for joy when he mistakenly heard he was going to have McDonalds in his backfield.

    I hope the Steelers plan to actually develop Dennis Dixon as a quarterback and not as a Slash type player as they did with Kordell Stewart.

    Erik Ainge is the future of the Jets franchise, and Steve Slaton will be a 1,000 yard back for the Texans. 

    It appears the 49ers are going to stand pat with Alex Smith or Shaun Hill behind center for one more season.   

    DeSean Jackson was destined to become a Philadelphia Eagle.  He was projected to go to them with the 17^th pick, but somehow last 32 more picks until the 2^nd round. 

    Am I the only one anticipating the first time D.J. Shockley hands off to Thomas Brown?  The Falcons are quickly becoming the NFL version of the Charlotte Bobcats, whose franchise is stocked with Tar Heel connections(Larry Brown, Michael Jordan, Ray Felton, Sean May, Brandon Wright briefly.)

    Only time will tell whether Jerry Jones’ unbridled affinity for his alma mater clouded his judgment and prevented him from snagging Rashard Mendenhall who was perceived as the best running back on the board.  I’ve been high on Jones’ potential for while now.  Just like McFadden, Jones ran recklessly through and around SEC defenses and likely would have boasted numbers just as gaudy as Mendenhall if he hadn’t shared the workload with his Heisman caliber backfield mate.  But it’s not as if Mendenhall doesn’t come without questions of his own after producing only one noteworthy season in a somewhat gimmicky shotgun spread offense.

    It's interesting how the Cowboys philosophy has changed so drastically in their frantic search for a Super Bowl or at least a playoff victory since the uptight Bill Parcell’s walked away.   A decade ago when the Super Bowl drought was only at 2 years, they passed on the incomparable Randy Moss because of evident character concerns, but in the past 3 years have rolled the dice on Terrell Owens, Tank Johnson and Pac-Man Jones.  They even expressed serious interest in disgruntled and outspoken receiver Chad Johnson.

    Now undrafted rookie free agent Marcus Dixon is the latest addition to this new band of ‘Controversial Cowboys’ after signing a 3 year, 1.1 million dollar contract.  While Dixon doesn’t have so much in the way of character concerns, he does have an interesting past with the legal system dating back to his senior year in high school.  Dixon, was once a top defensive end in the Southeast carrying a 3.96 GPA when he became the subject of national controversy through the miscarriage of a child molestation, statutory rape law which garnered him a 15 year prison sentence after admitting to having consensual sex with a 16 year old white girl.  While his sentence was repealed a year later, his scholarship to Vanderbilt was retracted, and no one would take a chance on him until Hampton University lent out a hand.  Wins and losses aside though, I’ve gained a ton of respect for Jerry Jones for his willingness to dole out second chances in an unforgiving league.

    Colt Brennan as a Redskin is conflicting to me because while I don’t want to see Jason Campbell fail miserably as a starter I never saw the logic behind gambling on him in the 1^st round of a historically weak draft for quarterbacks and I really like Colts moxy(at least in college).Chris Mortensen made an interesting point when he mentioned a conversation with an anonymous GM, who said a West Coast offense similar to the one implemented in Seattle would be conducive to his talents and allow him to flourish.  1^st year Redskins head coach Jim Zorn was offensive coordinator for the Seahawks(who ironically eliminated the ‘Skins from the playoffs).  

    After waiting, waiting, napping and then waiting some more for Andre Woodson, who as late as November was considered the top senior quarterback by Mel Kiper Jr., to be drafted, he was eventually drafted into the worst possible scenario.

 I’ve never seen a players stock take such a radical dip south in such a short period.  It’s inexplicable how a 6’5, cannon armed pocket quarterback with a bevy of SEC and national records, respectable athleticism could plummet from the first round into 3^rd or 4^th round projections and eventually the 6^th round because of a hitch in his delivery and a marginal Wonderlic score. Inexplicably, after shattering the all-time record of 271 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, Woodson was branded a bad decision maker by scouts.  Matt Ryan who throws interceptions when he rolls out the bed in the morning is labeled a gunslinger hmmm.. 

With Eli Manning’s newfound cult hero status in the Big Apple, Woodson’s development won’t receive a lot of attention in the Giants offense and it’ll take a stroke of fate for Woodson to ever make a name for himself.  This now gives the Giants 3 Kentucky quarterbacks—Andre Woodson and both of Jared Lorenzen.  With any luck, Woodson draft at #198 can hopefully emulate the 199^th pick of the 2000 Draft, Tom Brady.

Bold Prediction:

Last Pre- Draft Thoughts

• Tommy Blake- 2008’s Quentin Moses?
• Merits of Tarvaris Jackson vs. Josh Johnson
• As the Debate Rages on between Gholston and Long at DE, who comes next?: Merling, Campbell, Lawrence Jackson or Derrick Harvey?

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Sad Tale of Tommy Blake: 2008’s Quentin Moses?

In the commotion surrounding this years deep crop of talented defensive ends, there is one pass rusher who has seen his stock rise to it’s peak before dipping to it’s depths.  Entering the 2007 college football season TCU defensive end Tommy Blake was on the lookout for All-American, other national honors as the top pass rusher in the nation and drawing lofty comparisons to Dwight Freeney for his sheer athleticism. 

After taking a sabbatical from the team for undisclosed reasons which was later revealed to be the result of a bout with depression and social anxiety disorder.  Blake eventually returned to the team for the final four four games collecting 4 sacks, and 8 TFL among 21 tackles.  <!--[endif]-->

At TCU’s Pro Day last month, Blake took a giant step to rebuilding his tarnished draft stock by running a 4.75 40, and completing 23 reps on the bench surpassing likely first rounders Calais Campbell and Merling.   

However, there is also another draftee from 2007 who can relate.  Following an All-SEC first team, All-American caliber performance as a junior in 2005, Georgia DE Quentin Moses was projected as a top 15 draft pick.  However, after spurning the draft to return to Athens for his senior campaign, Moses was underwhelming and eventually slipped to the Oakland Raiders in the 3^rd round before getting cut on September 1. He was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals on September 2, 2007. but was mysteriously released a month later.  A month later, Moses recorded his first career full sack on November 26, bringing down Ben Roethlisberger during a Monday Night Football contest.  Blake is now graded behind ends such as Curtis Johnson of unaccredited Clark Atlanta, Brian Johnson of Gardner-Webb, Jason Jones from Eastern Michigan and Kendall Langford of Hampton.

 Josh Johnson vs. Tarvaris Jackson

 Everyone is quick to debate the merits of Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson vs. current prospect Josh Johnson as mobile D1-AA quarterback prospects with pro potential.  However, Johnson is renowned for a characteristic which Tarvaris Jackson has failed to grasp even as a professional.  Jackson was an erratic, inaccurate passer in college with a slingshot arm as opposed to Johnson, who is the NCAA’s all-time passing efficiency leader with a 176.7 career rating-- with a slingshot arm.  In his two seasons as a starter Jackson’s completion percentages were 52% and 60%.   In Johnson’s 3 years as a starter his completion percentages hovered around 70%, 66% and 70%.  Johnson is the definition of a late bloomer after arriving at San Diego as a 5-10 freshman, he now stands at 6-3 and was once referred to by former NFL quarterback and Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, (and brother to the new Ravens head coach, hint.. hint..)as the best quarterback in the nation. 

In addition, their touchdown production as pocket passers doesn’t even put them in the same stratosphere.  In three seasons as a starter Johnson threw 113 touchdown passes to a miniscule 15 interceptions including his senior season when he accumulated 43 touchdowns and 1 interception.  In two seasons Tarvaris Jackson passed for 20 and 29 TD’s respectively as well as 13 interceptions and 24 crippling sacks as a senior.  In actuality, Johnson equates more to Tony Romo, with scrambling ability if s play breaks down(he rushed for 700 yards in his senior season)as an unfinished product then he does to Jackson. 

For a mobile quarterback Johnson possesses some of the best mechanics seen since Randall Cunningham and Steve Young.  Former coach Jim Harbaugh was once quoted sayin if there was an SAT for football, Johnson would crush it” in regards to his football IQ.  With 4.4 speed, Johnson possesses great footwork, drops back quickly, doesn't aim but drops theball in the right spots and doesn't tip off the secondary with his throws.  Most importantly, Johnson can stay in the pocket and doesn't get jittery under pressure.

The fact of the matter remains that if Johnson and Jackson were prospects in the 2008 Draft, Johnson would likely get off the board a round higher.  I'd heard the whispers about him in the preseason mentioned behind Brian Brohm, John David Booty, Matt Ryan, Erik Ainge and Chad Henne. If things go accordingto plan, someday it'll be the other way around.

NFL Gattaca

The battery of tests that NFL Draft prospects were subjected to at the NFL Combine and at Pro Day’s across the country reshaped this draft and future of franchises for years to come. It's the moment when 4 years of collegiate production along with 18 years of body and mind calibrations are compressed into tenths of a second and single reps of weight worth millions each.  

After witnessing the resuls of the spectacles that were the combine, the various Pro Day’s and their impact on draft positioning and each prospects career expectations I realized it's purpose resembled the premise of the motion picture, Gattaca, revolving around a not to distant future when children are genetically enhanced before birth and the few remaining “natural” babies in society called “invalids” are discriminated against and relegated to menial jobs because of their weak genetic makeup. 

Unfortunately, for the NFL’s batch of young talent, this is no cinematic adventure.

            Conversely, the NFL Combine and Pro Day workouts have become an hostile environment where athletes put their freakish skills on display solely to distinguish the “valids” from the “invalids”.  While collegiate production is tossed aside mad scientists known as scouts denigrate young men for under performing on these exams and relegate them to the late rounds of the draft.  

However, for every Calvin Johnson type physical specimen, there are a plethora of “Vincent Freeman’s”, born with physical limitations, but with the mentality, determination and instinct to eclipse expectations and convince us “There is NO Gene for the human spirit”.  In a future, where genetic engineering of humans is common and DNA plays the primary role in determining social class, Vincent is conceived and born without the aid of this technology.

Following a series of events, he assumes the identity of “Jerome Eugene Morrow”, a former swimming star who, despite a genetic profile "second to none", won only a silver medal in a high-profile competition in order to achieve his life-long dream of becoming an astronaut.

The story centers on the irony of the perfect Jerome failing to succeed despite being given every advantage while the imperfect Vincent transcends his deficiencies through force of will and spirit.  And such is the tale of the NFL combine.

           The Ultimate “Vincent Freeman” emerged from the 1987 Draft when the 49ers selected a sure handed, collegiate record setting receiver turned off suitors by displaying mediocre straight line speed and agility at the combine.  Hardly an intimidating physical presence, Rice managed to parlay his acumen into a record shattering HOF career and the undisputed measuring stick for which all receivers are measured. 

Ultimately, the Draft Combine also helped launched a litany of over hyped “Jerome Murrow’s” into the early rounds of the Draft.  The antithesis to Jerry Rice’s story was the failure of Johnny “Lam” Jones who possessed the greatest physical attributes.

      After the successful career of gold medal winning Cowboy’s receiver Bob Hayes the New York Jets decided to take Texas Longhorns receiver, Johnny “Lam” Jones with he second overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft.  Since Jones was a world class sprinter with an Olympic gold medal, the perception was that he could beat any coverage, but unlike Hayes had trouble catching the football.  Hayes’ impact had also lead to the development of the zone defense and bump and run coverage which negated Jones’ value.   He was essentially more of an athlete than a receiver and took 5 seasons to record 138 receptions, reach 2,000 yards and manufacture 13 touchdowns.  

        Honestly with the rate, ESPN’s draft crew is growing, they should seriously consider hiring a guy before Saturday who after each draft pick is announced, Chris Berman turns to him and asks his opinion just he can blurt out whether they’ll fail or flourish in their situation.  If anything I can put this in a time capsule, look back at this in a few years pat myself on the back or laugh at my ineptitude.  

“Vincent Freeman” Group (Bad Combine Great College Players, Better  Pro’s), Ex: Troy Smith, Jerry Rice, Anquan Boldin, Marion Barber, Justin Tuck

Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky

Andre Woodson improved drastically as a junior and senior into arguably the best senior quarterback in the nation and despite posting one of the fastest 40 times for quarterbacks at the combine, his stock has declined because of a minor quirk detected in his throwing mechanics.  However, scouts have conveniently forgotten Woodson’s masterful season in a pro style offense in the country’s toughest conference and have criticized his slow wind up release.  In contrast to Matt Ryan, he actually rose in the big moments.

There was his 6 touchdown 430 yard duel against Tennessee’s Eric Ainge or his last second heroics in a flawless 4 touchdown performance against Louisville.  “Wait there’s more!”  Need I mention how he carved up the nations most intimidating defense in LSU before following it up with a 35/50 415 yard and 5 touchdown, 0 interception mural against Florida.

Matt Ryan may become a good pro, but in my mind his Thursday night thriller against Virginia Tech along with Boston College’s surprising undefeated start vaulted him up the rankings and made him one of the most over hyped prospects I’ve seen in a long time.  ESPN highlights didn’t emphasize his 48 % completion percentage.  In fact on four occasions last season, Ryan couldn’t hit water jumping from a boat finishing with a mediocre completion percentage below 50% against NC State, Virginia Tech, Florida State and Michigan State.

Darius Reynaud, WR, West Virginia

Reynaud is not so much disrespected as he is under appreciated.  I could spout off about his blinding speed or quickness but Reynaud best compares to Florida’s Percy Harvin and the Patriots’ Wes Walker.   Despite playing in a run oriented offense that played 5 top 25 defenses, Reynaud was a threat in the red zone on every trip down the field, catching 12 touchdown passes and is even more dangerous after the catch with the escapability of a gnat on an open field. 

Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon Ducks-

Dixon’s pro career can take three separate routes at his point

a)      take his long arms , height and and athletism to become an impact WR or pedestrian WR ala Matt Jones and Antwaan Randle-El.

b)      get drafted at quarterback only to fail just as miserable as fellow Oregon Alumni’s Joey Harrington and fellow one year wonder Akili Smith who has detroyed all credibility for Oregon qb's.

NFL Early Entry Draft: Live From Disney World

In the year 2008, 18 year olds can play professionally in basketball, baseball, and in sports such as soccer, tennis, and golf.  Athletes have played professionally as early as 14 years old.  Unfortunately, as we learned from the sacrifices of Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams, the NFL continues to enforce it's age limit more rigorusly than the Constitution's decree on presidential candidacies . 

But what if things turned out differently and the NFL had followed the NBA's example regarding Spencer Haywood and Moses Malone over three decades ago. 

If we were honest with ourselves, we'd realize a college degree, nor the academic skills needed to succeed in college, are required to play professional sports. Therefore, requiring academically marginal athletes to attend college in order to participate in professional sports benefits none of the interested parties and is akin to forcing future comedians to attend DeVry.

With the threat of a new league on the horizon, what if the NFL had not countered the Clarett lawsuit and ushered in an entire generation of Marcus Dupree's, who starred in the USFL as a 19 year old phenom.  Despite being considered the most talented running back of all-time, Dupree's name has been lost in the annals of football lore as the result of devastating injuries to his knees, abrupt collapse of the USFL and time.  ("Bo Jackson was also a frosh in '82 and had a phenomenal year. But no one was foolish enough to compare Jackson to Dupree." If you want to get an idea of how good he really was watch this video.) However, whether preps-to-pro's athletes succeed or not should not depend on the decision of the commisioner's arcane rule but rather the choice of the NFL's individual organizations.

As one NFC scout put in 2004, "It's a unique circumstance. We aren't in the business of scouting freshman although, I guess, that might become part of the job if (Clarett) wins his case."

Well, although, it didn't happen then that time has come for the NFL, so welcome to the 1st Annual High School and College Underclassmen Draft.  Besides the occasional infraction for featuring their newest stars in Coors Light Super Bowl commercials, this should go on without a hitch.

The name is long so to condense it we’ll just call it the NFL’s Early Entry Draft. Set just a week before the NFL Draft, this unpredictable draft process, could potentially shape up the next week’s NFL Draft. As most first’s are the kinks still have to be worked out, however, the influx of talent from future NFL Draft selections will make this one of the strongest fields ever.  

So after hours of studying film… on YouTube, I present the 1st Annual Early Entry Draft: Live From Disney World and brought to you by the equally youthful E-Trade baby who shares a philosophy with most of these draft picks. "Alot of people think they're to young to invest the future of a franchise in them but a) don't worry about and b) they just look young and soon you'll be seeing them score touchdowns, No Big Deal!" The picks are reversed from the order of the NFL Draft, therefore the Super Bowl champion New York Giants are on the clock with the 1st pick. Here comes NFL commissioner Roger Goodell: