Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Dexter McCluster
RB/WR Ole Miss

5'8" 165 lb.
Senior

Week 11 vs. Tennessee
25 rushes for 282 yards and 4 TDs, 4 recs for 42 yards

In one of the most lopsided games on the SEC calendar this season, the Ole Miss Rebels gashed Lane Kiffin's Tennessee Volunteers and that was mainly due to the absolutely stellar play of one Dexter McCluster. McCluster helped his Rebels to a victory by running over and around every Tennessee player on the field including seasoned veterans like Eric Berry, Rico McCoy and Dan Williams.

The Vols didn't stand a chance when McCluster got into the open field as he showed his incredible agility and burst by making Tennessee defenders look stupid as he zipped by them and left them grasping at air. He did most of his damage off tackle but he was also a reliable option out of the backfield as well, hauling in 4 receptions for 42 yards.

However, there was one play that stood out, on the goalline, Jevan Snead pitched him the ball and he look it off of a John Jerry block and waiting for him was Eric Berry, the top defender in the NCAA last year who lay a hit on him, McCluster bounced off, used his balance to collect himself and fight down to the 1 yard line. A true testament to the toughness of this running back. Congrats Dexter, a name none more fitting seeing as he carved up the Vol defense.

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Mark Ingram
RB Alabama

5'10" 212 lb.
Sophomore

Week 10 vs. LSU
22 rushes for 144 yards, 5 recs for 30 yards

Well, we had John Clay here last week and yet another Sophomore running back turned on the burners and made his mark (no pun intended) and that was the star Alabama running back Mark Ingram. It is just astounding to think that Alabama might be better off when Glen Coffee declared early for the NFL because now Ingram is getting the bulk of the carries and he is making teams pay.

Ingram went up against a pretty stout LSU defense and he ripped em' to shreds, it seemed that every time he got ball in his hands, be it on a hand off or a reception it was like he was always going for a first down and gaining huge chunks of yardage at a time. LSU didn't have an answer for him and he single handedly saved the game for McElroy who made some really bad mistakes but had them glossed over because of a big play to Julio Jones and a win against #9 ranked LSU.

Ingram will be an amazing back in the NFL as he can do everything and more that a team wants their running back to do. He can catch, run and block and he will no doubtedly be a first round selection whether he comes out two years from now or after his senior season, he'll only get better and the team the drafts him will be getting a stud in this writer's honest opinion.

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

John Clay
RB Wisconsin

6'2" 247 lb.
Sophomore

Week 9 vs. Purdue
24 rushes for 123 yards and 3 TDs

Wisconsin is a team who love the big and bruising backs and John Clay is the next in line in a long line of talented backs. The most famous is Ron Dayne who is among the NCAA elite when it comes to rushing and P.J. Hill was looking to follow in his footsteps before subpar and injury filled junior season. Regardless of their past trials in the NFL, John Clay has all the potential to be a dominant runner in the NFL.

Clay loves to run inside and out, he'll punish you by lowering his shoulder into your face, he can run around you and he can stiff arm your helmet off. The boy is talented and then some and has all the size and skills a NFL team would love. To me, he reminds me of a Brandon Jacobs, LeRon McClain type of back, a physical, between the tackles and goalline back.

It'll be interesting to see what he does in the NFL, as it currently stands he could be part of a pretty stellar running back class that includes Alabama standout Mark Ingram, Virginia Tech's Darren Evans, Oregon State speedster Jacquizz Rodgers and Georgia's Caleb King. A pretty good crop of potential Senior RBs and John Clay could easily be among the best of the bunch.

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Ricky Stanzi
QB Iowa

6'4" 218 lb.
Junior

Week 8 vs. Michigan State
11/27 for 138 yards and 1 TD

This game against Michigan State may not have been his best statistical output of the year, but it really shows how Stanzi is coming into his own as a NCAA quarterback. I am very impressed with his decision making, his accuracy and his poise. He's found a great target in tight end Tony Moeaki. I like his size and athleticism transitioning to the NFL and I think by this time next year he should be setting himself apart from the other potential senior QBs looking to make it big in the NFL.

Stanzi is part of the reason why Iowa is still undefeated and looking at a potential Big 10 crown. I like Iowa to win out the rest of the season and potentially make a case as the darkhorse for the National Championship. With Stanzi at the helm, the sky is limit for Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes.

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Max Hall
QB Brigham Young

6'1" 201 lb.
Senior

Week 7 vs, San Diego State
27/39 for 348 yards and 3 TDs, 14 rushes for 47 yards and TD

Max Hall is the versatile magician running the BYO freight train offense alongside future NFL draft picks Harvey Unga and Dennis Pitta. But, this article is about Max Hall and his great Senior season so far and how he projects as a future NFL QB. Like an earlier article I wrote on Case Keenum from Houston, Max Hall has a lot of the intangibles required to be a NFL QB, save for the size as he's a bit short at 6'1" and a bit slight at just a hair over 201 lbs.

Max Hall has a solid arm and good accuracy, he can easily take over a game once he gets into a zone. He can shred a defense with the simplest of ease when he is ready to go, he is also dangerous on the run as well. It is best shown how in the stat line above to the tune of 395 total yards and 4 total TDs against a rusurgent San Diego State defense. Max Hall projects to be a late round selection in the forthcoming 2010 draft but if he sits for a year or two in the right system, he could take over in the future, but he is likely destined to be a high level back up in the right system (WCO/Spread).

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Brandon Spikes
LB Florida

6'3" 258 lb.
Senior

Week 6 vs. LSU
11 tackles, 2.5 sacks, FF

Brandon Spikes is a mountain of a man at linebacker, he has prototypical NFL MLB size and plays with incredible intensity and range. In the LSU game, Spikes took control of the interior and he was nearly unblockable coming on the pass rush and stuffing the run. Hilt and Hebert couldn't seal him in space and he was able to run free and cause all sorts of havoc against LSU.

Spikes offers scheme versatility for NFL teams as being able to play ILB in a 3-4 or a 4-3. He has the speed to play sideline to sideline, he can make tackles in the run game and stuff it behind the line of scrimmage, he is a solid blitzer as is evident with his 2.5 sacks against the LSU front five and he is deceptively good in coverage. He will no doubt be an early 1st day selection and probably an early candidate for DROY 2010, he'll provide a team with an immediate upgrade and provide an immediate impact.

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Jacory Harris
QB Miami

6'4" 190 lb.
Sophomore

Week 5 vs. Oklahoma
12/28 for 202 yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs

Jacory Harris has helped bring the Hurricanes back to National prominence after a few shaky years when they were just average including breaking the 14 or so year streak of Miami Hurricane players getting drafted in the first round. Now, I don't think another will be drafted this year unless Eric Moncur plays lights out, but, two years from now, we could be looking at the start of a whole new streak when Harris become draft eligible.

Jacory Harris is a bit slight at 190 lbs. on a 6'4" frame, he is built like a wide receiver but he plays like a quarterback. He doesn't needlessly scramble, he is always trying to keep his eyes downfield to make plays and more often then not he does. He helped lead Miami from behind to beat the juggernaut Oklahoma Sooners. This is a defense with many potential stars, especially along the defensive line and although he was pressured and sacked very early on in the game he didn't let it get to him and made the big time throws to not only keep Miami in the game, but ultimately win it for them.

Harris will be an interesting prospect to watch in the coming years and if he keeps getting better and is maybe able to fill out that 6'4" frame a little better, he definitely has a shot at being a franchise signal caller for a team playing on Sunday.

-Matty

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Chad Jones
S Louisiana State

6'3" 231 lb. Junior

Week 4 vs. Mississippi State
7 tackles, 1 pass break up
93 yard PR TD


Louisiana State fans every should be thanking their lucky stars for the two sport athlete that is Chad Jones as he may have kept their National Championship hopes alive for at least another week by keeping them undefeated by narrowly edging out the Mississippi State Bulldogs 30-26 in a knock down drag out. Chad Jones put the Tigers ahead with an amazing 93 yard punt return for a score and then on the goal line was the reason that Anthony Dixon and the QB Lee didn't celebrate a huge upset win as he was in the right place at the right time to deflect a play action pass to the tight end that would have sealed the win and helped on 4th and an inch with the game saving tackle.

Jones is a speedy and athletic safety who can also play in the box, off the hashes or in center field. He is an absolute beast at 6'3" and 230 lbs. he is built like Taylor Mays but may have better field awareness. He's only a junior right now but the future is bright for Jones if he continues to make plays like he has. No doubt LSU will rely on him when Tim Tebow and Joe Cox try and shred the Tiger defensive backfield.

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Jake Locker
QB Washington

6'3" 226 lbs. Junior

Week 3 vs. Southern California
21/35 for 237 yards
8 rushes and 1 TD


Though Jake Locker didn't have his biggest statistical output in the week 3 game against #3 ranked USC, Locker showed that he has the poise, the charisma and the intangibles that can help him lead a team on Sunday. Locker has the size, speed and strength to be a solid signal caller at the next level and that USC game proved it as he faced stiff competition with a subpar team and came out on top.

Jake Locker is known for his ability to improvise when the pocket breaks down but more and more this season he is sitting in the pocket and if his first read isn't open he progresses nicely instead of taking off. Granted, blocking from massive OT Ben Ossai helps out but Locker essentially puts the entire Huskie offense on his shoulders week in and week out and does what he can with them.

There is a good chance he will return to school to hone his craft and potentially up his stock where he could become a potential first overall selection in the 2011 NFL Entry Draft. As it currently stands, if he were to come out now I can't imagine him going earlier then round three just because of the more polished signal callers that will be entering this years draft. Regardless, Locker has a bright future and may be showcasing his talents for even bigger crowds on Sundays.

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Case Keenum
QB Houston

6'2" 210 lbs. Junior

Week 2 vs. Oklahoma State
32/46 for 366 yards and 3 TDs
5 rushes, 16 yards and 1 TD


Case Keenum has shown why he is one of the most prolific passers to come to the University of Houston by leading the 2-0 Cougar team past #5 ranked Oklahoma State. Case Keenum out performed opposing offense littered with potential NFL draft picks by lighting them up to the tune of 382 total yards and 4 touchdowns.

Case Keenum has solid mechanics and skills and could be a future NFL star if he can overcome the pass happy Cougar offense and turn his spread offense mechanics into under center mechanics. He has a strong enough arm, he has decent accuracy and he is sneaky athletic when moving around the pocket and making things happen when said pocket breaks down. He projects right now to be a mid-late second day pick if he were to come out this year, but if he waits a year and goes back to hone his skills he could easily move into the second round much like his predecessor Kevin Kolb.

Keenum has 725 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2 games this season, but the game against #5 Ok. State will put Houston on the map as a potential BCS buster and if Keenum can keep it up he might have a chance at some Heisman votes.

Freshman to Watch: Defense

Manti Te'o
LB Notre Dame

Freshman
6'2" 244 lbs.

Week 1 vs. Nevada
2 solo tackles

This freshman linebacker didn't have the biggest impact in his first game but he is definitely going to be something special in the future. The strength and speed he has at his size is incredible. On one play he lined up at the line of scrimmage and rushed the passer, he was pushed past the passer by the OT and as the QB stepped in the pocket and took off, Te'o easily caught him from behind showing some of the most amazing burst I have seen in awhile.

Te'o is a prospect who may not see the NFL in awhile because he's said he wants to go on a two year mormon mission in 2010 which means he probably won't see himself declaring until he is about 22 or 23 (he's 18 now) but he could very well have all the essential skills needed to be a LB in the NFL, but until then he is just going to continue making plays for the a tough Fighting Irish defense.

Future NFL Prospect of the Week

Michael Floyd
Notre Dame WR

6'3" 220 lbs.
Sophomore

Week 1 vs. Nevada
4 recs. 189 yards 3 TDs

Michael Floyd played opposite the incredibly talented Golden Tate during his freshman season and without a doubt learned a thing or two as he exploded out of the gate against a solid Nevada Wolfpack team for 189 yards and 3 touchdowns. He showed incredible speed, strength and poise as he hauled in 4 passes from Jimmy Clausen and bolted to the endzone.

Floyd has the typical size and speed that will no doubt make him a prospect to watch this season and next as he prepares himself for a likely long career in the NFL as draft scouts will be salivating over his potential. He could easily be the next Terrell Owens with his size and skill set and I look forward to see what he'll do to opposing defenses this season.

2009-2010 NFL Fantasy Football DEF Rankings

This is the final post about the All Day Football Fantasy Guide to the 2009-2010 Season. Lastly, we've got the game changing Defense/Special Teams units. DEF/ST units can make or break a game, if your defensive team gets blown out, there is a possibility that you could be blown out. If your special teams unit however destroys the other team and scores mass amounts of points with DEF TDs and KR TDs then there is a good chance you could cake walk the week. So here are the top 10 DEF/ST units.

Top DEF/ST:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Bye Week 8)

2. Minnesota Vikings (Bye Week 9)

3. Chicago Bears (Bye Week 5)

4. Tennessee Titans (Bye Week 7)

5. Baltimore Ravens (Bye Week 7)

6. New York Giants (Bye Week 10)

7. Philadelphia Eagles (Bye Week 4)

8. Miami Dolphins (Bye Week 6)

9, San Diego Chargers (Bye Week 5)

10, Carolina Panthers (Bye Week 4)

2009-2010 NFL Fantasy Football K Rankings

This is the fifth post about the All Day Football Fantasy Guide to the 2009-2010 Season. Next up for you we've got the extra points of your fantasy team which is a rangey and clutch kicker. Kickers are people too and they help you on Fantasy Sunday with clutch kicks to give you that edge you need to pull out a victory and here are the 10 guys that will best serve your fantasy team this upcoming season.

Top Ks:

1. Rob Bironas, Tennessee (Bye Week 7)

2. Stephen Gostkowski, New England (Bye Week 8)

3. Mason Crosby, Green Bay (Bye Week 5)

4. Neil Rackers, Arizona (Bye Week 4)

5. Josh Brown, St. Louis (Bye Week 9)

6. Robbie Gould, Chicago (Bye Week 5)

7. Nick Folk, Dallas (Bye Week 6)

8. David Akers, Philadelphia (Bye Week 4)

9. Nate Kaeding, San Diego (Bye Week 5)

10. Kris Brown, Houston (Bye Week 10)

2009-2010 NFL Fantasy Football TE Rankings

This is the fourth post about the All Day Football Fantasy Guide to the 2009-2010 Season. Next up for you we've got the grunt of your fantasy team which is a solid outlet for QBs young and old, the old fashioned tight end. Tight ends aren't the statistical giants of your fantasy team but they can help you in a pinch especially if your team has a young qb or nothing else to throw to so ADF is going to help you in your drafts because tight end is such a tough position to rank so here is our top 10 list for TEs.

Top TEs:

1. Jason Witten, Dallas (Bye Week 6)

2. Antonio Gates, San Diego (Bye Week 5)

3. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta (Bye Week 4)

4. Dallas Clark, Indinianapolis (Bye Week 6)

5. Greg Olsen, Chicago (Bye Week 5)

6. Dustin Keller, New York (Bye Week 9)

7. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay (Bye Week 8)

8. Owen Daniels, Houston (Bye Week 10)

9. Chris Cooley, Washington (Bye Week 8)

10. John Carlson, Seattle (Bye Week 7)

2009-2010 NFL Fantasy Football WR Rankings

This is the third post about the All Day Football Fantasy Guide to the 2009-2010 Season. Next up for you we've got the flare and dynamic firepower of your fantasy team which is a couple of speedy and diva wide receivers. Wide receivers have been gaining more and more steam in fantasy leagues, especially in point per reception leagues and ADF is going to help you in your drafts because wide receiver is such a vital position and can be so versatile so here is our top 20 list for WRs.

Top WRs:

1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona (Bye Week 4)

2. Andre Johnson, Houston (Bye Week 10)

3. Calvin Johnson, Detroit (Bye Week 7)

4. Randy Moss, New England (Bye Week 8)

5. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis (Bye Week 6)

6. Greg Jennings, Green Bay (Bye Week 5)

7. Roddy White, Atlanta (Bye Week 4)

8. T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Seattle (Bye Week 7)

9. Brandon Marshall, Denver (Bye Week 7)

10. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City (Bye Week 8)

11. Steve Smith, Carolina (Bye Week 4)

12. Marques Colston, New Orleans (Bye Week 5)

13. Anquan Boldin, Arizona (Bye Week 4)

14. Wes Welker, New England (Bye Week 8)

15. Vincent Jackson, San Diego (Bye Week 5)

16. Terrell Owens, Buffalo (Bye Week 9)

17. Roy Williams, Dallas (Bye Week 6)

18. Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh (Bye Week 8)

19. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay (Bye Week 8)

20. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota (Bye Week 9)

2009-2010 NFL Fantasy Football RB Rankings

This is the second post about the All Day Football Fantasy Guide to the 2009-2010 Season. Next we've got the backbone of your fantasy team which is a couple of efficient, hard hitting and yard gaining running backs. A couple good RBs can take your team from weakness to strength and ADF is going to help you in your drafts because running back is such a vital position so here is our top 20 list for RBs.

Top RBs:

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota (Bye Week 9)

2. Michael Turner, Atlanta (Bye Week 4)

3. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina (Bye Week 4)

4. Matt Forte, Chicago (Bye Week 5)

5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville (Bye Week 7)

6. Steve Slaton, Houston (Bye Week 10)

7. Chris Johnson, Tennessee (Bye Week 7)

8. Steven Jackson, St. Louis (Bye Week 9)

9. Frank Gore, San Francisco (Bye Week 6)

10. Clinton Portis, Washington (Bye Week 8)

11. Brandon Jacobs, New York (Bye Week 10)

12. Marion Barber, Dallas (Bye Week 6)

13. LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego (Bye Week 5)

14. Ronnie Brown, Miami (Bye Week 6)

15. Ryan Grant, Green Bay (Bye Week 5)

16. Pierre Thomas, New Orleans (Bye Week 5)

17. Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia (Bye Week 4)

18. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis (Bye Week 6)

19. Derrick Ward, Tampa Bay (Bye Week 8)

20. Knowshon Moreno, Denver (Bye Week 7)

2009-2010 NFL Fantasy Football QB Rankings

Here is the first line of posts about the All Day Football Fantasy Guide to the 2009-2010 Season. First we'll start off with the driver's seat of your team in your primary signal caller, the quarterback. A good QB can be the difference between a first place finish and going home the loser, not to mention losing a guy like Brady can have you pulling your hair out so here is our top 10 list for QBs.

Top QBs:

1. Drew Brees, New Orleans (Bye Week 5)

2. Philip Rivers, San Diego (Bye Week 5)

3. Tom Brady, New England (Bye Week 8)

4. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis (Bye Week 6)

5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay (Bye Week 5)

6. Kurt Warner, Arizona (Bye Week 4)

7. Jay Cutler, Chicago (Bye Week 5)

8. Matt Schaub, Houston (Bye Week 10)

9. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia (Bye Week 4)

10. Tony Romo, Dallas (Bye Week 6)

2009 NCAA Pre-Season Rankings:

It's been a long time coming but Matty and the All Day Football team has got the top 25 teams for the upcoming NCAA 2009 Season. Some selections will surprise, others will not but when it all boils down to it, here are the teams that I think will be ones to watch when it comes to post-season bowl and BCS games.

Top 10

1. Florida Gators - Surprise, surprise, the defending National Champions are #1 on my pre-season list. Although they lost talented receivers Percy Harvin and Louis Murphy the Gators have a wealth of talent at running back and not to mention King Tebow is still at school looking for a second Heisman and a third National Championship. Mix the high octane offense with a suffocating defense including Dunlap, Cunningham, Spikes and Haden and the Gators could easily three-peat.

2. Oklahoma Sooners - The Big 12 Champion is going to be a two horse race between Texas and Oklahoma and I think that Oklahoma has the edge since they return 2008 Heisman winner Sam Bradford, two 1000 yard rushers in Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray and a nasty nasty defense with 3 potential first round defensive linemen (Granger, McCoy and English), I think Oklahoma will be a very dangerous team.

3. Texas Longhorns - The Longhorns actually bested the Sooners last season but lost out on a big time BCS Bowl Game but with Colt McCoy back at the helm and a pretty solid receiving corps still intact and a great offensive line the Longhorns could easily find themselves playing long into December and maybe even a game in January but they'll have to go through the Red River Shootout to get there as I feel the winner of that game will represent the Big 12 as Champ.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions - The Nittany Lions felt a lot of big time losses this past season with losing Aaron Maybin, Gerald Cadogan and receivers Deon Butler and Derrick Williams but they will still be a force in the Big Ten as they return QB Daryl Clark who is an electric playmaker along with running back Evan Royster and a defense with yet again some of the best linebackers in the country with the returning Sean Lee and emerging Navarro Bowman. I think Joe-P has another potential BCS contender on his hands.

5. Southern California Trojans - Despite big time losses on defense the Trojans still look to be the class of the Pac-10 and having Pete Carroll outside of the top 5 in pre-season rank just seems silly. It looks as though the Trojans will have an incredibly potent offense despite losing Mark Sanchez at QB. They can rely on the beastly backfield including Stafon Johnson, C.J. Cable and CBK (Cut Back King) Joe McKnight along with the best offensive line in the country and some of the best wide receivers with potential 1st rounder Damian Williams leading the way.

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish - If there is any year for Weis to get a National Championship win it is this year, he has Jimmy Clausen playing efficiently, he has a solid offensive line led by Sam Young at left tackle and an emerging receiving group who could prove to be one of the nation's best. The Fighting Irish could easily be among the top 5 when the season ends and could see themselves playing for a ring especially if they can get by Carroll's tough as nails Trojan team.

7. Alabama Crimson Tide - Nick Saban had a dominant Crimson Tide team last year but they lost a lot of players including passer John Parker Wilson, RB Glen Coffee, LT Andre Smith, C Antoine Caldwell and defensive leader Rashad Johnson. That is pretty brutal and a newcomer at QB is going to have to rely on the former freshman phenom Julio Jones. Luckily they return a pretty solid defense including potential first rounder Rolando McClain.

8. Mississippi Rebels - In past season, losing multiple first rounders and a bunch of draft picks would cripple the Rebels but Head Coach Houston Nutt still has a great team that will compete game in and game out in the amazingly tough SEC. Jevan Snead is the leading man and could easily be the #1 overall draftpick when the season is out and despite losing Michael Oher and Peria Jerry, the Rebels still return a great offensive and defensive line including future first rounder DE Greg Hardy (so long as he can bounce back from injury).

9. Ohio State Buckeyes - Buckeyes had a brutal season last year and lose defensive leader James Laurinaitis and offensive work horse Chris Wells but they return Terrelle Pryor with a new knowledge of the game and playing experience and should be a big help. The Buckeyes still have a solid defense but will have to find a vocal and physical presence to replace Baby Animal's production on the inside and Donald Washington and Malcolm Jenkins on the outside.

10. Oklahoma State Cowboys - The Cowboys are on the outside looking in when Big 12 contention is the subject but with the triad of Zac Robinson at QB, Dez Bryant at WR and RB Kendall Hunter leading the offense the Cowboys could surprise a lot of teams. Though they do play Texas and Oklahoma, if they surprise those two top 3 teams then the Cowboys could vault themselves right into BCS conention.

The Rest:

11. Virginia Tech Hokies

12. California Golden Bears

13. Brigham Young Cougars

14. Georgia Bulldogs

15. Boise State Broncos

16. Louisiana State Tigers

17. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

18. Iowa Hawkeyes

19. Texas Christian Horned Frogs

20. Illinois Illini

21. Pittsburgh Panthers

22. Nebraska Cornhuskers

23. California, Los Angeles Bruins

24. South Florida Bulls

25. Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles

There you have it folks, my top 25 teams for the upcoming 2009 NCAA Division 1-A season.

2009 NFL Draft Grades

So as is customary after the NFL Draft, it is time to rate the classes per team. I'm not going to go into great detail over all of them but I will address teams who I thought did a great job in drafting, did a mediocre job and teams that really need to improve their scouting and front office staff.

Best Draft Classes:

Jerry Reese and the Giants showed why they are the such a great team year in and year out, they had multiple picks with few needs and filled those needs while getting certain players with tremendous value. The best pick by far was Hakeem Nicks, one of my personal favourite players in the entire draft and ranked #25 on my big board. He fills an immediate need and will help Eli Manning out now that Plaxico is no longer an option. They got tremendous value in the 2nd round with Clint Sintim who is another favourite of mine and wrapped it up with a potential franchise LT in William Beatty, a talented and low mileage back in Andre Brown and a very talented possession wide receiver in Cal Poly's Ramses Barden. Amazing work by Reese and company.

Grade: A+

I think the Bengals surprised a lot of people with their drafting strategy and I gotta say I think it will pay serious dividends for this franchise. They got an absolute mauler in the run game with Andre Smith, a lot of people want to knock him for his immature offseason but the kid has immense talent and will likely be the day one starter. The Bengals got good value with their second rounder Rey Maualuga who many projected to be a mid 1st round guy. Then they got a HUGE steal with Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson in the third round and followed it up by finally getting a tight end who can stretch the field in Chase Coffman. They also got good value on guys like Luigs who will replace what they lost at center in the free agency along with role player/projects like Clinton McDonald, Morgan Trent and Bernard Scott. They also got a boomin' Punter!

Grade: A

The Cleveland Browns quietly had a superb draft, they got a lot of players who can contribute from day one and have set themselves up pretty nicely. The reason they don't get a higher grade is for allowing a team like the Jets to get so much for so little. Mangini got a couple of his Jet scrubs and two selections, hardly seems worth it for the number 5 selection. But the remainder of their draft was solid, they got an amazing player in Mack who could start at C or OG. They got two great receiving options to compliment (or replace) Braylon Edwards. They got some good developmental corners in Carey and Francies and great value on linebackers Maiava and Veikune who could be immediate impact players in situational spots and on special teams. They also got a solid back late in James Davis.

Grade: A-

Best of the Rest: Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots.

Mediocre Classes:

The Rams had a decent class last draft and followed it up with a decent class this year. Nothing ground breaking, nothing revolutionary, just basic and essential. They picked what they thought was the #1 tackle in Jason Smith from Baylor who will give them some mean on the outside. They got a solid inside backer in Baby Animal and added quality depth throughout the remainder of the draft, solid but nothing that will change the franchise dramatically.

Grade: B-

The Detroit Lions had their first decent class in awhile, the Matt Millen era is long gone but some of the effects are still being felt. I just can't understand why with Michael Oher sitting there at #20 they went with a blocking tight end who has trouble stretching the field in Brandon Pettigrew. I think the Lions had a solid draft, they weren't a mover and shaker like other teams but they quietly addressed their needs and helped the team out. Nothing ground breaking, but a couple bad picks. DeAndre Levy was a huge reach and then grabbing another blocking tight end late in the draft? Not a big fan.

Grade: C+

The Vikings had few picks and addressed most of their concerns but it really isn't all that ground breaking. The get Percy Harvin who is decent but will probably need time to develop and may see the brunt of his work in the slot. Loadholt is a solid RT, Asher Allen isn't big or physical enough to play the Cover 2, Jasper Brinkley is a steal and Jamarca Sanford could be a nice project. But all in all, fairly forgettable.

Grade: C

Best of the Rest: Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers.

Worst Classes:

The Broncos had a lot of picks and didn't do a lot with them. They are trying to make the transition to a 3-4 and didn't get any of the essential parts where they need it. No NT, no 5-Tech and the DE they did draft is more likely a base 4-3 end then a stand up backer. Moreno was a good pick but considering the ridiculous amount of backs on the Denver roster it seemed like overkill and they got rid of a lot of future picks for subpar talent. Not a very great draft in my opinion.

Grade: D

The Chiefs had plenty of ammunition to start building their roster and they failed pretty miserably. They got a nice first rounder in Tyson Jackson, whom I love. But after that, the draft just looks fairly pathetic. Magee is an UT and lacks the size and range to be a 3-4 DE, Donald Washington is a year or two away from being NFL ready and the rest of the no names just seem like reaches. A fairly terrible draft.

Grade: D-

Terrible, just absolutely terrible. I know Al Davis loves speed but jeezum crow. Reach city all over the board. The only good picks were Louis Murphy and Stryker Sulak and that won't save this class from getting the lowest grade.

Grade: F

"Best" of the Rest: Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints.

There you have it ladies and gents, the 2009 NFL Entry Draft Grades courtesy of All Day Football.

-Matty