Notes From Lombardi: Day 1 Recap

Mike:

What did you think about the Seahawks taking Curry? I know lots of teams had him as the #1 player, but they traded Julian Peterson because they had too much money wrapped up w/their LB's. Curry will make more than either of them now. Julian had a proven record of getting sacks and the one thing unknown about Curry is if he had the pass rush skills.

Just answered my own question. Hill's franchise tag just got pulled. He's a free agent.

Anybody wanna riddle me as to why the Broncos would trade a first round pick, albeit a 2010, for a 2nd round pick and then use it on Alphonso Smith? I guess they feel that pick is going to be in the mid to late 20's next year. But still, a 1st round pick for a 2nd!? Looks like McDaniels is getting a little too cute in his new digs.

You deserve a pat on the back, by the way, for all the heat you took predicting the Raiders would take Heyward-Bey and that Maulaluga wouldn't be picked in the first round.

'S gonna be fun looking back on all this stuff.

Aherm, Maualuga

Here in Titletown, the Browns-Jets trade at 5 and the Raiders pick of Heyward-Bey at 7 set up an unexpected dilemna for the Packers with pick nine--Crabtree or Raji? Although you can never have too many weapons on offense, GM Ted Thompson made the right choice by picking Raji. One of the strengths of the 13-3 team two seasons ago was a deep D Line rotation. One of the weaknesses from last year's 6-10 team was a very thin D Line that couldn't stop the run. Despite moving to a 3-4 with only one true tackle on the field, Raji's quickness may allow him on the field at DE occasionally, lined up alongside Pickett. Certainly, this gives the Pack a pair of massive tackles for the occasion 4-3 and goal line sets. If former first rounder Justin Harrell can finally contribute anything and if Cullen Jenkins comes back from his injury, the Packer D Line may again be a team strength.

As for the rest of the NFC North, I give the Lions and Bears high marks. The Lions perhaps got the best players at two positions with Stafford at QB and Pettigrew at TE.

Even without a Day One pick, I give the Bears very high marks for trading their number 1 for a proven, young NFL QB. Cutler adds instant excitement in Chicago and breathes new life into the Bears-Packers rivalry. Cutler v. Rodgers should be quite entertaining the next few years.

As for the Vikings, they chose the "character risk" Percy Harvin. Will the Love Boat set sail again in Minnesota?

The Broncos have gone off the deep end. They traded what will probably be a top 5 pick next year for a nickel cornerback. Denvers biggest need was front 7 help on D and they drafted only one player. How are we going to convert to a 3-4 without any players that fit that system? I guess McGenius thinks we can it all with 4th round picks.

I'll accept the premise that the best strategy is to take the best athlete available, I was puzzled that Buffalo, which already has 2 first rounders and and All Pro in it's defensive backfield, could take another safety in hte 2nd round. This is a team that doesn't have a starting Sam linebacker or tight end, and has only 4 OL players with NFL experience under contract. Any suggestions, other than Ralph Wilson is going senile???

Somehow, some way, Jets fans will still find a way to label Mike as anti-Jets for this piece. Loved their trade up to take Sanchez, I've always thought his personality and skills are a perfect fit their. And that trade was a thing of beauty - gave up one pick and three depth players.

Also loved GBs trade back into the first to get Matthews, especially after landing Raji. A very bold move from TT for a guy that's a much better fit in this D than most of the pundit's preferred picks. Yeah, you need some pass rush from your OLB but this position is LINEBACKER, not PASS RUSHER. Most pundits expected Parcells or Belichick to be the one to take this guy.

I still hate the Stafford pick but they definitely did the right thing in following that pick up with Pettigrew. Yes, they could use an upgrade at tackle and they're full of holes on D but Pettigrew is the best blocking TE in the draft, he'll make their run game better, he'll make their passing game better, and he's a good red-zone target.

As a lifelong JETS fan I don't think Mike is anti-Jets at all, this franchise has a history of not making the best personnel decisions and not winning anything except for the Super Bowl that changed the game.....it is difficult for Jets fans to see past the history and actually believe something positive is going to happen for this team.
One thing about the franchise that I really like right now is that they are aggressively pursuing what they want rather than sitting back and hoping something drops into their lap. Will they be successful remains to be seen, I have my doubts about Sanchez but these guys know a lot more about rating QB's than I do.
Question for Mike; Do you think it is better to target guys like Tannenbaum has been doing the last few drafts or trade down and get a lot of picks into camp a la Bellechick this year?

Great deal for the Jets. Not happy to see Sanchez in the AFC East vs my Pats.

You gotta admire the way Tannebaum operates. Seems like he has kindred spirit in Ryan. They are aggressive.

Jets are on the move.

Patriots get an A in management of draft/trading for 2009 from me.

1) Trade entirely out of 1st round: increase of value/spread the wealth for a team already stocked across the board. This translates into unheard of depth in cap era.

2) In Chung (34th overall) they drafted a true successor to Rodney Harrison, a mean hard-hitter who finishes plays.

3) They were projected to draft Butler at #23, and draft him at #41 instead. They get the same talent at half the price.

4) They draft Brace who is a true NT, and provides depth behind Wilfork (we had none last year, Wallace doesn't count because he is not NT). Also some insurance if Wilfork's agent ask for Haynesworth numbers.

5) Traded into next year: Patriots now have 3 second rounders for 2010 which means leverage to trade vertically.

6) Took on fringe projects (Tate and McKenzie) that have great potential but high risk. Example: Tate has two torn ACL, but was initially projected as 1st/2nd rounder because he graded high in separation ability.