Sergio Kindle Update

Sergio Kindle will not be allowed to report to Ravens' training camp for three weeks, meaning he will likely miss more time than that.  Expect eight year veteran Jarret Johnson to remain as a starter at OLB, and hopefully for Kindle he makes a full recovery.  I believe that once Kindle is cleared it will not take long for him to crack the starting lineup.

Terrell Owens to the Rams?

Bengals?  Right now, it looks like it will be one of the two.  The Rams certainly have a pressing need at WR, and no one would be happier about a TO signing than Rookie QB Sam Bradford.  The Rams currently have Donnie Avery (47 catches in '09) and Keenan Burton (25 catches) as their top two receivers, and the addition of a veteran like Terrell Owens would bolster their passing attack and help Bradford develop, but does TO want to join an offense that ranked 32nd in scoring with just over 10 points a game last year?  Do the Bengals really need another problem child wide receiver?  I can't imagine TO and Ochocinco getting along and splitting touches... It would just hurt their egos too much.

Prediction:  Terrell Owens signs with the Rams by tomorrow afternoon.  This is where he can be a feature WR and get more catches for himself.


Update: The Rams have decided against pursuing Terrell Owens.  Looks like he may end up with the Bengals, who seemingly have offered him a deal.  Even though he would potentially be a #2 receiver, this may be where TO ends up, as he has not drawn much interest this offseason after hauling in only 55 passes last year.

New York Jets 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record 9-7

Wins: Texans, Patriots, Titans, Raiders, Panthers, Bills, Bucs, Colts, Bengals

Losses: Saints, Dolphins (2x), Bills, Jaguars, Patriots, Falcolns

Biggest Playmaker Darrelle Revis

CB, Pittsburg, Drafted #14, 4^th year
Revis established himself as one of the top 3 corner backs in the NFL last year. He helped shut down countless big time players. With the addition of Antonio Cromartie, the Jets defense may be unstoppable this year.

Impact Player Nick Mangold

C, Ohio State, Drafted #29, 5^th year

In a 5 year span, Mangold has become the best center in football. He paved the way for the best rushing attack last year, and he is the signal caller for the best offensive line in the NFL.

Biggest Free Agent Addition Antonio Cromartie

CB, Florida St., Drafted #19, 5^th year

They actually acquired Cromartie via trade, but this had to be their biggest off-season transaction. The addition of Antonio Cromartie to the Jets secondary is just scary. In his first year as a starter in San Diego, Cromartie was a playmaker who racked up 10 interceptions and 19 pass deflections. Since then his production has fallen off, but if the 6’2”, 26 year old corner could return to his form all NFL QB’s should be pretty nervous. Revis and Cromartie could be the best cornerback tandem in the NFL this year.

Biggest Offseason Loss Thomas Jones

RB, Virginia, Drafted #7, 11^th year

The biggest loss for the Jets is Thomas Jones. They lost a guy who had 1300+ yards and 13+ touchdowns the last two seasons. They are replacing him with LaDainian Tomlinson who has been on the decline since his great year in 2006. It simply does not make sense from any standpoint. Losing a dependable back like Jones, and bringing in a wild card like LT and for some reason paying him more money is not a very smart move.

Biggest Draft Steal Joe McKnight

RB, USC, Drafted #112, Rookie

McKnight was supposed to be the next Reggie Bush at USC but never ended up having the same production. He has great speed, quickness and hands and at worst will be a good 3^rd down back that can help replace Leon Washington. Had Joe stayed in college one more year and not entered the draft after his junior season he would have had a good chance of being drafted in the first two rounds, so this is definitely a steal for the Jets.

Biggest Draft Reach None

Offseason Grade A-

Losing Thomas Jones could be a big loss, but they had a great offseason. Trading for Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes for low draft picks were great moves because they are low risk, high reward guys. They also had a very solid draft adding depth in the secondary, offensive line and running game. Adding a veteran like Jason Taylor can’t hurt either. If you are a Jets fan you have to be happy with how the offseason played out.

X-Factor Mark Sanchez

QB, USC, Drafted #5, 2^nd year

The Jets boasted the best defense and rushing attack in the NFL last year, the one piece they were missing, however, was a great passing attack. If Sanchez can put it all together the Jets could be the total package and a tough team to beat.

Name You Should Know Jimmy Leonhard

SS, Wisconsin, Undrafted, 6^th year

A former walk-on in college and was undrafted rookie, Leonhard got his first chance as a full time starter last year. He ended up playing all 16 games and racking up 76 tackles. At 5’8” Leonard is not afraid to deliver a blow and help out blitzing the QB. He is a fun player to watch and should only get better.

Rising Star David Harris

ILB, Michigan, Drafted #47, 4^th year

In only his 3^rd season as a pro Harris led the team in tackles with 127 tackles, and racked up 5.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles, some impressive numbers for an inside linebacker. Look for him to continue his success this year.

Offensive Outlook B+

The only thing that held the Jets back last year was their inability to pass the ball effectively every game. Sanchez has shown flashes of brilliance and if he could play consistently well the offense will be hard to stop. Look for RB Shonn Greene to have a possible break out season.

Defensive Outlook A

Somehow the Jets have been able to improve on last year’s number one rated defense. With the addition of some new key players and Rex Ryan blitzing scheme it would be surprising to see their defense not ranked in the top 5.

Special Teams Outlook C-

Losing Leon Washington, one of the best return men in the game will be a big blow for their special teams. K Nick Folk and P Steve Wheatherford are both guys that you are not going to write home about.

Projected 2010 Record 11-5

The Jets have a chance of being a very good team this year. Unfortunately they have a very tough schedule ahead of them. Playing in the AFC east is never easy but they also have the Ravens, Vikings, Green Bay and Steelers as out of conference opponents. The biggest thing for them really is Mark Sanchez, if he has a great year they could easily win 14+ games.

Sergio Kindle Hospitalized

The Baltimore Ravens' first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Sergio Kindle, was hospitalized today with a head injury after reportedly falling down stairs, the day before Ravens' rookies are set to report to camp.  Kindle, a first round talent, fell to the second round due to concerns about potential microfracture surgery on his knee early in his career.  Kindle could have a major impact on the Ravens defense that will be without safety Ed Reed to start the year.  Sergio will not report to camp tomorrow, but is in stable condition and it will be interesting to see how much time he misses while he recovers.

Dez Bryant's Immediate Impact

Dez Bryant is back on a football field.  After being suspended for all but three games during the 2009 NCAA season for lying to investigators, Dez Bryant has joined the Dallas Cowboys for 2010 training camp after already getting a deal done.  Dez Bryant is an incredibly exciting receiver who fell to the Cowboys at pick # 24 due to character issues (tough childhood, NCAA suspension), but was an absolute steal for the Cowboys.  He will make an immediate impact.  Getting to the field 45 minutes early on day one of training camp bodes well for the Cowboys and Bryant's "character issues."  The Cowboys have been searching for a bigtime receiver like they had in Michael Irvin, and I think they found that in the new #88.  You will be seeing a lot of Dez in the ESPN Top 10 in the fall, as he has unbelievable ability to adjust to the ball and make acrobatic catches.  He will be huge in the redzone, particularly with fade balls because of his ability to jump and snatch the ball at it's highest point.

Prediction:  55 Catches
750 Yards
4 Touchdowns

Colt McCoy Starting?

The good news for Colt McCoy's is that he has a very good chance of starting for his team in his rookie season. The bad news is that team is the Browns. Last year the Browns had to be one of the worst team's talent wise in the NFL. Not a great place to be if you are a rookie QB.

Originally, new Browns president Mike Holmgren came out and said that McCoy would not be staring his first season. I think that once the Brown's start losing, the pressure from the fans and ownership to see McCoy on the field will be too strong and he will end up playing.

He will have to beat out Jake Delhomme (who had a 8 TD's and 18 INT's last year) and Seneca Wallace (a career back-up). There are only two reasons that McCoy may not see the field: 1) Delhomme or Wallace play pretty well. 2) McCoy isn't ready to run a pro-style offense from under center.

My guess would be that McCoy sees the field before week 7.

Here is my pre-draft scouting report on McCoy:

3rd best QB - Colt McCoy, Texas

Biggest Strength: Amazing accuracy.

Biggest Question: Size and ability to transition to pro style offense.

Where he will go: 2^nd-3^rd round. There are many concerns that will probably prevent McCoy from ending up in the first round. McCoy has a lot of the things you look for in a quarterback, leadership, intangibles, accuracy, mobility, and toughness. But those are not the flashy attributes like big arm strength, height, and big upside. All attributes that quarterback’s like JaMarcus Russell, JP Losman, and Kyle Boller had, and why they were drafted first round and McCoy will not be.

Where he should go/ prediction: Top 20. I think he has many of the things you look for in a great quarterback. Even though he does not have great arm strength or size, he throws the ball very well outside the hash marks. It may take him a year or two to get used to being under center but overall I think he will do very well.

NFL Comparison: Tony Romo

Football Season is Here!!

The Cleveland Browns begin their 2010 Training Camp today.  Here we go!

Buffalo Bills 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            6-10

Wins: Bucs, Jets, Pathers, Dolphins, Colts, Chiefs

Losses: Patriots (2x), Saints, Dolphins, Browns, Texans, Titans, Jaguars, Jets, Falcons

Biggest Playmaker            Jairus Byrd

FS, Oregon, Drafted #42, 2^nd year

Jairus Byrd had a standout rookie season bringing in 9 interceptions, while only starting 11 games.  He was the one real bright spot for a team that struggled all year.

Impact Player            Lee Evans

WR, Wisconsin, Drafted #13, 7^th year

Lee Evans had a tough year last year, but what do you expect when you have 3 different starting quarterbacks, a coach fired in the middle of the season, and Terrell Owens as your other receiver?  Lee has been an impact player for the Bills even though he has never had stability or a great offense around him.

Biggest Free Agent Addition            Andra Davis

ILB, Florida, Drafted #141 , 9^th year

With the Bills switching to the 3-4 defensive scheme this year they needed some veteran help at linebacker.  Andra will fit in nicely at ILB alongside Paul Posluszny.  Andra is a consistent player who is good for 90+ tackles a year and will help the Bill’s smoothly transition into their new defense. 

Biggest Offseason Loss            Terrell Owens

WR, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Drafted #89, 15^th year

Some may see losing Terrell Owens as addition by subtraction, but the fact of the matter is that Terrell led the Bills in both receptions and receiving yards.  Couple that with the fact that they lost their number 3 receiver in Josh Reed and you are looking at a very thin receiving core.

Biggest Draft Steal            Alex Carrington

DE, Arkansas St. Drafted #72, Rookie

At 6’5” 285 lbs. Alex will be a perfect fit as a defensive end in the 3-4.  He is solid against the run and will be able contribute right away.

Biggest Draft Reach            C.J. Spiller

RB, Clemson, Drafted #9, Rookie

C.J. Spiller was one of my favorite players in the draft, extremely versatile, a playmaker, and he could be drafted by any team and help out right away.  With that being said, this was still a bad pick.  The Bill’s do not have a very good team and there is not a lot of depth at many positions.  They already have Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, two good backs, and their biggest needs were at Quarterback and Offensive line. 

Offseason Grade            D-

Last year the Bill’s luckily went 6-10, they had no true number one QB and a poor offensive line.  They had a chance to draft Jimmy Clausen, but ended up unthinkably passing on him twice and not selecting a QB until the 7^th round.  They let up 46 sacks last year and lost some lineman, yet did not pick up an offensive lineman until the 5^th round.  They are switching to the 3-4 defense this year and instead of going out and getting a true nose tackle they are switching Kyle Williams, a guy that has only been a 3-technique DT, to nose tackle.  Basically this offseason they did not address any of their biggest needs.  It would be very hard to envision the Bills having a better season then last year.

X-Factor            QB Position

The biggest question is who is going to step up and emerge as the Bill’s starting QB.  The Bills have Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Brohm, and rookie Levi Brown on their roster, all unproven starters.

Name You Should Know            Aaron Schobel

DE/OLB, TCU, Drafted #46, 10^th year

Aaron has had a very good career in Buffalo, posting over eight sacks six times in his career and is one of those players that can really turn it on in some games.  He would probably be more recognized if he wasn’t playing in Buffalo.  It will be interesting to see how Aaron transitions from defensive end, which he has played his whole career, to the OLB position in the 3-4.

Rising Star            Jairus Byrd

FS, Oregon, Drafted #42, 2^nd year

It is rare to see a rookie defensive back come in and make such an impact on defense in his first year.   Especially a guy like Jarius who was a 2^nd round pick, undervalued because of a poor combine (ran only a 4.60 in the 40) and only started because of injuries.  It will be fun to watch Jairus develop in the coming years.

Offensive Outlook            D

This is a QB driven league and not having a true number one QB, or at least a guy they can develop and build a team around, is a huge mistake.  They do have 3 very good running backs, so they have some possibilities on offense.

Defensive Outlook            C+

They have some good young talent on their defense, but switching to the 3-4 is a tough transition especially without the right personnel.  I think the biggest mistake they are making is not getting a true nose tackle.  There is a reason that guys like Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton, Aubrayo Fraklin, and Kris Jenkins are so coveted, because the position is very difficult to play.  You cannot just throw a guy in there for the first time and expect him to succeed.  

Special Teams Outlook            A-

They just drafted in one of the best college special teams players in a long time, in C.J. Spiller. The return game should be very exciting to watch with him back there.  P Brian Moorman, and K Rian Lindell are two of the best at their positions after considering they have to play in the brutal weather in Buffalo.

Projected 2010 Record            4-12

I think that a projection of 4-12 is very generous.  The only way I can see them winning more games than they did in 2009 is if Ryan Fitpatrick or Trent Edwards has a great year, and the defense transitions well into their new scheme.  In another division they may be able to squeak out some more wins, but they are playing in potentially the toughest division in the NFL, and will have to play the Patriots, Jets, and Dolphins twice.  I think they would be lucky to go 1-5 against them.   

Miami Dolphins 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            7-9

Wins: Bills, Jets (x2), Bucs, Panthers, Patriots, Jaguars

Losses: Falcons, Colts, Chargers, Saints, Patriots, Bills, Titans, Texans, Steelers

Biggest Playmaker            Brandon Marshall

WR, Central Florida, Drafted #119, 5th Year

Has yet to be a playmaker for the Dolphins as he was just traded to Miami this offseason.  A 2x Pro-Bowler, big and fast, he is just what young quarterback Chad Henne needs to become a great NFL quarterback.  If Marshall can keep his off-field issues at a minimum, look for him to break 100 catches for the fourth straight year as the Dolphins go-to receiver

Impact Player            Jake Long

LT, Michigan, Drafted #1, 3rd Year

A good left tackle can be as important to an offense as any other position.  Blocking any young quarterback's backside is vital, and the Dolphins have a great asset there in Jake Long.  After giving up just four sacks in 2009, Long will lead an offensive line that led the Dolphins to the fourth highest rushing total in the NFL.

Biggest Free Agent Addition            Brandon Marshall

WR, Central Florida, Drafted #119, 5th Year

Even though Marshall was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft, it was an absolute steal for the Dolphins to pick him up for only a second rounder.  The Dolphins were in desperate need of a standout receiver, and they picked up a top 5 wideout in the prime of his career.  Great move.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Gibril Wilson

FS, Tennessee, Drafted #136, 7th Year

The loss of free safety Gibril Wilson left a big question mark in the Dolphins secondary.  Wilson amassed 93 tackles in 2009, a year after posting 129 tackles for the Oakland Raiders.  Currently the Dolphins are looking at Chris Clemons as their starting FS, their 2009 5th round pick, with rookie fifth rounder Rashad Jones backing him up.  

Biggest Draft Steal            A.J. Edds

ILB, Iowa, Drafted #119, Rookie

A.J. Edds is by no means a household name, but the Dolphins chose a player in the 4th round that could see some immediate playing time.  A good athlete at 6'4" 246 lbs and a sub 4.7 runner, Edds was very effective in pass coverage, racking up five interceptions in his senior year.  He could see some action his rookie year in nickel situations as well as on special teams.

Biggest Draft Reach            Nolan Carroll

CB, Maryland, Drafted #145, Rookie

Nolan Carroll started six games at CB at Maryland.  He has major durability issues after being injured multiple times, and the Dolphins drafted him based on his combine performance.  Not a fan.  

Offseason Grade            A-

The Dolphins made a huge pickup trading for Brandon Marshall.  This move essentially made their offseason.  Returning both of their running backs, their quarterback and an offensive line (plus RG Richie Incognito), a playmaker at WR was huge for their offense.  

X-Factor            Ronnie Brown

RB, Auburn, Drafted #2, 6th Year

Ronnie Brown's health is the x-factor.  He has been consistently hurt during his five-year career, appearing in all 16 games only once (2008) and twice appearing in less than ten.  If Brown can stay healthy he could lead a very dangerous offense.  The Dolphins run game should improve with the improvements made in their passing game (Brandon Marshall).

Name You Should Know            Yeremiah Bell

SS, Eastern Kentucky, Drafted #213, 8th Year

Yeremiah Bell enjoyed another solid season in 2009, tallying 114 tackles and three interceptions.  Certainly not a household game, this hard hitting safety has a huge impact on his defense, and look for that impact to increase with the loss of fellow safety Gibril Wilson.

Rising Star            Vontae Davis

CB, Maryland, Drafted #25, 2nd Year

Vontae Davis enjoyed a successful rookie season with 53 tackles and four intercptions, with one for a score.  Davis has a lot of potential, but will have to improve to become an elite corner...he allowed 46 catches in 71 attempted passes, ranking 61st in the NFL.

Offensive Outlook            B+

Much of this grade rests on the development of QB Chad Henne.  He experienced moderate success in his first year at the helm, completing over 60% of his passes, but will need to cut down on the mistakes (14 interceptions to only 12 touchdowns).  The addition of WR Brandon Marshall will definitely help, and he has the luxury of a very impressive rushing attack.

Defensive Outlook            C+

In 2009, the Dolphins were 24th against the pass and 18th against the run (in terms of total yards) in the NFL.  With no major changes to the defense other than the addition of Karlos Dansby, who will have a big impact, the Dolphins defense will likely not improve drastically.  With many young players in the lineup it may be a few years before the Dolphins have a great defense.  

Special Teams Outlook            B+

Dan Carpenter has been very solid the last two years as the Phins' kicker, hitting 84% and then 89% of his field goals.  Punter Brandon Fields also enjoyed a great 2009 season, and with these two returning the Dolphins should once again have a solid kicking game.  Davone Bess handled punt returns last year and needs to step up if the Dolphins want to win the field position battle, averaging only 7.5 yards per return and fumbling three times.  Ted Ginn Jr. is gone as the Kick Returner and the Dolphins will likely look to backup RB Patrick Cobbs, who had 16 returns in 2009, to fill that role.

Projected 2010 Record            8-8

Playing in the AFC East this year will not be easy (except when they get to play the Bills!).  It may be the second toughest division (to the NFC East), but expect the Dolphins to do very well outside of their division. I just don't think their offense is good enough to carry their poor defense to an AFC East title this year...Chad Henne go prove me wrong!

New England Patriots 2010 Analysis and Preview

Last Years Record            10-6

Wins: Bills (x2), Falcons, Ravens, Titans, Bucs, Dolphins, Jets, Panthers,  Jaguars

Losses: Jets, Broncos, Colts, Saints, Dolphins, Texans, Ravens (Playoffs)

Biggest Playmaker            Tom Brady

QB, Michigan, Drafted #199, 11th Year

Tom Brady consistently makes plays and makes everyone around him better.  Brady could have another great year with a veteran offensive line and a very solid receiving corps.

Impact Player            Vince Wilfork

NT, Miami, Drafted #21, 7th Year

Entering his seventh season with the Patriots, Wilfork has been a staple of the Patriots 3-4 defense.  A huge key to this defense is a dominating nose tackle who can stuff the middle and take on two blockers.  While he may not boast huge numbers, he is the key to the Pats’ defense.

Biggest Free Agent Addition            Torry Holt

WR, NC State, Drafted #7, 12th Year

Torry Holt will be a great complement to fellow WR’s Randy Moss and Wes Welker.  As Moss consistently draws double teams down the field, Torry Holt could have a big year.  He only had 51 catches for 722 yards and zero touchdowns (all career lows) in 2009, but he was playing for the run-first Jacksonville Jaguars.

Biggest Offseason Loss            Benjamin Watson

TE, Georgia, Drafted #32, 7th Year

Watson has been consistent for the Patriots, and losing him and fellow TE Chris Baker left the Pats with a serious question mark at the position.  Now they will look to Alge Crumpler to be the leader of the group, with two rookies (Gronkowski and Hernandez) to likely be the top pass catchers.

Biggest Draft Steal            Aaron Hernandez

TE, Florida, Drafted #113, Rookie

Hernandez is a versatile athlete that will fit in very well with the Patriots system.  At Florida he was involved in the passing game as a tight end and a wideout, as well as in their option attack.  Hernandez is electric with the ball in his hands and picking him up in the fourth round was a great move by the Pats’ management.

Biggest Draft Reach            Zoltan Mesko

P, Michigan, Drafted #150, Rookie

Mesko has a big leg and the potential to be a game changer, but drafting a punter is always risky business.  Not to take anything away from Mesko, as he has been impressive so far, but only time will tell if it was worth using a draft pick to pick him up.                 

Offseason Grade            B

The Patriots went quietly about their business, focusing mainly on re-signing veterans such as Vince Wilfork, Kevin Faulk, Leigh Bodden and Stephen Neal.  The Patriots addressed their needs in the draft, selecting two tight ends who should be factors immediately, and bolstering their defense with the selections of versatile CB Devin McCourty and LB Brandon Spikes.  Getting a deal done with LG holdout Logan Mankins is a must. 

X-Factor            Wes Welker

WR, Texas Tech, Undrafted, 7th Year

After blowing out his knee in the final (irrelevant) regular season game in 2009, Welker's knee should be a question mark only because of his importance to the team. Julian Edelman served as an adequate replacement but Welker is a vital part of the Patriots' success.  Welker should be cleared sometime in August

Name You Should Know            Tully Banta-Cain

OLB, California, Drafted #239, 8th Year

Banta-Cain rejoined the Patriots after two seasons in San Francisco.  After seeing his role increased in 2006 in which he registered 5.5 sacks at OLB, he left for California, only to register four in two years combined.  Tully stepped up big for the Pats last year with 9.5 sacks, and look for continued success this year

Rising Star            Jerod Mayo

ILB, Tennessee, Drafted #10, 3rd Year

Drafted in the first round out of Tennessee in the 2008 draft, Jerod Mayo has been a consistent player in the middle of the Pats’ defense.  However, Mayo has only 1.5 sacks, zero interceptions and two forced fumbles in two years combined.  If he can become more of a consistent playmaker Mayo will be the next star of the Pats’ defense.

Offensive Outlook            A-

Tom Brady is still the quarterback of the New England Patriots.  Coming off a season in which the Pats posted the third highest yards per game totals, we expect similar success for the Pats offense this year who added the dynamic (but aging) Torry Holt, all-around TE Rob Gronkowski and playmaking TE Aaron Hernandez.  If Laurence Maroney can stay healthy and have a successful year, expect the Patriots to be very hard to stop.

Defensive Outlook            B-

The Patriots most glaring weaknesses is their pass rush, where they ranked 23^rd in total sacks last year.  Tully Banta-Cain stepped up with 9.5 a year ago and will have to continue his success.  Vince Wilfork is consistently huge (literally) in the middle, while the young secondary must step up.  The Patriots will need a few players to become consistent playmakers if they want to have an elite defense.

Special Teams Outlook            B

After Chris Hanson's 32nd ranking yards per punt in 2009, the Patriots drafted Zoltan Mesko from Michigan. Stephen Gostkowski has been reliable throughout his career, nailing 19/20 FG attempts inside the 40.  Welker averaged a very healthy 12.5 yards per punt return last year.  If the Patriots can get decent production in their kick return game (Brandon Tate?) they could have a very effective Special Teams unit.

Projected 2010 Record            10-6

It’s hard to bet against the mysterious Bill Belichick and QB Tom Brady, especially when surrounded with weapons.  If the tight ends can overcome their inexperience and the Patriots can generate a pass rush, look for them to be hard to beat.  It certainly won’t be easy for the Pats, as they have the 6^th hardest schedule in the NFL (according to 2009 Win-Loss Records).

Ozzie Newsome Analysis

The following is a piece that Alex Jenny wrote during his Sports Management WorldWide Football GM & Scouting Course:


Ozzie Newsome – General Manager and Executive VP of the Baltimore Ravens
Ozzie Newsome enjoyed a stellar NFL career as a tight end in which he caught 662 balls and 47 touchdowns. A former first round draft pick of the Cleveland Brown and current Hall of Famer, Newsome played for legendary coach Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama. This would not be the last time that Newsome surrounded himself with incredible leaders.
Ozzie Newsome began his career following his playing days as an assignment scout for the Cleveland Browns. Newsome quickly climbed the ranks in Cleveland, as he was named the Director of Pro Personnel in 1994 for the Browns. Just two years later, Newsome was named the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Baltimore Ravens, who had just relocated from Cleveland.
Analyzing talent and accurately choosing the best possible college player for your team can be very challenging. Some picks will make personnel departments look incredibly intelligent, while others will have the public and media in outrage. When looking at Ozzie Newsome’s draft resume, you will see many true stars in the league and only a few “busts.” In Newsome’s first year as the vice president of player personnel in 1996, the Ravens used their two first round draft picks (4th and 26th overall) to select two incredible players, Jonathan Odgen and Ray Lewis, who will likely join Newsome in the hall of fame in the coming years. In just his second year, the Ravens chose eventual NFL Defensive Rookie of the year and four time pro-bowler LB Peter Boulware. Newsome’s noticeable picks in the coming years include CBs Duane Starks (1998) Chris McAlister (1999), RB Jamal Lewis (2000), TE Todd Heap (2001), S Ed Reed (2002), LB Terrell Suggs (2003), Haloti Ngata (2006), QB Joe Flacco (2008) and RB Ray Rice (2008).
However, in addition to studying the playmakers drafted under direction of Ozzie Newsome, one must study the busts drafted over the same period. The first pick that comes to mind, for me personally, is Kyle Boller, a first round pick in 2003. Many people say that he was put in the starting role too soon and that he did not have a great offense around him to allow a young quarterback to thrive. I do not buy this. If you choose a quarterback in the first round you expect him to thrive, and to do so in the near future. As a former quarterback I feel (with a bias) that the quarterback is the single most important position on the field. Good quarterbacks can thrive with great talent around them. Great quarterbacks can make good players around them thrive. And a first round quarterback should be expected to make his teammates thrive, which Kyle Boller was not able to do. Other potential busts are WRs Mark Clayton and Travis Taylor, both taken in the first round. Travis Taylor was picked in the 2000 draft and released after the 2004 season. Mark Clayton was picked in the 2004 draft and will have to fight for a roster spot with the addition of Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth. Ideally, a first round pick should be at least a consistent starter for your team for years, and hopefully grab a few pro bowl selections as well. However, it seems that Newsome has been able to correct for some of these draft mistakes by finding a franchise QB in Joe Flacco, adding Derrick Mason as a free agent WR and trading for Anquan Boldin.
Free agency has been tremendously important to the success of the Ravens. In 2000, the Ravens signed DT Sam Adams and S Rod Woodson, both of whom made the pro bowl in their first year in a Ravens uniform. In addition, QB Trent Dilfer was signed as a backup QB, but came in to win the final eleven games of the season, including the Super Bowl. Derrick Mason and CB Samari Rolle were signed as free agents. QB Steve McNair and DT Trevor Pryce were both picked up before the 2006 season with McNair making the pro bowl that year. Newsome has aquired some big name free agents over his time, with many of them having a large impact on the Ravens’ success.
The salary cap became an issue following the Ravens’ Super Bowl winning season in 2000-2001. By two years later, the Ravens had to let go more than twelve starters from their Super Bowl team due to a lack of cap space. Pat Moriarty, the Ravens’ Vice President of Football Administration, is primarily responsible for the management of the salary cap, but as a General Manager Newsome is ultimately responsible for his staff and players. Moriarty and Newsome work closely together, and a team should have no excuse for such a pressing salary cap situation. But maybe they thought it was worth spending a lot of money to have a great chance at a Super Bowl when they knew they would have to free cap space in the coming years. I would rather a team build a long-term foundation.
Since the beginning of the franchise in 1996, the Ravens have been blessed with stellar coaching, and much of that is due to the work and principles of the management team. John Harbaugh is currently the head coach and was hired before the 2008 season. When he was hired, he had never before been a head coach, and it appeared to be a questionable hiring to the general public. This situation reminded me very clearly of the example in the book The Packer Way, by Ron Wolf and Paul Attner. When the Green Bay Packers signed Brett Favre and hired Mike Holmgren, it looked as if their management was not totally sure what they were doing. However, the management knew, deep down, they had their guys. And Ron says that the most important positions in a football organization for great leadership is the head coach and quarterback. With John Harbaugh coaching and newly drafted Joe Flacco at the helm, the Ravens’ management knew they were going in a good direction. The Ravens have also had nine assistant coaches go on to become head coaches for other NFL teams. Nine in fifteen years! Ozzie Newsome has a knack for hiring successful people, an important aspect of running an organization and being able to trust the people who are working for you.
I believe that the Ravens had a stellar offseason this year in regards to both free agency as well as the draft. Second round draft pick Terrence Cody is a huge body who, next to Haloti Ngata and in front of Ray Lewis, could bolster an already stifling Ravens’ run defense. Sergio Kindle was considered a first round talent by most and scooped up by the Ravens in the second round, and TEs Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta should add very solid depth behind TE Todd Heap. After being called out about a lack of talent in the receiving corps last year, Newsome responded by adding Pro Bowler Anquan Boldin, Donte Stallworth and re-signing Derrick Mason. DE Cory Redding should be a solid starter in the front seven, while Newsome added depth with the additions of QB Marc Bulger and K Shayne Graham.
I think the Ravens’ are poised for a great season with no glaring weaknesses in their lineup. All in all, I think Ozzie Newsome has been a very successful GM and he is highly regarded among others in the football industry. He has made some safe, big name acquisitions but also the not so popular decision (John Harbaugh) that he sternly believed in. What does everyone else think?