Eagles 31 Falcons 35

The 'Game of the Week' for week 2 took place in the Georgia Dome on Sunday Night Football.  The Eagles and the Falcons are expected to be 2 of the top teams in the NFC, and this was seen as an early look at a possible playoff game in January.  The Falcons needed to bounce back following last weeks loss in Chicago, and the 'dream team' Eagles were looking to get their 2nd road win of the year.  The added storyline here was the return of QB Michael Vick to Atlanta.  Vick hadn't played in Atlanta since he was sacked by the team, following his conviction, and subsequent jailing, for dog fighting activities.

Vick left the field with a concussion

As expected, Vick heard the boos from the Atlanta crowd that used to worship him, from the first time he stepped on the field.  It didn't bother Vick though, as he threw for 242 yards and 2 TD's in the first 3 quarters.  On a play late in the 3rd quarter, Vick dropped back to pass, before being hit by a couple of Atlanta defenders, and his head bounced off one of his OL.  Vick fell to the floor and suffered a concussion.  As he was walking to the locker room, the Atlanta crowd jeered him, before Vick reminded them, with a point to the scoreboard, that the Eagles were up by 10 points.  Backup QB Vince Young was inactive due to a hamstring injury, so it was up to 3rd string QB Mike Kafka, to preserve the Eagles lead.

The Eagles played very well throughout this game.  RB LeSean McCoy ran for 95 yards, but it was the DL that was really impressive.  DE Trent Cole in particular was causing chaos in the Falcons backfield.  But it was the turnovers that finally cost the Eagles.  Vick threw an INT, and lost 2 fumbles, all leaving Eagles points on the field.  Falcons QB Matt Ryan didn't have the best day through the air, throwing for just 195 yards, but he did have 4 TD passes.  RB Michael Turner really helped the Falcons cause in their comeback.  He had a total of 114 yards including a 61 yard run that helped set up the game winning TD.

Kafka almost led the Eagles to victory

The Eagles did have one last chance to sneak the win, in the last 4 minutes.  Kafka had to start from his own 9, but put together a great drive, including a 43 yard pass completion to WR Jeremy Maclin.  It was 4th and 4 at the Atlanta 4 with just under 2 minutes left when Kafka dropped back to pass, hitting Maclin in the chest, and the ball fell to the ground sealing the win for the Falcons. 

This win was a great reaction by the Falcons following last week, and has made me feel alot better about them being my Superbowl pick.  The Eagles are a very talented team, and will win alot of games as the season goes on.  I would love to see this match up again in January.

NFC South Preview

Atlanta Falcons

Last Season : 13 - 3



Drafted Players

1st Round - Julio Jones WR
3rd Round - Akeem Dent LB
5th Round - Jacquizz Rodgers RB
6th Round - Matt Boscher K
7th Round - Andrew Jackson OL
7th Round - Cliff Matthews DL


Players in

Ray Edwards

Reggie Kelly TE
Ray Edwards DL
Kelvin Hayden CB
James Sanders S

Players out

Jerious Norwood RB
Michael Jenkins WR
Michael Koenen P
Harvey Dahl OG
Jamaal Anderson DL
Emmanuel Stephans DL
Erik Coleman S

The Falcons had a great year last year, losing just 3 games, getting themselves a bye in week one of the playoffs.  They did run into Green Bay in the divisional round though, and got dumped out.  The Falcons still clearly believe that they are very close to a Superbowl win, as was illustrated by them on draft day.  They traded basically their whole draft, to select WR Julio Jones in the 1st round.  Jones, on the opposite side to Roddy White should be a scary sight for opposing defences.  With these 2 and TE Tony Gonzalez, QB Matt Ryan has some very good targets.  The run game should still be strong thanks to RB Michael Turner and look out for the rookie RB Jacquizz Rodgers, he is a big play waiting to happen.

On the defensive side of the ball, they bought in DL Ray Edwards, who will get pressure on opposing QB's.  They also got CB Kelvin Hayden, who will hope to make the most of panicking QB's, throwing the ball away with Edwards bearing down.  I think that they will win a lot of games once again, and I also think that they will win this division.

Carolina Panthers

Last Season : 2 - 14



Drafted Players

1st Round - Cam Newton QB
3rd Round - Terrell McClain DL
3rd Round - Sione Fua DL
4th Round - Brandon Hogan DB
5th Round - Kealoha Pilares WR
6th Round - Lawrence Wilson LB
6th Round - Zachary Williams OL
7th Round - Lee Ziemba OL

Players in

Gregg Olsen

Derek Anderson QB
Chris Massey FB
Seyi Ajirotutu WR
Legedu Naanee WR
Greg Olsen TE
Ben Hartstock TE
Jeremy Shockey TE
Olindo Mare K
Geoff Hangartner C
Max Jean-Gilles OG
Ron Edwards DL
George Selvie DL
Omar Gaither LB
Darius Butler CB
Chevis Jackson CB
Josh Thomas CB
Michael Greco S
Stevie Brown S

Players out

Matt Moore QB
Tony Fiammetta FB
Jeff King TE
John Casey K
Tyler Brayton DL
Derek Landri DL
Richard Marshall CB
Gerald Alexander S

The Panthers of course, had a shocking year last year, winning just 2 games.  Because of this record, they had the 1st pick in the draft, and went for QB Cam Newton.  Newton is a mobile QB, but has many questions that he needs to answer about his throwing accuracy.  Newton will be the starter this year, and I believe that they need him to have an outstanding year for them to win many games.  They bought in TE's Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, to give Newton easy targets over the middle, and they may well become Newtons favorite targets.

On the defensive side of the ball, their are a lot of new faces, so it will be interesting to see how it will all come together.  This is not a good formula for winning games though, a rookie QB and a new defence, so in this tough division, I expect them to really struggle again. 

New Orleans Saints

Last Season : 11 - 5



Drafted Players

1st Round - Cameron Jordan DE
1st Round - Mark Ingram RB
3rd Round - Martez Wilson LB
3rd Round - Johnny Patrick DB
7th Round - Greg Romeus DL
7th Round - Nate Bussey LB

Players in

Darren Sproles

Patrick Cobbs RB
Darren Sproles RB
Korey Hall FB
John Gilmore TE
John Kasey K
Alex Barron OT
Olin Kreutz C
Aubrayo Franklin DL
Shaun Rodgers DL
Will Herring LB
Turk McBride LB
Fabian Washington CB
Paul Oliver S

Players out

Jeremy Shockey TE
Jacob Rodgers K
Jonathan Goodwin C
Remi Ayodele DL
Anthony Hargrove DL
Marvin Mitchell LB
Usama Young S

The Saints and the Falcons are seen as the class of this division, but with the Falcons finishing 2 games ahead of the Saints last year, the Saints needed to do something good during the offseason to keep up.  During the 1st round of the draft, the Saints selected DE Cameron Jordan, and then traded back into the 1st round to take RB Mark Ingram.  This was a clear intention that the Saints are going to put up a challenge.  They also bought in RB Darren Sproles from the Chargers to spell Ingram, and that now looks like a formidable run game to put alongside QB Drew Brees and that amazing pass game. 

On the defensive side of the ball the Saints really improved their DL.  DT's Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rodgers will help to clog up the run, and 1st round selection Cameron Jordan will get pressure on the QB all day long.  This defence has a reputation for turnovers, and if they create plenty next year, with that improved offence, then they will win a lot of games.  I'm looking forward to seeing who will come out on top between the Saints and the Falcons in this very tough division.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last Season : 10 - 6



Drafted Players

Adrian Clayborn

1st Round - Adrian Clayborn DL
2nd Round - Da'Quan Bowers DE
3rd Round - Mason Foster LB
4th Round - Luke Stocker TE
5th Round - Ahman Black S
6th Round - Allen Bradford RB
7th Round - Anthony Gaitor DB
7th Round - Daniel Hardy TE

Players in

Jonathan Crompton QB
Maurice Price WR
Jacob Rodgers K
Michael Koenen P
Zac Diles LB

Players out

Cadillac Williams RB
Maurice Stovell WR
Donovan Raiola OL
Al Woods DL
Barrett Ruud LB

The Buccaneers are a very talented, but very young team, who had a fantastic year last year.  They managed to win 10 games, but unluckily for them, they play in the tough NFC South, and missed the playoffs.  They have managed to keep hold of everybody that they wanted to for this year, so I expect that the extremely talented, young QB Josh Freeman, will again be able to score alot of points for the Buccs.

I'm very excited to see this young defence.  Added to last years exciting DL are Adrian Clayborn (1st round pick) and Da'Quan Bowers.  These 2 players are very talented, and much like the Lions, I would not want to be a QB when this line decides its coming after you.  I believe this young team will improve, and win a lot of games again.  But the question is, will they be able to make the playoffs?  I believe they will finish 3rd in the division, but may still stand a very good chance of being a wildcard team.

Pre Season Week 2 : Friday Nights Games

Here are the highlights from all the games on Friday night:

Redskins 16 Colts 3



Chiefs 13 Ravens 31



Lions 30 Browns 28



Panthers 10 Dolphins 20



Cardinals 20 Packers 28




Falcons 13 Jaguars 15

Fridays Pre Season Storylines

It was great to see live football again last night, after the doom and gloom of the lockout.  All matches from Thursday, Friday and Saturday, will be reviewed here on Sunday.  But for now, what games are happening tonight, and what should you be looking out for?

Dolphins @ Falcons

The visiting Dolphins have a lot of questions to answer on the offensive side of the ball.  Alot of the talk in the off season has been about QB Chad Henne.  Henne's performances last season were not great, and the fans wanted him replaced.  It will be a huge year for Henne this year.  Can he prove that the organisation were right to keep him??  Also keep an eye on the RB situation.  Newcomer Reggie Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas, are looking to replace veterans Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

All the talk in the off season in Atlanta has also been about the offence.  During the draft, the Falcons traded multiple draft picks, to trade up and take WR Julio Jones.  Jones is a very talented WR, and the Falcons clearly believe that he is the missing piece that they need to get them to the Superbowl.  Are they correct to think this way?

Bengals @ Lions

The Bengals are almost certain to be starting a rookie QB (Andy Dalton) come the opening day of the season.  To make things worse, their best WR for years (Chad Ochocinco) has left town, and is now catching passes from Tom Brady in New England.  They did take WR A.J Green in the first round of the draft, but with this broken off season, will he be anywhere near as effective as Ochocinco could have been?  It will be very interesting to see the Dalton - Green combination.

The Lions have a very young, exciting team, and were really looking forward to the new season.  Since training camp opened though, they have received injuries to 2 rookies, DT Nick Fairley and RB Mikel Leshore.  Leshore is actually out for the whole season, because of his torn achilles.  The Lions bought in veteran RB's Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison to help Javid Best run the ball.  Tonight it will be intersting to see who catches the eye.

Steelers @ Redskins

The Steelers starters almost pick themselves, and the main objective for them tonight, is to make sure none of the pick up an injury.  I expect that the Steelers starters will only play one series, then take the rest of the night off.  Will be interesting to see what they have lower down the depth chart, but not much to keep an eye on here.

If the Steelers are set up and ready to go, the Redskins could not be further behind.  With last years QB Donovan McNaab now in Minnesota, the Redskins are searching for this years starter.  Up step John Beck and Rex Grossman, o dear!  These 2 are the reason that the Redskins will finish bottom of the NFC East standings this year, no matter who starts.  I'm looking forward to seeing their defence though, I think that they could be very good - they are going to need to be.

Buccaneers @ Chiefs

The Wembley bound Buccaneers, start their 2011 campaign in Kansas City.  To be completely honest I'm struggling quite a lot to pick out an individual thing to look out for, for either team.  The Chiefs and Buccs rosters are loaded up with young players, so expect to see a lot of mistakes in this game.  This off season has been a nightmare for young teams, as they have been unable to practice together.  I expect to see some exciting plays, and some stupid mistakes in this very unpredictable matchup.  One player I am looking forward to seeing is Buccs QB Josh Freeman.  I want to see how he has developed as a leader over the off season.

49'ers @ Saints

The 49'ers decided to stick with what they know with QB Alex Smith, and bought in WR Braylon Edwards to give him a solid option in the pass game.  With Michael Crabtree looking likely to miss most of the preseason, the Smith - Edwards combo is likely to be developed by coaching staff intensely.  Another position to keep an eye on here is the secondary spots.  The 49'ers have bought in S's Dashon Goldston and Donte Whitner, as well as CB's Carlos Rodgers and Madieu Williams.  Improving the secondary was obviously a priority, so has it worked?

The Saints (like the Steelers) are pretty much set at all positions, and their primary goal will be to finish this game injury free.  A couple of new faces though that will be looking to make an impact were 1st round picks RB Mark Ingram, and DE Cam Jordan.  The Saints were praised by everyone following the addition of these 2 players in April.  Tonight is their first opportunity to prove the organisation made the right choices.

Check back here tomorrow for Saturdays story lines.

Ravens 21 Falcons 26

The first 'Thursday Night Football' game of the year was a great game between 2 great teams, but the home Falcons managed to dig deep and get the win in the end.  To be fair to the Falcons, they dominated in the first half, leading 10 - 0 at the break.  Their 2 scores came from RB Jason Snelling (28 yard pass) and a 28 yard FG by Matt Bryant.  Falcons QB Matt Ryan had a great day, and really looks to be developing into the franchise QB.  He finished the game with 316 yards and 3 TD's, 0 INT's.  It was a good job that Ryan had a good day, as the Ravens tough defence was very stingy against the run.  RB Micheal Turner had only 39 yards in the game.

The Falcons defence though was dominant, getting a huge amount of pressure onto Ravens QB Joe Flacco.  Flacco had a good 2nd half, as the Ravens made their comeback attempt.  His numbers on the day were 215 yards, 3 TD's and 1 INT.  The catalyst for the Ravens comeback though was WR Anquan Boldin.  Boldin had 5 catches for 50 yards and a TD on the day.  But it was not particularly his performance on the field that lifted the team, Boldin was seen every time the offence was off the field walking around, talking to his team mates, motivating them.  He actually gathered the offence together before the first Ravens TD drive.  Flacco found Boldin himself from 5 yards out, to cut the lead to 13 - 7.

The Falcons though responded, and WR Roddy White got his first TD of the day, a 4 yard pass from Ryan.  White was the star of the game, catching 12 balls for 128 yards and 2 TD's.  He actually dropped 2 balls that were right at him, one that nearly cost the Falcons the game.  With the score 20 - 14, following a Derrick Mason TD for the Ravens, and just over 3 minutes on the clock, the Falcons faced a 3rd and 4.  Trying to take time off the clock, Ryan hit White right in the hands with a 5 yard pass, which he inexpliciply dropped.  This meant the Ravens got the ball back, and Flacco lead them down the field in 8 plays and 2 minutes, before finding TE Todd Heap from 9 yards.  The extra point from K Billy Cundiff gave the Ravens their first lead of the night, 21 - 20, with just 1.05 on the clock.

This was when QB Matt Ryan came into his own.  He found WR Michael Jenkins for 24 yards, White for 15 yards, before throwing a pass to TE Tony Gonzalez on 3rd down which fell incomplete.  The officials though had thrown a flag for pass interference, and the drive was still alive.  Ryan then looked long for Roddy White, who appeared to push off his defender slightly, before taking off for a 33 yard TD.  This time there was no flag and the Georgia Dome erupted.

This was a great win for the Falcons, one that will now catapult them into the conversation as one of the best teams in not only the NFC, but the league.  The Ravens were under no illusions on how difficult this game would be for them, but they really acquitted themselves well in defeat.  They to have a great young QB, and are without doubt one of the best teams in the entire NFL.  Was last nights game a 'Superbowl' dress rehearsal??  I certainly wouldn't mind seeing that game again.

The Keys to Training Camp - NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons finished last season with a 9 - 7 record which left them in 2nd place in the NFC South.  This record though did see them missing out on the playoffs.  They struggled quite a lot with injuries last year, and will hope for more luck this time round.  So what do they need to do to get back to the playoffs, and challenge the Superbowl winning Saints?


Can Matt Ryan take the next step?

The Falcons go into the 2010 season expecting that their young QB will be able to take his game to the next level.  Ryan (pictured) has been in the league for 2 seasons now, and in his time here he has played very well.  Last year Ryan threw for 14 TD's in 14 games, to follow up his impressive rookie numbers - 16 TD's in 16 games.  Whats also very impressive about Ryan is that his INT numbers are quite low - 25 in his 2 seasons (not bad hey Jake Delhomme).  Atlanta have a solid run game with Michael Turner, but if they are to step up and compete with the Saints, they will need more from the young QB.  Is he up to the challenge? 


Will the secondary be improved?

During 2009, a major problem the Falcons had was in the secondary.  They finished 10th against the run last year, compared to 28th against the pass.  This is obviously a big problem for a team that has Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints in its division.  During the draft the Falcons did not select a CB until the 5th round - Dominique Franks.  They did also though trade for Texans CB Dunta Robinson (pictured).  Dunta needs to step in and make a difference in a poor area for the team if they are to take this division. 


What impact will rookie Sean Weatherspoon have?

As well as struggling in the secondary last year, the Falcons also had trouble getting pressure on the QB.  Their only real threat to do this was John Abraham, who ended up with 5.5.  There selection of highly rated LB Sean Weatherspoon in the first round of the draft led many people to believe that he may be plugged into the defence on 3rd down, to go get the QB.  Although this may be correct, I believe that Weatherspoon will be in on 3rd down, but for his covering ability.  At the draft Weatherspoon was probably the most impressive LB.  He was fast and explosive, and I believe he is the perfect man to cover TE's, and maybe even slot WR's in time. 


Carolina Panthers

The Panthers finished 2009 with a 8 - 8 record, that saw them finish in 3rd place in the NFC South and missed the playoffs.  There has been a lot of turnover of players as coach John Fox tries to get it right, has he?





How unstable is the QB position?

Following an impressive end to the 2009 season, and following the release of Jake 'interception machine' Delhomme, Matt Moore has been named the starting QB for the 2010 season.  Moore came in for Delhomme last year and played the final 5 games, the Panthers going 4 - 1 in that time.  Moore's numbers were also impressive, throwing for 8 TD's and just 2 INT's.  These numbers obviously give coach Fox the confidence to start Moore from the get go this year.  But here is where is gets tricky.  The Panthers did not have a 1st round draft pick, but their first pick of the draft was used on QB Jimmy Clausen.  Veteran WR Muhsin Muhammad has retired and Steve Smith is currently injured, so who does Moore throw to?  If Moore and the Panthers struggle early on, how long before people start shouting for Clausen?  This is a very similar situation to Denver.

Will change and youth hurt this team?

The Panthers felt like it was time to move on this year.  Muhammed retired, Peepers was traded, Delhomme along with many others left as the Panthers looked to freshen things up.  Helping this thought, was the fact that the Panthers had a huge number of picks in the draft - 10 in total, and if you were to believe rumours coming out of training camp, they may all make the final 53 man roster.  This is a huge number of young new players.  They will have a minimum of 6 new starters on the team come opening weekend.  Can a team that's been overhauled this much be good?  On thing that the Panthers have got going for them is the amazing double headed monster at RB - DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be able to keep the Panthers close in many games, will Moore and the youngsters be able to take them over the finishing line though?

What will happen with coach John Fox?

John Fox has had a great history with the Carolina Panthers.  He joined them for the  2002 season, following a shambolic 2001 season for the Panthers organisation - going 1 - 15.  In Fox's first year they wen 7 - 9, a huge improvement, but it was in his second year he would create his legacy.  The Panthers went to the Superbowl in 2003, losing to the Patriots on a last minute field goal.  He also took the Panthers to a NFC title game in '05.  Even with all this success, Fox does not have a contract with the Panthers past this season.  The problem is, how can he win one?  With this very young team he may well struggle this year, and if that happens, I think his contract would not be renewed.  This would be a sad end to an amazing career.


New Orleans Saints

I think we all know how the 2009 season finished up for the Saints!  Following a 13 - 3 regular season the Saints, the Saints demolished the Cardinals in the divisional round.  They then beat the Vikings in the NFC championship game before that INT return for a TD in the Superbowl against the Colts.  So can the Saints repeat?

Can the Saints repeat?

The biggest question that the Saints have to answer this year is of a mental aspect.  The winners of the Superbowl historically find it extremely difficult to get back to the big game and repeat.  There are many thoughts to why this is.  The main reason, and the one that I think is correct, is that every team in the league is now up for the fight, and wants to take down the Superbowl champs.  Even though the Saints had a great record last year, most teams would have still thought of them as the 'same old' Saints, incapable of winning it all.  Now they are seen as the best - how will they handle the pressure.

Will the defence be as effective?

A big reason for the Saints vast improvement last year was the improvements made by their defence.  The Saints offence has been very effective for a few years now, scoring points for fun.  Last year was no exception as they came out 1st in points scored, 1st in yards gained, 4th in passing yards and 6th in rushing yards.  The reason for their sudden Superbowl winning run though - Darren Sharper (pictured) and the defence.  They were not spectacular defensively, but if they needed a turnover, they managed to get it.  One of the main reasons for this was the fact that they score so many points, puts huge pressure on the opposing team to score often.  To deal with this the other team throws more, leaving lots of opportunities for Sharper, and others in the secondary, to make INT's.  Sharper is not the youngest player, and some wonder if he will be as good this year.  But if he gets anywhere near the 9 INT's he had last year, they should be in good shape.

How will the loss of Mike Bell effect them?

 The Saints managed to find time and carries for all of their RB last year - Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas (pictured) and Mike Bell.  All 3 of these players played their part.  Mike Bell has left this off season and joined the Eagles.  Will this have a big impact on their running game?  There is no doubt that Reggie Bush is the number 1 RB, he will start.  Pierre Thomas will come in as a spell back now and then and will this year have to deal with all the short yardage plays.  This was where Bell most most effective last year.  Bell actually had over 650 yards and 5 TD's this will be hard to replace.  Also the Saints will have to hope that the injury bug doesn't bite, as it did with Thomas last year.

 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

The Buccaneers finished 2009 with a poor 3 - 13 record that left them at the foot of the NFC South.  This obviously was hugely disappointing for the Bucs, but they did have one day that we all remember the 2009 NFL London game against the New England Patriots.  Sadly though the Bucs had another poor day, losing the game 35 - 7.

How will the new DT's fit in?

The Buccs were the worst team in the league against the run in 2009.  They were conceding almost 160 yards per game rushing.  The Bucs understood that this had to stop if they were to progress as a team, and drafted 2 DT's with their first 2 picks in the draft.  Gerald McCoy (pictured) was their first round pick, and Brian Price was their 2nd.  Both of these 2 rookies are expected to start this year.  It is vital that these 2 perform well in camp, and fully understand the system before the season starts.  If these players perform well this year, maybe the Buccs can improve, if they don't, they won't.


Will Josh Freeman improve?

Josh Freeman was selected by the Buccaneers in last years draft.  They wanted to give him a red shirt year last season, but they struggled so badly in the first 6 games, that he was bought in against the Patriots in the NFL London game, and then started all games after the bye week.  Freeman had an average year, throwing for over 1,800 yards, 10 TD's and 18 INT's.  This is obviously not bad for a rookie thrown into a bad team.  He was also the starting QB for each of the 3 Tampa Bay wins last year.  The Bucs will be hoping that following a full training camp, and with last years experience behind him, Freeman can push on and become a franchise QB.


Will the rookie WR's step up?

The Buccaneers struggled in the pass game last year.  Some of this was down to the rookie QB, but most of it was down to a lack of talent.  TE Kellen Winslow had most catches (77) followed by Antonio Bryant (39).  Bryant though has been traded to the Bengals, so a lot of pressure is now on Winslow.  The Buccs though have also identified this as a major problem and following the selection of the 2 DT's, they then took Arrelious Benn (pictured) in the 2nd round, and Mike Williams in the 4th.  These 2 are also expected to start in this very young team.  It will be interesting to see how quickly they can pick up the system, and build an understanding with QB Freeman.  This improvement though is vital if they want to move forward.

Check back tomorrow for the final division - the NFC West. 

Draft Previews

Atlanta Falcons


Last season - 9 - 7 2nd in NFC South


Team needs - DL, WR, C, S, CB, OLB


Players in - Dunta Robinson CB, Matt Giodano DB.


Players out - Tye Hill CB.


Draft Positions


1st Round : 19th pick
3rd Round : 19th pick, 34th pick
4th Round : 19th pick
5th Round : 18th pick, 34th pick
6th Round : 2nd pick, 20th pick

Total : 8 picks


Looking through the draft needs of the Falcons and comparing them to the players in list, I notice that they have already addressed the DB (i.e CB, S) problem.  Therefore the remaining positions are DL, WR, C, OLB.  The DL option would probably be Georgia Tech's Derrick Morgan, the WR would be Dez Bryant, the C would be Florida's Maurkice Pouncey and the OLB would be a reach, whichever was chosen.  I believe looking at this list of players, that the Falcons will have to choose Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant.  Bryant is a top quality WR, and will give the Falcons QB Matt Ryan a big time playmaker to play with.

Houston Texans


Last Season - 9 - 7 in AFC South


Team needs - OL, DT, RB, S, CB, OLB


Players in - Neil Rackers K, Wade Smith G.


Players out - Dunta Robinson CB, Rex Grossman QB.


Draft Positions :


1st Round : 20th pick
2nd Round : 19th pick
3rd Round : 17th pick
4th Round : 20th pick
5th Round : 19th pick
6th Round : 18th pick, 28th pick
7th Round : 20th pick

Total : 8 picks.


Again looking at the positions of need for this team, along with the list of players out, you see that CB was a position of need anyway, couple this with the fact that they have lost Dunta Robinson, and I think its safe to say the Texans need a CB.  Luckily for them, still on the board (according to my mock draft) is Boise States Kyle Wilson.  Kyle has been ranked as a mid to late first round draft pick, so this seems to be a perfect fit here.


So they are the previews for the Falcons and Texans.  Not long to wait now, just 8 days until the 1st Round of the draft.  Make sure you send your mock drafts to nflgbview@googlemail.com before 6pm on Thursday 22nd April.  The winner of the mock draft competition will receive an entry into the 'UK's Best NFL Fan' Fantasy Football League.

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