Draft Grades: Falcons

This was an adequate draft for the Falcons, but was missing a few key components.

Peria Jerry can be an instant player on their defense. He'll start from day one and could be the best player on their defensive line if he lives up to expectations.

I think William Moore is among the most overrated players in this year's draft class. He's a physical specimen but he lacks the instincts necessary to play at a high level. The Falcons will likely allow him to compete for a starting job at strong safety, but I don't envision him winning it over Erik Coleman.

Christopher Owens was a slight reach in the 3rd round. Cornerback is certainly a need, but there were players at other positions that would have been a better fit in Atlanta.

I like Lawrence Sidbury a lot. He's a tremendous athlete and could be groomed as John Abraham's replacement. He has a similar build as Abraham and comparable athleticism.

William Middleton was a reach. He's very raw, hasn't faced top competition and on top of that he didn't really fill a need since Christopher Owens had already been selected.

Garrett Reynolds isn't starter material, but he had good value in the 5th round. He'll compete for a backup job and I like his chances of winning a roster spot.

Spencer Adkins is another player that will add to the depth but has very little upside. Linebacker was a serious need for the Falcons entering the draft, but not inside linebacker where Adkins is likely to play.

I like the selection of Vance Walker in the 7th round. He's an active lineman and should be a nice backup behind Peria Jerry.

The Falcons had some nice picks in this draft and I think Jerry could be a star in this league. However, they desperately needed to add someone at outside linebacker and they came up empty. They're set to open the season with converted safety Coy Wire starting at weak-side linebacker which is a sobering thought for Falcons fans. Any number of players in the 2nd or 3rd round could have been added to fill that hole.

Grade: C+

Draft Grades: Panthers

Despite not having a 1st-round selection, the Panthers made the most of this year's draft.

Everette Brown fell down the draft boards throughout the offseason but he was an excellent value in the 2nd round. His stock fell because, although he's a tremendous athlete, he's a bit of a one-dimensional player. He's an elite pass rusher, but undersized and may lack the ability to be a three-down lineman.

I felt as though Sherrod Martin was a little overrated. The Panthers will likely move him to safety, but that's risky to spend a 2nd-round pick on a small-school player that needs to switch positions at the next level.

Corvey Irvin was a definite reach. He didn't even enter his senior year as a starter, but was pushed into duty when Jeff Owens went down with an injury. He impressed this year, but I wouldn't risk a 3rd round pick a college backup.

Mike Goodson is a decent developmental prospect. There isn't room for him in the Panthers backfield right now, but sooner or later they'll have to part ways with either DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart at which point he could step in.

Tony Fiammetta was the consensus top fullback in this year's draft class. Brad Hoover has held the job for nearly a decade now, but he's 32 years old. Fiammetta could take over the starting duties as soon as this year.

I said all along that Duke Robinson was overrated, and apparently NFL teams aggreed. He fell to the 5th round where he belonged. That said, he had good value where the Panthers took him and he could be an adequate backup with the potential to develop into a starter down the road.

I like Captain Munnerlyn a lot. He's undersized, but an excellent athlete. He won't make an instant impact, but I like his chance to stick around and potentially develop into an adequate contributor as a 3rd or 4th option at cornerback.

Overall the Panthers did an excellent job with the picks given to them. This won't be a draft that we look back on as a draft that retooled the franchise, but its was a solid draft to add some depth at positions of need. They did a nice job balancing against filling needs and taking good values.

Grade: B+

Draft Grades: Bucs

Question their strategy all you want, but you have to give the Bucs credit for targeting their man and moving up to get him.

I'm not entirely sold on Josh Freeman and I don't think he was worth a mid-1st-round pick. However, it sure is nice to finally see a young face in the mix at quarterback in Tampa. He needs at least a year to sit and learn, but he definitely has Daunte Culpepper-like potential.

I think they reached for Roy Miller, but some had him rated as high as a late 2nd-round value. He certainly fills a need though. Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims are adequate starters, but nothing special. Even if Roy Miller only adds to the depth, he'll serve his purpose.

I like Kyle Moore a lot and I think he's a perfect fit in Tampa. They needed a bigger defensive end to work into the rotation behind Gaines Adams and Stylez G. White.

Xavier Fulton is a decent 5th-round pick. He has some upside and is athletic enough to play left tackle. The Bucs offensive line needed more than just Fulton, but they filled other needs earlier in the draft so I can't penalize them waiting to address the line until the 5th round.

E.J. Biggers was a reach even in the 7th round. I was surprised to hear his name called at all. He wasn't even the best cornerback on his own team (Londen Fryar).

Sammie Stroughter was a decent 7th round selection. He's been dominant at times in college but there remains questions about his mental healthy after missing most of the 2008 season with depression. He's certainly worth the risk though and it would be a great story to see him catch on with the Bucs and make an impact. I'm certainly rooting for him.

Overall, the Bucs had a decent draft but a lot is riding on the shoulders of Josh Freeman. They took a big risk and Raheem Morris essentially bet his job on him. If he pans out, this draft will be the begining of another great run for the Bucs.

Grade: B

Draft Grades: Saints

The Saints didn't have much to work with this year, but they came away a few players that can help right away.

Malcolm Jenkins is a perfect fit in New Orleans. The Saints have needed a cornerback for years, but have failed to address that need through the draft. The free agent signings of guys such as Randall Gay and Jason David simply haven't lived up to expectations. Jenkins finally gives the Saints hope of having a true shutdown cornerback.

Chip Vaughn had excellent value in the 4th round. Roman Harper has done an adequate job as the starter at strong safety, but they're not sold on him as the long-term option. Vaughn adds to their depth and gives them someone to push Harper for playing time.

Vaughn's teammate Stanley Arnoux doesn't offer much except some depth. I felt as though he was a reach in the 4th round. He had a productive career at Wake Forest, but he's undersized and not a great fit for the Saints scheme.

I don't like it when teams take kickers and punters before the 7th round. Most drafted special teams players fail to work out and some quality players can still be found in the 5th round. Morstead was one of the better punters in this draft class, but not substantially better than what would have been available in free agency. He should win the starting job, but it was still a reach.

Overall the Saints did an adequate job addressing needs. Despite having just four picks, they managed to get one immediate starter (Jenkins) and potentially two others (Morstead and Vaughn). However, they failed to land a running back to share the load with Reggie Bush, despite trying to trade back into the 1st round for Chris Wells.

Grade: B-

Draft Grades: Raiders

I don't even know where to start with the Raiders. In terms of initial reactions, this was by far the worst draft I've seen in the six years I've been running DraftAce.com.

Darrius Heyward-Bey is a very talented receiver. Unfortunately that talent only comes out in workouts. He rarely makes plays on the field that live up to his physical ability. His apologists are quick to point out the inconsistent play of his quarterbacks at Maryland, but we've seen plenty of receivers in recent years find success in spite of their quarterback's play (Calvin Johnson, Hakeem Nicks to name a few). Heyward-Bey had a chance to develop into a good receiver had he landed in the right system, but being selected by the Raiders could end his career before it even starts. Through no fault of his own, he has been put in a position to fail.

While Heyward-Bey was a reach, at least most felt he was a worthy of a late 1st-round selection. Michael Mitchell, however, was the biggest reach I have ever seen in the draft. Teams reach for players all the time, but never before have I seen a player drafted in the 2nd round that shouldn't have heard his name called at all. Mitchell is a decent athlete, but I don't see him as an impact player in the NFL. He may play for the Raiders right away, but only because safety is a serious question mark for them right now.

Matt Shaughnessy was a reach in the 3rd round. I think he could be a decent player, but defensive end is arguably one of their strengths. With so many needs, I can't justify reaching for another position in the 3rd round. There were still quality players on the board that could have helped in areas of need.

Louis Murphy is a decent 4th round selection. He has speed (of course you probably already knew that since the Raiders drafted him) and he's a decent route runner. He'll be a good 3rd or 4th option at receiver.

Slade Norris played both defensive end and outside linebacker in college but is undersized and will move to linebacker in the NFL. He's very raw and will offer very little immediate help. He's a decent pass rusher, but that's about all he brings to the table at this point in time.

I like Stryker Sulak but he's very similar to Slade Norris. He's a little bigger and could probably play defensive line, but he's a one-dimensional pass rusher.

Brandon Myers will struggle to make the roster. Tight end isn't a need and he doesn't offer much that the Raiders don't already have.

No one had a worse draft than the Raiders. In fact, no one came even close. I've never seen a team make so many horrendous reaches in one draft. The Raiders failed to land a single player that will make an impact in 2009. We can expect to see them drafting in the top 10 again next year.

Grade: F

Draft Grades: Chiefs

Bill Belichick disciples have struggled without him, and early indications are that Scott Pioli is next. This draft displayed the typical arrogance that occasionally has gotten the Patriots in trouble over the years by reaching for players that they felt fit their system. Occasionally the strategy works, it frequently does in the 1st round. However, Pioli had the same problem identifying late-round talent that he did in New England.

The Chiefs reached for Tyson Jackson. No matter what becomes of him in the NFL, there's no denying that fact. He would have been available later in the first round. The Chiefs should have traded down, even if it meant essentially giving away the 3rd pick as the Browns did with the 5th selection. He's a good fit for their system, but 3-4 defensive ends simply aren't the worth the 3rd overall selection and the money that he will receive as a result.

Alex Magee was a great catch in the 3rd round. He's a good athlete and should play defensive end in their 3-4 system. The addition of Magee likely means the end of the road in Kansas City for either Glenn Dorsey or Turk McBride (Dorsey isn't a good fit in the 3-4 defense).

I feel as though they reached for Donald Washington, but there were some that felt he could have come off the board as early as the 3rd round. He certainly has some potential, but should have stayed in school for his senior year.

They also reached for Colin Brown. He has impressive size, but is very raw and doesn't have a clear position in the NFL. He's too slow to get a good fit at tackle, but may be too tall to play guard.

The Chiefs needed a receiver, so I understand the selection of Quinten Lawrence. However, he's a developmental prospect and doesn't figure to make an impact in 2009. They should have gone the safer route and targeted a more NFL-ready receiver.

Javarris Williams is another developmental prospect that wasn't worth the risk by a team needing as much immediate help as the Chiefs. There isn't much room for him at running back, which could mean they're planning on trying him out at fullback. It could work out in the long run, but he doesn't add any immediate help.

Jake O'Connell is an excellent athlete, but he wasn't very productive at Miami OH. He could provide some depth, but he's a third-string tight end at best.

Mr. Irrelevant Ryan Succop will be given the chance to win the stating job from Connor Barth. I thought there were better kickers available, but he's certainly capable of playing the NFL.

Overall the Chiefs got very little help for the immediate future. Jackson and Magee are capable of starting, but its concerning that the Chiefs spent both of their top picks on the same position despite having so many other needs. They have a few developmental prospects which could make this a solid draft class down the road, but this is a win-now league. The Chiefs took too many risks and only addressed one position of need early in the draft.

Grade: C-

Draft Grades: Broncos

The Broncos are a team without direction right now. First they sign three free agent running backs (J.J. Arrington, LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter) and then they spend their 1st-round pick on Knowshon Moreno. He may develop into a quality starter, but it doesn't excuse the money wasted on the other three running backs.

Robert Ayers was a decent selection with their second 1st-round pick. However, it doesn't come without risk. He was a non-factor at Tennessee until his senior year and may not be best suited to play defensive end in Denver's 3-4 system.

The Broncos further compounded their problems by giving up next year's 1st-round pick to move up for Alphonso Smith. I do like Smith, but they gave up far to much acquire him. He should be an adequate starter, but wasn't worth the likely top-15 pick which Denver gave up.

Darcel McBath was a reach but it does add some much-needed depth to their secondary. He's a good athlete that could play strong or free safety at the next level. He could backup Brian Dawkins or compete with Reynaldo Hill for the starting job at free safety.

Richard Quinn was one of the biggest reaches of the draft. I wasn't surprised to see him off the board that high, but its a reach to take a blocking tight end in the 2nd round. He's a situational player, not the type of impact player that you need to land in the 1st and 2nd round.

I like the selection of David Bruton in the 4th round. I actually gave him a higher grade than Darcel McBath. He's a tremendous athlete, who's stock suffered at Notre Dame because he wasn't surrounded with enough talent. I believe he'll develop into a starter in a few years.

Seth Olsen was a reach in the 4th round. He has no upside and I don't see him as anything more than a backup.

Kenny McKinley was an excellent selection in the 5th round. He was one of the most productive receivers in South Carolina history despite suffering through multiple quarterback changes over the past few years. He could develop into a starter for the Broncos.

Tom Brandstater is a nice developmental prospect. He clearly looks the part of an NFL quarterback but he was very inconsistent at Fresno State. He may never amount to anything, but he's worth keeping around for a few years to see if he blossoms under the tutoledge of an NFL coaching staff.

7th-round pick Blake Schlueter will provide some depth, but nothing more. It isn't an exciting pick, but he should at least live up to expectations as a 7th-rounder.

The Broncos got some quality players in this draft. Moreno and Ayers should start from day one and Smith will certainly be in the competition for playing time. They also landed a few nice developmental prospect in David Bruton, Kenny McKinley and Tom Brandstater. I would be willing to give them a higher grade if they hadn't sacrificed next year's 1st-round pick for Smith.

Grade: B

Draft Grades: Chargers

The Chargers had very few needs entering this year's draft, allowing them to simply target the best available players. That philosophy was made clear in the 1st round with the selection of Larry English, who will move to outside linebacker in their 3-4 system. Its a curious move, considering that Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are the starting jobs locked down. It makes me wonder if they're comfortable with Merriman's healthy. This could be an insurance policy after seeing how their defense suffered without him last season.

I love the selection of Louis Vasquez. He had good value in the 3rd round and he's the type big, physical offensive lineman that the Chargers like. He could compete with Kynan Forney for a starting job.

They reached for Vaughn Martin, but he's a rare athlete that could play end or tackle in the 3-4. That type of versatility added to his value.

Gartrell Johnson is a perfect fit for the Chargers. He'll be the short-yardage back behind Tomlinson and Spriles.

Brandon Hughes had great value in the 5th round. I felt as though he could have come off the board as high as the 3rd round. He'll add some nice depth to the Chargers secondary. Kevin Ellison will do the same. He should be able to win the backup strong safety job behind Clinton Hart.

Demetrius Byrd is somewhat of a longshot to make the team. The Chargers are already very deep at receiver and Byrd's recent car accident makes it unlikely that he'll be healthy enough and ready to win a job this summer. He may stick around on the practice squad, but nothing more.

The Chargers did a decent job identifying the best available player with each pick and sticking to guys that fit their system. The one minor need they have, however, went unaddressed. They could have used an inside linebacker fairly early in the draft to compete with Matt Wilhem and Kevin Burnett for the starting job opposite Stephen Cooper. Aside from that oversight, it was a very solid draft.

Grade: B

Draft Grades: Rams

The Rams did a poor job disguising their interest in Jason Smith, but once the Lions settled on Matthew Stafford there really wasn't any reason to cover it up. Smith likely isn't going earn a visit the Pro Bowl like recent top picks Joe Thomas and Jake Long, but he could be every bit as dominant down the road. He was the only prospect in this class that had the potential to live up the lofty expectations set by Orlando Pace for the past decade.

As much as I love the selection of Jason Smith, I think Laurinaitis could be every bit as good. I understand why he fell (lack of measurables and workout numbers) but you can't overlook how effective he is on the field. He's an on-field coach and will be the leader of the Rams defense in 2009.

I'm not very high on Bradley Fletcher. He has the size and athleticism to be a dominant player, but he struggled to make an impact in college and was only a one-year starter at Iowa. Additionally, he was arrested on drunk driving charges in 2007.

I like Dorell Scott. He could have been a first day pick if not for a disappointing senior year. Given that everone at Clemson had a disappointing 2008 season, I'm willing to assume that season was the exception, not the norm. He could be a steal and at worst, a nice addition to their defensive line rotation.

Brooks Foster is a decent 5th-round pick. He'll never be a standout receiver, but he could be a decent 3rd or 4th option. He has good size and speed but was inconsistent throughout college.

The Keith Null selection came out of nowhere. He put up some impressive numbers at West Texas A&M (where he was coached by Ryan Leaf) but I don't see him playing in the NFL. There were plenty of other options at quarterback I liked more than Null. I wouldn't be surprised if he failed to make the 53-man roster.

Chris Ogbonnaya was a surprising pick. I don't see him fitting into the Rams plans. He's a running back/fullback 'tweener, a lot like Brian Leonard. He'll struggle to sneak ahead of Antonio Pittman as the Rams third running back and likely won't beat out Mike Karney for the fullback job.

For the most part I like what the Rams did. They landed two immediate starters with their first two picks. And two others that should see playing time (Fletcher and Scott). However, they failed to land an impact receiver and a cornerback to push Tye Hill for playing time. Additionally, their late-round picks don't figure to make an impact, even has backups.

Grade: B

Draft Grades: Seahawks

You have to love the Seahawks 1st-round pick. Aaron Curry is going to be a star in this league, especially now that he's landed in Seattle playing behind a talented defensive line and next to Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu. He's going to be the preseason favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Max Unger was a great 2nd-round selection. He has experiece at nearly every offensive line position, although he's best suited to play center or right tackle in the pros. Since Chris Spencer has the center position locked down, he'll likely be moved to tackle and compete with Sean Locklear for the starting job on the right side. There's no rush to move him into the starting lineup, however.

I'm not a fan of the selection of Deon Butler. He has speed, but thats about it. The best-case scenario for him is to be a 3rd receiver.

They reached for Mike Teel, even in the 6th round. A player like Teel simply isn't worth drafting. He had plenty of experience against top competition and failed to develop into an adequate starter. He closed out his senior year with some impressive numbers, but he is a poor decision maker. That's not something that changes drastically without getting playing time, and we know he isn't going to get much behind Hasselbeck.

Teel's teamate Courtney Greene had good value in the 6th round. Both of Seattle's starting safeties, Deon Butler and Brian Russell, are over the age of 30, so some youth was needed.

I love the selection of Nick Reed. He's a hard worker that is sure to make an impact on special teams. He may be moved to linebacker and it probably nothing more than a backup, but he's the type of player that every team needs because of his work ethic and willingness to do anything asked of him.

Cameron Morrah could be a steal in the 7th round. He's a good athlete that was just starting to show signs of developing into a quality receiver last year. He left school early and could have climbed as high as the 3rd round had he stuck around for his senior year.

Overall the Seahawks had a very solid draft. They got one instant impact player (Curry) and another future starter in Unger. Their second day picks don't project as starters, but they should add some quality depth. They were able to address every position of need, which is key to a successful draft.

Grade: B+

Draft Grades: 49ers

This was a very disappointing draft for the 49ers, who got very little help for the immediate future. The issues started with the 10th pick when the selected Michael Crabtree. Its hard to argue with the value that Crabtree had at that point, but I don't see how he fits into the 49ers plans. There are serious concerns about Crabtree's ability to keep his mouth shut and just play football. His former quarterback Graham Harrell had this to say about Crabtree's 'diva' attitude: "He thinks he should get the ball on every snap... He's not going to be mad if he doesn't get the ball - as long as we're having success." So what happens when Shaun Hill/Alex Smith/Damon Huard fails to get him enough touches during a 49ers loss this year (which is bound to happen multiple times in 2009)?

Glen Coffee was picked right around where I expected to hear his name called, but the 49ers had far more pressing needs than a backup running back. Linebacker, cornerback and offensive line were all areas of concerns that the Niners could have address here.

Scott McKillop had great value in the 5th round. He's the type of football player that Mike Singletary is going to love to coach. He'll be a backup behind Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes for now, but could certainly win a starting job once Spikes calls it quits.

I don't like the Nate Davis selection at all. Davis needed to go somewhere where he could learn behind a veteran quarterback, and I don't mean a journeyman backup like Shaun Hill or Damon Huard. I have very little hope for him in this league now that he's landed in San Francisco.

Bear Pascoe was a solid but unspectacular pickup. He's an excellent blocker and more of the type of tight end that Singletar wants (as opposed to the more atheletic/less physical Vernon Davis).

Curtis Taylor is an exception athlete but he failed to establish himself at LSU. He's inconsistent and still has a lot to learn about the position.

Jean-Francois is an adequate 7th round pick. He'll provide some depth and work his way into the defensive line rotation.

Ultimately this was a very dissappointing draft for the 49ers. Crabtree is the only guy that they can count on to develop into a starter, but even he comes with some risks. The 49ers did nothing to improve their team for the immediate future and they should expect to be drafting in the top 10 against in 2010.

Grade: D

Draft Grades: Cardinals

The Cardinals must have felt like they won the lottery when Chris Wells fell to them with the 31st pick. I had Wells rated as the clear-cut top rated running back, worthy of a top 10 selection. His injury concerns led to him falling down the board, but so long as he stays healthy the Cardinals got themselves a steal.

Cody Brown was a reach. He undersized for a defensive end would have been better suited as an outside linebacker in 3-4 defense. I don't see becoming an impact player in Arizona.

I like the selection of Rashad Johnson. He'll have a hard time seeing the field behind Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle, but he had great value in the 3rd round and he'll be an excellent special teams player.

Greg Toler is a developmental prospect. He has some upside, but the 4th round was a bit of a reach. He likely won't be more than a nickelback, and could just as easily be out of the league in a year or two.

Herman Johnson was a great 5th-round selection. He's raw, but his size is impressive and he could develop into an adequate starter. He's exactly the type of over-sized lineman that the Cardinals love. They may even consider moving him to tackle.

Will Davis, the second defensive end they selected, was also a reach. I gave him an undrafted free agent grade because he lacks the strength to play at the next level. He's a good athlete, but really doesn't have the overall size and strength to hold up against more physical offensive linemen.

Stephens-Howling was a major reach. He should have gone undrafted and barely received an interest in free agency. He could be an adequate special teams player, but he's undersized and won't contribute much in any other capacity.

Trevor Canfield was a steal in the 7th round. I gave him a 3rd-round grade and could see him developing into a starter.

Overall this was somewhat of a disappointing draft for the Cardinals. Their biggest need was a running back which they addressed in the 1st round with the best player at the position in the draft. However, they failed to land any impact players on defense and completely ignored their need for a pass-catching tight end.

Grade: C+

Will Braylon End Up in New York?

Much has been made of the fact that Braylon Edwards still isn't a New York Giant, but we shouldn't be shocked by this.

The Browns can't afford to trade Edwards until they have a suitable replacement lined up. If they trade him before the draft, they run the risk of missing out on a quality receiver with their (presumably) two 1st-round picks. However, if they wait until draft day, they can select a receiver 5th overall (Crabtree) and then trade Edwards. Or, they could select someone else with the 5th pick and then wait until the Giants are on the clock. If they are satisfied with who is available (Hakeem Nicks or Kenny Britt, prehaps) they can pull the trigger at that point.

In short, don't believe that the Edwards-to-New York deal is dead just because it hasn't happened yet. Any rumors that the deal is dead could simply be one side posturing in an effort to get the other to lower/raise the offer.

Impact of Tony Gonzalez to Atlanta

The Falcons acquisition of Tony Gonzalez is a significant move in the grand scheme of things, but the only impact it will have on this weekend is by shaking up a few mock drafts.

Many draftniks had the Falcons selecting Brandon Pettigrew in the 1st round, but in reality that was never a realistic option. The Falcons knew they needed a tight end, but they wanted one that could make a serious impact as a receiver - hence the acquisition of Gonzalez. While at Boston College, Matt Ryan's favorite target was tight end Ryan Purvis. Yet, in Atlanta in 2008 he Falcons simply didn't have anyone capable of making an impact in the passing game. Ben Hartsock is an above average blocking tight end, but offers little as a receiver.

Pettigrew is an adequate receiver, but his impact at the next level will be as a blocker. Had the Gonzalez trade not worked out the Falcons likely would have targeted a player such as Jared Cook or Shawn Nelson in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Crabtree Falling?

The Cleveland Browns recently hosted Michael Crabtree for a visit and reportedly so turned off by his "diva attitude" that they removed him from their draft board.

Now this could be viewed as a smoke screen, but what do the Browns really have to gain by saying this? Would the Seahawks really decide to pass on Crabtree simply because the Browns call him a diva? Somehow I doubt it.

This rumor appears to be the real deal, especially when you consider who is involved. Eric Mangini's no-nonsense approach to the game has already resulted in Kellen Winslow being traded and Braylon Edwards appears to be next. Additionally, the Browns immediately scheduled visits with Kenny Britt, Mohamed Massaquoi and Hakeem Nicks after their visit with Crabtree concluded.

And it isn't exactly a secret that Crabtree is considered a diva by many. If you caught him going through the car wash at ESPN today you know what I mean. He closed out his visit on the 6pm SportsCenter talking about how the hardest part of his offsaeson has been deciding which suit to wear on draft day.

While the Browns may be looking elsewhere on draft day, don't think that Crabtree will fall far. Its tough to see him slipping past the 49ers.

Photos From the Night of Donte Whitner's Arrest

Donte Whitner's arrest is old news, but we've gotten our hands on some entertaining photos which appear to be from that night (apparently it was Ted Ginn Jr's birthday bash).

Before we get to the pictures, I just wanted to throw my two cents in on Whitner and share an article. Whiter has been an upstanding citizen throughout his time in college and in the NFL. Yes, he probably used poor judgment on the night that he was arrested, but lets not throw him into the category of delinquent football players with Pacman Jones, Chris Henry, etc. By all accounts this was an isolated incident where Whitner exhibited poor judgement. But no one got hurt, no one was put in any danger. Simply poor judgment by a 20-something year old having a good time with friends. For more thoughts on the subject check out this article .

Now for the fun stuff...

For the sake of Ohio State fans, please us this was the result of losing a Fiesta Bowl bet Donte (this photo apparently is not from the night of the arrest)...

The birthday boy appears to be enjoying himself...
And taking a page from Mo Clarett's book and "getting his goose on"

Beanie Wells Refutes Report of Injured Foot

Sports Illustrated has reported that Chris Wells has a sesamoid bone in his foot, essentially meaning he's prone to foot injuries.

Today Wells' agent Adam Heller fired back, saying that the reports are erroneous and that Wells has been cleared by Dr. James Andrews.

Believe what you want, but remember that at this of year rumors are spread like wildfire in an effort to drag down a player's stock or hype someone up. Also keep in mind that SI hasn't exactly been squeaky clean in its NFL Draft reports this offseason. They jumped the gun on reporting B.J. Raji's positive test at the combine, which they have since apologized for.

Notre Dame Draft Steals

Notre Dame won't have anyone drafted in the 1st round this year, and probably not the 2nd round either. Which means if anyone from Notre Dame's 2009 draft class produces in the NFL they'll have a chance to join this list of the best draft steals from Notre Dame put together by unhd.com

Number one on the list? You guessed it: Joe Montana.

The only real threat to join the list this year is safety David Bruton. He's a tall, well built free safety with excellent athleticism. He didn't really stand out at Notre Dame because the Irish's front seven was so poor the past two years that their secondary was just apart. Once he's surrounded with some talent, however, I think he could develop into a quality starter at the next level. He should come off the board in the 3rd or 4th round.

Draft Class: Running Backs

Yesterday I went through my list of the top 10 quarterback prospects. Today its time for the running backs.

Chris Wells tops my draft board, and it's an easy decision. No other play in the draft has his combination of size, speed and athleticism. He has the same potential as recent top-10 picks Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden, but injury concerns will likely cause teams to pass over him early in round one.

Donald Brown, who has steadily risen up the draft board, is number two on my board. It was a tough decision to move him ahead of Knowshon Moreno, but in the end I would be more comfortable making Brown a feature back in my offense. He's every bit as athletic as Moreno and I love his work ethic. He's a coaches dream, which could easily cause some team to fall in love with him and select him higher than expected.

Moreno is the third running back on the board, receiving a late 1st-round grade. I rate him slightly lower than Brown only because of Brown's exceptional work ethic and attitude. That isn't to say that Moreno has character concerns by any means, its simply a reflection of Brown's willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of him. Moreno is an elite athlete, but I have questions about his toughness. He isn't the type that can run between the tackles, meaning he needs to be paired with another bigger, stronger running back to be truly effective.

LeSean McCoy ranks 4th on my board, receiving an early 2nd-round grade. I like McCoy, but I'm concerned about his running style. A bit reckless and I wonder how he'll hold up at the next level. His instincts aren't great and he doesn't always hit holes as they open up. I would have liked to see him stay in school for at least another year to work on that. He's worth a second round pick, but I don't think he'll be a Matt Forte-like prospect that steps in and makes an immediate impact.

Andre Brown ranks 5th and receives a 3rd-round grade. Brown has risen up the board this offseason, to the point where I feel he is now overrated. He has an NFL body but there are serious injury concerns. I don't see him as the type that can carry the load at the next level. However, if paired with a more athletic outside runner (a Knowshon Moreno, for example) he could be a nice complimentary back.

Also receiving a 3rd-round grade is Shonn Greene. This past season for the Hawkeyes Greene played like a 1st rounder. He's a power runner that builds up a head of steam and is tough to bring down. However, I have concerns about the fact that he only played one year at the D-I level and is already 24. The fact that we haven't really seen a full body of work from him gives me hesitation and I would prefer to wait until the 3rd-round to select him where I would be satisfied if all he turns out to be is an adquate backup.

I gave Rashad Jennings a 3rd-round grade for similar reasons as Greene. Coming from an FCS program, we haven't seen what Jennings can do against top competition. We know he has the size to take his game to the next level, but will he still be a force when going up against bigger defenders. Ultimately I think the answer is no, but I would be willing to take a chance on him in the late 3rd-round.

Jeremiah Johnson intrigues me. He's undersized but he was nothing but productive when on the field in 2008. Durability is an issue, but I would be willing to take a chance in the late 3rd-round. He could be a nice backup at the next level.

Gartrell Johnson receives a 4th-round grade, but I think he's one of the top sleepers in this draft class. He's an absolute beast with the football in his hands. He's a powerful downhill runner and actually has more speed on the field that you'd expect from his forty time. He probably isn't going to be a starter in the NFL, but he'll find a place a short-yardage back and could be the type of touchdown vulture that makes a big impact in fantasy leagues.

Rounding out my top 10 is Javon Ringer. Early in the 2008 season Ringer was taking full advantage of his first year as the full-time starter and looked like a potential 1st-round pick. However, he came down to earth when matched up against legitimate collegiate defenses such as Penn State and Ohio State and his stock took a nose dive. Ringer can be productive, but he simply doesn't have the build to be a starter at the next level. He likes to run between the tackles, but his frame simply won't hold up with that type of pounding in the NFL.

So there you go... my top 10 running backs fo 2009.

Jaguars Sign Torry Holt

The Jaguars have agreed to a 2-year contract with former Rams receiver Torry Holt. The addition of Holt further leads me to believe that Mark Sanchez and Jeremy Maclin are unlikely options for the Jaguars.

Why? Because the additions of Holt and Tra Thomas are clearly moves to make them competitive in the near future. Rookie quarterbacks and receivers very rarely have a significant impact on a playoff team, so selecting Sanchez or Maclin would be a step in the wrong direction.

So who are realistic options? Well if either Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith were to fall, they would be the obvious choices. Either one could start at right tackle over Tony Pashos immediately. Michael Oher is also a very real possibility given his ability to step in and start right away on the offensive line. B.J. Raji is also an option, and could be the most likely option. Aaron Curry is another player that could start right away, but odds are he'll be off the board.

Max Unger Kills Squirrels

Former Oregon offensive lineman Max Unger is a baaaaad man. The type of bad man you'd want on your offensive line if you own a late 1st-round/early 2nd-round pick. The type of bad man that can go out into the wilderness shirtless and bring home a trophy kill...

Draft Class: Quarterbacks

We're 5 days away from the draft. I've locked in my draft grades as of about an hour ago, so lets review the draft class at each position. We'll start with the most important position: quarterback.

I give two quarterbacks 1st-round grades this year. That's two more than last year (yeah, I know, I missed the boat on Matt Ryan). Its the first time I've handed out two 1st-round grades to quarterbacks from the same class since 2006 (Matt Leinart, Vince Young, Jay Cutler).

The cream of the crop is Mark Sanchez. He has the size, the arm, the attitude and the work ethic. He's everything you look for in a franchise quarterback. The downside to selecting him is that he needs to sit for at least a year. He only spent one year as a full-time starter at USC and doesn't have the game experience necessary to jump right into an NFL starting lineup.

I also, somewhat begrudgingly, gave Stafford a 1st-round grade. I like everything I see from Stafford in workouts. He has the arm, he has the accuracy. He can even move around a little. What I don't like about him is his lack of production at Georgia. He was surrounded by talent but never took his game to an elite level. In fact, you could argue that he even backtracked from his sophomore to junior. The reason for this could be his lack of work ethic. Not every quarterback needs to be Peyton Manning-like workaholic, but Stafford work ethic is headed down a Matt Leinart/Vince Young path. That said, there's only a handful of players in the NFL with his physical ability and he would be worth the risk in the late 1st round. If I were the Lions, however, I'd stay away.

Josh Freeman comes in at number three on my draft board. He's the most physically gifted quarterback on the board, but was less than productive at Kansas State. He's very, very raw but could be a special quarterback if he's paired with a good quarterbacks coach and given a chance to sit and learn for at least a year, maybe two. I probably wouldn't take a chance on him in the 1st round unless I were a team with few other needs and a veteran quarterback that may not be around in two to three years (similar to what the Eagles did when drafting Kevin Kolb in 2007).

Graham Harrell comes in a distant 4th on my list. I gave him a late 3rd-round grade, but even that is assuming he lands in the right system. His accuracy on short throws and his experience in Texas Tech's system makes him an ideal candidate to run a west coast offense, or some similar version. He could be a nice pickup for a team such as the Panthers that are looking for someone to groom under Jake Delhomme.

Tom Brandstater comes in 5th on the list, but this is where we start to see a drop off from the players that could be starters, to the long shots/career backups. Brandstater has the build of an NFL quarterback but he struggled to develop into an elite college player despite playing against lesser competition in the WAC. You can't overlook his NFL-measurables, which puts him in the mix to get drafted, but he has limited upside.

I gave Pat White a mid-4th round grade. He's one of the toughest prospects to grade and I really wasn't sure where to rank him. He has absolutely zero chance of every being a starting quarterback in this league. The only reason he gets a 4th-round grade is because of his playmaking ability. Someone will draft him and use him a few times per game in the wildcat formation, lining him up at receiver, running back and quarterback and he'll make a few big plays every year. He isn't even close to an every-down player, however, which is why I wouldn't waste anything more than a 4th-round pick on him.

I also gave Hunter Cantwell a 4th-round grade. He's a very similar prospect to Tom Brandstater, but has significantly less experience. As Brian Brohm's backup for three years he saw little action before taking over as a senior. Great things were expected of him in 2008, but it was a miserable season for the Cardinals. He has some upside, given that he's hardly played, but he didn't show much as a senior.

John Parker Wilson also gets a 4th round grade, but for different reasons than Cantwell and Brandstater. Wilson has no upside and won't be a consistent starting quarterback in the NFL. However, he shows the steady game-manager type of attitude that makes him an ideal candidate to be a backup quarterback at the next level. These types of players don't get nearly enough credit, since their work is rarely seen on the field, but every team needs a guy on the bench that they can rely on in a pinch.

Rhett Bomar is my 9th-ranked quarterback and gets a 5th round grade. He definitely has some upside given that he was once an elite prospect while at Oklahoma. He has a bionic arm and can throw the ball all over the field, but his accuracy is a concern. He should have dominated the compition at Sam Houston State, but he was fairly inconsistent. His passing yards were impressive, but his low completition percentage raises some question marks.

Rounding out the top 10 is Nate Davis. In early November I made the poor decision of placing Davis in the 1st-round of my mock draft. However, that was before he fumbled (littlerally) his way out of contention for a top draft pick in Ball State's final two games of the season. There are serious concerns about his ability to hang onto the football and his ability to handle an NFL playbook. He has NFL size, but is a boom-or-bust prospect. It will either all click for him in the next year or two, or he'll be out of the game before he turns 26.

So there you have it, my top 10 quarterbacks for 2009.

Eli Manning Wants a Receiver

Eli Manning wants a wide receiver.

In an interview with the NJ Star Ledger he said "they know we have some good receivers here, some young guys who can play football for us, but that we might need a No. 1 receiver. So I think that's what they're going to look for right now and I'm sure something will happen either during the draft or before the draft or right near it to help us out."

There's no need for Eli to worry. The Giants will find a way to get him a top receiver. The Braylon Edwards trade is still a realistic option and could very well happen on draft day. The Giants have also invited Kenny Britt and Percy Harvin in for visits (although Harvin canceled).

Titans Interested in Robert Ayers?

Gary Estwick of the Tennessean does some wishful thinking about the Titans landing Robert Ayers.

For one, Ayers doesn't really fit what the Titans are looking for in this year's draft. Defensive end is a slight need but they need a pass rusher, not a run stuffer like Ayers.

Oh, and then there's this small problem with him not being available with the 30th pick. But other than that, great idea!

Demetrius Byrd Injured in Car Accident

Former LSU wide receiver Demetrius Byrd was reportedly in a car accident on Sunday . Byrd is in the intensive care unit but is listed as being in stable condition.

Byrd is a potential late-round prospect. Its unfortunate, but depending on the injuries suffered in this accident, he could fall out of the draft all together.

We wish Byrd a speedy recovery and we'll keep you posted as we hear more information.

Brian Cushing is a Meathead

"If you watched (USC LB Brian) Cushing at his pro day, he opened up the wrong way twice in drills. He did the same thing once at the Combine. He’s a meathead."

Those were the words from an unnamed front office source according to Pro Football Weekly. It's only one team's view, but it certainly isn't a good sign for Cushing. Whatever one team thinks, there's likely at least a few others that share the sentiment.

Cushing received in invite to New York City for the draft, and he's looking like the favorite to be the last man standing waiting to hear his name called. The earliest realistic landing place for him is New Orleans (14th overall) but the Saints reportedly have their eye on two Buckeyes (Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Wells). Houston is also an option, but they are showing signs of preferring Cushing's teammate Clay Matthews. San Diego has been a rumored destination, but it doesn't make too much sense considering they are more in need of an inside linebacker. If he slides past those three teams he could fall all the way to Patriots or Falcons (23rd and 24th, respectively).

Orakpo Confident He Can Play Linebacker

Mary Kay Cabot wrote a nice piece on Brian Orakpo today. The focus of the piece was his ability to play linebacker in the Browns' 3-4 defense. In the article, Orakpo brings up a very good point: he's already played linebacker in a 3-4 defense. While Texas runs a base 4-3 defense, Will Muschamp has thrown in a few 3-4 packages in which Orakpo played the role of an outside linebacker. It isn't a ton of experience, but he's clearly shown the ability to play back off the line of scrimage.

Orakpo would be an idea fit for the Browns, and is likely the most realistic option for them if they want to target the defensive side of the ball.

Also mentioned in the article is the fact that Orakpo has met with the Browns twice this offseason. Linebackers coach Matt Eberflus took a trip to Texas to put Orakpo through some drills. The Browns then invited him to Cleveland for a full visit in early April.

Steelers Eyeing Eric Wood?

The Steelers offensive line is in serious need of some help, and yet they've done nothing about it this offseason. That could change on draft day. Pro Football Weekly recently ran this quote from someone's front office personnel: "The Steelers have figured out Justin Hartwig is not the answer. He’s just a guy. He needs to be upgraded. I think they’ll look hard at a center in the first (round)."

Another source had this to say about Eric Wood: "If you want a physical center, (Louisville’s) Eric Wood is your guy. Flip a coin between Wood or (California's Alex) Mack, but we like Wood better. He could be the first center drafted. (Oregon’s) Max Unger is more versatile, but he won’t match up as well against power."

Put the two quotes together and it leads me to believe that Wood is the Steelers' guy. Their offensive line is built from guys that can be physical and dominant in the trenches. Wood has the ability to play center or guard and the Steelers have worked him out at both positions. He should be available with the 32nd pick and would be a safe choice for Pittsburgh.

Draft Visit Tracker: Mark Sanchez

Its been a busy offseason for Mark Sanchez . He's been all over the mock drafts, from 1st overall to 19th overall and everywhere in between.

As far as the real world goes, Sanchez has been checked out by the Broncos, Browns, Redskins, Jaguars, 49ers, Lions, Rams and Seahawks. It would appear that all of those are realistic landing spots for the USC quarterback, but we can rule out a few of them:

He's not going to Detroit (Stafford is all but locked in there).

He's probably not going to Jacksonville or San Francisco (they don't have the tools to trade up far enough to land him.

Despite this report, he's probably not going to Cleveland (Mangini would need the secret service to escort him around Cleveland if he added ANOTHER quarterback to the mix).

That leaves the Rams, Redskins, Broncos and Seahawks. So here's a look at what each team is likely thinking about Sanchez:

• The Rams need a new franchise quarterback, but it doesn't have to come from this draft. It doesn't sound as though they were wowed by Sanchez in his workout meaning they're likely to pass.
• The Redskins would love Sanchez and Daniel Snyder is just crazy enough to order his front office to fork over enough draft picks to move up to select him. It's a long shot, but you can't rule it out.
• The Broncos would like Sanchez and have more than enough ammunition to move up to select him. They won't be selecting him 12th overall, but if they package their draft picks they could move into the top five.
• The Seahawks reportedly love Sanchez and are prepared to select him with the 4th pick in the draft. Only the Rams and Chiefs stand in their way.
  

In my latest mock draft I have Sanchez going to the Seahawks and I will likely leave it that way in my final mock draft on Friday. The only way he doesn't land in Seattle is if the Redskins or Broncos move ahead of the Seahawks on draft day.

Drug Tests to Be Revealed Early This Weak

According to PFT the official list of players who tested positive for illegal substances will be released to all 32 teams early this week. While the list is never officially released to the public, its safe to say we'll find out the names on that list shortly after the teams.

The names we're all looking for are clearly Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews, the two USC linebackers that (according to a site which will remain nameless beacuse we don't want to drive any more undeserving traffic their way) tested positive for steroids. Give the fact that Cushing was invited to New York for the draft, I'm betting those two names will be absent from the report.

It will likely be an uneventful list this year. Expect nothing more than a few guys that tested positive for marijuana, which tends to have very little impact on player's draft stocks.

Bills, Eagles Agree on Jason Peters Trade

In a trade that has been in the works for the past week, the Bills have agreed to send Jason Peters to the Eagles in exchange for three draft picks.

The Bills were left with almost no choice in the matter, but this trade is devastating to their hopes of making a serious playoff run in the near future. Peters, a two-time Pro Bowler, was developing into a truly elite left tackle. And remember, having played tight end in college, he's still perfecting the left tackle positions which he has been playing for just five seasons.

From the Eagles point of view, however, this trade is a steal. They give up a 1st-round pick (28th overall), 4th-round pick (121st overall) and an undisclosed pick in 2010. Its a decent sum, but the fact that they still hold a 1st-round pick this year eases the loss considerably. The Eagles had hoped to land an offensive tackle with one of those picks, which they accomplished. The 21st pick can now be spent on either Brandon Pettigrew or a running back (Knowshon Moreno?).

So where do the Bills go from here? The left side of their line is in shambles. Demetrius Bell (2008 7th-round selection) is their top internal candidate at left tackle. Kirk Chambers is slotted in at left guard for now, filling the hole left by the release of Derrick Dockery.

With one of their two 1st-round picks the Bills must address the offensive line. The most logical selection is to take Michael Oher 11th overall (or Andre Smith if he's available). Defensive end is still a need, put can easily be filled with the 28th pick. Guys like Connor Barwin and Michael Johnson will be realistic options in the late 1st round.

Breaking Down the Browns Trade Rumors

The team controlling the shape of the 1st round right now is the Cleveland Browns. Already owning the 5th overall selection, the Browns could land two more picks by draft day.

The first rumor, which has been widely reported for the past two weeks, is that they will send Braylon Edwards to the Giants for some combination of a 1st-round pick, 3rd-round pick and Steve Smith or Dominick Hixon. This would be a controversial move for the Browns, who have a legitimate playoff caliber-offense when everyone is healthy. Shipping Edwards off to New York would make either David Patten or Josh Cribbs the top receiver on the depth chart (at least until they select Crabtree 5th overall, that is). If the Giants are able to land Anquan Boldin, however, the Browns have to pass on Crabtree and select either a linebacker (Aaron Curry, Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin) or tackle (Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith - whoever falls).

The other rumor is sure to make even more waves around the league if it comes to fruition. The 49ers are reportedly interested in Brady Quinn and could offer the Browns the 10th overall pick. Its tough to say who the Browns would target with this selection. A linebacker is certainly an option, but not if they select one 5th overall. This could be where they address the offensive line with Andre Smith or Michael Oher. Or they could go with the best available defensive player (B.J. Raji? Malcolm Jenkins?)

Its all speculation at this point, as you simply can't trust any rumors you hear this time of year, but its safe to assume the Browns are at least discussing these trade options which could shake up the 1st round.

Draft Visit Tracker: Andre Brown

One of the hottest prospects in recent weeks has been N.C. State's Andre Brown. Despite a disappointing career with the Wolfpack, he's impressed teams in his workouts and now looks like a 2nd-round lock.

He's a big back (6'0", 224) and has the ability to be a workhorse at the next level. Its rare to find a guy with his size and athleticism, which is why so many teams are showing an interest despite his very mediocre collegiate numbers.

At least 12 teams have reportedly met with Brown, so here's the list:

Ravens, Titans, 49ers, Cardinals, Chargers, Texans, Jaguars, Bengals, Panthers, Dolphins, Patriots and Chiefs.

I currently have Brown going to the Cleveland with the 50th pick in the draft. He would the ideal running back for the Browns to groom behind Jamal Lewis for the next year before he takes over the starting job.

Draft Visit Tracker: Rey Maualuga

Aside from Andre Smith, no one's draft stock is harder to judge than Rey Maualuga's. He has as much upside as anyone in the draft, but he is the perfect example of a boom-or-bust prospect.

Maualuga's potential future employers range from the Browns (5th overall pick) to the Falcons (24th overall). In addition to the Falcons and Browns, Maualuga has visited with the Redskins, Dolphins, Chargers, Rams, Titans, Saints, 49ers and Chiefs.

A few teams on that list are hard to imagine him with (Titans, Chiefs, Rams), but all the others are realistic possibilities.

In my latest mock draft I have him going to Washington with the 13 selection. The Redskins are in need of a pass rusher, but Brian Orakpo and Everette Brown are likely to be off the board already. Assuming Mark Sanchez isn't available, the 'Skins will turn their attention to the best available linebacker. Brian Cushing and Maualuga would appear to be the best options.

Draft Visit Tracker: Kenny Britt

Kenny Britt has steadily risen up the draft boards this offseason and he appears to have locked up a place in the 1st round. Britt has visited with the Jets, Giants, Vikings and Titans this offseason - all of which are potential landing places for him in the 1st round.

In my latest mock draft I have Britt going to the Vikings with the 23rd pick. The Vikings top need is a right tackle, but if neither Andre Smith nor Michael Oher falls to them they may decide Britt has more value than Eben Britton or Max Unger.

Browns Interested in Michael Crabtree?

In Eric Mangini's latest attempt to drag the Browns' franchise to the ground, it appears as though he's showing a strong interest in Michael Crabtree . Rumors have been flying around the past two weeks that Braylon Edwards will end up in Giants uniform by the time the draft is over, thus opening up a hole for Crabtree to fill.

There's no denying Crabtree's ability, but the decision to bring him to Cleveland is questionable. Why replace a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver with an unproven rookie?

The decision to draft Crabtree further brings into question Mangini's ability to identify talent on the defensive side of the football. The Browns clearly have one of the league's worst defenses, yet Mangini has done nothing to improve that side of the football. The most significant moves made on that side of the ball have been the additions of David Bowens and Eric Barton - both of which are clear downgrades from the recently departed Andra Davis and Willie McGinest. Logic would say the Browns need to draft a defensive player, perhps Brian Orakpo, Everette Brown or Aaron Maybin.

Further reason to pass on Crabtree is the lack of success by first-year receivers. Rookies typically have very little impact in the NFL, but receivers take longer to develop than any other position. Parting ways with Edwards and bringing in Crabtree would set the Browns offense back another three years - the time it generally takes a receiver to reach his full potential.

It would be a poor decision to draft Crabtree. He may develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver, but he's unlikely to help the Browns in the near future. This is a win-now league, and selecting a receiver in he top 10 is not a move that facilitates that goal.

Nate Davis and Other Mediocre Quarterbacks Visit Jets

We've had a Nate Davis sighting!

Just when it looked like Davis was going to completely fall through the cracks he appeared at the Jets workout facility on Wednesday according to a report on the Jets website. Also attending the workout were Rhett Bomar and Mike Teel .

Davis also has a scheduled workout with the 49ers.

Its looking like Davis is this year's Andre' Woodson. He's gone from a viable 2nd-round pick to a late round prospect at best. And all that since December. Davis' free-fall should land him somewhere in the 5th to 7th round range. He'll be brought along as a developmental prospect, which is probably for the best as his technique definitely needs some work.