A few weeks ago, Penn State coach Joe Paterno made a call for the Big Ten to follow the path of the SEC, Big 12, and ACC to expand to 12 teams in an attempt to help the Big Ten be a bigger factor on the national stage. But last week, Paterno took a much different stance from the one that he'd taken just a couple of weeks prior, saying that expansion is something that should be left in ...Read More

We round out our 2009 NFL Draft team grades by taking a look at the NFC West. Last season, the Arizona Cardinals won the West without much of a serious fight from the rest of the division, and they went on to make a surprise run to the Super Bowl. Did the Cardinals make the necessary moves in the 2009 NFL Draft to stay on top of the heap and remain a contender in the NFC, and did ...Read More

The NFC South was extremely competitive from top to bottom last season, with two teams making the postseason, another barely missing out, and the last-place team finishing with a .500 record. Did each team do what it needed to do in the 2009 NFL Draft to ensure that competitive remains next season and beyond? Atlanta Falcons Grade: B+ Best: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi Jerry was the second rated defensive tackle behind B.J. Raji, and gives the Falcons the presence in the middle ...Read More

The members of the NFC North can all come away feeling pretty good about their acquisitions in the 2009 NFL Draft. Which NFC North member came out the best? Chicago Bears Grade: A Best: Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose State The Bears are all about defense, and now it looks like they're all about jumping out of pools. Gilbert's Youtube video sensation was just one reason to love him, while the Bears likely picked him due to his great size and bulk, ...Read More

Three down, one to go. We round out our 2009 NFL Draft grades of the AFC's teams with a look at the AFC West, where quite a few interesting moves were made on Saturday and Sunday. Denver Broncos Grade: B+ Best: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia While the Broncos spent the off-season acquiring free agent running backs, none come even close to what Moreno can and should bring to them. He's shifty inside holes, has good speed, and is a tough, physical ...Read More

The 2009 NFL Draft is in the books, and it's time to take a look at how each team did. handing out grades and dishing out analysis on the best picks, worst picks, and steals for all 32 teams. We're going to break it all down, division by division, starting with the AFC East. Buffalo Bills Grade: B+ Best: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State Maybin is easily their best pick. He's a fantastic athlete with a high motor, and he can ...Read More

Go Back to Round 2 Round 3 65. Detroit Lions - Fili Moala, DT, USC Just one of the many USC prospects, Moala has been overlooked all the way into the third round. He is a massive man with good strength, and should give the Lions an inside presence they haven't had since Shaun Rogers. 66. St. Louis Rams - Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest They got their tackle and receiver, now addressing the defense is their top priority. Previous: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia 67. ...Read More

1. Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) Has all the physical tools and skill requirements of an elite linebacker. Has excellent timed speed, and elite natural instincts. Can be a bit overly aggressive. Hasn't shown if he can be a reliable pass rusher. May have difficulty with play recognition at the next level. 2. Brian Cushing (USC) Has ideal size and bulk, and is also an elite athlete. Has good speed, and possesses extreme versatility. Health has been an issue. A workout wonder? While his ...Read More

1. Rey Maualuga (USC) Tough and physical with a violent mentality. Truly can frighten the opposition at times. Excels at pass-rushing and in run supports. Offers solid versatility at the next level. Isn't great in coverage, due to his average speed. Can be a bit inconsistent. 2. James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) Good athlete with great speed and instincts. Has good hands, fluid hips, and outstanding awareness. Has all the tools to be a star linebacker in the NFL. Isn't as physical as you'd ...Read More

1. Chris "Beanie" Wells (Ohio State) Has near perfect size and strength, with great vision and a solid burst. Breaks a ton of tackles and runs hard, but doesn't have elite speed or quickness. Not a very good receiver, and has durability concerns. 2. Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) Very productive runner who has great agility and vision. Can create holes for himself, as well as break tackles. Doesn't have great timed speed and has minor durability concerns. 3. Donald Brown (UConn) Had a sensational senior season ...Read More