A couple of days ago, I discussed comments that Penn State coach Joe Paterno made about the Big Ten expanding to 12 teams, and I came to the conclusion that changes, in some way, do need to be made in order for the conference to return to being a real power on the national stage. Is expansion that change that needs to happen? An expansion to 12 teams may well make the Big Ten need to change its name, ...Read More

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 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

NFL Draft Defensive End Rankings 1. Brian Orakpo (Texas) Oustanding athlete with excellent size and speed. Has tremendous versatility, and could make an impact in a number of ways at the next level. Excels in pass rushing, and enjoyed an excellent senior year (11.5 sacks). Has average hands and rush moves. Doesn’t have great awareness, and instincts aren’t always reliable. 2. Tyson Jackson (LSU) Has great size and bulk. Very powerful. Uses leverage well. Had a stellar sophomore season, and became more ...Read More

1. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) Doesn't have great timed speed, but has good game speed. Has good hands and is adept at making the big play. Truly the top prospect at receiver in this draft. Good overall size and build for the position, and also has great leaping ability. 2. Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) He played in a favorable offense and isn't a sound route runner, but few receivers have the blend of speed, fluidity, and leaping ability that Maclin possesses. Durability is a ...Read More

Go Back to Round 1 Round 2 33. Detroit Lions - James Laurinaits, ILB, Ohio State After getting their franchise quarterback and tackle, it's time to beef up their defense. Laurinaits brings the athleticism, intangibles, and leadership they thought they were getting when they drafted Tedy Lehman years ago. Previous: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois 34. New England Patriots (From Kansas City) - Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan It's time for New England to find a quality replacement for Rodney Harrison. Delmas is the best safety ...Read More

How do the draft's top prospects grade out by position? Check out our 2009 NFL Draft prospect rankings. Of course, wait until after you're finished checking out Kevin's updated mock. Updated: 4/24/09 Round 1 1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia When you calculate the value of the position, the quarterbacks Detroit has, and the money involved, Stafford is the only player that makes sense here. Aaron Curry or Jason Smith would be nice, sure, but the Lions cannot pass ...Read More

There’s no Glenn Dorsey, Chris Long, Sedrick Ellis, or Vernon Gholston to get wild about in the 2009 NFL Draft, at least at this point. All of those guys were in contention to be the #1 pick in the 2008 draft, and all four were off the board in the first seven picks. What this year’s draft class may lack in headliners, it makes up for in terms of plenty of depth throughout the defensive positions, and a ...Read More

The combine gets underway in earnest this weekend, with drills upon drills upon drills taking place from Saturday to Tuesday, starting with the offensive linemen tomorrow and ending with the defensive backs on Tuesday. I thought I’d squeeze in an update ahead of the important stuff, but it goes without saying that what happens over the next several days at Lucas Oil Stadium will shake up many a draft board and mock draft. So, expect next week’s update to look ...Read More