Dan Wernery Plays GM for 32 teams: Where do I draft an OT?
It has always been a dream of mine to be an NFL General Manager. During this series of articles, I will act as the General Manager for all 32 teams and place each team into three categories based on position need: High Priority, Moderate Priority and Depth Purposes only.
High Priority (Round 1 or 2)
St Louis: Aaron Curry may be tempting, but if you want to keep Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson on the field, draft Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe.
Kansas City: Even with an emerging talent like Branden Albert on the left side the Chiefs are still in dire need of offensive line help. This team also has major weaknesses in their front seven. I recommend either BJ Raji or Aaron Curry with this pick.
Seattle: Even if Aaron Curry is still on the board I would draft a left tackle. Walter Jones is 35 and rehabbing from microfracture knee surgery. Keep in mind Greg Oden is still recovering from this procedure 2 years later and is 15 years younger. Franchise left tackles drafted in the top five are the safest pick of any position in any sport.
Cincinnati and Oakland:If Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are off the board, then its chaos in the Bengal and Raider war rooms. Andre Smith should not be an option due to his questionable work ethic. If Andre Smith is lazy now, just wait until he gets $20-25 million in guaranteed money. Neither team has the coaching staff too handle this type of knucklehead. Draft another position of need if you're Mike Brown or Al Davis. Giving up your titles as GM wouldn't be a bad option either.
Jacksonville: The Jaguars signed Tra Thomas in anticipation of both Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe being off the board. If BJ Raji or Michael Crabtree slide to Jacksonville, then they should go that route. If Andre Smith or Michael Oher is on the board, then this team should give serious consideration to drafting a tackle. Jack Del Rio runs a tight ship and that is exactly what both Andre Smith and Michael Oher need.
San Francisco: The Niners have a need for a right tackle but the need at quarterback is far greater. Marc Sanchez is the type of guy who is not only a quarterback but natural born leader who can become the face of a franchise.
Buffalo, Washington, and San Diego: While Andre Smith and Michael Oher are risky left tackle prospects, they are slam dunk right tackle prospects. All three teams have a major need at right tackle and should jump at this opportunity.
Philadelphia: The Eagles are desperate for offensive tackle and skill position help. William Beatty or Eben Britton are not the 22nd best player on the board, but if Philadelphia passes on Beatty or Britton with their first-first round pick then both may be gone by the time Philly is back on the clock later in round 1.
Minnesota: The Vikings have the luxury of Ryan Cook who can play center and right tackle. That's why this team should strongly consider Max Unger or Alex Mack with this pick. They are both far more talented than William Beatty or Ebon Britton.
Pittsburgh: The Steelers are playing with fire on their offensive line. Take the best offensive lineman on the board regardless of line position
Moderate Priority ( Round 3 or 4)
Detroit, Cleveland, Green Bay, New Orleans, Houston, Chicago, Arizona, New England and Indianapolis: Here are few helpful hints at this point in the draft. If you need a left tackle, wait until June 1. If you need a right tackle, don't be disappointed if you get a guard. Most tackle prospects drafted at this point of the draft are usually better off at guard or need time to develop.
Depth Purposes Only (Round 5 or lower)
Denver, NY Jets, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Atlanta, NY Giants, Miami, Baltimore, Carolina and Tennessee
Dan Wernery is Chief Scout for NFLDraft101.com and can be reached dwernery@nfldraft101.com
High Priority (Round 1 or 2)
St Louis: Aaron Curry may be tempting, but if you want to keep Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson on the field, draft Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe.
Kansas City: Even with an emerging talent like Branden Albert on the left side the Chiefs are still in dire need of offensive line help. This team also has major weaknesses in their front seven. I recommend either BJ Raji or Aaron Curry with this pick.
Seattle: Even if Aaron Curry is still on the board I would draft a left tackle. Walter Jones is 35 and rehabbing from microfracture knee surgery. Keep in mind Greg Oden is still recovering from this procedure 2 years later and is 15 years younger. Franchise left tackles drafted in the top five are the safest pick of any position in any sport.
Cincinnati and Oakland:If Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are off the board, then its chaos in the Bengal and Raider war rooms. Andre Smith should not be an option due to his questionable work ethic. If Andre Smith is lazy now, just wait until he gets $20-25 million in guaranteed money. Neither team has the coaching staff too handle this type of knucklehead. Draft another position of need if you're Mike Brown or Al Davis. Giving up your titles as GM wouldn't be a bad option either.
Jacksonville: The Jaguars signed Tra Thomas in anticipation of both Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe being off the board. If BJ Raji or Michael Crabtree slide to Jacksonville, then they should go that route. If Andre Smith or Michael Oher is on the board, then this team should give serious consideration to drafting a tackle. Jack Del Rio runs a tight ship and that is exactly what both Andre Smith and Michael Oher need.
San Francisco: The Niners have a need for a right tackle but the need at quarterback is far greater. Marc Sanchez is the type of guy who is not only a quarterback but natural born leader who can become the face of a franchise.
Buffalo, Washington, and San Diego: While Andre Smith and Michael Oher are risky left tackle prospects, they are slam dunk right tackle prospects. All three teams have a major need at right tackle and should jump at this opportunity.
Philadelphia: The Eagles are desperate for offensive tackle and skill position help. William Beatty or Eben Britton are not the 22nd best player on the board, but if Philadelphia passes on Beatty or Britton with their first-first round pick then both may be gone by the time Philly is back on the clock later in round 1.
Minnesota: The Vikings have the luxury of Ryan Cook who can play center and right tackle. That's why this team should strongly consider Max Unger or Alex Mack with this pick. They are both far more talented than William Beatty or Ebon Britton.
Pittsburgh: The Steelers are playing with fire on their offensive line. Take the best offensive lineman on the board regardless of line position
Moderate Priority ( Round 3 or 4)
Detroit, Cleveland, Green Bay, New Orleans, Houston, Chicago, Arizona, New England and Indianapolis: Here are few helpful hints at this point in the draft. If you need a left tackle, wait until June 1. If you need a right tackle, don't be disappointed if you get a guard. Most tackle prospects drafted at this point of the draft are usually better off at guard or need time to develop.
Depth Purposes Only (Round 5 or lower)
Denver, NY Jets, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Atlanta, NY Giants, Miami, Baltimore, Carolina and Tennessee
Dan Wernery is Chief Scout for NFLDraft101.com and can be reached dwernery@nfldraft101.com