SB Nation - Patrick Chung

Oregon Roundtable

TwistNHook — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:00:10 -0000

TwistNHook: Every game the last few years in Autzen has been tight.

2007-Last second miracle touchback
2005-Last second missed regulation field goal leads to terrible OT
2003-Blackout gives Oregon momentum in 4th quarter

Cal is 1-2 in those games and could just as easily be 0-3 or 3-0. Odd things always seem to happen up there. Given that USC will be the next weekend at home, some Cal players might be peeking ahead. Who knows?

Avinash: How do people think Chip Kelly will fare as the new leading man at Oregon? He seemed rather quippy during Media Day.

There's no doubt he is an offensive master of the spread offense, especially the spread run, and you'd figure that their excellence will continue into this season. But as we've seen before, being both head coach and offensive coordinator can easily bog you down once you hit a rut (Tedford 2007 anyone?). Will he be able to handle both duties at once?

Do you feel that Oregon will be a better team?

TwistNHook: If I were an Oregon fan, my biggest concern would be about the O-Line. Don't they have large amounts of inexperience there?

Avinash: Maybe, although that inexperience might be deceptive.

via cdn.bleacherreport.com

"Oregon's no huddle-spread offense forces their offensive linemen to run much more than traditional units. Oregon not only relies on an exceptional conditioning program, but also uses frequent substitutions to keep their linemen fresh.

Last year the Ducks rotated nine players in and out of the lineup. While the one constant on the field, Max Unger, is now playing up I-5 for the Seahawks, the Ducks do return four players with significant game experience"

HydroTech: Doesn't sound like their OL will be as green as we thought. I'm concerned about LeGarette Blount, their runningback. This guy is apparently a first round draft pick in the waiting. He's 240 pounds! Almost as big as former Wisconsin runningback and Heisman winner Ron Dayne (250 pounds). I'm hoping Blount's career is the opposite of Dayne's - sucky in college and good in the NFL. This guy, along with Oregon's athletic offensive line, will definitely give Cal's defense a HUGE test. Frankly, just thinking about playing in Autzen and having to deal with Blount makes me feel like we're going to lose and I haven't even mentioned Masoli. So about Jeremiah Masoli. That guy can run and is another threat for the defense. His passing could use some work. He puts up some pretty inconsistent games. Last year he had a game where he threw only 33.3% completions, and another game where he threw 80.8% completions. Overall, he's about 57% passer which leaves a lot to desire stastically.

So, just thinking about Blount, Masoli, their OL, and their home field advantage makes me think this is going to be the second toughest team Cal will face in 2009. I would put this game at perhaps a coin-flip for who wins or perhaps a 60/40 in favor of Oregon.

Ragnarok: In spite of that fearsome rushing attack, I would argue that the key to the Ducks' fortunes vs. Cal lies with Masoli's arm. Let's run some numbers:

Last year, Cal's defense gave up more than 125 yards total rushing five times. They lost four of those games (accounting for all four of their losses), but only gave up more than 200 yards on the ground once, yielding 206 yards on the ground to Oregon in a 26-16 victory. Deplorable field conditions and inopportune turnovers aside, I believe that the Ducks' biggest weakness was their inability to pass the ball when they needed to.

Oregon's option offense hummed along just nicely on the ground, chewing up big chunks of yardage on first and second downs, but when the Ducks *had* to pass, especially on third down, they were abysmal. Discounting Oregon's final, desperate drive (under 2 minutes left, down 2 scores), the Ducks faced 14 3rd downs that day. How'd they do? When they dropped back to pass, they were 0/6, getting sacked once for -3 yards and throwing one interception. That...is pathetic. (They weren't much better rushing. Yes, they converted 3 of 7 times, but only once longer than 3 yards, and they gained a total of 16 yards on 3rd down. Total.)

That final drive? Masoli didn't even play. Although I don't *know* why he was benched, I feel confident in guessing that Justin Roper (who has since transferred) came in because Oregon *had* to pass, and Masoli just didn't provide enough of a downfield threat. If Masoli learns to throw, then I'll be really worried, but as it is, I don't see the Ducks getting through their schedule with fewer than three losses.

TwistNHook: Well, I agree that Masoli being able to throw is key. But I guess I'm higher on him that you are. Did you see him in the Civil War? He was killing it out there. I even said right before that game that Masoli would be key. And when he was killing it out there, the double pronged attack was murderous.

In many ways, this Oregon offense is similar to ours. Great rushing attack with a suspect passing attack. And if the passing attack CAN step it up and become consistent and productive, then they could have something special. That said, I like our talent almost across the board. This is not to denigrate the Oregon talent, including Blount Force Trauma (even though he had something like 5 rushes for 7 yards against us last year). But instead just to look positively upon our talent.

Avinash: I'm not sure even how to count last year's game. They were playing in the mud. Neither Longshore nor Masoli could do much damage when they couldn't see two feet in front of them.

Also, even though the Bears have won four of the last five from Oregon, three of those wins have been incredibly fluky. Two involved the Ducks committing a hundred turnovers in the red zone, the other involved that receiver catching a ball near the end zone that would've set up a game winning field goal, and then casually letting it drop to the ground. Rose Bowl 2004 hopes would've ended that day.

We talk about the Bears failing to execute offensively, but do you guys feel the Ducks have a similar execution problem when they're expected to succeed with their offense?

Avinash: *bold that last question, Twist.

TwistNHook: DON'T TELL WHAT I SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT BOLD!

Why you always bolding so much stuff? Regular font not good enough for you? Why you gotta hat?

Is Jairus Byrd still around? That guy has been around forever. It's like every year they have tons of hype around the secondary and we still pass well against them. If CBKWit wasn't enjoying his relaxing tour of downtown Pyongyang of indeterminate length (somebody call Big Daddy Clinton!), I'm sure he'd agree with my assessment. Those Oregon DBs always seemed to be overhyped.

Ragnarok: I'm not sure what game you were watching, Avi, but there was no mud (Memorial Stadium has turf), and visibility was fine (it was just a little wet, that's all - it's still good, it's still good!).

TwistNHook: Also, I thought Longshore passed the ball decently well, given all the conditions.

Avinash: It was hyperbole! Hyperbole, damnit!

Ragnarok: I guess you just weren't ridiculous enough. Perhaps you could take hyperbole lessons from rollonubears?

TwistNHook: Here is the box score from last year's game.

Longshore went 13 for 27 for 136 yards with an average of 5 yards per reception. In a vacuum, those are not great numbers. When you look at the other side (where the Oregon QBs were averaging 2.1 and 3.6 yards per reception) and given the weather, I thought that that was not halfway bad. Riley actually played better, but was knocked out fairly early in the game.

I am concerned about the fact that Oregon had murderized our QB the last 2 years. If that happens again this year and Sweeney is starting against USC, it could be a LONG game slash season slash off-season slash rest of our lives.

Avinash: Here is Addicted to Quack's perspective.

I do agree that if there is any Pac-10 defense that will slow down, even stifle Best this season, it will be Oregon. Their back seven is one of the fastest in the country, and they can definitely make sure Best doesn't find the holes.

TwistNHook: This story angers me greatly:

EUGENE — Receiver Diante Jackson was one happy camper Friday as the Oregon football team kicked off practices.

Jackson was cleared for academic entry into Oregon, after taking a sociology class and finishing a history class this summer. The NCAA Clearinghouse, which rules on eligibility for players, approved him Thursday.

Damn you, Diante! Why must you succeed and be happy for the other people???????

via blog.oregonlive.com

Of course, the biggest question is new coach Chip Kelly. And everybody is focusing on the offense. But what of the D? How is it going to look?

Oregonlive has this to say:

"[Last year] Oregon finished seventh in scoring defense (28 points), eighth in total defense (390 yards) and last in pass defense (270 yards). The loss of defensive end Nick Reed and rover Patrick Chung, both consummate leaders, made this season's rebuilding job that much tougher.

So the Ducks tweaked their philosophy. Like many teams, they sought to add a little speed to the edges, and the results this spring were encouraging.

Kelly's first move was to bring in feisty defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro, who inherits a line of senior Will Tukuafu and question marks at the three other spots. Brandon Bair, 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, figures to start at one tackle along with either Blake Ferras or Simi Toeaina. Pass rusher Kenny Rowe or stockier Terrell Turner will start at the other end.

The Ducks haven't ruled out the athletic Josh Kaddu at end as they try to add speed wherever possible and stand up one or two defensive ends to help cover the field. That leaves the middle more open, putting pressure on the steadily improving Casey Matthews at middle linebacker. At his side will be the undersized but fast Eddie Pleasant and Spencer Paysinger, who was second on the team with 95 tackles last season.

Newcomer Bryson Littlejohn was perhaps the biggest eye-opener on defense this spring, showing an eagerness to hit.

Behind them, the secondary is again a strength -- although Oregon ranked last in the league in pass defense in 2008. Hard-hitting T.J. Ward is back at safety, along with Thurmond, who was the team's best player in the spring.

Willie Glasper and Kenjon Barner will battle for the other corner, and Chung's replacement at rover will be either the athletic Talmadge Jackson or the physical Marvin Johnson -- improving juniors with complementary skills."

To me, that bodes fairly well. There is a lot of turn over. On a D that wasn't very good. A lot of camp battles for spots. Maybe some of these guys will take that next step and I'll be eating crow. But reading that leaves me feeling fairly confident (even though I think there's a good chance we lose this game).

Avinash: The last five years we've played them, I have never uttered the phrase, "Oh shit, we have to face the Oregon defense".

Football is obviously a 50-50 games; stop the offense, go at the defense. But generally Cal's offense has held their own with Oregon's defense, sometimes even blowing it open with them. Maybe it's because Tedford has coordinated alongside Allotti for three years and knows many of his tendencies (Although to be fair, Allotti probably does likewise). I'd still say Tedford is the more capable of the two in winning the strategic battles between the two, especially with Ludwig in tow (who also coordinated alongside Allotti at Oregon).

My attention will be focused on the defensive side of the ball with Cal, and how they battle the spread option. Do you guys feel that it'll be more important to beat Oregon's defense, or stop Oregon's offense?

HydroTech: I think the key is to slow down and stop Oregon's offense. Oregon's offense is so high octane and fast, that it can quickly build up a multiple touchdown lead forcing the opposing team to play "catch-up." In other words, the Oregon offense will put their team ahead enough to the point where the opponent has to start playing risky and getting aggressive to reduce that score differential before there is too little time left in the game. I think Oregon's offenses have been really carrying the team and it's the offense, not the defense, that the Cal Football team needs to really stop.

via www.marshawnlynch.info

TwistNHook: How do you guys see this one ending up? I really don't know. I feel like Cal has more talent on paper, but Oregon has such a strong home field advantage. It will be close, no matter how you cut it. I think Cal wins 4-2.

Avinash: I think Oski could put the Duck in a headlock and suplex him.

Yellow Fever: 5-4. I feel a last-second safety deciding this one.

TwistNHook: I see Cal fumbling right at Oregon's 1 yard line down 4-3. Then, Oregon takes over and we get the safety FOR THE WIN!

HydroTech: I'm really hesitant to do too much predicting of how our team will perform when we have such huge questions about our passing game. If our passing game sucks, we could lose big time. If our passing game is decent, we can win a close one. If our passing game is great, then we can crush the life out of them. I could see this being a 20 point loss, I could see a 3 point win, and I could also see a 21 point win. To me, it just all depends on how well our passing game is, and that's something we won't know until the season starts.

Poll

How will Cal do against Oregon?

Big win

37 votes

Close win

170 votes

Close loss

190 votes

Big loss

93 votes

490 votes | Poll has closed

Media Wednesday - Roh Sham Bo for Playing Time

dvieira — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:00:10 -0000

During last year's Arizona State game, there was more to pay attention to then the "banana" uniform combination or the pasting of the Sun Devils. There was a game within the game that may very well have changed the outcome. If this play is any indication, maybe our Roh Sham Bo skills increased with Willie Glasper coming back and Patrick Chung being drafted by the New England Patriots.

Remembering Todd Doxey - 1 Year Later

dvieira — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:00:15 -0000

A year ago today...it seems like only yesterday. The news came out that Duck Nation had lost one of its own, just the day before. A fun, relaxing day focused on togetherness and tradition was forever altered by a tragic accident; Todd Doxey had drowned during the annual float on the McKenzie River. The course of the 2008 football season instantly took on new meaning. Today, we honor a fallen Duck. You may be gone Todd, but you will always be in our hearts.

Todd Doxey was recruited by Oregon in the 2007 recruiting class, choosing the Ducks over Washington State. He was a smart kid, maintaining a 3.4 GPA through high school and was the first member of his family to attend college.

From goducks.com

The 19-year-old Doxey had joined several of his teammates on Sunday afternoon to float down the McKenzie River. Most of the participants had started down the river in inner-tubes when Doxey apparently decided to jump off the Marcola Road Bridge according to Lane County Sheriff's reports. According to reports, Doxey swam some distance before experiencing problems in the water. His teammates were already downriver and were unable to reach him to render assistance. Another boat coming down the river was able to retrieve Doxey.

From signonsandiego.com

He apparently was one of the last to take the 25-to 30-foot leap and started swimming across the current. Witnesses said he suddenly appeared to be in distress and had trouble staying above the cold water.

Todd Doxey was gone, a young life snuffed out before it had the change to blossom.

Phil Knight, out of his own pocket paid for a plane to carry Oregon coaches and players to San Diego for Doxey's funeral where more than 3000 people attended. Football players Dominic Glover, Javes Lewis, Jeff Maehl and Will Wallace, who all enrolled at Oregon as members of the 2007 class with Doxey, helped establish the Todd Doxey Memorial fund

With their help, the Todd Doxey Memorial Fund was established to help defray the expenses associated with the redshirt defensive back’s death. NCAA rules require the university to oversee the memorial fund. Any monies donated that are over and above the permissible expense incurred by the family must, by NCAA rules, be donated to charity.

2 weeks before the Washington Husky game, Oregon announced that they would be honoring Todd Doxey with a specially designed helmet sticker that the entire team would wear for the duration of the year.

Losing Todd proved to be a galvanizing force in the secondary

"It made our team a lot closer," says junior safety T.J. Ward. "Since I've been here, I think this is as close as this team has ever been."

"I'll carry it for the rest of my life," says Ward, who rolls up his right sleeve to reveal a tattoo on his biceps with Doxey's name and the words "Rest in Paradise."

Then he rolls his wrist inward to reveal an older tattoo on the back of that right arm. This one honors Terrance Kelly, a friend and high school teammate who was shot and killed four years ago, days before he was to go to Eugene and begin his college career. "I never thought I would be in that same situation again," Ward says. "Hopefully, you get stronger for it."

Throughout the season, various members of the team wore the Number 29 jersey with no name plate.

Oregon had a successful season and it seemed almost like destiny that they would end up in the Holiday Bowl...San Diego...where it all started.

"I get chills just thinking about that," Oregon senior running back Jeremiah Johnson said. "That's just God working right there. I mean, we could have played in any bowl game. But He put us here so T-Dox could play with us. I truly believe that his soul is in San Diego, so it's going to be like we'll have a 12th man on the field for us."

Oregon would go on to win the 2008 Holiday Bowl, leaving a lasting memory in the emotional chapter of the season. The team had the spirit of Todd that day, coming from behind to beat Oklahoma State. Even though it was time to turn the page, the book of Todd Doxey's life was filled with more than just football. We may remember him as a Duck always but there was more to Todd than just being a great football player.

It's unlikely the many stories of Doxey's generosity would have surfaced this season to the public as a role player in the Ducks' defensive secondary. He was third on the depth chart behind Patrick Chung and Marvin Johnson. How he gave his tickets last season to a boy confined to a wheelchair. How he would sometimes sneak back into his grandmother's house, unannounced as a surprise, when he would return to San Diego from Eugene his freshman year. Every time he would go down his block, visiting his extended family.

TD, you will always be apart of Duck Nation. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, thank you for the wonderful memories. We won't forget you. Every other day we are ATQ. Today, we are ATD.

From Gladys Doxey, Todd Doxey's mother...

"He never walked out of this house without kissing me and saying, 'I love you,'" Gladys Doxey said. "I'll never forget that. My mom used to always say, 'You aren't dead until you forget.' Teeder will never be dead to nobody in this family because we'll never forget him."

Morning Quack Fix: Oregon's running backs tradition, Walter Thurmond works out, and catching up with Patrick Chung

jtlight — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:28:13 -0000

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. I had a wonderful slice of Americana, and lots and lots of food. In Duck news, we're a month away from fall camp, and less than 2 months to opening kickoff. On to today's quack:

DuckTerritory has a good breakdown of Oregon's running back recruiting success over the past 15 years. It really is quite incredible when you look back on it, but Oregon has brought in so many top JC running backs, which has led directly to the rise in national stature. Mike Bellotti was always about balance, and he brought in the guys necessary to achieve that on the offensive side of the ball. It will definitely be exciting over the next few years to see what types of running backs Oregon can pick up throughout the country.
Bob Rickert has some good info on Walter Thurmond III, and his workout last month at Deion Sander's camp in Texas. He looked good, and I really think that he is bound to be even better than he has been this season. After battling injuries last year, he will be healthy, and most likely not have many balls thrown his way.
ESPN blogger, Tim Graham has a profile on "Pat" Chung, and his preparations for the upcoming season. First off, he's known at Pat now (Joey really should have done the same thing when he got to the pros), and he's doing whatever is asked of him by the New England coaching staff. And it looks like his style won't change much from Oregon, as he's looking to lay a hit 24/7.
If you missed it, Nick Daschel over at Buster Sports listed Pete Carroll as the number 1 coach in the Pac-10 over the past 50 years. As much as a lot of people can't stand Carroll, and question how he is above of John McKay, I don't disagree with this. In the Pac-10 Carroll has been the most dominant coach in Pac-10 history, and it's not even coach. In 8 years, he has won 7 Pac-10 titles, and earned the conferences automatic bid to a BCS Bowl 6 times (4 of those were outright victories). This reign is as sickening as it is impressive. Nick has a whole post summing up his series, and some concerns readers have had, so check that out as well.
Lastly, some Pac-10 preview notes. ASU comes in at #51 nationally in the Buster Sports countdown, while coming in #59 in the NYT Quad countdown. And Buster Sports ranks UCLA #55 in the nation.

GO DUCKS!

Oregon's 2009 NFL Draft Summary

dvieira — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:34:19 -0000

Congratulations to the following Ducks that have been selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. Big ups to Nick Reed especially who conquered the odds and went in the 7th round, despite not having that typical NFL body. Sometimes having that motor helps and it will be good to see him remain local. I was also very surprised to have 3 Ducks go in the Top 50 of the draft. That's awesome and hasn't happened before. All of these teams should be competing for playoff spots next year as well. Great job guys!

-- Patrick Chung to New England: 2nd Round, 34th overall

-- Jairus Byrd to Buffalo: 2nd Round, 42nd overall

-- Max Unger to Seattle: 2nd Round, 49th overall

-- Fenuki Tupou to Philadelphia: 5th Round, 159th overall

-- Ra'Shon Harris to Pittsburgh: 6th Round, 205th overall

-- Nick Reed to Seattle: 7th Round, 247th overall

Poll

Which Duck will have the biggest impact on the field next year in the NFL?

Patrick Chung

237 votes

Jairus Byrd

58 votes

Max Unger

206 votes

Fenuki Tupou

9 votes

Ra'Shon Harris

2 votes

Nick Reed

41 votes

553 votes | Poll has closed

Morning Quack Fix 4.26.09 - Weekend Edition

dvieira — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:00:13 -0000

Lots of big happenings going on this weekend with Oregon ties. Let's get started. Also, feel free to jump in with additional notes in the thread about the ongoing NFL draft. With 3 Ducks going in the 2nd round, there are a couple of other names out there that may go. 3 Ducks in the Top 50 of the draft has never happened before. USC had the most picks of the Pac-10 with 4 going in the top 50. Oregon was second with 3. Arizona and California each had one. Oregon State's Andy Levitre barely missed the Top 50, getting drafted at 51. Everyone else had bupkiss.

As mentioned in the outset, Patrick Chung goes 34th to New England, Jairus Byrd goes 42nd to Buffalo and Max Unger goes 49th to Seattle. Byrd will get to swap Civil War stories with Oregon State's Andy Levitre who was picked 51st by Buffalo. The reaction coming from Buffalo Rumblings, an SB Nation Blog, is less than flattering about the Byrd pickup.
Baseball has lost 5 straight after losing 2-0 to the Huskies. I think we can say that the team has finally come back to earth after the lofty expectations at the beginning of the year. Oregon is in 9th place in the Pac-10 and you can't argue with that. The Ducks are beating most people's expectations since they were picked dead last to start the season. The series with Arizona to end the season may very well be for last place in the Pac-10.
The defense is looking good for the football team in the latest scrimmage. Chip Kelly also invokes his Major League Baseball trivia comparing the team's performance to a Pedro Martinez outing.
From Rob Moseley's Twitter feed, Got an email alert at 12:22 a.m. saying that Cliff Harris "has been released from the Fresno County Sheriff's Department as of 04/25/2009." Also to note, the charges against him have been reduced to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing a public official.
Academic honors for Nick Reed by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
Cal beat up on two of our teams. The Bears defeated the Softball Ducks 7-2. They also squashed a comeback bid by Women's Lacrosse, winning the semifinal game in the MPSF Tournament 10-9.
The Women's 4x400 meter relay team broke a 25-year-old meet record at the Oregon Relays meet. That mark was one of 17 NCAA Regional-qualifying marks the Ducks had on the day.

Check out the ATQ Facebook page and become a fan today! Also don't forget the Addicted to Quack Twitter Feed with all kinds of juicy tidbits. With the Spring Game looming, come on out and meet your fellow ATQ'ers. Stop by dvieira's car and say hi for some nice BBQ and conversation.

[UPDATE]: I'm not sure if I was drunk when I wrote this but I've fixed the title to reflect the accurate date. We have now moved "Back to the Future" - dvieira

The Chiefs Selection of DE Tyson Jackson was the First of Many Day One Surprises

Chris Thorman — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:23:41 -0000

More photos » by Jason DeCrow - AP

Wake Forest's Aaron Curry, who was selected as the fourth overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks during the first round of the NFL Draft, holds up a jersey with NFL commissioner Roger Godell, at Radio City Music Hall, on Saturday, April 25, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Browse more photos »

So did this draft blow up mock drafts forever or what? People will be saying for a long time in the mock draft universe, "Remember 2009?"

While the first two picks of the draft went as expected, with Detroit taking QB Matthew Stafford and the Rams taking OT Jason Smith, the Kansas City Chiefs put the first of many spins on this draft when they selected LSU DE Tyson Jackson.

Rumors of the Chiefs' preference for Jackson had spiked late before the draft but I don't know how many peopel took them that seriously. I know I didn't. Jackson was a mid to late round prospect by most people's draft boards.

40% of you approved of the Chiefs' selection of Jackson. 36% didn't approve and 22% weren't sure. I suspect, judging from recent comments on here, that the approval rating would shoot up a bit if we re-cast those votes.

The selection of Jackson, while a "reach" by most accounts, had Scott Pioli written all over it. This draft is very weak on defensive ends and Jackson was Pioli's #1 guy, mock drafts and experts be damned.If we trust Pioli, or we at least want to to give him a chance, we need to see if Tyson Jackson develops into a special player.

As far as what we can expect from Jackson in Kansas City, Scott Pioli drew comparisons from another player, Cowboys' defensive tackle Russell Maryland. He was selected #1 overall by the Cowboys in a rare trade up from #4 in the 1991 NFL draft. Pioli had this to say today about Maryland and his defensive role:

I remember Coach Johnson a long time ago in conversations Bill and I had had with him and in separate conversations about Russell Maryland. That year they were due to pick the fourth spot overall and they traded up from four to one to get Russell Maryland, a player who played in the league for 10 years, had only 24 and a half sacks over the course of his career and only went to one Pro Bowl. But Coach Johnson talked about the importance of Russell Maryland – again, different positions – how he allowed him to play the defense they wanted to play and what an important component he was even though he didn’t rack up sacks or only went to one Pro Bowl. What he was as a player in a very key position allowed the defense to be what the defense was.

I think we'll have to be patient with Tyson Jackson and not expect a huge impact from him, at least initially. Remember Chiefs fans...The Right 53.

Here's what Mocking the Draft had to say about Jackson:

6’4, 295 pounds | Defensive end | Louisiana State

Strengths: Jackson is a big, powerful defensive end who specializes in stopping the run. Could easily play as a three-technique tackle in a 4-3 or a five-technique end in a 3-4. Has played both at LSU, so he has some versatility. Has the strength to shed blocks quickly and get into the backfield. Better as a pass rusher on the inside. Does a really nice job getting his hands up to bat down passes. Knows how to play off the cut block nicely.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t have great athleticism or speed. A little slow off the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t close very quickly. Needs to be coached up in his pass rush moves. Really only uses his strength to get to a quarterback. Comes out of his stance too high, which allows blockers to control his frame. Not asked to stunt a lot, which is puzzling.

Final word: A versatile player who could help a team looking for a run-stopping end, especially one that runs a 3-4 defense. Very similar to Chris Canty of the Cowboys. Jackson improved his play as a senior, improving across the board statistically. But that still leaves a disappointing junior season in question, particularly since he lined up next to Glen Dorsey. A second-team all-conference player as a senior.

We'll have more on Jackson tomorrow morning, after we ~~sober~~ rest up. The draft is just now ending at 9 PM, which means for those that starting boozing at pick #1, Al Davis is probably making sense to you by now.

Speaking of Al Davis, I just want to link to DJ's FanPost about the ridiculousness that is the Oakland Raider's franchise. This is honestly the first time I've felt bad for Raiders fans. I mean, I always felt bad for them in a rivalry sort of way but man, Darrius Heyward-Bey at #7 overall? How do you reconcile that with your fandom? Then picking a safety that ESPN doesn't even have film on? I know one thing. I don't feel depressed about Tyson Jackson. In fact, I'm quite excited.

Thoughts on a bizarro world first day of the 2009 NFL Draft? We'll be posting more tonight I'm sure and we'll be back early tomorrow morning with more draft coverage.

Remember, rounds 3-7 start tomorrow at 9 AM central time. The full results of the first two rounds are after the jump.

Round 1			Round 2
Player	Pos.	Team	Player	Pos.	Team
1 Matthew Stafford	QB	Lions	1 Louis Delmas	S	Lions
2 Jason Smith	OT	Rams	2 Patrick Chung	S	Patriots
3 Tyson Jackson	DE	Chiefs	3 James Laurinaitis	ILB	Rams
4 Aaron Curry	OLB	Seahawks	4 Brian Robiskie	WR	Browns
5 Mark Sanchez	QB	Jets	5 Alphonso Smith	DB	Broncos
6 Andre Smith	OT	Bengals	6 Rey Maualuga	ILB	Bengals
7 Darrius Heyward-Bey	WR	Raiders	7 Eben Britton	OT	Jaguars
8 Eugene Monroe	OT	Jaguars	8 Ron Brace	DT	Patriots
9 B.J. Raji	DT	Packers	9 Darius Butler	DB	Patriots
10 Michael Crabtree	WR	49ers	10 Jairus Byrd	DB	Bills
11 Aaron Maybin	DE	Bills	11 Everette Brown	DE	Panthers
12 Knowshon Moreno	RB	Broncos	12 Pat White	WR	Dolphins
13 Brian Orakpo	DE	Redskins	13 Clint Sintim	OLB	Giants
14 Malcolm Jenkins	DB	Saints	14 Connor Barwin	DE	Texans
15 Brian Cushing	OLB	Texans	15 Michael Mitchell	DB	Raiders
16 Larry English	DE	Chargers	16 Darcel McBath	S	Broncos
17 Josh Freeman	QB	Buccaneers	17 Max Unger	C	Seahawks
18 Robert Ayers	DE	Broncos	18 Mohamed Massaquoi	WR	Browns
19 Jeremy Maclin	WR	Eagles	19 Andrew Levitre	OG	Bills
20 Brandon Pettigrew	TE	Lions	20 David Veikune	DE	Browns
21 Alex Mack	C	Browns	21 LeSean McCoy	RB	Eagles
22 Percy Harvin	WR	Vikings	22 Phil Loadholt	OT	Vikings
23 Michael Oher	OT	Ravens	23 William Moore	S	Falcons
24 Peria Jerry	DT	Falcons	24 Fili Moala	DT	Colts
25 Vontae Davis	DB	Dolphins	25 Paul Kruger	OLB	Ravens
26 Clay Matthews	OLB	Packers	26 Sebastian Vollmer	OT	Patriots
27 Donald Brown	RB	Colts	27 Sherrod Martin	DB	Panthers
28 Eric Wood	C	Bills	28 William Beatty	OT	Giants
29 Hakeem Nicks	WR	Giants	29 Sean Smith	DB	Dolphins
30 Kenny Britt	WR	Titans	30 Sen'Derrick Marks	DT	Titans
31 Chris Wells	RB	Cardinals	31 Cody Brown	OLB	Cardinals
32 Evander Hood	DT	Steelers	32 Richard Quinn	TE	Broncos

With the 34th pick, Patriots select S Patrick Chung, Oregon

MaPatsFan — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:58:53 -0000

More photos » by DON RYAN - AP

7 months ago: FILE - In this Nov. 4, 2006 file photo, Oregon's Patrick Chung looks for room as he returns a punt against Washington defender Matt Rountaine during a college football game in Eugene, Ore. Chung was selected 34th overall by the New England Patriots in the second round of the NFL draft Saturday, April 24, 2008, (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)

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S Patrick Chung is the newest member of the New England Patriots. After a pins-and-needles Round One, the Patriots finally utilize the pick they received from Kansas City, number 34. From Mike Reiss:

In selecting safety Patrick Chung with the 34th overall pick, the Patriots land one of the draft's most experienced players. Chung projects to join James Sanders and Brandon Meriweather atop the team's safety depth chart.

Chung also could make the return of Rodney Harrison, already considered a bit of a longer shot, that much longer.

Belichick likes players that have skills across the board and Patrick Chung could fit that bill. He's not a standout, but people are projecting him to be a hard worker. This from www.draftcountdown.com:

competitive...Major special teams potential...Great work ethic...Durable...Has lots of experience against top competition...Team leader in every sense...Was super productive.

Word is Chung is more of an in the box player and should do well up close while Meriweather and Sanders hang back in coverage.

Cowboys Draft 2009: Get Up On Your Soap Box

Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 04:00:13 -0000

We no longer have to count months. We no longer have to count weeks, or even days. Only hours my friends, only hours. I hope you are all as excited as I am. I was excited for the draft in November, I've got my dial turned all the way over to "crunk" now. Starting on Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys will welcome an infusion of new blood. With new young players comes new-found hope. Some of the names called over the weekend will become key contributors. Hopefully a few will become franchise cornerstones. This is where championship teams are built.

You’ve done your homework. You’ve devoured every draft publication you could get your hands on. You’ve scoured the internet for every mock draft and prospect evaluation. Now is your chance to get up on your soap box and campaign for your guy.

I want to know who you think the Cowboys should select with their first pick. Let’s try to keep this thing as uniform as possible. This is not the time for crazy scenarios, or a list of guys. I don’t want to see your whole draft board, just give me one name and your reasoning for why the Cowboys need your guy most.

For the sake of an example, I guess I will set this thing off.

With the 51st overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys should select…

Patrick Chung, S, Oregon.

There are plenty of reasons why I think Chung should be the Cowboys’ first pick. Firstly, I feel that safety is the Cowboys biggest need. Safety has been an area of need for the Cowboys since Darren Woodson retired, and we have seen in recent years how poor safety play can handcuff a defense. It is time to finally spend a first-day pick to plug the seemingly eternal hole at safety.

Secondly, I think that this year's talent pool at safety is much more shallow than the talent pool at defensive tackle, offensive line, linebacker, or wide receiver. There are three safeties who have pushed themselves ahead of the rest of the pack: Chung, Western Michigan’s Louis Delmas, and Utah’s Sean Smith.

Smith is best athlete of the group, but has more experience at corner. The Cowboys are high on Delmas, who may be the best player of the group, but his 12 bench press reps at the combine are a real red flag in my book. I am not as concerned with his upper body strength as I am with his work ethic. Delmas had to have known for at least a year that he would be showcasing his talents for NFL scouts in February. You have at least a year to prepare for the biggest job interview your life, and you don’t put in the work to put up a respectable number? You’ve got to do better than that.

Patrick Chung is not spectacular, but he is reliable. After watching seven years of Roy Williams, reliable sounds fantastic to me. Chung has the size, speed, recognition and coverage skills to play either safety position. If you are looking for Ed Reed, keep looking. Chung does not have the most impressive highlight tape, but you won’t often find him in chase position on anybody else’s highlights either. Patrick Chung is not as dynamic as Sean Smith, nor is he a bone-crusher like Missouri’s William Moore. Chung is however the most complete package at the safety position. That is why I think the Dallas Cowboys should take Chung with the 51st overall selection.

State your case for your guy (and slaughter me for suggesting Chung) below.

John's Mock -- And in the third round...

John Morgan — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:18:55 -0000

More photos » AP

I think Patrick Chung is the best safety prospect in this draft, but a savvy drafter can't overestimate his own abilities. Tim Ruskell has shown a willingness to trade when multiple picks are available with similar grades. Waiting for Hamlin in the third rather than drafting Chung in the second is like trading down without trading: Similar valued safeties, but one a round later.

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Every stoner I've ever known thinks everyone smokes pot. That the cops cop their stash and smoke up at precinct. This is an example of false consensus. NFL front offices suffer from false consensus. Perhaps it's part and parcel with the fact that NFL front offices overestimate their ability to rank talent. When you're convinced your guy is top of the pops, it's easy to fall into paranoia that other teams are onto you and want your guy. It's one of the key findings of Cade Massey and Richard H. Thaler's essential draft study Loser's Curse. As they put it:

Teams overestimate their ability to discriminate between the best linebacker in the draft and the next best one, and to overestimate the chance that if they wait, the player they are hoping for will be chosen by another team.

I think Patrick Chung is the bee's knees. I love his youth, his fierce determination to get better, his skill-set, athleticism and versatility, but above all I love that he was a successful starter for the 26^th ranked Ducks pass defense at just 18. But I know his weaknesses and I've seen his weaknesses and I know it's not worth taking Chung at 37 when Michael Hamlin should be there at 68. Or Chip Vaughn, or William Moore, or Darcel McBath, or Chris Clemons - but I'll take Hamlin.

I'm not as wild about Hamlin. He turns 24 this November. He's rather slow. Three of his six interceptions in 2008 were against the Citadel's Bug Company and their bolo quarterback Bert Blanchard*.

But for every knock there's a counter. Hamlin is a more complete, polished player with better cover skills than Chung and has a much better chance to start right away. He was the best player and team captain for the best secondary in college football. In the past two seasons, Clemson has ranked 10^th and 13^th in pass efficiency defense despite being ranked 108^th and 54^th in sacks per game. Hamlin would have a very good chance to unseat Brian Russell and start the season at strong safety. The value of that can't be understated. He shows good or at least adequate football speed and maximizes his talents with great instincts, great awareness and sound lines. He's a dependable tackler and capable of both the open-field wrap and the fumble forcing strip.

Hamlin isn't real flashy and his upside isn't much more than a capable starter. But teams, defenses, even elite defenses, need both flashy, expensive superstars and dependable, undervalued starters. Hamlin is more likely the latter, but he should be that this year, next year and as long as he's in the league.

*Blanchard is actually not that bad, but you got to love the slang.

SB Nation - Patrick Chung

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Round 1

Round 2

With the 34th pick, Patriots select S Patrick Chung, Oregon

Cowboys Draft 2009: Get Up On Your Soap Box

John's Mock -- And in the third round...