SB Nation - Brian Cushing

Roll On: Xs and Os of the Trojans & How California Can Beat USC

Avinash — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:29:57 -0000

This could be Jeff Tedford's biggest game since 2004. Will his California Golden Bears roll on or step down?

Don't forget to RSVP to the CGB tailgate!

Now that you're thoroughly pumped up, it's time to get to know the enemy on the field. To get us prepared for the technical side of the Cal-USC game, we talked with the West Coast version of Smart Football, Trojan Football Analysis. In addition we'll look at last year's 2008 game (with help from ieeebear) and see what has changed and what we might look out for on Saturday. My notes are in parentheses.

1. Could you explain the basic concepts of USC’s simple but effective offense? Have you seen any variation between the way Sarkisian and current OC John Morton have designed their game plans?

Let’s start with the running game which is somewhat simpler to explain. Since 2002 the USC rushing offense has increasingly relied upon the inside zone (IZ) and outside zone (OZ) stretch plays for 70-80% of its rush attack. Other plays include standard one and two back power plays, toss sweep, and a few lead isolation or draw type plays. The inside zone attack is a downhill in the play side A & B gaps (or offer cutback opportunities on the backside) with linemen executing blocks according to "covered" vs. "uncovered" rules. USC can run inside zone leaving the backside defensive end unblocked like a lot of option teams do. However since the USC QB is not a threat to run usually they instead utilize a fullback or H-back across on the play to secure the back side. This motion importantly also ties into the passing game as well since those same two players often leak out into the passing game thus putting the DE into a bind….Should he try and run down the IZ play from behind, pressure the QB if it is a pass, or disrupt the FB or HB leaking out into the flats?

(Author's Note: One of the biggest things we should look at is how the Cal linebackers perform in run defense. Although the D-linemen did their job in stopping the run for much of the first half last week, they will have a much tougher go against a veteran Trojan offensive line. If USC's running back platoon of McKnight, Bradford and Gable can get to the second level the linebackers have to be ready to make quick open tackles. Put the Trojans in 2nd and 3rd and short situations and it opens up the playbook for Barkley and Bates.)

USC Inside zone runs vs Cal 2008: Background music--Day 'N' Nite, Kid Cudi.

(After the jump, more on USC's running game, their pass plays, their defense, and how to attack each part of the team.)

The outside zone game is a more perimeter oriented play attacking the play side C & D gaps. The run two plays complement one another. Running the inside zone with success eventually pulls defenders a couple of feet closer to the center of the play. This in turn opens up a little more space on the perimeter plays. The outside zone concept is basically to stretch out the defensive line and linebackers horizontal to the line of scrimmage and create bigger running gaps. If the LB’s in particular over pursue on the play the back can often cut up on the play and head more north – south. Otherwise they press the zone outside the tackle / tight end area and try to make it to the perimeter for a few yards.

(Author's Note: Again see how many yards USC picks up on these carries: having the luxury of backs and an offensive line that can put up 5-9 yards on 1st and 2nd down makes it way easier for the Trojans to catch the defense off guard with the passing game via play-action. More on the passing after the jump, but it's safe to say that California cannot allow this type of offensive production through the game.)

USC Outside zone runs vs Cal 2008: Background Music--My Squad, Chief Kamachi and the Ju Ju Mob.

Stopping at least one of these plays is key to stopping the USC offense. Ohio State for example shut down the outside zone game with an unusual alignment, fast LB flow on the play and disciplined reads.

The basic USC offense philosophy in reality has not changed all that much the past few years despite the changes in coordinators. Success of course has varied depending upon the personnel and execution. So far in 2009 USC has been pretty conservative the first four games of the season with new quarterbacks in the back field. There has been a lot more use so far of 12 personnel packages and Twin / Pro Wing Single Back alignments. Chris Brown did a pretty thorough job on the USC passing game on Yahoo! Rivals a while back, and I’d suggest that readers go to that piece as a starting point on the passing game. USC employs a mix of 3 step quick game concepts (slant flat, double slants, curl flat, etc.), 5 step intermediate stuff (Smash routes, 4 Verticals, etc.), drop back play action, and then roll out plays off the IZ/OZ run action to confuse the defense. The USC vs. Cal game in 2008 shows some of the quick game concepts as well.

2) I’m not sure how much you watched of the Cal-Oregon tape, but Jeremiah Masoli played a precise quick-hitting game that negated the Cal pass rush and broke down the holes in a porous zone using bubble screens and short passes to the outside flats. It worked almost to perfection, and disastrously for Cal’s defense.

Interestingly, this passing game plan was very similar to what Mark Sanchez did last season, although USC made a note of establishing the run first and then mixing up the play calling, while Oregon primarily opened up the pass before devastating the Bears with the run. Based on the things you’ve seen from Matt Barkley and from previous seasons, what do you see the Trojans doing in order to break down Cal’s defense?

In some respects I don’t think USC coaches will be too influenced by the Oregon contest. It has to be thrown out as somewhat of an aberration. Also USC does not run Oregon’s spread option attack so it is pretty hard to emulate. USC will run its normal offense plus whatever wrinkles they want to work in for Cal. USC will balance its attack in terms of run and pass. Last season the coaches seemed really concerned about throwing deep versus Cal and its secondary which ranked #3 in the country with 24 interceptions. As a result Sanchez seemed to rarely throw deep in that game. The same might happen in this game unless Cal’s secondary is a lot more vulnerable than last season. USC will throw different passes out of different formations than Oregon but they’ll look to attack the perimeter with quick hitch throws, bubble screens, etc. when corners play off. Against normal down and distance alignments they’ll run their standard 3 step quick game plays. A big question is how much the coaches feel comfortable trying to attack deeper this week with a true freshman QB.

(Author's Note: You see a lot of these quick hitch throws and bubble screens in the video below, as well as the play-action fake bootleg which has been so successful for Trojan offenses in the past. Expect to see plenty of these on Saturday, unless Matt Barkley suddenly gains potent accuracy in the midrange/downfield game. Again, critical for the linebackers to step up and play their zones well--those holes got really deep last Saturday.)

USC Passing vs Cal 2008: Background Music--Conquistadors, Binary Star

3) With Stafon Johnson now out, how do you see USC’s run game changing? Johnson was arguably the Trojan’s best goal-line/short yardage back; does this put more responsibility on Joe McKnight or will it be delegated toward Allan Bradford?

The loss of Stafon Johnson hurts in many ways. Johnson was not the biggest or fastest of the USC running backs but as you point out he was consistent and probably the best at picking the right hole and gaining a few tough yards. The lost Johnson carries will probably translate into more playing time for Allan Bradford at tailback in short yardage situations and plays where Joe McKnight comes out of the game. CJ Gable or Marc Tyler may see a few more plays as well.

(Author's note: Stop Bradford and the Bears have a really good shot at controlling SC on offense. McKnight is a skilled runner, but he's not a grinder and can't hit the holes as well--in last year's game he was hitting the outside a lot, and they preferred to go with Gable or Johnson inside. This year it's been Johnson and Bradford on the ins. Gable is available but has not played much this season. Take away either the outside or inside zone and it forces Matt Barkley to beat you.)

4) Having watched the Trojans first four games, I’m guessing you’re more satisfied with USC’s defense than their struggling offense. Based on what you’ve seen, is the 4-3 under scheme still the same as previous seasons? And has there been a huge drop off in the production of the current players from the seven that were picked in the NFL draft?

I think there are some holes in the USC defense and injuries are also starting to become a real concern. USC in reality gave up 138 rushing yards to Washington State. The NCAA subtracts sack yardage off the run game so with the eight sacks versus Washington State USC padded its run stats by subtracting off 53 yards off that total to make it a more respectable figure. The Cal rush attack will be the second major test for the defense…USC surrendered 108 on the ground to Ohio State before sack yardage came off the total.

Pete Carroll likes to base out of a 4-3 under front however that is very dependent upon his available personnel, what formation the opponent chooses, and what plays they like to run the most. In recent years with Brian Cushing and then Clay Matthews available USC played the under front with a stand up LB at one of the DE spots. Additionally as the spread type of offense has proliferated on college football USC has played some more "over" fronts and "solid" aka double eagle fronts the past couple of seasons.

(Author's note: Cal will again be severely tested on the edges with Tepper and Schwartz needing to step up against a defense that leads the nation in sacks. Although USC has lost several of their key players on th, including DT Hebron Fangupo, DE Armond Armstead, and their sack leader DE Nick Perry and LB Malcolm Smith being questionable, Everson Griffin, Devon Kennard, Christian Tupou and Jurrell Casey (the likely starters for Saturday if Perry cannot go) are far from pushovers on that front line. Cal's O-line cannot let Kevin Riley get tossed around or the Bears offensive gameplan will crumble from the outset. It's on Ludwig and Marshall to have them properly prepared.)

Generic Defensive Fronts

via i109.photobucket.com

Double Eagle formation on display vs ASU

via i109.photobucket.com

5) Based on what you’ve seen from the Ohio State/UW games, what is the best way for an offense to attack the 4-3 under? Is the Trojan defense’s weakness really quick decision-making, mobile quarterbacks? Or is it something more?

As I mentioned USC has become a lot more multiple in its defensive alignment up front in recent years. Depending upon Cal’s formations, the down and distance, etc. you can expect to see USC in either the Over, the Under, or the Double Eagle front.

Double Eagle Alignment Up Front

via i109.photobucket.com

Double Eagle up Front, 2 High Safety Look

via i109.photobucket.com

4-3 Under Alignment Up Front

via i109.photobucket.com

4-3 Under Cover 1 secondary look

via i109.photobucket.com

4-3 over alignment up front

via i109.photobucket.com

Rotation to Cover 3 post snap from Cover 2 shell.

via i109.photobucket.com

The Cal contest will be interesting since the Bears run an excellent power game and mix in some zone concepts as well. Mobile QB’s can give any defense trouble but in reality just good execution and push by the offensive line can also give a team trouble all night. Oregon State in 2008 essentially ran one inside zone running play over and over versus USC and Jacquizz Rodgers gained 186 yards running right at USC.

(Author's note: Uhhh, Cal's O-line can't whiff on their blocks or be out of position like they were last week. They do and we lose. Handily. They play well and execute their blocks and maintain push on the front seven, then Jahvid Best will have a good opportunity to eat them up.

More importantly, if the running game stalls, the receivers need to run their routes properly, or at the very least be able to adjust and make plays on the ball against what figures to be strong Trojan coverage. A healthy run and pass balance is the best way to attack this hard-hitting, physical USC defensive front and a lethal secondary headed by Mays, in order to keep them guessing the same way USC's offense kept Cal's defense guessing last year.)

6) How concerning is USC’s poor 3rd down conversion rate, currently at 25%, 114th in the country? Are the Trojans putting themselves into too many 3rd and long passing situations, or are there execution issues you’ve seen between quarterback and receiver, or is the veteran offensive line making mental errors?

The 25% 3^rd down conversion rate is a major concern and in real need of improvement. USC has to get this number up into the 40-45% range otherwise it will not sustain many drives this season. Stupid penalties, poor field position, poor QB decisions, and dropped passes, etc. are all part of the problem. Everyone shares in the blame on this one. Bad execution, a few curious play calls, and too many mental mistakes are killing USC in this department in the first four games.

(Author's note: If Cal's zone defense allows the Trojans to convert 40-45% of their 3rd downs, I'll be okay, I'm resigned to that figure this season with the weaker linebacking corps. If it goes over 50%, I will be severely distressed.)

Thanks again to TFA, who you can follow all season with his excellent analysis of the USC Trojans, plus other useful articles and analysis on the game of football.

Poll

The most important part of Saturday's Cal-USC matchup will be...

Cal passing game versus USC pass defense

68 votes

USC passing game versus Cal pass defense

14 votes

Cal run game versus USC run defense

94 votes

USC run game versus Cal run defense

20 votes

Something else.

4 votes

200 votes | Poll has closed

Comparing the Online Recruiting Ranking Services

Buck Bravo — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:00:11 -0000

Rivals, Scout, and ESPN all provide ranking systems for recruits headed to Division 1 football programs. Often, ratings of individual players will vary greatly from one service to another. In an attempt to determine which service most accurately projects the future performance of players, let's take a look at the ratings that were given to the 2009 NFL first round draft picks back when they were being recruited for college football:

PICK

NAME

COLLEGE

TEAM

RIVALS

STARS

SCOUT

STARS

ESPN

RATING

Matthew Stafford

Georgia

Jason Smith

Baylor

Tyson Jackson

LSU

Aaron Curry

OLB

Wake Forest

Mark Sanchez

USC

Andre Smith

Alabama

Darrius Heyward-Bey

Maryland

Virginia

Boston College

Texas Tech

Penn State

Georgia

Texas

Ohio State

OLB

USC

Northern Illinois

Kansas State

Tennessee

Missouri

Oklahoma State

California

Florida

Ole Miss

Ole Miss

Illinois

OLB

USC

Donald Brown

Connecticut

Louisville

North Carolina

Rutgers

Ohio State

Missouri

ESPN did not start ranking recruits until 2006, so players from before that time have no ranking. Despite this limitation, let's look at the trend lines for the different services:

While Scout may have had the most 5 star rankings for recruits who ultimately became first round NFL draft choices, Rivals had the best trendline for accurately ranking future NFL talent. A more comprehensive analysis looking at later rounds and previous years would best determine which service best analyzes talent. If I were retired or writing for TDG full time, I'd be eager to put such a report together for later this week. For now, the first round of the 2009 NFL draft will have to suffice.

Conquest Chronicles Links for June 24th

Paragon SC — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:00:35 -0000

Here is today's offering...

Trojans in the NBA Draft

Ballin' is a Habit: Former USC recruits starting to make decisions
Nice Write-up

Gibson Update - Inside USC with Scott Wolf
Some news on Taj...

More Kevin O'Neill News

Kevin O'Neill's hiring... - Seth Davis - SI.com
Some nice words on K.O. form Seth Davis

Hoops on Campus - NY Daily News
USC's new coach looks for new beginning

USC Football News

Rivals.com - USC's Corp welcomes the competition at fall camp
Nice write-up on Aaron Corp

In The Bleachers Podcast - Bruce Feldman Talks SEC & Pac 10
Feldman on USC... Here is the interview.

Former Player News

Former USC basketball player Boseman won't face charges - LA Daily News
Too bad bruin fans...

Kubiak leaves minicamp with his best team yet - Houston Chronicle
Some great news on Cush!

All-decade defense: Strahan, Taylor stand out - NFL Nation - ESPN
USC standout Troy Polamalu makes the ESPN all decade defensive team.

Carson visits 'The Herd'
Carson Palmer spent ten minutes chatting with ESPN's Colin Cowherd. Here is the Interview.

Miscellaneous...

UCLA safety Woods asks for release - LA Daily News
Skippy only needs to run off a few more...will he do it?

Pac-10 takes on different look - Inside Bay Area
Informative...

Cushing to "take action" against website for erronious report

Paragon SC — Sat, 02 May 2009 07:00:14 -0000

Good for him!

Click through this link to get to PFT for their whole write-up which I refuse to link to.

In a Thursday interview with ESPN 1530 in Austin, Texans linebacker Brian Cushing said that he’ll “take action toward” NFLDraftBible.com for its erroneous report that Cushing tested positive at the Scouting Combine for steroids.

That action could include a letter from a lawyer demanding a settlement, and it could include a lawsuit.

Cushing explained that, with the draft over, the next step will be to address the April 2 report from NFLDraftBible.com.

“I’m pretty tired of everything happening with all these supposed rumors [and] people trying to tarnish my reputation,” Cushing said. “I’m not sure what happened. I don’t know if it’s my playing attitude [or] people just don’t like how I handle myself. But you know that’s too bad for them.”

I think you will see this happen more and more...players will take an aggressive stand against these types of false reports and with the resourses they have they have money to burn.

This is why I will never be the first one to report a story...let the big boys get egg on their face first if they are wrong.

My Calm and Level-Headed Thoughts About The Texans' Haul From The 2009 NFL Draft

Tim — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:20:37 -0000

Now that I've had a few days to digest what our beloved Houston Texans did in the 2009 NFL Draft, here are my quick, Friday afternoon thoughts on each draftee:

Brian Cushing--I hated this pick when it was made. HATED it. Now that I've had the benefit of a cooling-off period...I still hate it. The good news is that it seems like the vast majority of the the fan base (1) either loves the pick and has loved it since it was made or (2) has managed to rationalize the pick in the last few days. Thus, I recognize I'm in a very small minority of naysayers. And that's okay; I'm comfortable with that. And hey--I hope Cushing has a career that sees him enshrined in Canton one day. I really do. He's a Texan, and I want him to succeed. So I will root for him regardless.

That said, the only thing that gives me any optimism about the pick is that Smithiak made it. Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak have a stellar draft record, and they know infinitely more about football, personnel, and scheme than I ever will. They're the professionals; I'm just a fan. In Smithiak I trust. Here's hoping I'm every bit the idiot I pray I am for disagreeing with the selection.

Connor Barwin--Looks to be great value in the second round, and if his interview is any indication, he's only scratched the surface of what he can do. Like nearly every Texans fan, I'm very excited about Barwin.

Antoine Caldwell--Without a shadow of a doubt, my favorite pick of the entire draft. Caldwell may not be starting at the outset of training camp, but you have to like his chances of usurping the starting center gig from Chris Myers. That's no knock on Myers; his limitations are nearly entirely based on his size, and that's not something he can control. Three years from now, I reckon we're going to look back on Caldwell as the prize of the draft class.

Glover Quin--A head-scratcher. Is he a cornerback? Or a safety? I really preferred D.J. Moore here. That said, Smithiak found Fred Bennett in the fourth round with several better known players on the board, and Bennett was a revelation his rookie year. We shall not speak of Bennett's sophomore season, lest we get depressed.

So where does Quin fit in? I have no idea. Here's hoping he cracks the DB rotation somewhere in 2009. His development (or lack thereof) could play a large role in how management handles Dunta Robinson's situation in 2010.

Anthony Hill--The confusion I felt when the pick was made has dissipated. Hill's widely regarded as the best blocking TE in the draft. In my mind, this lowers his bust potential exponentially. We already have a stud pass-catching TE; if Hill's skills transform him into a pseudo offensive linemen, the dangerous Houston offense gets even more dangerous. His acquisition has grown on me. Big time.

James Casey--I dig this pick a whole lot. Although my initial reaction was, "Why didn't the Texans take him instead of Hill in the fourth round?", I can't argue with making the value pick of Casey in the fifth. Casey should serve as a utility back of sorts; if he becomes our Frank Wycheck, I'll be more than satisfied. Heck, even the thought of having plays designed that allow Casey to line up at WR, TE, FB, RB, and/or QB are enough to make me giddy.

Brice McCain--Jacoby Jones, you are officially on notice. McCain is here to take your job.

Troy Nolan--There seems to be potential here, and that's all you can ask from a seventh-round selection. Frankly, Nolan probably couldn't have asked for a better situation. Things are far from settled in the secondary, so if he excels on special teams, he might grab a roster spot.

Jeremiah Johnson/Arian Foster--Not technically draft picks, but their arrival makes me feel much better about the team's decision not to draft a RB. Much has been made of the Texans' need for a big back to relieve Steve Slaton. I originally subscribed to that train of thought, but now I'm of the mind that we don't necessarily need a big back. We just need a functional back; that is, someone of any size who can be counted on for 10 carries or so per game. If that's a bigger guy like Foster, great, but I don't think it necessarily means that a smaller, quicker back like Johnson can't fit the bill as well. Either way, I've come to grips with the fact that Gartrell Johnson won't be wearing the steel blue, and I'm okay with it.

Cushing plans to sack libelous NFL Draft site

Mocking Dan — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:04:54 -0000

More photos » by Matt Sayles - AP

Browse more photos »

NFLDraftBible.com should get ready to hear from linebacker Brian Cushing's legal team.

The newest Houston Texan plans to "take action toward" the site for falsely claiming he tested positive for steroids at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Almost immediately after the claim went public, Cushing and agent Tom Condon shot it down in an email to ProFootballTalk.com.Now with the draft out of the way, Cushing seems set on filing suit.

“I’m pretty tired of everything happening with all these supposed rumors [and] people trying to tarnish my reputation,” Cushing said on ESPN 1530 in Texas. “I’m not sure what happened. I’m don’t know if it’s my playing attitude [or] people just don’t like how I handle myself. But you know that’s too bad for them.”

As someone who is a huge advocate for not only journalistic rights and also integrity, there's just no way you can back DraftBible. They stood by their claim all along and are likely going to pay for it in the end.

Still no word on whether or not Clay Matthews III, who was also falsely accused, also plans legal action.

I've done a tiny bit of work with NFLDB's head guy Rick Serritella and he seems like a good guy. His site at least gets a lot of interviews and they have a good radio show. But this could quite possibly be the end of the site for running with and backing some seriously false rumors.

And remember boys and girls, the words "allegedly" and "reportedly" are always your best friends in these kinds of situations.

h/t PFT

The 2009 Houston Texans Draft: Hope You Like The Word Versatility

Jake — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:54:01 -0000

For four months, I’ve been counting down the days until the 2009 NFL Draft. I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas. Gary Kubiak and Rick Smith have steadily built the team almost exclusively through the draft, but that’s not the only reason I couldn’t wait; I’ve been having football withdrawals and I needed a fix. I even contemplated making one of those chains made of construction paper with a chain for each day until the big event, but then it dawned on me that my wife would see that as me taking a temporary vow of celibacy. Needless to say, I was a little more than excited on Saturday afternoon.

Then by the time Sunday night rolled around, my world felt like it had been turned upside down. It’s not that I hated the Texans' draft. I really didn’t even at the time, I was just caught off guard. In all my draft prognosticating, only two of the players were prospects that I thought were on the Texans’ radar, and I had stated publicly that I didn’t want one of them. Due to this utter confusion, I wasn’t able to fully grasp my feelings for the draft as a whole for a full 24 hours. Here it goes.

I’m not about to assign a grade because doing so before the end of the 2011 season would be incredibly asinine of me. In the end though, I like the draft. I love some of the personnel we got, but I can’t say the same for the draft class as a whole because I don’t know enough about some of the players we got, which is no reflection on them but rather an indication of how much more robust the reach and knowledge of the scouting department is than little ole me, but I was a little disappointed on some of the players we passed on. Lastly, I felt like a mistress who spends most of her time trying to convince herself that her man is going to leave his wife, because I was completely sure that the Texans would draft a RB in EVERY CONSECUTIVE ROUND after the third, which they obviously did not.

First Round

Brian Cushing/OLB/USC – Like I said before, I will not say anything negative about a Texan until they give me a reason to on an NFL field. I will say this though--all four people in the room watching the draft with me apologized to me immediately after the pick was announced. I’ve thought about it though, and I think the jury is still out on this one. Like Riott said, Frank Bush made me feel a lot better about Cushing. It’s not as if it was a spur of the moment, uninformed pick; Bush, Smith and Kubiak all admitted that they were targeting Cushing since the Combine. That’s three impressive votes of confidence in my book.

Cushing does play with a great deal of passion on the field, but doesn’t show a lot of emotion off of it, which explains why he didn’t pull a Tom Cruise in the green room of the draft. He started four years in a pro-style defense in which he showed a lot of intensity, a trait that the big three (Smithiakush) told the media was the deciding factor on Cushing. Despite claims that Cushing has “tight hips”, Bush is convinced that Cushing can play in the nickel, making him an every down LB. The accusation that Cushing couldn’t in fact play on third downs was one of my two biggest complaints with him in the first place, so if the closest thing that the Texans have to a LB subject matter expert says he can do it, very well.

The other huge complaint I have about Cushing is the steroids allegations. No, I don’t care about steroids on a moral basis. I care about them in the sense that they may have led to Cushing’s injuries while in college. To McClain’s credit (yes, I just said that… I’m as surprised as you), he asked Cushing point blank about the steroids issue during Cushing’s press conference, to which Brian replied that he will continue to take drug tests until it is not an issue any longer, and that the Texans believed him, which is what is important.

We’ll simply have to wait and see with Cushing, but I am starting to get excited. I think as long as he stays healthy, he’ll be an upgrade at the SLB position and therefore be a good pick. If he plays up to his potential, he’ll prove to be a great pick. (Authors Note: I know I’m a ridiculous homer, but I love the Texans and I didn’t start writing on BRB just to be negative about them. If they give me a blatant reason to pessimistic about them, I’ll do my honest duty, but I don’t think this falls in that category. Do with that as you see fit).

Second Round

Connor Barwin/DE/Cincinnati – I love this pick. Barwin stated that after his selection by the Texans that he was surprised because the Texans had shown basically no interest since the Combine. I think that Smithiak simply didn’t expect Barwin to be still left on the board at 46 and therefore had not spent a lot of time scouting or visiting the impressive TE turned DE. The reason that they probably didn’t expect to have a shot at him was with good reason, considering the interest that several teams that run a 3-4 defense had shown in Barwin as an outside rush LB.

From Day One, Barwin can step in and rush the QB on third downs, which he showed a talent for with 10 sacks in his senior year. Barwin is an amazing athlete and very well may be developed into an OLB with time. If you’re going to take a pick with injury concerns to play SLB in the first round, how intelligent is it to take a player that has shown the intelligence and versatility to potentially replace him if need be? Sounds pretty awesome to me. I’d like to write more on Barwin, but (spoiler alert) there will be more to follow later.

Third Round

Antoine Caldwell/G-C/Alabama – Yet another pick I am floored by. Caldwell not only played exceptionally well in college, but he has shown both the athletic ability and intelligence to play both guard and center in a zone-blocking scheme such as the one utilized by the Texans. All five starters on the Texans OL played all 16 games last year, which an extremely rare feat that will not happen two years in a row, so at the very least Caldwell is a great insurance policy. Even though Kyle Shanahan claims that Caldwell wasn’t drafted to replace Chris Myers, Myers weighs 275 pounds and was pushed around a lot by opposing DTs last year, so the writing might be on the wall.

Fourth Round

Glover Quin/CB-FS/New Mexico – I, like Riott, was not aware of this kid, which is not a great feeling to have about your fourth round draft pick. Quin is slated to be more of a FS than a CB, which I pray to Durga is where he plays for the Texans. This is something different than a flyer pick on a FS in the sixth or seventh. A fourth round pick should have a decent chance of getting on the field. Even if Quin doesn’t beat out Eugene Wilson, I think he’d be better suited backing him up than as the fourth or fifth CB on the roster.

Anthony Hill/TE/NC State – At first, I almost broke the TV after this selection because I was sure that we were going to draft a RB with this pick. It was good in retrospect that I didn’t go with my first instinct because upon further analysis, it is a great pick and I was watching the draft at my neighbor’s house, so he probably wouldn’t have appreciated that behavior.

Hill was rated the best blocking TE in the draft almost unanimously amongst the prominent draft analysts. Hill, a Houston native, is such a good blocker that he might be able to play T in the NFL. Does switching TEs to T ever work in the league? Just ask Jason Peters, who the Eagles just signed to a contract for more money than the GDP of Liberia. At the very least, Hill will hopefully negate the success that opposing SLB have had against the Texans in recent years.

Fifth Round

James Casey/TE-FB-LS/Rice – No, you didn’t misread that position breakdown. Casey is athletic enough to do a lot of things. He’s another pick that the Texans probably weren’t expecting to be around when they got him; rather, they probably had a third round grade assigned to him, which is why they couldn’t resist him in the fifth. At first I had mixed feelings because I knew he was a steal but he was also the second TE in a row, which is a lot in my opinion for a team that has a Pro Bowler at said position.

What’s that? Casey can play long snapper? That’s cool, I guess. He can play FB too? I have to say, that’s pretty cool to have a FB that can catch and run the way he can. If that’s not enough for you though, get this: He can also play QB. Apparently at Rice’s Pro Day, Casey wowed coaches by throwing the ball all over the field. For those of you that like that whole Wildcat thing, there you go. Overall, he seems to fit that whole versatility theme, which was apparently the topic of the Texans' offseason retreat.

Sixth Round

Brice McCain/CB/Utah – If you had told me a couple of days ago that we would come away from the draft with a CB from Utah, I probably would have kissed you. I would have demanded some sort of retribution when I learned it was McCain instead of Smith. McCain is probably too small to make the team as a CB considering how many we have already on the roster. I think his only chance is to play special teams, which he can do with his 4.3 speed. We’ll have to see.

Seventh Round

Troy Nolan/FS/Arizona State – Didn’t I mention something about flyers on safeties in the last two rounds? Nolan was pretty good in college, but as his drafted position suggests, he wasn’t great. We’ll just have to see how it goes, but if Nolan made the team even as a backup for Wilson, he’d be a steal in the seventh.

Anyway, like I said, I am now happy with our performance. I have no idea how all the major draft pundits graded our draft, and I don’t care. The Texans aren’t about sexy draft picks, but sexy picks usually put your team in the crapper, as evidenced by our performance under the Casserly regime. If Cushing stays healthy, Hill and Casey are as good as they seem, and one of the DBs makes a significant impact, this will be an amazing draft. Now we just have to wait four months to find out. Man, I hope it didn’t hurt you nearly as much to read that as it did me to write it.

Emerging From My Day One Draft Hangover

Jake — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:11:53 -0000

The first thing that I asked myself this morning was, “What happened?” I wasn’t asking myself that question because I was lying next to something I shouldn’t have been, and it wasn’t because of a curious injury that I didn’t know the cause of. It was because of Day One of the 2009 NFL Draft.

I’ve spent the last couple of hours thinking yesterday’s proceedings over, and I have some thoughts. My first thought was, “I wonder if cyanide really is tasteless.” But that thought quickly passed. Once I really started analyzing things though, I felt better. I promise this won’t be a complete homer-esque “The Texans can do no wrong and I will rationalize everything away” post; rather, it will be an honest look at the 15th and 46th overall picks of yesterday’s draft.

15th Pick – Brian Cushing/OLB/USC

We really set ourselves up for failure with this pick. Our first desire which was to trade down obviously wasn’t possible because the only team that was able to do so in the teens was the Cleveland Browns, who twice only received a 6th round selection for moving down. So Houston was stuck at 15.

Most people didn’t want Cushing, myself included. I won’t reiterate why because I made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t trash the newest member of the Texans unless he gave me a reason to with his play on the field. Cushing is great against the run, which is something that we need. He also has extensive experience rushing the passer from his time in the Elephant position in USC’s pro-style defense.

Many people yesterday repeated the mantra of “In Smithiak We Trust” to comfort themselves, but there’s another guy that I put my confidence in to justify this pick--Frank Bush. If anyone knows what LBs will be a good fit for our system it’s Bush, whose coaching specialty has been LBs for several years after he himself played the position. Bush felt confident enough in Cushing’s ability to step in and play from day one of the 2009 NFL season, as evidenced by utilizing his first ever pick as a defensive coordinator.

Speaking of Smithiak, I do trust that they did their due diligence in investigating injuries that were reported to be caused by steroids. That’s the only thing that still gives me pause for feeling good about this pick. If Cushing can stay healthy though, he will be an immediate upgrade at SLB and allow Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi to stay fresh and hopefully injury-free themselves.

I’m not saying that I think the Cushing pick was perfect, but I don’t think it was the end of the world either. Additionally, the whole “He didn’t seem enthused to play in Houston” argument is a little unfair in my opinion. NFLN will air a draft profile of Cushing on Tuesday which I will watch and post about, and if he really was bummed about us picking him, it will show there.

46th Pick – Connor Barwin/DE/Cincinnati

The more I think about this pick, the more I love it. Look at the results for drills at the Combine, and there is one name you continuously see at the top of those lists--Connor Barwin. As opposed to other physically gifted athletes on those lists like Michael Johnson and Lawrence Sidbury, Barwin has been lauded for his non-stop motor and incredible work ethic.

Barwin also has the intelligence to learn what coaches need him to, and will be a great addition to our locker room. If we need him to play OLB instead of DE, he has both the physical gifts and intellect to do so. Also, don’t overlook the fact that Barwin had 400 yards receiving as a TE in 2007, and was also a walk-on power forward on the Bearcats basketball team.

Barwin was a steal halfway through round two, especially considering he was being considered in the end of the first round by teams like Miami and New England. Granted, those teams run a 3-4, but as much as I hate Belichick, he and Parcells are draft geniuses so I don’t mind taking a player they both like. I like this pick so much that I’m seriously considering a purchase of a new steel blue Barwin jersey.

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)

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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

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW: The 1st Round Live Blog (Tape Delayed)

Josh from Hollywood — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:15:01 -0000

More photos » by Jason DeCrow - AP

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FOOCH'S NOTE: Josh put this together and offered it up and I thought we could hold off with more in-depth analysis until tomorrow. Let's end the night with a little levity.

For those who don't know (a.k.a. "n00bs"), I posted a columns a couple of times a week during last season (you can check those out here). Due to time constraints, I've gone postless since the Super Bowl, but I'm back with a vengeance for the greatest offseason event in sports -- Draft Day.

I’ve watched the NFL Draft for over 20 years now. And I’ve never experienced it in any other way than on ESPN. I can still vividly remember being super pissed when the Jets took Roger Vick, a RB out of Texas A&M, with the 21st pick in 1987, because Mel Kiper made it clear the Niners wanted to take him at #22. Boy, that really came back to bite the Niners, huh?

When the NFL Network began airing the draft, I always meant to give their coverage a try. But I’m a creature of habit, so I never managed more than a cursory click-over during a commercial or particularly annoying part of ESPN coverage. The coverage was decent enough, with Mooch, and Deion, and Marshall Faulk. It also had Rich Eisen leading the charge, a huge improvement over Berman. The Net’s version of Mel Kiper is Mike Mayock. He actually played in the NFL, so he’s got that going for him. And he’s every bit as abrasively East Coast as Mel -- his Phillyese is quite similar to Mel’s Baltimorese.

Because I’m so into my comfortable routines, I’ve never actually gave them a shot, going with them right from the get-go. But after 20+ years of Chris Berman’s bad jokes, Mel Kiper’s hair, and the ever expanding Scott Stuartization of their coverage, I’ve finally had enough. I need to go one year without it. So today’s the day -- except for that rare click-over during commercials, I plan to stay ESPN-free today. I'm flying with The NFL Network -- The Net, for short -- all day today. Won’t you join me on this journey of discovery?

8:59am -- I’m all ready for this draft. All settled in on the couch, got my notebook, food, drink, computer, TV’s on. I’M READY ROCK N’ ROLL!!!

9:01 -- Wait, the draft’s not on. Checking my programming guide, I see it doesn’t start until 1pm. Totally forgot about that. So I got up at 8:30am for no absolutely no reason. Oh well, more time to ~~download porn~~ do research.

11:47 -- After a long nap, I’m back and ready to roll again. Turn on the NFL network pre-~~game~~ draft just in time to see Rich Eisen toss it to Santa Clara, where Brian "Creepy Pinky" Baldinger is at Niner HQ. He breaks big news on the Niners plan of action for the draft: "That’s what this draft is all about -- improving the roster, improving their chances of winning next season." Mind blown. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.

11:49 -- After that truly enlightening report from Baldinger*, the feed switches back to the ballroom, where a camera mounted up high gazes down at reporter’s doing stories on the main floor. This shot includes a sweet look at Erin Andrew’s ass. Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor again (this time for real). We’re going to see a lot of talent on display here today, but surely none will be as awe-inspiring as that. * No actual enlightening included

11:50 -- More shots from the ballroom floor, including one of Michael Crabtree. Rich Eisen and Marshall Faulk take this opportunity to praise him for his lavender shirt. There’s a joke in there somewhere, but I’m too lazy to look for it.

11:53 -- Back from commercial, we’re presented with a 3-man satellite desk where Brian Billick, Charles Davis, and Brian Billick discuss the Jets. Dukes’ microphone appears to be turned off -- nice work by the crew there, and I’m not being sarcastic.

11:57 -- Dukes’ mic is now working -- the Lord giveth, and He taketh away.

12:00pm -- High noon. Now I can start drinking alcohol without feeling guilty. Don’t get me wrong -- I’ve been drinking since dawn, it’s just that until now I’ve been feeling guilty about it.

12:01 -- Nice ponytail, Cushing. Now that was sarcasm.

12:01 -- Two good bits of info from the main desk: 1) Mike Mayock calls this the worst draft in recent memory. 2) Steve Mariucci has been nominated for an Emmy. I’m not sure which is more disappointing.

12:02 -- What the hell is that?! It looks like Bill Belichick, now there appears to be something on his face I’ve never seen there before. I know this sounds crazy, but it has all the earmarks of... a smile.

12:06 -- Belichick drops the nice guy act when Eisen asks about the Matt Cassel, giving a typically lifeless answer. This is a good thing, because Smiling Belichick was giving me cold chills down my spine.

12:25 -- The NFL network airs a retrospective on the QB class of 1983. They call Todd Blackledge "the biggest bust in Kansas City Chief history", then proceed to show him a) taking a shotgun snap to the face, and b) the worst mullet in NFL history. Somewhere, Blackledge sits in the dark listening to The Smith’s and cutting himself.

12:35 -- The Niners unveil their new jerseys. A nation says, "Meh". I like them, myself. Reminiscent of the 80’s version, which is all I ever wanted.

12:45 -- Deion introduces the top prospects in the draft. Jets fans boo him. Jets fans are in full-throat, as usual. This is really their day, more than any other. When I think "NFL Draft", I think "Jets fans booing".

12:46 -- Watching the top prospects all take the stage, I can’t help but wonder which of them will look back on this day as the highlight of not just their career, but their life. It sounds a little morbid when put like that, but it’s really morbid when you realize none of us will ever achieve such greatness. I’m making another drink.

12:59 -- John Gruden: "I’m fired up!" Gruden, fired up? I’m shocked, shocked.

1:01 -- The Net opens their coverage with a terrible, repetitive, annoying song. ESPN opens theirs with Chris Berman. This is like ‘Sophie’s Choice’, only in reverse.

1:03 -- The Commish steps to the podium to announce the first pick. I’m going on record to say I think it will be Matthew Stafford.

1:04 -- Oh my, I was right! Matthew Stafford is the #1 pick in the Draft, and the New York crowd shows it’s class by booing him and then chanting "Overrated".

1:10 -- The lambs are on the clock. Mayock says Spanolouloloulououo wants to improve the ground game, as shown by his off-season moves -- including personal favorite Mike Karney.

1:12 -- Copious shots of Mark Sanchez on his cell at his home in Orange County before the Rams pick at #2. Sanchez is doing the right thing -- chill at home, and celebrate with your friends and family instead of doing it before hundreds of strangers in person and the prying eye of the national TV camera.

1:14 -- As their time expires, the Lambs pick is in. Mayock says a team might purposely pass up their pick, insinuating the Rams might do it. Eisen corrects him that there is a pick -- Jason Smith.

1:19 -- ESPN comes back from commercial for 8 seconds before Berman says anything. I turn back to The Net.

1:22 -- The Chiefs are on the clock, and Gruden says they will go offense here, as Haley wants to give Cassel another weapon. Crabtree? Really? The Chiefs had a terrible pass rush last year and also got pushed around. And they already have Bowe.

1:23 -- The Chiefs pick is in. Eisen explains that the pick was be checked for spelling and pronunciation before it is "processed" and handed to the Commish. It’s Tyson Jackson. Note to self: Don’t listen to Jon Gruden.

1:32 -- The hosts talk about the widespread rumor that Seattle is picking Mark Sanchez, but the Seahawks select Aaron Curry. And this is why you watch from home like Sanchez is doing. If he was at Radio City, the cameras would be so far up in his grill we’d know if he trimmed his nose hairs recently or not.

1:36 -- Rich Eisen sees people on the phone and starts a rumor there might be a trade. Mayock says it could be someone moving up to snag Sanchez, or it could involve Braylon Edwards to the Eagles (but wouldn’t that involve the Browns getting another pick, not losing this one?).

1:38 -- Eisen was right -- there is a trade, and it’s the Jets! Jets fans are beside themselves, and I am too. Everybody said they liked Freeman, but could this be for Sanchez?

1:39 -- It is! It’s Mark Sanchez! The Net has him on TV at his home putting on a Jets cap before he’s even picked. Maybe he should’ve come to New York after all.

1:41 -- Most Jets fans are thrilled and cheering, but the camera is staying trained on two guys who hate the move. They’re scowling, and one clearly says, "This horrible! I’m so pissed!" I love Jets fans.

1:50 -- The Bengals take Andre Smith, and his ample breasts.

1:54 -- The Raiders are on the clock and everybody is thinking a speedy WR. Why? Because they are the Raiders. Is it Crabtree?

1:56 -- Oakland does pick a WR, but not the ones most people were talking about -- Darrius Hayward-Bey. Mayock: "A classic Al Davis pick". Meanwhile, Crabtree's still on the board. I wonder if he wishes he was watching at home.

1:59 -- The Jags are on the clock. Gruden is saying it might be Crabtree.

2:05 -- It’s Eugene Monroe. Second reminder to self: don't listen to Gruden. That makes 3 OT’s in the first 8 picks. Mayock: "He can bend!" Okaaaay.

2:06 -- Crabtree continues to slip. If he slips past Green Bay (which he should -- no way they need another WR), he'll be there for the Niners. That both excites and terrifies me. He could be a poor man’s Jerry Rice, or he could be a rich man’s Rashaun Woods.

2:08 -- And there’s Raji on the phone -- the telltale sign of an upcoming pick (or a Drew Rosenhaus production). This is happening, it’s really happening.

2:10 -- I feel like Jessie in that very special ‘Saved By the Bell’: I’m so excited... I’m so scared! I don’t know whether to root for Crabtree, or against him.

2:13 -- The Pack takes BJ Raji, and the Niners are on the clock. What will they do? I hope they don’t screw this up. They really have no choice but to take Crabtree. You just don’t see talents like that slip to you that often. They have to do it, or potentially watch while he blows up elsewhere.

2:18 -- Crabtree on the phone! And grinning! This is good. Being on the phone is always a good sign you’re about to get picked, but the fact his expression went from "My dog just got run over" to "I’m the next Jerry Rice" in two minutes means he’s about to be a Niner.

2:21 -- It’s official -- Michael Crabtree is a Niner, and I’m thrilled. It took me like 10 seconds to go from "Should we?" To "What the [SITE DECORUM] are you talking about?! Of course, we should!". In fact, I don’t know that I’ve been this excited about a pick in a long time. I knew Patrick Willis would be great, and I hoped Alex Smith and Vernon Davis would be. I honestly don’t know what Crabtree will be, but I’m damn excited to find out.

2:23 -- I click over to ESPN on the other tuner, and rewind to watch their coverage of the pick. It’s quickly followed by a interview between Crabtree and Erin Andrews -- this works on so many levels of entertainment. Great TV.

2:25 -- So Crabtree is headed to San Francisco -- at least there he won’t be the only man in a lavender shirt. See, I told you there was a joke in there somewhere.

2:26 -- The Bills select Aaron Maybin at #11, but I’m still too busy thinking about Crabtree to comment.

/goes back to picturing Crabtree beating Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie for a long TD on Monday Night Football, and Ron Jaworski getting so excited while talking about his talent, he has an orgasm on national TV.

2:31 -- The Broncos take Knowshon Moreno. They could use the help at RB, but what about that porous defense?

2:33 -- The picks are coming fast and furious now as the Skins take Brian Orakpo. I like how much quicker the Draft moves now -- I used to get so bored between picks, but now the pace is much more crisp and efficient.

2:40 -- The saints pick is in, and Jamie Dukes says what many others have -- they’ll take Beanie Wells. But it’s Wells’ teammate, Malcolm Jenkins.

2:43 -- The camera catches Brian Cushing putting his hand in his nose, then his mouth. Seconds later, his gets a call clearly telling him he’s about to be picked. Apparently, the Texans just can’t resist I guy with a ponytail who eats his boogers on national TV. Who can blame them?

2:45 -- It’s official -- the Texans take Brian Cushing. One more douchebag in Texas.

2:51 -- The Chargers take Larry English at #16. I’d like to give you some informed analysis on this pick, but to be perfectly honest, I’ve never heard of Larry English.

3:01 -- Cleveland trades down again -- sending the #17 pick they got from the Jets to Tampa, who picks Josh Freeman. Cleveland must be picking up quite a few picks today. If they end up trading Braylon Edwards for picks today, they could end up setting some kind of record.

3:02 -- The guys at the mian table are all giving Gruden crap about Tampa finally drafting a big-time QB now that he’s gone. Gruden is smiling, but he clearly wants to kill them all.

3:06 -- The Broncos use their second pick in the last half-hour to select Robert Ayers, finally adding some help to their D. The Net shows video of him absolutely owning Michael Oher in a Senior Bowl practice. Mayock: "He might be a big reason Oher hasn’t been drafted yet."

3:11 -- Eisen announces that the Browns have traded down yet again. They’ve dealt the #19 pick they got from Tampa to Philly, moving down to the Eagles’ spot at #21. The Eisen: "They’re stockpiling late-round picks, and also have three 2nd’s from their trade with the Jets."

3:13 -- Who did the Eagles trade up 2 spots to nab? Jeremy Maclin. between him and DeSean Jackson, the Eagles can't say they don’t have speed at WR.

3:19 -- Detroit uses their second pick to take Brandon Pettigrew. I’m surprised -- with all the problems they have, I’d think there would be a better use of their resources than that.

3:21 -- The Browns are on the clock. Again. They can’t possibly make another trade, can they?

3:24 -- Nope, no trade -- the Browns have made a pick: Alex Mack.

3:26 -- The Vikes are on the clock, and Mayock is pushing Percy Harvin as a way to help them stretch the field. Gruden concurs.

3:28 -- The Vikes do take Percy Harvin. Remember, the last time they took a WR who tested positive for pot in college it was Randy Moss. Dope-smoking WR’s FTW!

3:30 -- As the guys from The Net all celebrate the Harvin pick, Mayock gets off the line of the day: "We’re all patting ourselves on the back here, but if ends up on the Love Boat smoking a bone, we’ve all got a problem." I think I like this guy. No way Kiper comes up with a line like that.

3:36 -- The Pats trade down, sending the #23 pick to Baltimore, who takes Michael Oher. He may have slipped further than many people thought, but this has still got to be a great day for Oher -- his journey has now officially taken him from the outhouse to the penthouse. If you haven’t already read about his story in The Blind Side, I don’t know what you’re waiting for.

3:42 -- The Falcons take Peria Jerry. Or is it Jerry Peria?

3:45 -- The Dolphins are on the clock, and the guys on The Net are making the point that Parcells likes bloodlines -- both Brian Robiskie (son of Terry) and Clay Matthews (son of Clay) are available. The Phins make their pick -- Vontae Davis, VD’s brother. I don’t think those were the type of bloodlines they were talking about.

3:50 -- Fatigue is starting to become a factor. I’m not used to working this hard on a weekend. All this drinking and eating and watching and typing has me feeling more dead than that guy Donte Stallworth ran over. Too soon?

3:52 -- Bill Belicheck is making a run at the Browns -- the pats have traded down for the second time today, and trail Cleveland by only one trade-town. The Pats entered with 11 picks in the draft, and 6 in the top 100 -- more than anybody else. They now have 13 picks overall, and 8 in the top 100.

3:53 -- The Packers get the Pats pick, trading up from #26 to take Clay Matthews.

4:00 -- The Colts select Donald Brown. That’s all i have to say about that.

4:04 -- The Bills select Eric Wood. Mayock informs us that he is "not sexy". Seeing as he is an offensive lineman, I don’t find that especially surprising.

4:09 -- The Giants (and their loud mouth fans) take Hakeem Nicks to fill their void at WR, though I still wouldn’t be surprised if they trade for a big name WR between now and training camp.

4:18 -- With the #30 pick, the Titans choose Kenny Britt to fill the gaping hole left by Brandon Jones. Gaping, I tell you. Gaping.

4:20 -- Know what time it is? Time for Percy Harvin to get high. That’s what time it is.

4:22 -- The Cards are on the clock. Eisen suggests they might take Beanie Wells, but Mayock says he’s too similar to Tim Hightower, and Faulk agrees. Seriously? I think Wells in a whole other class than Hightower.

4:28 -- Yup, the Cards take Beanie Wells. And Mayock does a quick flip-flop, saying Wells is an "upgrade". He does question his ability to stay healthy. Faulk sticks to his "same as Hightower" argument

4:30 -- The world champion Steelers cap off the 1st round by drafting Evander "Ziggy" Hood. I’m not watching ESPN, but I’d be willing to bet $1,000 Chris Berman just made a "Ziggy Stardust" reference.

4:32 -- Alright, that’s it for me. I’m TiVoing the rest of this, while I go see if my wife is still speaking to me.

SB Nation - Brian Cushing

Roll On: Xs and Os of the Trojans & How California Can Beat USC

The most important part of Saturday's Cal-USC matchup will be...

Cal passing game versus USC pass defense

USC passing game versus Cal pass defense

Cal run game versus USC run defense

USC run game versus Cal run defense

Something else.

Comparing the Online Recruiting Ranking Services

Conquest Chronicles Links for June 24th

Cushing to "take action" against website for erronious report

My Calm and Level-Headed Thoughts About The Texans' Haul From The 2009 NFL Draft

Cushing plans to sack libelous NFL Draft site

The 2009 Houston Texans Draft: Hope You Like The Word Versatility

Emerging From My Day One Draft Hangover

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

Round 1

Round 2

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW: The 1st Round Live Blog (Tape Delayed)