by Adam Schein
Adam Schein hosts the Sirius Blitz on Sirius NFL Radio from 11-3 ET. He also co-hosts Loudmouths on Sports Net New York every weeknight at 6 ET. He is a weekly columnist and files weekly video reports and makes NFL picks "video style" for FOXSports.com.
When you think about it, it really isn't rocket science.
You take the best player on the board who fits your coaching staff and an area of need.
But yet, every single year we see goofy picks and questionable moves.
For our draft week SCHEIN 9, we offer friendly reminders to NFL teams ? do not blow it.
1. The Lions shouldn't take Matthew Stafford.
Frankly, this is easy. He shouldn't even be in consideration. Detroit has too many needs at 0-16. A strong armed quarterback does not eradicate the worst season in the history of professional sports. In fact, with the money you pay the No. 1 overall pick, it can cripple you for years to come.
Stafford is an underclassmen who forced the ball a bit too much to be considered the guy. Heck, he isn't the top quarterback on some draft boards of good teams. Stafford is not ready to play. He'll be the $35 million signing bonus baby holding a clipboard or getting killed by a poor offensive line.
This pick would be a major overreaction to the Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco craze. Let's slow down here. Ryan and Flacco were special fifth year seniors. Stafford skipped his final college season.
And wouldn't you have an overreaction to the brilliant and consistent play of Jake Long, Ryan Clady (who got one of my two first team Associated Press all pro votes at tackle as a rookie) and Jeff Otah? Analyze the difference these tackles made on their respective ball clubs last year.
I'd pick tackle Jason Smith. I wouldn't have a problem with Aaron Curry under defensive minded new head coach Jim Schwartz.
Plus, if there was trend at quarterback to follow, it's the re-emergence of Kurt Warner and Kerry Collins. Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton can hold the fort until you pick Tim Tebow or some other stud in the quarterback heavy draft next year.
Grab the franchise tackle. Don't blow it. But then again, these are the rebuilding since 1957 Detroit Lions.
2. The Rams must take a tackle
The No. 1 pick often has to do with team needs instead of talent.
I know St. Louis is paper thin at receiver. They should've never cut Torry Holt. And Michael Crabtree is a special talent. I'm not remotely worried about his health.
I know new head coach Steve Spagnuolo is a defensive guru.
Don't get cute. Don't draft a wide out. Don't draft a defensive player. Address those areas later.
The Rams offensive line has been a train wreck for years. And now Orlando Pace is gone. Alex Barron committed two penalties as you were reading this.
It's simple. You pick Smith if the Lions don't. If not, you are more than happy to select UVA star Eugene Monroe.
Don't blow it.
3. Pass on Percy Harvin and Hakeem Nicks
The dynamic Harvin is loaded with concerns. He has off the field issues. Personnel types wonder about his commitment to football. Harvin was nicked too often in college. And do Florida receivers ever really pan out?
Gators WR Percy Harvin might seem like a good catch early in the Draft. Don't be fooled. He's not. (Marc Serota / Getty Images)
And Nicks gained a ton of weight during the draft process. That's a major red flag.
Look, precedent says that first-round receivers will turn out more like Matt Jones than Homer Jones. There are way too many examples of receiver busts in round 1.
If you are the Titans, Colts, Ravens, Jets, Dolphins, Giants or Vikings, fill another need or take Kenny Britt or a receiver like a Ramses Barden later in the draft.
Don't blow it.
4. Washington can't trade up for Mark Sanchez, but the Jets can
The hot rumor is Dan Snyder is smitten over the USC star. I like Sanchez a lot. He's smart, accurate and oozes leadership. But the Redskins don't have many picks and actually have a good quarterback in Jason Campbell. Don't you want to see what he can do in Year 2 in Jim Zorn's system?
If Sanchez falls to the Jags pick at No. 8, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum should call Jacksonville and give up the 17th pick and his second rounder to get the quarterback who will thrive in his marketplace.
I like Kellen Clemens, but you can't compare the experience, talent and upside between Clemens and Campbell.
Sanchez works for the Jets, not for the Skins.
5. Denver needs two defensive studs in the first round
The Broncos defense ranked 29th in the league last year. New defensive coordinator Mike Nolan instantly makes the team better on that front. But they need new players.
Under no circumstance should the Broncos deal up for a Jay Cutler replacement. The Broncos have a golden opportunity to draft a couple of impact starters. Think about Brian Orakpo or Tyson Jackson at defensive end or outside linebacker. There's a chance B.J. Raji could be there at No. 12. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins must be under consideration. Linebackers Brian Cushing, Ray Maualuga, James Laurinaitis, and Clay Matthews should be heavily in the mix.
The Cutler deal was awful. But Josh McDaniels can help his team with two defensive players. Don't blow it.
6. Cincy must trade Chad Johnson
Marvin Lewis says he doesn't know why there is talk about trading Ocho Cinco.
That's why I am here, Marvin.
Chad recently cried to old friend T.J. Houshmandzadeh that he wanted to be traded. Ocho Cinco's act has worn thin. He's a distraction. Johnson was suspended, by you Marvin, last season before a national television game for violating team rules. You can't have rules for 52 guys and then rules for one. He's a headache, distraction and side show. It's the ultimate addition by subtraction move. And he hasn't played like a Pro Bowler in two years. This isn't about you and Mike Brown digging your heels in and showing you won't let a player talk his way off the team. It's about what is best for the team. You have needs all over the field, including offensive tackle, running back, receiver, defensive tackle and linebacker. Trade Chad. End it. Don't blow it.
7. The Giants must trade for Braylon Edwards
New York thinks that Edwards' skill sets are close to a mirror image of Plaxico Burress', which puts him ahead of Anquan Boldin on the veteran pecking order.
The order is debatable but the logic is sound.
Jerry Reese has 10 picks in the upcoming draft and can make some excellent deals. Send the Giants' first rounder and a third rounder to Cleveland for Edwards. You still have two second-round picks. This is a win-now team. And you don't have to give Edwards a new deal beforehand. Don't blow it.
8. The Saints must draft defense at No. 14 or trade down.
Don't tell me about Knowshon Moreno and Beanie Wells. The Saints need an impact defensive player.
Malcolm Jenkins or one of the linebackers like a Brian Cushing will be the pick.
You can get a big running back, like a Rashad Jennings (who I think is the next Brandon Jacobs) later in the draft.
Even a James Davis, Glenn Coffee or Javon Ringer fit the bill for the Saints needs.
Remember, the Saints don't have a second or third round pick so a trade down is very possible. Don't blow it.
9. Pick Pat White in round two or Brian Hoyer early on Sunday
I'll say it again -- White is going to be a great NFL player. He's the only quarterback in NCAA history to start and win four bowl games. White's the NCAA all-time leading rusher at quarterback. And he's a winner. White is open to playing receiver in addition to quarterback at the NFL level. Draft him in the second round and look smart.
Don't wait too long on Hoyer Sunday morning. He is a tough as nails leader who smartly guided Michigan State. Don't get consumed by the nine touchdowns his senior season. His receivers dropped 78 passes last year. Hoyer told us this week on Sirius NFL Radio that New England, Carolina, Cleveland, Dallas and Denver have expressed interest. The Carolina situation is most interesting, with Jake Delhomme likely having one or two years left. That would be a value pick.
Don't blow it.
Adam Schein hosts the Sirius Blitz on Sirius NFL Radio from 11-3 ET. He also co-hosts Loudmouths on Sports Net New York every weeknight at 6 ET. He is a weekly columnist and files weekly video reports and makes NFL picks "video style" for FOXSports.com.
When you think about it, it really isn't rocket science.
You take the best player on the board who fits your coaching staff and an area of need.
But yet, every single year we see goofy picks and questionable moves.
For our draft week SCHEIN 9, we offer friendly reminders to NFL teams ? do not blow it.
1. The Lions shouldn't take Matthew Stafford.
Frankly, this is easy. He shouldn't even be in consideration. Detroit has too many needs at 0-16. A strong armed quarterback does not eradicate the worst season in the history of professional sports. In fact, with the money you pay the No. 1 overall pick, it can cripple you for years to come.
Stafford is an underclassmen who forced the ball a bit too much to be considered the guy. Heck, he isn't the top quarterback on some draft boards of good teams. Stafford is not ready to play. He'll be the $35 million signing bonus baby holding a clipboard or getting killed by a poor offensive line.
This pick would be a major overreaction to the Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco craze. Let's slow down here. Ryan and Flacco were special fifth year seniors. Stafford skipped his final college season.
And wouldn't you have an overreaction to the brilliant and consistent play of Jake Long, Ryan Clady (who got one of my two first team Associated Press all pro votes at tackle as a rookie) and Jeff Otah? Analyze the difference these tackles made on their respective ball clubs last year.
I'd pick tackle Jason Smith. I wouldn't have a problem with Aaron Curry under defensive minded new head coach Jim Schwartz.
Plus, if there was trend at quarterback to follow, it's the re-emergence of Kurt Warner and Kerry Collins. Daunte Culpepper and Drew Stanton can hold the fort until you pick Tim Tebow or some other stud in the quarterback heavy draft next year.
Grab the franchise tackle. Don't blow it. But then again, these are the rebuilding since 1957 Detroit Lions.
2. The Rams must take a tackle
The No. 1 pick often has to do with team needs instead of talent.
I know St. Louis is paper thin at receiver. They should've never cut Torry Holt. And Michael Crabtree is a special talent. I'm not remotely worried about his health.
I know new head coach Steve Spagnuolo is a defensive guru.
Don't get cute. Don't draft a wide out. Don't draft a defensive player. Address those areas later.
The Rams offensive line has been a train wreck for years. And now Orlando Pace is gone. Alex Barron committed two penalties as you were reading this.
It's simple. You pick Smith if the Lions don't. If not, you are more than happy to select UVA star Eugene Monroe.
Don't blow it.
3. Pass on Percy Harvin and Hakeem Nicks
The dynamic Harvin is loaded with concerns. He has off the field issues. Personnel types wonder about his commitment to football. Harvin was nicked too often in college. And do Florida receivers ever really pan out?
Gators WR Percy Harvin might seem like a good catch early in the Draft. Don't be fooled. He's not. (Marc Serota / Getty Images)
And Nicks gained a ton of weight during the draft process. That's a major red flag.
Look, precedent says that first-round receivers will turn out more like Matt Jones than Homer Jones. There are way too many examples of receiver busts in round 1.
If you are the Titans, Colts, Ravens, Jets, Dolphins, Giants or Vikings, fill another need or take Kenny Britt or a receiver like a Ramses Barden later in the draft.
Don't blow it.
4. Washington can't trade up for Mark Sanchez, but the Jets can
The hot rumor is Dan Snyder is smitten over the USC star. I like Sanchez a lot. He's smart, accurate and oozes leadership. But the Redskins don't have many picks and actually have a good quarterback in Jason Campbell. Don't you want to see what he can do in Year 2 in Jim Zorn's system?
If Sanchez falls to the Jags pick at No. 8, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum should call Jacksonville and give up the 17th pick and his second rounder to get the quarterback who will thrive in his marketplace.
I like Kellen Clemens, but you can't compare the experience, talent and upside between Clemens and Campbell.
Sanchez works for the Jets, not for the Skins.
5. Denver needs two defensive studs in the first round
The Broncos defense ranked 29th in the league last year. New defensive coordinator Mike Nolan instantly makes the team better on that front. But they need new players.
Under no circumstance should the Broncos deal up for a Jay Cutler replacement. The Broncos have a golden opportunity to draft a couple of impact starters. Think about Brian Orakpo or Tyson Jackson at defensive end or outside linebacker. There's a chance B.J. Raji could be there at No. 12. Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins must be under consideration. Linebackers Brian Cushing, Ray Maualuga, James Laurinaitis, and Clay Matthews should be heavily in the mix.
The Cutler deal was awful. But Josh McDaniels can help his team with two defensive players. Don't blow it.
6. Cincy must trade Chad Johnson
Marvin Lewis says he doesn't know why there is talk about trading Ocho Cinco.
That's why I am here, Marvin.
Chad recently cried to old friend T.J. Houshmandzadeh that he wanted to be traded. Ocho Cinco's act has worn thin. He's a distraction. Johnson was suspended, by you Marvin, last season before a national television game for violating team rules. You can't have rules for 52 guys and then rules for one. He's a headache, distraction and side show. It's the ultimate addition by subtraction move. And he hasn't played like a Pro Bowler in two years. This isn't about you and Mike Brown digging your heels in and showing you won't let a player talk his way off the team. It's about what is best for the team. You have needs all over the field, including offensive tackle, running back, receiver, defensive tackle and linebacker. Trade Chad. End it. Don't blow it.
7. The Giants must trade for Braylon Edwards
New York thinks that Edwards' skill sets are close to a mirror image of Plaxico Burress', which puts him ahead of Anquan Boldin on the veteran pecking order.
The order is debatable but the logic is sound.
Jerry Reese has 10 picks in the upcoming draft and can make some excellent deals. Send the Giants' first rounder and a third rounder to Cleveland for Edwards. You still have two second-round picks. This is a win-now team. And you don't have to give Edwards a new deal beforehand. Don't blow it.
8. The Saints must draft defense at No. 14 or trade down.
Don't tell me about Knowshon Moreno and Beanie Wells. The Saints need an impact defensive player.
Malcolm Jenkins or one of the linebackers like a Brian Cushing will be the pick.
You can get a big running back, like a Rashad Jennings (who I think is the next Brandon Jacobs) later in the draft.
Even a James Davis, Glenn Coffee or Javon Ringer fit the bill for the Saints needs.
Remember, the Saints don't have a second or third round pick so a trade down is very possible. Don't blow it.
9. Pick Pat White in round two or Brian Hoyer early on Sunday
I'll say it again -- White is going to be a great NFL player. He's the only quarterback in NCAA history to start and win four bowl games. White's the NCAA all-time leading rusher at quarterback. And he's a winner. White is open to playing receiver in addition to quarterback at the NFL level. Draft him in the second round and look smart.
Don't wait too long on Hoyer Sunday morning. He is a tough as nails leader who smartly guided Michigan State. Don't get consumed by the nine touchdowns his senior season. His receivers dropped 78 passes last year. Hoyer told us this week on Sirius NFL Radio that New England, Carolina, Cleveland, Dallas and Denver have expressed interest. The Carolina situation is most interesting, with Jake Delhomme likely having one or two years left. That would be a value pick.
Don't blow it.
