There is no love lost between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz after the Detroit Lions battled the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday at Ford Field.  The game was extremely physical and featured a lot of bad blood between both teams until the 49ers won it on a fourth-and-goal touchdown catch by Delanie Walker.

But the bigger skirmish actually happened after the game, between the teams’ respective head coaches.  Overwhelmed with excitement, a jumping Harbaugh gave Schwartz a firm handshake followed by an aggressive pat on the back and continued celebrating.  This enraged Schwartz, who chased Harbaugh 40 yards down the field, ensuing a scuffle between both teams.

Harbaugh is extremely emotional and leads with a boyhood enthusiasm that commands the respect of his players.  He is a former quarterback who coaches as if he is still on the field playing.  But sometimes his emotions have gotten the best of him.  Just ask Seattle Seahawks coach, Pete Carroll, who once had a heated face- to-face confrontation with Harbaugh when Carroll was coaching USC and Harbaugh was coaching Stanford.  In the 49ers post-game press conference, Harbaugh admitted he was too fired up and shook Schwartz’s hand harder than necessary.

Schwartz is every bit as intense and competitive as Harbaugh.  His aggressive behavior toward Harbaugh only confirms why his players love battling for him – his relentless passion to win.  Like Harbaugh, he has also shown an inability to keep his emotions in check.  During a game against the Dallas Cowboys, he taunted Cowboys wide receiver, Dez Bryant after his catch was overturned by instant replay.  While Schwartz initially accused Harbaugh of breaking a coaching protocol, he later acknowledged that the competitiveness should be left to the players on the field. 

Both coaches deserve blame for Sunday’s ugly incident.  Harbaugh failed to separate the distinction between acting like a coach instead of a player.  Beating an undefeated team on the road is certainly a reason to celebrate.  But regardless of the magnitude of victory, he broke an unwritten rule by failing to properly greet Schwartz and shake his hand.   At that point Schwartz could have taken the high road toward the rookie NFL coach.  Instead, he only magnified the situation by running after Harbaugh like a raging animal, thereby putting both teams in harm’s way.

Although Sunday’s events left both coaches regretting their actions, don’t expect them to change their emotional styles.  They may have had their differences, but Harbaugh and Schwartz are linked by one common goal: to change the culture of their beaten down franchises.

Motor City Showdown: Who’s At Fault Between Harbaugh and Schwartz? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

With his recent hit on quarterback Andy Dalton in the preseason, the debate has raged across the football nation as to whether Detroit Lions star defensive tackle, Ndamukong Suh is a “dirty” player.  The answer to this is up for debate, but one thing that has been indisputable is Suh’s impact on the Motor City.  With just over one NFL season under his belt, he has changed the entire culture in a city starving for a football star since the shocking departure of Barry Sanders.  In his first year as a Lion, Suh was an all-pro and pro-bowl selection, defensive rookie of the year and led all defensive tackles in sacks.

But this has not occurred without some controversy regarding the way he plays.  Suh has barely begun his second regular season in the NFL and has already been fined three times by the league ($7,500, $15,000 and $20,000) for rough play.  The problem may lay in the fact that Suh is not your typical defensive lineman.  He dishes out vicious hits like that of a defensive end, but is an interior defensive linemen.  His tremendous size and speed allows him to intimidate quarterbacks.  This has been coupled with an attitude and swagger that is contagious around the rest of the team.

In a recent interview on The Jim Rome Show, Suh asserted that he is not dirty but rather has more strength and athletic ability than the opponents he lines up against, which makes it hard to officiate him.  He maintains that a dirty player means committing 15-yard penalties, throwing dirty punches and face mashing – traits that are not a part of his character.  After the NFL fined him for the hit on Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, Suh voiced his displeasure on Twitter by saying among other things it was an epic fail by the NFL.  He has also maintained that his mother tells him he is not dirty and he thought that the Dalton hit was fair because he began the process of hitting him before he released the football.  When commenting on whether a fear of a reputation may hinder what he does on the football field he said that he is actually going to turn it up a couple notches this season, if anything.

Regardless of whether accusations of being a dirty player are warranted or not, Suh is a smart, mature and likeable character off the field – something the NFL can be proud of in an era where many of its players have been plagued with off-the-field issues.

Debate Rages as to Whether Suh is a Dirty Player from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

First off, I’d like to thank everyone who commented on the initial Let’s Make a Deal post; great job keeping the conversation going! Here is the second installment, so get your research done and hit me with some counter-offers!

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

6’4″, 272 pounds

1st round, 2nd overall selection to the Detroit Lions

Requested Contract:

• 6 years, $30 million guaranteed ($5 million/year)
• I would like the total contract amount be worth around $63 million
• More money in the first year (due to lockout threat)

Derrick Morgan is one of the most explosive defensive ends to enter the NFL Draft. Here in Detroit, I feel that Morgan will make an instant impact on not only the defense, but the team as a whole.

Here are the 2nd overall contracts from the years 2007-2009 (percentage increase/decrease from the previous year is shown and reflects the per year amounts):

• 2007 – Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech – 6 years/ $55.5 million
  • $27.178 million guaranteed ($4.53 million/year)
• 2008 – Chris Long, DE, Virginia – 5 years/ $48 million (+3.78%)
  • $33 million guaranteed ($6.6 million/year)
• 2009 – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor – 6 years/ $61.775 million (+7.24%)
  • $22.385 million guaranteed ($3.73 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2007 draft:

• Gaines Adams (R.I.P), Buccaneers/Bears (4^th)– 6 years/ $42 million
  • $18.56 million guaranteed ($3.09 million/year)
• Jamaal Anderson, Falcons (8^th) – 5 years/ $30.9 million
  • $15.361 million guaranteed ($3.0722 million/year)
• Adam Carriker, Rams (13^th) – 5 years, $12.8 million
  • $9.4 million guaranteed ($1.88 million/year)
• Jarvis Moss, Broncos (17^th) – 5 years/ $14.95 million
  • $8.06 million guaranteed ($1.612 million/year)
• Anthony Spencer, Cowboys (26^th) – 5 years/ $7.453 million
  • $6 million guaranteed ($1.2 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2008 draft:

• Derrick Harvey, Jaguars (8^th) – 5 years/ $23.8 million
  • $17.1775 million guaranteed ($3.4355 million/year)
• Lawrence Jackson, Seahawks (28^th) – 5 years/ $11.25 million
  • $6.1 million guaranteed ($1.22 million/year)

Listed are the defensive ends chosen in the first round of the 2009 draft:

• Tyson Jackson, Chiefs (3^rd) – 5 years/ $57 million
  • $31 million guaranteed ($6.2 million/year)
• Aaron Maybin, Bills (11^th) – 5 years, $17.6 million
  • $15 million guaranteed ($3 million/year)
• Brian Orakpo (LB/DE), Redskins (13^th) – 5 years, $15.4 million
  • $12.1 million guaranteed ($2.42 million/year)
• Robert Ayers, Broncos (18^th) – 5 years, $18.34 million
  • $9.7 million guaranteed ($1.94 million/year)

Here is how my Morgan stacks up against these players statistically:

At first glance, it would seem that my client’s statistics are strikingly lower than the others (and they are). However, you need to take into consideration the fact that my client only played two full seasons of football. Had he played four full seasons, the statistics would be comparable to the likes of Chris Long and Gaines Adams.

The average amount per year (guaranteed money) given to the second overall pick from 2007-2009 has been approximately $4.95 million. I am requesting $5 million per year for six years. Considering the fact that the total amount of first round contracts increased about 5% per year, my request of a 2% increase is definitely worth your while. Derrick Morgan is a proven run stopper and can provide immediate help for the Detroit Lions’ run defense. Derrick is not just a great football player, but he is the building block for the future!

Let’s Make a Deal: Derrick Morgan from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

ROUND ONE

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford – QB – Oklahoma (CAA)

2. Detroit Lions – Nndamukong Suh – DT – Nebraska (Maximum Sports)

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy – DT – Oklahoma (CAA/Kelli Masters)

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung – OT – Oklahoma State (All-Pro Sports)

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Trent Williams – OT – Oklahoma  (Maximum Sports)

6. Seattle Seahawks – CJ Spiller – RB – Clemson (Pro Tect Mgmt)

7. Cleveland Browns – Eric Berry – S – Tennessee (Allegiant Athletic Agency)

8. Oakland Raiders – Bryan Bulaga – OT – Iowa  (CAA)

9. Buffalo Bills – Anthony Davis – OT – Rutgers (320 Sports)

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Rolando McClain – LB – Alabama (ProFiles)

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Dez Bryant – WR – Oklahoma State (Maximum Sports)

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams – DT – Tennessee (FAAM)

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden – CB – Florida (DSI Sports)

14. Seattle (from Denver) – Bruce Campbell – OT – Maryland (Rosenhaus Sports)

15. New York Giants – Derrick Morgan – DE – Georgia Tech (CAA)

16. Tennessee Titans – Jason Pierre-Paul – DE – South Florida (Rosenhaus Sports)

17. San Francisco (from Carolina) – Mike Iupati – OG – Idaho (Rep 1 Sports)

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Earl Thomas – S – Texas (Athletes First)

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sean Weatherspoon – LB – Missouri (Athletes First)

20. Houston Texans – Ryan Mathews – RB – Fresno State (Sun West Sports)

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham – TE – Oklahoma (CAA)

22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham – DE/OLB – Michigan (BEST)

23. Green Bay Packers – Charles Brown – OT – USC (Premier Sports)

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise State (BEST)

25. Baltimore Ravens – Jared Odrick – DT – Penn State (All-Pro Sports)

26. Arizona Cardinals – Kareem Jackson – CB – Alabama (Impact Sports)

27. Dallas Cowboys – Vladimir Ducasse – OT – Umass (JL Sports)

28. San Diego Chargers – Devin McCourty – CB – Rutgers (PlayersRep)

29. New York Jets – Terrence Cody – DT – Alabama (Corporate Athletic Mgmt)

30. Minnesota Vikings – Maurkice Pouncey – C – Florida (BEST)

31. Indianapolis Colts – Brian Price – DT – UCLA (4^th and 9 Sports)

32. New Orleans Saints – Sergio Kindle – LB – Texas (BEST)

ROUND TWO

33. St. Louis Rams – Demaryius Thomas – WR – Georgia Tech (FAAM)

34. Detroit Lions – Dominique Franks – CB – Oklahoma (Octagon)

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Golden Tate – WR – Notre Dame (Eastern Athletic Svcs)

36. Kansas City Chiefs – Rob Gronkowski – TE – Arizona (Rosenhaus Sports)

37. Philadelphia Eagles (from Washington) – Taylor Mays – S – USC (Pro Tect Mgmt)

38. Cleveland Browns – Colt McCoy – QB – Texas (Athletes First)

39. Oakland Raiders – Nate Allen – S – South Florida (FAAM)

40. San Diego (from Seattle) – Jonathan Dwyer – RB – Georgia Tech (Dow, Lohnes LLC)

41. Buffalo Bills – Jimmy Clausen – QB – Notre Dame (Pro Tect Mgmt)

42. Tampa Bay (from Chicago) – Brandon LaFell – WR – LSU (E. Overstreet Sports)

43. Denver Broncos (from Miami) – Reshad Jones – S – Georgia (BEST)

44. New England Patriots (from Jax) – Rodger Saffold – OT – Indiana (SportStars)

45. Denver Broncos – Jerry Hughes – LB – TCU (CAA)

46. New York Giants – Morgan Burnett – FS – Georgia Tech (Universal Sports)

47. New England Patriots (from Tenn) – Jimmy Graham – TE – Miami (Athletic Resource Mgmt)

48. Carolina Panthers – Arrelious Benn – WR – Illinois (Pro Tect Mgmt)

49. San Francisco 49ers – Everson Griffen – DE – USC (Pro Tect Mgmt)

50. Kansas City Chiefs (from Atlanta) – Carlos Dunlap – DE – Florida (FAAM)

51. Houston Texans – Major Wright – S – Florida (Impact Sports)

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jared Veldheer – OT – Hillsdale (Priority Sports)

53. New England Patriots – Jahvid Best – RB – California (Impact Sports)

54. Cincinnati Bengals – Patrick Robinson – CB – Florida State (Universal Sports)

55. Philadelphia Eagles – Tyson Alualu – DT – California (Priority Sports)

56. Green Bay Packers – Ben Tate – RB – Auburn (All Pro Sports)

57. Baltimore Ravens – Jon Asamoah – OG – Illinois (Lock, Metz, Mallinovic)

58. Arizona Cardinals – Tim Tebow – QB – Florida (Athletic Resource Mgmt)

59. Dallas Cowboys – Amari Spievey – CB – Iowa (PlayersRep)

60. Seattle (from San Diego) – Carlton Mitchell – WR – South Florida (Domann & Pittman)

61. New York Jets – Darrell Stuckey – S – Kansas (DeBartolo Sports)

62. Minnesota Vikings – Tony Pike – QB – Cincinnati (Rep 1 Sports)

63. Indianapolis Colts – Matt Tennant – C – Boston College (Athletes First)

64. New Orleans Saints – T.J. Ward – S – Oregon (Synergy Sports)

ROUND THREE

65. St. Louis Rams – Lamarr Houston – DT – Texas (Willis & Woy Sports Grp)

66. Detroit Lions – John Jerry – OT – Mississippi (BC Sports)

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Chad Jones – S – LSU (Alliance Mgmt)

68. Kansas City Chiefs – Damian Williams – WR – USC (Athletes First)

69. Oakland Raiders – Matt Nichols – QB – Eastern Washington (N/A)

70. Philadelphia Eagles (from Seattle) – Zane Beadles – OG – Utah (Rep 1 Sports)

71. Cleveland Browns – Eric Decker – WR – Minnesota (FAAM)

72. Buffalo Bills – Marty Gilyard – WR – Cincinnati (PlayersRep)

73. Miami Dolphins – Dennis Pitta – TE – BYU (Athletes First)

74. Jacksonville Jaguars – Chris Cook – CB – Virginia (Enter-Sports)

75. Chicago Bears – Selvish Capers – OT – West Virginia (PlayersRep)

76. New York Giants – Mike Johnson – OG – Alabama (ProFiles)

77. Tennessee Titans – Javier Arenas – CB – Alabama (All-Pro Sports)

78. Carolina Panthers – Corey Wootton – DE – Northwestern (Priority Sports)

79. San Francisco 49ers – Mitch Petrus – OG – Arkansas (SportStars)

80. Denver Broncos – Aaron Hernandez – TE – Florida (Athletes First)

81. Houston Texans – Tony Washington – OT – Abilene Christian (Select Sports Group)

82. Pittsburgh Steelers – Joe McKnight – RB – USC (Maximum Sports)

83. Atlanta Falcons – Akwasi Owusu-Ansah – CB – Indiana (PA) (PlayersRep)

84. Cincinnati Bengals – Montario Hardesty – RB – Tennessee  (Impact Sports)

85. Cleveland Browns (from New England) – Cam Thomas – DT – North Carolina (Enter-Sports)

86. Green Bay Packers – Myron Rolle – S – Florida State (Steinberg Sports)

87. Philadelphia Eagles – Novorro Bowman – LB – Penn State (Rosenhaus Sports)

88. Arizona Cardinals (from Baltimore) – Kyle Calloway – OT – Iowa (SportStars)

89. Arizona Cardinals – Jordan Shipley – WR – Texas (ProFiles)

90. Dallas Cowboys – Larry Asante – S – Nebraska (Select Sports Group)

91. San Diego Chargers – Alex Carrington – DE – Arkansas State (Maximum Sports)

92. Cleveland Browns (from NYJ) – Syd’Quan Thompson – CB – California (Octagon)

93. Minnesota Vikings – Trevard Lindley – CB – Kansas (GAME)

94. Indianapolis Colts – Donovan Warren – CB – Michigan (Rosenhaus Sports)

95. New Orleans Saints – D’Anthony Smith – DT – Louisiana Tech (BC Sports)

96. Cincinnati Bengals – Dezmon Briscoe – WR – Kansas (Premier Sports)

97. Tennessee Titans – Shawn Lauvao – OG – Arizona State (Athletes First)

98. Atlanta Falcons – Dexter McCluster – RB – Mississippi (SportStars)

ROUND FOUR

99. St. Louis Rams – Sam Young – OT – Notre Dame (Rosenhaus Sports)

100. Detroit Lions – Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford (Athletes First)

101. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sergio Render – OG – Virginia Tech (N/A)

102. Kansas City Chiefs – Barry Church – S – Toledo (Rep 1 Sports)

103. Washington Redskins – Taylor Price – WR – Ohio (BTI Sports)

104. Seattle Seahawks – Arthur Jones – DT – Syracuse (Lock, Metz, Mallinovic)

105. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cle) – Sean Lee – LB – Penn State  (Priority Sports)

106. Oakland Raiders – Brandon Lang – DE – Troy (Enter-Sports)

107. Buffalo Bills – Dorin Dickerson – TE – Pittsburgh (PlayersRep)

108. Jacksonville Jaguars – Anthony McCoy – TE – USC (Priority Sports)

109. Chicago Bears – Perrish Cox – CB – Oklahoma State  (Willis & Woy Sports Group)

110. Miami Dolphins – Harry Coleman – S – LSU (Perennial Sports)

111. Tennessee Titans – Kurt Coleman – S – Ohio State (The Institute for Players)

112. Carolina Panthers – Adam Ulatoski – OT – Texas (Lock, Metz, Malinovic)

113. San Francisco 49ers – Dan LeFevour – QB – Central Michigan (ProFiles)

114. Denver Broncos – Ed Dickson – TE – Oregon (The NOVO Agency)

115. New York Giants – Brandon Spikes – LB – Florida (Watson Sports Agency)

116. Pittsburgh Steelers – Al Woods – DT – LSU (Elias Sports)

117. Atlanta Falcons – Jason Fox – OT – Miami (Rosenhaus Sports)

118. Houston Texans – Linval Joseph – DT – East Carolina (ProFiles)

119. New England Patriots – Kendrick Lewis – S – Mississippi (BC Sports)

120. Cincinnati Bengals – J.D. Walton – C – Baylor (ProFiles)

121. Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Ghee – CB – Wake Forest (Octagon)

122. Green Bay Packers – Gene Atkins – DT – Georgia (ProFiles)

123. Arizona Cardinals (from BAL) – Andre Roberts – WR – The Citadel (XAM Sports)

124. New York Jets (from ARI) – Riley Cooper – WR – Florida (BEST)

125. Dallas Cowboys – Jacoby Ford – WR – Clemson (FAAM)

126. San Diego Chargers – Danario Alexander – WR – Missouri (Select Sports Group)

127. Seattle Seahawks (from PHI) – John Skelton – QB – Fordham (Schwartz & Feinsod)

128. Minnesota Vikings – Rennie Curran – LB – Georgia (Priority Sports)

129. Indianapolis Colts – Justin Woodall – S – Alabama (Corporate Athletic Mgmt)

130. New Orleans Saints – Ciron Black – OT – LSU (Athletic Resource Management)

131. Cincinnati Bengals – Kam Chancellor – S – Virginia Tech (Business Arena)

For some more mocks, check out DC Pro Sports Report, hailRedskins.com Mock Draft Database, & NFL Draft Dog

The SportsAgentBlog.com 2010 NFL Mock Draft from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

-Stafford is the only player that makes sense here for the Lions. As crazy as it sounds the Lions do have some weapons on offense, now they need a long term signal caller.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith (OT, Baylor)

-With Orlando Pace’s career soon coming to an end, and Andre Smith’s situation Smith is the favorite at left tackle.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry (LB, Wake Forest)

-Curry is an absolute stud and would be a huge upgrade to a very young defense. Not only can play the middle or outside linebacker, he also makes the most sense for the Chiefs.

4. Seattle Seahawks: B.J Raji (DT, Boston College)

Raji may have been this pick regardless, but with the recent signing of T.J Houshmandzadeh I believe we can pencil this in now. Let’s not forget they lost defensive tackle Rocky Bernard.

5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo (DE, Texas)

-While the Browns were one of the biggest disappointments last season, they have an offense that has the potential to put up a lot of points. With that said they’ll be looking for a defensive upgrade. Orakpo is the best pass-rusher in this draft and an absolute specimen.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe ( OT, Virginia)

-There was a point not so long ago when the tackle position was a strength of the Bengals. Well that’s no longer the case. Keeping Carson Palmer healthy is priority number 1.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech)

-While Crabtree may be a question mark, he’s a playmaker and someone Al Davis just can’t pass up on. Maybe this offense will finally be able to move the football.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri)

-While the Jags have one of the top running games in the NFL, they sorely miss a playmaking wide receiver. Not only can Maclin help the offense, but he would also improve their special teams.

9. Green Bay Packers: Everette Brown (DE, Florida St.)

-With the Packers transitioning to the 3-4 the Packers will be looking to add defensive playmakers that can fit into both the 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Brown is versatile and a very good outside pass-rusher.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss)

-This pick can go in a few directions, but I’m pretty sure quarterback won’t be the selection. Oher is a versatile tackle who would fit in perfectly opposite left tackle Joe Staley.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin ( DE, Penn St.)

-Maybe isn’t the ideal pick here for the Bills but with some questions along the defensive line it makes sense. He should be able to step in as a pass-rush specialist.

12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU)

-This is without a doubt the wild card pick of the first round. With a new head coach, a new defensive coordinator, and a new defensive scheme the Broncos can go in numerous directions. They can go defensive end, outside linebacker, or middle linebacker. With that said, Jackson is not only the best player available, but an ideal fit at the defensive end spot.

13. Washington Redskins: Andre Smith (OT, Alabama)

-Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels are nearing the end of their careers and its time to add some depth along their offensive line. While Smith may have made a bonehead decision at the combine, he is still one of the top lineman in the draft and could sure up the tackle position for years to come.

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins (CB, Ohio St.)

-Drafting Jenkins could go a long way in trying to sure up a horrid secondary. Jenkins is versatile and could step in at corner or safety. He’s big, athletic and has the ball-hawking skills the Saints sorely lack.

15. Houston Texans: Clay Matthews (LB, USC)

-The Texans have sured up their defensive line and now it’s time to patch up the rest of their defense. Matthews has been screaming up draft boards with his versatility and motor. Of the three USC linebackers he may be the most complete.

16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga (LB, USC)

-The Chargers defense was not their typical defense of the past. While losing Merriman was a huge set back, adding a big, mean body in the middle like Maualuga could go a long way to bringing back that smash mouth style defense.

17. New York Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, Maryland)

-This is one of the more difficult selections in this draft. While they currently don’t have a viable quarterback option, I believe they will sign a vet or even see Brett Ratliff win the job. The Jets defense is loaded and its time to add weapons on offense. Heyward-Bey, has size and tremendous speed, he could go a long way to helping out whoever the quarterback is.

18. Chicago Bears: Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois)

-The Bears seemed to take a step back from their physical, intimidating defense of the past. Davis is big, strong and plays the run well. He should be the perfect fit in the Bears secondary.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez (QB, USC)

-I’m sorry but I’m not sold on Luke McCown or Josh Johnson, both dubbed quarterbacks of the future. Sanchez has the accuracy and poise needed to run the Bucs offense. Plus he’s a great value pick here at 19.

20. Detroit Lions: Percy Harvin (WR, Florida)

-The Lions got their quaterback, now its time to add some weapons. Harvin will fit right in at the slot position and is a game-breaker in every sense of the word.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Wells (RB, Ohio St.)

-The Eagles will be thrilled if Wells falls to them. Not only is he the best back in the draft, the Eagles sorely need that bruising running back to take pressure off of Brian Westbrook.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Peria Jerry (DT, Ole Miss)

-The Vikings really don’t seem to have any glaring needs, at least that can be addressed with the 22^nd pick. Jerry could be a nice rotational player on their line, plus there are still legal issues with the both Williams’ tackles.

23. New England Patriots: Brian Cushing (LB, USC)

-Cushing would be a great pickup for the depleted Patriots defense. Their linebackers aren’t getting any younger and Cushing is a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Okla St.)

-To my surprise the Falcons come into this draft in great shape. The Falcons can go defensive tackle, safety or tight end. Pettigrew is the best tight end in this draft and would be a nice upgrade for the young Matt Ryan.

25. Miami Dolphins: Robert Ayers (DE, Tennessee)

-While the Dolphins were another pleasant surprise I believe they will look to add another versatile defensive lineman. Ayers could line up outside or play with his hand to the ground.

26. Baltimore: Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest)

-The Ravens secondary has been banged up the past few seasons and it looks like they will be without both McAlister and Samari Rolle. Smith is the best corner remaining, and makes a ton of sense for the Ravens.

27. Indianapolis: Hakim Nicks (WR, UNC)

-With Harrison out, adding another receiver would be a good move. Not only Nicks big, but he’s fast too. Peyton would surely be able to take advantage of such a weapon.

28. Philadelphia: Eben Britton (OT, Arizona)

-The Eagles find themselves in the same situation as the Redskins at this pick. Runyan and Tra Thomas are aging fast and it won’t be long until the Eagles will need to replace them.

29. New York Giants: James Laurinitis (LB, Ohio St.)

-This is actually quite the lovely situation for the Gmen. Not only did they add two defensive tackles, but they also added a very athletic linebacker in Michael Boley. Laurinitis, is not only the value pick, but a pick that also completes the defense.

30. Tennessee: Darius Butler (CB, UCONN)

-The Titans don’t necessarily need a cornerback, but he’s the best players available and someone that should be able to find himself in nickel and dime situation.

31. Arizona: Knowshon Moreno (RB, Georgia)

-I think it’s fair to say Edge has talked his way out of Arizona. With that said Moreno makes a ton of sense here at 31. He’s a strong, flashy runner who when teaming with Hightower and Arrington would make a nice little trio. I would even go as far as saying as he’s an upgrade over James.

32. Pittsburgh: Alex Mack (C, Cal)

-Yes, the Steelers are Super Bowl champs, but they really need to sure up that offensive line. Mack is the top center in this draft and would be the first step to improving a decent offensive line.

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database or FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles.

Schackman’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft…….Part 2 from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford (QB, Georgia)

-Stafford is the only player that makes sense here for the Lions. As crazy as it sounds the Lions do have some weapons on offense. Now they need a long term signal caller.

2. St. Louis Rams: Andre Smith (OT, Alabama)

-With Orlando Pace’s career coming to an end, the Rams will be looking for his replacement at the number 2 spot. While Smith may have some issue with his pass blocking, he is an absolute road grader with a ton of upside.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry (LB, Wake Forest)

-Curry is an absolute stud and would be a huge upgrade to a very young defense. Not only can he play the middle or outside linebacker positions, he also makes the most sense for the Chiefs.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech)

-The Seahawks are in dire need of a playmaker on offense, and Crabtree is just the player. He’s a consistent receiver who would give Matt Hasselback a much needed weapon.

5. Cleveland Browns: Malcolm Jenkins (CB, Ohio St.)

-While the Browns were one of the biggest disappointments this season, they have an offense that has the potential to put up a ton of points. With that said, they’ll be looking for a defensive upgrade. Jenkins has the size, and skill to play both corner or safety and would be a very nice addition to the Browns secondary.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe ( OT, Virginia)

-There was a point not so long ago when the tackle position was a strength of the Bengals. Well, that’s no longer the case. Monroe, is athletic and a superb pass blocker. The Bengals main priority is to keep Carson Palmer healthy.

7. Oakland Raiders: Jason Smith (OT, Baylor)

-While Smith may not be the Al Davis type of pick, he knows it all starts with the offensive line. The Raiders have weapons on offense, they now need to fix that dismal offensive line of theirs.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri)

-While the Jags have one of the top running games in the NFL, they sorely miss a playmaking wide receiver. Not only can Maclin help the offense, but he would also improve their special teams.

9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo (DE, Texas)

-Orakpo, or O-Sack-Po is a defensive freak. He combines an explosive burst with tremendous strength, and would be a very nice addition opposite Aaron Kampman.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez (QB, USC)

-Sanchez may not have the experience most teams covet, but he does have great accuracy and presence in the pocket. The 49ers desperately need a constant at the quarterback position and he would be a nice pick at the 10 spot.

11. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Pettigrew ( TE, Oklahoma St.)

-The Bills have very quietly built a very nice offense around quarterback Trent Edwards. The one missing piece is a playmaking tight end. Pettigrew, would be a great selection for the Bills and can really open up the offense.

12. Denver Broncos: B.J Raji (DT, B.C)

-This is without a doubt the wild card pick of the first round. With a new head coach, a new defensive coordinator, and a new defensive scheme coming, the Broncos can go in numerous directions. They can go defensive end, outside linebacker, middle linebacker, running back or nose tackle. With that said, I believe nose tackle is the pick here for it’s arguably the most important position in a 3-4 defense.

13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher (OT, Ole Mis)

-Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels are nearing the end of their careers and its time to add some depth along their offensive line. Oher is one of the top lineman in the draft and could sure up the tackle position for years to come.

14. New Orleans Saints: James Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio St.)

-A few years ago the Saints almost took A.J Hawk at number 2. This time around they have the chance to grab Laurinaitis at 14 and won’t pass him up. Their defense needs athletes and Laurinaitis would be a very nice upgrade at the linebacker position.

15. Houston Texans: Everette Brown (DE, FSU)

-People thought the Texans were crazy when they selected Mario Williams number 1 a few years ago. Well, Super Mario is a stud and now its time to find someone opposite him to rush the passer. Brown may be the best pure pass-rusher in the draft and would be a great pick here for the Texans. This may be the best value pick of the 1^st round.

16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga (LB, USC)

-The Chargers defense was not their typical defense of the past. While losing Merriman was a huge set back, adding a big, mean body in the middle like Maualuga could go a long way to bringing back that smash mouth style defense.

17. New York Jets: Percy Harvin (WR, Florida)

-This is one of the more difficult selections in this draft. While I think Tyson Jackson makes a lot of sense, I believe the Jets will have a new Qb next season and will look to add as many weapons as possible. Harvin can make plays in the slot, in the backfield and as a returner. Overall, I believe his intagables make him a New York Jet.

18. Chicago Bears: Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU)

-The Bears seemed to take a step back from the physical, intimidating defense they are so used to having. Jackson, is a big physical end who would really improve the Bears run defense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aaron Maybin (DE, Penn St.)

-While Maybin may be viewed as a pass-rusher in a 3-4 scheme, he would be a nice compliment to standout Gaines Adams. Maybin is a great athlete and has a knack for getting to the quarterback.

20. Detroit Lions: Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois)

-The Lions may have the worst secondary in the NFL, and adding a big, physical corner like Davis would be the ideal situation for the Lions. Finally, the Lions can walk out of the first round with their heads held high.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Chris Wells (RB, Ohio St.)

-The Eagles will be thrilled if Wells falls to them. Not only is he the best back in the draft, the Eagles sorely need that bruising running back to take pressure off of Brian Westbrook. If Everette Brown to the Texans isn’t the value pick of the 1^st round Wells to the Eagles certainly is.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, Maryland)

-I love this guy and receiver is really the only impact position the Vikings can grab here. While quarterback is a position of question, drafting Josh Freeman is not the answer. Heyward-Bey would make a decent receiver corp. only that much better.

23. New England Patriots: Brian Cushing (LB, USC)

-Cushing would be a great pickup for the depleted Patriots defense. Their linebackers aren’t getting any younger and Cushing is a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Jerry Peria (DT, Ole Miss)

-To my surprise the Falcons come into this draft in great shape. The Falcons can go defensive tackle or secondary here but Peria would be the value pick at 24. He’s a strong, quick tackle who can open things up in the middle.

25. Miami Dolphins: Hakeem Nicks (WR, UNC)

-While the Dolphins were another pleasant surprise they could use an upgrade at the wide receiver position. Nicks is a big, strong receiver who would be a very nice addition for Mr. Reliable, Chad Pennington.

26. Baltimore: D.J Moore (CB, Vandy)

-The Ravens secondary has been banged up the past few seasons and McAlister and Rolle are getting up there in age. Moore is a playmaking corner who would add much needed depth at this position.

27. Indianapolis: Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest)

-Smith is the highest graded player remaining and with some free agents in their secondary this pick makes a lot of sense for the Colts. Though, ideally they would like to add a big body on the defensive line.

28. Philadelphia: Eben Britton (OT, Arizona)

-The Eagles find themselves in the same situation as the Redskins at this pick. Runyan and Tra Thomas are aging fast and it won’t be long until the Eagles will need to replace them.

29. New York Giants: Larry English (LB/DE, NIU)

-The G-Men could use help at linebacker or wide receiver, but at this point there may not be a receiver worth taking. English is a tweener, he can play end or linebacker and the Giants love players like for their defense.

30. Tennessee: Derrick Williams (WR, Penn St.)

-The Titans need receivers plain and simple. They have needed a receiver for sometime now, and while Williams may be a reach, he’s a playmaker. Last season the leading receivers for the Titans were a running back and a tight end.

31. Arizona: Knowshon Moreno (RB, Georgia)

-I think it’s fair to say Edge has talked his way out of Arizona. With that said Moreno makes a ton of sense here at 31. He’s a strong, flashy runner who when teaming with Hightower and Arrington would make a nice little trio. I would even go as far as saying as he’s an upgrade over James.

32. Pittsburgh: Alex Mack (C, Cal)

-Yes, the Steelers are Super Bowl champs, but they really need to sure up that offensive line. Mack is the top center in this draft and would be the first step to improving a decent offensive line.

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database or FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles.

Schackman’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft – Part 1 from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Injuries have plagued the Lions’ secondary with key injuries to starting cornerback Leigh Bodden and safety Dwight Smith. Here I will analyze some good options that the Lions could explore this offseason:

• Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – If the Lions do indeed get the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Malcolm Jenkins would be an excellent choice at cornerback. Jenkins, at a height of 6’1” and 208 pounds has been noted as one of the best coverage cornerbacks since Deion Sanders.
• Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois – Another great cornerback with a frame of 6’0” and 200 pounds. Look for Davis to have a spike in statistics in the homestretch of the season. In two seasons at Illinois, Vontae has had 128 tackles, 5 interceptions and 14 break ups.

Until the Lions beef up their passing defense, they will continue to struggle in the NFL as a whole. With the addition of two good quarterbacks in Drew Stanton and Daunte Culpepper, and Kevin Smith at tailback, the Lions are pretty solid on offense save for their O-line. All in all, Detroit is not a lost cause and I would expect to drastically improve next season.

The Woes of a Lion from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules