2009 NFL Draft Update

This Saturday is the 2009 NFL Draft.  Although a lot has happened so far this NFL off-season, the draft could be the signature event that determines what teams go off at what odds in the BetOnline online sportsbook to win the Super Bowl.

Some teams, like the New England Patriots, are destined to be favorites while other teams, like the New Orleans Saints, are hovering around that +2000 or so number. Getting the right player or two could really determine how far they go, and there is a plethora of impact guys just waiting to get their number drawn.

Let’s take a look at some of the teams in the draft, who they are thinking of choosing, and whether or not the impact will be great enough for them to challenge for the Super Bowl.

NFL Draft:  Teams That Could Improve

1. Seattle Seahawks +4000 – - If Seattle drafts either offensive tackle Jason Smith or offensive tackle Eugene Monroe with the first pick, then the Seahawks have an outside shot to really make waves in the NFC in 2009-2010.  Why?  Because this team suffered through horrific injuries last year and should be healthy enough in the 2009-2010 season to challenge the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC West Division.  A tackle that can protect former Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasslebeck is a must but that might be all that’s needed.  It wasn’t too long ago when this team was in the Super Bowl.  Signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh for Hasslebeck to throw to was huge.

2. Green Bay Packers +2500 – - The offense is set with a nice offensive line, a terrific quarterback, running backs, and very good wide receivers.  The Pack suffered on the defensive side in 2008-2009 and injuries, like what happened to most teams, did them in.  They get a softer schedule in 2009-2010 and Coach Mike McCarthy’s system should really take off this season.  With the #9 pick in the draft, they get to grab either Malcolm Jenkins, a defensive back from Ohio Sate, or Tyson Jackson, a defensive end from LSU.  Both guys would start immediately.

3. New Orleans Saints +2500 – - The odds in the Sportsbook have gone up on the Saints who were just at +2000 about a week ago.  What’s the difference?  Rumors that they will grab Chris “Beanie” Wells, the strong running back from Ohio State, instead of a defensive player, has gamblers getting shy about the chances of the Saints.  The truth is that the Saints could use Wells, LB Brian Cushing from USC, or DB Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State, to solidify their Super Bowl chances.  There are no excuses for the Saints at #14.  They have to make the right move.  If they do, they could be in the Super Bowl hunt.

4. San Diego Chargers +1400 – - At 14 to 1, the Chargers might not really be a long shot to win the Super Bowl, but they sure will improve if they draft LB Rey Maualuga.  Put Maualuga with returning Shawne Merriman, who was out the entire season in 2008-2009, and top CB Antonio Cromartie and all of a sudden the Chargers have the defense to go along with their offense.  This team could be scary.

5. Baltimore Ravens +2000 – - I’m close to picking the Ravens as my Super Bowl pick right now before the draft.  Now, if they can get one of the top wide receivers in this year’s draft, Jeremy Maclin from Missouri or Darious Heyward-Bey from Maryland, then forget it.  This team is going places.  Bey, who most draft experts expect will be around with the Ravens pick, is 6’2” and 210 pounds.  He had 139 receptions and 2089 yards at Maryland.  Think Joe Flaaco would be happy?

6. New York Giants +1100 – - NFL betting fans should drop money on the Giants right now to win the Super Bowl.  If they can draft Kenny Britt, a wide receiver from Rutgers, then forget it.  The G-Men’s odds should absolutely plummet.  Why?  Britt is bigger than Heyward-Bey, in fact, he’s Plaxico size, which means that the Giants’ offense just got awesome again on the down the sidelines.