Four Downs with Stock & Doc
by Ben Stockwell and Paul Hopkins
4/4/2009
This week the guys look at who the winner was in the Jay Cutler trade, whether the Niners should pass over Mark Sanchez given the chance, evaluate the linebacking corps of the 2009 draft and close by pondering whether 2009 will replicate 2008 with no receivers going in the first round.
 The winner of the Jay Cutler trade is
?
STOCK Chicago For right now the Bears are the only winners from this, they've got a 25 year old QB who is already one of the best 5 in the NFL. That is simply astounding to be able to trade for that irrespective of the cost and with some diligent moves in free agency and the draft this team can become a real force and re-awaken the Monsters of the Midway that even their recent Superbowl losing side didn't really revive. However the Broncos over the course of the next couple of seasons could turn out to be big winners in this trade. They've got a very underrated QB in Kyle Orton who can steer the ship and game manage, his issue here is that the Broncos defence leaks points at an alarming rate so he'll be asked to do more to keep the Broncos in games than he was asked to in Chicago, however he does have experience from college in Joe Tiller's pass heavy offence, so that won't be totally alien to him. Combine that with two first round draft picks and then more, that's an opportunity that if they make proper use of those draft picks they can build the next 10 years of their franchise from this trade. The question is whether in the vacuum of Mike Shanahan's departure whether the head coach or general manager will seize control to determine the direction of the franchise, or whether these picks will be wasted in a power struggle as two men try to make their stamp on the franchise.
DOC Denver Yes, they've lost their star QB but they've gained two first round draft picks which given them the luxury of choosing which of the QB's coming out they want this year or next year. And in the meantime, whatever they do, they have Kyle Orton who, whilst he isn't Jay Cutler, he is of good enough quality to manage a game, to win games and not to lose them. Chicago, on the other hand have staked their long-term future on a clearly phenomenally talented QB but one who, now has to have question marks over his temperament. They potentially can both win, but Denver come out of it with a new start and a chance to sort out that defence whilst taking a QB, who may not be on the same level as Cutler but who can work with the Head Coach, Because that relationship with Cutler was gone. McDaniels now just has to deliver.
 If he is there when they pick, the 49ers should draft Mark Sanchez.
STOCK FACT ! Absolutely without question they should be on Sanchez like cheese on toast (that sounded better in my head). Unless you have a franchise QB you shouldn't pass one up, it sounds like a coaching mantra that is too rigid but usually it's true. Shaun Hill is a good QB but he's not outstanding and he's not a long term future option. With that in mind there's no way you pass on Sanchez. Sanchez has the tools, certainly he's not battle tested at the college level but he's clearly got the desirable talents of a pro QB. He has the arm strength, accuracy, poise, decision making and leadership to boot. Certainly the depth of knowledge on him isn't there, but if you trust your scouting department on the positives you see, you simply can't pass on him.
DOC FACT ! It's not even an option they can consider. If at #10 they have the chance to draft Sanchez they should jump on it with both hands. Everything is going to be up in the air now the Broncos are clutching two first rounder's and a need for a long-term solution at QB, so if the chance comes to the Niners then they have to take it. Sanchez offers a lot more than Hill or Alex Smith for that matter, and the Niners should not let the opportunity pass by should he fall into their lap.
 Despite the hype, it will be James Laurinaitis who will prove a better draft pick than Ray Mauluga.
STOCK FICTION ! If Mauluga lands in a 3-4 defence as is expected then I can't see that Mauluga won't be a phenom in the NFL. Laurinaitis I'm also sure will be an excellent 4-3 linebacker, but Mauluga just has that thing about him that I think is special. In a 3-4 his blend of physicality and speed is going to be off the charts. He is one of the rare 3-4 ILBs who could conceivably dominate guards coming to him at the second level. Just think about that for a second, a linebacker who could dominate guards, you can count the number of players of that ilk on one hand. Mauluga should hit a 3-4 defence and he should be a multiple All-Pro player, Laurinaitis will be solid, but I don't think he can reach the level Mauluga can.
DOC FICTION ! I should pre-empt this as I do have some reservations over Mauluga as I think he misses some tackles too often. That being said he is the kind of player who will make highlight reels and have pundits gushing over him because he is exciting, he is different and he is all action. Pro scouting departments will have broken these two down and everything has Ray going higher, so who am I to question this. Laurinaitis, on the other hand will have a very solid career amassing a reputation as a consistently excellent performer but he won't get the attention Ray will get.
 The best veteran free agent still on the market is.
STOCK Jon Runyan Sure physically he might be a complete wreck now but he plays through that and still plays to a pretty darned decent standard. The free agent market is currently littered with quality players who have health issues; Orlando Pace, Chris McAllister and Torry Holt all join Runyan on this list, but unlike those three Runyan hasn't missed any substantial amount of playing time the last few seasons. In fact, ever since he was inserted into the Tennessee Oilers starting line-up at the start of the 1997 season, Runyan hasn't missed a start. His time may be limited, but for right now he is still an above average right tackle in the NFL and there are a fair few teams around the league who wouldn't sniff at the upgrade he'd bring to their offensive line right now.
DOC Jeff Garcia What? I hear you all say, but in this league how many QB's have proven they can win? I mean, look at the 49ers as we've mentioned earlier, look at the Broncos who have a transition QB at best. Look at the Vikings who have two guys, neither of whom convince. Look at the Buccs who let Garcia walk. Jeff Garcia may not be to everyone's tastes but this guy can play in the NFL and can win. Someone must be looking at bringing him in.
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