I was looking at the standings this morning and realized just how horribly pathetic the NFL is this year.  There are so many bottom dwellers this year that it's not even funny.  I was trying to see if we had a chance to be picking in the top 3-5 picks in next years draft.  The main reason is because we need to get our franchise signal caller in the next draft, pure and simple. 

And my favorite candidate right now as we speak is by far Jimmy Clausen.  I've made and effort not to miss a game this year and he is really impressive.  He is accurate and has a big arm to get the ball downfield.  He also can throw darts into tight spots.  In recent weeks he's shown how smart and patient he could be.  The guy is a very gifted athlete than can also move around the pocket and beat you with his legs when required.  IMO he is the complete package.  He also has the most experience of the Juniors and can play well outdoors in the cold.

See analysis after the jump...

Unfortunately I doubt he will be there very long because I think he'll finish the season as the top rated QB (assuming he comes out early).  There are a lot of bottom dwellers but not all of them would go QB in round 1 (at least I hope not).  Here is the picture as of today:

CLE (1-7):  Cleveland's problems are not predominantly at the QB position.  They're running game really needs an injection and they need help on the Line and at TE.  They also need a lot of help on the Defensive side.  They have a LT and a center but the rest of their line is average.  They're running game is horrible.  Lewis averages a pedestrian 3.6y per carry and he gets the bulk of the work during games.   Plus they spent a #1 on a QB in 2007, I can't see them using their #1 on a QB but it could happen.  CLE is predominantly a power running team with a defensive minded coach, I see them drafting a RB in Round 1.

With their remaining schedule, I think they could pull off a few more wins such @KC and then OAK & Jax at home, which would give them a 4-12 season (and they own the tie breaker over us)

TEN (1-7):  The best thing that could happen to us is Vince Young on more than one front.  He has something to prove.  He sure as hell doesn't want them drafting a QB so I can see him having a bit of success.  I think they are going to run all over us in Week 10.  I doubt we have a chance to stop Chris Johnson.  I also see them winning at home against St-Louis.   I think Bud Adams won't draft a QB in Rd1, he wants to give Vince a chance so regardless what happens from now until the end of the year, I doubt they will draft a QB.  The other great think about Vince Young is if he does have success, I could see Bud Adams sending Jeff Fisher packing, which could be a great thing for us.

With their remaining schedule, I think they could pull off a few more wins such the Bills & Rams at home, which would bring them to 3-13 (the mirror opposite to last year).  I see the new coach coming in having to work with Vince Young for the first year.  They need another big run stuffing DT to replace Haynesworth but they need help in their secondary even worse.

OAK (2-6):  The Raiders are a mess.  I think that as much as I hate the Bills right now its still doesn't compare to the Raiders.  If I were a Raiders fan I would have given up already.  Any intelligent person would agree that the Raiders should be looking at QB in round 1 next year.  Russel is a horrible QB and doesn't deserve to start.  The funny thing is I think that Al Davis still likes him so it's anybodies guess at this point.

With their remaining schedule, I think they could pull off a few more wins such the KC & Was at home, which would bring them to 4-12.  I see them going with Carlos Dunlap (DE) but they remain a serious risk at QB IMO.

WAS (2-5):  Sadly, it's hard to see where they might win another game.  It's too bad because I think Campbell is better than his record.  I think he's not in the right system.  What Snider has done to his coach is despicable and he deserves to lose out on the season.  Unfortunately, they will be looking for a QB, I am almost certain of it.  The good news is Jason Campbell is probably going to be available on the FA market if he gets cut.

With their remaining schedule and the turmoil in coaching staff and the loss of Cooley, I think they Lose out.  They could be picking first overall in the draft at 2-14

RAMS (1-7): Steve Spagnuolo definitely has his work cut out for him.  They have not looked good at all this year.  They really need help on Defense and I highly doubt that Spag would use the first round selection on anything other than a defensive player.  In 3 of their past 4 games, Jackson was the leading rusher of the game and Donnie Avery was the leading receiver.  They currently rank 13 in Rushing offense and 24th in passing.  They Rank 28th against the run and 25th against the pass.  I see them going DT in Round 1.

With their remaining schedule I think they could win at least 1 or two more, games like SEA at home and possibly SF if they are playing the 2nd stringers (assuming they clinch their spot).  I project them finishing with a 2-14 record.

SEA (2-5):  They need a running game.  I also think they are feeling the departure of Holmgrem.

I see them winning 2-3 more games (TB & TEN at home for sure and maybe in St-Louis).  I think they finish at 4-12

BUCs have a real chance of going winless and KC will be lucky to finish with better than a 3-13 record.  Both teams are set at QB at least for next year that is.  I really can't see them taking a QB in round 1.

So this brings me to my title.  I gave up on the season after week 3, actually I gave up on this season last December when Mr.Wilson chose to keep Jauron but that's another story...  At this point it is crystal clear that we need major changes around here starting with all the management and coaches.  We also clearly need to draft a QB in Round 1.  It is beyond repair.  I would feel more than comfortable with Edwards as our backup or even have him start the year if the rookie is unable to win the start at first.  But there is no doubt in my mind that we need to spend our 1st rounder on a QB this year.  I know that we need a LT as well but our deficientcies are mainly at the QB level not Oline.  Insert any of the top 4-8 QBs in this league (with a real coordinator and offensive system) and we would be top 10 in many categories. 

BILLS (3-5):  Looking ahead, I cannot see how we can win another game this year.  Honestly, we really should be 1-7 because the Jets and Carolina games were totally given to us but that's besides the point.  Chris Johnson, MJD, Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams, Thomas Jones, Arrowhead Stadium, Brady, Micheal Turner and then Peyton Manning.  The only games that we remotely have a chance ion are the KC and maybe if Indy are resting their starters.  Still at this point the season is a useless loss and our only hope is to lose out and finish 3-13, which would put us within striking distance of Jimmy Clausen.  The best way to ensure our continued success is to keep Jauron until the end otherwise we might spark something and we could find ourselves winning a few more games, which would be disastrous because it would bring other potential teams into play.

Mock Draft

#1 TB (0-16) Gerald McCoy (DT)

#2 Was (2-14) Russel Okung (OT)

#3 StL (2-14) Ndamukong Suh (DT)

#4 Buf (3-13) Jimmy Clausen (QB)

#5 KC (3-13) Carlos Dunlap (DE)

#6 Ten (3-13) Taylor Mays (S)

#7 Cle (4-12) **

#8 Oak (4-12) **

Both Cleveland & Oakland could be in the QB market.

This post is about next year and I would prefer not arguing with the cool aid drinkers about the virtues of not giving up on the season.  Let's face it, we suck and most of us knew we would last year when Jauron was retained.  There really are no good option in FA to find a definite starter.  We could maybe find a caretaker or someone else's reject but all in all, our only real hope for next year is to lose out and be in a position to draft the top rated QB.