The 100 Yard Spin

Scooter's Fantasy Big Board

2011-08-30T19:36:00.000-07:00

It is about a week away from most fantasy drafts and the opening week kick off of the much anticipated 2011 NFL season will be just around the corner. Things are happening very quickly and it has all affected fantasy projections greatly. Without an off-season to do any evaluation of the individual teams we are left speculating even more than ever, which is saying a lot!

Anyway, here is my top 50 fantasy projections:

1. RB Adrian Peterson - Why not? He's consistently been one of the best for several seasons. Do you think they are going to stop using him as a focal point of the offense? If you pass on Peterson you are taking a bigger risk than necessary. Just take him!
2. RB Arian Foster - A big risk? I don't think so. He'll get every opportunity to duplicate last year's performance and lead the league in rushing. The time is now. The team is hungry for a playoff spot. The only real question mark is whether or not a pulled hamstring will slow him down in the regular season. I'm willing to bet it won't.
3. RB Jamaal Charles - Get the top backs while you can as they can carry your team down the stretch. Charles will be looked at to lead the way in Kansas City once again. He wants to prove that last year's AFC West Division Championship was no fluke.
4. QB Mike Vick - Can he repeat as the top fantasy player in the NFL? Yes, I believe he can. However, he is at serious risk of missing time with injury and there will be quality passers available in rounds two, three, and four. There is simply too much potential in Vick to see him slip out of the top five though.
5. QB Aaron Rodgers - The best pure passer in the game right now also has a strong receiving corps, an emerging stable of backs that gets Ryan Grant back from injury, and a young O-line loaded with talent. His numbers could get better and I might consider taking him first overall before it's all said and done.
6. RB Chris Johnson - A lot of people have Johnson rated as high as #1 overall. He is good and definitely worth the risk as a top five pick, but there is a lot of uncertainty with the Titan's offense overall and defenses will be keyed in on him. He should at least be an easy 200 points for your team and it's possible that he could put up a lot more. As I write this he is in the middle of a hold-out for a new contract. I wouldn't play under the old contract if I were him.
7. RB Darren McFadden - Could he finally be emerging as a legitimate threat in the NFL? Now is a good time to find out if his 5.2 yards per carry average can turn into 2,000 total yards and 16 TD's as well.
8. RB Maurice Jones-Drew - Jacksonville will be relying on him to score and he is a grinder that will get you 200 pts per year even though he's not too flashy. I like him a lot as a player and he is actually the safer pick for those fantasy managers that are not willing to gamble on McFadden.
9. RB Michael Turner - His numbers dipped last season but I believe the team would like to get him going again. However, he could be wearing down and reaching the twilight of his career as he has taken a pounding over the last few seasons. I wouldn't be surprised to see him drop out of the top 15. He's got good value though and still has potential to be the top fantasy player.
10. RB Ray Rice - Another solid producer on a good team. If you are picking last in the first round and he's still available take him. You've got nothing to lose.
11. RB LeSean McCoy - I had McCoy last season on my team and he did not disappoint me, especially when you consider that I drafted him in the fourth round! He won't slip that far this year and I would not be surprised to see him gone in round one.
12. RB Steven Jackson - The Rams will give him every opportunity to prove he still has some tread left on the tires. He is another guy that has taken a beating over the years and might be over the hill of his career as far as production goes.
13. WR Andre Johnson - Arguably the best receiver in the NFL is worth taking early in round two, especially if you grabbed a back in round one. There will be some quality RB's and QB's still available in round three.
14. RB Frank Gore - Has been a great fantasy player on some weeks and completely lousy in others. With the addition of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has orchestrated some great running games at Stanford, it is highly likely that the team will try to ground out wins with Gore. He may turn out to be steal at this point. He just agreed on a new three-year deal and will be determined to show he is worth every penny.
15. WR Calvin Johnson - He can dominate most defensive backs and faces a lot of double teams. If QB Matt Stafford stays healthy and the running game starts drawing some attention, CJ could put up 1500 yards and 16 TD's. There is a lot of potential points with this pick.
16. QB Tom Brady - You can't go wrong taking Brady anywhere in round two, especially now that Chad Ochocinco is joining the Patriot's already talented group of receivers. 4,000 yards and 40 TD passes are very possible.
17. QB Drew Brees - The team should be as good as ever offensively. The addition of Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles to the backfield could be a huge game-changer for the club overall. Brees is as steady as they come and has the potential for a huge year.
18. RB LaGarrette Blount - This may be a bit of a reach to some folks but Blount's stats in the second half of his rookie season last year were outrageous. He cracked the 1,000 yard mark and scored six TD's and he only carried the ball 201 times (seven starts). The Bucs are an emerging team that will look to get as much as they can out of this big (6'0" 247 lbs) and surprisingly athletic back. If he stays on track he could be a top five pick next year.
19. RB Matt Forte - He is expected to produce in a variety of ways for the team. Another 1600 total yards seems very likely. That alone will get you 160 fantasy points.
20. RB Rashard Mendenhall - Somebody will probably jump on him earlier than this. I'm not as high on him but it would probably be silly of me to not consider taking him near the end of round two, especially if I haven't gotten a back yet.
21. WR Roddy White - The only player that might benefit from the presence of rookie WR Julio Jones more than QB Matt Ryan is White. He should get another 1,200 yards and double digit TD's this season.
22. RB Ahmad Bradshaw - Brandon Jacobs appears to be on the downside of his career and Bradshaw is picking up the slack. He could be worth another 190 points and would make an excellent second option in the backfield.
23. WR Vincent Jackson - If he wants to be earning the big bucks as a free agent next year he needs to prove himself worthy after holding out and only starting five games in 2011. I expect him to put together an excellent season.
24. WR Greg Jennings - There really is no reason to believe that Rodger's favorite target will not be doing several "Lambeau leaps" this fall.
25. WR Larry Fitzgerald - Maybe the addition of Kolb will help elevate Fitzgerald's game a bit more. Either way, if he is available here he is well worth the pick.
26. QB Philip Rivers - A quality QB that guided the NFL's top-ranked offense last season. He's not a proven winner or a great leader but the production is there to get you a lot of fantasy points.
27. QB Peyton Manning - Although he may not be quite as good as he was a few years ago, the elder Manning is still one of the best in the business. Current injury issues need to be monitored extensively before drafting him though. Don't under estimate his toughness as Peyton is a warrior but I wouldn't consider drafting him until the third round this year.
28. RB Peyton Hillis - Not really sure how much better this big pounder can get but he should be able to get you another 200 + points this season. Although, with a weak passing game in Cleveland opposing defenses will be keying in on him.
29. RB Ryan Grant - He returns after missing 15 games last season due to a ankle injury. The Packers will be counting on him to help balance the attack and take advantage of defenses keying in on Rodgers.
30. WR Chad Ochocinco - I know I am not the only one that believes the former Johnson can have a turn-around season in New England. 150 points seems likely.
31. RB Cedric Benson - Would be a good second RB but might be better suited for the bench. Nobody knows how well he'll play. He's never been an outstanding fantasy pick and he recently had some off-field issues once again that could hurt his standing with the league.
32. RB Ryan Mathews - It's time to really start taking some risks on guys. Mathews is one guy that could go as high as the second round or drop as low as the fifth. If you can get him as a backup to your starters you should be in fine shape at the position. The potential is there for some big points as a starter too.
33. QB Josh Freeman - If you haven't gotten a QB by the fourth round and Freeman's available you should take him. He is an emerging star with the ability to take over games for Tampa. He earned over 230 fantasy points in his second season and is emerging as a team leader.
34. WR Hakeem Nicks - Has proven to be a commodity for QB Eli Manning. If they can get things going he could be a steal in the fourth round.
35. WR DeSean Jackson - One of the best play-makers in the game with a 22.5 yards per catch average in 2010, Jackson can hit home runs all over the field despite not catching a ton of balls from Vick.
36. WR Reggie Wayne - I usually don't focus on receivers until after the middle rounds where steady players like Wayne are usually available.
37. WR Mike Wallace - Explosive player that is one of Big Ben's favorite targets. After breaking out last season he will be expected to improve.
38. WR Mike Williams (Bucs not Seahawks) - Possibly the biggest surprise of my fantasy team last season with 964 receiving yards and 11 TD's. He and Freeman could be a dynamic combo for the next decade.
39. RB Mark Ingram - At some point somebody will take a chance on him becoming the next big thing in the Big Easy. He has looked pretty good thus far.
40. WR Dwayne Bowe - A big key to the Chief's success last season, it may be tough for him to reach that same type of production in 2011 with more receiving weapons on the field for QB Matt Cassel coupled with the fact that the secret is out on him.
41. TE Antonio Gates - A fantastic target that is too fast for most linebackers and too big for most safeties to handle one on one. He has had some injury issues lately though.
42. WR Miles Austin - Nothing too fancy but he has been a steady fantasy performer over the years.
43. WR Santonio Holmes - He is expected to be a star after resigning with the Jets as a free agent. He should be good for 150 points and he could get you 200 if QB Mark Sanchez improves in his third season.
44. TE JerMichael Finley - Another one of the Packer's best offensive players that missed most of the Super Bowl season. He should be motivated to contribute and put up big numbers after watching the action from the sidelines.
45. WR Brandon Marshall - I would probably stay away from him in the draft but his talents are hard to ignore and he should be worth the risk for somebody this late in the draft.
46. TE Jason Witten - Possibly the best TE in the game and an excellent safety-valve for QB Tony Romo. However, don't expect him to blow up for more than 150 points.
47. QB Mathew Stafford - It will be interesting to see where Stafford gets taken. He could be an absolute steal for somebody willing to take a risk. He played well in the three games he started last season, throwing six TD's to only one INT. Could that turn into 30 TD's and only five INT's if he plays a full season?
48. RB Knowshon Moreno - He hasn't been the great back that the team was hoping for and health has been an issue, but he could have great value off the bench and maybe even emerge as a fantasy starter this year.
49. QB Tony Romo - Not the greatest fantasy passer but definitely worth a fifth round pick, especially if you do not have a starter yet.
50. RB DeAngelo Williams - The great fantasy numbers probably will not be there as Williams splits a lot of time with Jonathan Stewart, but he did just sign a big new contract with the team and will be expected to step up for them.

Other Players to Watch for in the Later Rounds and Free Agency:

QB Matt Ryan - Could light it up in year four now that he has Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and Julio Jones as targets.
QB Ben Roethlisberger - A true gamer that really wants another shot at the Super Bowl. The Steeler's offense does not allow for huge numbers though.
QB Matt Schaub - Leads an explosive offense but hasn't been labeled a true winner yet. His fantasy numbers are so-so.
WR Julio Jones - Has the physical ability and cast around him to put up huge numbers.
WR Roy Williams - Could reemerge in Chi-town with QB Jay Cutler eager to prove himself as well.
RB Jonathan Stewart - Will split time with DeAngelo Williams once again but could score a lot of TD's.
TE Jared Cook - QB Matt Hasselback will be looking for an explosive safety valve and Cook could be that man.

Overs and Unders: Early Predictions of the 2011 College Football Season

2011-08-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Surprises:

• South Florida - They are not a powerhouse program but have managed to field some high quality teams over the last five years. The defense looks stout with a strong D-line leading the way. DE Ryne Giddens could emerge as a pass-rushing force. LB's Sam Barrington and DeDe Lattimore look like All-Big East players as well. QB B.J. Daniels digressed in 2010 from his '09 form. He needs to be more consistent and produce more big plays that result in TD's. With RB Darrell Scott, a transfer from Colorado, and RB Demetrius Murray, a transfer from Auburn, to hand the ball off to a lot of pressure will be lifted this fall. Stout defense + reliable running game = lots of wins.
• Penn State - The Nittany Lions have two young QB's that possess the raw talent to start for a lot of college teams in Robert Bolden and Mathew McGloin. The chances that one of these guys is going to emerge for them this fall are good. Even if they both struggle a bit Silas Redd is ready to lead the running game and the defense will be strong enough to keep them in most games. Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges are two of the best LB's in the Big Ten and both will play on Sundays.
• Southern Miss -The Golden Eagles were 18th in the country in total offense last season and return seven starters on that side of the ball, including senior QB Austin Davis. Davis is set to become the all-time career passing leader in Hattiesburg. He has a very good group of receivers to play with too and sophomore RB Kendrick Hardy has the ability to become one the nation's leading rushers. They were also 13th in the country in run defense with five starters in the front seven returning. Sophomore CB Deron Wilson looks like he could eventually develop into a solid pro prospect. Do not be surprised if this team climbs into the top 20 at some point this fall and finishes the season with 11 wins.
• Michigan - If you haven't heard about Denard Robinson you better take note. He averaged nearly seven yards per carry, rushed for 14 TD's, and threw for another 18 TD's on his way to becoming a 1st team All-American as a sophomore last season, and the only player to ever pass for 2,500 yards and rush for another 1500. His rushing attempts will mostly likely go down this season with the team moving back to a power running game, but he will get his fair share of big runs. WR, TE, and OL are all well-stocked with enough talent to compete with anybody. The defense on the other hand, was atrocious the last three years under Rich Rodriquez and defensive coordinator Greg Robinson. New HC Brady Hoke and DC Greg Mattison will get the unit in much better shape this year. The D-line looks like it could be very good this fall. DT Mike Martin is an All-American candidate and LB Kenny Demens could be the best player the team has had in the middle since 1996. The real deal-breaker though could be the return of senior CB Troy Woolfolk from a knee injury that forced him to miss the entire season last year. He could emerge as a leader, which is something the secondary desperately needs. Overall, we should see a different attitude whenever the Wolverine's defense takes the field this fall and that alone could make all the difference in the world.
• Ohio St - After what this program has gone through in the last six months many folks are expecting the Buckeyes to fall off the map, but they have enough talent throughout the roster to still get 10 wins in another weak year for the Big Ten. RB's Rod Smith, Dan Herron, and Jaamal Berry can grind it out and take pressure off whoever plays QB. DeVier Posey is an All-Big Ten performer at WR and Mike Brewster is the top NFL prospect at center in the entire country. DE's Nathan Williams and John Simon will also play on Sundays very soon. The back seven of the defense is a bit green but it's full of top notch recruits from two or three years ago. It really wouldn't surprise me to see them win the Leaders Division and compete in the new conference championship game on December 3rd, while also grabbing a spot in a major bowl game.

The Disappointments:

• Florida - This was one of the biggest groups of underachievers last season considering how much talent is on the team. QB John Brantley lacks confidence and he should be challenged by freshman Jeff Driskel at some point if he doesn't step it up as a leader. There is a ton of speed at RB and WR but the entire offense lacks any real toughness. The O-line is young too. CB Janoris Jenkins, who was one of the Gator's best defenders, was dismissed from the team for personal reasons. The D-line should be very good and Jelani Jenkins looks like the real deal at LB. However, with five sophomores probably starting the defense will be a little too green and I can see this team slipping to another five losses despite getting their toughest opponents (Alabama and Florida State) in the Swamp.
• Texas - The roster wreaks of talent but they are fairly young and seemed to not be getting it last season while stumbling to a 5-7 record and no bowl appearance. QB Garrett Gilbert has the opportunity to gain some confidence and get his game going but he definitely needs to improve his play. Throwing only 10 TD's compared to 17 INT's just won't cut it in Austin. The defense could be very good with some great talent at LB, but they need to find a way to take over games if this team wants to get back to a bowl. With five sophomores with no starting experience on defense that will be a very tough task.
• Michigan State - This is one of the best teams the Spartans have fielded talent-wise with a lot of good players returning from an 11-2 team, but after getting run over by Alabama in the Capital One Bowl (49-7) it is possible that the entire team's confidence has been hit. The real problem, however, exists in the schedule more than anything else as they have to travel to Notre Dame, Ohio St, Nebraska, Iowa, and Northwestern. They also have Michigan and Wisconsin coming to town in back to back weeks. Another 11 win season will be very hard to accomplish and I have a feeling many fans in East Lansing will be severely disappointed this fall.
• Iowa - It may not really be much of a surprise if the team loses five games again in 2010, considering they only return nine starters and the depth chart is littered with underclassmen. It appears that their schedule is not too bad with four of their five road games at Iowa St, Penn St, Minnesota, and Purdue, but an early season loss to Pitt at home could really damage the team's psyche, like what happened after the team got beat in a come-from-behind defeat at the hands of Northwester, who come to town on Oct. 15th. Michigan and Michigan St come on back to back weekends in November and the Hawkeye's final game is in Nebraska on Nov. 25th. Could the team miss the bowl season entirely this year? I wouldn't really bet against it.
• Ohio St - Yes, one of the nation's biggest surprises could also be a big disappointment. In actuality, they have already let their school down by getting into trouble in the first place. It is hard for programs to adjust after losing a respective head coach in the manner that Ohio St lost Jim Tressel and it may surprise a lot of people if the Buckeyes finish in the top 25 at all, but for most Buckeye fans it would be disappointing for them to not win 11 games in any given season. Fans have gotten way too comfortable dominating competition week in and week out and one or two losses early in the season could really rattle Buckeye nation and cause a domino effect that carries them all the way to their first season of not winning the conference championship in over six years.

Why Kolb Over Orton?

2011-07-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

One of the big issues on sports talk radio and television shows lately has been the debate over where Kevin Kolb, the former second round pick and current backup to Mike Vick in Philadelphia, will end up playing this season. In all likelihood, that appears to be Arizona. My question though is this: Why is Kolb so highly sought-after?

At the moment the 26 year-old passer has seven starts in four seasons for the Eagles with a 60.8 completion percentage, 11 TD's, and 14 INT's. He has also been sacked 20 times and has a QB rating of 73.2, which is not very good. During his seven games played and five starts in 2010, while Vick was out with an injury, Kolb delivered only seven TD's compared to seven INT's with a 76.1 rating while winning only two games. It seems to me that there is a lot of hype over a guy that has not proven anything up to this point. Aren't there any better options out there?

28 year-old veteran QB Kyle Orton is entering his seventh season and might be heading to Miami to throw the ball to Brandon Marshall and company. In his six seasons with the Bears and Broncos he has compiled a 32-30 record with 71 TD's and 48 INT's. Last season, while playing for the hapless Broncos, he threw for 3,653 yards, 20 TD's, and only nine INT's. Had he been playing for a team that didn't have the worst defense in the league he probably would've won more than three games.

The San Francisco 49ers resigned 27 year-old Alex Smith to compete at QB. While the former number one overall pick in the draft has not lived up to expectations, he still played better than Kolb last season with 14 TD's, 10 INT's, and an 82.1 QB rating while splitting time at the position with Troy Smith. He may have not won a lot of games over the years but it can be argued that the 49er organization has been a complete mess for several years now.

If Orton does finally end up in a Dolphins uniform this fall you can chalk up a win this off-season for Miami. Now they will have a proven winner reaching the pinnacle of his career in Orton and a young, developmental player with starting experience backing him up in Chad Henne.

As for Arizona, they may be trading away some valuable draft picks for a guy that has only been known so far in his career as the guy that got blind-sided by the Mike Vick experiment in Philly. All-pro WR Larry Fitzgerald is entering the last year of his contract in Tempe. If Kolb is not the player that everybody seems to think he is I can't see him resigning with the Cardinals. So in the end, they may just end up with a career backup as starter at QB while the guy that almost won them the Super Bowl a few years ago walks in free agency.

NCAA Football Players to Watch This Fall

2011-07-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Follow the link below to get to our list of top 50 college football players thathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif will make a huge difference in the upcoming season. Alabama appears to be loaded with defensive studs, especially at linebacker, and there may be a few QB's in that list that you have never even heard of before!

Check it out!

Top 50 College Players to Watch This Fall

NCAA Football Pre-Season Top 25

2011-07-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

1. Oklahoma - A talent-packed roster with Heisman-hopeful QB Landry Jones running the offense. Jones also has one of the best groups of receivers to throw to downfield. Overall, they are arguably the most talented team in the country and they should blow through most of the Big 12 conference on their way to the BCS National Title game in New Orleans.
2. Alabama - The Tide lose Heisman Trophy-winning RB Mark Ingram, explosive WR Julio Jones, dependable QB Greg McElroy, and star DT Marcell Dareus, but talent is still simply oozing out of this roster once again. The defense, which has four All-American candidates and several pro prospects, should be one of the country's best. The SEC is relatively weak compared to other years so the Tide could simply roll on to meet the Sooners in New Orleans. They could just as easily be number one right now as anybody.
3. Notre Dame - This may seem like a reach to most folks but when you really study the talent on the depth chart it's hard to imagine this team not putting together one of its best seasons in recent memory. QB Dayne Crist will need to stay healthy and highly touted RB's Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray need to put together great seasons if the team wants to finally compete for a national title. WR Michael Floyd and LB Manti Te'o are two guys the pro scouts have ranked among the best at their respective positions. IF they can get through their first four games unscathed (South Florida, Michigan, Michigan St, and Pitt) they should be in position to grab a BCS bowl berth before facing Stanford to end the season.
4. LSU - 15 starters return on a deep roster from an 11-2 Tiger team last year. A lot will be hinging on senior QB Jordan Jefferson, who needs to finally put together a strong season from start to finish. They face Oregon on September 3rd in Arlington, TX to start the season and have to travel to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on November 5th. Those are not easy tasks but if they can pull off a pair of wins in those games it will be hard to overlook them. Can Jefferson pull off a Cam Newton-like performance?
5. Boise State - This team has been dominating a weak WAC conference over the years and now move to a tougher MWC and open the season in Atlanta against Georgia. QB Kellen Moore was a Heisman finalist last season and OT Nate Potter is one of the nation's best. The Broncos won't make it to New Orleans on January 9th but they could go undefeated once again while playing a relatively weak schedule overall.
6. Oregon - RB LaMichael James is as explosive of a player as there is in the country and the offense as a whole is fun to watch. This team was just three points shy of a national championship last season and they should make another fine run, but I have a feeling that some teams will have them figured out this season. Illegal recruiting allegations also may be a bit of distraction but don't count the Ducks out just yet. They open the season against LSU and the winner of that game could go on to play for it all.
7. Florida State - Another solid program with a ton of talent that may just finally put together a great season once again. The D-line looks to be one of the country's best and if the young LB's show up and play well the defense will be stout from top to bottom. DE Brandon Jenkins could be a top ten pick in the draft in 2012.
8. Virginia Tech - This team saw its 2010 season blow up in their faces very quickly after losses to Boise St and James Madison in the first two weeks. The Hokies always put together great defense and special teams units and if first-year starting QB Logan Thomas, a former TE, and RB David Wilson can put together great seasons this team will march into a BCS bowl come January.
9. Texas A & M - The Aggies ripped off late wins against Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas last season and return 18 starters! QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Cyrus Gray, and WR Jeff Fuller are one of the nation's best offensive combos and the defense should continue to improve. They have to travel to Oklahoma to play the Sooners but they get Oklahoma St and Texas at home and Nebraska is now gone to the Big Ten.
10. Nebraska - Looking to take the new-look Big Ten Conference by storm, the Cornhuskers have all the right pieces in place to make a run. However, with some tough road games against Wisconsin, Penn St, and Michigan, it's hard to see them getting through undefeated. An 11-1 season and a bid in the first ever Big Ten Championship game is not out of reach though.
11. Georgia - This has been one of the biggest underachieving programs in the entire country and they were very inconsistent last season. Perhaps this young, talented squad has matured over the off-season and looks to take advantage of a terrible SEC East this year. Boise St (in Atlanta), Florida (in Jacksonville), South Carolina (in Athens), and Auburn (in Athens) are the biggest tests and they do not play any of them on hostile turf. Sophomore QB Aaron Murray could be emerging as the best in the conference.
12. Stanford - Despite the change in head coaches this is a talented squad that isn't really changing too much in schemes. QB Andrew Luck is considered the best pro prospect in the country and he's got some quality blockers in front of him. The defense ranked 21st in the country and returns six starters. WR Chris Owusu is one of the best kick returners in the country. Another 11-1 season, a Pac 12 Championship, and a Rose Bowl appearance seems possible.
13. Southern Cal - The Trojans may not be able to play for a Pac 12 Championship and they may not be able to participate in a bowl, but they still have a very good team with a bunch of pro athletes. QB Matt Barkley is as good as any other USC QB in the last couple decades. That says a lot about his abilities.
14. South Carolina - RB Marcus Lattimore and WR Alshon Jeffrey will give coach Steve Spurrier two of the country's top weapons to design his offense around. Too much may be riding on senior QB Stephen Garcia, who needs to throw more TD's and less INT's, and incoming freshman DE Jadeveon Clowney, who had 52.5 sacks his last two years in high school, for the Gamecocks to really compete for an SEC championship.
15. Arkansas - The offense will be explosive once again with a fine set of backs and receivers. The defense should be one of the SEC's best as well. Trips to Tuscaloosa and Baton Rouge will be tough but at worst they look like a three loss team, which should still be enough to get them into a quality bowl game.
16. Wisconsin - With the addition of QB Russell Wilson, who transferred from NC State, the offense looks like it will be one of the best in the Big Ten. RB's Montee Ball and James White both had over 1,000 yards rushing last season and might be the nation's best running back tandem. WR Nick Toon also returns from injury. The defense does not appear to be as strong as usual but they are not talentless either. They also get their toughest opponents at home this year with the real road challenges at Ohio St and Michigan St.
17. TCU - The Horned Frogs are one of the best programs in the country at developing their players and continue to field strong defenses every year. With the biggest test being Boise St they could find themselves playing in a big bowl game.
18. Texas - Once again they are one of the most talented teams in the country but they severely broke down and stumbled to a 5-7 record in 2010 so it's hard to predict just where they will end up this year. QB Garrett Gilbert needs to step up and be a leader but he seems to lack confidence ever since filling in for Colt McCoy and getting smacked by Alabama in the '09 BCS Title game. It is time to take the next step or somebody else will be given the chance.
19. Oklahoma State - QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon could become household names this fall and RB Joseph Randle should average over five yards per carry once again. If the young defense can overachieve a bit this team could surprise everybody once again after going 11-2 last year. The schedule is brutal though and it's hard to imagine them not losing at least two games.
20. Ohio State - They will slip a little bit in the new Big Ten after losing HC Jim Tressel and QB Terrelle Pryor, but don't count this team out of anything. They still have one of the most talented college rosters in the country due to top recruiting classes over the last several years. The defense will be very good and it would not surprise me one bit to see this team roll off 10 wins and claim a spot in a major bowl game.
21. South Florida - The Bull's defense looks like a top 20 unit and they could also be fielding the best offensive backfield in the Big East. QB BJ Daniels didn't play as well last year as he did in '09. If he can get back to form this could be a 10 win team.
22. Arizona State - The Sun Devils have a lot of potential and could be the surprise team in the Pac 12 this year. Their defense should be solid enough to keep them in most games and compete for a conference championship.
23. Michigan - Most people don't even have the Wolverines ranked in the top 40, but from a strictly talent standpoint this ranking makes total sense and when you see what's going on in Ann Arbor these days it's reasonable to say the team has made great strides since new head coach Brady Hoke was hired. QB Denard Robinson and WR Roy Roundtree are threats to score on any given play and the defense will be much improved.
24. Penn State - As good of a college football program as you will find anywhere. They have the players to field a very competitive team once again in 2011 but they finish out the season with back to back road trips to Ohio St and Wisconsin.
25. North Carolina - There are some quality players on this roster, especially in the defensive front seven. If one of the young QB's steps up this team could challenge for an ACC title.
Other teams getting top 25 consideration: Pitt, Miami (FL), Southern Miss, Houston, Michigan State

Women's World Cup Soccer

2011-07-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Japan on becoming the 2011 Women's World Cup Soccer (Football) Champions! You all worked so hard and played so patiently as a team. The entire world witnessed the type of bravery and poise that your country possesses. I wish you all the best as a nation.

Just as much, we as a country are proud of our ladies for standing up and competing against some serious competition throughout the World Cup tournament. With some serious heroics of your own you captivated a nation and brought us all together once again. I appreciate all that you have done to progress the sport of women's soccer by playing up to any and all challenges. I look forward to watching more of you all in the future.

Thanks to all the World Cup organizers, sponsors, and of course all the athletes. Your contributions to the world are appreciated. Peace, love, and best wishes to all!

Kings of the Mountain

2011-06-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

One thing that I try to do in this blog is recognize greatness. In a league filled with parity there is often a fine line between a good player, a pro-bowl player, and a great player. In the list that I have compiled here, I have tried to paint a picture of what it takes to be a great offensive or defensive player and singling out those that are the best performers at their respective positions.

As we step into a new era of NFL quaterbacking there are a couple veterans that have a strong hold on their positions as the league's best. However, there are some younger men who are waiting for their opportunity to shine as well.

Just as much, there is a wealth of talent all over the league, which leaves it extremely hard to project who might be the best in 2011. I like to hear what opposing players have to say about a guy, as the well the opinions of his own teammates. After all, nobody knows better than the guys that play the game themselves.

Offense

In order to be a great offensive player in the NFL one does not need to be the guy that runs the fastest or jumps the highest, but he has to be one of the smartest. It's the ability to set defenders up for a fall that results in six points that separates the elite from the rest. In order to maintain consistent production, the great ones are also able to brush off mistakes, not let head-hunting defenders intimidate them, and are always ready for the next play. There is no time for bitching and moaning. That is why the guys I typically pick as my "all-pros" are guys that show up week after week and find a way to get wins.

Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning (Colts) - He is always prepared to take on the competition as nobody works harder than him on the field or in the film room. He also has a Super Bowl ring and two AFC Championships to boot.
2. Tom Brady (Patriots) - A natural leader with top tangibles, Brady is a threat to take his team to the playoffs every year. He is the prototypical "pro-style" QB .
3. Aaron Rodgers (Packers) - Great accuracy, patience, awareness, and overall savvy. I have a good feeling he will top this list in the very near future.
4. Honorable Mentions: Michael Vick (Eagles), Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Drew Brees (Saints)
5. Up and Comers: Matt Ryan (Falcons), Josh Freeman (Buccaneers), Sam Bradford (Rams)

Running Backs
1. Adrian Peterson (Vikings) - There really isn't much that he can't do. The only knock has been a tendency to fumble at times but he does get about 350 touches a year. Give him a break...literally.
2. Chris Johnson (Titans) - I question how much longer he will have the ability to play the way he does in the NFL but at this point his skills are unmatched. You never know how far he will go on a run.
3. Michael Turner (Falcons) - A true ground-and-pounder with legs like douglas fir-tree trunks, Turner will be the catalyst of any success in Atlanta. There aren't many running backs like Turner out there.
4. Honorable Mentions: Steven Jackson (Rams), Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars), Arian Foster (Texans)
5. Fullback: Le'Ron McClain (Ravens)
6. Up and Comers: LaGarrette Blount (Buccaneers), C.J. Spiller (Bills), Jahvid Best (Lions)

Wide Receivers
1. Calvin Johnson (Lions) - Might just be the most physically gifted athlete in the entire league. With some added talent around him 100 catches and 16 TD's in a season is not out of reach.
2. Andre Johnson (Texans) - He has it all in terms of being one bad ass football player. Did you see him kick Cortland Finnegan's ass last year? Another 1400 yards and 12 TD's seems like a good bet in 2011.
3. Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals) - Fitzgerald can beat anybody for the ball downfield. Too bad there is no QB in AZ to throw it to him at the moment.
4. Honorable Mentions: DeSean Jackson (Eagles), Roddy White (Falcons), Reggie Wayne (Colts), Hines Ward (Steelers)
5. Up and Comers: Mike Wallace (Steelers), Hakeem Nicks (Giants), Mike Williams (Buccaneers), AJ Green (Cincinnati)

Tight Ends
1. Jason Whitten (Cowboys) - Year after year he is the go-to receiver in Dallas and he will continue to show up and bail Tony Romo out whenever he needs it.
2. Vernon Davis (49ers) - This might surprise some folks but he is a great physical specimen that has finally figured out how to play professional football. He should be applauded for all his hard work and I expect more from him, especially if the QB and WR positions get straightened out in San Francisco.
3. Honorable Mentions: Dallas Clark (Colts), Antonio Gates (Chargers)
4. Up and Comers: Brandon Pettigrew (Lions), Jimmy Graham (Saints)

Offensive Tackles
1. Jake Long (Miami) - Has lived up to expectations as the number one overall pick in '08. He could be dominant on either side of the line and is comfortable doing just about anything.
2. Joe Thomas (Cleveland) - A great left tackle that has been as steady as they come for the Browns. I would trust him watching my backside any day of the week.
3. Marcus McNeill (Chargers)- Has been a pro-bowler since his rookie season in '06 after being taken in the second round of the draft.
4. Honorable Mentions: D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets), Jason Peters (Eagles), David Stewart (Titans)
5. Up and Comers: Ryan Clady (Broncos), Sebastian Vollmer (Patriots)

Offensive Guards
1. Logan Mankins (Patriots) - One would be hard-pressed to find an NFL person that doesn't agree with this pick. Mankins is simply a dominant blocker.
2. Chris Snee (Giants) - Known for his consistent play, he is one of the best linemen in the league.
3. Kris Dielman (Chargers) - Epitomizes the position with his hard-nosed approach to the game.
4. Honorable Mentions: Steve Hutchinson (Vikings), Josh Sitton (Packers)
5. Up and Comer: Andy Levitre (Bills)

Centers
1. Nick Mangold (Jets) - Has been a leader on offense since arriving as a first round pick in '06, he can do it all from the point.
2. Ryan Kalil (Carolina) - Going to the pro-bowl two out of five years in the league while playing in the dirty south is quite a feat.
3. Honorable Mentions: Nick Hardwick (Chargers), Maurkice Pouncey (Steelers)
4. Up and Comer: Alex Mack (Cleveland)

Defense

Whether a team is employing a 4-3 or a 3-4 (or a 6-1 defense for that matter) it doesn't really matter to me. Everybody's job on defense is to play their role and keep the other team from ultimately putting the ball in the end zone, and while there is a ton of talent out there, some guys just do it better than others week in and week out. You won't find one-dimensional role players on this list, just a bunch of guys that strike fear into the hearts of offensive coordinators.

Defensive Ends
1. Dwight Freeney (Colts) - Perennial pro-bowl performer has averaged 9.5 sacks per season for the last decade.
2. Julius Peppers (Bears) - A monstrous athlete that turned out to be worth every penny Chicago paid him as a free agent last year.
3. Justin Smith (49ers) - Tough as nails defender can play the run and gets to the passer a lot in the fourth quarter.
4. Honorable Mentions: Mario Williams (Houston), Jared Allen (Vikings), Robert Mathis (Colts)
5. Up and Comers: Elvis Dumervil (Broncos), Carlos Dunlap (Cincinnati), Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants)

Defensive Tackles
1. Haloti Ngata (Ravens) - Reliably eats up blockers and disrupts offensive schemes with both his size, strength, and mobility. He had 5.5 sacks last season while playing at 345 lbs.
2. Ndamukong Suh (Lions) - This guy was unbelievably good as a rookie, playing above and beyond any realistic expectations of him. This could be the beginning of a Hall of Fame career.
3. Vince Woolfork (Patriots) - A great run-stopper and a leader of a young defense. The Pats get by with lesser talent at linebacker because of guys like Woolfork up front.
4. Honorable Mentions: B.J. Raji (Packers), Kevin Williams (Vikings), Casey Hampton (Steelers)
5. Up and Comers: Terrence Knighton (Jaguars), Tyson Alualu (Jaguars), Gerald McCoy (Buccaneers)

Inside Linebackers
1. Ray Lewis (Ravens) - Has been the best defender in the game for the last 15 years and may go down as one of the best first round picks ever, having played his entire career in Baltimore, winning a Super Bowl on one of the best defenses ever, and making the pro bowl a dozen times. Just reserve him a spot in Canton.
2. Patrick Willis (49ers) - Has been one of the best inside men since his rookie year in '07. If he can keep it up for 10 more years he could be in Lewis' shoes.
3. Jonathan Vilma (Saints) - A big-time player on an improving defense, Vilma does it all from the middle. He had 131 tackles and four sacks in 2010, which are great numbers (in case you didn't know).
4. Honorable Mentions: Bryan Urlacher (Bears), Karlos Dansby (Miami), DeMeco Ryans (Texans)
5. Up and Comer: Rolando McClain (Raiders), James Laurinitis (Rams), DeAndre Levy (Lions)

Outside Linebackers
1. DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys) - Dominates opposing quarterbacks with 80 sacks and 25 forced fumbles on his resume.
2. James Harrison (Steelers) - As tough and intimidating as they come, Harrison is known as one of the NFL's hardest hitters.
3. LaMarr Woodley (Steelers) - Doesn't really get overshadowed too much by Harrison, as Woodley has developed his own reputation as a hard-nosed baller. He is just as good against the run as he is rushing the passer.
4. Honorable Mentions: Chad Greenway (Vikings), Lance Brigss (Bears), Clay Mathews (Packers)
Up and Comers: Cameron Wake (Miami), Sean Weatherspoon (Falcons)

Cornerbacks
1. Darrelle Revis (Jets) - The best defender on one of the league's best defenses, he is perfectly comfortable when covering top wide-outs.
2. Charles Woodson (Packers) - Age is catching up to him but he has been one of the best for 14 years after being one of the only defenders ever to win a Heisman Trophy in college. There is nobody better at playing the slot in a nickel defense.
3. Champ Bailey (Broncos) - Too bad he is stuck in Denver at the moment on a horrible defense, as there are a number of Super Bowl caliber teams out there that would love to have him. Bailey is another guy that has defied the aging process and continues to play at a high level.
4. Nnamdi Asomugha (Raiders) - Has shown a nice game but has also been avoided by many passing games. It appears he will not resign with the Raiders. One possible destination could be Houston, as they are about one cornerback away from putting together a strong run in the AFC.
5. Honorable Mentions: Asante Samuel (Eagles), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Cardinals), Aqib Talib (Buccaneers)
6. Up and Comers: Joe Haden (Browns), Alterraun Verner (Titans), Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)

Safeties
1. Ed Reed (Ravens) - Is a threat to bring one back whenever the ball gets into his hands, which seems to happen a lot. He is heads above the rest when it comes to playing free safety.
2. Troy Polamalu (Steelers) - Is just as good as Reed but plays a slightly different game. Polamalu is always around the ball.
3. Eric Berry (Chiefs) - In just one season he has shown what he is capable of doing, collecting 98 tackles, four INT's, two sacks, and a TD after being a top ten selection in the draft. We should be hearing a lot from him in the next ten years.
4. Honorable Mentions: Adrian Wilson (Cardinals), Nick Collins (Packers), Bob Sanders (Chargers)
5. Up and Comers: T.J. Ward (Browns), Louis Delmas (Lions), Earl Thomas (Seahawks)

Early Summer Rankings

2011-06-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

As we near the end of June there is realistically no training camp in sight quite yet, and until the owners settle their differences amongst themselves and the players we as fans cannot plan on the season starting on time. That doesn't mean we will not have a season though. As I've said before, I believe the show will go on sooner or later because there is too much at stake for everybody.

Having said that, it is time to start evaluating each team's roster based on the talent they have on hand at the moment. A lot could change in the next few months, especially if free agency happens, but it is obvious to me which direction each team is going.

1. Green Bay Packers - The defending Super Bowl Champs are also one of the youngest teams in the league. Their draft was solid overall but lacks any real firepower. Derek Sherrod, Randall Cobb, and D.J. Williams are nice additions as far as depth goes on offense but the rest of the crop could easily be training camp fodder, if there is a training camp this year. That brings up an interesting thought: Would most of these rookies even get a shot to make the team if there is no pre-season?
2. Pittsburgh Steelers - You have to give the defending AFC Champs credit, as they continue to find ways to win year after year in a league filled to the brim with quality talent and parity. First round pick Cam Heyward has the skills to be a dominant DE in their scheme.
3. New Orleans Saints - Even though they got thumped by Seattle in the first round of the playoffs last year, the Saints are a talented team that got a lot better on draft day. RB Mark Ingram and DE Cam Jordan could both start immediately, helping the run offense and the run defense.
4. Baltimore Ravens - It is very difficult to look at this roster and think that they do not have a chance at making a strong run for a conference championship. All the pieces are in place and the team drafted some nice prospects, including CB Jimmy Smith from Colorado, who may have been the best pure cover-corner in the draft, and WR Torrey Smith, who brings speed and great run-after-the-catch ability to the position.
5. Philadelphia Eagles - Michael "Madden" Vick put on a show last year and looks to do that all over again. This is one of the fastest teams in the league and they should challenge for the NFC championship. The draft produced 11 picks that should help on special teams and improve the overall depth of the team.
6. New York Jets - One of the most over-rated teams in the league, the Jets need to learn to just keep their mouths shut and play ball. They do have the talent to beat anybody but they are a little too green at some key positions, including QB. Do not be surprised if a team like Miami beats them out for a playoff spot.
7. San Diego Chargers - The biggest underachievers in the league, the Chargers led the league in both total offense and total defense in 2010 but failed to make the playoffs in a weak AFC West division. With all the talent here they should be competing for the Lombardi Trophy in 2011 but the odds are they won't.
8. Atlanta Falcons - Another team with a lot of nice pieces in place, including Pro-Bowl players in QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, and WR Roddy White. However, the defense seems to be missing the right type of attitude and leadership it takes to compete for a ring. Somebody needs to step up at DT and LB. With the addition of first round pick WR Julio Jones maybe the Falcons think they can outscore the likes of Green Bay or New Orleans.
9. New England Patriots - Tom Brady and company will look to make another Super Bowl run, but the team still needs to address its outside pass-rush. The draft brought some promising talent to the OT and RB positions, and QB Ryan Mallet could turn out to be a quality backup.
10. New York Giants - I love the drafts they have put together in recent years and if everybody stays healthy they should put together a nice season. In the end, this team may just be loaded with enough talent to take it all again.
11. Indianapolis Colts - Whenever QB Peyton Manning, the NFL's wealthiest man, is on the field you have a chance to put points on the board. This team just needs to improve on its 20th ranked defense in order to put another title run together. The team did take some nice steps towards protecting their prized QB by drafting OT's Anthony Costonzo and Ben Ijalana in the first two rounds of the draft. Third round DT Drake Nevis could be a steal as well.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - No other team has drafted better than the Bucs over the last few years. Third-year QB Josh Freeman is possibly on the verge of becoming one of the NFL's top passers and the DL is loaded with young talent. The team started several rookies at RB, WR, OL, DL, and S in 2010 while putting together a 10 win season. This is definitely a team on the rise.
13. Houston Texans - Third in total offense and 30th in total defense is the tale of the tape here. I love the J.J. Watt pick in the draft as the team needs bigger DE's to run the new 3-4 defense. Linebackers DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing, and second round OLB/DE Brooks Reed could all have big years in the new D. They will have to in order for them to make a run in the AFC South.
14. Kansas City Cheifs - The surprise team of the AFC West should be competitive again. The Chiefs put together one hell of a draft that should at least improve the overall depth of the team, despite the fact that they reached for WR Jonathan Baldwin in the first round. A 10 win season is likely but another playoff berth will be tough to accomplish. Watch out for them in another year.
15. Chicago Bears - This team is over-rated as they squeaked their way into a division title and a first round bye in the playoffs. Jay Cutler is not, and never will be, an elite QB, especially with a horrendous O-line in front of him. Taking DT Stephen Paea in the second round was brilliant and he should help the run defense immediately. Overall, this looks more like an 8-8 team than anything.
16. Detroit Lions - Another team on the rise, the Lions possess two of the NFL's best players at their respective positions in WR Calvin Johnson and DT Ndamukong Suh, and they have several others on the verge of breakout seasons, including QB Matt Stafford and TE Brandon Pettigrew. The additions of DT Nick Fairley, WR Titus Young, and RB Mikel Leshoure in the draft could help solidify things just enough in terms of depth to get the team over the hump and nab a playoff spot.
17. Miami Dolphins - I believe the talent is there in all the right places for this team to make a run. A lot is hinging on QB Chad Henne's ability as a starter, although I believe it's way too early to call him a bust yet. Taking RB Daniel Thomas in the second round is a move that could pay off immediately and help take pressure off the young passer. The defense, which was sixth overall, will be the key to any success.
18. Seattle Seahawks - They surprised everybody with a convincing playoff win against the Saints after being the first team to make the post-season with a losing record. The truth is, however, that they should not have been there in the first place and it exposed a hole in the NFL's system of determining playoff teams. This team is still a couple years away from really being good but they will at least be competitive again in 2011.
19. Jacksonville Jaguars - With the addition of QB Blaine Gabbert through the draft the team seems well-stocked at the position and they could challenge for a playoff spot in a competitive division. However, it appears they could be headed for L.A. so forgive the fans in J-ville if they are not too excited.
20. Dallas Cowboys - The biggest underachievers in the NFC did improve their overall talent on the roster through the draft. OT Tyron Smith is a smooth athlete and is intelligent enough to pick up the pro game and RB DeMarco Murray could help take a lot of pressure off Tony Romo. They still need a lot of work though before they become winners again.
21. Washington Redskins - One of the worst franchises in all of American sports when you consider how much money is put into a lackluster product on the field, the Redskins have too many question marks to make me want to put money on them. I do love the drafting of DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan, DE Jarvis Jenkins, and WR Leonard Hankerson.
22. Cleveland Browns - I love the draft picks this team has made over the last few years and Colt McCoy might just have the "it" factor to be a good NFL QB. It's just really too bad they have to play the Steelers and Ravens twice each year, but they do get to play the Bengals twice too and the schedule could be weak enough overall with away games in San Francisco, Oakland, and Arizona, and home games against St Louis, Seattle, and Tennessee, to put them in position to nab a playoff spot.
23. St Louis Rams - QB Sam Bradford is making believers out of many folks and the addition of TE Lance Kendricks and WR's Austin Pettis and Greg Salas in the draft should bolster the receiving arsenal a bit. First round pick Robert Quinn could be the pass-rusher the defense needs to take the next step. Lucky for them they play in the league's worst division.
24. San Francisco 49ers - The defense was decent last year, ranking 13th overall, but they did not get much help from the offense, which ranked 24th. This team will go only as far as whoever plays QB will take them but Head Coach Jim Harbaugh could be the difference-maker that they need on the sidelines. Could Kevin Kolb be an option at QB?
25. Minnesota Vikings - There may be a huge question mark at QB but the roster is solid enough overall to put together some wins. RB Adrian Peterson may be facing a tough road ahead in 2011, unless rookie Christian Ponder or second-year passer Joe Webb can get the ball out to the receivers.
26. Oakland Raiders - The biggest problem with this franchise is the owner. If the O-line and the secondary can hold their ground this team could be the big surprise of 2011. Just give Jason Campbell some protection and he will be just fine.
27. Carolina Panthers - Until Cam Newton delivers at QB the team will rely on its running game to get things going on offense. Jimmy Clausen could step in if Newton takes a while to adjust to the pro game. The defense could've used a boost against the run, and maybe third round DT Terrell McClain will help, but that is a lot to ask of the young man. They need a lot of help at WR and DB.
28. Tennessee Titans - They reached for QB Jake Locker in the draft but he should be a big step up from Vince Young in the long run. WR Kenny Britt might be going to jail for a while too so the passing game may take a while to develop. The team drafted several guys that should be solid contributors on defense and special teams down the road, including LB Akeem Ayers, DT Jurrell Casey, LB Colin McCarthy, and DE Karl Klug.
29. Denver Broncos - I am not a believer in Tim Tebow or Knowshon Moreno but but the defense will get better with the return of OLB Elvis Dumervil and the drafting of OLB Von Miller. Of course, they did rank dead last in total defense in 2010 so there is only one way to go.
30. Cincinnati Bengals - I do like the young talent on the roster but it is hard to accomplish much in this league with a rookie QB. They are in rebuilding mode but could be a force in two or three years.
31. Arizona Cardinals - Without a legitimate starting QB it really doesn't matter how good your receivers are downfield. CB Patrick Peterson and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have the talent to become the best cornerback tandem in the league, but that will take a lot of hard work. Get a QB and things will get better in Tempe.
32. Buffalo Bills - DT Marcel Dareus is a huge upgrade on the DL, literally. The league's worst run defense should get better with him in the mix. The roster is not that bad overall but the guys they have need to play more consistently as a team. I have never been a fan of Head Coach Chan Gailey so it may come as no surprise that I believe he is the biggest problem.

Checking In and the Top Ten Things to Do if There is No NFL Season

2011-06-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

It has been nearly three months since the 2011 NFL Draft and nothing more concerning business on the field has been conducted due to the current lockout situation. For any of you that are not aware of this holdup you obviously have not been paying too much attention, which is not a bad thing. This labor dispute between the league and the players concerning $900 million in revenue ultimately has nothing to do with us as fans, and hopefully the multitude of Americans that watch the NFL actually have something better to do than worry about what kind of deal is being worked out.

I for one do not care about the details of the business side of things concerning football. First of all, it is really none of my business. Secondly, I do have a life of my own. I understand that I am just a fan that willingly pays to see the NFL product one way or another, and I even go one step further and write about it for virtually nothing in return. I do not have any real vested interest in the NFL so I do not have a say in how things operate. I am just too damned busy enjoying myself to worry about what kind of deal those running the league are working out amongst themselves and the players anyway. When they get their stuff in line I will gladly indulge without taking anything personally. After all, it is just a business and my ultimate happiness does not hinge on other people's business dealings.

I know a lot of fans, especially the blue collar folk out there, feel like they have been slapped in the face over this multi-million dollar disagreement. As far as I am concerned no fan has any real justification for being upset. I'd like to think that this is still a free market capitalist society that thrives on the theory of supply and demand. If it is then there will most-likely be an NFL season to look forward to in our near future. However, if the league decided to close up shop for good that is their decision and they have every right to do just that, just as Post Cereals has a right to stop producing Fruity Pebbles if that is the direction they want to go as a business. Whether or not thousands of college kids that cannot cook for themselves go hungry is not the company's responsibility.

Obviously, I for one do not find too much value in traditions but don't misinterpret my words. I would not be happy to see us lose one single season of pro football. The point I am trying to make here is simply that professional football is THEIR business, not OURS. They, being the league and its owners, have every right to do what they want with their product no matter what we as fans might think. The players do not have to like it either, as they too have other options.

If the players decide that they should take their business elsewhere there is always the CFL (Canadian Football League) or the UFL (United Football League). If they are not happy with any of those options either there is always the possibility of them starting their own league, owned and operated by the players for the pure enjoyment of the fans. Now think about that for a minute. Do the players really need the NFL? I don't think so. Even if most of the uber-elite players in the NFL, such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, decided to stick it out with Commissioner Roger Goodell and the owners, imagine if a large group of players, consisting of the likes of Reggie Bush, James Harrison, Chad Ochocinco, or Donovan McNabb decided it was in their best interest to explore other avenues for employment. Most of us would probably watch it at least a little bit, especially if there was no NFL season.

Of course most fans would have a hard time not rooting for their favorite NFL franchise. Some habits do indeed die hard. I do believe though, that if we the fans were left with no other choice than to watch the UFL, or some other form of professional football, we would. I know I would. I even watched the XFL, despite its laughable attempt to make the game more entertaining. Remember, the Super Bowl was not always as big as it is today, with the first title game having over 30,000 empty seats in the L.A. Coliseum. In fact, all the fans in attendance of Super Bowl I were moved to the center of the stands to make it appear as if the stadium was full on TV. As we all know today regular season tickets average about 100 bones and one should expect to dish out a few grand to make it to the Super Bowl.

In all, do not expect me to weigh in too much on what is going on behind closed doors in the NFL. Let them conduct their business as they see fit. Things will work themselves out eventually. Until then find something else to do. In fact, here is a list of ten things to do this fall if there is no NFL season:

1. Watch College Football and argue about the need for a playoff system.
2. Watch the MLB playoffs and the World Series.
3. Watch the beginning of the NHL season (Looks like the NBA is headed for a lockout as well so forget about pro basketball)
4. Go for a hike.
5. Make a baby.
6. Celebrate Oktoberfest.
7. Plan and stock up for the 2012 apocalypse.
8. Go fishing.
9. Listen to the new album by The Deal with 44 due out sometime in November.
10. Watch the CFL and UFL.

Remember, these are just suggestions. If anybody has any better ideas please let me know what they are as I am always looking for something new to try.

Quick First Round Analysis: Surprise!

2011-04-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

1. Carolina Panthers: QB Cam Newton - A big risk here but I cannot criticize it because I had this one pegged in my first mock, and in the end it could be one well worth making. I have never denied Newton's ability as an athlete and a college player, but the NFL is a whole new ballgame. Whether or not he is up to the task is up for debate. We will just have to wait and see.
2. Denver Broncos: LB Von Miller - Possibly the best player in the draft, Miller should help out on defense immediately. I love his attitude as well as his ability on the field. He and Elvis Dumervil cold be destroying QB's for a long time.
3. Buffalo Bills: DT Marcel Dareus - As soon as he got through the first two picks I figured this was a lock. He could have just as easily gone first overall. The league's worst run defense just got better.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: WR AJ Green - Somebody has to eventually replace Batman and Robin, so it may as well be the best WR prospect we have seen since Calvin Johnson came out.
5. Arizona Cardinals: CB Patrick Peterson - A lot of raw ability as an athlete and could turn out to be the best player overall. I don't think anybody had this one pegged but you definitely cannot knock the organization for taking Peterson over anybody, especially Blaine Gabbert.
6. Atlanta Falcons: WR Julio Jones - A big move up for the Falcons but they now have the guy they wanted. Despite his case tendency to drop the ball, Jones is big, strong, and can leap with the best of them. His monster workouts bumped his stock up the last couple months.
7. San Francisco 49ers: DE Aldon Smith - The word is that Smith probably could have been a top five pick next year as he is young and still developing. I figured Jim Harbaugh and gang would go defense, I just didn't think it would be Smith.
8. Tennessee Titans: QB Jake Locker - A year ago this would have not been a surprise, but this year most folks, including myself, had him pegged as a second round value. They saw something they liked in him and took him. Despite his ugly stats, this guy is a winner that could have done greater things on a better college team.
9. Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyron Smith - The first pick that turned out just the way I predicted brings a great athlete to the 'Boys O-line, which is something they have needed for a couple years now. It may take a while but Smith could turn out to be something special.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: QB Blaine Gabbert - The organization is comfortable with David Garrard for now but they obviously believe they need an upgrade soon in order to be a playoff contender. Give him some time and he could give them the same type of play that Ben Roethlisberger gives the Steelers.
11. Houston Texans: DE J.J. Watt - Great hustler that fills a need as this team has to improve on defense in order to make the playoffs. Watt could play end or tackle for the Texans.
12. Minnesota Vikings: QB Christian Ponder - A bit of a reach for sure, as this guy would have been available late in round one. However, I like the fact that the team needed a QB and they didn't hesitate to go after one.
13. Detroit Lions: DT Nick Fairley - Chris Berman said it best when he exclaimed "Wow", as in Watch Out World. Fairley and (Ndamukong) Suh will be a pair of names that we all will hear a lot of in the near future.
14. St Louis Rams: DE Robert Quinn - The pass-rusher that the team needs dropped from the top ten right into their laps. They would have taken Fairley if he hadn't gone one pick earlier.
15. Miami Dolphins: OG/C Mike Pouncey - This was an easy one to pick in my opinion, as the 'Fins needed blockers and they may have gotten the best one the entire draft in Pouncey. Sure he had some rough moments snapping the ball in 2010 but he was still the Gator's best offensive player.
16. Washington Redskins: DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan - Nice pick here as Kerrigan attacked the line of scrimmage better than anybody else in college football last season while leading the nation in tackles for a loss.
17. New England Patriots: OT Nate Solder - This draft has been full of surprises so far and this pick is another one. I don't think it is too wise to criticize the Pats organization though, as they can easily make you look stupid in the end.
18. San Diego Chargers: DT Corey Liuget - Could have been a top ten pick as everybody loves his quickness and hustle. Liuget was not really considered to be a great fit in the 3-4 going into the draft but I do not doubt that he has the ability to be a very effective defender for the Chargers.
19. New York Giants: CB Prince Amukamara - The best player available should at least help out at the nickel spot immediately and become a fixture as a starter very quickly.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Adrian Clayborn - Looks like a great fit in my opinion. He is the type of tough guy that this team was known for having on defense several years ago. He was widely considered one of the top overall prospects going into the 2010 season.
21. Cleveland Browns: DT Phil Taylor - He will help plug up running lanes no matter what defensive scheme the Browns run. I actually like him in the 4-3 more than the 3-4 as he reminds me of the Vikings' Pat Williams a lot.
22. Indianapolis Colts: OT Anthony Castonzo - Definitely fills a need and could turn out to be a very good left tackle very quickly.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: OG Danny Watkins - This 26 year-old rookie should start immediately and help bring some consistency to the position.
24. New Orleans Saints: DE Cam Jordan - The Saints had their pick of quality talent here and taking Jordan seems like a great fit for them. He should at least be a steady player for the next ten years.
25. Seattle Seahawks: OL James Carpenter - Lots of upside as a guard or tackle, Carpenter is a huge prospect (6'4" 324 lbs) with the feet to mirror pass-rushers. I think he is going to end up being a pro-bowl caliber guard.
26. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jonathan Baldwin - Another reach in my opinion, but his size (6'5" 228 lbs) and skills are much needed assets at the position for KC.
27. Baltimore Ravens: CB Jimmy Smith - A strange pick as the team technically missed their pick at #26 and then had to wait a turn. Smith is a top 20 talent with some character concerns. Maybe some quality time with John Harbaugh, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed will do him some good.
28. New Orleans Saints: RB Mark Ingram -Well, after spending a 2012 first round pick to move up and get Ingram here, it is evident that the team really believes it got a steal in Jordan four picks earlier. The NFC South is really shaping up to be a very interesting division.
29. Chicago Bears: OT Gabe Carimi - No doubt the Bears need help on the O-line and they feel lucky to have Carimi fall to them. There were no decent receivers worth taking here.
30. New York Jets: DL Muhammad Wilkerson - A big guy that should make a nice end in the 3-4 with his power and agility.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: DE Cam Heyward - I love this pick as Heyward fits the mold of a classic Steelers' end that can stand up linemen, chase down ballcarriers, and occasionally punish the opposing QB.
32. Green Bay Packers: OT Derek Sherrod - A quality pick for the Super Bowl champs as Sherrod not only fills a need, but he fills it with a large frame (6'5" 320 lbs). He also has the feet to be an effective pass-protector and should team with last year's first round pick, OT Bryan Bulaga, to give Aaron Rodgers some quality protection for a long time.

Final 2011 Mock Draft

2011-04-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

1. Carolina Panthers (2-14): CB Patrick Peterson, 6'1" 211 lbs. LSU - I know this is going against the grain a bit but in the end Peterson is the best prospect in the draft due to his combination of size, speed, and athleticism, as well as his solid production on the field in college the last three years. He could turn out to be the type of DB that can do the things that Darrel Revis does for the Jets. The second and third rounds should be decent spots to take a QB or a D-lineman.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12): DT Marcel Dareus, 6'3" 306 lbs. Alabama - Could very easily go first overall but if not, Denver would be more than willing to add Dareus to the mix in their front line of defense. His work ethic and scheme versatility bode well for him in the pros.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12): OLB Von Miller, 6'3" 238 lbs. Texas A & M - The best overall linebacker and pass-rushing prospect in the draft should help out immediately on the Bills' defense. The team may go after a QB in round two.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12): QB Blaine Gabbert, 6'4" 235 lbs. Missouri - Even though it will take a few years for Gabbert to develop, this pick quickly solves any Carson Palmer issues for the team in the future.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): DE Robert Quinn, 6'5" 260 lbs. UNC - An athletic pass-rusher that could play up or down. He should help make things interesting on any defense.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): WR AJ Green, 6'4" 208 lbs. Georgia - Cleveland would like to trade down but if they don't find a willing partner Green would be worth the pick here. He has the skills to become a huge difference-maker on offense.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10): CB Prince Amukamara, 6'0" 200 lbs. Nebraska - Even though new coach Jim Harbaugh played QB, he is a very defense-minded coach. There are not many highly sought after DB's this year either so I wouldn't be surprised to see San Fran jump on one early. Amukamara possesses a well-rounded game and he should contribute early.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10): DT Corey Liuget, 6'3" 300 lbs. Illinois - A bit of surprise with Nick Fairley still on the board but Liuget is almost as complete of a prospect as you can find and has been considered a top 15 talent by most analysts for a while now. His stock continues to rise and the lack of red flags makes him hard to pass up for a team that needs to retool its defense a bit.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10): OT Tyron Smith, 6'5" 307 lbs. USC - Name another position on the Cowboys that needs talent more than the O-line. This is one of the few picks that hasn't changed since my last mock update as Smith should be able to quickly find a home on the 'Boys roster.
10. Washington Redskins (6-10): WR Julio Jones, 6'4" 208 lbs. Alabama - It's either Jones or Cam Newton here and I believe the 'Skins will go with the "safer" pick as the WR performed as good as anybody at the combine after dominating the college gridiron for the last three seasons.
11. Houston Texans (6-10): DT Nick Fairley, 6'3" 298 lbs. Auburn - The team has tried several times to shore up the D-line and Fairley could help bring a lot of pressure up the middle to assist the porous pass-defense. Amukamara would be an ideal pick here but despite his stock slipping a bit Fairley still possesses a huge upside that could turn out to pay off for the Texans.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10): QB Cam Newton, 6'5" 248 lbs. Auburn - I really do not care to hear any comparisons to Daunte Culpepper as Newton is a different type of QB prospect. His combination of size, athleticism, and confidence could help him develop into a type of player that revolutionizes the QB position in the NFL.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10): DE Da'Quan Bowers, 6'4" 280 lbs. Clemson - May not fill the biggest need for the Lions but Bowers should be another piece that helps turn the D-town D-line into one of the best in the league. He was widely considered the top prospect this year until some health issues caused him to slip.
14. St Louis Rams (7-9): OT Anthony Castonzo, 6'7" 300 lbs. Boston College - A four-year starter that is closer to being NFL-ready than most of the other O-line prospects in the draft. This is a bit of a reach but the Rams are determined to put together a solid O-line.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9): G/C Mike Pouncey, 6'5" 311 lbs. Florida - The 'Fins still need help on the O-line too and Pouncey seems like one of the top two prospects there. His potential is high due to his versatility alone.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8): DE Adrian Clayborn, 6'3" 285 lbs. Iowa - The Jags continue trying to improve at end to assist the rising talent at tackle. Clayborn has some health issues but he was once considered a top five pick and gets rave reviews from former coaches, teammates, and opponents.
17. New England Patriots (14-2/from Raiders): DE J.J. Watt, 6'5" 290 lbs. Wisconsin - A versatile prospect that hustles himself into a lot of plays. Watt should fit right in at end in the Pats D.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7): DE Cam Jordan, 6'4" 287 lbs. Cal - Another versatile end that should be able to aptly play the "5" in the 3-4 defense.
19. New York Giants (10-6): RB Mark Ingram, 5'9" 215 lbs. Alabama - Might as well grab the best player on the board since there is no linebacker worth taking here. Ingram is as tough of a runner as you will find in the draft.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6): Muhammad Wilkerson, 6'4" 315 lbs. Temple - May not be the speedy pass-rusher that everybody seems to covet, but Wilkerson is a big, strong player with the athleticism to help seal up some running lanes and collapse the pocket. The Bucs were one of the worst teams in the league against the run last year and they will seek to improve in that area.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-7): DE Ryan Kerrigan, 6'4" 264 lbs. Purdue - Led the nation in tackles for a loss last year and should take over for the aging veteran Mike Vrabel.
22. Indianapolis Colts (10-7): OT Nate Solder, 6'8" 319 lbs. Colorado - It seems that the Colts could go any number of ways here but Solder is one of the few real left tackle prospects available and was once considered a sure-fire top 20 prospect that some, including myself, have grown cold on. Does he have enough sand to anchor against big, strong NFL defenders?
23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-7): CB Aaron Williams, 6'0" 204 lbs. Texas - Williams is a guy that is creeping up draft boards a little bit and could go as high as this in the first round. If the Eagles can improve on defense they could be THE team to beat in 2011.
24. New Orleans Saints (11-6) Aldon Smith, 6'4" 263 lbs. Missouri - I do not have Smith rated as high as other writers but I still think he is a good prospect worth looking at here. I just have a feeling it might take a bit for him to adjust to working in the NFL and he will need to add the bulk required to handle it full time.
25. Seattle Seahawks (7-10): OT Gabe Carimi, 6'7" 314 lbs. Wisconsin - Instead of reaching for a QB here the 'Hawks will either seek a trade down or take Carimi, who is a very good right tackle prospect that could help pave the way for the running game.
26. Baltimore Ravens (13-5): DE Cam Heyward, 6'5" 294 lbs. - Could be another Trevor Pryce-type of player at end, which the team would love to have for another ten years.
27. Atlanta Falcons (13-4): CB Jimmy Smith, 6'2" 211 lbs. Colorado - I had Atlanta taking Aaron Williams here but if he's gone they could go after the next best thing. If Smith can grow up he could become a very good starting corner.
28. New England Patriots (14-3): OL Derek Sherrod, 6'5" 321 lbs. Mississippi State - The team could go defense again here but Sherrod is an intriguing OT prospect that a lot of NFL coaches would love to get their hands on.
29. Chicago Bears (12-6): DT Stephen Paea, 6'1" 303 lbs. Oregon State - Strong player that should help stop the run, create room for the linebackers, and occasionally get in the QB's face.
30. New York Jets (14-6): TE Kyle Rudolph, 6'6" 259 lbs. Notre Dame - Could help out immediately in the passing game and should be more NFL-ready than any of the other receiver prospects that are left on the board.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-5): OG Danny Watkins, 6'4" 310 lbs. Baylor - Another brick to add to the front wall. Watkins should look good next to last year's first rounder and rookie pro-browler, Maurkice Pouncey. An OT or a CB might be more of a need but there are not any as good as this OG.
32. Green Bay Packers (14-6): DE/OLB Brooks Reed, Arizona - Yes, I realize that OLB Akeem Ayers is still on the board but he does not seem to have the fire in his belly or the short area quickness that Reed possesses. He and Clay Mathews could absolutely terrorize opposing offenses for a long time.

The Next Generation Part II: Adding Bricks and Mortar

2011-04-08T02:41:00.000-07:00

Back in January I posted a piece highlighting four teams that did not make the playoffs in 2010 but I considered them to be young and on the verge of a post-season run. These teams were the Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and San Diego Chargers. With the upcoming NFL draft looming in the near future it is time to continue the watch over these teams as they prepare to make some key decisions in their team-building projects.

Included in the following reports are a list of needs, some quick notes, and a full seven round draft analysis for each of the four teams that I consider "teams on the rise". I will be keeping a close eye on them as the decisions made now in April will have drastic effects on how these respective teams develop over the next few years.

NFC

The Detroit Lions (6-10)

Five Top Needs: cornerback, left guard, wide receiver, outside linebacker, o-line

Notes: With only five total selections in the draft the Lions may look to trade down from the 13th spot in the first round. There will be lots of decent talent to choose from in the second, third, and fourth rounds so one or two extra picks in that part of the draft could go a long way towards solidifying the overall roster a little more.

Round One, Pick #13 - CB Prince Amukamara (Nebraska) would be an ideal selection here as he has great size (6'0" 200 lbs) and enough ability to be a solid all-around defender. If he is not available the team might really want to seek a trade down and go after one of the O-linemen that will still be available later. I do not believe any of the top OL prospects are really worth taking this high. Besides, the team only gave up 27 sacks in 2010, which was 6th in the league. WR Julio Jones (Alabama) would be a possibility here too if he's still on the board as there is literally no depth at wide receiver.

Round Two, Pick #44 - This might be a great spot to land an offensive lineman, particularly a guy that can play left guard. Ben Ijalana (Villanova), Orlando Franklin (Miami, FL), and Danny Watkins (Baylor) all could fit the bill. OLB Bruce Carter (UNC) seems to be the popular pick here though, as he seems to possess the raw athleticism, skills, and work ethic to become a good starter in the NFL. The Lions need somebody to take over for veteran Julian Peterson, who is well-beyond his prime. WR Torrey Smith (Maryland) has visited the Lions recently and even said that he thinks Detroit is a "beautiful city". His moves on the field are beautiful too.

Round Three, Pick #75 - This might be a great time to add another receiver. Greg Little (UNC), Leonard Hankerson (Miami, FL), and Jerrel Jernigan (Troy) all possess some intriguing traits and each of them are capable of immediately finding a home as the third receiver on this roster. CB's Kendric Burney (UNC) and Ras-I Dowling (Virginia) are both interesting prospects that could be available here as well.

Round Four, Pick #107 - The great thing about this year's draft is that there should still be some strong talent available to choose from in the fourth round. DE Jeremy Beal (Oklahoma), DT Drake Nevis (LSU), LB Casey Mathews (Oregon), and OL Stefan Wisiewski (Penn St) could all be available when the Lions pick here and any one of them would be welcomed additions to the team.

Round Five, Pick #155 - LB Greg Jones (Michigan State) would be an absolute steal here. OT Jah Reid (UCF), WR Darvin Adams (Auburn), and RB Stevan Ridley (LSU) all could help with depth on offense immediately.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)

Five Top Needs: defensive end, cornerback, offensive line, wide receiver, running back

Notes: It looks like starting CB Aqib Talib could be sitting out for a while due to a federal gun charge so a replacement may be needed. EJ Biggers, Elbert Mack, and Myron Lewis all will get first crack at the job though so the team should not panic and reach for a player in the first. There looks to be some decent corner talent in the second and third rounds, which is where the team has had luck drafting corners in the past.

Round One, Pick #20 - There will be a load of talent to choose from here so the Bucs should walk away with a guy they are extremely happy in taking. Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), Aldon Smith (Missouri), and Cam Jordan (Cal) all could help out immediately at end on defense, while Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin), and Mike Pouncey (Florida) all could contribute on the O-line. There doesn't appear to be much secondary talent to really consider here.

Round Two, Pick #51 - CB Ras-I Dowling has the size and zone-coverage skills that the Bucs love at the position but DE Allen Bailey might be a great fit on the left side of the D-line. DE Jabaal Sheard is a nice talent worthy of a look here too.

Round Three, Pick #84 - TE Luke Stocker (Tennessee) has about as good a chance as anybody to get taken here. He has the size (6'5" 260 lbs) and all-around ability to develop into a nice pro and the Bucs could use some more depth behind starter Kellen Winslow Jr. RB's Demarco Murray (Oklahoma), Johnny White (UNC) and Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State) wouldn't be bad choices here either.

Round Four, Pick #115 - DE Pernel McPhee (Mississippi St), WR Austin Pettis (Boise St), TE DJ Williams (Arkansas), and LB Casey Mathews would all be nice picks here.

Round Five, Pick #151 - CB Davon House (New Mexico St) might be a steal here while OT Demarcus Love and could also be available, but OT Zach Hurd (UConn) might be a sleeper worth taking here too. Hurd is big (6'7" 316 lbs.), strong, and quick enough to get out to the second level of the defense.

Round Six, Pick #187 - This might be a good time to stock up on some athletes that can play special teams. There are a lot of receiver prospects with the potential to develop. Dane Sanzenbacher (Ohio St) and Ronald Johnson (USC) are just two of those guys.

Round Seven Picks #222 and #238 - With two picks in the seventh the Bucs will have a couple chances to grab whatever is left of the remaining talent. Some players to keep an eye out for this late include OG Justin Boren (Ohio St), OLB Mark Herzlich(Boston College), RB Noel Devine (West Virginia), WR Jeff Maehl (Oregon), and ILB Greg Lloyd (UConn).

AFC

Miami Dolphins (7-9)

Five Top Needs: outside linebacker, offensive line, wide receiver, running back, quarterback

Notes: QB Chad Henne is still young and has a shot to make some real gains in 2011 as long as he can stay healthy and play more consistently. He could benefit greatly from an improved running game.

Round One, Pick #15 - I like RB Mark Ingram (Alabama) going to the Dolphins here. He may not be fast but he is a tough, down-hill runner that would be a nice compliment to the multi-dimensional Ronnie Brown while assisting in taking some of that pressure of Henne. OLB Akeem Ayers (UCLA), G/C Mike Pouncey (Florida), and OT Tyron Smith (USC) all would be nice selections for the 'Fins. Do not be surprised to see another D-lineman go here as this team always wants to solidify the position.

Round Three, Pick #79 - LB Martez Wilson (Illinois) would be a great pick here in the third if he is still available. He can play inside or outside and possesses enough pass-rush ability and speed to make things a little more interesting on defense. OG John Moffit (Wisconsin) and OT Lee Ziemba (Auburn) are capable of providing some help on the O-line immediately, at least in terms of depth. Jake Locker (Washington), Andy Dalton (TCU), and Colin Kaepernick (Nevada) are three QB's worth watching out for here, although all three should already be gone.

Round Four, Pick #111 - OLB Dontay Moch (Nevada) seems to have the pass-rush skills that Miami could use but he might take a while to truly develop his game. OT Joe Barksdale (LSU) might be able to help a little sooner on the O-line as he is big (6'5" 324 lbs) and versatile (played left and right tackle).

Round Five, Pick #145 - WR's Ricardo Lockette (Fort Valley State) and Terrence Tolliver (LSU) are the type of big, well-rounded players that teams look for in the middle of the draft. The 'Fins seem to always need pass-catchers and these guys could possibly help on special teams too.

Round Six, Pick #179 - DE/OLB Craig Marshall (South Florida), RB John Clay (Wisconsin), and TE Weslaye Saunders (South Carolina) all would be worth a shot right here.

Round Seven, Picks #216, #217, and #234 - The team could possibly use some of these late round picks to move around earlier in the draft. RB Matt Asiata (Utah), C Kris O'Dowd (USC), OT Richard Lapham (Boston College), LB Cobrani Mixon (Kent State), and QB Pat Devlin (Delaware) are a number of guys that could still be hanging around at this point. Take your pick.

San Diego Chargers (9-7)

Top Five Needs: outside linebacker, defensive end, offensive line, wide receiver, safety

Notes: The leagues perennial let-down and all-time paper champs, it can easily be argued that the Chargers have been the team with the most talent over the course of the last ten years. The problems is that they do not have much to show for it at this point. Despite having both the top-rated offense and defense in the league last season, they allowed Kansas City to run away with the AFC West Division Championship and a playoff berth. Excuse the players though if they don't really care because from what I hear nobody's upset due to the weather being great.

Round One, Pick #18: OLB Akeem Ayers could be a nice addition here as the team is in need of an all-around player on the edge of the defensive front seven. DE's Cam Jordan (Cal), Muhammed Wilkerson (Temple), J.J. Watt (Wisconsin), and Cam Heyward (Ohio St) are possibilities as well. Anybody that could immediately help with clogging running lanes or rushing the passer would be fine, and the organization has a reputation of going out of their way to get the guys they covet. They do have extra picks in rounds two and three to entertain plenty of trade opportunities.

Round Two, #50 and #61: DE Allen Bailey (Miami), WR Jonathan Baldwin (Pitt), WR Torrey Smith (Marlyland), OG Clint Boling (Georgia), LB Martez Wilson (lllinois), and OLB Justin Houston (Georgia) are on the watch list of players to be taken at one of these two spots.

Round Three, Pick #82 and #89: LB's Quan Sturdivant (UNC) and Dontay Moch (Nevada) are possibilities here, as are OG's William Rackley (Lehigh) and John Moffit (Wisconsin). Vincent Brown (San Diego St) might be somebody worth adding to the receiving corps right here too.

Round Six, Pick #183 and #201: If S DeAndre McDaniel (Clemson) is still around he might not make it past here. Eric Hagg (Nebraska) and Deunta Williams (UNC) are a couple other safety prospects that could contribute as rookies and develop into solid pros. RB Graig Cooper (Miami, FL) is a crafty player that could find a role in the NFL very quickly. This could actually be a good round for RB's this year.

Round Seven, Pick #234: WR Armon Binns (Cincinnati) would definitely be an attractive prospect here, if he's available. DT Jerrell Powe (Mississippi) has the size (6'2" 335 lbs.) and quickness to be a factor in the front line of defense, but he could be gone too. There may just be a bevy of decent defensive backs to choose from here as well. Scoring a special teams coverage player here would be pure gold.

Scot Acocks also writes for the NFL Draft Dog as an NFL Team Columnist and Beat Writer.

Mock Draft Quick Board

2011-04-04T04:24:00.000-07:00

As we creep closer and closer to the draft some things are becoming more clear while others are becoming more foggy. The smokescreens have been implemented a long time ago but visibility has not gotten any better. "Experts" everywhere are left virtually clueless as to what may actually pan out in this year's extravaganza while scouts, coaches, and general managers continuously tweak their draft boards and draw up their game plans.

I too have been changing things along my mock. Everyday it seems I feel a little bit different about certain prospects, particularly the quarterbacks that are available. Personally, I am not very high on any of them. To me it seems that the defensive players that are available, such as Marcel Dareus, Patrick Peterson, and Da'Quan Bowers, are far more valuable and worth the picks at the top of the draft class.

With that mind, here's a look at my updated draft board. Needless to say, it will change again before draft day comes.

First Round

1. Carolina Panthers (2-14): DT Marcell Dareus, 6'3" 306 lbs. Alabama
2. Denver Broncos (4-12): CB Patrick Peterson, 6'1" 211 lbs. LSU
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12): QB Blaine Gabbert, 6'4" 235 lbs. Missouri
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12): DT Nick Fairley, 6'3" 298 lbs. Auburn
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): OLB Von Miller, 6'3" 238 lbs. Texas A & M
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): DE Da'Quan Bowers, 6'4" 280 lbs. Clemson
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10): WR AJ Green, 6'4" 208 lbs. Georgia
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10): DE Robert Quinn, 6'5" 260 lbs. UNC
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10): OT Tyron Smith, 6'5" 307 lbs. USC
10. Washington Redskins: (6-10): WR Julio Jones, 6'4" 208 lbs. Alabama
11. Houston Texans: CB Prince Amukamara, 6'0" 200 lbs. Nebraska
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10): QB Cam Newton, 6'5" 249 lbs. Auburn
13. Detroit Lions (6-10): OT Anthony Castonzo, 6'7" 311 lbs. Boston College
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9): DT Corey Liuget, 6'3" 300 lbs.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9): RB Mark Ingram, 5'9" 215 lbs. Alabama
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8): DE Adrian Clayborn, 6'3" 285 lbs. Iowa
17. New England Patriots (14-2/from Raiders): DE Muhammed Wilkerson, 6'4" 315 lbs. Temple
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7): DE Cam Jordan, 6'4" 287 lbs. Cal
19. New York Giants (14-6): OT Nate Solder, 6'8" 315 lbs.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6): DE Ryan Kerrigan, 6'4" 263 lbs. Purdue
21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-7): G/C Mike Pouncey, 6'5" 311 lbs. Florida
22. Indianapolis Colts (10-7): DE J.J. Watt, 6'5" 290 lbs. Wisconsin
23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-7): CB Jimmy Smith, 6'2" 211 lbs. Colorado
24. New Orleans Saints (11-6): DE Aldon Smith, 6'4" 263 lbs. Missouri
25. Seattle Seahawks (7-10): OT Gabe Carimi, 6'7" 314 lbs. Wisconsin
26. Baltimore Ravens (13-5): DE Cam Heyward, 6'5" 294 lbs. Ohio St
27. Atlanta Falcons (13-4): FS Rahim Moore, 6'0" 202 lbs. UCLA
28. New England Patriots (14-3): LB Akeem Ayers, 6'3" 254 lbs.
29. Chicago Bears (12-6): DT Stephen Paea, 6'1" 303 lbs. Oregon St
30. New York Jets (14-6): NT Phil Taylor, 6'3" 334 lbs. Baylor
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-5): TE Kyle Rudolph, 6'6" 259 lbs. Notre Dame
32. Green Bay Packers (14-6): OG Danny Watkins, 6'5" 311 lbs. Baylor

The Value Board

2011-03-28T03:21:00.001-07:00

Do not confuse this list with a mock draft. This is just a list of how I rate the prospects based on their overall value as a player, coupled with where I believe they are worth the taking.

1. CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
2. DT Marcel Dareus, Alabama
3. WR AJ Green, Georgia
4. DT Nick Fairley, Auburn
5. OLB Von Miller, Texas A & M
6. DE DaQuan Bowers, Clemson
7. CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
8. QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
9. DT Corey Liuget, Illinois
10. QB Cam Newton, Auburn
11. DE Robert Quinn, UNC
12. WR Julio Jones, Alabama
13. DE Adrian Clayborn
14. RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
15. DE Cam Jordan, Cal
16. OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
17. DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
18. OG/C Mike Pouncey, Florida
19. DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
20. OT Nate Solder, Colorado
21. CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado
22. OT Tyron Smith, USC
23. OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
24. DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
25. DE Aldon Smith, Missouri
26. DE Cam Heyward, Ohio State
27. OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
28. DT Phil Taylor, Baylor
29. TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
30. DT Stephen Paea, Oregon State
31. OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova
32. FS Rahim Moore, UCLA

2011 NFL Mock Draft

2011-03-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

With the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race finally coming to an end and my bracket being totally busted in the Sweet 16, I have finally turned my attention to the NFL draft. Personally, I think it's a great year for talent, especially in the second round. As you will see here, teams looking to upgrade key positions should not have any trouble finding the talent they desire.

The strongest and deepest position this year is defensive end, and it is not really even close. In fact, I am predicting that as many as nine players listed as ends will get drafted in the first round, with another three or four going in the second. Defensive tackle should be second with possibly five of them being taken in the first 32 picks. So get 'em while they are hot!

Look for team updates and other mock drafts at the NFL Draft Dog.

First Round

1. Carolina Panthers (2-14): QB Cam Newton, 6'5" 248 lbs. Auburn - The Panthers probably will make this pick for the simple fact that Newton has the potential to be a big star and the organization needs somebody to help put butts in the seats. He is an intriguing story that could turn out to be a revolutionary player at the position.
2. Denver Broncos (4-12): CB Patrick Peterson, 6'1" 211 lbs. LSU - This guy is big, fast, and was one of the best athletes coming out of high school three years ago. Peterson should eventually take over for either the aging Champ Bailey or Brian Dawkins. Either way, many scouts think he is the best player in the entire draft and he should be a pro-bowl player. The Broncos can wait until later to address the front seven.
3. Buffalo Bills (4-12): DT Marcell Dareus, 6'3" 306 lbs. Alabama - Dareus is a good defender that can clog running lanes and rush the passer up the middle. He is the type of active, versatile player that coaches love. The Bills ranked dead last in rushing D. You cannot expect to win many games if you cannot stop the run. This pick to me is a no-brainer if he's still on the board.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (4-12): DE Da'Quan Bowers, 6'4" 280 lbs. Clemson - The Bengals could take Gabbert here to possibly fill the hole at quarterback. Bowers has the ability to be a star on defense though so I recommend they "settle" for him.
5. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): OLB Von Miller, 6'3" 238 lbs. Texas A & M - After collecting 28 sacks over the last two seasons Miller will attempt to pump some life into the Cardinals D. He had his biggest games against the Aggies' toughest opponents in college.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): WR AJ Green, 6'4" 208 lbs. Georgia - Your number one receiver should catch at least 50 passes. The only player to do that for the Browns was TE Ben Watson. Green is long, lean, and scored nine TD's in 2010 despite missing four games. If the Browns leave NYC with either Green, Miller, or Dareus it will be a step in the right direction.
7. San Francisco 49ers (6-10): QB Blaine Gabbert, 6'4" 235 lbs. Missouri - It's probably time for Alex Smith to move on and I doubt the organization feels Troy Smith is the answer either. Gabbert is arguably the best QB prospect in the draft with his leadership abilities just as much as his throwing.
8. Tennessee Titans (6-10): DT Nick Fairley, 6'3" 298 lbs. Auburn - I originally had Robert Quinn going here but Fairley's ability to manhandle opponents and make big plays at critical times makes him a perfect fit for the Titans. He reminds me of Warren Sapp, who wasn't any bigger when he came out either.
9. Dallas Cowboys (6-10): OT Tyron Smith, 6'5" 307 lbs. USC - Smith is a strong kid that is still improving his technique. He definitely has the tools to develop into a good left or right tackle in the NFL and the 'Boys need some help up front.
10. Washington Redskins: (6-10): DE Robert Quinn, 6'4" 260 lbs. - Amukamara would be a nice pick here too but the combination of Quinn and Brian Orakpo could wreak havoc on opposing QB's in much of the same way that those guys over in Pittsburgh do.
11. Houston Texans: CB Prince Amukamara, 6'0" 200 lbs. Nebraska - There weren't many other teams out there that could've used a player of Amukamara's talents more than the Texans did last season. He should be an instant upgrade at one of the corner spots.
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-10): DT Corey Liuget, 6'3" 300 lbs. Illinois - An active player that should help continue the Viking tradition of having outstanding players in the middle of their D-line. Liuget's presence should help ease the eventual loss of NT Pat Williams to retirement.
13. Detroit Lions (6-10): WR Julio Jones, 6'4" 208 lbs. Alabama - The Lions really want Amukamara but know they will probably have to move up in order to get him. I know I will get slammed for this pick by some fans but is there another prospect out there that is any better? The Rams, Ravens, Chiefs, or Bears might be willing to trade up for Jones but if they don't the Lions will get a player that will instantly upgrade the offense as a whole. He could challenge veteran Nate Burleson for the #2 spot and he should fit perfectly in the slot with his ability to run after the catch. A pass-protector is much needed as well but there are not any really worthy of being taken here.
14. St. Louis Rams (7-9): DE Adrian Clayborn, 6'3" 285 lbs. Iowa - Clayborn is a great prospect with a few health concerns. He could be a huge piece to the puzzle on defense for the Rams. However, the team would really like Julio Jones and may just move up to get him.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-9): RB Mark Ingram, 5'9" 215 lbs. Alabama - The best player in college football in 2009 was also perhaps the best player in the 2010-11 bowl season as he completely tore open the Michigan State defense in the Citrus Bowl. Ronnie Brown (29) and Ricky Williams (33) both won't be around forever so this pick shouldn't surprise anybody. I believe an Ingram/Brown duo would be deadly.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8): DE J.J. Watt, 6'5" 290 lbs. Wisconsin - No team in the league has had worse luck with drafting ends in the first round. Watt could finally help solidify a perennial area of weakness on the defense with his all-out hustle and versatility.
17. New England Patriots (14-2/from Raiders): DE Muhammed Wilkerson, 6'4" 315 lbs. Temple - Looks the part of an end in the 3-4. Wilkerson can take on blockers and punish ball-carriers with his size and strength. Belichick loves these types of guys in the first round.
18. San Diego Chargers (9-7): DE Cam Jordan, 6'4" 287 lbs. Cal - A versatile player who looks like a good fit at end in the 3-4 due to his strength and size. He also ran really well in pre-draft workouts so he will at least improve the overall speed of the Chargers' front line.
19. New York Giants (14-6): OT Nate Solder, 6'8" 315 lbs. - Eli Manning threw a lot of INT's in 2010. The team needs to do some things to help instill some confidence back in him. Solder might be the man for the job as he is a very intriguing left tackle prospect, capable of keeping defenders off Manning's back.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6): OT Anthony Castonzo, 6'7" 295 lbs. Boston College - A defensive end is a priority but it is no more important than protecting the rising star the team has in QB Josh Freeman. Castonzo was a four-year starter and can play either side of the line. He might be the most NFL-ready left tackle prospect in the draft.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (10-7): OT Gabe Carimi, 6'7" 314 lbs. Wisconsin - A mauler that can get after defenders and make them disappear once he locks on, Carimi will help make life easier for QB Matt Cassel and RB Jamal Charles.
22. Indianapolis Colts (10-7): G/C Mike Pouncey, 6'5" 311 lbs. Florida - With his skills he should be able to find a home somewhere in the interior of the Colt's starting line. His twin brother Maurkice made the pro-bowl as a rookie with the Steelers, which definitely helps Mike's cause.
23. Philadelphia Eagles (10-7): CB Jimmy Smith, 6'2" 211 lbs. Colorado - With the offense looking to be explosive with Vick at QB, the Eagles will work on improving their overall game on defense. Linebacker Akeem Ayers could be an option here as well.
24. New Orleans Saints (11-6): DE Aldon Smith, 6'4" 263 lbs. Missouri - Good measurables and a solid body of work on tape, Smith should work himself into the Saint's rotation early and eventually take over as a starter.
25. Seattle Seahawks (7-10): DE Ryan Kerrigan, 6'4" 264 lbs. Purdue - Led the nation in tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Kerrigan should help the 'Hawks pass-rush.
26. Baltimore Ravens (13-5): DE Cam Heyward, 6'5" 294 lbs. Ohio St - Might remind some fans of Trevor Pryce. You know it's a good draft when you can find talent like Heyward this late in the first round.
27. Atlanta Falcons (13-4): CB Aaron Williams, 6'0" 204 lbs. Texas - The idea here is to add a guy that can help slow down the Saints' and Packers' passing games.
28. New England Patriots (14-3): LB Akeem Ayers, 6'3" 254 lbs. UCLA - The Patriots need more talent on defense to help stop the run and/or rush the passer. Ayers should be able to fill one of those roles for them, perhaps both. He seems to have the makeup of a quality NFL linebacker.
29. Chicago Bears (12-6): DT Stephen Paea, 6'1" 303 lbs. Oregon St - A tremendous talent with great value here. Paea could become a star fairly quickly in Chi-town.
30. New York Jets (14-6): NT Phil Taylor, 6'3" 334 lbs. Baylor - A brawler in the middle with the ability to clog running lanes and push the pocket as long as he does not have to play every down.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (14-5): WR Randall Cobb, 5'10" 191 lbs. Kentucky - More big-play potential for the Steelers' offense.
32. Green Bay Packers (14-6): OG Danny Watkins, 6'3" 310 lbs. Baylor - The Packers will keep adding talent up front in order to keep Aaron Rodgers upright. Watkins should help improve a weak running game too.

Second Round

33. New England : RB Ryan Williams, 5'9" 212 lbs. Virginia Tech - A competitive guy that possesses a good all-around game. He could help toughen up the offense a little bit.
34. Buffalo: QB Jake Locker, 6'2" 231 lbs. Washington - Patience might pay off for the Bills who would like another option at QB in case Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't pan out.
35. Cincinnati: QB Ryan Mallet, 6'7" 253 lbs. Arkansas - The guy who just might be able to make everybody forget about Carson Palmer sooner rather than later. Mallet has the strongest arm in the draft.
36. Denver: LB Justin Houston, 6'3" 270 lbs. Georgia - The Broncos just might have a home for a man of Houston's abilities, which include being able to rush the passer.
37. Cleveland: DT Jurell Casey, 6'1" 300 lbs. USC - The Browns need bodies up front and Casey might have the skills to be a good run-stuffer for them.
38. Arizona: TE Kyle Rudolph, 6'6" 259 lbs. Notre Dame - More of a wide-out in tight end's body, Rudolph should be a nice addition to their receiving corps after missing out on the top four QB's in the draft.
39. Tennessee: WR Torrey Smith, 6'1" 204 lbs. Maryland - Should at least provide some big-plays from the slot and should help in the return game, if the league still has one.
40. Dallas: FS Rahim Moore, 6'0" 202 lbs. UCLA - Might help provide some big plays on defense.
41. Washington: QB Andy Dalton, 6'2" 215 lbs. TCU - If the 'Skins pass on a QB early Dalton would be worth the risk here. Give him time and he could develop into a steady signal-caller.
42. Houston: OL Derek Sherrod, 6'5" 321 lbs. Mississippi St - Sherrod is a nice OL prospect with at least average overall ability.
43. Minnesota: OL Benjamin Ijalana, 6'3" 317 lbs. Villanova - Versatile and steady player will find a spot somewhere on the Vikings' O-line.
44. Detroit: OG Orlando Franklin, 6'5" 316 lbs. Miami (FL) - Could be the answer the Lions have been looking for at left guard. He can also play tackle too.
45. San Francisco: CB Brandon Harris, 5'9" 191 lbs. Miami (FL) - Depth in the secondary is always a priority in the NFL so the '9ers can't go wrong here.
46. Denver: DL Allen Bailey, 6'3" 185 lbs. Miami (FL) - A "power" end that can probably play the "5" technique in Denver's 3-4 defense.
47. St Louis: WR Tandon Doss, 6'2" 201 lbs. Indiana - A nice target for QB Sam Bradford, Doss has nice hands and can make big plays.
48. Oakland: CB Curtis Brown, 5'11" 185 lbs. Texas - If Nnamdi Asomugha leaves as a free agent the Raiders will be looking hard to fill that void. Brown should at least improve their overall depth.
49. Jacksonville: WR Titus Young, 5'11" 175 lbs. Boise St - Can he take his game to the next level after tearing up the WAC for the last few years? He's not a burner but his run-after-the-catch skills are about as good as any other receiver in the draft.
50. San Diego: DE/OLB Brooks Reed, 6'3" 261 lbs. Arizona - Should provide more competition at a critical area for the Chargers.
51. Tampa Bay: Jabaal Sheard, 6'3" 264 lbs. Pitt - Not an elite pass-rusher but a decent all-around end prospect with the leverage to anchor against the run. He reminds some scouts of former Buc DE Greg Spires.
52. New York Giants: OL Marcus Cannon, 6'5" 358 lbs. TCU - Size does matter when run-blocking and Cannon has plenty of it. He is also surprisingly versatile and possesses quick feet for a man of his stature.
53. Indianapolis: DT Terrell McClain, 6'2" 297 lbs. South Florida - Another plugger in the middle of the D-line would really do the Colts some good. McClain has been an underrated player for the Bulls the last two years.
54. Philadelphia: OG Clint Boling, 6'4" 309 lbs. Georgia - Football smarts and good instincts make him a top-notch guard prospect. He just needs to spend a year or two in the weight room.
55. Kansas City: WR Jonathan Baldwin, 6'4" 228 lbs. Pitt - Long-strider can catch anything throw at him. He could be a decent complement to Dwayne Bowe.
56. New Orleans: RB Mikel Leshoure, 5'11" 227 lbs. Illinois - A secure ball-handler with enough power to make defenders pay and enough skills to be a good all-around back in the NFL.
57. Seattle: WR Greg Little, 6'3" 231 lbs. UNC - Extra large wide-out with the ability to make big plays. He and Mike Williams could develop into a red-zone nightmare for defenses.
58. Baltimore: ILB Martez Wilson, 6'4" 250 lbs. Illinois - Solid run-stuffer could eventually take over for Ray Lewis if he ever slows down and decides to retire.
59. Atlanta: DT Marvin Austin, 6'3" 300 lbs. UNC - Once thought to be a top ten talent, his stock has slipped due to concerns about his commitment to the game. At this point he is worth the risk based on natural abilities. He could end up being a steal.
60. New England: OG William Rackley, 6'5" 303 lbs. Lehigh - Belichik knows the value of keeping your O-line stocked with talent. Rackley has all the tools to develop into a solid starter.
61. San Diego: WR Leonard Hankerson, 6'2" 209 lbs. Miami (FL) - Improved his stock at the combine and could become a nice third or fourth option for the Chargers in the passing game.
62. Chicago: CB Ras-I Dowling, 6'1" 198 lbs. Virginia - A good zone corner that could find a role very quickly in the Bears' defensive schemes.
63. Pittsburgh: ILB Quan Sturdivant, 6'1" 240 lbs. UNC - Everybody knows how much the Steelers love to stockpile linebackers and Sturdivant could develop into a quality starter for them inside.
64. Green Bay: WR Jerrel Jernigan, 5'9" 185 lbs. Troy - People in Wisconsin will be like "who?", until they see him run with the ball in his hands. Jernigan may not be a starter but he could become a threat whenever he touches the field, especially from the slot or while returning punts.

The Combine Value

2011-02-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

With the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine wrapping up its annual resume building event for aspiring professional players who are lucky enough to be invited, very few things have actually been answered. In fact, it can be argued that we now have more questions than we did a week ago in terms of how this year's crop of college football talent ranks.

Personally, I do not take too much stock in what happens at the combine. For one, it has had a history of allowing workout warriors to move up draft boards with impressive showings in the forty yard dash, the broad jump, and various positional drills that do not necessarily prove whether or not somebody is actually a good football player. Just as much, I do not believe one weekend in Indy running around on the turf at Lucas Oil Field should negate what a particular prospect may have done on the field over the last three or four years.

The most important aspect of the combine is what goes on behind the scenes, especially during the interviews. A player may be coached to reach peak performance as an athlete at the combine but they cannot hide their true inner-self for too long. Do not be fooled into thinking the broad jump is that important, it's more of whether or not a man looks the coaches and general managers in the eye when he shakes their hand and how he interacts with fellow competitors during group activities. Nobody really wants to draft an elite athlete who does not appear to get along with anybody or answer questions about his character truthfully. Teams want guys that are engaging leaders.

Many analysts, fans, and bloggers alike will get caught up in the measurables over the next couple months leading up to the draft but many NFL scouts will be hard at work trying to weigh the immeasurables. That is the true challenge of the job and it is something, that when done properly, will make the difference between selecting a potential all-pro or a bust.

As far as my mock draft goes, I will not consider updating it until right before the draft. At this point it is nothing more than a craps shoot to predict and there are just too many other things going on in the sports world to spend my time watching football players run drills. I would much rather turn my attention to the end of the NCAA College Hockey season, NCAA Basketball's March Madness, and the 2011 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which starts this Saturday in Anchorage, AK. To get updates of that race go to my Iditablog at www.iditarodtrail2011.blogspot.com.

Happy Tails!

The Quick Board

2011-02-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

1. Panthers - DT Nick Fairley, Auburn
2. Broncos - CB Patrick Peterson, LSU
3. Bills - DE DaQuan Bowers, Clemson
4. Bengals - QB Cam Newton, Auburn
5. Cardinals - OLB Von Miller, Texas A & M
6. Browns - WR AJ Green, Georgia
7. 49ers - DT Marcel Dareus, Alabama
8. Titans - CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
9. Cowboys - DE Robert Quinn, UNC
10. Redskins - QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
11. Texans - Corey Liuget, Illinois
12. Vikings - CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado
13. Lions - OT Nate Solder, Colorado
14. Rams - WR Julio Jones, Alabama
15. Dolphins - OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA
16. Jaguars - DE J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
17. Patriots (from Raiders) - DE Cam Jordan, Cal
18. Chargers - OT Tyron Smith, USC
19. Giants - OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
20. Buccaneers - DE Adrian Clayborn
21. Chiefs - DE Aldon Smith, Missouri
22. Colts - OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
23. Eagles - OG/C Mike Pouncey, Florida
24. Saints - RB Mark Ingram, Alabama
25. Seahawks - DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple
26. Ravens - TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
27. Falcons - DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
28. Patriots -LB Justin Houston, Georgia
29. Bears - DE Cam Heyward, Ohio State
30. Jets - DT Phil Taylor, Baylor
31. Steelers - CB Brandon Harris, Miami
32. Packers - OT Ben Ijalana, Villanova

The Under 30 Club: Which NFL Quarterbacks will be Dominating Headlines for the Nest 10 Years

2011-01-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

With the retirement of Brett Favre this past week the National Football League waved goodbye to an icon. Favre was a unique player that accomplished many things that very few guys will ever get a chance to copy as well as some things that may never be done again in football. He will be missed on the field and I for one wish him the best.

Just as much, it probably will not be too long before we will also be waving so long to the likes Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, two of the league's other elite quarterbacks. Both of them have been around the block a bit and continue to play great football but nobody expects them to be around forever. Not only have they both reached and possibly surpassed the prime years of their respective careers, but both of them continue to be the main target of some of the most feared defenders in the National Football League. I can only imagine that retirement sounds mighty fine when it is 10° out, you are on the road in Pittsburgh, Baltimore,or New York, and guys ten years younger than you are trying to make names for themselves.

So as these future Hall of Famers move into the twilight of their careers and contemplate retirement as players new gunslingers are waiting in the wings to become the next great quarterback. In recent years we have seen several teams use their first round draft picks on the top QB talent coming out of college and the results have been extraordinary. Rookie passing records have been repeatedly broken as well as some all-time benchmarks by some of the NFL's youngest passers. So at the moment it appears that the future of the NFL will be in good hands.

With that in mind I have compiled a list of the top QB's that will be gracing our television screens and making pro-bowls for the next 10 years. A few guys one might expect to see here, such as Mike Vick, Tony Romo, and Eli Manning, did not make the list. This could be for a number of reasons and it is definitely not a knock on their abilities on the field. For the most part I just do not foresee the three of them taking snaps in 2020. They might even be lucky to still be taking snaps as starters in 2015.

The Top QB's Under the Age of 30:

1. Aaron Rodgers (27), Green Bay Packers - Possibly the coolest pure passer in the game. Rodgers has great pocket-presence with the ability to feel pressure and spin away from defenders. He never gets rattled and his accuracy is as good as it gets. The man completed 87% of his passes in the divisional playoff slaughtering of the Falcons last week and he continues to lead one the NFL's youngest rosters on and off the field.
2. Philip Rivers (29), San Diego Chargers - Rivers led the best offense in the NFL in 2010 and he continues to improve as a player each year. He can make all the throws and looks the part in every way. The biggest downside is the fact that his team continues to underachieve as whole, which might reflect negatively on Rivers' leadership abilities.
3. Ben Roethlisberger (28), Pittsburgh Steelers - Roethlisberger fits the Steelers' profile for a QB as he is tough as nails and does not make many mistakes. At 28 years old he already has two Super Bowl rings and is the only player on this list with even one Lombardi trophy on his resume. Do not be surprised if he ends his career with a couple more.
4. Joe Flacco (26), Baltimore Ravens - With already four playoff wins under his belt it looks as if we will be hearing Flacco's name for a while. He is big, tough, smart, and possesses a nice feel for the game. He was seventh in the league in QB rating in 2010 and if he keeps improving he could become one of the all-time greats.
5. Matt Ryan (25), Atlanta Falcons - Ryan has only lost three home games in his career but is 0-2 in playoff games. He is the best player on the Falcon's roster and made an immediate impact as a rookie three years ago, completing his first NFL pass for an 80 yard touchdown and turning the team into a playoff contender.
6. Matt Schaub (29), Houston Texans - The biggest knock on Schaub is his inability to get his team into the playoffs. Although he has put up some monster numbers he just cannot seem to get his team over the top ever since being traded from Atlanta in 2007 for two second round picks. If the defense can get it together Schaub could make a house-hold name out of himself.
7. Jay Cutler(27), Chicago Bears - Cutler has been under the microscope ever since being picked 11th in the 2006 draft by the Denver Broncos. At times he feels like an interception waiting to happen but statistically he has been solid throughout much his career. In 2010, Cutler finished the regular season 16th in the league in passing and as I write this they are preparing for an NFC championship game at home this weekend against the Packers. He is the team's best offensive player and if they improve the personnel surrounding him his numbers will improve.
8. Josh Freeman (23), Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs selected Freeman 18th overall in the 2009 draft and he finished his rookie season with three wins in eight starts. In 2010 he improved tremendously, finishing sixth in the league in passing and leading one of the youngest teams in the league to a 10-6 finish. He has shown the ability to win games with his arm and he has several notable fourth quarter comebacks that have drawn the attention of everybody around the league. In the end he should go down as the best Buccaneer passer ever and if the team keeps hitting on their draft picks this should be a team to watch for a long time. He is young, big (6'5" 250 lbs.), and hungry to get better.
9. Mark Sanchez (24), New York Jets - I know that I will get criticized for this one as Sanchez just won his fourth playoff game in his two-year career, which is definitely something to brag about. However, his numbers are near the bottom of NFL rankings. The wins are more of a testament to the defense and running game than Sanchez' ability as a QB. Nevertheless, he will be one worth watching in the future as there is no reason to think that he won't get better with experience.
10. Matt Cassel (28), Kansas City Chiefs - Cassel has had an interesting road to being a starting NFL QB as he never started a game in college and initially was given a chance when Tom Brady went down with an injury in 2008. After his performance that season, Cassel became a hot commodity on the free agent market for teams looking for a starter. In 2010 he finished the regular season eighth in the league in passing and won an AFC West division championship. The Chiefs got thumped by Baltimore in the first round of the playoffs though and Cassel looked awful. Of all the guys on this list he might have the shortest leash.
11. Honorable Mention: Sam Bradford (23), St Louis Rams - After being selected number one overall by the Rams in last April's draft, Bradford helped the team be more competitive in 2010 and they were one win away from a playoff berth. He finished 25th in passing but has brought a bunch of hope to a struggling franchise.

2011-01-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

The Next Generation: Young NFL Teams to Watch in 2011

Every year there seems to be a team that surprises everybody in the NFL playoffs. In recent memory we have witnessed such teams as the '05 Steelers and '08 Cardinals squeak into the first round as a low seed and suddenly hit a hot streak all the way to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, for every one of those teams there is also a good team that does not get invited to the post-season party.

2010 was no exception when it comes to late-season surprises. Several of the NFL's younger teams sitting at home this January wrapped up the year with wins. They were also very competitive throughout their respective regular season campaigns. If these teams can carry over that momentum into 2011 they could go from this year's "coulda woulda shoulda's" to next year's Super Bowl contenders.

NFC

Detroit Lions (6-10)

Analysis: In 2010 this team played its best football in three years, beating some tough teams (Packers and Bucs) and narrowly losing to others (Eagles, Jets, Bears, and Giants). Injuries to the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart was detrimental to any offensive cohesion and the defense was forced to scramble in order to fill holes all over the defensive back seven. The D-line and passing game have emerged as strengths but there are still a few holes that need to be filled, particularly at offensive line and linebacker. Head Coach Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew have done a great job improving the overall talent level and if they continue to draft like they have over the last two years this team will continue to add more checks in the win column.

Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Shaun Hill, QB Matt Stafford (IR), RB Jahvid Best, TE Brandon Pettigrew*, WR Calvin Johnson*, WR Nate Burleson, DT Ndamukong Suh*, FS Louis Delmas*, MLB DeAndre Levy, DE Cliff Avril, DE Lawrence Jackson, CB Alphonso Smith (IR), SS Amari Spievey

Early Draft Analysis: With the 13th pick in the draft the Lions will most likely go after one of their top needs but do not be surprised to see them take another defensive tackle, as there are some very good ones that could be available. If they can get the top player at any position it should go a long way towards building a playoff team in the near future. Schwartz and Mayhew have done a great job in the two drafts that they've orchestrated so there is no reason to think they will blow this one too.
Prospects for the 13th pick include CB Prince Amukamara - Nebraska, DT Marcel Dareus - Alabama, DT Stephen Paea - Oregon St, OL Mike Pouncey - Florida, CB Janoris Jenkins - Florida, DE Adrian Clayborn - Iowa, LB Bruce Carter - UNC, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)

Analysis: The NFL's youngest team, which started eight rookies in 2010, surprised everybody this year by competing for a playoff spot all the way to the final week of the season. The Bucs' winning record did come at the expense of a very weak schedule but the team continued to overcome devastating losses due to injury and even beat the playoff-bound Saints on the road in week 17 with several of their top starters on IR. The team at least appears to be set at quarterback for a long time as long as Josh Freeman, a second year player, continues to play at the level he did in 2010 (25 TD's, six INT's).

Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Josh Freeman*, RB LaGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams*, TE Kellen Winslow Jr.*, OG Daven Josheph* (IR), DL Gerald McCoy* (IR), DT Roy Miller, MLB Barrett Ruud*, LB Geno Hayes, S Cody Grimm, S Tanard Jackson (suspended in 2010), CB Aquib Talib* (IR)

Early Draft Analysis: It can be argued that no other team has drafted better than the Bucs over the last 15 years and if that trend continues this should be a title-contending team for the next decade. This year the Bucs are picking 20th, which is the same spot they took emerging star corner Talib. Some of the team's top needs this year include offensive line and defensive end, and they particularly need another run-stopper at end to help the 28th ranked rush defense.
Prospects for the 20th pick include DE Ryan Kerrigan - Purdue, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OT Anthony Costonzo - Boston College, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State, WR Julio Jones - Alabama, DE Cameron Jordan - Cal, DE Cameron Heyward - Ohio State,

AFC

Miami Dolphins (7-9)

Analysis: The 'Fins finished 1-7 at home and 6-2 on the road. That is simply unheard of in the NFL but is just another sure sign of the parity throughout the league. Inconsistent play at quarterback and offensive line really kept the offense from gaining any momentum and the defense, despite putting up some good-looking statistics, broke down at some critical moments and did not hold up well in the last few weeks of the season. This team is stocked with quality talent though and they could be very close to being a post-season spoiler for somebody. The biggest problem this year may have been the schedule as six of their nine losses came at the hands of playoff-bound teams. Only one of their seven wins came against a team with a winning record (week 14 @ Jets).

Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Chad Henne, RB Ronnie Brown*, WR Brandon Marshall*, WR Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, OT Jake Long*, OLB Koa Misi, LB Cameron Wake*, SS Yeremiah Bell, CB Vontae Davis, CB Sean Smith

Early Draft Analysis: The 'Fins have done a good job selecting players in the last few drafts. They have hit home on most of their high round picks and the team is young. With a couple more solid drafts this team could develop into a persistent contender out of the AFC East division. Their biggest needs at the moment include offensive line and running back. Starting RB Ronnie Brown has worn a lot of tread off his tires the last six years and backup Ricky Williams is 33 years old.
Prospects for the 15th pick include OT Nate Solder - Colorado, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OLB Von Miller - Texas A & M, OLB Akeem Ayers - UCLA, RB Mark Ingram - Alabama, DE Cam Jordan - Cal

San Diego Chargers (9-7)

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. The Chargers have been one of the most talented and underachieving teams in the league for several years now. It just seems that at some point the organization will hit its stride and make a real run at a Super Bowl. Statistically, the Chargers were #1 in the NFL in both total offense and total defense! There is no real excusable reason why this team is not competing in the playoffs this year and they should be among the favorites to make a run in the AFC next year.

Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Phillip Rivers*, RB Ryan Mathews, WR Vincent Jackson*, TE Antonio Gates*, OT Marcus McNeil, OG Kris Dielman*, NT Antonio Garay, DE Jacques Cesaire, DE Louis Castillo, OLB Shaun Phillips, ILB Kevin Burnett, CB Quentin Jammer, CB Antoine Cason, FS Eric Weddle

Early Draft Analysis: San Diego has the 18th pick in the draft. The team does not have a lot of holes to fill as this team is already stocked with talent. The biggest need is at linebacker but the team could always stand to add another offensive lineman to the mix to protect Rivers and open holes in the running game. At the very least, a draft that adds some quality depth at several positions, including O-line, linebacker, safety, and receiver would be ideal.
Prospects for the 18th pick include OLB Akeem Ayers - UCLA, WR Julio Jones - Alabama, C/G Mike Pouncey - Florida, DE Cam Heyward - Ohio State, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State, LB Bruce Carter - UNC, LB Greg Jones - Michigan State

(* Denotes all-pro caliber player.)

2010-11-15T06:56:00.000-08:00

Mid-Season Draft Analysis

With the first half of the 2010 season in the rear-view mirror it is becoming more evident that this is one of the most competitive years ever in the National Football League. Every team has at least two losses and some of the teams at the bottom, such as Buffalo, Cleveland, and Detroit, have been very competitive. It is a craps-shoot at best when trying to predict how the final standings will have the teams ranked and it is even more so when trying to predict the outcome of next year's draft.

None the less, I have arranged the teams in the draft order of how I believe things could play out between now and February. There is a lot of football left so things will definitely change. When the season finally ends and a the Lombardi Trophy is passed on to the Super Bowl winner, I will take a look back at this list and adjust it accordingly.

For the most part, this is an attempt to look at the type of talent that will be available when teams make their selections in April. It looks to be another loaded draft, especially if there is another record year of underclassman entries.

1. Buffalo Bills: QB Andrew Luck, Stanford - The "worst" team in the league has been a tough opponent, losing some close games to some good teams, including the Baltimore Ravens. Luck appears to be the best quarterback prospect and might garner similar attention from NFL teams that Matt Stafford and Sam Bradford did the previous two years.
2. Carolina Panthers: DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa - The Panthers are young and have a lot of holes to fill. One of the top three quarterbacks could be an option here as well but I believe the team will give Jimmy Clausen a solid chance to prove himself first. Clayborn should help fans forget about the loss of Julius Peppers last off-season.
3. Dallas Cowboys: OT Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State - The 'Boys need to add some young talent up front to protect Tony Romo and open up running lanes for the backs. Sherrod has helped the Bulldogs win a bunch of games in 2010 and they are now bowl eligible. He has the stuff to move up on NFL draft boards. He has handled some of the SEC's best pass-rushers and helped pave the way for a stout running attack.
4. San Francisco 49ers: CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska - NFL passing games are more explosive than ever right now so good cornerbacks are hard to pass up. At 6'1" and 205 lbs Amukamara is a prime candidate to match up against bigger receivers.
5. Denver Broncos: CB Patrick Peterson, LSU - Was in the Heisman hunt as a corner early in the season and has three INT's on the season even though teams have been trying to avoid him.
6. Arizona Cardinals: QB Ryan Mallet, Arakansas - No other team is weaker at QB than the Cardinals. Mallet may not be a perfect prospect but his skills are hard to pass up. Jake Locker begins to worry about his own draft status as he gets passed up here.
7. Detroit Lions : OT Anthony Costonzo, Boston College - The next phase of the Mo-town plan will be focused on improving the offensive line. Costonzo could be an elite left tackle prospect but might need to add some size and strength to his game in order to make waves in the running game. Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi and TCU's Marcus Cannon could also be options as well.
8. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Marcel Dareus, Alabama - The Bengals could take a chance on another QB here, such as Locker. Another defender to help stop the run and rush the passer would be nice too.
9. San Diego Chargers: WR AJ Green, Georgia - So long Vincent Jackson. Hello AJ Green. In the end it could be a great move for this long overrated team.
10. St Louis Rams: DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson - This team has some young pieces to build around, such as MLB James Laurinitis and QB Sam Bradford. Bowers could be another key addition.
11. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Julio Jones, Alabama - Jones could work out very well opposite Sims-Walker and provide the offense with another dangerous weapon.
12. Seattle Seahawks - Allen Bailey, Miami - The Seahawks are on the right path but they need to continue developing their pass-rush. Jake Locker could also be an option here as QB is another position in need of an upgrade.
13. Oakland Raiders: QB Jake Locker, Washington - Will Al Davis pull the trigger on the athletically gifted but slightly overrated Husky passer? Why not?
14. Cleveland Browns: DE Cam Heyward, Ohio State - The Browns have looked relatively good so far in 2010. They should take a note from elite AFC teams and add more talent to the D-line.
15. Washington Redskins: C Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State - Starter Casey Rabach is 33 years old and Wisnieski is the type of technician that Mike Shanahan loves in the trenches.
16. Miami Dolphins: OLB Akeem Ayers, UCLA - Another pass-rusher is always an option for teams looking to take the next step and compete in the playoffs. The Dolphins need some game-changers on the outside to run the 3-4 defense effectively.
17. Houston Texans: OL Marcus Cannon, TCU - A huge body that could play either guard or tackle. The team needs to continue to focusing on protecting QB Matt Schaub and opening up holes for RB Arian Foster.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue - Jaren Allen's production has slipped and age may be catching up to the entire D-line so I expect the team to start addressing the position ASAP.
19. Green Bay Packers: RB Mark Ingram, Alabama - The Packers passed on Jahvid Best in the draft and Marshawn Lynch in a mid-season trade. The team will select a RB somewhere in this draft.
20. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Bruce Carter, UNC - The Eagles could use more play-makers and solid tacklers on defense. Carter is both of those things and much more.
21. Indianapolis Colts: DT Stephen Paea - Jerry Hughes didn't emerge as a rookie and starters Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are now entering their 30's, so end could be addressed again. However, Paea came on strong in 2010 and might not even last this long in the draft. If you can name any of the Colt's current DT's then you must be from Indy.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Greg Jones, Michigan State - Versatile player could have been a first round pick last year. He has all the makings of a pro-bowl linebacker in the Buccaneer's defense.
23. Kansas City Chiefs: OT DeMarcus Love, Arkansas - Some things seem to be coming together in KC but they could use more help up front. Love is a solid prospect and would be a welcome addition to the team.
24. Tennessee Titans: DT Marvin Austin, UNC - Austin will be depending on a strong combine performance to boost his stock after being suspended in 2010. He has the ability to be a top-10 pick so the Titans would be silly to pass up on him here.
25. Chicago Bears: DE Cameron Jordan, California - Nice combination of size and athleticism could be a terror opposite Julius Peppers. O-line and wide receiver are the biggest needs though. Colorado OT Nate Solder or Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi might be nice fits at OT.
26. New England Patriots: CB Ras-I Dowling, Virginia - At 6'2" and 200 lbs Dowling could bring a physical presence to the position that the team has not seen since Ty Law was abusing receivers for them.
27. New Orleans Saints: DT Drake Nevis, LSU - The Saints are currently 17th against the rush and 16th in the league in sacks (19). Nevis seems to be able to do it all and has helped LSU to a top five defense nationally.
28. Baltimore Ravens: OLB Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma - Another play-maker on the outside edge? It never hurts to be well-stocked on defense. Besides, Beal might be a steal late in the first even though some "experts" have given him a second round grade.
29. New York Jets: DT Jerrell Powe, Ole Miss - Another big body (6'2" 340 lbs.) to plug the middle of the defense on running downs.
30. Atlanta Falcons: CB Curtis Brown, Texas - The Falcons may be the best team in the NFC now and in order to keep that momentum rolling they need to continue improving on defense.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB Von Miller, Texas A&M - The Steelers can never get enough pass-rushers on their depth chart. O-line and D-line may also get a long look here too but the organization is good at simply selecting the best available player.
32. New York Giants: OT Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin - If Carimi falls this far down it's simply a testament to the talent that is available, especially at the O-line position.

Emerging Youngsters: The NFL's Top Rookie Classes

2010-11-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

We are nearly half way through the 2010 NFL season and many young players are making statements to be Rookie of the Year. Quarterback Sam Bradford is proving to have been worth the number one overall pick in the draft and wide receiver Dez Bryant has shown some toughness for the Cowboys. However, the Rams and Cowboys overall draft classes are not particularly strong but a few other teams have flown under the radar and found success with a number of first-year players.

To sift through the dross and bring you the best, I have compiled a short list of teams that I believe have possessed the top rookie classes so far in 2010. At the very least, these are the top five teams that have gotten the most help from the newest additions to their respective rosters.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Top Rookie Performers: WR Mike Williams*, RB LaGarrette Blount, S Cody Grimm, DT Gerald McCoy - McCoy was the headliner after being the third overall pick, but Williams (32 rec, 470 yds, 4 TD's), a fourth round pick out of Syracuse, has been the most consistent weapon for second year quarterback Josh Freeman. Blount, an undrafted free agent who was originally picked up by San Francisco, has come on the last few weeks as the team's top rusher (5.2 yds/carry). Grimm (37 tackles, 2 INT's, 1 FF, 1 TD) has provided some stability in the secondary after Tanard Jackson was slapped with a season-long suspension. This is one of the best young rosters in the entire league and I expect them to keep improving and be competitive for the next decade.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: S Eric Berry*, TE Tony Moeaki*, WR/RB/KR Dexter McCluster, CB Javier Arenas, OG Jon Asamoah - The Chiefs have jumped out to a 5-2 record and a lot of credit needs to go to some of the rookies. Berry was largely considered one of the best overall prospects in the draft and he has not disappointed the team with his play (41 tackles, 2 INT's). Moeaki, a third round pick (93rd overall), is second on the team in receptions (24) and McCluster has provided the spark to pull off some upsets early in the season (see week one). Arenas is the team's top backup at corner and Asamoah has seen significant action on the O-line.

3. New England Patriots - Top Rookie Performers: TE/HB Aaron Hernandez, LB Brandon Spikes, CB Devin McCourty, TE Rob Gronkowski - Hernandez leads in receptions (29), Spikes is third in tackles (39), McCourty is tied for the team lead in INT's (2), and Gronkowski has three TD's. This young roster should continue to improve and may be good enough to compete for a Super Bowl berth.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Top Rookie Performers: S Earl Thomas*, CB Walter Thurmond, OT Russell Okung, WR/PR Golden Tate - Thomas leads the defense in INT's(4) and is second in tackles (35). He could eventually move to cornerback and should be a pro bowl player some day. Thurmond has collected 18 tackles in nickel and dime packages and special team duties after suffering a horrible knee injury last year in college. The rest of the rookies have contributed enough to make this a very strong class and help Seattle get to a 4-3 record. However, this team is lucky to be in the worst division in football and probably will not win many more games. To say the least, they still have a lot of work to do to be good.

5. Detroit Lions - Top Rookie Performers: DT Ndamokung Suh*, RB Jahvid Best*, DB Amari Spievey - Despite possessing another losing record, the Lions have been a lot more competitive this year and are beginning to show signs of being a good football team once again. It has been a rough decade for Motown fans but the efforts of many of the young players, such as Suh (6.5 sacks, 27 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 TD) and Best (513 total yards, 5 TD's). Although this team is still a year away from being a true playoff contender, I believe they can win seven of their final nine games and win the division with an 8-8 record. A surprisingly mediocre division coupled with a favorable schedule will help out this young team the rest of the way.

*Denotes Rookie of the Year Candidate

Fantasy Frills: Top Picks, Fast Risers, Late Round Steals, and Rookies to Watch

2010-08-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

The 2010 football season is full of high expectations. The National Football League as a whole has a lot to top after three straight spectacular Super Bowls and as much, if not more, hype than ever leading into the regular season. Individual teams are all looking to make the playoffs and improve on last year's performances. The players themselves are also getting busy making bold predictions about the outcome of their respective upcoming seasons. For most fantasy players, such as myself, this talk has little to no value whatsoever. We know how much each player is worth, at least in terms of fantasy points, and we know pretty much where to take them in our drafts.

With that mind, let's take a look at the players that will be gracing the tops of fantasy draft boards by position. I have also included a list of players on the rise as well as some guys that might be considered valuable late-round or free agent sleepers. I will not post any mock drafts or even begin to speculate on who I believe will be the biggest fantasy busts this year, as I do not need to show my entire hand to my opponents in the "No Pants League". Sorry guys.

Top Fantasy Players by Position:

Quarterbacks
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers - Has become an All-Pro quarterback practically capable of making everybody in Wisconsin forget about the legend that preceded him. He was a savior on many fantasy teams last year.
2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints - Great leader with all the intangibles could be the first QB off the board in any league.
3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts - He may not be a fantasy stud but he shows up every week and never lets his owners down.
4. Tom Brady, New England Patriots - Was not the same after coming back from missing the '08 season due to knee surgery. He is worth a high pick though as he could put up another 4000 yards and 30+ touchdowns in 2010.
5. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys - Romo has all the tools to put up monster numbers as long as his O-line protects him. Do not be surprised if he gets sacked 50 times this year.

Running Backs
1. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans - Can he top 2500? Possible but not likely. Will he repeat his 2000 yard performance from last year? I do not doubt it. He is the number one fantasy player available.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings - The second best fantasy player available might just end the season with the most points.
3. Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons - Had a subpar campaign in his second season in Atlanta. I expect him to rebound with at least 1300 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.
4. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens - He will get his chances to carry the load and could top 1500 yards. Will fumbling be a problem for him?
5. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars - Can do it all out of the backfield and the Jaguars will be asking a lot of him. He is their key to success on offense.

Wide Receivers
1. Andrew Johnson, Houston Texans - Possibly a top ten pick. The biggest problem with him is that he faces a lot of double team coverage.
2. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions - Nobody faces more double and triple team coverage than this guy. With Jahvid Best and Nate Burleson on board "Megatron" might catch 16 touchdowns in a season. Matt Stafford will be looking to him in the end zone every time they get near it.
3. Randy Moss, New England Patriots - Still had a good year last year despite the fact that his best days are behind him.
4. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals - Knee injury in preseason and inconsistency at quarterback could be a problem for him in 2010.
5. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles - On his way to becoming a super star and could be a fantasy stud receiver.

Tight End
1. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts - Tight ends are not particularly hot commodities but Clark is a steady producer with one of the game's best passers ever throwing to him.
2. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers - 1,000 yards receiving and at least eight touchdowns are normal numbers for him over the last several seasons.
3. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers - Broke out last year with 13 TD's but can he repeat it? He is currently sidelined with a minor knee injury.
4. Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles - The forgotten man in the Eagles' passing attack will surprise many fantasy owners.
5. Jason Whitten, Dallas Cowboys - Might be the best all-around tight end in the league. Will Romo be able to get the ball to him consistently?

I will leave the kickers and defense/special teams out of this discussion. Most people do not spend a high, or even mid-round, pick on either one for that matter. Personally, I prefer to wait until after the draft to grab them off the free agent list.

Fast Risers: The Top Five Players Moving Up Draft Boards

1. RB Cedric Benson, Cincinnati Bengals - Benson had 1200 yards last year and could get more field to run with T.O. and Jermaine Gresham now on board, especially in the red zone.
2. QB Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia Eagles - The heir to McNabb's throne might just surprise everybody and become a top 25 fantasy player. He has looked good thus far and has the weapons around him to put up big numbers.
3. QB Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions - I expect Stafford to take a step in the right direction in his second season at the helm of the Lions offense. He also has one of the best players in the entire league to throw to in Calvin Johnson. 25 touchdowns is not out of reach for him.
4. RB Arian Foster, Houston Texans - The new starter for a team that expects to compete for a playoff spot. Foster has looked good in the preseason and has the size (6'1" 220 lbs) to carry the load.
5. WR Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers - Led the league in yards per catch (19.4) last season and will get a lot of opportunities to put his speed on display once again.

Potential Late Round and Free Agent Steals
1. QB Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Erratic rookie season and a fractured thumb will turn a lot of people off but he is poised and ready to prove he belongs in the NFL.
2. Cincinnati Bengals Defense - This unit looks as deep and talented as any on paper. They were fourth in the league in total D last year and are hungry for more.
3. WR Chris Chambers, Kansas City Chiefs - Might be quarterback Matt Cassel's favorite target and could take over as the team's number one receiver.
4. RB Leon Washington, Seattle Seahawks - Will get every chance to prove he has fully recovered from a gruesome leg injury. He has the speed and skills to score a lot of long TD's out of the backfield.
5. RB Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals - The top backup behind Cedric Benson could get a lot of opportunities.

Top Five Rookies to Watch Down the Road
1. TE Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals - He will be the starter in Cincy and could find himself open a lot with Batman and Robin grabbing all the attention from coverages.
2. RB Dexter McCluster, Kansas City Chiefs - Has the ability to be a "game-changer".
3. WR Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Has been practicing with the starting unit since day one of training camp and has not disappointed thus far in the preseason.
4. WR Jordan Shipley, Cincinnati Bengals - Could find himself as the team's slot receiver with his ability to run crisp routes, get open underneath, and secure the ball. So far he has looked good in preseason.
5. QB Jimmy Clausen, Carolina Panthers - May not start in week one but could be whipping balls to Steve Smith on Sundays by mid-season. He could quickly become a valuable backup.

2010-07-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Top NFL Rookies to Watch in 2010

We are less than two weeks away from NFL training camp reporting dates and there are a lot of questions around the league that will need to be answered. In the meantime we as fans are left to prognosticate and speculate as to how various issues concerning our favorite teams will pan out.
Ever since the inception of free agency in the NFL teams have put more emphasis on rookie players. Instead of taking the best players available in the draft many teams have leaned more towards picking a player that fills a need. This is true for a number of reasons. One being that teams now are more likely to lose key players and find themselves with a sudden need a spot that was aptly filled just a couple months earlier, and another is simply that rookies sometimes offer a cheaper option to fill a need instead of dishing out high wages for expensive veteran free agents.
This year’s draft was undoubtedly full of talent. Some of those guys will find success but a majority of them will falter through the rigors of the pro game and struggle to make a name for themselves on the playing field any time soon. It is my estimate that only about one out of four first round picks will even come close to realizing their potential in their first year as a pro. It often takes a few years for these young men to get a grasp of the speed and complexity of the game and in the end maybe one out of three first round picks even come close to becoming the players that the team that drafted him envisions.
Every class is filled with studs, duds (or busts), and sleepers. Following is a list of my top ten rookies that I believe will vie for the league’s annual rookie of the year awards.

Offense:

1. RB Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers – This guy seems to be the most obvious pick for offensive rookie of the year honors. He is stepping into an already potent offense complete with a pro-bowl caliber quarterback, receiver, tight end, guard, and tackle. Mathews showed a nose for the end zone in college, scoring 19 times in ’09 and also possesses natural pass-catching ability. At 5’11” 218 lbs. he has the size to pound it out inside and possesses enough speed to outrun a lot of defenders. If he does not find success early and often it will not be long before people start calling him a bust.
2. QB Jimmy Clausen, Carolina Panthers – Nobody felt more slighted after the draft than this guy. For some reason every single team in the league except the Panthers passed up on him. A lot of teams snubbed him twice while the Broncos and Buccaneers said no thanks to him three times. Clausen will have his chance to seek revenge on the Bucs twice a year in the NFC south and I would not be surprised to see him nail down a starting job very soon. Once he gets the nod he will have three studs to play ball with in DeAngelo Williams, Jonthan Stewart and Steve Smith.
3. WR Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys – We all know about his problems and his talent was very evident in his first two seasons at Oklahoma State, but few guys are walking into a better situation than Bryant. He has a lot of work cut out for him but the pieces are already in place to help him find success early. He gets to catch balls thrown by stud QB Tony Romo and all-pro tight end Jason Witten will draw a lot of the attention in the passing game. Bryant is also lucky to have receivers Miles Austin and Roy Williams already on the roster so he will not be faced with a ton of pressure to be a starter right away. Mot of the pressure will be on Williams who has struggled mightily after owner Jerry Jones traded a first round pick to Detroit for him.
4. RB Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions – If Best stays healthy and displays the type of skills he showed in college he could single-handedly change the entire dynamic of the Lions offense. He has blazing speed and he is a tougher runner than most people realize. He reminds me of Warrick Dunn with more speed. If the Lions win at least seven games and Best conjures up any memories of Barry Sanders in the minds of Detroit area fans he could be a lock for top rookie honors.
5. OT Bryan Bulaga, Green Bay Packers – You do not see too many offensive tackles taking home any ROY awards but Bulaga could get some consideration, especially if he helps the Packers cut down on the number of times Aaron Rodgers gets hit. He’s my dark horse pick to win and with the way the O-line in Green Bay has been suffering injuries over the last couple years it is very likely that Bulaga will get his shot to prove himself sooner rather than later. He may be a little rough around the edges as far as technique goes but he can pass protect as good as any other rookie lineman and that is exactly what the team needs.

Defense:

1. MLB Rolando McClain, Oakland Raiders – This guy has the ability, and will be given every opportunity, to lead the team in tackles as a rookie. They need him to solidify the middle of the defense by stopping the run, which has been a big weakness in the Raider’s defense for a while. A 150 tackle season is possible for this rookie as long as he keeps working as hard as he did at Alabama.
2. DE Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles need another player to penetrate the backfield and nobody in college football did that better than Graham over the last two years. He may not be super fast but he is very quick and strong. He also knows how to use leverage, often getting underneath an opposing blocker’s pads and ripping through them to get pressure on the quarterback. Do not be surprised if he gets 10 sacks as a rookie.
3. DT Ndamokung Suh, Detroit Lions – The Lions got a gift from the Rams when they passed on Suh in favor of quarterback Sam Bradford with the first overall pick. Suh has all the tools to be a dominant lineman and all eyes will be on him. The Lions had the worst D-line in the league the last few years but Suh, along with newly acquired veterans Kyle Vanden Bosch and Corey Williams, should change the way offensive coordinators game plan for the Lions’ defense.
4. S Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks – The ‘Hawks needed a playmaker in their secondary and they got one in Thomas. He was outrageously good as a safety at Texas the last two years and would have been moved to play corner if he had stayed in school. He is fast, can handle man or zone coverages, and possesses good ball skills. He will probably play free safety now but may find himself at corner one day. Do not be surprised to see him nab five interceptions as rookie while being amongst the team leaders in tackles.
5. CB Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns – A tough player on the perimeter who excelled in run support at Florida. He did it all on in college though and the Browns need him to lock down a starting spot ASAP. He stumbled a bit at the combine but one cannot overlook his production on the field. One thing that makes him intriguing is the fact that he played his best during big games. He will get his chance to cover some good receiver in the AFC North Division, including Anquan Boldin, Chad Ochocinco, and Hines Ward.

Top players to not make this list:

1. QB Sam Bradford, St Louis Rams – It is tough for quarterbacks to make strong impressions as rookies and Bradford is not necessarily stepping into a good situation in St Louis. He may play well enough but the guys who will be attempting to catch his passes are suspect. There are also some questions on the O-line that need to be answered and until some guys prove themselves I will fear for the rookie quarterback’s safety.
2. S Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs – This guy was actually the hardest player to leave off the list, which is more of a testament to the overall quality of talent in this year’s rookie class than it is a knock on his abilities. The one thing that turns me off on him is the simple fact that KC’s run defense is extremely suspect, which may limit Berry’s opportunities to make plays.
3. OLB/DE Sergio Kindle, Baltimore Ravens – Despite being a team leader at Texas and possessing some nice quickness, Kindle’s lack of elite strength may limit him a bit as a rookie. Give him a year though and he could be among the league leaders in sacks. On the other hand, he could turn out a fine rookie season on a team that knows how to play defense.
4. DE Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants – Freakish athlete who could someday be a perennial pro-bowl player. He will be given an opportunity to rush the passer as a rookie but may be limited by his lack of technique and experience playing against top competition. One sure bet is that he will do more hand-springs than any other rookie this year.
5. RB C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills – Playing in Buffalo alone does not help Spiller’s chances of receiving any rookie awards and he is a little injury prone. Besides, he has Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch to contend with in the backfield as well.

2010-06-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

Ups and Downs: Surprise NFL Teams to Watch in 2010

Surprise Winners in 2010:

Seattle Seahawks – No team had a better offseason than the ‘Hawks. The addition of Leon Washington, if fully recovered from a broken leg, instantly upgrades the running game. Earl Thomas, who can play corner and safety, and Walter Thurmond are great rookie additions to the secondary. If the offensive and defensive lines are at least serviceable this team could steal the division championship and compete in the playoffs. A lot will be riding on the shoulders of QB Matt Hasselback and WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh on offense and LB’s Lofa Tatupu and Aaron Curry on defense.

Philadelphia Eagles – With Donovan McNabb traded to Washington the Eagles may just fly under a lot of radars. RB LeSean McCoy, QB Kevin Kolb, and WR’s DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are all young players looking to step up and prove themselves this year. The return of MLB Stewart Bradley will help a run defense that got torn apart by Dallas in the playoffs and the addition of DE Brandon Graham is one of the underrated stories of the draft. Do not be surprised if the rookie from Michigan collects 10 sacks this year. FS Nate Allen and CB Trevard Lindley are also both solid rookie additions to a secondary in need of depth.

Oakland Raiders – New surroundings should be good for QB Jason Campbell and a new QB should be good for the Raiders as a whole. Campbell does not have to be great; he just has to be better than JaMarcus Russell. That should not be too hard of a feat. The defense should be solid with a good front line led by DE Richard Seymour, who just signed his franchise tender, and former Jaguar DT John Henderson. Rookie Lamarr Houston could contribute immediately up front, rookie LB Rolando McClain will be expected to be the man in the middle, and CB Nnamdi Asomugha is one of the best in the business. However, RB Darren McFadden finally needs to step up to all-star status and the OL needs to at least be average, which is something that I believe can be accomplished.

Surprise Losers in 2010:

New Orleans Saints – Drew Brees should not slow his roll any time soon but the defense will continue to be a bit of a liability. The Saints will not be able to outscore opponents forever and their luck will run out soon. To make the playoffs this year they will have to beat out the Atlanta Falcons for the division championship as the Falcons look primed for a big year and the Buccaneers, who beat the Saints last year in New Orleans, are a team on the rise. There are just too many other NFC teams that will also be in the hunt for the playoffs to make the repeat a sure-thing.

San Diego Chargers – The “paper champions” of the last decade, the Chargers have gained a reputation as underachievers that continually take advantage of a weak division. If they make the playoffs again this year it will be a result of Denver’s, Kansas City’s, and Oakland’s futility just as much as anything. To bet on them winning a playoff game and making a run at a conference championship simply goes against tradition, as well as the odds, at this point.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Big Ben’s four to six game suspension and the loss of WR Santonio Holmes hurts more than anybody in the organization is willing to admit. WR Limas Sweed now has a torn achilles tendon, depleting the receiving corps of some valuable depth. The defense will again be good but not great as age is creeping up on the DL. Baltimore and Cincinnati both should be playoff-caliber teams as well, making things that much harder for the Steelers to regain their 2008 form in the AFC North. After another great draft this should be a Super Bowl contending franchise again in 2011 and beyond.

Players to Watch in 2010

2010-05-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Players to Watch in 2010

With this year’s installment of the NFL Draft in the books it is time to start looking toward the 2010 college football season for 2011’s top prospects. Following is a list of some of the top players in college football that may just be tops on NFL draft boards come next April.
It appears that wide receiver, defensive end, and defensive tackle will be three positions loaded with quality prospects. The quarterback position also should be much better as Washington’s Jake Locker, who could have been tops in 2010, may not be the best passer available in 2011.
It is all debatable though and of course there are some players who have slipped through the cracks and did not make this list. On the other hand, there may be a few players on this list that come as a surprise to some folks. Either way it should be as fun as usual.

(* Denotes player as a first round-caliber talent)

Quarterbacks:
1. Jake Locker, 6’3” 222 lbs. Washington*
2. Andrew Luck, 6’4” 230 lbs. Stanford (Jr)*
3. Ryan Mallett, 6’7” 248 lbs. Arkansas (Jr)*
4. Colin Kaepernick, 6’6” 215 lbs. Nevada,
5. Andy Dalton, 6’3” 215 lbs. TCU
6. Case Keenum, 6’2” 212 lbs. Houston
7. Adam Weber, 6’3” 217 lbs. Minnesota
8. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech, 6’5” 215 lbs.
9. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M, 6’5” 229 lbs.

Running Backs:
1. Mark Ingram, 5’10” 215 lbs.Alabama(Jr)*
2. John Clay, 6’2” 247 lbs. Wisconsin (Jr)*
3. Noel Devine, 5’8” 180 lbs. West Virginia*
4. Ryan Williams, 5’10” 211 lbs. Virginia Tech (Jr)*
5. Darren Evans, 6’0” 213 lbs. Virginia Tech
6. Evan Royster, 6’1” 209 lbs. Penn State
7. Graig Cooper, 6’0” 202 lbs. Miami
8. Jeremy Avery, 5’9” 171 lbs. Boise State
9. Donald Buckram, 5’10” 190 lbs. UTEP
10. DeMarco Murray, 6’0” 205 lbs. Oklahoma
11. Emanuel Moody, 6’0” 210 lbs. Florida
12. Kendall Hunter, 5’8” 190 lbs. Oklahoma State
13. Bryce Beall, 5’11” 205 lbs. Houston (Jr)

Wide Receivers:
1. Julio Jones, 6’4” 211 lbs. Alabama (Jr)*
2. Michael Floyd, 6’3” 215 lbs. Notre Dame (Jr)*
3. AJ Green, 6’4” 200 lbs. Georgia (Jr)*
4. Jonathan Baldwin, 6’5” 220 lbs. Pitt (Jr)*
5. Greg Little, 6’3” 220 lbs. UNC*
6. Terrence Tolliver, 6’4” 195 lbs. LSU
7. Chris Owusu, 6’2” 199 lbs. Stanford (Jr)
8. Deonte Thompson, 6’0” 195 lbs. Florida (Jr)
9. Mark Dell, 6’2” 196 lbs. Michigan State
10. Ryan Broyles, 5’11” 175 lbs. Oklahoma (Jr)
11. Bert Reed, 5’11” 170 lbs. Florida State
12. LJ Castile, 6’3” 210 lbs. Houston
13. Jeff Maehl, 6’1” 175 lbs. Oregon
14. Damaris Johnson, 5’8” 180 lbs. Tulsa
15. James Rodgers (KR/RB), 5’7” 185 lbs. Oregon State
16. James Cleveland, 6’1” 205 lbs. Houston
17. Scotty McKnight, 5’11” 185 lbs. Colorado
18. Titus Young, 5’11” 167 lbs. Boise State

Tight Ends:
1. DJ Williams, 6’2” 250 lbs. Arkansas*
2. Luke Stocker, 6’6” 240 lbs. Tennessee*
3. Charlie Gantt, 6’4” 245 lbs. Michigan State
4. George Bryan, 6’5” 270 lbs. NC State
5. Wesley Saunders, 6’5” 280 lbs. South Carolina

Offensive Linemen:
1. T Gabe Carimi, 6’8” 313 lbs. Wisconsin*
2. C Kristofer O’Dowd, 6’5” 300 lbs. USC*
3. T Marcus Cannon, 6’5” 350 lbs. TCU*
4. C/G Mike Pouncey, 6’5” 320 lbs. Florida*
5. T Anthony Castonzo, 6’7” 287 lbs. Boston College*
6. G Justin Boren, 6’3” 315 lbs. Ohio State*
7. T Josh Oglesby, 6’7” 329 lbs. Wisconsin (Jr)*
8. T Trinton Sturdivant, 6’5” 293 lbs. Georgia
9. T Joseph Barksdale, 6’5” 315 lbs. LSU
10. G Rodney Hudson, 6’2” 285 lbs. Florida State
11. G Stephen Schilling, 6’5” 304lbs. Michigan
12. T Lee Ziemba, 6’8” 304 lbs. Auburn
13. C Stefen Wisniewski, 6’3” 302 lbs. Penn State
14. T Carl Johnson, 6’5” 342 lbs. Florida
15. T Clint Boling, 6’5” 290 lbs. Georgia
16. G/C Chris Davis, 6’4” 296lbs. Georgia

Defensive Ends:
1. Adrian Clayborn, 6’3” 282 lbs. Iowa*
2. Cameron Heyward, 6’6” 287 lbs. Ohio State*
3. Robert Quinn, 6’5” 260 lbs. UNC (Jr)*
4. Jeremy Beal, 6’3” 255 lbs. Oklahoma*
5. Greg Romeus, 6’5” 265 lbs. Pitt*
6. Christian Anthony, 6’4” 246 lbs. Grambling*
7. Matt Conrath, 6’7” 270 lbs. Virginia (Jr)
8. Da’Quan Bowers, 6’4” 275 lbs. Clemson (Jr)
9. Jason Peters, 6’4” 272 lbs. Georgia Tech (Jr)
10. Eddie Jones, 6’3” 260 lbs. Texas
11. Alex Albright, 6’5” 245 lbs. Boston College
12. Ben Martin, 6’3” 239 lbs. Tennessee
13. Ryan Winterswyk, 6’4” 260 lbs. Boise State

Defensive Tackles:
1. Marcell Dareus, 6’3” 306 lbs. Alabama*
2. Marvin Austin, 6’3” 305 lbs. UNC*
3. Allen Bailey, 6’4” 290 lbs. Miami*
4. Phil Taylor, 6’4” 355 lbs. Baylor*
5. Lawrence Marsh, 6’4” 304 lbs. Florida
6. Jarvis Jenkins, 6’4” 305 lbs. Clemson
7. Tydreke Powell, 6’3” 300 lbs. UNC (Jr)
8. Ian Williams, 6’2” 310 lbs. Notre Dame
9. Akiem Hicks, 6’6” 300 lbs. LSU
10. Dexter Larimore, 6’2” 300 lbs. Ohio State
11. Colby Whitlock, 6’2” 281 lbs. Texas Tech
12. Ollie Ogbu, 6’1” 292 lbs. Penn State
13. Terrell McClain, 6’3” 306 lbs. South Florida
14. Josh Brent, 6’2” 315 lbs. Illinois

Outside Linebackers:
1. Bruce Carter, 6’3” 230 lbs. UNC*
2. Von Miller, 6’3” 240 lbs. Texas A & M*
3. Akeem Ayers, 6’4” 255 lbs. UCLA (Jr)*
4. Nate Irving, 6’1” 235 lbs. NC State
5. Travis Lewis, 6’2” 232 lbs. Oklahoma (Jr)
6. Ross Homan, 6’0” 229 lbs. Ohio State
7. Manny Abreu, 6’3” 245 lbs. Rutgers (Jr)
8. Eric Gordon, 6’0” 223 lbs. Michigan State
9. Adrian Moten, 6’2” 230 lbs. Maryland
10. Tyler Nielsen, 6’4” 232 lbs. Iowa (Jr)
11. Jonas Mouton, 6’2” 220 lbs. Michigan

Inside Linebackers:
1. Quan Sturdivant, 6’2” 235 lbs. UNC*
2. Greg Jones, 6’1” 225 lbs. Michigan State*
3. Chris Galippo, 6’2” 255 lbs. USC (Jr)*
4. Martez Wilson, 6’4” 240 lbs. Illinois
5. Alex Wujciak, 6’3” 255 lbs. Maryland
6. Casey Matthews, 6’2” 235 lbs. Oregon
7. Kendall Smith, 6’1” 224 lbs. Florida State
8. Cobrani Mixon, 6’1” 233 lbs. Kent State
9. Winston Bowens, 6’0” 250 lbs. Memphis
10. Chris Donald, 6’1” 224 lbs. Tennessee (Jr)
11. Lorenzo Edwards, 6’1” 236 lbs. Florida

Cornerbacks:
1. Ras-I Dowling, 6’2” 200 lbs. Virginia*
2. Patrick Peterson, 6’1” 205 lbs. LSU (Jr)*
3. Prince Amukamara, 6’1” 205 lbs. Nebraska*
4. Chimdi Chekwa, 6’0” 188 lbs. Ohio State
5. Janoris Jenkins, 5’11” 188 lbs. Florida (Jr)
6. Darrin Walls, 6’0” 190 lbs. Notre Dame
7. Kendric Burney, 5’9” 185 lbs. UNC
8. Jerell Norton, 6’0” 200 lbs. Arkansas
9. Jai Eugene, 5’11” 191 lbs. LSU
10. Quinton Richardson, 6’0” 200 lbs. Washington
11. Omar Bolden, 5’10” 195 lbs. Arizona State

Strong Safety:
1. DeAndre McDaniel, 6’1” 200 lbs. Clemson*
2. Michael McNeil, 6’2” 205 lbs. Auburn
3. Ahmad Black, 5’9” 185 lbs. Florida
4. Davonte Shannon, 6’0” 193 lbs. Buffalo
5. Andrew Dailey, 6’2” 221 lbs. Penn State
6. Joe Lefeged, 6’1” 200 lbs. Rutgers
7. Johnny Brown, 5’11” 200 lbs. Ole Miss
8. Chima Nwachukwu, 5’11” 201 lbs. Washington State
9. Nate Oliver, 6’0” 215 lbs. Ohio State (Jr)
10. Malcolm Williams, 5’11” 205 lbs. TCU

Free Safety:
1. Rahim Moore, 6’1” 190 lbs. UCLA (Jr)*
2. Deunta Williams, 6’2” 205 lbs. UNC*
3. Harrison Smith, 6’2” 212 lbs. Notre Dame (Jr)
4. Antwine Perez, 6’1” 210 lbs. Maryland
5. Zac Etheridge, 6’0” 204 lbs. Auburn
6. Brett Greenwood, 6’0” 200 lbs. Iowa
7. Chris Culliver, 6’0” 190 lbs. South Carolina
8. Braxton Amy, 6’0” 210 lbs. UTEP
9. Chris Harris, 6’0” 185 lbs. Kansas
10. Brian Lainhart, 6’1” 207 lbs Kent State

Punters:
1. Ryan Donahue, 6’3’ 180 lbs. Iowa

Kickers:
1. Thomas Weber, 5’8” 171 lbs. Arizona State
2. Kai Forbath, 6’0” 198 lbs. UCLA

The NFL Draft: A New American Tradition

2010-05-07T10:42:00.000-07:00

The NFL Draft: A New American Tradition
(Originally Posted at NFLDraftDog.com prior to the 2010 NFL Draft)

It is getting close. The time of year for many football fans that is equivalent to the likes of Christmas and the Fourth of July. It is a time to awaken the barbeque from a long winter’s nap, dust off that old jersey, and ice down the kegerater. Celebrations will be in order as well as the occasional grumbling from those who did not get what they wanted. Yes, it is about time for the annual National Football League’s entry draft.
It is the football world’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? – Reality TV at its finest. The young stars of the college gridiron will meet their professional destinies face to face and the rest of the world, including myself, will tune in to watch them.
The yearly event that takes place this April, 22nd through the 24th in New York’s Radio City Music Hall has blossomed into one of the most interesting and most followed aspects of football. It not only provides an organized format for NFL teams to take turns selecting the top college talent but it also offers another chance for fans to brag or whine about their team. Discovering who will be gracing plasma screens across the nation for possibly the next decade can be equivocal to getting a new car. You want to show it off to your friends while at the same time crossing your fingers and hoping it performs at the highest level, at least until you are finished making the payments on it. Occasionally you score the dream car which more than fulfills your expectations and other times, unfortunately, you get a lemon.
The whole story of the NFL Draft starts in 1936 with the Philadelphia Eagles as the first team ever on the clock. They then selected Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago and he went on to be flop. In fact, he never even played a down of professional football. Since then, the NFL draft has gradually blossomed into a multi-media phenomenon that has uniquely become just as much of a spectacle as the Super Bowl itself. In fact, viewer ratings of the draft have gone up 62% in the last six years and the league is banking on increasing that number, at least for the first round. This year, for the first time ever, it will be broadcast live on a Thursday night. This will be the first time it has been in a prime time slot and with a livelier format it could probably draw the same type of following as Survivor and American Idol.
Growing up on ‘80’s television I was subjected to a lot of game shows such as Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. Sure, it was fun to play along and try to solve the puzzles or guess the correct answers before the contestant could figure it out, but there was more to it than that. It was fun to see how much money somebody could walk away with and the more money somebody was playing for the more interesting it became. The NFL Draft has no shortage of young, instant wealth which has also become part of the draw. Where else will you see a guy anxiously waiting to be called to a podium where he will realize his dreams of becoming a famous, multi-million dollar earning pro athlete?
For a lot of interested parties, die-hard fans and sports writers the NFL draft also presents an opportunity to flex their prognosticating muscles. Mock drafts are a dime a dozen these days and if you have never seen one you can go to the NFL Draft Dog (nfldraftdog.com) and view several differing opinions on how it will turn out.
In a relatively young country still forming its cultures and traditions, American football is one thing that has started as and remained an American institution. We as fans hold all its rituals and folklore, no matter how trivial they may seem to the unacquainted, in high regard. From the singing of the national anthem to the Gatorade showers it is all something we cherish with the solemnity of a religious radical. Not to make light of those with devout beliefs but sports in general have an innate ability to draw the best and worst out of those that love it the most.
The draft is no exception to this absolute love. To some fans it may actually be the high point of their sports year. It has become a rite of passage for the players entering a new phase of their life while ceremoniously signaling the end to hard times for a struggling franchise – at least for one more off-season. This year the Rams are the first team on the clock. Whether they take quarterback Sam Bradford or defensive tackle Ndamokung Suh, a high percentage of the hopes and dreams belonging to St. Louis fans will be pinned on the young player they select. After that it will only be a matter of time before we can figure out if they were worth the hype and 50 million dollars that the organization will dish out to them.
While it could be anybody’s guess as to who will go where, there are a few certainties when it comes to the draft. For one thing, you can bet there will be a gaggle of raucous Jets fans filling the hall with cheers and jeers, depending on who their team picks. You can also bet on the Raiders making a selection that leaves the room silent, as it did when it took kicker Sebastian Janikowski in the first round in 2000 with quarterback Chad Pennington and running back Shaun Alexander still on the board. Honestly, the draft would not be nearly as fun to watch without Raiders owner Al Davis in his Evil Kneivel jump-suit making a decision that causes draft guru Mel Kiper to choke on his diet soda.
The draft has also seemingly become the highlight of the NFL Commissioner’s yearly duties as well. Nobody would even know what he looked like if he did not make the traditional walk to the podium every year, acting like a Michael Buffer-ish ring announcer at a heavyweight fight. Former commish Paul Tagliabue could hardly wipe the smile off his face while announcing that the first team “is on the clock”. When he vacated his position and Roger Goodell came on, it was like Leno taking over for Carson.
So if you are new to the ins and outs of the NFL Draft, this year is a good one to get yourself up to date. It is the 75th anniversary of the event so the league will be pulling out all the stops. It just so happens that this year’s crop of prospects is one of the deepest and most talented overall classes that we have seen in a while. One reason being is that more college underclassmen, being juniors and sophomores, have entered the draft more than any other previous year. With the state of the economy today that is not such a bad idea for a young man, considering that there are a lot of people out there with college degrees washing dishes and waiting tables. I suspect that next year we will see more of the same.