Here it is! Draft season can officially begin with the end of the NCAA season. Congrats to Auburn on their BCS title. I just hope it isn't taken away in 5 years because of Cam Newton taking money. Andrew Luck decided to stay in school, thus throwing off every mock draft out there. Instead of a franchise QB going number 1, we will have a player that fills a hole. The Panthers are on the clock (and have a ton of holes that need to be filled)!
1. Carolina Panthers- Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
The Panthers have so many problems with their team that no one is sure to be the #1 pick until they sign or Goodell announces their name. I am going with Bowers because they went with Peppers before. Bowers is very talented, though still a bit raw. He isn't a slam dunk prospect, like Nick Fairley or AJ Green, but might have the most upside of any defensive player on the board. Could he be Peppers? Sure. Will he? That is the question.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
This is assuming that the team doesn't want to sign Champ Bailey to a long term deal, and at his age who would? Peterson was the best corner in football and won the Thorpe Award. He has play-making skill that rivals that of last year's top secondary player, Eric Berry, but with better coverage ability. It will be tough to pass over Fairley, or difficult for John Elway not to take a new franchise QB if he isn't sold on Tebow, but Peterson is the right move.
3. Buffalo Bills- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
And the happiest team in America is the Buffalo Bills, who see the player they had graded #1 on their board drop to them at 3. Fairley was the only person that came to play in the BCS Title game last night. He is a monster. 6-5, 300 and can fit in either the 4-3 or 3-4 perfectly. He is athletic, strong, quick and has a motor that never stops. The only concern the Bills should have with taking this guy is whether or not he gets suspended for hitting Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez too hard or too late. Consider you wagons circled, Bills fans.
4. Cincinnati Benglas- A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
The Bengals have a problem. They really wanted Bowers or Fairley to fall to them. They are not comfortable reaching a few spots for the next best D-Lineman, so they decide to take the best offensive player in the draft, A.J. Green. Far and away the best wideout, with speed, leaping ability and phenomenal hands. TO is likely gone from the team, and there are rumblings that Mr. Ochocinco will be as well. They also aren't sure who the QB will be in Cincy. At least that QB will have the best rookie WR to throw to.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
There is a big problem with this draft, and the Cardinals are a big example of it. Until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, teams cannot trade any players. That means that the likes of Kevin Kolb, Matt Flynn, Matt Hasslebeck and Donovan McNabb are stuck on their current teams until a new deal can be agreed upon. Were this not the case, I am positive that the Cardinals would draft another position (probably defensive line) here and trade for a QB. So, until that happens, Gabbert is going to stay the first QB off the board.
6. Cleveland Browns- Marcell Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama
Another big man like Fairley, who played for one of football's best defenses. He can play in both the 4-3 and 3-4, which would make him perfect for any new coach in Cleveland. They would have loved for A.J. Green to fall to #6, but will take the best defensive lineman instead.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Once again, we face a team with huge QB questions. We can assume that, much like Arizona, they will somehow acquire a veteran signal caller. Yet I do not see the 49ers taking a risk on a franchise QB in the first round of this draft anyway. No, instead I would imagine new coach Jim Harbaugh would like to have a one-to-two year stop gap and trade his entire draft next year for his old Stanford QB, Andrew Luck, at a much cheaper price. Amukamara fills a need on defense, and is the best corner available.
8. Tennessee Titans- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
Do we think that Bud Adams has learned anything about possible head case/ run-first QBs? No, I don't, because Vince Young won him games. Cam Newton is bigger, maybe a little less crazy, and has the athleticism that the owner loves. I don't think Jeff Fischer will be as in charge of this draft as he has been other ones, and that Bud Adams will make him take the Heisman-winning National Champion QB.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, UNC
The Cowboys have a few holes to fill. They could reach for the first O-Lineman to help solve their problem at tackle. They could reach for another corner, since waiting for Amukamara and Peterson didn't work. They could try to upgrade the running game with a young power back. Or, they can address the pass-rush with a flashy name and raw talent. Robert Quinn missed the entire 2010 season due to suspension, but was being hyped to have a big one. I think that Jerry Jones will once again fall for the name and the hype, and pass on bigger needs for a poor man's DeMarcus Ware.
10. Washington Redskins- J. J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin
Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett, Julio Jones, Cam Newton, Blake Gabbert, Ryan Kerrigan, any O-lineman, safeties, a kicker, a punter... A whole bunch of prospects that could fit a bunch of needs. In the end, for some stupid reason, I gave the Skins the benefit of the doubt and had them pick a solid player on the defensive line. Watt can play in the 3-4, which Jim Haslett insists the Skins play, and will help a dismal pass rush. I doubt there will be a draft spot that changes more for me in the next few months than this one.
11-20 might be coming later tonight if I have time. If not, let me know what you think about these 10.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wild Card Weekend Thoughts
Here are my musings and opinions on what transpired over Wild Card Weekend in the NFL:
- Man, the Ravens are good. I know they are a bit streaky, but when they are on, it is difficult to do anything against them. With the exception of one long touchdown run, the Ravens' D was dominant. Turnovers, sacks, pressure. Just beautiful. And I know that Suggs and Lewis get a ton of credit, but when will Jameel McClain get noticed. He is a solid young linebacker who finds himself in the right spot more often than not. No, I am not biased because McClain went to Syracuse... Well, maybe a little. Glad my AFC representative in the Super Bowl survives another week.
- KC, what happened. Was Charlie Weis leaving really that big of a blow that you lost all of your drive? Not impressed at all.
- Who the hell do the Seahawks think they are? Winning a playoff game? Boy, did everyone have that one wrong, including me. Roman Harper cannot cover at all, and Marshawn went full-out Beast Mode on that touchdown run. How the Saints seemed so ill-prepared is beyond me. How their defense came up so small boggles the mind. Greg Williams might have lost his head coaching job in Denver after that.
- We need a better definition of roughing the punter/running into the punter. I also fully endorse a 10-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for punters who flop in order to draw the penalty.
- Peyton Manning lost that game to the Jets. Why? He didn't challenge Revis once. I am sorry, but I don't buy the dominance of Revis Island, because I have seen him get beat. Randy Moss beat him so bad that he missed the following 3 games. Reggie Wayne has every right to be pissed as hell at Peyton for not throwing to him. Law of averages- your pro bowl WR is going to beat this corner once or twice, and they should have taken advantage. Not enough down field throws. Way too much running for the Colts. Just a terrible game plan all around. And Vinatieri is clutch as hell, but he can't play defense also. Stop the Jets on that last drive. Send some pressure. Just dismal.
- The Packers GMs and scouts should all get raises for finding all of these nobodies that just helped them dominate the Eagles. Random RBs and WRs that come together and provide Aaron Rodgers with weapons and a solid running game. NFC Super Bowl goes on the road and takes it from Vick and Co. Aaron looked pumped...
- Speaking of Mr. Vick: He gets hit too much. I know that isn't a fantastic insight or anything. Just a fact. He wants to make the big play with his feet when he is out of the pocket, and that just leads to him getting hit hard. The Eagles think they have their new QB. I would caution them and their fans, because Vick could keep missing 4-6 games a year with concussions, broken ribs and twisted ankles if he keeps this play up, and Kolb might not be there to fill in next season.
- Andy Reid lost another playoff game. When will people start pointing out that he comes up small too. With another QB. At home. Loss.
Enjoy your day, folks. I should be posting my predictions for this weekend tomorrow or Wednesday. Spoiler Alert, I am sticking with the Ravens and Packers as my Super Bowl picks.
- Man, the Ravens are good. I know they are a bit streaky, but when they are on, it is difficult to do anything against them. With the exception of one long touchdown run, the Ravens' D was dominant. Turnovers, sacks, pressure. Just beautiful. And I know that Suggs and Lewis get a ton of credit, but when will Jameel McClain get noticed. He is a solid young linebacker who finds himself in the right spot more often than not. No, I am not biased because McClain went to Syracuse... Well, maybe a little. Glad my AFC representative in the Super Bowl survives another week.
- KC, what happened. Was Charlie Weis leaving really that big of a blow that you lost all of your drive? Not impressed at all.
- Who the hell do the Seahawks think they are? Winning a playoff game? Boy, did everyone have that one wrong, including me. Roman Harper cannot cover at all, and Marshawn went full-out Beast Mode on that touchdown run. How the Saints seemed so ill-prepared is beyond me. How their defense came up so small boggles the mind. Greg Williams might have lost his head coaching job in Denver after that.
- We need a better definition of roughing the punter/running into the punter. I also fully endorse a 10-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for punters who flop in order to draw the penalty.
- Peyton Manning lost that game to the Jets. Why? He didn't challenge Revis once. I am sorry, but I don't buy the dominance of Revis Island, because I have seen him get beat. Randy Moss beat him so bad that he missed the following 3 games. Reggie Wayne has every right to be pissed as hell at Peyton for not throwing to him. Law of averages- your pro bowl WR is going to beat this corner once or twice, and they should have taken advantage. Not enough down field throws. Way too much running for the Colts. Just a terrible game plan all around. And Vinatieri is clutch as hell, but he can't play defense also. Stop the Jets on that last drive. Send some pressure. Just dismal.
- The Packers GMs and scouts should all get raises for finding all of these nobodies that just helped them dominate the Eagles. Random RBs and WRs that come together and provide Aaron Rodgers with weapons and a solid running game. NFC Super Bowl goes on the road and takes it from Vick and Co. Aaron looked pumped...
- Speaking of Mr. Vick: He gets hit too much. I know that isn't a fantastic insight or anything. Just a fact. He wants to make the big play with his feet when he is out of the pocket, and that just leads to him getting hit hard. The Eagles think they have their new QB. I would caution them and their fans, because Vick could keep missing 4-6 games a year with concussions, broken ribs and twisted ankles if he keeps this play up, and Kolb might not be there to fill in next season.
- Andy Reid lost another playoff game. When will people start pointing out that he comes up small too. With another QB. At home. Loss.
Enjoy your day, folks. I should be posting my predictions for this weekend tomorrow or Wednesday. Spoiler Alert, I am sticking with the Ravens and Packers as my Super Bowl picks.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Great 8's
It would be a dream come true- To be in the same room with two of my favorite athletes of all time, to talk to them about their sports, get autographs, get to know them. Well, the people that paid $800 a ticket to a charity event got just that. Cal Ripken Jr and Alexander Ovechkin got together for a fund-raising event. I am jealous of those that could afford to go, and hope that they cared about these two like real fans do. Here's a nice article about the event.
Pens-Caps 24/7
HBO ended it's 4-part series on the Washington Capitals and the evil Pittsburgh Penguins last night. It was fantastic, and I am not saying that just because the Caps won the Winter Classic 3-1 on New Years Night. No, I am saying it because it captured the personalities of all of the players and coaches. It gave the fans an inside look at their teams. It provided a story of the slumping Caps turning their season around and taking down their rivals in a matter of weeks. I loved it. Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post loved it too. If you have a chance, find it online, on demand or wait for it to come to DVD. Great series, and great win. GO CAPS!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
NFL Wild Card Week Predictions
Hello everyone! Now that it is the playoffs, I figured I would give you my predictions (and my crazy reasons behind them) for the 4 games on this weekend's Wild Card slate. We will start in the NFC.
Saints at Seahawks:
Yes, I know that Qwest Field has an amazing atmosphere, and is one of the toughest places to play. Yes, I know that the 12th man can be intimidating. However, I also know that the Seahawks are in the playoffs with a losing record- the first time that has ever happened. I also know that the Saints finished at 12-4, and beat the #1 seed on the road. They are a little banged up, but I don't see how Drew Brees lets the cool Seattle air stop him from moving the Saints through to the 2nd Round and a match up with the Bears. Give me Who Dat Nation, 24-10.
Packers at Eagles:
I was wrong about how good the Eagles would be, but that is because I didn't factor in Vick in my preseason predictions. He has been outstanding (for the most part) and actually looks like he knows how to throw now. He is solid, McCoy, Maclin and DeShawn are solid. However, Aaron Rodgers is just as good with his arm, Greg Jennings will be the best WR on the field, Donald Driver always makes big plays when they matter, and the Packers aren't as banged up as the Eagles are. Green Bay might be the hottest team in the playoffs (NFC at least. Calm down, New England), and I think they will be able to go into Philly a second time and upset the NFC East champions. It'll be a shootout, but I like the Packers 20-17.
And now onto the AFC!
Jets at Colts:
Rex says that it is personal. I say the Ryan brothers are a combined 0-6 playing Peyton when he actually cared. The Jets look less impressive than they did in the middle of the season, and Sanchez's arm is a bit dinged up. At least he doesn't have to play outside this week. It will be closer than some Colts fans would like, but Peyton Manning will advance his team at least one round. Give me Indy 17-14 at home.
Ravens at Chiefs
I think the playoff seeding worked out great for the Ravens. They don't have to go play Peyton, who has a tendency to destroy them. Instead, they get to go face KC in Arrowhead. While it isn't a sure thing, the Ravens should be able to control the ball and keep it away from the Chiefs' dangerous running attack. Suggs, Lewis, Ngata and the rest of the D will be able to get to Cassel before he has a chance to find Bowe deep, and Ed Reed will always be lurking for a slightly messed-up throw. I don't think that the Chiefs' corners can contain Mason or Boldin either. Am I biased because I picked them to go to the Super Bowl? Sure. But it doesn't mean I am wrong. Quoth the Ravens, 21-13.
Enjoy your weekend of football!
Saints at Seahawks:
Yes, I know that Qwest Field has an amazing atmosphere, and is one of the toughest places to play. Yes, I know that the 12th man can be intimidating. However, I also know that the Seahawks are in the playoffs with a losing record- the first time that has ever happened. I also know that the Saints finished at 12-4, and beat the #1 seed on the road. They are a little banged up, but I don't see how Drew Brees lets the cool Seattle air stop him from moving the Saints through to the 2nd Round and a match up with the Bears. Give me Who Dat Nation, 24-10.
Packers at Eagles:
I was wrong about how good the Eagles would be, but that is because I didn't factor in Vick in my preseason predictions. He has been outstanding (for the most part) and actually looks like he knows how to throw now. He is solid, McCoy, Maclin and DeShawn are solid. However, Aaron Rodgers is just as good with his arm, Greg Jennings will be the best WR on the field, Donald Driver always makes big plays when they matter, and the Packers aren't as banged up as the Eagles are. Green Bay might be the hottest team in the playoffs (NFC at least. Calm down, New England), and I think they will be able to go into Philly a second time and upset the NFC East champions. It'll be a shootout, but I like the Packers 20-17.
And now onto the AFC!
Jets at Colts:
Rex says that it is personal. I say the Ryan brothers are a combined 0-6 playing Peyton when he actually cared. The Jets look less impressive than they did in the middle of the season, and Sanchez's arm is a bit dinged up. At least he doesn't have to play outside this week. It will be closer than some Colts fans would like, but Peyton Manning will advance his team at least one round. Give me Indy 17-14 at home.
Ravens at Chiefs
I think the playoff seeding worked out great for the Ravens. They don't have to go play Peyton, who has a tendency to destroy them. Instead, they get to go face KC in Arrowhead. While it isn't a sure thing, the Ravens should be able to control the ball and keep it away from the Chiefs' dangerous running attack. Suggs, Lewis, Ngata and the rest of the D will be able to get to Cassel before he has a chance to find Bowe deep, and Ed Reed will always be lurking for a slightly messed-up throw. I don't think that the Chiefs' corners can contain Mason or Boldin either. Am I biased because I picked them to go to the Super Bowl? Sure. But it doesn't mean I am wrong. Quoth the Ravens, 21-13.
Enjoy your weekend of football!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Happy New Year
I completely forgot to do this, but Happy New Year to you all, 3 days late. I hope 2011 is infinitely better to you than 2010 was to all of us.
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