Here is my review on the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft:
Best Picks:
- Buffalo Bills: Marcel Dareus, DL, Alabama. Love this pick for so many reasons. He wasn't a one-year wonder, he fits into either the 4-3 or 3-4, the Bills were last in run defense, and THEY DIDN'T PICK A RUNNING BACK! They have a lot of holes and this was a good fit.
- Detroit Lions: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn. Wasn't the biggest need, but no one thought he would be there at 13. Suh and Fairley on the same line? Yikes.
- Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins: This has less to do with who they picked and more to do with them trading back. Both teams have a ton of holes and needed to add more players. However, Phil Taylor and Ryan Kerrigan do fit needs, so they were solid picks.
- Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado. The last great corner the Ravens had was Chris McCallister. They have been looking for his replacement for almost 10 years. They might have found him in Smith, who has the body and skills to be great.
Picks I am not that fond of:
- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn. Just not buying him yet. They have so many holes that Cam can't change the franchise himself.
- Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama. It isn't the pick that I am not a fan of. I actually like it. It is the fact that they gave up so much for it. 5 picks, including next year's first rounder and a 2nd this year, is just a ton for one guy.
- Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State. Again, not really the pick, cause they do need a QB, but at 12? I think this was kind of a panic move. I know one Vikings fan. He hated the pick.
So far, not many picks that have been awful Most teams fit needs, no real surprises outside of Ponder and Locker at 8. So it has been fine. Day 2 starts at 6 pm ET. Who will land Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick (Skins...) and Ryan Mallet? We will find out. Enjoy
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT! Round 1
Here it is. The first round mock draft for Thursday's NFL Draft. My predictions for the first 32 picks of the year. There could be a ton of trading picks, but not players, this year. However, in this mock, I only have one trade, because this one makes too much sense to ignore. Anyway, here it is. Carolina is on the clock. The envelop is in. Drumroll please. With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select:
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.
I don't know what everyone sees in him, but everyone is saying that Cam is now the pick. New coach, new QB, big name to attract some fans. Good luck too him, but he wouldn't have been my choice.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
Solid and consistent DT that they Broncos can plug in to their new 4-3 and not have to worry. He will stuff the run and get to the QB when he needs to.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
In my opinion, the best player in the draft. 2 time All American. Butkus Award winner. Sack leader. Can play inside or out. Has a nose for the ball and a huge burst. He will not be a disappointing pick. He is to this year's draft what Orakpo was a few years ago, and the Bills will not make the same mistake.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
No more TO, no more Chad Johnson/Ochocinco/Johnson. Big hole. QB is as well, but they could probably snag someone in the 2nd Round, such as Andy Dalton or Colin Kaepernick
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/LB, UNC
This is the Cards saying that they are going to trade for Kevin Kolb or sign Marc Bulger. No one else will play QB for them. Quinn fits a need and has had a great draft season.
6. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
They really wanted AJ Green, could take Julio Jones, but will instead go with the best player available. Peterson could be Champ Bailey. He is that good.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
New Niners coach Jim Harbaugh recruited Gabbert when he was in high school. He knows him. He likes him. He trusts him. Alex Smith is not the answer. New Coach, New QB, New 49ers.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
All he did was dominate all season. He plays a little dirty, had a disappointing combine, but the tape doesn't lie. He is just the type of player that the Titans love. Look for Tennessee to try trading back into the late 1st round, possibly with New England, to nab a QB.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
They need a tackle, he is arguably the best. They need a right tackle, that is where he played in college. It is their biggest need, he fills it. Seems easy enough, right?
10. Washington Redskins...
There has been a trade. The Washington Redskins have traded the 10th pick in the 2011 Draft to the St. Louis Rams, for the 14th and 47th pick in the 2011 Draft, and a 2nd Round pick in the 2012 Draft. St. Louis is now on the clock.
10. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
The man they have wanted to take all along. Sam Bradford needs a #1 receiver, and now he has one. Jones had a tendency to drop some pretty catchable balls, but also has huge speed, height, agility, and can break a game open on his own. Too good of a player to pass up. The Rams had to go get him.
11. Houston Texans: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Great motor and a great fit on an awful defense. The Texans gave up way too many late drives last year.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
Fits a need. Ray Edwards is a free agent. This could be a QB, but I think the Vikings will get Donovan McNabb for a few years, perhaps letting him mentor Joe Webb.
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
And there was much rejoicing in MoTown. Fits the biggest need the Lions have, and they get a guy with top 5 talents at 13.
14. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
From one Washington to another. The Skins picked up some more picks, so perhaps, maybe, they will want to address that complete pooch-screw of a 3-4 defense they have. I just think the Shanahans want their new QB project now, and that man has been Locker for the past year.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
Not a sexy pick, but fits a need. Can protect Henne.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri
Another pass rusher to try to stop Peyton Manning!
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Anthony Castonzo, OT, BC
Local product from the evil Boston College. Will help protect Mr. Brady and his wonderful hair.
18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple
Versatile D-Lineman that can fit in anywhere. Great fit.
19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Must protect Eli. That line that won the Super Bowl is now in shambles. Carimi can play either tackle spot well.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Great young team makes it defense that much better with a 3 year starter.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
No huge glaring needs for the Chiefs, but their O-line has been suspect at times. Solder or a DE is the pick.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
A bit of a reach, but the Colts need new bodies in front of Mr. Manning.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The reason he isn't in the top 10 is apparently character issues. The Eagles have taken in and tamed Mike Vick. This guys should be a piece of cake.
24. New Orleans Saints: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Big fall after a terrible draft season, but could he be a steal at 24?
25. Seattle Seahawks: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
Fits a need. Need to protect whoever is playing QB. They could also choose a new signal caller with this pick.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Hayword, DE/DT, Ohio State
Instant impact in the pass rush? Sounds like the Ravens to me, especially with no guarantee that Sergio Kindle will ever pan out.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Tony Gonzales is not young. Matty Ice needs options.
28. New England Patriots: Adrian Clayborn. DE, Iowa
Look for this pick to get traded to a team that really wants a QB.
29. Chicago Bears: Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas
Versatile secondary presence. They would have to reach to upgrade their O-line at this point. They could trade back as well.
30. New York Jets: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
Big body in the middle of Rex's defense. Help those non-existent pass rushers get through.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brendan Harris, CB, Miami
Touch corner that fits with the hard hitting style of the Steel City.
32. Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Pass rushing presence and best player available for the Super Bowl Champs.
Let me know what you think.
1. Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.
I don't know what everyone sees in him, but everyone is saying that Cam is now the pick. New coach, new QB, big name to attract some fans. Good luck too him, but he wouldn't have been my choice.
2. Denver Broncos: Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama
Solid and consistent DT that they Broncos can plug in to their new 4-3 and not have to worry. He will stuff the run and get to the QB when he needs to.
3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
In my opinion, the best player in the draft. 2 time All American. Butkus Award winner. Sack leader. Can play inside or out. Has a nose for the ball and a huge burst. He will not be a disappointing pick. He is to this year's draft what Orakpo was a few years ago, and the Bills will not make the same mistake.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
No more TO, no more Chad Johnson/Ochocinco/Johnson. Big hole. QB is as well, but they could probably snag someone in the 2nd Round, such as Andy Dalton or Colin Kaepernick
5. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Quinn, DE/LB, UNC
This is the Cards saying that they are going to trade for Kevin Kolb or sign Marc Bulger. No one else will play QB for them. Quinn fits a need and has had a great draft season.
6. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
They really wanted AJ Green, could take Julio Jones, but will instead go with the best player available. Peterson could be Champ Bailey. He is that good.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
New Niners coach Jim Harbaugh recruited Gabbert when he was in high school. He knows him. He likes him. He trusts him. Alex Smith is not the answer. New Coach, New QB, New 49ers.
8. Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
All he did was dominate all season. He plays a little dirty, had a disappointing combine, but the tape doesn't lie. He is just the type of player that the Titans love. Look for Tennessee to try trading back into the late 1st round, possibly with New England, to nab a QB.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
They need a tackle, he is arguably the best. They need a right tackle, that is where he played in college. It is their biggest need, he fills it. Seems easy enough, right?
10. Washington Redskins...
There has been a trade. The Washington Redskins have traded the 10th pick in the 2011 Draft to the St. Louis Rams, for the 14th and 47th pick in the 2011 Draft, and a 2nd Round pick in the 2012 Draft. St. Louis is now on the clock.
10. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
The man they have wanted to take all along. Sam Bradford needs a #1 receiver, and now he has one. Jones had a tendency to drop some pretty catchable balls, but also has huge speed, height, agility, and can break a game open on his own. Too good of a player to pass up. The Rams had to go get him.
11. Houston Texans: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Great motor and a great fit on an awful defense. The Texans gave up way too many late drives last year.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
Fits a need. Ray Edwards is a free agent. This could be a QB, but I think the Vikings will get Donovan McNabb for a few years, perhaps letting him mentor Joe Webb.
13. Detroit Lions: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
And there was much rejoicing in MoTown. Fits the biggest need the Lions have, and they get a guy with top 5 talents at 13.
14. Washington Redskins: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
From one Washington to another. The Skins picked up some more picks, so perhaps, maybe, they will want to address that complete pooch-screw of a 3-4 defense they have. I just think the Shanahans want their new QB project now, and that man has been Locker for the past year.
15. Miami Dolphins: Mike Pouncey, G/C, Florida
Not a sexy pick, but fits a need. Can protect Henne.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Aldon Smith, DE/LB, Missouri
Another pass rusher to try to stop Peyton Manning!
17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Anthony Castonzo, OT, BC
Local product from the evil Boston College. Will help protect Mr. Brady and his wonderful hair.
18. San Diego Chargers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DL, Temple
Versatile D-Lineman that can fit in anywhere. Great fit.
19. New York Giants: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
Must protect Eli. That line that won the Super Bowl is now in shambles. Carimi can play either tackle spot well.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
Great young team makes it defense that much better with a 3 year starter.
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
No huge glaring needs for the Chiefs, but their O-line has been suspect at times. Solder or a DE is the pick.
22. Indianapolis Colts: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
A bit of a reach, but the Colts need new bodies in front of Mr. Manning.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
The reason he isn't in the top 10 is apparently character issues. The Eagles have taken in and tamed Mike Vick. This guys should be a piece of cake.
24. New Orleans Saints: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
Big fall after a terrible draft season, but could he be a steal at 24?
25. Seattle Seahawks: Danny Watkins, G, Baylor
Fits a need. Need to protect whoever is playing QB. They could also choose a new signal caller with this pick.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Hayword, DE/DT, Ohio State
Instant impact in the pass rush? Sounds like the Ravens to me, especially with no guarantee that Sergio Kindle will ever pan out.
27. Atlanta Falcons: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
Tony Gonzales is not young. Matty Ice needs options.
28. New England Patriots: Adrian Clayborn. DE, Iowa
Look for this pick to get traded to a team that really wants a QB.
29. Chicago Bears: Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas
Versatile secondary presence. They would have to reach to upgrade their O-line at this point. They could trade back as well.
30. New York Jets: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
Big body in the middle of Rex's defense. Help those non-existent pass rushers get through.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brendan Harris, CB, Miami
Touch corner that fits with the hard hitting style of the Steel City.
32. Green Bay Packers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
Pass rushing presence and best player available for the Super Bowl Champs.
Let me know what you think.
Sports Thoughts! Hooray!
Alrighty. Let's talk some sports, shall we? Been a busy time recently, what with baseball in full swing (get it?), NHL and NBA playoffs, and the NFL Draft coming up. Have your eyes out for my 1st round Mock Draft that will be out either later today or tomorrow. But before that, some thoughts on a muggy 80 degree April day while listening to 90s/00s pop-punk:
- I have seen one play of the Magic/Hawks playoff series. It was our old friend Gilbert Arenas, and he airballed a 3. Terribly. No where close. I know Rashard Lewis isn't great, but his contract comes off the books first. I still love that trade.
- You have to keep wondering when the Lakers will turn it on. But maybe they won't. Be concerned, LA fans.
- So I guess they can get those massive renovations to the Boudreau-dubbed dump, Madison Square Garden, really going now that both the Knicks and the Rangers have been eliminated.
- What the hell is the matter with the Canucks? This is a choke job of epic proportions. It is as if Luongo forgot how to goaltend. They had a chance to close it out yesterday, again, but the Blackhawks won in OT. The curse of the President's Trophy lives on.
- Come on Sabres. You needed to finish off the Flyers in Buffalo. Now you might lose heading back to Philly. I really only care about this because of my dislike of Philly, and wanting to play the Sabres in Round 2.
- Congrats to the Nashville Predators for advancing. I know nothing about your team. Nothing at all. But it is nice to see a team I have nothing against do well. Just don't cross me...
- I bet the Pens still pull it out, but wasn't it great watching them lose 8-2? To be honest, I am far more afraid of the Lightning than I am the Penguins this year. They can score at will on anyone.
- John Carlson of the Washington Capitals (and cousin of my good friend Steve) is on twitter, and was watching Little Giants yesterday. I was too. In my mind, we are now best friends because of that.
- The Nats are back at .500, which isn't bad considering we have the 2nd worst offense in the league so far this season. Amazing to think that our pitching is carrying us. Hope Morse, LaRoche and Desmond get things going soon. Zim coming back should help as well.
- Albert Pujols is a monster. That is all.
- If you have a chance, listen to New Found Glory's covers of 90s pop songs from movies. They are awesome. Listening to their cover of Love Game by the Cardigans, from Romeo + Juliet. Great summer music.
- The Orioles have dropped back to where they are going to be this year: a low to middle of the pack team that will be streaky good at times, and just as bad others.
- Roy Halladay is a monster. That is all.
- Gonzaga High School Rugby is still #1 in the country, as it has been for the past month. Woot!
That's all I got for right now. Time to work... on the mock draft!
- I have seen one play of the Magic/Hawks playoff series. It was our old friend Gilbert Arenas, and he airballed a 3. Terribly. No where close. I know Rashard Lewis isn't great, but his contract comes off the books first. I still love that trade.
- You have to keep wondering when the Lakers will turn it on. But maybe they won't. Be concerned, LA fans.
- So I guess they can get those massive renovations to the Boudreau-dubbed dump, Madison Square Garden, really going now that both the Knicks and the Rangers have been eliminated.
- What the hell is the matter with the Canucks? This is a choke job of epic proportions. It is as if Luongo forgot how to goaltend. They had a chance to close it out yesterday, again, but the Blackhawks won in OT. The curse of the President's Trophy lives on.
- Come on Sabres. You needed to finish off the Flyers in Buffalo. Now you might lose heading back to Philly. I really only care about this because of my dislike of Philly, and wanting to play the Sabres in Round 2.
- Congrats to the Nashville Predators for advancing. I know nothing about your team. Nothing at all. But it is nice to see a team I have nothing against do well. Just don't cross me...
- I bet the Pens still pull it out, but wasn't it great watching them lose 8-2? To be honest, I am far more afraid of the Lightning than I am the Penguins this year. They can score at will on anyone.
- John Carlson of the Washington Capitals (and cousin of my good friend Steve) is on twitter, and was watching Little Giants yesterday. I was too. In my mind, we are now best friends because of that.
- The Nats are back at .500, which isn't bad considering we have the 2nd worst offense in the league so far this season. Amazing to think that our pitching is carrying us. Hope Morse, LaRoche and Desmond get things going soon. Zim coming back should help as well.
- Albert Pujols is a monster. That is all.
- If you have a chance, listen to New Found Glory's covers of 90s pop songs from movies. They are awesome. Listening to their cover of Love Game by the Cardigans, from Romeo + Juliet. Great summer music.
- The Orioles have dropped back to where they are going to be this year: a low to middle of the pack team that will be streaky good at times, and just as bad others.
- Roy Halladay is a monster. That is all.
- Gonzaga High School Rugby is still #1 in the country, as it has been for the past month. Woot!
That's all I got for right now. Time to work... on the mock draft!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
CAPS WIN! And No, MSG, We Can No Longer Hear You
I know, I haven't blogged at all this month. You know what? You write a thesis on the Free Soil Party and find time to discuss why the Nats have no offense or how disappointing the NBA playoffs have been so far! That's right, you can't. But I will take some time out today, having finished a draft of my first 20 pages, to comment on the glory that happened at F and 7th this afternoon. Our Washington Capitals closed out their series with the New York Rangers in wonderful fashion in front of a sea of RED.
The Caps won 3-1, and won the series 4-1. The big controversy of this series was Caps coach Bruce Boudreau calling out Ranger fans and Madison Square Garden. He called it a dump, and he said their fans were quieter than those in DC. While I cannot speak to the second charge, everything I have heard or read about MSG backs up Boudreau's claim. They are even going through a huuuuuuuge renovation as you read this. Clearly, the owners think the building is run down. So Bruce wasn't wrong there.
Now, as for the fans being quiet: They were very loud for the first 2 periods of game 4. Chanting "Can you hear us?" at the Caps coach. And he could, as could the team, who trailed 3-0 at the end of the 2nd Period. However, the Caps came out and scored 4 unanswered goals in the 3rd period and OT, ending with Jason Chimera's tip in after a stunningly bad display of defense by the Rangers. The Caps won, and the Rangers heart was gone. You know what else was? So did the chanting. It was as if Rangers fans knew. They realized what was happening. A team that hadn't lost a single game when entering the 3rd period with a lead was giving it up. And they gave it up. Caps win. Brought it back to DC and shut it down. Defense and goal-tending, coupled with the same explosive star power that has been there the past 3 seasons. Now it is on to the 2nd round. Feels good.
Oh, and New York? We can't hear you. Sorry.
The Caps won 3-1, and won the series 4-1. The big controversy of this series was Caps coach Bruce Boudreau calling out Ranger fans and Madison Square Garden. He called it a dump, and he said their fans were quieter than those in DC. While I cannot speak to the second charge, everything I have heard or read about MSG backs up Boudreau's claim. They are even going through a huuuuuuuge renovation as you read this. Clearly, the owners think the building is run down. So Bruce wasn't wrong there.
Now, as for the fans being quiet: They were very loud for the first 2 periods of game 4. Chanting "Can you hear us?" at the Caps coach. And he could, as could the team, who trailed 3-0 at the end of the 2nd Period. However, the Caps came out and scored 4 unanswered goals in the 3rd period and OT, ending with Jason Chimera's tip in after a stunningly bad display of defense by the Rangers. The Caps won, and the Rangers heart was gone. You know what else was? So did the chanting. It was as if Rangers fans knew. They realized what was happening. A team that hadn't lost a single game when entering the 3rd period with a lead was giving it up. And they gave it up. Caps win. Brought it back to DC and shut it down. Defense and goal-tending, coupled with the same explosive star power that has been there the past 3 seasons. Now it is on to the 2nd round. Feels good.
Oh, and New York? We can't hear you. Sorry.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
HA!
I know I haven't been posting much, but writing a thesis and going to baseball games take up a lot of time. I just wanted to share this with you. I hope it makes you smile like it did me.
Good ol' Larry King after throwing out the pitch at the Nats' second home game. And nice job Screech with the impression.
Good ol' Larry King after throwing out the pitch at the Nats' second home game. And nice job Screech with the impression.
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