I love the NFL draft it is one of my favorite things about the NFL, and while mock drafts are efforts in futility, I enjoy reading them. Since I have a young child I doubt I will be able to live blog the draft as I have in the past, but here is how I think the first round will go (trades included):
1. Browns - Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
The Browns take their QB of the future. Hopefully they have patience with Allen as I think he will need at least a year of sitting and learning, and two would probably be better.
2. Giants - Sam Darnold, QB, USC
All the podcasts I've listened to, and articles I've read say it's Bradley Chubb if Darnold is picked, but Darnold is here so the G-Men get their QB of the future.
3. Jets - Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
The third QB in three picks. Jets get their QB of the future and someone who can learn from a solid vet. The only question is will Teddy Bridgewater be healthy and make this pick moot.
4. *TRADE* Bills - Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA
The Bills I've heard really want Allen, but don't want to miss out on a potential franchise QB in Rosen whose arm is plenty strong enough to throw in the swirling wind of Buffalo. Buffalo sends
#12, 22, and #56 for #4 from the Browns. This is an over-pay as pick 4 is worth 1,800 points on the draft value chart and the Bills give up 2,320 points of value, but when going up for a QB teams are going to over-pay.
5. *TRADE* Cardinals - Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville
Another jump up for another QB. That's 5 QBs in the first 5 picks. This has never happened before and makes for a historic start to this first round. Jackson is my second favorite QB in the draft, and goes from one Cardinal team to a second. I think he can be electric and light the league on fire like DeShaun Watson did last year. Another over-pay on the draft value chart as the 5th pick is worth 1,700 points and the Cards trade #15, 47 (1,480 points), and a 1st and 4th next year (approx. 563 points) for a total of 2,043 points.
6. Colts - Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
With their pick of the top three prospects in the draft the Colts go with Nelson to help protect franchise QB Andrew Luck. Bradley Chubb and Roquan Smith have to be in consideration but protecting Luck is the Colts' top priority.
7. Buccaneers - Saquan Barkley, RB, Penn State
The Bucs go with the top prospect in the draft here at 7 and fills the shoes left by Doug Martin's disappointing time in Tampa Bay, and Jameis Winston gets another weapon in his arsenal.
8. *TRADE* Dolphins - Vita Vea, DT, Washington
With Nelson gone to the Colts the Bears most logical choice is gone, so they trade back with the Dolphins. The Dolphins get the best DT in the draft to help shore up a middle-of-the-pack run defense and replace Ndamukong Suh. The Dolphins give up #11 and #73 in the third to move up. This is a slight over-pay on the draft value chart as the Dolphins picks are worth 1,475 points and #8 is worth 1,400.
9. 49ers - Bradley Chubb, EDGE, North Carolina State
A dream scenario that is only possible because of the 5 QBs taken, and Nelson going #6. The 49ers get the pass rush help their defense so desperately needs. Look for the 49ers to potentially trade former first round pick Arik Armstead for later round picks on Day 3 of the draft.
10. Raiders - Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
The Raiders get the best LB in the draft. Smith can cover, he can tackle, and if Chubb wasn't available for the 49ers he would've gone to them. Smith is a complete LB in today's NFL.
11. Bears - Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
The Bears missed out on one Notre Dame offensive lineman to help protect their young QB, but they won't miss out on a second getting the top OT in the draft. It has been extensively noted that the former Notre Dame OL coach is now the OL coach for the Bears so getting a top OL from that school makes sense for the Bears.
12. Browns - Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
The Browns nab the best CB in the draft here at 12, and native son Denzel Ward stays in state. Ward's play and measurables are not quite as good as Marshawn Lattimore's were last year, but the Browns are thrilled to get Ward here after most prognosticators had him as a top 10 pick.
13. Washington Professional Football Team - Da'Ron Payne, DL, Alabama
For the second year in a row the WPFT picks an Alabama DL to help on their front 7. Payne will pair nicely with Johnathan Allen. I think the WPFT probably would want Vita Vea but he went to the Dolphins at #8.
14. Packers - Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
The Packers get some much needed secondary help with this selection. Fitzpatrick is a versatile DB who can lineup at Safety or Corner.
15. Broncos - Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP
After their trade down the Broncos take who I consider to be the second best OL in the draft. Hernandez is a nasty road-grader who will help open things up for whomever will be carrying the ball for the Broncos this year.
16. Ravens - Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech
In Ozzie Newsome's final pick as GM of the Ravens it was tempting to go with WR Calvin Ridley from Alabama, but Edumnds freakish atheletic ability and size make this a nice move for Baltimore. Edmunds is another do-it-all LB like Roquan Smith, he just needs more coaching up and will get that with the Ravens.
17. *TRADE* Patriots - Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State
The sixth quarterback taken in the first round ties an NFL record. The Pats move up to get the heir to Tom Brady. The Patriots trade #23 and #63 to move up six spots. That is 1,036 points in the draft value chart for the 17th pick which counts for 950 points in value. The only question is how much longer does Brady play and make this 1st rounder sit.
18. Seahawks - Derwin James, S, Florida State
The Seahawks take the versitile Seminole Safety. CB is a bigger need but the value of James at 18 is too much to pass up. James is a good pick to start the rebuild of the Seahawks secondary.
19. *Trade* Seahawks - Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College
With the previous selection of Derwin James, that signals the end of the line for Earl Thomas in Seattle. The Cowboys trade pick #19 straight up for Thomas who will help shore up a bad Cowboys secondary. Pete Carroll doubles down on defense and picks up a replacement for Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril.
20. Lions - Isiah Wynn, OL, Georgia
Wynn is a versatile lineman who can play G or T, and will help pave the way for LeGarrette Blount in Detroit further improving the Lions offensive line.
21. Bengals - Taven Bryan, DL, Florida
The Bengals pick up Bryan who could end up being the best interior DL in the draft. Bryan will backup Geno Atkins to begin with and probably come in on passing situations initially.
22. Browns - James Daniels, OL, Iowa
With Billy Price's injury concern Daniels moves up as the top C in the draft. Cleveland grabs a great addition to the interior of their offensive line.
23. Chargers - Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
After trading back the Chargers grab the next best LB in the draft filling a vital need in the middle with a rangy LB who can cover. Denzel Perryman is a good run stopper but has struggled in coverage and the hope is Evans helps in that department.
24. Panthers - Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa
Jackson fills the need for a turnover making CB that fits their scheme. Jackson excels in zone coverage which the Panthers heavily run. Putting Jackson behind the Panthers LB core is going to cause headaches for other teams.
25. Titans - Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State
The Titans grab Vander Esch a sideline-to-sideline LB that they can plug into the middle of their D and provide some youth in an older LB corps.
26. Falcons - D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Moore is a speedy compliment to Julio Jones. This move allows the Falcons to move the trio of Julio, Sanu, and Moore around to provide the best matchups for Steve Sarkisian's offense.
27. Saints - Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
The Saints wanted to bring back Jimmy Graham in Free Agency, but he went to Green Bay. So they get a Graham clone with the selection of Gesicki. Gesicki needs to gain some strength and refine his blocking but he'll be a monster in the middle of the field.
28. Steelers - Justin Reid, S, Stanford
The Steelers get a good young S in Reid at a position of need after releasing Mike Mitchell.
29. *TRADE* Browns - Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA
The Browns trade back into the first round to draft a bookend to Myles Garrett. Davenport is an explosive but raw prospect that can get after the QB. The Browns defense is significantly upgraded with the selections of Ward and Davenport. The Browns give up picks #35, 123, and 138 which is worth 636 points of value on the draft value chart the number 29 pick is worth 640 points so the Jaguars lose slight value with this trade.
30. Vikings - Connor Williams, OL, Texas
The Vikings invest in an OL upgrade for Kirk Cousins. Williams played Tackle at Texas but is slated to move inside in the NFL.
31. Patriots - Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
The Patriots get their Nate Solder replacement here at 31. Miller will look to protect Brady in the present and Mason Rudolph in the future.
32. *TRADE* Colts - Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
The Colts trade back into the first round. With their first pick they helped protect Andrew Luck, and with their second pick they give him another weapon. Ridley is a smooth route-runner with good top-end speed and will be an excellent compliment to T.Y. Hilton. The #32 pick is worth 590 points on the draft value chart, and the Colts give up #37, and #104 which is worth 616 points on the value chart.
That's the end folks. In total we have 6 QBs taken, and 7 trades with a historic 5 QBs taken in a row. What do you think? What did I get right, and what did I get wrong? Let me know. At the time I finish this there are only 2.5 hours until the draft!
#Can'tWait #DraftDay #VontaeMackandnooneelse #MikeMikeMikeWhatDayIsIt
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Friday, May 1, 2015
Live (to me) Blog of the 1st Round of the NFL Draft
The commissioner is up at the podium and receiving plenty of boos as he should! Let's get rolling as the Buccaneers are on the clock!
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Jame is Winston, Florida State
- Commish receiving more boos! No surprise here, hopefully Winston can keep himself clean off the field. My Mock Draft Predictions (1/1). Let's see what Tennessee does now.
2. Tennessee Titans - QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon
- Mariota goes second, but the Titans don't trade out. We'll see if Mariota stays with the Titans or if they trade him away. It will be interesting! My Mock Draft Predictions (1.5/2)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
- Chris Berman just stole Bill Simmons' nickname for the Jags if they move the London. This has been the projected pick for the Jags for a while now. So far the draft has gone pretty chalk. My Mock Draft Predictions (1.5/3)
4. Oakland Raiders - WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
- Another chalk ESPN pick. Will someone finally do something unexpected? Good pick for the Raiders and gives Derek Carr a true #1 option. My Mock Draft Predictions (1.5/4)
5. Washington Football Team - OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa
- This is a little surprising since they need pass rush help and had their pick of them. This pick helps the offense as a hole. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/5)
6. New York Jets - DL Leonard Williams, USC
- If the previous pick was a little surprising this pick is VERY surprising. The strength of the Jets D is the D-line. They must be trading Wilkerson sometime soon. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/6)
7. Chicago Bears - WR Kevin White, West Virginia
- Good pick for 'Da Bears, I would be concerned that he is a one year wonder and this team is without a lot of talent on defense. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/7)
8. Atlanta Falcons - OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
- The Falcons have not had a pass rush since John Abraham left. Beasley is fast and will get to the QB. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/8)
9. New York Giants - OT Ereck Flowers, Miami
- The Giants could have addressed needs with their D but choose to shore up their O-line and keep Eli Manning clean. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/9)
10. St. Louis Rams - RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
- This is certainly a surprise. The Rams must like WR depth in this draft. He's the best RB in the draft and will help the Rams offense but how will the line do? They should have gone in a few different directions here (WR, OL). My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/10), down to 25% ouch.
11. Minnesota Vikings - CB Trae Waynes, Michigan St.
- Another chalk pick. This must be why the ESPN draft experts get paid the big bucks. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/11)
12. Cleveland Browns - NT Danny Shelton, Washington
- The Browns needed a NT and Shelton is the best in the draft. It seems like the Browns are done flubbing first round picks with this selection. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/12)
13. New Orleans Saints - OT Andrus Peat, Stanford
- Another surprise here. The Saints need interior OL help, pass rush help, and a WR but go with a Tackle. A bit of a head scratcher. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/13)
14. Miami Dolphins - WR Davante Parker, Louisville
- The Dolphins needed another passing option for Tannehill and get one here. This is another chalk pick. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/14)
15. San Francisco 49ers - Trade Alert - San Diego Chargers -RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
- The Chargers give up a 4th and 5th to move up 2 spots in the draft to pick the RB Gordeon. This is definitely a need pick since the Chargers had all their RBs hurt last year.
16. Houston Texans - CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
- Texans need help in the secondary since Johnathon Joseph is getting older. This pick makes sense, but a WR would have probably been a better pick. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/16)
17. San Francisco 49ers - DE Arik Armstead, Oregon
- The 49ers trade back a few spots and still go chalk. Every mock draft everywhere had the 49ers taking Armstead. I would've like a CB or WR for them. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/17)
18. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Marcus Peters, Washington
- This is a surprise. Peters has had a lot of off the field issues. They could use a CB but would have likely gotten one in the 2nd round. They must think the depth of WR will last until their next pick. MMDP (2.5/18)
19. Cleveland Browns - C/G Cameron Erving, Florida State
- Browns address their interior o-line with this pick. All their injuries last year must have factored into this pick but they have other needs they should have addressed. MMDP (2.5/19)
20. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Nelson Agholor, USC
- They needed a WR after Maclin left Agholor is a pretty good one. MMDP (2.5/20)
21. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
- A young tackle that the Bengals can develop for a year as both their tackles will be free agents next year. Good upside pick. MMDP (2.5/21)
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB Bud Dupree, Kentucky
- The Steelers need secondary help, and what better way to help a secondary than to put pressure on the QB so your DBs aren't in coverage. Good pick and finally hit on another one. MMDP (3.5/22)
23. Detroit Lions - Trade Alert - Denver Broncos - DE Shane Ray, Missouri
- The Broncos trade up and make a surprise pick of Ray who is arguably the best pass rusher in the draft. Ray, Von Miller, and DeMarcus Ware make for a scary pass rush. Denver gives up Manny Ramierez a 5th this year and next year, in this 1st round swap. MMDP (3.5/23)
24. Arizona Cardinals - OT D.J. Humphries, Florida
- You can never have enough o-lineman. The Cardinals upgrade their RT spot with this pick. (MMDP 3.5/24)
25. Carolina Panthers - OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington
- The draft's first BIG surprise. He's a versatile player but I don't know where he fits. Is he a safety, a linebacker, a running back? I don't know. I think this is a very questionable pick. MMDP (3.5/25)
26. Baltimore Ravens - WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
- They needed a WR after Torrey Smith left. Perriman's hands need work but he is a burner. MMDP (3.5/26)
27. Dallas Cowboys - CB Byron Jones, UConn
- Very versatile player. Can play CB or S and was the combine's workout warrior. Fills a need for the Cowboys. MMDP (3.5/27)
28. Detroit Lions - G Laken Tomlinson, Duke
- They need interior o-line help and d-line help. I can't believe with Malcolm Brown still available they took a guy who many people thought would be a late 2nd round pick. MMDP (3.5/28)
29. Indianapolis Colts - WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami
- This guy was the smoothest looking WR that I watched at the combine. I expect great things from him, but this is a puzzling pick for the Colts. I would think a defensive player or o-lineman should've been the pick. MMDP (3.5/29)
30. Green Bay Packers - S Damarious Randall, Arizona State
- Another head scratcher since they took Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix last year, but the Packers know what works so I won't bash them. MMDP (3.5/30)
31. New Orleans Saints - ILB Stephone Anthony, Clemson
- The Saints go with a defensive player with their second 1st rounder, but not the pass rusher that they need. MMDP (3.5/31)
32. New England Patriots - DT Malcolm Brown, Texas
- I didn't think he would be here this late, but had the position right. The Patriots get their Wilfork replacement. MMDP (3.5/32)
Tweet
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Jame is Winston, Florida State
- Commish receiving more boos! No surprise here, hopefully Winston can keep himself clean off the field. My Mock Draft Predictions (1/1). Let's see what Tennessee does now.
2. Tennessee Titans - QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon
- Mariota goes second, but the Titans don't trade out. We'll see if Mariota stays with the Titans or if they trade him away. It will be interesting! My Mock Draft Predictions (1.5/2)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Dante Fowler Jr., Florida
- Chris Berman just stole Bill Simmons' nickname for the Jags if they move the London. This has been the projected pick for the Jags for a while now. So far the draft has gone pretty chalk. My Mock Draft Predictions (1.5/3)
4. Oakland Raiders - WR Amari Cooper, Alabama
- Another chalk ESPN pick. Will someone finally do something unexpected? Good pick for the Raiders and gives Derek Carr a true #1 option. My Mock Draft Predictions (1.5/4)
5. Washington Football Team - OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa
- This is a little surprising since they need pass rush help and had their pick of them. This pick helps the offense as a hole. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/5)
6. New York Jets - DL Leonard Williams, USC
- If the previous pick was a little surprising this pick is VERY surprising. The strength of the Jets D is the D-line. They must be trading Wilkerson sometime soon. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/6)
7. Chicago Bears - WR Kevin White, West Virginia
- Good pick for 'Da Bears, I would be concerned that he is a one year wonder and this team is without a lot of talent on defense. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/7)
8. Atlanta Falcons - OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson
- The Falcons have not had a pass rush since John Abraham left. Beasley is fast and will get to the QB. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/8)
9. New York Giants - OT Ereck Flowers, Miami
- The Giants could have addressed needs with their D but choose to shore up their O-line and keep Eli Manning clean. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/9)
10. St. Louis Rams - RB Todd Gurley, Georgia
- This is certainly a surprise. The Rams must like WR depth in this draft. He's the best RB in the draft and will help the Rams offense but how will the line do? They should have gone in a few different directions here (WR, OL). My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/10), down to 25% ouch.
11. Minnesota Vikings - CB Trae Waynes, Michigan St.
- Another chalk pick. This must be why the ESPN draft experts get paid the big bucks. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/11)
12. Cleveland Browns - NT Danny Shelton, Washington
- The Browns needed a NT and Shelton is the best in the draft. It seems like the Browns are done flubbing first round picks with this selection. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/12)
13. New Orleans Saints - OT Andrus Peat, Stanford
- Another surprise here. The Saints need interior OL help, pass rush help, and a WR but go with a Tackle. A bit of a head scratcher. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/13)
14. Miami Dolphins - WR Davante Parker, Louisville
- The Dolphins needed another passing option for Tannehill and get one here. This is another chalk pick. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/14)
15. San Francisco 49ers - Trade Alert - San Diego Chargers -RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
- The Chargers give up a 4th and 5th to move up 2 spots in the draft to pick the RB Gordeon. This is definitely a need pick since the Chargers had all their RBs hurt last year.
16. Houston Texans - CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
- Texans need help in the secondary since Johnathon Joseph is getting older. This pick makes sense, but a WR would have probably been a better pick. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/16)
17. San Francisco 49ers - DE Arik Armstead, Oregon
- The 49ers trade back a few spots and still go chalk. Every mock draft everywhere had the 49ers taking Armstead. I would've like a CB or WR for them. My Mock Draft Predictions (2.5/17)
18. Kansas City Chiefs - CB Marcus Peters, Washington
- This is a surprise. Peters has had a lot of off the field issues. They could use a CB but would have likely gotten one in the 2nd round. They must think the depth of WR will last until their next pick. MMDP (2.5/18)
19. Cleveland Browns - C/G Cameron Erving, Florida State
- Browns address their interior o-line with this pick. All their injuries last year must have factored into this pick but they have other needs they should have addressed. MMDP (2.5/19)
20. Philadelphia Eagles - WR Nelson Agholor, USC
- They needed a WR after Maclin left Agholor is a pretty good one. MMDP (2.5/20)
21. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
- A young tackle that the Bengals can develop for a year as both their tackles will be free agents next year. Good upside pick. MMDP (2.5/21)
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB Bud Dupree, Kentucky
- The Steelers need secondary help, and what better way to help a secondary than to put pressure on the QB so your DBs aren't in coverage. Good pick and finally hit on another one. MMDP (3.5/22)
23. Detroit Lions - Trade Alert - Denver Broncos - DE Shane Ray, Missouri
- The Broncos trade up and make a surprise pick of Ray who is arguably the best pass rusher in the draft. Ray, Von Miller, and DeMarcus Ware make for a scary pass rush. Denver gives up Manny Ramierez a 5th this year and next year, in this 1st round swap. MMDP (3.5/23)
24. Arizona Cardinals - OT D.J. Humphries, Florida
- You can never have enough o-lineman. The Cardinals upgrade their RT spot with this pick. (MMDP 3.5/24)
25. Carolina Panthers - OLB Shaq Thompson, Washington
- The draft's first BIG surprise. He's a versatile player but I don't know where he fits. Is he a safety, a linebacker, a running back? I don't know. I think this is a very questionable pick. MMDP (3.5/25)
26. Baltimore Ravens - WR Breshad Perriman, UCF
- They needed a WR after Torrey Smith left. Perriman's hands need work but he is a burner. MMDP (3.5/26)
27. Dallas Cowboys - CB Byron Jones, UConn
- Very versatile player. Can play CB or S and was the combine's workout warrior. Fills a need for the Cowboys. MMDP (3.5/27)
28. Detroit Lions - G Laken Tomlinson, Duke
- They need interior o-line help and d-line help. I can't believe with Malcolm Brown still available they took a guy who many people thought would be a late 2nd round pick. MMDP (3.5/28)
29. Indianapolis Colts - WR Phillip Dorsett, Miami
- This guy was the smoothest looking WR that I watched at the combine. I expect great things from him, but this is a puzzling pick for the Colts. I would think a defensive player or o-lineman should've been the pick. MMDP (3.5/29)
30. Green Bay Packers - S Damarious Randall, Arizona State
- Another head scratcher since they took Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix last year, but the Packers know what works so I won't bash them. MMDP (3.5/30)
31. New Orleans Saints - ILB Stephone Anthony, Clemson
- The Saints go with a defensive player with their second 1st rounder, but not the pass rusher that they need. MMDP (3.5/31)
32. New England Patriots - DT Malcolm Brown, Texas
- I didn't think he would be here this late, but had the position right. The Patriots get their Wilfork replacement. MMDP (3.5/32)
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
2015 NFL Draft: My Mock Draft
With the NFL draft upon us tomorrow, the itch struck me to do my own mock draft. Unlike the experts at ESPN, and NFL.com I will be predicting trades. I'm basing all of my picks on my study of other mock drafts but no in-depth analysis. My live blog of the draft will happen Friday when it is live to me because Avengers: Age of Ultron. So stay tuned for that!
Let's get started:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -QB Jameis Winston:
- This is what everyone is predicting and I don't think any different the Bucs need a lot of things and a QB is at the top of that list.
2. Tennessee Titans - TRADE ALERT! - San Diego Chargers - QB Marcus Mariota
- The Chargers send Philip Rivers, the #17 pick, and a conditional 2nd rounder in 2016 (can become a 1st). Rivers does not want to play in L.A. and the Chargers are moving there. Rivers gets to be close to his hometown and plays for a coach he knows and likes in Whisenhunt. This makes so much sense it probably won't happen.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Amari Cooper
- The Jags make a surprise move and pick Cooper instead of a pass rusher. This gives Blake Bortles another WR to throw to and the Jags suddenly have a young trio of WR (Marquise Lee and Allen Robinson from last year) to help Bortles grow. Now if he can only stay upright because the Jags o-line is a hot mess!
4. Oakland Raiders - WR Kevin White
- The Raiders would have had a tough choice between Cooper and White, but the Jags make that choice a little easier.
5. Washington Football Team - OT Brandon Scherff
- They need O-line help and help with pass rusher. With all the issues of the top pass rushers the WFT selects the highest rated o-lineman here. Scherff can play Guard or Tackle so he'll be able to help out at either spot.
6. New York Jets - OT Andrus Peat
- The Jets like the WFT before them need pass rush and o-line help. Here they take the next best o-lineman. Even with Leonard Williams and other top defensive products available the Jets need to rebuild the o-line and Todd Bowles knows how to generate a pass rush without elite talent.
7. Chicago Bears - NT Danny Shelton
- 'Da Bears are ecstatic to have their choice of defensive prospect. They have all the needs on D, and the smart thing to do is to build inside out and with them switching to a 3-4 defense NT plays the most important part of the 3-4's defensive line.
8. Atlanta Falcons - LB Dante Fowler
- The Falcons are excited that Fowler, who has been projected by just about everyone to go to the Jags, is on the board. He fits as a perfect Leo in their 4-3 scheme.
9. New York Giants - TRADE ALERT! - San Francisco 49ers - CB Trae Waynes
- The 49ers usually do not trade up. They tried to trade up for Odell Beckham last year, but with the top two offensive lineman gone and value with d-line down the board the Giants make this trade. The 49ers give up a 3rd rounder this year and 5th next year to move up 6 spots and pick the draft's best CB.
10. St. Louis Rams - TRADE ALERT! - New Orleans Saints - DL Leonard Williams
- The consensus top player in the draft falls all the way to number 10 and the Saints can't help but trade up for Williams. The Saints Cam Jordan is due for a big payday and there have been rumors about them trading him. Here the Saints swap the 13th for the 10th and kick in a 4th rounder.
11. Minnesota Vikings - RB Todd Gurley
- This spells the beginning of the end for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. The Vikings need of o-line and CB help don't line up so expect them to trade Peterson for a pick or picks later on.
12. Cleveland Browns - DL Arik Armstead
- Cleveland would have liked to get NT Danny Shelton, but instead fill another need along their D-line. Armstead as Phil Taylor is coming off injury and is in a contract year.
13. St. Louis Rams - WR Davante Parker
- The Rams attempt this WR thing again after failing spectacularly over the last few years trying to find a #1 WR. Jeff Fisher better hope that this pick works out.
14. Miami Dolphins - OT T.J. Clemmings
- The Dolphins still need offensive line help and picking Clemmings gives them a good tackle prospect to work with.
15. New York Giants - DE Shane Ray
- Even with the pot issues Ray is too good of a talent to fall this far. The Giants pick up much needed help for JPP and a possible eventual replacement.
16. Houston Texans - WR Phillip Dorsett
- Dorsett looked very smooth during the combine and the Texans need help to replace Andre Johnson so why not go for the first Miami WR to be drafted in the first round since Johnson.
17. Tennessee Titans - LB Vic Beasley
- The Titans already have Phillip Rivers now it's time to address the edge pass rush. Beasley is one of the best and will develop quickly under Ray Horton.
18. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Jalen Strong
- Strong is an excellent route runner and perfect for the Chiefs intermediate passing game.
19. Cleveland Browns - WR Nelson Agholor
- The Browns need options at WR since Josh Gordon doesn't stop getting suspended. Agholor provides smooth route running with a decent deep threat and should help the Browns offense right away.
20. Philadelphia Eagles - S Landon Collins
- The Eagles shored up their CBs in free agency and are a good strong safety away from a good secondary and Collins fits the bill.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Marcus Peters
- Cincinnati is getting long in the tooth in the secondary and Marvin Lewis has a history of helping troubled young players mature. Lewis will do that for Peters.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB Bud Dupree
- Dupree played everywhere for Kentucky and while Pittsburgh has pressing needs in the secondary upgrading their pass rush will help out with any additions to their secondary.
23. Detroit Lions - DT Malcolm Brown
- With losing their top two d-lineman in free agency the Lions helped by trading for Haloti Ngata, but he may be gone in a year as well. Brown has been a pretty chalk pick across mock drafts for the Lions.
24. Arizona Cardinals - TRADE ALERT! - Minnesota Vikings -OT Ereck Flowers
- This is where the Adrian Peterson gets traded as the Cardinals send the 24th pick straight up for him. The Vikings pick up a young OT who can play RT, G and eventually LT if Matt Kalil doesn't pan out.
25. Carolina Panthers - OT D.J. Humphries
- Carolina needs to protect Cam Newton with someone who projects to be a franchise LT. Humphries is that guy. This has been a pretty chalk pick also.
26. Baltimore Ravens - CB Kevin Johnson
- The Ravens were devastated by injuries last year at the CB position and would be foolish not to try to upgrade the position. Johnson is the second best man cover corner in the draft and will help Baltimore out immediately.
27. Dallas Cowboys - DT Eddie Goldman
- Dallas has fortified their o-line in the past few drafts now it is time to work on their d-line. Goldman projects as a space eater with some burst to rush the passer.
28. Denver Broncos - OL Cam Erving
- The Broncos need help along the interior or their offensive line and Erving started at just about every position. He's a plug and play C or G and has experience playing LT. This helps out the Broncos now and in the future.
29. Indianapolis Colts - LB Randy Gregory
- The Colts select the other edge-rusher problem child in this draft. Gregory's talent is just too much to pass up for the Colts at this point who need help getting to the QB.
30. Green Bay Packers - DB Bryon Jones
- The Packers lost two corners this offseason and without glaring needs took the combine's workout warrior in Jones. He can play CB and S and will provide good depth while developing his skills for the pro game.
31. New Orleans Saints - WR Devin Smith
- This is the deep threat the Saints have been searching for! He tracks the ball the best out of any WR taken ahead of him and will help take the pressure off of Brandin Cooks and Marquis Colston.
32. New England Patriots - WR Breshad Perriman
- Perriman give the Patriots the deep threat they've been missing since Randy Moss. It makes this offense even more scary then it already is. The worry about Perriman is his consistency but Belicheck will probably fix that.
Let me know what you think. What did I mess up where did I go wrong?
- This is what everyone is predicting and I don't think any different the Bucs need a lot of things and a QB is at the top of that list.
2. Tennessee Titans - TRADE ALERT! - San Diego Chargers - QB Marcus Mariota
- The Chargers send Philip Rivers, the #17 pick, and a conditional 2nd rounder in 2016 (can become a 1st). Rivers does not want to play in L.A. and the Chargers are moving there. Rivers gets to be close to his hometown and plays for a coach he knows and likes in Whisenhunt. This makes so much sense it probably won't happen.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Amari Cooper
- The Jags make a surprise move and pick Cooper instead of a pass rusher. This gives Blake Bortles another WR to throw to and the Jags suddenly have a young trio of WR (Marquise Lee and Allen Robinson from last year) to help Bortles grow. Now if he can only stay upright because the Jags o-line is a hot mess!
4. Oakland Raiders - WR Kevin White
- The Raiders would have had a tough choice between Cooper and White, but the Jags make that choice a little easier.
5. Washington Football Team - OT Brandon Scherff
- They need O-line help and help with pass rusher. With all the issues of the top pass rushers the WFT selects the highest rated o-lineman here. Scherff can play Guard or Tackle so he'll be able to help out at either spot.
6. New York Jets - OT Andrus Peat
- The Jets like the WFT before them need pass rush and o-line help. Here they take the next best o-lineman. Even with Leonard Williams and other top defensive products available the Jets need to rebuild the o-line and Todd Bowles knows how to generate a pass rush without elite talent.
7. Chicago Bears - NT Danny Shelton
- 'Da Bears are ecstatic to have their choice of defensive prospect. They have all the needs on D, and the smart thing to do is to build inside out and with them switching to a 3-4 defense NT plays the most important part of the 3-4's defensive line.
8. Atlanta Falcons - LB Dante Fowler
- The Falcons are excited that Fowler, who has been projected by just about everyone to go to the Jags, is on the board. He fits as a perfect Leo in their 4-3 scheme.
9. New York Giants - TRADE ALERT! - San Francisco 49ers - CB Trae Waynes
- The 49ers usually do not trade up. They tried to trade up for Odell Beckham last year, but with the top two offensive lineman gone and value with d-line down the board the Giants make this trade. The 49ers give up a 3rd rounder this year and 5th next year to move up 6 spots and pick the draft's best CB.
10. St. Louis Rams - TRADE ALERT! - New Orleans Saints - DL Leonard Williams
- The consensus top player in the draft falls all the way to number 10 and the Saints can't help but trade up for Williams. The Saints Cam Jordan is due for a big payday and there have been rumors about them trading him. Here the Saints swap the 13th for the 10th and kick in a 4th rounder.
11. Minnesota Vikings - RB Todd Gurley
- This spells the beginning of the end for Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. The Vikings need of o-line and CB help don't line up so expect them to trade Peterson for a pick or picks later on.
12. Cleveland Browns - DL Arik Armstead
- Cleveland would have liked to get NT Danny Shelton, but instead fill another need along their D-line. Armstead as Phil Taylor is coming off injury and is in a contract year.
13. St. Louis Rams - WR Davante Parker
- The Rams attempt this WR thing again after failing spectacularly over the last few years trying to find a #1 WR. Jeff Fisher better hope that this pick works out.
14. Miami Dolphins - OT T.J. Clemmings
- The Dolphins still need offensive line help and picking Clemmings gives them a good tackle prospect to work with.
15. New York Giants - DE Shane Ray
- Even with the pot issues Ray is too good of a talent to fall this far. The Giants pick up much needed help for JPP and a possible eventual replacement.
16. Houston Texans - WR Phillip Dorsett
- Dorsett looked very smooth during the combine and the Texans need help to replace Andre Johnson so why not go for the first Miami WR to be drafted in the first round since Johnson.
17. Tennessee Titans - LB Vic Beasley
- The Titans already have Phillip Rivers now it's time to address the edge pass rush. Beasley is one of the best and will develop quickly under Ray Horton.
18. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Jalen Strong
- Strong is an excellent route runner and perfect for the Chiefs intermediate passing game.
19. Cleveland Browns - WR Nelson Agholor
- The Browns need options at WR since Josh Gordon doesn't stop getting suspended. Agholor provides smooth route running with a decent deep threat and should help the Browns offense right away.
20. Philadelphia Eagles - S Landon Collins
- The Eagles shored up their CBs in free agency and are a good strong safety away from a good secondary and Collins fits the bill.
21. Cincinnati Bengals - CB Marcus Peters
- Cincinnati is getting long in the tooth in the secondary and Marvin Lewis has a history of helping troubled young players mature. Lewis will do that for Peters.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers - OLB Bud Dupree
- Dupree played everywhere for Kentucky and while Pittsburgh has pressing needs in the secondary upgrading their pass rush will help out with any additions to their secondary.
23. Detroit Lions - DT Malcolm Brown
- With losing their top two d-lineman in free agency the Lions helped by trading for Haloti Ngata, but he may be gone in a year as well. Brown has been a pretty chalk pick across mock drafts for the Lions.
24. Arizona Cardinals - TRADE ALERT! - Minnesota Vikings -OT Ereck Flowers
- This is where the Adrian Peterson gets traded as the Cardinals send the 24th pick straight up for him. The Vikings pick up a young OT who can play RT, G and eventually LT if Matt Kalil doesn't pan out.
25. Carolina Panthers - OT D.J. Humphries
- Carolina needs to protect Cam Newton with someone who projects to be a franchise LT. Humphries is that guy. This has been a pretty chalk pick also.
26. Baltimore Ravens - CB Kevin Johnson
- The Ravens were devastated by injuries last year at the CB position and would be foolish not to try to upgrade the position. Johnson is the second best man cover corner in the draft and will help Baltimore out immediately.
27. Dallas Cowboys - DT Eddie Goldman
- Dallas has fortified their o-line in the past few drafts now it is time to work on their d-line. Goldman projects as a space eater with some burst to rush the passer.
28. Denver Broncos - OL Cam Erving
- The Broncos need help along the interior or their offensive line and Erving started at just about every position. He's a plug and play C or G and has experience playing LT. This helps out the Broncos now and in the future.
29. Indianapolis Colts - LB Randy Gregory
- The Colts select the other edge-rusher problem child in this draft. Gregory's talent is just too much to pass up for the Colts at this point who need help getting to the QB.
30. Green Bay Packers - DB Bryon Jones
- The Packers lost two corners this offseason and without glaring needs took the combine's workout warrior in Jones. He can play CB and S and will provide good depth while developing his skills for the pro game.
31. New Orleans Saints - WR Devin Smith
- This is the deep threat the Saints have been searching for! He tracks the ball the best out of any WR taken ahead of him and will help take the pressure off of Brandin Cooks and Marquis Colston.
32. New England Patriots - WR Breshad Perriman
- Perriman give the Patriots the deep threat they've been missing since Randy Moss. It makes this offense even more scary then it already is. The worry about Perriman is his consistency but Belicheck will probably fix that.
Let me know what you think. What did I mess up where did I go wrong?
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Happy International TableTop Day!!!
International TableTop day was started 3 years ago by Wil Wheaton, and Felicia Day. This day is all about bringing family, and friends together to play some awesome games.
International TableTop day is special for me for a couple of reasons. The first and most important is that it helped bring my wife and I much closer together at a time where it seemed like we were drifting apart. It helped open us communicate and open up with each other and now we're happier than ever! Thanks gaming! The second is TableTop gaming has brought in new and awesome friends into my life and gives us something we can all enjoy.
Now that the serious stuff is out of the way It's that time of year again to whip out those board games and celebrate TableTop gaming with Family and friends! You can whip out those classics like Monopoly, Clue, or Life or you could delve into some awesome strategy and Euro-Style games.
Here are some amazing introductory Strategy and Euro-Style Games:
Strategy: Small World - You like Risk? You'll love Small World!
Euro-Style Strategy: Ticket to Ride. Build train routes and become the biggest train tycoon
Euro-Style Worker Placement/Strategy: Settlers of Catan. A bit more advanced than the previous two but a great way to introduce yourself to this type of game.
Go ahead and try this out and as Wil Wheaton would say, "PLAY MORE GAMES!!!"
Don't forget to like, share and comment on this post!
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Whatcha gonna do when the Chandrian run wild on you?
Just before my insomnia roused me from my attempt at restful sleep I was having a nice little dream. I was speaking to author Pat Rothfuss about a dream I had (I Inception-ed myself y'all) about the Chandrian and what I would do if I had to face them. The conversation went like this:
"So Pat, I was having a dream that the Chandrian came and tried to kill me while I was a sleep."
"That's interesting, what happened?"
"I killed them."
"How in the world did you do that?"
"Well I figured out I was dreaming about a dream so I thought 'What can I do to kill them', and then I turned into Rand al'Thor the Dragon Re-born and smote them with the One Power."
"Why choose Rand and not Kvothe?"
"To me he is the most powerful hero in a fantasy series. I think where you are taking Kvothe might make him on par or better than Rand, but he isn't there yet."
And, that is where I woke up.
Now I know who my sub-conscious thinks is the most powerful fantasy hero is and my waking-conscious knows too. I haven't read every fantasy series but I have read a lot so if you think there is someone more powerful out there let me know!
Rand al'Thor:
"So Pat, I was having a dream that the Chandrian came and tried to kill me while I was a sleep."
"That's interesting, what happened?"
"I killed them."
"How in the world did you do that?"
"Well I figured out I was dreaming about a dream so I thought 'What can I do to kill them', and then I turned into Rand al'Thor the Dragon Re-born and smote them with the One Power."
"Why choose Rand and not Kvothe?"
"To me he is the most powerful hero in a fantasy series. I think where you are taking Kvothe might make him on par or better than Rand, but he isn't there yet."
And, that is where I woke up.
Now I know who my sub-conscious thinks is the most powerful fantasy hero is and my waking-conscious knows too. I haven't read every fantasy series but I have read a lot so if you think there is someone more powerful out there let me know!
Rand al'Thor:
Rebranding
For a few weeks I have been thinking about starting to write regularly in this space. I've changed titles from Trashcan's Grumbles to TC's Ramblings. This change is happening because I want the blog to become the place where I write the random stuff that pops into my head. Maybe this will help with my insomnia...maybe. Enjoy everyone!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
2013 NFL First Round NFL Draft - Live Blog
The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft starts in 10 minutes, a few thoughts...Expect lots of O-linemen in the top 10. The Raiders (yeah the Raiders) are the key to trading into the top 10. If a big trade happens it will happen with them first!
Picks:
No one cares about these old guys...well maybe Euge does, but that's it. Let's get this thing started!!!!
What's taking the Chiefs so long??? They know who they're going to pick, run the damn ticket up already!
1. Kansas City - With the First Pick the Chiefs smoke-screened the smoke-screen of saying they were taking Fisher and actually take Fisher. Eric Fisher - OT - CMU
I bet Jacksonville screws with everyone and picks Dee Milliner from Alabama. Well that's who I hope they pick if only to cause all kinds of confusion with the rest of the picks.
2. Jacksonville - BOO! Jacksonville went scratch and picked Luke Joeckel, BORING!!!! - Luke Joeckel - OT - Texas A&M
Raiders taking this down to the wire...probably trying to trade out, but with who???
3. Miami (from Oakland) - Miami trades up to #3! Just like in the ESPN Blogger Mock Draft ONLY in the Blogger Mock Miami took Lane Johnson - OT - Oklahoma and now surprises EVERYONE and take Dion Jordan. Dion Jordan - DE/OLB - Oregon
Miami sends Oakland the 12th and 42nd pick for the 3rd pick. I think the Raiders should've gotten more.
The Eagles are taking this down to the wire too...Are they trading??
Nope! The Eagles pick is in, I'm guessing it's Lane Johnson.
4. Philadelphia - And as I suspected it is Lane Johnson - OT - Oklahoma.
Detroit on the clock. I wonder who they're going to take...I'm guessing either CB or DE, but most likely DE since they don't have any! Or will they be the second team to trade down?
5. Detroit - Barry Sanders aka Madden 2013 Cover guy, announcing the Lions pick. Detroit goes scratch on their pick. Ezediel Ansah - DE - BYU
The Browns are another possible big trade point. They could go crazy and take Geno Smith, or do a smart thing and trade down. If they keep the pick expect some *POP POP* with them picking Tavon Austin. Pick is in let's see if I'm right or very very wrong.
6. Cleveland - Well Cleveland does not go Magnitude on the draft. They select a really good pass rusher for their 3-4 D and the guy with the best name in the draft! Barkevious Mingo - DE/OLB - LSU
Let's see if Arizona is going to make another stupid draft pick, like Levi Brown over Adrian Peterson in '07. They SHOULD go with Warmack or Cooper and solidify the O-line. Let's see...
7. Arizona - The Cardinals make a smart choice to solidify their O-Line, not that it matters since they still have to play the 49ers. Jonathan Cooper - G - UNC
Schefter just reported a trade between the Bills and Rams. I'm guessing Tavon Austin is the pick.
8. Rams (From Buffalo) - The pick is Tavon Austin. I must implore the other NFC West teams to STOP GETTING BETTER! You must not have gotten the memo that the 49ers are winning the Superbowl this year. Tavon Austin - WR - WVU
I feel bad for the Jets. They don't get the WR they wanted, or the pass-rusher they wanted (Mingo). Do they go CB and Milliner, or OLB and Jarvis Jones? I also feel bad for the Jets fans who have to endure taking a TE in the top 15. Likely Eifert at 13.
9. New York Jets - And the Jets replace Revis with Dee Milliner. Why did ESPN show Milliner getting beat by Eifert? This is probably the best case scenario for the Jets with Tavon Austin gone. Dee Milliner - CB - Alabama
We're getting near the time where the 49ers could trade up. I really hope Shariff Floyd sticks around for 3 or 4 more picks. The 49ers getting him or Kenny Vaccaro be AWESOME!
10. Tennessee - The Titans could've gone a few different ways, but decide to go with a G. Their hopes are to make a dominant OL with Roos, and Levitre there already, they are on their way! Chance Warmack - G - Alabama
Chargers are intriguing because the could trade down, select the best CB, T, or OLB.
AHHHHHHHHHH Star Trek trailer....DON'T WATCH RYAN!!!!
Yes I just spoke to myself in an online blog...
11. San Diego - 3 Alabama players gone in a row!!! Crazy! The Chargers get a good RT and Phillip Rivers is probably happy. D.J. Fluker - OT - Alabama
Oakland on the clock again. Many mocks had them taking Shariff Floyd at #3. Will he be the pick, or will the Raiders go a different direction?
12. Oakland (From Miami)- Oakland with a semi-surprise and picking up a CB. If this kid is healthy and stays healthy I think he ends up the best CB in this draft. D.J. Hayden - CB - Houston
I have a feeling the Jets fans at Radio City Music Hall are about to rain down BOOs with this next pick...No matter what they do!
Jets almost pull a Minnesota Vikings and run out of time.
Alice needs to hurry up and get back with dinner..I'm starvin like Marvin gurrrrlllll!
13. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay) - And the BOO birds are out! Why they are taking another DT/DE is beyond me. I think they panicked! Sheldon Richardson - DT - Missouri
Panthers waste NO TIME in getting their card up. There must be someone they really really like. I'm thinking DT like Star Lotuleilei or Shariff Floyd.
14. Carolina - Panthers pick Lotuleilei...a scratch pick from a bunch of mock drafts.
15. New Orleans - Surprise pick by the Saints picking the top Safety on the board instead of a pass rusher. Kenny Vaccaro - S - Texas
What are the Bills going to do??? Schefter is saying it is QB - E.J. Manuel. Will he be the first QB off the board? That would be NUTS!
16. Buffalo (From St. Louis) - E.J. FREAKING Manuel. This is why the Bills suck! Taking the 3rd or 4th best QB with a 2nd round grade in the first. Sorry Bills Fans! E.J. Manuel - QB - Florida State
Steelers pick is in quick! They must really really like someone there!
17. Pittsburgh - The Steelers keep bringing in these young LBs to take over for the old LBs. Bye bye James Harrison, hello Mr. Jones. James Jones - OLB - Georgia
HOLY CRAP! 49ers trade up!
18. San Francisco (From Dallas) - This is a curious trade up. I could see a trade up for Shariff Floyd, but for this safety he could've been there at 31, or someone nearly as good. Needless to say I don't like this pick. Eric Reid - S - LSU
Giants are up and Shariff Floyd still on the board. G-Men love to pick up the d-line. Talking heads think it's Te'o.
19. New York Giants - G-Men surprise everyone! They go O-Line and not D-line. Keeping up the streak of not drafting a LB in the 1st round. Justin Pugh - T/G - Syracuse
Oh just in case anyone was wondering...Alice got home with the food around the Saints pick. MMMMM Chipotle!
20. Chicago - Wow, a little reach here for Da' Bears. I know they need help on the O-line but with a lot of defensive talent still on the board this is a little surprising. Kyle Long - G - Oregon
Bengals send the card in pretty quick. They could go a bunch of different ways. I doubt they take Floyd, or Eifert. They may go with a Safety like John Cyprien from FIU. I'm curious about what this pick is going to be.
21. Cincinnati - HEAD SCRATCHER! They have Jermaine Gresham already. While this pick is puzzling, it isn't a bad pick for Whodey nation. Tyler Eifert - TE - Notre Dame
Atlanta trades up with the Rams. The Rams get a 3rd and 6th plus the first round swap. This is either a CB or DE.
22. Atlanta (From St. Louis via Washington) - CB it is! I'm so smart, SMRT, I mean smart! Desmond Trufant - CB - Washington
Minnesota quick with the pick. Are we in Bust Zo...err Manti Te'o's fake girl...err Manti Te'o zone? Or do they go WR. It's one of those!
I'm loving the military salute! I'm super proud to be a Veteran! Next year let the Vets make the picks!
23. Minnesota - Shariff Floyd is FINALLY picked. I was wrong on my prognostication, but the second best D-Tackle is off the board. Shariff Floyd - DT - Florida
Teams are getting their picks in quick! Colts pick is in! I'll take another stab at guessing and say this is a CB.
24. Indianapolis - Wrong again! The Colts take the guy with the second best name in the draft. Could be a J.J. Watt type guy or a good 3-4 OLB pass rusher. Bjoern Werner - DE - Florida State
Alice would like the world to know the Vikings are STUPID! Also their pick is in.
25. Minnesota (from Seattle) - Two Florida State guys in a rowThey pick up a CB which is a huge need considering Antoine Winfield left. Again Alice thinks they are dumb. Xavier Rhoades - CB - Florida State
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Green Bay's pick is in! Picks are coming Fast and Furious. GO SEE FAST 6 by the way (c'mon you don't get cooler than a car crashing through an exploding plane!)
Quit talking Kiper!
26. Green Bay - Packers really liked this guy or so I heard(from ESPN). Alice did like she normally does with large black football players with the last name Jones and asked if we were related to him. I had to inform her that I was not black and we were not related. The disappointment on her face was very disheartening. Datone Jones - DT/DE - UCLA
My guess for Houston is a WR. Hopefully I don't strike out!
27. Houston - Whew. I hit a single. Houston gets their #2 WR. Many different WRs that could've gone, but Houston gets a burner. DeAndre Hopkins - WR - Clemson
Schefter just said the Vikings are trying to trade up for a BUST! Why give up so many picks for someone who doesn't seem like he'll pan out?
28. Denver - The Broncos make a pretty formidable defense a little better with a nice DT. Sylvester Williams - DT - UNC
And the Patriots take advantage of the weak minded Vikings and probably grab the rest of the Vikings draft picks because Bill Belicheat is that smart.
29. Vikings (From New England) - The most raw and second most explosive WR in the draft. Cordarelle Patterson - WR - Tennessee.
I think Frank Caliendo just took Gruden's spot for a moment. What kind of nonsense was he just babbling about?
3 picks left. Rams are up and the pick is in. I think it's Eddie Lacey from Alabama.
30. St. Louis (From Atlanta) - No RB! A really good LB though. STOP PICKING WELL! Alec Ogletree - LB - Georgia
Dallas has their pick in lickety split! They're going S, DT, or T. Bet on them.
31. Dallas (From San Francisco) - REACH!!!! This guy has a late 2nd, early 3rd round grade and he goes in the first? Jerry Jones needs to step down as GM. Travis Frederick - C - Wisconson
32. Baltimore - This pick came SUPER QUICK! Matt Elam - S - Florida
The first round went pretty quick, there were some real surprises (E.J. Manuel) and one very bad reach (Dallas). Thanks for keeping up everyone!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Don't pull off a BS Fantasy Football trade
Do not be a Mr. Bungle and try to pull off a ridiculous fantasy trade, or try to cheat at fantasy sports, that is just dumb. Here is an example of a bad trade
For some background, Rollin already has Adrian Peterson, so he is trying to form a super team, and the only conclusion I have is that these two teams are owned by the same person with two different espn accounts. This is now the third time I've seen this level of cheating on an ESPN fantasy league. DON'T BE A MR. BUNGLE!
Thank you!
For some background, Rollin already has Adrian Peterson, so he is trying to form a super team, and the only conclusion I have is that these two teams are owned by the same person with two different espn accounts. This is now the third time I've seen this level of cheating on an ESPN fantasy league. DON'T BE A MR. BUNGLE!
Thank you!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
2010 NFL Draft
Live up to date draft blog for the first round selections and my thoughts on each pick.
1 - Saint Louis Rams - As expected the Rams take Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma: Not sure if Bradford's conversion from the spread offense to a pro offense will go well and I would sit him for at least the first few weeks of the season. The Rams did need a QB though so it's a good pickup for them.
2 - Detroit Lions - The draft pundits are 2/2 so far. The Lions take Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska. This dude is just a beast in the middle. DT's going high haven't had the greatest track record but this guy looks for real.
Quick Tangent: I don't like when they show the players in the Green Room on the phone before the pick is in. It takes all the mystery out of who's going to be drafted in the respective spot.
3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - No surprises so far as the Bucs take Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma. Really a no brainer, the Bucs picked the best player available and they also fill a void that has been there since Warren Sapp left. If McCoy is 80% of the player Sapp was they Bucs will be very happy.
4 - Washington Redskins - A little surprise here as the Redskins go with Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma. Most draftniks had Russel Okung going here but this is definitely a good pick for the Redskins as they need a whole offensive line. Oh and I can't stand the Redskins...just sayin'.
5 - Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Berry, S Tennessee just gave it away when the camera was in the green room (see tangent above) and the Chiefs are selecting him. The Chiefs need so much I would've traded down to fill more holes. Here comes Seattle on the clock.
6 - Seattle Seahawks - Are drafting Russel Okung, OT Oklahoma State. I know this before the pick is in because he's on the phone and smiling. Walter Jones is DONE so this is a good pick by the Seahawks. Is it bad that I had to think about how to spell Seattle for about 2 minutes?
7 - Cleveland Browns - Browns have a lot of holes to fill and they could've gone in many different directions but as the green room camera has shown us the pick is Joe Haden, CB Florida. A really good pick, I wish Haden would've fallen to 13 to the 49ers.
8 - Oakland Raiders - Raiders put their pick in quick. They obviously had someone they wanted really bad and that person is: Rolando McClain, LB Alabama. This was the first surprise pick in the draft, then again this is the Raiders. I was hoping Jimmy Clausen would've gone here so the 49ers aren't tempted to take him.
9 - Buffalo Bills - If the Raiders were fast the Bills were in light speed. Surprise pick #2 has just happened and a real surprise as the Bills pick C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson. Marshawn Lynch is as good as gone now. I'm still baffled at the quickness of the pick and who they picked. Jags on the clock.
10 - Jacksonville Jaguars - Wow, the surprises just won't stop. The Jaguars select Tyson Alualu, DT Cal. I don't know much about the Jags but this seems like a big reach to me.
Trade Alert Broncos Trade the 11th pick to the 49ers
11 - San Francisco 49ers - Whew....the 49ers make the right pick in drafting Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers. Really scared they were going to take Clausen but that didn't happen. Mike Singletary and that front office is slowly regaining my trust. Hopefully they pass on him at 17 too. 49ers gave up #13 and their 4th rounder.
Trade Alert Dolphins Trade the 12th pick to the Chargers
12 - San Diego Chargers -Ryan Matthews, RB Fresno State is the pickup for the Chargers. I don't think the Chargers needed to trade up this far to get Matthews, they probably could have jumped up to 19 and taken him. San Diego gave up the 40th pick and a 4th rounder...Too much to give up.
Trade Alert Broncos Trade the 13th pick to the Eagles
13 - Philadelphia Eagles - Broncos trade down again, making this 3 trades in a row, as the Eagles trade up from 24 to 13. The Eagles select Brandon Grahm, DE Michigan. The Iggles were definitely getting old with their DE's. The pick makes sense, but proved all the ESPNers wrong as they all thought Earl Thomas S, Texas was going to be the pick. Iggles only gave up two 4ths plus the 24th pick, not too bad. Let's see if Trade-a-palooza continues.
14 - Seattle Seahawks - Seahawks select Earl Thomas, S Texas. They probably wished Eric Berry dropped to them at #6 but since that didn't happen and with Trade-a-palooza in front of them, they were able to get the second best safety in the draft. Pete Carroll is doing pretty good so far in his first draft.
15 - New York Giants - With the player the Giants presumably wanted gone (Rolando McClain) they select: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE South Florida. ESPN really needs to stop going to the green room. Pierre-Paul is the second best DE still on the board per Mel Kiper. I think this means that Osi is gone from the G-Men.
16 - Tennessee Titans - Well guess what happened again...ESPN showed the green room before the pick again. The Titans take Derrick Morgan, DE Georgia Tech. Titans needed a good DE and at number 16 got arguably the best DE in the draft. Not too shabby.
17 - San Francisco 49ers - Hopefully not Jimmy Clausen...YAY!!!!! They did the smart thing and didn't pick Clausen. The 49ers pick Mike Iupati, G Idaho, the 49ers have just solidified their offensive line, Frank Gore is going to get 2000 yards next year. Solid pick that shores up the entire o-line for the 49ers.
18 - Pittsburgh Steelers -No surprise here as the Steeler go with Maurkice Pouncey, G/C Florida. Everyone knew this is who the Steelers wanted and they got him. Solid pick.
19 - Atlanta Falcons - Sean Weatherspoon, LB Missouri is the pick here. The Falcons probably wanted a DE here but with the top 3 gone they go with their second biggest need which is OLB.
20 - Houston Texans - Their pick of Kareem Jackson, CB Alabama makes perfect sense. They lost Dunta Robinson to the Falcons in free agency. Kyle Wilson out of Boise State, was rated higher on Mel Kiper's list and I think probably more technically sound but Jackson seems to have more upside.
21 - Cincinnati Bengals - Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma. The Bengals were rolling out a bunch of dead guys at TE last year so this is a great pick for them. The first round is turning into the Oklahoma Sooners round as Gresham is the 4th Sooner taken.
Trade Alert Patriots Trade the 22nd pick to the Broncos
22 - Denver Broncos - Another surprise pick here, Demaryius Thomas, WR Georgia Tech. Thomas is the second rated WR on the board as Dez Bryant is still available. The Broncos swapped the 24th pick and the 4th rounder they received from the 49ers. Alice's team, The Packers are now on the clock.
23 - Green Bay Packers - The Green Bay Packers needed an OT and they got one of the top 4 OT's in Bryan Bulaga, OT Iowa. Bulaga has unexpectedly dropped and once was projected as a top 10 pick. Great pickup by the Packers.
Trade Alert Patriots Trade the 24th pick to the Cowboys
24 - Dallas Cowboys - Oh look the other team I don't care for at all. And once again, ESPN ruins the pick by broadcasting the celebration before the commish announces it. The pick is Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma. The Cowboys swapped 1st rounders with the Cowboys and picked up a 3rd rounder.
Trade Alert Ravens Trade the 25th pick to the Broncos
25 - Denver Broncos - WOW!!!!! Tim Tebow, QB Florida goes in the first round. Denver Broncos have Kyle Orton, and Brady Quinn and now Tebow. ESPN again ruins the pick before it is announced. I can't believe he went in the 1st round....crazy.
26 - Arizona Cardinals - The player the Cardinals hoped would fall to them did. Much like last year when they were targeting Beanie Wells, the right player with the right fit fell to them. That player this year is Dan Williams, DT Tennessee
27 - New England Patriots - No surprise as the Patriots go defense. Oh yes I must mention they are the third team I do not care for. Their selection, Devin McCourty, CB Rutgers. I'm quite surprised Kyle Wilson is still on the board.
28 - Miami Dolphins - After their multiple trade downs, the Dolphins select Jared Odrick, DT Penn State. Odrick projects more as a DE in the 3-4 defense. Good pick for the 'phins but they probably wanted Dan Williams who went two picks prior.
29 - New York Jets - J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS, just strengthened their secondary with the selection of Kyle Wilson, CB Boise State. Regarded as the second best CB in the draft, the Jets get him as the 4th corner and the 29th pick. Great pick for the Jets, the other teams in the AFC better watch out.
Trade Alert Vikings Trade the 30th pick to the Lions
30 - Detroit Lions - Once again the ESPN green room shows the pick before it is announced. The Lions selected Jahvid Best, RB Cal. The Lions were expected to pick Best with the second pick in the next round, they apparently got a little antsy. The Lions gave the Vikings their second round pick, a 4th and sixth rounder too.
31 - Indianapolis Colts - The Colts had two needs/wants with their first pick, either OT or DE. They got the best available DE and a monster from TCU in Jerry Hughes, DE TCU. Pretty good pickup for the Colts.
32 - New Orleans Saints - New Orleans pick up Patrick Robinson, CB Florida State. The Saints needed help on defense and got a CB. This means they'll probably move last year's #1 pick Malcolm Jenkins to FS to replace Darren Sharper.
Final thoughts from round 1:
There were a lot of trades and a lot of eye raising picks. Most of these trades were enacted by the Broncos and with Josh McDaniels being a Belichik disciple isn't surprising.
Head-scratcher pick of the round: #10 Tyson Alauau, DT to the Jaguars. Alauau was a fringe first rounder and the Jags took him at #10. Say good-bye to Jack Del Rio next year.
Surprising pick of the round: Tim Tebow at #25 to the Broncos. Tebow was the 4th rated QB and was the second selected.
Surprising player not drafted: Jimmy Clausen not being picked by ANYONE in the first round. Looks like the Bills will get Clausen in the second round, if they want.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time go get grumbling...
Ok, so it has been a while (almost 9 months) since my last blog, but I am coming back soon. You'll hear my thoughts on movies, the NFL, video games, tv shows and any other random thing I choose.
The next post will include pictures and a synopsis of being able to referee Kurt Warner's celebrity flag football tournament.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
UGH!!!!!!!!
I won't give anything away for anyone regarding this but, the newest Harry Potter movie was quite disappointing from my point of view. They added a very big scene that wasn't anywhere in the book and made no sense in the movie's context and missed so many crucial elements that 5 minutes of dialog (throughout the movie) would've fixed. So I'm giving this a big two thumbs down! If you haven't read the book then you'll probably enjoy it and I immensely enjoyed the first half or so of the movie but the second half ruined it for me. I was planning on seeing this at least one more time in theaters but now I'm not sure I even want to rent it when it comes out on DVD.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
One very good week
Well well well, not so much grumblings as this is going to be a super awesome week. First, I started going back to college online. I'm in two classes which I should do pretty well in. Second, we won both of our games on Monday night and I played pretty well. Third today (Tuesday) I have upgraded to HD from DirecTv and tonight I'm going to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince at the midnight opening show, which is the first midnight showing I've seen since Star Wars Episode III. I have high hopes for HPatHBP, I've only seen the first two previews for the movie and much to the wife's annoyance avoided seeing any other preview. Lastly, I'm on a staycation (vacation @home) from Tuesday to Monday during which time I will most likely see Harry Potter again. Oh and I'm going to force GameFly to send me NCAA football 2010, everytime I get a game from them, it is never the number one game I have in my queue, so now I'm only going to keep one game in my queue at a time...SUCK IT GAMEFLY!
Movie/TV shows
Recently I saw Bruno...DO NOT SEE IT. It had funny parts but overall was disturbing more than funny
Public Enemies - As with most Michael Mann directed movies I thought it was good but it just felt like there was something missing almost the entire movie. I can't really place what was missing, just felt like the film wasn't complete.
Merlin - A tv show about the famous Wizard as he grew to be famous...The first few episodes were BAD and the monsters they have are still Sci-Fi channel movie-esque but the series is getting better and better each week. Hopefully we can bring this BBC show to America full time, put some cash in it to give it better monsters, props and more realistic stages.
Well that's all for now, tune in for more grumbles.
Friday, May 29, 2009
It's been a while...Grumble time
Ok, here is the latest grumble, and this really is a grumble. So two weeks ago I'm out with my wife and we go to see Star Trek (a Warner Brothers Movie). I was hoping to see the newest trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Price with no such luck as that trailer was shown the next week with Ghosts of Girlfriends Past which the wife saw with her cousin. WTF?!?!? really, that trailer with a rom-com instead of a sci-fi movie, that just don't make no sense!!!!! Anyway back to the main point. The big trailers shown with Star Trek on opening weekend were Transformers 2 (jizzed in my pants again), and G.I. Joe. I can forgive the fact that they made G.I. Joe international, but those "super suits" they looked downright horrendous. I know they were in the comic book but they were not in the cartoon which is what most fans cared about. I really hope they don't F this movie up more than what I've seen. After seeing that trailer I couldn't get into Star Trek and fully enjoy the awesomeness of it. The lingering disappointment of the trailer has stayed with me since. Grumble complete.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Draft Hits and misses
Ok, so the first round of the draft happened Saturday. Let's take a look at how I did. This will be short and sweet. I will look at how many direct hits I had and how many "correct" first rounders I had (correct meaning if the person I picked was in taken in the first round but not at the pick I stated). Oh and we'll go over whom I missed on. Off we go!
Direct hits: 5 (Stafford at 1, Jenkins at 14, Cushing at 15, Nicks at 29 and Wells at 31) We could almost count Freeman at 17 because that's where he was drafted just not by the team I projected.
Correct 1st round picks: 27
Misses: Rey Maualuga, Everette Brown, Ebon Britton, Darius Butler, Alphonso Smith
Direct hits: 5 (Stafford at 1, Jenkins at 14, Cushing at 15, Nicks at 29 and Wells at 31) We could almost count Freeman at 17 because that's where he was drafted just not by the team I projected.
Correct 1st round picks: 27
Misses: Rey Maualuga, Everette Brown, Ebon Britton, Darius Butler, Alphonso Smith
Friday, April 24, 2009
Draft day is neigh upon us...
Just two hours until draft day here in AZ. I'm very excited and sad also because after the draft and post draft week, all will be quiet on the football front until at least mid July. Let's hope for a fun and exciting draft!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
TC's 1st Round Mock Draft
Well with the NFL Draft rapidly approaching and everyone doing mock drafts, I thought why the hell not and do one my self! So let's go ahead and to this with my first mock draft ever!
And with the first pick...
The Detroit Lions select Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia - This will be the pick but I think Stafford's going to be a bust. I have no evidence to back that up other than the multiple stupid throws he made in college and his completion percentage which was 58% (Draft experts say for a college QB to be successful they need to complete at least 60% of their passes).
2. St. Louis Rams select Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech - The first surprise of the draft happens with this pick as the Rams who have been projected to take a tackle with this pick take the best WR and shocks the draft world.
3. Kansas City Chiefs select Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest - Yawn...the expected pick for the Chiefs.
4. Seattle Seahawks select Jason Smith, OT Baylor - I'm sure the Seahawks would rather have Crabtree or Curry but in this scenario where both are off the board they'll take the best available tackle.
5. Cleveland Browns select B.J. Raji, DT Boston College - With Crabtree off the board the Brownies take the best available defensive player which is Raji.
6. Cincinnati Bengals select Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia - The Bungals need help everywhere as usual and would probably want Raji if available, but protecting Carson Palmer has to be a priority too. Brian Orakpo could be the pick here as well.
7. Oakland Raiders select Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri - Al Davis loves speed. Nuff said.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars select Mark Sanchez, QB USC- They're trading out of this spot either with the Redskins or the Broncos but since that will happen on draft day I'm just putting the player that is most likely to be picked in this spot. IF the Jags keep the pick I say they pick up Brian Orakpo.
9. Green Bay Packers select Tyson Jackson, DE LSU - This will be the second BIG surprise of the draft as this is a little high for Jackson but with GB switching to a 3-4 and not having 3-4 personnel it just makes too much sense to draft the best 5 technique DE.
10. San Francisco 49ers select Andre Smith, OT Alabama - The 49ers need a RT, they think they have the right linebackers for their 3-4 so they'll take a chance with Smith at 10.
11. Buffalo Bills select Brian Orakpo, DE Texas - The Bills acquired an extra first round pick in the Jason Peters trade so this could easily be the pick for Michael Oher, but as they had zero pass rush last year and a top 7 talent in Orakapo falls to them, they'll take the pass rusher and look for O-line help later in the draft.
12. Denver Broncos select Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn State - The Broncos are switching to a 3-4 this year as well and were aggressive in FA finding personnel to fit the system but they will still need pass rushers and Maybin is the best currently on the board. Of course the Jags could be picking in this spot if the Broncos package the #12 pick to move up to 8.
13. Washington Redskins select Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee - If the Redskins don't move up they will either select the best available pass rusher or OT. I think OT is a little deeper in this draft so they go with the pass rusher on this pick.
14. New Orleans Saints select Malcom Jenkins, CB Ohio State - The Saints have needed help in thier secondary for about EVER. They take a step to solving that by taking the versatile Jenkins.
15. Houston Texans select Brian Cushing, OLB USC - This is a tough one, as I could see them taking Michael Oher here as well to help protect Matt Schaub who has been beaten up, but I think they go LB here to upgrade their front 7.
16. San Diego Chargers select Rey Maualuga, ILB USC - With no glaring needs to fill the Chargers take Maualuga to team with Stephen Cooper on the inside. Maualuga and Shawn Merrimen should become a very fearsome duo for the Chargers.
17. New York Jets select Josh Freeman QB, Kansas State - The Jets need a QB of the future, and Freeman's big arm should do well in the gusty Meadowlands.
18. Denever Broncos select Everette Brown DE, FSU - See the comments from pick #12.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Darrius Heyward-Bay WR, Maryland. The Bucs picked up Byron Leftwhich to let Josh Johnson develop a little longer but both QBs will need someone to throw to and Heyward-Bey is the best option at this point.
20. Detroit Lions select Michael Oher OT, Mississippi - The Lions get lucky and have the 4th best OT in the draft fall to them at 20. They have thier QB, now they will have the guy protecting his blindside for the next 8-10 years.
21. Philadelphia Eagles select Knowshown Moreno RB, Georgia - The Eagles pick up the best All around back and future replacement for Brian Westbrook. This pick could be traded to the Cardinals for Anquan Boldin in which case I believe the pick becomes Beanie Wells.
22. Minnesota Vikings select Ebon Britton OT, Arizona - RT is a pressing need for the Vikings, they could also use a WR but they can be attained later on. Don't rule out Peria Jerry here also since the Vikes might be without the Williams wall and the fact that Fat Pat is getting up there.
23. New England Patriots select Clay Matthews LB, USC - The Pats need younger LBs and they will love Matthews versatility and bloodlines.
24. Atlanta Falcons select Vontae Davis CB, Illinois - The Falcons lost Dominique Foxworth in the offseason and need help upgrading thier defense on pretty much every level. Davis needs to be more consistant but is the best defensive player available at this point.
25. Miami Dolphins select Larry English DE/OLB, Northern Illinois - Bill Parcells will like the versatility and pass rush ability of English and while I think it may be a bit of a reach the Dolphins won't have a player of this caliber available when the pick next.
26. Baltimore Ravens select Percy Harvin WR, Florida - The Ravens need a playmaker and gamebreaker for Joe Flacco and Harvin is that guy and a perfect fit since Ray Lewis will help keep Harvins attitude in check. This pick could be going to the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan Boldin so that is something to lookout for as well.
27. Indianapolis Colts select Peria Jerry DT, Mississippi - The Colts need bigger bodies to help stop the run and Jerry is a good fit for thier system as a 1-gap penetrator.
28. Buffalo Bills select Brandon Pettigrew TE, Oklahoma State - The Bills have T.O. and need a safety valve for Trent Edwards. Pettigrew is the most polished route runner and blocker of all the TEs and makes sense for Buffalo since they were probably considering him with the 11th pick. Getting Pettigrew at 28 is just good value.
29. New York Giants select Hakeem Nicks WR, North Carolina - Nicks is a tall, fluid and polished route runner the perfect replacement for Plaxico Burres for Eli and the G-Men. Also note that this pick could be traded to Arizona for Anquan Boldin or the Cleveland for Bryalon Edwards.
30. Tennessee Titans select Darius Butler CB, UConn - The Titans need to replace Nick Harper and I think Butler is the pick. The Titans could also go with Alphonso Smith out of wake but I think they'll like Butler's size a bit more.
31. Arizona Cardinals select Chris "Beanie" Wells RB, Ohio State - The Cardinals would be ecstatic if arguably the best back in the draft fell to them at 31. Wells could be the pick a few spots earlier if they make a trade with one of the aforementioned teams which would make this pick a best defensive player available in which case I would give them James Laurinaitis.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers select Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forest - A semi surprise pick as most experts have the Steelers taking a center. I think they look to replace Bryant McFadden here and look at Antoine Caldwell out of Alabama in the second round.
And with the first pick...
The Detroit Lions select Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia - This will be the pick but I think Stafford's going to be a bust. I have no evidence to back that up other than the multiple stupid throws he made in college and his completion percentage which was 58% (Draft experts say for a college QB to be successful they need to complete at least 60% of their passes).
2. St. Louis Rams select Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech - The first surprise of the draft happens with this pick as the Rams who have been projected to take a tackle with this pick take the best WR and shocks the draft world.
3. Kansas City Chiefs select Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest - Yawn...the expected pick for the Chiefs.
4. Seattle Seahawks select Jason Smith, OT Baylor - I'm sure the Seahawks would rather have Crabtree or Curry but in this scenario where both are off the board they'll take the best available tackle.
5. Cleveland Browns select B.J. Raji, DT Boston College - With Crabtree off the board the Brownies take the best available defensive player which is Raji.
6. Cincinnati Bengals select Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia - The Bungals need help everywhere as usual and would probably want Raji if available, but protecting Carson Palmer has to be a priority too. Brian Orakpo could be the pick here as well.
7. Oakland Raiders select Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri - Al Davis loves speed. Nuff said.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars select Mark Sanchez, QB USC- They're trading out of this spot either with the Redskins or the Broncos but since that will happen on draft day I'm just putting the player that is most likely to be picked in this spot. IF the Jags keep the pick I say they pick up Brian Orakpo.
9. Green Bay Packers select Tyson Jackson, DE LSU - This will be the second BIG surprise of the draft as this is a little high for Jackson but with GB switching to a 3-4 and not having 3-4 personnel it just makes too much sense to draft the best 5 technique DE.
10. San Francisco 49ers select Andre Smith, OT Alabama - The 49ers need a RT, they think they have the right linebackers for their 3-4 so they'll take a chance with Smith at 10.
11. Buffalo Bills select Brian Orakpo, DE Texas - The Bills acquired an extra first round pick in the Jason Peters trade so this could easily be the pick for Michael Oher, but as they had zero pass rush last year and a top 7 talent in Orakapo falls to them, they'll take the pass rusher and look for O-line help later in the draft.
12. Denver Broncos select Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn State - The Broncos are switching to a 3-4 this year as well and were aggressive in FA finding personnel to fit the system but they will still need pass rushers and Maybin is the best currently on the board. Of course the Jags could be picking in this spot if the Broncos package the #12 pick to move up to 8.
13. Washington Redskins select Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee - If the Redskins don't move up they will either select the best available pass rusher or OT. I think OT is a little deeper in this draft so they go with the pass rusher on this pick.
14. New Orleans Saints select Malcom Jenkins, CB Ohio State - The Saints have needed help in thier secondary for about EVER. They take a step to solving that by taking the versatile Jenkins.
15. Houston Texans select Brian Cushing, OLB USC - This is a tough one, as I could see them taking Michael Oher here as well to help protect Matt Schaub who has been beaten up, but I think they go LB here to upgrade their front 7.
16. San Diego Chargers select Rey Maualuga, ILB USC - With no glaring needs to fill the Chargers take Maualuga to team with Stephen Cooper on the inside. Maualuga and Shawn Merrimen should become a very fearsome duo for the Chargers.
17. New York Jets select Josh Freeman QB, Kansas State - The Jets need a QB of the future, and Freeman's big arm should do well in the gusty Meadowlands.
18. Denever Broncos select Everette Brown DE, FSU - See the comments from pick #12.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Darrius Heyward-Bay WR, Maryland. The Bucs picked up Byron Leftwhich to let Josh Johnson develop a little longer but both QBs will need someone to throw to and Heyward-Bey is the best option at this point.
20. Detroit Lions select Michael Oher OT, Mississippi - The Lions get lucky and have the 4th best OT in the draft fall to them at 20. They have thier QB, now they will have the guy protecting his blindside for the next 8-10 years.
21. Philadelphia Eagles select Knowshown Moreno RB, Georgia - The Eagles pick up the best All around back and future replacement for Brian Westbrook. This pick could be traded to the Cardinals for Anquan Boldin in which case I believe the pick becomes Beanie Wells.
22. Minnesota Vikings select Ebon Britton OT, Arizona - RT is a pressing need for the Vikings, they could also use a WR but they can be attained later on. Don't rule out Peria Jerry here also since the Vikes might be without the Williams wall and the fact that Fat Pat is getting up there.
23. New England Patriots select Clay Matthews LB, USC - The Pats need younger LBs and they will love Matthews versatility and bloodlines.
24. Atlanta Falcons select Vontae Davis CB, Illinois - The Falcons lost Dominique Foxworth in the offseason and need help upgrading thier defense on pretty much every level. Davis needs to be more consistant but is the best defensive player available at this point.
25. Miami Dolphins select Larry English DE/OLB, Northern Illinois - Bill Parcells will like the versatility and pass rush ability of English and while I think it may be a bit of a reach the Dolphins won't have a player of this caliber available when the pick next.
26. Baltimore Ravens select Percy Harvin WR, Florida - The Ravens need a playmaker and gamebreaker for Joe Flacco and Harvin is that guy and a perfect fit since Ray Lewis will help keep Harvins attitude in check. This pick could be going to the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan Boldin so that is something to lookout for as well.
27. Indianapolis Colts select Peria Jerry DT, Mississippi - The Colts need bigger bodies to help stop the run and Jerry is a good fit for thier system as a 1-gap penetrator.
28. Buffalo Bills select Brandon Pettigrew TE, Oklahoma State - The Bills have T.O. and need a safety valve for Trent Edwards. Pettigrew is the most polished route runner and blocker of all the TEs and makes sense for Buffalo since they were probably considering him with the 11th pick. Getting Pettigrew at 28 is just good value.
29. New York Giants select Hakeem Nicks WR, North Carolina - Nicks is a tall, fluid and polished route runner the perfect replacement for Plaxico Burres for Eli and the G-Men. Also note that this pick could be traded to Arizona for Anquan Boldin or the Cleveland for Bryalon Edwards.
30. Tennessee Titans select Darius Butler CB, UConn - The Titans need to replace Nick Harper and I think Butler is the pick. The Titans could also go with Alphonso Smith out of wake but I think they'll like Butler's size a bit more.
31. Arizona Cardinals select Chris "Beanie" Wells RB, Ohio State - The Cardinals would be ecstatic if arguably the best back in the draft fell to them at 31. Wells could be the pick a few spots earlier if they make a trade with one of the aforementioned teams which would make this pick a best defensive player available in which case I would give them James Laurinaitis.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers select Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forest - A semi surprise pick as most experts have the Steelers taking a center. I think they look to replace Bryant McFadden here and look at Antoine Caldwell out of Alabama in the second round.
Redemption? More like Utter Domination...
Ok, I have to toot my own horn, or should I say my 4 on 4 flag football team's horn. I'll be the first to admit we play in the rec division for Fast Action Sports in Phoenix, but we killed the teams we just played. Our team name is Redemption but I'm thinking we should change it to Utter Domination since we rolled our opponents with a combined total score of 96-21. You don't get much better than that. Now let's hope we keep up the momentum through the rest of the season.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
That don't make no sense! Wait maybe it does...
Well as everyone is aware (or should be) the NFL Draft starts in a week. Most experts do not predict any team to trade up to the #1 or anywhere among the top 5. I agree that it's probably not going to happen but it's fun to play the 'What if' game. So, let's do that now...
First we'll need our handy dandy NFL draft trade value guide We will need to check the values and for space, time and value purposes I'm going to limit this for the first 5 picks:
1 - 3000 Lions
2 - 2600 Rams
3 - 2200 Chiefs
4 - 1800 Seahawks
5 - 1700 Browns
Let's analzye for a moment the teams among the top 5 and whether they are likely to trade up for the #1 pick.
Rams - Rebuilding and no way they would give up the extra picks/players necessary.
Chiefs - Same as Rams.
Seahawks - No glaring needs can take best player available
Browns - Have 2 starting potential QBs with a New GM and coach who may want to shake things up.
So here is my trade scenario:
The Cleveland Browns trade the 5th, and 51st pick (2090 points per the trade value chart) and Brady Quinn to the Detroit Lions for the 1st and 129th selection(3043 points).
So I am valuing Brady Quinn as a mid 1st round pick (about 900 points) which is what he was.
Why this trade works? It gives the Browns thier pick of any draft choice (probably Matt Stafford) they solve their QB problem by letting Stafford sit behind Derrick Anderson. The Lions also solve their QB quest, with a QB who can come in and start tomorrow and still get a top 5 Pick to address a critical need (OT/DT/DE/LB) and won't need to feel the pressure of bringing along a rookie QB.
This solves problems and has major value for both teams and I don't see why this shouldn't happen but likely won't.
First we'll need our handy dandy NFL draft trade value guide We will need to check the values and for space, time and value purposes I'm going to limit this for the first 5 picks:
1 - 3000 Lions
2 - 2600 Rams
3 - 2200 Chiefs
4 - 1800 Seahawks
5 - 1700 Browns
Let's analzye for a moment the teams among the top 5 and whether they are likely to trade up for the #1 pick.
Rams - Rebuilding and no way they would give up the extra picks/players necessary.
Chiefs - Same as Rams.
Seahawks - No glaring needs can take best player available
Browns - Have 2 starting potential QBs with a New GM and coach who may want to shake things up.
So here is my trade scenario:
The Cleveland Browns trade the 5th, and 51st pick (2090 points per the trade value chart) and Brady Quinn to the Detroit Lions for the 1st and 129th selection(3043 points).
So I am valuing Brady Quinn as a mid 1st round pick (about 900 points) which is what he was.
Why this trade works? It gives the Browns thier pick of any draft choice (probably Matt Stafford) they solve their QB problem by letting Stafford sit behind Derrick Anderson. The Lions also solve their QB quest, with a QB who can come in and start tomorrow and still get a top 5 Pick to address a critical need (OT/DT/DE/LB) and won't need to feel the pressure of bringing along a rookie QB.
This solves problems and has major value for both teams and I don't see why this shouldn't happen but likely won't.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Legend of Trashcan
So I'm sure people will be asking...Why the hell is your nickname Trashcan??? Were you picked on as a child? Were you thrown into dumpsters as a kid? What's the deal?
Well here's the deal...Yes, I was picked on as a kid, I was a short scrawny, goofy looking red headed kid, what were the other kids going to do BUT pick on me? Freshman year in HS some seniors did try to pick me up and throw me into garbage cans or hang me from hooks (I was 4'11 and weighed 80 lbs. I was like a toy to them) lucky for me those who tried were idiots and never succeeded.
So how did I get this nickname? Well it starts with me moving to the Phoenix area and wanting to meet some people who I could eventually hangout with and become friends with. So I signed up for a local intramural flag football league. I got a call one day and was told to show up for practice and tryout for a team. I went everything went fine and was asked to come back the next week for another practice.
Second practice, we are nearing the end, and the play call was Red, 8, 6, 4. I was running the 8, a flag pattern. The ball was snapped, I start my pattern and give a beautiful shoulder fake to get separation from the safety as I start my cut, the ball was thrown perfectly over my outside shoulder. I looked the ball into my hands secured the catch then looked forward and KABOOM!!! I completely blow up one of those 50 gallon steel garbage cans, I go flying, trash goes flying and I hit the ground. People think I'm dead, then I put my arm up, still holding the ball knee bruised and bloody and thus began the legend of Trashcan!
Well here's the deal...Yes, I was picked on as a kid, I was a short scrawny, goofy looking red headed kid, what were the other kids going to do BUT pick on me? Freshman year in HS some seniors did try to pick me up and throw me into garbage cans or hang me from hooks (I was 4'11 and weighed 80 lbs. I was like a toy to them) lucky for me those who tried were idiots and never succeeded.
So how did I get this nickname? Well it starts with me moving to the Phoenix area and wanting to meet some people who I could eventually hangout with and become friends with. So I signed up for a local intramural flag football league. I got a call one day and was told to show up for practice and tryout for a team. I went everything went fine and was asked to come back the next week for another practice.
Second practice, we are nearing the end, and the play call was Red, 8, 6, 4. I was running the 8, a flag pattern. The ball was snapped, I start my pattern and give a beautiful shoulder fake to get separation from the safety as I start my cut, the ball was thrown perfectly over my outside shoulder. I looked the ball into my hands secured the catch then looked forward and KABOOM!!! I completely blow up one of those 50 gallon steel garbage cans, I go flying, trash goes flying and I hit the ground. People think I'm dead, then I put my arm up, still holding the ball knee bruised and bloody and thus began the legend of Trashcan!
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