NFL Draft Recap

The NFL draft, the NFL activity for awhile, has come and gone. Here are my 5 thoughts on the matter

1. This is an even harder draft to judge the normal given the inability to know how free agency will affect teams. What holes will team have due to free agency and which holes will be filled by free agency? Without knowing it's particularly hard to say which team is well positioned for next year.

2. One of the more baffling picks was the Ryan Mallet to New England. Yes there was value there but given Brady's new contract...what's the object of this selection outside of getting a good player.

3. I have to give a tip of the cap to the Browns' GM Tom Heckert for picking up the draft picks they did from Atlanta. Analysts that like quality over quantity gave Atlanta high marks but even Julio Jones turns into a star he isn't going to improve a defense that was slashed and burned by the Packers last year. I think it's a risky at best and stupid at worst move by the Falcons.

4. I honestly think none of the QBs selected in the first round will amount to anything. All seem to have serious shortcomings but it does go to show teams' desperations that they would throw huge amounts of money and high picks at such questionable talents.

5. I was impressed by both New Orleans and the Green Bay's picks. Solid players, hit needs, didn't give up picks for next year. Well done....


Your thoughts?

Mock Draft 2011: It's mocktastic

1. CAR - DT Marcell Dareus - Alabama - I'm going with an upset here... because I don't believe in Cam Newton. #1 pick money should be on more of a sure thing. I'm still in shock and awe over Newton's meteoric rise to the top. Honestly, I feel like he's more unpolished and represents more risk than a lot of other players. He only played one year and his mechanics are just strange. I think the Panthers aren't giving up yet on Clausen. Also, Dareus seems less risky just because of his size and speed, and since he's not a QB, it's not like he has to learn how to read a defense and how to throw different types of balls (like Newton does).

2. Denver - LB Von Miller, Texas A&M - Isn't this guy a professional skier? Oh wait, that's Lindsey Vonn. But seriously, I guess Denver just takes the best available pick. They will be very upset if Dareus is taken #1, since they have a need for Defensive linemen.

3. Buffalo - QB Cam Newton - The Bill suddenly find themselves being able to take Cam Newton, and gladly take the high-risk high-reward gamble, but at #3, not at #1.

4. Cincy - WR AJ Green, Georgia - The Bungles get a WR, as TO is leaving and Ocho Cinco is old. Seems pretty easy. Granted, the Bengals usually find a way to get the most messed up person in the draft and shocking everyone. So, if they shock everyone, I think it would be to grab the next QB, Blaine Gabbert out of Missouri.

5. Arizona - CB Patrick Peterson, LSU - This guy is supposed to be a stud, an immediate starter. The Cardinals just do it.

6. Tennessee (trade with Cleveland) - QB Blaine Gabbert, Missouri - The Titans outbid Washington, San Fran, and Minnesota to get Blaine Gabbert...

7. San Fran -CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska - He actually is a Prince. Or at least that's what this article claims - that he is the "first son of a chief."

8. Cleveland - DE Robert Quinn, UNC - The Browns have a much bigger need in the front 7 than they do at WR. Oh wait, they are all needs in Cleveland! However, I think finding some big bodies up front will be more important to them at this point and they will find offensive weapons later on (I hope?).

9. Dallas - T Tyron Smith, USC -The Cowboys continually work on their offense.

10. Washington - DT Nick Fairley, Auburn - Of course the guy with more character issues goes to Washington, because that's where questionable people would get picked!

11. Houston - DE Da'quan Bowers, Clemson - There are questions about his knee, which have made his draft status fall, but I think Houston will realize that this is a great value at this pick and gladly take him (and they wait until later to grab a QB).

12. Minnesota -QB Jake Locker, Washington - Sometimes... need trumps everything else. The Vikings QB situation has been volatile, because they had the man-who-should-not-be-named-who-"allegedly"-sends-pictures-of-his-genatalia-via-his-cell-phone, so the Vikings reach way down, and grab Locker.

13. Detroit -WR Julio Jones, Alabama - To honor the long-standing tradition, Detroit decides to kick it old school and draft another WR in the 1st round! No, I'm just kidding. The Lions take Anthony Coastonzo, OT Boston College. That way we can make Costanzo! jokes all season long when he screws up or pretends to sleep underneath his desk during a film session.

14. St. Louis - WR Julio Jones, Alabama - The Rams made do last year on 4th and 5th string WRs, but I'm sure they'd rather prefer to get some more talent around Sam Bradford. Interestingly, NFL.com says the Rams are interested in trading up for Julio Jones, but draftcountdown.com says that the Rams hate Julio Jones, his workout, and his entire family. I have no idea what the truth is. As the X-files says, "trust no one."

15. Miami - DE Aldon Smith, Missouri - This guy is supposedly shooting up the board!

16. Jacksonville -DE Cameron Jordan, California - I don't know why, but it sounds like this guy belongs in some kind of boy band.

17. New England - DE JJ Watt, Wisconsin - The Patriots just beef up the line... or they trade the pick away as they typically do to gather more 3rd rounders.

Other interesting picks...

28. New England - RB Mark Ingram, Alabama - The Pats stop the free-fall, and grab the Heisman winner.
2nd round, Carolina- QB Dalton, TCU - He has red hair. I can't think of any other red-headed QBs.
2nd round, Cincy - QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas - He is immobile. I think it's really difficult to succeed in the NFL as a QB without some marginal amount of mobility.
2nd round, Washington - QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada - I don't know who he is, but the Redskins need a QB, and this guy is 6'5", and rated right behind Dalton, so I guess it's this guy!
2nd round, San Francisco - QB Christian Ponder, Florida St - I guess it's the best available QB????

Mighty NFL Draft Thoughts

The biggest objection I think I have to to the draft (outside of Jon Gruden talking...why?) is post draft grade. I'm not sure where the A-F grade for NFL drafts came from but it's generally... well unhelpful. Columnist never state what the grades mean, how they arrive at their conclusions, or what. 90% of the time I think it's just seeing the name of the team (oh it's the Ravens of course they did well). If the Browns had drafted an OLB with knee problems and a NT that could only be on the field for 20 snaps in college they'd have been panned. Not to say the Ravens had an awful draft (I have no idea) but Ozzie Newsom'e track record gives them the benefit of the doubt in the grade...which makes grading a silly proposition as then before the draft starts I can give the good team's As and the bad teams Fs. Or oomplas or whatever the grade is.

That said....

I liked Seattle's draft. They filled needs, got players that produced on the field, and even leveraged extra picks for veterans. Sure it helped that Seattle had a ton of extra picks which makes it pretty easy to do well but hey that's how it goes...

NY Jets.... The only move I noticed (and cared about) was the addition of Kyle Wilson. The Browns' considered talking him at 7 as he's one of the top CBs in the draft. Adding him to Revis and off-season pick up (Cromartie) makes the Jets secondary as good as it gets in the NFL. This should make their pass rush all the more fearsome.

The obvious team on the didn't like side is the Jags who reached in the first round. The other team I think might be in trouble was San Diego. They mortgaged a number of picks to take Ryan Mathews...a larger back to complement Sproles. However there's a number of doubts on Matthews and I'm always umm...skeptical about First Round running backs given their assumed short playing span.

So what's everyone else's take?

Mighty Mailbag : NFL Draft 3/30

With a little more than 3 weeks to go until the NFL Draft (now for 3 whole days!) a few question and answers. Unfortunately I have to kind of answer my own mail due to economic cutbacks in the mail department.....


Who Will Be the #1 Pick?
The Rams, short a huge change, are going to draft QB Sam Bradford (of OU/Cherokee Nation) Bradford has fully healed from his injuries and his Pro Day has people buzzing. It's hard not to take a QB at #1 and with new ownership the Rams will look for a new face for the franchise.

What About the Other QBs?
Good question. Jimmy Claussen will probably be taken in the top 10 (best guess #4 to Washington). After Claussen there might be a loong wait till the next QB is taken. Colt McCoy is a probable 2nd pick with Tony Pike/Dan Levour (Central Michigan) in the 3rd-4rth round. It's a pretty sparse year for the QB position.

Ok ....Tebow?
Tebow is expected to go anywhere from #15 to sometime in the 3rd round. All bits of quantifiable data/eyes point to the fact that Tebow is at best a big project. However Tebow has hype and athleticism (anyone really want to say the NFL never drafts on upside?). I assume ESPN will have Tebow vision up and running starting mid first round as no one is sure when he'll get picked.

So what is good about this Draft?
Oddly it's a very deep draft at non-skill positions. Offensive/defensive lines and linebacker are supposed to have great value all throughout the draft.

Movers and Shakers?
The prime possible mover might be the Eagles who have been dangling Donovan Mcnabb for a top 40 pick - such a move would reshape the NFC. The Browns have squirreled away 12 picks (3 3s and 3 5s) and could easily trade up. Likewise given the depth look for teams to trade down (ahem Patriots).


As always please feel free to send questions as I'll answer them in next week's mailbag. Assuming we still have a research department....

NFL Draft, NBA Playoffs - All for One Price

Well it was a busy sports weekend lots of happenings, non-happenings, and possible happenings depending on one's perspective. Here's a quick few thoughts

NFL Draft
I finally realized what The NFL Draft on ESPN reminded me of...salmon. Salmon swimming upstream. Salmon, mindlessly driven by some basic instinct and follow their genetic destiny upstream. While Herm Edwards was wearing a suit as opposed to an emblem while he made his incoherent rants and Todd Mcshay seemed to be on the verge of crying (possible due to the fact that Kiper killed his prize horse) it was an NFL Draft by the numbers. Belichek traded down (possibly with the belief that with enough 2nd round picks he could get better A/V equipment), the Bengals drafted talented but "misunderstood" players, Belichek discples blew up their teams (thank you Josh Mcdaniels for making the AFC West even more of a joke), and the Browns put a premium on loyalty over talent (13% of the current Browns players were backups for the Jets last year...yeah that's going to work). And much like spawning salmon, reporters/GMs performed the yearly circle jerk (X team is ecstatic over their draft).

NBA Playoffs
Most Dominating/Most Disappointing Series
The Cavs simply annihiliated the Pistons. An average margin of victory of 15.5 points over 4 games is simply unheard of in the playoffs. While props fall on Lebron with a historically well rounded performance or Joe Smith out of nowhere offensive explosion its hard not to point that the Pistons simply quit at the end.A sad ending to an impressive run for the once mighty Pistons

Most surprising Domination
I might be jumping the gun but hats off to Houston. Portland Houston had the makings of a close balanced series but it really hasn't been. Houston has simply been better. They've been better because nobody can stop Yao. While Dwight Howard gets the accolades (and deservedly so) its distinctly possible that it is Yao is the most dominating offensive big man in the game today.

Most surprising lack of domination
Orlando - Philly. I expected a red hot Chicago to give an aging KG-less Celtics fits. Philly putting Orlando through the ringer? Didn't have that. Philly barely eeked into the 6th spot and never seemed to be near greatness. Orlando? Orlando was one of the top teams in the league all year. Yes there's a few injuries but nothing preventing their players from playing. Nothing that would explain why the aging Andre Miller is owning Orlando. Or why outside of Howard there's very little in the way of defense or offense for the Magic.

Mock Draft 2009 - Who's Your Favorite Steve Smith?

1. Detroit - Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia - Did anyone else see the highlights of Stafford destroying large plates by slinging footballs at them on Jimmy Fallon's late night TV show? That's so silly. I'm assuming almost anyone could do that. If I was running a late-night TV show, I would have them play Tecmo Bowl and show everyone how my guest can throw an 80-yard pass.

2. St. Louis - Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia - The Rams need lots of help and are assumed to just want one of the top O-linemen.

3. Kansas City - Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest- I have no idea who the Chiefs want, I just know that Curry is supposed to be an amazing talent.

4. Seattle - Jason Smith, OT Baylor- Replacing Matt Hasselbeck seems like a smart idea. Granted, I really like backup QB Seneca Wallace. So, I think the Seahawks just grab an O-lineman to help rebuild what once was a great line.

5. Cleveland - Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas - People think the Browns may take a WR here because the Browns may trade Braylon Edwards. I'm in the minority on this in Cleveland because I have little interest in trading Braylon Edwards, unless they are getting at least a 1st round pick in return. My belief is that last season is as bad as it gets, and if he drops half as many balls, Braylon will have 1200 yards easy every season. One of the main rumors is that Braylon will be traded to the Giants for either Domenick Hixon or Steve Smith (the one from USC) AND some draft picks. How do I feel about Steve Smith? I'm not too high on him. Here's how I rank various Steve Smiths and their value for the Cleveland Browns:

(7) Steve Smith, former fullback for the Raiders - He hasn't played since 1995, so it probably wouldn't be a good selection.
(6) Steve Smith, former hockey player, Defenseman on the Chicago Blackhawks in NHL '94 - Steve Smith was just okay at hockey, but he was tough and the Browns could use some toughness. I really liked using the Blackhawks in NHL '94, meaning I've probably spent more time with him than most members of my family.
(5) Steve Smith, WR NY Giants - His stats are just pedestrian so far, though he was awesome at USC. Granted, he's been playing behind a lot of different people on the Giants.
(4) Steve Smith, 14-year old son on the animated show American Dad - It appears likely that this awkward teenager knows Morse code, which could help the Browns send in plays during the season.
(3) Steve Smith, 19-year old cricketeer from Australia - He is an "all-rounder" which apparently means he is good at being a batsman and a bowler, which apparently means he can pitch, which apparently means he has arm strength. I'm guessing the Browns could convert this kid into an excellent QB, and by excellent I mean he could have a better QB rating than Charlie Frye's 72.
(2) Steve Smith, former Michigan State Spartan and NBA player (mainly Miami, Atlanta, Portland, and San Antonio) - I was always a big fan of Steve Smith, though his stats won't impress much. He somehow made Dream Team II ! He could do some solid PR work for the Browns, because currently, the PR department could use some top talent after last year's debacles with Winslow's staph infection and the GM trading emails with fans that included the F-word.
(1) Steve Smith, WR Carolina Panthers - Obviously the best Steve Smith WR. He's consistently a top-5 receiver. There's probably no way to get him.

6. Cincinnati - Andre Smith, OT Alabama- The Bengals line has been a train wreck. Literally. Of course, they could also draft a WR, but those are easier to find than starting linemen.

7. Oakland - Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech - The Raiders grab a top wideout, because they love taking flashy offensive talents in the 1st round (QB Russell, RB Darren McFadden, K Sebastian Janikowski, QB Todd Marinovich).

8. Jacksonville (forecast: trade to Washington) - Mark Sanchez, QB USC - If anyone is going to do something silly, it's the Redskins. They will probably trade next year's 1st round pick just to move up 5 spots. That's Dan Snyder style. Next question: how many bad games until someone makes a Dirty Sanchez joke?

9. Green Bay - DT BJ Raji, Boston College - I really have no idea.

10. San Fran - Jeremy Malin, WR Missouri - The 49ers may not get Sanchez, but they should be ecstatic to get a top-WR.

11. Buffalo - Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee - I have no clue.

12. Denver - Tyson Jackson, DE LSU - Sure, why not?

13. Washington (forecast: traded to Jacksonville) - Michael Oher, OT Ole Miss - I'm guessing the Jags just take an O-lineman after losing 4 to injury last season because there's uncertainty when 4 starting linemen are returning from injuries.

14. New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State - The Saints always seem to need secondary help.

15. Houston - Clay Matthews, LB USC - I can't figure out which USC LBs will be drafted when. So, I will just say that Clay Matthews gets drafted since his dad played for the Browns.

16. San Diego - Chris Wells, RB Ohio State - Another RB is needed as we sadly prepare for the end of LT's stay in San Diego.

17. Jets - Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State- The Jets will reach for this QB.

Other notable offensive players:
19. Tampa - Percy Harvin, WR/RB Florida
21. Philadelphia - Knoshown Moreno, RB Georgia
2nd round - Rams - Brian Robiskie, WR Ohio State
2nd round Tampa -Pat White, QB/WR West Virginia

Late Night Thought Round Up

Well as always a few thoughts to get out of the writer's block that plagues the inhabitant of the Columbus Fortress of Solitude.

In Mighty World 12 AM is when work starts

NFL Media Draft Thoughts
Well the NFL Draft as overhyped as it is gets maybe 4000 hours of live tv. There are entire legions of sports writers, technicians, editors and producers that make the draft run on ESPN before they are summarily executed and placed in a tomb much like the ancient warriors of Egypt. On the plus side I like Jaws break down and explanation of why a prospect who may have done well in college isn't worth it in the minds of a scout. I also liked Marcus Wiley who was respectful and insightful as opposed those used to cross-fire drooling with rage and idiocy (ahem Steve Largent). The biggest negative was Todd McShay, who took every opportunity to take shots at the Living Legend that is Mel Kiper Jr. McShay was arrogant, rude, and showed thinly veiled opportunism for making a name for himself. He single handedly made me turn the channel several times.

Todd McShay pre-haircut

End of an Era
Slightly under-reported during the draft was New England's youth movement at linebacker. First round ILB Jerod Mayo, 3rd Round OLB Shawn Crable and Late Round LB Bo Rudd. Yes the era of Bruschi, Vrabel and the other slow geriatic LBs is obviously drawing to a close. Given that its Belichek, in thanks for their service all will be given golden showers and left afloat in the Atlantic Ocean.

Thanks for the help Tedy

NBA Youth Movement
Hey remember when all those writers kept saying the Pistons and Celtics would sleep walk their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Don't look now but the young and hungry ATL and Philly teams have it a series. Both series stand at 2-2. While Boston and Detroit might eek out victories given the dramatic gulf in age, the Hawks and 76ers will only get better while Boston and Detroit only getting worse. This year might be the last window of opportunity for both at this rate..

Anyway consider this an open thread for our Australian commentators....

NFL Draft First Day Thoughts

Thoughts for the Columbus Draft Day Impenetrable Fortress

File Photo of Mighty Mike

Lineman v. Skill Positions
Outside of the near record trades the story of the day was of lineman and skill positions. Offensive lineman scored a record number of picks while not a single wide receiver was drafted in round 1. What does this mean? It might mean that this was the true distribution of talent. It could also mean that teams somehow feel that lineman are better values now and hence the run on them (this belief of course will push down the percentage of solid picks)

Value v. Need- Pittsburgh, Carolina
One of the great questions in the draft is do you go with the best player or a position of need. Pittsburgh certainly went with the best players available. Mendenhall and Sweed were the 2nd best at each of their positions arguably. However the Steelers biggest need was an improvement in the o-line while both WR and RB weren't critical positions. Similarly Carolina and its drafting of talented RB and OL but leaving the QB position untouched.

Too Much of A Good Thing - Green Bay, Washington
Green Bay now has a whole stable of QBs that hasn't played a full season. Somewhere Aaron Rodgers is crying in the corner. He's one of Fare unretirement rumor away from committing suicide via Arby's. While not the same situation Washington drafted 3 receivers (2 WR and 1 TE) in the first 2 rounds. Each drafted has a different skill set and each talented but too much of a good thing?

First Day Winner - KC
Herm Edwards did something right. What next Matt Millen able to finish a child's coloring book? KC has a crazy idea of going super young. This is possibly because of they have need at every position thats not RB or water boy. So they addressed interior d-line, o-line, and corner. Of course they still need a QB and a defensive end but hey its a good start and frankly 3 starters is a haul anyway you define it.

First Day Loser - Detroit (easy) , Chicago (maybe)
Detroit always does something stupid and this year was no different. Trading down to ensure that they got a crap player, well done. On the plus side I think the management avoided stabbing itself in the eye while making the actual pick. Chicago gets on the list because they had such an obvious need at QB and bypassed 3 QB choices. Are seriously going to subject Bear fans to another year of Sexy Rexy and Neck Beard Orton? Add in that they reached on their two picks and you get near the bottom of the barrel for the Chicago Bears Presented by Visa or whatever it is.

Draft Picks, Geography and Conferences

Via elevenwarriors

USA Today did a breakdown of where NFL draft picks come from both geographically as well as collegiately (i.e. what university and what conference). By far California, Texas and Florida are the leading football factors. In fact they over-produce relative to their populations. Given the current southward population trends it bounds ill for fans of the Big 10.

You can find the breakdown graphic HERE

What Are You, Fuckin' Nuts?

The title of this post says it all. Neither the Redskins nor the Bengals front offices can be taken seriously anymore at this point. How can the Redskins continue to eschew the draft in favor of free agency and trades? Isn’t it clear that this strategy isn’t working? And as far as the Bengals are concerned, the Redskins offered them a way out of their nightmare with “Ocho Cinco” – and a gift at that – and they turned it down? Sure it’s probably expensive to have four top 20 picks in the next two seasons but isn’t it better to build a winner with four premium players while you still have a Pro-Bowl caliber QB in his prime?

I just can’t understand these two idiot teams. They deserve as many 5-11 seasons as their stupidity will bear.

Mock Draft 2008: The Power of the Internet

The Internet is so damn powerful that no one in the NFL can keep any secret same from the hordes of fans, reporters, and bloggers. Even Matt Stover’s email is not safe. Of course, an NFL GM could just hold a press conference, have your face turn red, AND make a Freudian slip.


In case anyone missed it, the Miami GM, Jeff Ireland, said at a press conference last week: “Of course I want guys that have great upside. This is the first pick in the draft. This guy is going to be -- you hope that he's a pillar of your defense for a long time."


Oops! After a reporter explained to Ireland his slip-up (that he just said he was drafting for DEFENSE), Ireland quickly tried to recover by saying:

"Pillar of your defense, or offense, or team. That's a Freudian slip." After digging an enormous hole, one of the reporters said that this might all be a smoke screen. Finally, Ireland was given a way out and said: "I'll let you guys decide!”

Anyways, time for my unqualified predictions. I actually had fun going through my old predictions where I praised WR Mike Williams and said Aaron Rodgers sucks , where I just realized that it’s already been 2 years since Reggie Bush took money in school and the investigation is still not complete , and where I praised OT Joe Thomas. See, I may be right only half the time, but at least I can entertain without wrecking the future of a franchise.

1. Miami – DE Vernon Gholston, OSU – As said above, the Dolphins are taking a defensive player for sure. So… go Buckeyes!
2. St. Louis – OT Jake Long, Michigan – Even in the NFL draft, the Wolverins can’t top the Buckeyes!
3. Atlanta – DT Glenn Dorsey LSU- The Falcons are not going to reach for a QB at this point.
4. Oakland – RB McFadden, Arkansas – You hear that awkward uncomfortable silence? That’s the silence Howie Long will hear when he calls Al Davis to convince Davis to pick Howie’s son, Chris. Al Davis responds, “yeah… I don’t think we’re going to do that.”
5. KC – OT -B. Albert, UVA - O-Line help is a must for the Chiefs. Or so the internet tells me.
6. NY Jets – QB Matt Ryan, Boston College – The Jets finally draft a successor for Chad Pennington. Coach Mangina of the Jets is very pleased with his new QB’s double-masculine name.
7. New England – CB Leodis McKelvin , Troy – The Patriots make a move to replace the departed Asante Samuel. However, this is probably too straight forward of a strategy. A more plausible scenario may be that the Pats instead trade down in exchange for a bundle of hooded sweatshirts so that they can pay their draft pick less money.
8. Baltimore –DE Chris Long, UVA – GM Ozzie Newsome doesn’t miss his chance to take the free-falling Chris Long. Meanwhile, proud father Howie Long then rips off his Raiders shirt, Hulk Hogan style, and puts on a new Ravens shirt.
9. Cincy – DT Sedrick Ellis, USC– A lot of websites say Cincy likes this DT. I assumed that they have to choose a receiver in a later round as Chris Henry was already released and Chad Johnson is demanding a trade. However, I assume they will wait until the 2nd round, because there are no highly rated receivers.
10. New Orleans - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tenn St. - The Saints are still desperate for a CB, and draft this guy, because the CB Cromartie on San Diego played so well last year. The two Cromarties actually are cousins , so the Saints also decide to also keep a hair sample of Cromartie just in case the NFL ever allows teams to clone their own players.
11. Buffalo – ILB Jerod Mayo, Tenn – The corporate Mayonnaise executives, including Hellmann’s and Miracle Whip, have been disappointed with the explosion in the last few decades of people eating Bleu Cheese and wings. Finally, the Mayonnaise executives find a way to penetrate the chicken wing market – and getting people to eat Mayonnaise and wings together at last – by having the Buffalo Bills draft Jerod Mayo and having Mayo promote chicken wings! Corporate America can be so evil. Anyways, the Mayonnaise executives are smart, because I’m sure Bills fans will try mayo on chicken wings, if for nothing else, than for promoting team spirit. Editor’s Note: Personally, I hate Mayo and don’t like it anymore, and find it repuslive. Please don't tell the Mayonnaise executives.
12. Denver – OT – Ryan Clady, Boise St. – The Broncos draft for their line. Yawn.
***
Later Picks
15. Detroit – RB Felix Jones, Arkansas – In a double-shocker, the Lions do NOT take a WR, and the Lions take the sweet RB from Arkansas not named McFadden, who averaged 8.7 yards per carry last season (and a whopping 7.6 yards per carry for his career as a backup to McFadden).


16. Arizona – RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois – The Cardinals make a move to replace Edgerrin James. That’s how it works in the NFL.

Round 2 – Atlanta – drafts QB Joe Flacco from Delaware whose helmet looks like Michigan’s.


Round 2 – Baltimore – drafts QB Brian Brohm from Louisville.


Round 4 – CAR – drafts QB Chad Henne from Michigan whose helmet looks like Delaware’s.

NFL Mock Draft - The Nigerian Nightmare

Mighty kicked off the draft selection show here at BSD. Of course, I also couldn't resist doing a mock draft. I am in a time crunch, so I cannot be as thorough in my analysis.

1) Oakland – QB – J. Russell – No doubt at this point.
2) Detroit – WR – Calvin Johnson – It’s inevitable that Matt Millen selects a WR. INEVITABLE! I feel like ESPN should film a conversation between the Architect from the Matrix and Calvin Johnson and the Architect can explain how some of Calvin's predecessors have failed on the Lions.
3) Cleveland – OT – Joe Thomas – This is the pick that I want, and the one that makes sense. I’m going to be a sad Browns fan if they take Brady Quinn. Very sad.
4) Tampa Bay – DE – Gaines Adams – Gaines was the name of a villian on Season 1 of "24." That's all I got.
5) Arizona – OT – Levi Brown – He’s bad, bad, Levi Brown, baddest man in the whole damn town…
6) Kansas City (after trading with Washington) – DT – Amobi Okoye – The Kansas City ownership forces the management to trade up for Okoye, to keep the Okoye name in the Kansas City franchise. Long live Christian “The Nigerian Nightmare” Okoye!
7) Minnesota – RB – Adrian Peterson – collarbones are like pringles - once you pop it, you can't stop it.
8) Atlanta – DE – Jamaal Anderson – The Atlanta ownership forces the management to trade up for Jamaal Anderson. “Two can play this game Kansas City!”
9) Miami – who cares.
10) Houston – CB – Leon Hall – Leon is a great name.
***
23) Kansas City – Ted Ginn Jr. – Ginn is awesome. Except when he turns his ankle celebrating a touchdown from one of his teammates stepping on his foot.
***
28) Carolina (after trading down with New England) – WR – Steve Smith – Carolina trumps Kansas City AND Atlanta. Now they can start both Steve Smith wideouts at the same time, and they will confuse defenses, John Madden, and the rest of America!
***
5th round – Cleveland Browns select Troy Smith - At least he would get to go back to Cleveland!

NFL Draft Predictions

Ok Boys and Girls time for the great NFL draft prediction. Its my favorite game next to how many jokes does Berman make until Tom Jackson snaps and tackles him on stage (although more fun that how many jokes does Berman make until Mel Kiper Jr.'s hair tackles Berman on stage).

Anyway here's my predictions:
1. Oakland Raiders - Jamarcus Russell

Everything else has been a smoke screen. The Crypt Keeper err Al Davis wants action and excitement and as such there are only two possibilities. Scarlett Johansson and Jamarcus Russell. The Raiders will obviously make the wrong choice and go with Russell.

Wouldn't you take her first if given the choice?

2. Detroit Lions - Calvin Johnson
Look its equally likely that the Lions will trade this slot to either Tampa or Atlanta or Washington or John Mccain (who desperately needs good publicity) and make the selection themselves but whoever is at the Number 2 slot I say picks Calvin Johnson. He's by far the anointed "sure thing" with a chiseled physique, freakish athletic skills and abilities in the kitchen (notably he makes a tasty chicken parmigiana). That said Matt Millen may end up going with his other choice...a pony.

Matt Millen upon hearing that he can't draft a pony

3. Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn
The Cleveland Browns draft strategy tends to oscillate between a Chinese Fire Drill and re-enacting the scene of the Captain going down with the Titantic. Pederson is still hurt, Joe Thomas makes too much sense and the ownership wants to sell tickets with the face of the lost Manning Sibling on it. Yet another year of rebuilding and possibly one step forward to triumphant return of Sgt Slaughter (aka The Chin aka Bill Cowher) to Cleveland.

Artist rendition of a local Cleveland bar (or the Cohen household) during the NFL Draft

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gaines Adams
Remember when Tampa won the Super Bowl. Remember when Jon Gruden was considered a good coach, maybe even great. Remember that time Gutsy was in a Turkish Prison. Ah so many memories. So long ago. So lets say that my wild projections are somehow accurate and Calvin Johnson is off the table. Tampa should go with defense. Gaines Adams is the choice if Detroit is selecting here. Its possibly the choice if Tampa is selecting here. I suppose so is Gruden using his "laser" and holding the world hostage for.....1 million dollars.

According to legend only the sweet sweet nectar of Onion Rings can soothe Gruden's rage.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas

The average life span of an Arizona Cardinals QB is roughly equivalent to the life expectancy of a person covered in cupcakes and sent to Rosie O'Donnells' house. Jake Plummer came into the league discussing Sartre and left wondering how to operate a razor. Coincidence, I think not! There's just not enough blocking for the Cards. They made huge strides last year so Thomas can be brought in to protect Leinart from tacklers and paternity suits.

There's a lot of potential dangers that Joe Thomas must protect against.

Random Bets (note betting is illegal unless your having fun or really need the money)
1. Michael Irvin forgets he doesn't play anymore: EVEN
2. Michael Irvin forgets he's on tv and wears his rasta hat 2:1
3. Kiper rips Minnesota's pick. Even
4. Kiper Jr. rips the state of Minnesota and they're lousy lakes. 4:1
5. Suzy Kolber interviews a college kid who mumbles incoherently EVEN
6. Suzy Kolber interviews Stuart Scott who also mumbles incoherently: 1:2
7. Number of times Jaws uses the phrase "I've watched the tape" : 67
8. Number of times Merill Hodges is confused by a door knob: 67

What's your prediction?

Quick Hits from the Periphery

A little Monday Morning thoughts on this weekend in sports.

NBA
Well its only (deep breathe here) one game but a few surprises have popped up. Frankly I expected the Eastern Conference Games to be tightly contested well the real games wouldn't start out West until Round 2. However yesterday a series of upsets in Texas quickly changed that. Denver and Golden State (which I believe is located actually in Oregon as part of tax deferment plan) beat out the heavily favored Spurs and Mavs. Baron Davis showed off that he is that good when healthy and the dynamic duo of AI and Melo worked the way Denver fans had dreamed when the trade was first announced. While I doubt either of the underdogs can continue their winning ways every extra game the Spurs or Mavs have to play, every extra ounce of energy hurts their chances in future rounds. That said if Spurs or Mavs fall behind 2-0 before heading out on the road watch out.

NFL
There's more smoke around the NFL Draft still than at a coffeehouse in Amsterdam (Or so the Pink Elephant told me). One factor thats important thats a little unreported is the fear a lot of NFL executives have over top 5 draft pick money. There's a huge difference in guaranteed money and certainly given the chance players could fall the likelihood of trades early on are very low. In fact it may be far more likely the trades will happen in the bottom half of the first round rather than the top.

Meta Journalism
One of the interesting thing I find (and annoying) is how the media covers itself. How does react and interact with their own. One of the more controversial things in the sports world today is oddly about Jason Whitlock. Whitlock a former espn columnist/commentator wrote a column calling out Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as attention hogs and in effect the Don Imus controversy overblown. This was of course was of course countered by the General Manager of ESPN the Magazine's Keith Clinkscales who wrote one of the more scathing smackdowns I think I've ever read. More less Clinkscales wrote that Whitlock was empowering the main stream media in continuing to perpetuate the sideshow debates and continue with fairly bigoted commentary. Michael Wilbon, probably the most prominent black sports writer today echoed this point of Zero Tolerance and appropriateness of the focus on Imus with slightly more politeness before subtly putting Whitlock's comments behind the shed and beating it like the proverbial government mule.
Of course like a moth to the flames Pete King, Captain Main Stream Media himself, with one line alined himself with Whitlock and Uncle Ruckus today in his column. I'm even going to bother linking to such a ridiculous column. I'm not sure why Pete King is intruding himself onto this debate in the first place but if he thinks that inserting himself with only one line will allow him to float above this serious debate - its silly and frankly cowardly. If King has an opinion he should give it. If not he should shut up. I'm of mind to use the Hitman War Call "Peter King: Shut the Hell Up!

Notes from the Periphery: You want to take a dingy?

Well another update from a backwards place where football is a game primarily played with, get this, feet. Its crazy I know. Here in Europe there are a dizzying array of tournaments, side tournaments, champions league, friendly matches and soirées all involving only one sport, what is called in the States "soccer". While Americans may claim soccer is boring or full of pansies there is a certain beauty to game if you watch it long enough. Frankly baseball and Euro football have a ton in common in how traditionalists of each of the respective sports describe their own.

Americans sometimes just can't understand the subtleties that make football great

NBA Trading:
Now if your brain actually gets dumber the more you watch basketball then perhaps the NBA Trading Deadline fizzle was a call to arms about NBA general managing mismanagement. Luckily there are few people out there who have evolved beyond picking insects out of their fur. At the ESPN.com basketball that includes Marc Stein and thats about it. I highly recommend for actual analysis, instead of some combination of Conventional Wisdom and Yak mating calls, to read his piece. There were actually some logical reasons for the lack of movement. The first is simply is that trading in the NBA is hard given the luxery tax and high salaries per player. The second is the quality of the upcoming draft class means few teams are willing to send away draft picks. Finally the East lacks any dominating figure and therefore few teams are willing to throw in the towel given the real possibility of winning the East. The result is a dearth of teams willing to do trades and in the NBA multiple partners are needed. This of course is not to say a few teams were trigger shy (Orlando and Minnesota) but those were the exceptions. Most teams had very logical reasons for staying pat.

I hate to tell you this, Bill ,but the secret to a good column is not: Boston something something I hang with famous people in LA something something I'm smarter than all NBA GMs something something.

NFL Draft:
Silly Season is in full force as the NFL Combine aka the Meat Market is happening. I'm not really sure why an 1/8th of a inch is the difference between a good player or a bad player in the scouting world but they really do buy that claptrap. Every year some player randomly shoots up the DraftBoards based on a 40 time or benchpress reps or an ability to make a grilled salmon. That does not mean its completely useless. Players that show up out of shape tend to get the red flag for character/motivation issues. Which are a big deal. JaMarcus Russel gets the Lendale White Award for flabbiness this year. Obviously he will end up on the Raiders. This leaves Detroit as one of the key movers and shakers in the draft. Will they trade down and take a defensive player, pick Brady Quinn or Joe Thomas (Wisconsin bred left tackle) or simply settle for the physical challenge (don't tell Millen there's no physical challenge. He won't believe you). Also of note the Cleveland Browns are 1-0 in 2007 when Tampa Bay lost to a quarter . The result is the Brownies are slotted #3 behind Detroit and seem to be considering nearly any offensive player not named Calvin Johnson (who I'm willing to stand by and say will be the best player of the draft)

Matt Millen with the number two pick is leaning towards asking where the bathroom is

Baseball Overseas:
Of all the spring training stories I've come across this one about Israel starting a baseball league may take the coffe cake (Not Suitable for Workish)

Quick Tech Note
You will note that this post has labels at the bottom. Labeling a post allows for easy searching for past articles on similiar subjects. For example any past piece that talks about the NFL Draft that has the NFL draft label can be found by simply clicking on the label at the bottom.