Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Sports Illustrated NFL Mock Draft


1. Indianapolis Colts -- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
A lot could change in Indy between now and April. By the time the Colts are called to the podium they'll know about Peyton Manning's future and will either draft Luck or trade the pick. Luck could end up in a tough spot. He'll say the right things, but he wants to play right away, so co-existing with Manning would be difficult. If Manning leaves, Luck will face huge expectations and be surrounded by very little talent.
2. Cleveland Browns -- Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (Trade with St. Louis)
The Rams don't need a quarterback, but with a manageable price tag for rookies because of the salary slotting system, they'll get calls from Cleveland, Miami and Washington about moving up to land Griffin. After last season's draft-day trade with the Falcons, the Browns have an extra first-rounder and can put together the best package. Griffin may have more tools than Luck, but Luck is more valuable because he ran a pro system at Stanford. Griffin completed 72.4 percent of his passes, a dazzling number even in the defensively challenged Big 12.
3. Minnesota Vikings -- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Vikings GM Rick Spielman told quarterback Christian Ponder they wouldn't draft someone to compete with him. Instead, they'll try to beef up a line that allowed 49 sacks last season. Kalil didn't let up a sack at USC last season and he has the bloodlines -- his brother Ryan is a Pro Bowl center on the Panthers.
4. St. Louis Rams -- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (Trade with Cleveland)
Blackmon may not run a blazing 40, but neither did Larry Fitzgerald or Jerry Rice. Blackmon's dominant performance in the Fiesta Bowl put to rest any notion he benefits from Oklahoma State's wide-open offense.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU#
The Bucs need someone who can make a play on defense. They've already tried drafting D-linemen high, and the players they've taken have shown promise but can't stay healthy. Claiborne is the top shut-down corner in the draft.
6. Washington Redskins -- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama#
The Redskins need a quarterback, but may be forced to turn to free agency because the right signal-caller won't be available at this spot. Instead, they'll draft the best player available. The Redskins' strength is their defense, which ranked 13th in the NFL last season, but adding the big, physical Kirkpatrick in the secondary could make life even easier for their talented pass-rushers.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Devon Still, DT, Penn State
Everything depends on who the Jaguars hire at head coach and what systems they run. We'll give them the best available talent for right now.
8. Carolina Panthers* -- Michael Brockers, DT, LSU#
The Panthers have needs all over their defense and would benefit greatly by improving in the middle of the line. Brockers, a redshirt sophomore, will be the best prospect from LSU's outstanding defensive line if he declares himself eligible for the draft in the coming days.
9. Miami Dolphins* -- Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
Lots of questions still remain about what systems the Dolphins will be using next season, given their unsettled coaching situation. Brown is the best 4-3 outside linebacker in the draft and would help take some pressure off Cameron Wake.
10. Buffalo Bills -- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Coples disappointed some scouts this season, but the Bills need more pressure up front and Coples has a lot of natural talent. The big question with Coples is attitude. He'll have to prove he wants it in pre-draft interviews.
11. Kansas City Chiefs* -- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The Chiefs need to infuse their offensive line with attitude, and Reiff plays nasty. He fits every stereotype of an Iowa lineman in a good way.
12. Seattle Seahawks* -- Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
The former college wide receiver will shine during the pre-draft process. He has athletic ability and the brains to wow teams in interviews. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has to be smarting that Matt Barkley returned to USC, but will still go quarterback to develop someone behind Tarvaris Jackson.
13. Arizona Cardinals -- Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
The Cardinals want to see their investment in quarterback Kevin Kolb pay off and will try to bolster the offensive line. Expect them to let veteran offensive tackle Levi Brown go in the offseason.
14. Dallas Cowboys -- David DeCastro, OG, Stanford
The Cowboys need help in the defensive secondary, but may not be in a good spot to get an elite cornerback here and will go with the best player available.
15. Philadelphia Eagles -- Luke Kuelchy, LB, Boston College
Andy Reid doesn't draft linebackers, but the need is so glaring now, Eagles fans may revolt. It's been long enough for them to get over drafting Mike Mamula back in 1995.
16. New York Jets -- Mark Barron, S, Alabama
The Jets defense took a step back this season, in part because safety Jim Leonhard was hurt. Even if Leonhard is back, they need to strengthen the secondary, and Barron can help at multiple positions.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders) -- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama#
Teams don't draft running backs in the first round as much any more, but Richardson is a pretty safe bet. He's short, but exceptionally strong. Richardson went to Escambia High School in Florida, alma mater of Emmitt Smith, and the Bengals will hope he joins quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green in a Smith-Troy Aikman-Michael Irvin type of triumvirate.
18. San Diego Chargers -- Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama
The Chargers are still looking for an explosive pass-rusher. There's some doubt about whether Upshaw can play standing up, but he may be worth the risk.
19. Chicago Bears -- Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The NFL seems to have trouble evaluating Notre Dame products, but Floyd fits the mold of the tall, fast receiver the Bears need.
20. Tennessee Titans -- Nick Perry, DE, USC
The Titans ranked 31st in the NFL with just 28 sacks last season. Perry had 9.5 sacks as a junior and could move up in the draft process as teams study his work at USC.
21. Cincinnati Bengals -- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The lasting image of the Bengals' playoff loss to the Texans is Pacman Jones getting juked out of his shoes by Andre Johnson. Cincy needs a cornerback to solidify a secondary that still needs to replace Jonathan Joseph.
22. St. Louis Rams -- Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama (Trade with Cleveland Browns, from Atlanta Falcons)
If the Rams go offense early, they will try to improve their 22nd-ranked defense. Jenkins has some character questions, but teams have to be willing to take risks to find quality cover guys in today's NFL.
23. Detroit Lions -- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Lions could also turn to Jenkins, but Dennard is a lot tougher. The 5-foot-10 cornerback doesn't back down, even though there is a real fear he'll struggle against tall receivers.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Nose tackle Casey Hampton is 34 and will likely have knee surgery. The 6-5, 350-pound Poe is cut out of the same mold and should be a strong force in the middle of a 3-4 line.
25. Denver Broncos -- Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
Tight ends are usually a great aid to quarterbacks who struggle with accuracy. Allen won the Mackey Award for the nation's top tight end and could quickly become Tim Tebow's best friend.
26. New York Giants -- Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama#
Hightower showed his versatility in the BCS title game and will fill a need on the Giants' defense. They could also look for depth in the secondary.
27. Houston Texans -- Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
The Texans are looking for a tall, fast receiver and the 6-2 Sanu will add a needed dimension to a productive offense. Sanu had 115 catches last season, and could move up if he comes up with a dazzling 40.
28. New England Patriots (From New Orleans Saints) -- Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
The Patriots are never predictable, but you have to figure they'll go pretty heavy on defense in this draft. They've seemed hesitant to take a pass-rusher, but they need to improve in that area. Scouts are waiting to see how Ingram runs to see where he'll be slotted. New England could also look at Clemson DE Andre Branch here.
29. Baltimore Ravens -- Kelechi Osemele, OG, Iowa State
The Ravens could have multiple needs on the offensive line depending on how their offseason goes. Osemele is listed at 347 pounds and could thrive in a system that has had success developing offensive linemen. They also could try to land a receiver, possibly LSU's Rueben Randle.
30. San Francisco 49ers -- Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
The explosive receiver deserves a lot of credit for Griffin's Heisman. His ability to make plays after the catch would be a huge addition to the Niners' ho-hum offense.
31. New England Patriots -- Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
Hosley had nine interceptions in 2010, but was banged up last season and took a step back. The Pats have been using converted offensive players in their secondary and need bodies.
32. Green Bay Packers -- Fletcher Cox, DE, Mississippi State
The Packers weren't able to replace Cullen Jenkins this season and no one could get to the quarterback other than Clay Matthews. Cox was a first-team All-SEC performer with five sacks last season.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

NFL All-Garrett Team

1st Team
Offense
QB - Aaron Rodgers
HB - Lesean McCoy
FB - Vonte Leach
WR - Calvin Johnson
WR - Victor Cruz
TE - Rob Gronkowski
T - Jason Peters
G - Logan Mankins
C - Maurkice Pouncey
G - Brian Waters
T - Joe Thomas

Defense
DE - Jared Allen
DE - Jason Babin
DT - Vince Wilfork
DT - Ndamukong Suh
LB - Demarcus Ware
LB - London Fletcher
LB - Terrell Suggs
CB - Darrelle Revis
CB - Charles Woodson
S - Jarius Byrd
S - Eric Weddle

Monday, December 5, 2011

A look back on my potential breakout players of 2011

There are still a few weeks left in the NFL season, but to humor myself I took the time to look at players I said would have a breakout year.  Here are the players and the original comments I made earlier:


Stevie Johnson (Buffalo Bills):  After a great end to his 2010 and the departure of Lee Evans to the Ravens now he is the #1 guy.  However he could see more double coverage if the Bills don't establish a viable #2 receiver to go with him.
Well the whole Bills offense had a breakthrough season.  His teammate Fred Jackson truly had the breakout season until he got hurt.  Stevie Johnson didn't have a bad season, but I expected more off the chart numbers.

Steve Breaston (Kansas City Chiefs):  Being reunited with his old coach in Todd Haley could be beneficial for Breaston.  He was hurt most of last year so he will be looking to bounce back with a more productive 2011 campaign.
The whole Chiefs team was a disappointment.  Numerous injuries to key players were probably a cause to the Chiefs anemic offense.  All the injuries did give a shot to running back Battle.  But he isn't who I picked to have a breakout year.

CJ Spiller (Buffalo Bills):  Hopefully Chan Gailey knows what to do with him and maybe he can have more chances in the offense.
Well with Fred Jackson hurt now Spiller gets a chance.  We'll see at the end of the year.

Rashad Jennings (Jacksonville Jaguars):  MJD will probably get less touches this year to help get him through the season healthy.  Which means Jennings will get more opportunities.
Fail.  No other comments are necessary.

John Beck (Washington Redskins):  I'm just kidding but it's possible.
Another absolute fail.  What was I smoking?

Early Doucet (Arizona Cardinals):  With a new QB and Larry Fitzgerald attracting double coverage he will get his chance.
Had a decent year.  This year was a struggle for everyone on the Cardinals team.  

Tim Hightower (Washington Redskins):  Mike Shanahan maybe overrated as a QB guru, but his system seems to be very running back friendly.
I did get it somewhat right with Hightower.  He was having a great season until he had an injury that took him out for the year.  Which led the way for another player to have a breakout season.  (Roy Helu)

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Beck to start for Redskins

Source: Redskins to start Beck at quarterback

I'm not a Redskins fan, and definitely not a fan of Rex Grossman, but I think Grossman deserves another shot.  Shouldn't bench the guy cause of a bad start.  This will probably be the beginning of the slide for the Redskins.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Teams That Need To Draft A Quarterback in 2012


  1. Miami Dolphins - Team needs a total overhaul.  Might as well start with a QB.  
  2. New York Jets - Mark Sanchez is just plain awful
  3. Minnesota Vikings - McNabb doesn't seem to be the answer.  Christian Ponder isn't either.
  4. Chicago Bears - Jay Cutler will retire this year after the beating he's received.
  5. Washington Redskins - Rex Grossman, John Beck, nuff said.
  6. Dallas Cowboys - Jerry Jones can't take 4th quarter or December collapses for too long.
  7. Kansas City Chiefs - Need to stop fooling around with this Cassell guy and get something that resembles a quarterback.

Looks Like The Raiders Mean Business

Raiders acquire QB Palmer from Bengals

Last week they acquire Aaron Curry.  Now they acquire Carson Palmer.  Only time will tell if these moves work.  Both players come in with a chip on their shoulder.  Some people say this is too steep for Carson.  I think it might turn out well for them.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Owner Al Davis dies at 82

Today the NFL has received devastating news with the passing of one of the pioneers and visionaries in Al Davis.  People look over the past five years and have lobbed criticism toward the man, but the NFL wouldn't be the league it is now if not for some of his contributions.  Davis was the person who oversaw the merger of the AFL with the NFL.  He has probably done more for African-Americans in the NFL than most other owners.  He gave great coaches their start when a lot of people thought he was crazy (John Madden, Art Shell, Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden to name a few).  Even though he has had some notable and public breakups with few individuals in Marcus Allen, Mike Shanahan, and Jon Gruden, the majority of his former and current players love the man and defend him to the end.

Al Davis had a great mind and was loyal to his players and coaches.  His contributions to the game have been many, and it is rare to find a person who is not afraid to go against the norm and do things his way despite the naysayers.  

Monday, September 12, 2011

Early Season Picks for Offensive Rookie of the Year

This is just based off what I've seen in week one.  These are subject to change throughout the season.


  1. Cam Newton (Car)
  2. AJ Green (Cin)
  3. Mark Ingram (NO)
  4. Julio Jones (ATL)
  5. Randall Cobb (GB)
  6. Andy Dalton (Cin)
  7. Greg Little (Cle)
  8. Denarius Moore (Oak)
  9. Roy Helu (Was)
Blue - Additions

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Week 2 NFL MVP Candidates

I did my preseason NFL MVP candidates and now I want to revisit that and either add or subtract from that list.
  • Peyton Manning (If healthy) - For obvious reasons, Peyton will be removed from this list.
  • Tom Brady - Right now he looks like the leading candidate for league MVP.  Over 900 yards after the first 2 weeks.
  • Michael Vick - Vick means a lot to his team's success and will rise or fall based on his play.
  • Philip Rivers - With the numbers he puts up he is always in consideration.
  • Matt Ryan - He maybe falling down the list a little bit, but his teammate may have worked his way on the list.
  • Michael Turner - The team seems to succeed based on the number of touches he receives either running or receiving the ball.  
  • Ray Rice - Explanation similar to Michael Turner
  • Adrian Petersen - The only good thing going on in Minnesota right now.
  • Darren McFadden  - Raiders look like an actual team right now and he's a big part of the reason.
  • Arian Foster - So far injured
  • Aaron Rodgers - Probably up there with Brady on this list with the way he is performing.
  • Drew Brees - Probably should have been on the original list.  So far he's having an MVP caliber season.
  • Cam Newton - Forget offensive rookie of the year.  I'm putting him on this list.
  • Calvin Johnson - Him and his teammate who also is having a great season so far are putting up great numbers
  • Matthew Stafford - If he keeps this up and stays healthy then he has a great chance of winning MVP.
Blue - Additions to the list
Red - Subtractions.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Receivers Bound to Breakout This Year

Stevie Johnson (Buffalo Bills)
Riley Cooper (Philadelphia Eagles)
Harry Douglas (Atlanta Falcons)
Davone Bess (Miami Dolphins)
Malcom Floyd (San Diego Chargers)
Jacoby Ford (Oakland Raiders)
Early Doucet (Arizona Cardinals)
Chaz Shilens (Oakland Raiders)
Damien Williams (Tennessee Titans)
Brandon Gibson (St Louis Rams)
Deon Butler (Seattle Seahawks)
Devin Aromashodu (Minnesota Vikings)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

This Can't Be Good For San Francisco

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/08/16/49ers.alex.smith.ap/index.html?sct=nfl_t2_a6

This can't be good for the Niners.  According to the above article from Sports Illustrated Alex Smith is starting to create separation in the QB race.  Guess it will be another hurtful season for all Niner fans.  I also see why they were taking a look at Daunte Culpepper.  It also could be that Harbaugh doesn't want to stick his rookie QB behind that swiss cheese offensive line and risk crushing their future.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Analyst and Experts don't know a thing

ESPN yesterday reported that Aaron Maybin was released by the Buffalo Bills.  This supposed pass rusher out of Penn State in 2 seasons had 0 sacks.  He was praised and hailed coming out of college as a safe and can't miss pick.  Vernon Gholston is another 1st round pick (He was actually Top 5), that never panned out and not sure where in the world he is at right now.  It's funny the logic some of these guys use to say that this player is better than this one, and they love to bring up all kinds of stats and analyze little small details to say this player will be successful or a failure.  The same goes for the NBA draft.  (How Rondo slid down to the 18th pick is a mystery to me.)  I remember hearing Todd McShay calling Josh Freeman a "reach" with the #18 pick because he didn't know how to read defenses and constantly made poor decisions at Kansas St.  Well out of Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, and Josh Freeman which QB would you want right now.

I remember reading an article about John Calipari and the 1996 draft when he was the head coach of the New Jersey Nets.  Through all the workouts he fell in love with Kobe Bryants talent and felt that he was the player to draft that year.  He fell victim to the perspective of other GMs and supposed draft experts that it was better to "take an accomplished and proven player in Kerry Kittles than an unknown in Kobe Bryant".  Well we know the outcome of this decision.

At the end of the day here is my take on all drafts (including fantasy):

  • There really is no exact science:  I have found myself too in recent years looking at analysis on players and watching preseason games.  Experts and analysts can talk you out of a player that you really like and give you all kinds of numbers as to why they are not good.  The draft does require a lot of luck.  You do have GMs and personnel departments that are great at picking talent (The Marlins seem good at finding young talent), but even some of those GMs will admit that there is a good bit of luck involved.
  • Some franchises are just better at player development:  Some teams simply are just better at developing and utilizing talent more than others.  What seemed like a bust in Calvin Pace in Arizona turned out to be a pretty good player with the Jets.  Arizona also drafted Thomas Jones and Garrison Hearst and they turn out to have better careers else where.  A top 5 player going to a team with no talent (reason why their drafting in that position) will struggle while a player taken later in that draft will go to a team rich with talent and good talent to help mold and develop that player.  
I know it can be tempting to listen to these analysts, experts, and pundits.  But remember, these were the same guys that said the Giants had absolutely no chance against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Potential Breakout Players for the 2011 Season

Stevie Johnson (Buffalo Bills):  After a great end to his 2010 and the departure of Lee Evans to the Ravens now he is the #1 guy.  However he could see more double coverage if the Bills don't establish a viable #2 receiver to go with him.

Steve Breaston (Kansas City Chiefs):  Being reunited with his old coach in Todd Haley could be beneficial for Breaston.  He was hurt most of last year so he will be looking to bounce back with a more productive 2011 campaign.

CJ Spiller (Buffalo Bills):  Hopefully Chan Gailey knows what to do with him and maybe he can have more chances in the offense.

Rashad Jennings (Jacksonville Jaguars):  MJD will probably get less touches this year to help get him through the season healthy.  Which means Jennings will get more opportunities.

John Beck (Washington Redskins):  I'm just kidding but it's possible.

Early Doucet (Arizona Cardinals):  With a new QB and Larry Fitzgerald attracting double coverage he will get his chance.

Tim Hightower (Washington Redskins):  Mike Shanahan maybe overrated as a QB guru, but his system seems to be very running back friendly.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Preseason All-Garrett Team

Offense
QB - Michael Vick
HB - Adrian Peterson
FB - Vontae Leach
WR - Andre Johnson
WR - Calvin Johnson
TE - Antonio Gates
OT - Jason Peters
OG - Logan Mankins
OC - Maurice Pouncey
OG - Harvey Dahl
OT - Tyson Clabo

Defense
DE - Charles Johnson
DE - Julius Peppers
DT - B.J. Raji
DT - Ndamukong Suh
LB - Demarcus Ware
LB - Ray Lewis
LB - James Harrison
CB - Nnamdi Asomugha
CB - Charles Woodson
FS - Ed Reed
SS - Troy Polamalu

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

NFL All-Decade Team

OFFENSE
QB Peyton Manning - 40,000 yards passing just this decade is enough for me to put him on this list
RB LaDanian Tomlinson - Consistently among the top RBs each year throughout the decade
FB Lorenzo Neal - Blocking back for Jamal Lewis when he went over 2000 yards and LT in San Diego
WR Randy Moss
WR Terrell Owens
WR Marvin Harrison (Throughout the decade these three wide receivers put up hall of fame numbers)
TE Tony Gonzalez - Headed to the hall of fame when it's all said and done.
OT  Jonathan Ogden
OT Walter Jones (Could've pick Orlando Pace to pick on of these two but injuries kept him off)
OG Steve Hutchinson - Opened up lanes for Shaun Alexander during MVP season and AP in Minnesota
OG Will Shields - Opened up lanes for Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson in Kansas City
C - Kevin Mawae - Consistently one of the top lineman each year for the past ten years.

DEFENSE
DE Michael Strahan - Not too many players through the history of the game has as many sacks
DE Richard Seymour - Hard to pick another DE opposite Strahan but he has dominated in NE for years
DT Warren Sapp - Put up great career stats and will most likely be in the hall of fame shortly after he's eligible
DT Casey Hampton - Year after year has kept blockers of Steelers LB to allow them to make plays
LB Ray Lewis - Leader of one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL for years
LB Derrick Brooks - Made many big plays on a dominant Bucs defense throughout the decade
LB Keith Bulluck - Underrated LB throughout the decade but has always delivered triple digit tackles
CB Ty Law - Has frustrated the Colts passing game throughout the decade
CB Champ Bailey - Been shutting down the elite receivers throughout the decade
FS Ed Reed - Big time playmaker has change the courses of many games throughout the decade
SS Troy Polamalu - Been making plays for the Steelers since he's been in the league

Returners
Devin Hester - Made it acceptable to kick the ball out of bounds
Joshua Cribbs - The only reason the Browns were relevant this decade

Honorable Mention
QB - Tom Brady
RB - Jamal Lewis, Adrian Peterson (Will definitely be on next decade's team)
WR - Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, Steve Smith
TE - Antonio Gates
OT - William Roaf, Orlando Pace
DE - Julius Peppers, Jared Allen
DT - Vince Wilfork, Albert Haynesworth
LB - Brian Urlacher, James Farrior
FS - Darren Sharper
SS - Adrian Wilson