Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Image of the Week

The madness continued this past weekend, as number one seed Kentucky was sent home by number two seed West Virginia. The loss does not come off as a huge surprise, like some of the other upsets we have seen this tournament, but Kentucky was the favorite to win the National Championship out of the remaining teams.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Image of the Week

The biggest story of the weekend was number 1 Kansas, falling to Northern Iowa. Most people were contemplating throwing away their brackets prior to this game, but after, they made it official...myself included. You can call Northern Iowa Cinderella's, lucky, or whatever other name you have for them, but you have to call them talented. By no means was that game given to them, so they deserve all the credit. Don't be surprised if they advance past Michigan St in their upcoming game.

Dancing with the stars

Below are the first performances of Erin Andrews and Chad Ocho Cinco on ABC's Dancing With The Stars. Are you impressed?





Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Euro does it better than us?

As we all know, this year's NBA dunk contest was less than stellar. Actually, I think the correct term would be boring. As I was surfing through sports news the other day, I came across this video of the 2010 Russian League dunk contest. I know what your thinking, and no it didn't suck. In fact, it was well worth the 10 minutes of my day I spent watching it. The contest was leaps and bounds better than this year's NBA dunk contest, which is surprising. I recommend everyone take a look.

Also, in advance I apologize for the background music in the video.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Former NBA player comes clean about addiction

In an interview with ESPN, former NBA player Winston Bennett, comes clean about his sex addiction and his road to controlling his addiction. Very interesting, I suggest you take a look.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Image of the Week

Former U.S.A. track star, Marion Jones, signed a one-year deal with the Tulsa Shock for $35,000 minimum today. This comes off as somewhat of a shock, but Jones was the starting point guard of the 1994 North Carolina National Championship team, so obviously she can play.

An apology, not accepted

As you may know, former Cleveland Brown's quarterback, Derek Anderson was released from the team Tuesday afternoon. What you may not know is that he had a few last words for the fans. He was quoted saying:

"The fans are ruthless and don't deserve a winner...I will never forget getting cheered when I was injured...I know at times I wasn't great. I hope and pray I'm playing when my team comes to town and we roll them."

He later went on to say that he regrets the comments he made and his quotes were not taken out of context, he was just frustrated.

Way to go Derek, you under perform, get released, as you should have been and then you take it out on the fans. I'm sure that is making GM's really want you on their team now.

Image of the Week

I apologize for not posting an image of the week, last week. To make up for it, I will post this week's and last week's images today. This is the Canadian women's hockey team celebrating their gold medal the old fashioned way, with a party.


Thursday, March 4, 2010

NFL Mock Draft 3.0

NFL Mock Draft 3.0

Before I get into my post combine mock draft, I want to list my combine winners and losers. To start on a positive note I will begin with the winners.

Running back from Auburn Ben Tate had an amazing combine. Tate’s name was rarely talked about before the combine, but he did everything possible to improve his stock. Coming in at a very solid 220 lbs, Tate ran a 4.43 40 yard dash, had 26 reps at the bench (2nd most among running backs), had a 40.5” vertical jump, had a 10’4” broad jump, and a 4.12 20 yard shuttle (2nd among running backs). He showed that he is a much better athlete than many expected and I have him moving way up in the draft.

Maryland’s offensive tackle Bruce Campbell all but destroyed the combine. Campbell is raw and all the scouts know that, but the kind of numbers he put up left many executives drooling. Prior to the combine, I saw Campbell as a late first round pick but I think he can go anywhere from number 6 to 31. It all depends on who really falls in love with him. I think the sky is the limit for this guy.

This year’s losers have to be Joe Haden, LeGarrette Blount, Trindon Holliday and Navorro Bowman.

Joe Haden came in the combine as the number one corner and left as the number one corner. Unfortunately, his 40 time showed he is much slower than everyone expected. He was thought to be a 4.4 kind of guy but ended up being 2 tenths of a second slower. The good news for him is that no matter how slow he ran, his game tape shows he can cover any receiver in college football.

LeGarrette Blount had a solid combine but for him to be 6’0 241 lbs, I expected him to bench more than 18 reps. Outside of that, Blount did what was expected but for him to be a power back, I would have liked to have seen a lot more reps.

Trindon Holliday may have all but secured that he will be a late round pick, if he gets drafted at all. Coming in at just 5’5 Holiday does not serve much purpose at the pro level besides a special teams player. He was regarded as maybe the fastest player in the draft but ran a 4.34. I know what your thinking, since when is 4.34 a disappointing time? Typically it isn’t but it is when you are Trindon Holliday. I like Trindon but wish he ran a little faster.

Navorro Bowman is a guy I have had in the first round for a while. He is a very versatile player, who in the right scheme can make an impact. With all that being said, after his combine he may slip. He ran a 4.79 which is not slow but not great and he was not impressive in the drills. I look for him to redeem himself at his pro day.

Now I introduce my NFL Mock Draft 3.0

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma
The bottom line is the Rams need a quarterback for the future immediately. Free agency won’t help and they cannot afford to wait until second round. Clausen does not impress me and I believe in a much better quarterback class last year, Sam Bradford would have been the number one pick to the Lions, so I like Bradford over Clausen as this pick.

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma
This is a bitter sweet feeling for me putting Gerald McCoy at number two. For many reasons that I may never understand, the world has fallen in love with Gerald McCoy. His explosiveness and pass rush ability has somehow blinded everyone from Suh’s body of work. It pains me to put Gerald hear because to me there is no question that Suh is the better player but since the buccaneers are my team, I would love to welcome Suh to Tampa.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska
Tampa gets the steal of the draft with the third pick. The fans in Tampa Bay have something to cheer about again. I don’t need to say much about Suh. He is absolutely dominant and unless he suffers a terrible injury, he will dominate for years. Also, please no Warren Sapp comparisons; they are not the same kind of player.

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma St
The Redskins are showing signs that they are content with Jason Campbell for at least one more season.The offensive line needs and Okung is the answer. They make the right choice and replace Chris Samuels.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers
The Chiefs have a lot of options here. Todd Haley knows that he cannot build an offensive powerhouse with no offensive line. Anthony Davis steps in and starts from day one.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Eric Berry, S Tennessee
Eric Berry is my second favorite player in the draft. If Seattle can grab him at number six, they should be grateful. Berry is a ball hawk and a game changer. I know many scouts are comparing him to Ed Reed and as much as I’d like to, it is too early to say. I do know he is the real deal.

7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB Florida
Despite his speed, Joe Haden remains the number one corner in this draft. The guy has proven he is physical and can be a shut down corner. He is the best pick for the Browns here.

8. Oakland Raiders– Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma St
The Raiders can go in many directions here, the offensive line needs to be addressed and the defense could use some work. I think Al Davis will try to make up for his mistake last year and take the best wide receiver in this year’s draft, Dez Bryant. Who knows, maybe this will rejuvenate Jamarcus Russell’s career and take some of the pressure off of last year’s pick Darrius Heyward-Bey.

9. Buffalo Bills – Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma
The Bills have many holes to fill but they need to be honest with themselves and take care of the biggest need. The offensive line needs major work. Once that is addressed they can worry about other positions.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE South Florida
The Jaguars continually try to address their pass rush and continually fail. I think this year they will try to address the problem again and draft the best pure pass rusher. I think this is too high for Pierre-Paul, I’d much rather see Derrick Morgan go here. The Jags will fall in love with JPP’s atheism and size. I think he will either be great or a complete bust. I see no middle area for him.

11. Denver Broncos – Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame
I love Rolando McClain here for Denver but if Clausen falls to 11, they cannot pass on him. Kyle Orton is not the answer in Denver, or for any franchise. I say they draft Clausen and get rid of Brandon Marshall if that’s what they feel needs to happen and just start fresh with a young core.

12. Miami Dolphins – Derrick Morgan, DE/OLB Georgia Tech
It is no secret, Miami is looking to upgrade their defense. Joey “Peezee” Porter is trying his best to get traded or be released. It is time for new blood. Morgan will add youth and versatility. Dolphins will love him.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Bryan Bulaga, T Iowa
The 49ers have a few needs and offensive line is one them. I think this is a very deep draft, in terms of offensive linemen but the big names will go quickly. Bulaga will fill the need and stop opposing edge rushers.

14. Seattle Seahawks – Bruce Campbell, T Maryland
Campbell tore the combine up and I know Pete Carroll was watching. If the Seahawks don’t address the offensive line with their first pick they have to address it here.

15. New York Giants – Rolando McClain, ILB Alabama
With the departure of Antonio Pierce the Giants are in search of a new commander for their defense. McClain will be the answer years to come. He will give them the leadership needed and his playmaking ability will stand out.

16. Tennessee Titans – Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB Texas
The Titans are in search of a pass rusher. Sergio Kindle is my favorite pure pass rusher in the draft. I’m sure Vince Young won’t mind having another longhorn on the roster.

17. San Francisco 49ers – C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson
C.J. Spiller is an incredible athlete. He showed us this season that he is a game breaker and on even given play he can score. I don’t think he is an every down back, which is why he will be a great fit with Frank Gore.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati, T Idaho
The Steelers need offensive line help. They could also groom Terrence Cody as the future nose tackle, but I think Cody is too high here. Iupati is tough and nasty. He fits the Pittsburgh Steeler mentality.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Graham DE Michigan
The Falcons have failed to upgrade their offensive line the last couple of years. Brandon Graham is a relentless pass rusher, who can also play the run. He dominated in the Senior Bowl and deserves to be picked in the top 20.

20. Houston Texans – Brian Price, DT UCLA
I think Brian Price is a top 15 talent, so if he falls to 20 the Texans should not hesitate to draft him. The Texans have suggested that they will be looking for defensive line help and I think Price will make an impact immediately.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois
Following the death of Chris Henry, the Bengals are in need of wide receiver help. There are rumors Terrell Owens could be headed to Cincinnati but the Bengals still need youth at the position. Benn is very solid and will benefit from playing in Chad Johnson’s shadow for a few years. Carson Palmer will love the pick.

22. New England Patriots – Jermaine Gresham, TE Oklahoma
The Patriots are getting older and older and older. The good news for them is they have several picks in the first couple of rounds, so they can continue to slowly rebuild while remaining competitive. I have Gresham as the number one tight end in this class and he will provide instant relief for Tom Brady.

23. Green Bay Packers – Charles Brown, T USC
Packers would love to grab a higher rated tackle but Charles Brown is still a solid player. The Packers offensive line was horrible last year, so Brown will start immediately. If anything, Aaron Rogers deserves the protection. How long can the Packers ask him to run for his life on every play and still produce Pro Bowl numbers?

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB Missouri
Sean Weatherspoon is a physical freak. He is very strong, fast, and intimidating. The Eagles need this kind of player on their less than stellar defense. Weatherspoon will play the run and rush the passer.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame
Golden is a playmaker. Give him the ball and you won’t regret it. He has 4.4 40 speed, he is quick, he has vision, he is tough and he has great hands. He fills every need the Ravens have at wide receiver. If Tate is drafted here, the Ravens will no longer have to rely on Ray Rice to make all the big plays.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Dan Williams, DT Tennessee
Big Dan Williams is arguably the third best defensive tackle behind McCoy and Suh. Obviously if he falls all the way to pick 26, it is a no brainer for the Cardinals. The Cardinals need help in the defensive back field but if Williams is here they have to go with the pick that will give them the most value.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Brandon Spikes, MLB Florida
Brandon Spikes is an interesting prospect. I feel like the more and more people watch and pay close attention to him, the more his stock lowers. At this point he could potentially fall out of the first round. He does not blow you away with anything; he is just a good football player. He is also in a weak Middle linebacker class, which helps him. I think Dallas will take a gamble on him, considering they don’t need him to make a huge impact right away. They can groom him and slowly mold him into the player he was at Florida.

28. San Diego Chargers – Jahvid Best, RB California
I was very tempted to put Ryan Matthews here because he is my favorite back in this year’s draft, but after Jahvid Best ran an impressive 4.35 40, I think he has solidified his spot as the number two back. The Chargers will take a hard look at Best’s injury prone past but I think he will be their guy at the end of the day.

29. New York Jets – Kyle Wilson, CB Boise St
Kyle Wilson surprised many with 25 reps on the bench at the combine. That is very impressive for a corner back. He also stood out at the senior bowl. NFL scouts questioned who was the number two corner back in this year’s draft, but I think they have found their answer in Kyle Wilson. Wilson is physical and has great play recognition. He will be a great replacement for Lito Sheppard.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida
The Vikings do not have many needs, so they should draft who they feel is the best player on the board. Carlos Dunlap is arguably a top-10 talent but scouts question his laziness and off the field issues. The Vikings are no strangers to taking a chance on a player with “character” issues. Last year everyone passed on Percy Harvin, the Vikings believed in him and possibly came away with the steal of the draft. I see the Viking grabbing another playmaker from Florida after he falls in their lap. Dunlap will make a very productive defensive line even scarier.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Jared Odrick, DT Penn St
After a disappointing finish to their season the Colts will be looking to fill a few holes and get healthy over the offseason. It is no secret that the Colts have the best defensive end tandem in the league, but they need to upgrade the defensive tackle position. Jared Odrick is a very solid player, with a high motor. I think in most drafts Odrick would be a top-20 pick, but because this year’s defensive tackle position is so deep, Odrick will fall at the end of the first round.

32. New Orleans Saints – Everson Griffen, DE USC
The Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints need to continue to upgrade their defense. Their defensive unit was not great this year but created a lot of turnovers and got it done when it counted. One thing they are missing is a pass rush. Everson Griffen from USC is a terrific athlete and had a very solid combine. I think Griffen could go as high as 19, to the Falcons. If he is still on the board at 32, the Saints should take him. I look for him to step in right away and make an impact.