Football Frenzy

Big News

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 14:15:00 +0000

Hello there loyal followers....
I have some very big news to share with you about Football Futures. Recently, Football Futures was seen by the owner of a Production company. He liked what he saw, and last week, we reached an agreement to produce a video podcast of Football Futures to be shared here, and eventually on i-Tunes.

This is very exciting news. I want to thank our new friends for agreeing to produce our content in this additional format for our followers. Keep on the lookout everyone for the Football Futures podcast, brought to you by EZ, and our friends at Diamond Thunderbolt Productions !!!

Pre-Season NFL Power Rankings

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:15:00 +0000

With the primary wave of free-agency complete, and the draft in the books, I want to release my initial 2009 NFL Power Rankings. Of course the June 1st cuts and signings could have an impact on this, as well as injuries during mini-camps and the pre season, but for now, here is how I see the teams in terms of overall power.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are the defending champs and with good reason. I think this team has very few weaknesses, and an ecellent coaching staff who keeps them hungry. The define "Blue Collar Work Ethic" and I can easily see them repeating next season.

2. New York Giants

Sure, the Giants are not the same team they were, even when they won it all two years ago, but they are still the class of the NFC. If first round pick Hakeem Nicks can replace even some of what Plaxico brought to the table the Giants could make a return engagement to the Super Bowl net season.

3. New England Patriots

Just returning Tom Brady to the lineup will make this team much better than the playoff miss of last season. They did a good job in the draft filling holes, and their coaching staff alone will keep them in every game.

4. Atlanta Falcons

How about this turnaround. This time last year I had these same Falcons as the worst in the league. Now with the addition of Tony Gonzalez, they could challenge the Giants in the NFC title game.

5. Green Bay Packers

I know that a lot of people are going to think I am crazy for rating the Pack so high, but the truth is theyare going to be better than you expect. Aaron Rodgers was real good last year, and now he has a season under his belt. Greg Jennings is an outstanding young receiver, and they additions made in the draft on the defensive side of the ball can make this team very dangerous.

6. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are going to be in an interesting spot this season. Tony Dungy has retired, so it is possible to see the team slide a bit, but Jim Caldwell seems like he is holding it all together well. The offense will still be stellar, but the defense has some question marks. How well Manning and Caldwell hold things together will determine how far this team goes.

7. Tennessee Titans

The Titans were a nice surprise last year, and I think they are a real good team again. They have some aging vets at some key spots though, and how much they fall off will impact how far this team can go next season.

8. Philadelphia Eagles

As many of you already know, I love what the Eagles did on draft day. Unfortunately, I think the loss of Brian Dawkins to the Broncos will hurt this franchise a bit, and as a result they fall to the 8th spot on my power rankings.

9. San Diego Chargers

Quite possibily the most comple 8-8 story last year, the Chargers were really hurt by the absence of Shawne Merriman. He is back this year, and if he can bring the Merriman of old to the field, this team should be the class of the AFC West.

10. Arizona Cardinals

The Cards are a talented bunch, on both sides of the ball, but they have two disgruntled players in Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett. How the team handles these situations will have a huge impact on the team's progress this year.

11. Miami Dolphins

Miami surprised a lot of folks by winning the AFC East last year. This year they should be even better, as the team did a good job between the draft and free agency reloading their secondary. Now if only they had a true number one wideout.

12. Chicago Bears

Sports Illustrated's, Peter King, really like Chicago because they addded Jay Cutler. My problem is that he has no targets to throw to. Also, this Bears defense is not as scary as it was two years ago, so despite the Cutler addition, I still see them finishing second in their division to the Pack.

13. Baltimore Ravens

I wonder how much the departure of Rex Ryan is going to hurt this defense. It could be a lot, and if it is, the Ravens will take a step back from last year's sucess. I am also not certain who sophmore QB Joe Flacco is going to be throwing the ball to this season either.

14. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikes made the playoffs last season on the back of Adrian Peterson. He is a phenom. However, to be sucessful in this league you need to have more than 1 superstud back. Their are question marks behind center, and on the defense, and the Vikes play in a tough division.

15. Dallas Cowboys

How good the Cowboys will be is going to be dependant on how OC Jason Garrett runs this offense. If he lest the horses loose, and runs the ball, the Boys will challenge the Giants and Eagles for the division. If Garrett continues to put all his eggs in the passing game basket, he will find his team fighting with the Redskins to stay out of the cellar.

16. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers kept Peppers in the mi and added Everette Brown on draft day. This should keep their defense competitive. Their offense is where the question marks lie. How Jake Delhomme comes back from last years playoff disaster remains to be seen, and this could impact the Panthers as they kickoff the 09 season.

17. Washington Redskins

The Skins came out like gang busters last year, then came down to Earth. Jason Campbell has got to be feeling the pressure as the Washington signal caller, and how he responds to this pressure could make or break Washington's season.

18. New York Jets

With Farve playing well last season, the Jets started 8-3. When he cooled off, so did the Jets and they missed the playoffs. Now they will start either a rookie, or an unproven vet at QB, and I am just not sure how this will work out. You also have to remember Thomas Jones is now on the wrong side of 30 and in a contract battle. The addition of Bart Scott to the defense could be good though.

19. New Orleans Saints

The Saints will be alright as long a Drew Brees is at the helm. Their high powered offense should be just as good, and this means a lot of points. The question for this team will be how will Greg Williams reshape this defense. They have added some talent, and that could help, but they are simply going to have to be tougher if they want to challenge in the division.

20. Houston Texans

I am tired of being burned by the "in" pick, the Texans. Each year they get more talented, and then each year they go 8-8. Shaub has been a relative disappointment since comming over from Atlanta, and I am just not sure if this team can get over the hump this season. A nice compliment to Andre Johnson would have gone a long way, but they are still without.

21. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners defense really repsonded at the end of last season to new Head Coach, Mike Singletary. No surprise there. Now about the offense, they still are a one trick pony. They can only go as far as the legs of Frank Gore will take them. They have some holes on the o-line and they have question marks at both reciever and QB. Not a great way to start the year.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

Since David garrard has taken over as the starting QB this team has been in a nose dive. They continually miss on wideouts, and their defense has gotten old in the wrong places. I like Maurice Jone Drew, but I wonder if he will be as effective being the only back in the stable.

23. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals improved their team through the draft this year, but I expect it to take a year or two to show dividends. With TJ leaving town, a returning Carson Palmer will have fewer weapons to take advantage of and that could spell trouble for the team that invented the word trouble.

24. Seattle Seahawks
Despite having the second best draft, this team still needs improvement. Matt Hasslebeck is strong willed and strong armed, but he has a weakening o-line, no running game, and only one real throwing target. This team is going to have to rely on its defense to keep them in games this comming season, and that could mean another high draft choice next year.

25. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are a team in a rut. They still don't have a real answer behind center. The added Terrell Ownes at wideout, and that includes the sideshow that comes with him. They are not an overpowering defense, and all said they will lose more games than they win.

26. Kansas City Chiefs

The Cheifs are in rebuilding mode. They had a wonderful draft a year ago, and it will start to pay for the team that was the youngest in football a year ago. They have a new coach and a new front office, and despit the hopes in KC, I don't see a Miami type turn around this season.

27. Cleveland Browns

The simple truth is the Browns have too many holes to be competitive. They have two QBs, but not one dominating one. They have Jamal Lewis but he is 107 in running back years. Braylon Edwards didn't step up the his game last year when the team needed him, and is now trade fodder. The defense has holes and questions all over, and the draft did nothing to help them. Should be another long season in Cleveland.

28. Denver Broncos

The Josh McDaniels show is underway in Denver, and he has to already be waering out his welcome with the Denver faithful. He chased pro-bowl QB Jay Cutler out of town, then wasted his first draft pick on the teams 39th running back. The addition of Brian Dawkins to the defense plugs one hole, but what about the 9 others that remain?

29. Detroit Lions

What do you have to look forward to after an 0-16 season. How about a four spot jump in the power rankings. The Lions have a talent in Calvin Johnson, and depending on how quickly first round pick Matt Stafford acclimates, they could be a dangerous combo for years to come. There are still a lot of holes on this team to fill however, so don't expect to see the Lions pushing for a division title just yet.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If you look up "rebuilding" in the dictionary, you will now see no definition, just a picture of One Buc Place. When these guys do something, they do it big. Fire the Head Coach and GM. Cut two team Captains. Cut two starting linebackers and two starting wideouts. Trade up in the draft for a huge risk at QB. This may all work out in the end for Tampa, but it is going to be a long '09 in the process.

31. Oakland Raiders

It is so sad to see this proud franchise this dismal, for this long, but this is wht happens when your owner and your GM went to high school with President Hoover. In his 4000 years as leader of the Raiders, it is no surprise to see that the game has passed Al Davis by. The only problem is he hasn't figured that out yet. The Raiders continue to botch post season after post season, draft after draft, and thus they are again going to be of football worst.

32. St Louis Rams

How bad are things in St Louis? Well they are looking up at teams like the Raiders and the Lions right now. But in all seriousness, the Rams are currently the worst team in football, but not for long. Coach Spags was the right guy for the job in St Louis, and they have some very talented young pieces to build around. Adam Carriker, Chris Long, Jason Smith, and James Laurinaitis are all going to be great long term pieces, and Stephen Jackson is still young enough to be a piece of the rebuilding puzzle. Unfortunately that is about all this team has left. No receivers, no secondary, and aging QB, and too many holes on the o-line for their running back to really make noise. This team is down now, but I wouldn't expect them to stay down for long.

2009 Draft Review

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:08:00 +0000

So draft weekend is now in the books. Lets take a look at how each team did. I have reviewed each draft pick in each round, and rated how well I feel the team did with the selection, and then of course how these selections, and all of the maneuvering surrounding the team helped them become a better team. The ranks are in order from best to worst.

1. Philadelphia Eagles: A+

Bottom line is that Eagle fans have to be absolutely thrilled at what this team did over the course of the draft. The team got started a week before the draft dealing their second pick of the first round to the Bills in exchange for Jason Peters. This filled an immediate need at OT, and to acquire a pro-bowler in exchange for a first rounder is a good deal.

Then the Eagles used their other first round selection to trade up two spots an acquire WR Jeremy Maclin from Mizzou. Maclin was a top ten talent, but do to a poor move by the Raiders, he fell on draft day. The Eagles grabbed him at the mid to back end of round one. What a steal.

With their second round selection the Eagles grabbed LeSean McCoy, the running back from Pittsburgh. I had said in my mocks, the Eagles needed a good back to spell Brian Westbrook from time to time, so they grabbed another Brian Westbrook type of back in McCoy who had a Late 1st/Early 2nd round grade in my book.

Considering they did not pick again till the 5th round, and there they grabbed a guy who could be the steal of the draft earnes the Eagles this lofty grade. Cornelius Ingram, the former Gator TE missed his Senior season due to a leg injury, but despite this, his previous collection of work, plus his outstanding combine made him the number 3 TE on my board.

No doubt the Eagles are a better team after the draft, and they really rocked the weekend in my opinion. A+ work by the Eagles.

Rd 1 - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Mizzouri
Rd 2 - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
Rd 5 - Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
Rd 5 - Victor Harris, CB, Va Tech
Rd 5 - Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon
Rd 6 - Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington St
Rd 6 - Paul Fanaika, OG, Arizona St
Rd 7 - Moise Fokou, OLB, Maryland

2. Seattle Seahawks: B+

I think the Seahawks did a very good job with their picks over draft weekend. They started things off by being patient, and thanks to the poor selection by KC, the Hawks were able to land the drafts number 1 rated talent overall in Aaron Curry. His selection immediately bolsters this teams defense.

Going into the weekend however, the Hawks had to upgrade at o-line too. Nabbing Max Unger, a clear round 1 rated player in round two earned this team their second straigh high value selection. Unger can play anywhere on the line, but likely will make a career in the pros at center or guard.

In free agency, the team added TJ Whosyomama to give Matty H a new target, and in the third round they picked up Deon Butler from Penn State to learn from the crafty vet.

In addition, due to some trading, the Hawks added themselves another third round selection in next years draft. You have to like that type of movement. The only knock on the Hawks draft would be they still don't have an heir to Matt Hasselbeck on their roster. Then again, maybe next year.

Rd 1 - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Rd 2 - Max Unger, OL, Oregon
Rd 3 - Deon Butler, WR, Penn State
Rd 6 - Mike Teel, QB, Rutgers
Rd 7 - Courtney Green, SS, Rutgers
Rd 7 - Nick Reed, DE, Oregon
Rd 7 - Cameron Morrah, TE, California

3. Atlanta Falcons: B

Like the Eagles, the Falcons got their draft started early. They dealt a second rounder to KC in the days before the draft to acquire Tony Gonzalez, who happens to fill one of the teams biggest needs. Matt Ryan is going to love having a big target like the future Hall-of-Famer.

Then with their first round selection, the Falcons choose Peria Jerry, a DT from Ole Miss. Jerry is a big body, in the mold of Warren Sapp, perfect for the Cover 2 defense the Falcons play.

In the second round the team selected William Moore, possibly the best Safety on the board. Moore has some talent and could be a good fit with Mike Smith's defense.

The rest of the Falcons selectons were all of appropriate value, including Lawrence Sidbury Jr. Sidbury is a DE from Richmond who was selcted in the 4th round. I think this guy could see some major playing time in his rookie season.

Rd 1 - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Rd 2 - William Moore, S, Missouri
Rd 3 - Christopher Owens, CB, San Jose State
Rd 4 - Lawrence Sidbury Jr, DE, Richmond
Rd 5 - William Middleton, CB, Furman
Rd 5 - Garrett Reynolds, OT, North Carolina
Rd 6 - Spencer Adkins, LB, Miami
Rd 7 - Vance Walker, DT, Georgia Tech

4. Cincinatti Bengals: B-

You always have to wonder which questionable character will the Bengals select as the draft approaches, and this years draft was no different. However, dispite some minor character concerns from their first round selection, I think the Bengals did a pretty good job overall.

The Begals came into the draft in definate need of some o-line help, and they netted themselves the highest rated OT talent-wise on my board. Andre Smith could be a gem, in the mold of a Willie Anderson for the Bengals to corner themselves around for years to come.

Then, with their second round selection, the Bengals landed the highest rated MLB on my board, a clear first round talent in Rey Malaluga. Big Rey fell on draft day, and there will be a lot of teams very sorry that they passed on this guy in a few years.

With their thrid round selection, the Begals picked DE, Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech. Johnson came into his senior season a possible top ten overall selection, but a poor work ethic allowed him to fall into day two. If this kid plays for anyone, it will be Marvin Lewis, and the Bengals will have landed a steal.

TE Chase Coffman, also grabbed in the third round was also a good value selection. My only concern is that the Bengals failed to address their obvious need at WR effectively in this draft. TJ is now in Seattle and Chad is a nut case, looking to bolt Cincy. The addition of Vern Coles was nice, but not enough, and I feel the team should have done more than the seventh round selection of Freddie Brown to address this area.

Rd 1 - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Rd 2 - Rey Malaluga, MLB, USC
Rd 3 - Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Rd 3 - Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
Rd 4 - Johnathan Luigs, C, Arkansas
Rd 5 - Kevin Huber, P, Cincinatti
Rd 6 - Morgan Trent, CB, Michigan
Rd 6 - Bernard Scott, RB, Abeline Christian
Rd 7 - Fui Vakapuna, RB, BYU
Rd 7 - Clinton McDonald, DE, Memphis
Rd 7 - Freddie Brown, WR, Utah

5. Carolina Panthers: C+

The Panther lacked a first round selection, but still managed to land a first round talent in second round choice Everette Brown. Brown is a very talented DE, and he fell on draft day due to concerns about his ability to hold up against the run. I think many teams made mistakes passing on this kid, as he has Jason Taylor type potential. Now regardless of what happens with DE Julius Peppers, the Panthers should still be OK.

They also made another excellent selection when they came on the clock in the 5th round, grabbing Oklahoma tackle, Duke Robinson. Duke has all the makings of becoming a special player, and the reason he didn't go higher is beyond me. This kid had a Late 2nd/Early 3rd round grade in my book, and the Panthers landed themselves a steal.

Unfortunately for Carolina, these two pick are taken away from a bit because of the teams second round selection of Safety Sherrod Martin from Troy. This years crop of safeties was weak, and Martin had a 4th-5th round grade on most teams draft boards. The Panther reached for him, for no appearant reason, and I think this took away from what was an otherwise very good draft.

Rd 2 - Everette Brown, DE, FSU
Rd 2 - Sherrod Martin, S, Troy
Rd 3 - Corvey Irvin, DL, Georgia
Rd 4 - Mike Goodson, RB, Texas A&M
Rd 4 - Tony Fiammetta, FB, Syracuse
Rd 5 - Duke Robinson, OT, Oklahoma
Rd 7 - Captain Munnerlyn, CB, South Carolina

6. Miami Dolphins: C+

The Phins made their bones in this draft with their first three choices. Miami cam into the weekend with a real need in their secondary and adding CB Vontae Davis from Illinois in the first round, Sean Smith, the standout corner from Utah in the second round and Clemson safety, Chris Clemons, in the 5th round all made additions to the Miami secondary. Davis was the number two corner on the board, and Smith had a Late 1st/Early 2nd round grade.

Another excellent selection was the Dolphins second round selection of West Virgina QB, Pat White. White is a tremendous all around athlete whose abiltity to play both QB and WR makes him a perfect weapon in the Wildcat offense the Phins run. White will be given a chance to get the ball in his hands on game days, and this made the day for the Phins.

The knock on Miami's draft is their passing on TE, Cornelius Ingram to select John Nalbone, and possibly reaching too high to choose both WR Patrick Turner, and WR Brian Hartline early on day two.

Rd 1 - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Rd 2 - Pat White, QB, West Virginia
Rd 2 - Sean Smith, CB, Utah
Rd 3 - Patrick Turner, WR, USC
Rd 4 - Brian Hartline, WR, Ohio State
Rd 5 - John Nalbone, TE, Monmouth
Rd 5 - Chris Clemons, S, Clemson
Rd 6 - Andrew Gardner, OT, Georgia Tech
Rd 7 - JD Folsom, OLB, Weber State

7. Chicago Bears: C+

It can be argued that the trade for Jay Cutler was the first move on draft day for the Bears, but considering the high price paid for the signal caller, I am not sure this would have helped their grade. The trade left Chicago without any day one selections, yet the team certainly maximized most of their day two choices earning them the better than average grade.

Defensive ends, Jarron Gilbert (Round 3, San Jose State) and Henry Melton (Round 4, Texas) both bring great value for the Bears, and both could see some field action during their rookie campaigns. The selection of Juaquin Iglesias, the Oklahoma wide out was a very good move for this team that needs to provide their new QB with some targets. But best of all of these moves was the selection of Vandy corner DJ Moore in the late 4th round. Moore is a talented cover corner with the ability to go to the house. He had a Late 1st/Early 2nd round grade, but due to concerns about his size, the tenacious Vandy product fell to the Bears in round 4. Great move.

Rd 3 - Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St
Rd 3 - Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
Rd 4 - Henry Melton, DE, Texas
Rd 4 - DJ Moore, CB, Vandy
Rd 5 - Johnny Knox, WR, Abeline Christian
Rd 5 - Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio St
Rd 6 - Al Afalava, S, Oregon St
Rd 7 - Lance Louis, G, San Diego St
Rd 7 - Derek Kinder, WR, Pittsburgh

8. Green Bay Packers: C+

Folks like Mel Kiper have the Packer rated as their top draft day winners, and I too like what the Packers did, especially with their two first round selections. With the 9th overall selection the Pack added BJ Raji, the top DT in the draft. The BC product will be a great presence in this teams d-line, and will immediately bolster a front that showed some holes last year.

The the pack used their second round selection as leverage to trade back up into the back end of Round 1 and grab Clay Matthews Jr from USC. This kid with the legendary family line in the league is poised to be the next to carry the Matthews torch, and by addid him to a linebacking corp already featuring AJ Hawk, the Pack now have a playoff caliber front 7.

Unfortunatley, the rest of the Packs selection were simply average, and their decision not to select a running back to split with Grant was a bit confusing for me. Still, I think the pack bettered their team over the draft, and I think they will be in the mix this season.

Rd 1 - BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
Rd 1 - Clay Matthews Jr, LB, USC
Rd 4 - TJ Lang, OT, Eastern Michigan
Rd 5 - Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU
Rd 5 - Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
Rd 6 - Jarius Wynn, DE, Georgia
Rd 6 - Brandon Underwood, CB, Cincinatti
Rd 7 - Brad Jones, LB, Colorado

9. Tennessee Titans: C+

Tennessee made 11 selections over the two days, and the nabbed themselves some very good players in the process. The third round selection of TE Jared Cook from South Carolina gave the Titans the second best TE on my board. Their 5th round selection of Michigan State RB, Javon Ringer, also was a value selection, albeit a selection at a position of glutteny for Tennessee.

As for the Titans top pick, they knew they needed some more targets for either Collins or Young, and they picked up Rutgers wide out, Kenny Britt, who was a good selection, and then they added Sen'Derrick Marks at Dt from Auburn with their second round selection. Some feel Marks is overrated, but I like what he brings to the table.

Rd 1 - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Rd 2 - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Rd 3 - Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Rd 3 - Ryan Mouton, CB, Hawaii
Rd 4 - Gerald McGrath, LB, Southern Miss
Rd 4 - Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane
Rd 5 - Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State
Rd 6 - Jason McCourtney, CB, Rutgers
Rd 6 - Dominique Edison, WR, Stephen F Austin
Rd 7 - Ryan Durand, OG, Syracuse
Rd 7 - Nick Shommer, S, North Dakota State

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: C+

The Jags needed to address their o-line and wide out during their draft weekend. For their answer at wide out, the team inked Torry Holt to provide a veteran presence to this corp. Then the team used their first two picks to grab value at the o-line with Virginia tackle, Eugene Monroe in round 1, and Arizona tackle, Eben Britton in round 2. Both of these guys will find homes in the starting lineup, possibly as rookies, and will ultimately provide strong bookends for the team. This could take a few years however, and by that time, Jack Del Rio will be history.

Rd 1 - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Rd 2 - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Rd 3 - Terrance Knighton, DT, Temple
Rd 3 - Derek Cox, CB, William and Mary
Rd 4 - Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona
Rd 5 - Jarett Dillion, WR, Rice
Rd 6 - Zach Miller, TE, Nebraska Omaha
Rd 7 - Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty
Rd 7 - Tiquan Underwood, WR, Rutgers

11. San Francisco 49ers: C

I have to admit that I am a bit confused about the experts review of the Niners draft as "horrible" or "awful" or any of the other negative terms I heard. I think the Niners came away a better ball club after the weekend overall.

The team's most significant addition came thanks to their Bay Area rivals, the Raiders. When Oakland passed on Crabtree, and Jacksonville signed Holt, it set the table for the Niners to grab the top wide out in this years class, and the second best player on my board overall. I love what Michael Crabtree brings to the field, and I think he can be an all world type of receiver in the league.

Glenn Coffee, the teams third round selection out of Alabama, is also a good talent, and will be an excellent backup to starter Frank Gore in the Niner's ground game. I also really like the 5th round addition of 2-time Big East defensive player of the year, Scott McKillop to add to the linebacking corp. These three picks really made the Niner's day.

The only knock I have is the team still lacks a legitimate QB to get the ball to their new weapons. The selection of Nate Davis from Ball State in my opinion was poor. Despite a high grade in some circles, I feel Davis will be way out of his depth in pro football, and I don't feel like the Niners have any real answers on their current roster. This being said however, the team did net an extra 1st rounder in next years draft from Carolina, and with the possibility of three top signal callers being available, the Niners could use their fire power to land their guy then.

Rd 1 - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Rd 2 - Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama
Rd 5 - Scott McKillop, LB, Pittsburgh
Rd 5 - Nate Davis, QB, Ball State
Rd 6 - Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State
Rd 7 - Curtis Taylor, S, LSU
Rd 7 - Ricky Jean-Francois, DT, LSU

12. Indianapolis Colts: C

Plenty of the experts are down on the Colts draft, especially for the "reach" in the first round of Donald Brown from UConn. I have got to say, I absolutely disagree with that assessment. I think Donald Brown has all the makings of a big time playmaker in the NFL, and although he was a slight reach, as he had a high 2nd round grade in my book, I think he is perfect for the Colts. pairing him with Joey Addai will make for an awesome backfield for Manning's squad.

I also like the 2nd round selection of USC DT Fili Moala, who I think fits the Colts D like a glove. He will be a great DT in the Tampa 2 defense the Colts run. Also, the Colts also earn some credit for their 6th round selection of QB Curtis Painter from Purdue. Not that Painter will be pushing Manning, but he is a good talent who can serve as a great backup to the future hall-of-famer.

Rd 1 - Donald Brown, RB, Conneticuit
Rd 2 - Fili Moala, DT, USC
Rd 3 - Jerraud Powers, CB, Auburn
Rd 4 - Austin Collie, WR, BYU
Rd 4 - Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
Rd 6 - Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
Rd 7 - Pat McAfee, P, West Virginia
Rd 7 - Jaimie Thomas, OT, Maryland

13. Arizona Cardinals: C

Although the Cards represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, and almost won it, they still had some holes to fill on draft day. I wanted to see the Cards come out with an everydown back to replace the unhappy Edge, and then the team needed to add some additional depth in their secondary. Obviously, I was not the only one who thought this way, as the Cards chose Ohio State RB, Beanie Wells to bolster their backfield. Beanie has good hands, and runs with great power. He will be a real asset to the Cards.

Then, with their 3rd Round selection, the team jumped on Rashad Johnson, the Alabama safety. This kid has a lot of upside, and with a bit of seasoning, he could be one of the better safeties in the league. He had a second round grade in my book, so the third round choice means value for Zona.

Rd 1 - Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
Rd 2 - Cody Brown, DE, Connecticuit
Rd 3 - Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
Rd 4 - Greg Toler, CB, St Pauls
Rd 5 - Herman Johnson, OT, LSU
Rd 6 - Will Davis, DE, Illinois
Rd 7 - LaRod Stephens Howling, RB, Pittsburgh
Rd 7 - Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinatti

14. New England Patriots: C

The Pats are a team that made some real nice selections over the weekend, but the also left me scratching my head with a few choices too. With four picks in the second round, the Pats had the opportunity to really build , and the maximized their value with two of their choices. Ron Brace, the other DT from Boston College, is a quality addition who will fit the New England system very well, and I also love the Darius Butler selection. The former Huskie corner has all the potential to be a shut down corner in the league, and I think he can shine in the Pats defense.

Unfortunately, I am not as high on the teams first choice of the draft, Patrick Chung, the Oregon safety. I fell he was overrated, and their were definately better options for the Pats still available. Also, the Sebestian Vollmer selection was also a bit of a stretch to me. I had Vollmer as a third rounder, and I though that was being a bit generous. I am just not sure what impact he will have in the league.

On a side note, bonus points for the Pats with their selection of South Florida's Tyrone McKenzie, a strong motor guy who can bring some youth and intensity to a linebacking corps with some holes.

Rd 2 - Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Rd 2 - Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
Rd 2 - Darius Butler, CB, Connecticuit
Rd 2 - Sebestian Vollmer, OT, Houston
Rd 3 - Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina
Rd 3 - Tyrone McKenzie, LB, South Florida
Rd 4 - Rich Ohrnberger, G, Penn State
Rd 5 - George Bussey, OT, Louisville
Rd 6 - Jake Ingram, LS, Hawaii
Rd 6 - Myron Pryor, DT, Kentucky
Rd 7 - Julian Edelman, QB, Kent State
Rd 7 - Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech

15. Pittsburgh Steelers: C

The Steelers had the opportunity to really build on the Super Bowl winning season with a hugh draft. Unfortunately, I felt the Steelers uncharacteristically missed on a few picks, and I am a bit surprised. Going into the draft, I felt the most pressing need for the Steelers was to build their o-line, and then to bolster their corners. The team managed to do both, but not the way I expected.

When the Steelers got on the clock in the first round, they were set up perfectly to choose Max Unger, the Oregon lineman, with the Steeler attitude. This would have been a perfect fit. Instead, the Pittsburgh brass chose Evander Hood, a DT from Missouri. Now, don't get me wrong, I like Hood, just not in the first round. Not only were there better players at positions of greater need on the board, but there were even better DTs still available (Ron Brace) when Hood was selected.

I am also not sure how much I like the Mike Wallace selection in round three. Again, it is not that I don't like Wallace, but I just feel there were definately better options available, even at the same position when the pick was made.

Now having said this all, remember that I began this rant by stating that the Steelers did in fact adress their two primary needs with this draft. Their third round selection of Wisconsin's Kraig Urbik was perfect for Pittsburgh, as this guy bring a great o-linemans attitude with him each week. The the team absolutely stole UCF corner Joe Burnett in round 5 and Penn State center AQ Shipley in round 7. These three picks saved the Steelers draft.

Rd 1- Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Rd 3 - Kraig Urbik, OT, Wisconsin
Rd 3 - Mike Wallace, WR, Mississippi
Rd 3 - Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon State
Rd 5 - Joe Burnett, CB, UCF
Rd 5 - Frank Summers, RB, UNLV
Rd 6 - Ra'Shon Harris, DT, Oregon
Rd 7 - AQ Shipley, C, Penn State
Rd 7 - David Johnson, TE, Arkansas State

16. New York Giants: C

Much of how the Giants will ultimately fare from this draft will come from how well things pan out with their first round selection of Hakeem Nicks. Nicks is a big, strong reciever with good hands, much like their former #1 Plaxico Burress. Unfortunately, Nicks seems prone to weight gain, and lapses in commitment, and if these type behaviors take over this could be a big bust for big blue.

I do like some of the Giants other selection however. I think Clint Stintim is a great addition with the second round choice, and he is a Giants-type linebacker through and through. I like the Ramses barden selection in Round 3, as this kid could untimately be even better than Nicks. I also think Travis Beckum in the thrid round, and Rhett Bomar in the 5th were both good selections too.

The rest of the Giants selections were average and if Nicks doesn't pan out, this could turn into a much lower grade.

Rd 1 - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Rd 2 - Clint Stintim, LB, Virginia
Rd 2 - William Beatty, T, Connecticuit
Rd 3 - Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly
Rd 3 - Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin
Rd 4 - Andre Brown, RB, North Carolina State
Rd 5 - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston State
Rd 6 - DeAndre Wright, DB, New Mexico
Rd 7 - Stoney Woodson, DB, South Carolina

17. Washington Redskins: C

Like the Giants, the Redskin's draft will weigh heavily on the performance of their first round selection. Unlike the Giants, I have more faith in the Skins selction than I do the New York choice.

The Skins came into the weekend with needs on both the offensive and defensive front. Thanks to their uncharacteristic patients, coupled with the Cleveland Browns game of first round roulette, the Skins were able to land the number three overall player on my board in Texas DE, Brian Orakpo. This kid can flat out play, and with Albert Haynesworth occupying space in the middle, Orakpo could be getting after QBs quite a bit next year.

Unfortunately as has become the norm with Dan Snyder, the Skins were not really left with enough other picks to really improve the teams depth or for the team to get much younger. Hence the reason the Skins finsh with the 17th best draft and not a top 10 draft.

Rd 1 - Brain Orakpo, DE, Texas
Rd 3 - Kevin Barnes, CB, Maryland
Rd 5 - Cody Glenn, LB, Nebraska
Rd 6 - Robert Henson, LB, TCU
Rd 7 - Eddie Williams, TE, Idaho
Rd 7 - Marko Mitchell, WR, Nevada

18. New York Jets: C

One thing that cannot be said about Jets GM, Mike Tannenbaum, is that he lack courage. Each year Tannenbaum shows the intenstinal fortitude to pull off some of the biggest trades in the league. This year was no different. The Jets made the biggest splash of the draft by moving up from the middle of the first round to Cleveland's number 5 spot, and choosing USC QB, Mark Sanchez. The Jets definately needed a signal caller, and Sanchez was one of the draft's fastest rising prospects, and now will be the new face of the franchise on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Having said all of that, it is important to not get caught up in the hype, and look at Sanchez realistically. The truth is that despite being talented, Sanchez really needed to return to USC next season. He does not have enough experience starting football games, and has not shown the type of polish that you want from a rookie signal caller in the NFL. Those are serious concerns when you consider how much the Jets are investing in this kid to lead the team now.

Also of note, the Jets traded up again into the top spot on day 2 and landed Shonn Green, the Iowa running back, who I believe will be an excellent addition to the New York backfield, and ultimately will replace Thomas Jones as the primary back for the Jets. I really like this pick, but it is very hard for me to give a higher grade to a team that added only three players from the whole weekend (and if you consider the three players dealt in the Cleveland trade they netted zero additional palyers).

The Jets have to stop trying to be Washington, and remember how much value can be gained during the draft if they would stop trading away al of their picks.

Rd 1 - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Rd 3 - Shonn Green, RB, Iowa
Rd 6 - Matt Slauson, G, Nebraska

19. Detroit Lions: C-

So how does the team with the first overall pick, and ten selection in total wind up with the 19th best draft class? This is a great question that does not bode well for the Lions faithful. The Lions had the best opportunity of any team to improve through the draft, and ultimately, it seems the team squandered the opportunity. Their draft selection were consistantly mediocre, and really lacked any appearant impact overall.

It is hard to argue with the Stafford selection at the top of the draft, although in general, I am not really excited by this pick either. I like Stafford's potential, but the kid has some red flags that concern me, and I am not certain that of the season started today Stafford could even surplant Daunte Culpper as the Lions starter, and I am not sure that is what this teams needed from the top overall selection.

I do like the Brandon Pettigrew selection with their second first rounder, but then things kind of fall off. The Lions chose Louis Delmas in the second round while guys like Rey Malaluga, James Laurinaitis, and even Darius Butler were still available, and I just don't see the Delmas pick as impactful. Same goes for just about every other selection the Lions made across the two days.

The only other bright spot for the Lions came on day 2 when the team nabbed Derrick Williams from Penn State at the end of round 3. I like Williams, but you know how it goes with the Lions and wide receivers.

Rd 1 - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
Rd 1 - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
Rd 2 - Louis Delmas, CB, Western Michigan
Rd 3 - DeAndre Levy, LB, Wisconsin
Rd 3 - Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State
Rd 4 - Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman
Rd 6 - Aaron Brown, RB, TCU
Rd 7 - Lydon Murtha, T, Nebraska
Rd 7 - Zack Follett, LB, California
Rd 7 - Dan Gronkowski, TE, Maryland

20. New Orleans Saints: C-

The Saints were another team who lacked the necessary firepower to really improve their ballclub. I think the team did well in selecting Malcolm Jenkins with their 1st round pick, but their other three picks of the weekend lacked luster overall.

Jenkins is a corner/saftey hybrid. This flexibility will be valuable to New orleans who really needs playmakers in the secondary. I think the knock on Jenkins' speed will prove to be superfluous, as he plays faster than he measures, and this will fit in nicely with Greg Williams defense.

Still how much better can a team be when they are left with only 4 picks for the whole weekend, and then you spend one on a punter?

Rd 1 - Michael Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
Rd 4 - Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest
Rd 4 - Stanley Arnoux, LB, Wake Forest
Rd 5 - Thomas Morestead, P, Southen Methodist

21. Minnesota Vikings: C-

To me, the Vikings are a decent franchise despite themselves. This team came into the weekend with a few areas of need,most of which fell on the defensive side of the ball. So what does the team do with their first two picks? The choose offensive players.

Percy Harvin can be an exciting player, especially when he has the ball in his hands. He can run, catch, and throw, and reminds a lot of people of a Reggie Bush type. Unfortunately for the Vikes, he is also injury prone like Bush, and for all of the good he brings, he may only bring it 8 - 14 games per year. Is that really what you want out of your top pick?

Then in the second round the team chose Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma. I really like Loadholt and think he can be a great addition to any team, but did the Vikes really need him? He will be good, but I think the team could have addressed some more glaring holes, and been a better team next season because of it.

I know the Vikes now have some seriouc weapons on the offensive side of the ball, but they still do not have a signal caller to run this high powered offense, and their defense still has too many holes to push this team to that next level.

Rd 1 - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Rd 2 - Phil Loadholt, OL, Oklahoma
Rd 3 - Asher Allen, CB, Georgia
Rd 5 - Jasper Brinkley, LB, South Carolina
Rd 7 - Jamarca Sanford, S, Mississippi

22. Baltimore Ravens: C-

Let me begin this review by saying this about Ravens GM, Ozzie Newsome. I think Ozzie is the best GM in the game today, bar none. If I was building a franchise from scratch, Ozzie wold be my first hire, and then I would let him build me a playoff caliber team year in and year out. I would choose him without a second thought, even over Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli. Having said that, I am not impressed with the Ravens draft.

Mike Oher could be a good selection at tackle for this club. Unfortunately he has been a model of inconsistancy, and that is too important a position in the pros for inconsistance to be tolerated.

The rest of the Raven's selections lack pizzaz, and impact, and I think ultimately this draft may net the team only 1-3 players on their roster. I do like the Cedric Peerman selection however, with the team's 7th round pick.

Rd 1 - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Rd 2 - Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
Rd 3 - Ladarrius Webb, CB, Nichols State
Rd 5 - Jason Phillips, LB, TCU
Rd 5 - Devon Drew, TE, East Carolina
Rd 7 - Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia

23. St Louis Rams: C-

Draft weekend featured much spectacle. One of the more interesting side shows to watch was the Rams interpratation of Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde. I love the Rams first two picks, but I hate one of their day two choices, and am completely baffeled by the teams lack of focus on some areas of need.

The Rams had the number two overall pick, and their selection of Jason Smith was spot on. With Orlando Pace now gone, the team needed a new anchor for their o-line, and I beleieve they got it in Smith. This former TE has great feet and mobility for a big guy, and he is strong enough to hold up at the point of attack.

Then the team grabbed a great steal in the second round with the selection of James Laurinaitis. This kid is a football player, and the fact that he slipped into the second round because of his measurables is disgraceful. Laurinaitis simply plays football the way linebackers are supposed to, and the Rams landed themselves great value with this pick.

Then the wheels flew off the bus for this team. With an exceptional need at wide receiver, especially following the departure of Torry Holt, the team managed to add only one receiver in the draft, and not one who is going to make much of an impact it seems. Then to make matters worse, the team follows my advise and spends a late round selection on a QB, and the choose Keith Null from West Texas A&M, with Graham Harrell still on the board!!! Are you kidding me. Null would have been available as a free agent, and Harrell was absolutely a better choice.

Who would believe that it will be the Rams offense that keeps them near the bottom of the league next year, and not their defense.

Rd 1 - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Rd 2 - James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Rd 3 - Bradley Fletcher, DB, Iowa
Rd 4 - Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson
Rd 5 - Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina
Rd 6 - Keith Null, QB, West Texas A&M
Rd 7 - Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Texas

24. Cleveland Browns: C-

I like the idea the Bowns had going into this draft. The correctly realized that the woes of this team could not be fixed in one draft. They made the decision to trade down to acquire more picks, which I think was smart. Unfortunately, I think the team came up short on value for their pick. When you choose to trade out of the top 5 in a draft, you MUST come away with a first round selection in a future year. The Bowns did not. It is also impeartive that when you trade down thre times in the first round, you come away with a player or players at need positions. The Browns did not.

Now do not get me wrong. I like Alex Mack, and I think the kid can be good in the league. I just dont know that trading down three times from 5 overall, and landing a center is what the Browns needed to do.

The rest of the Browns draft will go down as unmemorable, with no real impact players selected over the two days. The drafting of hometown favorite Brian Robiskie was a nice storyline, but I am not sure it will develop into anthing more than that.

I am also concerned that the team which came into the weekend with some of the most tradable assets (Braylon Edwards, and Brady Quinn) walked away having done nothing with each.

Rd 1 - Alex Mack, C, California
Rd 2 - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
Rd 2 - Mohammad Massaquoi, WR, Georgia
Rd 2 - David Velkune, DE, Hawaii
Rd 4 - Kaluka Maiava, LB, USC
Rd 6 - Don Carrey, CB, Norfolk State
Rd 6 - Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State
Rd 6 - James Davis, RB, Clemson

25. Houston Texans: D+

Houston's low draft grade is not as much a reflection as what I think about the players that they drafted, but instead about their complete inability to make an coherent draft strategy to improve their ball club.

Houstons top two picks are both very talented guys who could be good players at the next level. Both Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin pla with high intensity motors, and can become assets to a team's defense. Having said that, neither of these plaers makes a whole lot of sense for the Texans. Both of these guys are front seven players, and the stregnth of the Texans are their front seven. Having spent recent first round selections on Mario Williams and Omobe Okoye, and a second rounder on Demeco Ryans, I just don't see pick two more front seven guys this year.

Then, the team makes two rediculous choices in the 4th and 5th rounds, selecting TEs both times. Remember, two seasons back the Texans drafted Owen Daniels, who has developed into one of the best young TEs in football, so now with needs for WR and RB depth, the team makes two more TE selections. What are these guys doing?

Rd 1 - Brian Cushing, LB, USC
Rd 2 - Conner Barwin, DE, Cincinatti
Rd 3 - Antoine Caldwell, G, Alabama
Rd 4 - Glover Quinn, CB, New Mexico
Rd 4 - Anthony Hill, TE, North Carolina State
Rd 5 - James Casey, TE, Rice
Rd 6 - Brice McCain, CB, Utah
Rd 7 - Troy Nolan, S, Arizona State

26. Dallas Cowboys: D

From year to year, the Cowboys are one of the better drafting teams in the league. That is why I am so surprised to see the quality of this class for the Boys. Now it is true that the Boys lacked any day 1 picks, but Trader Jerry did have some firepower with his 12 day two selections, so they could have moved up if they wanted. Instead, they stayed pat, and they did not really capitalize on their opportunities.

In fact, not only did the team not really take advantage of their chances, but the wasted two picks on top of that, and that is very uncharacteristic for Jerry Jones. In the offseason, the team signed Jon Kitna to be the vereran backup for Tony Romo. So why then did the team waste a 4th round selection on QB Stephen Mcgee, when they could have drafted a similarly talent QB in the 6th or 7th round (Graham Harrell, Rhett Bomar) simply to compete to hold the clipboard next year.

Equally confusing was the wasting of a 5th round selection on K David Buehler from USC. The Cowboys have one of the better kickers in the league in Nick Folk, and they waste this pick on a guy who really has very little chance of even making the team next season. It just makes no scence to me.

Rd 3 - Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois
Rd 3 - Robert Brewster, OT, Ball State
Rd 4 - Stephen McGee, QB, Texas A&M
Rd 4 - Victor Butler, DE, Oregon State
Rd 4 - Brandon Williams, DE, Texas Tech
Rd 5 - DeAngelo Smith, CB, Cincinatti
Rd 5 - Michael Hamlin, FS, Clemson
Rd 5 - David Buehler, K, USC
Rd 6 - Stephen Hodge, SS, TCU
Rd 6 - John Phillips, TE, Virginia
Rd 7 - Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinatti
Rd 7 - Manuel Johnson, WR, Oklahoma

27. Buffalo Bills: D

I have two big knocks on the Bills draft this year. First, as good a move as it was for the Eagles to send a first rounder to the Bills for Jason Peter, it was only going to be a good move for Buffalo if they effectively replaced him. Unfortunately they did not do so. They did draft two o-linemen that I like. Eric Wood is a center who I feel could have a good future in the league, but he will only be able to play center. This does not count as Peter's replacement. Plus, Wood had a round 2 grade in my book, and in classic Bills fashion, they reached. Andy Levitre is an o-lineman who I also like, and I think getting him in the second round was a smart move, but I am not convinced he will be a pro-bowl caliber lineman like Peters is.

The second knoc I have for the Bills, is their continued prediliction to reach for players, or buy into the hype of overrated players. As I mentioned, although i like him, I think the Bills reached for Wood in round 1. And as for the overrated players, I think Aaron Maybin (round 1) and Jarius Byrd (round 2) were both way overrated.

Maybin is a quality human being who you want to root for because of his hard luck past. He is very likeable, but that alone does not make him worthy of a high round 1 selection. The truth is, Maybin is a situational pass rusher, who has a good first step and is quick off the line. Where as pass rusher are of value, do you really want to spend that high a selection on a guy who can only come in on obvious passing downs?

Byrd is anoth overrated player who measured well at the combine, and earned his dough that way. I see this as anoth classic "Works out like Tarzan, plays like Jane" situation, and the Bills are a team that really need more Tarzans and fewer Janes right now.

Rd 1 - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
Rd 1 - Eric Wood, C, Louisville
Rd 2 - Jarius Byrd, CB, Oregon
Rd 2 - Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State
Rd 4 - Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss
Rd 5 - Nic Harris, S, Oklahoma
Rd 6 - Cary Harris, CB, USC
Rd 7 - Ellis Lankaster, DB, West Virginia

28. Denver Broncos: D

It is possible that I am worng, but right now I think Josh McDaniels is trying to see how quickly he can destroy a once pround franchise. First, McDaniels completely botches up the situation with his pro-bowl QB, which ultimately leads him to having to trade him out of town, then, he muff up this draft entirely.

So, after the Cutler trade, the Broncos have two first rounders. Both of the players they selected were quality players, but one, Knowshon Moreno, plays a position that the Broncos spent all offseason filling. Guys like Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, and JJ Arrington all sign in Denver, where they already have a full stable of backs like Andre Hall, Ryan Torain, Michael Pittman, and Peyton Hillis. Now they go and add Moreno to that mix. What are they thinking?

Robert Ayers, the man chose with the pick acquired for Cutler was a good selection for the Broncos, but he was the only good one of the bunch.

Then in the second round, the Broncos decide they need to trade up. So, they put together a deal which costs them a first round selection in next years draft and they acquire... Alphonso Smith. Huh?

Another questionable move was the second round selection of TE Richard Quinn. It confuses me because not only did Quinn have a late 4th / eartly 5th round grade in my book, but there were also plenty of more talented TEs available, including Jared Cook, Cornelius Ingram, and Chase Coffman. Again I ask, what planet are these guys on?

Rd 1 - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Rd 1 - Robert Ayers, DE/LB, Tennessee
Rd 2 - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Rd 2 - Darcel McBath, CB, Texas Tech
Rd 2 - Richard Quinn, TE, North Carolina
Rd 4 - David Bruton, S, Notre Dame
Rd 4 - Seth Olsen, G, Iowa
Rd 5 - Kenny McKinley, WR, South Carolina
Rd 6 - Tom Brandstater, QB, Fresno State
Rd 7 - Blake Schleuter, C, TCU

29. Kansas City Cheifs: D

Last year I felt that the Cheifs had one of the best drafts. They build themselves a foundation to build on in the future. Well, the future is now, and there is new leadership in place, and this new leadership is not off to a great start in my opinion.

The draft was moving along just fine until we got to the third pick of the first round and the Cheifs came on the clock. Aaron Curry was available, and it looked like Scott Pioli was going to land himself the draft's best overall talent. Then up to the podium we go and the Cheifs select, Tyson Jackson. Tyson Jackson? Are you messing with me? Tyson Jackson? Now Tyson Jackson is a pretty good ball player, and he is worthy of a first round selection, but #3 overall... are you nuts? Jackson quits on plays. His work ethic is questionable, and he has trouble keeping his weight where it needs to be. And this is they guy you tab to continue to rebuild around?

Thanks to the Raiders move a few picks later, this won't go down as the dumbest move of the draft, but boy, not a good way to get started.

The rest of the Cheifs picks really lacked luster, and I am not really sure how many of these guys will be making the team next year.

Rd 1 - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Rd 3 - Alex Magee, DT, Purdue
Rd 4 - Donald Washington, CB, Ohio State
Rd 5 - Colin Brown, OL, Missouri
Rd 6 - Quentin Lawrence, WR, McNeese State
Rd 7 - Javarris Williams, RB, Tennessee State
Rd 7 - Jake O'Connell, WR, Miami (OH)
Rd 7 - Ryan Succop, K, South Carolina

30. San Diego Chargers: D

The biggest problem that I have with the Chargers draft is how often the team reached for out-of-range talent in this draft.

Things started off badly for San Diego when in the first round they selected Larry English. Now those of you that regulary read my college football analysis and my draft pre-views and mocks know that I am a Larry English fan. I think the kid is going to be a very good football player. My problem is not with Larry, but with where he was taken. I think the Chargers reached for Larry, and a better move would have been to trade down 5 to 8 spots, picked up an extra 3rd or 4th rounder and then taken English there.

Then, the Chargers repeated the mistake again in the third round. Louis Vasquez may turn out to be a good player at some point, but he had a mid to late 4th round grade in my book. I think the chargers could have taken their thrid round pick dealt it for a 4 this year, and maybe a 4 or 5 next year too, and still landed Vasquez some 15 picks later.

And since they say the third time is the charm, the next selection for San D was used on Vaughn Martin, who was pick a clear round to round and a half too early. Again, trading down for some additional firepower in next years draft would have been the much smarter move.

As a result, despite my liking of Larry english overall, this was a real rach of a draft for San Diego, and I cannot in good faith give them any higher of a rating.

Rd 1 - Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
Rd 3 - Louis Vasquez, G, Texas Tech
Rd 4 - Vaughn Martin, DT, Western Ontario
Rd 4 - Tyronne Green, G, Auburn
Rd 4 - Gartrell Johnson, RB, Colorado State
Rd 5 - Brandon Huges, CB, Oregon State
Rd 6 - Kevin Ellison, S, USC
Rd 7 - Demetrious Byrd, WR, LSU

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: D-

Talk about blowing something up and starting over. That is exactly what the Bucs have done this offseason. Unfortunately, the new blue print seems to have some serious flaws in it. First, the team surprises the world and drops their coach and much of the staff. Next they let go of a lot of the team's talent and most of its leadership (Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard). Now they show up at draft weekend, and lay one big ugly egg.

When you have no QB, it is easy to see possibility in everyone. Unfortunately it does not make drafting one of these possibilities a good idea. The Bucs really do need a signal caller, but unlike some other teams in the league who also have some need there, the Bucs made the unfortunate mistake of reaching a taking late second round project Josh Freeman in the middle of the first round. Now not only will this kid not be a sucessful QB in the pros, but he will be a highly paid unsucessful Qb in the pros to boot.

It has been shown time and time again that one of the most important measures of a college QB when it comes to predicting sucess at the pro level is how well he takes care of the football. Josh Freeman's ball care numbers look a lot more similar to the college numbers of Ryan Leaf and Kyle Boller than they do of Peyton Manning or Phillip Rivers.

Then to make matters worse, the Bucs traded up to get Freeman, leaving them with even fewer picks, although they did not really do too much with the picks they kept.

Not a good start for this new Buccaneer's regime. Maybe they should roll back out the creamsicle uniforms again.

Rd 1 - Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Rd 3 - Roy Miller, DT, Texas
Rd 4 - Kyle Moore, DE, USC
Rd 5 - Xavier Fulton, T, Illinois
Rd 7 - EJ Biggers, CB, Western Michigan
Rd 7 - Sammie Stroughter, WR, Oregon State

32. Oakland Raiders: F

Well folks, I think it is now official. It is now time for the league to step in and save one of the league's most marketable, stroied franchises. Al Davis is no longer capible of running a football team. Since meeting Tampa in the Super Bowl a few years back, the Raiders are without any doubt one of the worst teams in football. And despite each year having good draft position, they continue to get worse and worse each year.

Part of this is because no coach worth anything can or will work of Al Davis. And part of that is because Al Davis thinks the onlything important to building a football team is speed. If you run well at the combine, you very well could be a Raider. it really is that simple.

The Raiders invested in Jamarcus Russell to be the QB of the future two years ago, because the guy was big and fast. Then last year they selected Darren McFadden to be their go to back because of his blazing speed. Now this year the team was looking to add the wide receiver to their set, and despite both Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin being on the board, Al Davis selects Darrius Heyward Bey, the guy who had the fastest time at this year's combine. Seriously? Sure speed is important in the NFL, especially at a position like receiver, but there is more to being a great receiver than speed. Anyone ever hear of a guy named Jerry Rice? To be sucessful, receivers need to run good routes, something Heyward Bey does not do. To be sucessful, receivers need to catch everything thrown to them, again something done better by both Crabtree and Maclin. But most importantly, to be sucessful, receivers need to want to be the best and always win. Crabtree has this intangible in spades. Maclin too. Heyward Bey on the other had has been know to get lazy, take plays off, and have major lapses in consentration.

And don't think the Raiders earned this honor of "worst draft" just on the heels of their first round debacle. In the second round the Raiders chose safety Mike Mitchell from Ohio. Now to understand the magnitude of this blunder, look at this simple fact. More than half of the teams that showed up to the draft, did not even have Mitchell on their draft board. Thats right... more than have expected this guy to be available as an undrafted free agent. There is one thing that stands out about Mitchell though. He is fast, and therefore Al Davis spent a second round pick on this guy.

Oh how the mighty have fallen.

Rd 1 - Darrius Heyward Bey, WR, Maryland
Rd 2 - Mike Mitchell, S, Ohio
Rd 3 - Matt Shaughnessey, DE, Wisconsin
Rd 4 - Louis Murphy, WR, Florida
Rd 4 - Slade Norris, DE, Oregon State
Rd 6 - Stryker Sulak, DE, Missouri
Rd 6 - Brandon Meyers, TE, Iowa

2009 Mock Draft 4

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:43:00 +0000

Well, the combine is in the books, and free agency is underway. This mock considers performances in Indy, as well as day 1 free agent acquisitions. As the player movement continues, this board will change, so look for mock 5 in another two weeks or so. But as for the fourth installment of this mock...

1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

The Lions are in an interesting spot with the number one overall pick. Usually you go with the guy with the best chance to build around, and Stafford is that guy. Unfortunately there are questions concerning Stafford, none of which were answered in Indy. Fortunately for the former Bulldog signal caller, there is no better option for the Lions at this point, so Stafford gets the call.

2. St Louis Rams – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

With his Indy antics combining with questionable behaviors that lead to his being suspended for his Bowl game, former Tide tackle, Andre Smith has fallen to the third spot amongst tackles on my board. Conversely, since season’s end, Baylor’s tackle with the same sir name has done nothing but impress. Coming out of the combine, Jason Smith is now the best tackle on my board. The Rams really need to address the o-line, and I think Jason Smith will be the man.

3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forrest

With Scott Pioli taking the reigns in KC, I am even more certain the team will not look to QB with this selection. Instead, they will look to get a cornerstone for their defense. Right now, the only playmaker at linebacker for the team is Derrick Johnson. Curry has the type of versatility the team could really use in its defensive rebuilding effort.

4. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Seahawks have gone from good to bad in a hurry. They need to get Hasslebeck some weapons if this team is to get better, and there is no better weapon in this year’s draft than Crabtree. He lacks prototypical speed, but is big, strong, smart, fast enough, and has great hands. Despite the issues developing out of camp Crabtree with this foot injury, he is still a stud at wide out. He will immediately help this team open up the offense for new head coach Jim Mora Jr.

5. Cleveland Browns – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Browns really underachieved in 08, and they will need to play better offense in 09 if they want to compete. Having said that, this team has a talented offense, and thus they need to draft on the defensive side of the ball to continue to improve. For a team that finished 08 with only 17 sacks, Orakpo could be a god send. At the combine, Orakpo put in an amazing performance. He moves on up the board as a result, and now looks to be Cleveland bound.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – BJ Raji, DT, Boston College

The Bengals need to be able to stop the run. BJ Raji can do that. No single player benefited more from his performance at the Senior Bowl than Raji. This kid proved he is worthy of a top ten selection with the way he played in Mobile. Marvin Lewis will love this kid’s mettle in the middle.

7. Oakland Raiders – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

The Raiders have selected franchise type players during the last two years. Now they need someone to help keep Russell and McFadden upright. Monroe is very close to Jason Smith in talent and could be an anchor for this line for the future.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

The Jags could look in many directions with this choice. They could look at linebacker but I don’t see Curry falling this far. They need some help on the o-line too, and Andre Smith could be a top line tackle. He would be an immediate upgrade over Khalif Barnes, and this could really help this team. However, in the end, the Jags still need help at the wide out position. Maclin is very talented, and could be the answer the team has been searching for the last few years. He provides an asset at both the wide out position and as a return man, and with Del Rio on the hot seat, this is a necessary move.

9. Green Bay Packers – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Green Bay needs help on both lines. Everette Brown will garner strong consideration as Dom Campers needs pass rushers to help build his defense around. Andre Smith however is a rare talent. His antics have hurt him in this draft, but his immense talent will prevail in the end, and the Pack will get their cornerstone to build the offensive line around.

10. San Francisco 49ers – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Alex Smith is officially a bust, and O’Sullivan is not the long term answer at QB. Sanchez is therefore the logical selection at this point. He put up good numbers at USC in his only year as a starter, but I agree with Pete Carroll, he should have returned to the Trojans for another season. Regardless, with Bradford going back to Sooner country, Sanchez is the number two signal caller on the board.

11. Buffalo Bills – Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Buffalo is in need of help at a few positions. In the end it will come down to Everette Brown or Brandon Pettigrew. I think Brown would win out in this situation because solid pass rushers are so rare and game changing. Brown has some great speed off the end, and could also play the run too.

12. Denver Broncos – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

With the Broncos moving to a 3-4 defense, they will need bulk up front. Tyson Jackson is a big DE, and he is really the only elite 5-technique player in this draft. He makes a lot of sense for Denver.

13. Washington Redskins – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

The Redskins surprised a lot of folks with their strong early season play, before falling off in the second half. To make themselves more formidable in 09, they need to be better at the point of attack on defense. Maybin can get after the QB. With the Skins adding Albert Haynesworth and re-upping with DeAngelo Hall both on the first day of free agency, Maybin becomes another piece to this defensive puzzle.

14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

The Saints spent last off season improving their front seven. Now with that high flying offense still in full gear, they need some help in the secondary. Greg Williams is the new DC in the Big Easy, and Malcolm Jenkins is the best prospect in this years class. Jenkins can play corner or safety. With a poor performance at Indy, Jenkins should still be on the board for the Saints at 14.

15. Houston Texans – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Over the last few seasons, Houston has built themselves quite a young talented defense. They have Mario Williams, Demeco Ryans, and Amobi Okoye to build around. The offense has been getting better too, especially with the addition of Steve Slaton last year. Unfortunately however, to stop the Texans, you just need to focus on Andre Johnson. The addition of Harvin could stop all of that. He is too good to leave in one-on-one coverage with no over the top help, and this will open up so many more opportunities for Schaub and the offense. Texans could be a definite playoff contender in 09 with Harvin on board.

16. San Diego Chargers - Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

The Chargers really underachieved in 08, and it was in large part because of the defense. Shawn Merriman will be back in 09, but adding a beast like Maualuga to the middle will really help this team step it up. The defense isn’t quite the same since Donnie Edwards left, and Big Rey fixes this issue… now.

17. New York Jets – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Sure, Rex Ryan is the new boss in town, and this should mean a focus on defense, but the Jets added Bart Scott in free agency, so now Ryan will be smart and help the team’s offense. Heywood-Bey set the combine on fire with his Wideout best, 4.3 second 40 yard dash. With Coles now gone, adding some speed on the outside would really help the Jets in ’09.

18. Chicago Bears – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Bears made out well last year with the selection of Tulane RB Matt Forte. He along with Kyle Orton give the offense something to build around. Considering the defense all of a sudden looks quite pedestrian, I expect the Bears to make their mark there. A few years back the combination of Tillman and Vasher looked primed to develop into one of the league’s best. Now, Peanut is hurt and Vasher has fallen out of favor, so enter Davis. Davis is a top notch cover man, but he has some commitment concerns. The Bears will like what they see enough though to take the jump.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Clay Mathews, OLB, USC

Tampa needs some answers behind center, but Josh Freeman is too big of a reach here. Instead new HC Raheem Morris will give new DC Jim Bates something to build around. With the Bucs having cut both Brooks and June, they will need backers, and Clay Mathews is fast on the rise. A strong combine added to an already impressive post season, and Mathews continues to rise up draft boards.

20. Detroit Lions via Dallas – James Laurinaitis, ILB, USC

The Lions have a lot of holes to fill, on both sides of the ball. Laurinaitis is simply a great ball player. He is not going to measure out well, and that is why he falls to the Lions here. Well what luck for them. Add him to a defense that already boasts Ernie Sims and you have the foundation for the future.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

The Eagles have an aging o-line. Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan have both past their primes, and both could be playing elsewhere next season. Adding a player like Oher could be just what the doctor ordered. Oher has the talent to be a top ten pick, but he has been too inconsistent to bank on. He can develop into a real solid player at the next level though, and the Eagles will be willing to take the chance.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Brian Cushing, LB, USC

The Vikes are a team who still has some holes to fill. The addition of Jared Allen to the defensive front helped out a bit, but the team still has needs to address. Upgrading at the outside backer position would be a great place to start. Cushing is an instinctive player who gets after the ball very well. He goes for the big hit a bit too often for my liking, he can still make waves. The Vikings could use a player with Cushing’s spirit on their team.

23. New England Patriots – DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

No matter how many players the Pats seem to loose, they continually find themselves competitive in the AFC. Unfortunately, after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in the last bizzillion years, the Pats have some holes to fill. The secondary is a great place to start, and Moore is the right guy to start with. He can cover, and make plays ala Asante Samuel. Moore is also the type who could take it to the house when he picks it off too. This would be the first step back towards a playoff run in 09.

24. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

The Falcons had a great season, but they need to fill some holes if they want to continue to improve. Giving Matt Ryan a weapon like Pettigrew makes this team even better. Not only is Pettigrew a solid receiver, but he is a top flight inline blocker too, making him the best TE in this year’s draft.

25. Miami Dolphins – Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

The Phins turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous. Adding a guy like Nicks to this offense will give them the possession type receiver they need to compliment Ted Ginn. The team may look for an upgrade a linebacker but with Nicks still on the board, the Phins will be too tempted to pass on him.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois

Joe Flacco has been impressive in his rookie season as the Raven’s signal caller. What he does in the future is going to be largely a result of what the team does to surround him with talent. The wide receiver position is still a question in Baltimore, as Mason nears the end of his playing days, and Clayton is really more of a #2 than a #1. Unfortunately, all of the top receiving threats are gone. Now the team will look to replace Bart Scott who bolted in free agency to the Jets, and a tweener like English could be the guy. In Indy this kid really stood out because of his spirit, and Baltimore loves guys with spirit.

27. Indianapolis Colts – Perria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

The Colts are a very good football team, and as long as Peyton Manning is in Indy, the offense will continue to roll. The defense has some areas where they could improve however. They really need a presence in the middle of that defensive front. Peria Jerry is an athletic big guy in the middle. Caldwell has his work cut out for him replacing a legend like Tony Dungy, but he is a good coach, and could make Jerry pay dividends.

28. Philadelphia Eagles via Carolina – Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

With their second pick in the first round, I expect the Eagles to look again at improving their offense. With the o-line having been addressed, the team could look to add another running back to help reduce Westbrook’s workload, and hopefully increase his chances of staying healthy. Moreno is a veritable steal at this point in the first round. He has the potential to be a real good back in this league, and he can catch out of the backfield giving him the edge in a system like Phily.

29. New York Giants – Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati

The Giants will have some decisions to make in the off-season that will effect what they do with this selection. I do not expect to see Plax back in New York next season, but I do expect the team to push hard to acquire a receiver like Anquan Boldin to replace him with. This leaves defense as the next area of need. Barwin is flying up draft boards due to outstanding showings at both the senior bowl and the combine. He has excellent speed, and has shown himself to be a smart player that Coughlin would love to have on his squad.

30. Tennessee Titans – Alex Mack, C, California

The Titans have done a great job this season. Their aggressive defense and a dominant run game has kept this team at the top of their game all season. They do however need to come to the realization that time has take its toll, and Kevin Mawae is getting on in years. It is time to bring in his replacement, and Mack is that guy. He is one tough customer, and he will be a great addition to this unit where he will have the opportunity to learn from one of the great Centers of this generation.

31. Arizona Cardinals – Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State

True, this offense is tremendous. Warner looks young again, and he has some serious weapons at the receiver positions. Edge unfortunately is no longer the player he once was, and although good, Tim Hightower is better suited for a short yard back. Wells has top 10 talent, so to get him at this point in the draft is larceny. Adding him to the backfield in Zona could mean great things for years to come.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Max Unger, C/G, Oregon

When you are as talented as the Steelers are, you have a lot of options at 32. This team lost some talent last year on the offensive front with Faneca heading to New York. Obviously, the team continued to roll, but with the impending free agency of some other big fellas up front, Unger is a great choice for Sixburgh. Unger is a hard nosed kid who can play any of the interior positions on the line, and this is exactly the type of player the Steelers have continued to build around.

2009 Mock Draft 3

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:28:00 +0000

The Senior Bowl and all-star games are in the books, and as a result we have some player movement. Especially at the bottom end of the first round where there is not yet a clear cut consensus on who belongs. There are so many guys who have either an low first/early second round grade, we are going to have to wait till the combine at Indy to really get some more information on some of these guys. As of now, however, we have a final draft order, so lets see how our first round plays out right now.

1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Team Rebuilding often starts at the Quarterback position, and Detroit definitely needs to go back to the drawing board. New Head Coach, Jim Schwartz, needs a leader behind center, and Stafford is the top QB in this class. He is the most pro-ready, his arm is unparalleled, and he played against top notch competition all year long. Right now he is my #1.

2. St Louis Rams – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

The Rams really need to address the o-line. Future Hall-of-Famer, Orlando Pace, has reached the end of a magnificent career, and Smith is the best o-line prospect in this year’s draft. He has ideal size, and amazing strength. In fact, he compares well to last years first overall selection, Jake Long.

3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forrest

With Scott Pioli taking the reigns in KC, I am even more certain the team will not look to QB with this selection. Instead, they will look to get a cornerstone for their defense. Right now, the only playmaker at linebacker for the team is Derrick Johnson. Curry has the type of versatility the team could really use in its defensive rebuilding effort.

4. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Seahawks have gone from good to bad in a hurry. They need to get Hasslebeck some weapons if this team is to get better, and there is no better weapon in this year’s draft than Crabtree. He lacks prototypical speed, but is big, strong, smart, fast enough, and has great hands. He will immediately help this team open up the offense for new head coach Jim Mora Jr.

5. Cleveland Browns – Aaron Maybin, DE/LB, Penn State

The Browns really underachieved in 08, and they will need to play better offense in 09 if they want to compete. Having said that, this team has a talented offense, and thus they need to draft on the defensive side of the ball to continue to improve. For a team that finished 08 with only 17 sacks, Maybin will be a big addition on that front. This may be a bit of a stretch for Maybin because right now he is somewhat one dimensional, but he could be the best pass rusher in this draft.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – BJ Raji, DT, Boston College

The Bengals need to be able to stop the run. BJ Raji can do that. No single player benefited more from his performance at the Senior Bowl than Raji. This kid proved he is worthy of a top ten selection with the way he played in Mobile. Marvin Lewis will love this kid’s mettle in the middle.

7. Oakland Raiders – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Raiders have selected franchise type players during the last two years. Now they need someone to help keep Russell and McFadden upright. As a former TE, Smith has the best feet of any of the linemen in this draft, and he continues his move up the draft board. He is now the number two tackle overall.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

The Jags could look in many directions with this choice. They could look at linebacker but I don’t see Curry falling this far. They need some help on the o-line too, and Monroe is a top line tackle. He would be an immediate upgrade over Khalif Barnes, and this could really help this team.

9. Green Bay Packers – Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

The Pack would be happy if one of the three top tackles fell to them here. Unfortunately, since this doesn’t play out, they will look to the other line for their choice. Brown is another guy who is moving up draft boards very quickly. He gets a great jump off the edge, and will take some of the focus off of Aaron Kampman which would be a big help to the Green Bay defense.

10. San Francisco 49ers – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Alex Smith is officially a bust, and O’Sullivan is not the long term answer at QB. Sanchez is therefore the logical selection at this point. He put up good numbers at USC in his only year as a starter, but I agree with Pete Carroll, he should have returned to the Trojans for another season. Regardless, with Bradford going back to Sooner country, Sanchez is the number two signal caller on the board.

11. Buffalo Bills – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Buffalo is in desperate need of help at TE, and Pettigrew is the top TE of this year’s class. The only question here is if #11 is too much of a reach for Pettigrew. In the end, I think the Bills will decide that his upside and completeness make him a worth while risk.

12. Denver Broncos – Knowshown Moreno, RB, Georgia

Shanahan is out in Denver, and thus will be the ban on drafting first round running backs. Moreno and Wells are the two top backs in the draft, and I see Moreno as the better pro. New Head Coach, Josh McDaniels is a creative offensive mind, and I believe that he will utilize his skills in a multitude of ways, and who knows, he could be like another former UGA product turned Denver Bronco, Terrell Davis.

13. Washington Redskins – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Redskins surprised a lot of folks with their strong early season play, before falling off in the second half. To make themselves more formidable in 09, they need to be better at the point of attack on defense. Orakpo can get after the QB, but he can also fit into a outside linebackers role if the situation arises. Jason Taylor did not seem to fit into the mix in Washington. Orakpo could be a better piece to the puzzle.

14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

The Saints spent last off season improving their front seven. Now with that high flying offense still in full gear, they need some help in the secondary. Greg Williams is the new DC in the Big Easy, and Malcolm Jenkins is the best prospect in this years class. Jenkins can play corner or safety. Especially at 14, Jenkins, a top 5 talent, provides exceptional value.

15. Houston Texans – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Over the last few seasons, Houston has built themselves quite a young talented defense. They have Mario Williams, Demeco Ryans, and Amobi Okoye to build around. The offense has been getting better too, especially with the addition of Steve Slaton last year. Unfortunately however, to stop the Texans, you just need to focus on Andre Johnson. The addition of Jeremy Maclin stops all of that. He is too good to leave in one-on-one coverage with no over the top help, and this will open up so many more opportunities for Schaub and the offense. Texans could be a definite playoff contender in 09 with Maclin on board.

16. San Diego Chargers - Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

The Chargers really underachieved in 08, and it was in large part because of the defense. Shawn Merriman will be back in 09, but adding a beast like Maualuga to the middle will really help this team step it up. The defense isn’t quite the same since Donnie Edwards left, and Big Rey fixes this issue… now.

17. New York Jets – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Sure, Rex Ryan is the new boss in town, and this should mean a focus on defense, but with the top pass rushers off the board, Ryan will be smart and help the team’s offense. Harvin is a talented special teamer and wide out, and will immediately upgrade New York’s offense.

18. Chicago Bears – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Bears made out well last year with the selection of Tulane RB Matt Forte. He along with Kyle Orton give the offense something to build around. Considering the defense all of a sudden looks quite pedestrian, I expect the Bears to make their mark there. A few years back the combination of Tillman and Vasher looked primed to develop into one of the league’s best. Now, Peanut is hurt and Vasher has fallen out of favor, so enter Davis. Davis is a top notch cover man, but he has some commitment concerns. The Bears will like what they see enough though to take the jump.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Tampa needs some answers behind center, but Josh Freeman is too big of a reach here. Instead new HC Raheem Morris will give new DC Jim Bates something to build around. Jackson is the type of lineman that can replace the aging Kevin Carter on the defensive front. If he stays focused, this could be a great addition for Tampa.

20. Detroit Lions via Dallas – James Laurinaitis, ILB, USC

The Lions have a lot of holes to fill, on both sides of the ball. Laurinaitis is simply a great ball player. He is not going to measure out well, and that is why he falls to the Lions here. Well what luck for them. Add him to a defense that already boasts Ernie Sims and you have the foundation for the future.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

The Eagles have an aging o-line. Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan have both past their primes, and adding a player like Oher could be just what the doctor ordered. Oher has the talent to be a top ten pick, but he has been too inconsistent to bank on. He can develop into a real solid player at the next level though, and the Eagles will be willing to take the chance.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Brian Cushing, LB, USC

The Vikes are a team who still has some holes to fill. The addition of Jared Allen to the defensive front helped out a bit, but the team still has needs to address. Upgrading at the outside backer position would be a great place to start. Cushing is an instinctive player who gets after the ball very well. He goes for the big hit a bit too often for my liking, he can still make waves. The Vikings could use a player with Cushing’s spirit on their team.

23. New England Patriots – DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

No matter how many players the Pats seem to loose, they continually find themselves competitive in the AFC. Unfortunately, after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in the last bizzillion years, the Pats have some holes to fill. The secondary is a great place to start, and Moore is the right guy to start with. He can cover, and make plays ala Asante Samuel. Moore is also the type who could take it to the house when he picks it off too. This would be the first step back towards a playoff run in 09.

24. Atlanta Falcons – Clay Mathews, OLB, USC

The Falcons had a great season, but they need to fill some holes if they want to continue to improve. This team is likely going to lose linebacker in the coming off-season, and the fast rising Mathews could be the choice. Mathews obviously come from a great lineage, and played at a top notch program in So. Cal. Clay is still raw, but he is skyrocketing up draft boards due to an immense upside. The Falcons are just the type of team who could bring it out of him.

25. Miami Dolphins – Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

The Phins turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous. Adding a guy like Nicks to this offense will give them the possession type receiver they need to compliment Ted Ginn. The team may look for an upgrade a linebacker but with Karlos Dansby and Jason Taylor both on the radar, I think Nicks will be the call.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Joe Flacco has been impressive in his rookie season as the Raven’s signal caller. What he does in the future is going to be largely a result of what the team does to surround him with talent. The wide receiver position is still a question in Baltimore, as Mason nears the end of his playing days, and Clayton is really more of a #2 than a #1. Heyward-Bey can stretch a defense and this would be a valuable addition to the Ravens.

27. Indianapolis Colts – Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

The Colts are a very good football team, and as long as Peyton Manning is in Indy, the offense will continue to roll. The defense has some areas where they could improve however. They really need an athletic defensive tackle to run the Tampa 2 around. Jerry is very athletic for a big fella, and he could be just the right type of player to kick off the post-Tony Dungy era in Indy.

28. Philadelphia Eagles via Carolina – Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio St

With their second pick in the first round, I expect the Eagles to look again at improving their offense. With the o-line having been addressed, the team could look to add another running back to help reduce Westbrook’s workload, and hopefully increase his chances of staying healthy. Wells is an absolute heist at this point in round 1. Although banged up a bit at Ohio St, his playing behind Westbrook should help both players stay healthy longer, and should the Eagles come out of the first round with both Oher and Wells on their squad, how much better would that offense be?

29. New York Giants – Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois

The Giants will have some decisions to make in the off-season that will effect what they do with this selection. I do not expect to see Plax back in New York next season, but I do expect the team to push hard to acquire a receiver like Anquan Boldin to replace him with. This leaves defense as the next area of need. English is a talented small school prospect who can play with his hand in the dirt, or upright at the next level. He has excellent speed, and has shown himself to be a smart player that Coughlin would love to have on his squad.

30. Tennessee Titans – Alex Mack, C, California

The Titans have done a great job this season. Their aggressive defense and a dominant run game has kept this team at the top of their game all season. They do however need to come to the realization that time has take its toll, and Kevin Mawae is is getting on in years. It is time to bring in his replacement, and Mack is that guy. He is one tough customer, and he will be a great addition to this unit where he will have the opportunity to learn from one of the great center’s of this generation.

31. Arizona Cardinals – LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

True, this offense is tremendous. Warner looks young again, and he has some serious weapons at the receiver positions. Edge unfortunately is no longer the player he once was, and although good, Tim Hightower is better suited for a short yard back. MCcoy is a shifty back who can also run between the tackles. He would immediately give this offensive backfield a much needed boost.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Max Unger, C/G, Oregon

When you are as talented as the Steelers are, you have a lot of options at 32. This team lost some talent last year on the offensive front with Faneca heading to New York. Obviously, the team continued to roll, but with the impending free agency of some other big fellas up front, Unger is a great choice for Sixburgh. Unger is a hard nosed kid who can play any of the interior positions on the line, and this is exactly the type of player the Steelers have continued to build around.

Mock Draft Number 2

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Now that the day to declare for underclassmen has come and gone, we can take better guesses at where some of these players will fall. This year, more than any I can remember in recent history, has had big shake-ups due to players choosing to return to school. The following players who were projected as round 1 selections on my initial mock all chose to return to college in the fall, and therefore have been removed: Gerald McCoy; Sam Bradford; Taylor Mays; Russell Okung; Tim Tebow; Jermaine Gresham; CJ Spiller; Terrance Cody; and Greg Hardy. Want to know which 9 players make their debut on my board... read on.

1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Team Rebuilding often starts at the Quarterback position, and Detroit definitely needs to go back to the drawing board. New Head Coach, Jim Schwartz, needs a leader behind center, and Stafford is the top QB in this class. He is the most pro-ready, his arm is unparalleled, and he played against top notch competition all year long. Right now he is my #1.

2. St Louis Rams – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

The Rams really need to address the o-line. Future Hall-of-Famer, Orlando Pace, has reached the end of a magnificent career, and Smith is the best o-line prospect in this year’s draft. He has ideal size, and amazing strength. In fact, he compares well to last years first overall selection, Jake Long.

3. Kansas City Chiefs – Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

The popular look will be for KC to choose a QB here, but I think Tyler Thigpen did a good job running that spread, and Mark Sanchez is too much of a reach at #3. If this team is to improve, they need to play better defense, and Malcolm Jenkins will help them do exactly that. He can play corner or safety at the next level, and this type of flexibility will be very valuable as the Chiefs try to improve.

4. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Seahawks have gone from good to bad in a hurry. They need to get Hasslebeck some weapons if this team is to get better, and there is no better weapon in this year’s draft than Crabtree. He lacks prototypical speed, but is big, strong, smart, fast enough, and has great hands. He will immediately help this team open up the offense for new head coach Jim Mora Jr.

5. Cleveland Browns – James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

The Browns really underachieved in 08, and they will need to play better offense in 09 if they want to compete. Having said that, this team has a talented offense, and thus they need to draft on the defensive side of the ball to continue to improve. Laurinaitis is a tackle machine, and he has the makeup of a long time presence in the middle of a team’s defense. This would be a great selection for the Browns.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

The Bengals need to be able to stop the run. This has been a need for such a long time for this team but with McCoy heading back to Norman, the Bengals need to look at some other needs. Carson Palmer was hurt this year, and the Cincy backs did nothing all season long until Benson came to town. I think both have to do more with the o-line than anything else, and thus Michael Oher is the call. Oher right now has a slight edge on my board over Eugene Monroe, and thus gets the call in this mock.

7. Oakland Raiders – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virgina

The Raiders have selected franchise type players during the last two years. Now they need someone to help keep Russell and McFadden upright. Monroe is pushing Oher for the number two tackle spot behind Smith, and the Raiders would be very excited to have a guy like this to build their line around.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forrest

The Jags could look in many directions with this choice. They could look at Jason Smith from Baylor if they decide that o-line is their most pressing need, but I see linebacker as a bigger priority for this club. Curry has rare speed coming from the outside, and he can quickly become another Shawn Merriman type player in the pros. He is the type that, if he reaches his extreme potential, can be the cornerstone to build a defense around.

9. Green Bay Packers – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Pack needs help on both the offensive and defensive fronts. Jason Smith is a fast rising prospect in this class at tackle. He is big and strong, and moves his feet real well. His technique has improved greatly this past season and he is the guy who should get the call in Green Bay.

10. San Francisco 49ers – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Alex Smith is officially a bust, and O’Sullivan is not the long term answer at QB. Sanchez is therefore the logical selection at this point. He put up good numbers at USC in his only year as a starter, but I agree with Pete Carroll, he should have returned to the Trojans for another season. Regardless, with Bradford going back to Sooner country, Sanchez is the number two signal caller on the board.

11. Buffalo Bills – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Maybin is a pass rush machine, and although early in his career he may prove to be more situational in his first few years. Regardless, he has a great motor, and can turn the corner in a hurry. He will help push the Bills defense and start getting some pressure on opposing QBs.

12. Denver Broncos – Knowshown Moreno, RB, Georgia

Shanahan is out in Denver, and thus will be the ban on drafting first round running backs. Moreno and Wells are the two top backs in the draft, and I see Moreno as the better pro. New Head Coach, Josh McDaniels is a creative offensive mind, and I believe that he will utilize his skills in a multitude of ways, and who knows, he could be like another former UGA product turned Denver Bronco, Terrell Davis.

13. Washington Redskins – BJ Raji, DT, Boston College

The Redskins surprised a lot of folks with their strong early season play, before falling off in the second half. To make themselves more formidable in 09, they need to be better at the point of attack on defense. With McCoy heading back to school, Raji moves into the number 1 spot for DTs in this class. He can hold his ground and stuff the run. This would be a welcome addition in DC.

14. New Orleans Saints – DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

The Saints spent last off season improving their front seven. Now with that high flying offense still in full gear, they need some help in the secondary. DJ Moore has already declared for the draft, and he can certainly be they playmaker the team needs at corner. He covers well, and is always a threat to take it to the house when he pick one off.

15. Houston Texans – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Over the last few seasons, Houston has built themselves quite a young talented defense. They have Mario Williams, Demeco Ryans, and Amobi Okoye to build around. The offense has been getting better too, especially with the addition of Steve Slaton last year. Unfortunately however, to stop the Texans, you just need to focus on Andre Johnson. The addition of Jeremy Maclin stops all of that. He is too good to leave in one-on-one coverage with no over the top help, and this will open up so many more opportunities for Schaub and the offense. Texans could be a definite playoff contender in 09 with Maclin on board.

16. New York Jets – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Jets really are a team with a lot of talent, so they can look a few different ways with this pick. In the end however it will come down to Percy Harvin of Florida or Orakpo of Texas. Despite the fact the their defense was a strength for them last year, the Jets could still stand to improve the pass rush a bit, and Orakpo gives them the weapon they need. He has a great first step, and a strong drive which could give the Jets a top 3 defense in 09.

17. Chicago Bears – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

The Bears made out well last year with the selection of Tulane RB Matt Forte. He along with Kyle Orton give the offense something to build around. Consider the defense all of a sudden looks quite pedestrian, I expect the Bears to make their mark there. They would love to see Orakpo in Chicago, but with him off the board, they will select the next best pass rusher in Tyson Jackson. Jackson is an immense talent who can really be a disruptive force, but there have been some questions concerning his effort. If he quells these concerns he could be just what the doctor ordered.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Derrick Brooks is a future Hall-of-Famer, who has reached the end of his productive playing days. It is time for this defense to look to the future, and Brian Cushing could be the future of this defense. Paired with Barrett Ruud, the two could become the future to revive this once proud defense.

19. Detroit Lions via Dallas – Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Maualuga is actually more talented than his teammate who I just projected to go to the Bucs with the previous pick. With Maualuga, Jim Schwartz has his core to build a defense around by pairing him with Ernie Sims. If the Lions could walk away from the first round with Stafford and Maualuga they could have the earmarks for the future.

20. New England Patriots – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

No matter how many players the Pats seem to loose, they continually find themselves competitive in the AFC. Unfortunately, after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in the last bizzillion years, the Pats have some holes to fill. The secondary is a great place to start, and Davis is the right guy to start with. He can cover, and make plays ala Asante Samuel. This would be the first step back towards a playoff run in 09.

21. San Diego Chargers – Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

The Chargers have immense talent on both sides of the ball. Despite this talent, they had to beat the Broncos in week 17 to just make the playoffs. They need to do a better job at stopping the run and Jerry will take up space and plug up holes. The Chargers showed how beatable they are without Merriman.

22. Minnesota Vikings – Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

The Vikes are a team who still has some holes to fill. The addition of Jared Allen to the defensive front helped out a bit, but the team still has a need at the other end and at middle linebacker. Brown is the most talented of the remaining ends or middle backers, so he gets the selection here. His presence could give this defense a pass rush to be reckoned with, and really strengthen the front four of this defense.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

The Eagles proved this season that they still can be a force in this league. Both Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are near the end of their careers though, and they will be in need of their replacements very soon. Unfortunately, there are no more premiere tackles left on the board. This will lead the Eagles to look to their second biggest need, which is wide out. Although Jason Avant has emerged as McNabb’s favorite target, they team still lacks real punch at the position. Considering what Harvin has meant to Tim Tebow at UF, this will be the Eagles selection.

24. Miami Dolphins – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

The Phins turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous. Now, with the addition of Heyward-Bey, the Phins have a shore handed receiving threat in their new Wildcat offense. Adding Heyward-Bey to this offense could make this team awfully explosive in 2009.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Joe Flacco has been impressive in his rookie season as the Raven’s signal caller. What he does in the future is going to be largely a result of what the team does to surround him with talent. The wide receiver position is still a question in Baltimore, as Mason nears the end of his playing days, and Clayton is really more of a #2 than a #1. Nicks is strong, fast, and gets after the ball well while it is in the air. He can be another weapon for Flacco to continue to develop around.

26. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

What this team has done this season is nothing short of amazing. Matt Ryan is proving all doubters, including me wrong with his amazing play. With Grasham heading back to Oklahoma next season, Pettigrew is the only first round TE talent remaining in round one. Adding Pettigrew to this team gives them another solid blocker up front who can also get into the action of the passing game too.

27. New York Giants – Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

The Giants were too good a team to exit the playoffs as early as they did. Their defense really let them down in the playoffs. They have revamped the secondary in recent years, and therefore, I see them looking to the middle of the defense this year. Since there is no great pass rush threat available, and Osi will be back next season, I think the team selects Sintim to shore up the OLB position. He is athletic, and can move all over the field to make plays. This can only help the G-Men moving forward.

28. Indianapolis Colts – Sean Smith, CB, Utah

The Colts are a very good football team, and as long as Peyton Manning is in Indy, the offense will continue to roll. The defense has some areas where they could improve however. They could look for some more help at linebacker or D-tackle.. They could also stand an upgrade at corner, as Marlin Jackson is their only real weapon there right now. Smith is leaving the only D1 undefeated program in Utah, and he was a real factor for the Utes. Now lining up in Indy, he can show why he feels the Utes should have been given a national title shot.

29. Philadelphia Eagles via Carolina – Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio St

With their second pick in the first round, I expect the Eagles to look again at improving their offense. With Harvin now in the fold, the team could look to add another running back to help reduce Westbrook’s workload, and hopefully increase his chances of staying healthy. Wells is an absolute heist at this point in round 1. Although banged up a bit at Ohio St, his playing behind Westbrook should help both players stay healthy longer, and should the Eagles come out of the first round with both Harvin and Wells on their squad, how much better would that offense be?

30. Tennessee Titans – Max Unger, C, Oregon

The Titans have done a great job this season. Their aggressive defense and a dominant run game has kept this team at the top of their game all season. They do however need to come to the realization that time has take its toll, and Kevin Mawae is not the player he once was. It is time to bring in his replacement, and Unger is that guy. He is a hard nosed football player, just like Mawae, and will be a good long term answer to keep this team secure at the center position.

31. Arizona Cardinals – LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

True, this offense is tremendous. Warner looks young again, and he has some serious weapons at the receiver positions. Edge unfortunately is no longer the player he once was, and although good, Tim Hightower is better suited for a short yard back. MCcoy is a shifty back who can also run between the tackles. He would immediately give this offensive backfield a much needed boost.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers – William Moore, S, Missouri

Sure the defense is the strength of this team, but when you don’t have a lot of needs, you can select on talent alone. Sure the Steelers would look at possible candidates at the wide receiver position with Hines Ward moving along in age, but there really is no one available at this juncture who would not be too much a reach. Sure they have Big Hair Troy at safety, but is Ryan Clark really the best other safety the team could have? William Moore benefits greatly from Taylor Mays’ decision to return to USC, as he becomes the top safety in this years class. Then to wind up being selected by the Steelers, to play on Dick LeBeau’s defense, how nice is that for the talented young man from Mizzou.

The First Mock Draft of the Season

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 04:11:00 +0000

First, let me apologize to everyone for not staying up to date this past season. As many of you know, my wife gave birth to my daughter in October, and since I have been quite busy. But as this college season comes to a close, my blogging has returned, and I want to re-kickoff my work with the first mock draft of the season.

For those who are new, or simply don't remember, he are the rules. Right now every underclassman is eligible according to me. Until the declaration day passes, every draft eligible prospect is included. Also, the draft order is based on record, until everything finalizes. Lastly, remember that although there will be trades, this mock does not take draft day trades into account.

So with no more prelims, lets get down to business...

1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Team Rebuilding often starts at the Quarterback position, and Detroit definitely needs to go back to the drawing board. Depending on who the next coach is, will help determine the direction of this franchise, however, as of now, you cannot pass on Stafford. He is the most pro-ready of the QB’s in this class. His arm is unparalleled, and he played against top notch competition all year long. Right now he is my #1.

2. St Louis Rams – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

The Rams really need to address the o-line. Future Hall-of-Famer, Orlando Pace, has reached the end of a magnificent career, and Smith is the best o-line prospect in this years draft. He has ideal size, and amazing strength. In fact, he compares well to last years first overall selection, Jake Long.

3. Kansas City Chiefs – Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

The popular look will be for KC to choose a QB here, but I think Tyler Thigpen did a good job running that spread. If this team is to improve, they need to play better defense, and Malcolm Jenkins will help them do exactly that. He can play corner or safety at the next level, and this type of flexibility will be very valuable as the Chiefs try to improve.

4. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Seahawks have gone from good to bad in a hurry. They need to get Hasslebeck some weapons if this team is to get better, and there is no better weapon in this year’s draft than Crabtree. He lacks prototypical speed, but is big, strong, smart, fast enough, and has great hands. He will immediately help this team open up the offense for new head coach Jim Mora Jr.

5. Cleveland Browns – James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

The Browns really underachieved in 08, and they will need to play better offense in 09 if they want to compete. Having said that, this team has a talented offense, and thus they need to draft on the defensive side of the ball to continue to improve. Laurinaitis is a tackle machine, and he has the makeup of a long time presence in the middle of a team’s defense. This would be a great selection for the Browns.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

The Bengals need to be able to stop the run. This has been a need for such a long time for this team. They have a hole in the middle of their front seven, and McCoy projects as the top line plug in this class.

7. Oakland Raiders – Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

The Raiders have selected franchise type player during the last two years. Now they need someone to help keep Russell and McFadden upright. Oher’s star is starting to fall a bit, however, as of right now, I still have him as the number two tackle on my board, and thus heading off to Oakland with pick 7.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forrest

The Jags could look in many directions with this choice. They could look at Jason Smith from Baylor if they decide that o-line is their most pressing need, but I see linebacker as a bigger priority for this club. Curry has rare speed coming from the outside, and he can quickly become another Shawn Merriman type player in the pros. He is the type that, if he reaches his extreme potential, can be the cornerstone to build a defense around.

9. Green Bay Packers – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Pack needs help on both the offensive and defensive fronts. Jason Smith is a fast rising prospect in this class at tackle. He is big and strong, and moves his feet real well. His technique has improved greatly this past season and he is pushing Oher for the number two spot on my board.

10. San Francisco 49ers – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

Understand me please. I do not think Bradford will still be on the board at 10 as someone would pull the trigger on a deal to trade up, but hey, these are the rules to my mock. Alex Smith is officially a bust, and O’Sullivan is not the long term answer at QB. Bradford is an immense talent who with the proper coaching can develop into a franchise QB in the NFL.

11. Buffalo Bills – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Maybin is a pass rush machine, and although early in his career he may prove to be more situational in his first few years. Regardless, he has a great motor, and can turn the corner in a hurry. He will help push the Bills defense start getting some pressure on opposing QBs.

12. Denver Broncos – Knowshown Moreno, RB, Georgia

Shanahan is out in Denver, and thus will be the ban on drafting first round running backs. Moreno and Wells are the two top backs in the draft, and I see Moreno as the better pro. Depending on who gets the nod in Denver, they will love to utilize his skills in a multitude of ways, and who knows, he could be like another former UGA product turned Denver Bronco, Terrell Davis.

13. Washington Redskins – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

As today began, I had only three QB’s with a first round grade. Now after watching the Rose Bowl, I have to add Sanchez to this group. He was awesome today, and showed all the skills that Washington needs at the QB position. With Gibbs gone, the Campbell experiment can end, and Sanchez can come in to Zorn’s offense and help put up some more points.

14. New Orleans Saints – DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

The Saints spent last off season improving their front seven. Now with that high flying offense still in full gear, they need some help in the secondary. DJ Moore has already declared for the draft, and he can certainly be they playmaker the team needs at corner. He covers well, and is always a threat to take it to the house when he pick one off.

15. Houston Texans – Taylor Mays, S, USC

Houston will look long and hard at Jeremy Maclin with this pick to try and take some focus off Andre Johnson. Despite this need though, Mays will be the selection, as his hard hitting, ball hawking style will immediate improve a secondary that leaves too many options open for the opposition. Williams, Okoye, Ryans, and now Mays… hows that for a defense.

16. New York Jets – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Thomas Jones is a real good running back, and Jericho is a legit weapon at the wide receiver spot. Coles and Stuckey however, are not drawing any attention away from these two, and thus Maclin is the choice. He will stretch a defense and is a great route runner. He will provide whomever QBs the Jets in 09 with another legit weapon, and this could be the difference for this almost playoff team.

17. Chicago Bears – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virgina

The Bears would have been looking for a QB, but Kyle Orton showed he can get the job done behind center. Instead, the team will look to Monroe to protect Orton, and allow him to jell with last year’s selection Matt Forte.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Derrick Brooks is a future hall-of-famer, who has reached the end of his productive playing days. It is time for this defense to look to the future, and Brian Cushing could be the future of this defense. Paired with Barrett Ruud, the two could become the future to revive this once proud defense.

19. Detroit Lions via Dallas – Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Maualuga is actually more talented than his teammate who I just projected to go to the Bucs with the previous pick. If the Lions could walk away from the first round with Stafford and Maualuga they could have the earmarks for the future.

20. New England Patriots – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

No matter how many players the Pats seem to loose, they continually find themselves competitive in the AFC. Unfortunately, after failing to make the playoffs for the first time in the last bizzillion years, the Pats have some holes to fill. The secondary is a great place to start, and Davis is the right guy to start with. He can cover, and make plays ala Asante Samuel. This would be the first step back towards a playoff run in 09.

21. San Diego Chargers – BJ Raji, DT, Boston College

The Chargers have immense talent on both sides of the ball. Despite this talent, they had to beat the Broncos in week 17 to just make the playoffs. They need to do a better job at stopping the run and Raji will take up space and plug up holes. The Chargers showed how beatable they are without Merriman. Now with him back and Raji there, watch out AFC.

22. Arizona Cardinals – Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

True, this offense is tremendous. Warner looks young again, and he has some serious weapons at the receiver positions. Edge unfortunately is no longer the player he once was, and although good, Tim Hightower is better suited for a short yard back. Wells is an awesome force at the running back position, and this offense would be the best in the league with his addition.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

The Eagles proved this season that they still can be a force in this league. Tra Thomas is near the end of his career though, and they will be in need of his replacement very soon. Okung is a beast at the point of attack, and he could be the long term replacement for him. It is also possible that they look to either Percy Harvin to help at wide out or CJ Spiller to take some carries away from Westbrook and maybe keep him healthy.

24. Minnesota Vikings – Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

One of the biggest problems the Vikes have right now is consistency at the QB position. Tavaris Jackson has a lot of talent but can’t seem to put it together and be the consistent answer. Tim Tebow is Mr. Consistency. Tebow is smart and multi-dimentional, and this could take some of the focus off AP in the backfield, and that could really push the Vikes to the next level.

25. Atlanta Falcons – Jermaine Grasham, TE, Oklahoma

What this team has done this season is nothing short of amazing. Matt Ryan is proving all doubters, including me wrong with his amazing play. Now give this kid Gresham at TE and there is no telling what this team could do. Gresham can block and catch, and along with Roddy White, really stretch out defenses.

26. Miami Dolphins – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Like the Falcons, the Phins turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous. If they can add another weapon for Pennington to throw at this team could be outstanding. Heyward Bey has great size, great hands and would be the perfect compliment to Ted Ginn’s great speed.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Ravens are a team that continue to live by their defense. Orakpo is an excellent end. He can rush the passer, and stop the run. He can help keep this defense from getting too old, and as long as that happens, this team will be in the mix.

28. Philadelphia Eagles via Carolina – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

As I mentioned during their earlier pick, CJ Spiller would be a consideration at 23. Now at 28, the Eagles still get their man. Brian Westbrook is an awesome NFL running back, but he is struggling to stay healthy. This team needs him in the lineup to be successful though, so finding another back to take some carries is a must. Spiller is a talent with home run potential. He also packs some power behind his frame. He is just what the doctor ordered to keep the Eagles offense running smoothly.

29. Indianapolis Colts – Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama

The Colts are a very good football team, and as long as Peyton Manning is in Indy, the offense will continue to roll. The defense has two areas where they could improve however. They could look for some more help at linebacker. They also needs some help stopping the run. Cody will be the best of all the available DT’s and LB’s at this juncture, and thus I believe is the selection.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

The Steelers are really a complete football team with no glaring holes to fill. Because of this, they have the freedom to select the best player on the board at this point. Tyson Jackson is that player. He has great potential as a complete player at the next level, and the LSU product will be a great addition to this already stout defense.

31. New York Giants – Greg Hardy, DE, Mississippi

Despite being the class of the NFC, the Giants still have some holes on the roster they need to fill. They need a wide out that can replace Plexico, and they need some more depth at DE. There is no wide out worth the selection here, and the G-men may look to trade down, however, if they stay, Hardy become the choice. He can be the depth the team needs when Osi comes back next year.

32. Tennessee Titans – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

The Titans have done a great job this season. Their aggressive defense and a dominant run game has kept this team at the top of their game all season. They will however need to help push their passing game to the next level to keep themselves there. Brandon Pettigrew will help the run game with their blocking, and he can give either Collins or Young an additional target to throw to.

EZ's College Football Top 25, Week 5

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:23:00 +0000

There is no question that week five will go down as upset weekend. 4 of the top ten fell, including the #1, #2, and #4. And if that wasn’t enough, Clemson, Wake, Illinois, TCU, and ECU all went down too. Oh the changes in our poll.

1. Oklahoma – +2
The Trojans and the Dawgs both lost, and the Sooners put a beating on the former top 25 TCU Horned Frogs. Bob Stoops and his super QB Sam Bradford have lifted Oklahoma into priority position for the national title.

2. LSU Tigers – +3
Although I am not convinced yet in the Tiger’s ability to run the SEC table, but right now the Tigers are the number 2 team in our poll. Their win this week, combined with the looses from those above them, including conference rival Florida, has moved the Tigers back into national title consideration.

3. Alabama Crimson Tide - +7
Oh how the Tide has changed. To start the year, many of you will remember my snubbing the Tide, calling the the nations 26th best team behind the like of Pittsburgh. Now, after dismantling the Bulldogs in Georgia, the Tide have emerged as legit national title contenders. What Saban has done in Tuscaloosa is nothing less than amazing. In fact I came so close to pushing the Tide above the Tigers into the number two.

4. Missouri Tigers – +2
Mizzou was off this crazy week, and with the teams above them all falling, the Tigers earn the two spot bump. Chase Daniels and company will face Nebraska and Oklahoma State before the mega battle with Texas.

5. Texas Longhorns – +2
Colt McCoy continues to prove he is one of the best in the nation, as the Longhorns simply dominated the Razorbacks behind Colt’s 5 touchdown performance. This team has outplayed everyone this year. Now things get crazy though. Next week the Horns face Colorado, in a game that could be an upset if Texas looks past them. Considering their next two after are against Oklahoma and then Mizzou, that is a distinct possibility.

6. Texas Tech – +3
Texas Tech is another team who moves on up without having to play this weekend. The Red Raiders are a good team, and they don’t look like they will be challenged in their next three. However, if this weekend showed us anything, it is anyone can beat anyone on any weekend.

7. Penn State Nittany Lions - +6
The Lions continue their charge up the rankings with their win this week over top 25 Illini. This team is now the class of the Big 10 after Wiskey laid an egg against the Wolverines. Purdue, Wisconsin, and Michigan await, so it will not be an easy task to stay in the top 10, but they are looking good right now.

8. BYU Cougars - +3
Another week, another three spot jump for the Cougars, and this time they didn’t even have to play. Hall and his team do not have any one lined up who should challenge them until the Utes, but again, anyone on any weekend.

9. South Florida Bulls – +3
The Bulls decided they had to make a statement this week before their Big East schedule gets going. They absolutely dominated the NC State Wolfpack from the opening kickoff, putting to rest any ideas of the Pack playing spoiler for their second top 25 team in as many weeks. The Bullsare right now the top team in the Big East, along with UConn. Pittsburgh awaits these Bulls in Tampa on Thursday night.

10. Ohio State Buckeyes – +4
It seems each week the Big Ten has a new Big Daddy. As a result the Buckeyes are not out of the picture just yet. The earned another win this week by beating Minnesota with beanie Wells returning. Next week however one Big Ten team will fall out of the picture as Ohio State plays Wisconsin.

11. Georgia Bulldogs - -9
Early in the game against Bama, the Dawgs looks complete overmatched. They did mount a come back and tried to make a game out of it, but still it has to be looked at as a disappointment for Georgia. There is still a lot of football to be played though, and a strong showing against other SEC opponents could get the Dawgs back into the picture.

12. USC Trojans - -11
Well it seems like the Trojans need to go back to the drawing board after losing to Oregon State for the second straight year. I simply don’t understand how this team that has looked so dominant all season long could loose to an unranked Oregon State again. It is not like they didn’t remember last year. Now the Trojans are left hoping the top continues to rotate out like last season if they are to get back into the title fight.

13. Florida Gators - -9
Even though the Gators lost, they lost to a pretty good Ole miss team. The Gators are still a very dangerous team, and like the rest of the country they have a lot of games still to play to prove it. Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin make an awesome combination, and this is a team that will be back.

14. Auburn Tigers - +2
Auburn is still a team that is not impressing me. They played well enough to win, but it was against a Tennessee team who is simply not in the same class as many of the SEC opponents. Auburn still has a very tough schedule in front of them, and we will see if they are the real deal soon enough.

15. Kansas Jayhawks - +3
Kansas was off this week, and get the benefits of chaos all around them to garner this three spot bump. Kansas is a pretty darn good football team, with their only loss coming on a last second field goal against a top ten South Florida team, on the road. Todd Reesing will not have it easy against Colorado and Oklahoma in two of their next three.

16. Utah Utes – +3
Another close game for the Utes, but the important part is that they continue to win. Bryan Johnson is a tough competitior, and he will need to be to keep Utah in the picture.

17. Wisconsin Badgers - -9
The Badgers were en route to roll Michigan on Saturday, until they forgot there were four quarters of football to play. They opened the door, and the Wolverines barged right in to beat favored Wisconsin in the 500th game at the Big House. Championship caliber teams do not let this type of thing happen. Wisconsin has to rebound quickly as Ohio State is next on the docket.

18. Vanderbilt – +3
Vandy was off this week too, but they get to move up three spots in our poll thanks to teams around them falling apart. They next few weeks will not be easy for the Commodores as they face Auburn, Mississippi State, and Georgia in their next three. By then we will know if Vandy is going to be a real player in the SEC race, or if they will be an afterthough in a crowded conference.

19. Boise State – +4
La Tech, Iowa, and Hawaii are next up against Boise State, and they are a good program who is getting better. If not for that obnoxious blue field, I would be rooting for the Broncos to spoil the BCS party, but that darn blue field is a deal breaker for me. Seriously though, if Ian Johnson continue to run at better than 4.5 yard per clip, the Broncos are going to be tough competitors.

20. Virginia Tech Hokies – New to Poll
The Hokies return to the polls as one of the lead player is an awfully confusing ACC. Normally a conference dominated by the like of Florida State, Miami, and Va Tech, this year, it seems like the Hokies are out in front. Teams like Clemson, and Wake Forrest have proven themselves pretenders, so the ACC can be anyone’s game. They can’t look past WKU or BC but that showdown with the Noles looms large on the horizon.

21. Fresno State - +4
Another week, and another tough battle for the Bulldogs, but most importantly for Pat hills gang… another win. No one can say that Fresno State plays a cupcake schedule. They leave it all on the line each and every week, and I respect them greatly for that.

22. Connecticut Huskies – New to Poll
Here is a great trivia question. Who is the best running back in the nation that you’ve never heard of? The answer is definitely Donald Brown who in 5 games has amassed 906 yards, 6.2 YPC and 11 touchdowns. This puts him on pace for 1993 yards, and 24 touchdowns. UConn is 5-0, and they are pushing the USF Bulls for the Big East crown right now.

23. Oklahoma State Cowboys – New to Poll
All season long I have been touting the power of the SEC, but the Big 12 is not going to be forgotten. O.K. State adds themselves to the top 25 with their beating of Troy. They won’t stick around for long though unless they play well against A&M and then show up against Mizzou.

24. Oregon Ducks – New to Poll
The Ducks were early season players on the poll, but after a close game at Purdue and a loss to Boise State, the Ducks found themselves on the outside looking in. This week, they reminded everyone why they were ranked in the first place. They destroyed Washington State 63-14, to regain top 25 status. But how long will it last? That will all depend on what they do next week against Southern Cal.

25. Wake Forrest Demon Deacons - -8
True, the Deacons lost to a Navy squad who hadn’t beaten a raked team since 1986, however, this is still a good football team. The ACC is up for grabs, and a 1 loss team is not out of the game.

EZ's College Football Top 25, Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:57:00 +0000

Another week in the books, and another battle of top ten teams. The annual UF vs Tennessee matchup was also this week, and we had another week were some of the mighty have fallen.

1. USC Trojans – No Change
After last weeks big hyped battle with Ohio St, this week the Trojans rested. A week to recuperate should help this team stay number 1 as they get ready for their conference schedule to begin soon.

2. Georgia Bulldogs – No Change
The Dawgs defense was responsible for driving them to victory this week against former top 25 team the ASU Sun Devils. Next week the nation will really get to see what Stafford and Moreno are really made of when Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide await/

3. Oklahoma – No Change
The Sooners hold steady this week at number 3 by simply staying home and resting. The Big 12 is proving to be a challenging conference, and Oklahoma will need to bring it’s a game each and every week to hold their position.

4. Florida Gators – No Change
The Gators came off their bye and visited Tennessee for their annual showdown. This game was a blowout from the beginning, with the Gators beating the Vol’s in every phase of the game. The whoopin was so bad, the Tennessee faithful were exiting the stadium en masse at halftime.

5. LSU Tigers – No Change
The Tigers visited Auburn this week for a top ten showdown, and came out victorious. The truth is, this was a closer game than what I was expecting, and therefore, I cannot in good conscious give LSU a boost in the rankings. Misissippi State is on deck for LSU, and if they want the SEC title, they will need to stay strong.

6. Missouri Tigers – No Change
Chase Daniels continued to show himself as Heisman material throwing for over 430 yard and 20 straight completions in the 42-21 beating of a very overmatched Buffalo squad. This game was never in doubt, and both Daniels and his Mizzou Tigers have the nation talking.

7. Texas Longhorns – No Change
Colt McCoy had a record breaking day for the Longhorns as they rolled Rice 52-10 . McCoy threw for his 61st career touchdown, eclipsing form Longhorn signal caller major Applewhite in the process. Texas’ next battle is their makeup matchup with Arkansas.

8. Wisconsin Badgers – No Change
The Badgers had a week off, and getting the R&R didn’t help or hurt the team’s rankings. The Big 10 is anyone’s conference to win, and Wisconsin is as good a team as any to claim the crown.

9. Texas Tech – No Change
Texas Tech is probably the best team in the nation that no one is talking about. They simply murder anyone put in front of them. This week, the victim was UMass, who lost by a score of 56-14. Want to know why? Because the Raiders amassed 538 total yards to only 258 by the Minute Men.

10. Alabama Crimson Tide – No Change
The Tide beat the heck out of Arkansas this week, firmly establishing themselves as a legit top 10 team. I know they are another SEC team, but when you win 49-14 against a conference opponent, you have to take notice. SEC foe Georgia awaits next week in what should be an awesome top ten battle.

11. BYU Cougars - +3
Another week, means another seriously outmatched team getting beaten by the Cougars. Max Hall looked awesome again, and added another 3 TD passes to his list of accomplishments. A 44-0 beating of Wyoming combined with sub par wins by South Florida and OSU earned the Cougars this jump.

12. South Florida Bulls – No Change
The South Florida Bulls are a very interesting ball club. Each week they seem to play just well enough to win regardless of their opponent. This marks the third straight year the Bulls are off to a fast start. Can they show stamina this year is another question.

13. Penn State Nittany Lions - +3
Joe Pa’s team has not had to break a sweat all season. I know it won’t be as easy when they get into their conference schedule, but they have been simply on fire all year thus far. The Lions are not going to concede the Big 10 crown just yet, and their battle next week against a ranked Illinois team will show us a lot about what this team is made of.

14. Ohio State Buckeyes – -1
I know the Ohio State won, but they played a much closer game against Troy than they should have. Combine that with the convincing performances of BYU and Penn State, and you get another one spot drop for the former top 5. The Buckeyes are off next week, then reconvene to take on Minnesota. Maybe the new QB Pryor who looks an awful lot like Vince Young, can right this ship.

15. Clemson Tigers - +2
Clemson literally ran over South Carolina State on Saturday. The Tigers ran the ball 47 times to result in three James Davis touchdowns, and a 54-0 win. This Clemson team is better than the AP is giving them credit for, but I expect their play will continue to speak for itself hen they come back from next weeks bye.

16. Auburn Tigers - -5
Auburn could have been the recipients of a much greater fall had the game turned into the blowout I expected. Instead, Auburn kept the game close throughout, and in fact, almost beat LSU in the process. A loss is still a loss, and thus the Tigers do fall. Auburn’s next match-up is in two weeks against Tennessee.

17. Wake Forest Demon Deacons – +3
The ACC is not the SEC, but it is still a tough place to play football. The Demon Deacons had a top 25 showdown with conference foe FSU this wek in what should establish a lead dawg in the ACC pack. There was not a whole lot of scoring, with neither team finding the end zone, but despite that, Wake outplayed the Noles to earn the 12-3 victory., and the three spot jump in the poll.

18. Kansas Jayhawks - +1
After losing to South Florida last week, Kansas took their angst out on Sam Houston State. Todd Resing showed he has a short memory, and got right back to leading his team to victory, while becoming KU’s all time leading touchdown king with 53.

19. Utah Utes – +2
Utah played a nail biter in a game which should not have been so close. In fact, if not for Darrell Mack’s 3 second half rushing touchdowns, the Falcons would have pulled off the upset. Utah will need a better showing against Weber State who is next on the Utes docket.

20. Illinios Fighting Illini – +3
The Illini have a big battle looming next week against Penn State, which meant that it was a good thing the Illini had this week off to prepare. It also allowed them to move up 3 spots in the poll because of other team’s misfortunes.

21. Vanderbilt – New to Poll
So how about this, another SEC team making the poll. But this time it is perennial step stool Vandy. Well this year the Commodores are off and running, putting up 4 straight wins to start the season., including beating a pretty darn good Ole Miss squad this week. The schedule gets tough looking ahead with two of their next three against Auburn and Georgia but still, look how far Vandy has come.

22. East Carolina Pirates - -7
The Pirates dream of continuing to leave slain goliath’s in their path ended this week in overtime against North Carolina State. The game was close, and because of the close play, the Pirates don’t fall as far as they would have, but still their dreams of crashing the BCS party have ended.

23. Boise State – New to Poll
The Broncos earned their third straight victory this week by ousting a former top 25 team in Oregon. True it did take overtime, however, the Broncos never gave up, and have earned their way back onto the top 25 scene. If they don’t look past LA Tech to their battle with Iowa, the Broncos could be here for a while.

24. Fresno State - +1
The Bulldogs earned a 1 spot jump with their very close game victory against Toledo in overtime. Coming off the loss last week is not easy but if this team wants national consideration, they have to bounce back from losses strong than this in the future.

25. TCU Horned Frogs – New to Poll
4-0 starts can earn you some attention, and such is the case for TCU. Their 48-7 victory over SMU extends their season differential to 172-31. Not too shabby. Next up however is Oklahoma… now 5-0 would be really impressive.

EZ's College Football Top 25, Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:32:00 +0000

Week 3 brought us the eagerly anticipated USC vs OSU battle and a top 25 heart stopper between Kansas and USF. Oh, how the pages do turn.

1. USC Trojans – No Change
The mega-battle turned into a statement game for the nation’s number 1 team. Sanchez did not put up gaudy numbers but the Trojans, most notably their D, led by Ray Maualuga, completely outclassing the very overmatched OSU Buckeyes.

2. Georgia Bulldogs – No Change
The Dawgs have to be concerned about their performance against South Carolina. Sure it was an SEC match-up and the SEC is all good, but you expect to see more form the nations consensus number two. Unlike the AP and coaches though, it was not bad enough to drop them from my number 2.

3. Oklahoma – +3
After last weeks blowout, you have to be wondering just how good the Sooners are. U Doub became U Droubbed, as Bradford and his mates slapped the Huskies around to the tune of 55 points. If this whoopin’ had come against a team that is not 0-3 the Sooner may have jumped all the way up to two.

4. Florida Gators – No Change
The Gator were on a bye in week 3 and therefore, they hold steady at number 4. With 2 of their next 3 against Tennessee and Arkansas start into the heart of their schedule. Soon, we will know a lot more about these UF Gators.

5. LSU Tigers – No Change
The Tigers blew up North Texas as expected this week. Like too many other of the nations top teams however, we really don’t know what LSU is made of as they haven’t played anyone of consequence. Auburn looms on the horizon, with the Gators not far behind, so as the Tiger hit their SEC schedule, they will be given every opportunity to prove their worth.

6. Missouri Tigers – +1
Chase Daniels is now the all time leading passer in Mizzou history, eclipsing the previous record with 400+ yard outing against a very outmatched Nevada team. Daniels right now looks to be the primary challenger to Tim Tebow and his Heisman, and if the Tigers keep on playing like this, this race could go down to the wire.

7. Texas Longhorns – +2
Hurricane Ike put a damper on the Longhorns plans to play Arkansas, but with the movement in the top 10, the Horns are recipients of a two spot bump. The Razorbacks have been rescheduled for two weeks, and with Rice and Colorado games also within the next three, the Longhorns should be sitting pretty a few weeks from now at 5-0.

8. Wisconsin Badgers – +3
Wisconsin continued to impress this week, with a win against top 25 opponent Fresno St. It was a close game, but winning teams, win the close ones. Combine this big victory for Wiskey, with the OSU loss, and we have a new big dawg in the Big 10.

9. Texas Tech – +1
Harrell put up his third straight killer performance, throwing for 418 yards, as the Red Raiders rolled again. Sure, it was their third trip to cupcake city, but you have to beat who they put in front of you, and Texas Tech continues to do so in convincing fashion. UMass and Northwestern are the next two on the docket, and this won’t help the Raiders strength of schedule, but if they keep winning, who knows?

10. Alabama Crimson Tide – +4
John Parker Wilson had a memorable week as he re-wrote some of the Tide record book during their route of Western Kentucky. Wilson is now the all time leader in total offense in Crimson Tide history. More importantly his leadership helped push the Tide up our list 4 spots.

11. Auburn Tigers – -3
I am really starting to wonder about Auburn. For the second straight week, the Tigers edged a team in a game they should have won handily. In one of the most ugly excuses for a football game, the 3-2 win over MSU left me thinking the Tigers are going to wind up as feed for the rest of the SEC over the next few weeks.

12. South Florida Bulls – +7
If you missed the Bulls battle with the Jayhawks, you missed an instant classic. Like Wisconsin, the Bulls showed their championship spirit at home against a top ranked opponent with Reesing and the Hawks. The Big Daddies of the bog East likely won’t be challenged much by FIU next week but then again, that is why they play the games.

13. Ohio State Buckeyes – -10
No Beanie Wells meant no offense against the top ranked Trojans, and the rest, as they say, was history. The Bucs could not mount any offense and thus they fall in our poll 10 spots. Troy and Minnesota separate OSU from their impending battle with Wisconsin. That should be very exciting.

14. BYU Cougars – +2
Boy did the Cougars break out the whoopin’ stick against UCLA this weekend. The Bruins surprised the nation during week 1 by beating Tennessee, but they sure got their comeuppance against BYU this week. 59-0 leaves the Bruins with their worst lose in 75 years, and The Cougars earn the 2 spot bump in our poll.

15. East Carolina Pirates – No Change
ECU won their third in a row this week although this time in a close fight with an un-ranked Tulane squad. The Pirates seem like a team that has played to the level of their competition thus far, and have done enough to keep winning. They did however lose their top linebacker for the rest of the season, and this could hurt them in the long run.

16. Penn State Nittany Lions – +4
For the third week in a row, the Penn State Lions rolled an opponent. This domination has resulted in their 4 spot rise in our poll. Are the Lions good enough to factor into the Wisconsin/Ohio State battle for the Big 10 though? This is the question the Penn Staters must answer before this season is finished.

17. Clemson Tigers – No Change
The Tigers continue to hold steady with their win over NC State. With Maryland and Wake Forest in the wings, Clemson will get a chance to prove week 1 was an aberration, and that they belong in the discussion about the ACC crown.

18. Oregon Ducks – No Change
It took the Ducks two overtimes to dispense with Purdue. Like many others in the top 25, the Ducks won a close game against a team who the game should not have been that close. And just like those others, the Ducks do not gain any ground on the leaders.

19. Kansas Jayhawks – -6
Early in their match-up in Tampa, it looked like the Hawks were all they were cracked up to be and more. But championship teams don’t allow opponents to climb out of a 17 point holes. Todd Reesing looked pretty good for the game, but they Jayhawks couldn’t burry the Bulls, and the Hawks now fall as a result.

20. Wake Forest Demon Deacons – +1
Wake found themselves off this week, and despite the movement all around them, the Demon Deacons earn a 1 spot bump. FSU and Clemson are on tap, and we will lean a lot more about Wake in the next few weeks.

21. Utah Utes – +1
Matt Asiata ran for three touchdowns, and Brian Johnson led the Utes to two more as the team romped Utah State in their in-state rivalry. If the Utes are really a contender they will beat the Air Force Falcons next week.

22. West Virginia – New to Poll
After falling off the chart last week, the Mountaineers return without even having to play a game. How did that happen? Fresno State and Cal both lost and this helped out WVU very much. Next week Colorado is on deck, and then Marshall. Then comes the conference schedule with a game vs Auburn mixed in. If the Mountaineers want the respect of the nation, rattling off a few wins will be the only way.

23. Illinios Fighting Illini – +1
Illinois almost found themselves on the wrong end of their match-up against UL Lafayette. The Big 10 is a crowded place this year, and if the Illini want to get in the mix, they are going to need to pick up their play.

24. Florida State Seminoles – New to Poll
The Noles return to the top 25 as a result of their big win against Chattanooga. Bobby Bowden and company will have a great opportunity to reestablish themselves as a national power with upcoming games against Wake and Miami. If they are worthy, they will push those teams to the limit.

25. Fresno State Bulldogs - -2
Pat Hill ball club slips a bit this week as they were beat by a very good Wisconsin. Despite the loss however, we leaned that the Bulldogs are still a very good team. The more Hill schedules his Bulldogs against top BCS competition, the more this team will find itself moving up the polls.

EZ's College Football Top 25, Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:32:00 +0000

Week two means some new faces appear, and some old faces disappear. The top 5 stay the same, and the whole list is below.

1. USC Trojans – No Change
The Trojans hold the number one spot in this weeks rankings, even though they did not play this week. This is a team we will learn a lot more about with next weeks mega-battle against Ohio State.

2. Georgia Bulldogs – No Change
Knowshon Moreno ran for 3 TD’s as the Dawgs ran all over cupcake Central Michigan. This team has looked great through the first two weeks, but I don’t know how good they really are yet. We will see as their next three games are vs South Carolina, Arizona State, and Alabama.

3. Ohio State – No Change
The Buckeyes won this week, but did so in unspectacular fashion. OSU should have put up bigger numbers against lowly Ohio, but the Buckeyes were likely looking forward to next week’s showdown with USC.

4. Florida Gators – No Change
In a battle against Miami, the Gators could have easily wound up on the short end of the stick. Not only has Miami owned Florida in recent battles, but speed usually is King in this showdown, and the Canes are the faster team. Having said that however, the Gator made it a power game, and despite a close first half, the Gators took over in the second half, and game away with a convincing win.

5. LSU Tigers – No Change
LSU and the rest of Louisiana have had it tough due to weather, and Hurricane Ike may not make it any easier. The Tigers match-up with Troy was postponed due to Hanna, but I cannot punish LSU for the weather.

6. Oklahoma Sooners – No Change
Bradford looked great this week, throwing for 5 TD’s as the Sooner murdered Cincinnati 52-26. This team has looked great during their first two weeks, albeit no having played the best competition thus far.

7. Missouri Tigers – No Change
After a tough opening week match-up, the Tigers get an easier going of it in week two. Chase Daniels looked awesome and the Tiger left no doubt that they will be a player on the national scene this season as they hung 52 around the neck of SE Missouri State.

8. Auburn Tigers – No Change
A more competitive game than what Auburn probably expected, the Tigers still played well enough to win. Their throw down with LSU looms two weeks away, and you have to hope Auburn doesn’t look past MSU next week either.

9. Texas Longhorns – No Change
McCoy has thrown for 7 TD’s in the first two weeks of the season. Still we won’t really know about the quality of the Horns until the Red River Shootout. Until then, you should expect Mack browns crew to continue to roll.

10. Texas Tech – +1
Harrell backed up his big week one performance with a quality performance in week two. The Raiders consistent play proved too much for Nevada, and Texas Tech earned their second win.

11. Wisconsin Badgers – +1
Another week, another win for them Badgers. This week PJ Hill was held to 57 yards against the Thundering Herd, but this week it was Evridge who stepped it up with over 300 yards in the air.

12. Arizona State Sun Devils – +1
A second straight win for Erickson's kids out in the desert. This team is better than the rest of the nation thinks. I think they are very much for real, and will be players this year.

13. Kansas Jayhawks – +3
Todd Reesing threw for over 400 yards in the Jayhawks route of La Tech. Obviously, this team is trying to prove they are real contenders. Of course with such a big win, I have to move Kansas up my board.

14. Alabama Crimson Tide – +4
The Tide earn a four spot bump in my rankings this week as they combined a two touchdown win over Tulane, with losses and close calls from the teams in front of them. Great special teams play pushed the Tide into the win column this week.

15. East Carolina Pirates – New to Poll
Week 1 the Pirates surprised the nation and knocked off Va Tech. Another week, another top 25 tem falls to ECU. This time, West Virginia. With two huge wins the Pirates have earned their place amongst the teams they beat, the top 25.

16. BYU Cougars – -2
This team walked away from this weeks game with a win, thanks to a very poor call by the officials. There is no reason that excessive celebration call should have ever been made. Washington should have won, and although BYU earns the W, they still drop on my board.

17. Clemson Tigers – +2
The rest of the nation is really down on Clemson after their week 1 loss. I still think the Tigers are a pretty darn good football team. Yes they lost ot Bama week 1, but the killed it week two against the Citadel. Sure the Citadel is not exactly a national powerhouse, but then again, is a loss to a good team and a murdering of a bad team, all that much worse than tow wins over sub par opponents?

18. Oregon Ducks – +2
The Ducks put up big numbers again, and Roper is back behind center, so Oregon has a lot to look forward to. Their next three are against Purdue, Boise State, and Washington State, so the Ducks have a real shot at a 5-0 start.

19. South Florida Bulls – -2
When will good teams learn to not look past others towards their next big opponent? The Bulls looked past UCF, ahead to Kansas, and almost paid the price. Even though they won, USF losses points for such a close call.

20. Penn State – +1
Joe Pa has a lot of behavioral issues with his Lions this year, and is missing defensive stud Sean Lee. Oh, and his Penn State team won its first two games in impressive fashion. Their first real test will come against Illinois, but even including that game, I see this team rattling off its next few games as wins.

21. Wake Forest – +1
Ole Miss took Wake to the edge this week, in a very exciting football game, featuring two very talented QBs. Skinner proved again though, that he knows how to win. I don’t think the Deacons should have struggled quite so much against Ole Miss, but the Rebs really played up.

22. Utah Utes – New to Poll
After watching this team against Michigan I was left with one thought. Gosh, this kid Johnson is a good QB. I like the way he calls a game, and I love the way he makes plays. I am not sure how good this team is going to be by the end, but for right now, they make our list.

23. Fresno State – +1
They beat Rutgers week one, and now they got a week off to prepare for their show down with Wisconsin. We will know a lot more about the Bulldogs after that match-up but for now they stay on our list.

24. Illinios Fighting Illini – +1
The Illini are a lot like Clemson. They played a good team in week 1 and got beat. Then in week two, they made mincemeat out of the cupcake they were pitted against. We still need to figure out how good this team is, but a few big name match-ups over the next few weeks will help us sort through it all.

25. California – New to Poll
A new entry to our top 25, the Cal Bears enter the list after destroying Washington State 66-3 for their second win of the young season. I love seeing them use both Best and Vereen at RB and this team could make some PAC-10 noise this season.

EZ's College Football Top 25, Week 1

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 02:22:00 +0000

I am happy to see another season of college football underway. Unlike last year, this season has not started quite so crazy. Still, we saw some upsets, and now, my initial update to my college football rankings is released.

1. USC Trojans – No Change
Off to a fast start, the Trojans dominated a very over matched Virginia Cavaliers team from the opening kick. Mark Sanchez looked awfully comfortable in leading the Trojan attack. Next up however is Ohio State, and I think we will have a better idea of what both teams are made of after that game.

2. Georgia Bulldogs – No Change
Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno lead the Bulldogs to the easy victory against Georgia Southern. No reason for anyone to think the Dawgs are no for real.

3. Ohio State – No Change
Even more impressive than the 43 points that OSU drubbed on Youngstown State, was the fact that the defense, lead by All-American candidates James Laurinitis and Malcolm Jenkins blanked the Pirates. As long as Beanie Wells is at full strength, this should be a great matchup next week.

4. Florida Gators – No Change
Easy victors in their opening day battle with Hawaii, the Gators look as if they will be in both the SEC and the National Title hunt all season long. They dominated the ground game, and Tim Tebow looked all the rage to defend his Heisman.

5. LSU Tigers – No Change
After Appalachian State opened last season with a win over Michigan, they hoped they could do it again, this time vs LSU. The Tiger though had other ideas. Charles Scott showed that the Tigers would not miss Jacob Hester, and they pounded App State to ensure that lightning wouldn’t strike twice.

6. Oklahoma Sooners – No Change
What a beating this team put on Chattanooga. Sure, it looked like a warm-up game going in, but to hold another team to 36 yards total offense is very impressive indeed.

7. Missouri Tigers – No Change
Unlike the teams above them in our poll, Mizzou opened up with a bang, taking on the Fighting Illini. This could have proven to be bad, but instead, Mizzou held their own and put up enough points to win the shoot-out. The Tigers are going to have to play better defense if they want to be in the title race this season, but a win against a quality opponent to start the year is very nice.

8. Auburn Tigers – +1
321 yards on the ground plus a Clemson loss has Auburn moving up into the 8th spot this week. Like some other top teams, Auburn was a heavy favorite against UL Monroe, but a shutout is a shutout, and the Tigers pulled one off.

9. Texas Longhorns – +1
QB Colt McCoy looked great, throwing for 3 TD’s and running for one more in the Longhorns opening day victory against a very overmatched Florida Atlantic team. The offensive outpouring has helped push Texas up one spot this week to #9.

10. West Virginia Mountaineers – +1
The Mountaineers break into our top ten with Pat White’s impressive 5 TD performance to open the season. Despite Villanova actually winning the yardage battle against the Mountaineers, WVU rolled to their first victory.

11. Texas Tech – +1
Graham Harrell opened the season throwing for over 500 yards in the Raiders beating of Eastern Washington. Texas Tech should not get looked past by the other national powers. This team is good.

12. Wisconsin Badgers – +1
PJ Hill eclipsed 200 yards on the ground as part of a 400+ yard effort for the Badgers. The ground game will support the Madison faithful all year long, and if they continue this pace, watch out Big 10.

13. Arizona State Sun Devils – +2
Zona State combines their victory with Clemson and Va Tech losses to move up two spots from our pre-season poll. Erickson would have probably liked a bit wider margin of victory from his Sun Devils, but will be happy to have left with a win. Next up, Stanford.

14. BYU Cougars - +2
The Cougars beating of Northern Iowa extends the nations longest win streak to 11, and helps BYU move up two spots in this weeks poll. With more than 550 yards of total offense, the Cougars look like they will be a tough team for all opponents this season.

15. Tennessee Vols – +2
At the time of this posting, the Tennessee vs UCLA matchup has yet to take place. Because of this Tennessee simply reaps the benefit of the losses above them. Next week however they will have the strength of two games effecting their ranking.

16. Kansas Jayhawks – +2
A big win for the Jayhawks over FIU moves them up two spots. Soon they match up with South Florida, and we will get to see how good they really are.

17. South Florida Bulls – +2
USF put up huge numbers against UT Martin in their opening day victory, and that was with their 2nd and 3rd string taking most of the snaps on both sides of the ball. Next up for the Bulls, the War on I4.

18. Alabama Crimson Tide – New to Poll
During my pre-season rankings I had a hard time deciding between the Tide and Pittsburgh for #25. Obviously I chose the wrong one. The Tide put a beating on my former #9, Clemson, while the Panthers laid an egg. The Tide enters the poll at #18 with their very convincing week one victory against a quality opponent.

19. Clemson Tigers – -11
Getting drubbed in a week one outing against the Tide is what has landed the Tigers this big drop in the poll. Zero yards rushing and controlling the ball for just over 18 minutes will not result in very many wins. Bowden needs to get his boys back on the horse ASAP. A game against the Citadel next week should be just what the Dr ordered.

20. Oregon Ducks – +1
Jeremiah Masoli is proving to be an adequate replacement for Dennis Dixon who bolted to the NFL. Careful with the football, and supported by a superb defensive outing, the new Duck signal caller proved that Oregon will be a player in the PAC 10.

21. Penn State – +1
College football’s eldest statesman earned his 373 win as Penn State completely rolled Costal Carolina. Paterno tied Bobby Bowden with this win, and I expect with the courses these two teams are currently on, that Paterno will again emerge as the winningest coach in college football history.

22. Wake Forest – +1
Riley Skinner looked awesome as the Deacons blew up Baylor during their week one matchup. Skinner is now the career leader in wins for the Deacons, and the team has risen two spots in this weeks poll.

23. South Carolina – New to Poll
Another SEC team breaks into EZ’s Top 25. Spurrier and his Gamecocks bowled through NC State to kick this college football season into gear, and with such a convincing win, they earn their ranking. Despite Beecher throwing 4 picks, they still dominated the Wolfpack.

24. Fresno State – New to Poll
Pat Hill’s team has not yet played, but with teams like the Illini and the Wolverines losing, the Bulldogs are moving on up without having played yet. They will face a good Rutgers team on Labor Day, and like Tennessee, they will benefit or pay for the results of this game on next weeks poll.

25. Illinios Fighting Illini – -5
Yes they lost, but they lost to a good Mizzou team. Because of this they fall, but not quite as far as some other teams. They remain in the Top 25, but they are simply hanging on right now. Next week they have a great “get right” opportunity against Eastern Illinois.

2008 College Football Pre-Season Top 25

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 19:45:00 +0000

Welcome to a new season of college football. Every year the coaches and the AP both release the pre-season top 25. Now you can view EZ's pre-season top 25 too. Let's get it started.

1. USC Trojans - The top ranked team should be the team expected to be winning the National Championship this year, and right now I expect that team to be the Trojans. They have lots of talent on both sides of the ball, and I expect this team to dominate the PAC 10, all season long.

2. Georgia Bulldogs - The AP's top team is still my selection for a National Title Game appearance. Unfortunately I think that Matt Stafford and Mr Heisman Candidate Moreno will come up short in January.

3. Ohio State - Participants in the last two National Title Games, the Bucs are going to be a very good squad. They will do as they did last year, and lay in wait for the teams above them to slip up, and if they do, OSU could head to their third straight. But can they finally win one?

4. Florida Gators - The Bulldogs may be the best in the SEC, but not by a big margin. The Gators return the Heisman Trophy with Timmy Tebow, and have the exciting Percy Harvin to help put points on the board. If this team beats the Dawgs in the Backyard BBQ in Jacksonville, they may run directly to the National Title Game.

5. LSU Tigers - Both polls have the Sooners as a top 5 program, but I dont see them beating this LSU team head-to-head. This means the Tigers get my call for the fifth spot. That's right, 3 teams from the SEC in the top 5. Kinda scary huh?

6. Oklahoma Sooners - How good the Sooners will be early on is not really debateable, but can they keep the pace all season long? They play a favorable schedule, but the Red river shootout is never an easy game. If they play to their talent they could make a run for the top spot.

7. Missouri Tigers - The Tigers came from relative anonymity to become a player on the national scene. With Chase back behind center, the Tiger will be a threat to win the Big 12.

8. Clemson Tigers - Ok. Seriously. How good could one confrence be? First Georgia, then Florida, then LSU, and now Clemson. And please don't think these Tigers are going to be an afterthought. This team can play with anyone and they will make their opponents fight all season long.

9. Auburn Tigers - As if it were planned, for the thrid spot in a row on my poll I have the Tigers. Only this time these Tigers are from Alabama. Auburn become the 5th SEC team in my top ten, and if that doesn't speak to the power of this confrence than nothing will. Auburn will be a force in the SEC and on the national scene.

10. Texas Longhorns - The Longhorns round out the top ten. This team always seems to be a player in the national picture. They will be good enough to give opponents in the Big 12 fits. Under the right circumstances, this team could make a run for the top.

11. West Virginia Mountaineers - Both of the national polls had the Mountaineers ranked higher than this, but I expect to see this team take a step backwards. Steve Slaton and Darius Reynaud are gone, and so is Rich Rodriguez. Can't see this team not stepping back a bit.

12. Texas Tech - If the SEC is the class of the Nation, the Big 12 is a close second. Texas Tech is a vastly improved team, and they are deserving of this number 12 ranking. They will be formidable on both sides of the ball and they will be one of the bright spots in this year's season.

13. Wisconsin Badgers - After OSU, the Badgers are the best team in the Big 10. They are steady performers each and every year. Unfortunately, again, they will lack the firepower needed to make a run for the title.

14. Virginia Tech Hokies - One of the bright spots last season, the Hokies made some serious noise when it came time to select the national title game participants. I don't quite expect for them to be as good this season though. Xavier Adibi, the team's heart and soul on defense is gone, as is top corner Brandon Flowers, and those two will be sorely missed.

15. Arizona State Sun Devils - How good is Dennis Erickson's squad. I think we will find them to be the only team in the PAC 10 that can challenge the Trojans. The Sun Devils will be improved over last year's upstart team. That could mean an even better finishing rank than this 15 spot.

16. BYU Cougars - The Cougars won 10 games last year, but the were not really challeneged too often. Still, they are a very good team. I expect for them to put up some offense and this will lead to more wins, as they still are the best in their confrence.

17. Tennessee Vols - I know, I know, another team from the overloaded SEC. You have to wonder how anyone could survive that confrence schedule. The Vols will be players again, and depending on how they deal with the Gators in their annual early season battle, the rest of their season could hang in the balance.

18. Kansas Jayhawks - This team feels a bit overrated to me. Despit their performance last year, I still have a hard time calling this team one of the best in the nation. In fact, both of the national polls have this team ranked even higher than I do, but I expect that this team will suffer their first lost early on when the visit Tampa.

19. South Florida Bulls - This is another team with a great story. They are a team on the rise, and they will be facing a tough Big East schedule but an early season tangle with the Jayhawks will show everyone what South Florida is really made of. Also, George Selvie is an early season favorite for Defensive Player of the Year.

20. Illinois Fighting Illini - The Illini are going to miss first round selection Rashard Mendenhall. He was such a large part of what Illinois did offensively. If they can replace some of his production, this team is still talented enough to make some Big 10 teams nervous.

21. Oregon Ducks - The Ducks lost a lot when Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart made the leap to the pros. Still it is my expectation that the Ducks will be a great team this year. I am not sure they will be as good as USC or ASU, but they are definately top 25 material.

22. Penn State - Losing Sean Lee will no doubt hurt Joe Pa's chances of returning his squad to the BCS, but this is still a talented team that could surprise some teams this year. In fact if OSU is not careful, they could be in for a surprise.

23. Michigan Wolverines - Michigan are another team who lost a lot last year. Tackle Jake Long, and QB Chad Henne are now teammates with the Dolphins, and Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington made the leap to the NFL too. Still with rich Rodriguez coming to Ann Arbor, I think this team will be on the mend.

24. Wake Forest - This was a ballclub that surprised a lot of people last year, and one season later, they are even better. This team will win some games, and will make life tough on ACC opponents all season long.

25. Pittsburgh - This final spot was a tough one to call. I feel like Alabama is equally deserving of this 25 spot but playing them head-to-head I think Pitt would win. They shocked West Virginia late last season, and I think this year this team will be a force. They are a reason the Big East is quickly becoming one of the best confrences in the nation.

Training Camp Rankings

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:28:00 +0000

Now that Training Camp has arrived, it is time for me to release my annual training camp power rankings. These will later be altered into the pre-season rankings, and eventually will take hold week one as the initial power ranking. So let get it started...

32. Atlanta Falcons - So despite spending the third overall pick on Matt Ryan, and signing Michael Turner, I think the Falcons are in for a long season. This teams lacks the firepower to score enough points to stay competitive, and without DeAngelo Hall at corner, I don't see them stopping a whole lot of teams this year either.

31. Kansas City Chiefs - The only thing keeping this team out of the cellar was their awesome draft. I love their draft, but despite that this team is still not good. No clear answer at QB, and aging o-line, no receiving targets, means unless this team D hold opponents to about zero points per game, there won't be many wins in KC.

30. Miami Dolphins - Another team with a draft I liked, but still too many questions to be a factor. Who will be the QB? How will the defense do without longtime leaders Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor? How will new HC Tony Sparano do? These answers will go a long way to defining the Phins year.

29. St. Louis Rams - The Rams offense can still be good with Bulger, Jackson and Holt, but good enough to overcome the defense? Second pick Chris Long will pressure QB's but will they be able to stop the run. There are questions about their secondary too. Until these problems are solved the Rams will be a bottom dweller.

28. Buffalo Bills - Such an enigma this Buffalo Bills squad is. They seem to win more games then they are supposed to but how long can this pig wear lipstick? Their QB is unproven, their o-line's top player is holding out, and their defense has some holes. I don't think this is going to be a very good team. But then, I have been wrong before.

27. Detroit Lions - I know many see this team as on the mend, but I see it differently. I think this season will be another step back for Detroit. Mike Martz is no longer the OC, and although the offense will be more balanced without him, it will also be less effective. Once the crazy offensive output comes back down to earth, Detroit will show themselves as a team without the necessary talent to compete this year.

26. New York Jets - Here is a team that seems to like to shoot itself in the foot. After a great off season, acquiring lots of talent, they enter training camp in trouble. First round pick Vernon Gholston is still unsigned, and a hold out is looking more and more possible. Then consider we are not sure who will be behind center come opening day and I can't commit to the Jets being a contender. Despite this they should still finish second in the AFC East.

25. Baltimore Ravens - Another team in the bottom half and another team with questions at QB. I love the addition of Ray Rice to this running attack, but I wonder who the mystery QB will throw the ball to outside of their TE. The defense is still solid but Ray Lewis is getting older and Terrell Suggs is unhappy. How will this leave Baltimore? Only time will tell.

24. Oakland Raiders - The Raider nation has a lot to be excited about. They added lots of talent this off season, and it should help them be more competitive. This team is not ready yet to challenge for the division crown, but if they can get their new high priced talent to play as a team, they will surprise some opponents. If Russell becomes worth of his loft draft position a year ago, they can be even better.

23. San Francisco 49ers - Is Alex Smith a bust? This is the question the Niners need to find out as their season hangs in the balance. If history is any indicator, Smith will put up career numbers this year, as he gets familiar with Mike Martz's offense. If this happens, the Niners could be better than advertised.

22. Chicago Bears - This team, only two years removed from the SuperBowl has a lot to prove this season. Unfortunately they still have Rex Grossman as their QB and that will translate to at least three extra losses. Now if they cannot get things settled with Brian Urlacher this ranking may be a bit too high.

21. Denver Broncos - I expect to see some good things this year from Jay Cutler, and thus the Broncos should be OK. That being said, there seems to be constant change in the Denver backfield and on the defense and that prevents the team from forming the important factor known as chemistry.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jeff Garcia surprised many, including myself, with his awesome play last year. If the team can get consistent performance from its once stout defense this team could be competitive. Unfortunately I think Brooks has lost a step, and this may hurt the team a bit. Will they be good enough becomes the next question.

19. Tennessee Titans - How good this team will be depends on if Vincanity can find any weapons. Will the running game prove consistent? Who will catch his passes? If this team can put the Pacman saga behind them, and give Vince some targets they could be pretty good.

18. Arizona Cardinals - With all of the offensive weapons it is amazing this team is not better. How much faith will this team have in Marvelous Matt behind center. If they show him faith he could reward it with some pretty big wins. I like Ken Wisenhunt and I see this team being in contention for a wild card.

17. Carolina Panthers - I see the Panthers as the best of the bottom half of the league. With Delhomme healthy and behind center this team should be pretty formidable. My only question is who will force opposing defenses to not triple team Steve Smith? If the Panthers can find that answer, John Fox will save his job.

16. Seattle Seahawks - As long as Hasslebeck is behind center this team will have a chance to win. They have made a lot of changes, especially in their backfield, but I like Julius Jones, and I expect him to provide an upgrade to the numbers put up by Alexander last season. This could lead to a challenge for a division title in a weak NFC West.

15. Cincinatti Bengals - The Chad Johnson story aside, the Bengals are still a talented team. I expect to see some noticeable improvements on the defensive side of the ball, and Carson and TJ make an awesome QB-WR combo. Now if Johnson decides to play this year, all the better.

14. Green Bay Packers - Oh the Brett Farve saga. Right now I assume it will be Aaron Rodgers under center. Given that I cant see this team replicating last years overacheivement. I think the Pack will come back to earth next year, thus their mid range ranking.

13. New Orleans Saints - This team has all of the makings of a playoff team. They have a great QB in Drew Brees, two super backs in Bush and McAllister, and now a defense being led by Johnny Vilma and Dan Morgan. Watch out. this team may be for real.

12. Minnesota Vikings - How good will this team be? We know they can run the ball. And now in his second year at QB Tavaris Jackson will be better. But if this team gets Brett Farve, they could quickly be a contender. Even without him, they will be competing for a playoff spot.

11. Washington Redskins - This could have been an ominous start to Training Camp, losing Phillip Daniels for the year before it even got started. But then the team who has never been fond of holding on to draft picks up and deals some picks for Jason Taylor. Will it work? I think so. I can see Washington making some serious noise in a crowded NFC East.

10. Houston Texans - So how about this. A top ten Training Camp ranking for the Houston Texans. Am I crazy? I don't think so. I think this team is for real. The defense may be one of the leagues best behind Demeco Ryans and Amobi Okoye, and the offense will be improved too. Now that Shaub has had a year to develop some chemistry with Andre Johnson, this team will be very good.

9. Philadelphia Eagles - Every year the Eagles seem poised to make noise, and this year is no different. Still, somehow I am left with the feeling that the Eagles will show much promise and leave us with much disappointment. How much more does McNabb have in the tank? Will Westbrook start making noise about his contract? How will Asante Samuel fit into Jim Johnson's defense? If these questions are answered satisfactorily, the Eagles will be pushing for a Wild Card.

8. Cleveland Browns - Is Derek Anderson for real? This question will be the key to the Browns season. And if it turns out like I expect, with a resounding yes, then the Browns will be in the playoff mix in the AFC. The Browns have both offensive and defensive weapons and and great coach in Crenell, so allow me to put you on notice, the Browns are back.

7. New York Giants - The question for the SuperBowl champs is, "How long can Cinderella wear her slipper? After all, it is made of glass." I love what the G-Men did during last years playoffs, but defending will be another story. They will be good, but I don't expect to see a repeat.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers - How ironic is it that the team called the Steelers pulled off the draft's biggest heist by nabbing Rashard Mendenhall late in round 1. This move alone will keep the Steelers among the league's elite. They can run and pass and play D, and that means they will be in every game they play.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - The two headed monster that is the Jags running game will keep all of their opponents off balance. If Dave Garrard continues to grow as a signal caller, the Jags will be right in the middle of a tough fight for the AFC crown.

4. New England Patriots - What is the cost of a 16-0 regular season? It is a target, and all of the Pats opponents will be prepared for their matchup this year. You can bet on that. The Pats will still put up some serious offense, and their D will still be OK. Their secondary was decimated and this will be the Pats undoing.

3. San Diego Chargers - San Diego is the most talented team in the league bar none. They have weapons everywhere. They can score with anyone, and they can stop just about anyone. The only achilles heal this team has is their coach. Can Norv get this team over the top? For his sake I hope so.

2. Dallas Cowboys - The Lone Star state can be proud of their Boys once again. These guys are the class of the NFC, and unless they get in their own way, they should be in Tampa come January. They have talent in all the right places on offense, and their defense is possibly the best in the league. Their only question mark is if the loss of so many coaches to the Dolphins will be of consequence.

1. Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning. Dwight Freeny. Bob Sanders. Marvin Harrison. Reggie Wayne. Tony Dungy. This team has everything it takes to be a contender and all of the intangibles it takes to turn that into a title.

A View Inside

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:11:00 +0000

Every year football fans around the nation name themselves GM, and try to take their franchise to the top of the fantasy football world. We here at the Frenzy are no different. Each year, me and some good friends have gotten together to play fantasy football. At this point in my career, I consider myself a fantasy football veteran. I have played the game for more than 15 years, and most years I manage two or three teams at a time.

This year I have started something new though. I asked some friends to gather up and try and start a brand new Keeper League. We are in the process of doing exactly that, but here is the catch. Our league will have a section dedicated to it on this forum. This means that you the reader will get to follow our league from week to week, season to season, as me and some friends battle it out for fantasy football immortality.

Because these are my friends however, I will protect the innocent (and guilty), and will not use their real names. However, this cast of characters will become part of our fodder here at the Frenzy, so I hope you will welcome them, and of course cajole them too, as you would do to me.

EZ's Mock 2008 NFL Draft

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:22:00 +0000

Well folks, draft weekend is now upon us, and much is still happening. This will be the final mock this year before the big show, so lets see what we’ve got…

1. Miami Dolphins - Jake Long, OT, Michigan

The Tuna took all of the mystery out of the number 1 slot by signing Long to cornerstone the o-line in Miami. Now the only remaining questions is if the Phish will trade taylor to get a second pick in the opening round.

2. St Louis Rams - Chris Long, DE, Virginia

With the first pick decided, the Rams now have two shoppers for the number two spot. If they deal with New Orleans, Glenn Dorsey comes off the board. If they trade with Baltimore, Matt Ryan is the number two pick. If they stay with the pick, Chris Long becomes the choice.

3. Atlanta Falcons – Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

The current talk in Atlanta is that they are happy selecting either Ryan or Dorsey with this pick, so regardless of what the Rams do, they will be pleased. With 4 picks in the top two rounds, I would be pleased too.

4. Oakland Raiders – Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

Al Davis still calls the shots in Oakland, and since we all know how much he loves speed and athleticism, you have to bank on either D-Mac or Vernon Gholston. The x-factor is if Chris Long were to slip down the board. Right now, I still say McFadden is the choice.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

With the trading away of Jared Allen, the Chiefs need to put pressure on the QB. This would make Gholston a tempting choice, but my guess is the Chiefs are hoping Chris Long falls to them. Should he still be on the board, he would be the choice. Otherwise, I see them choosing Dorsey, and then a o-lineman with their second pick in round 1.

6. New York Jets - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St

The Jets have had possibly the best offseason to date. They traded for stud DT Kris Jenkins, thus eliminating a need, and then added Alan Faneca, Calvin Pace, Tony Richardson, and Damien Woody all via free agency. Obviously they are going for it all. The three areas of need still to be addresses are the pass rush, a wideout, and some more secondary help. They chose Darrell Revis with their top pick last year, so I don’t expect them to go secondary. They may try and trade down to be in better position to choose a wide out, which I think is the best idea. But if they stay here, Gholston will be the choice. The Jets will bank that this kid will be able to hold up at the end in their 3-4 and get some pressure on the other team’s QB.

7. New England Patriots (from SF) – Keith Rivers, LB, USC

The Patriots have some needs in the secondary following the exodus of three former starters. They have some needs at linebacker too, as exposed by the Giants in the Superbowl last year. Rivers is the best athlete of any of the backers or corners on the board, and Pioli likes to choose the best player available.

8. Baltimore Ravens – Branden Albert, OG, Virginia

The Ravens three primary needs right now are QB, CB, and OT. It looks like they are trying to move up to two to grab Ryan. If this doesn’t happen, they will look to Leodis McKelvin or Branden Albert. Of these two, right now most teams would have Albert rated higher than McKelvin, and I think Ozzie will to.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

In this scenario, Marvin Lewis and the Benglas become beneficiaries of some free agency and trade moves they were not even involved with. Because of the Jets landing Jenkins, and the Falcons landing Turner, they can land Ellis, a top 5 talent, and a position of need, here at pick number 9. Ellis will immediate provide an upgrade to a defensive line that lost their biggest talent when Justin Smith left for the Bay.

10. New Orleans Saints – Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida

The Saints primary focus in this years draft will be defense, and they have already gotten started. They signed Randall Gay to help out their weak secondary, and then they addressed another gap by signing Dan Morgan, and trading for Jonathan Vilma to fill linebacking spots for them. Now, selecting Jenkins to also add to their secondary makes this defense immediately formidable, and make New Orleans, my way-to-early pick to win the NFC South.

11. Buffalo Bills – Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan St

The Bills are a team with a few needs this offseason. They answered their DT need with the trade for Marcus Stroud. They still however need some help at WR and CB. Devin Thomas is the fastest riser of the wide outs, and his size speed combination will allure the Bills into choosing him way to high at 11.

12. Denver Broncos – DeSean Jackson, WR, California

If there was one word to describe Jackson, it would be undersized. Because of his small stature, teams are questioning if he will be able to handle an NFL beating. Denver will not be scared off though. With Javon Walker in Oakland, and Brandon Marshall hurting, they really need an answer at WR, and Jackson, small size and all will fit the bill.

13. Carolina Panthers – Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St

Carolina has two primary needs, and since they won’t be in position to choose Ryan to fill their QB need, they will look to Clady to fill a need on the o-line. Then they will likely look to trade up to a position to grab either Michigan QB, Chad Henne, or Deleware signal caller Joe Flacco.

14. Chicago Bears – Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

Last year the Bears offense struggled with troublesome play at QB, and no help via a running game. The team placed its faith in Grossman for at least another year with his resigning, so addressing the running game makes sense. Losing Thomas Jones hurt this team, as former first rounder Cedric Benson is looking to be a bust. Adding Mendenhall gives the Bears an excellent 1-2 punch at the RB position, and will really tire out opposing defenses.

15. Detroit Lions – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

Detroit has made some nice strides this offseason addressing their awful secondary. They added former Buccaneer, Brian Kelly, and former Viking, Dwight Smith and re-upped with Travis Fisher. Despite Stewart’s surgery, teams are still loving this kid’s talent, and he is healing well, so I again see him back in round 1.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St

The Cards are a team with a few needs, but a good eye for talent. Although they will be tempted, they will not choose an o-lineman with this pick because they used a top 5 selection on a tackle last year. Instead, they will look to fill the void at corner that has been created by moving former first rounder, Antrell Rolle, to safety. No one has had a better off-season than Rodgers-Cromartie, and thus he becomes the selection.

17. Kansas City Chiefs (from Minnesota) – Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt

Only a few days ago, it looked like KC may reach to choose Albert at 5 overall. Thanks to the trading of Allen, they can get a quality lineman at a value pick here at 17. Dorsey and Williams, would be a great combination for KC.

18. Houston Texans – Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy St

The primary need for Houston this offseason was getting better at RB. They went out and signed former Titan Chris Brown to do just that. Now they can draft McKelvin here, and get great value. McKelvin’s “slide” is more to do with team preference than his talent, and Houston will be the beneficiary.

19. Philadelphia Eagles – Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida

Philadelphia is a talented team, in a competitive division. The G-men made their bones last year via pass rush, and Philly will take a page from their book, and choose Harvey to replace Javon Kearse.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

The Bucs need more weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Joey Galloway has speed and size, but is really aging. Clayton has some size and good hands, but lacks big play ability. Despite a tough offseason for Kelly, the Bucs will be happy for this selection in the years to come.

21. Washington Redskins – James Hardy, WR, Indiana

The Jim Zorn era has begun in Washington, and we know Zorn like large wide outs. The speedsters currently donning Garnet will have a new addition to their platoon when the Skins select Hardy. He has good speed, good hands, but most of all, at 6'7", good size.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) – Jeff Otah, OT, Pittsburgh

The Cowboys do not have very many needs, but because of the Brady Quinn trade, they will still have two first rounders. It is looking like the Boys will address OT and WR with their top picks this year. Jeff Otah can be an impact lineman with some good coaching, and the Boys do not have to rush him along.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers – Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

The Steelers are a talented team, who can go in a lot of different directions with this selection. Merling is a talent comparable with his former teammate Gaines Adams, who went in last years draft #4 overall. For the Steelers to get him in the 20’s is great value.

24. Tennessee Titans – Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

Vince Young needs some more weapons to help him impact opposing teams defenses. The Titans went out and added impact TE Alge Crumpler, who was inexplicably released from the Falcons, to help their cause. Now in the draft they will add Sweed. Limas is very talented, although he has had some struggles with injuries recently. I think in the end, he is still going to be a player at the pro level, and paring him with Young will pay great dividens.

25. Seattle Seahawks – Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC

One of the primary focuses of the Hawks during this offseason had to be looking for the long term replacement for Alexander. They addressed this need by signing both TJ Duckett and Julius Jones, which will allow for Illini RB Rashard Mendenhall to fall further in round 1. Now they can focus on replacing DT Chuck Darby who the team has not resigned. Balmer is a big boy, and can really stuff the run, and keep blockers occupied to allow the linebackers like Tatupu and Peterson to make plays.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – Calais Campbell, DE, Miami

This is a very good team that will only be getting better. Despite this, the team still has some needs. They went out and added WR’s Joey Porter and Troy Williams to try and give David Garrard someone to throw to. Unfortunately they still have holes on the defense at DE and LB, and they were exacerbated by the loss of Bobby McCray to New Orleans. Calais Campbell is an enigma. Some teams have him dropping down their boards, because despite talent there are some questions about his heart.

27. San Diego Chargers – Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

The Chargers are a very good team. They did not always play like it this year, but they are a very good team. Not too many holes either. One of their only weaknesses is at safety, and Phillips is leading a weak class at the position. The fringe first rounder becomes the selection here late in round 1.

28. Dallas Cowboys – Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

As I mentioned earlier, the Cowboys will want to look to wide out with this pick, however, there is no one left worth choosing at this point. There is however value remaining, and Jones is that value. Owner Jerry Jones will jump at the chance to spell power back Marion Barber with fellow Arkansas alum and namesake Felix Jones.

29. San Francisco 49ers (from Indianapolis) – Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas

Last year the team selected Willis who is showing himself to be a stud. This offseason they have added talent all over the place, including WR Isaac Bruce, DE Justin Smith, LB Dontarrious Thomas and RB DeShawn Foster. Now they can choose Talib to pair with last years free agent acquisition Nate Clements, and build themselves a secondary to be proud of.

30. Green Bay Packers – Brandon Flowers, CB, Va Tech

Green Bay has a talented pair of starting corners, however the team has no depth behind them and the starters are getting older every day. Flowers has spunk, and his heart will be appreciated in Green Bay.

31. New England - Pick Forfeited

Thanks to spygate, the Pats are forced by the league to forfeit this pick.

32. New York Giants – Dan Conner, LB, Penn State

The Giants shocked the world with their Super Bowl win in January, then lost key pieces of their defense in free agency. With S Gibril Wilson, LB Kawika Mitchell, and LB Reggie Torbor bolting town there are now some holes on this championship defense. The addition of S Sammy Knight is effectively meaningless, as he is too old to be an impact player any longer. This is why this team needs Conner. Technically sound, but not flashy, this product of Linebacker U will bring hard work, grit and determination to this unit and will fit in well with incumbents Osi Umeniyora and Antonio Pierce.

Round 2

33. Miami Dolphins – Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee

34. St Louis Rams – Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

35. Atlanta Falcons (from Oakland) – Pat Sims, DT, Auburn

36. Kansas City Chiefs – Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC

37. New York Jets – Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan

38. Atlanta Falcons – Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona

39. Baltimore Ravens – Chad Henne, QB, Michigan

40. San Francisco 49ers – Sam Baker, OT, USC

41. New Orleans Saints – Fred Davis, TE, USC

42. Buffalo Bills – Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana

43. Denver Broncos – Chilo Rachal, G, USC

44. Carolina Panthers – Joe Flacco, QB, Deleware

45. Chicago Bears – Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville

46. Detroit Lions – Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn

47. Cincinnati Bengals – Dustin Keller, TE, Perdue

48. Minnesota Vikings – Reggie Smith, CB, Oklahoma

49. Atlanta Falcons (from Houston) – Anthony Collins, OT, Kansas

50. Philadelphia Eagles – Early Doucet, WR, LSU

51. Arizona Cardinals – Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers

52. Washington Redskins – Cliff Avril, DE, Perdue

53. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Patrick Lee, CB, Auburn

54. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jamaal Charles, RB, Texas

55. Tennessee Titans – Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas

56. Seattle Seahawks – John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame

57. Green Bay Packers (from Cleveland) – Duane Brown, OT, Va Tech

58. Miami Dolphins (from San Diego) – Justin King, CB, Penn St

59. Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyrell Johnson, S, Arkansas St

60. Indianapolis Colts – Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame

61. Green Bay Packers – Carl Nicks, OT, Nebraska

62. Dallas Cowboys – Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida

63. New England Patriots – Charles Godfrey, CB, Iowa

64. New York Giants – Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas St.

Do you hear what I hear?

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:57:00 +0000

Do you hear what I hear? I know this sound. Every year, as February gives way to March, I hear it, and every year it makes my heart pump just a little bit harder. It is the sound of gears turning. It is the sound of phones ringing. It is the sound of planes flying. And then of course of press conferences being called. It is the sound of NFL free agency, and outside of the NFL draft, nothing excites me more. As we get ready to embark on another free agency period where dollars will be spent and teams will improve, or decline, I figured it would be nice to take a look at some of the top free agents, and more specifically, what teams I think should mortgage the farm to acquire them. Please be aware, these are not rumors that I have heard, just situations I have envisioned.

The first player I want to examine is Randy Moss. I know the Patriots are going to do what they can to re-sign Randy, and the likelihood is they will get the job done, but lets for the fun of it, say they don't. Now which team do I think should lay it all on the line to go after him? How about the San Diego Chargers. I know many were hoping I'd say Dallas, and that would be scary, but just take a minute and become a defensive coordinator for a team getting ready to play the Bolts with Moss in the lineup. How on gods green earth would you cover this team? With the best TE in the game lining up in the slot, it would be almost impossible to play cover two or you'd get killed. With Chris Chambers lining up at the two, you would not have the luxury of drawing safety help to Moss' side. Rivers is an accurate passer who could make all of the throws, and then of course there is the leagues most dangerous player lining up in the backfield. With Tomlinson back there you could not play nickel or dime all day and live to tell about it, and when you shove eight in the box to shut LT down, he instead becomes a receiver and you have to try and cover him, Moss, Gates, and Chambers all at once. What a nightmare. I think an offense like that would put up bigger, badder numbers that the Pats did last year, and they have a better defense to boot.

Now lets look at the other big time New England free agent, CB, Asante Samuel. There are many teams in the league who could use a corner with Samuel's ability, but where would he fit like a glove? How about we convince the defending Superbowl champion Giants to go after the former UCF standout. Why? Lets take a look. Despite winning it all, the Giants still have some noticeable shortcomings in their secondary. Aaron Ross is awesome, but after him, things get murky. Sam Madison is as old as Dolly Madison. Corey Webster is a Nickel corner at best. Gibril Wilson is a free agent. Adding Samuel to this mix immediately makes this secondary world's better. Samuel lines up against the opposing #1 wide out. Ross blankets the 2. Webster comes off the pine to play nickle, and Madison is able to be released. The team then focuses on trying to resign Wilson, and they have a secondary worthy of a championship club. They can focus on beating big D in the regular season, and they also go into next year with a legit shot at defending their NFC crown.

Last but not least, lets look at where current Bears linebacker, Lance Briggs, could fit. Of course an easier question to answer may be who wouldn't want this outstanding playmaker, but we are not looking for easy, we are looking for which team could sign Briggs and put themselves over the top. My answer, Indianapolis. Here is the situation. How do you make a defense featuring defensive player of the year, Bob Sanders, and pass rushing demon, Dwight Freeney even better? Just add Briggs. The Colts are still set on offense, despite Harrison getting a bit older. He will be back from his injuries, and although he may not regain his previous form, don't ignore him. He will still put it all on the field. The defense has the gritty Sanders in the secondary and the nasty Freeney up front, but who is patrolling the middle? When Tony Dungy was in Tampa, building the Superbowl team, he had Derrick Brooks as his outside backer. Brooks could get after the QB, play the run, or drop into coverage, all with great effectiveness. Briggs is the same type of athlete. He would fit the Tampa Two perfectly, and help push the Colts back to the best in the AFC. Hey, maybe if this comes true we see a Manning v Manning Superbowl next year...

EZ's Stud Watch

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 02:56:00 +0000

The 25 Players below are the top 25 draft eligible prospects in college football according to me, EZ. Now that the day of declaration has come and gone, the only underclassmen still on this list, are those who have declared.

1. Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas (Previous Rank: 1)
So just in case you were not a believer pre-combine, McFadden turned in one of the best combine performances this year, simply solidifying what we already knew. This kid is good.

2. Jake Long, OT, Michigan (Previous Rank: 4)
With all eyes upon him, Long put up very impressive numbers at Indy, including a combine best 37 reps on the bench. Those that saw him san shirt, say this big man look absolutely ripped.

3. Chris Long, DE, Virginia (Previous Rank: 3)
The son of the Raider Hall of Famer will be making papa proud on Sundays. Kid can flat out chase a QB down. His performance in Indy was definitely up to expectations.

4. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU (Previous Rank: 4)
The big fella’s two spot fall is more due to the performance’s of the Longs than to his not working out. Renewed medical concerns may hurt him on draft day though.

5. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC (Previous Rank: 5)
Despite a poor showing at the combine, a strong Senior Bowl keeps Ellis in the top 5.

6. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio St (Previous Rank: 9)
Of all of the players at the RCA Dome, Gholston produced one of the top 5 overall performances. His rise up this board (10 spots over the last two lists) will parallel his rise up teams draft boards.

7. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College (Previous Rank: 6)
During the combine, Matt Ryan made certain that there was no question as to who the class of this year’s QBs is. Precise throws with respectable measurables solidified Ryan as the first signal caller off the board.

8. Ryan Clady, OT, Bosie St (Previous Rank: 8)
Top underclassmen o-lineman. Good size and good feet will make him a centerpiece of someone’s o-line for the next decade.

9. DeSean Jackson, WR, California (Previous Rank: 7)
Jackson is still the highest rated of this years wide out prospects, but his showing up to the combine weighing only 169lbs lends more questions as to if this kid can take an NFL pounding.

10. Branden Albert, OG, UVA (Previous Rank: NR)
Every year there seems to be one offensive guard who makes a name for himself prior to the draft, and this year that guy is Branden Albert. The Cavaliers standout enters our stud watch has the third best o-lineman on the board.

11. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon (Previous Rank: 11)
Reinforcing his strong Sun Bowl performance, Stewart worked out well in Indy, pushing his draft stock even higher.

12. Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy St (Previous Rank: 16)
The cornerbacks showed up to Indy and performed as well as any group there. McKelvin displayed excellent change of direction ability and a good burst to the ball, to take over the number 1 spot amongst CBs.

13. Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida (Previous Rank: 10)
This Bull’s three spot drop has more to do with the outstanding performance of others than it does his own showing. He did exactly what he was expected to do.

14. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (Previous Rank: 19)
A strong work-out helps Mendenhall continue his rise up draft boards. He is quickly becoming my favorite back of this years class.

15. Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson (Previous Rank: NR)
Although he did not work out in Indy, Merling adds himself to the top 25 based on his outstanding Senior season. He was a big part of what Clemson did well, and he is getting the credit he deserves.

16. Limas Sweed, WR, Texas (Previous Rank: 25)
To make up for missing large parts of his Senior season with injury, Sweed turned in one of the most pleasantly surprising performances in Indy. His speed was faster than expected, and so was his explosiveness.

17. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt (Previous Rank: 13)
You have to like what Williams brings to the table. He is big, strong, and will cover a QBs blind side with the best of them.

18. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville (Previous Rank: 14)
A one time top ten on this sheet, Brohm performed well enough at the combine to solidify himself the number two QB of this class.

19. Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma (Previous Rank: 22)
Solid pure receiver. Did not test out as well as he would have liked however, and now has lost some ground on Sweed.

20. Kentwan Balmer, DT, UNC (Previous Rank: 12)
Balmer has been all over this board since first appearing. This is because despite a huge upside, he has not made it clear as to the type of player he can become. This kid has boom or bust written all over him.

21. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida (Previous Rank: 15)
Although he did not perform poorly, he did not meet the expectations many had for the former Gator at the combine. Still a first round talent however.

22. Aquib Talib, CB, Kansas (Previous Rank: 17)
Did not look as fluid as one would have hoped for. His measurables were not bad, but his hip movement looked choppy.

23. Keith Rivers, LB, USC (Previous Rank: 24)
There are still plenty of questions about this kid. None of which were answered in Indy because he did not work out. We need to see how he does at his pro-day to know if he is a top 10 talent as some say, or a fringe first rounder, as others claim.

24. James Hardy, WR, Indiana (Previous Rank: NR)
Hardy put up some excellent numbers at the combine, adding to what has been an already impressive pre-draft season. He enters the Stud Watch, and on most teams draft boards, now is carrying a first round grade.

25. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St (Previous Rank: NR)
It can be argued that no player performed better overall than Rodgers-Cromartie did during the combine. His excellent showing helps him leap Brandon Flowers in my opinion, and makes him a player who could find himself in the top round when all is said and done.

Dropped from the Watch

Calais Campbell, DE, Miami (Previous Rank: 18)
Unlike some other who fell off this list, Campbell is currently ranked 26 overall. He needs an impressive work out in Miami to help his draft status a bit.

Kenny Phillips, S, Miami (Previous Rank: 20)
Phillips had a poor showing at the combine, leaving many with the impression that there really is not a true first round grade for any safety in this years class.

Fred Davis, TE, USC (Previous Rank: 21)
Davis was another player who failed to live up to the hype during his work-outs. He will have a chance to redeem himself during his pro-day at USC.

Sam Baker, OT, USC (Previous Rank: 23)
Like Davis, another player out of Southern Cal who is failing to make a name for himself at this time. Odd because the Trojans are known for their athletes.

Who's Next

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:28:00 +0000

So, the underclassmen have declared. Now we are left with a new question for college football fans everywhere, who's next? Here at the Frenzy, we have been asking ourselves the same exact question, so we decided to put together our list of who's next. We have included both '09 Seniors, and Juniors on the list, as they are all going to be draft eligible next year.

As we put this list together, we noticed a few things that jumped out at us. First, defense is king. Unlike this years crop, next year is shaping up to be a mega big linebacker class. Second, the top talent seems to be highly condensed amongst just a few schools. For example, of the 25 on our list, we find 4 Florida Gators, 3 Ohio State Buckeyes, and 3 USC Trojans. That is 10 of the next 25 from 3 schools.

So, lets cut the talk, and see who's next...

1. James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Laurinaitis was listed in my top 5 of the '08 Mock Draft. He is an absolute stud and I think he can be a great addition to any NFL linebacking corp.

2. Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Our second player is also our second Buckeye on the board. Jenkins would have gone in the top 20 if he had come out of school this year. He has good cover skills, and pretty excellent size for a corner.

3. Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Matthew Stafford has an immense amount of upside, and he should be the first quarterback off the board in '09 providing he comes out after his junior season. The Bulldogs have to be excited about what this kid brings to the table, and if he produces well next season, he could compete for #1 overall.

4. Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
Big Rey would have been a first rounder if he would have left So Cal this year. In fact, with Laurinaitis staying in school, Maualuga would have been the top linebacker chosen this year. I project him higher than teammate Keith rivers who is now the top rated linebacker on this years board.

5. Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Oher is the top tackle prospect of this class. He is a beast, and excels at protecting his QB. Right now Oher rates about half a spot below this year's top prospect Jake Long, but better than the second prospect Ryan Clady. I love Oher's toughness, and he has plus technique, so he deserves this lofty rating.

6. Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
The NFL values pass rushers, and Michael Johnson is amongst the best of this class. He gets after the QB well, and still can play the run too. He has strong upside, and his senior season can make him irresistible to NFL clubs.

7. Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
This underclassman is my favorite receiver on the board. He has tremendous upside, and he has so far shown, that he plays his best on the biggest stage. He has great speed, solid hands, and runs good routes. Best receiver in my book bar none.

8. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Hello Heisman. What Tebow did in 07 was unreal. Now, he goes into 08 with another year of Urban's offense under his belt. Those who felt Alex Smith was a prospect, wont be able to describe what they feel about Tebow. The best part is, he likely will stay through his Senior year.

9. George Selvie, DE, South Florida
This former Center is as smart as he is scary. He was one of the nations top pass rushers as a freshman and then again as a sophomore. I am so excited to see what he will do as a junior in Tampa.

10. CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
The best of the running backs in my opinion. Spiller was a large part of the Tigers success in 08, and I expect to see him kick it up a notch next year. He has good speed, and great vision. Both of those skills will translate at the next level.

11. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
After a weak TE class this year, '09 is shaping up to be a different story. Pettigrew holds a small edge right now amongst a very strong group. He is a good pass catching TE, but what makes him stand out the most is his blocking ability.

12. Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
As far as TE's go, it is hard to discount the value that Coffman bring to Missouri. He will again be one of Daniels' top targets next year, and if he steps him game up, even just a little, he could be the top TE off the board in '09.

13. Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida
Another Gator. We said they had four, and Spikes is the third. This tackling machine plays ala former Gator Channing Crowder. With continued improvement, he could become the same type of super valued pro that Crowder is too.

14. Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
It is rare to find a game changing guard in the college ranks, but Duke is as close as they come. Guards are often overlooked on draft day too. Teams that need o-line help and pass Robinson by in the '09 draft will with out a doubt regret it. This kid is a stud.

15. Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri
A Heisman candidate in 07, I expect Daniel to look just as good in 08. He made the right decision by returning to Columbia where his game will get more polished, and his field vision and decision making will become better too.

16. Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
Painter is the biggest unknown on this board. He has all of the physical tools necessary to be successful, and he plays against tough competition each week. Still, he has not yet blown people away with his production. I expect him to continue to grow as both a passer, and a leader, and thus he gets some pre-season attention.

17. Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
One word about Rolle. Superfreak. This guy flat out brings it. He is fast, and shows good ball skills to boot. Should this junior come out early he will amaze at the combine, and provide one luck NFL team with an unbelievable athlete.

18. Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Back when he was being recruited, there was a lot of buzz surrounding Andre Smith. Now, two years later, the buzz is still there. Smith has not disappointed the Tuscaloosa faithful, and should he leave Nick Saban and company a year early, he will not disappoint at the next level either.

19. Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Like Painter, Jackson is somewhat of an unknown. He plays a high profile position at a high profile program. He has talent all around him. Some think this kid is the second best prospect of this class. Some think he is a borderline first rounder. I think he can put all of the concerns to rest with a strong '08 season.

20. Taylor Mays, S, USC
On paper, he looks awfully similar to FSU's, Myron Rolle. Unlike Rolle however, Mays reaps the benefits of playing on a stellar defense with talent everywhere. This safety has the speed of a corner, and the tenacity and toughness of a linebacker. Bottom line is I would not want to have to match up against this kid.

21. Brian Cushing, LB, USC
Another spot, another Trojan. Cushing is the second USC linebacker on our watch list, and along with Maualuga and Mays makes up 3/11 of what is looking to be like of the nation's top defenses. He won't get as many headlines as his teammates, but he is just as talented.

22. Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
Of the three TE's on this list, Ingram is the best pass catching threat of the three. He won't see a many catches with Percy on the outside, but Timmy T knows how to spread the ball around well.

23. Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State
This Buckeye running back is a nice size, speed combination. He finds holes pretty well, and does well following his blocks. He could start to put up major number next year, and this bodes well for OSU's bid for a third straight national title game appearance.

24. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
When I say fast, you say Darrius Heyward-Bey. This speedster will give ACC corners fits in '08 with his amazing speed, good hands, and nice body usage. He will be the feature of the Terps offense for good reason, and should he declare to leave Maryland early, he should transition well to the next level.

25. Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
So many choices and only one spot left. What stud list would be complete without a linebacker from Penn State. Like Puz and Conner before him, Sean Lee will make the State College fans stand up and cheer. He covers ground well, and although I expect Joe Pa to place him in the middle of the Lions D, he projects to plays outside as a pro.

Just Right

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Do you want to hear a joke? OK, here it goes...
"18-1." Thats it. That is the whole joke. And need I say more. Just the punch line. And despite my unusual brevity, everyone reading this blog knows the rest. You can fill in the blanks with whatever type of set up you want, but the end is all the same. Amazing huh? I think it is. In this NFL season, marked forever by an overconfident, cheating team like the New England Patriots running roughshod over the competition for 18 straight games, and then showing their Super Bowl opponents such little respect, we will always remember the fact that this team that tried to copyright "19-0" instead left the '72 Dolphins still as the league's only perfect team.

In fact, to make matters worse, instead of all of the conversations about whether the Pats were the greatest team ever, we are now left with the idea that they will not even go down in history as the second best, or even third best team ever. Why? Because as one of three teams to complete 19 games with an 18-1 record, they are they only one of them to not become the Super Bowl champs. Back in 1985, the Chicago Bears, dominated their way through the NFL. They finished the regular season 15-1, with their only slip-up coming in a storied Monday night match-up against who... you guessed it, the Miami Dolphins. And after this loss, which in retrospect is nothing more than a blip on their season, the Bears destroyed the opposition in the playoffs, and capped off the most dominating Super Bowl of all time over... surprise... the New England Patriots (anyone who claims Hollywood writes the most cheesy stories has obviously never watched the NFL). Mike Singletary, Walter Payton, Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, Gene McMichael, Wilbur Marshall, Mike Ditka, and Buddy Ryan marched the Bears to an 18-1 record. Sure the Bears recorded the Super Bowl shuffle, but they backed it up by taking home the hardware.

The year before, in 1984 it was the San Francisco 49ers who accomplished the feat. Like the Bears, the 9ers were truly dominating, and from the start of the season to the Super Bowl, there was really no doubt as to whom the best team in football was. Men like Joe Montana, Wendell Tyler, Roger Craig, Dwight Clark, Ronnie Lott, and Jim Stuckey made a coaching staff including future Head Coaches George Seifert, Ray Rhodes, and Mike Shannahan, and the legend Bill Walsh, look brilliant. Except for their 3 point loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers during week 7, this was the best team in football all year long. Just ask the team who they demolished in the Super Bowl... of course, the Miami Dolphins.

And now, for all history, the New England Patriots, who somehow managed to put Spygate I behind them and roll all year, including some late season close calls against the Ravens, the Eagles, and then the Giants, managed to flop on the biggest stage of them all. Maybe it was the birth of Spygate II that distracted them. Maybe it was mighty Tom's foot. Then again, maybe it was just the universe setting things back to the natural order. Not since the Yankess lost a 3-0 lead to the Red Sox, has a choke job like this been seen.

Congrats to the Giants, for doing the impossible, but the very necessary. And congrats to the Pats, for becoming a footnote to history... 18-1, ha ha.

Perfect Baby.... Well almost...

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:23:00 +0000

So last week, one of the largest ever regular season audiences tuned in to watch the New England Patriots beat the New York Giants and complete a perfect season. Now, we have to look at this accomplishment and see what it really means. I have listened to the paid pundits spout on over the last 10 days or so, about how it simply proves, what we have thought all along, that this years New England Patriots are the best team, ever. Maybe that is so, but as many of you would have already guessed, I have a different opinion.

What do I think the perfect season means? It means absolutely nothing. Nothing. But only because the perfect season has yet to happen. I know that many of you are wanting to find out what I am smoking prior to my scribing this column, but I ensure you, I am completely sober.

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins complete the only perfect season in NFL history, by going 14-0 in the regular season, then following that up with a 3-0 walk through the playoffs and Superbowl. Now, the season is two games longer, so the Pats are 16-0, but if they don't win 2 playoff games and the Superbowl, then it is just another loveable loser story. It really makes this years Pats a footnote to history. In fact, even if they win the next to playoff games and improve their record to 18-0, they would have beaten the 17 wins the dolphins put up in 72, but if they don't win the Superbowl would any of it matter?

I simply don't think so.

EZ's NFL Power Rankings

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 04:05:00 +0000

1. New England Patriots - One more game till perfection in the regular season. They still have to make it through the playoffs though.

2. Dallas Cowboys - The NFC title now will go through Dallas. Never fun to have to beet the Cowboys in Texas.

3. Indianapolis Colts - Warning to the rest of the NFL. The Colts are still the champs, until someone knocks Peyton Manning and company out of the playoffs.

4. Green Bay Packers -Should get one more shot against the Cowboys in the NFC title game. This team is for real.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - This is one dangerous team when they put it together. Taylor and Drew are the best 1-2 punch at RB in the league. They can be formidable during January.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers - Some weeks they look great. but during those losses, they really look bad. Despite that, they can give any team trouble on any given week. Don't overlook these guys.

7. New York Giants - Eli is keeping this team in games, and they are turning them into wins. Considering I expected this team to flounder w/o Tiki Barber, and the Strahan saga, this is an impressive season for the G-Men.

8. Seattle Seahawks - Alexander is not the player he once was. If he was, this team would be a factor in the NFC race. Instead, they won a division with no competition, and will likely become a playoff washout.

9. San Diego Chargers - In recent weeks, this team seems to be getting their groove back. LT is still the best player in football, and Rivers is regaining his confidence. This team can make some noise over the next month.

10. Tampa Bay - True, their division was a joke this season, but that doesn't change the fact they won it easily. This team has their dance card punched for January, but the games will get tougher. Then we can see what they are really made of.

11. Tennessee Titans - A perplexing team at best, this Tennessee team struggles being consistent. That is not the sign of a championship caliber ball club. Regardless, they are now in the driver's seat for playoff position, and they are much better than I expected them to be.

12. Cleveland Browns - At the start of the season I called the Browns may surprise team of the year. I love what Anderson has done for these guys, and I am happy to see ol' Romeo getting some vindication. Regardless, they are not real players in the AFC race... yet.

13. Minnesota Vikings - The ground game in Minnesota is scary, and Jackson is showing why Coach Brad hitched his ride to him last year. If this team could play some better D, and stretch some opposing secondaries, they would become legit contenders.

14. Houston Texans - This team is on the rise in this league. I really like the D, and given one more year, Gary K may get the offense up to speed too. Once they add a real running game, the Boys won't be the only team in Texas.

15. Arizona Cardinals - Kenny W is trying real hard to get this desert story moving forward. They have a lot of talent. Regardless, this team still is underachieving. They should be better than this.

16. Washington Redskins - This team is wrought with tragedy. What happened to Taylor was awful. The fact they could put it behind them and play the Bills strong, then drum up a win against the Bears, says a lot about this team's character.

17. Philadelphia Eagles - Like George and Weesie, the Eagles are movin' on up. This team is playing good football right now, even when they don't pull out the W. Every time I think McNabb is about done, he shows up with some inspired play, and this week he again showed why the Eagles have him as their leader.

18. New Orleans Saints - A wonderful story last year, this team had to come back down to Earth at some point. Payton has still done something wonderful with this team though, and with another offseason, they could be challenging again soon.

19. Detroit Lions - Their free fall ended this week, so the Tom Petty award will get passed. Despite this, this team was at one time scary with Mike Martz's passing game. Unfortunately, the D is porous, and the running game needs a boost.

20. Buffalo Bills - I simply don't get this team. Their drafting has been an enigma. So has their play. They haven't settled on a QB, and outside of speedy Lee Evans, they have no passing targets. If not for Marshawn Lynch carrying this team, they would not even be this good.

21. Denver Broncos - This team still has one of the best secondaries in the game. Bailey, Bly and Lynch are still the real deal. Cutler has struggled in his sophomore campaign, and the inconsistency of the running game has hampered his development.

22. Cincinnati Bengals - Marvin's ballers have played much better the second half of the season than they did the first. Carson Palmer is a legit superstar quarterback. Unfortunately Rudi J has not had the same types of year as he had in the past. If he can bounce back, the team could contend again. If not, the team will need to look for his replacement.

23. Chicago Bears - Despite not having a real starting QB on their roster, they still managed to beat the Packers this week. Any given Sunday is right. Cedric Benson is a bust, and Lance Briggs can't wait to jump ship. For the Bears this could get worse before it gets better.

24. Carolina Panthers - This team has had some injuries this year to contend with, but that is just part of the game. At the start of the season they looked good at the QB spot. Now they are calling my grandmother to see if she is available to take snaps.

25. San Francisco 49ers - Don't look now but look who is starting to put some wins together. That is right, here at the frenzy we are calling two straight a streak. Smith is still garbage, but what do you want when you use the first overall draft pick on a player out of Utah.

26. Oakland Raiders - A season after the number 1 pick, they are still not a good football team. JaMarcus will get some more help this year with another high pick, and Raider nation has next year to look forward to.

27. Kansas City Chiefs - Even LJ cant run against 8 man fronts all day. Brodie Croyle was never meant for a starting QB in the league, and Huard is nothing more than an adequate journeyman. This team has lost 8 straight, and somehow, they are not the biggest embarrassment in the game.

28. St Louis Rams - This is one of the best bad teams in the league. What a distinction. Kind of like being the smartest kid to ride the short bus. They need to do more to win, but they cannot do so until they all get healthy. No Bulger. No Wins.

29. New York Jets - I know they only have 3 wins, but I still think they are better than the Ravens. Why, unlike the Ravens, this team still managed to beat Miami. Now, don't get me wrong. The J.E.T.S still S.U.C.K. but just not as bad as those teams that follow.

30. Baltimore Ravens - How bad are things in Baltimore? They become the team that lost to the team that couldn't beat anyone. Their team is awfully banged up, but they still need to find a way to win. Their 9 straight losses makes this team the recipients of the Tom Petty, Free Fallin' award.

31. Atlanta Falcons - The worst part about this is it could get worse before it gets better. Not only are they losing games hand over fist, but they lose on the battle of big Tuna too. Hopefully Blank will hire someone who can bring this organization some stability.

32. Miami Dolphins - Ugly, ugly ugly. But at least they made the right move in enticing Big Willie out of retirement. He will provide the spark and stability this team has searched for since the days of Dan.

The Tuna Still has the Love

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:40:00 +0000

Last year, he left Dallas, his 4th team, in tremendous shape. So good in fact that a mediocre head coach (and amazing d-coordinator) like Wade Phillips can have the Cowboys playing the best football in franchise history. He left because he was tired. He left because he was ready to move on to Canton.

But now, only months after riding off into the sunset...again, the Tuna returns. Last week, when the Atlanta Falcons were thrust into further chaos by Benedict Patrino, owner Arthur Blank made a commitment to find and hire an individual who would bring stability to an organization so desperately in need. He went looking for football royalty. He spoke with deities like Bill Cowher, Jimmy Johnson, and Bill Parcells. And then it looked like the second courtship of the Tuna to Atlanta would end with the Falcons finally gaining some stability.

Just kidding. In wild and crazy move that in a season like this could only happen to the Falcons and Dolphins, Bill Tuna Parcells decides at the last minute to ditch the Falcons and takes the same position in Miami. Ah, the wild and crazy NFL. Well, here at the Frenzy we welcome back the Big Tuna. Good luck to him and his hapless Phins. And to the Falcons, buenas suerte.

And the Heisman goes to...

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 02:03:00 +0000

Maybe he deserves it. I mean, it is kind of hard not to like him. He also was the first 20-20 man in college football history, but really, is Timmy Tebow the best college football player in the country?

I simply don't think so. In a year of lunacy in college football, I guess this should be no surprise, and much of the country appears to support this choice, but I simply have a hard time calling Tebow the nation's best. Darren McFadden played his best football against the best opponents. Look at it this way... who almost single handedly beat LSU this year, McFadden or Tebow. And whereas Timmy T put up impressive numbers, Colt Brennan broke Ty Detmer's career TD record, and oh yeah, he did not drop three games this past season.

I know Tebow is a good college QB, but does he deserve to be the first ever sophomore to win the hardware? Lets compare. Tebow or Peterson. Two years ago, the nation chose to snub the deserving Peterson, but the justification was he was a sophomore, and Leinart was the best Senior. OK fine, but if that is the argument, then how does Tebow the sophomore beat out McFadden the Junior, and Brennan the Senior.

Again, I am not anti-Tebow. I think the kid is a real solid football player, but he plays in a system designed to make the QB look good. When Spurrier was at the helm it was the same thing. Danny Wuerful won a Heisman for Spurrier, putting up ridiculous numbers in the process, only to show it was the system when he arrived in the NFL. Urban Meyer's last two QB's were an under achieving Chris Leak (pre-Meyer) who all of a sudden becomes a National Title winner, and Alex Smith who somehow became the first overall pick of the NFL draft... OUT OF UTAH !!!

Like the ol' ball coach, Meyer has a talent for making his QB's look good. He designs an offense that inflates their numbers, then passes off the kid to a pro team who finds out the kid lacks enough overall ability to be successful in the pros.

I guess all of this is moot. Tebow has the trophy. Me, well I just have a sour taste in my mouth.

What a Crazy Season...

noreply@blogger.com (EZ) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:07:00 +0000

Honestly, I cannot remember a time when college football was this crazy and unpredictable. From the beginning of the year, when the top 5 ranked Wolverines lost to D-II App. St, we were off and running. Number two in the nation was simply a nice name for "the next team to get upset." We have seen perennial powerhouse programs like Notre Dame get pounded. We have seen schools traditionally in the top 25 like Miami, and FSU, fight just for respectability. We watched as new programs like South Florida, and Connecticut emerge as new national powers.

What a crazy, upside down, inside out, season this has been. This year BCS really stands for Bowl Chaos Series. And, amongst all of this lunacy, you know what.... I love it. That's right. I absolutely love it. Parity is wonderful, and it is arriving in College Football for the first time ever.

The NFL and technology have combined to do what was once thought impossible. They have brought about an age in college football where any team, on any given Saturday, can beat anyone else. How you may ask. Well, I will tell you.

Today, the steaks of winning in the pro game are higher than they have ever been. There is more money in play, and less patients from fans, and subsequently owners, to bring home a winner, now. Because of this excessively competitive environment, teams are doing anything to gain even the smallest edge. This includes, heavily scouting schools that were once upon a time, passed by regularly.

With this change has come the expected shift in recruiting results. Years ago, when a top notch high school athlete was being recruited, the recognized nation powerhouses would remind the student that if he wanted any chance to play NFL football, he had to choose a big time program, or he would not get the exposure he needed to be drafted. Sure there was the super athlete who would still turn heads at smaller schools, but that was fewer and further between. If you were looking to become a professional, you needed the exposure that came from playing at your Notre Dame's, your Penn State's and your Oklahoma's.

Now this angle has evaporated. Smaller schools, more local to the athlete are competing more heavily because the student knows that to get noticed by the NFL, you simply need to bring it. Sure, there will always be the question about the competition level they played against, but each year it carries less and less weight. Why? Because of technology. With the millions of ways NFl teams have of evaluating a player, they are beginning to be able to compare what once was thought of as apples to oranges. Now these students at smaller schools can be evaluated on a play by play basis, just like those at larger schools. Between the internet and high definition filming and broadcast, these kids all get the same exposure, which before was impossible.

Just look at the results. Today, there are more and more impact NFL players coming out of smaller schools than ever before. Don't believe me? Just look. At the start of play today, December 2nd, the NFL 5 highest rated passers were Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Ben Rothlisberger, David Garrard and Brett Favre. Where did these 5 play their college ball? Michigan, Eastern Illinois, Miami of Ohio, East Carolina, and Southern Mississippi. Now, excluding Favre (who was drafted in 1904) all of these guys were drafted recently (ala, this century). What this means is that 25% of our list comes from traditional football powerhouse programs (Michigan), while 75% came from smaller, less recognized schools.

Still want more proof? Lets look defense. One of the most coveted defensive abilities is the ability to get after the opposing team's QB. If we examine the NFL five top pass rushers as of this week, we would be looking at these five guys: Aaron Kampman, Patrick Kerney, Greg Ellis, DeMarcus Ware, and Osi Umenyiora. Their schools? Iowa, Virginia, North Carolina, Troy State, and Troy State. Lets look at these schools a little closer. Iowa is a pretty big program, and they have been know to put out some talent. Virginia, more so, so. Not often labeled a National Power Program. North Carolina is much better know for their basketball prowess, although they have put out some pretty good defensive player this century. Troy State is a school that most of you couldn't find.... on a map.... of Alabama. Seriously, how many of you even knew it was in Alabama. Liars. Anyhow, what we see again, is that even if we add North Carolina and Virginia to the label of "Big Time", still 40% of the group is from small schools. Almost half. *Note to NFL GM's in need of a pass rush specialist, check out that small Alabama school. *

Folks, my point is that the College game that many of us fell in love with has changed. The chaos that we have been experiencing this year, is likely to be the beginning of something more, not the aberration that some have been claiming. The pro game has changed, and these changes filter down. Bottom line, is that those of us who graduated traditionally small schools now have something to look forward to. Even our small school can make some national noise, and we will, more and more often (Go USF Bulls !!!)