The first trailer for NBA Jam has been released and includes a good amount of gameplay and catchphrase audio direct from the game. NBA Jam has been announced as a Wii exclusive with no release date yet official but it is expected to arrive in Q3 putting it between October and the end of the year. There are plans to bring it to XBL and PSN that will not happen until sometime in 2011. Continue on for the debut trailer and leave your thoughts in the comments!

The MLB: The Show franchise has produced what has been widely regarded to be some of the best sports titles over the past few years but one major deficiency has held the series back. The online play options and performance has always been terrible, or at the very least disappointing, especially compared to how other games have advanced in the area. After spending some time online with MLB 10: The Show and reading a large number of accounts from others it can be determined that overall the performance has improved this year, though not nearly to the extent that was necessary and with a new crop of problems to deal with.

At the team select screen there is the handy connection assessment. I’ve made sure to only enter games with a “great connection” but oftentimes that will not hold up through the course of a full game or necessarily even correspond the experience being had. Still, I wanted to make sure I’d go into each game with the best chance of producing a good experience.

Performance wise I’ve had some consistently solid games. While lag is has not affected them for the most part that doesn’t mean they have been perfect. What is especially difficult is reading low pitches. The ball skips on the way to the plate, in a jumpy fashion where it disappears and reappears. This makes a low pitch in the zone nearly indistinguishable from a pitch in the dirt. There are also times where the ball is hit but you didn’t see the bat swing, which happens far less than last year but creeps in there occasionally and makes it tough to get a read on where it is going to initially react as a fielder.

Despite those things the games that are stable are much more responsive than last year. Pitching and hitting appear to be pretty balanced, outside of the issue with low pitch visibility. So it isn’t as much a guessing game where lucky swings resulting in home runs is the only way to score. I’ve strung together hits much more frequently than was possible last year.

I have to mention though that there have been some laggy games which I have backed out of. Many people out there have gone through really laggy experiences that make the games practically unplayable. It does not seem to be happening at the same rate as it has in the past however. Still there is that inconsistency which makes online play for The Show unnerving. Is it going to get really laggy? Is it going to disconnect? Is it going to freeze? Having a constant worry about those things makes it hard to relax and just enjoy the time spent playing.

Even with constant pleading to make a change the “Guess Pitch” feature remains active for ranked games. What this means is most people just sit on fastball every pitch. Not only does that mean that the user who is pitching completely loses any control over the pitch, and that is a completely helpless and frustrating feeling, but it pretty much forces people to either avoid throwing fastballs or only throw them outside the zone. I played one game where neither of us were using “Guess Pitch” and it was remarkable how much more fun it was than the others.

What had been available previously were “Guess Pitch Off” lobby rooms. This still was not as ideal as just removing the feature from all ranked games, but at least the option was there to find people who wanted to play the same way at a given time. For some reason they have been removed this year, instead a bunch of general or rookie rooms are available. Oh yeah, yet there are rooms specifically for people who like “Guess Pitch”, but none for those who don’t want to use it. Not sure why those are necessary given the default settings yet they removed a room that many preferred to use.

Another thing that people have asked for that hasn’t been fixed is an opponent quick-pitching. After getting set an opponent can go right to the plate with the pitch. This means they can prevent baserunners from taking leads or attempting to get a jump for a stolen base. It can also catch the batter off-guard if they are attempting to set that up or aren’t even ready for the pitch.

The pitch meter stays on screen even when at the plate. This is distracting and should be removed. What ends up happening as a hitter is the tendency to watch the meter instead of concentrating on the ball coming out of the pitcher’s hand.

Last year I was told that variable camera views just missed the cut for MLB 09 as they couldn’t get the sync right and ran out of time. Somehow another year has gone by and it still hasn’t been provided. I really prefer to pitch from a behind the pitcher view and was disappointed that the option wasn’t in. I’m not sure why The Show keeps the catcher view as the default, but at least offline you can change it.

Options wise the jerseys, stadiums, and day/night are all selectable. Unlike last year the graphics are not dumbed down in an attempt to improve performance, at least not noticeably so. The game still looks great during online games.

SCEA has removed the rating of opponents after the games, which is a welcome change. Too many times people rated others poorly out of spite, because they lost, and not because the opponent did anything wrong. Instead now there are general statements to use that can help build up an online reputation instead of the star ratings.

Last year check swings were not possible in online games. This year they can happen but they can’t be relied upon. Basically anything close to a swing and its too late to change your mind, you really have to barely press and let off the button immediately to have a chance at it. It definitely is not the same level of responsiveness found offline.

I’ve also been bothered by a complete randomness in where pitches end up. I’m aware that this has been a problem found offline as well, but it feels to me as though it is magnified online. I have hit patches where my pitch location does not end up anywhere near where it was targeted even when hitting the meter perfectly. I’m not describing just small variances, which are expected, but examples like aiming a fastball inside and off the plate, nailing it on the meter, and having it end up outside off the plate by two feet. In the end I just end up feeling like I’m throwing and just hoping it somehow results in an out instead of pitching. Based on responses on Twitter I’m definitely not the only person who has seen pitch accuracy become completely random.

The online leagues are back with some improvements, though it is tough to assess the mode this early on with limited feedback. Soon after release of the game I attempted to create a league and was met with a 14 day restriction, which was ridiculous and insulting to have a feature they were not going to let people use. Thankfully it appears they have removed that restriction as I since have been able to form one. There are a ton of options in setting up the leagues which is really good at least from that standpoint. Finally this year owners can be replaced, however they still have not added the ability to reset a game’s results.

Most of the presentational elements are removed to quicken the pace of the online games and reduce the chance of desyncs. So I have to ask, when there are replays, why are they in super slo-mo? No one sits though them so they all just get skipped. Totally goes against the general idea of speeding things along. There are times I’m wanting to watch the replay but there is no way I’m going to painfully sit there for 45 seconds to do so.

Though it is more of a console issue, the disconnect between the PS3 friends list and the “Buddy List” in The Show is irritating. You have to add any friends from within the game to a separate list. I wonder how Sony hasn’t found a way, especially in their own game, to better do this and eliminate that hassle.

The SportsConnect Website, which hosted things such as leagues and box scores of online games, is not up this year. I used to like checking on my personal online stats and results there or tracking the games that were currently being played. There appears to be absolutely no web presence for the game which is disappointing.

In the lobby rooms you can choose to watch a tracker version of the ongoing games which includes commentary with “SportsCast Live”. This is not a new feature but is a unique one and if you have a friend playing or want to follow along with an online game being played it is a neat thing to check out. I believe the only way to view/listen to the games is in the lobby rooms, that you can’t do it from the friends list anymore.

Probably the biggest online flaw is that intentional walks are, in many cases, resulting in consoles freezing. This is now a tactic being used by some to get out of losses. Unfortunately this issue is going to require a patch, meaning the fix is well over a month away. In addition there are a couple stadiums that are basically unplayable due to freezes. The one that has seen the most problems is Tropicana Field.

There are reports of other problems such as games not being recorded or consoles freezing following a game while loading back into the online menu/lobbies. I have not experienced these things myself (0utside of a couple games that never showed up because the server had gone down). However as much as these instances are being cited a solution needs to be found for both.

Overall I’ve had some really fun games online. When it is running well The Show is very fun, strategic, and rewarding online. However inconsistent performance, freezing issues, lack of options and innovation, and puzzling design decisions continue to make online play a weakness of the series.

Some of you may already be familiar with Marcus Stephenson. He has been around for quite some time driving community initiatives or just being accessible within the community. After running a Madden fan site for years he took a position as a Community Manager at the EA Canada studio before moving between a few different projects, most notably as a Producer on NBA Live 10. He has now left the EA Sports studio and holds the position of Game Designer for WWE Smackdown vs Raw at THQ. I had the opportunity to ask Marcus a few questions about his time at EA and his new role at THQ.

PP: What prompted the decision to leave your current position to join THQ?

MS: I chose to leave EA because the opportunity to work in a lead position on the WWE franchise was too good to pass up, and most that know me know that wrestling has always been a big passion of mine.

PP: When you started working at EA Sports what were your main interests and what was the career path you had hoped for? How does the move to THQ change those plans or is the new position what you had always hoped for?

MS: I honestly didn’t know. When I first got to EA SPORTS, I just wanted to excel in what I was doing. I tried my best to bring community to the forefront of EA SPORTS, and I think I did that. Then I wanted to make an impact on a game team (as a Producer), and leverage my community experience, to create a better game – and I think we did that (NBA LIVE). I was at a crossroads at EA SPORTS on what exactly I wanted to do next (continue down the development path, or go back into community management). I accepted a role as Sr. Community Manager for FIFA ONLINE because, well, it’s FIFA – why wouldn’t I?

The move to THQ cements in my mind what and where I want to go from a personal career perspective. The new position is something I have always hoped for because I get to work on a passion of mine, with a franchise that has been successful for a number of years, and on a team that knows where it wants to go in the future.

PP: You have previously worked on NBA Live 10 before most recently moving to FIFA Online. At the time what was the reasoning for shifting away from working on NBA Live 11? Was that something you wanted to do or were you frustrated by the situation?

MS: I had such a fun time working on NBA LIVE 10, I’ll cherish those memories making that game forever, and I’ll miss that team! Things changed once NBA LIVE 10 shipped, and we started pre production on NBA LIVE 11. It was no longer a place I saw myself.

PP: When Mike Wang departed from NBA Live to re-join 2K Sports for NBA 2K11 he cited a big reason being a change in direction for the Live series. Would you agree with that assessment, that NBA Live may be moving away from being a simulation offering? That EA Sports is not committed to the vision that Mike Wang and yourself had for the future of NBA Live?

The way I see it, things change. I can’t say the direction NBA LIVE is moving in, I can say it will be “different,” but I think it will be up to all of you on what you want from a basketball simulation. There are guys on that team that know what’s being said out there, and they’re building something pretty special I think. Mike made his decision, just like I made mine, but I wish the NBA LIVE team success, and think they’re on a path to making that happen.

PP: What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the most recent Smackdown vs Raw?

MS: I think where the SvR series has gotten to from a customization perspective, is unmatched. You can basically create anything you want from characters, to unique storylines, and share them with the community. As for “weaknesses,” I think that every area in SvR could use improvement. That’s the goal that every team should have, at least in my experience. You can feel reassured that the team knows about every issue, but we want to make sure that we’re making improvements that effect the franchise long term, and not just for a short term temporary fix. I think sports games get caught up in the quick fix that creates more problems, instead of thinking long term to ensure quality and stability.

PP: Like any yearly title gamers inevitably scrutinize and ask if enough has been done in that one year to warrant another purchase. The WWE franchise has been viewed by some as lethargic and not having made the expected big advancements or in some cases even going backwards. How do you take WWE and enhance the experience every year?

MS: Thank god for software right? If we could get everything we wanted to get into SvR, or any sports game for that matter, in one year, we’d do it. With that said, I get the complaints, and think that as long as there are ideas, there will not be a “lethargic” sense to SvR.

Wrestling games have untapped potential when compared to other sports titles. We’re thinking of things that you guys haven’t ever dreamed (or have and were spot on) so I think there’s a lot of things left in the tank that we can do from a year to year basis to make sure SvR stays fresh year in and year out. You’ll find this out soon enough!

PP: Smackdown vs Raw 2010 saw marked improvement in reviews. The consensus seemed to be that the features were great but the gameplay still needed work. How do you feel about 2010 and how has the team looked at goals for 2011?

MS: I’d agree, the team made huge strides with last year’s effort, and even in gameplay, we saw improvements (seamless transitions between grapple states, dives, etc.). We have a plan for gameplay, and we really think it’s going to make a big difference. Bryan Williams and his team are working hard to keep building off of the things you saw last year, and introduce new things – but we’re getting way ahead of ourselves here. You’ll see soon!

PP: In what ways do you and those already working on SvR take feedback from the community and how do you utilize it to improve the game?

MS: I know our team reads what the community is saying, but that’s where I think I can have an immediate impact on the team. I’m planning to bring the two way communication to the SvR series, and that means that I’ll be available anytime, and answer every question. Even if I can’t answer the question, I’ll say “I can’t answer,” which is technically an answer. My point is that the community has always played a role in the creation of SvR, but this year, I’d like to bring that to another level!

PP: With THQ in control of the WWE license until at least 2018 does the license security result in the ability to implement more creativity and innovation or are there still limitations to what can be done?

MS: I think that the license deal helps us. That was actually a big reason for me coming here, so I’m glad it was able to happen. I’d say for us, if a simulation wrestling game is what you want, then no other company is in better position to do that than us. This license helps us achieve that goal!

PP: What is there about the WWE that could be better translated to a video game?

MS: The history. The WWE has a legacy that we all can’t deny. I think whether it’s through broadcast presentation, or new modes and features, we need to leverage that history better into SvR so that when you fire up the game, you get a sense of something bigger / greater than just the 2011 / 2012 snapshot or installment of that year.

PP: Is Smackdown vs Raw intended to appeal most to WWE fans or is the game also designed to reach gamers who may not watch much WWE? If you also hope to attract the casual fans how do you balance the game to be fun for everyone?

MS: That’s a great question. I think first we obviously need to appeal to the WWE fan. They’re our lifeblood, and the reason why we’ve been so successful. But I also know that games like “Wrestlemania 2000” and “No Mercy” transcended the audience, and appealed to everyone. I think that sometimes we tie the words “casual” and “fun” together, and maybe that might be the wrong way of looking at it. My belief is that if we create the ultimate WWE simulation, then the “casual” will want to check it out because of the game’s quality and attention to detail. I think that’s where the “ultimate user control” comes in.

You take a game like NHL, and wonder why that’s been so successful. They put control right into the user’s hands which made it fun for non-hockey fans to play because THEY were shooting, THEY were moving their stick. The same thing goes for Fight Night. When you feel like YOU’RE punching, you’re having fun.

PP: THQ also owns the incredibly successful UFC Undisputed series. Do you see THQ as building a “fighting” brand and becoming known for that?

MS: I’d hope so, yes. With the WWE and UFC at the forefront of THQ, I think we’re positioning ourselves to be the leader in the sports fighting space.

PP: What do you hope to hear gamers saying once Smackdown vs Raw 2011 is released?

MS: “SvR 2011 is so good that I’ve gotten into wrestling!”

Thanks to Marcus Stephenson for taking the time out to answer some questions! WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2011 is expected to release late fall/early winter.

The release date for Backbreaker appears to have been pushed back by a week to May 25th. Why this would be done remains a mystery but retailers including Gamestop, Amazon, and Gamefly along with gaming sites such as IGN and Gamespot all show the new date meaning 505 Games has informed them of the change. At this point a delay of a week would not seem to signify that there are issues at hand with the game as anything serious would not be solved in such a short period of time. Still this creates a problem for Backbreaker as it is now scheduled to release on the very same day as UFC Undisputed 2010.

UFC was the top selling sports game only behind Madden last year. It will likely see a sales surge even well above what UFC 2009 sold, as it faced an uncertain open being the first attempt in the franchise. Now that it has established itself, captured consumer confidence, and with the following of the sport continuing to grow it will have an even bigger opening. Essentially imagine a new attempt at an unlicensed sports game being released on the same day as Madden. That is a similar scenario to what Backbreaker has put itself in.

While UFC is obviously a completely different sport it is competition for dollars at the very same time and will be seen by many as a “first choice” purchase. For Backbreaker to come out on the same day it would mean asking many people to shell out $110 plus tax which could be too much for those outside of the small core of people who are highly anticipating Backbreaker.

This date could really damage the potential of Backbreaker sales initially. While first day/week sales are not going to be as heavy a percentage of final sales as a sequel would be, the less copies out early in its life cycle means the less likelihood of word of mouth making a significant difference. The long term performance, which could determine whether sequels are released, will be reliant on that word of mouth. An early demo will certainly be a critical element that could help to overcome issues faced with consumer confidence especially when competing for dollars with already established titles in the same time frame. An exceptional demo is a big reason why UFC 2009 exploded onto the scene and went on to become a huge success.

This mock draft version follows the early days of free agency which resulted in some signings and trades that are likely to have altered draft strategies for multiple teams. This also continues to include thoughts coming out of the combine, though most of those notes were cited in the previous mock. Continue on for the “early in free agency” mock draft and leave your thoughts in the comments!

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Previous Selection: Ndamukong Suh
While Suh is seen as the most sure bet in this draft, the momentum has swung to Bradford being the guy for the Rams. After a few years of drafting on the lines the fan base is understandably anxious. Now, I don’t think it matters all that much whether they draft QB this year or next. They can pass this year but then they’ll absolutely have to get one next year. I won’t be surprised to see the Rams consider Brady Quinn, which would then allow them to draft Suh here.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Previous Selection: Gerald McCoy
The Lions are in a good position here since they are assured of getting either Suh or McCoy. Their defense needs a lot of help and establishing themselves in the trenches is the way to build. This is one of the times where team need and best available player match up perfectly. They would likely go with Suh if the Rams were to take Bradford. I don’t buy into the idea that the trade for Corey Williams is a sign they will go with Russell Okung as opposed to Suh.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Previous Selection: Eric Berry
The board shakes up perfectly for the Bucs, who would be able to get the impact DT they desperately need. The defense would instantly be more effective with someone that can collapse the pocket. It remains that, if both DTs are gone, they will probably go with Berry.

4. Washington Redskins – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Previous Selection: Sam Bradford
The Redskins are going either QB or OT at this pick. How they grade Bradford and Jimmy Clausen following their Pro Days will probably determine what they do here. I get the sense right now that if Bradford is gone, they will look to improve the o-line and go with Okung rather than Clausen but as of now it’s up in the air.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Previous Selection: Russell Okung
There is definite need on the offensive line to protect the big investment that was made in Matt Cassel and Okung would likely be the choice if the Redskins go QB. Instead here they could go for need with Brian Buluga or BPA in Eric Berry. Rolando McClain remains a darkhorse.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Previous Selection: Jimmy Clausen
The Seahawks shipped backup QB Seneca Wallace out of town, though I haven’t gotten a good read on whether this increases the chances of selecting a QB in the draft. At first glance it would seem to be the case, but it could also lead to Derek Anderson signing as the backup or be an indication of the team’s confidence in Mike Teel heading into his second season. Should the board shift with both Bradford and Clausen gone prior to this selection that would likely drop Eric Berry into the Seahawks lap which would be the pick.

7. Cleveland Browns – CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
Previous Selection: Dez Bryant
Clearly Mike Holmgren is reassessing the QB situation by trading for Seneca Wallace, dumping Derek Anderson, and shopping Brady Quinn. I would not be surprised to see the Browns trade up to #5 if Jimmy Clausen is there. The Chiefs could then take Brian Bulaga at this selection. Given the choices on the board right now I think they’d go one of two directions…CJ Spiller or Jason Pierre-Paul. A rotation at RB, a position where Holmgren drafted high twice in the four years as Seahawks GM, would make sense.

8. Oakland Raiders – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Previous Selection: Bruce Campbell
Everyone knows the Raiders draft more on athletic ability than anything else. That had me sitting comfortably with Bruce Campbell in the first two mocks. The excitement over the combine performance is more tempered now that teams are looking more at his film from last year which includes some glaringly bad plays. It is not a lock he goes in the first round. JPP is the athletic freak that has a ton of potential and will probably be intriguing to the Raiders.

9. Buffalo Bills – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
Previous Selection: Bryan Bulaga
There are concerns about his relatively short arms but Buluga comes out of a system that has produced very good lineman at the next level and the Bills absolutely need to address their offensive line woes. QB and WR are other areas of need but the names at QB worthy of taking here are already off the board and impressions of Dez Bryant have been slipping.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Previous Selection: Derrick Morgan
The Jags have missed on some early draft picks in recent years that were meant to address their pass rush. Rather than take another risk in the draft they made a big signing of Aaron Kampman. That puts them in a spot here to take BPA at a position of less glaring need than they had before, or they trade down to try and position themselves for taking Tim Tebow.

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Previous Selection: Dan Williams
The defense needs to bolster its front seven but the signing of Jamal Williams means they don’t necessarily need to grab a NT this draft, instead they could look to someone like McClain if he is available. However with it looking likely that Brandon Marshall will not be back next year they draft his replacement.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
Previous Selection: Jason Pierre-Paul
The signing of Karlos Dansby means the main needs of the Dolphins are at OLB and DT. Williams would be a great selection here as a NT in the 3-4. Jason Pierre-Paul remains an interesting possibility if he is still around, but I believe that Bill Parcells would likely go Williams here regardless.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden, CB, Florida
Previous Selection: CJ Spiller
The 49ers have a couple different ways to go. They are looking for a back to split time with Frank Gore, want to shore up the offense line at tackle, and could use an upgrade in the defensive backfield specifically at safety. Joe Haden is too much of a talent to pass up despite his disappointing performance at the combine. The team needs help on the offensive line but they should be able to grab that with their #17 pick.

14. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver) – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
Previous Selection: Joe Haden
The pick here seems likely to be either CJ Spiller, offensive line, or defensive end. It is probably too high to take Charles Brown but he may be the best fit in the draft for the zone blocking scheme. With Okung and Buluga gone I could see a trade down to take Brown later in the first. The more likely choice might be to grab the pass rusher the team needs. Derrick Morgan is a great talent and very balanced. He may not have the upside of a few other ends but he is ready to start and make an impact immediately.

15. New York Giants – Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Previous Selection: Rolando McClain
The team needs an ILB or could look to DE, but with McClain, Pierre-Paul and Morgan gone they they have to look elsewhere. The Giants rely on the defensive line to rattle the opposing QB and Price would be a great choice for another impact player on the interior.

16. Tennessee Titans – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Previous Selection: Brian Price
This pick would seem likely to go defensive line, whether it be a DE or DT, but the names that make sense are all gone. The Titans could also use an upgrade in the secondary. Wilson has been climbing boards after great performances at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Some teams even have him ranked above Haden right now.

17. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina) – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Previous Selection: Trent Williams
There are questions about whether Williams will be best suited for right tackle or if he has left tackle potential. I thought he looked really good at the combine in the drills, and many haven’t talked about his very impressive 4.88 time in the 40 because Bruce Campbell ran .03 faster. Regardless what tackle he ends up playing the 49ers could most definitely use him and he would likely be penciled in on the right side to start the season.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
Previous Selection: Mike Iupati
The Steelers offensive line has struggled pass protecting for a few years, and the usual strong running game was mediocre last season. Iupati is a versatile lineman that will be a top notch guard but also is being looked at with the potential of moving to tackle. Starting out at guard though he would definitely improve the run game.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
Previous Selection: Kyle Wilson
Having filled their need at corner by signing Dunta Robinson the Falcons will probably still be looking at defense and go with an OLB or DE. They have struggled to put pressure on QBs and Graham, though undersized, could provide the disruption they need. Sean Weatherspoon would appear to be the other most likely option at this pick.

20. Houston Texans – Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Previous Selection: Earl Thomas
Houston has been looking for a playmaking safety for years and they could get the opportunity to choose one with Thomas. I really like his ability and he performed well at the combine. Taylor Mays could also be a consideration but is more of an enforcer than a playmaker. The Texans have drafted for the defensive line but it remains a weakness so they could look that direction also.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Taylor Mays, S, USC
Previous Selection: Taylor Mays
The Bengals needed another threat in the passing game, which is why strong thought was given to Jermaine Gresham, Arrelious Benn, and Golden Tate. They have addressed that in free agency though with the signing of Antonio Bryant. Safety is a big area of need and Mays would fit the defensive scheme. He ran a blazing 40 at the combine though he looked stiff in the drills.

22. New England Patriots – Jared Odrick, DE, Penn State
Previous Selection: Jared Odrick
The Patriots clearly need to upgrade their defense, a pass rushing LB or or run stopping DE make the most sense. Bill Belichick tends not to draft pass rushers high though and Odrick would be a good fit as a 3-4 DE.

23. Green Bay Packers – Charles Brown, LT, USC
Previous Selection: Brandon Graham
With Aaron Kampman gone the Packers have immediate need for a pass rusher in their 3-4 but they also have big time need at LT despite re-signing Chad Clifton. I keep going back and forth on what way to go here, and considered Anthony Davis, who some are higher on then I am. However yesterday he was a no-show for his Pro Day reinforcing his worrisome reputation. Charles Brown is very athletic lineman that would fit the team’s o-line scheme well.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
Previous Selection: Carlos Dunlap
The Eagles could definitely use a high energy OLB or DE. The team let Will Witherspoon go, which was obviously done to avoid confusion with a possible Weatherspoon selection right? He would fit very well as an OLB in the Eagles defensive scheme and has seen his stock rising out of the Senior Bowl solidifying him as a first rounder.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
Previous Selection: Golden Tate
With the Ravens having traded for Anquan Boldin they no longer are considered to be a lock to take a WR. They can, however, still add an offensive weapon in Jermaine Gresham. Todd Heap is no longer the threat that he used to be. Gresham’s knee problems are still a concern but he seems like a good fit for the Ravens who would not need to overuse him early on.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU
Previous Selection: Sean Weatherspoon
With the team losing Karlos Dansby there is need to replace him, while they have filled the hole at safety already with the trade for Kerry Rhodes. Washington or Sergio Kindle would make sense here, or the Cardinals could look to draft a new offensive tackle.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Anthony Davis, LT, Rutgers
Previous Selection: Anthony Davis
The Cowboys could definitely use a playmaking safety but with Earl Thomas off the board they would have to look elsewhere. The team could use help on the offensive line and Davis would add some athleticism which has been lacking. He has top 10 talent but too many concerns, in areas such as injuries and maturity, allow him to slip to the late first round. Dallas would be in a position to take a chance on that talent and infuse some athleticism in their stiff offensive line.

28. San Diego Chargers – Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
Previous Selection: Ryan Matthews
Though they chose to keep Darren Sproles the Chargers will still need to draft a RB. That doesn’t need to necessarily happen at this pick but Matthews is really well rounded and would make for a good duo with Sproles.

29. New York Jets – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
Previous Selection: Devin McCourty
Until they traded for Antonio Cromartie it was a safe bet that Rex Ryan would be looking defense, primarily at CB. Now, I won’t be shocked if they still draft a CB here, but it opens it up to be a DE or WR. Tate is the best talent on the board and would give Mark Sanchez another weapon. I could also see someone like Corey Wootton come in as a DE in the 3-4.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Previous Selection: Jahvid Best
The Vikings will likely look at corner or a complimentary back to Adrian Peterson given that Chester Taylor has departed. Talk of LaDainian Tomlinson makes me think they are going to fill that role in FA. McCourty had a fantastic combine which has shot his stock up to first round value. I also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Colt McCoy, though how he performs at his Pro Day will be a big factor in whether he has the potential to go this high. McCoy would fit well in a west coast offense that Brad Childress runs.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Marukice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
Previous Selection: Charles Brown
The Colts could go defense here, with tackle and corner being the positions of most need. However the offensive line needs help as well especially after the recent cutting of guard Ryan Lilja. Charles Brown would fit great in the zone blocking scheme but I have him off the board and don’t see Bruce Campbell as a “Colts player”. Maurkice Pouncey would improve the interior of the line and is flexible enough to fit in well where needed.

32. New Orleans Saints – Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
Previous Selection: Everson Griffen
Having lost Scott Fujita, it looks like the Saints could go OLB or DE at this spot. I would peg that to be between Kindle and Griffen and right now give the edge to Kindle. Both would fit in really well though and add an element to the defense that has been lacking.

Dropped out of first round from previous mock draft: Bruce Campbell, Jahvid Best, Everson Griffen, Carlos Dunlap.

Featured in Walter Football Mock Draft Database
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Mock Draft #2 (3/4) – Mock Draft #1 (2/22)

While MLB 10: The Show gamers lament the fact that a patch won’t even start being worked on until the end of the month, 2K Sports has announced that they have completed a patch for MLB 2K10 and have submitted it to Microsoft for certification. That means it should be arriving within the next two weeks barring complications in the certification process.

Details on what the patch entails have not been provided. Hopefully it includes toned down fielder arm strength, will fix the issue preventing online ranked games from being played, and improves (or maybe better stated adds) manager AI in My Player mode. There are many other areas that could be enhanced through a patch but those have been the most frequently cited.

It is worth noting that the statement made was specific about it being a 360 patch and no information has been made public about the PS3. This could be an indication that 2K does not plan to patch the PS3 (they left NHL 2K10 gamers on the PS3 out in the cold) or that it just wasn’t as much of a priority to rush this initial feedback response patch out for that console due to the lower number of sales. I would have trouble imagining the MLB would allow their exclusive third party provider to favor one console over the other though so hopefully a patch for the PS3 will be announced as completed very soon.

Coming out of a media event held yesterday are some hints towards the focus for Madden 11. While we now know that NCAA Football 11 is centered on “core experience, authenticity, and innovation” Madden is being described as “simpler, quicker, and deeper”.

Citing different statistics collected through Madden 10, including one that put the average game length at 63 minutes, EA Sports is hoping to compact that or provide options to ease the strain on gamers. An hour long is understandably just too great of a commitment for many to take on. According to EA, of those 63 minutes, only 17 were spent during on-field action. The rest was in navigating plays and menus or through presentational elements.

Hopefully EA doesn’t take this to mean that quarter length needs to be shortened. All that does is pressure people to pass more, which results in more incompletions and clock stoppages. The limited number of possessions puts more pressure on the user to conserve time therefore defeating the whole purpose of shortening quarters. The accelerated clock with longer quarters seemed to provide a really nice balance in Madden 10.

What will hopefully be done is to provide different options such as in-game saves which has been on the to-do list but missed the cut for the past few years. A quick-play option to skip through the presentation that slows the pace down would also be beneficial, we’ve seen the baseball games go this route.

There is also discussion about the streamlining of playbooks, as the average gamer only used 13 plays out of the hundreds available. Ultimately people are going to get comfortable with a handful of plays especially when the playbooks are all relatively similar. I think a great addition, one that has been discussed before, would be custom playbooks. If people could construct their own playbooks from the wide array of plays included in the game (not necessarily create new plays) then it would be much more likely that person would mix up their play selection as well as know where to find each play when they are looking for it.

What do you think about EA laying out the plan for Madden 11 to be “simpler, quicker, and deeper”? What would you like to see done to accomplish that? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

When it was finally confirmed last week that the NHL 2K series would be halted on the 360/PS3 it was stated that NHL 2K11 would in fact be released on the Wii. At the time it made sense considering the lesser development costs and having no competition on the casual heavy console. Now though it looks like that competition has arrived as a Walmart blog posting has revealed that EA Sports will be bringing NHL 11 to the Wii.

EA is going to be bringing their NHL game to the Wii system this year for the 1^st time. They showed us a video last week and it really looks like it could be something special.

This is a significant blow to the potential of NHL 2K11 on the Wii and the future of the series on other consoles (which already appeared very bleak). The advantage that 2K11 has is the base of players that purchased last year. It will be a battle to keep those players though, let alone grow sales, when faced with another hockey offering on the market. EA NHL has become the hockey game of choice on the HD consoles with reach going far beyond just fans of the sport. That mainstream appeal will give it an edge on a console where purchases are made primarily off titles and reputations. Team sports games generally have not translated that well or sold well on the Wii. That being said the companies continue to try and tap into the large user base that the console offers.

With the numerous issues being found in MLB 10: The Show, the heavy concentration of which are seen in Franchise mode, it would stand to reason that a patch would be expedited. However it is now being realized that the next patch will be a long ways off as work on it won’t even begin until the end of the month. That could make its targeted arrival late April, but even that isn’t going to be assured and it could very well be longer.

As posted today on the MLB: The Show Community Forum by SCEA representative: “We will start working on the next patch when the team comes back from break at the end of the month.”

Last year the main patch for MLB 09 dropped in the final week of April and actually ruined existing Road to the Show and Franchises. No word yet if this upcoming patch will require restarting those modes. The timeline could be similar or, due to more problems to be addressed this year, take more time. The longer the wait stretches on the more unreasonable it would be to expect everyone to start over or hold off until then to begin.

EA Sports has released a new blog, one that outlines the general philosophy and areas that have been concentrated on for NCAA Football 11. Though it doesn’t include any new reveals it does provide the opportunity to get a feel for the goals that the NCAA team is hoping to hit on this year. Those are cited as the core experience, authenticity, and innovation. You can check out the full blog posting here.

At the end of the day we all know what ultimately matters in a football video game is what happens on the field.  Controller in hand, heart pounding, clock running down, season on the line.  That’s where it all counts.  Running, blocking, passing, it all has to perform and perform well.   It’s the foundation upon which all other major game modes are built; dynasty, career, etc.   As a long time fan of NCAA Football, it’s clear that great core gameplay is fundamental to a great game experience.

I’ve mentioned it before, and it may considered as something under the “authenticity” unbrella, but I’ve found the most glaring element of the game to be lacking is emotion. That is part presentation, part atmosphere, part drama…all that have been missing this generation and especially stood out to me in NCAA 10. I’m not sure NCAA needs more in the way of “innovation” this year, lately the series has been used to introduce new modes and features more so than refining the gameplay and overall experience. Leave your thoughts on the blog and direction NCAA Football 11 is headed in the comments!