Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Mockey: 2009 FTSM Mock Draft First Round And Notes
THIS MOCK IS WITHOUT TRADE UPS AND DOWNS, EVERYONE HOLDS THEIR PICK SPOT
1. Detroit Lions - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia - WHY? Football intelligence, think Matt(y) "Ice" Ryan. It worked for Atlanta, Ryan helped that program turn a corner. Michael Turner didn't hurt but I have high hopes for Kevin Smith in Detroit.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - WHY? Best OL and the best OL helps keep Steven Jackson and Mark Bulger alive. And with Orlando Pace gone, you need to replace him. Too bad he couldn't mentor Smith.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - WHY? Works in any defensive scheme that the Chiefs use next year. Great pure pass rusher. Plus its another case of best player available and last year with the drafting of Glenn Dorsey, D is key in KC.
4. Seattle Seahawks - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - WHY? Some say that Mark Sanchez is the heir apparent to Matt Hasselbeck, he was hurt, not dead. His WR corp was devastated with injuries last year and with the running game drying up, time to beef up that line. Plus Walter Jones' knees are jelloing.
5. Cleveland Browns - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - WHY? Because I hope so... A big play receiver that will be all of that word BIG with the trading of Braylon Edwards to the Giants. Its a rebuilding year for the Browns and if they don't trade Braylon, than they will draft DT B. J. Raji here instead.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - WHY? Another character guy... kidding, but he fits the need and with the other OTs off the board, someone needs to keep Carson Palmer in as few pieces as possible. Plus Cedric Benson showed some promise for the running game.
7. Oakland Raiders - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri - WHY? Because its a WR and the Raiders... Need I say more. I will. New QB Jeff Garcia needs a new toy (leave out gay jokes) and the speed of Jeremy Maclin will help a traditional scrambler in Garcia.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State - WHY? My first reach of the draft, Jacksonville is known to do this so it helps. Last year the JAX picked DE Derrick Harvey from Florida 8th, a stretch yes, but it filled a need and that is what this is all about. CB is a need with age being an issue, the CBs are either older or too young and were later round picks or free agents. Picking up Tory Holt fixed the WR issue (sort of, but enough for now).
9. Green Bay Packers - Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas - WHY? He is versatile and anchors AJ Hawk up the middle with a lot of speed and massive strength on the edge. The Pack offense is set and scored way more points then any other NFC North team. Opponents averaged more yards on the ground than the Pack and teams were a staggering 74% on fourth down against that run defense.
10. San Fransisco 49ers - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - WHY? JT O'Sullivan is now Carson Palmer's back-up in Cincy and Alex Smith is still a fugitive to the Niners' fans. So here is your more obvious use of the phrase "heir apparent." He is smart and will have a stronger running game to work around.
11. Buffalo Bills - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee - WHY? Yes, he had a big year and a huge Senior Bowl to help his draft stock. But the Vols churn out defense. Justin Harrell two years ago in the first round to the Packers and last year Jerod Mayo to the Pats in the first round at pick 10. The Bills need a C/G but its too early for that, so Ayers helps that pass rush.
12. Denver Broncos - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - WHY? The Broncos also need a young QB but that will have to wait until later. The Broncos always have a good running game, but stopping the run is another story. They gave up 28 pts/game last year and 146 yards on the ground per game. A DE won't necessarily stop the inside run, (although Jackson is known to fight inside) but if the back does outside, expect Jackson to hunt.
13. Washington Redskins - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State - WHY? Last in the NFC East won't cut it in Washington. Giving up 193 yards a game through the air won't either. The run D was incredible, giving up just 96 a game. An end with some speed will help shake things up for that D-Line that now is stacked with the best DT in the game, Albert Hanyesworth.
14. New Orleans Saints - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC - WHY? OLB is a need for New Orleans. They don't give a lot on the ground with Jonathan Vilma and Scott Fujita but Cushing is versatile and would learn under some good ILB about finding and attacking the ball on outside run plays, a weakness of NO.
15. Houston Texans - Louis Delmas, SS, Western Michigan - WHY? Reach number two, Delmas is good against the run and he is one of the few players I actually saw in person. He is for real, yes a MAC safety, but a run stuffer and a decent coverage guy. The Texans have the coverage part taken care of with six picks between Dunta Robinson and Jacques Reeves.
16. San Diego Chargers - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC - WHY? Stephen Cooper needs a friend out there. Cooper was second in tackles for the Chargers and with Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman covering the outside, ILB are a need for the Chargers. He also helps a LB corp with pass coverage.
17. New York Jets - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - WHY? Laveranues Coles is gone to fail in Cincinnati and the Jets did a good job in the offseason on the defensive side of the ball adding Jim Leonhard and Lito Sheppard. So a good young reciever under Jerricho Cotchery will help make Thomas Jones' and more importantly, Kellen Clemens' job easier.
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) - Josh Freeman - WHY? They got their DE at pick 12, now its time to build. Josh Freeman has an arm and will benefit from that incredible run game and can regenerate even with injuries. Big- play receivers like Brandon Marshall will help the big arm of Freeman feel at home.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -Everette Brown, OLB/DE, FSU - WHY? He is a combo that will help out Gaines Adams on the other side. Has a big upside, just may be a little small for DE, but the speed is there to make him a threat.
20. Detroit Lions (From Dallas- Roy Williams trade) - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss - WHY? Last year it was Atlanta taking Matt Ryan early in the first round and then they followed it up with OL Sam Baker. That worked out. (again, it helps to have Michael Turner) You can never have enough O-Lineman.
21. Philadelphia Eagles - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia - WHY? Brian Westbrook will be 30 next year. Now its not time to take him out back and Ol' Yeller him, but with the departure of Correll Buckhalter, there needs to be a back up in place.
22. Minnesota Vikings - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona - WHY? That run game is blessed with a stud in Adrian Peterson, so keeping him healthy should be on the forefront for the Vikes. It may be a slight reach, but Britton is the best available player at a position that they need to address with the departure of Matt Birk (C is a reach here too).
23. New England Patriots - Clay Matthews, OLB, USC - WHY? Jerod Mayo worked out as a quality ILB, now its time to find a OLB to play along side Adalius Thomas, Mayo and Tedy Bruschi. Plus this helps them stay and feel younger.
24. Atlanta Falcons - Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DT, Missouri - WHY? Intangibles, why else? They almost went with Glenn Dorsey over Matt Ryan last year, so why not get your DT this year. A lot of energy and the Atlanta 4-3 fits well.
25. Miami Dolphins - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois - WHY? Andre Goodman bolted as a free agent and Will Allen is due to hit the open market next offseason. Might as well take the 2nd best CB this year with a great CB skill set. And with the 8 picks between Goodman and Allen last year, some one needs to step in.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State - WHY? That run game always is refreshing, keeping it tip-top. A position that would help that process is TE and as Todd Heap drifts out of importance and L.J. Smith comes in as a back up, Pettigrew would have time to grow and learn. The Ravens are pretty set, another year out of Flacco will just make them that much better.
27. Indianapolis Colts - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss- WHY? Jerry can fill those run gaps well but must stay healthy. They don'thave any studs in the middle of their d-line to begin with. Then Quinn Pitcock unexpectedly retired last summer their depth took a hit. And not only did Indianapolis rank 24th in the league against the run in 2008 but they only got two sacks from all of their defensive tackles combined.
28. Buffalo Bills (from Carolina through Philadelphia) - Cornelius Ingram, TE, Flroida - WHY? The got their DE with Ayers at pick 11. Now address the new passing game. Terrell Owens is there and with Pettigrew off the board, Ingram is the next best thing. Ingram would be the number one TE if he didn't tear his ACL and not play at all in 2008 for Florida.
29. New York Giants - Larry English, OLB/DE, Northern Illinois - WHY? The Giants will get Braylon Edwards from the Browns and will not need a WR here. So they go D-Line and pick up a lateral mover that can track the run across the line and to the outside. The pass defense for the Giants gave up almost 200 yards a game last year and need this speed off the edge.
30. Tennessee Titans - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida - WHY? The Titans need a receiver. Missing out on Holt hurts a lot more than most people think. Nate Washington is the veteran leader of the WR corp, so with the emergence of Chris Johnson and the running game and Kerry Collins' play, receiving is key this time. PLEASE
31. Arizona Cardinals - Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, OSU - WHY? The Edge is done and Tim Hightower can carry the load, but a third-down bruiser like Wells could make the Cardinals' run game as multifaceted as the passing game.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Darius Butler, CB, UConn - WHY? They lost Bryant McFadden as a free agent and now CB is a concern. Davis is a very impressive physical specimen with a chiseled physique and an ideal blend of size and speed. Brother of 49ers' TE Vernon Davis, this guy has a ton of up side.
NOTES:
Watch out for Ramses Barden a 6'6 229 receiver out of Cal Poly. Maybe second round or the third.
James Laurinaitis is a great value for Detroit with the first pick of the second round
Brian Robiskie is the best route runner in the draft could be an Anthony Gonzalez type third guy for a team in the 2nd round
By: Jimmy Smith
1. Detroit Lions - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia - WHY? Football intelligence, think Matt(y) "Ice" Ryan. It worked for Atlanta, Ryan helped that program turn a corner. Michael Turner didn't hurt but I have high hopes for Kevin Smith in Detroit.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - WHY? Best OL and the best OL helps keep Steven Jackson and Mark Bulger alive. And with Orlando Pace gone, you need to replace him. Too bad he couldn't mentor Smith.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - WHY? Works in any defensive scheme that the Chiefs use next year. Great pure pass rusher. Plus its another case of best player available and last year with the drafting of Glenn Dorsey, D is key in KC.
4. Seattle Seahawks - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia - WHY? Some say that Mark Sanchez is the heir apparent to Matt Hasselbeck, he was hurt, not dead. His WR corp was devastated with injuries last year and with the running game drying up, time to beef up that line. Plus Walter Jones' knees are jelloing.
5. Cleveland Browns - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - WHY? Because I hope so... A big play receiver that will be all of that word BIG with the trading of Braylon Edwards to the Giants. Its a rebuilding year for the Browns and if they don't trade Braylon, than they will draft DT B. J. Raji here instead.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - WHY? Another character guy... kidding, but he fits the need and with the other OTs off the board, someone needs to keep Carson Palmer in as few pieces as possible. Plus Cedric Benson showed some promise for the running game.
7. Oakland Raiders - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri - WHY? Because its a WR and the Raiders... Need I say more. I will. New QB Jeff Garcia needs a new toy (leave out gay jokes) and the speed of Jeremy Maclin will help a traditional scrambler in Garcia.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State - WHY? My first reach of the draft, Jacksonville is known to do this so it helps. Last year the JAX picked DE Derrick Harvey from Florida 8th, a stretch yes, but it filled a need and that is what this is all about. CB is a need with age being an issue, the CBs are either older or too young and were later round picks or free agents. Picking up Tory Holt fixed the WR issue (sort of, but enough for now).
9. Green Bay Packers - Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas - WHY? He is versatile and anchors AJ Hawk up the middle with a lot of speed and massive strength on the edge. The Pack offense is set and scored way more points then any other NFC North team. Opponents averaged more yards on the ground than the Pack and teams were a staggering 74% on fourth down against that run defense.
10. San Fransisco 49ers - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - WHY? JT O'Sullivan is now Carson Palmer's back-up in Cincy and Alex Smith is still a fugitive to the Niners' fans. So here is your more obvious use of the phrase "heir apparent." He is smart and will have a stronger running game to work around.
11. Buffalo Bills - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee - WHY? Yes, he had a big year and a huge Senior Bowl to help his draft stock. But the Vols churn out defense. Justin Harrell two years ago in the first round to the Packers and last year Jerod Mayo to the Pats in the first round at pick 10. The Bills need a C/G but its too early for that, so Ayers helps that pass rush.
12. Denver Broncos - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - WHY? The Broncos also need a young QB but that will have to wait until later. The Broncos always have a good running game, but stopping the run is another story. They gave up 28 pts/game last year and 146 yards on the ground per game. A DE won't necessarily stop the inside run, (although Jackson is known to fight inside) but if the back does outside, expect Jackson to hunt.
13. Washington Redskins - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State - WHY? Last in the NFC East won't cut it in Washington. Giving up 193 yards a game through the air won't either. The run D was incredible, giving up just 96 a game. An end with some speed will help shake things up for that D-Line that now is stacked with the best DT in the game, Albert Hanyesworth.
14. New Orleans Saints - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC - WHY? OLB is a need for New Orleans. They don't give a lot on the ground with Jonathan Vilma and Scott Fujita but Cushing is versatile and would learn under some good ILB about finding and attacking the ball on outside run plays, a weakness of NO.
15. Houston Texans - Louis Delmas, SS, Western Michigan - WHY? Reach number two, Delmas is good against the run and he is one of the few players I actually saw in person. He is for real, yes a MAC safety, but a run stuffer and a decent coverage guy. The Texans have the coverage part taken care of with six picks between Dunta Robinson and Jacques Reeves.
16. San Diego Chargers - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC - WHY? Stephen Cooper needs a friend out there. Cooper was second in tackles for the Chargers and with Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman covering the outside, ILB are a need for the Chargers. He also helps a LB corp with pass coverage.
17. New York Jets - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - WHY? Laveranues Coles is gone to fail in Cincinnati and the Jets did a good job in the offseason on the defensive side of the ball adding Jim Leonhard and Lito Sheppard. So a good young reciever under Jerricho Cotchery will help make Thomas Jones' and more importantly, Kellen Clemens' job easier.
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) - Josh Freeman - WHY? They got their DE at pick 12, now its time to build. Josh Freeman has an arm and will benefit from that incredible run game and can regenerate even with injuries. Big- play receivers like Brandon Marshall will help the big arm of Freeman feel at home.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -Everette Brown, OLB/DE, FSU - WHY? He is a combo that will help out Gaines Adams on the other side. Has a big upside, just may be a little small for DE, but the speed is there to make him a threat.
20. Detroit Lions (From Dallas- Roy Williams trade) - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss - WHY? Last year it was Atlanta taking Matt Ryan early in the first round and then they followed it up with OL Sam Baker. That worked out. (again, it helps to have Michael Turner) You can never have enough O-Lineman.
21. Philadelphia Eagles - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia - WHY? Brian Westbrook will be 30 next year. Now its not time to take him out back and Ol' Yeller him, but with the departure of Correll Buckhalter, there needs to be a back up in place.
22. Minnesota Vikings - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona - WHY? That run game is blessed with a stud in Adrian Peterson, so keeping him healthy should be on the forefront for the Vikes. It may be a slight reach, but Britton is the best available player at a position that they need to address with the departure of Matt Birk (C is a reach here too).
23. New England Patriots - Clay Matthews, OLB, USC - WHY? Jerod Mayo worked out as a quality ILB, now its time to find a OLB to play along side Adalius Thomas, Mayo and Tedy Bruschi. Plus this helps them stay and feel younger.
24. Atlanta Falcons - Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DT, Missouri - WHY? Intangibles, why else? They almost went with Glenn Dorsey over Matt Ryan last year, so why not get your DT this year. A lot of energy and the Atlanta 4-3 fits well.
25. Miami Dolphins - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois - WHY? Andre Goodman bolted as a free agent and Will Allen is due to hit the open market next offseason. Might as well take the 2nd best CB this year with a great CB skill set. And with the 8 picks between Goodman and Allen last year, some one needs to step in.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State - WHY? That run game always is refreshing, keeping it tip-top. A position that would help that process is TE and as Todd Heap drifts out of importance and L.J. Smith comes in as a back up, Pettigrew would have time to grow and learn. The Ravens are pretty set, another year out of Flacco will just make them that much better.
27. Indianapolis Colts - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss- WHY? Jerry can fill those run gaps well but must stay healthy. They don'thave any studs in the middle of their d-line to begin with. Then Quinn Pitcock unexpectedly retired last summer their depth took a hit. And not only did Indianapolis rank 24th in the league against the run in 2008 but they only got two sacks from all of their defensive tackles combined.
28. Buffalo Bills (from Carolina through Philadelphia) - Cornelius Ingram, TE, Flroida - WHY? The got their DE with Ayers at pick 11. Now address the new passing game. Terrell Owens is there and with Pettigrew off the board, Ingram is the next best thing. Ingram would be the number one TE if he didn't tear his ACL and not play at all in 2008 for Florida.
29. New York Giants - Larry English, OLB/DE, Northern Illinois - WHY? The Giants will get Braylon Edwards from the Browns and will not need a WR here. So they go D-Line and pick up a lateral mover that can track the run across the line and to the outside. The pass defense for the Giants gave up almost 200 yards a game last year and need this speed off the edge.
30. Tennessee Titans - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida - WHY? The Titans need a receiver. Missing out on Holt hurts a lot more than most people think. Nate Washington is the veteran leader of the WR corp, so with the emergence of Chris Johnson and the running game and Kerry Collins' play, receiving is key this time. PLEASE
31. Arizona Cardinals - Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, OSU - WHY? The Edge is done and Tim Hightower can carry the load, but a third-down bruiser like Wells could make the Cardinals' run game as multifaceted as the passing game.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Darius Butler, CB, UConn - WHY? They lost Bryant McFadden as a free agent and now CB is a concern. Davis is a very impressive physical specimen with a chiseled physique and an ideal blend of size and speed. Brother of 49ers' TE Vernon Davis, this guy has a ton of up side.
NOTES:
Watch out for Ramses Barden a 6'6 229 receiver out of Cal Poly. Maybe second round or the third.
James Laurinaitis is a great value for Detroit with the first pick of the second round
Brian Robiskie is the best route runner in the draft could be an Anthony Gonzalez type third guy for a team in the 2nd round
By: Jimmy Smith
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bruce Pearl Is Really Comfortable In Tennessee Orange
The UT athletic department just held their third annual "VOLSCARS" ceremony. Another excuse not to study in Knoxville, its some kind of award banquet that goes right out the window.
When I see that name, which is a play off the Oscars, I just see Vol Scars. But anyway, this year for those who were in attendance here is head basketball coach Bruce Pearl wearing a jacket, tie and no shirt while attempting to rap on stage.
By: Jimmy Smith
When I see that name, which is a play off the Oscars, I just see Vol Scars. But anyway, this year for those who were in attendance here is head basketball coach Bruce Pearl wearing a jacket, tie and no shirt while attempting to rap on stage.
By: Jimmy Smith
Its Been A Lot Of Hockey Lately
But thats because the playoffs start tomorrow.
This was also too good to pass up. Local Boston Bruin commercials.
By: Jimmy Smith
This was also too good to pass up. Local Boston Bruin commercials.
By: Jimmy Smith
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
More Hockey Awesomeness
Port Huron Icehawk Nick Lindberg against Kalamazoo Goalie Joel Martin. Not that Martin should be mentioned, because he now officially doesn't exist.
Mike Ribeiro skates in backwards and wins the shootout for the Stars.
By: Jimmy Smith
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Chosen 2... Not Be All That Good
Thats Andy Varejao, as "Thing 2". In what could be, if in fact it is, the worst tattoo ever. Even the Scot Pollard hairdo doesn't make that tat look right.
Big Z even thinks Brazilians with back tattoos suck.
By: Jimmy Smith
Monday, April 6, 2009
Scot Pollard is More Manly Than Cheryl Miller, But Only By That Much
A classic argument, a smart person (Miller) trying to convince the dumb person (Pollard) and the audience that the dumb person is in fact, dumb. Wait for the 2:35 mark when Pollard makes the "you don't have much boobage" hand gesture.
Scot Pollard is known to eat his words. And a 4.4 points per game career will do that to ya.
By: Jimmy Smith
Scot Pollard is known to eat his words. And a 4.4 points per game career will do that to ya.
By: Jimmy Smith
Not Sports But Worth Your Time: Rodney Stanger Found Quite A Fall Guy
Now, don't laugh until your understand the severity of the situation. A girl was missing for many years. But as a news station, that is a mammoth mistake. Even if that image was a place holder or temporary, come on, a hamster on the set of Stuart Little was a bad call.
Here is Rodney's lawyer...
By: Jimmy Smith
Here is Rodney's lawyer...
By: Jimmy Smith
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