Detroit Lions Draft Grades

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April 30, 2012

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RD 1: Riley Reiff – OT from Iowa

A great pick for the Lions. He’s the 2nd best player at OT and the best player on the board at this spot. Lions make a great selection in my eyes. Instant starter on the line, the only question is where? The Lions will make the call on that and I think he’ll do just fine.

Grade: A

Compared Player: Russell Okung

RD 2: Ryan Broyles – WR from Oklahoma

Surprise, surprise, surprise. I had so many words for this pick and non of them were good. At least when it happens. He has the NCAA record for receptions with 345 but is coming off a torn ACL. He’s definetly a possession guy and could eventually be a steal. But that probably won’t happen until Brandon Pettigrew becomes a free agent and when Nate Burleson gets another year or two older. This is the player they sit on and wait to reveal.

Grade: C+

Compared Player: Tim Brown

RD 3: Dwight Bentley – CB from Louisana Lafeyette

I actually like this pick. Went to a smaller school yes but looked very good at the pro day, the combine and the Senior Bowl. I think right now he’s a nickle and has the oppurtunity to be something special. Some say to stay away from this guy but I like him. He’s 5’10 and 180 pounds. He’s very quick, not so much fast (as in 40 yd time) but he’s quick and that’s going to help him in the league that is becoming pass first.

Grade: B

Compared Player: Brent Grimes

RD 4: Ronnell Lewis – LB from Oklahoma

I wanted Brandon Boykin the CB from Georgia here but he went two picks before this. Lewis though was the BPA at the start of day 3 and went quite late in my opinion. He’s here in Detroit now and give him another year and he could be paired up alongside Stephen Tulloch if Justin Durant or DeAndre Levy leave town. Some reports are saying he’s going to play DE. Are switching to the 3-4?

Grade: B+

Compared Player: Lance Briggs

RD 5: Tahir Whitehead – LB from Temple

I really don’t like this pick. At 6’1 and 230 pounds he’s just too small to start every down. Obviously they drafted Whitehead to add depth to their linebacking core but also you get a special teams player since Bobby Carpenter is now with the Patriots. I grade this pick a D/C- though because they gave up a 2013 4th rounder for him.

Grade: D+

Compared Player: Ernie Sims

RD 5: Chris Greenwood – CB from Albion

Fast and physical corner who can jump with the best of him. At 6’1 here’s a CB who can jump 43″ in the air. I really like this pick for the value and depth of being a 5th rounder. I think Greenwood could be a starter in a few years.

Grade: C+

Compared Player: Brandon Carr

RD 6: Jonte Green – CB from New Mexico

I like this pick for one reason. Depth at the corner position but I don’t think Jonte Green will become a solid starter in this league. He’ll play if someone is hurt or needs to take a play off but other than that he’s a special teams guy. Sometimes you need that though so I won’t downgrade the pick all that much but I’m giving it a

Grade: C

Compared Player: Andre Goodman or Tim Jennings

RD 7: Travis Lewis – LB from Oklahoma

Definetly not a need but a player with value. I think with already drafting two CBs and signing one in free agency the Lions now have Chris Houston, Aaron Berry, Alphonso Smith, Jacob Lacey, Greenwood, Green and Bentley so the competition and depth is pretty good. Here you add a LB who will play with a former teammate and who knows this might be a steal one day. You never know. I don’t hate the pick because it’s a 7th rounder.

Grade: C+

Compared Player: James Farrior

 

Grading Scale for Each Pick

A- to A+ = 4
B- to B+ = 3
C- to C+ = 2
D- to D+ = 1
E and below = 0

Overall Grade

19/7 = 2.7 = C

I don’t think this was a terrible draft for the Detroit Lions but the Ryan Broyles pick devalues the Dwight Bentley pick completely. They should have traded down and gained a pick to put in their secondary or on their offensive line. They didn’t and I’m just doing my best to accept it. Again, you don’t have to accept it. State your opinion and have a feeling on it. Be mad, be upset or even be happy. The Lions did take five picks to shore up their defense but they could have done a lot more. Wasn’t a great draft and wasn’t terrible. It simply could have been better. I give them C grade range. From the math it equals a C and I think that makes sense.

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Day One Winners and Losers

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April 30, 2012

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Day One Winners

1. St. Louis Rams - Traded out of their pick because Justin Blackmon was off the board. They gave their sixth overall selection to the Cowboys who gave them the 14th overall pick and the 45th overall pick in the 2nd round. And then with that 14th overall pick they did something we’re used to seeing, DT from LSU, Michael Brockers was taken. I like this kid a lot and I don’t even think he’s reached his full potential yet. I think it was a solid pick.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers - They took the best guard in the draft and possibly the 2nd best offensive lineman in the draft. David Decastro was on the board and the Steelers took about 30 seconds off the clock. They addressed a need and took a guy who has a lot of talent and value. Great pick for the Steelers.

3. New York Jets - Are we surprised that the Jets didn’t take a QB or WR here? Actually yeah kinda but I’ll be honest here, DE Quinton Coples was a guy who I thought would have been off the board by 16 but nope, the Jets were on the clock and he was still on the board and they came callin. I think this has steal potential all over it.

Day One Losers

1. Seattle Seahawks - Here’s a team that needed a pass rusher and Quinton Coples was on the board but they passed on him and took a third round pick at best in Bruce Irvin from West Virginia. Sure he’s fast but I don’t think you make this reach. A poor pick at this position in my eyes.

2. Cleveland Browns – Traded up one spot and gave up a ton of picks (118th overall, 139th overall and 211th overall). I like the Trent Richardson pick I just don’t like the way they went about and did it. Then at 22nd they drafted a 28 year old QB in Brandon Weeden who was going to be available in the 2nd round. This was just a pick that didn’t make sense when two of the best OL were on the board in Riley Reiff and David Decastro.

3. San Francisco 49ers – They signed Mario Manningham and Randy Moss in the offseason as well as added Brandon Jacobs to the backfield. Plus they already had Crabtree and Davis but here they drafted a 2nd round receiver in the first round in AJ Jenkins. He wasn’t a need, he was clearly a value pick but it doesn’t make a lot of sense coming from a team that are being considered Super Bowl contenders.

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Downtown’s Final NFL Mock Draft

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April 26, 2012

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Three Players Who’s Stock Have Fallen

1. CB from North Alabama – Janoris Jenkins – He’s had his off the field issues and many people are saying that he’s not even worth the risk but he has the talent to be number one corner in this league. However, his stock has fallen because during the season he was the second best corner and now there’s a chance he slips all the way to the third or fourth round.

2. OT from Ohio State – Mike Adams – Some analysts believe he’ll fall into the second round with his pot possession but I’ll be honest, he’s a big body and one of those teams in the late 2o’s will take him. However, his stock has fallen as he was projected to be the second or third tackle in the draft. He’s definetly the fourth tackle now.

3. WR from Baylor – Kendall Wright – In my first mock draft I had Kendall Wright going at 7th overall to the Jaguars but now I have him being the last pick in the first round. The reason behind it is that he’s only 5’10 and ran a 4.61 fourty yard dash time. I think he could fit in the return game as well as being a number two reciever or slot guy but he’s definetly not a top 10 talent like I thought.

Three Players Who’s Stock Has Risen

1. QB from Texas A&M – Ryan Tannehill – Here’s a player that I had going at 22nd to the Browns or even falling out of the first round but he’s definetly going in the top 10. The Miami Dolphins need him and I don’t see him falling past them.

2. CB from North Alabama – Janoris Jenkins – He’s fallen and now he’s on the rise. Jenkins has the talent to be a solid corner like I said and I think he’s going in the first round but it’s definetly a later spot than we all originally thought.

3. DT from Memphis – Dontari Poe – I had no idea who this guy was when I did my first mock draft and now I’ve studied him and he looks like he could be a solid DT for any NFL team. I think Dontari Poe could fall into the top 10 even but the chances are slim. Great upside to this player and whoever grabs him should be satisfied with his results.

1. Indianapolis Colts – QB from Stanford – Andrew Luck

They’ve informed Luck he’s going first. No surprise here.

2. St. Louis Rams (Traded to Washington) – QB from Baylor – Robert Griffin III

For the first time since 1999 we see two quarterbacks go back to back with the first two picks in the draft. The Redskins make a risky move and give up a lot for Robert Griffin but I don’t think you can blame them, he looks amazing on paper. Now all they need is for what’s been done on paper, be done on the field.

3. Minnesota Vikings – OT from USC – Matt Kalil

One year ago at the draft the Vikings hit the panic button and passed on a ton of talented players offensively and defensively by taking a huge risk with Christian Ponder. As the games went by and the number of sacks and interceptions went up, Ponder left people pondering with the question ‘BUST?’ It’s hard to tell but it’s simple he needs someone to anchor that left side for him and also the highest paid running back in the game is coming off of a torn ACL. I don’t think he wants to run to the left and get smoked.

4. Cleveland Browns – RB from Alabama – Trent Richardson

The Browns have indicated they want someone who will put up points. Now the only question is who. Justin Blackmon or Trent Richardson? I’m going to say Richardson for the simple fact that he’ll take a lot of pressure off of Colt McCoy and he’s also a need with the Browns not having a number one running back.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -  CB from LSU – Morris Claiborne

Ronde Barber is in his final year. We all know it and we all know that Aqib Talib could be in jail by the start of the season. Therefore, the Buccaneers don’t really have much of a choice. They were high spenders on the offense with the signings of guys like Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks so they definetly need to put some attention to their defense, especially in the secondary.

6. Washington Redskins (Traded to St. Louis) – WR from Oklahoma State – Justin Blackmon

Talk about catching a break. The Rams made the trade of a lifetime when they recieved a first round pick in the 2013 and 2014 NFL draft as well as this years second round pick. That’s right folks they got all that for dropping four spots and even with all that they’re still getting the guy they originally were going to take…Justin Blackmon. He’s a beast and can actually go get jump balls with his size. Bradford to Blackmon. I even like saying that and I hate the Rams.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – OLB from South Carolina – Melvin Ingram

Here’s a 3-4 defense that has absolutely no hope. Here’s an offense that also has no hope aside from Maurice Jones-Drew. Here’s a Jacksonville Jaguars team that has been in the process of rebuilding for most of the past decade. Could this be their year to finally get over the hump? I doubt it but here’s a player who has the size, strength and speed to do everything you want to do out of a 3-4 OLB. Ingram makes a lot of sense. Has great upside, is no doubt a top 10 talent and could anchor this defense for the next ten years.

8. Miami Dolphins – QB from Texas A&M – Ryan Tannehill

It always seems like there is a team in the top 10 that makes a reach. No different this year. The Dolphins need a quarterback and regardless of his 19 career starts, I’m on this kids bandwagon. He makes very good throws and definetly has a great football IQ. He’ll get better with reading defenses and will eventually stop throwing into coverage. There’s also no surprise that the former wide receiver is athletic with a 4.65 fourty yard dash time. I like this kid and I think in a few years we’ll be talking about how the Dolphins took a risk and are being rewarded with a very good quarterback.

9. Carolina Panthers – DT from Mississippi State – Fletcher Cox

Without question Fletcher Cox is the best DT in this years draft and in some peoples eyes he’s the best defensive lineman. The Panthers need a player like this especially since he can play both the 4-3 and 3-4. Fletcher Cox is someone that we’ll be looking back at and saying he should have been drafted higher.

10. Buffalo Bills – ILB from Boston College – Luke Kuehlchy

I’m hearing that Michael Floyd is the pick here and I really hope it isn’t because if it is the Bills will be regretting it. With the talent that Kuechlchy has you can’t pass him up. If they want to trade down and try and wait and get him I’m ok with that but in all honesty I think pulling the trigger on Kuehlchy is a safe bet. He’ll definetly be the anchor to your linebacking core for the rest of his career. He’s a sure tackler and is an all around leader.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – DT from LSU – Michael Brockers

Talk about a guy that came from off the radar. Brocker has the size and the physical power to move trees out of the ground. His 40 yard dash time isn’t exactly where I’d like to see it but at 6’6 and 325 pounds it is expected. The Chiefs need help up front since Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey aren’t turning out to be the picks they thought they’d be. Brockers could change that.

12. Seattle Seahawks – DE from North Carolina – Quinton Coples

Here’s a player that has top 10 talent but his work ethic has forced him to move down the draft boards. He’s not slipping too far in my opinion. If Pete Carrol and the Seahawks can get him to come to work and earn his money then they have a great player. He brings value and fits a need. Certainly not their top priority but certainly a player that can come in get after the quarterback and ball carrier.

13. Arizona Cardinals – OT from Iowa – Riley Reiff

Sure they brought back Levi Brown but here’s a team that needs to see production out of Kevin Kolb and see some more production out of Beanie Wells. The only way they do that is by getting them two protection and here at 13, Riley Reiff makes a lot of sense.

14. Dallas Cowboys – SS from Alabama – Mark Barron

Secondary is without a doubt the biggest need for the Cowboys. At corner Terrance Newman is gone and sure they have some young/veteran guys back there but you can’t ever have too many corners. However, the Cowboys biggest need in the secondary is get younger at the safety position. Their two best safeties are Gerald Sensabaugh (28 years old) and Brodney Pool (28 years old). Certainly the Cowboys could look at linebacker here but with a safety like Barron on the board, the Cowboys can’t pass him up.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – DT from Memphis – Dontari Poe

Right in the middle of the draft is where the Eagles sit. With David Decastro still on the board I wouldn’t be surprised if he was chosen here but I still think the Eagles need help defensively. They’ve added players for their group of linebackers such as Demeco Ryans but that highly invested secondary and new group of linebackers are going to need help and it all starts up front. Here’s a player that yes has some risk behind him because he didn’t put up big numbers in college but he put up big numbers at his combine and pro day. Certainly Dontari Poe has the size, speed and strength to be an absolute wrecking ball and if I were the Eagles that’s something I’d want because honestly, their defense was a complete joke last year.

16. New York Jets – DE/OLB from Alabama – Courtney Upshaw

As we said on Inside the Huddle this past weekend, the Jets are the circus of the NFL. It makes no sense to why they have Tim Tebow and it makes no sense to why they haven’t won a Super Bowl for the last years since they’ve been going out and saying it’s guarnteed they’ll win the Super Bowl. With the way their defense is ran, they can’t have too many guys who can blitz and rush the quarterback. Here’s a guy who does just that, Courtney Upshaw. He’d fit well in the 3-4 and you can put him all sorts of package. I like this kid and I like this pick. There are certainly better “atmosphered” teams to be a part of but if he wants to get noticed, then all I can say is that there isn’t anywhere better then in New York, especially with J-E-T-S!

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) – OG from Stanford – David Decastro

Someone that in all honesty won’t be here. Decastro should be off the board but teams take other needs and some value before him and the Bengals count their blessings and get some protection for Andy Dalton and whoever their number one back is going to be. Decastro has pro bowl caliber player written all over him.

18. San Diego Chargers – DE/OLB from Illinois – Whitney Mercilus

A team that is a hot mess. The San Diego Chargers. Phillip Rivers has no weapons, the run game is weak, the offensive line is old, injury proned or non-existent. Speaking of old, injured and non-existent so is this teams pass rush. Whitney Mercilus is without question the best player available at pass rushing and the Chargers can’t hesitate to take him. If Mercilus is off the board or not the guy they want, I think we can expect three people; Nick Perry, Donta Hightower or Jonathan Martin.

19. Chicago Bears – DE from USC – Nick Perry

You added Brandon Marshall and Michael Bush. Defensivley you can go with the best player available in Stephon Gilmore or you can improve your pass rush or the Bears can take a gamble at adding another WR or be smart and add depth to their offensive line. With the way things are done in Chicago, I think they go defensive line and try to get some fresh legs for the future. Nick Perry makes sense here and is your ‘project player’. This is going to be your guy that you take your time with, build the team up for another year or two and then watch him explode into a monster.

20. Tennessee Titans – CB from South Carolina – Stephon Gilmore

Best player available. Fits a need and honestly won’t be here but if he is, Gilmore will be a Titan. No questions asked.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – ILB from Alabama – Donta Hightower

Rey Maulauga has had injury concerns, Keith Rivers is a Giant and well with your previous pick you added depth up front. With the way things are in the middle of your defense, I’d say that’s your next biggest need and that’s exactly what the Bengals do. They get a guy who will play ILB and only ILB. Hightower is a sure tackler and is pretty good in zone coverage for his size. Leadership is what he brings most to the table and when your a young team, that’s something you need.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta) – OT from Stanford – Jonathan Martin

Certainly the Browns took Joe Thomas a few years ago but they need to get younger in other spots such as the interior offensive line and RT position. Here’s a guy who you can develop into an All-Pro RT. Another thing Martin can do is take some pressure off of newly drafted Trent Richardson and your franchise QB Colt McCoy.

23. Detroit Lions – CB from Alabama – Dre Kirkpatrick

The Lions haven’t taken a cornerback in the first round since 1998 with Terry Fair. I think it’s safe to say the Lions can take one here. Despite his off the field issues with smoking marijuana I don’t see Kirkpatrick being a distraction once he gets into the league. He played at Alabama and has the potential to be a number one CB one day. As a Lions fan you have to love this pick.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – OT/OG from Georgia – Cordy Glenn

The reason why the Broncos beat the Steelers is simple. Big Ben wasn’t healthy and neither was their running back Rashard Mendenhall. It’s time to get some protection for those guys and Cordy Glenn is the best option at this spot of the draft. They could consider Mike Adams but I question his work ethic as well as his recent off the field issues. Glenn is the better fit and better option. He can play every postion where as Adams has only been used primarily as a tackle. If I were the Steelers I wouldn’t hesitate with this pick, I think Glenn will pan out just fine.

25. Denver Broncos – DT from Michigan State – Jerel Worthy

Getting help in the middle of their defensive line is something that the Broncos need to do. Certainly they might consider Janoris Jenkins or Harrison Smith at this pick but I think they’ll wait until the later rounds to fix their secondary. With this pick they take the best DT on the board with Jerel Worthy and I think he’ll actually do just fine for the Broncos. He’ll definetly make Von Miller’s job easier.

26. Houston Texans – WR from Notre Dame – Michael Floyd

Floyd dropped a little bit in my mock draft for the fact that teams had other needs than receiver but the Texans won’t let Floyd slip past them. They need another weapon for Schaub and they also need another receiver to pair with Andre Johnson. Floyd is a possession receiver without question and he’ll fit right in with the Texans.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans) – DE from Clemson – Andre Branch

Defense, defense, and defense is what it looks like the gameplan might be for the Patriots. Certainly they could consider taking an OT with Matt Light talking retirement but we’ll get to that later. Right now at 27 I see the Patriots taking a pass rusher in Andre Branch. He’ll fit perfectly in the 3-4 defense in New England and should be a guy that’ll be looked at in a few years as a player who should have been taken way before the 27th pick.

28. Green Bay Packers – CB from North Alabama – Janoris Jenkins

Surprise alert. Janoris Jenkins in the first round? Say what? Yes I know but please don’t get all upset and heated when you read this. Jenkins has top 10 talent and certainly he’s got some issues off the field but the Packers have issues in their secondary. Charles Woodson is another year older, Nick Collins has a neck injury. Things won’t be pretty for the Packers if they don’t add defensive back of some kind and with a player of Jenkins caliber, the Packers simply can’t pass him up. This could turn out to be the ultimate steal of the NFL draft. If Tim Tebow got drafted in the first round so can Janoris Jenkins.

29. Baltimore Ravens – C from Wisconsin – Peter Konz

With the best linebackers off the board, the Ravens get younger up front. This pick makes a lot of sense and with the center position being so underated, Peter Konz slips down to 29th. This is still going to be a great pick for the Ravens.

30. San Francisco 49ers – OG from Wisconsin – Kevin Zeitler

You signed Mario Manningham and Randy Moss in the offseason. You also added Brandon Jacobs and kept Alex Smith. The 49ers have to add some depth up front and get younger as well. They added some offensive lineman a few years ago but you can’t have too many. Kevin Zeitler has certainly jumped up on some big boards and the 49ers will show exactly why.

31. New England Patriots – OT from Ohio State – Mike Adams

Like I said earlier the Patriots will probably take a lot of defense in this draft but don’t be surprised if they consider taking an offensive lineman and when you’ve already added one defensive player, the Patriots have to add someone up front for Tom Brady. Mike Adams has some work ethic and off the field issues but the Patriots organitzation should be the team to set him straight and get him to focus on football and only football.

32. New York Giants – WR from Baylor – Kendall Wright

With Manningham gone the Giants finally have a need on their team. Kendall Wright makes a lot of sense here as he can be put at your number two spot or even your slot receiver spot. He’ll also be a threat in the return game. Solid pick for the Super Bowl champions.

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Predictions for the Lions in Free Agency

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March 17, 2012

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Certainly free agency is about guys signing with new teams, old teams and the same team as the previous season. For the Detroit Lions it hasn’t been about going crazy and spending all kinds of money on the best CB or letting the best WR in the league walk. In fact, the Lions did the opposite of that. They didn’t make a crazy offer to CB Cortland Finnegan (mainly due to cap reasons), they let CB Eric Wright sign with Tampa Bay and get overpaid. Then the Lions re-negotiated with WR Calvin Johnson and gave him an 8 year/$132 million dollar contract. More than likely, Megatron will be retiring a Lion which puts a smile on every single persons face in the city of Detroit.

Now that Megatron is re-newed and has cleared up just about $10 million dollars in cap space, the question is, what’s next? The next thing for the Lions is use that $10 million dollars in cap space and re-sign MLB Stephen Tulloch to a five or six year deal. Tulloch deserves it and is arguably the best MLB to hit the free agent market since well, last year, when he signed with the Lions. It’s been reported that Tulloch wants a deal similar to the deal that MLB D’Qwell Jackson got with the Cleveland Browns. That deal is a five-year deal worth $42.5 million dollars. Not bad considering you get a Pro Bowl caliber linebacker locked up for a couple years at that price.

After Tulloch gets signed, take that franchise tag that’s on Cliff Avril and burn it. Use it to initiate a fire on a picture of Matt Millen in a back alley on Woodward in Detroit. Pretty much what I’m saying here folks is get Cliff Avril signed to a long term deal as well. If you don’t, well then we won’t see him back here next year. There are more positives to getting Avril back long term than relying on the franchise tag. With a long term deal you get him for five or six years plus it clears up cap space. If that happens, the Lions would probably clear up about four to five million dollars in cap space. Not bad considering we started with being over $11 million in cap space.

With Tulloch and Avril possibly making that defense extremely dangerous, go out and add some depth in the secondary and offensive line. Oh wait, the Lions are doing that. Stafford’s blindside is currently being occupied by LT Jason Fox of Miami (FL) but saying that makes me want to jump in front of a moving vehicle. However Fox better enjoying seeing his name on paper because it looks like we might have a new LT very soon. Former San Diego Charger Marcus McNeil was in Detroit for a visit and left very satisfied but also left without a contract. It was said that both sides are talking and negotiating so hopefully soon we’ll get a better idea on what’s happening with the left side of the line. I honestly would like to see McNeil over Backus but the price range for McNeil might be kind of high. If the Lions can workout a two year deal then I would be satisfied and I think the fans would be too. Expect either Backus back or McNeil to get a fresh start in the league with Detroit. To add to the offensive line and adding depth, well there are some names out there such as Eric Steinbach formerly of the Browns. and also Jeff Saturday formerly of the Colts.

Last but not least, the secondary. Cornerback Jacob Lacey has been in Detroit for a visit and left very happy with what he saw and how he felt. There is no word on whether or not there is a contract in place for him but I can tell you what I think. I think Lacey will get an opportunity here. A lot of people are against this because a lot of people don’t know him. He’s young and he is aggressive. A cheap two year deal would be nice and adding him for depth to our secondary is always a good idea. Another name to add to this list is OJ Atogwe. Formerly of the Redskins and Rams, Atogwe would be a great addition. Adding him would add competition to the safety spots and might actually allow Amari Spievey to play his original spot at cornerback. Some other interesting names out there are Tracy Porter, Aaron Ross, Jason Allen, Adam “Pacman” Jones and Terrance Newman. Whether those names have been in contact with the Lions is unknown at this time but all I can say is if the Lions add one or two of those secondary players and pretty much do what I previously outlined then I think they’d be sitting pretty come the 2012 season. Until next time, this has been the Word Downtown.

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2012 NFL Mock Draft

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February 6, 2012

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1. Indianapolis Colts – QB from Stanford – Andrew Luck – We all expect this and I think it’s safe to say the Colts want this to happen as well. They simply can’t win football games with career backup quarterbacks starting for them on game-day or with Peyton Manning on the sidelines. However, if Manning can’t make a full recovery (which seems to be the case), the Colts need to play it safe and smart and take Andrew Luck. He has all the right skill sets to be in the NFL and in some ways can be compared to Peyton Manning. I compare him to Ben Roethlisburger or Phillip Rivers but the way he can air it out and his football IQ is quite similar to Manning. I don’t think the Colts can go wrong with this pick.

2. St. Louis Rams – WR from Oklahoma State – Justin Blackmon – After his game against Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl, Blackmon’s, stock rose to the number two player on my big board. The Rams need offensive playmakers and with Josh McDaniels jumping ship to go back to New England, Brandon Lloyd’s future with the team as their number one receiver is in doubtl. The Rams need to surround their franchise QB Sam Bradford with some weapons. No bigger weapon in this draft class than Blackmon.

3. Minnesota Vikings – OT from USC – Matt Kalil – With the injury to Adrian Peterson and with an aging offensive line, I think it’s obvious that the Vikings need to draft the best OT in this years draft. It’s pretty easy to put some pieces to the puzzle in the secondary (the teams biggest need) from free agency and in the later rounds. But with a guy like Kalil available, a guy who hasn’t allowed a sack all year, you can’t pass him up. You solidify your LT position for the next 10 years or so.  You also now know that the highest paid RB can run to the left and that your first round QB in Christian Ponder can stay upright against your division of the Packers, Lions and Bears, who are pass rushing specialists.

4. Cleveland Browns – RB from Alabama – Trent Richardson – It’s only been two years for Colt McCoy, you can’t give up on him just yet. Many believe that Robert Griffin is the selection here, I don’t think so. Peyton Hillis wasn’t very productive in the backfield this year and finding yourself a sure thing at RB is a priority when you have a young quarterback like Colt McCoy. Finding a guy like Richardson will be hard to do in the future so there is no questioning this pick. The Browns need to score points as they ranked 30th in the league at that. Richardson will help right away.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – CB from LSU – Morris Claiborne – With Richardson off the board, the Buccaneers will try and figure out a way to get a back like LaMichael James in the 2nd or 3rd round and possibly develop a power/speed combo with Blount and James. For now it’s time to fix your aging secondary. Morris Claiborne is the obvious selection and should be able to step right in and make plays for this defense that needs some help.

6. Washington Redskins – QB from Baylor – Robert Griffin III – Fortunately for the Redskins the Heisman trophy winner is avaiable here. Of course a team like, Seattle might be able to trade into the top 5 and take him or even Cleveland might take him at 4th overall but I don’t see that happening. Griffin won’t come in and make that immediate impact like Cam Newton did for the Panthers but he will show some very positive signs for the future. The Redskins will have to sort out their backfield with Ryan Torain, Evan Royster and Roy Helu but they will also have to get Griffin some weapons. Either way, you set yourself up for success in the future with this pick.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR from Baylor – Kendall Wright – Every team has to take a chance and the Jaguars will be that team. Just like the Oakland Raiders did in the 2009 NFL draft with Darrius Heyward-Bey, the Jaguars will do the same with Kendall Wright. Wright is a kick returner as well so he brings many different tools as a player. But I think most important is that Wright can help out Blaine Gabbert and getting Gabbert to play like the best is your top priority. Kendall Wright makes a lot of sense here in my eyes. The alternative is a trade or Quinton Coples from North Carolina.

8. Carolina Panthers – DE from North Carolina – Quinton Coples – The Panthers lack a pass rush. Here at the eigth spot they’re in position to get the best pass rusher on the board. I think they get Coples and produce someone who can be very comparable to Julius Peppers. I like Coples, I don’t think he’ll be as dominant in the middle as he would be off the edge but the Panthers have a defensive minded coach in Ron Rivera, he’ll figure out where to put him. Solid pick for the Panthers.

9. Miami Dolphins – OT from Iowa – Riley Reiff – When you invest money in a guy like Reggie Bush you need to protect him. Also if you want a guy like Matt Flynn to join your squad, you need to protect him. He has his weapon in Brandon Marshall, get some protection for the guy and you might have something. Reiff is very athletic and is very aggressive. I like what I’ve seen from him. He looks like he’ll play RT at the next level especially if thats with the Dolphins since they already have Jake Long. This will be a very good pick up for the Dolphins and could be a future pro bowler.

10. Buffalo Bills – OLB from South Carolina – Melvin Ingram – The Bills have stated that they will do whatever it takes to bring in a pass rusher to the organization and moving to a 4-3 might be somewhat easier to do in free agency. However I think it will be hard for the Bills to find an OLB who can get after the quarterback in free agency. Fortunately for the Bills, they pick 10th and Melvin Ingram should be available here and makes a lot of sense in my mind. With Shawn Merriman pretty much showing that he can’t stay healthy, they have to find someone who can be. Ingram can be that guy. At 6’2 270 he could do just about anything you ask him to do. Put his hand in the ground, drop back into coverage or do exactly what you’re telling everyone you want to do, get after the quarterback. He had 8.5 sacks for the Gamecocks this year and I don’t see why this man couldn’t do the same for the Bills. I like this pick for the Bills.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – OT from Stanford – Jonathan Martin – With Jamaal Charles returning from injury and your starting RT Barry Richardson plays on an inconsistent basis, it’s time to regroup and get some youth on that offensive line. Martin looks very good on film. He played all over the offensive line this past season but in my eyes he’s best fit to play on the right side of the line. Depending on his combine and pro days, he might be taken before Riley Reiff of Iowa. Either way the Chiefs should get a RT and right now I think that guy will be Martin.

12. Seattle Seahawks – DT from Penn State – Devon Still – He might be off the board already in some mock drafts but not mine. He is the best DT in the draft but not the best defensive lineman. He’s still good though. The Seahawks will love this kid and he should fit well in their organization. Still is 6 foot 4 and is 310 pounds. Still hasn’t shown the elite quickness to be a great pass rusher but he will get to the quarterback from time to time but still needs some work. However, his run stopping skills are fantastic and should fit well with the Seahawks and the run heavy division they play in.

13. Arizona Cardinals – OT from Ohio State – Mike Adams – Some might consider Adams a reach here at 13. I don’t think so. The Cardinals need a left tackle to protect their million dollar man in Kevin Kolb and Adams could step right in and play LT. He shutdown Coples in the Senior Bowl and could shut down plenty of other defensive ends in the league. Adams played at Ohio State so he was coached well and knows what it’s like to be on the big stage. I would like to see Adams fall to the Lions but I don’t see that happening. A great pick for the Cardinals.

14. Dallas Cowboys – OLB from Alabama – Cortney Upshaw – Anthony Spencer is going to be a free agent this offseason. So with that said there is going to be a hole for the Cowboys and filling it is definitely a need. Especially since Spencer doesn’t look like he’ll be back in a Cowboys uniform. However, I might get hassled and told that what the Cowboys are looking for is a secondary player and yes this is true but the depth at the CB and safety position in free agency looks good and the Cowboys might actually be willing to dig in their pockets a bit for a guy like Cortland Finnegan of the Titans so I think as of right now, Upshaw is their pick. He likes to be the weakside backer and come off the edge to hit the quarterback. Why does Upshaw like to do that? Because he’s good at it, really good at it. I think the Cowboys will like the production from this kid.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – ILB from Boston College – Luke Luechy – This guy can just flat out tackle. He Might be considered the steal of the first round if he falls to 15th however teams like Dallas, Buffalo and possibly even Tampa Bay might take a look at this guy. In just his three seasons at BC, Luechy has recorded 532 tackles. That’s an ACC record and NCAA record. Absolutely insane. If he’s available, the Eagles are taking him no ands, if or buts about it.

16. New York Jets – SS from Alabama – Mark Barron – Barron might be somewhat of a reach at 16th but the Jets do need depth at the safety spots and Barron is the best in this year’s class. The safety class for this year isn’t as strong in previous years so the Jets wouldn’t look like fools if they took Barron. I’m not sold on this pick because I’m not sure what Rex Ryan and the Jets are going to do with this pick but right now but I think it’s Barron. If not Barron it could be linebacker from Miami (FL) Zach Brown or DE from USC, Nick Perry.

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland Raiders) – OG from Stanford – David Decastro – Decastro surprisngly falls this low but it’s because other teams took other needs before addressing their offensive line. The Bengals however won’t be doing that. They’re positioned to help their offensive line here with this pick and then can address their defense at the 21st overall pick.

18. San Diego Chargers – DE from USC – Nick Perry – Perry is a 6 foot 3, 250 pound lineman who will more than likely be a 3-4 OLB heading into the NFL. He could play that defensive end spot but more than likely he’s better standing up and coming off the edge. He’s a local guy after playing three years at USC and should be somewhat of a fan favorite already. If you’re the Chargers you’re not taking much of a risk when you’re drafting 18th and when the guy you’re drafting is loaded with talent, speed and athletiscm. I think Perry will create a rotation with a guy like Larry English but within the next year or two the Chargers will have a great football player in their organization who can start week after week.

19. Chicago Bears – WR from Notre Dame – Michael Floyd – Certainly their defense is getting older and addressing that will be done in the later rounds but the Bears need to get a WR. Here at 19th is the perfect time to take one and with Floyd of Notre Dame. The Bears have some good pieces to the puzzle on offense, the only thing their lacking is a number one receiver, that guy in my eyes will be Michael Floyd. He finished the year with 95 catches, over 1,100 yards receiving and 8 touchdowns.

20. Tennessee Titans – C from Wisconsin – Peter Fonz – The Titans invested a ridiculous amount of money in Chris Johnson and he had a very poor year last year. If I was in the Titans front office I’d be adding as much young talent and depth to my offensive line to protect your future QB Jake Locker and help your highly overpaid RB Chris Johnson get positive yards. Peter Fonz makes a lot of sense here and while it’s not an exciting pick, it makes sense and will help your talents at QB and RB make things happen and score some points. Fonz is the best center in the draft and at 20 is no way considerable to be a reach, this is the perfect spot and place for him to go.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – CB from Alabama – Dre Kirkpatrick – Kirkpatrick has fallen quite a bit on my pot…I mean marijuana..I mean Bob Marley…damn it. This just makes me think of Eminem’s song “Forgot About Dre”. If you’re not picking up what I’m putting down let me explain. Just a few weeks ago, Dre Kirkpatrick got caught with a marijuana and for that he’s fallen from 7th overall all the way to 21st. I’m sure a team will trade up for him but since I can’t predict trades to save my life, I’m saying he falls to the Bengals so he and Pacman Jones can blaze it up every day. Don’t be surprised if I’m right..about anything I just said.

22. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons) – OLB from North Carolina – Zach Brown – The Browns upgraded their backfield by drafting Trent Richardson so now the Browns have to focus on adding a WR for Colt McCoy and adding depth to their defense. I think with this pick the Browns add depth to their linebacking core by adding Zach Brown. Brown is a solid pick here for their OLB spot because Brown gets to the ball carrier. He forced five turnovers this past season for the Tar Heels and he also added a team high 91 tackles. However, Brown probably won’t be able to come in and start right away, he’ll take this first season by playing but not starting. He’ll have to earn his starting spot in the league. Brown though has a lot of upside and it looks like he’ll have a young promising career in the NFL.

23. Detroit Lions – CB from Nebraska – Alfonzo Dennard – Talk about getting lucky? The Lions do just that. They can thank Dre Kirkpatrick for not hiding his weed. Dennard should be off the board in most mock drafts but I say no right now. Dennard is a very physical player and reminds me somewhat of an Antonio Cromartie like player. Dennard could play that nickleback spot right now but either way he’s your cornerback of the future. Also at Nebraska he’s the former teammate of your Motor City Bad Boy, Ndamukong Suh. Maybe they’re friends? Just saying…

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – OG from Georgia – Cordy Glenn – Glenn is a very big man, quite comparable to Andre Smith of Alabama (now the Cincinnati Bengals) in the 2009 NFL draft. Glenn however in my opinion is more athletic at 340 pounds and is less injury prone but that could change at the next level. But I don’t think that’ll make the Steelers question picking him. Glenn can be plugged into any position on the offensive line as he played both guard spots and left tackle for the Bulldogs this past season. He played at the Senior Bowl and didn’t play terrible but didn’t impress me like I thought he was going to. If he wants to play tackle he’s going to have to get faster or lose about 10 to 20 pounds. But if he stays at the 340 pounds he’s at right now, then he’ll fit well on the interior part of the line for the Steelers. Glenn is much needed after the Steelers lost running back Rashard Mendenhall and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a hard time staying upright all year.

25. Denver Broncos – CB from North Alabama – Janoris Jenkins – With Jenkins being skipped over by the Lions at 23, I don’t see him being passed by the Broncos and their aging secondary. You have Brian Dawkins who is 38 years old and possibly has played his last year. Then there is Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman who both will be 34 years old this year. Adding a player like Jenkins is a must. Von Miller has panned out very well for the Broncos and I think Jenkins will be the same kind of player he was at Florida and North Alabama for the Broncos. He’s got a good jam at the line of scrimmage and times the ball in the air pretty well to either deflect it or intercept it. The Broncos already have a great defense and adding a weapon for Tim Tebow or replacing Tebow might be the thing to do here but passing up on a future starting cornerback in this league is just something Elway won’t allow this team to do. A good selection for the Broncos if Jenkins keeps his nose clean and away from the drugs.

26. Houston Texans – DT from Michigan State – Jerel Worthy – Some say Worthy is a second rounder, I say he’s good enough to be in the first round. For the Texans they need depth on the defensive line. I mean with the defensive scheme that Wade Phillips has it just makes sense for this team to set up a scheme that allows a good defensive line rotation. With Mario Williams set to become a free agent there is a question mark on whether or not he’ll be back. I honestly don’t think he will be so adding some depth to the pass rush is a must in my opinion for the Texans. Worthy is a playmaker, young and very athletic. In the 14 games that the Spartans played in, Worthy recorded a tackle for loss in nine of those games. Very impressive and I see him falling in the Texans lap.

27. New England Patriots (from New Orleans Saints) – DE from Illinois – Whitney Mercilus – Mercilus might be off the board already but I think teams might steer away from him and his one year of production. The Patriots will not however. Their defense was awful and they need to add players and depth to it with the quickness. If a guy like Mario Williams walks from the Texans then expect the Patriots to be a team highly interested. If that scenario plays out, expect the Patriots to select a different player here however, I think Williams will go elsewhere and the Patriots will select Mercilus. In just his one year of production, Mercilus recorded 22.5 tackles for loss (1st in Big Ten) and 16 sacks (1st in NCAA). Mercilus is very explosive for being 6-4 and 265 pounds. With only playing one year of high school football and only three years of football at Illinois, I think it’s safe that Whitney Mercilus is very coachable and could come into the Patriots defense as a DE or an OLB. I like this pick a lot for the Patriots.

28. Green Bay Packers – DE from Clemson – Andre Branch – With their only pass rush being from Clay Matthews, the Packers need to find someone to come from the other side. Andre Branch will be that guy. He’s 6’4 260 pounds and can play stand up or put his hand in the dirt. It doesn’t matter, all I know is that Branch likes to get after the quarterback. His senior season in 2011 was his best campaign as a player as he recorded 77 tackles and 10.5 sacks. Branch is sometimes inconsistent with his initial burst off the line of scrimmage and isn’t that great in run defense but getting after the quarterback will be his job and the Packers will make that a clear message for him. Branch should be a solid pick for the Packers and their defense.

29. Baltimore Ravens – ILB from Alabama – Donta’ Hightower – All-American, check. Captain of the defense, check. Hard nose football player, check. Similar to Ray Lewis, check. With Ray Lewis coming back, it’s probably best to get a player similar to him to have Ray teach a few things before he retires. Donta’ Hightower is going to be a name we hear on the Ravens for a long time. He might not be the #1 player on the NFL Any Era list like Ray Lewis but he certainly looks like Ray from time to time, at least when he played for the Crimson Tide. Hightower had 85 tackles, 11 TFL, four sacks and an interception. He played great for Alabama and should fit right in with the Ravens and their defense.

30. San Francisco 49ers – WR from South Carolina – Alshon Jeffery – It’s surprising to me that Jeffery might fall into the second round but I don’t see the 49ers passing him up. They have Crabtree and when they let Braylon Edwards go a hole opened up at the number two receiver spot and Jeffery would fill that role well. He’s 6 foot 4 and is very athletic. His numbers don’t match this season from the season before but he lost his starting quarterback and that can do a lot for a player (ex: Calvin Johnson). I like Jeffery and Alex Smith might feel the same way once he throws a couple of passes to him. I wouldn’t hesitate here if I was the 49ers. In 2011, he caught 49 passes for only 762 yards. In 2010, his yardage and completions were double of that so that’s why so many teams are steering away from him.

31. New England Patriots – DT from Mississippi State – Fletcher Cox – Some might believe that Cox is a second rounder after all that is when he’s predicted to go but I think the Patriots will realize that he can play defensive end or defensive tackle. They’ll also realize that they need to get pressure on the quarterback more with the league becoming more pass heavy. Cox will do that. He had 14.5 tackle for loss and five sacks this past season. He can make plays by dragging down ball carriers or just slipping through an A-gap and sacking the quarterback. This is someone you want to build your defense around the Patriots understand that. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots add a lot of defense in this draft or trade out of this pick honestly.

32. New York Giants – RB from Boise State – Doug Martin – Getting an offensive lineman is very much possible and adding depth at the linebacker spot is also a possibiltiy but with Brandon Jacobs more than likely on his way out you need to find a replacement for him. Besides you just won the Super Bowl, live a little and take a risk. Doug Martin will be that risk but in my opinion will end with a high reward. He’s a very powerful runner and at times shows good signs of explosiveness. He’s a muscle head which in other words, loves the weight room. Some people see his size and believe he’s a linebacker. When I watched his films, I thought he looked similar to Ahmad Bradshaw the current running back for the Giants but Martin looked bigger. I don’t think Giant fans would be upset with this pick. He ran the ball 263 times with 1300 yards behind it and 16 TD’s.

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Giants beat the Patriots, Manning tops Brady

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February 6, 2012

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Lights. Camera. Action. I’m back folks and it feels good to be back. I figured the saying lights, camera, action would fit well for my return as well as the topic I’m about to write, the Super Bowl.

Yeah the Madonna halftime show was pure awful. I would have much rather listened to Steven Tyler sing the national anthem or watch Janet Jackson have her shirt ripped off again. Either way, I’m back, Madonna sucks and well we have a new champion of the world in football. The New York football Giants!

When I woke up today, the only thing I really cared about was how much money I would win with the money I invested in football squares. That didn’t pan out well after Sunday night’s game, however don’t get me wrong, I did think about Eli Manning vs. Tom Brady a little bit today. I thought back to earlier in the season when Eli said he is in the same class as Tom Brady. After he said it, all I heard was crickets but after tonight all I hear is GIANTS WIN! GIANTS WIN!! ELI BEATS TOM!

I’m officially convinced.

Eli Manning is in the same class as Tom Brady, hell Eli Manning is in the same class as Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and his own brother Peyton Manning. Eli Manning is officially, an elite quarterback. It’s hard to believe that in fantasy football this year I dropped him for Cam Newton.

Offensively there were 745 yards total between both teams and both Eli Manning and Tom Brady set passing records in the game. Eli completed his first nine passes which is a Super Bowl record while Brady completed 14 passes in a row which is also a Super Bowl record.

As for the defense, the Patriots got to Manning three times and that’s about it. As for the Giants, well they sacked Brady twice, picked him off once and got a safety to start the scoring. There wasn’t a shit ton of fireworks but there was enough plays, commercials and shitty dance moves from Madonna to keep us talking about the Super Bowl for the next week. The Giants were the better team tonight regardless of what their overall record was heading into the playoffs. They deserved that win tonight and I’m happy for them and the city of New York.

After tonight we can all look back at the commercials from a flying baby to get a bag of Doritos to Eli Manning out-playing the once unanimous NFL MVP Tom Brady. The whole game was good even if your team didn’t win. If you’re a fan of football then you should have loved that game because I did. I can’t wait for next year but until then I’ll keep you all updated on other things in the sports world so until next time, this is the word downtown.

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NFL Week 5 Predictions

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October 6, 2011

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I went 10-6 last week which makes me 43-21 on the season. This week we’re going to see an upset and of course we’ll have our game of the week. I hope you enjoy and don’t be afraid to leave me feedback!

Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills

Are the Philadelphia Eagles the “dream team” or are the Buffalo Bills just dreaming right now because they’re 3-1. Last week both teams lost, in fact the Philadelphia Eagles have lost 3 in a row. They need this game right now but so do the Bills. Both teams are going to come out and play, the only thing that this game is going to be coming down to is…who can finish it? The Eagles let the 49ers back in the game last week and the Bills well, they had their chances against the Bengals to put it away but just couldn’t do it. Not only is the defenses going to be a key factor, I think both teams quarterbacks are going to be key. Michael Vick is going to need protection but is also going to have to make plays on his feet. As for Ryan Fitzpatrick, he’s going to need to spread the football around because the Eagles do have a great secondary even though it’s not been shown lately. You still can’t take them lightly. I like both teams, no bullshit, but I have to go with the Buffalo Bills at home. They lost last week and I just think are going to want this game more. Going into next week 4-1, they’ll be in good shape to make the playoffs as a wildcard. As for the Eagles, well they’ll turn to 1-4 but still have a shot at the playoffs and the NFC East because I’m not sold on the Redskins or the Cowboys. The Bills win this game by 6 points.

Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars

Is Jacksonville even scoring? I’m not exactly sure anymore with this team. I always think they might be able to have a good season but they just don’t. Blaine Gabbert hasn’t looked horrible but still looks like a rookie. Mike Thomas has been a good weapon for him but the main guy offensively for the Jags is Maurice Jones-Drew. As for the Bengals, well they need to establish some sort of run game because Andy Dalton can’t keep passing, it’s too predictable and just not good when your quarterback is a rookie. Looking at this game, I have to go with the Jaguars. I think they have the better defense and will be able to get after Dalton more than the Bengals can get after Gabbert. I’m going to say 17-10 in favor of the Jags.

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers

This is going to be a good one. Is Big Ben playing? I mean certainly Charlie Batch could lead this team to victory but he’d need help from Mendenhall. As for the Titans well, Chris Johnson has been silent since getting cashed out and Matt Hassleback is being considered as the leagues most valuable player. I know, I said the same thing when I read this. With the way the Steelers played against the Ravens, Colts and Texans, I just don’t see it changing when they play the Titans. Sure they can be at home in the Steel City but I just feel like the Titans are playing with confidence and will do  the right thing on both sides of the ball to earn the victory. I’m going with the Titans 20-14.

Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts

What a shit show this about to be! Cassel and Chiefs head coach Todd Haley need to stop having their soap opera on the sidelines and start playing the game. As for the Colts, well Cutris Painter didn’t look as bad as I thought against the Bucs but I’m still not sold on the Colts. They don’t have Manning and in my mind they still don’t have a chance. I’m going with the Kansas City Chiefs by a field goal, 20-17.

Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans

Matt Schaub is playing without his number one target, Andre Johnson. Arian Foster looks great but so does the opposing running back, Darren McFadden. I think we’ll be seeing both teams running from endzone to endzone in a high scoring matchup. At the end of the game I like the Raiders. They’ve lost to two very good football teams, the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. I don’t think they lose to the Texans. I’m going to say the Raiders by a touchdown, 31-24.

Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings

I think the Vikings might be the worse team in football. They need to hit the panic meter on McNabb and play Christian Ponder. If I was Adrian Peterson, I’d want to be traded but who am I? I just write blogs. The Cardinals have Beanie Wells and Kevin Kolb who is throwing the ball pretty well. I’m going to take the Cardinals by 10 points, 24-14

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

Don’t get me wrong here…Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers look like they’re going to be good in a few years but not right now. The New Orleans Saints are ranked really high in the power rankings and since those two douchebags who do them on ESPN seem to be so smart I’m going to follow their power rankings. The New Orleans Saints win by 14 points, 35-21.

Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants

This game just looks like it’s going to be a mess but Eli Manning is looking really good. I can’t believe I’m saying that but he’s looking good. I think the Giants have too many weapons on offense and are better coached, there’s no way they lose at home. Giants by 17, 31-14.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers

Honestly, Tampa doesn’t play like they’re 3-1. Their games are too close and they play from behind too much. As for the 49ers, they came back on the dream team. I’m jumping on the Jim Harbaugh bandwagon, 49ers win by 4 points, 24-20.

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

Kyle Orton goodbye, Tim Tebow hello. Tebow deserves a shot in the league. He got drafted in the 1st round for a reason and he’s not having billboards put up for no reason. Tebow won’t get the start but after the Broncos lose to the Chargers, well then maybe John Fox will consider it. I’m taking the Chargers by 17 points, 34-17

New York Jets at New England Patriots

I said the New York Jets were going to be a dangerous team this year. I’m so glad I said that, I hate them and I hate Mark Sanchez. He looked like garbage last week against the Ravens and I wouldn’t be surprised if Vince Wilfork gets another interception this week. With the Patriots winning last week and then playing at home this week. I have to go with them. I say they win 28-17.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons (Upset of the Week)

Green Bay is going to have their first test of the year and I hope they lose. Sure Aaron Rodgers is playing like God but Matt Ryan plays like God at home. He’s only lost 2 games since being in the NFL at home. I think that record stays at 2 this week. Atlanta has too many weapons for the Packers defense to focus on (Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez). The Falcons also need to get the pass rush going  but most important, stop Rodgers on 3rd down. I think they do that and I’m going with the Falcons by a score of 31-28.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions (Game of the Week)

It’s Monday night in Detroit and Ford Field is going to be rocking!! The city is on a big high right now and there is just no way that the Lions let this city down on this day. Jay Cutler better bring diapers to the game because this defensive line WILL get after him and he WILL shit his pants. I think Stafford and Megatron continue their dominance and I think Jahvid Best has a big game for a change. The biggest difference maker isn’t Jim Schwartz, Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher or even Matt Forte…the difference maker is going to be NDAMUKONG SUH!! He’s met for the big stage and he’s the reason this team carries their swagger the way they do. He’s going to have a big game on Monday and I think the Lions win by a touchdown, 27-20! Go Lions!!

Enjoy the week folks!

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Tampa Bays and Texas Rangers Recap

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October 5, 2011

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With the MLB Playoffs you never know what you’re going to get. I mean we get Jose Valverde of the Detroit Tigers saying that there won’t be a game 5 in New York. Look what happened last night, the Yankees spanked the Tigers and now there’s going to be a game 5 in New York. It might be a good idea to just keep your mouth shut Valverde and let your play do the talking.

Speaking of letting your play do the talking..can someone say Adrian Beltre? Good Lord that guy wants to win. Three home runs in one game is impressive but in the playoffs, come on now! When we watched the first game of this series, did we honestly think that the Rangers were going to be able to bounce back? I mean they lost game 1, 9-0. The Rays had a rookie on the mound during that game, Matt Moore and he was lights out. The Rays pitching rotation was only getting better after that game as well. I honestly thought the Rangers might have gotten swept after their game 1 performance but in game 2 their bats made James Shields look weak and in game 3 they outlasted David Price.

I must say this has been one of the most exciting postseasons for me in a while. It could be that both of my teams are in (Brewers and Tigers) but I really enjoyed watching and getting new updates on my phone of the Rangers and Rays.

During this series the Rangers organaztion and fans can thank one person and one person only, Adrian Beltre. I mean sure he wasn’t looking all that great in the first 3 games but as they say, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. The Rangers didn’t looked too hot in game 1 but once game 4 started and the Rangers needed someone to prodcue, Beltre came through. The only thing that the Rangers can hope for now is that Beltre can stay hot as they prepare for either the Yankees or Tigers.

Something that the Rangers are going to need is better pitching from their ace, CJ Wilson. More than likely he’ll be pitching either against CC Sabathia or Justin Verlander in the next round and those guys don’t usually give up too many runs while on the mound and when they’re off it, their offenses usually come through for them so he’s going to have to step it up if the Rangers want to be playing in the World Series. However, nice job and great comeback after being embarassed last Friday. But now they’re just 3 wins away from playing for it all, can they do it? I don’t know but when we find out, be sure to check for the Word Downtown…

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This Week in College Football – Part 5

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October 5, 2011

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Well here we go, week 5 for college football. Below are the four games I think should be the best of the week. I hope you guys enjoy and don’t be afraid to comment and leave your opinion as well as predictions!

Not Living Up To the Hype Game:

#17 Florida at #1 LSU

With Urban Meyer this game would have lived up to the hype, now not so much. John Brantley the starting quarterback is out for this game which means this LSU defense is just about to go crazy on the back up for Florida. I didn’t bother looking up his name because well look at the title of the game, why would I waste my time? LSU wins 28 to 10.

The Flip A Coin to Determine Winner Game:

#15 Auburn at #10 Arkansas

Auburn got around South Carolina by 3 points last week but the way Auburn lost to Clemson just makes me wonder if this team has what it takes to win in the SEC. Sure they’re 2-0 in conference play but winning close games will eventually stop and Arkansas could be the team to do it. Michael Dyer is going to have to get some great blocking in this game or Auburn is going to be using the arm of Barrett Trotter a lot more than they want to. As for Arkansas, well their only loss came against one of the top schools in the country, Alabama. Last week they were down against Texas A&M but came back and won and fortunately for them Auburn is known for giving up leads so they might be able to come back if they’re down on Saturday. Arkansas needs to establish some sort of running game and consistent play from their defense. A defense which has allowed 28 points or more in it’s last 3 games. After I’ve flipped my coin, it landed tails which was the side for Auburn. I’m choosing them 35-28.

Upset Alert:

#12 Michigan at Northwestern

I love Michigan, I really do. They’re lucky to be #12 but there is no way this team is that good and Northwestern is going to be a real test, especially at Northwestern. We’ve seen the Wildcats pull off the upset in the past and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened again. Quarterback Dan Persa is back for the Wildcats so their offense should flow a lot better. In his first game last week, they put up 35 points against Illinois but the defense fell apart and allowed Illinois to squeak by and pick up the win. The Wolverines have Denard “September’s Heisman” Robinson. Denard looked great last week but before that, not so much. He needs to play more consistent as a passer if Michigan wants a chance to win. Also, the Michigan defense needs to play like they did last week. Shutting out a team is very impressive. Especially a team that was playing from behind and most would assume that it would be easy throwing on the Michigan defense. I said that Michigan is an 8-4 team and at best 9-3. I think they lose to Michigan State or Ohio State, Nebraska and Illinois. On Saturday, I see them losing to Northwestern to give them their first loss of the season but when it’s all said and done, it will be 4 total losses for the Wolverines. Northwestern by a field goal in overtime, 34-31.

Game of the Week:

#3 Oklahoma at #11 Texas

This is my game of the week because of the rivarly behind it. It’s always a good game and I think it will be one of the better games of the year for college football but I just don’t think Texas has what it takes to beat Oklahoma this year. Landry Jones has looked really good this year and so has their leading rusher, Dominque Haley. His 5.4 yards on average is going to be tough to stop for the Longhorns. Don’t get me wrong though, the Longhorns have playmakers as well. Malcolm Brown their running back and Jaxon Shipley their #1 reciever can make plays with his hands and feet. The only question is their quarterback situation. Case McCoy has seen snaps since Garrett Gilbert got hurt but last week David Ash got the call. You just don’t know who’s going to be under center this week. As for the Longhorns defense they forced turnovers last week against Iowa State, 3 of them to be exact, they’re going to need that kind of play against Oklahoma. In this game it will come up to the defense but I think the team with the better defense is Oklahoma and just like how they shut down Florida State a few weeks ago, I think they do the same against Texas. 28-13 in favor of the Sooners.

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Kobe Bryant Headed to Italy?

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October 5, 2011

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Kobe Bryant and the team Virtus Bologna are working “very intensely” on getting him onto the team. Earlier this week it was reported that the deal is going to be a 10-game contract worth more than $3 million dollars. The managment of Virtus Bologna said they want their opening games played in Italy’s biggest arenas and bringing Kobe Bryant to the team would help bring in a lot of revenue and popularity to the team. It’s being said that Kobe wants to return to Italy which is where he lived as a kid.

For Bryant to be available for the teams first game on Sunday, they have to get a deal done with Kobe Bryant before the end of the week. It’s being said that if they can’t get the deal done before the first game, they think they’ll have Bryant for the second game for sure. Something that should help Kobe’s decision, the NBA is planning on cancelling all of it preseason games.

Here’s my take on this. Sign the contract Kobe. It’s 10 games against people your so much better than and oh, for those 10 games you get $3 million dollars. You take that kind of contract and put it into play with all 82 games of the NBA regular season…that’s a lot of cash. We’re talking $243 million dollars in just one season for the NBA. Obviously, I’m dreaming here but again, sign the deal Kobe. It allows you to show how dominant you are (granted it is against average at best players) but you keep your game up to speed, make sure your health isn’t a concern and you make some serious money. It’s like getting paid to practice for a couple of hours a night. I would be fine with that, especially if my name was Kobe Bryant.

When this is all said and done, I think we’ll see Kobe Bryant playing in Italy for 10 games. Once he gets that check, he’ll be back in Los Angeles waiting for his real season to start.

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