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Fork in the Rhoads  RSS - Fork in the Rhoads

Name: Lawrence Rhoads | Gender: M | Member Since March 22, 2008
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Posted on: April 22, 2009 10:58 am
Score: 127
 

Top 25 Offensive Prospects

1. Jason Smith OT Baylor - Jason Smith was a great player in college at Baylor. He is the top ranked offensive prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. Therefore, he is obviously the top ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He will likely be taken within the top five picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

2. Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech - Michael Crabtree was a great player in college at Texas Tech. He is the top ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He will likely be taken within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

3. Eugene Monroe OT Virginia - Eugene Monroe was a great player in college at Virginia. He is the second ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He will likely be taken within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

4. Mark Sanchez QB Southern California - Mark Sanchez was a great player in college at Southern California. He is the top ranked quarterback prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He will likely be taken within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

5. Andre Smith OT Alabama - Andre Smith was a great player in college at Alabama. He is the third ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He will likely be taken within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

6. Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri - Jeremy Maclin was a great player in college at Missouri. He is the second ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He will likely be taken within the top half of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

7. Matthew Stafford QB Georgia - Matthew Stafford was a great player in college at Georgia. He is the second ranked quarterback prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He will likely be taken with the top pick of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

8. Michael Oher OT Mississippi - Michael Oher was a great player in college at Mississippi. He is the fourth ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He will likely be taken within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

9. LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh - LeSean McCoy was a great player in college at Pittsburgh. He is the top ranked running back prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He will likely be taken within the top ten picks of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

10. Chris Wells RB Ohio State - Chris Wells was a great player in college at Ohio State. He is the second ranked running back prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He will likely be taken within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

11. Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland - Darrius Heyward-Bey was a great player in college at Maryland. He is the third ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He will likely be taken within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

12. Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina - Hakeem Nicks was a great player in college at North Carolina. He is the fourth ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

13. Percy Harvin WR Florida - Percy Harvin was a great player in college at Florida. He is the fifth ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

14. Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State - Brandon Pettigrew was a great player in college at Oklahoma State. He is the top ranked tight end prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

15. Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia - Knowshon Moreno was a great player in college at Georgia. He is the third ranked running back prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

16. Donald Brown RB Connecticut - Donald Brown was a great player in college at Connecticut. He is the fourth ranked running back prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round or the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

17. Joshua Freeman QB Kansas State - Joshua Freeman was a very good player in college at Kansas State. He is the third ranked quarterback prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round or the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

18. Kenny Britt WR Rutgers - Kenny Britt was a great player in college at Rutgers. He is the sixth ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

19. Eben Britton OT Arizona - Eben Britton was a great player in college at Arizona. He is the fifth ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

20. Alex Mack C California - Alex Mack was a great player in college at California. He is the top ranked center prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He will likely be taken within the late portion of the first round or the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

21. Max Unger C Oregon - Max Unger was a great player in college at Oregon. He is the second ranked center prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He will likely be taken within the late portion of the first round or the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

22. Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma - Duke Robinson was a great player in college at Oklahoma. He is the top ranked offensive guard prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He will likely be taken within the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

23. Brian Robiskie WR Ohio State - Brian Robiskie was a very good player in college at Ohio State. He is the seventh ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He will likely be taken within the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

24. Philip Loadholt OT Oklahoma - Philip Loadholt was a great player in college at Oklahoma. He is the sixth ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round or the earliy portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

25. William Beatty OT Connecticut - William Beatty was a very good player in college at Connecticut. He is the seventh ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He will likely be taken within the later portion of the first round or the earliy portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 21, 2009 10:47 am
Score: 126
 

Top 25 Defensive Draft Prospects

1. Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest - Aaron Curry was a great player at Wake Forest in college. He is the top ranked defensive player on the board, so obviously he is the top ranked outside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top five picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

2. Brian Orakpo DE Texas - Brian Orakpo was a great player at Texas in college. He is the top ranked defensive end in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

3. B.J. Raji DT Boston College - B.J. Raji was a great player at Boston College in college. He is the top ranked defensive tackle in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

4. Rey Maualuga ILB Southern California - Rey Maualuga was a great player at Southern California in college. He is the top ranked inside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

5. Tyson Jackson DE Louisiana State - Tyson Jackson was a great player at Louisiana State in college. He is the second ranked defensive end in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

6. Everette Brown DE Florida State - Everette Brown was a great player at Florida State in college. He is the third ranked defensive end in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

7. Brian Cushing OLB Southern California - Brian Cushing was a great player at Southern California in college. He is the second ranked outside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

8. Vontae Davis CB Illinois - Vontae Davis was a great player at Illinois in college. He is the top ranked cornerback in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

9. Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State - Malcolm Jenkins was a great player at Ohio State in college. He is the second ranked cornerback in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

10. Robert Ayers DE Tennessee - Robert Ayers was a great player at Tennessee in college in his final season. He is the fourth ranked defensive end in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

11. Aaron Maybin DE Penn State - Aaron Maybin was a great player at Penn State in college in his final season. He is the fifth ranked defensive end in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted within the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

12. Clay Matthews OLB Southern California - Clay Matthews was a great player at Southern California in college. He is the third ranked outside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He should be drafted within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

13. Peria Jerry DT Mississippi - Peria Jerry was a great player at Mississippi in college. He is the second ranked defensive tackle in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He should be drafted within the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

14. Darius Butler CB Connecticut - Darius Butler was a great player at Connecticut in college. He is the third ranked cornerback in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He should be drafted within the later portion of the first round or the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

15. James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State - James Laurinaitis was a great player at Ohio State in college. He is the second ranked intside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

16. Sean Smith CB Utah - Sean Smith was a very good player at Utah in college. He is the fourth ranked cornerback in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He should be drafted within the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

17. Connor Barwin OLB Cincinnati - Connor Barwin was a very good player at Cincinnati in college. He is the fourth ranked outside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

18. Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest - Alphonso Smith was a great player at Wake Forest in college. He is the fifth ranked cornerback in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He should be drafted within the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

19. Larry English OLB Northern Illnois - Larry English was a very good player at Northern Illinoisa in college. He is the fifth ranked outside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He should be drafted within the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

20. Ron Brace DT Boston College - Ron Brace was a very good player at Boston College in college. He is the third ranked defensive tackle in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

21. Evander Hood DT Missouri - Evander Hood was a very good player at Missouri in college. He is the fourth ranked defensive tackle in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early second round grade. He should be drafted within the early portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

22. William Moore S Missouri - William Moore was a very good player at Missouri in college. He is the top ranked safety in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early to middle second round grade. He should be drafted within the first half of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

23. D.J. Moore CB Vanderbilt - D.J. Moore was a very good player at Vanderbilt in college. He is the sixth ranked cornerback in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early to middle second round grade. He should be drafted within the first half of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

24. Rashad Johnson S Alabama - Rashad Johnson was a very good player at Alabama in college. He is the second ranked safety in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early to middle second round grade. He should be drafted within the first half of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

25. Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio State - Marcus Freeman was a very good player at Ohio State in college. He is the sixth ranked outside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the second round grade. He should be drafted within the middle portion of the second round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 20, 2009 10:36 am
Score: 229
 

NBA Playoffs Prognostications

Eastern Conference

Quarterfinals

Cleveland Cavaliers over Detroit Pistons in four games (Cavaliers currently lead series 1-0)

Boston Celtics over Chicago Bulls in six games (Bulls currently lead series 1-0)

Orlando Magic over Philadelphia 76ers in six games (76ers currently lead series 1-0)

Atlanta Hawks over Miami Heat in seven games (Hawks currently lead series 1-0)

The Cavs will steamroll the Pistons. The Celtics will wakeup to comeback and beat the Bulls. The Magic will have better coaching and comeback to beat the 76ers. The Hawks may not have the best player in the series, but have enough good players to beat the Heat.

Semi-Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers over Atlanta Hawks in five games

Orlando Magic over Boston Celtics in six games

LeBron James will be too much for the Hawks too handle. The Orlando Magic, led by Dwight Howard, will be too much for the Celtics minus Kevin Garnett.

Finals

Cleveland Cavaliers over Orlando Magic in six games

Dwight Howard is great, but he is not a finisher. LeBron James has turned into a finisher this year and that is why the Cavs will win.

Western Conference

Quarterfinals

Los Angeles Lakers over Utah Jazz in four games (Lakers currently lead series 1-0)

Denver Nuggets over New Orleans Hornets in six games (Nuggets currently lead series 1-0)

Dallas Mavericks over San Antonio Spurs in six games (Mavericks currently lead series 1-0)

Portland Trail Blazers over Houston Rockets in seven games (Rockets currently lead series 1-0)

The Lakers will steamroll the Jazz. The Nuggets have too many very good players for the Hornets. So, they will get their first series win since Carmelo Anthony has been there. The Mavericks will upset the Spurs minus Manu Ginobli. The Trail Blazers will wake up, win their home games, and steal a game on the road to beat the Rockets, who have never got out of the first round since Yao Ming has been there.

Semi-Finals

Los Angeles Lakers over Portland Trail Blazers in six games

Denver Nuggets over Dallas Mavericks in five games

The Los Angeles Lakers have way too much of an experience edge over the young Trail Blazers. The Nuggets have too much athleticism for the Dallas Mavericks.

Finals

Los Angeles Lakers over Denver Nuggets in five games

The LAkers have too much talent for the Nuggets. The Nuggets are very good, but the Lakers are great.

NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers over Cleveland Cavaliers in six games  Bill Russell Award (NBA Finals MVP) = Kobe Bryant

Simply put, the Lakers are the most talented team in the National Basketball Association this season. They are the only team to beat the Cavaliers in Cleveland when the Cavs best players played. They will do it again in the NBA Finals and will end up hoisting the trophy.

Category: NBA
Tags: NBA


Posted on: April 19, 2009 11:05 am
Score: 225
 

NHL Playoffs Prognostications

Eastern Conference

Quarterfinals

Boston Bruins over Montreal Canadiens in four games (Bruins currently lead series 2-0)

New York Rangers over Washington Capitals in six games (Rangers currently lead series 2-0)

Carolina Hurricanes over New Jersey Devils in seven games (series currently tied at 1-1)

Pittsburgh Penguins over Philadelphia Flyers in four games (Penguins currently lead series 2-0)

Of the teams currently down 2-0 in their series, the Capitals have the best chance of coming back, but their goaltending disadvantage will be too much in the end. The rest of the series that are currently 2-0 might as well be over now. As for the Carolina Hurricanes versus New Jersey Devils series, the Devils will always have a chance with Martin Brodeur, but they do not score enough.

Semi-Finals

Boston Bruins over New York Rangers in five games

Pittsburgh Penguins over Carolina Hurricanes in five games

Simply put, the Boston Bruins have more firepower than the New York Rangers. The Pittsburgh Penguins definitely have more top notch talent and better goaltending than the Carolina Hurricanes.

Finals

Pittsburgh Penguins over Boston Bruins in six games

The teams are a wash in both goaltending and defense. So, this is simple, the Pittsburgh Penguins have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin and the Boston Bruins do not.

Western Conference

Quarterfinals

Anaheim Ducks over San Jose Sharks in six games (Ducks currently lead series 1-0)

Detroit Red Wings over Columbus Blue Jackets in four games (Red Wings currently lead series 2-0)

Vancouver Canucks over St. Louis Blues in five games (Canucks currently lead series 2-0)

Chicago Blackhawks over Calgary Flames in seven games (Blackhawks currently lead series 2-0)

Of the teams currently down 2-0, the only team that has a chance is the Calgary Flames. They just have not played consistently which is why I have them falling in seven. As for the Anaheim Ducks versus San Jose Sharks series, the Sharks always have trouble in the playoffs and this was not the opening round matchup they wanted. I believe the only advantage the Sharks have is at goaltender in Evgeni Nabakov, but the firepower of the Ducks will be too much.

Semi-Finals

Anaheim Ducks over Detroit Red Wings in six games

Vancouver Canucks over Chicago Blackhawks in five games

I feel like this is finally the time when age and average goaltending catches up with the Detroit Red Wings. Anaheim has just as much talent on offense and defense and are a bigger team. As for the Vancouver Canucks versus Chicago Blackhawks series, I believe the difference in goaltending will be too much. Roberto Luongo is simply a world ahead of Nikolai Khabibulin at this point.

Finals

Vancouver Canucks over Anaheim Ducks in seven games

Simply put, I feel like Roberto Luongo will carry the Vancouver Canucks in these playoffs. This will be a hard fought series, but goaltending will be the difference once again.

Stanley Cup Finals

Pittsburgh Penguins over Vancouver Canucks in six games  Conn Smythe Trophy Winner = Sidney Crosby

After going through the series these teams have, they both deserve to be here. That said, I feel like the Pittsburgh Penguins combination of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin will be too much for anyone to stop this postseason, especially after coming so close last season.

Category: NHL


Posted on: April 18, 2009 10:06 am
Score: 265
 

One Week Left Mock Draft Part 2

17. New York Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland - Simply put, the New York Jets have a big need at the wide receiver position. They lost one of their starting wide receivers in the offseason in Laveranues Coles. I feel like they need to draft his replacement with this pick. I feel like they go with the wide receiver left in this draft with the highest upside in Darrius Heyward-Bey.

18. Denver Broncos: Everette Brown DE Florida State - The Denver Broncos have holes all over their defense. They also have two first round picks. With their first first round pick they addressed the defensive line. With this pick, I feel like they go after a rush end that could play outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme that they are switching to. Everette Brown is the best of that type of player left in the draft at this point.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joshua Freeman QB Kansas State - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a few needs in this draft. Also, they seem to be trying to get younger all over the field. Right now, they have no young quarterbacks. They did just sign Byron Leftwich to compete for the starting job, but it is only a two year deal. That said, I feel like they draft Joshua Freeman so they have a long term solution at the quarterback position.

20. Detroit Lions: Robert Ayers DE Tennessee - The Detroit Lions went 0-16 this past season. With that said, it is obvious they have a decent bit of holes on this team. They have two first round picks in this draft. With their first pick they address one of their biggest needs in a young quarterback. With this pick, they go after they best pure defensive end left in the draft in Robert Ayers.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia - The Philadelphia Eagles have a couple holes on their team. Two of these these holes are at wide receiver and at running back. At running back, they are drafting to have a long term replacement for Brian Westbrook. Since the Philadelphia Eagles never draft wide receivers in the first round, I believe they go the running back route with their first round pick in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina - The Minnesota Vikings have a few clear holes on their current team. The biggest of those holes happens to be at wide receiver. They were trying to fill this hole through free agency, but that fell through. With thta said, they address their need for a wide receiver with this pick by taking Hakeem Nicks with this pick. I feel like they will think about Percy Harvin, but he has too many issues and reminds me of Troy Williamson, something the Vikings would not like.

23. New England Patriots: Brian Cushing OLB Southern California - The New England Patriots have one completely obvious hole on their current team.  That hole is at the outside linebacker position. GIven the way that the New England Patriots play, they will probably take a player with some versatility as well. Brian Cushing fits the bill on that perfectly. To say this would be a dream come true for the New England Patriots is an understatement.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State - The Atlanta Falcons have a lot of holes on their team due to the players they lost in free agency. That said, they have a young quarterback in Matt Ryan. I believe they continue to get him weapons. The position on offense most needing of an upgrade is at the tight end position. Braondon Pettigrew is the only tight end with a firts round grade in this draft. This move makes a lot of sense if the Atlanta Falcons go the offensive route with this pick.

25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis CB Illinois - The Miami Dolphins have a few ways they could go with this pick. For a team drafting this low in the first round, the Miami Dolphins have a lot of holes. That said, I believe the cornerback position is their biggest hole. They lost both of their starting cornerbacks by way of free agency and their secondary was not strong last season. That is why they take Vontae Davis with this pick. He has a high upside and might just get his head right and be a steal at this point.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews OLB Southern California - The Baltimore Ravens have one completely obvious hole that they need to fill. That hole is at the outside linebacker spot. They have that hole due to the fact that they lost Bart Scott in free agency during the offseason. I feel like they address that hole by draft Clay Matthews. He has a lot of potential and position flexibility, so he is a perfect fit for the Baltimore Ravens system.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry DT Mississippi - The Indianapolis Colts have a few holes on their team. The biggest hole they have in my opinion is at defensive tackle. They were not good against the run by a long shot last season. I feel like they address this need by drafting Peria Jerry in the firts round. He is the best defensive tackle left at this time of the draft, so the pick makes a lot of sense.

28. Buffalo Bills: Eben Britton OT Arizona - The Buffalo Bills have two obvious holes they need ot fill in this draft. They have two first round picks now due to trading Jason Peters to the Philadelphia Eagles. With them addressing their need for a pass rusher with their first round pick, it should be obvious that they need to draft a replacement for Jason Peters at offensive tackle with this pick. The bets offensive tackle left on the board at this point is ebem Britton and that is who I believe they would pick in this situation.

29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers - The New York Giants have one obvious need that they have to address in this draft. That need is at wide receiver. They have lost their two starting wide receivers form the beginning of last season in Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. I feel like they absolultely have to address one of their starting wide receiver positions wiht this pick. Since Eli Manning likes bigger wide receivers, I believe they go with Kenny Britt. Kenny Britt is not the biggest guy, but he is the biggest guy that would be a value at this pick.

30. Tennessee Titans: Percy Harvin WR Florida - The Tennessee Titans have an obvious need at wide receiver. While they have had this need for a few years, ever since they lost Derrick Mason in fact, I finally believe they address the need in this year's ocming National Football League Draft. I believe they draft Percy Harvin despite the fact that he has been falling on just about everyone's draft board. At this point, I feel like he would be a good value pick. The Tennessee Titans typically like players speed guys and Percy Harvin is definitely that.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown RB Connecticut - The Arizona Cardinals have a few holes. The most obvious of those holes is at running back. I feel like they go with who most scouts have as the best remaining running back in the National Football League Draft. While I do not believe donald Brown is the third best running back in this draft, most people do. That is why he is the pick at this point.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack C California - The Pittsburgh Steelers have a few areas on their team they need to upgrade. Most of those areas of need are on the offensive line, despite the fact that they have their starters from the Super Bowl returning. I feel like they go with the highest rated offensive lineman on their draft board. I believe that Alex Mack is that player.

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 17, 2009 11:00 am
Score: 264
 

One Week Left Mock Draft Part 1

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford QB Georgia - I personally feel like Matthew Stafford is not the top quarterback in this draft, let alone the top prospect. That said, it appears that the Detroit Lions', like most National Football League Scouts, believe that Matthew Stafford is the top quarterback in the draft. It also appears that the Detroit Lions are dead set on taking a quarterback. So, this pick seems all but set in stone.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith OT Baylor - The St. Louis Rams obviously need help on the offensive line. They had a terrible offensive line last season and Orlando Pace is no longer with the team. The last time the St. Louis Rams drafted this high they took Orlando Pace. This time they take a different franchise left tackle in Jason Smith. It only makes sense.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Eugene Monroe OT Virginia - The Kansas City Chiefs are in an interesting position in this draft. It might make some sense for them to trade down, but all things considered I do not think they will. Besides that, you go with teams in their current slot when doing a mock draft. I feel like they will go with an offensive tackle instead of what most people see them doing in drafting Aaron Curry. Scott Pioli has a history of drafting offensive linemen in the first round and it only makes sense to protect your investment in Matt Cassel. Also, they just picked up Zach Thomas, giving them three starting linebackers at this point.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Sanchez QB Southern California - Mark Sanchez is moving up a lot of people's draft boards. It appears that the Seattle Seahawks are one of the teams where that is the case. Truth be told, he is not moving up my draft board, but I have had him as the top quarterback the whole time. This makes sense for the Seattle Seahawks to take him because they rarely draft this high and Matt Hasselbeck is getting old and is coming off injury.

5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest - The Cleveland Browns have a decent bit of holes at this point. They could have even more holes if they trade Braylon Edwards as rumored. Well, at this point they still have Braylon Edwards, so I have them going with Aaron Curry. He fills their biggest need at outside linebacker. Plus, it does not hurt that Aaron Curry is the top player on the majority of people's draft boards.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith OT Alabama - The Cincinnati Bengals have some clear cut problems. The biggest of which is the offensive line. Their offensive line was not good by a long shot last year, and they lost Stacy Andrews from that offensive line. I fill like they almost have to draft an offensive linemen at this pick. They go with the best available offensive linemen in Andre Smith. Andre Smith appears to have recouped much of his value since his National Football League Combine performance.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech - The Oakland Raiders have two positions that they obviously need to upgrade at in this draft. Those two positions are an offensive tackle and at wide receiver. Well, the top three offensive tackles are off the board, and their has not been a wide receiver selected yet. That makes this an obvious pick. They take Michael Crabtree and could not be much happier.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri - The Jacksonville Jaguars have a more than obvious hole at wide receiver. It would not be a stretch to say that the Jacksonville Jaguars need to add at least two wide receivers to their team from now to the start of the National Football League season. I believe they take the best available wide receiver remaining at this pick. That prospect is Jeremy Maclin, who is the second rated wide receiver in this draft.

9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji DT Boston College - The Green Bay Packers are switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. In order to do that, a team must change their personel a lot. The biggest change is that a team needs to get a quality nose guard. Well, B.J. Raji seems to fit that bill perfectly. He is the obvious pick here.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Brian Orakpo DE Texas - The San Francisco 49ers have a few holes on their team. One of which is a pass rusher. Well, in this mock draft, the best pass rusher in the draft falls to them. This would be a dream come true for them. Brian Orakpo is a top five talent who the San Francisco 49ers would be getting wiht the tenth overall selection. This is the steal of the draft. Brian Orakpo will be a oduble digit sack man per year in the National Football League.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin DE Penn State - The Buffalo Bills have a few needs to fill in this draft. The most obvious hole is at defensive end. They did not have much of a pass rush last season with Aaron Schobel being injured. Well, Schobel is coming back and I believe they draft Aaron Maybin to play on the other side to have a good set of pass rushing bookends. This would seriously help their team if this were to happen.

12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson DE Louisiana State - The Denver Broncos are switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. In order to make that switch successfully, a team must get quality defensive linemen. This is the first step towards doing making thta defensive line pretty good. Tyson Jackson is a perfect fit for a 3-4 defensive end and owuld be an obvious pick at this point.

13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher OT Mississippi - The Washingotn Redskins have a few holes on their team. One of which happens to be at offensive tackle. When a team has a hole at offensive tackle, they typically struggle. I believe that the Washington Redskins address their need at offensive tackle with the fourth best offensive tackle in the draft, who happens to be the best available offensive tackle at this point in Michael Oher.

14. New Orleans Saints: Chris Wells RB Ohio State - The NEw Orleans Saints need help at a few positions in this draft. One positions that they need some help at is running back. They have Reggie Bush as a third down back and a guy they could move all over the place. What they need is a bigger running back to get those tough yards due to the fact that they got rid of Deuce McAllister. That's why I feel like they go with Chris "Beanie" Wells with this pick. Also, he should help the defense by keeping the offense on the field for a onger period of time.

15. Houston Texans: Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State - The Houston Texans have a few ways they could go with this pick. One thing they could do is draft a big back to pair with Steve Slaton. However, the best big back is off the board. That leaves the decision between a linebacker and a defensive back. I have them taking who most believe will be the best defensive back in the draft in Malcolm Jenkins because Dunta Robinson appears to be a question mark at this point.

16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga ILB Southern California - The San Diego Chargers have a few minor holes on their team. That said, their most obvious hole is on the defensive line, but their is not a player available at that position that would fit at this point in the National Football League Draft. So, I believe they upgrade their middle linebackers with the best middle linebacker in this draft in Rey Maualuga. This could be a great pick at this time in the draft and might just make the San Diego Chargers have one of the bets set of linebackers in the National Football League. 

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 16, 2009 11:03 am
Score: 241
 

Major League Playoff Predictions

American League Playoff Picture

Eastern Division Champion = New York Yankees

Central Division Champion = Chicago White Sox

Western Division Champion = Los Angeles Angels

Wild Card = Boston Red Sox

I believe that the New York Yankees will end up with the best record in the American League. I think the Boston Red Sox will have the second best record and end up as the wild card. Due to the fact that the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are from the same division, they will not play each other in the American League Divisional Series. I believe the Los Angeles Angels end up with the two seed because of weak division and their starting rotation when healthy. As for a couple teams barely missing out on the playoffs, you have the Detroit Tigers and the Tampa Bay Rays. I believe the Tampa Bay Rays will be within five games of the Boston Red Sox for the Wild Card spot. I believe the Detroit Tigers will be within three games of the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central Divsion. 

American League Playoffs

American League Divisional Series

New York Yankees over Chicago White Sox in five games  Most Valuable Player = CC Sabathia

Boston Red Sox over Los Angeles Angels in six games  Most Valuable Player = Josh Beckett

I do not expect either series to be that close. Simply put, the New York Yankees have a better lineup and starting pitching than the Chicago White Sox. The same can be said about the Boston Red Sox over the Los Angeles Angels.

American League Championship Series

New York Yankees over Boston Red Sox in seven games  Most Valuable Player = A.J. Burnett

This will be the best series of all the playoffs. These two teams do not like each other at all. It will be close at all times. I believe the edge the New York Yankees have in the everyday lineups will be why they ultimately win the series.

National League Playoff Picture

Eastern Division Champion = New York Mets

Central Division Champion = Chicago Cubs

Western Division Champion = Los Angeles Dodgers

Wild Card = Florida Marlins

I have the Chicago Cubs ending up with the best record in the National League. They play in a weak division and should run up wins because of that. I have the Los Angeles Dodgers as the two seed. Obviously, the New York Mets would be the third seed. A couple teams that will barely miss out of the playoffs are the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals. Both the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals will be with five games in the Wild Card race. As you can see, I do not have the Philadelphia Phillies close to the playoff race due to the fact that I believe Cole Hamels will be injured for much of the season.

National League Playoffs

National League Divisional Series

Florida Marlins over Chicago Cubs in six games  Most Valuable Player = Josh Johnson

Los Angeles Dodgers over New York Mets in six games  Most Valuable Player = Clayton Kershaw

Both of these series will be extremely close. I believe that the Florida Marlins will beat the Chicago Cubs because they have more top notch starting pitchers that will actually stay healthy. I believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers will beat the New York Mets because they have a much better number two starting pitcher and in my opinion a slightly better everyday lineup.

National League Championship Series

Florida Marlins over Los Angeles Dodgers in six games  Most Valuable Player = Hanley Ramirez

I believe the Florida Marlins will beat the Los Angeles Dodgers because of starting pitching depth. The Florida Marlins have power pitchers in third and fourth slots of their rotation whereas the Los Angeles Dodgers do not. Good power pitching wins in the playoffs. PLus, I believe Hanley Ramirez shows why he is one of the best players in Major League Baseball.

World Series Playoffs

New York Yankees over Florida Marlins in five games  Most Valuable Player = Alex Rodriguez

This is exactly what most people would hate to see. The New York Yankees winning the World Series and Alex Rodriguez winning the World Series' Most Valuable Player. That said, it could definitley happen and I believe it will. The New York Yankees have a slightly better pitching staff and the eveyrday starting lineups of the teams are not even close. The New York Yankees everyday lineup would be too much for the young Florida Marlins staff who would be well over their previous highs in innings pitched at this point.

Category: MLB
Tags: MLB


Posted on: April 15, 2009 11:02 am
Score: 250
 

Major League Awards

American League

Most Valuable Player = Miguel Cabrera 1B Detroit Tigers (.315-43-135-110)

Others with a chance - Carlos Quentin OF Chicago White Sox (.286-41-115-100), Josh Hamilton OF Texas Rangers (.301-38-123-111), Kevin Youkilis 1B Boston Red Sox (.316-32-113-107), Evan Longoria 3B Tampa Bay Rays (.312-37-112-101)

The reason why I have Miguel Cabrera winning the American League Most Valuable Player Award is that I believe the Detroit Tigers will be in the race all season. Also, I believe he will lead the American League in both home runs and runs batted in, plus be top ten in all major categories, other than stolen bases. While the Detroit Tigers will not be in the playoffs, I believe the difference in numbers will be great enough for Miguel Cabrera to win the award.

Cy Young = CC Sabathia SP New York Yankees (22-6, 3.12, 1.13, 219)

Others with a chance - A.J. Burnett SP New York Yankees (20-7, 3.45, 1.18, 207), Roy Halladay SP Toronto Blue Jays (18-8, 3.20, 1.10, 181), Josh Beckett SP Boston Red Sox (19-7, 3.54, 1.23, 227)

The reason why I have CC Sabathia winning the American League Cy Young Award is that I believe the New York Yankees are going to win the American League Eastern Division. On top of that, I feel like he will lead the league in both wins and eanrd run average. Also, I believe he will be top ten in all of the major pitching categories.

National League

Most Valuable Player = Hanley Ramirez SS Florida Marlins (.304-31-119-110-45)

Others with a chance - Albert Pujols 1B St. Louis Cardinals (.317-41-123-105), Ryan Howard 1B Philadelphia Phillies (.266-45-126-100), Manny Ramirez OF Los Angeles Dodgers (.307-38-115-105), Ryan Braun OF Milwaukee Brewers (.312-41-117-104)

The reason why I have Hanley Ramirez winning the National League Most Valuable Player Award is that I believe the Florida Marlins will be in contention all season. On top of that, I believe Hanley Ramirez will top ten in every major batting category. While it will be a close race because the Florida Marlins will not make the playoffs, I believe the difference in stolen bases between Hanley Ramirez and the rest of the Most Valuable Player contenders will be why he ultimately wins the award.

Cy Young = Johan Santana SP New York Mets (23-5, 2.83, 1.07, 223)

Others with a chance - Tim Lincecum SP San Francisco Giants (20-7, 2.97, 1.10, 219), Brandon Webb SP Arizona Diamondbacks (17-5, 3.30, 1.18, 183), Dan Haren SP Arizona Diamondbacks (19-7, 3.43, 1.21, 196), Josh Johnson SP Florida Marlins (19-5, 3.01, 1.13, 216)

The reason why I have Johan Santana winning the National League Cy Young Award is that I believe the New York Mets will win the National League Eastern Division. On top of that, I expect him to lead the National League in all four of the major starting pitching categories. Of course the categories I am talking about are wins, earned run average, walks plus hits per inning pitched, and lastly strikeouts.

Category: MLB
Tags: MLB


Posted on: April 14, 2009 10:56 am
Score: 261
 

NL Preview

Eastern Division

New York Mets - The New York Mets are the favorites to win the National League Eastern Division. They have the best bullpen of any team in the National League Eastern Division. They also have the best pitcher in the National League Eastern Division in Johan Santana. However, the rest of their rotation is average at best. Their starting lineup is pretty good as well.

Philadelphia Phillies - The Philadelphia Phillies are in contention to win the National League Eastern Division. They have the best lineup of any team in the National League Eastern Division. They have one good starting pitcher in Cole Hamels, who is an injury risk, but the rest of their rotation is average at best. Their bullpen is solid as well.

Atlanta Braves - The Atlanta Braves are in contention to win the National League Eastern Division. They have an underrated bullpen that is prety good. They also have underrated starting pitching which is at worst solid. Lastly, their starting lineup is average.

Florida Marlins - The Florida Marlins are in contention to win the National League Eastern Division. They have the best starting pitching of any team in the National League Eastern Division. They also have the best player in the National League Eastern Division in Hanley Ramirez. However, the rest of their starting lineup is only solid. Their bullpen is average as well. Lastly, they are very young so that should have some impact on their season.

Washington Nationals - The Washington Nationals are not in contention to win the National League Eastern Division. In fact, they are clearly the worst team on paper in the National League Eastern Division. Simply put, they are weak in all facets of the game. Their lineup, starting pitching, and bullpen will at their absolute best end up slightly below average.

Central Division

Chicago Cubs - The Chicago Cubs are the favorites to win the National League Central Division. They have the best starting pitching in the National League Central Division. Also, they have the best starting lineup in the National League Central Division. They also have the best bullpen in the National League Central. They should runaway with the division.

St. Louis Cardinals - The St. Louis Cardinals are in contention to win the National League Central Division. They have decent starting pitching. Also, they have a solid starting lineup led by the best player in the National League Central Division, Albert Pujols. They also have an average bullpen. In order to compete, they need Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter to be healthy and pitch well.

Milwaukee Brewers - The Milwaukee Brewers are not in contention to win the National League Central Division.  They have weak starting pitching. They have a very good starting lineup. They have an average at best bullpen. If they do end up in contention, they have some quality players in the minors available for trades.

Houston Astros - The Houston Astros are not in contention to win the National League Central Division.  They have weak starting pitching, outside of Roy Oswalt. They have a pretty good lineup. They also have an average at best bullpen. They are an extremely old team.

Cincinnati Reds - The Cincinnati Reds are not in contention to win the National League Central Division.  They have good starting pitching. Also, they have a decent young starting lineup. They also have a good bullpen. They are a sleeper team.

Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pittsburgh Pirates are not in contention to win the National League Central Division. In fact, they are clearly the worst team on paper in the National League Central Division.  They have decent starting pitching. Also, they have a weak starting lineup. They also have an average bullpen.

Western Division

Los Angeles Dodgers - The Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to win the National League Western Division. They clearly have the best lineup in the National League Western Division, which is led by the best position player in the National League Western Division, Manny Ramirez. They have an average starting pitching staff. Also, they have an average bullpen.

Arizona Diamondbacks - The Arizona Diamondbacks are in contention to win the National League Western Division. They have a decent young lineup. They have a pretty good starting pitching staff, led by their two stars, Brandon Webb and Dan Haren. Also, they have an average bullpen.

San Francisco Giants - The San Francisco Giants are not in contention to win the National League Western Division. They have a weak starting lineup. They have the best starting pitching staff in the National League Western Division, led by Tim Lincecum who is the most talented pitcher in the National League Western Division. Also, they have an average bullpen.

Colorado Rockies - The Colorado Rockies are not in contention to win the National League Western Division. They have a solid lineup. They have an average starting pitching staff. Also, they have the best bullpen in the National League Western Division.

San Diego Padres - The San Diego Padres are not in contention to win the National League Western Division. In fact, they are clearly the worst team on paper in the National League Western Division. They have a weak bullpen. They also have a weak starting lineup. They have one great starting pitcher in Jake Peavy and one solid pitcher in Chris Young. The rest of their starting pitching staff is weak.

Category: MLB
Tags: MLB


Posted on: April 13, 2009 10:56 am
Score: 275
 

AL Preview

East Division

New York Yankees - The New York Yankees are the favorites in the American League Eastern Division. They have the best starting pitcher of any team in the division in CC Sabathia, and the rest of their starters are pretty good as well. They have the best lineup of any team in this division as well, led by the best player in the American League Eastern Division in Alex Rodriguez, who is an injury risk this year. Lastly, they have a good bullpen as well.

Boston Red Sox - The Boston Red Sox are in contention in the American League Eastern Division. They have very good starting pitchers. They have a very solid lineup as well. Also, they have the best bullpen in the American League Eastern Division. They have some players in the minors as well if they need to make a trade.

Tampa Bay Rays - The Tampa Bay Rays are in contention in the American League Eastern Division. They have good starting pitchers. They have a solid lineup as well. They also have a solid bullpen. Also, they play great defense which some would consider their calling card. Lastly, they have some players in the minors as well if they need to make a trade.

Baltimore Orioles - The Baltimore Orioles have weak starting pitchers. They have a pretty good lineup. Also, they have a weak bullpen. They are not in contention in the American League Eastern Division.

Toronto Blue Jays - The Toronto Blue Jays have weak starting pitchers, outside of their ace Roy Halladay. They have a pretty good lineup. Also, they have a weak bullpen. They are not in contention in the American League Eastern Division.

Central Division

Chicago White Sox - The Chicago White Sox are the favorites in the American League Central Division. They have good starting pitchers. They have a good lineup as well, led by Carlos Quentin who is coming off an injury.  Lastly, they have the best bullpen in the American League Central Divsion.

Detroit Tigers - The Detroit Tigers are in contention in the American League Central Division. They have average starting pitchers, outside of the best starting pitcher in the American League Central Division in Justin Verlander. They have the best lineup in the American League Central Division, led by the best player in the American League Central Division in Miguel Cabrera. Lastly, they have a weak bullpen.

Minnesota Twins - The Minnesota Twins are in contention in the American League Central Division. They have solid starting pitchers. They have an underrated lineup, led by Joe Mauer, who is an injury risk this season. Lastly, they have a solid bullpen.

Cleveland Indians - The Cleveland Indians are in contention in the American League Central Division. They have two solid starting pitchers in Fausto Carmona and Cliff Lee. The rest of their starting pitchers are weak. They have solid lineup, led by Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner, who are injury risks this season. Lastly, they have a solid bullpen.

Kansas City Royals - The Kansas City Royals are in contention in the American League Central Division. They have two solid starting pitchers in Zach Greinke and Gil Meche. The rest of their starting pitchers are weak. They have an average lineup. Lastly, they have an average bullpen.

West Division

Los Angeles Angels - The Los Angeles Angels are the favorites in the American League Western Division. They have the best starting pitching of any team in the American League Western Division when healthy, but they are far from healthy at this point. They have an average lineup. Also, they have the best bullpen in the American League Western Division. Lastly, they depth in the minor leagues if they need to make a trade to help them down the stretch.

Oakland Athletics - The Oakland Athletics are in contention in the American League Western Division. They have average at best starting pitching, due to the fact that they are so young. They have a much improved lineup. Also, they have an average bullpen.

Texas Rangers - The Texas Rangers are not in contention in the American League Western Division. They have weak starting pitching. They have the best lineup in the American League Western Division, led by the bets player in the American League Western Division in Josh Hamilton. Also, they have a decent bullpen.

Seattle Mariners - The Seattle Mariners are clearly the worst team in the American League Western Division. They have average at best starting pitching, outside of the best starting pitcher in the American League Western Division in Felix Hernandez. They have weak lineup. Also, they have a weak bullpen.

Category: MLB
Tags: MLB


Posted on: April 12, 2009 12:11 pm
Score: 240
 

What I Would Do Draft Part 2

17. New York Jets: This pick is quite simple to me. The New York Jets are perceived ot have holes at two positions, both being on offense. While, I think Kellen Clemens could be a servicable quarterback in the National Football League given a chance. That said, I would focus this pick on their other need area, a wide receiver. They lost Laveranues Coles, so they need to replace him. I got them taking the best wide receiver still available at this point in the National Football League Draft.

Pick: Percy Harvin WR Florida

18. Denver Broncos: If I were in charge of the Denver Broncos, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume that the pick is not traded. So, with that said, there are a few holes the Denver Broncos could try to plug with this pick. I tend to believe with the players that are still available, they would be best off drafting the best running back available in this entire draft. They did pickup a lot of of running backs in the offseason, but they did not pick up anybody that is a number one running back.

Pick: LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This pick is pretty simple to me. However, it did get more complicated recently with the signing of Byron Leftwich. That said, I consider Byron Leftwich a stopgap option at quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That is made obvious by the length of the deal. They go with the last quarterback that has a starting quarterback grade in the National Football League. Given a year or two to develop, I believe that Joshua Freeman could be at worst a servicable quarterback in the National Football League.

Pick: Joshua Freeman QB Kansas State

20. Detroit Lions: If I were in charge of the Detroit Lions, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume that the pick is not traded. So, with that said, they would have to make a reach at this point. I see a few spots on the team that would make sense to fill. However, just about all of them would be a reach or a guy that was not drafted at a real need position. That would narrow down my choices to three different players. They are Eben Britton, Robert Ayers, and Peria Jerry. I believe Peria Jerry is going to be the best of the three, so that is the pick.

Pick: Peria Jerry DT Mississippi

21. Philadelphia Eagles: This would be an ideal situation for the Philadelphia Eagles. They would be incredibly ecstatic if the National Football League Draft occured this way. They have three obvious needs on offense on this team, and they have two first round picks. The Eagles tend to not draft wide receivers in the first round, so I have them addressing their two other needs with their first round picks. With the first pick, they get the second best running back in this draft and he is the perfect complement to Brian Westbrook.

Pick: Chris Wells RB Ohio State

22. Minnesota Vikings: The Minnesota Vikings have a few holes on their team, mostly being in the secondary and at wide receiver. Well, I believe their biggest hole is at wide receiver. They tried to address this need in free agency by going after T.J. Houshmanzadeh, but they failed in doing so. That said, I have them taking the best wide receiver still available at this point. It is not that complicated of a pick at all.

Pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland

23. New England Patriots: This may be one of the easiest picks in this mock draft. The New England Patriots need help at two positions, both being on defense. Those two positions are linebacker and cornerback. For the most part, the addressed their need at cornerback by way of free agency. They could still use a cornerback for depth, but that's all they would need him for. That is why they go with the bets linebacker available at this point. The only question mark is which Southern California linebacker. I think Brian Cushing will be better, so he is the pick.

Pick: Brain Cushing OLB Southern California

24. Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons have lost a lot of players on the defensive side of the football by way of free agency. That leaves this team with obvious holes on the defensive line, at linebacker, and in the secondary. That said, they should go after the best defensive player left on their draft board. The best player left on my draft board is at linebacker, which is why I would go the way I am with this pick.

Pick: Clay Matthews OLB Southern California

25. Miami Dolphins: If I were in charge of the Miami Dolphins, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume that the pick is not traded. With that said, they have a few holes they could address wiht this pick. The two most obvious holes they have are on defense. They need a pass rusher and some secondary help. I feel like they lost too many players in the secondary by wya of free agency not to address that need, so I would draft the bets available cornerback left in the National Football League Draft at this point.

Pick: Darius Butler CB Connecticut

26. Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens have one completely obvious hole they need to fill in this draft. That hole is at outside linebacker. It is there due to the fact that they lost Bart Scott by way of free agency. I feel like they draft the best pass rusher left in the draft with this pick. In this case, it is Aaron Maybin who played defensive end in college at Penn State. I believe he will likely have to switch to outside linebacker in the National Football League, so this pick is made obvious for the Baltimore Ravens.

Pick: Aaron Maybin DE Penn State

27. Indianapolis Colts: If I were in charge of the Indianapolis Colts, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume that the pick is not traded. With that said, the Indianapolis Colts do have an obvious need. They have struggled against the run in recent years, so they obviously need to get better at the defensive tackle position. So, with this pick, I would draft the best defensive tackle still on the board wiht this pick.

Pick: Evander Hood DT Missouri

28. Philadelphia Eagles: This is an obvious pick to me. They have three obvious needs on offense on this team, and they have two first round picks. The Eagles tend to not draft wide receivers in the first round, so I have them addressing their two other needs with their first round picks. With their first pick, they addressed their need for depth at the running back position. So, obviously they address their other need at offensive tackle with this pick.

Pick: Eben Britton OT Arizona

29. New York Giants: The New York Giants have an obvious need. That obvious need is at wide receiver. They had problems at the position last season after Plaxico Burress shot himself, and they lost Amani Toomer by way of free agency on top of that. They definitely have to take the best wide receiver available at this pick. That wide receiver just happens to be a bigger type of wide receiver, which is a perfect fit for the New York Giants.

Pick: Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina

30. Tennessee Titans: The Tennessee Titans have had an obvious hole on this team for years. That obvious hole is at wide receiver. The last wide reciver they had that was good at all was Derrick Mason. With this pick, I have them finally addressing that obvious need by taking the best available wide receiver left in the National Football League Draft.

Pick: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers

31. Arizona Cardinals: The Arizona Cardinals have one obvious hole on their team. That hole is at running back. In this draft, one of the running backs with a first round grade is still available. He is the third overall running back prospect in my mind, but many people have him as the top running back available. That said, if I were in charge of the Arizona Cardinals, I would definitely take him. He is a good value at this point.

Pick: Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Pittsburgh Steelers have obvious needs. All of them happen to be on the offensive line. Despite winning the Super Bowl, and returning each player they had starting on the offensive line in that game, they still need an upgrade at the position. I have them taking the best offensive linemen still available in the National Football League Draft at this point. It does not hurt that Max Unger can play multiple positions on the offensive line either.

Pick: Max Unger C Oregon

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 11, 2009 12:08 pm
Score: 230
 

What I Would Do Draft Part 1

1. Detroit Lions: If I were in charge of the Detroit Lions, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. That said, this pick is not that complicated to me. The Lions do not have much of an offensive line and in order for a quarterback to have any success, you first need a solid offensive line. That is why I go with the best offensive lineman available instead of a quarterback.

Pick: Jason Smith OT Baylor

2. St. Louis Rams: If I were in charge of the St. Louis Rams, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. That said, this is another simple pick to me. While the defense is not that good, the offensive line definitely needs help. They released Orlando Pace after a few injury plagued seasons. In making that move, they need a long term replacement at left tackle. That is why they go with the best tackle available at this point.

Pick: Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Simply put, the Kansas City Chiefs need a lot of help on defense. The thing they need most is a pass rush considering they set a record for fewest sacks in a season. With that said, I would take the best defensive player on the board. That play is also the top overall player on the board. The only slight problem is that Aaron Curry has not shown a pass rush ability, but I believe he has it.

Pick: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest

4. Seattle Seahawks: If I were in charge of the Seattle Seahawks and the draft went this way, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. With that said, I would go with a long term pick here. Matt Hasselbeck is coming off of injuries and is getting up there in years, so I owuld take his heir appearent with this pick. So, obviously wiht this pick I would take the best quarterback available.

Pick: Mark Sanchez QB Southern California

5. Cleveland Browns: This is a very cimple pick here. The Cleveland Browns need help with their pass rush. The best pass rusher in this draft is still available. With that being the case, they make him the pick at this point. They would be ecstatic if this occurs.

Pick: Brian Orakpo DE Texas

6. Cincinnati Bengals: If I were in charge of the Cincinnati Bengals and the draft fell this way, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. With that said, they need an offensive tackle in the worst kind of way. So with this pick, I would take the best available offensive tackle. While Andre Smith does have some issues, he is the top ranked offensive tackle still on the board, so that is the pick.

Pick: Andre Smith OT Alabama

7. Oakland Raiders: The Oakland Raiders would love for the draft to fall this way. They need a wide receiver in the worst way and they get the top wide receiver in the draft. This is a perfect pick for them considering he is a big name player as well.

Pick: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: If I were in charge of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the draft fell this way, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. That said, they have an obvious need at wide receiver. With Michael Crabtree off the board, they would have to reach a little bit on the second best wide receiver. While it is a little bit of a reach, it would certainly fill that need.

Pick: Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

9. Green Bay Packers: The Green Bay Packers would love for the draft to fall this way. They are switching to the 3-4 and in doing so have got to get a nose guard at some point in this draft. In this mock, the best defensive tackle in the draft is still available. They would be ecstatic to get Raji at this point, despite his failed drug test in college.

Pick: B.J. Raji DT Boston College

10. San Francisco 49ers: If I were in charge of the San Francisco 49ers, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. With that said, they have a few ways they could go with this pick. In this mock draft, one of the top two quarterbacks are available, so I would take them. I am not sold on any of their current quarterbacks and this would potentially provide a long term fix to a position that needs it.

Pick: Matthew Stafford QB Georgia

11. Buffalo Bills: If I were in charge of the Buffalo Bills, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. They obviously need to improve their pass rush considering they were near the bottom of the league in sacks. With that said, I take the best defensive end still available. This is quite a simple pick.

Pick: Everette Brown DE Florida State

12. Denver Broncos: This is an extremely simple pick for the Denver Broncos. They are switching to the 3-4 and are in great need of defensive linemen that fit the scheme. Their is only one player that fits the mold that is currently on the board and would make sense value wise at this pick. He is the obvious pick.

Pick: Tyson Jackson DE Louisiana State

13. Washington Redskins: This is a fairly simple pick. The Washington Redskins have a few ways they could go with this pick. However, I believe in taking the best available player at a position where you could use an upgrade. The best available player still on the board at a position where they need a serious upragde is a left tackle. That is the pick I owuld make.

Pick: Michael Oher OT Mississippi

14. New Orleans Saints: The New Orleans Saints have a great offense, but definitely need help on defense. Their biggest hole is in the secondary. That said, they address that need with this pick. They take the best secondary prospect in the draft.

Pick: Vontae Davis CB Illinois

15. Houston Texans: The Houston Texans have a pretty good offense, but their defense could definitely use some improvement. There are a few ways they could go with this pick. However, I target a cornerback with this pick. With Dunta Robinson as a question mark considering his contract situation, it would be wise to draft the best cornerback available at this point. That is what I have them doing.

Pick: Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State

16. San Diego Chargers: If I were in charge of the San Diego Chargers, I would definitely try to trade this pick. Well, in a mock draft of any type, you are to assume the pick is not traded. With that said, the Chargers biggest area of need is a defensive end, but there are no quality 3-4 defensive ends available at this point. So, what I would do is take the best player available at a position where I could use an upgrade. The best player remaining on my drfat board is at inside linebacker and the Chargers could use an upgrade there, so that is the pick.

Pick: Rey Maualuga ILB Southern California

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 10, 2009 11:27 am
Score: 126
 

Top 25 Draft Prospects

 1. Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest - Aaron Curry was a great player at Wake Forest in college. He is the top ranked propsect on just about everyone's board. Obviously, he is the top ranked outside linebacker in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top five picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

2. Jason Smith OT Baylor - Jason Smith was a great player at Baylor in college. He is the top ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top five picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

3. Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech - Michael Crabtree was a great player at Texas Tech in college. He is the top ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

4. Eugene Monroe OT Virginia - Eugene Monroe was a great player at Virginia in college. He is the second ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

5. Brian Orakpo DE Texas - Brian Orakpo was a great player at Texas in college. He is the top ranked defensive end prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

6. B.J. Raji DT Boston College - B.J. Raji was a great player at Boston College in college. He is the top ranked defensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top ten picks of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

7. Mark Sanchez QB Southern California - Mark Sanchez was a great player at Southern California in college. He is the top ranked quarterback prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted within the top half of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

8. Matthew Stafford QB Georgia - Matthew Stafford was a great player at Georgia in college. He is the second ranked quarterback prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early first round grade. He should be drafted with the top overall pick of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

9. Andre Smith OT Alabama - Andre Smith was a great player at Alabama in college. He is the third ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted within the top half of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

10. Rey Maualuga ILB Southern California - Rey Maualuga was a great player at Southern California in college. He is the top ranked inside linebacker prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

11. Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri - Jeremy Maclin was a great player at Missouri in college. He is the second ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted in the early middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

12. Everette Brown DE Florida State - Everette Brown was a great player at Florida State in college. He is the second ranked defensive end prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted in the early midlle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

13. Michael Oher OT Mississippi - Michael Oher was a great player at Mississippi in college. He is the fourth ranked offensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted in the early middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

14. Tyson Jackson DE Louisiana State - Tyson Jackson was a great player at Louisiana State in college. He is the third ranked defensive end prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted in the early midlle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

15. Aaron Maybin DE Penn State - Aaron Maybin was a great player at Penn State in college this most recent season. He is the fourth ranked defensive end prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has an early middle first round grade. He should be drafted in the early midlle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

16. Vontae Davis CB Illinois - Vontae Davis was a great player at Illinois in college. He is the top ranked cornerback prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

17. Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State - Malcolm Jenkins was a great player at Ohio State in college. He is the second ranked cornerback prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

18. Brian Cushing OLB Southern California - Brian Cushing was a great player at Southern California in college. He is the second ranked outside linebacker prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

19. Percy Harvin WR Florida - Percy Harvin was a great player at Florida in college. He is the third ranked wide receiver prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

20. Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland - Darrius Heyward-Bey was a very good player at Maryland in college. He is the second ranked outside linebacker prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

21. LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh - LeSean McCoy was a great player at Pittsburgh in college. He is the top ranked running back prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

22. Chris Wells RB Ohio State - Chris Wells was a great player at Ohio State in college. He is the second ranked running back prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle of the first round grade. He should be drafted in the middle to later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

23. Clay Matthews OLB Southern California - Clay Matthews was a great player at Southern California in college. He is the third ranked outside linebacker prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle to late first round grade. He should be drafted in the late middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

24. Peria Jerry DT Mississippi - Peria Jerry was a great player at Mississippi in college. He is the second ranked defensive tackle prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a middle to late first round grade. He should be drafted in the late middle portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

25. Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia - Knowshon Moreno was a great player at Georgia in college. He is the third ranked running back prospect in this year's coming National Football League Draft. He has a late first round grade. He should be drafted in the later portion of the first round in this year's coming National Football League Draft.

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 8, 2009 11:28 am
Score: 264
 

Early April Mock Draft Part 2

17. New York Jets: Percy Harvin WR Florida - Simply put, the New York Jets definitely need to get an impact wide receiver in this year's coming National Football League Draft. Percy Harvin has the potential to be a quality player in the National Football League. I see him as a player that could do much more than just play wide receiver. He can deifnitely do a lot of different things.

18. Denver Broncos: Rey Maualuga ILB Southern California - The Denver Broncos need help almost everywhere on defense. With their first pick in this National Football League Draft, they are projected to draft Tyson Jackson. In other words, they addressed a whole on the defensive line. I feel like Rey Maualuga will be a very good National Football League player and Denver obviously needs linebackers as well. Rey Maualuga could possibly be a Ray Lewis type of player (not saying leader yet) in the National Football League.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Joshua Freeman QB Kansas State - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers do not have a quality quarterback currently on their roster. With that said, I have them taking the best available quarterback at their pick in this year's National Football League Draft in Joshua Freeman. Freeman played on a team that was not that good so his numbers suffered. He has a lot of potential and should definitely be the pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

20. Detroit Lions: Robert Ayers DE Tennessee - The Detroit Lions could go many different ways with this pick. However, I feel like Robert Ayers is the best fit at this point because he is likely the best player on their board. The only other players I would consider if I were them, which thank god I am not, are the remaining Southern California linebackers, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews. While I personally think both of the Southern California guys are better, I'm saying the Lions take a chance on Robert Ayers. Very rarely do they agree with me on talent evaluations, that is why I got them taking Ayers.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia - The Philadelphia Eagles have three obvious needs. I feel like the way they go with their first first round pick is running back depth. When Brian Westbrook was injured last season, the running game strongly suffered. That is why I feel like they go with Knowshon Moreno. While I say Knowshon Moreno is overrated, many teams have him as at worst their second best runnign back prospect. That si why he is likely to go in this spot.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland - The Minnesota Vikings definitely need a lot of help at the wide receiver position. Last season, Minnesota only had one wide receiver that did any good at all in Bernard Berrian. Their offense centered around Adrian Peterson, maybe too much so. With this pick, they should draft the best wide receiver available. I feel like it is obvious that if the draft goes as I have it, Darrius Heyward-Bey is clearly the best wide receiver available. He is a perfect fit.

23. New England Patriots: Brian Cushing OLB Southern California - The New England Patriots have made a lot of moves this offseason. Of all the moves they made, they did not really address their aging linebacker corp. Actually, they weakened their depth at the position. That is why they have to take the best available linebacker at this pick. They would be ecstatic if Brian Cushing is available at this pick and in this mock draft he is. He will be a very quality National Football League player and fits into this sytem very well.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State - The Atlanta Falcons have lost a lot of player sin this offseason. That said, they have a young quarterback. I feel like they do whatever they can to help their young quarterback, Matt Ryan. Everyone knows having a good tight end really helps a young quarterback and Brandon Pettigrew has the chance to be a quality tight end. That is why this is a perfect fit for them.

25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis CB Illinois - The Miami Dolphins have lost a few players from their secondary in free agency. The secondary was not great last season, but losing players form it still hurts. So, I say they take the best cornerback available at this pick and Vontae Davis is clearly that. I personally have Vontae Davis as my top cornerback on my board. He would be an absolute steal at this point in the draft. If he would have been consistent, Vontae Davis would have been a clear cut top ten pick.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews OLB Southern California - The Baltimore Ravens lost a few players from their defense of last season. They replaced some of those players through free agency. However, they did not replace Bart Scott yet. this pick is set to do that. Clay Matthews is a quality linebacker prospect and could flourish in this system. This is a very good fit pick for both the Baltimore Ravens and Clay Matthews.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry DT Mississippi - The Indianapolis Colts definitely need to get better on the defensive line. They lost some depth at that position by way of free agency. Peria Jerry fits perfectly into the Indianapolis Colts defensive system. He is not a huge defensive tackle and that is not a problem at all for the Colts. He also has some pass rush ability. You pair him with the rush ends that the Indianapolis Colts already have and this defensive line would be scary.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Eben Britton OT Arizona - The Philadelphia Eagles obviously have three holes on offense coming into this draft. With their first pick, I have them addressing their need for running back depth. With this pick, I have them drafting an offensive tackle, one of their two other obvious holes. The reaosn why I have them going offensive tackle is that I can not remember them drafting any quality wide receivers in the first round. Eben Britton is the best offensive tacle still available and should be a decent right tackle in the National Football League.

29. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina - The New York Giants recently released Plaxico Burress. Without Plaxico Burress last season, the New York Giants did not do nearly as well throwing the football. I feel like they try to address that problem with this pick. Hakeem Nicks is the best wide receiver available at this pick that fits the mold of a Plaxico Burress type of wide receiver. He player great down the stretch at North Carolina last season and has greta hands. He will rpovide an immediate upgrade to the wide receivers that the New York Giants currently have.

30. Tennessee Titans: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers - The Tennessee Titans have very few holes on their team. The most obvious hole they have is at wide receiver. They have not had a quality wide receiver since Derrick Mason left by way of free agency a few years ago. I feel like they need to improve their offense if they want to go anywhere in the playoffs. The bets way to do that is to get more weapons at wide receiver. Kenny Britt is the best wide receiver available at this point and he would probably start right away.

31. Arizona Cardinals: LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh - The Arizona Cardinals do not have many holes on their team. The hole that they do have is at the running back position. They do not have a true starter at the position at this point. The only running back that is any good that they have is Tim Hightower. I feel like they address that problem in a big way with this pick by drafting LeSean McCoy. I have McCoy as the best ruinning back prospect on my draft board and he should prove ot be such in the National Football League.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Unger C Oregon - The Pittsburgh Steelers definitely need help on their offensive line. Despite winning the Super Bowl, and returning every offensive lineman that started in that Super Bowl, they definitely need to draft a few offensive linemen. I feel like they take the best offensive linemen available at this pick and I believe Max Unger is that. Max Unger and Alex Mack are essentially even in most people's rankings. However, Max Unger could play multiple positions so he is the pick at this point. I think he starts at guard in his rookie season.

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft


Posted on: April 7, 2009 11:24 am
Score: 250
 

Early April Mock Draft Part 1

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford QB Georgia - While I personally feel like Matthew Stafford is not the top quarterback in the National Fotball League Draft, most scout's for most teams do. I believe the Detroit Lions buy into that. Simply put, without a quarterback few teams are successful which is why the Lions select Matthew Stafford first overall in the National Football League Draft. As for a long shot, they could switch it and draft an offensive tackle instead.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith OT Baylor - St. Louis obviously needs an ofeensive tackle. They were nto a good offensive line this past season and they let go of Orlando Pace. With that said, they take who is the best prospect available at the offensive tackle position in Jason Smith of Baylor. As for another possibility, they could take Michael Crabtree fo Texas Tech due to the fact they released Torry Holt.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest - The Kansas City Chiefs get the early value pick of the National Football League Draft. Aaron Curry is the top player on most people's draft boards and they get him at third overall. Simply put, they need help on defense and he is clearly the best defensive prospect.  As for another possibility, they could take Eugene Monroe to pair with Brandon Albert to have a great pair of offensive tackles.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe OT Virginia - Eugene Monroe is the best offensive tackle available at this point. The Seattle Seahawks need to find a long term replacement for Walter Jones. This is an obvious fit pick. In an ideal world for the Seattle Seahawks, Aaron Curry would fall to them and they could draft him as the replacement for Julian Peterson.

5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo DE Texas - Simply put, the Cleveland Browns need to get some impact pass rushers and fast. Brian Orakpo of Texas is the best pass rusher in the National Football League Draft. This pick makes too much sense not to happen if Brian Orakpo is available at this point.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Oher OT Mississippi - This is what I consider the first obvious reach of the National Football League Draft. Michael Oher is the fourth best offensive tackle prospect and is being drafted sixth overall, ahead of the third best offensive tackle prospect. That said, the Cincinnati Bengals clearly need an offensive tackle and I can not imagine Roger Goodell being at all happy with the Bengals if they continue to draft problem players, which is why they take Michael Oher over Andre Smith at this pick.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech - The Oakland Raiders would love for this to be the case. Everybody knows that Al Davis loves big name players. In this year's coming National Football League Draft, Michael Crabtree is one of the biggest names. Simply put, the Oakland Raiders definitely need a wide receiver and Michael Crabtree is the best one available in this draft.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Sanchez QB Southern California - Mark Sanchez is the top quarterback on my draft board. However, that is not the case for most teams. I believe the Jacksonville Jaguars get a steal by drafting Sanchez in the eighth overall spot. Mark Sanchez will make a very good quarterback in the National Football League in a year or two and this is the type of team that he would be able to sit a year or two behind David Garrard.

9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji DT Boston College - Due to B.J. Raji's positive test for marijuana at the National Football League Combine, as well as during his time at Boston College, he falls to this spot to the Green Bay Packers. The Packers obviously need a nose tackle for their new defensive alignment, the 3-4. Raji should do a good job at that spot and is a steal at this point in the National Football League Draft.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Andre Smith OT Alabama - Due to the way Andre Smith acted at the National Football League Combine, as well as his unimpressive pro day, he falls to tenth overal to the San Francisco 49ers. Simply put, San Francisco will be ecstatic if this is the way the draft falls. Mike Singeltary seemed to be impressed by Andre Smith and Andre Smith was definitely in the mix for the top overall offensive tackle before the National Football League Combine. 

11. Buffalo Bills: Everette Brown DE Florida State - This pick just makes too much sense not to happen. The Buffalo Bills obviously need a defensive end to rush the quarerback and Everette Brown is the best available pass rushing defensive end at this point. They are deifnitely trying to win right away. That is made obvious by the fact that the signed Terrell Owens in the offseason. The only other prospect that makes much sense at this spot is Aaron Maybin and I believe Everette Brown is better.

12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson DE Louisiana State - In switching to the 3-4 scheme, the Denver Broncos will need to switch up their personel. This is the first major move in doing so. Tyson Jackson is the ideal defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. This would be a great pick at this point. Some toher possibilities for this pick are an impact linebacker or an impact defensive tackle, but neither of which would carry the value in the eyes of the National Football League Scouts as Tyson Jackson at this point.

13. Washington Redskins: Aaron Maybin DE Penn State - After releasing Jason Taylor, the Washington Redskins obviously need help from a pass rush perspective. Aaron Maybin is without question the best pass rushing prospect left in the National Football League Draft at this point. There really does not appear to be any other obvious fits at this spot. The only other possibilities I would see is possibly an impact linebacker or an offensive tackle and none left in the Draft have the value at this point in the eyes of the National Football League Scouts.

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State - Simply put, the New Orleans Saints need help in their secondary. Malcolm Jenkins would definitely provide some of that help. It does not hurt that Malcolm Jenkins can play safety as well as cornerback. If he can improve the New Orleans Saints defense to even an average National Football League level, this team can make a playoff run.

15. Houston Texans: Chris Wells RB Ohio State - The Houston Texans could go a decent bit of ways with this pick. For example, they could take a wide receiver to pair with Andre Johnson, they could take a linebacker, they could take a cornerback, or they could even take a defensive end. That said, I believe getting a big back for short yardage situations at the very least is the best move to make for this team. A short yardage running back helps both the offense and defense of a team. That's why the Houston Texans take Chris Wells with this pick.

16. San Diego Chargers: Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri - The San Diego Chargers do need an influx of speed at the wide receiver position. Jeremy Maclin is exactly what they need in that sense. Too many people have the San Diego Chargers going with a running back at this spot. Simply put, they got too much wrapped up in the running back position as is. Jeremy Maclin could stretch the field for this team and would be able to return kicks if need be as well.

Category: NFL
Tags: NFL Draft
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