Pacman Jones-Worst Person of the Year

The story about Pacman Jones making it "rain" and the shooting at a Vegas strip club has received a great deal of press in these last few months. It forced Roger Goodell to suspend Pacman Jones for the entire year, even though he is appealing it, and let to what was needed by the NFL, a new player conduct policy. Pacman even took out an ad in a Nashville paper to apologize to the fans.

That is all fine and dandy, apologize to the fans for not being able to stay out of trouble. You talk about earning back their trust, making amends and the like but have you apologized to Tommy Urbanski yet? CNNSI has a great story about Mr. Urbanski who is paralyzed after the shooting. A former professional wrestler, no I don't recognize him must have been a run of the mill indy worker, is paralyzed from his belly button down after the shooting. The man has a 9mm bullet permantely lodge into his spine cause of this and all he did is walk outside.

My problem with this whole situation is I haven't heard Pacman Jones apologize to this man whose life has been turned upside down after only trying to help put his wife through law school. He apologized for letting down the team and basically being a menace to society, but what about the immediate harm your actions and the actions of the people you run with with? All anyone seems to care about is how this affects the Tennessee Titans and the NFL conduct policy, not the fact that Tommy Urbanski is permanently in a wheelchair because of this.

I would like to ask Mr. Goodell if the year long suspension was too soft for Pacman Jones. Some have said, oh it's far too hard, but I disagree completely. When you are involved in an incident that results in a shooting that results in someone being paralyzed you deserve far more then just a suspension. I hope the Vegas PD are not afraid of Jones and his lawyers and slam the book on him and send him to prison for a few years. So he may have ruined the Titans season, who cares, they'll have plenty of other seasons. Tommy Urbanksi however will likely never walk again and for that Pacman Jones needs to be held responsible.

Draft Day 5

6. Baltimore Ravens, B+. It pains me of doing this, it really does, cause I hate the Ravens with a PASSION. You know, I'd probably be a fan of theirs, if they weren't the former Browns, but since they are they deserve to burn in hell for all of eternity. As for their draft, I love the selection of Ben Grubbs, OG Auburn, and Marshall Yanda, OG Iowa, to help their aging line. If the Ravens have proved anything it's that they know offensive linemen. This just secured their interior and will help McGahee and McNair stay healthy, sadly. I REALLY love the selection of Troy Smith, QB Ohio St, by the Ravens. He will be motivated to prove that he can play in the pros and gets to learn from a constant winner, Steve McNair.

5. San Francisco 49ers, B+. Much like my Cleveland Browns, the Niners fought their way back into the first round to select some protection for their young QB with Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan. I don't know if I'm sold on Staley, but they had to do it as he wouldn't be available by their next pick. Patrick Willis, ILB Ole Miss, could be the central fixture of their defense for the next decade, but I have my reservations about his lack of tackles behind the line. I think Mike Nolan will get Jay Moore, DE Nebraska, and Tarrell Brown, CB Texas, to play to the best of their ability. Their not superstars, but they can be consistent players who are always on the field giving 100%. Jason Hill, WR Washington St, could be the steal that absolutely no one is talking about due to his lack of playing time at WR in the sense that he just moved there recently. Dashon Goldson, FS Washington, may have been a stretch that early in the draft, but he is quite versatile so maybe that's the thinking there. A good solid draft by a team on the upswing.

4. New England Patriots, A-. Of course they get this high, they just received arguably the best Wide Receiver in the NFL for a fourth round pick. He has already shown that he is willing to conform to the Patriots' way of business and they have let it known that one misstep, one hair out of place and your ass will be shown the door. Brandon Merriweather, FS Miami, I think will be compared all year long to Devin Hester and I believe it is a valid comparison. Dude can seriously be the game changer they need on defense and special teams that put them back on top. Think about the finesse at one safety and the manslaughter that Rodney Harrison unleashes on the other. Clint Oldenburg, OT Colorado St, and Justin Rogers, OLB Southern Methodist, are players in that traditional Patriots mold. Corey Hilliard, OT Oklahoma St, could very well be one of those players as well, I just don't know if he will excel in the NFL as he struggled from time to time in college. Oscar Lua, LB USC, could very well be the steal for the Patriots in this draft if he manages just to stay healthy. He will learn a great deal from his fellow SC alumni Junior Seau and could be that replacement that they were needing for the aging linebacking corps.

3. Carolina Panthers, A-. Jon Beason, the heir apparent for one of the best defenses in the league, possibly. I like the idea that this kid can excel in the NFL, and if anyone can get this accomplished it's the Panthers, but I wonder if Harris or Buster Davis would have been a better choice. No doubt he will be assisted by fellow U alumni Dan Morgan, but something in my head says this is a huge bust. No real reason why, I just see his stuff and feel uncomfortable spending a first round pick on him. That has nothing to do however with their second round which can be summed up with the following, holy shit v is for victory. The tandem of Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC, and Ryan Kalil, C USC, just bumped up their offense immensely. They let go Keyshawn Johnson to make room for this kid who I think compliments Steve Smith almost perfectly. Charles Johnson, DE Georgia, will have a great career with the Panthers opposite Julius Peppers not to mention over his much hyped teammate Quentin Moses. Ryne Robinson, WR Miami (OH), will alleviate Steve Smith from returning everything as he is the nation's active career leader in both punt-return yardage (1,677) and punt-return touchdowns (seven).

2. Arizona Cardinals, A. Yeah, I know, I'm just as shocked as you all are. The first two spots in this grading goes to two teams that have been the doormats for the last five years or so. I LOVE their choice as the head coach, they have all the talent on offense to win and I will say it now, the Cards will be a wild card team this year, at the least. I called Levi Brown, OT Penn St, going to the Cards Whisenhunt loves this kid. I do too, he's a strong and physical player who will just smash you in the mouth. Alan Branch, DT Michigan, SHOULD be motivated after going from Top Ten pick to the second round, but ya never know sometimes with kids. Their BEST selection was Buster Davis, ILB Florida St, to lead their defense out of the drums it has been in for the last twenty years. This kid is all over the place, we're talking the second coming of Mike Singletary. If the offense has the ball somewhere, this kid is likely to be somewhere nearby. His selection is just slightly over the pick of Ben Patrick, TE Delaware, the best TE to come out of this draft, who was selected in the seventh round. You just gave Leinart all the tools he needs to succeed in the NFL. A fully equipped WR corps, with additional fourth man Steve Breaston, WR Michigan, a star TE and a running back. Whisenhunt will shape this line up and once he does, this offense becomes more potent then the Colts.

1. Cleveland Browns, A+. When Joe Thomas, OT Wisconsin, Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame, and Eric Wright, CB UNLV, are your first three picks you know you just had a Reggie Jackson day in October. You just gave yourself three people who are the foundation, with Kamerion Wimbley, just gave you the foundation for a great franchise. Yes, for the first time since the Browns came back from exhile, we have the foundation we have always needed. Add that too SGT. Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards and D'Qwell Jackson and you have the beginnings of a beautiful relationship to all involved. We showed that we had a huge pair by trading back into the first round to get the man we could have easily taken at our original position. The rest of our picks are solid depth players who should have an opportunity to show themselves, prove they have what it takes and can end up starting some time soon. There is plenty of opportunity and the players drafted all look to be over-achievers, which is a beautiful change.

Day 3 & 4 Grades

18. Buffalo Bills, C+. I know I have Buffalo higher then a lot of other folks right now, but I think I see the method to Marv Levy's madness. He shook off some of the older baggage the team had, put faith in his young quarterback, who I think will still be a stud kid is a gamer, and continues to build this tremendous youth program within the team. Last year they shocked everyone with Donte Whitner, but he saw what other Safety players have done for in this league (see Reed, Ed and Palamalou, Troy). This year after discarding McGahee he took the best RB available to help his young QB. He replaced Takeo Spikes with Paul Posluszny, LB Penn St, which is a Marv Levy type of player. I think the steal for the Bills is Dwanye Wright, RB Fresno St, if he stays healthy. I he is healthy Buffalo will forget about Lynch and be chanting Wright every Sunday. I also love the pick of John Wendling, FS Wyoming, to compliment Whitner in the secondary. I'm not sold on Trent Edwards as everyone else, but he can at least be a strong backup.

17. Miami Dolphins, B-. I didn't punish the Dolphins as harshly as everyone else for passing up Brady Quinn. When you think about it, even with the foot injury Ted Ginn Jr. is the safer pick regardless. The dude can simply return kicks like no one's business. If he is healthy, then it is a great pick in the sense that the quarterback has no one to throw to before this pick and now there is at least a threat there. Not sold on John Beck, but I'd rather take a chance on a QB farther down the draft then earlier. I absolutely love the pick of Samson Satele, C Hawaii, as the anchor to their offensive line. The dude is a true warrior and may be the second coming of Kevin Mawae. Same goes for Paul Soliai, DT Utah, they were both very high on my third-fourth round draft boards and love the picks. They had plenty of picks that they used to add depth to a team that is in definite flux and could be very special with new coach Cam Cameron.

16. Minnesota Vikings, B-. I will start by saying that I am not sold on Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma, and sure it may have something to do with him being a Sooner. It also has something to due with the fact that this kid has not been healthy in three years, he always manages to find a way to hurt himself. That was on real grass, now put him in doors and this could be one if not the biggest draft busts in Vikings' history. That being said I think their team got better from the second round on. Sidney Rice, WR South Carolina, I think will be something special in Minnesota. Marcus McCauley has all the ability to be a star corner in this league, but does he have the motor and desire to do so? Brian Robinson, DE Texas, will be their best 12th man and special teams star as there is no question about HIS motor. Rufus Alexander, OLB Oklahoma, has the opportunity to prove to many people that his drop in production last year was a fluke and he may be the Cato June steal of this draft.

15. Indianapolis Colts, B-. Anthony Gonzales, WR Ohio St, had to be the happiest man drafted. He goes from playing on a National Title contender to catching balls from Peyton Manning. He more or less steps right into the spot he was playing at Ohio St, second and third fiddle to other players, but stealing the show every time he is on the field and gets the ball. This kid has the ability to bump Reggie Wayne to the number three spot. I think trading your first round pick next year to draft Tony Ugoh, OG Arkansas, was WAY too much of a reach and he is definitely not worth that kind of price. Daymeion Hughes, CB Cal, was an absolute steal where they got him and should help fill voids left by players who left this year as is Quinn Pitcock, DT Ohio St, who was another third round steal. Their first day was great, except for the Ugoh deal, and I think that is why they fell on my board. When there was plenty of line talent available you give up your first round to move up in the second it drops you a few grades. Other then that, I think it was one of their better drafts in recent years.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers, B-. Lawerence Timmons, LB Florida St, was a great selection with Joey Porter leaving for Miami. If Wimbley is any indication of what a Florida St linebacker can do lately, the Steelers will be very happy with their first round selection. Lamaar Woodley, DE Michigan, could be an absolute steal if they can get his motor going 100%. He has all the tools, but relies too much on ability and not desire, which is something the Steelers will allow. Daniel Sepulveda, P Baylor, is a former walk on at linebacker with a hell of a leg. So imagine a punter who can kick AND tackle without any fear, that portion of your team just rose tremendously. Cameron Stephenson, G Rutgers, was a good pick, a very underrated player, and helps if your pro bowl guard does end up leaving your team within the next year or so. Nothing fancy or flashy about this draft, but no glaring mistakes, which is Steeler football.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, B. I believe I may be one of the only people on this planet who has not bought into the Gaines Adams, DE Clemson, hype. I've seen Clemson in person while he played for them and he didn't stand out at all. To me that does not make a top five pick, a top five pick should look like a man amongst boys. To give you an example, that very same game saw Vernon Davis, TE Maryland, who looked like a man playing among boys. Now the selection of Aaron Sears, OT Tennessee, and Quincy Black, OLB New Mexico, may be the real gems for the Buccs in this draft. New Mexico coaches think Black can be better then Urlacher, so you can imagine a player like that on the Buccs D. Tanard Jackson, CB Syrause, is one of the biggest steals of this draft. Without a doubt this kid has first round ability, but he played at Syracuse and as such never got much attention. You put him under Ronde Barber's wing and watch this kid soar. Chris Denman, OT Fresno St, is another player that very well could be Ying to Sears' Yang for many years to come. This was a very solid draft for the Buccs, and continued the solid foundation they began the last few years.

12. Oakland Raiders, B. JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU, is a kid to be the face and example of your franchise. He is an outstanding human being, and a pure physical presence that the Raiders have not had in that spot in a very long time. I think the addition of Russell gives the Raiders at least 3 extra wins on pure determination alone. Zach Miller, TE Arizona St, might have been a reach in the second but it was a good pick. I would have gone after Ben Patrick, TE Delaware, later in the draft but that's just me, I think Patrick will be known as the best TE out of this draft. Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR UTEP, will be grand larceny for when they got him. I think this kid has the opportunity to be something really special and will have this opportunity in this offense. Michael Bush, RB Louisville, should have been a top ten pick if it wasn't for the broken leg and has the ability to be their new Bo Jackson. Eric Frampton, S Washington St, kept being knocked since he didn't have "prototypical size" of a safety, but this kid just plays his ass off and I want that in a football player.

11. San Diego Chargers, B. Without a doubt I think it was a mistake to take Craig Davis, WR LSU, over Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC, if only for the SC alumni who come to the games. You're in San Diego, you know the mafia that is USC. Plus I think Jarrett is just a better football player, but then again Norv Turner is now there so everyone get ready for disappointment. That being said, I love the selection of Eric Weedle, S Utah, to a very young defense who love to get after the ball. Brandon Siler, ILB Florida, may be a HUGE steal in the seventh round if he plays to his ability. I know many Charger fans are excited by the addition of Legedu Naanee, WR Boise St, one of the Heroes of that game against Oklahoma this year. There isn't too many holes in this Charger team and I think they did a good job a putting things in place to patch up the few loose ends they did have.

10. Atlanta Falcons, B. Again, I never jumped on the Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas, bandwagon like so many others. I think the Falcons dropped the ball by not trading up to get LaRon Landry. I think he makes that defense in the top five right now, as opposed to Anderson who may be a bit of a project. Justin Blalock, OT Texas, and Chris Houston, CB Arkansas, were two of my favorite picks in the second round however. Blalock has all the ability to become their best offensive lineman, and Houston may end up being the best corner from this draft. Doug Datish, C Ohio St, may be one of those great late round offensive linemen. The rest of their draft merely added quality depth to many of the positions that they needed bodies in. Daren Stone, SS Maine, remember that name, this kid could be one of those really special players that no one but me saw coming.

9. Washington Redskins, B+. Unlike many other places, I did not penalize the Skins for their lack of first day picks, the one they did make has transformed their secondary into what may be the best secondary in all of football. Landry, Taylor, Smoot, Springs, Rogers, if all five of those men get on the same page and begin functioning like a well oiled machine, teams may not be able to throw on the skins. Dallas Sartz, OLB USC, and HB Blades, LB Pitt, were absolute gems in the second day of the draft. Blades has a determination to be his own man that may push him to excel in ways that has Joe Gibbs giddy with joy. If Dallas Sartz gets back into 2004 form, then the Skins have found a defender who will always be around the ball and leading their defense in tackles every year. Jordan Palmer, QB UTEP, lil brother of Carson could be the answer to all of the Redskins' quarterback woes. Not a first rounder, not a has been, or the ball coaches' college players, just a kid determined to make his own way, be his own man, and prove he is just as every bit as good as his brother.

8. Denver Broncos, B+. I'll put it right out there, I hate Denver with an absolute passion. They only had four picks in this draft, but two of them were two of my top five defensive ends in this draft, this includes my top defensive end, Jarvis Moss, DE Florida. They followed this pick with Tim Crowder, DE Texas, and I have come to the conclusion that they used their first two picks to spite me personally and I will not let this stand. Ryan Harris, OT Notre Dame, is likely going to be the LT that protects Jay Cutler for the rest of his pro career, however long that may well be. Marcus Thomas, DT Florida, has the ability of a top ten pick, but does he have the character? He could be an absolute steal and pillaging of the fourth round, or he is their new Maurice Clarrett.

7. Detroit Lions, B+. Calvin Johnson, WR GA Tech, is he the answer? Is he finally the WR Holy Grail you've been searching for all these years Mr. Millen? He better be, for your jobs' sake. I know how many times we've heard the tale of, "this kid is a no miss...going to be one of the greatest ever.." and the kid ends up hurt, or just doesn't have the drive to excel in the NFL. I think this kid is something special, but Detroit has many holes and could have used the extra picks to trade down. I knew they would take the local kid Drew Stanton, QB Michigan St, and I think he will do great things in Detroit. He never really had any weapons as a Spartan, and was always fighting to score since his defense was about as good as France's. Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE Hawaii, might turn out to be a great pick as well if he can work on getting lower. If this happens, the NFC North needs to watch out. They added depth, with a few possible trophies in there, but may not be enough to save Matt Millen's job.

Draft Grades Day 2

25. Chicago Bears, C. I love that they were able to sit tight at 31 and Greg Olsen fell right into their lap. It was a great choice and one of the things that offense desperately needed. I also love the pick up of Beekman, G Boston College, as that line is getting up in years. I didn't see the need for Bazuin, they need tackles since their two starters are in their mid fifties. Garrett Wolfe, RB Northern Illinois, is an interesting pick and could be a steal and where it was a reach, I don't think it was too much at that point. A decent draft, but missed out on filling some definite needs.

24. Dallas Cowboys, C. I know, our BFFs, and they only receive a C. I think there is much work to be done in Dallas and I think they only helped themselves a little bit. I love the Anthony Spencer, DE Purdue, pick along with James Marten, OT Boston College, the rest of the draft however just seemed like a Picasso painting, sort of all over the place. Doug Free, OT Northern Illinois, could be a real steal but it also may have been a huge stretch at that point in the draft. There is nothing that just shouts at me that this was a bad draft, it was merely decent. Then again, we haven't seen this draft completed until we see the fruits of their trades next year.

23. St Louis Rams, C+. The Rams are a team that are in a weak division and are on the edge of dropping off into the lower realm of the NFL and excelling once again. Almost a contender and almost a door mat all at the same time. I like Adam Carriker, DE Nebraska, as that defense has been missing a presence since Grant Winstrom and he appears to be in the same mold. I love Brian Leonard, FB Rutgers, as a football player I just don't know if it fits into their offensive scheme. The rest of their draft was for moderate college football players and it appears that they were merely adding depth to their chart and not really looking for a true gem, even though the pick of Jonathan Wade, CB Tennessee, is intriguing since he's also a track star and the Rams do play indoors. Dustin Frye, C Clemson, is a solid choice in my opinion and should help pave the way for Stephen Jackson.

22. New York Giants, C+. Of course I love the pick of Aaron Ross, CB Texas, especially for a defense who has a great pass rush but no secondary to help that fact. They also stole Steve Smith, WR USC, from the rest of the NFL as they all dropped the ball on that one. If Eli doesn't get better with Steve Smith in his huddle then he is what I always said he would be, a mediocre quarterback riding the coattails of his brother. Jay Alford, DT Penn St, helps the youth movement in their D-Line and I think can really excel in NYC. Zak DeOssie, OLB Brown, may very well be the Giants version of Steve Trasker and I think Giants fans will love this kid. The rest of the draft didn't excite me however, and that's why it doesn't get much higher then this. A solid draft which could help Coughlin keep his job, but only time will tell there.

21. Kansas City Chiefs, C+. Looking back, I probably should have had the Giants above them, but they did do more to help their team I think then the Giants did. Dwayne Bowe, WR LSU, finally gives them a legit receiver and not just the random folks they've had the last few years. This grade also goes into them NOT trading Trent Green, why get nothing when you let him go June 1st when you could have had another draft pick. Turk McBride, DT Tennessee, was a HUGE stretch in the second round then to follow it up with Tank Tyler, DT NC State, was interesting though the players and their rounds probably should have been swapped. Kolby Smith, RB Louisville, is an interesting pick as someone to relieve Larry Johnson of having to run the ball 30 times a game. Michael Allen, TE Whitworth, could be a HUGE steal as this kid can block like an O-Lineman and catch the ball as well and Tony G isn't getting any younger.

20. Tennessee Titans, C+. I love how they continue to buy my support by turning the one time Houston Oilers into the Texas Longhorns. Michael Griffin, S Texas, was a superb pick even if they could have used a WR there. He gives that defense a mean streak that it desperately needs, especially when playing against Peyton Manning twice a year. Not quite sure about Chris Henry, RB Arizona, but Paul Williams, WR Fresno St, is built like a Greek god and I predict will be one of Vince Young's favorite targets for the next few years. Paul Williams may very well be the next TO, they are built almost identical and tends to have that same passion for excelling, without the me first attitude, could end up being the best WR taken in this draft. Antonio Johnson, DT Mississippi St, does what a great DT does, who occupies multiple blockers allowing his teammates to make the tackles and doesn't need the huge stats to know he's made a positive impact. They had ten draft picks, half of which could very well end up starters, a very solid draft for a very young team.

19. Houston Texans, C+. My future hometown team may have stole the best player in this draft with Amobi Okoye, DT Lousiville. This kid is a fucking prodigy and will only continue to succeed in his life and becomes the anchor in a defense next to Mario Williams. I see and begin to understand the Texans thinking now, when playing the Colts let us worry about stopping them before we worry about outscoring them. Fred Bennett, CB South Carolina, I think was a absolute steal in the fourth round and could end up starting before the year is over. Kasey Studdard, G Texas, is a great selection late. A hometown kid and has a chance to also start before the end of the year since the Texans have the absolute worst o-line in the NFL since their conception a few years ago. Jacoby Jones, WR Lane, may have been a stretch, but his since and relative inexperience could result in one of the biggest diamonds in this draft if he gets going. The rest add great depth to a young team still trying to find its identity.

Jerry Jones is my new BFF

Of course by now most of you have heard about how we, the Cleveland Browns, absolutely stole this draft. We had the best draft ever since our return to the NFL, and we couldn't have done it without our Bonnie to our Clyde, Jerry Jones. Not only did he allow us to get back into the first round to take the hometown kid, he also allowed us to get back into the second round to take maybe the best corner in this draft. We returned the favor, although way back in the sixth round, we still returned it. I wonder how Dallas is going to feel when we're not as bad as everyone expects and their first round pick is much later then theirs.

It matters not, Jerry Jones will probably deal those two picks to get to the top of the draft to get Ray Rice or someone of that nature next year anyways. In the end, this may have been the best day for Browns fans since the announcement that we were getting our team back. We have FINALLY got that core group of players that you need to be successful. We had all the extras to go with a team, just not that core, not that face. Well, it's here and the AFC North just became a four way race.

With that being said this week I will be giving my Draft grades for each team from worst to first. Seven today and tomorrow, six each day after that. I have read only Dr. Z's opinion of who did what so this is my own opinion, no one elses, but be warned, I'm usually right about this...most of the time, but other cases I blame on injury, Katzenmoyer.

32. Seattle Seahawks, D-. The only two players of notice I think for the Seahawks are Baraka Atkins, DE, Miami and Mansfield Wrotto, G, GA Tech. I like Wrotto a good deal, he was in my top ten of guards in the draft and I think it helps replace Hutchinson in the long run, not as good but at least reliable. Atkins will be a serviceable DE in to learn under Patrick Kearney. I think a good amount of their picks were stretches at people they believe will do better then they did in college. Marcus McCauley was still available but they went with the Maryland CB instead.

31. New Orleans Saints, D+. I liked the pick of Robert Meachem, even though I think for the fans you might have tried to trade up to get LSU's Dwayne Bowe, but that is only to make the fans happy, I don't see much space between Bowe and Meachem talent wise. The rest of the draft seemed to me to be one giant stretch, with all from small schools other then Antonio Pittman (which they traded up to get which made zero sense) and another Volunteer. If they turn out to be players, I will be pleasantly surprised but I do fear they really reached this year. The Pittman selection really boggled my mind, you have Deuce and Bush why Pittman? The only reasoning is that he will be the back who goes between the tackles so the mustangs are not injured or continually beat up.

30. Green Bay Packers, D+. When I think about the Packers draft all I can hear in my head is Carlos Mencina going, dee dee dee. I want to thank them on passing on Brady Quinn, but I seriously don't understand your thinking. You take Justin Harrell, which first round talent but I have this feeling he's going to be one of those guys you are shocked to find were first round picks five years from now. You had Bowe and Meachem on the board that could have helped Farve, but you go with Harrell. The only picks I liked by the Pack were Mason Crosby, the best kicker in the draft and Aaron Rouse, the safety from VA Tech. The rest seemed to be stretches and filler. Why draft two ILB when you have AJ Hawk, in a row non the less? Are we starting with the building of special teams before Defense and Offense?

29. Philidelphia Eagles, C-. In many ways I liked good portions of the Eagles middle round picks. I like the addition of Tony Hunt, RB Penn St, and Victor Abiamiri, DE Notre Dame, to their team. I think they fit well with the team chemistry. Taking Kevin Kolb, who I think may become very good, with your first pick (even if in the 2nd) was a mistake. He would have been there in the third for you. I mean, you could have given Donovan Dwayne Jarrett to play with but you passed to give your team a fourth quarterback. I think the Eagles had more needs then they actually addressed at the top of their draft and they dropped the ball in that sense. I didn't see much separation between Kolb and Jeff Rowe and Troy Smith who both went in the fifth.

28. Cincinnati Bengals, C-. Ah the Bengals managed to bungle another draft, breaks my heart it does. I like the picks of Leon Hall and Jeff Rowe, even if Hall has been beat by every big time receiver he played against. Hell, I really like it, it means Braylon Edwards will torch his fellow Wolverine when they play. Kenny Irons is my pick for biggest RB bust this draft, so that will be interesting to see if he gets any playing time with what they have already. Dan Santucci will be a serviceable guard for them to help alleviate the emptiness they must feel with Eric Steinbeck coming home to Cleveland. They merely had many holes to fill due to character problems that likely will happen and I don't know if they found those solutions here.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars, C. Trading down and still got Reggie Nelson was the best move they made, sadly it was a large draft filled with another case of stretching towards something that MAY be, not something that helps sooner rather then later. They did have eleven picks and I'm certain some of those players will at least be contributors in some fashion, if only special teams. Adam Podlesh is intriguing, a punter who runs a 4.43 40, don't know why you would need one, though if done right could make an onside kick VERY interesting. Then again, the Jaguars may just change another position of a player they take. I love Jack Del Rio and that's why this draft didn't fall farther, I think he knows what he's doing with this group of kids.

26. New York Jets, C. Only having four picks hurt their draft grade, and unlike the other teams with very few draft picks, I only really enjoyed their first two picks. Darrelle Revis, CB Pitt, and David Harris, ILB Michigan, I think are great additions to a defense that is getting very strong. The Jets definitely needed help in the secondary and he fills that immediate need. I like the pick of Harris because I think he is a football player, he just knows how to play the game and has a real passion for it. Plus if they are going to be moving or releasing one of their linebackers, this fills that hole as well. Jacob Bender I'm not too sure about, I would have moved up in the draft with the remaining picks, or one of next years, to continue to build that offensive line you got off to a great start with last year. It wouldn't matter who your running back was if the O-Line was that good to knock the defense on their collective ass.

That's it for the first batch, get ready for tomorrow as we finish out the twenties.

My Final Mock Draft

The draft is FINALLY here, and I'm sure my father right now is chuckling to himself in California thinking how obsessed I always was with the draft, hell below is evident of how I still am. With that being said, yes, there is some crazy ass trades in my mock draft, I think we'll see more first round trades then ever before on draft day. I almost pulled off one more trade (New England moving up and swap with Cleveland at 9 to take Okoye for both their first rounders) so we'll see how accurate I am. Monday I will give to everyone my percentage.

2007 NFL Mock Draft
1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers(via Trade with Detroit)- Calvin Johnson,WR, Georgia Tech
3. Miami Dolphins (via Trade with Cleveland) - Brady Quinn, QB, ND
4. Detroit Lions (via TB, received 4, 35, 64) - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
5. Arizona Cardinals - Levi Brown,OT, Penn St.
6. Chicago Bears(via Redskins, gave Lance Briggs and 37 for 6 and 2008 1st and 4th Rounds)- Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
7. Minnesota Vikings – Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
8. Atlanta Falcons – LaRon Landry, FS, LSU
9. Cleveland Browns (via Miami received 9, 40, 60) - Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
10. Houston Texans - Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Ohio St
11. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
12. Buffalo Bills - Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
13. St. Louis Rams - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
14. Carolina Panthers – Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
19. Tennessee Titans -. Dwayne Jarrett., WR, USC
20. New York Giants – Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
21. Denver Broncos – Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
22. Dallas Cowboys – Michael Griffin, S, Texas
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Robert Meacham, WR, Tennessee
24. New England Patriots (via Seattle) - Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida St.
25. New York Jets – Justin Blalock, OG/T, Texas
26. Philadelphia Eagles – Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
27. New Orleans Saints – Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
28. New England Patriots - Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
29. Baltimore Ravens - Arron Sears, OT, Tennessee
30. San Diego Chargers – Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
31. Chicago Bears – Jon Beason, OLB, Miami (FL)
32. Indianapolis Colts- Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.

ROUND 2
1.22.Oakland Raiders-Steve Smith, WR, USC
2.34.Detroit Lions- Antonio Pittman, RB, Ohio St.
3.35. Detroit Lions (via trade) - Marcus McCaulley, CB, Fresno St
4.36.Cleveland Browns- Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
5.37.Washington Redskins (via trade) - Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
6.38.Arizona Cardinals- Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
7.39.Atlanta Falcons - Sidney Rice WR, South Carolina
8.40.Cleveland Browns (via trade) - Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
9.41.Minnesota Vikings- Trent Edwards, QB, Stanford
10.42.San Francisco 49ers- Buster Davis, ILB, Florida St.
11.43.Buffalo Bills- Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
12.44.Atlanta Falcons - Quin Pitcock, DT, Ohio St.
13.45.Carolina Panthers- Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (FL)
14.46.Pittsburgh Steelers- Josh Beekman, OG, Boston College
15.47.Green Bay Packers- Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
16.48.Jacksonville Jaguars- Aaron Rouse, S, VA Tech
17.49.Cincinnati Bengals- Marshal Yanda, OG, Iowa
18.50.Tennessee Titans- Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida
19.51.N.Y. Giants- Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
20.52.St. Louis Rams- Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR, UTEP
21.53.Dallas Cowboys- Tim Duckworth, OG, Auburn
22.54.Kansas City Chiefs- Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan St.
23.55.Seattle Seahawks- Tony Ugoh, OG, Arkansas
24.56.Denver Broncos- Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia
25.57.Philadelphia Eagles- David Harris, ILB, Michigan
26.58.New Orleans Saints-HB Blades, ILB, Pitt
27.59.N.Y. Jets- Jon Abbate, ILB, Wake Forest
28.60.Cleveland Browns (via trade) - Ryan Kalil, C, USC
29.61.Baltimore Ravens- John Beck, QB, BYU
30.62.San Diego Chargers- Craig Davis, WR, LSU
31.63.N.Y. Jets (from Chicago)-Stewart Bradley, OLB, Nebraska
32.64.Detroit Lions (via trade)- Ben Grubs, OG, Auburn

Throwback Thursday pt. 2

I could watch that all day and still smile while I squirm

Time for the NFL Draft

Well, not quite yet.

I have always loved the NFL Draft, ever since it was on ESPN. As a child I would sit there with paper and some type of writing utensil and write down what team took what player. I used to do all the rounds, even back when they had 15 rounds. So naturally Mock Drafts amuse me and piss me off at the same time.

I am now going to present to you my 2007 NFL Mock Draft. It is half of what I THINK will happen and half what I believe SHOULD happen. I even included a Draft Day trade, a swap of spots, if only to appease myself.

2007 NFL Mock Draft
1. Oakland Raiders - JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
I’m not going to disagree with everyone who is predicting this. This however changes if they trade Randy Moss, then I say Calvin Johnson. If that happens then I must redo this complete draft.
2. Detroit Lions - Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
Millen attempts to save his job, even though he is watering at the though of drafting Calvin Johnson right here.
3. Miami Dolphins (via trade with Cleveland for 1st and 3rd )- Brady Quinn, QB, ND
They can’t risk losing him to the Buccs, and don’t believe in Dante.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
Gruden takes the best player available to help his ailing offense.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
The Cards are pretty set on Offense for a pick this high, they take a Defensive player
6. Washington Redskins - Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
The Skins try to inject something into their sack attack
7. Minnesota Vikings – Ted Ginn Jr, WR, Ohio St
They take Ginn over Jarrett due to his return ability
8. Houston Texans – Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
They are salivating once the Vikings choose Ginn over Peterson
9. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Miami)- Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
Forget this notion that we’re taking a QB in the first round. The decision makers know that we need a defense that can stop people before worrying about putting up points
10. Atlanta Falcons - LaRon Landry, FS, LSU
The Falcons take a good amount of time debating over Landry and Jarrett but decide to make their Secondary viscious
11. San Francisco 49ers – Dwayne Jarrett., WR, USC
The Niners keep it in state as they get some much needed targets for Alex Smith.
12. Buffalo Bills - Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
Now we understand why the Bills let Nate Clements go, or at least a portion of why.
13. St. Louis Rams - Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida St.
The Rams hope to get some defensive help in their depleted LB corps
14. Carolina Panthers – Buster Davis, ILB, Florida St.
The Panthers choose the playmaker Davis over Willis to replace Dan Morgan.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
The Steelers stay local to help their depleted secondary.
16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
They allow Green to go Free Agency as they take the top RB left in the draft.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia
They have a solid inside, they try to create more of a pass rush.
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
The Bungles add the one element their offense has lacked the last few years.
19. Tennessee Titans - Robert Meacham, WR, Tennessee
They choose the local boy over Bowe to give Vince some more targets.
20. New York Giants - Levi Brown, OT, Penn St.
The loss of two of their tackles make this a necessity pick instead of taking a WR.
21. Denver Broncos – Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
The loss of one of their Corners to that shooting makes this an obvious choice, unless they are able to get Dre Bly from the Lions.
22. Dallas Cowboys – Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Wade Phillips is a defensive guy and he can’t pass up on this young sutd.
23. Kansas City Chiefs – Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
Their O-Line is getting up in the years and they take our first Combine Stud.
24. New England Patriots (via Seattle) - Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Tom Brady once again has a WR who can catch the ball and isn’t a Gator.
25. New York Jets – Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
Mangini continues the idea that did well for him last year, build your O-Line.
26. Philadelphia Eagles – Sidney Rice WR, South Carolina
The Eagles are in need of some drastic WR help, and as such they take the best available.
27. New Orleans Saints – Michael Allen, TE, Whitworth
Our second combine stud, the Saints know what Brees did with a great TE, they try for another one here.
28. New England Patriots - Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn St.
They continue with their strategy of take the best player still on the board.
29. Baltimore Ravens - Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
Things will break down with Jamal Lewis of some kind and they will need a replacement but for some reason do not go for Michael Bush
30. San Diego Chargers – Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.
The Chargers need more weapons for Norv and their young quarterback.
31. Chicago Bears – Marcus McCaulley, CB, Fresno St
The Bears have had great success with Bulldogs, and their secondary was ripped in the Playoffs.
32. Indianapolis Colts- Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
The Colts still need some LB help and they take the best one available.
ROUND 2
1.22.Oakland Raiders-Steve Smith, WR, USC
Reunites him with Kiffin
2.34.Detroit Lions- Ben Grubs, OG, Auburn
Lions try actually building their O-Line for the first time…ever.
3.35.Tampa Bay Buccanears-Quentin Moses, DE, Florida
Simeon Rice is not getting any younger
4.36.Cleveland Browns-Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
Could play DE or OLB in a 3-4, we get the player I want after seeing him in the National Title game
5.37.N.Y. Jets (from Washington)-Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
The Jets corners are abysmal, they need an upgrade
6.38.Arizona Cardinals-Arron Sears, OT, Tennessee
Try to get some protection for Leinart
7.39.Houston Texans-Michael Griffin, S, Texas
They stay local to continue to boost their Defense
8.40.Miami Dolphins-Brandon Siler, ILB, Florida
Dolphins D isn’t getting any younger, they stay in state
9.41.Minnesota Vikings-Michael Bush, RB, Louisville
Too good of a player to pass at this point in the draft
10.42.San Francisco 49ers-Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Niners need some d-line help badly
11.43.Buffalo Bills-Quin Pitcock, DT, Ohio St.
They’re going for the youth movement, need a d-line
12.44.Atlanta Falcons-Victor Abiamiri, DE, ND
They look to be losing Kerney soon, they need a replacement
13.45.Carolina Panthers-Dan Mozes, C, West Virginia
The Panthers take what they think is the best o-lineman available
14.46.Pittsburgh Steelers-Aaron Rouse, S, VA Tech
With the health of Troy in question, they may need a replacement soon
15.47.Green Bay Packers-Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR, UTEP
They give Farve a speed burner for likely his last year
16.48.Jacksonville Jaguars-Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
They need some secondary help, they take the best CB available
17.49.Cincinnati Bengals-Josh Beekman, OG, Boston College
They need to replace Steinbach, they take the best OG on the board
18.50.Tennessee Titans-David Harris, ILB, Michigan
The Titans could use an upgrade at the ILB position
19.51.N.Y. Giants-Tanard Jackson, CB, Syracuse
They need to upgrade that CB position desperately
20.52.St. Louis Rams-Marshal Yanda, OG, Iowa
They’re losing Timmerman, they need a replacement
21.53.Dallas Cowboys-Ryan Kalil, C, USC
They don’t have a true starting C, they need one for their young QB
22.54.Kansas City Chiefs-Craig Davis, WR, LSU
They need to upgrade their WR unit severely
23.55.Seattle Seahawks-Tim Duckworth, OG, Auburn
They haven’t recovered since they lost their star OG last year
24.56.Denver Broncoes-Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue
The Browns version 2.0 d-line is faultering now
25.57.Philadelphia Eagles-Jon Beason, OLB, Miami (FL)
Probably their weakest spot on defense
26.58.New Orleans Saints-HB Blades, ILB, Pitt
Definitely need an upgrade at the ILB position
27.59.N.Y. Jets-Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
They need some inside help, they take the best DT on the board
28.60.New England- Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware
After losing their TE they take this stud Blue Hen
29.61.Baltimore Ravens-Earl Everett, OLB, Florida
Their LB Corps is not getting any younger and you need a replacement
30.62.San Diego Chargers-Jon Abbate, ILB, Wake Forest
They’re likely letting Edwards go, need someone in the middle
31.63.Chicago Bears-Stewart Bradley, OLB, Nebraska
They definitely need to fill the hole left by Lance Briggs
32.64.Tampa Bay (from Indianapolis)-Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (FL)
Gruden hopes lightning strikes twice and Brandon is this year’s Hester

Super Sunday...

Super Bowl Sunday, a National holiday for the majority of the USA, and sadly I had to watch Peyton Manning win a ring...god I hate that douche bag. Yes, I was cheering for the Bears, despite the repugnant nature of their fans during the NFC Championship game. Add Peyton Manning with a coach I respect for his abilities but not his beliefs (hardcore Christian, very anti-gay) and you have a team I can easily cheer against. It was a decent enough game until the fourth quarter when Rex Grossman remembered he was...Rex Grossman. Of course Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff, he's a Hurricane back in Miami, and it naturally made sense. A part of me is still shocked Manning was able to beat a Florida QB in Florida though.

Commercials were decent enough, with Bud Light and CareerBuilder.com as the front runners for the funniest commercials. Bud Light threw a perfect game, and I loved the gladiator office, sounds way to fun to me. Yes, I want to do a gladiator office in this place, could alleviate many things in my head. It was also nice to see Carlos Mencia get introduced to the national audience, he deserves to get very well known, damn funny comedian.

I know many are talking about how awesome Prince was, and I sure he was, but I was outside smoking a clove and didn't really hear any of it. Though I'm sure there was no music from Batman and so naturally I'm disappointed. I understand wearing the Dolphins colors because you're in Miami, other then that I have no idea why he wore what he wore. I mean, was he afraid of getting hit in the dark by a car?

On a side note, I understand that the NFL doesn't want to play the Super Bowl in any stadium where weather may be a factor, but does that matter any more? I mean yesterday's game was played in a monsoon, why can't they play in a blizzard in Green Bay? I think the Super Bowl should rotate to every NFL stadium, it’s only fair. It helps generate revenue for cities that don't have the usually large tourist base, which places like Miami and San Diego already have. I would love to see San Diego vs. Tampa Bay in Buffalo with snow falling six feet deep. Also, lower your ticket prices so that the real fans can actually afford to go to the Super Bowl. Yesterday was ridiculous; the Super Bowl should not be so empty that it looked like a Dolphins home game.

Anita and I went and saw The Messengers on Friday night, and as entertaining as it was we couldn't shake the feeling that we had seen it before. Was it the smoking man from the X-Files? No, that wasn't it...perhaps the leading man from My Big Fat Greek Wedding? Still, just not quite close enough...oh I know what it was! It was the fact that the movie could have been called The Grudge: North Dakota. Decent movie and all, we enjoyed it, but it was still The Grudge: North Dakota.