Friday, March 28, 2008
Just Bad
I haven't been this angry the day after a loss in a long time. In fact, I don't know if ever. I really don't have anything nice to say today. Well, not like I ever really have anything nice to say on here, but you want none of this today. Trust me. Only thing is, don't be surprised if Bruce Pearl is the head coach and Indiana next year. I don't know where his head is, but I'm telling you it wasn't in this tournament.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
How Terrible is A-Rod?
If you read No Owens, you understand that is an underlying lack of taste for a few prominent sports figures. Phil Mickelson, Derek Jeter, Michelle's Kwan and Wie, Brady Quinn are the biggest. Along with A-Rod. And now, he just goes and does it again.
Earlier this week, for whatever reason, A-Rod felt the need to tell the Post or the Times, I forget which one, that he wished he'd never signed with Texas and gone to the Mets. He would have been something great, on a great team, and he did admit that he took the money in Texas. I mean, he denied it for how long? It's not like everyone who follows baseball knows he followed the cash. And it's really ok. Most guys do. At least own it though.
How can we leave this out. He said he should have gone to the Mets. I'm sure that's exactly what all of the Yankee fans who are irritated that they haven't won a Series since the Paul O'Neil era want hear. He might as well talk about how he was almost a member of the Red Sox. You all know how I feel...Manny is the best right handed hitter in baseball, period.
But A-Rod, apparently, tries really hard to do everything right. Which on the field, other than coming up with big hits when it does actually count, he does. He gives monster cash to the U which is where he was going to play his college ball before he went number one overall. I mean, the stadium has his name on it. He tries to deal with the press. Not well. He always dresses well and has one smokin' hot wife, but the guy, for lack of a better word, is an idiot when it comes to deal with his personal image. He can't win, and it's his fault.
We talk about the lack of maturity that the high school kids in the NBA have. But how many careers in baseball have been like A-Rod's? The guy was drafted in 1993 as one of the best prospects ever. He saw 17 games in the bigs at the age of 18. 48 games at 19. At the age of 20, he hit .358 and won his only batting title. I mean, look at his stat line for that year: http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rodrial01.shtml
It's unreal. At 20, he had probably his best season ever, even when you take into consideration that he was hitting second in the lineup, in front of Junior, Edgar and that Jay Buhner. By 25, he'd signed the biggest contract in the history of professional sports.
Again, we've talked about the basketball players. This guy has had more come to him at a faster pace than just about anyone. With no time to mature. I get it. This guy expects the world because it's been given to him. He tries to give back and that's nice. But the fact of the matter is that he still has no maturity. He still can't handle himself. He wasn't born with it and it's a skill he hasn't yet grasped. Jeter was a prospect much like A-Rod, but at least Jeter has the ability to be savvy. A-Rod just doesn't have it, just like you and I can't hit 50 jacks a year. So do I feel bad for the amount of pressure this guy has had to deal with? No. At 250 million dollar signs to play baseball, something we would kill to do for 50 thousand, no. He doesn't deserve it. He needs to learn to be an adult. And he still can't. Maybe he doesn't deserve the cash anyway.
Jose Canseco's new book allegedly states that Canseco introduced A-Rod to a steroid dealer at a party. A-Rod later tried to go plumbing with the guy's wife. Did anything happen? Well, A-Rod has nothing to say whatsoever about it to the press. The thing is...as trashy as Canseco is, he seems to be correct just about 100% of the time. Look what happened to Clemens when he decided to ignore the allegations. We are talking about the next 700 home run hitter here. I mean, if you could ignore how much bigger A-Rod has gotten since Seattle, you'd be one thing. A liar. I put those pics up that time. Go find them if you'd like. Moral of the story is that if Canseco calls you out, you're in trouble.
I don't feel bad for A-Rod. Not one bit. No one should. The guy is a plague. He's a terrible clubhouse guy who is as close to Barry Bonds in about every category as it gets. A-Rod likes Armani a whole lot more, other than that, there isn't much. So don't ignore this A-Rod stuff, but think about it like the basketball kids who have never grown up. Or like Deion Sanders. Oh, A-Rod and Bonds have another thing in common. No ring.
Earlier this week, for whatever reason, A-Rod felt the need to tell the Post or the Times, I forget which one, that he wished he'd never signed with Texas and gone to the Mets. He would have been something great, on a great team, and he did admit that he took the money in Texas. I mean, he denied it for how long? It's not like everyone who follows baseball knows he followed the cash. And it's really ok. Most guys do. At least own it though.
How can we leave this out. He said he should have gone to the Mets. I'm sure that's exactly what all of the Yankee fans who are irritated that they haven't won a Series since the Paul O'Neil era want hear. He might as well talk about how he was almost a member of the Red Sox. You all know how I feel...Manny is the best right handed hitter in baseball, period.
But A-Rod, apparently, tries really hard to do everything right. Which on the field, other than coming up with big hits when it does actually count, he does. He gives monster cash to the U which is where he was going to play his college ball before he went number one overall. I mean, the stadium has his name on it. He tries to deal with the press. Not well. He always dresses well and has one smokin' hot wife, but the guy, for lack of a better word, is an idiot when it comes to deal with his personal image. He can't win, and it's his fault.
We talk about the lack of maturity that the high school kids in the NBA have. But how many careers in baseball have been like A-Rod's? The guy was drafted in 1993 as one of the best prospects ever. He saw 17 games in the bigs at the age of 18. 48 games at 19. At the age of 20, he hit .358 and won his only batting title. I mean, look at his stat line for that year: http://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rodrial01.shtml
It's unreal. At 20, he had probably his best season ever, even when you take into consideration that he was hitting second in the lineup, in front of Junior, Edgar and that Jay Buhner. By 25, he'd signed the biggest contract in the history of professional sports.
Again, we've talked about the basketball players. This guy has had more come to him at a faster pace than just about anyone. With no time to mature. I get it. This guy expects the world because it's been given to him. He tries to give back and that's nice. But the fact of the matter is that he still has no maturity. He still can't handle himself. He wasn't born with it and it's a skill he hasn't yet grasped. Jeter was a prospect much like A-Rod, but at least Jeter has the ability to be savvy. A-Rod just doesn't have it, just like you and I can't hit 50 jacks a year. So do I feel bad for the amount of pressure this guy has had to deal with? No. At 250 million dollar signs to play baseball, something we would kill to do for 50 thousand, no. He doesn't deserve it. He needs to learn to be an adult. And he still can't. Maybe he doesn't deserve the cash anyway.
Jose Canseco's new book allegedly states that Canseco introduced A-Rod to a steroid dealer at a party. A-Rod later tried to go plumbing with the guy's wife. Did anything happen? Well, A-Rod has nothing to say whatsoever about it to the press. The thing is...as trashy as Canseco is, he seems to be correct just about 100% of the time. Look what happened to Clemens when he decided to ignore the allegations. We are talking about the next 700 home run hitter here. I mean, if you could ignore how much bigger A-Rod has gotten since Seattle, you'd be one thing. A liar. I put those pics up that time. Go find them if you'd like. Moral of the story is that if Canseco calls you out, you're in trouble.
I don't feel bad for A-Rod. Not one bit. No one should. The guy is a plague. He's a terrible clubhouse guy who is as close to Barry Bonds in about every category as it gets. A-Rod likes Armani a whole lot more, other than that, there isn't much. So don't ignore this A-Rod stuff, but think about it like the basketball kids who have never grown up. Or like Deion Sanders. Oh, A-Rod and Bonds have another thing in common. No ring.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Production Meetings
Remember last week what the world was talking about? No Owens didn't get into it because of how absurd it was. But it is now necessary to recap.
Sometime after the brackets were unveiled, Bob Knight, excuse me, ESPN Analyst Bob Knight (do you think he has a business card?) came out and said how they should do away with the automatic bids for the tourney and double the field and play it out. All of a sudden, about half of the ESPN "crew" agreed with Coach Knight.
I didn't get into it because this is the most absurd thing I've ever heard of. Why would you do that? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This year we have only two #2 seeds in the Sweet 16 (No Owens has both WV and Davidson by the way) not to mention there was a 12-13 game resulting in Western Kentucky hitting the Sweet 16 after winning a game in the most dramatic fashion. Games have been great this year. Why do we need to change anything?
So this week what have we got. We have Dicky V coming out on Monday saying that players shouldn't be able to foul out of games. Um. Thanks Dick. The reasoning being that officials have too much control over a game and after one player gets in trouble, say it's a key player, a team is completely effected.
Apparently V had Georgetown doing something in the tourney. They ogre Hibbert was in foul trouble all day in the second round and allowed that crazy little sophomore from Davidson to get in the lane and shoot runners...when he wasn't crushing threes. Davidson was going to win that game regardless. Georgetown doesn't play a tourney like game these days. Davidson has the hot player. Ask Wally's World about what one person can do.
Regardless. V said that maybe after the fifth foul, you get two shots and the ball. Ok. What's going to stop that ogre from just hacking people all over the place? I mean, go big or go home, right? Knight and V are so out of line, I just find it hard that they would actually come up with some ridiculous scheme like that.
Is it a coincidence that all this is happening? I mean, I listen to some ESPN Radio, only because I can't stand amateur mornings on the radio in Nashville. And I like the legit guests they bring on. But seriously...what do the ESPN executives talk about in their production meetings? I mean, they have to say something like, "Look, let's come up with something ridiculous. Then we'll have someone reputable back it and have the whole country talk about it for a week, until we have to come up with something else ridiculous."
I mean, these concepts are out there. And how can you take anyone who comes up with/agrees with this seriously? I miss old school ESPN. Before it became a beauty contest. Give me info. I don't really care what you think. That's why you read No Owens.
Sometime after the brackets were unveiled, Bob Knight, excuse me, ESPN Analyst Bob Knight (do you think he has a business card?) came out and said how they should do away with the automatic bids for the tourney and double the field and play it out. All of a sudden, about half of the ESPN "crew" agreed with Coach Knight.
I didn't get into it because this is the most absurd thing I've ever heard of. Why would you do that? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. This year we have only two #2 seeds in the Sweet 16 (No Owens has both WV and Davidson by the way) not to mention there was a 12-13 game resulting in Western Kentucky hitting the Sweet 16 after winning a game in the most dramatic fashion. Games have been great this year. Why do we need to change anything?
So this week what have we got. We have Dicky V coming out on Monday saying that players shouldn't be able to foul out of games. Um. Thanks Dick. The reasoning being that officials have too much control over a game and after one player gets in trouble, say it's a key player, a team is completely effected.
Apparently V had Georgetown doing something in the tourney. They ogre Hibbert was in foul trouble all day in the second round and allowed that crazy little sophomore from Davidson to get in the lane and shoot runners...when he wasn't crushing threes. Davidson was going to win that game regardless. Georgetown doesn't play a tourney like game these days. Davidson has the hot player. Ask Wally's World about what one person can do.
Regardless. V said that maybe after the fifth foul, you get two shots and the ball. Ok. What's going to stop that ogre from just hacking people all over the place? I mean, go big or go home, right? Knight and V are so out of line, I just find it hard that they would actually come up with some ridiculous scheme like that.
Is it a coincidence that all this is happening? I mean, I listen to some ESPN Radio, only because I can't stand amateur mornings on the radio in Nashville. And I like the legit guests they bring on. But seriously...what do the ESPN executives talk about in their production meetings? I mean, they have to say something like, "Look, let's come up with something ridiculous. Then we'll have someone reputable back it and have the whole country talk about it for a week, until we have to come up with something else ridiculous."
I mean, these concepts are out there. And how can you take anyone who comes up with/agrees with this seriously? I miss old school ESPN. Before it became a beauty contest. Give me info. I don't really care what you think. That's why you read No Owens.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Day One?
A strong effort tourney side yesterday. How ridiculous was that X UGA game? (Xavier will only be referred to at No Owens as X. This is because when you write in your pick for them on a bracket, putting anything besides X is unacceptable. Hence, chalk up another rule in No Owens grammar) That game was about the most dangerous thing I've ever seen. It looked like a warzone out there and that point guard for X was a kamikaze. I love that team. Too bad the Vols took care of business on the road with them earlier in the year.
Do any of us need another reason to dislike Duke's hoops program? I mean, I still don't understand why the McD's All American starting five goes there every year since they don't really produce NBA players. I know I am an advocate for college coaches coaching college sports, but in terms of basketball, we are really in the Escalade generation. I don't get it. Anyway they barely got passed Belmont. I didn't see the game as I was with Mike eating at Ruth's Chris. Fair trade. Some of us have West Virginia beating Duke in round two. I'd hate to be the rest of you.
The thing is, of all the teams that were the most impressive yesterday, you have to look at really two. Remember back in the 90's when the #1 seeds would win first round games but more than doubling up their opponents? I mean, Duke would beat someone 106-38? That hasn't been happening recently. Kansas took care of business yesterday, old school. They look good. Be scared. The only thing is the other most impressive team was Kansas State. Some of us have the two meeting in the CoPat. Be afraid of Beasley. He's a beast and so is that other guy. You know the other top 10 overall player that went to play for Huggins? Yeah, we tend to forget about him. Not like I know his name or anything.
I'll leave you with this. Yesterday OfSean Stevenson started talking smack the TheBron again. What is this guy thinking? He even told TheBron to stop copying him because of his beard. First, that's a Baron Davis thing...see like the first week of No Owens posts. Second, why doesn't Stevenson just call out Tiger Woods, or Wayne Gretzky, or MJ for that matter. Apparently, this guy is beyond legit.
Do any of us need another reason to dislike Duke's hoops program? I mean, I still don't understand why the McD's All American starting five goes there every year since they don't really produce NBA players. I know I am an advocate for college coaches coaching college sports, but in terms of basketball, we are really in the Escalade generation. I don't get it. Anyway they barely got passed Belmont. I didn't see the game as I was with Mike eating at Ruth's Chris. Fair trade. Some of us have West Virginia beating Duke in round two. I'd hate to be the rest of you.
The thing is, of all the teams that were the most impressive yesterday, you have to look at really two. Remember back in the 90's when the #1 seeds would win first round games but more than doubling up their opponents? I mean, Duke would beat someone 106-38? That hasn't been happening recently. Kansas took care of business yesterday, old school. They look good. Be scared. The only thing is the other most impressive team was Kansas State. Some of us have the two meeting in the CoPat. Be afraid of Beasley. He's a beast and so is that other guy. You know the other top 10 overall player that went to play for Huggins? Yeah, we tend to forget about him. Not like I know his name or anything.
I'll leave you with this. Yesterday OfSean Stevenson started talking smack the TheBron again. What is this guy thinking? He even told TheBron to stop copying him because of his beard. First, that's a Baron Davis thing...see like the first week of No Owens posts. Second, why doesn't Stevenson just call out Tiger Woods, or Wayne Gretzky, or MJ for that matter. Apparently, this guy is beyond legit.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
National Holiday Stance
Today/tomorrow are the two most important days of the year in sports, and for that matter, arguably everything. There isn't a sporting event like the tourney that everyone can relate to. Whoever invented the bracket pool is a genius. Not only has he probably lost more money than the rest of us over time, but he created a sense of community around a sporting event. We all have one team who is our go to team during the year, but often times that team doesn't make the tourney or have a shot at the title. I have the Vols. I don't fit in that category.
But for the most part, you can root for your bracket because you want 60% of that take in your office, plus bragging rights for the next year. "Hey remember when you actually picked Kansas to beat Arizona in 1996?" That's a line I use often. I was in 7th grade I think and everyone in the Ernst and Young office in Chicago hated me. I didn't care. Still don't. Good think accounting isn't in my repertoire.
Moral of the story is, I'm showing up to work today. I'm going to crush work until about 11, which I guess includes doing this, and then I'm signing into CBS and watching games on my 24 inch LCD panel. It's going to be great, other than I won't be crushing beers at the CPM.
I am getting paid though. Much like many of you who read this at work and waste your boss' time, today, I'm going to waste more than the 20 minutes it takes me to get this posting done. I'm going to waste the entire afternoon. In fact, I'm probably going to waste most of the morning too because I can't do anything besides think about how excited I am about basketball. What's funny is that you are the exact same way. Everyone is the same. Why do we work today? The workaholics out there probably have a good reason. The rest of us normal people don't. Today should be like the Thanksgiving weekend...the Thursday-Friday bonus. It's not.
Many of you know that since about the 6th grade, I have been formulating the best political platform in the history of the world. It rocks. I've even recently solved the health care "problems" in America. We can get to that another time. Should I run for President some day, I will also throw on my platform that the first Thursday-Friday of the tourney are National Holidays, celebrating the greatest event in American sports. I think that's fair. So do you. We aren't being productive anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. WAYNE CHISM STYLE.
But for the most part, you can root for your bracket because you want 60% of that take in your office, plus bragging rights for the next year. "Hey remember when you actually picked Kansas to beat Arizona in 1996?" That's a line I use often. I was in 7th grade I think and everyone in the Ernst and Young office in Chicago hated me. I didn't care. Still don't. Good think accounting isn't in my repertoire.
Moral of the story is, I'm showing up to work today. I'm going to crush work until about 11, which I guess includes doing this, and then I'm signing into CBS and watching games on my 24 inch LCD panel. It's going to be great, other than I won't be crushing beers at the CPM.
I am getting paid though. Much like many of you who read this at work and waste your boss' time, today, I'm going to waste more than the 20 minutes it takes me to get this posting done. I'm going to waste the entire afternoon. In fact, I'm probably going to waste most of the morning too because I can't do anything besides think about how excited I am about basketball. What's funny is that you are the exact same way. Everyone is the same. Why do we work today? The workaholics out there probably have a good reason. The rest of us normal people don't. Today should be like the Thanksgiving weekend...the Thursday-Friday bonus. It's not.
Many of you know that since about the 6th grade, I have been formulating the best political platform in the history of the world. It rocks. I've even recently solved the health care "problems" in America. We can get to that another time. Should I run for President some day, I will also throw on my platform that the first Thursday-Friday of the tourney are National Holidays, celebrating the greatest event in American sports. I think that's fair. So do you. We aren't being productive anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. WAYNE CHISM STYLE.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Draft Will Continue Tomorrow
For anyone that missed it, and it may be possible, the Houston Rockets own the second longest winning streak in NBA history and they will until some team comes along and wins 23 straight. The thing is, after last night they don't have a chance to extend their lead.
The Rockets lost last night, at home, to the Boston Celtics who played without Ray Allen. I just want to make this point quickly. The Rockets didn't get much respect for the streak. I really don't understand why. There are plenty of "experts" out there that will tell you "look at who they've played" and lines like that. I want to remind you of one thing first. The second most recent loss was in a time when the Patriots were still undefeated. To go for such an extended period time, in a professional league without a loss in unreal.
I've been on this before and I'll do it again. Some teams are better than others in all of the sports leagues, but they are all professionals. They are the very very best in the world at what they do. And night in and night out players face players that are for the most part on the same playing field...otherwise they wouldn't be professionals. There's a reason that North Carolina is going to crush Copping State or Mount Saint Marys, or whoever won that game last night. I think it was the dark grey team...and there's a reason they don't play but maybe once a year. They aren't in the same league. The NBA teams are for the most part, on any given night, on the same playing field. The fact that the Rockets beat that many teams in a row, in professional sports, is unreal and those who try to depreciate it are just flat out stupid. I can't come up with another word for stupid except for wrong. There's a reason it doesn't happen often.
Chances are, you don't care. Not because you disagree with this point, but because you don't care about the NBA. It happens often. But respect the wins and the streak. The Lakers didn't win those games in a row.
The Rockets lost last night, at home, to the Boston Celtics who played without Ray Allen. I just want to make this point quickly. The Rockets didn't get much respect for the streak. I really don't understand why. There are plenty of "experts" out there that will tell you "look at who they've played" and lines like that. I want to remind you of one thing first. The second most recent loss was in a time when the Patriots were still undefeated. To go for such an extended period time, in a professional league without a loss in unreal.
I've been on this before and I'll do it again. Some teams are better than others in all of the sports leagues, but they are all professionals. They are the very very best in the world at what they do. And night in and night out players face players that are for the most part on the same playing field...otherwise they wouldn't be professionals. There's a reason that North Carolina is going to crush Copping State or Mount Saint Marys, or whoever won that game last night. I think it was the dark grey team...and there's a reason they don't play but maybe once a year. They aren't in the same league. The NBA teams are for the most part, on any given night, on the same playing field. The fact that the Rockets beat that many teams in a row, in professional sports, is unreal and those who try to depreciate it are just flat out stupid. I can't come up with another word for stupid except for wrong. There's a reason it doesn't happen often.
Chances are, you don't care. Not because you disagree with this point, but because you don't care about the NBA. It happens often. But respect the wins and the streak. The Lakers didn't win those games in a row.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Draft Break, Round Two
I would imagine all of you out there, so many of you in fact, were really fired up about yesterday's post. Well, I apologize for it not happening. Today, we get into the seeding and there are a couple of strong topics to discuss.
First Virginia Tech fan, you should not have gotten in. Why? Well, you play in the ACC? You have to beat people in the ACC in order to qualify for the tourney. I mean, at least Florida had quality wins in the SEC, unlike the Hokies. Billy Donovan isn't complaining. He's cutting scholarships. Correct move.
Second Arizona State fan, no one cares. Neither you nor Arizona fan has any real reason to care. Why? Either of you wouldn't/won't get out of the first round. Therefore, the only thing that Sun Devils are missing out on is a little vacation paid for by the NCAA. A one day vacation. At least the Sun Devils players can probably hit the beach for Spring Break.
Third Tennessee and Wisconsin fans, you are about the only ones allowed to be upset about the bracket. You guys got shafted. Wisconsin, Big Ten regular season and tourney champions, get a three-seed. The fifth ranked team in America is a three-seed. No Owens is very anti-Big Ten but even that is absurd. Why didn't they get a two? Oh, yeah. Because DUKE grabbed one in stead. You know, Duke who is only ranked in the top ten because they're DUKE. No championships on the year, Duke? Nice job committee.
Back to you (us) Tennessee fan. Here's my question to the committee: what is the purpose of having the RPI? What is the purpose of going on the road and getting the biggest road win of the year out of conference? Not to mention playing the toughest schedule in the country? Apparently, all of that stuff means nothing. It means that Kansas has a better name than Tennessee does, actually. You know what's also funny? According to that committee, they look at the body of work. You know, because of all of Kansas' out of conference road wins were really impressive. Did they go Memphis and win? What about Xavier? Here's the thing...if what they are saying is really true, and that Tennessee losing to Arkansas (who played the game of their lives) wasn't important, it means that before the conference tourneys started, the committee knew that Tennessee was going to be a two-seed and not a one! They say the loss didn't matter. That means it was pre-meditated. Great. Thanks. Also, Tennessee has the hardest road to get to the CoPat (E8) than anyone else in the country, other than Memphis who won't get passed Pitt. And if they get there, hello North Carolina! In North Carolina! Yes!
Here's the thing about Tennessee. I believe if they want a shot at the title, or for anyone for that matter, they have to get through Psycho T and his cast of characters. So, having to play UNC isn't really all that bad because it would have to happen eventually. But, playing them in essence at their place is pretty awful. I'm pretty sure that Tennessee would have preferred to travel an extra couple hundred miles in another direction to play Kansas. No dice.
The selection committee actually usually gets it right. This is why one and two seeds are usually the predominant teams in the CoPat and the Final Four. That being said, they really jobbed a few teams. And to be honest, no one outside that committee room knows why.
First Virginia Tech fan, you should not have gotten in. Why? Well, you play in the ACC? You have to beat people in the ACC in order to qualify for the tourney. I mean, at least Florida had quality wins in the SEC, unlike the Hokies. Billy Donovan isn't complaining. He's cutting scholarships. Correct move.
Second Arizona State fan, no one cares. Neither you nor Arizona fan has any real reason to care. Why? Either of you wouldn't/won't get out of the first round. Therefore, the only thing that Sun Devils are missing out on is a little vacation paid for by the NCAA. A one day vacation. At least the Sun Devils players can probably hit the beach for Spring Break.
Third Tennessee and Wisconsin fans, you are about the only ones allowed to be upset about the bracket. You guys got shafted. Wisconsin, Big Ten regular season and tourney champions, get a three-seed. The fifth ranked team in America is a three-seed. No Owens is very anti-Big Ten but even that is absurd. Why didn't they get a two? Oh, yeah. Because DUKE grabbed one in stead. You know, Duke who is only ranked in the top ten because they're DUKE. No championships on the year, Duke? Nice job committee.
Back to you (us) Tennessee fan. Here's my question to the committee: what is the purpose of having the RPI? What is the purpose of going on the road and getting the biggest road win of the year out of conference? Not to mention playing the toughest schedule in the country? Apparently, all of that stuff means nothing. It means that Kansas has a better name than Tennessee does, actually. You know what's also funny? According to that committee, they look at the body of work. You know, because of all of Kansas' out of conference road wins were really impressive. Did they go Memphis and win? What about Xavier? Here's the thing...if what they are saying is really true, and that Tennessee losing to Arkansas (who played the game of their lives) wasn't important, it means that before the conference tourneys started, the committee knew that Tennessee was going to be a two-seed and not a one! They say the loss didn't matter. That means it was pre-meditated. Great. Thanks. Also, Tennessee has the hardest road to get to the CoPat (E8) than anyone else in the country, other than Memphis who won't get passed Pitt. And if they get there, hello North Carolina! In North Carolina! Yes!
Here's the thing about Tennessee. I believe if they want a shot at the title, or for anyone for that matter, they have to get through Psycho T and his cast of characters. So, having to play UNC isn't really all that bad because it would have to happen eventually. But, playing them in essence at their place is pretty awful. I'm pretty sure that Tennessee would have preferred to travel an extra couple hundred miles in another direction to play Kansas. No dice.
The selection committee actually usually gets it right. This is why one and two seeds are usually the predominant teams in the CoPat and the Final Four. That being said, they really jobbed a few teams. And to be honest, no one outside that committee room knows why.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Break from the Draft
There has been a request for there to be a break in the draft. So you will get it. Apparently, some readers have never heard of any of the guys mentioned here. Maybe you should watch more college football.
Today we talk about the joke and mockery that is the New York Yankees. I believe it was the great Jack Parkman that said, "Don't stand on the tracks when the trains coming through." Joe Girardi is out of line. Let me ask you a question. Do you have a switch that you could flip when you were playing sports and you could just say, hey I'm going to not go hard right here? If you're a baseball player, you go hard. You don't have to to react by thinking, this is Spring Training, I better not go hard. You see something in a split second and you react. Done.
So Girardi spoke of his lack of pleasure for a Rays player going head on into his catcher, breaking his wrist and causing surgery. The kid doing the damage is fighting for a spot on the roster. The Yankees are fighting for tee times. The Yankee roster is set and they don't have anything to play for. For the majority of the players invited to Spring Training who wear numbers in the 60's and 70's, are playing for a dream they've had since they knew what pine tar was. Joe needs to take a page out of Jack Parkman's playbook if he doesn't want guys to play hard.
But then we get the retaliation. A guy going hard into second base, sliding late and cleats up. I played a lot of baseball in my day. I got a lot of hits and made a lot of put outs but the one play that I will always remember above all was in the first regional game my senior year. We were playing at home and to lead off our half of the first, Brandon Hillier doubled. I walked and then Grez came up. Grez hit a hard grounder to second and I must have gotten a good jump on the ball but I got on the shortstop quick and took him out with a strong slide before he got a handle on the ball. We scored 3 I think that inning and those were the difference in the game. But, I didn't go in late nor high. Yeah, he did get a pretty good kick in the shin when I went in, but too would have the base. Not to mention the state of Illinois would probably give you the death penalty, which is about what you get for running over the catcher. None the less, breaking up two is really an important play in the game. It keeps an inning alive.
In the pros, there aren't too many rules on breaking them up. I mean, there are but guys can slide closer to third base than second and get away with it. The bottom line is most every slide into second is dirty but never spoken of. If someone actually thinks a slide is dirty going into second, it's really bad. The Yankees said they were going to retaliate. They did. Well, I'm not really sure what they retaliated for. A kid going hard? Nice.
This is what the Yankees have come to. Their best player yells at third basemen while the pop fly is in the air and tries to knock gloves off of pitchers. They had Billy Crystal lead off for them yesterday. In case you haven't noticed, the Yankees are flustered. The Red Sox have won two titles this decade to the Yankees ZERO. No one likes the Yankees other than Yankee fans and this whole Red Sox nation thing has really gotten to the Yankees. It's true, I think a lot of Red Sox nation has to do with ESPN. But no one feels it like the Yankees. They are under more pressure than any other team in sports to not just win, but win championships and appear to be more elite than anyone else. They aren't America's team. And they are feeling it.
The Yankees are a joke. Girardi had a shot to make a stance for his team being hard nosed. He went with typical Yankee fashion. He complained. He whined...just like A-Rod would do. I said a few weeks ago about how much it may be the Rays' time. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But the Rays have set the tone for their season. They are going to be a tough, scrappy team. You know, guys like the A's. Are they going to finish ahead of the Yankees? No. But as usual, they are going to play them tough. And you know what, they have nothing to lose. Unlike the Yankees.
Today we talk about the joke and mockery that is the New York Yankees. I believe it was the great Jack Parkman that said, "Don't stand on the tracks when the trains coming through." Joe Girardi is out of line. Let me ask you a question. Do you have a switch that you could flip when you were playing sports and you could just say, hey I'm going to not go hard right here? If you're a baseball player, you go hard. You don't have to to react by thinking, this is Spring Training, I better not go hard. You see something in a split second and you react. Done.
So Girardi spoke of his lack of pleasure for a Rays player going head on into his catcher, breaking his wrist and causing surgery. The kid doing the damage is fighting for a spot on the roster. The Yankees are fighting for tee times. The Yankee roster is set and they don't have anything to play for. For the majority of the players invited to Spring Training who wear numbers in the 60's and 70's, are playing for a dream they've had since they knew what pine tar was. Joe needs to take a page out of Jack Parkman's playbook if he doesn't want guys to play hard.
But then we get the retaliation. A guy going hard into second base, sliding late and cleats up. I played a lot of baseball in my day. I got a lot of hits and made a lot of put outs but the one play that I will always remember above all was in the first regional game my senior year. We were playing at home and to lead off our half of the first, Brandon Hillier doubled. I walked and then Grez came up. Grez hit a hard grounder to second and I must have gotten a good jump on the ball but I got on the shortstop quick and took him out with a strong slide before he got a handle on the ball. We scored 3 I think that inning and those were the difference in the game. But, I didn't go in late nor high. Yeah, he did get a pretty good kick in the shin when I went in, but too would have the base. Not to mention the state of Illinois would probably give you the death penalty, which is about what you get for running over the catcher. None the less, breaking up two is really an important play in the game. It keeps an inning alive.
In the pros, there aren't too many rules on breaking them up. I mean, there are but guys can slide closer to third base than second and get away with it. The bottom line is most every slide into second is dirty but never spoken of. If someone actually thinks a slide is dirty going into second, it's really bad. The Yankees said they were going to retaliate. They did. Well, I'm not really sure what they retaliated for. A kid going hard? Nice.
This is what the Yankees have come to. Their best player yells at third basemen while the pop fly is in the air and tries to knock gloves off of pitchers. They had Billy Crystal lead off for them yesterday. In case you haven't noticed, the Yankees are flustered. The Red Sox have won two titles this decade to the Yankees ZERO. No one likes the Yankees other than Yankee fans and this whole Red Sox nation thing has really gotten to the Yankees. It's true, I think a lot of Red Sox nation has to do with ESPN. But no one feels it like the Yankees. They are under more pressure than any other team in sports to not just win, but win championships and appear to be more elite than anyone else. They aren't America's team. And they are feeling it.
The Yankees are a joke. Girardi had a shot to make a stance for his team being hard nosed. He went with typical Yankee fashion. He complained. He whined...just like A-Rod would do. I said a few weeks ago about how much it may be the Rays' time. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. But the Rays have set the tone for their season. They are going to be a tough, scrappy team. You know, guys like the A's. Are they going to finish ahead of the Yankees? No. But as usual, they are going to play them tough. And you know what, they have nothing to lose. Unlike the Yankees.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Draft, 21-24
With the twenty-first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins select:
NO - Pass rusher is the obvious choice for the Skins. The question is what is the value here? The best guy on the board is USC's Lawrence Jackson but is he the value that you want here? The Skins could certainly stretch and take him, or potentially trade back. There are a lot of receivers that are worthy of this area in the first round and a team may have one they really really want. Malcolm Kelly may be my favorite receiver in this draft. He's big (6'4 225) and that size is needed with the little guys they have in Santana Moss and Antwan Randel-El. I think Kelly is the right pick, but I don't think they agree with me.
WAS - Lawrence Jackson
With the twenty-second pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select:
NO - They really like Darren McFadden. But...they won't get him. I don't see the Raiders passing on McFadden whatsoever. The best available back is the other Hog, Felix Jones, and he fits nicely into Dallas' system. This one should be pretty easy.
DAL - Felix Jones.
With the twenty-third pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select:
NO - Interesting spot here. What do the Steelers really need? They are always capable of going the distance. Receiver may be a good spot here for them. I don't know though. I like them going offensive line as that really is the trademark of a Steelers team. Branden Albert from UVA is listed as a guard but can play tackle as well. I like this to be the pick for them. Could be wrong, but I think this is a good spot for them to take a good value and quality pick.
PIT - Branden Albert
With the twenty-fourth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:
NO - This is going to be a receiver, and why not? There are great guys on the board: Limas Sweed, Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham. All three guys are very similar in style. If VY had his way, he'd be all over Sweed for obvious reasons. But I think the other two guys are better prospects for the Titans. Manningham has a killer highlight reel. But I like Kelly, as previously mentioned. That being said, I don't think they will go with Kelly.
TEN - Mario Manningham
NO - Pass rusher is the obvious choice for the Skins. The question is what is the value here? The best guy on the board is USC's Lawrence Jackson but is he the value that you want here? The Skins could certainly stretch and take him, or potentially trade back. There are a lot of receivers that are worthy of this area in the first round and a team may have one they really really want. Malcolm Kelly may be my favorite receiver in this draft. He's big (6'4 225) and that size is needed with the little guys they have in Santana Moss and Antwan Randel-El. I think Kelly is the right pick, but I don't think they agree with me.
WAS - Lawrence Jackson
With the twenty-second pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select:
NO - They really like Darren McFadden. But...they won't get him. I don't see the Raiders passing on McFadden whatsoever. The best available back is the other Hog, Felix Jones, and he fits nicely into Dallas' system. This one should be pretty easy.
DAL - Felix Jones.
With the twenty-third pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select:
NO - Interesting spot here. What do the Steelers really need? They are always capable of going the distance. Receiver may be a good spot here for them. I don't know though. I like them going offensive line as that really is the trademark of a Steelers team. Branden Albert from UVA is listed as a guard but can play tackle as well. I like this to be the pick for them. Could be wrong, but I think this is a good spot for them to take a good value and quality pick.
PIT - Branden Albert
With the twenty-fourth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:
NO - This is going to be a receiver, and why not? There are great guys on the board: Limas Sweed, Malcolm Kelly, Mario Manningham. All three guys are very similar in style. If VY had his way, he'd be all over Sweed for obvious reasons. But I think the other two guys are better prospects for the Titans. Manningham has a killer highlight reel. But I like Kelly, as previously mentioned. That being said, I don't think they will go with Kelly.
TEN - Mario Manningham
Monday, March 10, 2008
Draft, 17-20
With the seventeenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select:
NO - Vikings sit here at an interesting spot. They are close to being an elite team in the NFC. They stop the run, and they can do all of the running they want. Winning in the NFC North is going to be an easy thing to do this year. Favre leaving takes the Packers into an area of uncertainty. The Bears can win with their defense. The Lions are terrible, but have a shot at being pretty not bad. So what do you need to do? I say get after the quarterback. They can stop the run, now, if they can get after someone their D-Line could become the best in the league. Derrick Harvey is there and he's the best pass rusher on the board. Lock it up.
MIN - Derrick Harvey
With the eighteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select:
NO - The Texans get lucky here. They had a better season last year and Mario Williams looks pretty good. Here, we see the deepest draft at tackle in a while. It's time to get a quarterback off his back. Chris Williams is gone, Jeff Otah from Boise State is a strong pick up at 18 and a great value. Dial it up.
HOU - Jeff Otah
With the nineteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select:
NO - The Eagles are in a tough spot. They need to keep their big mouthed quarterback happy. They also are pretty close to being a contender in the NFC. The Eagles need help in the secondary, but I think this is where you take my favorite pick in the draft. The Eagles could use a tight end, and McNabb would love to see my man Fred Davis right here. Best value in the draft.
PHI - Fred Davis
With the twentieth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Bucs select:
NO - The Bucs are in a pretty interesting spot here. They need help everywhere and somehow they won their division last year. I really don't like what the Bucs are doing but I guess that just goes to show how good Gruden is. Kentwan Balmer is the best DT left, but is he worth the 20th pick? Is Kenny Phillips ready to go here and stay in state? I think Chuckie goes simply with the play making receiver, not defense.
TAM - OfSean Jackson
NO - Vikings sit here at an interesting spot. They are close to being an elite team in the NFC. They stop the run, and they can do all of the running they want. Winning in the NFC North is going to be an easy thing to do this year. Favre leaving takes the Packers into an area of uncertainty. The Bears can win with their defense. The Lions are terrible, but have a shot at being pretty not bad. So what do you need to do? I say get after the quarterback. They can stop the run, now, if they can get after someone their D-Line could become the best in the league. Derrick Harvey is there and he's the best pass rusher on the board. Lock it up.
MIN - Derrick Harvey
With the eighteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select:
NO - The Texans get lucky here. They had a better season last year and Mario Williams looks pretty good. Here, we see the deepest draft at tackle in a while. It's time to get a quarterback off his back. Chris Williams is gone, Jeff Otah from Boise State is a strong pick up at 18 and a great value. Dial it up.
HOU - Jeff Otah
With the nineteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select:
NO - The Eagles are in a tough spot. They need to keep their big mouthed quarterback happy. They also are pretty close to being a contender in the NFC. The Eagles need help in the secondary, but I think this is where you take my favorite pick in the draft. The Eagles could use a tight end, and McNabb would love to see my man Fred Davis right here. Best value in the draft.
PHI - Fred Davis
With the twentieth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Bucs select:
NO - The Bucs are in a pretty interesting spot here. They need help everywhere and somehow they won their division last year. I really don't like what the Bucs are doing but I guess that just goes to show how good Gruden is. Kentwan Balmer is the best DT left, but is he worth the 20th pick? Is Kenny Phillips ready to go here and stay in state? I think Chuckie goes simply with the play making receiver, not defense.
TAM - OfSean Jackson
Friday, March 7, 2008
NFL Draft, 13-16
With the thirteenth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select:
NO - I think this is an easy pick. In theory. The reason I say in theory is because the Panthers have wasted a recent pick on a running back. Do they go with Rashard Mendenhall? I think so. They have the need here and they need to upgrade. If I'm them do I take him? I don't know. Ryan Grant proved last year that there are gems out there. You know the Panther defense is going to be strong. Steve Smith, if he's alive is a big time threat. Maybe do you go get the big body of Limas Sweed to compliment him? I don't think Sweed is as good as the others do, but I think if he falls to Tennessee, VY would be happy to see him.
CAR - Rashard Mendenhall
With the fourteenth picking the 2008 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select:
NO - The Bears are in worse shape offensively than maybe anyone. They have an outstanding running back that they don't care about (Adrian Peterson), a terrible running back they care a lot about (Cedric Benson), Kyle Orton, and they lost their two top receivers (who weren't really good anyway). But their defense is there and will make them a contender next year in the North. Must be nice. That being said, the Bears need offense. McNabb isn't going anywhere. There aren't a lot of receivers out there that are a good value at this pick. They took Greg Olson last year. So what do you do? Go offensive tackle! Maybe if I'm the Bears I look to trade down but of the value out there, everything is pretty much at the same positions. So what are you going to get? A tackle, who do they have higher on their board, Pitt's Jeff Otah or Vandy's Mike Williams. I like Williams because he's played in the SEC. I think the Bears will see things the same way.
CHI - Mike Williams
With the fifteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select:
NO - Well, if they go receiver, I wouldn't be surprised. Ernie Simms is a solid guy in the middle. Again, we are assuming that this pick didn't get swapped with Buffalo for Rivers. But they are still going to go defense, and rightfully so. The question is, who do they have higher on the board at corner: South Florida's Mike Jenkins or the little seen Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie of Tennessee State. Rodgers - Cromartie is a freak athlete at 6-1 and a 4.33. Jenkins is a shade over 5-10 and a 4.40. Jenkins got good air-time and looked strong. But I think it's time to take a chance on this superior specimen.
DET - Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie
With the sixteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select:
This one's easy. It's Mike Jenkins. He's the best defensive player on the board. A strong value at 16 and really fills a need that the Cardinals need. I don't see anyone trying to move up here as there aren't any really big names on the block. There are some good lineman out there on both sides, none of which require moving. There are also very strong receivers available. Everyone should be quite happy with the end of the first round.
ARI - Mike Jenkins
NO - I think this is an easy pick. In theory. The reason I say in theory is because the Panthers have wasted a recent pick on a running back. Do they go with Rashard Mendenhall? I think so. They have the need here and they need to upgrade. If I'm them do I take him? I don't know. Ryan Grant proved last year that there are gems out there. You know the Panther defense is going to be strong. Steve Smith, if he's alive is a big time threat. Maybe do you go get the big body of Limas Sweed to compliment him? I don't think Sweed is as good as the others do, but I think if he falls to Tennessee, VY would be happy to see him.
CAR - Rashard Mendenhall
With the fourteenth picking the 2008 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select:
NO - The Bears are in worse shape offensively than maybe anyone. They have an outstanding running back that they don't care about (Adrian Peterson), a terrible running back they care a lot about (Cedric Benson), Kyle Orton, and they lost their two top receivers (who weren't really good anyway). But their defense is there and will make them a contender next year in the North. Must be nice. That being said, the Bears need offense. McNabb isn't going anywhere. There aren't a lot of receivers out there that are a good value at this pick. They took Greg Olson last year. So what do you do? Go offensive tackle! Maybe if I'm the Bears I look to trade down but of the value out there, everything is pretty much at the same positions. So what are you going to get? A tackle, who do they have higher on their board, Pitt's Jeff Otah or Vandy's Mike Williams. I like Williams because he's played in the SEC. I think the Bears will see things the same way.
CHI - Mike Williams
With the fifteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select:
NO - Well, if they go receiver, I wouldn't be surprised. Ernie Simms is a solid guy in the middle. Again, we are assuming that this pick didn't get swapped with Buffalo for Rivers. But they are still going to go defense, and rightfully so. The question is, who do they have higher on the board at corner: South Florida's Mike Jenkins or the little seen Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie of Tennessee State. Rodgers - Cromartie is a freak athlete at 6-1 and a 4.33. Jenkins is a shade over 5-10 and a 4.40. Jenkins got good air-time and looked strong. But I think it's time to take a chance on this superior specimen.
DET - Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie
With the sixteenth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select:
This one's easy. It's Mike Jenkins. He's the best defensive player on the board. A strong value at 16 and really fills a need that the Cardinals need. I don't see anyone trying to move up here as there aren't any really big names on the block. There are some good lineman out there on both sides, none of which require moving. There are also very strong receivers available. Everyone should be quite happy with the end of the first round.
ARI - Mike Jenkins
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Draft 9-12
With the ninth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select:
The Bengals are the enigma of the NFL. As much talent as anyone, they just can't get it done. They have 85 complaining about anything, wanting a trade that he's not going to get, and probably the longest probation list outside of Knoxville. If I'm the Bengals, and have no defense, I'd like to trade up to get my hands on Dorsey, especially if he continues to fall like No Owens has suggested. They need a character guy and Dorsey is the character guy in this top 10. But...he probably won't be there and they need to address the defensive side. The nice thing is there are a number of options for a good value here so defensively, I don't think they can go too wrong. I think Ellis will be off the board here and the Ohio State DE with incredible upside could be the way to go for them here. They need to get athletic and get pressure. Go for it.
CIN - Vernon Gholston
With the tenth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select:
The Saints could really use some help on defense. Clemson DE Phillip Merling or USC LB Keith Rivers are great picks right here and could be where they go. My favorite pick in this entire draft is Fred Davis, TE out of USC. I don't understand why he is slated to go anywhere from this range to mid 2nd round. I mean, I don't know what the guy did at the combine or in a workout. But I'm pretty sure Justin Gatlin could show up at the combine and have a great workout. If I'm the Saints, I'm going to add a premier TE, who, playing on turf, could stretch the field even further for Drew Brees. Not to mention, great offense puts butts in seats. A TE is going to stretch the field in the middle to allow for more room for Reggie Bush to create. It's the pick, don't expect it though.
NO - Phillip Merling
With the eleventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select:
I've seen Limas Sweed here. Not sure if he's the value guy here. Not sure if he's the talent here either. There are some good receivers out there but I don't see why the Bills need one. If they want a receiver, I'd trade back for someone who wants to get Keith Rivers before Denver does with the next pick. There you can get a better value with Malcolm Kelly or Early Doucet. Taking a receiver here is a stretch financially. With this pick, expect someone like Detroit or Arizona to swap picks at 15/16 to get the best backer on the board. If the pick isn't moved, expect the Bills to go defense.
BUF - Aqib Talib
With the twelfth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select:
Backer is their need right now and it seems that Ian Gold is on the block. Rivers is their guy and he's a good value here. It's not often that you can get the top backer in the draft this late. The thing is, will he be around? How long are teams willing to wait for the gamble of him still being there? Let's just play the game that Buffalo doesn't move the pick and they stick with Talib. This puts Rivers in Denver. But for arguments sake, what if Rivers is gone to Detroit or Arizona right here? The next two backers are Dan Connor and Jerod Mayo...Connor who is a late first round value and Mayo who is an early second round prospect. They can't stretch for a backer here but they could play for Mayo in round two. If Rivers is gone, the best DT on the board is UNC's Kentwan Balmer and Florida's Derrick Harvey is available at DE, who I think is a solid pick. We will say that the pick will stay, but again don't expect it to.
DEN - Keith Rivers
The Bengals are the enigma of the NFL. As much talent as anyone, they just can't get it done. They have 85 complaining about anything, wanting a trade that he's not going to get, and probably the longest probation list outside of Knoxville. If I'm the Bengals, and have no defense, I'd like to trade up to get my hands on Dorsey, especially if he continues to fall like No Owens has suggested. They need a character guy and Dorsey is the character guy in this top 10. But...he probably won't be there and they need to address the defensive side. The nice thing is there are a number of options for a good value here so defensively, I don't think they can go too wrong. I think Ellis will be off the board here and the Ohio State DE with incredible upside could be the way to go for them here. They need to get athletic and get pressure. Go for it.
CIN - Vernon Gholston
With the tenth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select:
The Saints could really use some help on defense. Clemson DE Phillip Merling or USC LB Keith Rivers are great picks right here and could be where they go. My favorite pick in this entire draft is Fred Davis, TE out of USC. I don't understand why he is slated to go anywhere from this range to mid 2nd round. I mean, I don't know what the guy did at the combine or in a workout. But I'm pretty sure Justin Gatlin could show up at the combine and have a great workout. If I'm the Saints, I'm going to add a premier TE, who, playing on turf, could stretch the field even further for Drew Brees. Not to mention, great offense puts butts in seats. A TE is going to stretch the field in the middle to allow for more room for Reggie Bush to create. It's the pick, don't expect it though.
NO - Phillip Merling
With the eleventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select:
I've seen Limas Sweed here. Not sure if he's the value guy here. Not sure if he's the talent here either. There are some good receivers out there but I don't see why the Bills need one. If they want a receiver, I'd trade back for someone who wants to get Keith Rivers before Denver does with the next pick. There you can get a better value with Malcolm Kelly or Early Doucet. Taking a receiver here is a stretch financially. With this pick, expect someone like Detroit or Arizona to swap picks at 15/16 to get the best backer on the board. If the pick isn't moved, expect the Bills to go defense.
BUF - Aqib Talib
With the twelfth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select:
Backer is their need right now and it seems that Ian Gold is on the block. Rivers is their guy and he's a good value here. It's not often that you can get the top backer in the draft this late. The thing is, will he be around? How long are teams willing to wait for the gamble of him still being there? Let's just play the game that Buffalo doesn't move the pick and they stick with Talib. This puts Rivers in Denver. But for arguments sake, what if Rivers is gone to Detroit or Arizona right here? The next two backers are Dan Connor and Jerod Mayo...Connor who is a late first round value and Mayo who is an early second round prospect. They can't stretch for a backer here but they could play for Mayo in round two. If Rivers is gone, the best DT on the board is UNC's Kentwan Balmer and Florida's Derrick Harvey is available at DE, who I think is a solid pick. We will say that the pick will stay, but again don't expect it to.
DEN - Keith Rivers
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Draft Analysis, 5-8
Welcome back to the draft analysis. Writing about it isn't going to get me over yesterdays events. So here at No Owens, we are trying to move on.
With the fifth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select:
NO - Here's the thing about the Chiefs. They are the Cubs of the NFL, in the fact that they can't get through to the Super Bowl, but they still sell out their stadium every week and have some of the best fans in all of sports. So what does this mean? In terms of the draft, I don't know, other than no matter what they do, they can't really lose. For a long time, they had Willie Roaf at the left tackle and he clearly developed into the premier tackle in the league, before anyone knew what a premier tackle was. They lost with LJ, at least for now. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs take the value pick here at DE/DT, but I think they may stretch and take the next best tackle on the board.
KC - Ryan Clady
With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select:
This is where the draft gets interesting. There are a lot of players that fit really nicely into the 6-15 range, but that may not necessarily be top 5 guys. What's funny about this? The one guy who is about as top 5 as anyone else is still on the NO draft board, and he can't be passed up. the value pick right here, right now is Glenn Dorsey and as the stars have aligned, now it's time to take a shot on his injury prone status. Assuming he's available, lock it up.
NYJ - Glenn Dorsey
With the seventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select:
Yeah, in case you didn't know, they have this pick. They did have to forfeit their standard pick in the first round, but this was acquired through trade. I don't think Asanti Samuel is as good as he thinks he is. But none the less, he's good and this is a deep draft in the defensive backfield. So the question becomes, can the Pats wait until round 2 to get a corner? I think they really are going to look at the defensive linemen that are available but I think they need to go get Aqib Talib. From what I've seen, he's the best corner on the board, but that's not the opinion of most. I'd take Talib, but don't expect it to happen.
NYE - Sederick Ellis
With the eighth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select:
The Ravens need is well, quarterback. They will hope that Atlanta passes on Matt Ryan, which they should but won't. Matt Ryan is a better value here at 8. However, there really isn't another quarterback of interest so the Ravens will address the defensive backfield. Again, everyone is still available back there, and with him out there, I'd still take Talib. But Troy's Leodis McKelvin is the #1 CB on the table in the eyes of the experts. Not a bad pick, and expect them to go there here.
BAL - Leodis McKelvin
With the fifth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select:
NO - Here's the thing about the Chiefs. They are the Cubs of the NFL, in the fact that they can't get through to the Super Bowl, but they still sell out their stadium every week and have some of the best fans in all of sports. So what does this mean? In terms of the draft, I don't know, other than no matter what they do, they can't really lose. For a long time, they had Willie Roaf at the left tackle and he clearly developed into the premier tackle in the league, before anyone knew what a premier tackle was. They lost with LJ, at least for now. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs take the value pick here at DE/DT, but I think they may stretch and take the next best tackle on the board.
KC - Ryan Clady
With the sixth pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select:
This is where the draft gets interesting. There are a lot of players that fit really nicely into the 6-15 range, but that may not necessarily be top 5 guys. What's funny about this? The one guy who is about as top 5 as anyone else is still on the NO draft board, and he can't be passed up. the value pick right here, right now is Glenn Dorsey and as the stars have aligned, now it's time to take a shot on his injury prone status. Assuming he's available, lock it up.
NYJ - Glenn Dorsey
With the seventh pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select:
Yeah, in case you didn't know, they have this pick. They did have to forfeit their standard pick in the first round, but this was acquired through trade. I don't think Asanti Samuel is as good as he thinks he is. But none the less, he's good and this is a deep draft in the defensive backfield. So the question becomes, can the Pats wait until round 2 to get a corner? I think they really are going to look at the defensive linemen that are available but I think they need to go get Aqib Talib. From what I've seen, he's the best corner on the board, but that's not the opinion of most. I'd take Talib, but don't expect it to happen.
NYE - Sederick Ellis
With the eighth pick int he 2008 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select:
The Ravens need is well, quarterback. They will hope that Atlanta passes on Matt Ryan, which they should but won't. Matt Ryan is a better value here at 8. However, there really isn't another quarterback of interest so the Ravens will address the defensive backfield. Again, everyone is still available back there, and with him out there, I'd still take Talib. But Troy's Leodis McKelvin is the #1 CB on the table in the eyes of the experts. Not a bad pick, and expect them to go there here.
BAL - Leodis McKelvin
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)