By: Steve Johnson, Jon Balant, and Mike Duncan
1. Carolina: Cam Newton, QB Auburn
Why: In the NFL you need a franchise Quarterback to build your team around. While there are plenty of questions concerning Cam's off the field issues his upside is completely worth the gamble. Cam is a playmaker at the Quarterback position, he is big, strong, quick athlete with a cannon for an arm.
2. Denver: Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
Why: New head coach John Fox loves his defensive linemen, Dareus is the most dominant in this class and will start day 1.
3. Buffalo: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Why: Peterson is the best player in the draft hands down. He has the great physical skills and the intangibles to be a shut down cover corner.
4. Cincinnati: A.J. Green, WR Georgia
Why: Green is probably the 2nd best player in the draft and one of the better receiving prospects we've seen in years. With Chad Ocho Cinco and T.O. not getting any younger, Green can be an impact player right away.
5. Arizona: Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
Why: Last offseason the Cardinals let defensive playmakers walk via free agency, this draft they need a player to step up and make an immediate impact. Miller is the best pure pass rusher in this draft.
6. Cleveland: Robert Quinn, DE UNC
Why: Has the size and speed to be a pro bowler. Has off field issues that forced him to sit out all of 2010. Cleveland is in need of a pass rusher like Quinn on their defense.
7. San Francisco: Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
Why: Because they have one quarterback on the roster, and it's David Carr. San Francisco desperately needs someone to give the ball to Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, and if Gabbert falls to them, they will bite.
8. Tennessee: Julio Jones, WR Alabama
Why: Since there are no top quarterbacks available anymore, they take the best player available and that is Julio Jones. There are 2 top receivers in this draft, and don't expect Jones to last much longer then A.J. Green. Jones would provide a nice big, strong playmaker for whoever their quarterback is.
9. Dallas: Tyron Smith, OT USC
Why: Dallas needs to solidify their offensive line, and Smith is the best prospect among the offensive tackles. There is no premier offensive linemen in this draft, but Smith has the most upside.
10. Washington: J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
Why: Although I think Washington will trade out of this pick, J.J. Watt would be a solid pick to sure up their front seven. He is a hard nosed blue collar work horse that will give 100% on every play.
11. Houston: Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
Why: If Fairly falls this far, Houston has to take him. Fairly has dropped off significantly but is still a top prospect. Although they could use help in the secondary Houston would love to draft someone to help out Mario Williams.
12. Minnesota: Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
Why: Minnesota loves their defensive linemen, but they are getting old. Ryan Kerrigan has the potential to be Jared Allen 2.0. He has a relentless motor and you know what you are getting out of him.
13. Detroit: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
Why: Detroit would be licking their lips if Amukamara is still on the board at 13. They desperately need help on defense, especially the secondary. This would be a great pick to go along with last years #2 overall Suh.
14. St. Louis: Corey Liuget, DT Illinois
Why: Steve Spagnola loves his defensive linemen, Liuget is a force at defensive tackle, and is very underrated. He would be a great compliment to Chris Long.
15. Miami: Mike Pouncey, OG Florida
Why: Although Pouncey is a good prospect, he might be over drafted because of the impact his brother made last year. With that being said Miami would love this pick because they know what they get from day 1. Look for them to sure up their offensive line and then go QB in round 2.
16. Jacksonville: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
Why: Aldon Smith would be a great compliment to last years free agent signing Aaron Kampman and last years 1st round pick Tyson Alualu.
17. New England (From Oakland): Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Temple
Why: The Patriots traded Richard Seymour to Oakland and received this pick back. Although they probably thought it'd be a higher pick, they'd love to get a replacement for Seymour, who dominated that line for years. Although Wilkerson comes from a small football school, he dominated when playing against tougher competition.
18. San Diego: Cameron Jordan, DE Cal
Why: Jordan is a value pick right here, an underrated versatile defensive linemen, he has the size and athleticism to start day 1 for the Chargers.
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College
Why: The Giants offensive line is getting old, Castonzo has the experience to step in day 1 and start at tackle, shifting David Diehl inside.
20. Tampa: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
Why: Before his knee injury, Bowers was considered a top 5 pick. If he drops this far, Raheem Morris will run to the podium and announce the pick himself. Although their are huge concerns about how long he can actually play, they will take what they can get by throwing him along side last years top 2 picks Gerald McCoy and Brian Price.
21. Kansas City: Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA
Why: Tamba Hali led the league in sacks last year, but that was about the only pass rush they got. Adding Ayers would give them the 1-2 punch to go along with their great secondary and line play last year.
22. Indianapolis: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
Why: Because Peyton Manning needs to be protected, it's that simple. Protect Peyton Manning and you win, and in recent years the Colt's have went cheap on linemen. Solder has huge upside.
23. Philadelphia: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
Why: Smith has some character concerns, that's why he would drop to 23. Other than that Athletically he is a top prospect. This would be a steal for the Eagles who desperately need someone opposite Asante Samuel.
24. New Orleans: Marvin Austin, DT UNC
Why: There are concerns with Austin, who didn't play in 2010 because of NCAA violations, but talent wise he is a top prospect. This would be a steal from what he was projected before his suspension. Would make an immediate impact on the Saints D-Line.
25. Seattle: Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio St
Why: Seattle could probably take a Quarterback here, but Heyward provides good value here. He doesn't have the top end talent of some of the other linemen but he provides toughness and hard work.
26. Baltimore: Brandon Harris, CB Miami
Why: Cornerback was a huge concern for the Ravens last year. They can't afford to not get a cornerback, so they go up and grab Harris, who has shown flashes of great playmaking skills. We know he'd fit in with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, former THE U players.
27. Atlanta: Brooks Reed, DE Arizona
Why: John Abraham is getting older, and the Falcons could really use a defensive linemen to sit in his shadows until he's ready. Reed has a relentless motor and pass rush skills, he will have to put on weight.
28. New England: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Why: Ingram is the best running back in this class. The Patriots have so many picks in this draft that they can afford to take a back here. The Patriots would love his north south running style, and would be an immediate upgrade over their current backs.
29. Chicago: Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
Why: Chicago need to upgrade their offensive line and keep Cutler healthy. With Carimi falling to them at 29, they would have to take him. Carimi provides an upgrade in the run game, but he will have to work on his pass blocking.
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
Why: If Taylor fell to Rex Ryan, he might offer to foot massage on spot. With Jenkins going down last year, they were really hurt up the middle. Taylor would provide that big mauler at Nose Tackle the Jets are looking for.
31. Pittsburgh: Aaron Williams, CB Texas
Why: Pittsburgh is pretty solid at most positions especially on defense, but without many top offensive linemen still available, they will look to upgrade their corner position.
32. Green Bay: Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
Why: Before the season started Clayborn was being talked about as a top 15 pick, then came concerns with an arm disorder he's had since birth. He has a relentless motor and toughness that Dom Capers looks for and would provide great depth for a team that could use d-line help.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Harry Kalas: Gone, but Not Forgotten
By: Steve Johnson
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball!" said the late, great, Harry Kalas, just 6 months before his eventual death. It was like the sand in his hour glass of life would not run out until he made that call. The call announcing that after 25 years, Philadelphians were finally champions. I remember that call like it was yesterday falling to my knees, tears rolling down my face, my phone ringing off the hook. That's the type of impact Harry Kalas made on people. He was a Philadelphia sports legend that never had to tie his cleats or put on a jersey. Like many others in the greater Philadelphia area, Harry Kalas taught me the game of baseball. For years, his classic "That ball is outa hereeee" and "struck em' out" lines made watching Phillies games that much better. It's hard to believe it's been two years since he's passed. Now that the Phillies are finally something to cheer about, the voice of the Phillies is gone. It's a shame he isn't able to call these games. He would have loved this team. Even with the pitchers the Phightins have, that "struck em' out" line would never get old coming out of HK's mouth. The man was not only beloved by the fans, but the players as well. Never have I heard of a member of the media ever allowed to fly with the players. An exception was made for Harry, because people just loved being around him. Harry was one of a kind, never replaceable, never forgotten. Keep on watching these games, making you're great calls. Rest in peace Harry. You sure are missed.
"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball!" said the late, great, Harry Kalas, just 6 months before his eventual death. It was like the sand in his hour glass of life would not run out until he made that call. The call announcing that after 25 years, Philadelphians were finally champions. I remember that call like it was yesterday falling to my knees, tears rolling down my face, my phone ringing off the hook. That's the type of impact Harry Kalas made on people. He was a Philadelphia sports legend that never had to tie his cleats or put on a jersey. Like many others in the greater Philadelphia area, Harry Kalas taught me the game of baseball. For years, his classic "That ball is outa hereeee" and "struck em' out" lines made watching Phillies games that much better. It's hard to believe it's been two years since he's passed. Now that the Phillies are finally something to cheer about, the voice of the Phillies is gone. It's a shame he isn't able to call these games. He would have loved this team. Even with the pitchers the Phightins have, that "struck em' out" line would never get old coming out of HK's mouth. The man was not only beloved by the fans, but the players as well. Never have I heard of a member of the media ever allowed to fly with the players. An exception was made for Harry, because people just loved being around him. Harry was one of a kind, never replaceable, never forgotten. Keep on watching these games, making you're great calls. Rest in peace Harry. You sure are missed.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
"Bob" is The Man For The Playoffs
By: Steve Johnson
Today Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette announced that rookie goaltender Sergei "Bob" Bobrovsky will be his netminder in the playoffs. It's no shock that "Bob" is named the starter over veteran Brian Boucher, but it does bring some concerns. This time last year twenty two year old Bobrovsky was playing in Russia, while the Flyers were making the same switches in net with Boucher and Michael Leighton. One year later, the rookie has earned his shot to take the Flyers to their 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. It's not that the rookie hasn't had a great year, but the inconsistency is what concerns Flyers fans. "Bob" is 4-6 in his last 10 starts with the Flyers, four of those losses when it counts the most in Overtime or Shootouts. Luckily though for the Flyers, there are no shootouts in playoff hockey. Overall, "Bob" is 28-13-7 on the year, with a 2.51 Goals Against Average, and a .917 Save Percentage. Those numbers represent a bright spot for the future of the Flyers goaltending job, but the Flyers need a bright spot in the present. With the season dwindling down, and the Flyers stumbling with injured players, they still represent the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. With two games remaining, and the playoffs set to start next Thursday the 14th, "Bob" and the rest of the Flyers need to turn their jets on, if they expect to make another run at Lord Stanley's Cup.
Today Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette announced that rookie goaltender Sergei "Bob" Bobrovsky will be his netminder in the playoffs. It's no shock that "Bob" is named the starter over veteran Brian Boucher, but it does bring some concerns. This time last year twenty two year old Bobrovsky was playing in Russia, while the Flyers were making the same switches in net with Boucher and Michael Leighton. One year later, the rookie has earned his shot to take the Flyers to their 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. It's not that the rookie hasn't had a great year, but the inconsistency is what concerns Flyers fans. "Bob" is 4-6 in his last 10 starts with the Flyers, four of those losses when it counts the most in Overtime or Shootouts. Luckily though for the Flyers, there are no shootouts in playoff hockey. Overall, "Bob" is 28-13-7 on the year, with a 2.51 Goals Against Average, and a .917 Save Percentage. Those numbers represent a bright spot for the future of the Flyers goaltending job, but the Flyers need a bright spot in the present. With the season dwindling down, and the Flyers stumbling with injured players, they still represent the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. With two games remaining, and the playoffs set to start next Thursday the 14th, "Bob" and the rest of the Flyers need to turn their jets on, if they expect to make another run at Lord Stanley's Cup.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)