2010 NFL Mock Draft (March 1 Edition)

The 2010 NFL Draft is only a month and a half away. In case you don’t know anything about me, that is my absolute favorite part of the football season, even though it is technically in the off-season.

There’s just something about how teams fill their spots, making replacements and improvements along the way, that I just really enjoy watching. But unlike the common spectator, I like to dabble in what I think those teams will do in their effort to prepare for the future.

Here are my picks along with explanations for the first few off the board (assuming there are no trades, because, you know there never are (sarcasm)):

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB. Oklahoma
A lot of the talking heads are saying that either DT Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy will be the first off the board on April 22. But look at the Rams first round picks over the past few years. While they did go O-Line last year, the two years before they selected DE Ryan Long and DT Adam Carriker, respectively. While I think Suh is the best player coming out of the draft (and ESPN is licking McCoy’s nuts although I don’t see anything that makes him separate himself from Suh), the Rams NEED a quarterback, now! Waiting any longer to begin the future of the offense is just too risky a move. If I was in the organization I’d look at trading down because I do concur that Bradford is not #1 overall talent, but you can’t risk waiting until the second round to address your biggest need.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT. Nebraska
Suh is already drawing comparisons to greats who have come and gone. Suh is a monster. I was skeptical at first until I saw him play in the Big XII Championship against Texas. Don’t listen to anyone else when they say that the reason the Longhorns couldn’t score was because of the pressure, or injuries, or some other bullshit. The reason they couldn’t score was because Suh kept knocking Colt McCoy on his ass, along with anyone else that crossed his path. The Lions need… well… everything. Suh will give them a force in the middle that will change their entire defense.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Eric Berry, S. Tennessee
The hype of Eric Berry is not being calmed, even with the noise of Suh. The first time I saw him play was against Florida and in that game I saw something rare; Tim Tebow afraid to throw or even go near a certain defensive player. That player was Eric Berry (surprise!). He doesn’t have the hitting and blitzing power of guys like Troy Polamalu or Bob Sanders but he is a backfield menace, like Ed Reed or Darren Sharper. The Bucs need help all over the defense and while Gerald McCoy is still on the board too, Ronde Barber isn’t getting any younger.

4. Washington Redskins – Gerald McCoy, DT. Oklahoma
Yes, I know they just signed Albert Haynesworth to a ridiculous contract last year. And yes, I know there is unrest about QB Jason Campbell. But the fact is that owner Daniel Snyder loves big names and new coach Mike Shanahan has already said that Campbell is going nowhere. Can you imagine how intimidating it would be, as a runningback or quarterback, to line up and see both Haynesworth and McCoy waiting to slam you into the ground? Yeah, I think Snyder and GM Bruce Allen can imagine it too.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Joe Haden, CB. Florida
Haden is the best corner coming out this year and the Chiefs need some major help solidifying that defense. Haden is a fast corner with good hands. I could see them maybe going with an offensive lineman, but they have a much bigger need in the defensive backfield. Not to mention this years draft goes pretty deep on the line (both sides). If the team even wants to think about Matt Cassel playing like he did two years ago in New England, the defense is going to need to create more turnovers to put the ball back in his hand. Haden can make some of those turnovers.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Okung, OL. Oklahoma State
Matt Hasselbeck isn’t getting any younger and constantly getting tossed to the ground can’t possibly feel better with age. The line that helped get the Seahawks to the Super Bowl years ago has both aged and left. And while no back on their roster gives you the shivers, they do need someone that can at least open holes for Julius Jones and Justin Forsett. Pete Carroll has said that he likes what he’s seen from Hasselbeck and the offense, but he knows that if he even wants to think about a quarterback anytime in the near future, he’s going to need a barrier on the line to protect him. Okung is that guy.

7. Cleveland Browns – Dez Bryant, WR. Oklahoma State
Bryant to the Browns? I know the team has a habit of taking “solid” picks and making them busts, but Bryant may be the other way around. He hasn’t played since mid-season because of an NCAA rule violation, but by the looks of it he’s just as in shape as we was when he sat. People can cry all they want that Brady Quinn is a bad quarterback, but who does he have to throw to? New President Mike Holmgren is an offensive minded guy (and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him trade to bring a new QB in) and Bryant at least gives them a weapon to throw to.

8. Oakland Raiders – Rolando McClain, LB. Alabama
Al Davis is Crazy with a capitol C. OK, I just really wanted to point that out so if I’m wrong, you’ll know why. McClain will be the biggest name on the board at this point. He’s the best rated linebacker in the draft and a hard, hard hitter. The Raiders have a great defensive backfield but consistency starts in the front seven. But Davis is arrogant and could take someone who’s projected to go in the second, third, or even fourth rounds (see 2009 Oakland Raiders draft results). How’s Darrius Heyward-Bey working out for you?

9. Buffalo Bills – Derrick Morgan, DE. Georgia Tech
The Bills are a mess everywhere. However, when you look at their defense their front seven is pretty good already. So why do I have them taking another D-Lineman? They’re never all healthy. The Buffalo staff knows their playing style and a hard, tough defense is just what a cold, snowy and bitter condition calls for. There are a lot of questions for the offense, but the Bills know a solid defense is something to build upon.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Bulaga, OT. Iowa
I know that they really want Tim Tebow, but tenth overall is a little too high for the risks he brings. On the other hand, should he be available in the second round or via a trade, Bulaga would be a big help for his transition. Right now Jacksonville’s line is average at best and they already have a great running game.

11. Denver Broncos (via Chicago Bears) – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE. South Florida
Denver’s defense was far better in 09 than it was in 08, but there’s still work to be done. Coach Josh McDaniels seems pretty confident in his QB, Kyle Orton, and the rest of the offense. The Broncos need another guy besides Elvis Dumervil who can come from the outside. JPP can be a good fit for that.

12. Miami Dolphins – Carlos Dunlap, DE. Florida
He’s already a star in Florida and while there are character and technical issues with him, Dunlap would give the Dolphins a big defensive boost.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Trent Williams, OT. Oklahoma
It looks like they’re giving Alex Smith one more shot. I mean the guy wasn’t bad last year but having some protection will definitely help.

14. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver Broncos) – CJ Spiller, RB. Clemson
Remember how I said Julius Jones and Justin Forsett aren’t that scary? Spiller is.

15. New York Giants – Sergio Kindle, LB. Texas
After releasing Antonio Pierce, the Giants need to find someone who can be a menace in the front seven. I know McClain is higher on the board, but personally I think Kindle is the best LB going pro this year.

16. Tennessee Titans – Brian Price, DT. UCLA
You could totally see last year how much they missed Albert Haynesworth. Price isn’t even close to that talent, but he’ll give them the obstacle down the middle that made them go from 14-2 in 08 to 8-8 last year.

17. San Francisco 49ers (via Carolina Panthers) – Brandon Graham, LB. Michigan
If you think Mike Singletary isn’t using one of his two first round picks on a defensive player than you’re just ignorant.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Anthony Davis, OT. Rutgers
Another guy ESPN loves to fondle. Pittsburgh’s O-Line has been horrible (it was a miracle they won the Super Bowl like that). It’s time to address it before Big Ben gets hurt, again.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Bruce Campbell, OT. Maryland
Campbell is taking some time off from helping Michael Weston and the rest of the Burn Notice cast and coming to the NFL! OK, I just love his name and really wanted to say that. But in all seriousness (ha!), Matt Ryan needs more protection.

20. Houston Texans – Taylor Mays, S. USC
The defensive backfield’s inability to make any big plays or stops has been their Achilles. Mays takes them over the top and gives them exactly what they need. He’s a steal at 20.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Golden Tate, WR. Notre Dame
I am a huge Chad Ochocinco fan! But let’s face it, they really don’t have a dominant two or three WR. Tate fits that mold.

22. New England Patriots – Kyle Wilson, CB. Boise State
It didn’t take a genius to notice how little Bill Belichick trusted his defense last year. Watch that change with an overhaul, including Wilson.

23. Green Bay Packers – Mike Iupati, OG. Idaho
Iupati will be the best lineman on the board at this point and the Packers need someone who can help keep Aaron Rodgers upright. They had unarguably the worst pass protection in the league last year. This is a big upgrade for them.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Dan Williams, DT. Tennessee
The Eagles are a pretty solid team all around, but they have to address their need on the D-line.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Earl Thomas, S. Texas
Ed Reed is already contemplating retirement and the rest of the backfield is geriatric. The great Baltimore defense is aging and the team knows it’s time to get younger before it’s too late.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jermaine Gresham, TE. Oklahoma
Matt Lienart has a lot of skeptics. If he can’t do it with the addition of Gresham to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, then he can’t do it, period.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Maurkice Pouncey, C. Florida
He’s definitely used to blocking for a guy who likes to move around a lot.

28. San Diego Chargers – Jhavid Best, RB. Cal
LT is gone and all signs point to Darren Sproles being on his way out too. A complete overhaul of the running game has begun.

29. New York Jets – Brandon LaFell, WR. LSU
“Bobblin’” Braylon Edwards was supposed to be the guy for Mark Sanchez. LaFell gives the sophomore QB a new toy.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Jimmy Clausen, QB. Notre Dame
Like Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers before him, Clausen needs to get his parachute ready for the free fall. No Brett? No problem!

31. Indianapolis Colts – Charles Brown, OT. USC
The Colts really don’t NEED anything but it never hurts to have another lineman.

32. New Orleans Saints – Kareem Jackson, CB. Alabama
Wow, it’s just weird saying where the Super Bowl Champs are weak, isn’t it? I mean they just won a championship! They’re the best in the game! But I digress… New Orleans still needs help in the secondary.

Who Cares About Timing

For the first time in the history of the National Football League, the Pro Bowl is being played a week before the Super Bowl, in Miami.

Here’s my question though; were you going to watch it anyway?

If you’re an honest person, you’re answer is probably no. I can’t even claim that I have ever watched a Pro Bowl in my life, although I have caught a few glimpses of the other contests and festivities here and there on ESPN.

Of all the professional sports all-star games we have, the Pro Bowl is the least popular, ironically representing the most popular sport in the country.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been saying that he is pleased with the attention and publicity that this year’s Pro Bowl is getting. Really? Because all I have heard in newspapers, TV, and radio has been criticism and confusion. And even with that there are still a lot of people unaware that the Pro Bowl is being played a week before the Super Bowl. Not like they were going to watch it at its regular date anyway.

Goodell must be thinking “Bad press is better than no press.” People are tuning in and voicing their opinions about it because change makes things relevant.

Will this increase the ratings? Probably. People are going to tune in out of curiosity. Chances are it will be the highest rated game in the history of the Pro Bowl. However, the NFL cannot count on that to continue for long.

I’ve heard chatter and complaints about how the 13 players on the Colts and Saints won’t be playing in the Pro Bowl. Plus, stars like Tom Brady and Brett Favre have decided to sit this one out. In all honesty though, a lot of those guys wouldn’t be playing anyway.

Once fans begin to realize how many stars are missing, the silly rule changes and the hype of the scheduling difference calms, the attention will go back to the Super Bowl, and the ratings will die down, lower than they were before. With the biggest game of the year the following week, the Pro Bowl will be overlooked and forgotten, again.

The Pro Bowl cannot be moved to the middle of the NFL season, like it is with the other sports. Teams get in rhythms and grooves, and placing a league-wide week-long intermission would not only distract them, but also get in the way of the entire regular season as a whole.

Now, football needs an all-star game. Just voting somebody as an all-pro isn’t enough. The ratings might be low, but the chance to play in the Pro Bowl is an honor for a lot of NFL players.

Goodell and the other league executives should be satisfied with their biggest products; the regular season and Super Bowl. The sport is already the biggest in the country, and even though their all-star game is dismal compared to the rest of the business, they’re already in a great position.

This is a problem the NFL can afford to have. After-all, the game is supposed to be about showing the fans a good time.

The Dark Side

Brian Kelly has been named the new coach at Notre Dame, and now, with the Sugar Bowl approaching, UC Fans are left wondering what will happen next?

I can’t say I’m shock by his decision. Kelly said, years ago, that he would walk to South Bend for that job. Well as someone who’s not only made the trip to South Bend, but also walked the streets of the city doing door to door sales for AT&T, he’s not missing much by driving.

Details of the contract aren’t out yet, but you can bet Notre Dame is giving him quite a raise.

So put yourself in Kelly’s shoes. His dream job opens up with a big payday. He’s had a great thing going at Cincinnati for the past three years, but now has the opportunity to be the savior of the Irish. I don’t think you can blame the guy for taking the job.

However, this is probably the darkest and most unfair element in college football. In the professional sports, teams cannot steal coaches away while they are still under contract. But in college (basketball too), it’s almost common place. There is no respect what-so-ever for the sanctity and commitment from one contract to the next.

This doesn’t make any sense. I can understand that coaches don’t want to wait or miss out on bigger and better opportunities, but deserting the team is just wrong.

And during Bowl Season? C’mon NCAA, this is bullshit. At least in professional sports, coaches and assistants cannot finalize contracts until their current teams’ seasons are over. This allows teams to go through the playoffs, not focusing on what coaches will and will not be back and gives fans a peace of mind.

So why can’t the NCAA at least adopt that? With Kelly now coaching the Irish, the Bearcats are left to their assistants to put together a game plan against the defending national champion, Florida Gators.

And this isn’t the first time this has happened. The last school to win the Big East was West Virginia, whose coach, Rich Rodriguez, was hired by Michigan right before the Fiesta Bowl. While assistant Bill Stewart was able to win the game, and eventually the job, it was Rodriguez that got them there, and it should have been Rodriguez to coach them.

A big question people have been asking has been “Why couldn’t he have waited until after the Sugar Bowl?” Well, the answer is that big programs, like Notre Dame, have a history of getting who they want, when they want. If Kelly had even asked to wait until after the Sugar Bowl, you can bet the Irish response would have been “Thanks, but no thanks.” Kelly would have lost millions and probably the job.

Notre Dame, Brian Kelly, or even the UC Administration are not to blame for this. It’s just a broken system.

Stop It!

OK, Brett Favre, if you say you want to stay retired, then stay retired.

I am so sick of hearing a new Brett Favre report everyday on ESPN. And the worst part about that damn network is that all of their radio personalities, like Scott Van Pelt and Collin Cowherd, all say that they’re sick of it too. Here’s the problem; they say it everyday which means they’re just as bad as the station they work for!

I don’t blame them though. If it bleeds it leads, right? Well Brett Favre is bleeding all of the fun and excitement out of football news. Hell, out of all sports news.

Manny Ramirez’s positive drug test couldn’t even silence Favre. I actually have a theory that because Manny stole the spotlight for a day when Favre said he “wanted to stay retired,” that suddenly the attention whore began to change his mind again. “Oh no, they’ll forget about me!” Cry me a river.

So here’s what you should do Baby Brett, you fuck-head. Just unretired and join the Minnesota Vikings. We all know you want to. The more you deny it the dumber you look. And believe me, you look pretty dumb already.

No, this will not affect Favre’s admission into the Hall of Fame. No, when people think about Brett Favre 10 years from now they will still think of the three time MVP and Super Bowl winner, not the old grumpy guy who can’t make a decision. But did you ever hear the word “saga” after the names Marino, Elway, or Montana? I doubt we’ll hear it post Manning or Brady.

However, I know that it’s hard to imagine an NFL with no Brett Favre at all. But Favre doesn’t have to play to be involved with the sport.

Why not look at broadcasting? A lot of great football players have gone on to become analysts and commentators. John Madden retired (and unlike Favre, he will probably stay retired), so why not look into taking his job? ESPN would probably jizz their pants if you offered to work for them. Look at the quarterbacks that work for them! Trent Dilfer, Tim Hasselbeck, Sean Salisbury (did he get fired or something?), Favre is more qualified than all three of them!

How about coaching? C’mon Baby, you know football. Become a quarterbacks coach. Hell, I bet even the Packers might give you a shot at that. And if you’re as close with Aaron Rodgers as you claim, I’m sure he would love to have you mentor him.

Maybe Favre sits on these decisions because teams want him to participate in off-season workouts and training camps. We all know Favre hates these. He hasn’t participated in them in years. Ironically, those are the years where he has struggled most. And the scary part is that each year he has broken down more and more towards the end of the season. I don’t think Baby’s body can handle a full season with all the off-season programs, and I think he knows it too.

But guess what? The Vikings will still take him even if he decides after all of the programs. Why? Because they think that Baby is still an upgrade over what they have.

And because of that, it’s going to be August before we can see a Favre-free Sportscenter.

The Curse of Brooks

Note to all college basketball players and coaches: pray that I don’t put you in my Final Four.

Every damn year I suck at this. I make my bracket and, in confidence, I believe that by some miracle I just may be right and win my group challenge. Once again, I am reminded how much I suck at this.

I did do a little better this year. While Wake Forest, my upset pick, got knocked out in the first round by Cleveland State, my other three made it farther than usual. Duke made it to the Sweet 16, Oklahoma to the Elite Eight, and UConn is in the Final Four (I had Oklahoma over UConn in the championship).

People called me crazy for picking Oklahoma. I only had (and still have) two words… Blake Griffin. Dude’s a beast. Regardless of the fact that North Carolina spanked the Sooners, Griffin was still the best player in the NCAA this year. I’d take him over Tyler Hansbrough any day.

Wake Forest was iffy. After they lost the top spot in the hoops poll they limped on the rest of the season. Still, I thought that the Deacons could pull some upsets. After all, history tells us that any team in the dance has a shot.

As for Duke, I thought their division was weak. While Pitt was strong, they choked a lot. And they did again in the tournament to Big East Rival Villanova. I just thought the Blue Devils could pull through. I had them beating Pitt in the Elite Eight.

And of all of this what pisses me off the most is Michigan State. I am a life-long Spartan fan, thanks to my Dad being an alumnus. Ever since I was a kid I have loved all MSU sports. So why am I angry that they are in the Final Four? Because every year I DO pick them to get there they choke. The years that I haven’t (2005 and this year), they do. I’ll be wearing my green and white for the remainder of the tournament, I just wish that I could have picked them too.

So, in conclusion, I am just ranting. Next year I’ll have less confidence in my picks. For fuck’s sake, I suck at this.

Confliction on the Court

They lost to DePaul. How the hell did that happen?

Last week, UC lost to DePaul in the first round of the Big East Tournament. In case you didn’t know, the Blue Demons went 0-18 in conference play. Yet somehow, the Bearcats broke down.

UC head coach Mick Cronin has yet to get past the first round of the conference tourney. He has gone 0-10 in March, during his three year tenure. And the program has yet to get a bid to the NCAA Tournament, after getting there almost every year under Bob Huggins.

The fact is that UC had a winning basketball tradition. It was one of the premier programs in the country. While I do agree that Huggins deserved the axe for off-court issues, Cronin has done a horrible job filling his shoes.

Yes, taking the place of a local legend is not easy, but the name University of Cincinnati, alone, used to be able to get some of the country’s top recruits. Now, it struggles. Kids look at it and say “No.”

Maybe if the Bearcats were still in Conference USA it would be different, but the Big East is a whole other animal. It is the best and toughest conference in the country. And under Cronin, they can’t even break into the middle of the pack.

Here’s the big problem quickly arising with UC basketball: UC football. With a limited amount of money it’s kind of hazy how much money the school will be able to allocate to the two programs. While the school is traditionally known as a basketball school, their recent failures may have hampered the program for a while. On the other hand, the football program is on the rise and starting to bring new money to the school that it didn’t have before.

Can we blame Cronin for this? No. But the students and fans are quickly turning against him. Calling out cross-town rival Xavier (who he has yet to beat) doesn’t help you out, buddy. And when Huggins was here, he was the most beloved coach at the school. With the success on the gridiron, the fans won’t hesitate to turn on Cronin as they’ve fallen in love with Brian Kelly.

Basically, my opinion is that UC should give Cronin one more year, but they have the keep close tabs on him. No more stupid sound bites. Maybe one win in March. The guy needs a lot of help if he wants to keep coaching after 2010.

Give the Dawg a Bone

In just a few months, ex-Falcons’ quarterback and dog whisperer extraordinaire Michael Vick will be back in the free world.

The fact that Vick could potentially be back in the NFL leads to some issues. And you have to break it down into two questions: Should he be allowed back into the NFL and would any team want him?

From what I gather, most people don’t want him back in the NFL. I don’t blame them either. The dog fighting circus that Vick funded and served as ring-master not only shamed his own name but that of his team and the league.

However, players have done worse things and still been allowed to stay in the league. Ray Lewis was accused of murder, Pacman Jones of hiring someone to shoot someone, Jamal Lewis was involved in a drug bust, and Chris Henry is just a burden to society. All of these players have been punished by both the law and the league. All of these players are still in the league.

And when Vick gets out of prison, he will have served his full 23-month sentence. He hasn’t gotten into trouble while in the slammer and has been relatively quiet since. They say that prison is supposed to punish people so that they don’t make the same mistakes again. Let’s hope it has.

I know this isn’t the easiest thing to believe, but Vick should be allowed back in the league. The fact is that he not only has been behind bars and will have served the sentence that he was given as a result of his crime, but he also has been suspended indefinitely since. By all means, Vick deserves to be back in the league.

If Roger Goodell decides to suspend him for another year, that is up to his own discretion. But banning him for life? I know I want to see that, but it shouldn’t happen.

Now, who would want Vick? That’s a whole other animal.

Vick wasn’t that good of a quarterback to begin with. He has never thrown more than 55% of his passes accurately in a year. No other “run first” quarterback since him has had any success. If Vick wants to come back into the league, he can’t be a quarterback. On the other hand, there will be a team out there that might give him a chance to be under center.

Right now NFL general managers have the luxury of sitting back and saying that they have no interest in pursuing Vick. He is still serving his sentence for a few more months, free agency has just begun, the draft is coming up, and Goodell hasn’t even made his decision on him. Plus, the Falcons want a trade for Vick, and other teams know that when he comes back there will be no place on their roster for him, making a cut imminent. Every GM can wait on that call.

And who doesn’t love a great story of redemption? Before he went to prison, Vick apologized for his crimes. Many, including myself, were skeptic. I mean, had he not gotten caught would he have apologized? But now he’s lost all of his money, his houses, his friends, his team, and his job. If anything, he has definitely paid the price for his crime.

I say let him back into the NFL. The unemployment rate in this country is high enough as is and someone as athletically talented as Vick doesn’t need to be on that list. Let him play, but keep him on a short leash (pun intended).