So, in the past three days, I've finally gotten to catch a couple of NBA games.
Ok, actually, I've caught the last two Cavs games, against the Heat and the Lakers. And they've gotten me excited about the NBA again. Gotten me paying closer attention to NBA highlight reels on ESPN and following news stories and rumors and all that. And, I've got a couple of thoughts.
1) The Cavaliers are starting to look good. The move to go to Daniel Gibson as the starting point guard looks to have freed up the offense. Eric Snow is a phenominal defensive talent, but teams are no longer able to completely ignore one of the Cavs' starters when playing defense.
It's also energized the second team, to help the bench play. Eric Snow commands that unit a lot better, because they can run a slowed down offense through him, without everyone else standing around waiting for LeBron to get invovled. Sasha and AV are really producing on that unit right now, and if they keep it up, this could be a very dangerous team in the playoffs.
2) It's becoming obvious to me that the East playoffs are going to be dramatic than the West playoffs. The Mavs are the class of the West. There is no debate about it, at least not in my mind. They have the best player in the West (Dirk), are a deep team, and have tasted some success with the bitter taste left in their mouth in falling short. The other contenders in the West just seem too flawed.
In Phoenix, the lack of real depth is showing as injuries creep in. I wouldn't bet on them against a deep and rested and focused Mavs squad. They look like a team that is going to run out of gas in the second or third round of the playoffs.
In San Antonio, the team looks a little lost. Tim Duncan is still dominant as usual, but it doesn't look like anyone else is showing up consistently to help him. It could be just an off year, or it could be the end of an era. I'd probably bet on this being the end of their era. Lucky for them, Duncan has more than enough miles left for them to retool and make another run with him.
Both L.A. teams look too inconsistent to be real contenders. Utah doesn't do anything for me, especially if they lose seeding position with Boozer out.
The West just looks clear-cut as a slamdunk win for the Mavs.
In the East, however, there are a handful of teams I can see winning the conference.
The Cavaliers are starting to gel and come together. The Pistons, since the addition of Webber, have realy looked good. The Heat have to be a contender as long as they remain in position to make the playoffs. The Magic are someone who worry me, since they have Dwight Howard (more no him later), and there's no telling what a dominant center can do in the playoffs. And, there's Washington, lead by a man on a mission (Agent Zero), who can carry a team to an upset or two, which might be enough to win a few rounds and win the conference.
That said, I think the East drama is all for naught. None of those teams would I pick to defeat the Mavs for the NBA title, save the Cavs, but that would be a very biased pick.
3) I finally am starting to see what all the talk about Dwight Howard is all about. Wow, he's simply amazing, and he's getting better every game it seems. I'd put long-term stock in the Magic, if I could trust that organization to either build around a star, or at least keep a star. Still, he's entered into my top five NBA players I will stop and watch when they are on TV, just because you don't know what they might do next. That list:
1) LeBron
2) Kobe
3) Agent Zero
4) D-Wade
5) Dwight Howard
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Mock Draft Version 1
Well, the NFL Season is over, and the Cavaliers are depressing me so that i can't focus on the NBA, it's not March yet, so I can't get excited about college basketball, I don't get obscure channels, so I can't follow the NHL, and pitchers and catchers haven't reported yet.
That leaves me to talk about the NFL a little more, and this time, I'll focus on the upcoming NFL Draft, one of my favorite spectacles in all of sport. Here's my first attempt at a 2007 NFL Mock Draft, first round only.
1. Oakland Raiders
This team needs just about everything on the offensive side of the ball. It would be tempting to take a playmaker like Calvin Johnson, and if I were running the team I would be tempted to take a rock for the O-Line, like Joe Thomas. However, the NFL is a quarterback's league, and if you want to win, you need a franchise quarterback. Oakland has a chance to land one here, and I don't see them passing on that chance.
The pick: JaMarcuss Russel, QB, LSU
2. Detroit Lions
This is a team with not as many holes as Oakland, but still missing a few key pieces. I can see them trying to grab a rock for their O-Line in Joe Thomas, as among the picks that can get you real #2 overall value here, he's about the only one that will make an immediate impact. Brady Quinn is an option here, if only because the Lions have no long term answer at quarterback, and Quinn has all the desired measureables. Still, I think the pick is to try to get an impact player on defense, and see if you can compete quickly in a weak NFC.
The pick: Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
3. Cleveland Browns
Another team with a lot of needs, mainly on the offensive side of the ball. Joe Thomas would go a long way towards helping a pitiful offensive line, but I don't see that as a good enough pick for a team that not only needs to turn it around on the field, but also needs to excite their fan base after a few dismal seasons. Calvin Johnson could be considered, but with Winslow and Edwards already on board, investing another high draft pick in a receiving threat seems ... odd, at best. I think the call here is for a franchise quarterback, something the team hasn't had since its return.
The pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The once proud Bucs defense looked pitiful and pathetic at times this year. They got old quickly, and also suffered losses through defections. Jamaal Anderson could be looked at here to try to put some spice back in the defense, but I think the real answer is to get a scoring threat for the offense, take pressure off the defense, and see if they can perform better when they don't feel the need to play perfect.
The pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona Cardinals
This one seems too easy. The Cardinals need O-line help, and the best O-lineman is still on the board. If this situation unfolds, there is no need for the Cardinals to consider anyone else.
The pick: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington Redskins
Washington has invested money into offensive playmakers the past few offseasons, and seem to have a possible quarterback to build with in Jason Campbell. That puts the eyes squarely on the offensive line, and a defensive playmaker. No real value exists on the O-Line at #6, and so that leaves them to look for a defensive playmaker. I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade down to try to grab an extra pick, though.
The pick: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
7. Minnesota Vikings
Odd situation here. The best value on the board is a running back (Adrian Peterson), but the Vikings have no need there. They could reach for a wide receiver (either Ginn or Jarrett might make sense), but common sense says they'll either trade down with a team looking to move up for Peterson (like the Packers, Giants, or Jets), or take a good value pick on defense. Since I'm not allowing trades in this mock ...
The pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
8. Houston Texans
Barring someone moving up in a trade, this could be a slamdunk for the Texans, too. After passing on Reggie Bush last year, there is no way they let Adrian Peterson get away if he's sitting there.
The pick: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
9. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins could probably use a playmaker on the offensive side of the football, so a talent like Ted Ginn Jr. could be a temptation. At the same time, shoring up the fundamental areas of football, the O and D-lines, is essential, especially in a division featuring the Patriots, who exploit bad fundamentals so easily. That puts Levi Brown and Omobi Okoye on the radar screen. Still, I think the secondary is a big concern in Miami, and so they go there with the pick.
The pick: Leon Hall, DB, Michigan
10. Atlanta Falcons
Again, a guy with stretch-the-field speed like Ted Ginn is going to get a long, hard look here, especially with a guy like Michael Vick who we know can throw the deep ball and create time with his legs to get separation for his receivers. Still, I think the secondary remains a concern for Atlanta, especialy when they need to face the Panthers and Saints twice a year.
The pick: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
11. San Fransisco 49ers
If this unfolds this way, I think the niners are jumping for joy. After seeing Alex Smith have a bit of a breakout, and getting great play out of Frank Gore, the niners have a great chance to add a playmaker to help Smith progress further.
The pick: Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
12. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have one of those impossible to predict front offices. That said, I think there's a value left on the board right now that Buffalo can't talk themselves out of, if they want to. And, I doubt they'd want to, since he has the look and ability to be a playmaker in the league for years to come.
The pick: Amobi Okoye, DE, Louisville
13. St. Louis Rams
The Rams were a very decent team last year, but their offense seemed to collapse when they had some O-line injuries, and their defense seemed to collapse a little too often. Hence, the obvious choices here seem to be O-Line or Defense. Levi Brown gets a bit of consideration, but that's not the best value here. This probably comes down to two linebackers.
The pick: Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
14. Carolina Panthers
Carolina is probably hoping against hope that one of the two big Quarterbacks falls to them, as Jake Delhomme has fallen off the map. That doesn't appear likely, so they need to look to other needs. Defense is always a strength, and so I don't know why the Panthers wouldn't try to make their strength stronger and see if they can't win that way.
The pick: Paul Posluszny, OLD, Penn State
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh was a team plagued by injuries and turnovers last year, and you can't draft to get around that. So, they can take the best player available (Marshawn Lynch), or they can add depth to a position they are starting to age at (linebacker and o-line). With Posluszny and Timmons coming off the board, it makes the pick a little easier to figure out.
The pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
16. Green Bay Packers
With Favre coming back for at least one more season, this team needs to find players that can impact right away to help Favre win for as long as they have him. To that end, they luck out in this scenario, as one of the top playmakers has fallen to them. If this unfolds, I don't see the Packers taking long to get their card in.
The pick: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
There's a value pick on the board that really seems to fit the mold of what the Jaguars like to get on offense: a big, strong wide receiver with good hands. As they continue to try to find a franchise quarterback, and continue to try to develop the ones they have, I think getting as many targets to help as possible is key.
The pick: Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
18. Cincinnati Bengals
The need for the Bengals is good character guys that can also make an impact. That might rule out a guy like Jarvis Moss, who while a possible impact player, has had some character questions. The best value on the board right now, by far, is LaRon Landry, but he's not a need for the Bengals. I think they shore up their defense with a different value pick.
The pick: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
19. Tennessee Titans
They would be very happy to see any of Ginn, Lynch, or Jarrett fall to them. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. So, I think they have to go with the best value on the board, and just try to get pieces to a puzzle that seems ready to come together. And, they get a real steal here.
The pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
20. New York Giants
Another team that really want, I believe, Marshawn Lynch, but barring a trade-up, there is no way he's available at this point in time. So, they need to look at other needs. Good value is available at linebacker, and a good fit is there at cornerback.
The pick: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
21. Denver Broncos
This is another team that simply ran into some bad luck to cause them to lose the playoffs. There in a great position to just go for the best player available, and find a place to plug him in. As such, they get great value here.
The pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
22. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a large glaring need at Guard, and at Safety. They narrowly miss out on great value at safety, but the best guard prospect available is still on the board, and that should make this an easy pick.
The pick: Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
23. Kansas City Chiefs
They are probably hopeful that Levi Brown falls to them, but that didn't happen in this mock. Outside of that, they could use help at WR, but need to evaluate if they can get better value in rounds 2 and 3, than they can get here. I think they can, and so I think they keep trying to improve their defense, and get a nice hybrid-freak type player that's dropped a bit.
The pick: Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
24. New England Patriots
The need here seems obvious, after the departures of Deion Branch and the other wideouts, and the disappointment in the AFC title game. The question becomes, do they take a WR here, or do they wait until their second first round selection. I think WR is the pick here, if only because now they get their pick of the remaining first round talent.
The pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
25. New York Jets
New York's biggest need is a feature running back. I'd expect them to work the phones non-stop leading up to the draft to try to trade up to land Peterson or Lynch. If they're unable to do that (as this mock suggests), I'd expect them to wait until round two to grab a running back, and nab a Kenny Irons, Michael Bush, or a Brian Leonard. With that out of the way, the o-line solidified a bit last year, they can focus on defense and try to nab an impact lineman or an impact cornerback.
The pick: Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Outside linebacker and wide receiver look to be the biggest round-one needs for the Eagles, while other first day picks could be used to try to grab a quarterback to groom under McNabb. With linebacker depth starting to dry up, it makes the most sense to go with a first-round talented wide receiver here.
The pick: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
27. New Orleans Saints
They could use some help stopping the run, so a run stopping linebacker or a penetrating defensive tackle might be the best bet here. Again, linebacker value is not high here, so a trade down could happen. If not, I see them grabbing an impact lineman.
The pick: Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State
28. New England Patriots
The Patriots already addressed their biggest 1st round need earlier in this mock, so they are really in a position where they can simply go after the best play available and find a place to plug him in.
The Pick: Michael Griffin, S, Texas
29. Baltimore Ravens
Running back is probably a need for them, but without reaching for a second rounder, they shouldn't take one here. They can probably get the same type of back if they simply wait a round, and get better value for it. Linebacker could be an issue as well, but again, depth has dropped and so has value. Hence, the probable pick is offensive line.
The pick: Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
30. San Diego Chargers
Since you can't draft clutch, the Chargers are left to look a little deeper onto their depth chart to find needs to fill in the first round. A wide receiver and linebacker depth seem to be the biggest areas of concern. There's not really a WR left on the board with value here, so I think they go for a depth LB.
The pick: Jon Beason, OLB, Miami
31. Chicago Bears
Super Bowl teams rarely have big needs, and that's the case for the Bears. Some might argue that they need to look towards a franchise quarterback, but there's not one available at #31 this year. Depth on the Offensive Line might be the best move for the Bears, and that's the way we'll lean with this pick.
The pick: Arron Sears, OT, Tennessee
32. Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl winners very rarely have big needs, and the Colts have the luxury of trying to just add depth. One area that looked good in the playoffs but poor elsewhere was run defense, and so grabbing a run stuffer might be the best idea. Either a linebacker or a d-lineman would do the trick, but one offers much better value at this pick.
The pick: DeMarcus Tyler, DT, North Carolina State.
And there you have it ... my first mock for the year. I'm sure things will change around Combine time, and I'll need to update.
That leaves me to talk about the NFL a little more, and this time, I'll focus on the upcoming NFL Draft, one of my favorite spectacles in all of sport. Here's my first attempt at a 2007 NFL Mock Draft, first round only.
1. Oakland Raiders
This team needs just about everything on the offensive side of the ball. It would be tempting to take a playmaker like Calvin Johnson, and if I were running the team I would be tempted to take a rock for the O-Line, like Joe Thomas. However, the NFL is a quarterback's league, and if you want to win, you need a franchise quarterback. Oakland has a chance to land one here, and I don't see them passing on that chance.
The pick: JaMarcuss Russel, QB, LSU
2. Detroit Lions
This is a team with not as many holes as Oakland, but still missing a few key pieces. I can see them trying to grab a rock for their O-Line in Joe Thomas, as among the picks that can get you real #2 overall value here, he's about the only one that will make an immediate impact. Brady Quinn is an option here, if only because the Lions have no long term answer at quarterback, and Quinn has all the desired measureables. Still, I think the pick is to try to get an impact player on defense, and see if you can compete quickly in a weak NFC.
The pick: Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
3. Cleveland Browns
Another team with a lot of needs, mainly on the offensive side of the ball. Joe Thomas would go a long way towards helping a pitiful offensive line, but I don't see that as a good enough pick for a team that not only needs to turn it around on the field, but also needs to excite their fan base after a few dismal seasons. Calvin Johnson could be considered, but with Winslow and Edwards already on board, investing another high draft pick in a receiving threat seems ... odd, at best. I think the call here is for a franchise quarterback, something the team hasn't had since its return.
The pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The once proud Bucs defense looked pitiful and pathetic at times this year. They got old quickly, and also suffered losses through defections. Jamaal Anderson could be looked at here to try to put some spice back in the defense, but I think the real answer is to get a scoring threat for the offense, take pressure off the defense, and see if they can perform better when they don't feel the need to play perfect.
The pick: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
5. Arizona Cardinals
This one seems too easy. The Cardinals need O-line help, and the best O-lineman is still on the board. If this situation unfolds, there is no need for the Cardinals to consider anyone else.
The pick: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
6. Washington Redskins
Washington has invested money into offensive playmakers the past few offseasons, and seem to have a possible quarterback to build with in Jason Campbell. That puts the eyes squarely on the offensive line, and a defensive playmaker. No real value exists on the O-Line at #6, and so that leaves them to look for a defensive playmaker. I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade down to try to grab an extra pick, though.
The pick: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
7. Minnesota Vikings
Odd situation here. The best value on the board is a running back (Adrian Peterson), but the Vikings have no need there. They could reach for a wide receiver (either Ginn or Jarrett might make sense), but common sense says they'll either trade down with a team looking to move up for Peterson (like the Packers, Giants, or Jets), or take a good value pick on defense. Since I'm not allowing trades in this mock ...
The pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
8. Houston Texans
Barring someone moving up in a trade, this could be a slamdunk for the Texans, too. After passing on Reggie Bush last year, there is no way they let Adrian Peterson get away if he's sitting there.
The pick: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
9. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins could probably use a playmaker on the offensive side of the football, so a talent like Ted Ginn Jr. could be a temptation. At the same time, shoring up the fundamental areas of football, the O and D-lines, is essential, especially in a division featuring the Patriots, who exploit bad fundamentals so easily. That puts Levi Brown and Omobi Okoye on the radar screen. Still, I think the secondary is a big concern in Miami, and so they go there with the pick.
The pick: Leon Hall, DB, Michigan
10. Atlanta Falcons
Again, a guy with stretch-the-field speed like Ted Ginn is going to get a long, hard look here, especially with a guy like Michael Vick who we know can throw the deep ball and create time with his legs to get separation for his receivers. Still, I think the secondary remains a concern for Atlanta, especialy when they need to face the Panthers and Saints twice a year.
The pick: Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
11. San Fransisco 49ers
If this unfolds this way, I think the niners are jumping for joy. After seeing Alex Smith have a bit of a breakout, and getting great play out of Frank Gore, the niners have a great chance to add a playmaker to help Smith progress further.
The pick: Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
12. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have one of those impossible to predict front offices. That said, I think there's a value left on the board right now that Buffalo can't talk themselves out of, if they want to. And, I doubt they'd want to, since he has the look and ability to be a playmaker in the league for years to come.
The pick: Amobi Okoye, DE, Louisville
13. St. Louis Rams
The Rams were a very decent team last year, but their offense seemed to collapse when they had some O-line injuries, and their defense seemed to collapse a little too often. Hence, the obvious choices here seem to be O-Line or Defense. Levi Brown gets a bit of consideration, but that's not the best value here. This probably comes down to two linebackers.
The pick: Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
14. Carolina Panthers
Carolina is probably hoping against hope that one of the two big Quarterbacks falls to them, as Jake Delhomme has fallen off the map. That doesn't appear likely, so they need to look to other needs. Defense is always a strength, and so I don't know why the Panthers wouldn't try to make their strength stronger and see if they can't win that way.
The pick: Paul Posluszny, OLD, Penn State
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh was a team plagued by injuries and turnovers last year, and you can't draft to get around that. So, they can take the best player available (Marshawn Lynch), or they can add depth to a position they are starting to age at (linebacker and o-line). With Posluszny and Timmons coming off the board, it makes the pick a little easier to figure out.
The pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
16. Green Bay Packers
With Favre coming back for at least one more season, this team needs to find players that can impact right away to help Favre win for as long as they have him. To that end, they luck out in this scenario, as one of the top playmakers has fallen to them. If this unfolds, I don't see the Packers taking long to get their card in.
The pick: Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
There's a value pick on the board that really seems to fit the mold of what the Jaguars like to get on offense: a big, strong wide receiver with good hands. As they continue to try to find a franchise quarterback, and continue to try to develop the ones they have, I think getting as many targets to help as possible is key.
The pick: Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
18. Cincinnati Bengals
The need for the Bengals is good character guys that can also make an impact. That might rule out a guy like Jarvis Moss, who while a possible impact player, has had some character questions. The best value on the board right now, by far, is LaRon Landry, but he's not a need for the Bengals. I think they shore up their defense with a different value pick.
The pick: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
19. Tennessee Titans
They would be very happy to see any of Ginn, Lynch, or Jarrett fall to them. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. So, I think they have to go with the best value on the board, and just try to get pieces to a puzzle that seems ready to come together. And, they get a real steal here.
The pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
20. New York Giants
Another team that really want, I believe, Marshawn Lynch, but barring a trade-up, there is no way he's available at this point in time. So, they need to look at other needs. Good value is available at linebacker, and a good fit is there at cornerback.
The pick: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
21. Denver Broncos
This is another team that simply ran into some bad luck to cause them to lose the playoffs. There in a great position to just go for the best player available, and find a place to plug him in. As such, they get great value here.
The pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
22. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a large glaring need at Guard, and at Safety. They narrowly miss out on great value at safety, but the best guard prospect available is still on the board, and that should make this an easy pick.
The pick: Justin Blalock, OG, Texas
23. Kansas City Chiefs
They are probably hopeful that Levi Brown falls to them, but that didn't happen in this mock. Outside of that, they could use help at WR, but need to evaluate if they can get better value in rounds 2 and 3, than they can get here. I think they can, and so I think they keep trying to improve their defense, and get a nice hybrid-freak type player that's dropped a bit.
The pick: Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
24. New England Patriots
The need here seems obvious, after the departures of Deion Branch and the other wideouts, and the disappointment in the AFC title game. The question becomes, do they take a WR here, or do they wait until their second first round selection. I think WR is the pick here, if only because now they get their pick of the remaining first round talent.
The pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
25. New York Jets
New York's biggest need is a feature running back. I'd expect them to work the phones non-stop leading up to the draft to try to trade up to land Peterson or Lynch. If they're unable to do that (as this mock suggests), I'd expect them to wait until round two to grab a running back, and nab a Kenny Irons, Michael Bush, or a Brian Leonard. With that out of the way, the o-line solidified a bit last year, they can focus on defense and try to nab an impact lineman or an impact cornerback.
The pick: Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
Outside linebacker and wide receiver look to be the biggest round-one needs for the Eagles, while other first day picks could be used to try to grab a quarterback to groom under McNabb. With linebacker depth starting to dry up, it makes the most sense to go with a first-round talented wide receiver here.
The pick: Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
27. New Orleans Saints
They could use some help stopping the run, so a run stopping linebacker or a penetrating defensive tackle might be the best bet here. Again, linebacker value is not high here, so a trade down could happen. If not, I see them grabbing an impact lineman.
The pick: Quinn Pitcock, DT, Ohio State
28. New England Patriots
The Patriots already addressed their biggest 1st round need earlier in this mock, so they are really in a position where they can simply go after the best play available and find a place to plug him in.
The Pick: Michael Griffin, S, Texas
29. Baltimore Ravens
Running back is probably a need for them, but without reaching for a second rounder, they shouldn't take one here. They can probably get the same type of back if they simply wait a round, and get better value for it. Linebacker could be an issue as well, but again, depth has dropped and so has value. Hence, the probable pick is offensive line.
The pick: Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
30. San Diego Chargers
Since you can't draft clutch, the Chargers are left to look a little deeper onto their depth chart to find needs to fill in the first round. A wide receiver and linebacker depth seem to be the biggest areas of concern. There's not really a WR left on the board with value here, so I think they go for a depth LB.
The pick: Jon Beason, OLB, Miami
31. Chicago Bears
Super Bowl teams rarely have big needs, and that's the case for the Bears. Some might argue that they need to look towards a franchise quarterback, but there's not one available at #31 this year. Depth on the Offensive Line might be the best move for the Bears, and that's the way we'll lean with this pick.
The pick: Arron Sears, OT, Tennessee
32. Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl winners very rarely have big needs, and the Colts have the luxury of trying to just add depth. One area that looked good in the playoffs but poor elsewhere was run defense, and so grabbing a run stuffer might be the best idea. Either a linebacker or a d-lineman would do the trick, but one offers much better value at this pick.
The pick: DeMarcus Tyler, DT, North Carolina State.
And there you have it ... my first mock for the year. I'm sure things will change around Combine time, and I'll need to update.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
An Anti-Manning Conspiracy Theory
**warning**
This post is fueled by thoughts of a man who is very much anti-Manning Family and even moreso anti-Peyton Manning. Hence, the resulting blog entry is not fair nor balanced, and is in fact biased.
So ... Peyton Manning was just named MVP of Super Bowl XLI. And I'm not really sure why . The Colts defense and running game were much more responsible for winning that game than Manning. If the Bears had been able to capitalize on the early Manning mistake and take a 14 or 10 point lead early in the first, that game ends very differently. But they didn't, and Peyton was bailed out by a defense that took advantage of bad play calling and poor executiong by Rex Grossman, as well as two pretty good performances by his running backs.
And here is where my theory comes in.
Midway through the third quarter, the game is starting to look like it's almost certainly going to the Colts. At this point, Joseph Addai already has ten catches and is putting up an MVP-like performance.
And what do we get the rest of the game?
A large dose of Dominic Rhodes, not Joseph Addai.
No real explanation why. But I have a theory.
Peyton Manning asked for Rhodes to come in, and share the duties with Addai and put up similar stats. This would then (and I think did) cause MVP voters to say "hey, it didn't matter who was running the ball for the Colts, they were gonna run well, we can't name a Colts RB as Super Bowl MVP, let's just give it to Peyton Manning".
And it worked. Congrats on your Super Bowl Ring, Peyton, and may it be your only one.
And congrats on your MVP, as I'm certain you weaseled and politiced your way to it.
Or at least that's what I'm gonna tell myself, just so I can have something of a smile on my face when I think about the fact that you won a Super Bowl.
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