Ben's Brain - NFL Draft

Mocking the NFL's second round

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:50:00 -0400

The Down and Dirty version...

33) New England: Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsbugh - Sure, the Pats could deal again, but they truly need a pass rusher and a few are still here

34) Buffalo: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU - Him or Colin Kaepernick. Dalton is the safer, steadier option.

35) Cincinnati: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas - When has a player's negative off-the-field rep scared away the Bengals?

36) Denver: Marvin Austin, DT, UNC - After passing on Dareus in the first, Broncos must address defensive tackle spot in round two.

37) Cleveland: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson - Injuries sent the sack master's draft stock plummeting, but Browns have extra second rounder to chance it.

38) Arizona: Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona - Cardinals go with the local kid for outside pass rush pressure

39) Tennessee: Justin Houston, DE, Georgia - Reported failed drug test likely knocked Houston out of round one and into Titans waiting arms.

40) Dallas: Aaron Williams, DB, Texas - Cowboys secondary was picked on last year. Help is coming, whether Williams eventually is a corner or safety

41) Washington: Colin Kaerpernick, QB, Nevada - Now with an extra second round pick, Mike Shanahan can take his QB of the future here, though a defensive lineman like Stephen Paea serves more immediate need.

42) Houston: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami - Dead last in pass defense, Texans get help in a 5-foot-9 package.

43) Minnesota, Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State - Williams Wall starting to crumble, powerful Paea would solidify defensive line.

44) Detroit: Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia - Secondary weakest link in Lions improving defense and UVA stud is last of quality corner options

45) San Francisco: Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland - Not Niners top need, but the blazing receiver fills in role opposite Michael Crabtree.

46) Denver: Rahim Moore, S, UCLA - Secondary or right tackle makes sense here for Broncos, but Moore only true viable safety option in the draft

47) St. Louis: Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame: Rams must give Sam Bradford better receiving option and Rudolph is great value this far down.

48) Oakland: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA: Ayers had first round grade for many, but lack of off-the-charts athleticism knocks him down

49) Washington: Rodney Hudson, G/C, Florida State: A four-year starter at FSU, Hudson was the Seminoles offensive MVP last season and is a strong fit for the Redskins zone blocking schemes. Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams is another option.

50) San Diego: Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami - Chargers like their big receivers and could lose Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd in free agency.

51) Tampa Bay: Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC: Could corner considering Aqib Talib's legal issues, but Carter best value and linebacker sincere need

52) NY Giants: Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida: Offensive line is aging across the board and the massive Gilbert started 27 games for Gators the last two seasons

53) Indianapolis: Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech - Joseph Addai's skills are eroding and Donald Brown's never materialized.

54) Philadelphia: Mason Foster, OLB, Washington - Eagles would be wise to take a second offensive lineman, but Foster will be a strong open-field tackler for their defense.

55) Kansas City: Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton - Chiefs were thought to be hot and heavy for Phil Taylor in round one, but get their nose tacke here.

56) New England: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois - Patriots have solid, but not true lead backs.

57) Seattle: Jurrell Casey, DT, USC - Pete Carroll knows what the defensive lineman sleeper is all about.

58) Baltimore: Titus Young, WR, Boise State - Ravens must add speed to aging unit and Young does that in spades.

59) Cleveland: Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky - Nobody is scared of the Browns current receiving options, other than the quarterbacks that have to throw their way.

60) New England: Ben Ijalana, G/T, Villanova - Patriots could lose 2-3 starters along offensive line.

61) San Diego: Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois - The inside linebcker posted 112 tackles one season after neck surgery, would be a steal this late.

62) Chicago: William Rackley, G, Lehigh - Another big body to help protect Jay Cutler and his, um, injured knee.

63) Pittsburgh: Johnny Patrick, CB. Louisville - Steelers secondary had no chance against Aaron Rodgers in the Super Bowl. Taking a guard like Georgia's Clint Boling also in play.

64) Green Bay: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami: Protection in case Cullen Jenkins leaves via free agency.

Why mockers sending Locker to Redskins makes me bonkers

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0400

Whether it's my pal Evan Silva from Rotoworld, Russ Lande from the Sporting News or other national writers, it seems just about everyone is Locker-ing in on the Washington Redskins selecting the University of Washington quarterback in the first round.

As a lifelong fan of the Burgundy and Gold, allow me to use a quote from my grandmother to sum up what is either a growing factual consensus or a herd mentality: Oy Vey.

For the moment, let's put aside the fact that Redskins don't have a single area on offense they can hang their hat on (if you want to count tight end with Chris Cooley and Fred David, go for it). Let's look past their 31st ranked defense and that they are currently without picks in rounds three and four to help address their needs.

Instead, let's start with the first sentence Evan writes about Jake Locker. It reminds me of what draft-niks thought of another Pac 10 quarterback a few years back.

- Silva, on Locker: "Statistically, Locker grades out as an undrafted free agent with a 53.9 career completion rate, 15-25 record, and 6.65 yards-per-attempt average."

How can that line of thinking be equated with a player projected in the top-10?

(To be clear, not at all picking on Evan's take. The point of a mock draft is too simply do project what the NFL teams will do, not necessarily the path the author would take.

Now, here's the comparison to a previous first round QB.

-Pro Football Weekly, circa 2003. "Had poor stats on a poor team for his first three years, never completing 50 percent of his passes... Played for different offensive coordinators at Cal, but in '02 got to play for a new head coach, Jeff Tedford… putting him in a truly QB-friendly offense that generally required him to read only half the field. The result was Boller completed 225-421-2,815-28-10 (53.4 percent) and Cal had a winning season… Good size, speed and outstanding athletic ability for the position.

The mystery quarterback, Kyle Boller. Yes, scared me too.

The similarities to the Ravens bust are a little to close for my liking, even if some say Locker's accuracy issues are overblown.

Here's one more take on Locker, that quotes Scout's Inc. Matt Williamson. He's talking about rumors the local kid could get selected by the Seahawks.

- "He went to school in that area. It is easy to say that is a good fit, but I think Seattle is going more and more to a pure West Coast offense, and Locker doesn't fit the West Coast offense at all."

The Seahawks may not run an exact replica of the offensive scheme found in the page's of Mike Shanahan's playbook, but it's in the same general family.

Now back to Silva and the second line of his commentary: "Athletically, Locker is a picturesque fit for the Shanahans' scheme, which relies heavily on its quarterback making throws outside the pocket."

Williamson takes that aspect a step further - and also sounding a bit like he's describing the mobile passer who started 13 games in Washington last season):

- "Locker is pretty accurate outside the pocket," Williamson said, "but as far as going 1-2-3 and getting it out, having good footwork, hitting a guy in stride, he is terrible."

For more foreboding talk about Locker's pocket presence, check out NFL Films' Greg Cosell, here, here and here.

Most agree that Locker is going somewhere in round one and certain television analysts that love everyone really love Locker. So for some, taking a shot on a guy who a year ago may have been the overall number one pick is reasonable. But not for this team.

Santana Moss is a free agent and iffy at best to return. Ryan Torain is the top running back and he makes Austin Collie seem durable by comparison. The offensive line has one true building block (Trent Williams) and he's entering his second season. And the defense, well, let's just say that for all the hangups over Albert Haynesworth's attitude, this unit statistically was better with him.

Yeah, sounds like a great environment for a young passer to thrive in, right David Carr?

As for the other QB options, unless the eventual resolution to the ongoing labor situation leads to the Redskins being forced to keep Donovan McNabb, they won't. That leaves Rex.

Now, I know Grossman is a great punching bag for all the wanna-be comics out there, but he's fine for this team for this year. He has a decent arm, he can put up points. Sure he makes loads of mistakes, but he also gives the Redskins a puncher's chance, but more importantly Grossman can hold the fort while they put other much needed pieces in place.

It's ok to lose if there is a plan in place to get better, unlike what the last decade has wrought.

So where would I get a QB to groom? For now, look in the later rounds, but remember there is always next season. Right now, the focus should be on the offensive line and the defensive front-7.

Simply put, it seems like the Redskins drafting a not-so accurate quarterback at No. 10 is an awfully big risk with so many other needs available to address. Just a circa 2003 Ravens fan.

Getting on the record for the NFL fantasy season

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 13:32:00 -0400

We all have talked and talked about who would like, our sleepers and guys we want to avoid like the plague. This is me getting on the record about which guys - even the studs - will meet or exceed expectations followed by those I do not think will ultimately live up to their ADP, hype or simply were not my bag. (Commentary to follow shortly)

Top Tier

QB: Aaron Rodgers, Matt Schaub, Tom Brady

RB: Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Rashard Mendenhall

WR: Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Roddy White, Miles Austin, Greg Jennings

TE: Jermichael Finley

K: Stephen Gostkowski

Def: Green Bay, San Francisco

Next Level

QB: Joe Flacco, Matthew Stafford

RB: Jahvid Best, Matt Forte,Jonathan Stewart

WR: Hakeem Nicks, Dwayne Bowe, Mike Wallace

TE: Chris Cooley, Zach Miller

K: David Buehler

Def: Arizona

Even Deeper and then some

QB: Chad Henne, David Garrard

RB: Michael Bush, Ahmad Bradhaw, Tim Hightower, Tashard Choice, Mike Bell, Larry Johnson, Peyton Hills, Darren McFadden*

WR: James Jones, Mike Thomas*, Julian Edelman, Eric Decker

TE: Tony Scheffler, Rob Gronkowski/Aaron Hernandez

Top Tier eh's or stay aways

QB: Peyton Manning - He's a stud clearly, but since he hasn't been on any of my fantasy teams for years (for no particular reason) and the weakness of Colts o-line makes me nervous, I stayed away.

RB: Steven Jackson, DeAngelo Williams, Cedric Benson

WR: Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald, Chad Ochocinco

TE Tony Gonzalez, Vernon Davis

K: Robbie Gould

Def: Philadelphia

Next Level

QB: Jay Cutler, Matt Ryan, Carson Palmer

RB: LeSean McCoy, Clinton Portis, Felix Jones

WR: Mike Sims-Walker, Hines Ward, Donald Driver, Jets WRs

TE: Owen Daniels, John Carlson

*McFadden and M. Thomas were on the original list, but accidentally omitted from this page.

Recapping the offseason and a fantasy look ahead, AFC West

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:18:00 -0400

With the completion of the NFL Draft and the main portion of free agency in the books, it is time to start review the moves made and start looking ahead to the regular and fantasy seasons. Today I turn to the AFC West, looking at the best draft related move teams made, holes remaining, fantasy sleepers, players that have had a change in value and what is the top question for fantasy owners to ponder with training camp still about two months away. Catch previous posts on the NFC East and stay tuned for the NFC North...

Denver Broncos

Best Use of Draft Pick - Eric Decker:
Unlike his fellow rookie receiver Demaryius Thomas, who still needs to learn how to run NFL quality routes, Decker enters the NFL as a near fully formed receiver. Even though he was often a one-man-gang with the Golden Gophers, Decker has shown the ability to produce (in 2008 he went hauled in 84 passes, scored seven touchdowns and went for over 1,000 yards) and make both the easy and tough catches. To illustrate that last point, here is a great stat from CBSSports.com: Minnesota quarterbacks have targeted Decker for 354 passes during his career and he dropped just three in 45 games (0.085%). In other words, Braylon Edwards he is not. The 6-3 Decker slid in the draft due to a foot injury that cost him time last season and that - plus the normal rookie receiver curve - limits his 2010 fantasy value. Once healthy, he could easily become the Broncos leader in receptions for years to come.

Still in search of - Stability:
From the firing of their Super Bowl winning coach to trading away their two most productive, albeit disgruntled offensive stars, it is almost amazing the Broncos have not completely hit rock bottom over the past 12-18 months. The way the Broncos need to look at the situation is what one of my favorite characters on "Lost" says; whatever happened, happened. The Tim Tebow pick had as much to do with the notion of adding a player that won't rock the boat as much as anything. Almost regardless of record, this season will be a success if the Broncos can simply avoid another confrontational type offseason and use that to build upon going forward.

Fantasy Sleeper - Jabar Gaffney:
So Marshall is gone, now what. Eddie Royal is coming off a brutal season and while he would benefit by moving to the slot, the Broncos have yet to say if this will happen. Brandon Stokely is nothing more than solid depth and the two rookies will likely have at least some level of adjustment. That leaves the Gaffney as the Orton's likely top outside target to start the season. While the nine-year vet has never been anything close to a fantasy star, he did catch at least three passes in 10 games last season, including hauling in 14 receptions for 213 yards in the final game when Marshall was suspended. Gaffney also has a shot to get off to a quick start as the Broncos play porous secondaries (Jags, Seahawks) to start the season and will likely need to throw plenty against the Colts the following week.

Focusing on the fantasy value of - Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn:
In this context, we are talking about keeper value. For any rookie QB, I think the wise course of action is to sit them on the sideline for at least one full season and the case of Tebow, who has much in the way of adjustments to make, that should be the case regardless. I'm with those that question his style in a pro offense, but at some point the Broncos are going to give him a shot. Considering it is in his football DNA to be a runner, I think it's reasonable to assume that he could augment potential so-so passing stats with yards and scores on the ground so in deep dynasty leagues, I might roll the dice if roster space permits (though Jimmy Clausen is in the best situation of the rookie QBs). For Quinn, it is hard to judge because odds are his next legit chance at a starting gig comes on another team as Kyle Orton is the starter and Tebow the long term hope. While I was not a fan of the former Notre Dame star coming out of college, he has still only played in a grand total of 14 games in three seasons and I expect some team (Buffalo? Washington) to make a play for him, maybe as soon as this season.

Biggest Fantasy Question - Without their top playmaker, will Denver be a viable fantasy offense?
Two seasons ago the Broncos had a prolific offense directed by the offensive "genius" Mike Shanahan and staring two up-and-coming young stars in Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. Now that Marshall has followed the other two out the door - and do not forget TE Tony Scheffler was also traded - they have the unproven Josh McDaniels, the ordinary Kyle Orton and nothing resembling a Pro Bowl receiver at this moment. One piece they do have to build around is Knowshon Moreno, who had a solid all-around rookie campaign and the Broncos drafted two offensive lineman to help him improve upon his 3.8 ypc average. If Moreno can become the focal point, then Broncos will not need to rely heavily on Orton, which is a good thing as he is a more is less kind of passer. There is enough here to project their offense being fantasy competent most weeks and Moreno has a shot to be a Top-20 player at his position, but there are unlikely any other weekly fantasy stars here unless Royal finds his 2008 mojo.

[More]

Mock Draft - Round Two

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:24:00 -0400

After months of coming up with mock drafts, might as well do one more...Lots of talent available. The quarterbacks (Clausen, McCoy), along with the remaining tackle prospects and receiver prospects should generate the most trade interest.

33. St. Louis Rams – Brian Price, DT, UCLA; Rams get a solid run stuffer after all. Will get loads of trade calls for pick.

34. Minnesota Vikings – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame; either the Vikes groom him behind Favre or its a trade down

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida; Bucs defensive line gets much better with McCoy and Dunlap

36. Kansas City Chiefs – Charles Brown, OT, USC; Grabbing a left tackle is the Chiefs top need

37. Philadelphia Eagles – Taylor Mays, S, USC; Now we get to see whether this supremely talented athlete can play

38. Cleveland Browns– Colt McCoy, QB, Texas; Mike Holmgren gets his young QB to mold

39. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland; I mean, we all had this happening in round one for weeks

40. Miami Dolphins – Sergio Kindle, DE-OLB, Texas; Dolphins still need outside pass rusher

41. Buffalo Bills – Rodger Saffold, OT, Indiana; Left or nose tackle with this selection

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame; Josh Freeman needs weapons

43. Baltimore Ravens – Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina; the Ravens are always looking for big young studs on defense

44. New England Patriots – Everson Griffen, DE, USC; Griffen has first round talent and Pats want a pass rusher

45. Denver Broncos – Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama; Jamal Williams is for this year, not the long-term answer

46. New York Giants – Sean Lee, LB, Penn State; Linebacking corps need upgrade

47. New England Patriots – Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee; Hard to imagine Pats wanting to count on Maroney again

48. Carolina Panthers – Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois; Steve Smith gets a wing man

49. San Francisco 49ers – Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss; Niners looking for speed dimension on special teams and behind Gore

50. Kansas City Chiefs – Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina; The Chiefs 3-4 defense lacks a presence in middle of line

51. Houston Texans – Toby Gerhart, running back, Stanford; A brusing compliment to the flashy Steve Slaton

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Chris Cook, CB, Virginia; Steelers must address corner situation early in draft

53. New England Patriots – Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern; Pats looking to fill in gap after loss of Seymour and Green

54. Cincinnati Bengals – Nate Allen, S, South Florida; Bengals back seven looking more impressive by the minute

55. Philadelphia Eagles – Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU; Not a pressing need, but Washington is a terror

56. Green Bay Packers – Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson, ideally they go corner, but Sapp will look great opposite Matthews

57. Baltimore Ravens – Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona; Todd Heap will not last much longer

58. Arizona Cardinals – Koa Misi, OLB, Utah; Pass rusher or offensive lineman with this pick

59. Dallas Cowboys – Vladimir Ducasse, OL, Massachusetts; needs time, but could be future starting left tackle

60. Seattle Seahawks – Damian Williams, WR, USC; Pete Carroll dials up one of his former players

61. New York Jets – Lamarr Houston; another defensive line prospect for Rex Ryan to scheme with

62. Minnesota Vikings – Joe McKnight, RB, USC; Chester Taylor replacement. DT Lamarr Houston other option.

63. Indianapolis Colts – Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, DB/KR, IUP; Offensive line bigger need, but better options at corner

64. New Orleans Saints – Navarro Bowman, OLB, Penn State; Bowman replaces Fujita if Saints do not deal pick for Haynesworth

NFL Draft Buzz - Rising and Falling

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:06:00 -0400

While doing research for my latest and greatest mock draft (look for it on Monday before my predicted Butler-Duke championship game tips off), I put together a list of the players and positions that are moving up, down or holding steady on various draft boards and mock drafts throughout the NFL Draft world. The projected NFL team and corresponding draft slot*** I have pegged for each player is parenthetically listed for each prospect.

Also, please note that I will be hosting two NFL-draft related podcasts for FFToolbox. On Tuesday, April 20, I will be joined by analysts and writers from around the country to preview the first round and breakdown the latest news and rumors. The following week I will be joined by my fellow FFToolbox.com writers to recap the draft and start analyzing some of the landing spots for specific skilled players with an eye toward the upcoming fantasy football season. For those with draft-related questions, send them to ben.standig@fftoolbox.com.

*** Following the Donovan McNabb trade, along with some other moves/rumors, I have adjusted my mock draft and the corresponding draft slots

Trending Up

Tim Tebow/Colt McCoy - Recent workouts appear to have worked wonders for the draft fortunes of Tebow (New England, 53) and McCoy (Cleveland, 38), to the point where both are likely to be drafted within the top-44 picks after the February buzz had them both perhaps sliding into the third round. Tebow, already touted for his legendary leadership skills, reportedly wowed scouts with his spanking new throwing motion, while McCoy put to rest any concerns about a recent arm injury. Besides the St. Louis, Washington and Cleveland, teams like the Buffalo, Seattle, Minnesota, San Francisco and perhaps New England (specifically Tebow for the Pats) could all make a move on the passer, especially once they get a chance to re-examine the draft board overnight after round one. Sam Bradford and his much-discussed throwing shoulder thrived in his Pro Day workout, insuring he will be selected somewhere in the top-four picks with the St. Louis Rams remaining the front runner with the top overall pick.

Devin McCourty/Kareem Jackson - Despite quality depth at the position, early mocks had Florida's Joe Haden (San Francisco, No. 13) as the only cornerback locked into the top-25 picks, let alone the entire first round. Now the feeling is that as many as four cover men could find their way to hearing their names called out on day one of the draft with 6-10 possibly going before the end of round two. Boise State's Kyle Wilson (Pittsburgh, 18) was the first riser among the others, but now McCourty (Minnesota, 30) and Jackson (Tampa Bay, 35) are threatening to become the second corner off the board. McCoutry will make an impact as both a playmaking defender and return man right off the bat after a successful career at Rutgers while Jackson, a Todd McShay favorite, is said to have few peers when it comes to his coverage technique and the former Alabama stud likely ends getting drafted closer to the first round when all is said and done. Some teams are said to consider Florida State's Patrick Robinson (Green Bay, 56) and Virginia's Chris Cook (Baltimore, 57) worthy of a late first selection. Oklahoma State's Perrish Cox, Wake Forest's Brandon Ghee and Oklahoma's Dominique Franks are among the group of 10 or so corners that could be tabbed by the end of round two as NFL teams are increasingly focused on finding ways to slow down the ever growing number of volume passing attacks.

Maurkice Pouncey - There may not be anything less sexy than a team drafting an interior offensive linemen in the first round, but the floor is often much higher on those early centers and guards than on some of their more intriguing, but riskier fellow prospects at other positions. After starting 39 games in three years at Florida, the 6-5, 318-pound Pouncey (Indianapolis, 31) secured his place as the top center in the draft with one impressive post-college workout after another. He joins Idaho's Mike Iupati (Philadelphia, 24) as the only non-tackles expected to go in round one and Pouncey's ability to also play guard could have him off the board as early as No. 23 to Green Bay.

Demaryius Thomas - Collectively this is a wide receiver crop that has talent, but overall, prospects are hearing increasingly about their issues instead of about teams falling in love with them, especially in round one. Ironically, the one pass catcher that is getting his fair share of positive vibes from the pundit class played his college ball in a run-dominated attack and is coming off surgery on his left foot. The former Georgia Tech star managed an ACC-leading 1,154 yards last season along with eight touchdowns and a ridiculous 25.1 yards per catch despite the Yellow Jackets overwhelming tendency to the ground game. With his impressive size (6-3, 229) and ability after the catch, Thomas (Dallas, 27) already has front office types drooling over his potential once he learns to run more precise routes. Thomas could become the first receiver off the board if he rocks his April 18 Pro Day with Cincinnati, Baltimore and NY Jets being the most likely late first-round destinations.

Falling Down

Dez Bryant - I'm sure we have all had moments during the job interview process that we wish we could take back or better prepare for after the fact. One assumes that is how Bryant (Cincinnati, 21) felt after forgetting his favorite pair cleats for his recent Pro Day workout and was forced to use a brand new pair (e.g.. not broken in). According to witnesses, Bryant was slipping with the new shoes, which in turn slowed his 40-time and is partially responsible for his sliding draft board rank. That one gaffe might not be enough to get a receiver with his scintillating skill set to fall very far but Bryant,who missed most of his final season after being suspended for lying to NCAA officials about a dinner he had with Deion Sanders, has already been labeled as high maintenance and a diva in some circles. Some felt the at one point the former Oklahoma State star with the Calvin Johnson-type comparisons could go as high as No. 5 to Kansas City, but now his high water mark is Miami at 12 while a true crash and burn drop probably lands him with Baltimore (25) or the New York Jets (29).

Anthony Davis - Following the end of the college football season, Davis (San Francisco, 17) was often projected as the second offensive tackle to be selected in the draft, somewhere in the Top 10. Then came a disastrous combine workout, both in terms of his 40-time and insufficient amount of bench press reps, followed by the 6-5, 323 pounder skipping Rutgers Pro Day. To say his stock went into freefall might be a bit much, but Davis is now likely to be no better than the fourth or fifth tackle off the board, though he could get a bounce after scouts had a chance to kick the tires during a recent private workout. He will need it to avoid falling out of the first round altogether.

Brian Price - After a strong, even dominating at times junior season, the UCLA product entered the NFL draft and had the look and feel of a top-20 or so pick. The latest buzz has Price (St. Louis, 33) not looking as enticing upon further review as he showed up out of shape for his Pro Day and reportedly did himself no favors with a "sloppy" performance. Since he is viewed primarily as a fit for 4-3 defenses, the squatty defensive tackle was already facing a limited number of interested parties and now could find himself facing a second round tag if his slide continues.

LSU's streak of first round picks - For six straight seasons, the Tigers have had one of their own selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, the longest active streak in the nation. At various points early in the mock draft season, that run looked likely to continue as receiver Brandon LaFell and safety Chad Jones were part of the first round chatter. Since then, LaFell (3rd round) has been passed by on draft boards by other receiver prospects in part due to his modest 40-times (4.55-4.59) and now may be no better than the eighth or so receiver drafted overall. Jones (Philadelphia, 55), who also was a star baseball player at LSU, has posted less than inspiring measurables of the strength and speed variety during his workouts, and no longer projects to be one of the 3-4 safeties with a shot to be a first day selection.

Standing Pat

Jimmy Clausen - Yes, the Golden Domer's projected draft slot still ranges wildly, from the top-5 to out of the first round, but it is the volatility that remains constant. With the other top QB's deflecting questions about either injury or basic fundamentals, Clausen (Buffalo, nine) has had to fight back against those who label him as cocky, which has become more of a talking point than what he did in Notre Dame's pro style offense. More and more seem to be warming up the idea of him not making it out of the Top 10, but if neither Washington, Cleveland nor Buffalo take him, then there is a scenario that has him dropping into the 20's at which point some team likely trades into the first round to select their QB of the future.

Taylor Mays - If the draft was based purely on physical tools, the former USC safety would be a lock for the Top 10, maybe top five. However, despite measuring in at imposing 6-3, 232 pounds, scouts began to shy away from the four-year starter after seeing only scant big plays being made on his game tape, including only one interception over the past two seasons. That turned Mays (NY Jets, 29) from a potential Top 15 selection into a potential second round candidate, but he turned on the speed during the combine and his 40-time was clocked by some observers to be in the 4.24 range, fastest among all defensive backs. That slowed the negative roll and there is another love out from various scouts to expect one of them - Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Dallas are the other teams reportedly interested - to grabs Mays before the first round is over.

Best Bets for Week 12 of the NFL season - Friday Update

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:51:00 -0400

Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 12 of the NFL season, Post Turkey Day edition...

These fantasy musings do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, but just a solo fantasy writer with too much time on his hands because he quit working on the Seinfeld reunion...

Last week: 12-4 straight, 8-8 spread

Overall (thru Week 11): 108-54 straight; 85-76-1 spread

This Week: Nice start, sweeping the Thanksgiving Day lines and having a weekly Survivor Pool winner already...As for the remaining game, I'm still in a Tryptophan coma, so excuse the brevity...To make up for it, e-mail any lineup, trade, free agent, "Lost" or "which babe is hotter" questions to ben.standig@fftoolbox.com this weekend and I will respond before the start of Sunday's action.

Home team in CAPS

Green Bay 34 (-10.5) DETROIT 13: No Matthew Stafford, no Calvin Johnson equals beyond any chance and that is the fate the Lions apparently will face on Thursday. Without those weapons, you can safely avoid any and all Lions fantasy players this week, including Kevin Smith...The Packers suffered two serious injuries on defense, but all hope is not lost, according to Andy Benoit with the NY Times Fifth Down Blog. As long as they can keep Aaron Rodgers in one piece, expect the Packers to make the playoffs and become a dangerous out because of the offense, but not sure they o-line can dominate enough to put them over the top. Against the Lions, none of that matters so start all your normal Packers plus TE Jermichael Finley, the defense and WR James Jones in deep leagues.

DALLAS 27 (-13.5) Oakland 13: There is no logical reason to think the Cowboys will score 27 points after watching them eke out a meager 14 points over the last two games. At the same time, it is hard to understand why this talented unit can't post a big number in general, let alone against the Raiders 24th ranked defense. With all that said, Marion Barber is the one "safe" fantasy play this week. On paper, you can use all of usual Cowboys, if you trust them.

NY Giants 26 DENVER 21 (+7): The Giants offense came alive last week and they should churn up yards on the ground against a Broncos defense that has been run over during their four game slide. Brandon Jacobs could have even more value if Ahmad Bradshaw misses the game, but red zone issues will have Lawrence Tynes kicking four field goals...It is looking better for Kyle Orton to start this week, but that may not be enough to use any of the Broncos this week. Hard to sit Brandon Marshall and this might be the week Tony Scheffler gets some production, but the entire Broncos team is nearly radioactive until they put up a better showing.

Indianapolis 28 HOUSTON 27 (+3.5): This is what happens in this series; the Texans hang tough, but the Colts prevail. Kevin Walter shines for the Texans; Dallas Clark does likewise for the Colts.

CINCINNATI 34 (-14) Cleveland 14: Maybe this is just my way of rationalizing why I left the Packers defense on my bench this week for the Bengals, but expect a peeved and angry Marvin Lewis/Mike Zimmer coached unit to squash Brady Quinn and Crew. Three turnovers, five sacks and a score sounds about right, while Chad Ochocinco find the end zone at the end of one his eight receptions...While most of it comes in the second half with the game out reach, Chris Jennings gets 15 touches for 70 yards and continues to earn a larger role in the Browns backfield.

MINNESOTA 30 (-10.5) Chicago 17: Adrian Peterson was, for him, quiet last week. This week, the yards may not overwhelm the Bears, but the scores will, two to be precise...The good news for Jay Cutler owners; he will have to throw a lot in this one. Sadly. The number of scoring passes (two) will equal the number of picks.

PHILADELPHIA 26 (-9) Washington 13: DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy score from outside the red zone, while David Akers stays busy...Mike "the Human Turnstile" Williams is expected to see extensive action along the Redskins offensive line. This is what you call a negative indicator. Rock Cartwright is about the burgundy and gold member I would consider using the week in standard leagues.

***Sunday AM update: Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is going to be inactive, making the Eagles players even more attractive. I know the Skins did well without the big fella last week, but doubting they can come up with that type effort again and the pass rush was non-existent in Week 11.

BUFFALO 20 (+3) Miami 16: I am a believer that a key loss can actually galvanize a team and have them play at max effort the following week, similar to what the Dolphins did in Week 11 without Ronnie Brown. However, when they have to suck it up the subsequent week, that extra level of intensity is hard to reach, hence why I take the Bills in this one.

Arizona 24 (+3) TENNESSEE 23: Do not consider this me hoping off the Titans bandwagon, one I have been touting for weeks, but instead a nod towards the Cardinals road success. If Kurt Warner does not play because of his latest head injury, that changes all, but Anquan Boldin scores twice to offset Chris Johnson's 155 total yards and touchdown.

Seattle 28 (-3.5) ST. LOUIS 17: As I type this, we know Marc Bulger will not play for the Rams, Kyle Boller will and Steven Jackson missed his third consecutive day of practice. Even the Seahawks can't blow that kind of scenario, whether Julius Jones plays or not.

ATLANTA 27 TAMPA BAY 17 (+12): Hard to get behind the Bucs, but the Falcons offense is not clicking. Sadly just learned this is the game I will be stuck watching. Sigh.

Carolina 20 (+3) NY JETS 16: Mark Sanchez is the answer to the question "which turnover-plagued QB will struggle the most in Week 12?" The rook easily handles the vet 4-2, with the Panthers taking just enough advantage for the road win.

SAN FRANCISCO 24 Jacksonville 21 (+3.5): The trip out west cools off the Jags, as the Niners keep MJD (75 yards, TD) in check, while exploiting the Jacksonville secondary with big days for Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis. Regardless, Mike Sims-Walker remains beastly.

SAN DIEGO 34 (-13.5) Kansas City 23: Philip Rivers-to-Antonio Gates. Nuff said...on the other side, doesn't a Chris Chambers revenge game just feel right?

Pittsburgh 20 BALTIMORE 17: This game will remind me to be thankful for Jetblue's DirecTV option since I will be flying back home during the game. That is also good news for my fellow passengers as I will not be pacing the aisles wondering if Hines Ward is rockin and rollin and what not for my fantasy squad...No line yet on this because of the uncertainty over Big Ben's head. This is a must game for both so clearly his status changes the outcome.

***Sunday AM Update: Roethlisberger is out. The Steelers will do their best to keep Dennis Dixon out of those troublesome 3rd-and-long scenarios against the Ravens pass rush, but hard to predict the young QB making enough positive plays in his first start for the win. The defensive slugfest goes the way of Ray Lewis and company. BALTIMORE 17 Pittsburgh 10 (+7).

New England 38 (+3) NEW ORLEANS 27: The Pats remain in pissed off mode and take it out on the undefeated Saints.

Survivor Picks: These are my personal picks each week for my various (cough, cough) pools

Week 12 - Dallas (As stated above, it is hard to know what to make of the Cowboys, but on a short week and coming off a big win, hard to see Oakland winning. San Diego is my fallback)

Week 11 - Jacksonville (This is my least confident call in weeks, but I'll take my chances against a team (Buffalo) with a new coach and new QB. For the faint of heart, Minnesota, New Orleans and Pittsburgh are fine if you can still use them)

Week 10 - Minnesota (Obviously taking the Purple People Eaters against the toothless Lions isn't a tough call. Not sure I have the guts to pick the Dolphins. For those who don't mind going on the road, take the Saints)

Week 9 - Atlanta (A very sketchy week. Falcons matchup not ideal, playing a top-5 defense and coming off a bye, but better than taking Seahawks, Jaguars or Packers on the road)

Week 8 - Chicago (Colts are good if available. Chargers are ok, but hard to trust the Bolts and it is a division game)

Week 7 - Indianapolis (the Colts and Pats are the only worthy options this week, even with the road and neutral sites)

Week 6 - Green Bay (Jacksonville against the Rams is the gutsier call, but another week of strong options)

Week 5 - Philadelphia (though there are waaaaaay to many good options this week so everyone "should" advance)

Week 4 - San Francisco (Chicago is a close second)

Week 3 - Baltimore

Week 2 - Washington, Green Bay (and one pool goes by the wayside)

Week 1 - New Orleans, Baltimore

Best Bets for Week 11 of the NFL season

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:04:00 -0400

Who will win, step up and get beat down in Week 11 of the NFL season...

These fantasy musings do not reflect the opinion of FFToolbox.com, but just a solo fantasy writer with too much time on his hands because the heated arguments earlier this week about why Bill Belichick was right to have gone for it have died down...

Last week: 9-6 straight, 9-6 spread

Overall: 96-50 straight; 76-67-1 spread

Home team in CAPS

CAROLINA 23 (-3) Miami 16: Hate starting the week with a loss. All I can say is that every time I pick the Panthers to win a game, I must push all thoughts of Jake Delhomme out of my head beforehand because in the end I am always shocked that I sided with that guy...

JACKSONVILLE 30 (-8) Buffalo 17: Don't look now but the Jags, the only team with a winning record that has had scored fewer points than they have allowed, will be 6-4 after this win. MJD is in line for another monster game going up against the Bills 32nd ranked run defense and Mike Sims-Walker keeps the party going with yet another long score...Far from the only reason the Bills season has come unraveled, but their offense has not looked the same since Marshawn Lynch took over for Fred Jackson as the primary running back. Jackson was more involved last week and while it didn't prevent another loss, I think it could be the start of getting this backfield closer to a 50-50 or at least 60-40 split. Anything to keep the ball out of Ryan Fitzpatrick's hands.

Pittsburgh 28 KANSAS CITY 20 (+10): Yes, the suspension of Dwayne Bowe is a big loss to the Chiefs already punchless offense, but Chris Chambers has the look of someone ready to go on an Antonio Bryant circa 2008 type run. Keep him active as a WR3 this week even against the Steelers' rugged secondary as the Chiefs will likely go pass-heavy once the run game is swallowed up by the Steel Curtain...Still not convinced that Rashard Mendenhall is the second coming of Franco Harris or anything, but he has done well against the slate of bottom feeders the Steelers have gone up against since he took over the starting gig. Expect a lot of downhill running in this one as Mendenhall scores twice, including a 30+ yarder, part of his 22-for-117 day.

Indianapolis 27 (-1) BALTIMORE 23: This seems like yet another trap game and in most cases, I would side with the hungry Ravens, especially after their less than impressive win over the Browns. However, don't mess with Peyton Manning. The Colts will eventually lose, just not sure it is this week...Austin Collie has lost that loving feeling with the end zone, being held out without a touchdown after scores in three straight games. Still, he has caught at least six passes in two of the last three weeks. As the Ravens and others begin to focus more on the suddenly scoring Pierre Garcon, Collie will hit pay-dirt, starting this week. Consider Collie as a WR3 against the Ravens' beatable secondary.

DETROIT 24 (-3.5) Cleveland 14: The Browns were sooooo bad on Monday night that I would take the Lions even if the line were a touchdown. Seriously, we have seen teams get old or simply struggle to find talent, but has there ever been a quicker dismantling of a once-viable unit than what the Browns did to their offense this season?...Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith are the only strong starts in this game. Jamal Lewis should have more holes to run through than normal and an argument can be made to start either defense if you are lacking at that spot.

NY GIANTS 27 (-6.5) Atlanta 20: Sign me up for the one dominant team with a struggling offense that has talented players and is coming off a bye angle. Factor in that the Falcons defense ranks 26th against the run and 28th against the pass and any of your Giants, especially Brandon Jacobs, Steve Smith and Eli Manning, are worthy plays this week...Despite facing the depleted Giants secondary, I still would have a hard time starting Matt Ryan after his recent run of less than impressive fantasy numbers. Assuming you have a comparable option (Garrard, Flacco) on your roster or can pick up a player with a strong matchup (Vince Young), I'd let Matty Ice cool his heels on your fantasy bench for another week.

GREEN BAY 24 (-6.5) San Francisco 16: The Packers as a group went all in last week in a must-win scenario against the Cowboys. One win may not spur a long winning streak, but I have been a Packers believer since the start of the year and Aaron Rodgers remains on fire so I'm sticking with them...Mike Singletary has the Niners on the right path, but the offense does not have enough firepower, at least with the improved but still below average Alex Smith, to compete with the high-scoring squads.

MINNESOTA 31 (-10.5) Seattle 17: Sidney Rice is the real deal and Adrian Peterson is unreal. Nothing that happens this week will change those thoughts. While AP racks up 120+ yards and a score on the ground, Rice does the same, though this score comes on a red zone target. Percy Harvin scores, though not sure if by land, air or special teams, while Chester Taylor gets into the action with a garbage-time touchdown...Justin Forsett was a hot pickup this week, but he will do more as a receiver (40+ yards) than on the ground (12-for-27) against the Williams Wall.

DALLAS 26 Washington 18 (+11): Ok, this game is either going to the final moments or the Cowboys pound their division rival. It all comes down to whether their Week 10 win over the Broncos propels the Redskins out of the NFL basement level and simply in with the also-rans. Long term, no, but against their rival they summon up just enough chutzpah (i.e. Ladell Betts again racks up over 100 total yards) to keep it close...of course the Redskins defense was getting torched before the Chris Simms extinguisher threw cold water all over the Broncos chances. Do not expect Tony Romo to do the same, as he finds Miles Austin and yes, Jason Witten for scores while Nick Folk lashes four field goals to secure the win.

***11/22 Noon update: No Albert Haynesworth means no chance for Skins. DALLAS 27 (-11) Washington 13.

New Orleans 34 (-11) TAMPA BAY 17: Trying to guess which Saints players will be the featured target each week has been as confounding as understanding how Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz still pulls in hot chicks. All we are prepared to say this week is that the Saints Olly Olly Oxen Free offense should have no problem scoring against the Bucs 29th ranked defense...

Arizona 34 (-9) ST. LOUIS 20: Kudos to the Rams for mustering up all the energy they could to stay within a touchdown of the Saints. Of course the realization of just how truly bad they are came when all the pundits and fans alike gushed at the close, yet still losing result. Teams that bad do not sustain even mediocrity for two weeks straight. Plus, who doesn't think Kurt Warner wants to hop back into Doc Brown's DeLorean and go a little "Greatest Show on Turf" in front of his former fan base. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald top 80 yards plus score, while Beanie Wells continues to establish himself with 16 carries for 68 yards and a goal line touchdown...Donnie Avery is the one non-SJax bright spot for the Rams and with their second half likely turning into a pass, pass, pass attack in an attempt to stay close, the hot trending play continues from Avery.

NEW ENGLAND 27 NY Jets 20 (+10.5): Even with the Patriots about to move into "expletive " mode following their Sunday night meltdown (the blowing of the lead, not the going for it on 4th), the Jets have shown they are not afraid of this offensive juggernaut. Jerricho Cotchery has another solid outing with 75+ yards and a score and CB Darrelle Revis will hound Randy Moss, but Tom Brady and Wes Welker run circles around the rest of the Jets secondary and the Pats defense does not wilt against the rookie QB...

As for last week, here is all I will say...Imagine you are the Pats before the game starts and you are presented with a hypothetical, but the exact situation they ended up with, including the ball potentially going back to the great Peyton Manning. Then you ask your entire team, franchise, fan base and beat writers this question - which side of the ball do you want deciding the game for you? Does anyone really think the answer wouldn't be Tom Brady and the offense?

It is the emotion that messes with perspective in the heat of the moment. Would I have had the balls to go for it? Probably not. But that is more about my resolve and not wanting to look the fool than it is the intellectual decision to go for it (and keep the ball away from Peyton, period), which I cannot see how one could not at least understand, even if at the same time not feel frisky enough to actually make that call.

Cincinnati 20 OAKLAND 12 (+9.5): There is no hotter team then the Bengals, but look for a bit of a letdown after back-to-back division wins against serious competition. Cedric Benson is sounding iffy at best to play and Chad Ochocinco will see a lot of Nnamdi Asomugha, but Carson Palmer will still pick his spots and hits Lav Coles and Andre Caldwell for scores. Plus, as mentioned in previous posts, this is the first of the Bengals three week run against the NFL's worst, so their defense is a strong play...Bruce Gradkowski gets the start for the Raiders, but this QB switch does little to help them actually score. More yards in the passing game, yes, but not enough suddenly to use any of their offensive players more than I have to.

San Diego 23 (-6) DENVER 13: It is looking like all that praying from Broncos fans has not healed Kyle Orton in time for this week and you know what that means. Orton may still not be Jay Cutler in the eyes of some, but Chris Simms was not even JaMarcus Russell when he subbed in last week (updated 11/22 @ Noon)

Philadelphia 24 (-3) CHICAGO 20: The likely official start of the LeSean McCoy era begins in a game where the Eagles are damn close to must-win mode after two straight setbacks. With the expectation of a handful of breathtaking plays out of the backfield, consider McCoy a RB2 against a Bears defense ranked 21st in the league, though Andy Reid's inability to call a balanced offense limits his fantasy potential for now...For my thoughts on Jay Cutler, see Matt Ryan above. I would rank Cutler ahead of Ryan due his aggressive nature, but that is the same trait that has turned the former Bronco QB into a turnover machine in the red zone. Hard to see him shaking out of that mode against the ultra-aggressive Eagles defense, but Matt Forte and Greg Olsen bail Cutler out enough to help him post modest fantasy numbers.

Houston 28 Tennessee 24 (+4.5): A sneakily good MNF matchup, one that I will be watching with great interest with Chris Johnson, Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub going in the same league. CJ may have been overly optimistic when he said the Titans were going to close the season 10-0, but these are not the same Titans we saw get steamrolled earlier this season. There have been major improvements on both sides of the ball, but unless the NFL's leading rusher breaks off a few more long scores, I fear they will not have enough firepower to keep up with the Texans offense...The Ryan Moats-Steve Slaton debate rages on, but I would look to avoid both against a steady Titans run defense. If I had to pick, I see Slaton being more effective in the passing game than Moats on the ground.

Survivor Picks: These are my personal picks each week for my various (cough, cough) pools

Week 9 - Atlanta (A very sketchy week. Falcons matchup not ideal, playing a top-5 defense and coming off a bye, but better than taking Seahawks, Jaguars or Packers on the road)

Week 8 - Chicago (Colts are good if available. Chargers are ok, but hard to trust the Bolts and it is a division game)

Week 7 - Indianapolis (the Colts and Pats are the only worthy options this week, even with the road and neutral sites)

Week 6 - Green Bay (Jacksonville against the Rams is the gutsier call, but another week of strong options)

Week 5 - Philadelphia (though there are waaaaaay to many good options this week so everyone "should" advance)

Week 4 - San Francisco (Chicago is a close second)

Week 3 - Baltimore

Week 2 - Washington, Green Bay (and one pool goes by the wayside)

Week 1 - New Orleans, Baltimore

Draft rumors to ponder, debate and question

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:01:00 -0400

There are a lot of rumors, head fakes and jukes floating around draft circles as teams are gearing up their misinformation machines with only a few days to go before the 2009 NFL Draft. Among the gossip items that I am having a hard time wrapping my head around or buying into include...

- why the Seahawks and Jags are "considering" taking the inexperienced Mark Sanchez in round one. Just a year ago, both teams were legitimate Super Bowl contenders, but injuries and other issues derailed those dreams.

The Jags may have taken a step back overall and have several holes to fill, but they are in a great position to get a receiver or defensive lineman and I believe that head coach Jack Del Rio will turn this team around. Also, the solid but unspectacular David Garrard has no aerial weapons. Help his cause and you don't do that by taking a passer whose lack of experience will keep him on the bench this season.

As for the Seahawks, they are in the improving, but still subpar NFC West. Adding another piece to the puzzle could easily have them back a top the division and thus only a couple of wins from the Super Bowl. Tackle and receiver are also more immediate needs and could be filled in the first round. Plus, Matt Hasselbeck, IF healthy, is still one of the best passers. Get a better backup, but that shouldn't come in round one. If I slot Sanchez in at #4 on my final mock, it will be because of a believe that some team will trade up.

- why Tyson Jackson is suddenly the hot prospect. A 3-4 run stuffing end with limited pass rushing stats in college just doesn't sound like a top-5 pick to me.

- why the Saints are thinking offense with their first-round pick. The offense is not the problem, nor do I think Chris "Beanie" Wells, the skill player most often slotted at #14, is the answer. They need help on defense like nobody's business. Be it Malcolm Jenkins or a USC LB or whatever, the pick should be on that side of the ball

- why I don't see any pundit other than Mel Kiper Jr. praising Matthew Stafford to the hilt

- why the Giants or Ravens have not already made a deal to acquire Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin respectively. Considering both teams were arguably one top notch receiver away from reaching the Super Bowl, dealing a late first round pick for a potentially dynamic (Edwards) or consistently producing (Boldin) receiver is a no-brainer. I'm sure there is trade talk posturing going on - and I am not sure I would add anything better than a 4th round or pick or expendable veteran - but these contenders should get this down. The same could be said for the Eagles, but they likely made their play already by trading for LT Jason Peters.

- why the Redskins would remotely consider trading up to get almost anyone, especially a QB. The veteran laden Skins have only five picks total and that comes on the heels of their 2008 draft class looking more bust than boom at this early stage. They are in great position at 13 to get a much-needed OT or DE and even trading down would be fine, if not preferable. Maybe they are bluffing about taking Sanchez, but that is not historically part of the aggressive Dan Snyder's plan of attack.

- why James Laurinaitis is falling to the second-round. Five years from now, a lot of GMs will have proven to be short sided when the former Buckeye stars turns into a NFL stalwart.

- if Percy Harvin is going in the late first-early second because Reggie Bush, the player he is most often compared too, has been inconsistent in the pros. Neither player has a true position, though their dynamic abilities keep them on the field. Well, when injuries don't keep them on the sideline, that is, a proble for both players. Still, I think if the former Heisman Trophy winner had blown the league away on a more consistent basis, Harvin would be top 10-15, not 25-40.

Sports hope springs eternal with Tiger back on the prowl

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:24:00 -0400

Before breaking down Andre Smith's missteps, Jarron Gilbert's amazing jump and the Maryland Terrapins potential leap into the NCAA Tournament...

My apology to Brendan Jones, but somebody has to be the martyr. Frankly, I had never heard of the Australian golfer prior to scanning the bracket for this week’s Accenture Match Play Championship, but then again I don’t claim to follow the weekly results over in Japan, where the 64th ranked player in the world has won eight times. Frankly, my interest in Jones now is purely tangential to a much greater cause and he is almost assuredly to slip out of my sports conscience by this time tomorrow. So why bring him up at all? Because Jones is set to become the first golfer sacrificed at the altar of one Tiger Woods, the most important presence in all of sports.

Does anyone dispute that claim? Don’t call it a comeback, but the timing could not be more perfect for the debut of the most competitive and compelling athlete around. Upon conclusion of the NFL season, the sports nation lets out a collective, almost instinctive whine because its members do not know what to do with themselves after months of being in a three-point stance. The football diehards will focus on non-events like the draft and more recently, the combine, while the rest of the herd will impatiently wait for the calendar to hurry up so we can get to the next gripping moment.

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The NFL Combine - speed dating for the pigskin set

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:26:00 -0400

For the first time in my life, I watched nearly wall-to-wall coverage of the NFL Combine on Saturday (for those that have a life and were out and about this weekend, check out our combine recap for details). I watched lineman squat, bench press, run into other large men holding pads. I saw tight ends being timed in the 40 and I heard countless glowing comments, many of which would fit on a movie poster (you will not see a pass rusher perform a better shuttle run this season! You will fall in love with his agility on the cone drill!") about size, physique and technique.

Kudos to the NFL for turning what historically was non-event for the masses into must-see-TV for all of us tackling dummies. The combine fills in the televised gap between the Super Bowl and the NFL draft and keeps the league in the sports section and on SportsCenter, allowing fans to get a non-helmet and pads look at the well-known and unheralded prospects.

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Could Beanie Wells slide out of first round?

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:34:00 -0400

Before breaking down the can't miss events of the weekend, including the NFL Combine and a massive ACC hoops battle...

At the end of the college football season, Ohio State RB Chris Wells was projected to be a top-10 pick by many a pundit following his back-to-back 1000+ yards campaigns and 30 career touchdowns with the Buckeyes. Yet, with the NFL combine upon us - and the draft just two months away – Wells is now being projected into the bottom half of the round and based on team needs and other projected moves, could the bruising back slip completely out of the first round?

Calm down Buckeye Nation, hear me out before hyperventilating (besides, he is not the only Buckeye dropping on draft boards. In addition and for the record, I did not attend Michigan, though I did stay at an Ann Arbor Holiday Inn once). “Beanie” is still rated as no less than the second running back on most boards, behind Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno and ahead of Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy and Iowa’s Shonn Greene, among others and there a many factors that could keep Wells among the top-32 selected.

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Advice for Jerry Jones: Keep Terrell Owens

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:24:00 -0400

To: Jerry Jones, Owner and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys

Re: Terrell Eldorado Owens

Mr. Jones,

I read the reports from your recent press conference in which you scolded the media for their insatiable need to get an update on whether Terrell Owens will remain on the Cowboys roster for the 2009 season. On the heels of that, the chattering class is now of the belief that you will keep the statistically viable receiver, despite his combustible, controversial ways, that have been discussed ad nausea since late in the season. Many folks will tell you to cut ties with the former Niners and Eagles star, whose tenure in those cities ended with all the warmth of prisoner exchange, before the vibe in Valley Ranch grows more poisonous.

My advice: Keep TO.

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Philosophizing the NFL Draft

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:13:00 -0400

Delving a little deeper into the draft today, using my updated mock draft as a jumping off point. In addition to focusing on the top eight picks (along with any additional early selections for those teams) and spouting out ideas and nuggets I learned in my draft theory courses (I aced the Matt Millen part of the class - the answer to every question was always "wide receiver"), I'll be asking for the take from you, our faithful readers, on those teams you love or simply love to hate. Without further adieu…

Detroit Lions:

1st round (1): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
1st round (20): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
2nd round (33): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

My football philosophy: put resources into both lines and then even the ordinary talents lined up behind them will appear better. This is my general argument with why I think the Lions should take an offensive lineman over a quarterback. Taking Matthew Stafford is the obvious choice and the one the chattering class is talking up. The best argument I see for taking the strong-armed but inconsistent thrower is that this year’s free agent class is so weak, there is barely a decent placeholder available, let alone a viable starting NFL signal caller. However, I think the Lions overall needs are so considerable that the foundation needs to be built first, from the bottom up. Sign a Byron Leftwich or trade for a Derek Anderson, maybe even give Dan Orlovsky another shot and them let them get beat up while the rebuilding continues. Stock pile young arms and find your way.

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Wishing I had Nate Robinson's hops

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:25:00 -0400

Before discussing Matthew Stafford, Maurice Jones-Drew and the Pitt Panthers...

There is no way to better illustrate that we are in a dead spot on the sports calendar than to say the weekend highlight was the NBA dunk contest and that I am looking forward to this week's NFL Combine. The latter is true, though that is primarily due to the insane amount of time I spent this weekend debating where to slot Percy Harvin, the merits of the Eagles taking a tight end over a running back in the first round or the potential of having FOUR centers go in the first two rounds of my latest mock draft. Yes, I have need help.

In between watching You Tube clips of Josh Freeman, I filled up my sports plate primarily with college hoops, a side of the rain-shortened Daytona 500 (I tried getting into it as I mentioned in Friday’s post, but somewhere around Kyle Busch’s wreck and finding Godfather 2 on cable, I lost track. Don’t give up on me NASCAR nation, I just need to ditch the remote) and a dash of the rain-delayed PGA tour stop in Pebble Beach.
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