__People of my blog world, they have gotten the better me. I became officially burned out on NFL draft coverage this morning as I listened to "the experts" speculate what would become of the picks for the billionth time. Because of the crisping that my brain became victim to, I regret that I cannot finish my own draft preview. This is not because I don't want to, well maybe, but instead because I feel as an individual I must take a stand against the insanity that is NFL draft coverage (slight sarcasm). Many may see this as pure lazyism (new term) and that's not unwarranted but I see it as the resting of my brain which turned to mush when I pondered random assortments of predictions that no one has control over other than the mushheads (another new term) who run NFL teams.
__Thank you for understanding and may God be with you all tomorrow afternoon.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
DFTM NFL Draft Preview, Part 1
I love the NFL draft. And in loving the draft I found it necessary to throw my own perspective and opinions into the conversation. My preview is going to be different than those out there, however. I'm going to play GM for each team and state what I think they should do, not what they're going to do. I'm not trying to predict these picks but simply give out my opinion of the first round.
1. Detroit Lions__Jason Smith, Tackle, Baylor
The Lions, who are coming of the most miserable season the NFL has even seen, need to make this number one pick count. Popular speculation has them choosing QB Stafford and though that may be okay I see Smith being a premier Tackle and even the best QB prospect in the world would struggle if he's not protected. The Lions will waste the pick in my mind if they don't take Smith.
2. St. Louis Rams__Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia
Marc Bulger's days in St. Louis are numbered. The Rams have been building for the future and if Stafford falls to them I can't see them passing on him. They need O-Line help having traded future Hall of Famer Pace to the Bears but they also need to find a replacement for Bulger who, as I see it, wont be doing it much longer.
3. Kansas City Chiefs__Aaron Curry, Linebacker, Wake Forrest
The Chiefs were terrible on D last season and need to continue building with young talent like Curry. Simple and plain Curry is the best defensive prospect in the draft. I believe he will have the same impact linebacker Patrick Willis had for the Niners two years previous with whatever team takes him. The Chiefs should not take anyone else if Curry is available.
4. Seattle Seahawks__Eugene Monroe, Tackle, Virgina
This offseason the Seahawks grabbed wideout T.J. Houshmanzada to give aging quarterback Matt Hasselbeck a big time target. Now they need to protect him with a young talented tackle. This is the best value for the Seahawks in my opinion. I see them needing another wideout and a future replacement for Hasselbeck but those can both be found with the same kind of value in the later rounds.
5. Cleveland Browns__Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech
I wanted to have the Browns to select Brian Orakpo to solidify their defensive line, however, the Browns wideout core is an absolute mess with Edwards wanting out, Stallworth's legal issues, and nobody really behind them. This team looked promising the last couple seasons and they need to continue that bright future in building a team for the future.
6. Cincinnati Bengals__Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Missouri
The Bengals need to protect their franchise, Carson Palmer. They need O-Line help or new weapons. Since in my mock the big O-line help at this position have been taken they need to pair Ocho Cinco with a fresh face. Maclin will be good in the NFL and a young gun may motivate 85. Later in the draft the Bengals must find O-Line help though or Carson will be dust in the wind.
7. Oakland Raiders__Andre Smith, Tackle, Alabama
The Raiders need to continue building their core on offense. They have Russell and McFadden, now they should draft a solid lineman to block for they're future stars. The organization is chaotic but they have quality young talent on the team and could be a couple of years away from contention if they built correctly.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars__B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College
Last season the Jaguars dealt away pro bowler Marcus Stroud and The plan backfired on them. Without his running mate John Henderson appeared half the player he was with Stroud. The Jaguars need to pick up Raji if he is still available to sure up their front four. If this were to happen the Jaguars d-line would be quite a force to be reckoned with.
9. Green Bay Packers__Brian Orakpo, Defensive End, Texas
The Packers were great on offense last season. The cause of this team picking at this spot was the terrible defense that went on field every Sunday for the Pack. This year they are moving to a 3-4 scheme and picking up Orakpo, who would flourish as a 3-4 rush end, should be a franchise changing move for Green Bay.
10. San Fransisco 49ers__Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC
This is a no-brainer to me but it's evidently not to the 49ers who claim they have no interest in Sanchez. They don't seem to understand that they don't have a number one quarterback and will probably pass on Sanchez if he's still here at this spot. If they did choose Sanchez, however, they'd have a franchise QB for years to come and could then begin to build on that success later in the draft.
1. Detroit Lions__Jason Smith, Tackle, Baylor
The Lions, who are coming of the most miserable season the NFL has even seen, need to make this number one pick count. Popular speculation has them choosing QB Stafford and though that may be okay I see Smith being a premier Tackle and even the best QB prospect in the world would struggle if he's not protected. The Lions will waste the pick in my mind if they don't take Smith.
2. St. Louis Rams__Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia
Marc Bulger's days in St. Louis are numbered. The Rams have been building for the future and if Stafford falls to them I can't see them passing on him. They need O-Line help having traded future Hall of Famer Pace to the Bears but they also need to find a replacement for Bulger who, as I see it, wont be doing it much longer.
3. Kansas City Chiefs__Aaron Curry, Linebacker, Wake Forrest
The Chiefs were terrible on D last season and need to continue building with young talent like Curry. Simple and plain Curry is the best defensive prospect in the draft. I believe he will have the same impact linebacker Patrick Willis had for the Niners two years previous with whatever team takes him. The Chiefs should not take anyone else if Curry is available.
4. Seattle Seahawks__Eugene Monroe, Tackle, Virgina
This offseason the Seahawks grabbed wideout T.J. Houshmanzada to give aging quarterback Matt Hasselbeck a big time target. Now they need to protect him with a young talented tackle. This is the best value for the Seahawks in my opinion. I see them needing another wideout and a future replacement for Hasselbeck but those can both be found with the same kind of value in the later rounds.
5. Cleveland Browns__Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech
I wanted to have the Browns to select Brian Orakpo to solidify their defensive line, however, the Browns wideout core is an absolute mess with Edwards wanting out, Stallworth's legal issues, and nobody really behind them. This team looked promising the last couple seasons and they need to continue that bright future in building a team for the future.
6. Cincinnati Bengals__Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver, Missouri
The Bengals need to protect their franchise, Carson Palmer. They need O-Line help or new weapons. Since in my mock the big O-line help at this position have been taken they need to pair Ocho Cinco with a fresh face. Maclin will be good in the NFL and a young gun may motivate 85. Later in the draft the Bengals must find O-Line help though or Carson will be dust in the wind.
7. Oakland Raiders__Andre Smith, Tackle, Alabama
The Raiders need to continue building their core on offense. They have Russell and McFadden, now they should draft a solid lineman to block for they're future stars. The organization is chaotic but they have quality young talent on the team and could be a couple of years away from contention if they built correctly.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars__B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College
Last season the Jaguars dealt away pro bowler Marcus Stroud and The plan backfired on them. Without his running mate John Henderson appeared half the player he was with Stroud. The Jaguars need to pick up Raji if he is still available to sure up their front four. If this were to happen the Jaguars d-line would be quite a force to be reckoned with.
9. Green Bay Packers__Brian Orakpo, Defensive End, Texas
The Packers were great on offense last season. The cause of this team picking at this spot was the terrible defense that went on field every Sunday for the Pack. This year they are moving to a 3-4 scheme and picking up Orakpo, who would flourish as a 3-4 rush end, should be a franchise changing move for Green Bay.
10. San Fransisco 49ers__Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC
This is a no-brainer to me but it's evidently not to the 49ers who claim they have no interest in Sanchez. They don't seem to understand that they don't have a number one quarterback and will probably pass on Sanchez if he's still here at this spot. If they did choose Sanchez, however, they'd have a franchise QB for years to come and could then begin to build on that success later in the draft.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Baseball's Next Ray Of Hope
___Ahhh yes, Spring has come upon us bringing with it our beloved baseball. And like Spring, a new baseball season brings fresh starts, a bright horizon ahead, and a renewed sense of hope. Last season we witnessed the Tampa Bay Rays exercise the devil and thrust themselves into the National MLB conversation. Understandably so, a poignant discussion this season is "who could be the next 'Tampa Bay Rays?'" I've heard many considerations for the franchise, those who know, feel will break through it's ugly past years and surprise the Majors. Now I must interject that I recognize that every season is it's own story. This season more than likely won't produce the same kind of success story, however, the chatter is relevant and moderately enjoyable to partake in.
___A fashionable pick to start the debate is the Oakland Athletics who bolstered their offense tremendously this off season by bringing in superstar right fielder Matt Holliday and aging veteran Jason Giambi, among others. I discount this team on the other hand because of pitching inexperience. They do appear to have a dominate bullpen in the works, and it may well be a strength, but I have no faith in the starters. The rotation coming in averages twenty-three years old with none older than twenty-five and a collective career win total of eighteen. A number which seven individual pitchers obtained or surpassed in 2008. They most likely will post better offensive numbers this year, but it'll be difficult day in and day out having to outscore every team they face.
___Another trendy choice which I favor is the Texas Rangers. I see the A.L. West coming down to the Angels or Texas. The Rangers, in my opinion, are a sleeping giant ready to awake and make a run with their extremely dangerous offense which should be better this year, if healthy. The question with this club is pitching. If they get consistency from ace Kevin Milwood, adequate support from the rest of the rotation and decent bullpen play I easily see them winning the division and possibly making a Ray like run at a World Series Title.
___The Kansas City Royals are the interesting speculation around the league. After years of relative obscurity the Royals have built themselves a young, talented, promising baseball club. What's also intriguing is that the A.L. Central Division is generally a consensus toss up this year with no clear favorite. The array of young talent K.C. has accumulated is impressive featuring potential perennial All-Star third baseman Alex Gordon, and the exciting newcomer Mike Aviles at short-stop. This coupled with the additions made during the winter, Coco Crisp to solidify the outfield and Mike Jacobs to add power at first base, are definite plus signs. The pitching appears to be a strength as well with Gil Meche, Zach Greinke, and Kyle Davies emerging as solid Major League starters. The bullpen could become an issue but if closer Joakim Soria is the real deal the Royals should be as well.
___With all that being said, I've noticed a team largely overlooked in this conversation. That team is the Baltimore Orioles who have struggled mightily during the last decade. Be that as it may, they may have been slowly developing a crop of future greats. From All-Star caliber veterans Brian Roberts, Aubrey Huff, and Melvin Mora in the infield to budding superstars Adam Jones and Nick Markakis covering the outfield this team is loaded offensively and defensively savvy. Noteworthy also is the acquisition of Gold Glove short-stop Caesar Izturis. This potentially cements their infield defense and end of lineup hitting as Tampa Bay did the year before in adding short-stop Jason Bartlett. Pitching is a concern as the O's have a generally unproven staff. The bullpen was a strength last year and could be again if healthy. Their rotation is somewhat inexperienced and their effectiveness will determine whether the Orioles can turn it around this year.
___Of course this being speculation and "if this, then that's," it'll all be played out on the field during a long Major League season, but it's fun to predict the weather sometimes. Ultimately I do think the A's will improve but fall short to the Angels and Rangers in the West. Pitching effectiveness, both starting and reserve, will decide the Rangers fate as I do see them producing a ton of offense. The Royals will be in control of their own fate in the Central, as with everyone else. If they mature and play consistently they will provide for themselves a great shot at the division crown. And as for the Orioles, this club needs to live up to their potential and more to do any damage in the crucible that is the A.L. East. They realistically may be a year away from serious contention and it would be an incredible surprise if they made that Tampa like run. But then again, that's what they all said about the Rays last year.
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