Sunday, May 1, 2011
The only explanation for a terrible draft...
Friday, April 29, 2011
Round 1 Thoughts
What did you think of round 1?
The things that stuck out to me were
TRADES -
Because of the lockout and not being able to include players in trades it really was not clear at the beginning if this would spark more trades, or keep them held to a minimum. We got our answer last night. The reason this jumps out to me so much is because I was not expecting to see any trades. While I am a fan of trading down to select that 2nd round guy (will explain in more detail later). There is also the benefit of gaining extra picks with trading down. The uncertainty in the league that has come from the lockout makes draft picks more valuable this year in my opinion. It is the only guaranteed way to help out your team before the new rules on free agency etc come out.
SURPRISING PICKS -
1. JAKE LOCKER - Tennessee
While I do agree that Locker is a rare talent. If he would have had one coach in college or went to an established team, he would have had an even greater chance to add a Heisman and or national championship to his resume. What is surprising to me here is that he was taken so high. Tennessee just got done with the Vince Young experiment and is headed in a new direction. They also have a new head football coach. I'm not sure this situation is going to give Locker the best chance to succeed in the NFL. He needed to fall to a team with an established QB so that he can have the time to develop. Maybe Tennessee has plans of getting a veteran QB to help develop Locker, time will tell.
2. Christian Ponder - Minnesota
WTF?? If this was your guy and you thought he was going to be gone at 13 I guess I get it... wait, this guy was projected as a second round pick. Minnesota took him at 13. I hope they see something in him that the experts did not. I'm afraid this pick was not the best choice at QB at the time
3. James Carpenter - Seattle
From my trade down comment above.... This is another first round pick that was projected by all of the experts to be a second and possibly a third round pick. I do agree that Seattle needs a lot of help with their O line but in a draft with many trades already they could not find someone that wanted to trade with them?
BEST PICKS
There are a few picks that I really like. The combination of Who it was, where they went, and the impact they can make are HUGE.
1. Patrick Peterson - Arizona
Regardless of the team that picked him, Patrick Peterson is a STUD. In my opinion he was the best pick in the draft. He has star power, athleticism, speed, and the ability to make a difference.
2. Nick Fairley - Detroit
Suh and Fairley sittin in Detroit no R-U-N-N-I-N-G. Maybe Eminem will be singing this as well. Detroit hit one out of the park with this pick. The D line is going to be amazing!
3. TIE - Von Miller - Denver, Marcell Dareus - Buffalo, A.J. Green - Cincinnati
All three of these picks were safe. I believe these players will be able to help each of their teams and are difference makers.
4. Cam Newton - Carolina
I get it, you cant pass up the potential here. The star power, the chance to excite your fan base, and the opportunity to get the next Michael Vick (hopefully without the legal troubles). I think there is a lot of risk with this pick but along with Carolina fans, I can't wait to see if Cam can bring excitement to the NFL
That's all for now
The things that stuck out to me were
- Trades
- Surprising picks
TRADES -
Because of the lockout and not being able to include players in trades it really was not clear at the beginning if this would spark more trades, or keep them held to a minimum. We got our answer last night. The reason this jumps out to me so much is because I was not expecting to see any trades. While I am a fan of trading down to select that 2nd round guy (will explain in more detail later). There is also the benefit of gaining extra picks with trading down. The uncertainty in the league that has come from the lockout makes draft picks more valuable this year in my opinion. It is the only guaranteed way to help out your team before the new rules on free agency etc come out.
SURPRISING PICKS -
1. JAKE LOCKER - Tennessee
While I do agree that Locker is a rare talent. If he would have had one coach in college or went to an established team, he would have had an even greater chance to add a Heisman and or national championship to his resume. What is surprising to me here is that he was taken so high. Tennessee just got done with the Vince Young experiment and is headed in a new direction. They also have a new head football coach. I'm not sure this situation is going to give Locker the best chance to succeed in the NFL. He needed to fall to a team with an established QB so that he can have the time to develop. Maybe Tennessee has plans of getting a veteran QB to help develop Locker, time will tell.
2. Christian Ponder - Minnesota
WTF?? If this was your guy and you thought he was going to be gone at 13 I guess I get it... wait, this guy was projected as a second round pick. Minnesota took him at 13. I hope they see something in him that the experts did not. I'm afraid this pick was not the best choice at QB at the time
3. James Carpenter - Seattle
From my trade down comment above.... This is another first round pick that was projected by all of the experts to be a second and possibly a third round pick. I do agree that Seattle needs a lot of help with their O line but in a draft with many trades already they could not find someone that wanted to trade with them?
BEST PICKS
There are a few picks that I really like. The combination of Who it was, where they went, and the impact they can make are HUGE.
1. Patrick Peterson - Arizona
Regardless of the team that picked him, Patrick Peterson is a STUD. In my opinion he was the best pick in the draft. He has star power, athleticism, speed, and the ability to make a difference.
2. Nick Fairley - Detroit
Suh and Fairley sittin in Detroit no R-U-N-N-I-N-G. Maybe Eminem will be singing this as well. Detroit hit one out of the park with this pick. The D line is going to be amazing!
3. TIE - Von Miller - Denver, Marcell Dareus - Buffalo, A.J. Green - Cincinnati
All three of these picks were safe. I believe these players will be able to help each of their teams and are difference makers.
4. Cam Newton - Carolina
I get it, you cant pass up the potential here. The star power, the chance to excite your fan base, and the opportunity to get the next Michael Vick (hopefully without the legal troubles). I think there is a lot of risk with this pick but along with Carolina fans, I can't wait to see if Cam can bring excitement to the NFL
That's all for now
Thursday, April 28, 2011
2011 NFL Draft Round 1- April 28, 2011
Here is a quick recap of the first round. I will give my not so educated thoughts (and grades) on the picks of the first round. So here we go:
Cam Newton (QB), Auburn
Grade: B
Evidently Carolina has absolutely no faith in Jimmy Clausen, their 2nd round pick from last year. I get that Newton is much faster and more athletic, but it is highly doubtful that his game will translate that well to the pro game. I am sure they could have addressed other needs with this pick, but they chose to pick the most athletic QB in the draft as the first pick. I give them a B because Newton is still a hell of an athlete.
2- DENVER BRONCOS
Von Miller (OLB), Texas A&M
Grade: A
Denver chose one of the best guys in the draft that filled one of their immediate needs. You cannot complain about that.
3- BUFFALO BILLS
Marcell Dareus (DT), Alabama
Grade: A
At first I thought Buffalo messed up by not taking a QB early because let's be honest they need a better QB. However, it looks like they got a great DT and will still be able to take a QB with the second pick in the 2nd round if they wish. Dareus is a big guy and will be good at helping the Bills defense stop the run.
4- CINCINNATI BENGALS
A.J. Green (WR), Georgia
Grade: A
This guy is supposedly the most complete WR in this year's draft class and with Ochocinco and Terrell Owens likely near the ends of their careers, this is a solid choice. Green and Shipley will be a great WR duo for years to come.
5- ARIZONA CARDINALS
Patrick Peterson (CB), LSU
Grade: A
The Cardinals are another team that needs a franchise QB, but Peterson was simply too hard to pass up. He was touted by some as the best player in the entire draft so Arizona made a good pick. I am not looking forward to playing Arizona twice with him in their secondary.
6- ATLANTA FALCONS
Julio Jones (WR), Alabama
Grade: C-
I don't care how good you think this guy is...He is not worth 5 draft picks, which is what Atlanta gave up to Cleveland for this pick. Great move for Cleveland, and Jones may be a nice additional to White in the WR corps for Atlanta, but overall I think it was a horrible move overall.
7- SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Aldon Smith (DE), Missouri
Grade: B-
The Niners may have filled one of their needs, but I feel like they have got a better pick at 7 and I am not shaking in my boots as I do not think this pick will make their team significantly better.
8- TENNESSEE TITANSJake Locker (QB), Washington
Grade: B+
When this pick was announced I couldn't really believe my eyes and ears. However, we knew that Tennessee was going to draft a QB and Locker really is more versatile than Blaine Gabbert. He is a better athlete overall. I honestly believe that he is extremely over-hyped, and living in Seattle as a WSU alum has not been easy with all of the Locker-aid over the years. If he proves me wrong then good for him and all of his fans, but I simply do not think he will be that great in the NFL. He has accuracy problems and if he tries to scramble like he did in college he will be dead by week 6. That being said he is one of the top QBs to come out of the NCAA this year and overall it wasn't a terrible choice for the Titans.
9- DALLAS COWBOYS
Tyron Smith (OT), USC
Grade: A-
The Cowboys filled a need in their offense on a guy from USC. He will likely pay off immediately as we all know USC generally produces great players. Obviously not the flashy pick that Dallas usually gets, but one that will likely prove effective.
10- JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Blaine Gabbert (QB), Missouri
Grade: B-
This pick makes absolutely no sense to me. The Jaguars have a fairly good quarterback in David Garrard and they had to trade with the Redskins to move up in the draft to get Gabbert at Pick 10. That being said, I still give them a fairly good grade because Gabbert is supposedly the most balanced QB available in this years draft. Must be nice to sit on the bench and make millions for a couple of years.
11- HOUSTON TEXANS
J.J. Watt (DE), Wisconsin
Grade: B
We know the Texans have a solid offense and need to feel their weaknesses on defense. This is a good pick for them as Watt was one of the best DEs available in this years draft. I don't know a lot about him but I think he will help the team immediately on defense.
12- MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Christian Ponder (QB), Florida State
Grade: C-
The Vikings were another team we knew were in dire need of their next franchise quarterback. I am sure they were crying once they realized Newton, Locker, and Gabbert were all off the board already after the top 10. Therefore, it required them to take a look at the type of offense they want to run and evidently they felt like Ponder would be able to work with that offense better than Dalton, Mallett. That being said I feel like this is still a huge risk of a pick and we may see Minnesota making some moves before the season begins to address their QB needs.
13- DETROIT LIONS
Nick Fairley (DT), Auburn
Grade: A-
If you have the Lions on your schedule this year you should probably work on an offensive plan that involves a lot more passing than running. The Lions now have Suh and Fairley, two absolute beasts. If Fairley can keep his character in check that duo will be a force to be reckoned with. Detroit has some other needs that need addressing, but Fairley was too good to pass up at 13.
14- ST. LOUIS RAMS
Robert Quinn (DE), North Carolina
Grade: B-
This is another pick where this wasn't the team's biggest need, but Quinn will add instant pass rushing strength to the Rams defensive line. I don't know a lot about him, but ESPN seems to think he is a good addition to the team. Here's to hoping the Hawks OL can contain him when we play next year.
15- MIAMI DOLPHINS
Mike Pouncey (C), Florida
Grade: A
Sure a center isn't the most exciting pick for a first round selection, but this guy is NFL ready and can start at center or guard no problem. Some think that Miami is still in need of a solid QB, but I think Henne might do just fine, and having Pouncey there on the line should strengthen it quite a bit.
16- WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Ryan Kerrigan (DE), Purdue
Grade: B-
Meh. This pick fulfills a need the Redskins had, but I am not that impressed with this guy as far as what I have seen thus far. He seems to lack athleticism and strength, but hey the Redskins need all the help they can get.
17- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Nate Solder (OT), Colorado
Grade: B+
Again, not an extremely flashy pick for one of the NFL's best teams, but I think this guy will add good protection for Tom Brady and should assist the team in its efforts to rebuild their offensive line. Solid pick overall for the mid first round.
18- SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Corey Liuget (DT), Illinois
Grade: B
I don't really know anything about this guy, but ESPN says Defensive End was the biggest need for the team and they may have filled it with this pick so it seems to be an okay pick by me.
19- NEW YORK GIANTS
Prince Amukamara (CB), Nebraska
Grade: A-
I was kind of hoping this guy would somehow slide down to 25 so the Hawks could take him so we could get Kelly Jennings out of our secondary, but I figured that he would be gobbled up before 25 and here he was taken at 19 by NYG. This guy has great instincts and should be a nice addition to the NYG secondary. His main weakness seems to be his smaller/shorter arms, which could be trouble against bigger WRs.
20- TAMPA BAY BUCS
Adrian Clayborn (DE), Iowa
Grade: A-
A Defensive End was Tampa Bay's biggest need coming into the draft and this guy is good enough to start and fill that need. Good pick. For some reason I like the Tampa Bay Bucs.
21- CLEVELAND BROWNS
Phil Taylor (DT), Baylor
Grade: B
The Browns are fairly weak on the defensive end of the ball, especially their defensive line. This guy should add some strength and skill as they continue to rebuild.
22- INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Anthony Castonzo (OT), Boston College
Grade: B+
Offensive Tackle was one of the team's biggest needs and this guy has great potential because he is a smart player who works hard. Peyton Manning is sure to appreciate the extra protection.
23- PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Danny Watkins (OG), Baylor
Grade: B-
This guy is being touted as strong and mature, but I have my concerns with a 26 year old rookie pick in the first round. That being said, he could be a vital part of protecting Michael Vick's blindside.
24- NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Cameron Jordan (DE), California
Grade: B+
The Saints biggest need was addressed with this pick and everyone seems to love this guy. He works hard and is fairly strong. He will be a great addition to an already stellar team.
25- SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
James Carpenter (OG), Alabama
Grade: B-
Oh look, another player from Alabama! Most experts had this guy touted as a mid to late 2nd round pick, but for whatever reason Seattle decided they needed to take him here at 25. Offensive line is easily Seattle's biggest weakness (despite most of us feeling the extreme need for a solid QB). This guy appears like he will be a good addition who may be versatile enough to play tackle as well. I am a little perplexed as to why we wouldn't have selected Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin here, but hey that is why I am up late writing a blog few will read and the coaches get paid the big bucks. Most Seattle fans probably wanted a QB pick here, but we need a strong O-line to protect our quarterbacks and honestly I do not feel like any of the QBs in this years draft are going to be superstars.
26- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Jonathan Baldwin (WR), Pittsburgh
Grade: B-
Monday, April 25, 2011
2011 NFL Draft
Despite the fact that the players and the owners can't seem to agree on lunch, let alone a new contract, the NFL Draft is beginning later this week as originally scheduled.
The first round begins on Thursday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Rounds two and three continue on Friday April 29 at 6 p.m. ET.
Rounds four through seven start at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 30.
The event will be broadcast on ESPN and the NFL Network.
I myst say that I am much less excited and am expecting much much less out of the Seahawks' draft picks this year than I was last year. Seattle got some great picks with name recognition last year. Unfortunately, this year's draft does not have a lot of bigger names to offer and Seattle's first pick isn't even until pick number 25 (unless we trade).
As of right now Seattle has picks 25 (round 1), 57 (round 2), 99 (round 4), 156, 157 (round 5), 173 (round 6), 208 and 241 (round 7).
The first round of the draft is scheduled for picks as follows:
1 (1) Carolina
2 (2) Denver
3 (3) Buffalo
4 (4) Cincinnati
5 (5) Arizona
6 (6) Cleveland
7 (7) San Francisco
8 (8) Tennessee
9 (9) Dallas
10 (10) Washington
11 (11) Houston
12 (12) Minnesota
13 (13) Detroit
14 (14) St. Louis
15 (15) Miami
16 (16) Jacksonville
17 (17) New England from Oakland
18 (18) San Diego
19 (19) New York Giants
20 (20) Tampa Bay
21 (21) Kansas City
22 (22) Indianapolis
23 (23) Philadelphia
24 (24) New Orleans
25 (25) Seattle
26 (26) Baltimore
27 (27) Atlanta
28 (28) New England
29 (29) Chicago
30 (30) New York Jets
31 (31) Pittsburgh
32 (32) Green Bay
Who do you guys think will go #1? Will it be Cam Newton? How high will Jake Locker go? The latest I have seen is #8, which is absolutely mind blowing to me, but I guess we will see what happens.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Hello World!
Being the first post I will take a moment to introduce this blog, what I think it will be, and what it may end up as. I am a graduate of Washington State University and while I will try to keep an open opinion about all sports teams, I have to openly admit I will be rooting for the Cougs more times than not. I'm sure you would have never guessed given the name of the blog.
I am also a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, Gonzaga Bulldogs, the late Seattle Supersonics, and the Seattle Mariners.
I am an active participant in fantasy sports. This will be my inaugural season of fantasy baseball. I expect to share my struggles and any lucky successes throughout the season.
I have invited another fellow cougar to also post on this blog. Chcougar1 is also a graduate of Washington State university. Like me, he also is a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. At times I am sure he will comment on his favorite college basketball team, the Duke Blue Devils who recently were eliminated from the NCAA tournament by a great performance from the Arizona Wildcats. Chcougar1 also writes on a technology, music, movies, and food blog. Odd combination I know, but it all seems to flow together. Check it out at chcougar1.blogspot.com.
Between the two of us we hope to bring exciting information, occasional game previews and recaps, and thoughts on many different sports topics. It is my hope that we will be able to provide a unique personal perspective to the world of sports. We will also provide stories and information from our personal experiences attending sporting events, playing fantasy sports, and occasionally playing sports ourselves.
That's all for now. Be sure to keep Tuesday evening open to watch the Cougs take on the Shockers at Madison Square Garden in the NIT semifinals. 4PM Pullman Time on ESPN 2
I am an active participant in fantasy sports. This will be my inaugural season of fantasy baseball. I expect to share my struggles and any lucky successes throughout the season.
I have invited another fellow cougar to also post on this blog. Chcougar1 is also a graduate of Washington State university. Like me, he also is a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. At times I am sure he will comment on his favorite college basketball team, the Duke Blue Devils who recently were eliminated from the NCAA tournament by a great performance from the Arizona Wildcats. Chcougar1 also writes on a technology, music, movies, and food blog. Odd combination I know, but it all seems to flow together. Check it out at chcougar1.blogspot.com.
Between the two of us we hope to bring exciting information, occasional game previews and recaps, and thoughts on many different sports topics. It is my hope that we will be able to provide a unique personal perspective to the world of sports. We will also provide stories and information from our personal experiences attending sporting events, playing fantasy sports, and occasionally playing sports ourselves.
That's all for now. Be sure to keep Tuesday evening open to watch the Cougs take on the Shockers at Madison Square Garden in the NIT semifinals. 4PM Pullman Time on ESPN 2
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