Kelly Jennings is probably the perfect player for them. He might be one of the better cover corners all around, he's pretty much, to me, the safest of the corners, becasue he has all sorts of ability and showed he could be very productive. He'll be put in a situation without a great deal of pressure as well, even though he will be expected to play well.
Mathias Kiwanuka is in a good position here, because he has the time to wait behind Strahan and obviously, with Umenyiora there he'll have someone opposite him to keep the pressure off.
I'll be back later with an overall look at what happened today, but right now I need a bit of a break.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Pick #29 J-E-T-S, #30 Indianapolis Colts
I'm not in love with this pick, primarily because they could go with Trey Teague for the next few years and go with a superior runner or even Winston Justice.
The Colts had a very obvious need to try and replace James. Addai has a lot of great skills and will be a very good fit to go with the turf and the system they run.
the Seahawks have a need at Corner, and a lot of guys, like Jimmy Williams and Ashton Yobouty are still there for them. I really like Max Jean-Gilles as a replacement for Hutch. The best way to keep the running game going as it has been would be to try and approximate Hutchinson. With Joseph gone, Gilles might do that, but its also true that they really do need a corner, or perhaps a safety to replace Marquand Manuel, though Ken Hamlin is supposed to be back.
The Colts had a very obvious need to try and replace James. Addai has a lot of great skills and will be a very good fit to go with the turf and the system they run.
the Seahawks have a need at Corner, and a lot of guys, like Jimmy Williams and Ashton Yobouty are still there for them. I really like Max Jean-Gilles as a replacement for Hutch. The best way to keep the running game going as it has been would be to try and approximate Hutchinson. With Joseph gone, Gilles might do that, but its also true that they really do need a corner, or perhaps a safety to replace Marquand Manuel, though Ken Hamlin is supposed to be back.
Pick #28 Jacksonville Jaguars
I really love this pick, because it gives them an intermediate threat and has great hands. Between Matt Jones, Lewis, and Reggie Williams, they have a lot of very big, very nice targets for the future, and they are a team that could take advantage of the Colts losing James to take over the division, at leat this year.
The Jets are now up again. Part of me thinks they should give themselves the bookends with Justice, and basically go from poor to great along the line right now. However, with Curtis Martin getting older, its very possible they could go for Joseph Addai or Lendale White or a defensive player.
The Jets are now up again. Part of me thinks they should give themselves the bookends with Justice, and basically go from poor to great along the line right now. However, with Curtis Martin getting older, its very possible they could go for Joseph Addai or Lendale White or a defensive player.
Pick # 27 Carolina Panthers
This pick actually surprises me. I really don't understand, especially given that they took Eric Shelton high last year, and they really haven't given him much of a shot. Stephen Davis is gone, so when they do this, they can't be expressing a great deal of faith in Deshaun Foster. This seems like too much of a luxury, especially when they could bring in a good tight end who would help change the offense.
Jacksonville could take Justice here, or again tight end. Another potential player could be Demeco Ryans, the linebacker from Alabama, which might address the loss of Akin Ayodele.
Jacksonville could take Justice here, or again tight end. Another potential player could be Demeco Ryans, the linebacker from Alabama, which might address the loss of Akin Ayodele.
Pick # 26 Buffalo Bills
I'm not surprised the Bears traded out of the first round pick, their was some thought they would. This means that they didn't trade down when they could get more for Whitner and traded up to get John McCargo, someone they could have gotten later. I really do not understand what the Bills are doing, though perhaps this pick could fit well in their offense. I'm surprised they haven't moved to improve their offensive line or receivers.
Carolina now has the opportunity to grab a great tight end, or perhaps a defensive player. Someone they might not have gotten.
Carolina now has the opportunity to grab a great tight end, or perhaps a defensive player. Someone they might not have gotten.
Pick #25 Pittsburgh Steelers
They have their guy, someone wh can take over for Randle-El right now. I think he's more of a second receiver, rather than Sinorice Moss, who I thought of primarily as a slot-guy only. I really am not a big fan of Moss, because he never really did anything in college. Holmes is also someone who could grow along with Roethlisberger.
The Bears have to be happy that they have the opprtunity to pick a quality wide-out, someone who could legitmately go opposite Mushin Muhammad. They might also go tight end, and both Lewis and Pope are there. I could also see them taking either a corner or Winston Justice. Although, if they could get the opposing receivers to carry lap-tops onto the field, that'd probably be enough to draw the ire of Ricky Manning
The Bears have to be happy that they have the opprtunity to pick a quality wide-out, someone who could legitmately go opposite Mushin Muhammad. They might also go tight end, and both Lewis and Pope are there. I could also see them taking either a corner or Winston Justice. Although, if they could get the opposing receivers to carry lap-tops onto the field, that'd probably be enough to draw the ire of Ricky Manning
Pick #24 Cincinnati Bengals
Johnathon Joseph is someone who could well be the heir to Tory James in the secondary. They need someone who will cover, more though, because the two guys they have gamble a bit too much. They get a lot of picks, but they might also be burned more than anyone. If you saw the Colts game ast year, you definetly saw that.
The Giants could use a receiver, as Amani Toomer is getting older, and Plaxico Burress is a prototype big receiver, but they could use a faster wideout, if only to inject more youth. They could again go DB, they've lost a couple in free agency. The addressed their need at LB with LaVar Arrington.
The Giants could use a receiver, as Amani Toomer is getting older, and Plaxico Burress is a prototype big receiver, but they could use a faster wideout, if only to inject more youth. They could again go DB, they've lost a couple in free agency. The addressed their need at LB with LaVar Arrington.
Pick #23 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Davin Joseph is the first guard selected, and played offensive tackle in college. So he's someone who provides depth. Frankly, if I'm Cadillac, I'll take anyone who blocked for A.D. and be happy. You've got some good interior players in the NFC South, guys like Kris Jenkins, Rod Coleman, and Maake Kemoeatu, so a quality guard is a must. I would have been happy for him, or another guard to fall to the Lions in the second round.
Cincinnati presumably needs defense, though because they signed Sam Adams they might not need to go inside. This could be a spot for Gabe Watson, to be the first Michigan player off of the board. There is also a huge need in the secondary. But it also wouldn't shock me to see them go with a tight end, either Marcedes Lewis or Leonard Pope, to open up the middle of the field.
Cincinnati presumably needs defense, though because they signed Sam Adams they might not need to go inside. This could be a spot for Gabe Watson, to be the first Michigan player off of the board. There is also a huge need in the secondary. But it also wouldn't shock me to see them go with a tight end, either Marcedes Lewis or Leonard Pope, to open up the middle of the field.
Pick # 22 San Fransisco 49ers
Manny Lawson finally goes, and unlike Julian Peterson, they have someone who naturally fits the 3-4 as an edge rusher. I think San Fransisco will get graded fairly high after the draft, because they got real playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Tampa is an interesting case. Again, I could see Justice going here, and there might be a need for a corner to eventually replace Ronde Barber, or a linebacker to take over for Derrick Brooks. They have a lot of younger players and not a great many needs. This is a good position to be in.
Tampa is an interesting case. Again, I could see Justice going here, and there might be a need for a corner to eventually replace Ronde Barber, or a linebacker to take over for Derrick Brooks. They have a lot of younger players and not a great many needs. This is a good position to be in.
Pick #21 New England Patriots
Laurence Maroney has home run potential every single time he touches the ball. Now they have someone who would be there for the next few years, and try to fill the other slots later on. I think we'll hear a lot of bitching about this pick, but frankly, they needed to address offense at some point.
The 49ers are up again. One would think they'd go defense, though potentially they could go wideout, or could go for Justice.
The 49ers are up again. One would think they'd go defense, though potentially they could go wideout, or could go for Justice.
Pick #20 Kansas City Chiefs
Tamba Hli is a good player. He is someone who can be very effective across from Jared Allen. He's a great person, and I remember how he was incredibly dominant against Florida State, and he seems like someone who could be very effective to go with Herman Edwards.
New England has an interesting problem. There is a need for the hybrid linebacker, Manny Lawson, to replace Willie McGinest. On ther other hand, they have an aging Corey Dillon who will need to be replaced soon. Also, with David Givens gone, there is a need for a wideout, and now both are available. Its funny, many of the national broadcasters seem to project an offensive player to them, but nearly every local beat writer sees them taking a linebacker or a corner. Let's see who wins out.
New England has an interesting problem. There is a need for the hybrid linebacker, Manny Lawson, to replace Willie McGinest. On ther other hand, they have an aging Corey Dillon who will need to be replaced soon. Also, with David Givens gone, there is a need for a wideout, and now both are available. Its funny, many of the national broadcasters seem to project an offensive player to them, but nearly every local beat writer sees them taking a linebacker or a corner. Let's see who wins out.
Pick #19 San Diego Chargers
Antonio Cromartie is the big gamble. He could be incredibly good, in terms of his physical tools, but he has' played and he was hurt last year. Watching the highlights of him, frankly is scary. Perhaps they could use him as a nickel guy for a year, to get some experience and to teach technique, or use him on the second receiver. Of those teams in the division, only the Raiders have an above average second receiver, so they might be able to afford the risk early on.
The Chiefs aren't going to go Justice , but they have to consider a wideout. Eddie Kennison isn't terribly good, but they need someone to be the second guy for many years to come. However, there is a big-time need for a corner as well.
The Chiefs aren't going to go Justice , but they have to consider a wideout. Eddie Kennison isn't terribly good, but they need someone to be the second guy for many years to come. However, there is a big-time need for a corner as well.
Pick # 18 Dallas Cowboys
This draft, actually, seems to be movingpretty quck, which means as we get to the playoff teams it will slow to a crawl.
I love Nick Saban's jacket.
Bobby Carpenter is a good fit, and as I said, he'll probably play inside, though he could be on the outside as well, as a kind of more conventional linebacker. I'm kind of surprised Justice has dropped like this.
San Diego has gotten lucky. They can go with a very real need, either by taking one of the receivers, or by taking Justice. They might try one of the corners, but those positions seem to be the biggest needs, either to protect Rivers or give him more weapons.
I love Nick Saban's jacket.
Bobby Carpenter is a good fit, and as I said, he'll probably play inside, though he could be on the outside as well, as a kind of more conventional linebacker. I'm kind of surprised Justice has dropped like this.
San Diego has gotten lucky. They can go with a very real need, either by taking one of the receivers, or by taking Justice. They might try one of the corners, but those positions seem to be the biggest needs, either to protect Rivers or give him more weapons.
Pick # 17 Minnesota Vikings
Greenway is a local kid, played at Iowa, from South Dakota. Greenway is a great playmakerwho will play well on the turf. They need som character guys, and while Greenway isn't the hitter Hawk is, he may be smarter, and might pick up the system better. Last year the Vikings had a lot of expectations. This year, with the number of moves they've made, not least of which is no longer having the unfrozen caveman coach, they could be a favorite
Dallas could go anywhere. Bill Parcells coached Bobby Carpenter's father, and might go for the kind of player he knows, though Carpenter would likely play inside. He could go with Winston Justice, to play the right side. He could also go for a corner, or someone who could play safety, such as Jimmy Williams.
Dallas could go anywhere. Bill Parcells coached Bobby Carpenter's father, and might go for the kind of player he knows, though Carpenter would likely play inside. He could go with Winston Justice, to play the right side. He could also go for a corner, or someone who could play safety, such as Jimmy Williams.
Pick # 16 Miami Dolphins
The team on the rise. Jason Allen was hurt, but in many ways is the prototype safety. I don't know, however, if this is the pick, combined with the other moves they've made, that gives them great value and also pushes them ahead of the Patriots I certainly do not think it will be this year.
I'm shocked no receiver has gone yet.
The Vikings have an interesting proposition here. Winston Justice would give them bookedn tackles to go along with Bryant McKinnie, and now with Hutch at guard and the return of Matt Birk, they could have an exceptional line. And you have to think that Andy Reid's draft mentality would have seeped into Brad Childress, at least somewhat. The Vikings could also go for one of the hybrid safety/corners who could eventually replace Darren Sharper. They could also go Greenway.
I'm shocked no receiver has gone yet.
The Vikings have an interesting proposition here. Winston Justice would give them bookedn tackles to go along with Bryant McKinnie, and now with Hutch at guard and the return of Matt Birk, they could have an exceptional line. And you have to think that Andy Reid's draft mentality would have seeped into Brad Childress, at least somewhat. The Vikings could also go for one of the hybrid safety/corners who could eventually replace Darren Sharper. They could also go Greenway.
Pick # 15 St. Louis Rams
Tye Hill is a good fit, I think, because they needed a cornerback. He is undersized, but with a lot of undersized receivers, and playing on artificial turf, they can take advantage of that speed.
Miami has an interesting choice here. Manny Lawson would be perfect for their conversion to a 3-4, becasue he's that perfect hybrid player. On the other hand, Winston Justice would look really good as an offensive lineman for the next ten years, although a man arrested for solicitation might have some issues on South Beach. There are also a lot of corners coming up, and Sam Madison was released.
Miami has an interesting choice here. Manny Lawson would be perfect for their conversion to a 3-4, becasue he's that perfect hybrid player. On the other hand, Winston Justice would look really good as an offensive lineman for the next ten years, although a man arrested for solicitation might have some issues on South Beach. There are also a lot of corners coming up, and Sam Madison was released.
Pick # E-A-G-L-E-S
Bunkley goes where he'll play, and probably play well. What I worry about is that he really only played for one year, and there is still a T.O. sized hole at wide receiver. The Eagles also show why you sometimes get lucky. Buffalo could have gotten Whitner later, yet they didn't have to give anyone up to get their guy.
The Rams will probably go with Greenway here, especially considering that the best tackle is gone. They don't need Winston Justice, because they took Alex Barron last year.
When exactly did Matt Leinart become the One?
The Rams will probably go with Greenway here, especially considering that the best tackle is gone. They don't need Winston Justice, because they took Alex Barron last year.
When exactly did Matt Leinart become the One?
Pick #13 Cleveland Browns
Kameiron Wimbley is perfect here, and the Patriots are broken hearted. He'll probably either start right away on one side with McGinest on the other, or play situationally. He's someone who seems to have been desired, unlike some past Browns picks. Now hopefully he won't hurt himself on the way the Cleveland, though he probably will be.
The Eagles get lucky, because they were talking about moving up to take Bunkley, and now he's fallen into their laps. Justice could be a pick, but they took Shawn Andrews to eventaully replace John Runyan, and Justice is really the type who could play right away. I would go defense, because that, more than anything, dropped off the face of the planet. They had real problems stopping the run, so a defensive tackle would fit in well.
The Eagles get lucky, because they were talking about moving up to take Bunkley, and now he's fallen into their laps. Justice could be a pick, but they took Shawn Andrews to eventaully replace John Runyan, and Justice is really the type who could play right away. I would go defense, because that, more than anything, dropped off the face of the planet. They had real problems stopping the run, so a defensive tackle would fit in well.
Pick #12 Baltimore Ravens
So I never thought that would happen. Ngata is the guy, certainly that Baltimore wanted, and if you're Cleveland you get anything, its worth it, especially if you aren't going to get that person anyway. Ngata is perfect for the Ravens, and now the Browns can get one of those DE-LB types who they can groom behind Willie McGinest, plus osmeone else late. They could also take Winston Justice here, as well.
Pick #11 Denver Broncos
The Broncos move up to take Cutler. What sort of puzzles me is that many of the same questions about Jake Plummer you can have about Cutler. He makes a lot of questionable throws. Still, he's got a year, at least, with Jake Plummer ahead of him so he'll have time to learn the system and get better. That being said, I don't think Cutler is the god that everyone is making him out to be.
The Browns need defensive help badly. They added a lot on offense, particularly on the line. The question now is, do they go with either Wimbley or Greenway, or go with Ngata as they prototype nose tackle. Now they have Ted Washington, who really is the prototype in that system. Either way, they will improve themselves.
The Browns need defensive help badly. They added a lot on offense, particularly on the line. The question now is, do they go with either Wimbley or Greenway, or go with Ngata as they prototype nose tackle. Now they have Ted Washington, who really is the prototype in that system. Either way, they will improve themselves.
Pick #10 Arizona Cardinals
Leinart is perfect here. Here they have the very good receivers, simiaalr to what they have at USC. Here's the great glamour QB of the past decade in the ultimate questionable environment, where they haven't hada quarterback, frankly ever. Here they have someone in their, rather than someone hanging on.
The Rams could well take the other quarteback, Jay Cutler here. They also could use defense. They lost Ryan Pickett, they lost several linebackers, so they could go Chad Greenway or they could go Bunkley or even Ngata. They could also use help on the corner.
The Rams could well take the other quarteback, Jay Cutler here. They also could use defense. They lost Ryan Pickett, they lost several linebackers, so they could go Chad Greenway or they could go Bunkley or even Ngata. They could also use help on the corner.
Pick #9 Detroit Lions
Ok. I can breathe. Sims could be Derrick Brooks, but he could well be a concussion case. There is a lot of speed though, and with Teddy Lehman likely to move to the middle, they will have an incredibly fast linebacking corps.
Matt Leinart actually is a perfect pick for the Cardinals. He's a glamour pick as they move into the new stadium that might well be perfect.
Matt Leinart actually is a perfect pick for the Cardinals. He's a glamour pick as they move into the new stadium that might well be perfect.
Pick #8 Buffalo Bills
Wow. Donte Whitner going way, way high. I know you need the John Lynch type, but this is a little high for this. The Bills had other, more pressing needs.
Holy God am I scared. I am begging Matt Millen to not take Matt Leinart. There are other needs on defense, and there are other needs on offense. I'd take Winston Justice here if they went offense. Otherwise, I think they take Bunkley, Sims or Jimmy Williams. Or I throw up all over myself, and they take Leinart. They could also trade down here, especially if they could get one of the guys they like later.
Holy God am I scared. I am begging Matt Millen to not take Matt Leinart. There are other needs on defense, and there are other needs on offense. I'd take Winston Justice here if they went offense. Otherwise, I think they take Bunkley, Sims or Jimmy Williams. Or I throw up all over myself, and they take Leinart. They could also trade down here, especially if they could get one of the guys they like later.
#7 Oakland Raiders
And I hate the Raiders. The Lions could really have used him. Now, well, I am very very scared that Matt Millen will let the opportunity get the best of him. People are talking Ernie Sims for the Lions. By the way, don't move Huff to CB. If you do, there's the possibility he won't be exceptional, for the safety position, he will be.
The Bills are up now. My guess says that tis will not be Ngata, though it could be. They signed Larry Triplett to be the quicker lineman in the Tampa-2. They could also go for someone like Bunkley, or maybe one of the corners. I doubt they would take QB, though they might also move down to take a wideout.
The Bills are up now. My guess says that tis will not be Ngata, though it could be. They signed Larry Triplett to be the quicker lineman in the Tampa-2. They could also go for someone like Bunkley, or maybe one of the corners. I doubt they would take QB, though they might also move down to take a wideout.
Pick #6 San Francisco 49ers
Many times this fall, some of the Boston stations showed a lot of ACC games. Many of those games featured the Turtle. Vernon Davis was the entire offense. The people who talk about the lack of blockng, frankly, if you're leaving him into block, especialy on the pass, you are an idiot.
The Raiders, my guess are weighing heavily what they want. Leinart would be great, if only because he'd be an incredible poster boy. On the other hand, you have Michael Huff, Bunkley, a lot of players they could use right now, and either work on Walter or pick someone later, like say Brady Quinn. Offense wasn't the problem there last year, defense was, they couldn't stop anyone.
The Raiders, my guess are weighing heavily what they want. Leinart would be great, if only because he'd be an incredible poster boy. On the other hand, you have Michael Huff, Bunkley, a lot of players they could use right now, and either work on Walter or pick someone later, like say Brady Quinn. Offense wasn't the problem there last year, defense was, they couldn't stop anyone.
Pick #5 Green Bay Packers
He is a bad, bad man. The guy this really helps, seriously, is Aaron Rodgers. I believe that this is Favre's last year. AJ Hawk can be the kind of player who becomes the face of the organization, taking the pressure off of Rodgers. He'll change the defensive culture there.
The Niners should be on the stage now, going to pick up the Duke. The offense was horrific last year, and while Eric Johnson was hurt, Vernon Davis provides the ability to stretch the field and be an intermediate threat, in short the perfect safety valve Alex Smith didn't have last year.
The Niners should be on the stage now, going to pick up the Duke. The offense was horrific last year, and while Eric Johnson was hurt, Vernon Davis provides the ability to stretch the field and be an intermediate threat, in short the perfect safety valve Alex Smith didn't have last year.
Pick #4- J-E-T-S
Eric Mangini and Mike Tannenaum have real onions. I'm also surprised by the number of people cheering this. I really believed they'd burn down Radio City if they didn't take Matt Leinart. The New York fans really ar smarter than people give them credit for. They can now go get a corner or linebacker later, or even someone like DeAngelo Williams to take over for Curtis Martin.
The Packers should have taken Hawk already. I hate him, but he's an incredible player. They need help at linebacker, who, by the way, tend to be the safest defensive picks. With him and Barnett, they'll have a great combo for years to come, as well as someone who I know will be great in Green Bay. He's the safest pick, by far here, even though I love the Duke.
The Packers should have taken Hawk already. I hate him, but he's an incredible player. They need help at linebacker, who, by the way, tend to be the safest defensive picks. With him and Barnett, they'll have a great combo for years to come, as well as someone who I know will be great in Green Bay. He's the safest pick, by far here, even though I love the Duke.
Pick #3 Tennessee Titans
It will take time. But despite all the flaws, the issues with the delivery and the need to learn to read defenses, Young is an incredible leader. And I still have nightmares about the Rose Bowl against Michigan. He's much more of a pocket guy then Michael Vick was coming out, and he has very good measurables as well as the intangibles.
The Jets are now up, and the very real debate has to be Matt Leinart, who is the ultimate New York pick. On the other hand, you have D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who besides having the greatest name ever, will be steady and solid, and horrifically booed. They are going to need a running back at some point. Don't discount Ramsey either, frankly he was destroyed under Spurrier and completely demoralized. Then Gibbs never really gave him a shot, benching him after five minutes.
The Jets are now up, and the very real debate has to be Matt Leinart, who is the ultimate New York pick. On the other hand, you have D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who besides having the greatest name ever, will be steady and solid, and horrifically booed. They are going to need a running back at some point. Don't discount Ramsey either, frankly he was destroyed under Spurrier and completely demoralized. Then Gibbs never really gave him a shot, benching him after five minutes.
The Jets aren't as far off as people might think, after all, some predicted him to be the AFC East champions. The two first round picks give them flexibility.
Pick #2- New Orleans Saints
I listened to Tony Kornheiser's last radio show yesterday. One of the folks he spoke to was James Carville, who was speaking at Loyola in New Orleans. One of the interesting things they both said is that he city is a long way away, and that while sports can help, it ultimately is a pretty small part. Really, more than anything else, you need homes being built, an infrastructure. If Reggie Bush comes in, it would help the Saints to be competitive, but there's still very real problems there.
Amazing reaction shots of the Jets fans, then the Saints fans. Any boos, obviously are for the Jets management team. I feel bad for whoever they pick, because it could get nasty.
The Titans are up now. One of the interesting sub-plots has been this debate between the coaches and management. Perhaps the stupidest thing I've seen all week is that the Titans would bring in Kerry Collins to groom Vince Young for two years, which is pretty much the dumbest idea ever. After all, he wasn't too keen on the idea two years ago. This ultimately is a pick that defines the franchise for the next decade. I don't buy the talk that Leinart is a product of the system, especially when one considers the man who designed that system is sitting as the offensive coordinator. Vince Young could be Jesus 2. Lets see.
Amazing reaction shots of the Jets fans, then the Saints fans. Any boos, obviously are for the Jets management team. I feel bad for whoever they pick, because it could get nasty.
The Titans are up now. One of the interesting sub-plots has been this debate between the coaches and management. Perhaps the stupidest thing I've seen all week is that the Titans would bring in Kerry Collins to groom Vince Young for two years, which is pretty much the dumbest idea ever. After all, he wasn't too keen on the idea two years ago. This ultimately is a pick that defines the franchise for the next decade. I don't buy the talk that Leinart is a product of the system, especially when one considers the man who designed that system is sitting as the offensive coordinator. Vince Young could be Jesus 2. Lets see.
Pick 1 - Houston Texans
What I find incredible is that everyone seems to be talking about the Texans taking a running back later today, either at the end of the first or early second. So anyone saying that they shouldn't take Reggie Bush because they already had Domanick Davis, well that seems right out. They still need an offensive lineman, unless they see something really good in Chester Pitts at left tackle. I don't know what sort of system they're going to run, whether it'll be a version of the Broncos system, because of Gary Kubiak, or something like what the Packers did, because of Mike Sherman. They brought in Mike Flanagan, which leads me to think it'll be the Packers.
The question now, is what the Saints do. I'm sure that there will be a lot of trade offers, many I'm sure that they will listen too closely. However, Bush could make their offense great, and more versatile. Of course the Jets fan will want him, meaning we're going to have great theater, either way. I love the shot of about 500 people at the Saints practice facility all chanting for bush.
The question now, is what the Saints do. I'm sure that there will be a lot of trade offers, many I'm sure that they will listen too closely. However, Bush could make their offense great, and more versatile. Of course the Jets fan will want him, meaning we're going to have great theater, either way. I love the shot of about 500 people at the Saints practice facility all chanting for bush.
The storm
So today's finally the day...the draft, one of my favorite days of the year. Funny though, that last night, the whole thing changed. I was watching Boogie Nights when Coughlin called. He told me that the Texans had signed Mario Williams, and then my jaw dropped, and my dag on top ten was messed up.
I could never have imagined anyone doing anything so unbelievably stupid. Bush is probably the best college player I've seen since Barry Sanders, Mario Williams is a guy who seems to come along every other year. The real loser of the pick though is not Bush, its Williams. Understand, to make the pick justifiable, assuming Bush is what I, and I think anyone with eyes believes he will be , Williams HAS to be Bruce Smith or Reggie White. He has to be a guy who'll be a first ballot hall of famer, otherwise the move will be Sam Bowie, the kind of thing that's on "Top five reasons you can't blame" in five or six years. Williams is a nice player with a lot of physical gifts, but I really don't believe you build a championship defense around a defensive end now. The Texans seem to be citing the Colts as the inspiration for the pick, saying they need someone to rush the passer. The problem with that, frankly, is that its idiotic. The three teams who have had success against the Colts in the last year and a half, the Patriots , Chargers and Steelers, all play the 3-4, they confuse Manning, the football robot, with bringing people from areas he doesn't expect. The 4-3 is more straight forward, more easy to plan for. I tend to believe that defensive ends are overrated in importance. A defense probably plays about 800 snaps a year, and probably 55% of those will be passes. If you have 15-20 sacks, a great year, then you've made that a difference in a play about 5 or 6% of those plays. championship defenses are built up the middle, or with great linebackers and secondary players. The Patriots have the best defensive line in the league, but its best player, Richard Seymour, isn't a great defensive end in the traditional sense. Dwight Freeney, Jevon Kearse, all of those great ends are wonderful, but none were taken #1 overall, and none were taken ahead of Michael Jordan in cleats.
The Saints actually don't need to take Bush now, at least if they deal it. They won't be remembered for doing that, at least not nationally. That being said, Deuce McAllister tore an ACL, usually an injury that takes more than a year to fully come back from. Bush will get the chance to be productive right away, and I'm sure Sean Payton and Drew Brees will figure a way to use him.
Still, the league office has to be salivating at the possibility of Bush, the most spectacular college player in a generation, playing in New York. So if you see some weird deal today that involves the Jets getting the 2nd pick for something a little less than they should, well we'll see about that. If they gave up their two first rounders, they could still take Eric Winston or Tamba Hali in the second. Eric Mangini, while he was Belichick's defensive coordinator, also is going to value versatility, which Bush gives you on offense
I could never have imagined anyone doing anything so unbelievably stupid. Bush is probably the best college player I've seen since Barry Sanders, Mario Williams is a guy who seems to come along every other year. The real loser of the pick though is not Bush, its Williams. Understand, to make the pick justifiable, assuming Bush is what I, and I think anyone with eyes believes he will be , Williams HAS to be Bruce Smith or Reggie White. He has to be a guy who'll be a first ballot hall of famer, otherwise the move will be Sam Bowie, the kind of thing that's on "Top five reasons you can't blame" in five or six years. Williams is a nice player with a lot of physical gifts, but I really don't believe you build a championship defense around a defensive end now. The Texans seem to be citing the Colts as the inspiration for the pick, saying they need someone to rush the passer. The problem with that, frankly, is that its idiotic. The three teams who have had success against the Colts in the last year and a half, the Patriots , Chargers and Steelers, all play the 3-4, they confuse Manning, the football robot, with bringing people from areas he doesn't expect. The 4-3 is more straight forward, more easy to plan for. I tend to believe that defensive ends are overrated in importance. A defense probably plays about 800 snaps a year, and probably 55% of those will be passes. If you have 15-20 sacks, a great year, then you've made that a difference in a play about 5 or 6% of those plays. championship defenses are built up the middle, or with great linebackers and secondary players. The Patriots have the best defensive line in the league, but its best player, Richard Seymour, isn't a great defensive end in the traditional sense. Dwight Freeney, Jevon Kearse, all of those great ends are wonderful, but none were taken #1 overall, and none were taken ahead of Michael Jordan in cleats.
The Saints actually don't need to take Bush now, at least if they deal it. They won't be remembered for doing that, at least not nationally. That being said, Deuce McAllister tore an ACL, usually an injury that takes more than a year to fully come back from. Bush will get the chance to be productive right away, and I'm sure Sean Payton and Drew Brees will figure a way to use him.
Still, the league office has to be salivating at the possibility of Bush, the most spectacular college player in a generation, playing in New York. So if you see some weird deal today that involves the Jets getting the 2nd pick for something a little less than they should, well we'll see about that. If they gave up their two first rounders, they could still take Eric Winston or Tamba Hali in the second. Eric Mangini, while he was Belichick's defensive coordinator, also is going to value versatility, which Bush gives you on offense
Friday, April 28, 2006
The calm....
Its been a long time. I felt I needed to post something before tomorrow, where I'll be blogging all day.
The last few months have been an experience. I got to see what ultimately was my last show at Albion, I spent a far too brief time in Los Angeles visiting with the Southards and Miss Colleen Kelly, had some very stressful weeks and some far less stressful ones, and bought myself new pants. That last one is out of place, I know, but its not something I've done a great deal of, as I hate clothes shopping.
The last few months have also given me time to think. One of my duties at the paper is that I put up the Granite's website, meaning that I enter every photo, caption and story into the system. When I do so it gives me the chance, not surprisingly, to look at pretty much everything in the paper. This includes, and I have a point here, I'm not just doing this to be morbid, the obituaries. One of the things you see a lot in newspapers, including the Granite, is that each obituary has a sub-head, one that gives a few words that might summarize someone's accomplishment or give small snippets of their interests (something like, "World War II veteran", "long time teacher", or even "avid golfer and hunter.") Thankfully, for me, I don't have the job of coming up with said snippet, and of course, when you see something like "avid golfer" you're a bit taken aback, after all, this person might have had children, grandchildren or held an important job, golf probably was .000004% of their life. I sometimes think about what mine would say, or perhaps less morbidly, what it might say in 60 or 70 years. This place is not, ultimately where I want to end up, or stay forever, certainly. Then I think about where I might want to go, and while I know I have a lot of options, its also something I'm anxious about. I'd like to try different areas of the country, especially out west, but I also want to try something familiar, perhaps the Washington area, or somewhere close to home.
I think the reason these feelings are stirring is that its been a year for me here. Honestly, things are in many ways very much the same, and in many ways totally different. I could never have pictured myself as the type of person to go to the gym six days a week, but I have. I never imagined I'd be they type who made it a point to eat vegetables everyday. I'd also never imagined myself getting into some of the issues I've reported on as much. I could go for half an hour on New Durham's school withdrawal or the political situation in Barnstead. That being said, I also feel like there's other things I'd like to experience, and issues I'd like to learn and write about.
The last few months have been an experience. I got to see what ultimately was my last show at Albion, I spent a far too brief time in Los Angeles visiting with the Southards and Miss Colleen Kelly, had some very stressful weeks and some far less stressful ones, and bought myself new pants. That last one is out of place, I know, but its not something I've done a great deal of, as I hate clothes shopping.
The last few months have also given me time to think. One of my duties at the paper is that I put up the Granite's website, meaning that I enter every photo, caption and story into the system. When I do so it gives me the chance, not surprisingly, to look at pretty much everything in the paper. This includes, and I have a point here, I'm not just doing this to be morbid, the obituaries. One of the things you see a lot in newspapers, including the Granite, is that each obituary has a sub-head, one that gives a few words that might summarize someone's accomplishment or give small snippets of their interests (something like, "World War II veteran", "long time teacher", or even "avid golfer and hunter.") Thankfully, for me, I don't have the job of coming up with said snippet, and of course, when you see something like "avid golfer" you're a bit taken aback, after all, this person might have had children, grandchildren or held an important job, golf probably was .000004% of their life. I sometimes think about what mine would say, or perhaps less morbidly, what it might say in 60 or 70 years. This place is not, ultimately where I want to end up, or stay forever, certainly. Then I think about where I might want to go, and while I know I have a lot of options, its also something I'm anxious about. I'd like to try different areas of the country, especially out west, but I also want to try something familiar, perhaps the Washington area, or somewhere close to home.
I think the reason these feelings are stirring is that its been a year for me here. Honestly, things are in many ways very much the same, and in many ways totally different. I could never have pictured myself as the type of person to go to the gym six days a week, but I have. I never imagined I'd be they type who made it a point to eat vegetables everyday. I'd also never imagined myself getting into some of the issues I've reported on as much. I could go for half an hour on New Durham's school withdrawal or the political situation in Barnstead. That being said, I also feel like there's other things I'd like to experience, and issues I'd like to learn and write about.
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