Brett Favre's Version of the LeBron James Commercial...You WILL Urinate Yourself in Laughter

Breaking Down the NFL Draft

Over the next couple of weeks I will be breaking down the NFL Draft by position, providing write-ups on each player, as well as film, and combine numbers as they become available. Stay tuned

Is It Time To Send Eli A Message?

With their franchise quarterback having just turned 30 following a disappointing season in which he threw 25 interceptions, one might say the New York Giants are faced with a tricky dilemma when evaluating where they’re at regarding arguably the most important position in all of sports.

Believe it or not, it’s been almost seven years since former Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi traded Philip Rivers, a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a fifth-round pick to the San Diego Chargers for Eli Manning. After making that deal, which will go down as one of the biggest trades in NFL draft history, Accorsi stated that Manning was the most impressive quarterback prospect he had evaluated since the 1983 draft, when John Elway was selected #1 overall. Although Manning rewarded the Giants with an MVP performance in Super Bowl XLII, his inconsistency throughout his career has been tremendously irritating to many of the team’s fans, and most will agree that he isn’t on the same level as either Rivers or Ben Roethlisberger, who was selected 11^th overall in the 2004 draft. Suffice it to say, Manning is no John Elway.

Now, after a second straight playoff-less season, the Giants’ front office has to mull over what’s wrong with the team. There are some holes to fill, starting at linebacker, offensive tackle, center, and cornerback. But with the draft being the primary place that personnel decision-makers build their teams for the future, this could be the year in which current Giants general manager Jerry Reese selects a quarterback somewhere in the first three rounds. There’s no question that Manning’s going to be the starting quarterback for the New York Giants again next season. The question is, can the Giants feel safe right now about him running the offense for the next five years?

A week after Aaron Rodgers was named Super Bowl MVP following the Green Bay Packers’ 31-25 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s hard to argue with the way he was groomed to be a franchise quarterback. Rodgers was selected 24^th overall by Packers general manager Ted Thompson in the 2005 draft. He sat three full years behind the legendary Brett Favre. Now, after completing just his third season as Green Bay’s starting quarterback, Rodgers is one of the top three signal-callers in the NFL.

Other quarterbacks followed a similar path to greatness that Rodgers has. The most notable is Steve Young, who sat behind Joe Montana in San Francisco for four seasons before finally getting a chance to take over the 49ers’ offense in 1991. Young won an NFL record six passing titles between 1991 and 1998, was named league MVP in 1992 and 1994, and holds a Super Bowl record for most touchdown passes in a single game (6). He was enshrined to the NFL Hall of Fame in 2005, a first-ballot.

With Rodgers and Young in mind, and with Manning coming off a disappointing season, Reese could find it enticing to select a quarterback in April. Manning isn’t terrible, at least not often, but it’s debatable if he’s in the top 10 of the league’s passers right now, and he certainly isn’t as good as Montana and Favre were when their successors were brought in. Although Reese probably won’t pick a quarterback in the first round, if he’s looking to add a talented young passer to send a message to Manning, here are two who may fall to him in Round 2 or 3 and fit the bill:

 

Arkansas’ Ryan Mallett

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OurYaWeYlQw

At the beginning of the 2010 college football season, Mallett was considered to be a realistic possibility for the #1 overall pick in this April’s draft. Now, however, there are character concerns and doubts about his accuracy, footwork, and throwing mechanics. In its latest mock draft, WalterFootball.com has Mallett falling down to the third round, stating the following:

A couple of months ago, I listed Ryan Mallett in the second round of my 2011 NFL Mock Draft, citing major character concerns I knew about that would eventually surface.

Well, nothing surfaced, so I put Mallett back in the first round, assuming my source was wrong. Lo and behold, NFL.com's Albert Breer recently wrote that "off-field concerns" will hurt Mallett's draft stock. A couple of months late, but better late than never, I guess.

Mallett has major red flags. In addition to these "off-field concerns," he's a moron who may score single digits on his Wonderlic (even if they give him five points for spelling his name correctly). His release is painfully slow (think Byron Leftwich). He has no mobility. And he has the same sense of entitlement as Matt Leinart and Jimmy Clausen.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2011_3.php

Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but falling to the third round would undoubtedly be a real humbling experience for Mallett, as would sitting behind Manning for at least a few years. And though there are plenty of negatives being written about Mallett, nobody can deny that he has an absolute rifle for an arm and was quite successful playing in Bobby Petrino’s offense. In 2010, Mallett completed 64.7% of his passes, at 9.41 yards per attempt, and threw for 3,869 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. With those stats in mind, it will be hard to find a more impressive prospect to pick when the Giants are up in the second and third round.

 

Florida State’s Christian Ponder

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7hmbuXns7Q

Like Mallett, at the start of the 2010 college football season Ponder was considered as a possibility for the #1 overall pick. In that regard, it’s hard to figure out what some were thinking, as Ponder has never looked like an elite prospect at the college level. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders, though, and possesses supreme intelligence, a great work ethic, and solid mobility and improvisational skills.

But while he checked out well medically at the Senior Bowl, there are still concerns about injuries he suffered to his right elbow and shoulder. Not having a strong arm to begin with, damage to that area could be fatal to his pro career. He missed two regular-season games last year, and threw just five passes, completing only one of them for six yards, in the Seminoles’ Chick-fil-A Bowl victory over South Carolina. He finished his senior year with a completion percentage of 61.5—at 6.84 yards per attempt—for 2,044 yards, 20 touchdown passes, and eight interceptions.  

WalterFootball.com has Ponder going in the second round. Here’s what it has to say about him:

I have major questions about Ponder's arm strength in the wake of all his surgeries, but he's very accurate and makes quick decisions.

http://walterfootball.com/draft2011_2.php

Should the Giants consider drafting a quarterback in the early rounds this April? We welcome your thoughts.

-Maz Burrito

Chad Jones recovering

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2011/02/video_giants_chad_jones_making.html

Is It Worth Getting Carmelo?

 With approximately 11 days left until the NBA trade deadline, the "Melodrama" in New York has hit its climax. The discussion has shifted from "if" to "when" the Knicks will get Carmelo Anthony, and what it will cost. The real question is if the Knicks DO get him, will it be enough for them to be able to beat the Celtics or Heat and get into the NBA Finals? In order to lock up Anthony, the Knicks will have to pay him between $18 and $20 million per year. Add that to Amare Stoudemire's $20 million, Ray Felton's $6+ million and Danillo Gallinari's $4+ million, and you would end up with nearly $49 million dollars in team salary and that isn't even including the salaries of Timofey Mozgov, Toney Douglas, or Landry Fields. The current NBA salary cap is  $58,044,000. The big talk is about obtaining Chris Paul, Deron Williams or even Dwight Howard in 2012. I find it hard to believe that any of them are going to be willing to sign with the Knicks for $9 million. So again I ask, is adding Carmelo Anthony enough for Knicks to be able to beat the Celtics or Heat and win an NBA Championship?

-AT

Augie Tieri’s 2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

It's still very early, as the NFL Scouting Combine hasn't even begun yet, but here is my preliminary Mock Draft 1.0  By the time the draft rolls around, I'll probably be up to 7.0 but who's counting...

Feel free to agree or disagree on my picks, and lay the comments down below

Also, if you have a mock draft you want me to post, email me @ a.tieri@ymail.com

Augie Tieri’s  2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0

1.        Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

This is going to come down from Panthers ownership. The Panthers have a lot of needs and you can’t tell me that Da’Quan Bowers has enough star talent to keep them from trading out of this pick. They have been adamant about the fact that they want to make a splash at the quarterback position, and haven’t shown an ounce of confidence in either Clausen or Moore. Don’t be shocked if they pull the trigger on this one.

2.         Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Champ Bailey will be gone and the Broncos will need to find a legitimate replacement for him. Peterson is polished, and should be able to step right in and get the job done

3.         Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

Defensive tackle Kyle Williams led the Bills last year in sacks with a whopping total of 5.5. That just isn’t going to cut it. The Bills haven’t had a legitimate pass rushing threat since Bruce Smith, and Aaron Maybin is turning out to be a bust so this is undoubtedly the right selection.

4.         A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

With the almost certain departure of both Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens, and now possibly even Carson Palmer, the Bengals are going to have to address some serious concerns in the passing game.

5.         Von Miller, OLB/DE, Texas A&M

More than likely, the QB situation will be resolved in free agency, which will free up the Cardinals to replace Joey Porter with the top OLB on the board

6.            Nick Farley, DT, Auburn

Following the release of Shaun Rogers, the Browns have to bolster their front line. Farley’s dominant performance in the National Championship game has put him on everyone’s radar. Should be a nice fit for the Browns.

7.        Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Bringing in Jim Harbaugh instantly improves the 49ers offense, but since he can’t play quarterback anymore, they are going to have to find someone who can, and Alex Smith is not it. Gabbert has the tools necessary to be a long-term solution for Harbaugh.

8.             Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas

It’s hard to imagine the Titans without Jeff Fisher, but it is now a reality. The Titans need a QB they can build their franchise around, and establish a threat in the passing game to compliment Chris Johnson’s explosiveness. Mallett is the best pure passing quarterback in the draft.  

9.          Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Tony Romo got lit up more than the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center last season before getting knocked out by the Giants. Solder is every bit of 6’9” with room to grow. He needs to improve his technique but with the right tutelage, he should anchor the Cowboys o-line for years to come.

10.    Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama

Nothing demonstrated the Redskins desperate need for help on their interior defensive line than the fact that Albert Haynesworth actually played this year. Dareus burst onto the scene this year and made an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide. The Redskins can only hope he will do the same for the crimson and gold.

11.    Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Texans had one of the worst defensive secondaries in all of football last year. The offense amassed huge numbers but was always coming from behind because of the big plays they would give up on the other end.

12.    Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

Lost in the Brett Favre saga of last season was the fact that the Vikings could not get after the QB last year. Their defensive line is getting older, and they need a legitimate pass rusher opposite Jared Allen. After missing the entire season, look for Quinn to blow scouts away at the combine.

13.    Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

The Lions showed significant improvement last season and should get even better this season. Ndamakong Suh made an immediate impact on the defensive line last year, and Kerrigan should free up Suh even more, as he wreaks havoc off the edge.

14.    Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

It is amazing what rookie quarterback Sam Bradford was able to accomplish despite not having the weapons on offense. Adding Julio Jones will be a major step toward solving that problem.

15.    Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

There is very little doubt that the Dolphins will take a RB first overall; the only debate will be which one. While LeShoure probably has more upside, Ingram is more proven, and that is what the Dolphins need right now.

16.    Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

The Jags are yet another team that had an awful secondary last year. In a league that is becoming more and more pass dominant, the Jaguars must improve. Smith is a big physical corner, similar to Akib Talib in Tampa Bay.

17.     Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

The Pats have a young secondary that could use a little help in the form of a consistent pass rush. Houston is athletic, can play in space, and get after the QB.

18.     Cameron Jordan, DE, California

Cameron Jordan is the perfect fit opposite Luis Castillo at the 3-4 defensive end for San Diego. 

19.       Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

The Giants’ running game has slowed down significantly since winning the Super Bowl in ’07. Once regarded as having one of the best offensive lines in football, age and injuries have caught up to them. Castonzo is a chiseled 6’7” 305lbs with room to grow. Very capable of being the Giants next franchise left tackle.

20.    Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

The Buccaneers finished dead last in sacks last season. Smith will provide some pressure off the edge that is vital for a defensive scheme that is predicated on getting pressure from the front four.

21.    Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Chiefs picking this late so they must be doing something right the past couple of years in the draft. Expect Scott Pioli to grab the best available offensive lineman on the board with this pick

22.    Mike Pouncey, G, Florida

Peyton Manning looked like a very different QB at times this year behind a shaky offensive line, and the Colts could not run the football at all. Pouncey will provide them immediate help at guard, and could be the eventual replacement for Jeff Saturday at center.

23.    J.J. Wyatt, DE, Wisconsin

The Eagles have seen the Giants defensive line wreak enough havoc over the years. It’s about time they draft a Justin Tuck like hybrid defensive lineman that can move around the D-Line and cause matchup problems.

24.    Mikel LeShoure, RB, Illinois

The Saints had a carousel of RB’s last season when Pierre Thomas went down and it ended up hurting them significantly down the stretch. LeShoure is very similar to Thomas, with a ton more upside.

25.    Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

The Seahawks corners got picked apart often last season, even in the games they won. Williams would join fellow Texas teammate Earl Thomas in bolstering Seattle’s secondary.

26.  Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

Despite only picking off 4 passes in his career at the U, Harris was a 32 game starter and it seemed that the only reason he didn’t pick off more was because teams were afraid to throw at him.

27.    Rahim Moore, S, UCLA

As good as the Falcons were last season, they gave up the big play way too often as exhibited in the playoffs against the Packers. Having a player of Moore’s caliber providing over the top help should reduce that significantly.

28.    Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

It is amazing how many first round caliber 3-4 defensive ends there are in this draft. The ironic thing is, there isn’t a tremendous need for them inside the top 25. Patriots won’t be able to pass up Clayborn with their second pick in the first round.

29.  Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Is there a team in this draft that needs more help at offensive tackle than the Chicago Bears? Ask Jay Cutler if he likes this pick

30.  Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

Chances are, Ayers won’t fall this far but don’t put it past the Jets to trade up for him. He is exactly what they need at the OLB spot, as he would provide the athletic pass rushing beast the Jets have been lacking.

31.   Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Ben Roethlisberger took a pounding all season long. For years now, the Steelers have been in need of an athletic skilled pass protector on Big Ben’s blind side. Smith fits the mold.

32.   Stefon Wisniewski, C/G, Penn St.

If you had to dig through Green Bay’s roster to find a single weakness, it would probably be their offensive line. Aaron Rodgers had a tremendous season and the Pack have to make it a priority to protect their elite investment. Wisniewski has the pedigree and the flexibility to play both guard and center.

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OK...So how much did Cam Newton's dad pay Trent Dilfer for this report???

Dilfer: Cam Newton workout was "phenomenal"

Speaking on ESPN Thursday afternoon, analyst Trent Dilfer called Auburn QB Cam Newton's Thursday media day workout "one of the most phenomenal personal workouts I've ever seen."

"If scouts saw this they'd have been slobbering," added Dilfer, who called Newton a "dynamic athlete" and "incredibly impressive." Dilfer praised Newton's refinement, accuracy, and arm strength while proclaiming the "sky is the limit." Newton's measurables have never been in question, so it's hardly surprising that he excelled in a controlled environment. It is a positive sign, though, that the tutoring on his footwork and acclimation to working under center have paid off. It now seems likely that a team with a top-five selection will fall in love Newton, but his character concerns and football acumen will still be scrutinized over the next two months.

Source: Rotoworld; ESPN

Jerry Sloan Stepping Down

Longtime Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan just announced that he is going to resign as head coach

Source: ESPN

This Guy is Sick...If Only Eli Was This Accurate

Carmelo is Getting Impatient

According to Stephen A. Smith, Carmelo Anthony is getting impatient with the Knicks. He feels like he handed himself on a platter for the Knicks (which he did) and that they are not doing enough to get it the deal done before the deadline.

By coming out with this, all he is doing is hurting his future team in the longrun. The Knicks are very close to getting this deal done without having to give up Landry Fields or Danillo Gallinari. Both of these guys could be instrumental role players and supporting cast for Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo moving forward.

-AT

FRANCISCO LIRIANO TO THE YANKEES?

 

Looks like a distinct possibility. Twins are seriously considering dealing him if the right offer came along. Might take Joba, Gardner and a low level prospect. Liriano would be the legitimate lefty starter the Yankees need, to make up for the loss of Andy Pettitte.

-AT

The Wilpons Need to Sell the Team....ASAP

Is it out of the realm of posibility to think that Albert Pujols could be the Mets 1st baseman for the next 8-10 years. With Luis Castillo ($6 million) and Carlos Beltran ($18.5) coming off the books next year, that would free up almost $25 million dollars that could be spent on Pujols per year which should be enough to get it done.

 - AT

Anthony Castonzo vs. USC (2009) (#74/LT)

Carmelo Re-Sign With the Nuggets?

According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, Carmelo Anthony said he would "take a real hard look at" signing a contract extension with Denver if he's not traded at the deadline.

Obviously that's not a definitive answer in either direction, but a comment like this may help raise Denver management's hopes of keeping Carmelo in town. It's worth noting that Carmelo's quote comes after a Denver Post report earlier on Wednesday saying that there's a "better-than-average" chance that he won't be traded this season

Source: Marc Spears on Twitter

Why would Carmelo Anthony say this now after everything he's been saying over the past 3 months? Just as the Knicks were on the cusp of landing him cheap, leaving behind a talented squad to surround Anthony in NY, he goes and rips away any leverage that the Knicks might have had and shifts the motivation away from the Nuggets to trade him out of desperation. Not good news for Knicks fans....at all

-AT