Blake Griffen Steals the Show at Dunk Contest

Knicks Future is Bright: Deron Williams

CBS is reporting that Deron Williams has told associates that he wants to play with Amare Stoudemire and the Knicks in 2012.


The news just keeps getting better. From the looks of things, if the Knicks can pull the trigger on the deal for Carmelo Anthony, they will be able to clear enough cap space once Chauncey Billups' contract expires so they will be able to sign Deron Williams going into the 2012 season. Looks like it won't be long before the Knicks have their own version of "The Big 3" and start competing for championships.

-AT

Source: CBS Sports, Rotoworld

Down To The Wire: Carmelo Anthony

picture source: getfocusmusic.com

The rumor mill has reached its peak...

The Nuggets want Felton, they want Gallinari, they want Wilson Chandler, they want Eddy Curry's expiring contract, they want a 1st round pick...sounds like an awful lot for a team whose back is against the wall and in jeopardy of losing their franchise player for nothing this off-season if they can't get a deal done. In addition, it has been reported that the Knicks would also have to give up Landry Fields, Timofey Mozgov, and Anthony Randolph to complete the 3-way deal with the Timberwolves.

And now....The Nets are involved again?

While I have little doubt that the Nets are just simply trying to drive the price up on the Knicks, I am starting to think that the Nuggets might just be foolish enough to think that Carmelo is being sincere when he says he would consider re-signing with them. As the price continues to be driven up, I feel compelled to remind you of the previous article I had written: "Is It Worth Getting Carmelo" (http://realtalkfantasysports.blogspot.com/2011/02/is-it-worth-getting-carmelo.html) At this rate, the Knicks will be left with a team that consists of Toney Douglas, Andy Rautins, Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Ronny Turiaf and ???...Things are about to get interesting

-AT

I would love to know what you guys think...post your comments below

2011 NFL Draft Prospects Individual Evaluation: Ryan Mallett

RYAN MALLETT

6’ 6”  WT: 238LBS

40 TIME: 5.12

ARM STRENGTH:  MALLETT HAS ONE OF THE STRONGEST ARMS IN THIS DRAFT, THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT HIS ARM STRENGTH IS DIMINISHED BY HIS LONG, SLOW RELEASE.  OUT OF ALL THE QUARTERBACKS IN THE DRAFT, MALLETT THROWS THE BEST DEEP BALL.

GRADE: 19 OUT OF 20

ACCURACY & THROWING MECHANICS:  ABSOLUTELY NEEDS TO SHORTEN HIS DELIVERY. AT NEARLY 6’ 7” HE SHOULDN’T NEED SUCH A LONG DELIVERY TO GENERATE THE TORQUE NECESSARY TO THROW THE BALL WITH VELOCITY. OVERALL, HIS PASS EFFICIENCY RANKED AMONG THE HIGHEST IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL, AND HIS DEEP BALL ACCURACY IS BY FAR THE MOST IMPRESSIVE OF ANY OF THE QB’S IN THIS DRAFT.

GRADE: 18 OUT OF 20

FOOTWORK & MOBILITY:  MALLETT IS NOT AS IMMOBILE AS MANY OF THE SCOUTS MAKE HIM OUT TO BE. HIS 40 TIME IS SLOWER THAN MOST LINEMEN SO HE IS NEVER GOING TO BE A THREAT TO RUN, BUT DOES A SOLID JOB OF THROWING ON THE RUN, MOVES AROUND THE POCKET WELL, AND DOES A GREAT JOB OF GETTING HIS FEET UNDER HIM BEFORE MAKING THE THROW.

GRADE: 14 OUT OF 20

STATISTICAL PRODUCTION:  MALLETT HAS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE PURE PASSING NUMBERS OF ANYONE IN THIS DRAFT. THIS PAST YEAR RYAN THREW FOR 3869 YARDS AND 32 TD’S TO ONLY 12 INTS, AND 3624 YARDS AND 30 TD’S IN 2009. THIS IS SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED BY THE FACT THAT HE WAS PLAYING AGAINST SOME OF THE MOST ELITE DEFENSES IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK IN AND WEEK OUT.

GRADE: 18 OUT OF 20

INTANGIBLES:  ON THE SURFACE, IT APPEARS THAT RYAN MALLETT SAYS AND DOES ALL THE RIGHT THINGS, BUT I CAN’T HELP BUT WONDER WHAT LIES BENEATH. HERE IS A QUOTE FROM MALLETT FOLLOWING HIS DECISION TO LEAVE ARKANSAS FOR THE NFL: “AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, I HAVE DECIDED TO DECLARE FOR THE 2011 NFL DRAFT. EVER SINCE I WAS A KID, MY DREAM HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO PLAY FOR THE RAZORBACKS AND I AM THANKFUL I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO.” DID MALLETT THINK THAT EVERYONE FORGOT THE FACT THAT HE COMMITTED, ENROLLED, AND PLAYED FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN EVEN THOUGH HE HAD BEEN ONE OF THE TOP RECRUITS OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL? DESPITE THIS, THERE IS NO DENYING MALLET’S CREDIBILITY ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. MALLETT CONSISTENTLY ROSE TO THE OCCASION THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, THE BIGGER THE GAME, THE BETTER THE PERFORMANCE. PLAYING IN THE TOUGHEST CONFERENCE IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL, MALLETT THREW FOR 1968 YDS AND 14 TDS VS. RANKED OPPONENTS THIS PAST YEAR. ALSO WORKING IN HIS FAVOR IS THE FACT THAT HE PLAYED IN TWO PRO-STYLE SYSTEMS AT BOTH ARKANSAS AND MICHIGAN. IF HE IS DRAFTED BY A TEAM THAT CAN PROVIDE HIM ENOUGH PROTECTION, HE CAN FLOURISH. (RECENT SPECULATION & ALLEGATIONS OF ALLEGED DRUG ISSUES WOULD SEVERELY DIMINISH HIS RATING IN THIS CATEGORY IF THERE IS ANY TRUTH TO THEM)

GRADE: 16 OUT OF 20

OVERALL GRADE:  85

 

POTENTIAL PLAYER COMPARISON:  DREW BLEDSOE

Looking to gain some insight from my readers. Post your comments and let me know your opinion after reviewing the analysis and film

-AT

Contract Talks With Cardinals Suspended

ESPN News - Agent for Albert Pujols confirms further contract talks with Cards suspended until after 2011 season

2011 NFL Draft Prospects Indvidual Evaluation: Cam Newton

CAM NEWTON                        

HT: 6’ 5”  WT: 250LBS

40 TIME: 4.53

 

ARM STRENGTH:  Possesses an absolute cannon for an arm. Has the ability to fit the ball in between tight coverage and can throw the  ball a mile with just a flick of the wrist. Consistently throws the ball with velocity and has excellent ball rotation on his throws.

  GRADE: 19 OUT OF 20

 

ACCURACY & THROWING MECHANICS: Newton has a smooth delivery and a quick release. Shows decent touch, but not on a consistent basis. Occasionally overthrows receivers, and misses open targets, but his overall completion percentage has managed to stay above 60%

   GRADE: 17 OUT OF 20

 

FOOTWORK & MOBILITY: Newton combines his 4.5 speed with a 6’ 5” 250lbs frame which is a deadly combination. Newton is able to escape pressure, break tackles, stiff arm pass rushers, and still get the pass off. As a ball carrier, on numerous occasions, he will lower his shoulder on defenders as he is capable of trucking linebackers and simply dismantling defensive backs in the open field. Without a doubt, he adds a whole other dimension to the offense that opposing defenses have to account for.

 GRADE: 19 OUT OF 20

 

STATISTICAL PRODUCTION: This past season Newton threw for over 2800 yards and 30 td’s with only 7 int’s. His rushing stats were equally impressive: 1285 yards rushing with 20 td’s. His production last year was outstanding, but he only has one season of numbers to go by.

  GRADE: 17 OUT OF 20

 

INTANGIBLES: Cam Newton past indiscretions are well documented. A number of red flags have been raised such as the accusations of theft and alleged academic cheating while at Florida, and most notably, the alleged actions of his father during his recruitment out of junior college. Despite the negatives, no one can deny Newton’s ability to transform a program into an immediate winner. After transferring from Florida he led Blinn Junior College to the NJCAA Championship. From there, he joined what had been an above average Auburn team, playing in the toughest conference in college football, and led them to a National Championship. In order to be successful at the next level, he will not be able to simply rely on his natural abilities. His devotion to film study, and his overall football IQ will be make or break for him at the next level. What will be his learning curve? At Auburn, Newton ran a very explosive offense, but not one that translates very well to the pro level. One thing working in his favor; he had to learn three different offenses during his college tenure and he seemed to have very little problem adjusting.

  GRADE: 15 OUT OF 20

OVERALL GRADE:  87

EARLY PLAYER COMPARISON: BEN ROETHLISBERGER

Looking to gain some insight from my readers. Post your comments and let me know your opinion after reviewing the analysis and film

-AT

2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Quarterback

Many of the so-called draft "experts" pride themselves in assessing a quarterbacks "raw skills". Unfortunately, more often than not, raw skills don't always translate at the next level. A quarterback that can throw the ball through a brick building is useless if he can't figure out what brick building to hit, and the guy with pinpoint accuracy might not be able to get it there in time because he tried to force it into coverage or didn't have the arm strength to get it there before the defender was able to make a play on the ball.

The most important measure of a quarterback, and sometimes the hardest to gauge, is his intangibles. Is he a leader? Was he able to win with very little supporting cast? Does he make intelligent decisions on and off the field? Does he show poise under pressure? How does he perform on the biggest stage? It is from these guidlines that I begin my assessment and work backwards.  

Each quarterback will be assessed on a scale of 1-20 in 5 different categories ultimately adding up to 100 which will be the quarterback's overall grade

-AT

Hey Mr. Reese, Can You Please Get the G-Men an Impact Linebacker? Please!

For New York Giants fans who started following the team during the Bill Parcells Era, the linebacker position is something they've valued a great deal for many years. In those days, the leaders of a championship defense were Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson, and Carl Banks. Then Harry Carson retired after the 1988 season, and Pepper Johnson stepped up and filled in as a leader at inside linebacker for another championship defense. There was also Gary Reasons, another trustworthy inside linebacker who will always be remembered for his launching, bone-rattling hit on Bobby Humphrey during a 1989 classic regular-season duel in the snow with the Denver Broncos. Even the backups—Johnie Cooks, Steve DeOssie, and Andy Headen—probably could have started for a handful of other teams in the NFL.

 

 

Watch Reasons’ hit on Humphrey here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehSmLq9J4yc

 

After LT retired at the end of the 1993 season, Dan Reeves switched the Giants’ base defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3, and it took a few years for another stud to emerge at linebacker. That man was outside linebacker Jessie Armstead, and he, along with middle linebacker Michael Barrow, who was signed in free agency before the 2000 season, provided exactly what the Giants needed from the position: athleticism, intensity, a great passion for the game, and, most importantly, superior tackling skills.

 

 

After the 2001 season, former Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi decided to let go of Armstead, opting to replace him with Brandon Short, who was joined by Barrow in the middle and Dhani Jones on the strong side. Ever since then, the Giants’ linebacking core has left something to be desired, to put it kindly.

Since the 2002 offseason, the Giants’ front office has signed one Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker—Antonio Pierce in 2005. But even calling Pierce a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker is a stretch. He was actually more of an Alternate Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker, to be honest, and probably the fattest middle linebacker in the NFL during his final three years with the Giants. That beer gut he sported from 2007 through 2009 was almost as bad as Jim Belushi’s, but I digress.

 

 

Over the last eight years Accorsi and current general manager Jerry Reese have signed linebacker busts like Carlos Emmons and Barrett Green, washed-up players like LaVar Arrington and Keith Bulluck, and stopgaps like Kawika Mitchell and Danny Clark. Even the 2009 offseason signing of weakside linebacker Michael Boley hasn’t panned out the way it was planned, as Boley’s been slightly above average, at best. 

 

 

The opportunities to acquire a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker have been there, but for whatever reason, the Giants’ front office has never taken advantage. Accorsi could have signed either Takeo Spikes or Rosevelt Colvin during the 2003 offseason. Instead, Ernie felt it was more important to spend the dough on running back Dorsey Levens, kick/punt returner Brian Mitchell, and punter Jeff Feagles. Although Feagles was a great signing, Levens and Mitchell were total disasters who failed to make strong contributions during the miserable 2003 season that ended with a record of 4-12. And just last year, Reese could have pursued Karlos Dansby to fill the need at middle linebacker. For whatever reason, though, he didn’t, and decided to give the job to Jonathan Goff.

 

 

To make matters even worse, the Giants have been absolutely atrocious when it comes to drafting linebackers over the last 18 years. Coming off a torn ACL injury, Armstead was selected in the eighth round of the 1992 NFL draft. That was the last time the Giants drafted a Pro Bowl linebacker. Ever since that point, the team has mostly picked mediocre talents or total scrubs in the mid-to-late rounds: Marcus Buckley (third round, 1993), Tommy Thigpen (fifth round, 1993), Ben Talley (fourth round, 1995), Doug Colman (sixth round, 1996), Scott Galyon (sixth round, 1996), Ryan Phillips (third round, 1997), Pete Monty (fourth round, 1997), O.J. Childress (seventh round, 1999), Brandon Short (fourth round, 2000), Dhani Jones (sixth round, 2000), Nick Greisen (fifth round, 2002), Wesly Mallard (sixth round, 2002), Quincy Monk (seventh round, 2002), Reggie Torbor (fourth round, 2004), Gerris Wilkinson (third round, 2006), Zak DeOssie (fourth round, 2007), Bryan Kehl (fourth round, 2008), Jonathan Goff (fifth round, 2008), and Philip Dillard (fourth round, 2010).

 

   

 

If you didn’t count, that’s 19 linebackers drafted in the mid-to-late rounds by the Giants since 1992. The only linebacker the Giants picked in the early rounds during that time was Clint Sintim, who was taken 45^th overall in the 2009 draft. Sintim, who should really be a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense, lost his starting job at the strong-side spot last season to Keith Bulluck, who played like he belonged in a retirement home.

Over the last 18 drafts the Giants have had opportunities to pick a stud linebacker, only to squander many of the selections.

In the 1996 draft George Young, the Giants’ general manager from 1979 through 1997, selected Oklahoma defensive end Cedric Jones with the fifth overall pick. Twenty-one selections later University of Miami linebacker Ray Lewis was taken by the Baltimore Ravens. Jones, it was later learned, was blind in one eye, and he played just five years with the Giants, posting a whopping 15 sacks. Lewis, on the other hand, is still going strong, and will probably go down as the best middle linebacker in NFL history: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZhiem5Qv7w&feature=related

Young made a lot of great picks for the Giants (Phil Simms, LT, Banks, etc.), but the Cedric Jones selection was so bad it was rated by ESPN as one of the 100 worst draft choices in the history of all sports:  http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=schoenfield/060427

 

 

Ten years later, in the 2006 draft, the Giants had the 32^nd overall pick after Accorsi orchestrated a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Alabama linebacker DeMeco Ryans was sitting right there for Accorsi, but the general manager with the vacuum wig chose Boston College defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka instead. Although Kiwanuka has proven to be a decent defensive end, posting 24 sacks in a mostly backup role over 61 games, Ryans was defensive rookie of the year in 2006, made Second-Team All-Pro in 2007, and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009. But, hey, you can never have enough pass-rushers, right?

 

 

In the 2007 draft the Giants had the 20^th overall selection. University of Miami linebacker Jon Beason was sitting right there for Reese, who was running his first draft as Giants general manager. But even though linebacker was considered a huge need, Reese decided that Texas cornerback Aaron Ross was the better pick. Although Ross was a key player in the Giants’ Super Bowl run in 2007, and then started for all of 2008, his last two seasons have been disappointing, as he’s suffered through injuries, played poorly at times, and lost his starting job to Terrell Thomas. Beason, meanwhile, has been a beast for the Carolina Panthers, making the Pro Bowl in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2008 and Second-Team All-Pro in 2010. Do you think Reese would like to have that one back?

 

 

Reese also had a few linebackers to choose from in the first three rounds of last year’s draft, most notably Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon, who was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the #19 pick. Instead, Reese took another defensive end, South Florida's Jason Pierre-Paul, at the #15 pick and then waited until the fourth round to select a linebacker, Nebraska’s Philip Dillard.

Before suffering ankle and knee injuries in Weeks 4 and 5, which sidelined him for five games and limited him when he returned to action late in the season, Weatherspoon was on pace to record 117 solo tackles as a rookie from the strong-side position for the Falcons. Meanwhile, with 4.5 sacks Pierre-Paul showed much more promise than was expected from him in his rookie year, but he's still set up to be a backup until Osi Umenyiora is finished, which doesn't appear to be anytime soon, considering Umenyiora led the team with 12 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in 2010.

 

 

So here we are in 2011, and for the umpteenth year in a row Giants fans are hoping their general manager signs a big-time linebacker in free agency or drafts one in April. That begs the question: Who should they target? Well, we have some ideas.

 

Free agency

It’s a little tricky this offseason, since there may not even be a free agent period, due to the lockout that’s coming. But if there is free agency this March, here are two linebackers who could fulfill the Giants’ needs at the position:

 

Tennessee Titans middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch  

 

2010 stats: 159 tackles, one sack, one interception, six passes defended

Tulloch is a versatile linebacker who can play in the middle or on the outside. He is short (5-11) but weighs 240 pounds and doesn’t miss many tackles. While there are doubts about him making enough impact plays in the backfield, if the Giants sign him, he’ll most likely be the first linebacker to record 100 tackles for the team since 2007.

 

Buffalo Bills inside linebacker Paul Posluszny  

  

2010 stats: 151 tackles, three sacks, four passes defended.

Posluszny is another linebacker Reese declined to pick in the 2007 draft. The former Penn State Nittany Lion isn’t as good as Beason, but he has recorded 110+ tackles for three straight seasons and is a very cerebral player. The problems with him are he is injury-prone, as he’s missed 17 games in four years, and has been labeled as a slower linebacker who doesn’t handle his coverage responsibilities nearly as well as the Ray Lewises, Patrick Willises, and Beasons of the league. But, like Tulloch, it's a safe bet that Posluszny would record 100 tackles for the G-Men. He also played for Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell from 2007 through 2009, when Fewell held the same job for the Bills.

 

Draft

Unfortunately, there appears to be just one 4-3 linebacker expected to be picked in the first round this April—UCLA’s Akeem Ayers.

 

Even that opinion is a little shaky, since there are those, including us, who believe Ayers would be a better fit in a 3-4 defense—and the last thing the Giants need is another Clint Sintim. But at 6-4, 255 pounds some think Ayers’ best position is strong-side linebacker in a 4-3, so he may be a good choice for Reese in the first round. To be honest, while playing different positions for the Bruins, Ayers showed a lot more athleticism than Sintim did at the University of Virginia. In 2010 Ayers had 68 tackles, 10 of which came in the backfield, and four sacks. He also had two interceptions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q14Px6MLRfk

In its latest mock draft WalterFootball.com actually has Ayers going to the Giants with the 19^th pick. Here’s what it has to say:

Keith Bulluck is a 34-year-old free agent. The Giants are in need of an upgrade at strongside linebacker.

Akeem Ayers reminds me a lot of Manny Lawson. He's a really versatile player who figures to excel in Perry Fewell's defense.

http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011_1.php

 

North Carolina’s Bruce Carter  

 

Heading into the 2010 season, Carter seemed like a lock to be a first-round pick this April. He had a rough year, though, culminating in him tearing his ACL in a game against North Carolina State on November 20. Now he probably won’t be able to work out at UNC’s Pro Day, and forget the combine in two weeks.

Even before his injury, Carter didn’t put up great numbers from the weakside linebacker position in Butch Davis’s defense last fall: 57 tackles, only 3.5 of which were in the backfield, and 2.5 sacks. There has to be a good explanation for the lack of production, however, because as a sophomore in 2008 Carter had 68 tackles, 11 of which came in the backfield, and five sacks. So, it’s obvious that he’s capable of dominating, and at 6-3, 235 pounds, Carter has shown he has the speed and athleticism to run down the faster running backs in the open field. He’s also lined up to cover wide receivers in UNC’s defense, which could actually explain why his numbers were down in 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wCYcokDm-E&feature=related

Carter is also a great special teams player, something the Giants are in desperate need of: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPeEI-BEXCY&feature=related

Watch this Pick-6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdwiwCVK2AE&feature=related

 

Michigan State’s Greg Jones

 

It’s tough to figure out why the 6-1, 240-pound Jones isn’t discussed more as one of the top linebackers in this draft. Most of the mock drafts out there have him going in the third round or later.

At Michigan State, Jones was a four-year starter at middle linebacker and led the team in tackles in each of those seasons. He was also a team captain, and made First-Team All-Big Ten in 2008, 2009, and 2010, and First-Team All-American in 2009 and 2010. He had over 100 tackles in each of his final three seasons as a Spartan, but his best year was in 2009, in which he had 154 tackles, 14 of them coming in the backfield, and nine sacks. In 2010 he had 106 tackles, 10 of which were in the backfield, a sack, and two interceptions.

According to Scott Wright of NFL Draft Countdown, Jones is “athletic with good speed, quickness, agility and burst.” He has “excellent instincts and awareness with a nose for the ball,” and is a “very reliable tackler in the hole, as well as in space.” He also has “outstanding range and can flow sideline-to-sideline” and “shows the ability to work through trash and traffic.” To cap it off, he has a “top work ethic” and is “a demonstrative, respected leader.”

Wright does mention some negatives about Jones, most notably a lack of strength, power and ability to “take on and shed blocks.” But the positives far outweigh the negatives: http://www.draftcountdown.com/ScoutingReports/ILB/Greg-Jones.php

Greg Jones highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EwgT6dtWpo&playnext=1&list=PL6E51D27FCCB2E129

 

The Giants play in a division with mobile quarterbacks (Donovan McNabb, Tony Romo, and Michael Vick), running backs who are great receivers out of the backfield (Felix Jones and LeSean McCoy), and superb tight ends (Martellus Bennett, Brent Celek, Chris Cooley, Fred Davis, and Jason Witten). These players, along with others from the past (Brian Westbrook, most notably), have embarrassed the Giants’ linebackers repeatedly since Jessie Armstead was let go. Acquiring an elite linebacker is way overdue.

So, will Jerry Reese finally end the impact linebacker drought this offseason? Or will he continue on with the likes of Boley, Goff, and Sintim?

Hopefully, for the sake of Giants fans, the next great linebacker will be arriving shortly.

-Maz Burrito

What Are The Nuggets Thinking?

According to the New York Daily News, the Denver Nuggets are seeking Raymond Felton, Danillo Gallinari, Eddy Curry and a 3rd player (Most likely Landry Fields, Anthony Randolph, or Wilson Chandler) and a 1st round pick in a 3 way deal that would ultimately send Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the Knicks. Billups has absolutely no upside as he is in the twilight of his career, and Carmelo, who the Nuggets have virtually no chance of re-signing. Why would the Knicks do this? Its looking more and more like the Nuggets are content with losing their star player for nothing this off-season. But wait, this just in, reportedly Knicks owner James Dolan has been reported as possibly going all Isiah Thomas on the deal, and possibly forcing it through despite the dismay of both his GM Donnie Walsh, and head coach Mike D'Antoni. Looks like things will get very interesting over the next week.

-AT

Source: New York Daily News

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.