Trotter Cut - The Axeman Gets Axed

As news broke this morning of Jeremiah Trotter's accelerated exodus from the annals of Philadelphia professional football, reactions ranged from sentimental musings about the linebacker that was to outright attacks on "that bum would couldn't tackle." While word of Trotter's release was a welcome respite from "all dog killing news, all the time," I couldn't get my mind off the first player I thought of after hearing the Trotter news. I'll give you a hint...first name "T"...last name "O".

Aside from being the player who Philly currently most loves to hate (no offense Pat Burrell), T.O.'s name is of relevance because Trotter's firing (and let's face it, generous parting words from Andy Reid aside, that is what it was) brings to light an ugly truth for NFL players of the modern era - there's no such thing as guaranteed money.

Come with me in the way back machine to a not so distant August of 2005. The "Iggles" are coming off a Superbowl loss and the city is abuzz about how the team and its star QB and WR will bounce back. "Was McNabb really hacking up chunky soup in the huddle?" "Will this be the year Andy fields an entire squad of fat linemen?" The questions were endless and the possibilities mind-numbing.Into this foray of 2005 NFL off-season nonsense stepped everyone's favorite anti-hero Terrell (alternatively "Tare-ull" and "Tare-el" depending on the year) Owens. After a spectacularly entertaining display of front yard ab exercises, Mr. Owens "throws McNabb under a bus" (thus lending national credence to an already annoying phrase), gets himself kicked out of practice and clubs baby seals at the Philadelphia Zoo. And you thought Ron Mexico was a jerk. To add insult to incredibly hysterical "injury," Owens then has the stones to suggest that perhaps he needs a new contract.

It was the last of those missteps that served as the proverbial straw that broke the fighting pit-bull's back. "A new contract? But this is Philadelphia! This is a "blue collar town" where everyone works in a union, lives in Sout' Philly and eats cheese steaks for breakfast. What kinda millionaire jerk can stand up and say he's not making enough money when he's only one year into his old contract? What kinda bum does dis T.O. guy tink he is? You wouldn't see Rocky pulling that shit!"

And so went the 2005 Eagles season...straight down the drain. T.O. became public enemy number 1 in Philadelphia, as even the casual fan would learn to hate him for trying to "get out of his contract." Sure, D-Chunky and T.O. awkwardly co-existed for a few games, but then D-Chunky's prosthetic leg fell off, T.O. got into a fistacuffs with the Eagles dance team and Andy Reid got so stark-raving mad about the whole thing that he started raising his voice when his kids waived guns at him.

Back to the present - what have we learned with two years of wisdom? Simply this...T.O. was right. Lost amid the circus of the lawn exercises and ridiculous press conferences of T.O. the lunatic was the fact that T.O. the player was standing up for the only person that the team didn't have to answer to, or care about, in the long run...himself.

NFL contracts are complicated, incentive laden and often times quite lucrative. They are not guaranteed. Ask Jeremiah Trotter. For that matter, ask Bobby Taylor, Troy Vincent, Hugh Douglas, Duce Staley, or any of the other of a host of players that the Birds have unceremoniously axed in the past. Sure, a player can make alot of money for playing a game that you would "play for free," but you can't play - they can.

Basic economics dictates that teams can only offer ridiculously high salaries because they charge ridiculously high ticket prices and enter into ridiculously lucrative television deals. Dan Snyder fields a losing team almost every year - but he's not losing money. Put yourself in the player's position, or them in yours, would you take a "hometown discount" for the benefit of your accounting firm? Would you turn down a job offering triple your H.R. Management salary because you "already signed a contract"? Now imagine if you only had the ability to work 8-10 years - wouldn't you want to make as much money as possible in that time period?

This is not to say that NFL players have tremendous financial responsibilities. Though it is understandably hard to maintain and upkeep 10 cars and provide housing and salary for your entire extended family while still "making it rain" each week at the local gentlemen's club, NFL players simply do not live normal lives. That does not mean they should stand by and let their teams take advantage of them. The Eagles' actions are merely indicative of the attitude demonstrated by teams across the league - players are interchangeable and they will be interchanged. While we can't weep for the financial suffering of the players, we should be able to understand their desire to stick up for themselves...and to make as much as they can while they can still get paid. You would do the same.

Until next time - it's time for Tuesday night dogfights at STH Headquarters. Don't worry, we only cut the losers...

Come On Down!!!

As the summer hits full swing, a plethora of complicated and important issues have come to the forefront of our daily discussions. Will the "War on Terror" ever be won? Are any of the numerous candidates on either side capable of being the next President? What can be done to help in Darfur? As we debate these profound and important issues, it is essential that we don't let slide another decision that will shape the lives of every man, woman and child in our country (and many others). You're already thinking it...I'll come right out and ask - who will replace Bob Barker?While the candidates are numerous and there is certainly alot of thought and money being spent on the search, it is imperative that each of us ask ourselves who it is that we want to be directing the adventures of the next contestant on The Price is Right. Bob Barker was a unique presence on television and not just anybody can step in and fill his shoes. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the possibilities:

10. Rosie O'Donnell: The first name to be raised in many media formats, Rosie fits the bill in many ways as she (1) is currently unemployed, (2) has a built-in daytime audience, and (3) seems to be interested in the gig. Unfortunately she is also constantly overbearing and consistently unlikeable. Thumbs DOWN.

9. Regis Philbin: If anyone can claim to rival Bob Barker's record run on daytime television, it is Mr. Kathy-Lee himself. Regis might be getting a little old for double duty, but you know he would go wild for those random kisses from the audience. He's loud, he's obnoxious and he probably wouldn't take the job. That, coupled with his love for Notre Dame gets Regis a Thumbs DOWN.

8. John Madden: Now we're talking. If there was anyone who is ready for a change of pace, it's Madden. For anyone who tuned into Sunday Night Football last season, it was impossible not to notice Madden's incoherent, incessant rambling growing increasingly more incoherent...and incessant...as the games dragged on. One can only spout so many "boom"s and "bam"s before the well runs dry. Given the tired nature of his act, what could be better for Madden's career then a complete change of scenery? Can you imagine the witty insight that Madden might provide on the price of Tylenol? Thumbs WAY UP (and that's without even discussing the awesome new line of video games).

7. Oprah: She seems to have dominated every other aspect of television, so why not give the Queen of Talk a shot at the game show genre? While the ramifications of the built-in audience would be impossible to deny, it's doubtful Oprah would be able to break away from talking about herself and her numerous charitable ventures long enough to acknowledge the next contestant. Thumbs DOWN.

6. Alex Trebek: A placement that would have to rate on the higher side of the unintentional comedy scale, Trebek would be hard pressed to mask his disdain for the contestants and the game itself during challenging mental exercises such as Plinko and the Giant Dice Throwing Game (does it need a name?). Sorry Alex, but you get a Thumbs DOWN.

5. Barbaro: Sure, you'd have to work around the fact that he's dead and all, but once you got around that is there any stopping the charisma of this horse? Everybody loves him, and that skinny microphone looks like it would fit just perfectly alongside his knowing horse smile. If the contestants could learn to sidestep the inevitable horse droppings, we might have a winner. Hoofs UP!

4. Jennifer Love Hewitt: In what is an interesting societal split, the women of America seemed to have accepted Hewitt (or Love-Hewitt, or J-Lo Hewitt or whatever she calls herself) as an acceptable face on the national networks. She has what is an apparently successful series at the present and women seem to see her as an acceptable "girl next door" type. Men see her more for her other...uh...assets, but suffice it to say that the acceptance is mutual. Can she walk and talk at the same time? Who cares? Thumbs UP!3. The Jack Link's Beef Jerky Sasquatch: Two animals in three choices? Hear me out. Aside from pumping out what I feel are the greatest commercials to come down the pipe in many years, the Sasquatch could provide a whole new entertainment aspect to the show. What could be more exciting than to see the fool who utters a nonsensical bid being immediately mauled into submission as we cut to commercial? Furthermore, who could you possibly be more inclined to listen to when you are told to have your pet spayed or neutered? Thumbs UP!

2. Al Sharpton: Nonsensical entertainment at its best, the combination of Al Sharpton and The Price is Right could be the greatest marriage of guilty pleasures since the internet and porn. Will he make any sense whatsoever? Of course not! But you'll be glued to your seat for every minute. Do I even have to tell you? Thumbs UP! Of course.

1. Bob Barker: Perhaps the greatest "replacement" for Bob is the man himself. Judging from the set, the products and the aging models, Bob could have died ten years ago and been living on in rerun infamy all this time. Perhaps that is how the show should continue. They certainly have enough episodes by now, couldn't they just piece together some bits for new shows a la Brandon Lee in The Crow? While a dead horse and Al Sharpton are funny, Bob Barker on The Price is Right is just money [bad rhyme and bad pun alert]. Perhaps that is the way it should be. I think we have our...WINNER!

Off The Top of My Head - Jason - June 7, 2007

A sampling that is perhaps the most "blog-like" of any of our articles, "Off The Top of My Head" is a series of opinion pieces wherein the writers at STH take an opportunity to discuss their take on sports, work, politics, religion, or simply just life as we know it. Use these columns as an opportunity to get to know us. Use them as an opportunity to bash us. One thing you can't use them for is toilet paper...unless you print them out...and that's just sad.

Barry and the Bonds-Haters:

This is a topic that I've visited before, but it's one that's worth re-hashing. I had an opportunity to take in a Giants/Phillies game last weekend with a fellow TalkingHead. Bonds was penciled in as a starter. If I'm finger counting correctly, this is the fourth time I've seen Bonds play - all since the HR outburst started in the early 2000's. It was interesting to note that despite the hatred that 90% of Americans continually spew towards Barry, he undoubtedly has that "it" factor that few other athletes (and even people) possess. In the face of the fans' undying "hatred" for Bonds, camera flashes were popping and the entire ballpark was standing every time he came to the plate. Sure - people booed - but they didn't leave. They can say they were voicing their displeasure - that they were relishing the opportunity to razz him. Seems like alot of effort for a guy you have no interest in watching play.

Oh yeah - the game was sold out.

Iran and the Nukes:

With the news that the 8 G's are meeting in Europe again came more tough talk from the Bush Administration on Iran. The debate about Iran's nuclear energy/weapons capabilities has raged for years, and with each claim out of Tehran that Iran's nuclear science is not quite where they want it to be, there are looks of concern and fear painted firmly on the faces of various world leaders. My question, and my obvious ignorance, on this topic is as follows:

Why aren't they allowed to have nukes?

Seriously. From what I can tell they haven't signed a treaty. Last time I checked, we still have a ton of nukes. I understand that Iranian nuclear weapons can invoke thoughts of danger and fright, but does that fear really engender us with the right to tell a sovereign nation what it can and cannot do? Any wisdom on the topic would be appreciated.

Billy and the Magic:

Absolutely had to touch on this one. The sporting world has been on fire the last few days regarding Billy Donovan's decision to leave Florida for the NBA's Magic (the team, not the former player). Shockingly, the news of Donovan's departure from Florida was followed by news of an even more unexpected event - his return.
In the days that have followed Donovan's decis...er...indecision, members of the national sports media have been lambasting him for "going back on his word," "backing out on a contract," and generally being a wussy girly man. Call me what you will (like a wussy girly man), but I'm not really offended by Donovan's wavering. Despite the manly maxims about sticktuitiveness, keeping your word, etc., I think it is refreshing for a prominent name in sports to confess when he made a mistake, and work to correct that wrong before it is too late. Honestly - how many of us have been in Donovan's situation and simply went through with the option we didn't really want because we thought it was too late to turn back. Isn't it better to make the decision that is right for your? Don't you want to have that opportunity? I say we should cut the guy a break.

Hate-Rod and the Unwritten Rules of Baseball:

Speaking of universally hated girly men - is this guy on a mission to become unlikeable? Somewhere along the progression of his slap fight with Varitek, his slapping the ball out of Arroyo's glove, his ridiculous contract, and his constant obsession with making stupid comments to reporters, Alex Rodriguez went from being the next Ken Griffey Jr. to being one of the most hated players in the game. Not surprisingly, the public wasn't itching to jump to his support during this most recent "I've got it" gaffe. While I try not to jump to conclusions, I must admit it is disheartening that it is Rodriguez, not the aforementioned Griffey, who will have a legitimate shot at breaking what will soon be Big Barry's career HR record. Speaking of steroids - A-Rod is certainly looking alot bigger these days than he was when he played in Seattle...

Sheffield's Foot and His Mouth:

In an interview that was surprisingly under-reported, Gary Sheffield recently pontificated on race theory according to Gary - the results were interesting...to say the least. It's hard to decide which is more surprising - that Sheffield still has stupid things left to say or that he's always surprised when his comments are "misinterpreted." Perhaps CNN could slide him in as one of the 42 candidates in the Republican or Democratic debates they have been televising - talk about your automatic sound bites...


That's it for today folks - feel free to add. Let us know what's on your mind...

A Hole In What?

Did you watch him? Did he close on the back nine and wrap up the game with a masterful putt? Did the crowd roar while he celebrated with some sort of awkward fist pump and/or caddie hug? Did the ugly-ass green jacket fit perfectly yet look perfectly terrible in the way that only an ugly-ass green jacket could? Do you know who “he” is?

If you do, you’re one step ahead of me. In what will be THE single most unpopular article in the history of STH, I am now ready to publicly admit a secret I have long harbored in the deepest depths of my subconscious. This is a secret so terrifying, so embarrassing, that it would have me banished from every country club in the land and shunned by every self respecting middle to upper class citizen of America…

I hate golf.

That flushing sound you just heard was the complete decimation of my future earnings potential. Everyone knows you have to love golf to be successful…right? Or if you don’t love it, you have to at least pretend...don’t you? Isn’t the golf course “where business deals are made”? Isn’t the putting green where clients are won? Aren’t I required to have an “I’d Rather Be Golfing” t-shirt by the time I’m 42?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, I’m in for a very long and unhappy trip to middle-aged man-hood. I’m not sure when exactly it happens, but sometime during the throes of childhood every pure-blooded American male (and a surprising number of pure-blooded American females) are genetically encoded with a love for all things golf. It starts younger for some, later for others, but sometime between the keg-stands in college and that first real job, an inborn love for golf takes hold. Soon stories about wild bars and girls with “decent” faces are replaced with “great weather” and stories about handicaps, drivers, and mind blowing putts [feel free to replace my generic/imaginary boring golf drivel with your real-life boring golf drivel].

While this is obviously not an editorial calling for a new version of Golden Tee, I’ve never been one to lay down insult without reason. While you might not care and you’ll certainly disagree, allow me to present you with just a few of the reasons I look to when people ask me why I don’t golf…

1. For the Love of Nature...

I enjoy great weather as much as anyone, but when the sun peak through the clouds on a beautiful day, I think about going for a run, relaxing at the pool, or (especially in the fall) playing a game of football. For some reason the thought never enters my mind to dress up like an old man and go to a place full of actual old men who are dressed worse than I am. While I appreciate mother nature as much as the next guy, I don’t gaze upon a beautiful natural landscape and secretly hope that someone would crop the grass to half an inch, dump mountains of sand in assorted piles, and randomly place flags and small holes throughout. Golf courses might be green, but they are oddly designed and rarely do they come close to even imitating the natural beauty of the world.

2. Golfers Are Not “Athletes”!

On no…he didn’t! Sorry - it must be said. Though golf might be entertaining, challenging, and wildly competitive, golfers are “athletes” only in the way that poker players, bowlers, and NASCAR drivers are “athletes” (oops…there goes another audience). While Tiger Woods is an athletic ambassador for the game, Michelle Wie was better than you are when she was 11 and John Daly is…well...John Daly. Look around the links the next time you’re skipping work. Would you want 55 year old Eugene from accounting on your pickup basketball team? Could your great Aunt Millie run the anchor leg of a 4 x 100? Golf may be frustrating and it may make you look stupid, but it doesn’t make you an athlete.

3. All The “Cool Kids” Are Doing It…

Actually, ALL the kids are doing it. How many people do you know that DON’T golf? How many of them can walk? When the popularity of a game swells to epic proportions, the quality of that game, at all levels, is diminished. Baseball, football, basketball, and hockey avoid this pitfall because they really can’t be played consistently once one passes a certain age. This time restraint on participation adds to the ambiance and the reminiscing often associated with those sports.

In golf, there seems to be no recognizable age limit for participants, particularly amongst non-professionals. With such an absurd population of golfers, isn’t the game destined to be a bit over-hyped? Were you really aching to be the 5 millionth person to get a belt holster for your cell phone a few years back? Would you have died if your family didn’t get a mini-van in the 90’s? Have you read every Harry Potter book? Perhaps it’s my inner rebel dying to get out, but sometimes I think it’s a breath of fresh air NOT to do something that everyone else is doing.

The list could go on, but I digress. As you can see, I'm one of the few who has not been sold on the bills of goods that is golf. The next time I have a free Saturday afternoon, you might find me at the park, or perhaps with a group of friends playing a rousing game of bocce. One place you won't find me is at the country club, lacing up my sweater vest. Golf might be the way of the future, it might be a tradition of the past - but it's not a game for me.


To those who I’ve offended…you’ll get over it. In the meantime, feel free to drop a line and convince me of why I’m wrong. I might not be easily pursuaded, but I’d love to hear what you have to say.

When I Grow Up...

Roger Craig. Aside from having two first names, this former all-pro NFL running back sports a dubious distinction that only a proud few can cram onto their resumes - for several months in the late 80's he was my number one hero...bar none. Nevermind that I was small, slow, untalented, six or seven years old...and white - I was going to be the next Roger Craig...and there was nobody who could tell me otherwise. While the Niners weren't necessarily my team, they were the team at the time and it seemed that everywhere you turned you caught a glimpse of the high stepping running back who made a home 5 yards behind Joe Montana. While Montana was the star, it was to Craig that I deferred when I stumbled upon that inevitable question that every seven year old faces after someone finds out the important stuff like how old they are and what grade they are in...what the hell was I going to be when I grew up?

Unfortunately, in between the Pro Bowls and Super Bowl rings, Roger's glamour eventually faded in my eyes. It could have been at the time when I was contemplating a career change, as the next Ultimate Warrior, or perhaps it was just jarred from my subconscious during an aggressive turn on the seesaws. Regardless - somewhere amongst the endless days of milk cartons and single file lines, Roger became an afterthought and I moved on to bigger and better. But didn't we all? Aren't we supposed to?

While the characters can change from year to year and child to child, every kid at some point has (or at least deserves to have) someone or something that they want to be when they grow up. Perhaps you were the young astronaut in training, the fashion designer, or the police officer. Perhaps, like me, your dreams of joining the professional wrestling circuit were delayed along with your continually promised growth spurt. In any event, the aspirations of a child provide the opportunity for creativity, development of tangible goals, and conversation starters for unimaginative adults. While somewhere in our subconscious we likely all knew that we wouldn't be the first President of Mars or the next He-Man, the audacity of those goals allowed room for significant achievement should we fall short.

Roger Craig high stepped back into my head last week - somewhere between my brown bagged lunch and a daily check of the calender for the day that would follow. Leaning back slowly in my pleather chair and staring at the unwavering excitement of "Thursday", the feelings of self doubt began to creep in. What is Roger doing today? Have I really gotten that far off track? How long will it be until seven year old me saunters through that door, whispers softly to beckon me closer, then violently knees me in the groin? I was going to be an NFL star for crying out loud - what the hell happened?

What happened indeed. Rare are the few who live out each day fulfilling what has been their lifelong dream of being a certified public accountant...or a human resource manager. For the rest of us, the life we lead is a far cry from the life we once dreamed. It's not lesser, or even lower...it's just...different. So for those of us who have reached that realization, where do we go next? When we stop idolizing Roger Craig and start idolizing Greg from accounting, what are we to expect of ourselves? Sure, perspectives change and lifetime goals are adjusted - a house on the beach might become a two year old with a good car seat and that's certainly as it should be. But does that mean we should stop dreaming about what could be? I'll never be Roger Craig, but isn't it important that I continue to test myself by setting goals that I might never achieve? Are you really ready to say you're all grown up?

As Roger Craig galloped from my mind's eye once again, I returned my thoughts to "Thursday". While the realities of life would not be forgotten, the vague plan of a future career began to formulate - cruise ship captain. I would sail to only the finest destinations with the pleasantest of passengers - and I'd have a kick ass hat to boot. There's a chance this career change may never materialize, but the idea is still there and I won't act quickly to banish it. Besides, nobody ever asks me how old I am anymore...

It's Alllllright.......

1989. The Berlin wall was crumbling, President Bush was older and wiser, and the WWF was still called the WWF. Amidst this landscape of order and hope (forgetting that whole Tiananmen thing), the world was about to be subjected to an entertainment revolution the likes of which had never been seen before. When Zack, Screech, Kelly, A.C., Lisa and Jessie started high school in the fall of 1989, nobody expected that they were beginning an educational journey that would last for nearly 20 years. But it has...and they're not the only ones who have been learning.

Saved By The Bell has achieved a status in pop culture that is at the same time epic and sadly understated. Though everyone has seen the episodes, few will venture to quote them in daily dialogue. While it's perfectly acceptable to start a bar stool conversation with "do you remember that Seinfeld episode where..." - brave are the few who would have the guts to rehash the horrors of the death of A.C. Slater's pet lizard (Artie) on a first date.

Somehow...some way...Saved By The Bell has come to occupy on unspoken vacuum in our society and for this we should all be ashamed. While many of Generation Next (or X, or Now or Nintendo, or whatever the hell we're called) could recount virtually every trial the gang from Bayside faced, few would confess to owning the DVDs, carrying the lunch box, or secretly believing that Lisa was actually the hottest cast member. While other 80's teen hits such as The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles are now labeled "classics", Screech is reduced to shooting porn and selling his house on the internet.

I ask you readers - is this right? Aren't you ashamed? Do you realize how much you've taken from this show? Don't you feel inclined...no...don't you feel obligated to give back? As a teen in the mid-90's how would you have judged the opposite sex without the images of Zack and Kelly that were dancing in your head? Would you ever have supported the local cheap burger joint run by a magician if you hadn't had the shining example of our six favorite Bayside Tigers? Could you honestly have put down the caffeine pills if you hadn't tuned in for that "very special" episode?

The poignant moments on Saved By The Bell came fast and furiously. Rarely did the credits roll without leaving the viewing audience with a profound lesson on life. The examples are endless - but here are ten that illustrate well:

• Homeless Girls Are Hot - Zack at one time had a relationship with the finest looking homeless girl in California. I believe it was a holiday episode. She didn't even talk to herself.

• A Good Costume Can Save Your Life - You could always count on a Baysider to blend into the crowd once they donned a fake mustache. It's doubtful any of the male cast members ever went a 5 episode stretch without cross dressing - and it was cool!

• Polish Women Have a Timeless Beauty - Her post Saved By The Bell career aside, Kelly Kapowski still has the power to set hearts aflutter amongst pre-teen boys (and their fathers). She's a close tie with Jennifer Aniston in the "re-run chicks that will still be hot in 50 years" race.

• Driving is Easy - Or so you would think...particularly when you are taught to drive in a weird looking golf cart that is driven around inside the school. What the hell was that?

• Principals ARE Your Pals - The only cast member to span all the incarnations of the series, Mr. B was the kind of guy who could discipline with a smile - even if you just one upped him by having your fast food waiter impersonate your father.

• Smaller is Better - At least when it comes to education. Don't have enough textbooks to go around? Why not take the Bayside approach by having every class in the same room with a maximum of 8 students per class.

• The Grass is NEVER Greener - Despite any well meaning intentions, one must NEVER replace their star hot high school actress with a tomboy in a leather jacket. Not even for one episode - and certainly not for half a season. [fingers in ears trying to block out the memories]

• Adults Are Gullible...With a Capital D - It doesn't matter who it is (reporters investigating aliens, Harvard recruiters, school nurses, and of course principals), any adult can eventually be fooled if your scheme is outlandish enough. You will of course never succeed, but that will only be because your good natured honesty will ultimately become your undoing.

• Teachers Are Strange Individuals - Well...that one is mostly true. Was there a reason that Miss Bliss had a British accent?

• Neon Colors are Fine...As Long As You Accessorize With a Nice Sport Jacket - That's just damn good fashion advice.

The list could continue (please - feel free to add), but the point is clear. Isaac Newton once wrote "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." The kids of Bayside have blazed a pop culture path that permeates every aspect of our lives. We owe them the respect they have earned through the years of positive influence they have contributed. Remember that the next time you wake up in the morning and your alarm gives out a warning. You probably don't think you'll ever make it on time. But it's alright. It really is.

Off The Top of My Head - Jason - May 8, 2007

A sampling that is perhaps the most "blog-like" of any of our articles, "Off The Top of My Head" is a series of opinion pieces wherein the writers at STH take an opportunity to discuss their take on sports, work, politics, religion, or simply just life as we know it. Use these columns as an opportunity to get to know us. Use them as an opportunity to bash us. One thing you can't use them for is toilet paper...unless you print them out...and that's just sad.

Barry Lamar Bonds:

Given the seething nationwide hatred for Mr. Balco, it's probably about time we start referring to him by three names, an honor usually reserved for assassins and stuffy British guys. The past week has seen a non-stop avalanche of Bonds related talk. "Will you be happy if Barry breaks the record?" "Is Barry a hall of famer?" "Did you know that Barry is black?" Regardless of the question - the answer is simple...we hate Barry! He's a cheater, a jerk, an arrogant bastard, and he has a large head...literally.

Unfortunately, somewhere amongst my months of media driven Bonds-hating training I seem to have lost my way. I don't really care if he breaks the record - and I don't really hate him. The daily slams against Bonds actually seem to be getting a bit one-sided in my mind. Where was this outrage when Shawn Merriman got busted? Why doesn't anyone accuse Roger Clemens of playing a little too well a little too late in life? Why is it so easy for us to abhor the steroid abuse of athletes when we are a society of addicts who can't go to sleep or have sex without first downing a mouthful of pills?

The saddest part of the Bonds scenario is the amazing athlete that we have all forgotten. "Little Bonds", as I fondly remember him, was a multi-time MVP in his own right, a threat in every aspect of the game who rarely missed a start and was a terror both at the plate and on the base paths. A certain first ballot hall of famer before he hit 73 homeruns, Barry will now have to spend his life wondering how breaking records made him a lesser athlete in the eyes of many. At least he's easy to hate.

Roger Clemens & Bret Favre:

Speaking of old men who need to retire, is anybody else getting sick of this song and dance? "I'm not coming back...no wait...I am." "I'll be back at mid-season." "I can't believe this team doesn't want to hinge their future on an aging veteran in the twilight of his prime!" While the talent and accomplishments of both Favre and Clemens are unquestioned, their sense of reality at the tail end of their careers seems to have become warped.

Can you imagine behaving in this manner at your job? Is there even a modern workplace equivalent? Imagine an employee who drafts a lengthy letter of resignation, attends his/her own going away party, then shows up at 11am on Thursday of the next week and resumes his/her job as usual...only to do the same thing again two weeks later. Would anyone talk to that employee after the second or third fake departure? Would you?

Though most of us would probably grow tired of this behavior if Bret from accounting were the perpetrator instead of Bret from the Packers, but sports fans seem reluctant to call out their heroes when said heroes refuse to attend training camp and show up halfway through the season (physically or mentally) with the stated mission of "winning the title". Perhaps I'm being naive, but wouldn't the concept of "team" be vastly improved if all the players showed up at the beginning of the season?

Transformers:

Is anyone else totally geeked about the release of the Transformers movie? Despite the excitement, I can't help but maintain an underlying concern that the final product will not meet what I admit are my ridiculously high expectations. Capturing the true beauty of the vehicle tranformation process that takes place just prior to Optimus Prime's tagline of "Autobots - Roll Out!" has to rank as one of the hardest tasks in cinematic history. While the previews have left a little to be desired in the way of overall appearance, I'll probably just be happy to hear the trademark series of whistles and chirps that signify the tell tale activity of a Transformer. Transformers hits Theatres in July.

In the meantime...did anybody see Spiderman?

That's it for today folks - feel free to add. Let us know what's on your mind.

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 1

In our quest to quench your thirst for everything NFL Draft, STH proudly present our first ever, seven round, Ultimate Mock Draft! We reserve the right to be wrong...often. We know the picks we made for your team are probably "terrible" and...yes...we have no lives. Read it anyways - you just might enjoy yourself...

1. Oakland Raiders – JaMarcus Russell (QB-LSU) – After months of "debate", the Raiders finally take the plunge and draft the strong armed QB that everyone thought they would take from the get go. Will he be ready to start as a rookie? Will Al Davis live long enough to see it? Only time will tell.

2. Detroit Lions – Joe Thomas (T-Wisconsin) – Attempts will certainly be made to trade down, but with the risk that comes with giving up picks to move into the top 5 (can you say Eli Manning) the Lions won't be able to find anyone to meet their asking price. The Lions take what should be one of the safer picks in Round 1 and fans begin holding out hope that Thomas will be around to anchor the line long after Millen is gone.

3. Cleveland Browns – Adrian Peterson (RB-Oklahoma) – This could be a pick that lets us watch the guys at the desk talk for the whole 15 minutes. The Browns are certainly interested in the two top quarterbacks, but word is they're much more enamored with Russell than Quinn. Though it's certainly an understandable debate, Peterson is a special player that could certainly take some pressure off of Charlie Frye.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Calvin Johnson (WR-Georgia Tech) – The only suspense for this pick is whether Bucs management will trip over themselves in a rush to get the selection in. The hands down best player in the draft falls to the fourth slot - it will be interesting to see how long it takes Johnson to make the first three teams look stupid.

5. Arizona Cardinals – Gaines Adams (DE-Clemson) – "So Dennis, what did you think about the prospects at the top of this year's draft?"...."THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!"..."Do you see any potential studs falling to your former team the Cards at the fifth slot?"..."YOU WANNA CROWN THEM? THEN CROWN THEIR ASSES!"

The Whisenhunt era begins in the desert with a strong defensive presence who can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks during the inevitable high scoring shootouts to come.

6. Washington Redskins – Amobi Okoye (DT-Louisville) – After spending a good 10 minutes convincing a bewildered and confused Joe Gibbs that this 19 year old phenom is a completely different person than "The Nigerian Nightmare" Christian Okoye from the early 90's Chiefs, Greg Williams finally gets the dominant defensive presence he has so desperately needed.

7. Minnesota Vikings – Laron Landry (S-LSU) – The only thing less imposing and masculine than Brad Childress was the defensive backfield that his squad fielded last season. Landry might be a bit overrated at this slot, but he easily fills a need for the boys in purple.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Levi Brown (T-Penn State) – After all that cleverness in leapfrogging the Dolphins, the Falcons still don't get Landry (the player many assumed they were moving up to get). With a new offense to install and Alex Gibbs gone, Brown will give Bobby Petrino a cornerstone to rebuild his offensive line around.

9. Miami Dolphins – Brady Quinn (QB-Notre Dame) – If "Trent Green" is the answer, Dolphins fans don't want to hear the question. Quinn might be a bit of a pretty boy, but his strength was aptly displayed at the combine and he appears to have a physical and mental toughness that will suit him well at the next level.

"Brady...allow me to introduce you to Dan Marino's shadow."

10. Houston Texans – Alan Branch (DT-Michigan) – Finding positions of need for the Texans is easier than finding a mullet at a NASCAR race. Drafting defensive line two years in a row might seem risky, but there are no adequate offensive prospects left worth taking this high and a Branch/Mario Williams/DeMeco Ryans combo will simply be too tantalizing to pass up.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Patrick Willis (LB-Mississippi) – A definite team on the rise - San Francisco has a host of young quality players and could be a chic playoff pick in 2007. Willis has been steadily moving up boards and he could provide a defensive presence the Niners haven't had since Julian Peterson was at his best.

12. Buffalo Bills – Marshawn Lynch (RB-Cal) – Another team with several holes to fill, the Bills arrive at the draft with a tremendous vacancy in the offensive backfield. Though he's not quite the game changer that Peterson is, Lynch is an outstanding back - hopefully he can withstand the Buffalo weather.

13. St Louis Rams – Jamaal Anderson (DE-Arkansas) – With Leonard Little's best days behind him, the Rams could use a new impact player on the defensive line. Anderson fits the need. His slide stops here.

14. Carolina Panthers – Greg Olsen (TE-Miami) – Next in a long line of assholes...er...highly touted tight ends from Miami...is Greg Olsen. While his college career wasn't as flashy as Shockey's or Winslow's, Olsen put on a show at the combine and could end up being the player that everyone thought Vernon Davis would be last year.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Reggie Nelson (S-Florida) – Despite his flowing locks and unrelenting popularity amongst fans, Troy Polamalu occasionally screws up in coverage. He's also had somewhere in the neighborhood of 105 concussions throughout his college and NFL career. Nelson is an obvious candidate to compensate for Polamalu's shortcomings.

16. Green Bay Packers – Dwayne Jarrett (WR-USC) – After another flirt with "retirement", Favre is back for another go round with the Pack. Though they have been getting younger in recent years, the continued presence of Favre demonstrates the Pack's desire to win now. Despite his pedestrian speed, Jarrett provides the type of end zone target that the gun slinging Favre will love. This was certainly the year to draft a running back, but none warrant a selection this high.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Paul Posluszny (LB-Penn State) – Though he spent his senior season moving up and down draft boards, Posluszny has the type of run-through-walls attitude that Jack Del Rio will love. His presence could take an already impressive Jacksonville defense to the next level.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Leon Hall (CB-Michigan) – Re: all the hot air about "character issues" and "team distraction". I've got two words for you - "Lawrence Taylor". Hall might be the best character guy in the world, but Lewis takes him at this spot because he's the best cornerback available.

19. Tennessee Titans – Darrelle Revis (CB-Pittsburgh) – Speaking of character guys, now that the PacMan game has been unplugged for a year, Jeff Fischer is probably going to need a new cornerback in Tennessee. Revis certainly fits the bill as a first round replacement, and he's reportedly never even stomped on anyone's face.

20. New York Giants – Joe Staley (T-Central Michigan) – Does Tom Coughlin make the same pained faces in the draft war room that he does on the sideline? Is he the most unfriendly individual in the NFL? Does it matter after this season? Staley has been flying up draft boards - if legend is true, he ran a 4.2 40 while performing 67 one-armed reps on the bench and reciting Macbeth. Regardless, he'll easily be in the Big Apple much longer than Coughlin.

21. Denver Broncos – Adam Carriker (DE-Nebraska) – Denver has been somewhat quietly assembling a quality offseason in the Rockies. Despite the tragic loss of Darrant Williams, many capable players have been brought in and the Broncos have positioned themselves for a great run in 07. Carriker is a versatile defensive lineman who could provide a great deal for a team with an absence of glaring needs.

22. Dallas Cowboys – Ted Ginn (WR-Ohio State) – Word out of Columbus is that Ginn ran in the high 4.3's in his individual workout last week. Imagine what he could do once he gets off the crutches. Dallas is another team that doesn't have alot of huge holes, but some speed and youth at wide receiver and in the return game never hurts.

Fun Side Note*** New shirts on sale outside of Citizen's Bank Ballpark after the Phillies' season opener? "Dallas Sucks - Romo's a Homo"...I guess it is always sunny in Philadelphia.

23. Kansas City Chiefs – Dwayne Bowe (WR-LSU) – Quick - name three wide receivers from the 2006 Kansas City Chiefs...Stumped? Now you've got one for next year.

24. New England Patriots – Lawrence Timmons (LB-Florida State) – While it's entirely possible that this slot has already been reserved for Brady Quinn's backup, the addition of Timmons AND Adalius Thomas would give the Pats a whole new defensive look for 2007.

25. New York Jets – Chris Houston (CB-Arkansas) – See above regarding unusual draft decisions, but cornerback seems an obvious position of need for the J.E.T.S's. Now if we could just get Mangini and Belichick to have a meaningful embrace after every game, all would be right with the world.

26. Philadelphia Eagles – Aaron Ross (CB-Texas) – Night before the draft. On the card that should read "Robert Meachem - WR - Tennessee", Andy Reid hastily scribbles down Ross's name and glances fondly at the autographed picture of Kevin Curtis that he has framed on his nightstand. Ross could find a spot in Jim Johnson's defense - and he hasn't been arrested nearly as many times as Reid's thug sons.

27. New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Moss (DE-Florida) – Though they're pretty well stocked on the offensive side, the Saints defense does leave something to be desired. Moss has been plummeting lately on draft boards, but Sean Payton could do worse than an athletic defensive end at the bottom of the first round.

28. New England Patriots – Michael Griffen (S-Texas) – Was there a third stringer behind Brady Quinn? Can Belichick use this pick to grab a babysitter for Tom Brady? If not, Griffen would fit nicely as the heir apparent to Rodney Harrison.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Robert Meachem (WR-Tennessee) – A steal at the bottom of the first round, Meachem could finally provide Billick the impact receiver that he's never really had. As long as Ray Lewis doesn't kill him first.

30. San Diego Chargers – Sidney Rice (WR-South Carolina) – The last, and worst, of the potential first round receivers, Rice might not have the speed or pedigree of those who were drafted before him, but he fills a definite position of need for the Chargers - and there's no way he'd last until the end of round two.

31. Chicago Bears – Justin Blalock (T-Texas) – Rex Grossman needs all the time he can get before he lofts a ball 40 yards down field into the awaiting hands of a defender. Blalock can give Rex more time to sort out his stupid decisions and also help pave the way for the new #1 runner, Cedric Benson.

32. Indianapolis Colts – Jon Beason (LB-Miami) – Speaking of Rex, his Super Bowl opponent Tony Dungy has some serious defensive rebuilding to do if he expects to make it back to the big game next season. Beason provides the type of athletic presence that fits the Tampa...er...Indy Two perfectly.

Don't stop now! Continue reading with - Round 2 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 5

The second stanza of the second day doesn't suffer from a lack of notable picks...

Despite falling to Day 2, C.J. Ah You of Oklahoma could become a contributer with Tampa Bay. Although he sounds more like a sound-bite from Happy Days, Ah You is exactly the kind of versatile defender that the Bucs have been needing in their post Super Bowl decline.

A player with incredible upside in this round is Jordan Palmer of UTEP. Palmer is often seen more as Carson's younger brother than a potential NFL capable athlete, but he has great size and a good arm - perhaps Brad Childress and the Vikings can help him figure out the rest.

Another recognizable name that will likely still be available in Round 5 is Selvin Young of Texas. Though he was overshadowed by the likes of Cedric Benson and Vince Young throughout most of his college career, Young might have a chance in the league as a third down back or situational substitute for another unheralded college back, Willie Parker of the Steelers.

Saving the best for last, national championship cover boy Chris Leak of Florida has seen a recent spike in his popularity that was nowhere to be found before and during his senior season. A big game in the national spotlight and suddenly Leak might not be the second day long shot everyone had him pegged as. STH isn't buying it. Leak might someday be a capable backup, but that is probably his ceiling. Where better to learn than with the world champion Colts.

Here's a look at how all of Round 5 panned out in the STH Draft Dungeon:

138. Oakland - Adam Koets (OT - Oregon State)
139. Detroit - Travarous Bain (CB-Hampton)
140. Cleveland - Prescott Burgess (OLB-Michigan)
141. Tampa Bay - C.J. Ah You (DE-Oklahoma)
142. Arizona - John Wendling (S-Wyoming)
143. Washington - Noland Burchette (DE-Virginia Tech)
144. Houston - Herbert Taylor (T-TCU)
145. Detroit (from Miami) - Martrez Milner (TE-Georgia)
146. Minnesota - Jordan Palmer (QB-UTEP)
147. San Francisco - Keith Jackson (DT-Arkansas)
148. St. Louis (from Buffalo) - Jay Alford (DT-Penn State)
149. Atlanta - Michael Okwo (OLB-Stanford)
150. Jacksonville - Eric Frampton (S-Washington State)
151. Cincinnati - Derek Landri (DT-Notre Dame)
152. Tennessee - Kevin Payne (S-Louisiana-Monroe)
153. New York Giants - Quincy Black (OLB-New Mexico)
154. Detroit (from St. Louis) - Mike Otto (T-Purdue)
155. Carolina - Dashon Goldson (S-Washington)
156. Pittsburgh - Selvin Young (RB-Texas)
157. Green Bay - Michael Allan (TE-Whitworth)
158. Detroit (from Denver) - Mike Walker (WR-Central Florida)
159. Dallas - Anthony Arline (DB-Baylor)
160. Kansas City - Chase Pittman (DE-LSU)
161. Seattle - Joe Newton (TE-Oregon State)
162. Philadelphia - Gerald Alexander (S-Boise State)
163. New Orleans - Allen Barbre (T-Missouri Southern)
164. New York Jets - Uche Nwneri (G-Purdue)
165. Oakland (from New england) - Marvin White (S-TCU)
166. Baltimore - Courtney Brown (CB-Cal-Poly)
167. San Diego - Cameron Stephenson (G-Rutgers)
168. Chicago - Kenneth Darby (RB-Alabama)
169. Indianapolis - Anthonly Waters (ILB-Clemson)
170. Pittsburgh (compensatory) - C.J. Wilson (CB-Baylor)
171. New England (compensatory) - Zach DeOssie (OLB-Brown)
172. San Diego (compensatory) - Antonio Johnson (DT-Miss. State)
173. Indianaplis (compensatory) - Chris Leak (QB-Indianapolis)
174. Baltimore (compensatory) - Rory Johnson (OLB-Mississippi)

Keep going with... - Round 6 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 6

As we venture down toward the bottom of the board, the recognizable names pop up less frequently and the team needs are sometimes sacrificed for the all important "developmental player" [read: we're not responsible if he never makes the team]

With perhaps the most interesting pick of the second day, STH projects Ramonce Taylor of Texas College going to running back paradise in Denver. For those of you who don't remember, Taylor ran for 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2005 with another school in Texas (the one where Vince Young played). Subsequent to the title victory, Taylor got busted, kicked off the team, and shipped out of town. He played in the lower leagues at Texas College last year, but who's to say what Mike Shanahan could do with a player of his talent.

Another Round 6 notable is Isaiah Stanback of Washington going to Pittsburgh. Stanback didn't necessarily dominate the Pac-10 in college, but it seems the Steelers have taken a quarterback with multi-dimensional skills in each of the last 10 drafts. Did this trend leave town with Cowher, or will the legend of "Slash" live on?

A final player to watch in Round 6 (and Pischl's favorite player of the draft) is Jared Zabransky of Boise State. Following his performance in the stirring Fiesta Bowl, Zabransky will try to make the transition from big fish in the small pond to bottom feeder in the ocean. Pischl thinks he's got a chance...and Baltimore needs a quarterback of the future. Could it be?

Here's how Round 6 broke down, pick by outrageous pick:

175. Oakland - Jonny Harline (TE-BYU)
176. Denver (from Detroit) - Ramonce Taylor (RB-Texas College)
177. New York Jets (from Tampa Bay) - Quintin Echols (DT-Kansas State)
178. Cleveland - Xzavie Jackson (DE-Missouri)
179. Washington - Ryan Smith (CB-Florida)
180. New England (from Arizona) - Jacob Bender (T-Nicholls State)
181. Miami - Julius Wilson (T-UAB)
182. Minnesota - Leroy Harris (C-NC State)
183. Houston - Dustin Fry (C-Clemson)
184. Buffalo - Corey Graham (CB-New Hampshire)
185. Atlanta - Dan Mozes (C-West Virginia)
186. San Francisco - Tyler Palko (QB-Pittsburgh)
187. Cincinnati - Jeff Rowe (QB-Nevada)
188. Tennessee - Chase Johnson (T-Wyoming)
189. New York Giants - Tony Taylor (OLB-Georgia)
190. St. Louis - Nate Ilaoa (RB-Hawaii)
191. Carolina - Chris Denman (T-Fresno State)
192. Pittsburgh - Isaiah Stanback (QB-Washington)
193. Green Bay - J.D. Nelson (S-Florida)
194. Jacksonville - Jay Richardson (DE-Ohio State)
195. Kansas City (from Dallas) - Joe Cohen (DE-Florida)
196. Kansas City - Joel Filani (WR-Texas Tech)
197. Seattle - Kyle Young (C-Fresno State)
198. Denver - Steve Breaston (WR-Michigan)
199. New Orleans - Zach Diles (ILB-Kansas State)
200. Dallas (from New York) - Mario Henderson (T-Florida State)
201. Philadelphia - Stephon Heyer (T-Maryland)
202. New England - Zac Taylor (QB-Nebraska)
203. Baltimore - Jared Zabransky (QB-Boise State)
204. Tennessee (from San Diego) - Dan Santucci (G-Notre Dame)
205. Washington (from Chicago) - Laurent Robinson (WR-Illinois State)
206. Tennessee (from Indianapolis) - Ahmad Bradshaw (RB-Marshall)
207. Baltimore (compensatory) - Matt Toeaina (DT-Oregon)
208. New England (compensatory) - Reggie Lewis (CB-Florida)
209. New England (compensatory) - Justin Warren (ILB-Texas A&M)
210. Seattle (compensatory) - Mike Jones (G-Iowa)

And then there was one... - Round 7 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

In The News - April 10, 2007...

While we've never been accused of taking ourselves too seriously here at STH, it is sometimes appropriate to take a step back, gain some perspective, and give an honest assessment of life's important events. This is not one of those times. Here's a quick take on recent happenings around the globe - the intent is one of humor, but as always, take from it what you will.

- IN THE NEWS -

Watch Out NASCAR...

In perhaps one of the most important news stories of the year, a group estimated to be in the hundreds took to world renowned Lombard Street in San Francisco on Sunday for a race of epic proportions. The participants were all consenting adults - their vehicles of choice were Big Wheels. Yes...those Big Wheels.

***Author's Note*** Was there ever a greater toy for a child? Big Wheels were the beer muscles of our youth - once you hit the cockpit of your G.I. Joe Cruiser, nobody could stand in your way and you knew that you could do anything you put your mind to (except for peddling up a steep hill, as the plastic tires would just spin incessantly). An afternoon of Big Wheeling led to a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that no Camry or Accord could rival today. Who knew it would be all downhill from age 4?

Follow That Cab!

From the files of "great ideas that got old very quickly", a Queens, New York couple has negotiated a flat fare with a cabbie to drive them to not so nearby Sedona...Arizona. The couple, who apparently can't drive themselves and have somehow trudged through life oblivious to the concept of "air travel", will pay the "lucky" taxi driver $3000 to make the round trip journey. No word on how many mixed cd's the couple has burned for the trip - the over/under for the first "oh shit - this was a bad idea!" moment is 5 and 1/2 hours.

It was THIS BIG...

In an unfortunate instance of irony, fisherman in Alaska reeled in a 90 year old rockfish that may have been one of the oldest creatures in the region - at least until they killed it. The whopping sea creature - which will immediately be made into 5000 fish sticks - was 44 inches long and tipped the scales at nearly 60 pounds. Officials are working to confirm - but they're pretty sure the creature was originally won at a carnival.

Not Your Grandfather's Video Game?

Apparently satisfied that no child over the age of 5 will ever go outside again, video game maker Nintendo is now targeting an equally vulnerable population - the elderly. As CNN.com reports, Nintendo's Wii gaming system has been catching on with retirement communities throughout the country. Wii's interactive technology allows the elderly participants an opportunity to "exercise" without risking the injuries generally associated with more dangerous activities such as "actually moving" and "seeing the sunlight". [Insert your own mental image of the elderly playing Wii - or just keep it to yourself and enjoy it for the day]

In related news, the former Nintendo employee who designed both "The Power Glove" and "The Power Pad" is desperately searching for a tall building to leap from.

"And My Skin Didn't Even Wrinkle..."

Even as we Americans get fatter and lazier, 52 year-old Slovenian Martin Strel has once again broken his own world record for distance swimming - this time by swimming nearly the entire length of the Amazon River (you probably already knew - but that is 3,272 miles). Strel completed his incredible journey despite bouts with Piranhas and an apparent onset of the runs. Strel explained as he emerged from the water that he swam the river not because "it was there", but because "chicks dig Piranha bites." For our elderly readers, we'll try to keep you posted on the release date for "Nintendo Wii - Swim the Amazon".

Ultimate Mock Draft - Team Breakdown

In an effort to make it easier for you to make fun of our draft results, we have broken down the 7 Round mock into teams, reflecting the new blood that your favorite team would be hauling in if STH ruled the football world. Take a minute...take an hour...see what you think

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

• Marshawn Lynch – RB – Cal
• David Harris – ILB – Michigan
• Stuart Bradley – OLB – Nebraska
• John Beck – QB – BYU
• Corey Graham – CB – New Hampshire
• Chris Davis – WR – Florida State
• Paluni Ma Sun – OG - Oregon

Miami Dolphins

• Brady Quinn – QB – ND
• Arron Sears – OG – Tenn
• Jonathan Wade – CB – Tenn
• Brian Leonard – FB – Rutgers
• Daniel Bazuin – DE – Central Michigan
• Julius Wilson – OT – Miami
• Dallas Baker – WR – Florida
• Gary Russell – RB - Minnesota

New England Patriots

• Lawrence Timmons – OLB - Florida State
• Michael Griffin – S – Texas
• A.J. Davis – CB – N.C. State
• Dwayne Wright – RB – Fresno State
• Zak DeOssie – ILB – Brown
• Jacob Bender – OT – Nicholls State
• Zac Taylor – QB – Nebraska
• Reggie Lewis – CB – Florida
• Justin Warren – ILB – Texas A&M
• Brandon Myles – WR – West Virginia

New York Jets

• Chris Houston – CB – Arkansas
• Tim Crowder – DE – Texas
• Craig Davis - WR - LSU
• Scott Chandler – TE – Iowa
• Uche Nwaneri – OG – Purdue
• Quintin Echols – DT – Kansas State

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

• Robert Meachem - WR – Tennessee
• Josh Beekman – OG - Boston College
• DeAndre Jackson – CB – Iowa State
• Tim Duckworth – OG – Auburn
• Courtney Brown – CB – Cal Poly
• Rory Johnson – OLB – Mississippi
• Jared Zabransky – QB – Boise State
• Matt Toeaina – DT - Oregon

Cincinnati Bengals

• Leon Hall – CB – Michigan
• Quentin Moses – DE – Georgia
• Matt Spaeth – TE – Minnesota
• Derek Landri – DT – Notre Dame
• Jeff Rowe – QB – Nevada
• Kasey Studdard – OG – Texas
• Brandon Harrison – S - Stanford

Cleveland Browns

• Adrian Peterson - RB - Oklahoma
• Ryan Kalil – C - USC
• Ray McDonald – DE – Florida
• Andy Alleman – OG – Akron
• Prescott Burgess – OLB – Michigan
• Xzavier Jackson – DE – Missouri
• Kevin Boss – TE – Western Oregon

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Reggie Nelson – S – Florida
• Samson Satele – C – Hawaii
• Jon Abbate - ILB – Wake Forrest
• Brian Robison – DE – Texas
• Juwan Simpson – OLB – Alabama
• Selvin Young – RB – Texas
• C.J. Wilson – CB – Baylor
• Isaiah Stanback – QB – Washington
• Matt Trannon – WR – Michigan State

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans

• Alan Branch – DT – Michigan
• Kenny Irons - RB – Auburn
• Johnnie Lee Higgins Jr. – WR – UTEP
• Herbert Taylor – OT – TCU
• Dustin Fry – C – Clemson
• KaMichael Hall – OLB – Georgia Tech

Indianapolis Colts

• Jon Beason – OLB - Miami
• Chris Henry – RB – Arizona
• Quinn Pitcock – DT – Ohio State
• Michael Johnson – S – Arizona
• Corey Hilliard - OT – Oklahoma State
• Anthony Waters – ILB – Clemson
• Chris Leak – QB – Florida
• D’Juan Woods – WR – Oklahoma State

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Paul Posluszny – OLB - PSU
• Drew Stanton - QB - Michigan State
• Aundrae Allison – WR - East Carolina
• Brandon Frye – OT – Virginia Tech
• Eric Frampton – S – Washington
• Jay Richardson – DE – Ohio State
• Zach Latimer – ILB – Oklahoma
• Mark Fenton – C – Colorado
• Tyler Ecker – TE - Michigan

Tennessee Titans

• Darrelle Revis – CB - Pittsburgh
• Anthony Gonzalez – WR - Ohio State
• Lorenzo Booker - RB - Florida State
• Baraka Atkins – DE – Miami
• Enoka Lewis – C – Oregon
• Kevin Payne – S – Louisiana-Monroe
• Chase Johnson – OT – Wyoming
• Dan Santucci - OG – Notre Dame
• Ahmad Bradshaw – RB – Marshall
• Syvelle Newton – WR – South Carolina

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos

• Adam Carriker – DE - Nebraska
• Eric Weddle - S - Utah
• Doug Free – OT - Northern Illinois
• Turk McBride - DT - Tennessee
• Ramonce Taylor – RB – Texas
• Steve Breaston – WR – Michigan
• Rueben Riley – OG - Michigan

Kansas City Chiefs

• Dwayne Bowe – WR - LSU
• Trent Edwards – QB - Stanford
• Ryan Harris - OT - Notre Dame
• Chase Pitman – DE – LSU
• Joe Cohen – DT – Florida
• Joel Filani – WR – Texas Tech
• Tyron Brackenridge – CB – Washington State

Oakland Raiders

• JaMarcus Russell – QB - LSU
• Ben Grubbs - OG - Auburn
• Brandon Mebane – DT - Cal
• David Clownley – WR – VT
• Ikaika Alama-Francis – DE – Hawaii
• Adam Koets – OT – Oregon State
• Marvin White – S – TCU
• Jonny Harline – TE – BYU
• Dane Uperesa – OT – Hawaii
• Will Herring – OLB - Auburn

San Diego Chargers

• Sidney Rice – WR - South Carolina
• Brandon Meriweather – S - Miami
• H.B. Blades – ILB – Pittsburgh
• Terrell Brown – CB – Texas
• Fred Bennett – CB – South Carolina
• Cameron Stephenson – OG – Rutgers
• Antonio Johnson – DT – Mississippi
• Jon Cornish – Kansas - RB

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

• Ted Ginn – WR - Ohio State
• Marcus McCauley – CB - Fresno State
• Mason Crosby - K - Colorado
• Doug Datish – C – OSU
• Anthony Arline – CB – Baylor
• Mario Henderson – OT – Florida State
• Chinedum Ndukwe – S – Notre Dame
• Toby Korrodi – QB – Central Missouri
• Marvin Mitchell – ILB - Tennessee

New York Giants

• Joe Staley – OT - Central Michigan
• Tank Tyler - DT - NC State
• Manuel Ramirez – OG - Texas Tech
• Chansi Stuckey – WR – Clemson
• Quincy Black – OLB – New Mexico
• Tony Taylor – OLB – Georgia
• Anthony Pudewell – TE – Nevada
• Mel Musialek – WR – Penn State

Philadelphia Eagles

• Aaron Ross – CB - Texas
• Tony Hunt - RB - Penn State
• Buster Davis – ILB – Florida State
• Gerald Alexander – S – Boise State
• Stephon Heyer – OT – Maryland
• Mkristo Bruce – DE - Washington

Washington Redskins

• Amobi Okoye – DT - Louisville
• Noland Burchette – DE – Virginia Tech
• Ryan Smith – CB – Florida
• Laurent Robinson – WR – Illinois State
• Dan Parrish – OT – Florida A&M

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears

• Justin Blalock – OT - Texas
• Zach Miller - TE - Arizona State
• Earl Everett – OLB – Florida
• Paul Williams – WR – Fresno State
• Kenneth Darby – RB – Alabama
• Antwan Barnes – OLB – Florida International
• Rondell Biggs – Michigan - DE

Detroit Lions

• Joe Thomas – OT - Wisconsin
• Charles Johnson – DE - Georgia
• Brandon Siler - ILB - Florida
• Kevin Kolb – QB – Houston
• Travarous Bain – CB – Hampton
• Martrez Milner – TE – Georgia
• Mike Otto – OT – Purdue
• Mike Walker – WR – Central Florida

Green Bay Packers

• Dwayne Jarrett – WR - USC
• Brandon Jackson – RB - Nebraska
• James Marten - OT - Boston College
• Usama Young – CB - Kent State
• Michael Allen – TE – Whitworth
• J.D. Nelson – S – Oregon
• David Patterson – DT – Ohio State
• James Jones – WR - San Jose State
• David Holloway - ILB - Maryland
  

Minnesota Vikings

• LaRon Landry – S - LSU
• Jason Hill - WR - Washington State University
• Marshal Yanda – OG – Iowa
• Marcus Thomas – DT - Florida
• Jordan Palmer – QB – UTEP
• Leroy Harris – C – N.C. State
• Stephen Nicholas – OLB – South Florida

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons

• Levi Brown – OT - PSU
• Anthony Spencer – DE - Purdue
• Michael Bush - RB - Louisville
• Sabby Piscitelli – S - Oregon State
• Jacoby Jones – WR – Lane
• David Irons – CB – Auburn
• Kareem Brown – DT – Miami
• Michael Okwo – OLB – Stanford
• Dan Mozes – C – West Virginia
• Kurt Quarterman – OG - Louisville

Carolina Panthers

• Greg Olsen – TE - Miami
• Steve Smith - WR - USC
• Ryan McBean – DT - Oklahoma State
• Nate Harris – ILB – Louisville
• Dashon Goldson – S – Washington
• Chris Denman – OT – Fresno State
• Dallas Sartz – OLB - USC

New Orleans Saints

• Jarvis Moss – DE - Florida
• Rufus Alexander – OLB - Oklahoma
• Troy Smith – QB - Ohio State
• Kenny Scott – CB – Georgia Tech
• Rhema McKnight – WR – Notre Dame
• Clark Harris – TE – Rutgers
• Allen Barbre – OT – Missouri Southern
• Zach Diles – ILB – Kansas State
• Daren Stone – S – Maine

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Calvin Johnson – WR - Georgia Tech
• Justin Harrell - DT - Tennessee
• Victor Abiamiri – DE - Notre Dame
• Antonio Pittman - RB - Ohio State
• C.J. Gaddis – CB – Clemson
• C.J. Ah You – DE – Oklahoma
• Nathan Bennett – G – Clemson
• Jeff Samardja – WR – Notre Dame
• Gabe Hall – OT – Texas Tech

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

• Gaines Adams – DE - Clemson
• Tony Ugoh - OT - Arkansas
• Ben Patrick – TE - Delaware
• Paul Soliai – DT – Utah
• John Wendling – S – Wyoming
• DeShawn Wynn – RB - Florida

San Francisco 49ers

• Patrick Willis – ILB - Mississippi
• Daymeion Hughes – CB - Cal
• Josh Wilson - CB - Maryland
• Tim Shaw – OLB - The Pennsylvania State University
• Courtney Taylor – WR – Auburn
• Jay Moore – DE – Nebraska
• Yamon Figurs – RS – Kansas State
• Mansfield Wrotto – OG – Georgia Tech
• Keith Jackson – DT – Arkansas
• Tyler Palko – QB - Pittsburgh

Seattle Seahawks

• LaMarr Woodley – DE - Michigan
• Josh Gattis – S - Wake Forest
• Darius Walker – RB – Notre Dame
• Joe Newton – TE – Oregon State
• Kyle Young – C – Fresno State
• Mike Jones – G – Iowa
• Sam Olajubutu – OLB - Arkansas

St. Louis Rams

• Jamaal Anderson – DE - Arkansas
• Tanard Jackson - CB - Syracuse
• Aaron Rouse – S - Virginia Tech
• Justin Durant – OLB – Hampton
• Jay Alford – DT – Penn State
• Nate Ilaoa – RB – Hawaii
• Kelvin Smith – ILB – Syracuse
• Jamelle Cornelius – WR – Florida
• Thomas Clayton – RB – Kansas State

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