Off the Top of My Head - Pischl

Following close on the heels of yesterday's rants by my good friend Jason, I feel it's only fair that I let out a few of my own rants.

Bonds Away
It is only a matter of time before everyone's favorite villian steps to the dish with 754 career homeruns. His name is Bonds - Barry Bonds. He's the greatest player to play the game during my 26 year lifetime. Yet, I can't help but feel undeniable spite for Barry during his chase of such a hallowed record.

I'll admit it. My dislike for the man who wears a hat 7 times the size of my waste goes way back. He was part of the Pittsburgh Pirates' teams that pounded on my Phillies relentlessly back in the late 80s and early 90s. In 1993, Bonds somehow managed to wriggle yet another MVP award from my favorite players grasp. That's right, I haven't forgotten about Lenny Dykstra getting shafted just so Bonds could get more fuel for his seemlessly insatiable ego (ironically, Dykstra is also an alleged steriod user).

After this, Barry moved out west and I honestly forgot about him for some time. That was until he got jealous of all the attention being given to McGwire and Sosa. No longer would Bonds be the skinny, scrawny all-around threat he built his early career upon, he would become the real life version of the Incredible Hulk...minus all the green. If that's what it took Barry to be happy, so be it. On the other hand, I'm not too happy about it.

Bonds is walking a very fine line here. Baseball is supposed to be America's game. It is meant to be a reflection of everything we believe to be true about America. There are unwritten rules, morals and dreams that enrapture the game and it's history in the same way that we get caught up in our own ways, means and beliefs. We don't like when these things get shattered, altered or cheated.

If Barry really is completely sure that he did not cheat his way to the one of the most storied records in baseball, then I am all for him hitting number 756. But if Bonds has knowingly cheated in any way, then it is time for him to walk away now. Leave the game and leave our minds with memories of Barry having the dignity and grace to show respect for not only the game and those who played it fairly, but also for all the reflections of the game and this country. This is not about media portrayal, demeanor, race, religion or what he had for breakfast. This is about unwritten rules, morals and dreams which underlie everything the people in this country believe in.

I want to remember Barry as the most talented baseball player I've ever seen play the game. But right now, I find it hard to remember his speed, his defense and his passion for the game. Barry was the greatest and we should remember him as such without losing hope in everything we believe in.

It's simple for Barry. Stare dead into the camera and make us all believe once again in the purity and majestic nature of America's game. The other option is to take one last intentional walk and leave the game behind.

Z is for Zabransky
The most shocking moment in last month's NFL draft was not the free fall of Brady Quinn or the Eagles selection of Kevin Kolb. The most shocking moment was the 32 NFL teams passing on Jared Zabransky.

Perhaps I'm a little jaded by the fact that "Z" ranks among my favorite college players of all-time. But how can you not love this guy? How does he not get the respect of being drafted after a tremendous college career? Why doesn't any NFL team have blue turf?

In all seriousness, Zabransky is the kind of football player teams love. He's tough and cocky. He doesn't fold under pressure or wilt after a mistake (Did all the scouts miss the Fiesta Bowl?). Zabransky led his team to an undefeated season. He completed 66% of his passes as a senior with 23 TDs and 8 INTs (half his INT total from his junior campaign). He's smart and mobile. He was the third fastest player on the entire Bronco squad. I just don't get how all of that gets over looked.

Kudos to EA Sports for making him the cover boy for their best sports franchise. Gamers who pick up College Football 2008 will have to stare at Zabransky every time they pick up the game. Furthermore, we have chocolate covered Kudos to give the Houston Texans for signing him as an undrafted free agent. I have no doubt he'll be on the squad for years to come. I will also order his jersey as soon as possible because my Boise State one is looking a little ragged after 2 years of use. I hope Matt Schaub bites the big one and Zabransky takes over and turns the woe-be-gone Texans into one of the best franchises in the NFL. It may sound crazy, but I fully believe it will happen.

He'll be the greatest story since Tom Brady; which would only make me about the giddiest M-Fer in all the land. It's no secret that Tom Brady's story is old and needs to be replaced. It's also no secrect that I don't think we should care about Brady anymore. No one will care about a sixth round pick from one of college football's most storied programs when they hear about the undrafted free agent from a school in Idaho who just wouldn't stop shocking the world.

It's only a matter of time before Journey's song about a small-town boy becomes the theme song for a quarterback who's a whole lot more than just a one-hit wonder.

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 3

65. Oakland – Brandon Mebane (DT-Cal) – The Silver and Black need to add some talent to the middle of their defensive line and Mebane is a great value at this spot. He’ll make it easy for Raider fans to see Sapp on the sideline.

66. Detroit – Brandon Siler (ILB-Florida) – Detroit could use a youthful presence in the middle of their defense and Siler is just their man. He’s a big boy who knows how to lay the wood on running backs.

67. Cleveland – Ray McDonald (DE-Florida) – McDonald follows his former Florida teammate off the board because his size makes him a good dual threat for Romeo Crennel. McDonald will see time at both DE and DT for the Browns.

68. Tampa Bay – Antonio Pittman (RB-Ohio St) – Antonio becomes the second Pittman to play for tailback for John Gruden. He’s a versatile back who will provide much needed insurance for oft-injured Cadillac Williams.

69. Arizona – Ben Patrick (TE-Delaware) – The Cardinals gave Leonard Pope a shot at tight end last year, but Patrick would be an upgrade. He’s a sure handed receiving threat who could make Boldin and Fitzgerald even more dangerous on the outside.

70. Denver (from Washington) - Doug Free (OT-Northern Illinois) - This road-grader paved the way for Garrett Wolfe's tremendous collegiate career. He's athletic enough to fit in Shanahan's system and will help keeping Denver's ground game among the league's elite.

71. Miami - Brian Leonard (RB-Rutgers) - The Dolphins will be exuberant that Leonard is available at this selection. His versatility in the backfield will help spell Ronnie Brown and provide a receiving threat for first round pick Brady Quinn.

72. Minnesota - Marshall Yanda (OG-Iowa) - Minnesota has a tremendous offensive line, but they lack depth. Yanda provides much needed insurance in case one of their lineman suffers an injury.

73. Houston - Kenny Irons (RB-Auburn) - Irons steps in here to be Houston's back of the future. He'll be a good compliment to Ahman Green and should push him for the starting job as early as October.

74. Buffalo - Stewart Bradley (OLB-Nebraska) - Buffalo lost a couple of starting linebackers this off-season and Bradley has the skill to play outside and the size to transition inside. Bradley should be one of the surprise standout rookies this season.

75. Atlanta - Sabby Piscitelli (S-Oregon State) - The Falcons make up for missing out on LaRon Landry in round 1 by selecting Piscitelli here. Piscitelli is an intimidating presence in the secondary and his speed will help him earn an early starting nod.

76. San Francisco - Josh Wilson (CB-Maryland) - Wilson is a blur on the field. He'll be a great fit as a nickel corner for the Niners. He has the talent and could be a solid starter in the future with a little tutoring from Coach Nolan and new addition Nate Clements.

77. Pittsburgh - Jon Abbate (ILB-Wake Forest) - Abbate is the type of player who will quickly become a fan favorite in Steeltown. He's hard-nosed and should take over for some of Pittsburgh's aging vets at the linebacker position rather soon.

78. Green Bay - James Marten (OT-Boston College) - Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are starting to show their age. Marten will allow the Packers to start grooming a replacement. He's a tough kid who should have no problem taking the torch.

79. Jacksonville - Aundrae Allison (WR-East Carolina) - Allison is the type of athletic receiver Jacksonville is lacking right now. He could turn out to be the next Anquan Boldin and should find plenty of room playing alongside the Jags other larger targets.

80. Tennessee - Lorenzo Booker (RB-Florida State) - Booker will give Vince Young a receiving threat out of the backfield. He also could become the lightning to the thunder of LenDale White. Norm Chow will find ways to get him involved.

81. New York Giants - Manuel Ramirez (OG-Texas Tech) - Ramirez is a behemoth who should step in and help keep Eli Manning upright. The Giants line has been terrible recently and Ramirez could start as early as Week 1.

82. St. Louis - Aaron Rouse (S-Virginia Tech) - Rouse is another big safety who will press for starting time this season if only in a partial status. Rouse is a former linebacker who should help improve the Rams run defense at the second level.

83. Carolina - Ryan McBean (DT-Oklahoma St) - McBean is a little undersized for a DT, but playing on Carolina's line he should be able to reak havoc. Peppers and Co. will occupy opponents' blockers enough to give this kid a chance to make an impact in their DT rotation.

84. Kansas City - Ryan Harris (OT-Notre Dame) - Harris is a physical blocker who will be a good addition to an aging Kansas City line. He'll learn plenty as a rookie and should be ready to step into the starting rotation within a year or two.

85. Seattle - Josh Gattis (S-Wake Forest) - Seattle recently lost Ken Hamlin and they've had trouble finding stability in the secondary over recent seasons. Gattis is a talented kid who would have a great shot of beating out the veterans and earning a starting spot this season.

86. Denver - Turk McBride (DT-Tennessee) - Denver finally looks outside of Cleveland for defensive lineman. McBride comes from Tennessee which has provided alot of solid DTs to the NFL in recent seasons. McBride will keep the tradition going.

87. Dallas - Mason Crosby (K-Colorado) - Dallas is the most likely team to take a look at Crosby this early in the draft. After trying about 472 kickers over the past five years, the 'Boys will look to Crosby to be their long term answer to their most perplexing demon.

88. New Orleans - Troy Smith (QB-Ohio St) - Sean Peyton apparently doesn't mind short QBs (see: Brees, Drew) and Smith could be a great fit for the Saints. He'll have a few years to lay low behind Brees and could team with Colston and Bush to keep the Saints marching into the future.

89. New York Jets - Scott Chandler (TE-Iowa) - The Jets don't have much at the tight end position and Pennington would love to have this big 6'7" target as his safety valve. Chandler is also no slouch as a blocker and will see plenty of action as a rookie.

90. Philadelphia - Buster Davis (ILB-FSU) - Remember when the Eagles selected Broderick Bunkley last season? They learned nothing. This season they'll address the linebacker need by selecting the one guy they shouldn't: Buster Davis.

91. New England - A. J. Davis (CB-N.C. State) - Asante Samuel may not be back next season and Davis is just the type of player Belichek loves. He flashed his skills in college and the Patiots will help him reach his full potential.

92. Buffalo (from Baltimore) - Eric Wright (UNLV) - This talented kid falls into the Bills lap because of some character issues. He's super talented and if he keeps himself out of trouble he can become the perfect replacement for Nate Clements.

93. San Diego - H. B. Blades (ILB-Pittsburgh) - The current Charger inside linebackers are on the verge of collecting social security. Blades will become the heir apparent to a tradition of steady, talented Charger linebackers.

94. Chicago - Earl Everett (OLB-Florida) - Everett is the kind of player who could flourish with the Bears. With so much attention being paid to Urlacher, Everett could develop into one of the league's best complimentary linebackers with the potential for more if Briggs doesn't leave.

95. Indianapolis - Chris Henry (RB-Arizona) - After letting Dominic Rhodes move on after this season, Henry could become a great compliment to Joseph Addai. Henry flashed his wheels at the combine in Indy and would love to speed around the RCA Dome a little more often.

96. San Diego (compensatory) - Tarell Brown (CB-Texas) - San Diego always seems to have some question marks at corner. Brown is a very good player who could help ease remove this position from the Chargers list of needs year after year.

97. San Francisco (compensatory) - Tim Shaw (OLB-PSU) - Shaw's versatility will be appealing to Mike Nolan here. Shaw spent time at DE,OLB, and ILB while with the Nittany Lions and should find time to help out the Niners in multiple ways this season.

98. Indianapolis (compensatory) - Quinn Pitcock (DT-Ohio St) - Indy's run defense could use a motor guy like Pitcock in the middle. Pitcock anchored the defensive line the past two years and was one of the reasons why Hawk, Carpenter, and Laurinitis thrived for the Buckeyes.

99. Oakland (compensatory) - David Clowney (WR-Virginia Tech) - Moss and Porter aren't getting any younger in Oakland and Clowney is a superb athlete who should become a reliable target in a few short years with the potential to become JaMarcus Russell's number 1 option.

Keeping going and check out - Round 4 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

Ultimate Mock Draft - Round 7

The 7th Round of the draft is filled with lots of shenanigans.

Three members of the National Champion Florida Gatos find homes at picks 215, 219, and 248. The Dallas Cowboys take a flyer on a quarterback with pick 234 (Toby Korrodi - Central Missouri) and hope that he'll at least be a better holder on field goals than Tony Romo. Tampa Bay pulls off the biggest draft day shock by taking Jeff Samardzija at pick 245 and Gruden secretly hopes that the opportunity to play with Jeff "Latino Heat" Garcia is enough to lure Jeff from baseball (which has been very, very good to him). Finally, this year's Mr. Irrelevant proves to finally be Mr. Irrelevant as Mel Kiper Jr Jr (yes, we know we doubled up on Jr) gets drafted by Detroit to play the position he knows best: ass.

Folks, the following is all guesswork at best...but we expect to be right on at least 63.97146% of the 7th rounders.

211. Oakland - Dane Uperesa (T - Hawaii)
212. Dallas (from Detroit through NY Jets) - Nedu Ndukwe (S - Notre Dame)
213. Cleveland - Kevin Boss (TE -Western Oregon)
214. Tampa Bay - Nathan Bennett (G - Clemson)
215. Arizona - DeShawn Wynn (RB -Florida)
216. Washington - Dan Parrish (T - Florida A&M)
217. Minnesota - Stephen Nicholas (OLB - South Florida)
218. Houston - KaMichael Hall (OLB - Georgia Tech)
219. Miami - Dallas Baker (WR - Florida)
220. New Orleans (from Atlanta) - Daren Stone (S-Maine)
221. Chicago (from SF through Cleveland) - Antwan Barnes (OLB - Florida Intl)
222. Buffalo - Chris Davis (WR - FSU)
223. Tennessee - Syvelle Newton (WR - South Carolina)
224. New York Giants - Anthony Pudewell (TE - Nevada)
225. St. Louis - Kelvin Smith (ILB - Syracuse)
226. Carolina - Dallas Startz (OLB - USC)
227. Pittsburgh - Matt Trannon (WR - Michigan St)
228. Green Bay - David Patterson (DT - Ohio St)
229. Jacksonville - Zach Latimer (ILB - Oklahoma)
230. Cincinnati - Kasey Studdard (G - Texas)
231. Kansas City - Tyron Brackenridge (CB - Washington St)
232. Seattle - Sam Olajubutu (OLB - Arkansas)
233. Denver - Rueben Riley (G - Michigan)
234. Dallas - Toby Korrodi (QB - Central Missouri)
235. Green Bay (from NY Jets) - James Jones (WR - San Jose St)
236. Philadelphia - Mkristo Bruce (DE - Washington St)
237. Dallas (from New Orleans) - Marvin Mitchell (ILB - Tennessee)
238. Miami (from New England) - Gary Russell (RB - Minnesota)
239. Buffalo (from Baltimore) - Palauni Ma Sun (G - Oregon)
240. San Diego - Jon Cornish (RB - Kansas)
241. Chicago - Rondell Biggs (DE - Michigan)
242. Indianapolis - D'Juan Woods (WR - Oklahoma St)
243. Green Bay (compensatory) - David Holloway (OLB - Maryland)
244. Atlanta (compensatory) - Kurt Quarterman (G - Louisville)
245. Tampa Bay (compensatory) - Jeff Samardzija (WR - Notre Dame)
246. Tampa Bay (compensatory) - Gabe Hall (T - Texas Tech)
247. New England (compensatory) - Brandon Myles (WR - West Virginia)
248. St. Louis (compensatory) - Jemalle Cornelius (WR - Florida)
249. St. Louis (compensatory) - Thomas Clayton (RB - Kansas St)
250. New York Giants (compensatory) - Mel Musialek (WR - PSU)
251. Jacksonville (compensatory) - Mark Fenton (C - Colorado)
252. Jacksonville (compensatory) - Tyler Ecker (TE - Michigan)
253. Cincinnati (compensatory) - Brandon Harrison (S - Stanford)
254. Oakland (compensatory) - Will Herring (OLB - Auburn)
255. Detroit (compensatory) - Mel Kiper Jr Jr (ASS - Bristol)

And that's all we wrote.

If you need a refresher, go back to - Round 1 -

Or check out the - Team By Team Breakdown -

NFL Draft 2007: The Top 15 Linebackers

Our defensive projections take their final form with a look at the top linebacker prospects in the upcoming draft. The hope is that this list hits you hard. Then you will know how it feels to be smashed by one of the members of our list.

1. Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (6’1” 242lbs) – Willis is a stud. He opened eyes with his 40 times both at the combine and his pro day and he plays even faster. Willis is a tackle machine who was perhaps the most under-acknowledged defensive player over the last few seasons in college football. Willis will be a star in the NFL. He should be a top 5 prospect, but he doesn’t play a “sexy” position. Willis should be taken in the top 15 picks.

2. Paul Posluszny, PSU (6’1” 238lbs) – Posluszny had a lot of scouts projecting him as being in the same class as A. J. Hawk (a top 5 selection last year) at the end of last season. This past season he racked up 120 more tackles and now scouts think he’s a late first round selection. I say, “Horseshit.” This kid can flat out play. He’s played both inside and outside and excelled at both. Posluszny is a class act who flies around the field making plays. He should be a top 10 pick, but he’ll be selected in the mid to late first round.

3. Lawrence Timmons, FSU (6’0” 235lbs) – Note to NFL scouts: This kid is from Florida State. This means he won’t make much of an impact in the NFL. Sure, he’s fast and was good in the ACC (now there’s a stacked conference), but that doesn’t always mean NFL success. Ask Mike Mamula. I think Timmons will be a serviceable NFL player, but he won’t be a star. Someone will select him in the first round and later wish they had waited until the third round.

4. Jon Beason, Miami (6’0” 237lbs) – Beason is an intriguing prospect. He’s very talented, but played on some of Miami’s worst teams. He also struggled with some injuries. Beason is similar to Timmons – except he’s good. Beason comes from a program that has repeatedly churned out talented linebackers (Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma, D.J Williams). Beason should continue this list. He’ll be selected anywhere from the mid to late first round.

5. David Harris, Michigan (6’2” 243 lbs) – I like Harris a lot because I saw him play a lot this year thanks to my Michigan-crazed friend. He’s extremely quick and has great recognition skills. Harris is a smart player who just knows where to be and when to be there. He’s got a great build and should be a great fit for the NFL’s current trend of 3-4 defenses. Harris is a sure fire second round selection.

6. Tim Shaw, PSU (6’1” 236lbs) – Shaw played all over the place at Penn State. He came to Happy Valley as one of the most prolific prep school running backs to hail from Michigan. He also competed as a sprinter. Shaw then made the move to linebacker at PSU and even played some rush end. He’s a fantastic athlete who should draw a lot of attention as the draft nears because of his strong combine and pro day. Shaw has taken himself from second day pick to a third round prospect.

7. Justin Durant, Hampton (6’0” 230lbs) – Durant is the classic example of teams searching for a hidden gem. I’ll admit that I don’t know a lot about this kid, I just know what I’ve read. From what I’ve seen about him, he’s a fast, athletic kid who could use some coaching. People are also a little unsure of him because of the level of competition he played against. He could blossom into a star or he could find himself overwhelmed. Either way, one team will gamble on him in the third round.

8. Brandon Siler, Florida (6’1” 241lbs) – Siler was the man in the middle of Florida’s championship defense last season. He’s a tough kid, who plays with a chip on his shoulder. Siler doesn’t look fast or play fast, but he finds a way to get to the ballcarrier and makes plays. He may struggle a little early in his career, but should be a serviceable starter in two to three years time. Siler should be a third round selection.

9. Jon Abbate, Wake Forrest (5’9” 230lbs) – Abbate is undersized at 5’9”, but he’s got a huge heart. Abbate plays hard and is a proven leader. I’m really pulling for this kid to have a solid pro career. He has the determination and instincts to possibly turn into a Zach Thomas-type player. Expect Abbate to find an NFL home in the late-third to mid fourth-round.

10. Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma (6’0” 228lbs) – Alexander should be a solid pro player if he can add some bulk to his frame. He has good instincts and plays a tough, physical game. He could also use some work in coverage, but that’s not a huge problem. Linebackers are built to tackle instead of cover and Alexander lays the wood with the best of them. Alexander is a solid third round pick.

11. H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh (5’11” 236lbs) – Blades comes from a football pedigree (two of his uncles played in the NFL) and will also find his way to the pros. Blades is a good athlete who plays intelligently. He finds ways to put himself in positions to make plays. He may be undersized to play the middle spot in the pros, but should have no trouble adjusting to outside linebacker. Blades should be a fourth round pick.

12. Stewart Bradley, Nebraska (6’3” 254lbs) – Bradley has phenomenal size at the linebacker position. He’s a true grinder who never stops chopping. He is a solid athlete, but doesn’t have great speed or quickness. He is another guy who could find a home playing any of the linebacker positions. There are some questions about his durability, but he should be a fourth round selection regardless.

13. Prescott Burgess, Michigan (6’3” 240lbs) – There is no question that Burgess is a gifted athlete. Scouts rave about his size and physique, but he never put it all together at the college level. Burgess could be one of those players that the light bulb goes on for once he reaches the pro level. Maybe some coach will find a way to help him realize his potential. Burgess is a fifth round prospect at this point.

14. Anthony Waters, Clemson (6’2” 245lbs) – Waters has a great build to be a star middle linebacker. He’s also a tough, instinctive, and crafty player. He had a spectacular junior season at Clemson, but spent his senior season on the sidelines after tearing his ACL in the opener. If a team is willing to give him a shot, he should return some strong dividends once he’s healthy again. Waters is probably a fifth round pick at best.

15. Buster Davis, FSU (5’9” 239lbs) – A few things are working against Davis. First, look at the first 4 letters of his first name. Second, look at where he played his college ball. Lastly, look at his height. Davis is a quick player who finds ways to get around the ball, but he will most likely be a backup and special teams player in the NFL. He’ll be a late round selection in April.


Next Week: The Top 15 Running Backs (we save the best for last)

NFL Draft 2007: The Top 20 Defensive Lineman

It can be argued that the defensive line is the most important part of any defense. The line is responsible for stuffing the run, or at least keeping blockers off the linebackers so they can stuff the run. They also hold the key to the pass defense because they are in charge of generating pressure on the quarterback. With all this in mind, we bring you the top defensive line prospects of 2007.

1. Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson (6’4” 260lbs) – Adams is an exceptional athlete at the defensive end position. He would have been a first round selection last year and turned himself into a top 10 pick by returning to school this year. Strong and quick, he can play both the run and the pass. He will be selected in the top 10 picks and could go as high as the 2nd pick to Detroit.

2. Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville (6’2” 290lbs) – Okoye is an intriguing prospect. He has plenty of size and an exceptional motor. Okoye is only 19 years old and should be a building block in the middle of some fortunate team’s defensive line for the next decade. He’s a smart kid with a good head on his shoulders. He will not be overwhelmed playing in a man’s league. Okoye will be taken in the top 15 picks in the draft.

3. Alan Branch, DT, Michigan (6’5” 330lbs) – Branch has recently fallen under “bust watch”, but that talk will cease once he lands on the field. A massive man, Branch has is strong and quick for his size. He was a disruptive force in the middle for Michigan’s top ranked run defense this past season. Branch should be a top 10 selection, but may slide into the 15 to 20 range.

4. Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska (6’5” 295lbs) – Carriker is the versatile star of this year’s defensive lineman. He has great size and moves extremely well for being as big as he is. He can play either end or tackle and will be a fit for either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. A solid player, he is one of the prospects with the fewest question marks. Many teams will take a look at him and he should be selected within the first 20 picks.

5. Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas (6’5” 275lbs) – Anderson left school after his junior season and could find himself being taken in the top 10. Anderson has exceptional strength, but is a little on the slow side. He had an exceptional junior season and his upside will be attractive to teams. He could slide out of the top 10 depending on potential trades, but should still be taken in the top 20.

6. Anthony Spencer, DE, Purdue (6’2” 265lbs) - Spencer, to many people, has come out of no where. His numbers at Purdue were solid, though not eye popping. Opposing coaches and players raved about his talent, and he has been impressive in the off-season workouts. He can also be a speed rusher in a 3-4 defense and will be a first round selection for sure.

7. Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida (6’5” 255lbs) – Moss is another versatile player who can play in both a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Teams may look at him to be the next Shawn Merriman or DeMarcus Ware. Moss lacks the strength of these two standouts, but he makes up for it with his speed. He does have some character and injury questions. Moss could go as early as the mid first round, but may fall into the first half of the second round.

8. Charles Johnson, DE, Georgia (6’2” 270lbs) – Johnson is a solid player who is better against the run, but can still rush the passer. He outperformed his more acclaimed teammate Quinton Moses this past season. He’s consistent, but lacks an overwhelming presence. He’ll be a solid selection in the first part of the second round.

9. Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee (6’4” 303lbs) – Harrell was considered an elite prospect before a season ending bicep injury. He comes from a line of quality defensive tackles that have played for the Vols. He’s strong and has the quickness to beat interior lineman. Harrell would easily have been a first round pick, but will instead slide to the second round because of his injury.

10. Quentin Moses, DE, Georgia (6’4” 250lbs) – Moses was considered to be in the same league as Gaines Adams coming in to the 2006 college season. Unlike Adams though, he did not put up the production. He lacks bulk, but has good speed and could become a 3-4 rush linebacker in the NFL. Expect Moses to go in the mid-second round.

11. LaMarr Woodley, DE, Michigan (6’1” 260lbs) – Woodley is a versatile player who played both defensive end and linebacker while at Michigan. He is good against the run and has the speed to be effective rushing the quarterback. A lack of height seems to be the biggest concern with Woodley. He should be a solid selection in the mid second round for whichever team selects him.

12. Tim Crowder, DE, Texas (6’3” 270lbs) – Rumors have had Crowder moving into the first round, but that is not likely to happen. Crowder is a smart, strong player with a motor that never stops running. He’s a classic example of a player who is good at many things, but not great at any. He’ll be a second round selection for sure.

13. Tank Tyler, DT, NC State (6’2” 325lbs) – Tyler is one of the bigger players on this list. He’s a decent player, but has some glaring character questions. Tyler has a quick first step and is strong, but does not have much overall speed. He’ll be a good run stuffer for a team looking to give him a chance. Expect to see Tyler go in the mid second round.

14. Baraka Atkins, DL, Miami (6’4” 280lbs) – Atkins is another versatile guy who played both end and tackle for the Hurricanes. Atkins never seemed to reach his full potential with Miami and could reach it at the next level. He has a good combination of size, strength, and quickness. Atkins should find his team in the mid to late second round.

15. Ray McDonald, DL, Florida (6’3” 285lbs) – McDonald is a similar player to Atkins. He has experience at multiple positions on the line. He put up solid numbers while at Florida and was part of their exceptional defense this past season. McDonald will be a solid pro and will be taken in the mid to late second round.

16. Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame (6’4” 270lbs) – Abiamiri has the physical tools to perform at the next level, but his questions lie in his technique. He improved each season he was in South Bend. If he can continue learning at the next level, he could become a key player for his team. He could be selected anywhere from the mid second round to the mid third round.

17. Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan (6’2” 265lbs) – Bazuin reminds a lot of people of former CMU standout Jason Babin. Bazuin plays with more of a mean-streak than Babin. He’s a blend of speed and strength who knows how to attack the quarterback. Bazuin will probably be a third round selection and don’t be surprised if he’s this year’s Elvis Dumerville.

18. Quinn Pitcock, DT, OSU (6’2” 300lbs) – Pitcock was the rock in the middle of the Buckeyes outstanding defense the past 2 seasons. He is a solid run stuffer who doesn’t give up on any play. Though he lacks any real distinguishing characteristic, he’s a guy you can count on to show up every game. Pitcock will be a solid third round selection.

19. Jay Alford, DT, PSU (6’2” 285lbs) – Alford has great quickness for a defensive tackle. He had a solid junior season playing next to Tamba Hali and put up nearly identical numbers as the cornerstone of a young Nittany Lion front last season. He may be considered undersized by some teams, but added weight may cause him to lose his quickness. Alford could come off the board as early as the mid third round.

20. Kareem Brown, DT, Miami (6’4” 300lbs) – Brown flashed glimpses of greatness with the Hurricanes, but never played with the type of consistency expected of him. Brown has great size and a good first step to go with it. If he can put his potential together with his skills, he could be a fantastic player at the next level. Expect Brown to be one of the first defensive linemen taken in the fourth round.

Next Week: The Top 10 Tight Ends

2007 NFL Draft: April Mock Draft

A month of activity has passed by in the NFL since my last mock draft,and it occurred to me that the time has come to address the subject again. The biggest mover in the latest mock has Amobi Okoye moving up to Arizona at the 5th pick (previously 18 to Cincinnati). Jamaal Anderson was the biggest loser falling from 6th (Washington) to 17th (Jacksonville). Here’s all the latest:

1. Oakland Raiders – JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU – Although it was hard to switch from Calvin Johnson back to Russell, JaMarcus is the best fit for the Raiders. Quarterbacks also hold more value than receivers - even one as talented as Johnson. That’s why Russell is the right choice for Oakland.

2. Detroit Lions – Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin – It’s very likely that Detroit will try and trade down from this spot, but if they stay, Thomas is the best selection. There will be temptation to take Johnson, Brady Quinn, or Adrian Peterson, but common sense will win out. Thomas will be the pick for Detroit.

3. Cleveland Browns – Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma – Romeo Crennel will have to tune out Charlie Weiss’ advice to take Brady Quinn because Peterson is a better fit for the Browns. Jamal Lewis has a one year deal and recently struggled to stay healthy. Peterson is going to be a stud and would immediately improve Cleveland’s ground game.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech – Unless someone does work out a deal with Detroit to snag Johnson, John Gruden will get his wish. Johnson is a freak who will star from day 1. He’ll make Tampa Bay’s quarterback a very happy passer, no matter who is at the helm.

5. Arizona Cardinals – Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville – This may be a little early for Okoye, but Arizona will take a gamble. This 19-year old could be a corner stone for a long, long time. Arizona has a pressing need for lineman on both sides of the ball and could take a look at Gaines Adams or Levi Brown as well, but I think they’ll find more reasons to take Okoye.

6. Washington Redskins – Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson – This may be the most over-predicted pick in the draft, but it makes the most sense. The ‘Skins are desperate for a pass rusher and Adams is the best rusher available. If Adams happens to go to Arizona or Detroit, Washington will look to Jamal Anderson or look to trade down.

7. Minnesota Vikings – Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame – A few weeks back, I thought JaMarcus Russell may fall here, but that no longer seems to be a possibility. Brad Childress did a decent job in his first year and will be thrilled to have Quinn fall to him here. He could start from day one for the Vikings and help fans forget Daunte Culpepper.

8. Atlanta Falcons – LaRon Landry, S, LSU – Atlanta made a slick move to jump in front of the Dolphins to select Landry at this position. Landry will shore up one of the biggest weaknesses on the Falcons’ squad. Landry may be the best defensive player available. If they chose to look elsewhere, Jamaal Anderson (a familiar name to Falcons fans) or Alan Branch could be other options for Atlanta.

9. Miami Dolphins – Alan Branch, DT, Michigan – Talented defensive tackles are tough to come by and Miami could use this big body to take some pressure off their LBs and DEs. Branch is a massive man who can stuff the run and also rush the passer. Miami may be one of the teams looking to move up to select a player such as Johnson, Quinn, or Landry.

10. Houston Texans – Levi Brown, T, PSU – Houston saved some money by swapping spots with Atlanta. They should still be able to land their man with this pick. Brown would provide stability to a position that has been a liability for Houston ever since they came in to the league. Matt Schaub should end up with more time to throw than David Carr ever got.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC – It still seems that Jarrett makes a great fit for San Francisco. He’s a big, physical receiver who will make a huge impact for an improving 49ers’ offense. Jarrett will be the red zone threat Alex Smith sorely lacks.

12. Buffalo Bills – Patrick Willis, LB, Ole Miss – Buffalo has many needs and could look at Marshawn Lynch or Leon Hall, but after losing two LBs this off-season, they need to select the best LB available. Willis made tons of tackles over his college career and had a phenomenal workout. He could become a more controlled version of Ray Lewis.

13. St Louis Rams – Adam Carriker, DL, Nebraska – The Rams have some aging veterans on the defensive line in Leonard Little and La’Roi Glover. Carriker has the size to play anywhere on the defensive line and can provide some much needed rest for the vets. He will only get better playing behind these guys and will be a great fit for St Louis.

14. Carolina Panthers – Greg Olsen, TE, Miami – A coach’s dream, Olsen may not have the “wow” factor of other former tight ends from “The U”, but he’s a fantastic football player. He’s an all-around tight end who would be a great weapon for Jake Delhomme. He’ll also provide space for Steve Smith and Keyshawn Johnson to work.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers – Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh – Though Leon Hall may be the number 1 CB on most boards, the Steelers have had plenty of opportunity to watch Revis in action and it will sway them his way. They’ll prefer his upside and speed over Hall. Hall and Jamaal Anderson are alternative options for the Steelers with this pick.

16. Green Bay Packers – Marshawn Lynch, RB, California – Lynch will be a dynamic weapon for the Packers to team with Favre. If he falls this far, he’s a no-brainer selection for the Pack. The Packers have lacked an elite RB for years. If Buffalo or Houston takes Lynch, Green Bay will select Leon Hall to bolster a horrific secondary.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas – Jacksonville will be ecstatic if Anderson falls to them at this pick. Anderson is a very talented player, but the teams ahead of the Jags have other needs to fill. Anderson is able to play both the run and pass equally well. If Anderson is not available, Reggie Nelson is the likely backup option.

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Leon Hall, CB, Michigan – Hall is the best player available at this point and the Bengals could use a character guy like him with this pick. Hall will push second year man Jonathan Joseph and aging veteran Deltha O’Neal. He’ll be a great fit for Marvin Lewis’ defense. If Hall is gone, Jon Beason would be an option at LB.

19. Tennessee Titans – Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee – The Titans will think long and hard about Ted Ginn Jr with this pick, but will eventually turn to Meachem. Meachem is just a better all around receiver than Ginn, while also having the ability to flash the same big play capability. Vince Young will love throwing passes to this guy.

20. New York Giants – Reggie Nelson, S, Florida – Somebody is going to make the mistake of taking Nelson too high and the Giants are a prime candidate. Nelson is a decent player, but not quite first round material. Gambles he got away with in college will haunt him in the pros. The Giants need secondary help and will turn to Nelson to provide it.

21. Denver Broncos – Ted Ginn Jr, WR, OSU – The Broncos will be elated to give Ginn a year to learn from Rod Smith while working from the slot as a third option for Jay Cutler. Eventually, he’ll form a potent pair with Javon Walker. Mike Shanahan has shown a willingness to take risks in the draft and Ginn’s big play capability will make him giddy.

22. Dallas Cowboys – Ryan Kalil, C, USC – Though much talk has been made of the Cowboys using this selection on a WR or CB, they still need to improve their offensive line. Kalil is the best OL prospect available here and it could allow them to move Andre Gurode back to G. The Cowboys could also look at a tackle like Joe Staley, though he may be a stretch this early.

23. Kansas City Chiefs – Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU – The Chiefs need help at WR more so than any other team at this point in the draft. They’ll be elated if they can get Bowe with this pick. He’ll provide a threat at WR for KC for the first time in many years. The Chiefs will also consider Sidney Rice and Jason Hill with this selection.

24. New England Patriots – Paul Posluszny, LB, PSU – As much as it pains me to say, it makes perfect sense for Posluszny to end up in New England. He is experienced at ILB and OLB and will remind Patriot fans of a youthful Teddy Bruschi. The Patriots may also take a look at Chris Houston with this selection.

25. New York Jets – Anthony Spencer, DE/LB, Purdue – The Jets need to give their defense a boost with this pick. Mangini needs a pass rusher who can play either on the line or speed rush in his scheme. Spencer has been climbing up boards and may still make his way even higher, but if he is here at this pick, the Jets will snatch him up.

26. Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas – The Eagles will take the best player available at this point. Houston will provide depth at a position where the Birds always seem to experience injuries. He’s a fantastic athlete who should play the nickel immediately. The Eagles could also look at Sidney Rice, Michael Griffin, or Aaron Ross.

27. New Orleans Saints – Aaron Ross, CB, Texas – The Saints secondary was pretty pathetic last season. Ross will provide speed and play-making ability to the defensive backfield for New Orleans. The Saints may also take a gander at Lawrence Timmons or Jarvis Moss, though they should still lean towards Ross because he has fewer question marks.

28. New England Patriots – Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St – The Patriots are the masters of replacing players and they’ll probably have to replace Asante Samuel after this season. McCauley is a big, physical corner who should be able to step in and play as a nickel right away, and eventually replace Samuel if he does leave New England.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Joe Staley, T, Central Michigan – With the addition of Willis McGahee, the Ravens will be looking for a spry, young left tackle to pave the road for him. Staley should get a year to learn from one of the best ever, Jonathan Ogden, and then should start to make an impact next season. He’s become a chic selection as of late.

30. San Diego Chargers – Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina – Rice has fallen a bit because he lacks elite speed, but he’s still a very good receiver. One of the few weaknesses the Bolts had last season was their receiving corp. Rice will provide reliability and a red zone presence to take some pressure off of Antonio Gates.

31. Chicago Bears – Jon Beason, LB, Miami – The Bears need to start grooming a replacement for Lance Briggs who is already half way to his next NFL destination. Beason is the best LB available at this point at the draft and he’ll be a good fit for the Bears. If the Bears don’t go defense, they may look at Zach Miller.

32. Indianapolis Colts – Lawrence Timmons, LB, FSU – If anyone can teach an FSU player how to play football, Tony Dungy can do it. Timmons has the physical tools, but lacks the awareness to start right away. The Colts could use additional help at the linebacker spot and Timmons could become an impact LB if the coaching staff helps him put it all together.

NFL Draft 2007: The Top 15 DBs

Last time, we took a look at the top wide receivers in the upcoming NFL draft. Now it is time to scan through the top 15 defensive backs that will have to play against those guys. This year’s defensive back crop has some very good talent. There could be as many as seven defensive backs taken in the first round. Although the second-tier guys here drop off a little from the upper echelon, expect most of these guys to be gone by the end of day one.

1. Laron Landry, S, LSU (6’2” 202lbs) – Laron Landry is far and away the best defensive back. Landry is fast and physical. His best attribute is that he is a playmaker. Teams will need to account for him at all times. He’ll develop into the next Ed Reed or Brian Dawkins, plus he’ll do it before Sean Taylor. Landry may be the "sure thing" prospect on the entire defensive side of the ball in this draft. He's probably even a better prospect than his former teammate JaMarcus Russell. Landry will be a top 10 pick for certain.

2. Leon Hall, CB, Michigan (5’11” 193lbs) – The only shutdown corner in this year’s draft, Hall has been the top corner since the beginning of the year. He had a fantastic pro day and settled some of the questions about his speed. Though he is not a burner, Hall is smart, physical, and athletic. He played at an elite level for most of his career at Michigan and is easily a notch above the other corners in this year's draft. Hall will go in the top 15 picks, if not the top 10.

3. Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh (6’0” 190lbs) – Revis is the top underclassmen amongst the defensive backs. Revis has outstanding speed and leaping ability. There are not many holes in his game. He didn’t match up against many elite receivers while at Pittsburgh, but he’s shown he has the potential to try it in the NFL. He is a fluid athlete, who will be relied upon to be a shutdown corner in the future. He’ll be a mid first round selection for sure.

4. Reggie Nelson, S, Florida (6’0” 198lbs) – Nelson burst on to the scene this past college season. Nelson lives up to the term “ball-hawking safety.” He came through and answered questions about his speed at Florida’s pro day. The biggest knock on Nelson is his lack of size and his ability to help in the run game. Nelson should be selected in the area of 15-25 in the upcoming draft.

5. Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas (5’11” 185lbs) – Houston lacks bulk, but he had a tremendous workout at the combine. Houston showed he had the speed and the strength to play at the next level. He also has a good upside after declaring following his junior season. Teams like the Broncos and the Giants will take long looks at Houston in the first round.

6. Michael Griffin, S, Texas (5’11” 195lbs) – Griffin may be considered slightly undersized, but his numbers speak loudly about his game. Griffin recorded over 100 tackles in each of his last two seasons at Texas. He possesses average speed and has shown the ability to make big plays on defense and special teams (8 blocked kicks in college). Griffin could go at the end of the first round and most certainly by the early second round.

7. Aaron Ross, CB, Texas (6’0” 192lbs) – Ross comes from a great system at Texas and will be an excellent corner at the next level. He’s quick and agile, with good speed. Ross will also turn teams on because he has experience returning punts. He looks a little thin and could use some added bulk to make him better in the NFL. Ross will start getting attention from the 23rd pick and on in the first round.

8. Eric Weddle, S, Utah (5’11” 205lbs) – Weddle is a superb athlete who did a little bit of everything in college. He played safety, corner, running back, returned punts and even tossed a few passes. He has good speed (though not elite) and great awareness. Weddle is a proven leader with exceptional instincts. There’s not much to knock about his game. It may shock some people if he is a first round pick, but he has the talent, though he’ll most likely be taken very early in round two.

9. Daymeion Hughes, CB, California (5’10” 190lbs) – Hughes has bounced around the draft already. Early last season, he was considered to be in the same class as Leon Hall, but he’s barely hanging on to the first round right now. Hughes was a first team All-American who has solid fundamentals, but lacks speed. He could still find a home in round one, but he’ll probably come off the board in round two.

10. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (5’10” 192lbs) – Meriweather certainly has athletic ability. The questions about him stem from his injury history and his character. Meriweather is quick and physical. He also provides versatility having played all over the defensive backfield while at Miami. Meriweather will be taken in the second round unless his off the field transgressions cause him to fall into the third.

11. Tanard Jackson, CB, Syracuse (6’0” 192lbs) – Jackson is another versatile guy who can play multiple positions in the secondary. He has adequate speed and is a fluid athlete. Jackson is another player who didn’t face much elite competition in college and may take some time to adjust to the NFL. He’ll be a solid second to third round selection for any team.

12. Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno St (6’1” 200lbs) – McCauley has very good speed and more size than most of the other prospects on this list. Though he’s not overly physical, he can hold his own. He is a good athlete that spent a lot of time in coverage in the pass-happy WAC. McCauley could be a real steal for a team anywhere from the mid-second round to the third round.

13. Josh Wilson, CB, Maryland (5’9” 188lbs) – Wilson can be a blur on the field at times. He’s has tremendous speed and is a very smooth athlete. Although he lacks height and bulk, he has held his own playing against some sizeable targets in the SEC. He could develop into a Lito Sheppard type player with some coaching. Wilson should be a third round selection to a team that can let him develop, and then replace an aging veteran.

14. C.J. Gaddis, CB, Clemson (6’0” 208lbs) – Gaddis is an intriguing prospect who surprised many people by leaving school early. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s a physical corner who also runs well. Gaddis is a solid athlete who could possibly find a home as a safety in the NFL. A potential selection in the third round, he’s more likely to go in the fourth round and could develop into an excellent starter if given some time to learn.

15. Aaron Rouse, S, Virginia Tech (6’3” 218lbs) – Rouse is an imposing presence who actually began his VT career as a linebacker. Rouse is not very good in coverage, but he’s a huge player in the run game. If he wants to play safety in the NFL, he’ll have to improve his coverage skills or he’ll have to bulk up and move back to linebacker. He plays aggressive and will make receivers fear the middle. He also has solid speed for his size. Expect Rouse to be a late third to early fourth round selection.

That wraps up this week’s position breakdown.

Next Week: The Top 20 Defensive Lineman

A Millen to One Odds

“There’s always next year.”

It seems that every year dejected fans in all but one NFL city mutter that very sentiment minutes after the final loss of the season. In Detroit, they mutter it after the first preseason loss. What if that were all about to change? What if the pieces of the puzzle finally were to paint a beautiful picture filled with loads of confetti and Super Bowl rings the size of Barry Sanders? It may sound far-fetched, but it could be the greatest tale of redemption the gridiron has ever seen.

When it comes to Detroit Lions GM Matt Millen, it’s often hard to tell the difference between the facts and the myths. Is it really true that Millen was once a Super Bowl winning linebacker? Yes, he won rings with the Raiders, Redskins, and 49ers. Speaking of San Francisco, did Millen really insinuate that Jeff Garcia was gay when “Latino Heat” was in Detroit? No, that was Terrell Owens. Was Millen the guy behind the first round selections of Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and Mike Williams? Yes, although he forgot he didn’t have someone to throw them the ball.

It's been a forgettable journey for Millen to this point. Those tuned into the world of professional football are well aware that he is already covered up to his fuzzy mustache by the waters of failure. Yet even though most normal people would have already drowned under the pressure of perpetual scrutiny, Millen has soldiered on and now stands at the edge of his greatest battle. This could be a story about engineering the greatest comeback in NFL history. Forget about Montana or Elway. The road to redemption runs through the front office. Specifically, Matt Millen's office.

As spring hits full swing in late-April, Millen will round up his advisers, scouts, and coaches to take one last chance at saving his job. A good draft would make ownership drain some of the water out of Millen’s office. Millen needs to select at least three players who can start or provide significant contributions to the team - this could help the Lions at least double their win total from last season. A great draft would consist of finding a stud in the first round, perhaps in the form of Joe Thomas (who could anchor the line) or Brady Quinn (who could provide a stable force to throw the ball to the plethora of wide receivers). The Lions would still need production from two or three other youngsters, but they could realistically get to 7, 8, or even 9 wins. Even this modest improvement would mark a major change for a franchise which is on the verge of replacing the old Bengals as the benchmark of futility in the NFL.

On the other hand, this April's draft could lead to a dreadful disaster in the Motor City. If Vegas had a line on Millen returning to the Lions next season, the odds would not be good. It is highly unlikely for any team, let alone the Lions, to find three or four rookie starters in one draft. Sure, the Lions' draftees won't have alot of competition in training camp, but they will still be rookies. Furthermore, it's not a given that Joe Thomas will be able to make a huge impact his rookie season. As for Tom Brady…I mean...Brady Quinn - he should remember the name "Tim Couch". If that doesn’t work, maybe the name "Ryan Leaf" will shake him up.

I know our Detroit readers want to say “there’s a chance,” but Custer had a chance too. Millen could create a story of redemption that would make Bob Marley cry like no woman can, but it’s not likely to happen. This draft is not going to be enough to save Millen. He may put a few pieces in place that help the franchise a few years from now, but he's not going to be getting that new posh office. Millen may have come in like a lion, but he’ll be leaving with his tail between his legs. The worst part is that it’s too late for him to do much about it.

Somebody needs to pass Matt Millen a snorkel. He’s going to need it, because it's hard to hear someone tell you, "there's always next year," from under water.

NFL Draft 2007: The Top 15 WRs

It’s now time for the fastest of the fast and the quickest of the quick. We’re taking a look at the best wide receivers available in the 2007 NFL Draft and where they are projected to go in the upcoming draft. Here are the sure-handed fellas who will be catching passes in the league for years to come.

1. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (6’4” 235lbs) – Johnson is far and away the cream of the crop at WR, if not the entire draft. Johnson’s impressive 40 at the combine may not be his most impressive attribute. Johnson has fantastic ball skills and his college highlight reel will leave you speechless. This top prospect won’t escape the top 5 of this draft.

2. Ted Ginn, Ohio St (6'0" 180lbs) – Ginn gets the number 2 nod because he is electric on the field. Though he may disappear for stretches, he is a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands. His lethal return skills give him an edge over Meachem and Jarrett, who are both more polished receivers. Ginn should be gone in the top 15 selections.

3. Robert Meachem, Tennesee (6’2” 205lbs) – Meachem is a complete receiver. He does everything from running crisp routes underneath to burning defenders deep. He is also a threat after the catch and his breakout junior year proved he’s ready to carry the load. Expect Meachem to be drafted in the mid-first round.

4. Dwayne Jarrett, USC (6’5” 215lbs) – Jarrett is a huge mismatch for almost any defensive back. Jarrett uses his height extremely well to shield defenders and should be just as successful in the NFL in the red zone. He lacks elite speed, but runs good routes and has great hands. Jarrett and Meachem will compete to be the third receiver taken in this draft.

5. Dwayne Bowe, LSU (6’3” 215lbs) – Bowe gets the nod over Sidney Rice because he’s a more polished receiver than Rice. Bowe showed consistent improvement at LSU and will be a reliable receiver at the next level. He lacks elite speed but, like Jarrrett, finds ways to get open. Bowe will be a mid-to-late first round selection.

6. Sidney Rice, South Carolina (6’4” 202lbs) – Rice had a brilliant, though short, career with the Gamecocks. He posted nearly identical numbers in both his seasons at SC. Rice has great body control and is eerily similar to Jarrett. Rice should be a sure mid-to-late first rounder and may turn out to be a real steal for the team that drafts him.

7. Jason Hill, Washington St. (6’2” 205lbs) – Hill may have been a first round pick after posting solid sophomore and junior seasons, but an inconsistent senior season dropped him from a lot of teams radars. He answered some questions about his lack of speed by running a 4.3 40yd dash at the combine. He still has the potential to be an impact receiver. Expect Hill to be the first wide receiver taken in the second round.

8. Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State (6’0” 195lbs) – Gonzalez was overshadowed by Ted Ginn at OSU, but he could flourish into a solid number 2 wideout at the next level. Gonzalez put up almost identical numbers to Ginn in 2006, but lacks the homerun ability to be a stud wide receiver. He does run good routes and has solid hands. He’ll be an early-to-mid second round selection.

9. Steve Smith, USC (6’1” 195lbs) – Smith has the potential to be a fantastic player in the NFL. He polished his skills over four seasons at USC and improved each season despite being overshadowed (literally) by Dwayne Jarrett. Smith is quick and is a crafty route-runner. He’ll be taken in the second round (hopefully by Carolina…I’m still hoping for the Steve Smith tandem).

10 Craig Davis, LSU (6’1” 200lbs) – Davis falls into the same area as Gonzalez and Smith. He is a solid possession receiver who runs well, but won’t blow by everyone. Another player who stayed in school and improved each season. Davis made some big plays for LSU and that will help him find a home early in the third round.

11. Jacoby Jones, Lane (6’4” 210lbs) – Jones should be the biggest beneficiary of Marques Colston’s success last season. Jones runs a 4.4 40yd dash and was also a threat as a return man. He’s a big target who should find success at the next level if he can acclimate to the tougher competition. Jones should be a successful third round selection for a team that can give him some time to develop.

12. Yamon Figurs, Kansas State (5’11” 175lbs) – Figurs figures to be this year’s answer to the Devin Hester phenomenon. Figurs has wowed scouts with his abilities as a return man, and though he has work to do as a receiver, he could find a niche as a Dante Hall type player for any number of teams. This electrifying return man will be gone by the middle of the third round.

13. Joel Filani, Texas Tech (6’3” 220lbs) – Filani may come from a pass happy offense which inflated his numbers, but his size and athleticism will get him into the NFL. A sizeable target, he ran a decent 40 at the combine and is a great red zone threat. Although he may not ever develop into a number one receiver, he’ll be a smart selection in the mid-to-late third round.

14. Johnnie Lee Higgins, UTEP (6’0” 180lbs) – Higgins was a solid receiver who exploded onto radar screens with a tremendous senior season. He lacks ideal bulk, but Higgins makes up for it with decent speed and a good vertical leap. Higgins has a chance to be a serious slot threat and will be another mid-to-late third round pick.

15. Mike Walker, UCF (6’2” 195lbs) – Walker is a fearless player who makes catches everywhere on the field. He put up very good numbers in his collegiate career and should continue to develop in the NFL. He doesn’t have amazing speed, but he’s well rounded and consistent. Walker could lead a bunch of receivers off the board in round 4.


The Best of the Rest
Aundrae Allison, East Carolina (6’0” 190lbs) – great athleticism, could be a steal
David Clowney, Virginia Tech (6’1” 180lbs) – good skills, lacks stats to back it up
Matt Trannon, Michigan State (6’6” 230lbs) – great potential with his size and skill
Brandon Myles, West Virginia (6’1” 185lbs) – potential homerun threat, lacks bulk
Steve Breaston, Michigan (6’1” 180lbs) – another dangerous return man, decent in the slot
Courtney Taylor, Auburn (6’2” 205lbs) – solid player with run for improvement
Rhema McKnight, Notre Dame (6’2” 210lbs) – solid and consistent, durability questions
Dallas Baker, Florida (6’2” 205lbs) – catches lots of touchdowns, but poor workouts
Chansi Stuckey, Clemson (6’0” 190lbs) – former QB, crafty route runner, good hands
Paul Williams, Fresno State (6’2” 200lbs) – little known, but potential to make an impact


Next Week: The Top 15 Cornerbacks who will have to match up with these guys

March Madness 2007: How to Win Your Pool(s)

The Madness is now two days old. In less than 48 hours, you’ll be spending more time checking your cell phone for scores than you will be trying to close that big deal you’ve been working on for months. March Madness comes to everyone’s favorite living room or drinking pavilion on Thursday, and we here at SixTalkingHeads are here to help you take home the money from all 27 (or more) pools you’ll be entering between now and game time. All you have to do is follow these golden rules.

Rule 1 - One of the #1 seeds will lose before the Final Four – This always happens. In fact, it's quite likely that two #1 seeds will fall before the Final Four. Since the field expanded to 64 teams, there has never been a Final Four consisting of all #1 seeds. This year’s best bets to fall are Kansas or North Carolina. Kansas could fall as early as round two, but if they move on they’ll be hard pressed to beat UCLA or Pitt in the Elite 8. North Carolina will have a tough second round match-up versus either Marquette or Michigan State. If they get past that game, their reward will be a date in the Sweet Sixteen with Texas and superstar freshman Mr. Kevin Durant. It’ll be a tough road for the Tar Heels this year.

Rule 2 – DO NOT pick a #1 or #2 seed to lose in the first round – It just doesn’t happen. #1 seeds are 88-0 since 1985 and #2 seeds are 84-4. This year’s #2 seeds are especially solid and all have something to prove. They will not lose in the first round. Do yourself a favor and don’t pick any upset of a #1 or #2 seed in the opening round..

Rule 3 – A #12 seed will beat a #5 seed in the first round – In each of the last 6 years, a #12 has beaten a #5. All 12 versus 5 games this year are very intriguing match-ups, so I certainly see this trend holding up. A great example could be Illinois versus Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech just doesn’t have the punch to counter Illinois tough defense. If Illinois can knock down some shots, they could easily advance to round two. Arkansas and Old Dominion are also legitimate threats as #12 seeds.

Rule 4 – Teams playing close to home have a HUGE advantage – This year North Carolina and Louisville open the first two rounds close to home. Pittsburgh, UCLA and Oregon all open in cities fairly close to home, or in places with great fan support. This cannot be underestimated. Fans in college basketball are a huge factor in their teams’ games, perhaps even more so than in any other sport in the country. If a team needs an x-factor, a couple thousand extra fans can be the additional weight needed to swing the momentum pendulum.

Rule 5 – Cinderella is not just a Disney movie – Cinderella is synonymous with the NCAA tournament. From Villanova in ’85 to George Mason in ’06, everyone loves an underdog. There are a few teams who could wear the glass slipper this season. Virginia Commonwealth, Winthrop, and Davidson could all ride huge waves of momentum if they can topple their higher ranked opponents (Duke, Notre Dame, and Maryland, respectively) in the opening round. They could be one hit wonders or they could ride on to the Elite 8 or better.

Rule 6 – Don’t get caught up in upsets – This is a fitting follow up to rule 5. Don’t start singing, “Cindarelly, Cindarelly” in your head. Yes, upsets will occur, but you will not win if you pick too many upsets. There are games primed for upsets such as Winthrop over Notre Dame and games that might just end up that way (Oral Roberts over Washington St?). The smart way to look at this is that higher teams will lose, but almost the entire public will chose the higher seed to win just like you did. You will not lose as much ground as you feel you did by missing the upset. The moral: pick your upsets wisely, not irrationally.

Rule 7 – Don’t underestimate teams you’ve never heard of – Yes, Oral Roberts is actually a college, not your local family dentist. George Washington is not taking on Vanderbilt all by his lonesome. These teams will play tough in the first round and could make you pay attention the rest of the way. There are also several teams that are not known for their basketball prowess, but could make some noise. For example, many people will be surprised to see Southern Illinois as a #4 seed, but they have a great shot to make a strong run to the Sweet 16 and beyond. However…

Rule 8 – Don’t fall in love with Mid-Major teams - While it is fun to root for teams like Southern Illinois or Butler, they are not the teams that will help you win. Both teams have a chance to be in the Sweet Sixteen, but don’t expect Final Four runs. The Mid-Major conferences have shown that they are starting to catch up to the bigger conferences, but they’re not quite there yet. Proceed with caution when looking at a big time school versus a mid-major such as a potential Kansas versus Southern Illinois game in the Sweet 16.

Rule 9 – Don’t forget about history – Heed the warning that “Those who don’t remember history are bound to repeat it.” Michigan State generally follows a bad tournament (2002, 2006) with a strong one (2003, 2007?). Florida usually follows a strong tournament (2000, 2006) with an early exit (2001, 2007?). Roy Williams, North Carolina’s head coach, has led multiple programs to the Final Four. Young teams often do not win championships (remember the Fab 5?) and that could spell trouble for Ohio State and Texas. UCLA knows how to win (11 titles), it’s in their blood. They could be the most dangerous #2 seed. The last team to repeat as National Champions was Duke in 1992, which spells more bad news for Florida.

Rule 10 – When in doubt, trust your gut – This year’s tournament is one of the more difficult brackets in recent memory. There are many games that could really go either way. If you think about it too much, you’ll go crazy. Don’t read too much into the comments from the experts (except us) or focus too much on obscure statistics. Sometimes you just have a hunch and you go with it. This can be your saving grace when you have to decide the winner of your UCLA versus Kansas match-up in the Elite Eight, or your North Carolina versus Texas Sweet Sixteen game. Trust your instincts, they’ll serve you well.


If you are starving for more information, here are some helpful links that could be great benefit to you in your search to bring home the big money this tournament season:
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/index
http://teamrankings.com/ncbt/index.php
http://www.bostonsportshub.com/madness.htm

Get a bracket here
http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/mens/brackets/viewable/2007












Good Luck!

2007 NFL Draft: Rating the O-Line Prospects

This is time of the year when every NFL fan gets excited talking about who their favorite NFL team will select in the upcoming draft. The exception, of course, is when your team is in the market for an upgrade to their offensive line. A beefy left tackle, who might be an offspring of Shrek, may not be the sexiest pick, but he could be the secret to turning your team into a Super Bowl contender.

Here’s a look at 10 offensive linemen who can help your quarterback spend more time on the field and less time with the trainers in 2007.

Joe Thomas, T, Wisconsin – The consensus stud of this year’s linemen, Thomas will find a home in the top 5 picks. Thomas is 6’6” 310lbs and has a frame capable of carrying some additional weight. He ran a sub-5.0 40 yard dash at the combine and showed decent strength (28 reps). I question whether Thomas has the mean streak to dominate immediately at the pro level, but he certainly has the skill set. Expect Joe to take a year or two to completely grasp life in the pros, but he’ll be an elite tackle from that point forward.

Levi Brown, T, Penn State – Brown has bounced around on draft boards for the past few months. He has gone from being considered in the same class as Joe Thomas, to being a mid-to-late first round pick. Levi is one of the more sizeable prospects on our list, checking in at 6'6" 323lbs. He was a starting left tackle for all four of his seasons with the Nittany Lions, and is clearly the second best talent among the linemen. Brown was dominate in college, but didn’t blow people away with his combine performance (5.39 40yd, 31 reps). He’s got to have a strong pro day to move back into the top 10 on everyone’s board.

Ryan Kalil, C, USC – Kalil also ran a sub-5.0 at the combine and did more bench reps (34) than both Thomas and Brown. He was the centerpiece of the offensive line that has allowed both Matt Leinart and John David Booty to put up gaudy numbers at USC. Kalil could be a top 15 talent, but will probably not find a home until the late first round because teams generally do not put a premium on the center position. Regardless of where he is drafted, Kalil could become the league’s first truly dominant center since Dermonti Dawson.

Justin Blalock, G/T, Texas – Blalock has experience playing both guard and tackle positions at the collegiate level. He ran a 5.1 40 yard dash at the combine and did a whopping 40 reps on the bench. Blalock doesn’t shy away from challengers and has a fairly imposing frame (6’3” 330lbs). He could be a starter from Day 1 in the NFL and could easily find himself among the league's elite in a short period of time. Expect to see Blalock find a home anywhere from Buffalo (12th pick) to Dallas (22nd pick) or any city in-between.

Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn – Grubbs isn’t blowing up anyone’s draft board, but he is the number one guard this year, as he has helped to pave the way for the signature ground attack of the Tigers for the past few seasons. Grubbs turned in a combine workout on par with Levi Brown’s. He lacks the type of bulk most teams look for (at a little over 300lbs), but he’s got good quickness and strength. He may find a home at the end of round one in Chicago, but if he doesn’t, expect Cleveland and Houston to take a hard look at him early in round two.

Tony Ugoh, T, Arkansas – Ugoh is another tall lineman (6’5” 305lbs) who could stand to put on a few extra pounds to prepare for the next level. Ugoh ran a decent 40 at the combine and displayed good strength. There are a few questions about his toughness and competitiveness, but few doubt that he is talented. He will be a solid starter for the team that selects him and could develop into a Pro Bowl tackle under the right tutelage.

Joe Staley, T, Central Michigan – Staley may come from a smaller school, but he’s got a game to match up with the big boys. If he was from a better known school, he may have been a first round prospect. Staley has excellent speed for a big man, and could be considered a slightly slimmer Joe Thomas. He has adequate strength, but probably won’t ever be called a “mauler.” Another advantage was the fact that he spent practices going up against an outstanding pass-rusher in Dan Bazuin (2005 MAC Defensive Player of the Year) the past few seasons. Staley could be one of the gems of this year’s draft.

Doug Free, T, Northern Illinois – Doug Free is another small school prospect who could flourish at the next level. Free paved the way for Garrett Wolfe’s amazing career at Northern Illinois. He ran a decent 40 at the combine but struggled a little on the bench (22 reps). Free is yet another lineman in this class who could use some extra weight, but not at the cost of his agility. He moves well for his size and is good at getting to the second level while run blocking. Expect him to be taken in the mid-to-late second round and to be a starter after a year or two of apprenticeship under an aging veteran.

Arron Sears, G, Tennessee – Sears would be a good fit for any NFL team after coming from a program that is known for it’s balanced attack. Sears can run block and pass block. He is also versatile, having spent time at four of the five offensive line positions. Sears didn’t run at the combine and showed only average strength. He could be a third round selection at this point, but a strong pro day could vault him into the mid-second round. He could use a year to get adjusted to the pro game, but should be a solid starter after that time.

Ryan Harris, T, Notre Dame – This list wouldn’t be complete without another 6’5” prospect teetering right around the 300lb marker. Harris ran a decent 40, but didn’t impress with his strength. His play on the field has scouts intrigued and he could find himself in the NFL anywhere between round two and four. Harris has good hands and could develop into a starter at the next level, with the potential to be even better.

Sleeper Selection:
Manuel Ramirez, G, Texas Tech – Ramirez is a sizeable prospect (6’2” 335lbs) with a mean streak to go with it. He put up 40 reps on the bench at the combine and could develop into a solid NFL player. Questions about his agility could cause him to be only a serviceable backup in the NFL, but if he answers them prior to the draft, he could be a real find for any number of teams.


Now that we’re done with the “Big Uglies” up front, stop back next week for the sleeker, faster models when I’ll let you know which wide receivers are going to be breaking games open next season.