The Most Pivotal Week in D.C. Sports History

Three Franchises Make Decisions That Could Change Their Future Forever

I've made no bones about it and I've made no attempts to hide it - I'm biased when it comes to D.C. sports. Sometimes I go to sleep wondering if I'll ever see a championship team in D.C. (and no D.C. United does not count). Last night was one of those nights. The Wizards had just announced that Ernie Grunfeld was coming back as GM and the reaction from not only me, but the majority of the fan base was...let's just say unfavorable.

Guess who's back..

But this got me thinking...Is this the most pivotal week in D.C. sports history (well as long as I have been living)?
Recent events and pending future events prove me right.

The Wizards

As mentioned before, the Wizards are bringing back Ernie Grunfeld to become the GM of the Wizards. From the Wizards' point of view, there are two main justifications for this: 

back again...

1. Grunfeld has shipped out bad contracts for expiring ones and has placed the team in a good position to sign free agents.
2. He's sticking to owner Ted Leonsis' plan and since Leonsis is the boss, Grunfeld gets another shot.

But I ask, do you really want the guy who drafted Oleksiy Pecherov, Nick Young, and Javale McGee to make the selection in a draft that would add another prime piece for the team's future? Do you really want the guy who signed Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Andray Blatche to ridiculous extensions when it was clear the team was not going past the second round of the playoffs? Do you want the guy who traded Caron Butler, the most financially reasonable of the big three, along with starters Brendan Haywood, and Deshawn Stevenson for cents on the dollar making even bigger decisions regarding the team's personnel? Do you want the guy who traded the #5 overall pick in a LOADED NBA Draft for Mike Miller and Randy Foye (that pick ended up being Ricky Rubio btw) having to do anything with your franchise? The answer is no.

Grunfeld's back..

Sure, Grunfeld wasn't all bad. He did bring four consecutive playoff seasons to a team that had not seen sustained playoff success since the late 1970's and early 1980's. He has also cleaned up the mess that he created: trading Jamison to Cleveland for the big expiring contract of Zydraunas Ilgauskas, trading Gilbert Arenas to the Magic for the slightly less harder to swallow contract in Rashard Lewis, trading Kirk Hinrich to the Hawks for Jordan Crawford and another first round draft pick and acquiring multiple first round draft picks and drafting Kevin Seraphin, Jan Vesely, and others. He also got rid of laughing stocks Javale McGee and Nick Young for Nene Hilario. Let's also not forget, Grunfeld did take John Wall with the first overall pick - at least, he didn't screw that up.

The logic is simple. If you invited me over to your house for dinner and fed me a very nice vegetarian meal (yes, make your jokes later) and then I proceeded to relieve my colon on your kitchen floor, then cleaned it up, would you invite me back? That's exactly what the Wizards are doing.

During a week when two other franchises have the ability to make strides in the right direction, the Wizards have completely screwed up and have zapped the energy out of whatever fan base they have left. The fan base is tired, TIRED of the losing. Attendance at games are embarrassing. Wizard fans have to be worried about John Wall skipping town when his contract is up. I'm pretty sure playing with offensive stalwarts like Jordan Crawford and Chris Singleton does not excited John Wall. The John Wall watch is on and not for good reason.

kill me now..

When I emailed Ted Leonsis' and asked why Grunfeld was brought back, his answer was very succinct: "Because he has executed what I asked--ahead of schedule. And on budget. ted" Unbelievable. Apparently a $6.7 million dollar house in Nantucket is on budget as well. In addition, I don't know what schedule he is talking about. Maybe, the Wizards will contend when my head is laid to the ground for good?

The Capitals

The other half of Ted Leonsis' sports' ownership, the Washington Capitals have a Game 7 in which they take on the Boston Bruins in Boston. The series has been tough, with all games being one goal games, and three overtime games. If the Capitals win, it could do a lot more for the team than just advancing to the second round. 

Semin - playoff hero or inconsistent player?

The psychology of the team could be changed. For the last several seasons, the Capitals have been the warriors of the regular season and the damsels of the playoffs combining early exits with uninspired performances. Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Mike Green, and Nicklas Backstrom - the big four around who this team has been built - have a chance to rewrite history. A win could vault them into contending for the Cup this year. With the insane goaltending of Braden Holtby, there is a very good chance the Caps could stonewall the Bruins, but if the Caps lose, there could be major changes coming for the team if Leonsis wants them. 

Is Mike Green worth bringing back?

Leonsis has been an owner in both basketball (as you saw above) and in hockey who has been reluctant to make changes. An early round exit could force his hand  and cause him to can GM George McPhee. GMGM hasn't been as bad as his Wizards' counterpart as he has actually tried to make the team better, but it might be time for a culture change. The teams' top guns HAVE to come to play tomorrow and a blowout of the Bruins would be monumental for this team's psyche and confidence. Also, can someone please tell me how Dennis Wideman keeps getting playing time in this damn series?

The Redskins

This is it. Everything Redskins fans have been waiting for all comes down to Thursday night when the Redskins will draft Robert Griffin III. It's time to win and it's time to win now. There is absolutely no incentive to lose as the Rams have all the Skins' first round picks for the next two years.

It's make or break for Shanahan.

For all the slack Daniel Snyder gets as owner of the Redskins, it seems like he has finally turned the corner and handed over all football decisions to Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan. This is Shanahan's make or break here. If the Redskins don't win 8 or more games, his job is on the line and for good reason. It's time to improve and it's time to put Griffin in the best position to succeed. If Shanahan is as good as he says he is, his offensive genius will come through and the Redskins' offense should be above average in 2012. With a defense that seems like it will be a very good one, the Redskins could contend in the NFC East. It's time D.C. and this is the week that decides it all. 

The savior has arrived.

The Phillip Thomas Interview - Discusses Redskins, Luck vs. RGIII, and Possible Baseball Career

When newerascouting.com's Scott Porter called me right before our interview with Phillip Thomas, he said "Phillip will talk about anything." Being the skeptic that I am, I laughed at that and just chalked that up to Scott's excitement over Thomas' playing skills. I was wrong...very very wrong.

Phillip Thomas literally talked about anything and everything with us - from his draft preparation back home in Miami, his immense desire to play for the Redskins, his Major League baseball prospects, his year-long suspension during his junior season at Syracuse, and even who he thought was better between Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. At the end of the interview, I felt like I knew Thomas a lot more than just a player, but more importantly as a quality individual.

Here is the link to the interview: The Phillip Thomas Interview
(Apologize for the choppyness..I suck)

Phillip Thomas (1) in a game against Cincinatti

Why the Browns need to and will pick Justin Blackmon with the #4 overall pick

I recently read an article on Bleacher Report about how the Browns need to draft Trent Richardson (Why the Browns need to pick Trent Richardson) by my good friend Gordie Gold. As much as I like Gordie (I tutored the damn kid in Chemistry) and his mom's Tollhouse cookies, I have to disagree. A lot.

Justin Blackmon needs to be the pick for the Browns. If he's not, Cleveland might burn down...again and for the first time since Lebron's departure.

The Browns had the 29th overall offense in the NFL in the 2011-2012 season, the 24th ranked passing attack, and the 28th ranked rushing attack. So why Blackmon?

Justin Blackmon is by consensus, the #1 WR in this draft.

The fact is Colt McCoy, like it or not, is not a franchise quarterback. But are the Browns really going to use the 6th overall pick on Ryan Tannehill, a former wide receiver who started playing quarterback late in his career at Texas A&M? No. Not with their offense having such gaping holes like Montario Hardesty as their starting running back and Mohammed Massaquoi, Greg Little, and Josh Cribbs as their top three wide receivers.

Those names don't strike fear into anyone, but by all accounts, adding Blackmon will. I am not that big of a fan of Blackmon, but he adds a dimension to the Browns' offense that they have never seen: an explosive wide receiver who can catch. Cribbs is an explosive player when he has the ball in his hands, but holding on to the ball has always been a problem for him. Blackmon gives McCoy or whoever else is under center in 2012 a sure-fire option, both on intermediate and long routes.

The Browns already lost out on the RGIII sweepstakes to the Redskins and Mike Holmgren explained it away to his season ticket holders by blaming that on the friendly relationship between Jeff Fisher and Mike Shanahan. The Browns need someone not only to sell tickets, but also to help them win. Sure, Richardson does that, but is a RB really worth a Top 5 pick in today's NFL unless his name is Adrian Peterson? No.

Lamar Miller looked awfully impressive at the NFL Combine.

More teams have gone toward a running-back-by-committee approach, in an attempt to lessen the wear and tear on their horses. As Gold mentions, the Brown have another first round pick - #22 overall and you know who will be available there? Lamar Miller, the running back from Miami, who has blazing speed and will also help McCoy with dump-offs and screen passes. If the NFL playoffs showed us anything last year, it's that you need a good quarterback and good weapons around him to succeed. Very few teams in the playoffs had a dominant #1 running back, but nearly all of them had great receiving options. It's not worth it to pick Richardson at #4 and to take a gamble on "lesser" wide receivers like Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech or Michael Floyd from Notre Dame.

Besides, there is a decent enough possibility that Richardson falls into the mid-to-late-teens. He's not a surefire prospect and there have been rumblings about him slipping. It's not entirely unlikely to think of the Browns trading up from #22 and #37 to grab Richardson. But at #4? Not a chance.

In addition, I will go on record right now to state my Top 5 picks for the NFL Draft. This will not change and I fully expect this to happen:

1. Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford - Don't buy Irsay's smokescreen. He loves the media and no way in hell he takes Griffin.
2. Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor - Done deal. Griffin turned down the Colts and seems to be in love with the idea of playing in Shanahan system.
3. Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC - The best OT since Joe Thomas is not going past Minnesota. Ponder needs protection and lots of it.
4. Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State - See above.
5. Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU - Don't pay attention to his recent Wonderlic score. In a study conducted by Towson University, defensive backs who got lower Wonderlic scores actually perform better than their higher scoring counterparts.

Tell me if that Wonderlic score is really going to affect this..

Kentucky is great, but can they beat the Wizards?

Kentucky is a great team - best team in a really long time in college basketball. But can they beat the Wizards or any other NBA team? No.

Anthony Davis' brow is a beast

And this is why. Here are the stats of the last collegiate season for each member of the Wizards:

Trevor Booker, Clemson - 15.2 ppg 8.4 rpg 2.5 apg
Brian Cook, Illinois - 20.0 ppg 7.6 rpg 2.0 apg
Jordan Crawford, Xavier - 20.5 ppg 4.7 rpg 2.9 apg
Maurice Evans, Texas - 15.6 ppg 5.3 rpg 1.6 apg
Shelvin Mack, Butler - 16.0 ppg 4.5 rpg 3.4 apg
Roger Mason Jr, Virginia. - 18.6 ppg 3.2 rpg 4.1 apg
John Wall, Kentucky- 16.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 6.5 apg
Chris Singleton, Florida State - 13.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg ,1.2 apg

And this is not counting Nene Hilario, Kevin Seraphin, Jan Vesely, Rashard Lewis and Andray Blatche (yes I know)

That being said, let's all hope Kentucky wins by more than 6.5 points and Calipari gets his first championship. #TeamCalipari #BBN

Interview with 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulsen - Redskins Beat Reporter and Wings Connoiseur

If you know anything about the Washington D.C. sports landscape, you know who Grant Paulsen is. At a very young age, Paulsen has taken over the media world by storm and has captivated many listeners with his in-depth analysis of the Redskins. He also hosts a show on MLB Network radio discussing the top prospects to come up through the minors. I had the good fortune of interviewing him and here are his answers:

Grant Paulsen hard at work

Q:  What made you want to become a sports journalist/radio personality?

Sports have always been my passion. When I was a kid I would turn down the volume of the games I was watching and fake announce them. After games I would make up pretend questions that I would ask players about the game if I had the chance. Following the local DC teams has always been something I cared a lot about and when I started getting opportunities to cover those teams I realized I wanted to be around the sports scene forever.    
 

Q: Favorite George Mason athlete of all time and why?

Great question. I'd have to say Lamar Butler. He was obviously one of the faces of George Mason's Final 4 run back in 2006, and I'll never forget his 18 points against UNC and 19 points in helping to upset UConn during that magical run. I was a high school senior when Mason went on it's unbelievable March journey, but I already knew I was going to he headed to GMU in the fall so I was going up to Fairfax to watch the games on campus with friends. Butler gets the nod over a couple of the other powerhouse players on that team.
 

Q: How do you think Paul Hewitt has done in replacing Larranaga?

I was very impressed with the job Hewitt did this past season. I was just as upset as everybody else when I found out that Coach L was leaving for Miami, but I think Mason made a quality hire in adding a former longtime-ACC head coach. Hewitt a good basketball coach and he can recruit elite talent. I expect him to have a long, prosperous run at Mason. I liked the track meet style of play he brought to the Patriot Center this past season and I look forward to many points and many wins from the Patriots under his watch in the future.

Q: What's your bigger passion - MLB or Redskins?

This is tough. It's probably more seasonal. I would say football over baseball narrowly, but at different times of the year my answer tends to vary. Come back to me after Opening Day in April and I'll probably tell you baseball.

Q: What do you think happened with the Eddie Royal negotiations?

I think Royal and the Redskins were working on the final details of a contract and other, unexpected teams inquired about his services and he started to play the field a bit. Washington wanted him. He dined with the team's top officials and both sides spent a couple days flirting with one-another but the Chargers ended up giving him what he wanted.

Q: Brandon Merriweather is a Strong Safety and has fallen off after a strong start to his career. Do you think he is just a stopgap or is it possible he plays a larger role in the team's future?

That depends on how he plays this season. He's a 28-year-old who has played in two pro bowls in just five NFL seasons. The number of players who can say that is miniscule. As a former first-round pick, there's no denying his talent. If he's healthy and a schematic fit he can be a difference maker. He showed that in 2008 and 2009 in New England when he posted back-to-back 83 tackle seasons while intercepting nine passes and forcing four fumbles. My guess is that he won't give the Redskins the prolific play he provided the Patriots, but I think he'll be better than he was with the Bears last year, when he lost his starting job and was a reserve after week five.

Q: What other needs do the Redskins have and what names could they be looking at?

The Redskins still need a right tackle. They have interviewed former Buffalo Bills tackle Demetrius Bell. He'd be an interesting fit who could provide depth. I'd be curious to see if they viewed him as an all-downs starter. Obviously, Jammal Brown is under contract so he'd be retained unless Washington finds a better solution. But other than right tackle, free safety is a major need after cutting OJ Atogwe and inside linebacker should be considered a need until London Fletcher is re-signed or another top-starter is added by way of free agency.

Q: Your views on the RG3 trade are well known. How do you think he will perform in his rookie season?

It depends on the supporting cast the Redskins surround him with on offense. Was Andy Dalton a super passer last season or did he have success in Cincinnati because he was protected well (only three NFL quarterbacks were hit less) and because the Bengals could run the football effectively? 

I think Griffin will be able to make plays with his athleticism as early as week-one. He'll make some tremendous throws and he'll make several bad mistakes with the football. Every rookie quarterback does. By the end of the season, though, I fully expect that everybody will understand why the Redskins gave up what they did to get him. He's got an electrifying skillset and a dynamic personality. He's going to be a star in Washington before he ever takes a regular season snap from under center.

Q: When the Redskins start drafting in the 3rd round, do they draft BPA or do they go for a certain position? And if so, what position?

You always draft he best player available, but you should draft that player at a position you need to upgrade. Possible targets in the third round, based on Washington's needs and the way the draft should unfold, are: safety, right tackle, interior offensive line depth, speedy skill position players, linebacker.


Q: Grade Shanahallen's regime so far.

If you're judging him based on his record (11 wins in two seasons) he has not been good enough. I think you have to look at more than just the wins and losses, though. He's rebuilding a team that had very little talent when he showed up. The Redskins have gone from an old, losing team to being a young, losing team. There's a big difference. I like what he's done in putting an emphasis back on the draft (taking 12 players in 2011) and in free agency, by adding players that he deems are fits -- rather than just going after the highest-priced, best players available.

The Most Comprehensive Mock Draft 2.0, Manning, and RGIII

RGIII

RGIII is going to be a Redskins. That is all I have to say. 

CAN'T ****ING WAIT

Manning 

Peyton Manning is not a Colt any more. This is all I'm going to say on this matter (reiterating what I said on my twitter, @darshymania - follow me): Manning's release was inevitable. It sucks for him, sucks for the Colts, and sucks for the city of Indianapolis. I just hope the Redskins aren't dumb enough to throw all their eggs into the basket of a guy who is coming off four neck surgeries...four...four surgeries on his neck..Based on the Redskins' new way of doing things aka the Shanahan way and some rumblings I've heard, Peyton Manning will most likely not come to Washington. Thank god.

(BTW how unfair is it that the Colts get Andrew Luck in April...This is a team that for 14 years enjoyed possibly the best quarterback of all time and now get to enjoy the best prospect since...that very same quarterback. Meanwhile, the Redskins starting quarterback list from Manning's era as a Colt looks something like this: Trent Green, Gus Frerotte, Brad Johnson, Jeff George, Tony Banks, Shane Matthews, Danny Wafflehouse, Patrick Ramsey, Sage Rosenfels, Tim Hasselbeck, Mark Brunell, Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman, and John Beck....)

Bountygate

I find the term "bountygate" to be absolutely asinine and insane. It's also an excuse for the talking heads at the four-letter to summarize the whole situation into one word. If you are a defensive player in the NFL and are not trying to hit your opposition so hard that he fumbles the ball and your team get the ball back, then you should not be in the NFL. Cheap hits are a part of the game...these guys signed up for it. Sure, Gregg Williams might have been a little cuckoo, but tell me one team that hasn't put out a bounty and I'll give up writing.

Fatty Gregg Williams putting out hitties on NFL players..tsk tsk

Now, onto the Mock 2.0, which was done of course with newerascouting.com's Scott Porter. Any picks on which we agreed are represented as one pick. Of course, where there is a difference of opinion, both picks were shown. If you have any questions, either respond to this blog post, or tweet me @darshymania or Scott @BlitzingDog3


Mock 2.0

Round 1

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Obvious. If you don't think this is going to happen, you're an idiot.
 
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Both Scott and I thought that the Redskins would pony up whatever is necessary to get RG3. And they did. The Rams got a great deal and the Redskins did what they have to do. The Skins haven't had a franchise quarterback since Joe Theismann. The Rams fall back to 6 and gather other picks including the Redskins' 2nd round pick and a 1st next year. The Redskins finally find a quarterback that doesn't make people laugh.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC
Kalil is a supreme talent, not only in this draft, but would be in any draft. He's a sure fire bookend tackle in this league for years to come and for Minnesota, the pick makes sense: protecting Christian Ponder and clearing holes for Adrian Peterson to run through.

The best offensive line prospect since Joe Thomas

4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Browns pick Blackmon because I truly believe he is the #1 overall prospect on their draft board. If the Browns really want Griffin, I feel they would have had the pick by now. The Browns have two #1's to offer and a higher pick in each round than the Redskins. I just have a feeling that the Browns are just driving the price of the pick higher and will eventually sit on their picks. This team needs a lot more help than just a quarterback.
 
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
Claiborne is the best cornerback in a draft full of talented ones. He is a very similar talent wise to former teammate Patrick Peterson. Regardless of what Greg Schiano thinks of Aqib Talib, Claiborne is a great addition to that secondary.

6. St. Louis Rams: Riley Rieff, OT, Iowa
The Rams trade out of the 2nd pick and lose out on Kalil and Blackmon and end up picking the second best offensive tackle in the draft. The decision is simple here for the Rams: get Bradford a weapon or keep him upright? In this case, the former Hawkeye prevails.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina
I think Ingram is the best defensive end in the draft without question. As Scott points out, the Jaguars seem to pick a defensive lineman in the first round every year (other than those years when they pick quarterback busts from Missouri) and Ingram has a slight edge over Quinton Coples who goes next.

8. Miami Dolphins: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC
Coples, who might not being the best defensive end in the draft, might be the most athletic. I didn't watch much UNC football, but based on the limited footage of him I saw and the history of North Carolina defensive linemen in the NFL, it's clear that this guy has amazing potential. This pick could also be Ryan Tannehill if the Dolphins don't land Peyton Manning. 

Coples and Ingram are neck and neck for Top DE in this draft

9. Carolina Panthers: Scott - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
                                 Adarsh - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
Floyd would give Cam Newton a great second receiver to pair with Steve Smith. I just feel it's time for Ron Rivera to put his stamp on the Panthers and starts on the defensive line with Poe. That defense was hideous last year and with improvements, could take charge of a suddenly weakening NFC South.
 
10. Buffalo Bills: Scott - Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
                          Adarsh - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Scott has the right idea in that the Bills need to improve their defense. I have to disagree though. While that defense was nothing to write home about, the most important thing for a franchise like the Bills is keeping your franchise quarterback upright. Whether I believe Ryan Fitzpatrick is a franchise quarterback is irrelevant. The Bills clearly do and Jonathan Martin is a very good and of course, smart player like the rest of his colleagues at Stanford.

11. Kansas City Chiefs: Scott - Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford
                                    Adarsh - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Simple. Scott believes that the Chiefs are better off protecting Matt Cassel and I believe it's time for the Chiefs to get new blood in there with Tannehill. Another option here could be Trent Richardson to complement Jamaal Charles who is coming off an injury and Dexter McCluster.

12. Seattle Seahawks: Scott - Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
                                   Adarsh - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
It seems like Scott is copying my pick from the previous selection (haha just kidding...he's going to kill me...). The Seahawks could pick Tannehill if Pete Carroll strikes out in luring a free agent to the great northwest and in trading up for Griffin. Or he could take Brockers or another defensive lineman to help Big Red Bryant and Chris Clemons eat up opposing quarterbacks and running backs.

Tannehill - to the Chiefs or Seahawks?

13. Arizona Cardinals: Scott - David DeCastro, G, Stanford
                                   Adarsh - Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
There could be a lot of Stanford players going in the first round, especially considering those who said Andrew Luck had no talent around him..Despite being an Auburn fan, I just feel Upshaw is too good a value to pass up at #13 and starts immediately for the defensively challenged Arizona Cardinals. 

14. Dallas Cowboys: Scott - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
                                 Adarsh - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
The Cowboys value cornerbacks. It honestly feels like they draft one every year and none of them pan out. Scott likes Jenkins better. I feel Kirkpatrick will be selected higher as he only got busted for weed once (Jenkins has been busted three times...)
 
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Scott - Michael Brockers, DT, LSU
                                    Adarsh - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
Similar to the Cowboys pick, the Eagles have a need at the same position and we disagree on the player. I went with Fletcher Cox who Scott said could go as high as #9 to Carolina. Scott picks Michael Brockers, who I feel is a bit overrated (yet picked him to go to Seattle...)but nonetheless, the Eagles need some help along that defensive line. 

16. New York Jets: Scott - Nick Perry, DE, USC
                               Adarsh - Cordy Glenn, G, Alabama
As Scott mentions, the Jets are a team that have been hard to draft for the past few years. Perry gives the Jets an elite pass rusher, something which they lacked last season. Glenn helps put a band aid on a gaping wound in Mark Sanchez. Trent Richardson could also go here. He's a great value pick here and would make Ladanian Tomlinson expendable. 

17. Cincinnatti Bengals: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
Instead, Richardson goes here. This is the most common sensical pick in the entire draft. The Bengals get to move on from Cedric Benson and a rotation of Richardson and Bernard Scott should hold up.
 
18. San Diego Chargers: Scott - Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis
                                      Adarsh - Nick Perry, DE, USC
The Chargers HAVE to make the playoffs in the 2012-2013 season. That starts with getting the defense some playmakers. Poe and Perry are both solid choices. I just feel Perry would be a better fit in San Diego and would give the Chargers a playmaker they have lacked since Shawne Merriman's prime.

Oh my Poe...

19. Chicago Bears: Scott - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
                              Adarsh - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech 
 Jay Cutler deserves an offensive lineman like Mike Adams, but he also deserves someone to throw to. After losing superstar WR Sam Hurd to unfortunate circumstances (I keed), Stephen Hill would give Cutler a potential superstar receiver. Of course this could change if the Bears land Vincent Jackson, which is a very real possibility. 
 
20. Tennessee Titans: Scott - Whitney Mercilis, DE, Illinois
                                  Adarsh - Peter Konz, OT, Wisconsin
After contemplating this for a while, it seems like Scott's pick makes more sense for the Titans. Mercilis has been shooting up draft boards and looks to be a very solid defensive end on the next level. However, Munchak could go with an offensive lineman to protect Locker and give CJ2K some holes to run through and prevent his fantasy owner-maddening slow start again. 
 
21. Cincinnatti Bengals: Scott - Mark Barron, S, Alabama
                                    Adarsh - Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama
After losing Jonathan Joseph in free agency last year, the Bengals desperately need help in the secondary. Barron is the best safety in this draft, but he's nowhere near top safeties in previous drafts ala Eric Berry. Barron would be a great value at this pick, but so would Jenkins. Jenkins is possibly the most talented cornerback in this draft, but has some valid character concerns, but hey if he's a Bengal, who cares?
 
22. Cleveland Browns: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Lamar Miller's 40 yard dash has guaranteed himself a spot in the first round. The Browns pick up Miller and Blackmon in the first round for their quarterback next season - whether it be Colt McCoy or Matt Flynn or God knows who. 
 
23. Detroit Lions: Scott - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
                           Adarsh - Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
Detroit need someone in the secondary and both Kirkpatrick and Gilmore make sense. I'm not that high on Gilmore, but since I have other corners going higher, the Lions are forced to reach a little for Gilmore. 

Dre Kirkpatricks' draft prospects make him dance

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Scott - Cordy Glenn, G, Alabama
                                    Adarsh - Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama
I think Donta Hightower is a lock to go to the Steelers. He just seems to fit the mold of the typical Pittsburgh linebackers. Cordy Glenn makes a world of sense too, especially given the Steelers' terrible offensive line and Big Ben's injury troubles.

25. Denver Broncos: Scott - Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
                                 Adarsh - Devon Still, DT, Penn State
I hate Devon Still as a player. Do I think he's a first round talent? No. But is he going to go in the first round? Very likely. I'm going to trust Scott's Bronco fandom on this one. Kuechly will give the Broncos a field general next to Von Miller and make that defense even better. 
 
26. Houston Texans: Scott - Reuben Randle, WR, LSU
                                 Adarsh - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
The Texans' main need is a WR across from Andre Johnson. I'm not that high on Randle and I think Jeffery could be the steal of his draft. 
 
27. New England Patriots - Scott: Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
                                           Adarsh: David DeCastro, G, Stanford
While it's highly unlikely that DeCastro falls this far, he's a perfect Belichek value pick. The Gilmore pick is a lot more likely as the Patriots' defense was some ishhh last season.
  
28. Green Bay Packers - Scott: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson
                                       Adarsh: Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall
After a disappointing end to the season, the Packers retool on defense and add a playmaking pass rusher next to Clay Matthews. I feel Curry has more potential to be an explosive pass rusher, while 
 Scott feels otherwise. Just that simple.

I have Curry going in the first round, while Scott has him going in the second

29. Baltimore Ravens - Scott: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
                                    Adarsh: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College 
Both these picks make sense for the Ravens. Birk coming back last year might have saved the Ravens season from collapsing, but he's no spring chicken. Konz is an immediate starter at center for "franchise quarterback" Joe Flacco. Kuechly could end up replacing Ray Lewis whenever he retires or he could supplant Jameel McClain.

30. San Francisco 49ers - Scott: Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
                                         Adarsh: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
While offensive line is a certain possibility here, getting targets for Alex Smith/Peyton Manning is definitely a priority. Fleener would become the second tight end in the offense following the league wide trend. Jeffery is also a very good option here as Michael Crabtree hasn't exactly set the world on fire since he was drafted.

31. New England Patriots - Scott: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State
                                           Adarsh: Mark Barron, S, Alabama
Cox would switch to defensive end in the 3-4 and Barron would continue to revamp the Patriots secondary.

32. New York Giants - Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina
Leave it to the Giants to make a strength an even bigger strength by drafting Brown. Brown adds some versatility to that defense in a division, which suddenly has four elite quarterbacks.

Brown joined with Coples on the UNC defense

Round 2 (These are Scott's picks. I'm too lazy to do another round...right now)

33. Rams - Devon Still, DT, Penn State
34. Colts - Alonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
35. Vikings - Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State
36. Buccaneers - David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
37. Browns - Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida
38. Jaguars - Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
39. Rams - Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
40. Panthers - Jerrell Worthy, DT, Michigan State
41. Bills - Zebrie Sanders, OT, FSU
42. Seahawks - Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska
43. Chiefs - Alamade Ta'amu, DT, Washington
44. Cowboys - James Brown, OL, Troy
45. Eagles - Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama
46. Jets - Kelechi, Osemele, G, Iowa State
47. Patriots - Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
48. Chargers - Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
49. Bears - Orson Charles, TE, Georgia
50. Eagles - Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State
51. Titans - Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
52. Bengals - Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia
53. Lions - Brandon Worthington, OG, Miami
54. Falcons - Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford
55. Steelers - Brandon Thompson, NT, Clemson
56. Broncos - Doug Martin, RB, Boise State
57. Texans - Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska
58. Saints - Vinny Curry, OLB, Marshall
59. Packers - Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma
60. Ravens - Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia
61. 49ers - Chase Minnfield, CB, Virginia
62. Patriots - Chandler Jones, OLB, Syracuse
63. Giants - Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

The Rob Golden Interview: Golden discusses the NFL Draft and the end of the Mike Stoops Era

After interviewing Rob Golden, the former University of Arizona defensive back, with Scott Porter of www.newerascouting.com, I was blown away - not only because of how grounded Golden was, but also because of his knowledge of the game.

Here's the link for the interview: http://www.mediafire.com/?t5putjfk8uywsu5.

Once again, just bear with us as these interviews become better over time.

Golden is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft.

The Cameron Chism Interview: Chism Discusses the Draft and Maryland Football

Last week, Scott Porter of www.newerascouting.com and I interviewed former Maryland CB Cameron Chism. The audio link is here:

Cameron Chism Interview

Scott has interviewed many athletes and has much more experience than I do. The interview was done over the phone. I am also an awkward and nervous wreck so cut me some slack. Just give your boy some love.

Chism is a physical corner, who joins the long list of MD corners in the NFL

2012 NFL Draft Talk with New Era Scouting's Scott Porter

2012 NFL Draft Preview - Part I

Beginning with today's Daily Darsh, I'll be taking a closer look at the 2012 NFL Draft with Scott Porter of newerascouting.com. Scott is a former Iowa Hawkeye and an avid fan of the Denver Tebows. He is also a fan of the Portland Trail Blazers, but we are unsure whether he is well endowed like Greg Oden. More importantly, he knows what the hell he's talking about.


First, Scott did an early mock of the top 15 picks in the first round. I just felt like adding some useless comments to feel important. Remember that all underclassmen have not declared yet (Damn you Matt Barkley)

2012 NFL MOCK DRAFT 1.0 - 1/8/12   

1. Colts- Andrew Luck QB, Stanford. Luck is a franchise QB that is way too good to pass on. Manning is coming off an injury at his age and is due a big roster bonus. It will be interesting to see if they keep him around. Luck is the pick either way.

My comments: No argument here. Can’t see Irsay passing on Luck.

Luck vs. Griffin could heat up as we get closer to draft day.

2.  Redskins (from Rams) – Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor. Redskins will give up a lot to get Griffin. They have a huge void at QB and Griffin's value is rising each day.

My comments: As I’ve said before, I’d give up everything to get Luck or Griffin. This is great for the Redskins and the Rams have to be happy as they get more picks to fill their multiple holes.

Matt Kalil is the top offensive lineman in the draft.

3. Vikings- Matt Kalil OT, USC. The Vikings' offense really struggled in the passing department for much of the season. Ponder has shown flashes and Percy Harvin ended the season very well. They need to get their young QB some help on the OL to give him more time to throw the ball down the field.

My comments: Matt Kalil is without a doubt the best offensive lineman in the draft, but I feel the depth is there at tackle in this draft where the Vikings can address a bigger need at #3 overall – the secondary. Morris Claiborne could be the pick here.

4. Browns- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama- Cleveland will try hard to move down in this slot. Richardson is a rare RB with size and speed. Hillis coming off an injury riddled season makes you wonder if he is still in the Browns plans.

My comments: The Browns will either try really hard to move down or to move up to get one of the top quarterbacks. I’m not a huge fan of Richardson, but the Browns definitely need to replace Peyton Hillis. 

5. Buccaneers- Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU- Claiborne has great size and speed. Ronde Barber is likely done and if anything, he probably has one year left. Aqib Talib cannot stay out of trouble. The Buccaneers defensewas terrible this year and they have a young DL.

My comments: I can’t disagree here. The Buccaneers are just bad all around and the fans need something to excite them, especially with rumors of the Buccaneers going after retreads Mike Sherman, Brad Childress, and according to Chris Mortensen, possibly Marty Schottenheimer.

6. Rams- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State- The Rams have needs all over the field, but they need a playmaker at the WR spot in the worst way. The Rams drafted Greg Salas and Austin Pettis last year but they need that one go to guy for Sam Bradford.

 

My comments: This is the best case scenario for the Rams. However, there is a chance Blackmon is snapped up by a team before the Rams’ pick..i.e. the Browns.

Can Alshon Jeffrey leapfrog Justin Blackmon?

7. Jaguars- Alshon Jeffrey WR, South Carolina. The Jags need a weapon for Gabbert. They have the NFL's leading rusher and a young OL. It seems they take a WR every year pretty early in the draft. Time to take care of this position for a change and then focus on suring up the defense.
   

My comments: I’m higher on Jeffrey than I am on Blackmon. This is a great pick for Jacksonville as Gabbert needs help in the worst way possible…that is if Gabbert is the man in Jacksonville. He’ll start next season, but if he doesn’t show significant progress, it could be safe to say that the Jaguars whiffed on the former Mizzou Tiger. 

8. Dolphins- Devon Still, DL, Penn State- So far Jared Odrick has been a bust. Randy Starks is coming off a very good season but Miami is looking for a dependable DL. A trade down is very possible. Some team could move to grab an offensive lineman for value here.

My comments: I could see the Dolphins reaching for Ryan Tannehill to groom him behind Matt Moore. 

9. Panthers – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama - Kirkpatrick has very good speed and size. He is still a bit raw but he has all the tools in the world. Carolina may lose Chris Gamble this offseason. Either way they need another young cornerback to help slow down opposing teams passing game.

My comments: Out of all the Alabama players, I feel Kirkpatrick has the most potential. The Panthers defense’ has to be the priority now in Carolina as the offense seems to be in more than capable hands with Kirkpatricks’s former rival Cam Newton. 

10. Bills- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa- The Bills appear to be a team that really wants to air the ball out. Bringing back Fred Jackson will help the offense a lot. They need their franchise OT. Reiff is a guy they can build around as they look for their franchise QB.

 

My comments: Do the Bills have any other choice but to draft an offensive lineman for Ryan Fitzpatrick? I truly feel bad for the Bills because I think we all saw this season that Fitzpatrick is not the franchise quarterback they paid him to be. 

Maybe Romeo can play offensive lie for the Chiefs.

11. Chiefs- Jonathan Martin , OT, Stanford- Kansas City is still trying to fix that OL up. Branden Albert hasn't lived up to his hype. Martin can come in and play right away.


My comments:  On the verge of making, Romeo Crennel permanent head coach, I see the Chiefs going with a defensive player in the first round  – maybe Quinton Coples from UNC. Tyson Jackson hasn’t done anything in his time in the pros. 

12. Seahawks - Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama. The Seahawks gave up on bust Aaron Curry. They are hoping Upshaw proves to be the player they thought Curry could be.

My comments: I have a feeling I’m not going to really enjoy this draft – too many Alabama players.  I could see the Seahawks going with Michael Floyd, reuniting him with Golden Tate, to get Tarvaris Jackson (still the worst quarterback in the NFL) more help. 

13. Cardinals- Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. The Cardinals passing game really struggled this year largely in part because they have no other options opposite Fitzgerald. We do not know what the future of Kevin Kolb is in Arizona but it is obvious they need another WR there. We all saw what Fitzgerald could do when he had Boldin along side of him.

My comments: With Todd Haley possibly being rehired as the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, I can’t really disagree here.

14. Cowboys- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska. The Cowboys need secondary help in the worst way. Look for them to move Mike Jenkins to S and draft Dennard here.

My comments: It seems like the Cowboys draft a corner in the first round every year. 

Dennard would be the 300th CB draftd by the Cowboys in the first round

15. Eagles- Vontaze Burfict- Eagles have been looking for a steady ILB for years now. Burficit can be that 12 year player that fills a need for them. He has a ton of talent but his character could slide him a bit. This would be the perfect place for him and the perfect situation.

My comments: The most glaring weakness of the “Dream Team” was the linebacking core. Burfict would really help Stewart Bradley along in Philly. 

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Five Players who could rise into the first round over the next several months.


1. Chris Polk RB ,Washington: Polk continues to rise up boards. He shows great vision and speed. He also illustrates the ability to break tackles and keep a play going. With teams looking for two RB's don't be surprised if he runs a nice 40 and sneaks into the late part of Round 1.

Chris Polk is an unknown on the national scale due to playing at Washington.

2. Donta Hightower LB, Alabama: I am really surprised this guy doesn't get more draft attention. He has been very solid for Alabama the past two years. I think his stock will continue to climb. I would almost be surprised if when all is said and done he doesn't go top 20. Right now I see a lot of people still have him in round 2.

3. Ryan Tannehill QB, Texas A&M: Everyone expected this to be a very heavy QB class early on. With Jones and Barkley staying that opens it up for a guy like Ryan Tannaehill to climb into round 1 much like Christian Ponder did last year. There are a ton of teams needing QB.

Tannehill, a former WR, has the tools to be a dual threat in the pros.

4.  Jayron Hosley CB, Virginia Tech: Most people have Hosley as a 2nd rounder right now. His play making skills and ability to be a dymanic return men make him a possibility late in round 1.

5. Kendall Wright WR, Baylor: Wright had a termendous year. I expect another WR to climb into the late 1 stage. Possible that it could be Wright or Rutgers WR Mohammed Sanu. Both should work out well. Wright is coming off of an incredible season. He could come in and play the slot for a team looking to add a weapon on offense late in the first round and eventually take over as a possible #1 or #2 WR.

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Finally, the Top 5 draft prospects in tomorrow's National Championship game between LSU and Alabama.


1. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU: Claiborne has the ability to be an elite CB in the NFL for many years.

2. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: They say RB's are a dime a dozen in the NFL, but Richardson is at a different level. His size, speed and vision at the RB position doesn't come around every year.

Trent Richardson follows Mark Ingram's footsteps.

3. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama: Dre is a bit raw still but has all the physical tools to be a #1 franchise CB in the NFL.

4. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama: Upshaw has been very dependable the last two seasons. He looks to be the next in line of great LB's to come from a Nick Saban coached team.

Upshawn, along with Hightower lead the Tide defense.

5. Donta Hightower, LB, Alabama: Expect his stock to keep climbing. He supports the run and pass well and has proven he can make plays on the football.

Jason Kidd got RICKY RUBIOED!