Talking Points

Here is the link to my latest column for It's Just Sports on Mlive.com. We love discussion in the It's Just Sports comment section, so create a user-ID for Mlive.com and let me know what you think.

Talking Points: Did Michigan make the Big Ten Conference look bad and figure skating commentators are manly men

http://blog.mlive.com/its-just-sports/2010/02/talking_points_did_michigan_ma.html

Pre-Combine NFL Mock Draft

Here is my Pre-NFL Combine Mock Draft, which will be followed by a Post-NFL Combine Mock Draft and a Final Mock on draft day.

This is not a mock draft where I attempt play general manager and substitute my own judgment for the 32 NFL teams. I do my best to research what particular players or positions each team may be targeting by searching the internet, listening to Sirius NFL Radio, and watching shows like NFL Total Access/NFL Live for reliable tips from beat writers and NFL insiders. When possible I try to provide links and analysis as to why I think a particular player may end up going to the team that I have him slotted to.

Keep in mind that my Pre-NFL Combine Mock Draft is just a starting point. I will supplement these selections as more accurate insider information becomes available following free agency and the NFL Combine/Pro Day workouts.

My mock has been linked by The Football Fan Spot in their NFL Mock Draft Database as one of their "premium mock drafts;" at DC Pro Sports Report in their NFL Mock Draft Database as a "top shelf" mock; and a variation has been published at It's Just Sports on Mlive.com. I'd like to thank them all for their support, so click the hyperlinks to check out their draft and sports related content.

1. St. Louis Rams – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: There are rumors from people like ESPN NFL insider John Clayton that the temptation for the Rams is to go with a quarterback to justify the money slotted to the No. 1 pick, but for now the highest rated player in the draft prevails.
http://www.stlouisrams.com/blog/

2. Detroit Lions – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: If the Lions can’t trade down they will take either Suh or McCoy.
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2010/02/lions_jim_schwartz_extra_draft.html

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Eric Berry, S, Tennessee: Tampa Bay would love to see St. Louis draft quarterback so one of the defensive tackles falls to them. Assuming that does not happen, the Buccaneers will still have many needs. Taking the highest ranked player on the board makes sense. Berry seems poised to become the NFL’s next elite playmaking safety.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/bucs/2010/02/espn-draft-guru-kiper-sticking-with-s-berry-for-bucs.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Ftampabaycom%2Fblogs%2Fbucs+%28Bucs+Beat+%7C+tampabay.com%29

4. Washington Redskins – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma: Mike Shanahan is looking for a versatile quarterback to run his version of the west coast offense. ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen says Bradford is Washington’s guy if his shoulder is structurally sound.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/mike-shanahan/redskins-first-question-center.html?wprss=redskinsinsider

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: The offensive line is clearly Kansas City's biggest need. A left tackle like Okung would give the Chiefs the flexibility to move Brandon Albert to guard in order to solidify the left side of the line, or they could move Albert to right tackle where he would serve as an ideal bookend.
http://www.kansascity.com/2010/02/23/1769347/chiefs-can-go-for-offense-with.html

6. Seattle Seahawks – Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: The Seahawks, who are in need of a quarterback, an offensive tackle and an edge pass rusher, are hoping to use their second pick in the first round at No. 14 to trade down to a spot where they can still draft one of the offensive tackles and acquire an extra pick somewhere in rounds 2-4.
http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/archives/194847.asp?source=rss

7. Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB, Florida: The Browns have many needs, but a lockdown corner tops their list.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/346655-2010-nfl-featured-columnist-mock-draft-the-browns-take

8. Oakland Raiders – Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: NFL Network insider Mike Mayock correctly predicted that the Raiders would reach for Darrius Heyward-Bey in last year’s draft. This year he sees Oakland taking the best available offensive tackle. With nobody truly knowing what Oakland is thinking, I'm inclined to trust whatever insight Mayock has with the Raiders organization.
http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2010/02/23/mayock-on-raiders/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+iba_raiders+%28Inside+The+Oakland+Raiders%29

9. Buffalo Bills – Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: Buffalo desperately needs a left tackle who is ready to play at the NFL level, and Iowa is well known for grooming technically sound linemen under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2010/01/28/another-mock-gives-bills-qb/

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: With the Jaguars defense only sacking the quarterback 14 times last season, they need a big time pass rusher. Tim Tebow is rumored to be in the cards with Jacksonville’s owner having hinted he’d like to have the former Gator quarterback to help with ticket sales, but he'd still be a reach even in the second round.
http://jacksonville.com/sports/football/jaguars/2010-02-24/story/jaguars_at_the_nfl_combine_pass_rusher_wantedeutm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+jacksonville%2FksHE+%28Jacksonville+Jaguars+%2B+Jaguars+News+-+Jacksonville.com+and+The+Florida+Times-Union%29

11. Denver Broncos (From Chicago) – Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: With Brandon Marshall on his way out of Denver, the Broncos need to trade him for another first round pick and draft his replacement.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14236219?source=ARK_news

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: Miami is in need of a true nose tackle, and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah seems to think that Williams is going to go to Miami.
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2010/02/2010-nfl-mock-draft-pre-combine-edition.html

13. San Francisco 49’ers – Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama: I’ve heard many rumors on Sirius NFL radio linking McClain to San Francisco, which supports the belief of team insider Matt Maiocco. Nonetheless, I still have a hard time believing that an inside linebacker will go as high as No. 13, especially one like McClain who is steady but not all that explosive. I’ll continue to monitor this projection following the NFL Combine.
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2010/02/scouts-eye-view-of-49ers-needs-at-tackle-and-return-game.html

14. Seattle Seahawks (From Denver) – Jason Pierre Paul, DE, South Florida: The Seahawks, still needing an offensive tackle and an edge pass rusher are hoping use their second pick in the first round at #14 to trade down and grab a tackle. If the Seahawks stay at No. 14 then DE could be the best value.
http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/archives/194847.asp?source=rss

15. New York Giants – C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson: Mel Kiper, Jr. is convinced that the Giants won’t pass on Spiller should he fall this far. While the Giants were disappointed with Brandon Jacobs' performance last season, he recently divulged that he was playing on an injured knee, so running back may not be as much of a need as was thought a week or two ago. A middle linebacker like Rolando McClain could be a tempting replacement for Antonio Pierce should he fall past San Francisco at No. 13, as could a pass rusher like Florida defensive end Reggie Dunlap. http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/insider/news/story?id=4880118&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft10%2finsider%2fnews%2fstory%3fid%3d4880118

16. Tennessee Titans - Brandon Graham, OLB/DE, Michigan: Graham would be an ideal replacement for Kyle Vanden Bosch, whom the Titans will likely let walk in free agency after slumping without defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth playing next to him. Graham has been linked as a possible fit for the Titans on Sirius NFL Radio.

17. San Francisco 49’ers (From Carolina) – Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma: Williams is a natural right tackle who could step in immediately and play opposite Joe Staley.
http://blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers/2010/02/scouts-eye-view-of-49ers-needs-at-tackle-and-return-game.html

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati, G/T, Idaho: Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh running game would both benefit with an improved offensive line. Iupati made waves at the Senior Bowl with his physical ability and versatility, making him a potential top 15 pick. On the downside, I’ve heard several scouts/insiders on Sirius NFL Radio comment how Iupati's film shows that he could be called for holding on nearly every play. Accordingly, while Iupati has the talent to become a Pro Bowl caliber player, expect a year of growing pains before he becomes acclimated to the NFL.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10056/1038481-66.stm

19. Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State: As much as the Falcons would like for Brandon Graham to fall to them in order to improve their pass rush, they have just as big or a bigger need in their secondary. Cornerback could be the position that the Falcons target in the event that they don’t want to gamble on a defensive end like Carlos Dunlap of Florida, who has questions surrounding his motor and character.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2010/02/19/mock-draft-1-0-falcons-select-brandon-graham/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

20. Houston Texans – Earl Thomas, S, Texas: Cornerback could become a bigger need depending on how the Dunta Robinson free agency situation works out. A defensive tackle like Brian Price could also factor in as part of the Texans first round considerations.
http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2010/02/texans_chat_at_1130_am_tuesday.html

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Taylor Mays, S, USC: The Bengals could use some speed at wide receiver and a tight end, but no players at those positions project to where they are drafting in the first round. Taylor Mays would essentially play the role of a younger, faster Roy Williams at safety.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/bengals/

22. New England Patriots – Ricky Sapp, OLB/DE, Clemson: Sapp is the combination OLB/DE that the Patriots can never seem to have enough of in their 3-4 defense.
http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/football/patriots/christopher-price/2010/02/15/experts-good-draft-pats-get-defensive

23. Green Bay Packers - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: Green Bay saw how desperate their needs on the offensive line were last season when left tackle Chad Clifton was forced to play injured and rookie Allen Barbre struggled mightily on the right side.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100219/GPG/302190074/-1/2010combine

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Nate Allen, S, South Florida: South Florida safety Nate Allen could fill a big need if he has as good of a showing at the NFL Combine as I expect. Otherwise, a defensive end like Carlos Dunlap of Florida or Everson Griffen of USC could help out on the front seven in terms of pass rush.
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/dneagles/

25. Baltimore Ravens – Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida: If Dunlap falls to the Ravens at No. 25 due to character concerns it would not only fill the Ravens need for a pass rusher, but such a selection would also fit GM Ozzie Newsome’s strategy of drafting the best player available. Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty or USC defensive end Everson Griffen could also be considerations based upon need.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2010/02/combine_preview_defensive_line.html

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jerry Hughes, OLB/DE, TCU: With defensive end Bertrand Berry having retired, an additional pass rusher is one of the many needs of the Cardinals, which could include middle linebacker if Karlos Dansby leaves in free agency and safety if Antrel Rolle is released as expected.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2010/02/17/20100217-NFL-mock-draft-2010.html

27. Dallas Cowboys –Vladimir Ducasse, OT, UMass – Dallas needs an offensive tackle to replace aging Flozell Adams in the next year or two. Ducasse has size and talent, but would benefit coming of the bench his rookie season, which would make Dallas an ideal situation.
http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/02/on-the-draft-with-nfl-networksd-mike-may.html

28. San Diego Chargers – Jahvid Best, RB, California: With LaDainian Tomlinson having been released and Darren Sproles likely to leave in free agency, the Chargers have a glaring hole in the backfield. Best is a rare back that in that he is big enough to run between the tackles, yet fast enough to kick it outside and take it to the house every time he touches the ball. If not for a serious concussion at the end of last season he would be slotted to go much higher.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/feb/25/bolts-list-needs-lengthy-chargers/

29. New York Jets - Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers: With Lito Sheppard having struggled last season, McCourty has the ability to step in as a cover corner who can play opposite the “Revis Island,” which could secure one of the few weak links on the Jets defense.
http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/2/19/1317608/scouting-the-draft-devin-mccourty

30. Minnesota Vikings – Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State: A competent cornerback who can play opposite of Antoine Winfield could make an outstanding Vikings defense ever better.
http://min.scout.com/a.z?s=63&p=2&c=942855&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fmin.scout.com%2f2%2f942855.html

31. Indianapolis Colts – Brian Price, DT, UCLA: The Colts have been in the need of a dominant defensive tackle for years. Price fits the profile of the player they are looking for.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/342512-2010-nfl-draft-an-early-look-at-the-indianapolis-colts-needs

32. New Orleans Saints – Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State: Mel Kiper has Odrick going to the Saints, which I would normally disregard were it not for former NFL GM Pat Kirwin on Sirius NFL Radio confirming that the Saints are in the market for a defensive tackle in order to move Anthony Hargrove back to his more natural position at defensive end.

Talking Points

Here is the link to my latest column for It's Just Sports on Mlive.com. We love discussion in the It's Just Sports comment section, so create a user-ID for Mlive.com and let me know what you think.

Talking Points: Dick Vitale compares John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins to Jalen Rose and Chris Webber

http://blog.mlive.com/its-just-sports/2010/02/talking_points_dick_vitale_com.html

Talking Points

Here is the link to my latest column for It's Just Sports on Mlive.com. We love discussion in the It's Just Sports comment section, so create a user-ID for Mlive.com and let me know what you think.

Talking Points: Evaluating Super Bowl coverage and a couple of former wide receivers admonish Terrell Owens

http://blog.mlive.com/its-just-sports/2010/02/talking_points_evaluating_supe.html

Super Bowl XLIV Pick - Drew Brees' mole is growing back, and it's pissed!

NFL Conference Championship Results: 2-0
NFL Results Season to Date: 125-148-4

College Football Final Results: 38-23-1

Mark My Words Conference Championship Results: 2-0
Mark My Words Results Season to Date: 39-35-1

Super Bowl XLIV Pick and Analysis:

New Orleans +5.5 over Indianapolis - While Vegas has the Colts favored by 5.5 points, I really don't think that these two teams could match up any more evenly. Both teams rely on pass heavy offenses that are lead by the two best quarterbacks in the game. Here's my breakdown of how the two teams compare:

Passing Game - Despite positional match-ups that appear even or tend to favor the Saints, the Colts are still a heavy favorites to win the Super Bowl. The reason you ask? Peyton Manning, a/k/a, the "Franken-goober" (When asked what Peyton Manning's appearance resembles, two of the most frequent responses are "Frankenstein" and "a goober." Personally I think he looks like a combination of the two...in a cerealy hybrid kind of way).

Sorry Archie, but you're not Peyton Manning's real father.

While many people are predicting the Colts to win the Super Bowl solely based upon the presence of Peyton Manning, I'm not sure that Drew Brees isn't the better quarterback right now. Additionally, some women I know are beginning to elevate Brees into a poor man's Tom Brady in terms of sex symbol status after he had the enormous mole on his face removed (As a side note, not only did Brees begin to rapidly go bald after he had his mole removed, but I think the mole is actually starting to grow back.

Drew Brees' mole is growing back, and it's pissed!

Wouldn't it be great if there was some sort of karmic justice for people who have cosmetic surgery? For example, any girl on The Hills getting a nose job or a boob job would also have to live with the prospect of knowing that she will either gain 15 pounds of ass fat or develop psoriasis at some point in the next year).

As far as I know, the only women who lust after Peyton Manning live in the South or the lower-Midwest. Why do I bring this up? Because statistics have proven that states that supported Sarah Palin have never correctly predicted the winning quarterback of a Super Bowl. It's kind of like how the results of the Washington Pigskins pre-election home game can predict the Presidential winner, only I made this one up.

Advantage - It's closer than people think. While Peyton Manning commands attention because of his name, Drew Brees' teammates actually follow him because of his leadership and moxy.

Drew Brees' pre-game chant is a must see come Super Bowl Sunday.

Running Game - Indianapolis has struggled to run the ball, while New Orleans has spent the second half of the season going a bit more conservative through the air while trying to establish a rushing attack. Look for the Saints to pound the ball up the middle in order to set up play action passes for Drew Brees and screens to Reggie Bush.

Advantage - Saints.

Offensive Lines - The Indianapolis offensive line does a superb job of pass protecting for Peyton Manning, but lacks the nastiness needed in order to establish a consistent running game. The Saints have recovered nicely after losing LT Jamal Brown to a season ending injury, and are equally adept at pass and run blocking.

Advantage - Had Dwight Freeney been healthy I would have given the offensive line advantage to the Colts. With Saints backup LT Jermon Bushrod now likely working against Colts backup DE Raheem Brock instead of a healthy Freeney, I think the impact of the respective offensive lines will be about even.

Receivers - With Anthony Gonzalez out for the season due to injury for the Colts, I'll give a slight edge to Saints at the WR position based upon the depth of their top four receivers. However, the Colts have a significant advantage at TE with Dallas Clark as compared to Jeremy Shockey for the Saints.

Advantage - I'm giving a slight advantage to the Colts based upon their edge at the TE position.

Pass Rush - Both teams count on their pass rush to set up the rest of their defense. While Indianapolis will rely on their front seven to get to the quarterback, New Orleans will mix in more blitzes in hopes of creating turnovers. Indianapolis will find it difficult to replace DE Dwight Freeney, who as a pure speed rusher will likely be ineffective due to a third degree high ankle sprain and torn ligaments. Likewise, New Orleans is already without top pass rusher in DE Charles Grant, who was placed on injured reserve prior to the playoffs.

Advantage - I give a slight advantage to the Saints given Freeney's injury situation. Even without Grant, the Saints were able to make Brett Favre's life miserable in the NFC Championship Game. Keep an eye on whether Indianapolis DE Raheem Brock can put any pressure on Drew Brees.

Run Defense - While Indianapolis did a good job shutting down the run against Baltimore and the New York Jets, both of those teams lacked the ability to throw the ball down the field on a consistent basis, making it easy for the Colts to stack the box. New Orleans Saints DT's Sedrick Ellis and Anthony Hargrove should be more effective against the run than the interior of the Colts defensive line, which I think could be susceptible to runs between the tackles in this game.

Advantage - I'll give the Saints a moderate advantage here.

Pass Defense - The Colts have managed to make it to the Super Bowl without S Bob Sanders and CB Marlin Jackson due to injuries, leaving them without the two most important members of their secondary. On the other hand, the Saints now have starting corners Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter back after they each missed significant time in the regular season due to injury. Darren Sharper has been the Saints most valuable defensive player, leading the team with 9 interceptions at the age of 34. This game could come down to Colts safety Melvin Bullitt, who has has done a surprisingly good job in filling in for Sanders, and whether or not he is able to play against competition on the same level as Drew Brees.

Advantage - Even.

Special Teams - Colts kicker Matt Stover lacks leg strength but is long on experience. Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has been extremely accurate in two partial seasons, although I worry that his inexperience could become a factor in a big game like the Super Bowl. Reggie Bush could be the difference maker on returns.

Advantage - Saints.

Key Players - Colts DE Raheem Brock, Colts S Melvin Bullitt, Colts K Matt Stover, Saints K Garrett Hartley, Saints KR/PR/RB Reggie Bush, Saints QB Drew Brees.

Final Prediction - New Orleans Saints - 34, Indianapolis Colts - 31