NFL MOCK DRAFT 26-32

26. Chicago, Chad Jackson, WR, Florida 6'1 204

I need to upgrade my offense, which I've done a little bit already in free agency, but I can do more. I've got a top shelf WR already, and I want to get him some help to go with my running game. What I'm really looking for is the ability to stretch the field, and I think this kid gives it to me. He's;s real quick, has good size and good hands. I like the fact that he played in a passing offense in college, it makes me feel more comfortable in accessing his ability to catch the ball regularly. I don't need this kid to come in and be a number 1 receiver right off the bat, what I do need is the threat of going down the field, and I believe this kid gives me that. I could go TE here, but I don't feel I'm getting the same first round value that I get with this kid, plus, I may be able to go TE in the second round, if I want to.

My offense is the only thing keeping me from being a Super Bowl team, in my opinion, so I'm going to give my offense all of the weapons it needs. With my running game, I should be able to get lots of single converage, and this is why I think this guy will help me so much. I get immediate help and long term potential, because this kid, in my view, could be the first ballyhooed Florida receiver who actually lives up to some of his hype in the NFL. An easy pick for me here.

27. Carolina Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami 5'8 185

I'm as good as I'm going to get with the players I have. That is good for the playoffs and maybe one win, but not going to get me back to the Big Dance this year, which is where I have to be to call this season a success. I could use some depth at running back, as well as linebacker, but the guys on the board at this time are all second round guys, in my view, plus there are a lot of them. Everyone makes a big deal out of my stud WR, which is justified, but I realize I had no other receiver that caught 1/4 as many balls as he did last year. I can't logically expect to have him have a similar type year this year if I don't have anyone else who can catch more than two balls a game. I haven't given up on the other young wideouts I have, or the cagey veteran, but I need some fresh blood to take the pressure off of Smith and I believe I can get it with this kid. He is smallish, which concerns me only because that is the nature of my stud guy. But, he's got scary speed, and speed helps in stretching the field.

In fact, it is what allows you to stretch the field. I have no idea why some teams, namely the Bears, didn't double my stud last year, but I'm crazy if I think anyone is going to make the same mistake this year. With this kid , I get a productive, speedy wideout who I believe can make some big plays for me downfield. Moreover, by picking him now, I don't do anything to my ability to add depth at RB and LB later, because there are several guys I like in those areas: D'Qwell Jackson, Abdul Hodge, Schlegel, Drew, Calhoun, and others. I have no doubt I will be able to get some help later, which will also be an upgrade. I'm not convinced that Moss will be the best wideout from what's left, but I do know that his speed and big play ability help me right now more than anyone else I could take. I can't ignore his blood lines, either, so I feel pretty good about making this pick.

28. Jacksonville Marcedes Lewis, TE UCLA 6'6 255

There is no doubt I need to get more weapons on offense. I can't pretend that keeping my QB healthy all year is the only key, its more than that. I could use some depth at RB, and I'm going to do that later. I also look at O-line, particularly at Winston and Giles, but I just can't do that with this kid sitting here. This guy can help me at a position that I'm going to need to fill, anyway, within a year or so. Not only that, but he makes me better. The old saying that a TE is a QB's best friend has some truth, and the truth is that this kid is easily the number one TE on the board in most years, and is still maybe best on the board this year, notwithstanding the two physical freaks (in a good way) who have already been picked.

I'm not worried at all about his speed, he's got all you need for this position. He just looks a little slower because Davis is on the board, throwing the numbers out of whack by running like a dang wideout. I also don't pay attention to the "can't block" knock, because number one, his blocking is fine and can get better and two, I'm drafting him to catch the ball, which he did a hell of a lot in college. I love the fact that he played in a passing offense, so my read on his ability to catch the ball is not based as much on projection as I feel the abilities of some other TE's are in this regard. Last year I took who I felt was the best athlete on the board and this worked out fine for me, I'm going to have a hell of a player there. This year, I'm staying true and taking the best player on the board right now. I give some thought to Winston and Alston, but I can't do either over this kid. I upgrade my whole offense by giving myself another big target with hands like this. To me, if you are grading players just on their production at their position in college, this kid is top 10. In other words, I think I've just got a steal. That's why I'm happy.

29. New York Jets Eric Winston, OT, Miami 6'3 310

Listen, I told you when I picked earlier that I felt that I basically have to back up the truck. Although I'm not going to say that publicly, that's the truth and although I feel great about my first selection, I know I have to make this one really count and make it a really smart pick. Of course, you say everybody has to do that all the time. True, we all say that, but a lot of times teams swing for the fences or draft for the short term-to fill a need-or just for the long term-on potential. What I have to do here is to combine all of those elements: I need to get someone who I think can be a great player, after all he's getting first round money-plus I need help right now and also want someone who has the chance to be a cornerstone for me for a while. I can't worry too much about position, I've only got a couple of real studs in my lineup. The good thing is that this draft is fairly deep, especially at linebacker, safety, and o-line so, with my picks (don't forget I've got another coming early in the second round), I feel I can patch up my holes and add some depth everywhere that I need to. The real question is, what's best for me here?

When I analyze it that way, which is the way I have to if I'm being realistic at all, this kid is the obvious choice. I know I said I think o-line is deep and I have a lot of picks, plus one coming real soon, but I'm crazy if I think this kid is going to be there seven picks from now, especially with Houston picking ahead of me in the second round. He's a first round talent, has good size for the position, and is the quickest of all the tackles (4.94/40) in the draft, which tells me he has got the talent and athletic ability to play the most important o-line position, which also means he can help me at the others, if it comes to that. I could also use Nick Mangold here to help at C, but not over a tackle, particularly a guy who could be my right tackle for the next few years (remember, my QB of the future is a lefty). Not only that, but the only team I can really see taking a C in the first round is Pittsburgh, but I think its equally possible they go another direction. What I'm saying is, I may be able to get Mangold anyway. I take Mangold here, no way I get Winston in seven picks. Even if I miss out on Mangold, I like Pat Ross later, so there is help there, and help for the other places I need some depth. I feel that I have made two smart picks in this first round, which not only get me better right now, but are solid investments for the future, and I've still got plenty of capital, so to speak, to invest in a swing for the fences in the later rounds of a deep draft. Considering that last year I effectively gave up a first round pick for an average TE, I have to say I feel a hell of a lot better this time around.

30. Indianapolis DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis 5'10 210

I shouldn't really have to say much about this pick. Your grandmother in Muncie could make this one, although I will say that it is not a complete, all time no brainer, because I really like Demeco Ryans and Jon Alston. And, if this kid, or one of the other guys who were already picked wasn't on the board, I would be going the speedy linebacker route which has served me so well recently. But, the football gods have smiled on me, I almost feel guilty, having an offense like I have with only one "hole" and getting the chance to get a highly productive RB like this. But, I'm not complaining. You know what? I think this pick and my new K, merely the best pressure guy ever, just put me in the Super Bowl. What do you think?

31 Seattle Donte Whitner, SS Ohio State 5'11 200

This may surprise some people, but if you look at it like I am, it makes perfect sense. I know I have a hole at RG, but , if I didn't think I could fill it or that it would keep me from getting back to the Bowl, I would have forked over the cash. I'm not going to reach for a guard here, there are several good ones left, and one or two of them will be available when I pick again, because I know the second round run on running backs and linebackers is coming, not to mention the third round run on QB's.

I could also use some more depth at wideout, but I'm keeping an eye on Stovall for the third round, I'm glad he ran slow because he's my sleeper guy. Anyway, I'm not in the third round yet, I'm in the first and I've got to be smart. I'm shaky at the safety positions for a variety of reasons. There are a few real good ones still there: Bing, Simpson, Allen. But I take this kid because I think he is the toughest, and I think I can slot him in at either safety position or, hell, play him as my nickel. 4.4 speed, great hitter, hard nosed. Plus, I like the way he bounced back from injury quickly in college. I like guys who can play hurt and/or heal fast. What seals the deal is that this kid is as tough as a $4 steak, not that the other safeties are not, its just that this kid stands out to me. My defensive coordinator is cut from the same cloth and will love this pick. So will my head coach. And so do I.

32. Pittsburgh Max Jean Giles, OG Georgia 6'4 340

Boy, I'm glad Seattle played it smart and didn't reach for this kid. Well, it would have been a reach for them, but not for me because I need some depth in my interior line and this kid is tailor made. There are other good players out there, but this is my guy without question. I'm not sure how much longer I have Hartings at C (remember, he started as a G), and I can always use some depth. I will fill my holes, depth wise, at RB and WR later. To do it now wouldn't be smart, and I am smart, which is why I'm polishing 5 Super Bowl trophies-one of which is brand spanking new-right now.

This kid is big, nasty, and perfectly suited for a run -oriented offense, which is what I have always been, am now, and always will be. His athleticism is fine for someone his size, and I like the way he handled people at Georgia. I'm a little concerned about his stamina, and I think he could have been even more dominant in college, but those are problems that can, and will, be fixed with a little more conditioning. Its pretty simple and straight forward, the hallmark of my organization. I'm going to take this kid, sign him, suit him up, and let him maul people. Nothing fancy here.

NFL MOCK DRAFT 21 -25

21 New England, Thomas Howard, OLB UTEP 6'3 240

O.k, o.k, I know most people would say I grabbed this guy too high, but I disagree, which is why I've won 3 Super Bowls in the last five seasons and "most people" haven't. Well, maybe that was a little arrogant, not my style (I don't want to become Dallas), but I just couldn't resist. Here's my thinking.
This kid is almost off the charts with his physical ability, tall for an outside linebacker, a little on the light side, but only 8-10 lbs under what you might call optimum size. His speed takes your breath away (4.4) and he was a big play guy, solid hitter in college, although those that say UTEP play might not have noticed since it seemed that every game was 48-41. That said, his upside is huge, in my opinion, maybe more than any other single individual in the draft. Only Jon Alston of Stanford posted better speed numbers, an Alston is a good 3 inches and 15 pounds lighter than this kid. I think he's quick enough to cover, big enough to help me stuff the run and, of course, I think he can get to the QB. Furthermore, this guy comes from a football family (his dad played in the NFL) and he was originally a walk on. So, in my view, he's got the rare combination of 1) really knowing what this game is about, and that its a job , yet 2) he's had to scrap for what's he's gotten, and he shouldn't be spoiled like can happen to some big name guys from places like USC, Notre Dame, Michigan, and so on. I think he fits right in with what my coach has been doing for the past 6 years now.
As to the question of am I picking him too high, well, I've said why I think he's got the most potential of any player still on the board. The "picking too high" thing might make sense to me if I had the next 15 picks. But, I don't, I don't pick again until 52 and I'm afraid he'll be gone by then so I've got to grab him now, don't I? That's what I'm gonna' do.

22. Denver Santonio Holmes, WR Ohio State, 5'11 188

I know I need some help on the d-line, but I just can't pick from what's left at this point. I'm not sold on Hali from Penn State and there is no way I chance it on an underproductive guy like Gabe Watson who should be a stud. Although its not as talked about, I could use some help at WR. Rod Smith isn't getting any younger and I'm almost as tired of waiting for consistency out of Lelie as you are. This kid is the best wideout in the draft, in my opinion. He's not the quickest (that would be Jackson), and he doesn't have the best hands (that would be Avant), but I think he's got the best total package. Great speed, decent size, good hands, makes plays. Plus, I really like what he does after he makes the catch. When I really started looking at him, it turns out he's smaller than I thought (I really thought he was 6-6'1 guy closer to 200 lbs), but that just tells me he plays big, which I like. Hell, he's bigger than Steve Smith. Some people talk about his drops, hell, everyone drops one now and then, what sells me is that this kid can make big plays.

I also factor in that this kid has some experience playing with a QB who likes to get outside of the pocket and its not like he played his career with Lineart laying soft touch passes in his chest all day. So, I go this way and I feel I've done two things with this pick: gotten myself a guy who can definitely help me right away and also selected a potential #1 receiver for the next several years.

23. Tampa Bay Marcus McNeil, OT Auburn 6'7 336

Damn, am I happy to make this pick. I really need some help in my o-line and I feel fortunate to still have a kid this talented on the board. I was going to load up on some big fellas ("Puss guts", as I like to call them) anyway, and I still might get one or two more later, but I'm luckier than hell one this good is right there for me. I've got a developing young QB I need to protect and a running game that needs some holes. My o-line was probably my weakest unit last year, and this kid helps fix that in a hurry. Plenty of athleticism for a man so big, one of the better times at the combine for OTs. Bigger than developing nation and very experienced in blocking in a power running scheme, which is basically what I use. Might be my starting left tackle this year, might not, but he will definitely help me get better very quickly....and should stay that way for a long time. Not much else to say about this pick, I don't really consider anyone else. I like Eric Winston, but I just like this kid better. That's it.

24. Cincinnati Leonard Pope, TE Georgia 6'7 250

I'm giggling like a kid at Christmas time. I was thinking defense, but with a kid like this on the board, I'm taking him faster than rabbits procreate. Great height, great speed (not just for a man his size, but for a TE. 4.6), unbelievable jumping ability, very good career at Georgia. Has everything you need, and more, to be a dominating presence at tight end. Factor in that I've got a top 5 QB who is young, a top 5 WR who is young, good young backs and, you know what? I don't see why I can't be the offense in the NFL for a few years to come. Of course, other than QB, no position probably has as high a "bust" factor as TE when drafted high, but this kid is worth the "risk" so to speak. In any normal year, he is clearly the number one TE prospect and was even this year in many quarters until Davis had a combine for the ages.

I only have 15 receptions at this position on my roster right now, so I'm double dipping: filling an immediate need and making a solid move for the future with a thought towards this player's upside. Hell, this kid's an underclassman. He's young and, if I'm lucky, still growing.

25 N.Y. Giants Bobby Carpenter OLB Ohio State 6'2 255

Not the only way I could go here, but I think the best route, given the vagaries of my head coach and the need to stop the run in my division. To tell you the truth, I've always liked this kid, even a little more than his Ohio State buddy Hawk. Hawk has more athleticism (marginally), but this kid is just as solid and a little bigger. A tough, nasty player who seems to be all business, which is, really, the only type of guy who is really going to flourish with my head coach. I'm not that concerned about the injury, no indication that there is anything long term to worry about. I think he is the type of guy who can step right in and give me solid production as a rookie, plus be fixture on my defense for a few years to come, I can see him playing inside and outside.

Linebacker is a place I've got to get better, and this year is a good year to do it. I think there might still be one or two more guys on the board with more potential than Carpenter, but I'm more interested in getting immediate and long lasting first round value here, and no one is a safer bet than Carpenter. Jackson (the one from Maryland) and Hodge interest me, too. But not this high. One or both of them may be around later and, who knows, I might still even go there in the second or third round. This kid will be gone, however, and I'm not risking that. A pretty easy pick for me to make, if you want to know the truth.

WHY JOE DUMARS IS THE BEST GM IN THE NBA

I think we Pistons fans always knew we had a good one in Joe, particularly those of us old enough to remember his playing career. When he ascended to the GM throne in 2000, I think there was a felling of satisfaction through out the Pistons Nation, all content that this guy would work hard, keep it real (so to speak), and put together a competitive, hard nosed team that would reflect our status as one of the NBA's more successful franchises over the preceding twenty years.
I don't know that any of us could have, or did, expect him to become the best GM in the league within five years, but that is exactly what happened, folks. First, to fully understand this, you need to realize that I am speaking only of the present GMs or, those who have been in their positions since Joe. Also, I recognize Jerry West as one of the all time great GMs in sports, second in basketball only to Red Auerbach as a GM, and not that far second. In fact, if you judge Red strictly on his success as a GM and don't lump in his incredible coaching record, you can make a hell of a persuasive argument West is the best. Anyway, with homage to the two legends out of the way, I will again focus on the time since 2000 and state that West's relative lack of success in Memphis in no way, in my view, tarnishes his legacy, but it places him safely behind Joe.
Lets not forget that the Pistons were an organization in relative disarray when Joe took over. We had lost our identity, playing soft, jump shooting basketball with a roster full of soft, jump shooting players. Our sturdy colors and logo had given way to the effeminate teal with the inexplicable horse head. We had fallen light years behind the Bulls in our conference as well as teams like the Knicks, Nets, Bucks, and even the Raptors. Joe changed all of that. Quickly

Remember the dogma at the time was that the formula to success in the League was to have a superstar and another all star level player to compliment him, then fill out the roster with role players. It is a strategy still followed today by most of the league notwithstanding the success of the Pistons and the Spurs. When Grant Hill, our "franchise player" who had led us to the heights of a game 5 loss in the first round of the playoffs to Atlanta, decided to leave for Orlando and become the first player in the era of the current CBA, and so far only, franchise level star to change teams via free agency while in his prime (remember, Tracy McGrady and Jermaine O'Neal were not yet superstars when they left their original teams, and Nash wasn't his team's franchise star: Nowitzki was/is), Joe engineered a move that made the current run and immediate future of the Pistons possible: convincing St. Grant and the up and coming dominant franchise of Orlando to agree to a sign and trade for Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins. St. Grant got even more money (due to the cap exception which keeps all superstars, except him, with their original teams), the Magic got the first of the three prong star-monster that was going to have them dominate the NBA in the early 2000's-remember, they were going to sign McGrady and Tim Duncan- and all we got was an undersized rebounding freak who couldn't shoot free throws which is why no one offered him a scholarship in college or drafted him in the league who is now on his way to being one of the top four Pistons in history (Isiah, Dave Bing, Bob-a-dob) and a pint-sized PG who gave us three and a half solid seasons and was instrumental in us being able to swing the Rasheed Wallace deal in '04. To me, this changed everything, and you can't understate the deal. In my view, it is one of the greatest transactions in Detroit sports history that was met with such indifference, if not outright ridiculed at the time.(The other one that takes the cake-barely-is the decision of the Red Wings to draft the smallish center from British Columbia with the funny name instead of home town hero Pat Lafontaine)

Joe D. instituted a culture of defense and attitude in the organization with his personnel movies and coaching hires. Yes, even George Irvine improved the Pistons somewhat while he was the coach. Most impressive is how Joe is willing to take risks to get better, while preserving the core. You see this both in the coaching and players decisions. Who can argue that the lineage of coaches under Joe represents an improvement, if not necessarily in coaching ability, but in having the right coach at the right time. Irvine to Carlisle to Brown to Saunders. Can't argue with the improved results every time. (Kind of jumping the gun on Flip, the season record is nice, but Flip has got to win a ring this year for him to be truly considered an upgrade over Brown.) Period.

Consider Joe's evaluation of these moves in real basketball terms instead of hype: Jerry Stackhouse for Rip Hamilton. Now, I have to admit that I had some reservations about this one at first, but I can honestly say I got behind it for the simple fact that, by that time, I was convinced that Joe was a personnel genius and I'm with everything he does. In hindsight, it looks obvious (Joe could see it in foresight, which is why he is who he is and the rest of us blog on the 'Net): Trading a very good, hardworking player who needs the rock in his hands a lot to score his 18-20 a night and wanted superstar money for a very good, hardworking player who can get his 18-20 a night off the pass or dribble and who is content with very- good- player money....and who is about five years younger.

Signing Chauncey after he had "failed" as a shoot first point guard with four other teams, signing Antonio McDyess when everyone else was lambasting him for letting Mehmet Okur (who averaged 4 minutes per game in the '04 Finals) depart via free agency. C'mon, despite the fact that Memo is having a nice little career in Utah-for more money than Antonio-and is several years younger that Dice with two good knees, if we're down by five to the Spurs in Game 7, who would you rather have coming off the bench to spark a little run, Memo or Dice?
The trade for 'Sheed, giving up, effectively, Zelko Rebracca, Chucky Atkins, Bobby Sura is so brilliant it needs no further comment.

Some will say, and justifiably so, that Joe's drafts leave something to be desired. I would agree, although I think this criticism is a little overdone. Of the five title level teams, only the Spurs boast a starting lineup where three or more of the starters were picked in the draft by that team. And, in terms of value for a pick, I put up Tay Prince. Quick, name a better player in the NBA who was picked lower than 23rd? (O.k., I hear those of you who said "Gilbert Arenas", he's a great player, not convinced he's better all around than Tay, but I feel you. You get my point, though, right?) Rodney White and Mateen Cleaves were mistakes, but quickly rectified and turned into something of value.

Darko? Ahhh, yes, Darko. Knew you'd bring that up. Of course, its obvious that Joe felt this guy could develop into something special, maybe a Nowitzki type. Its clear that, although Darko may develop into a solid player-and I'm not convinced he will-he won't be what Joe thought he could be. Carmelo instead of Darko? Well, sure, 'Melo is the better player, but the Pistons wouldn't be a better team with him. Remember, we can't play with six. Who sits down? Tayshaun? Giving up a hell of a lot of D for those extra 6-8 points 'Melo gives 'ya. Does 'Melo lock up on D-Wade and Kobe in the playoffs? Didn't think so. If so, why doesn't he do that in Denver?

Dwayne Wade at 2 instead of Darko? Weelll, now you may be talking. But, remember, we didn't have 'Sheed when we drafted...do we get him if we have Wade? I don't know, first of all, Rip's minutes are slashed, so I'm not sure we still have Rip. Do we even deal if we have Wade? I don't think so. Let's say we take Wade and still get 'Sheed. Obviously, we won it all in '04 so I'm not sure how anybody says we would have been better off that year. What, we would have won it twice in one year if we had Wade? Last year, well, obviously, without Wade, Miami is nothing so we go into the Finals fresher and, who knows...but I can't get by the fact that, if we take Wade, I just don't think we still have Rip. Who knows, maybe Miami does. I think this one will only fairly be answered in time....

But, Joe managed to finagle a future first round pick out for Darko. Nothing to get excited about now, but, believe me, when that time comes in '07 or '08, I almost guarantee that the young player we get then-who we will really need, as opposed to now-probably won't be as good as Wade, but he'll assuredly be better than Darko.

Joe's management of the cap is brilliant, four of the starters locked up long term with room to take care of Big Ben this summer. Barring catastrophic injury(ies), we should be in the hunt for NBA titles for at least the next 2-3 seasons, even if we don't make significant additions to the roster (you're nuts if you think that's going to happen) or the young guys don't develop into anything special.

Yep, Joe's the man. And, chew on this, for those of you who still have qualms about our bench and/or who took offense to my veiled shots at Grant Hill above, don't be surprised-and no, I'm not yet predicting it-if Grant Hill is the Pistons 6th or 7th man next year. Don't be surprised at all.

MOCK DRAFT 16-20

16.Miami Ernie Sims, OLB, Florida State 5'11 231

In this position I feel very good, not least because I know I have a coach who will get everything and more out of what I have talent wise, and I have significantly added to that in the offseason, getting an elite QB who is still young and just two seasons removed from 4700 yards, 39 TDs and a 110 QB rating. I'm not going to let six bad games and some dirty dish from a n exotic dancer on a boat change that. Even if this guy only comes back at 80% of what he was, he is still in the upper third of QB's in the league. That's important, because now that I've solidified the most important position and biggest weakness, I have a little more latitude with this first pick. Since I'm interested in winning, I want to get as many guys as I can who might be special. This kid I'm picking is a top level athlete at his position, plays with a nasty streak, and was very productive in college, an important factor with me since I've never understood the idea that a guys who is not as productive as he should have been in college, is suddenly going to wreak havoc in the NFL because he has a great combine.
Sims is one of those guys who plays bigger than he is, and I have a guy in my defense who proves you don't have to be 6'3 to excel at this position. Moreover, I'm kind of thin at this position now so this kid can step in and help me. There are other directions I could go, as there always are, and there are other LBs I like who I think can play outside or inside (Thomas Howard, Jon Alston, Bobby Carpenter) , but I like this kid the best and I'm kind of a leery about a run on these kind of guys coming up here shortly and I'm low enough that I might get locked out if I wait until round 2

17. Minnesota, Laurence Maroney RB, Minnesota 5'11 225

O.k, the first thing I need to do is accept reality, which is that I'm not near as good as my record might indicate, especially on offense. My winning streak towards the end of the season, while a credit to my coaching staff (who I thought so much of I fired before the last post game press conference before I looked in the eye) and players. Four of those wins came against Green Bay and Detroit, and I probably should have lost at least two of those games. I beat the Giants without scoring any offensive points and racking up 120 yards of total offense for the game. The marketing department will do their thing with 9-7 to scare up more ticket sales for next year, but I know I'm not nearly as good right now as legit 9-7 teams like Miami, K.C., and San Diego.

I need to get my QB some help right away. He's solid, dependable, and is not going to beat anyone with his arm alone. Running back is, relatively, the easiest position to upgrade quickly because someone should be able to step right in. I resist the temptation to pick a WR too high, I mean, I did that last year. I upgraded my O-line significantly by bringing in a top-tier RG (Steve Hutchinson). I know I overpaid for him, but I had the money, so what the hell. I like Maroney. This kid was hugely productive in a running program in college, even when he split carries with Barber a couple of years back. He's a tough back, and I think people underestimate his quickness. He's got all the speed you need (4.5) and a nose for the goal line. I like DeAngelo Williams, but I just like this kid better. The hometown thing has nothing to do with me deciding to pick him, but, since we're being honest, it doesn't hurt and I do need more positive feeling from the hometown folks than any other NFL team right now. The other guy I seriously think about here is Leonard Pope at TE. I think he could step in and he looks like he could be special to me. But, this draft is deep at TE, and I think (hope?) one might slip to me later. The "can't catch" knock on Maroney is BS, in my opinion. I mean, did this kid go to Minnesota or Texas Tech? How the hell can you catch it when your team doesn't throw it? Besides, I like RBs who can catch, but its not the most important thing for me if I've got a back who can get me 1200 yards and 10-15 TDs a year for four to five years. I think I've got it with this kid.

18. Dallas Kamerion Wimberley DE, Florida State 6'4 255

O.k., you've got to understand that I'm trying to win now and I'm interested in guys who project more as possible great players in the NFL over guys who were great players in college. Its one reason I've won more Super Bowls than anyone else except San Francisco and Pittsburgh (and I'm tied with them) alright, I've got the arrogant rant out of the way, you knew it was coming because I'm Dallas.
Where I really need some help is O-line and free safety. But, I don't think anyone that I can take here projects as special to the extent that this guy does. Plus, I am confident that I can upgrade in those two areas later. Plus, you can't have to many d-line guys or linebackers if they can be special. This kid can play both positions, in my view, and, he had got that magical talent for getting to the QB. He's got great speed for his size, and that is something you can't teach. He got to the QB in college and I think he will in the NFL, too. I've got some scary young guys at this position with his type of talent, but what is wrong with having another one? Nothing, especially since I haven't won a playoff game in a decade.

19. San Diego Tye Hill, CB Clemson 5'10 188

Let's see, within the last twelve months I've suspended my best player for two games when I didn't have to, which probably cost me a playoff spot, played my then-franchise QB in a game that didn't matter and watched him get hurt, then let him go after he got a clean bill of health for nothing so I could turn the reigns over to my highest paid player, who is so good that he got next to zero playing behind a guy I made no real effort to keep. What am I going to top that? Its not going to be easy, but here goes.
I beat 2 of the best three teams in my conference, handily by the way, on the road yet I didn't make the playoffs. That tells me two things: 1) I've got a pretty damn good team here 2) I have plenty of room for improvement.

Great defenses consist of two things in the NFL: an ability to get to the QB without blitzing all the time and an ability to cover receivers downfield. This kid from Clemson is the fastest corner in the draft and the best cover guy. The only knock on him is size, and if Williams were still here, I'd go that route. But, I'm not as good in the defensive backfield as I should be. I take this kid over Youbouty because I have concerns about Youbouty covering downfield, plus, I just think this kid is a little better. You can never have to many good cover guys.

20. Kansas City, Winston Justice, OT USC 6'6 310

I've got a great offense here, but I play in a rugged division and I've only been to the playoffs once in the last five years so there is no question I need to get better. There is also no question I need help on defense, an understatement along the lines of saying Neverland Ranch isn't quite the tourist attraction it used to be.

I can upgrade my defense plenty with my later picks and I'm going to do that. Actually, I never expected this kid to be here, and I'm happier than a pig in slop that he is. True, my o-line is one of the best out there, but its also one of the older ones. This kid gives me the kin of athletic man-mountain that I've grown accustomed to. I have a solid piece for the future and immediate depth now. I may lose both Shields and Roaf next year to retirement, assuming they both stay healthy this year, which Roaf didn't last year. There is no law that says you have to draft for your biggest weakness in the first round, as I showed by taking Larry Johnson a couple of years back when I still had Priest Holmes healthy. Boy, I'm glad I did that and I'm going to take the same approach this year. I consider McNeil from Auburn here, but I just think this kid is more athletic and I like him just a little better. I think I've taken a huge step in insuring I'll be able to run the ball the next five years like I have the past five. Not to mention insuring the ability of my most important player, Green, to continue pitching it unfettered to my best player, Gonzales.

Final Four and other random musings...

What an awseome Final Four...not a single number 1 seed plus the first true mid-major conference team to make it to the Big Dance since '79 when both Penn & Indiana State came in with Michigan State and Depaul. (although some would not consider I.S.U a true mid -major since they were undefeated that year and near or at the top of the rankings from day one). All four teams , to some degree were flying under the radar at the beginning of the tournament, even though LSU was a conference champ.

I won't pretend to have picked George Mason coming into the game Sunday, but it is pretty clear to me that this team is just damn good. There is no way you can "fluke" or "luck " your way past teams like Michigan State, North Carolina, Wichita State, and Connecticut. Yes, I know UConn was living dangerously all throughout the tournament and by rights probably should have lost to Washington, but I have to think most people thought they would get it together and get by George Mason.

Florida has got to be playing the best ball of the tournament overally and its hard to pick against them, but its also hard to ignore what George Mason is doing. They are getting great guard play and efficient post play when they need it from their "bigs". I think the game between these two will come down to rebounding and free throws. Free throws are definitely a weak spot for George Mason, in my opinion, and Florida needs to dominate the glass to beat these guys.

I've just go to say that the transformation of UCLA into such a tough defensive team under Howland is amazing, given the usual up and down the follor, offensive focus of that team and the conference in general. Whe you come back and win a game like they did against Gonzaga, it might seem like you're a team of destiny. On the other hand, LSU is the most athletic team left in the tourney, in my opinion, and its really hard for me to see them being beaten by anyone, with the way they are playing and how strong their inside game is. Its early for me, and I'll want to analyze this more later in the week, but right now I call it Florida over George Mason, LSU over UCLA, and LSU over Florida in the final game, as the SEC joins the Big East, Big Ten, and Big 12 as conferences putting both finalists in the championship game.

Just heard that Kelvin Sampson is the new coach at Indiana, saw the story on MSNBC.com sports. Bit of a suprise. IU clearly wants to break with Knight and any ties he had to the program, really thought they would go with a IU guy like Randy Witman. As for Sampson, he's a top level coach at a school where hoops is never going to be number one, and a conference where Kansas and, now, Texas seem to have a stranglehold. Oh, I'm sure the final issue got down to $, but I see why he would take the job. Although IU is defintiely one of the best basketball traditions out there, I'm not sure it is one of the best jobs anymore.
The one thing Sampson really has to do, and I think he will, is recruit. Bring in the young studs. IU, and the Big 10 in general, has kind of lagged behind in that the past couple of years....

Some of you UM football fans may or may not be interested in this: Drew Henson has a blog on his time in NFL Europe. You can go to it here I always thought that kid had the best physical talent package I'd seen in a college QB, I understand taking the money and playing baseball, I never did understand why he apparently believed he could be as good in baseball...

Count me in as one who cannot get that excited about UM in the NIT. Its a nice torunament, but this is such a disappointment for the program. Lets face it, the chief point in hiring Amaker was, lets just be honest, he went to Duke (some of those Duke-bred coaching prodigies aren't quite setting the world on fire, are they?). I would think Amaker has to get the Wolverines into the NCAA next year, no questions asked.

MOCK DRAFT 11-15

11. St. Louis Rams Mathias Kiwanuka DE, Boston College 6'5 7/8 270 .

O.k., with my new coach and a subtle change in direction in philosophy...namely, defense matters somewhat, I go forward. In this pick I get an extremely productive college player who, six weeks ago, was in everyone's top 10. What makes me stand out from other teams in recent years is my willingness to be different, to take a chance to be great. I still like my "O", and as for a "D", if you can rush the passer and cover people downfield, you have a chance to be very good. I do give some consideration to this kid's underwhelming combine, but this isn't the Olympics. When I watch film of him wreaking havoc in the Big East/Acc the last three year, I'm convinced that he's got that knack for getting to the passer. I also think he will fill out a little and I'm not worried about his relatively light size. I'm not concerned that he struggled against Ferguson in the Senior Bowl, since my scouting info tells me Ferguson is the next Orlando Pace. I do consider Kamerion Wimberly, but I don't see the production in Wimberly that I do in Kiwanuka. On the other hand, I don't see Tamba Hali having the upside Kiwanuka does. My new coach comes from a team that believes you build from the line back, defense first, and I'm going to make my coach happy with this pick.

12. Cleveland A.J. Hawk, OLB Ohio State, 6'1 248

I almost can't "not" make this pick. I didn't expect this guy to be here, although I thought he was a little high on some people's boards. First and foremost, I look at on the field performance and this guy sure had it in college. Having said that, if had done the same things at Troy State instead of Ohio State, there wouldn't be the hype. He is hard nosed and his athleticism is good, not elite like some people think. The reason I make the pick I'm making is because I'm in a situation where it makes more sense to take a solid guy rather than swing for the fences with a guy with more potential upside. In fact, its the character of my team and coach, building with solid guys. That's why I was more improved last year than most people realize. I can't go wrong here, and the hometown flavor only makes it a little sweeter. I have a solid starter and contributor here, which is what is going to help me win in the long run. I wouldn't make this pick higher, but I'm pleasantly surprised I can make it here. So I do.

13. Baltimore Broderick Buntley, DT Florida State 6'2 306

I need help on the offensive side of the ball, but I'm not going to reach this high when I've got the perfect compliment to my style of defense in buntley. This kid is incredibly strong and just the king of run stopping d-lineman I covet, since it really helps keep people off of my backers. I would have been open to a QB here if one of the three had slipped, but now I can help my defense immediately, and still look at another young QB later, for the third year in a row, or I can shore up my o-line. I'm not going O-line here, though, because the player I can get in that position at 45 isn't a whole lot different that what I'm getting here. Its different with Buntley, so that's the way I go.

14. Philadelphia Manny Lawson, DE/OLB N.Carolina St. 6'5 241

I know everyone says I need receivers, but I'm not going to chuck value out the window for need. None of the top three receivers on my board ( Holmes, Jackson, Moss) is worth a pick this high. Receivers are relatively easy to find, and I like my young guy. I need help, but I'm going to get it later when a guy like Stovall or Avant is on the board, who might end up being the best out of this relatively thin WR class. My real problem, aside from my QB being hurt and the soap opera last year, was that my defense didn't show up. I got pushed around in the physically tough NFC East

The kid I'm taking is another freak, awesome size and scary speed. Played DE in college but probably too light for that here, but an intriguing OLB canidate. 4.4 speed? Are you kidding, my d-coordinator, who loves to blitz, will be salivating on this one. I'm swinging for the fences here because I feel this guy has the biggest upside of any defensive player left on the board.

15. Denver Broncos Lendale White, RB USC 6'0 238

You're kidding me, right? Everyone says its the system and I can just plug in anyone in the backfield, but I know that's BS. And, by moving up in the draft I can afford to do this because the position I really need to fill can be filled at 22 when I pick by a player just as good as any I could pick here, but this back won't be here and I haven't picked anyone this good at RB since Portis.

Great size and speed for his size (4.5.), durable with a nose for the goal line, productive. You couldn't ask for a better back fo my system, and its an upgrade over the two good backs I have right now. I'm not saying this kid is a game breaker, but considering how liberally that term is thrown around, I really think about and come to the conclusion that there are only 2-3 in the league at any one time, guys that go all the way every time they touch it. On the other hand, I don't see any reason why this kid won't be a 1200 to 1500 yard type guy, getting me the tough yards and punching over the goal line for the next 4-5 years, at least Some people were laughing at my RB pick last year, but, brother no one is laughing this time. A steal.

MOCK DRAFT 6-10

6. San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis, TE Maryland, 6'3 254

The first thing I have to do in accessing this draft is realize that those Super Bowl trophies I pass every morning on the way to work don't change the fact that I stink. I might be the worst team in the league in terms of raw talent and the fact that I'm picking 6th is a testament to good coaching from the first year staff, the heart of my players, and the fact that there were more bad teams (defined by me as 5 wins or less) in '05 than in most years. (1/3 of the league) The other thing I have to do is realize I can't have a repeat of last year. Last year I had the first pick in the draft, which also means the first pick in every round. By definition I should do better than anyone else and I really have to do better than anyone else. I had four picks in the first 65 and what do I have to show for it? A quarterback rating of 40.8 from my next "franchise" QB with 1 to 11 TD ratio, 13 starts combined from the 2 o-lineman I reached for in the second round, and 638 yards from the gimpy running back I selected too high with the first pick in the 3rd. (Actually, I'm glad I took the RB, otherwise I'm in the running for the worst draft of any team picking #1 in years)

O.k., I'm past that now, but I can't make the same mistake this year that I did last, i.e. letting the media convince me that some glamour guy who had a nice college career is the best football player of all time. I have more holes in my team than a hundred yard longs net, so I can get better right away by picking anywhere.

So, I ignore the A.J. Hawk, Lendale White chatter and look at a guy who was one of the most productive players at his position (17 yds per catch) and has physical attributes that are unreal. Remember all the hype on Winslow, Jr. a couple of years ago? This kid is a better athletic prospect. Remember how Matt Jones had a combine that put him into the 1st round and you said, "when a guy that size has that kind of athletic ability, you gotta take a chance"? This kid has more. He ran a 4.38 40 at the combine. To put that in perspective, only two wide receivers were faster, and not Santonio Holmes, the best WR on the board in my opinion. He did 33 reps on the bench. To put that in perspective, he's stronger than any of the offensive tackles who lifted at the combine. (Joe Toledo of Washington was the strongest, 32 reps; Jeremy Trueblood of Boston College, the highest rated tackle to actually lift at the combine, did 26)
Kind of takes your breath away, doesn't it? Now, he only got into the paint 5 times last year, but that's 4 more than Winslow, Jr. did his last year at the U and I didn't let that bother me, I would have taken Winslow, Jr. in a heartbeat.
In other words, when Taglibue says we're on the clock, he might as well stay at the podium. I only need about 30 seconds of my alotted 15 minutes on this one.

7. Oakland Raiders Jimmy Williams CB, Virginia Tech 6'3 216

Look, I've got problems, I'll admit, but I'm not as bad as everyone says. Most of that is because very few people like and/or respect my owner. I've got options here and I love the dramatic. (I took a potbellied kicker in the first round a few years ago, for crying out loud) Having said that, one thing I do have a nice history of is being solid in the defensive backfield, you don't win in the modern NFL without cover guys and I want to win now, baby, so the tall kid who is the best cover corner in the draft is the pick here. He's shown at Va. Tech that he's got a little nasty streak in him, because our corners need to help support the run. Tye Hill is a consideration here, but a quick one since his being only 5'9 is the difference maker between the two. I also give short thoughts to Jay Cutler, because I've made the move to upgrade my starting QB situation and I know a rookie isn't going to help me with this year, no matter what. Plus, I get get the young QB I need to develop later, in the 2nd or even 3rd rounds, becausre I'm reasonably sure either Gradowski, Jacobs, or Croyle will be there for me to chose from, and I think all three of these guys has some upside, and I'm not convinced that the difference in money is worth the difference in talent viv-avis Cutler. If Lienart or Young slips, different ballgame. Its not a no-brainer, but I take the corner and know that it just got a little tougher for the three top shelf offenses I face in my division to throw on me.

8. Buffalo Bills Haloti Ngata DT, Oregon 6'5 338

I like the big run stopper in my defensive scheme and my new coach was brought in as a defensive guy, so this is where I'm most comfortable, in fact its a pretty easy pick for me. This guy has great athleticism for someone his size and was fairly productive in college. He just might give me that run stopping presence I need in my division, especially when divisioon-winning time comes in December and it gets a little nippy out. I haven't had that since Sam Adams left. Look, Cutler is tempting here and I know I blew it with my QB situation last year ( I always heard that a bird in the hand was better than two in the bush, I should have known it was way better than one in the bush) Cutler is a good prospect, but the reality is everyone, including me, likes the kid for his potential, which is why I picked the guy I have now only two years ago. I can't go that route this time, and I won't. This pick I'm making is the best, safest pick I can make to improve me my team right now. That's why I'm making it.

9. Detroit Lions Michael Huff SS, Texas 6'2 224

I wanted Davis here, I really did, but he's gone. I don't need Hawk, I've got four young outside linebackers in his mold, all as good or better than he is, in my view. The fact that all the pundits and a lot of fans say I need to go defense in the first round for the first time in years means nothing to me, some of the same people were singing my praises four years ago when I drafed Harrington, giving me the first "franchise" QB since the late 50's. Unlike previous years, I really don't have any personnel weaknesses so glaring I have to ignore everything else and fix it in round one. On the other hand, the fact that I've gotten good draft grades from Mel Kiper the last three years means nothing, I'm still the losingest team in football over the last five years, which means I'm not "set" anywhere.

Even though my defense is ahead of my offense, a secret known by only the select few who have actually watched my team play and don't hinge it all on the fact that I drafted three wide receivers in succession (What, if I draft Derrick Johnson last year, I'm in the Super Bowl? C'mon.) , I still need to upgrade it. I think about Kiwanuka here, because he was super productive in college and one of my main weaknesses on defense is getting to the QB. However, I've gone a little cold on Kiwanuka since the season ended. First of all, he's only 6'5 7/8, which is not the 6'8 he was in college. Either someone was BSing, or the Boise State guys were hitting harder in the bowl game than I thought they were. More importantly, he's on the light side and his combine was unimpressive. Now, I'm not one of those teams (anymore) who throws away great talent because their physical numbers aren't impressive (in hindsight, I'm beginning to think I should have give Marino a longer look in '83 and I have to admit, despite his hideously slow -4.8-40 time, Marcus Allen turned into a decent back), but when a top tier guy has a half-a** workout , it tells me that maybe he doesn't have the fire in the belly I'm looking for. Maybe the Boston College SID was s******* me about the kid's height all these years, but I know he's got some quick. So what's with the 4.75 40? What's with the 21 reps? Maybe we didn't work as hard as we should have in the offseason? O.k. I'm not condeming Kiwanuka because he seems like a good kid and he's actually a real student at a school that doesn't offer a P.E. major, but I'm concerned, which is why I'm going to pass. Actually, this kid was my guy until the combines. I'm not saying there is a work ethic problem ther for sure, but a flag is raised, and I've already got more of that on my team than any 5 teams need. The only thing worse than having another high pick with a load of talent and a thimble of work ethic on my team would be to look at the back of my starting QB's jersey in '06 and have it say "HARRINGTON".

Some people might try to sell me on an O-lineman here, and it is true that my o-line couldn't move "over", much less move a d-line, but why the hell do you think I just overpaid to franchise Backus? There isn't anyone else readily availalbe who is an upgrade. There are some good o-lineman in the draft, but nobody worth the 9th pick, unless Ferguson slips, and I'm not going to take Justice or McNeil too high because I'm confident I can get a lineman just as good, or better, in the 2nd round if I want (Trueblood, Scott, Toledo) I've got one very good lineman-Woody-, one good one-Backus, and I can upgrade through free agency and the middle rounds here. I've got to get a lot better and o-line isn't the place to do it at 9.


I need to look at the best player available with the most upside and its this kid from Texas. I always like a hitter, and this kid showed me something, particularly in the Rose Bowl. He blew me away at the combines, running faster than any WR and stronger than some ballyhooed LBs, like the hideously overrate Chad Greenway. This kid can play either safety position, plus be my nickel corner, if not my other starting corner. I'm inclined to keep him at safety,however. Some people say I'm set at safety, with Holt and Kennedy. Two things: I finished last season with Jon McGraw at safety and, again, if I'm "set", why am I 5-11? This kid gives me the speed I'm looking for in what should be one of the league's faster defenses, provided we can keep some people healthy. To me, if you're not quick, the whole advantage of playing in a dome is wasted. I can't get any better than this right now, so Huff is the pick and my recent history of doing well with Longhorns continues. I'll look o-line in the second round, but if Manny Lawson slips, I might just be able to address my pass rushing problem there.

10. Arizona Cardinals Jay Cutler QB, Vanderbilt 6'4 225

Man, I've got so much talent on offense and its sooooo tempting to go defense here, because I'm trying to win now, and this pick doesn't help me do that. However, I can't pass up (pun intended) a chance to get a potential like this. They say the best time to be looking for a job is when you already have one, and I feel its the same with QB's. This kid strikes me as confident and tough, two qualities I need. Also, I need depth at this position behind Warner and I'm crazy if I don't keep this position solidified, especially given the money I have invested in offensive skill positions. I could use help at TE and defense, but the players I can get there in the second round are not as different as the QB's I can get later in terms of readiness to step in. I'm screwed if my starter goes down this year, like most of the league, but there is the very real possibility that I may need a young QB next year, two at the most. I didn't really think QB early, but with the way the draft has fallen, I can't pass this kid up. And I won't.

MY MOCK DRAFT

Since there are only 2, 409 mock drafts out there for you to look at while surfing for sports, I figured I should just answer the glaring need and do one for this blog as well for those of you who just can't get enough. I've seen several myself, regularly checking MSNBC's by knowledgeable Boston Globe writer Ron Borges, a very informative page and mock draft at Great Blue North Draft, and another excellent one at Draft Ace.

My mock draft is based solely on the fantasy that I am the GM for these teams and the players listed are the ones who I would pick. I'm not predicting that this is the way the draft will actually go...as a matter of fact, I'll make a bold prediction and state that the real draft won't go this way.

Since I was without my beloved Direct TV package this fall (traveling in the hinterlands of northeastern WI), I haven't seen all the top 20 team guys play a half of dozen times each like past years, but I have done my due diligence in researching, getting my hands on some game tapes, and just basically going with my gut with all deference to my prejudices and bias.

For this post, I will just do the first five teams and then do five picks each from there, with, of course, a special emphasis on the Honolulu Blue & Silver!

1) Houston Texans: Reggie Bush, RB USC 5'10 201

Two years ago, a good buddy of mine who was lamenting his beloved Fighting Irish's lack of young studs (made worse by USC's success), asked me who I thought the two best players (other than QBs) were in the country: I said, "Reggie Bush and Braylon Edwards". In other words, I've thought this guy was special for a while, and if I'm Houston, I don't let anyone talk me out of this. This guy could be Marshall Faulk. All the talk about his being "too small" to be an everydown back should just make you laugh. He is just as tall and no more than 10 lbs lighter than Clinton Portis, he is bigger than Tikki Barber, who managed to rush for more than 1500 yards last year despite being too small, not to mention too old to be an "every down" back. He is more talented than Cadillac Williams, the best rookie running back this past year. Having said that, I hope that Houston realizes, as I'm sure they do, that there are different kinds of every down backs. You don't stick in this kids gut 30 times a game between the 4 and the 6 hole, of course. You get him outside, inside, pitch it and let him get to the edge, throw it to him. Let him touch it 25 times a game and I think you're looking at a special total yards guy, like Faulk. Not to mention , someone would have to explain to me why, all of a sudden, a guy has to be an "every down" back to be special. Jamal Lewis isn't. Clinton Portis wasn't in Denver. Houston has got another quality back in Davis and a good short yardage guy in Wells.

Bush's sick yard's per carry average just has to make you sit down and take a breath. One other thing I like about this kid is that he brought it often in big games, something that made me a little hesitant about Cedric Benson, who went for a couple hundred against the likes of Arkansas & Texas Tech, but was held under 60 against OU and that stout Michigan run defense in the Rose Bowl. (sarcasm) The deal maker for me on Bush was pushing Lienhart into the paint against Notre Dame. Heart and always trying to make a play. I know it backfired somewhat in the Rose Bowl against Texas with the lateral, but give me him anytime. The only other player I would seriously consider if I'm Houston is Vince Young. But, the hometown thing would worry me and, more importantly, they've already made their bed at QB, lie in it. Unless you want to be the Detroit Lions, you can't draft QB's that high unless there is no doubt in your mind and no other alternative. They can win with Carr, who is better right off with Bush behind him. They can address the O-line later, there will be plenty of guys available in the 2nd and 3rd rounds who will be an upgrade over what they have now.

2) New Orleans Saints D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT 6'6 312 Virginia

The Saints have upgraded the most important position, and considering this team has some talent everywhere at the skill positions, but isn't really solid anywhere in the interior, the choice is really between the best o-lineman and best d-lineman available, who also happen to be the two of the best four players in the draft. I go O-line here, if I'm New Orleans. As a friend of mine (and former O-lineman) pointed out to me, Left Tackle is the one position where you have almost no chance of a bust on a high pick. You know what, he's right. You have to go back to Mandarich to find a clear cut bust with a high pick at this position. In the interim, look at Pace, Ogden, Jones, Roaf and Boselli (pre-injury). Hell, even guys like Jeff Backus who aren't stars, work out as dependable, above average players. Now, specifically about Ferguson. I haven't seen this kid play too much, but having read and seen some interviews the first thing that jumps out at me is that is very smart, a key at that position. Of course, his athleticism at that size is awesome and this is the one of the hardest positions to find quality players (behind only QB and CB in my opinion). Some would say its the most important O-line position, assuming that your QB is right handed.

Mario Williams is tempting here, but I still have Charles Grant there, so O-line is more of a need. No question here, I don't think about trade or really hesitate. I take Ferguson, just like the Saints took Roaf in '92, and forget about this position, barring injury, for 10 years. (of course, I wouldn't trade Ferguson, and I'm betting the Saints wished they hadn't traded Roaf)

3. Tennessee Titans Vince Young QB Texas 6'5 230

If I'm the Titans, I'm grinning like a Cheshire cat here. I'm fine at the QB position, with a MVP level guy there for at least another year or two, and a solid backup. Therefore, I can take the heir apparent and groom him the right way (see Carlson Palmer). Vince Young has proven he's a winner, a big game guy, a leader, and most importantly to me, he has gotten significantly better throwing the ball over the past couple of years. I think there is still upward movement in that passing curve. This guy threw for a boat load of yards in college, I wouldn't let anyone make me think he's a running quarterback, in the negative sense of that word. On the other hand, its nice to know my quarterback can keep a play alive. Young has something you can't teach or learn, and the chance to have that dynamic of a guy is to good to pass up. Its going to be a lifetime before you see another player at that position with this package: size, quickness, speed, arm strength, and the production to match.

Its true that I'm a bad team right now, but I'm rebuilding from salary cap hell and I knew this was coming. Outside of the last two years, I've been one of the more successful teams in the league, which means I'm smart enough to realize that I'm not going to get back to the Super Bowl with one pick, no matter how much hype there is. When I make this pick, I'm either set at the position for the next 5- 10 years, or at least I know I tried to be. Plus, if Young is ready to take over in a year or two, I've got a nice little plum in Volek, who will bring me something of value, assuming I don't keep him to be a solid career backup, a la Frank Reich.

Lienart's relationship with OC Norm Chow doesn't mean anything to me. This team can't become SC South. Simply put, I'm going to get the chance to draft another QB whose package mirros Lienhart's a hell of a lot sooner than I will to take a QB who matches Young. The only other player I consider is Mario Williams, but I solve that question real easy: what position is more important and harder to fill (relatively)?

4. New York Jets Matt Lineart QB USC 6'4 224

The first complete no-brainer of the draft. Williams is tempting, but if I'm the Jets I've gotta be thinking its time to back up the truck. And what better place to start than trying to fill the hole at QB? I know I can't count on Pennington staying healthy and, frankly, he wasn't special to begin with. Lineart has it all, poise, leadership, moxie, a good enough arm. When I was watching him in the Rose Bowl in '04, before all the hype started, he reminded me a little of Brady in college. Just something about him. His production is almost unmatched and production is a big issue with me. I don't understand the knocks on this kid, other than he didn't have the greatest year of all time last year. Well, when you're on top there is nowhere to go but down. I thought he did a great job of handling the spotlight this year, not to mention how he just stepped into a big hole at SC after Palmer and didn't miss a beat. Although I don't think he has the special package that Young does, he's more ready to play right now, which is a consideration when I'm relying on Pennington's health

Also, it never hurts to make a splash in the Big Apple and this is the pick that would do it, drafting the guy who, nine months ago, would have been the near unanimous choice for the best player available, hell, he would have been the first pick last year. I don't seriously consider anyone else.


5. Green Bay Packers Mario Williams DE N.C State 6'7 285

The second no-brainer of the day and moreso than the first. The biggest, fastest, and most productive DE out there. A Julius Peppers type, who can get to the QB and hold up against the run. Contrary to popular belief, my defense held up pretty well last year, although playing six games in the offensively challenged NFC North sure helped. What I need is playmakers and this is the best one on the board, and maybe the second best playmaker period. Getting to the quarterback was a significant weakness for me last year, if I'm Green Bay, and pass rushing DE's that have the potential to dominate consistently are few and far between. I have a history of overpaying for D-lineman, like KGB, Cletidus Hunt, and, most recently, Aaron Kampman, but I can't let that enter into the equation at this point. This guy gives me size, speed , and depth in a unit that is one of my weaker ones. Further, Kabeer Gbaja Biamilla (sic), who was never a dominant lineman anyway, probably gets back to being the solid player I thought he was with someone else on the line to do the heavy lifting, so to speak. With the recent signing of Ryan Pickett, I've upgraded my d-line pretty well, especially considering I had a ton of money yet didn't do much anywhere in free agency.

Some people will say A.J. Hawk here. You've got to be joking. I don't pick a LB this high, inside or outside, unless he's potentially got the chance to be dominant, like Urlacher, Lewis or, the best of them all, Taylor. Great LB's, like everything else, are hard to find, but good ones are almost a dime a dozen. A 6'1 242 pound OLB instead of a 6'7 285 lb DE who is almost as fast( Combine 40 times: Hawk=4.59 Williams=4.66) ? Not in this lifetime. If I want an A.J. Hawk type, I will wait until the 2nd round, where there will probably be one of three guys available: Chris Carpenter (a better player than Hawk, in my opinion, may slip b/c of the injury a'la Shaun Rogers a few years ago) , Thomas Howard, or Jon Alston, both of whom are stronger and faster than Hawk, whose speed is overrated. (Our own Lions have picked the fastest OLB available in the past two drafts, Teddy Lehman and Boss Bailey, both of whom were quicker than Hawk, much quicker in the case of Bailey)

Anyway, back to Williams. Another factor is that I only have five picks, so I really, really can't afford to take a chance here. Frankly, I can't afford to miss. I don't even consider anyone else.

Detroit Red Wings

The onset of springs for me, as it has every year for the past decade and a half-with the exception of last year-thoughts of the Red Wings impending run for the Stanley Cup. With yet another 100 pt. season tucked away and a chance at yet another President's Cup, I feel I am probably like most Wings fans and say, "Hey, that's nice, but its all about the Cup." Fair or not to the organization and first year Wings coach Mike Babcock, arrogant or not, that is what it is for the Red Wings. As one who remembers fondly those cold nights looking in excitement at the fuzzy reception on Channel 50 as my heroes such as Mickey Redmond, Jimmy Rutherford, Dale McCourt, Vasclav Nedomansky, John Orgodnick, Nick Libbett, Paul Woods and others tried in vain against the likes of the omnipotent Canadiens or Flyers, only to have Sid Abel say something like this to Bruce Martyn, "Wings are playing hard tonight, Bruce, but you can't make those mistakes against (insert team here) Canadiens/Flyers/Islanders/Leafs, ect. and expect to win, which are why Wings are down 3 to nothing. And you can't fault young (insert name of valiant, yet beleagured Wings goalie here) Rutherford/Soave/Vachon/Cheveldae on that one, (insert name of opposing goal scorer here) Cornoyer/LaFleur/Bossy/Clarke/Sitler come in the crease unchecked on that goal..." and as glum as it felt being down, the worst was realizing that it was only 14:23 of the first period; I certainly have no problem with the enormous expectations for the present day Wings. (The bad grammar was, in no way, meant to make fun of the late, great Sid Abel, but to pay homage. I don't know of any Wings fan of that generation who didn't love the man.)

Fluff and sentimentality aside, I believe the keys to a run deep into the spring come down to a few key things:

1) The first round opponents. This year, assuming we hold onto the first seed, which we will, the opponent just may be someone with whom we've had some trouble this year. Namely Edmonton or Vancouver. Not to mention San Jose. The key is not so much who the team is, in my view, but that we make quick work of them, 4-5 games. If you look at the Cup winning years of 97, 98, and '02, that was one common theme. Even though the games won't be easy (remember the fist round series against the Ducks in '97, which we won 4-0 but three of the games went to overtime) it is important to get out of the first round as fresh as possible.

2) Manny Legace. I've been touting Manny as the starting netminder since '02, and I was a little disappointed he didn't get his shot when we went out and signed Cujo. ( I wanted that money to go to signing Bill Guerin or Bobby Holik, to show how brilliant I was). I'm not suprised at all that Manny is second only to Kirprusoff in shutouts or is near the top with GAA. The big knock on Manny was that he hadn't proven himself as a number one and we didn't know if he was the kind of netminder who could steal a playoff series/game. Well, hell, he hasn't had the chance until now. So, its real simple, Manny. Some of us have every confidence you can do it. Now, you just have to go do it.

3) The sweat factor. The Wings just plain got outworked, outhit, outhustled, and outskated in being eliminated by Calgary two years ago. The subtraction of relative malingerers like Brett Hull and the addition of some grinders like Samuelsson, Mowers, Cleary, etc., plus the rejuvenation of Shanny bodes well, I think, in this area.

4) The spotlight. Zetterberg and Datsyuk have proven that they are legitimate stars, IMO. Again, nothing that Wings fans didn't expect watching them the past couple of years. But, they haven't done it in the playoffs. This isn't uncommon for yung players and the different nature of playoff hockey-at least in the past-with regard to how the game is called had a lot to do with that. However, the torch has definitely been passed and Hank and Pavel have to do it this spring. I believe they will.

5) Old reliables. Shanny had a tough series against Calgary two years ago. He is skating better this year than he has in years and I would expect that to continue in the playoffs. Lidstrom is only the best defenseman in the league...again. And, as far as I'm concerned, as long as Stevie Y has the red sweater on, the Wings are a better team. Chelly...can you believe we used to hate this guy?

This season could not have been better, given the horrible mess of last year, the same old tired crap-yelled much louder this past year and even echoed by the organization itself at times-that the "old way" would not work in the "new NHL" and that the Wings were "old"; and the awkward start to the season with the Pavel staying in Russia scare. Look at it: another division title, probable Western Conference and Presidents Trophy, 4-0 against the Avs, and on and on. But, it won't matter much if we don't win that Cup. I believe we will. What about you?

March Madness

What a wonderful tournament this is turning out to be! I must confess, although only one of my two alma maters is still alive as we head into the second half of the sweet sixteen, I am having more fun following this tournament that I can remember in recent years...and I always love the tournament. First off, Duke lost so those of us who've had enough Duke shoved down our throats for the first four months of the season can rest (relatively) in peace for a while (until Sept. of next season when it all starts again) and enjoy the tourney without having the Duke Cheerleading Club, Inc. (a/k/a ESPN) or all knowing college hoops guru billy pACCer (did I spell that right?) hollering in our ears that the "Dookies" are the best, greatest, etc. (O.k., I'm showing some bias...I told you this blog would be opinionated) But, c'mon, there is actually an otherwise excellent hoops writer on ESPN that is saying and writing, with an apparent straight face, that Duke's run of 9 straight Sweet Sixteen appearances is equivalent with UCLA's seven NCAA championships in a row. You know, the "modern era" and all that stuff. Uh, yeah right. Andy Katz, we love ya', but this one is too far. What next, do we favorably compare a candidate for the state senate who has qualified for the run off in nine consecutive elections (winning once) to FDR's four consecutive presidential elections ...because, you know, its the modern era?

Getting back to the more pleasant topic of the tournament as a whole, you can't help but love the showing the so called mid majors are making. Bradley, Wichita State, George Mason, Northwestern State and others all acquitted themselves well. And, who can honestly say that the little guys, you know, the teams from those conferences no one except alums can name, but get the automatic birth and the 15 or 16 seed to be a sacrificial lamb? I think you have to hand it to Winthrop and Albany. Great showings. I think what is so good about this year is we have it all, buzzer beaters, huge upsets, the emergence of superstars (who among us that hadn't seen LSU's "Big Baby" before the tourney can possibly deny that he has to be considered the next huge superstar in college hoops. If he stays another year, which he should IMO). As for some thoughts on things I've seen (I won't comment too much on things I know nothing about. On the other hand, if I did do that, I might have a shot at being a college basketball analyst for CBS)

The disappointing showing of the Big Ten teams stems largely from the fact that, while this league was supposed to be the toughest according to the RPI, there wasn't a team there that most other good teams would not think they could beat on a given day. Ohio State and Illinois were good teams throughout, but I never felt they were ready to make that big run (i.e. Final Four) this year. I felt both were a year away.
The Spartans just didn't seem to play MSU style hoops this year. Yes, the Ager/Davis class was overrated, but we all knew that two years ago and State still did damage in the tourney, especially with last year's heavenly thumping of Duke. Wisconsin limped into the tourney with something like 2 wins in their final 8 games, Iowa did what you expect under Alford, lose in the first round. In my opinion, only Indiana performed as well or better than expected in their two games. The league had two teams in the Final Four last year. Its just hard to match that regularly in this day and age of college hoops. All year I thought the Big East was the best conference, the Big Ten might be a year away from a legitimate claim for superiority.

I'm sorry that I missed UCL's scintillating comeback win over Gonzaga. The Bruins are somewhat quietly returning to prominence, and of the two games we have solidified for the weekend at this point, I'm most looking forward to Memphis-UCLA. Gonzaga did better than I thought. I actually picked them to lose in my pool--in the first round to Xavier. O.k., close, but no cigar. From what I've seen of them, a Sweet Sixteen appearance is darn good, I though t being a Final Four contender and a 3 seed was sort of a stretch, but they proved me wrong.(Not the first team to do that,nor, its safe to say, the last). I like BC, Georgetown, Washington, and George Mason tonight.

NFL DRAFT

Soon, I'm going to post my own "mock draft" and get in on the fun. I'll be interested to hear what some of you think, or your own mock drafts or info on mock drafts you've seen elsewhere.
My predictions will be based soley on what I think each team should do, not what they will. One thing that always interests me during draft time, aside from the obvious ones that make you laugh every year (e.g. some 4-12 saying they feel they are "set" at a certain position. IMO, if you're 4-12, you ain't set anywhere or hearing about some underachiever in college who does three more reps at the combines than another guy who was twice as productive on the field, and all of a sudden the underachiever-no, I'm not talking about Gabe Watson....o.k., maybe a little- is going to be the pick ) is the fans and media who follow teams, particularly those who are sort of perenially in the top ten of the draft (like our beloved Lions or the Cardinals) talking about, hey, one guy isn't going to solve all of our problems (NO KIDDING!), so what we need to do is "move down" and pick up some extra picks.

Question, who are you trading picks with? It seems like every year, people act like there is some team out there with a bunch of picks who is looking to move up. Who has two picks in the first round who is going to just give them up for your pick. Think about it, if there is a player worth trading multiple high picks for, why are you giving up your chance to get him? To me, the way that trading down really works is to stock pile picks in the later rounds, like Dallas did in the late 80's and early 90's. That's were great teams are really made, IMO. You need to get solid players, if not stars, from the seond round on. Of course, to do that, you need to know how to draft and if you did, you probably wouldn't be drafting high every year.

Just some general Motown sports musings today:

Pistons

I think it probably shows the level of expectations created by this magical season so far that I can honestly say-and I'm betting I speak for a lot of Pistons fans-that last night's 83-72 triumph over the Miami Heat doesn't get me all that excited. Sure, I'd of been a little P.O.'d if we'd lost, and that shooting display, especially in the first half, reminded me of open gym on a Saturday morning back at my middle chool in Troy, but I think the game shows us some things that we pretty much know are true coming down the stretch:

* Tayshaun Prince is the key in any series with the Heat. He can d up on anyone they've got , except the Shaq, and when he plays well defensively against Dwayne plus brings his offensive game, we have a decided advantage in a long series

* The tired old refrain from the Shaq worshipping media that implies that if the big guy gets the ball and is healthy (which he is about 60% of the time, thanks to his evidently arduos off-season workout regiment...tongue in cheek there) there is no stopping him and his team wins. Well, anyone with better than 20/800 vision who has actually seen Shaq play over the years and loves him just a little less than the ESPN guys can see that his explosiveness and relative athleticisim are diminishing. To me, the key for Miami against us this year is Alonzo Mourning. He gives them a presence that, frankly, in a lot of ways is greater than Shaq's, especially on the defensive end and with his intensity. I was truly sorry to hear that 'Zo has a calf injury and I sincerely hope he is back and healthy for the Eastern Conference finals. I don't think that in a long series the additions of Antoine Walker, Gary Payton, and Jason Williams ("White Chocolate", I love that nickname) are going to be as big as some people thought...what they bring in added offensive punch they detract defensively. Yes, even future Hall of Famer Payton will be a wash, at best, defensively for the Heat (All Pistons fans will happily remember how Chauncey had his way with the "Glove" in '04.

* We need to stay healthy, of course. I think that is the biggest obstacle from a rematch with the Spurs in June. And, make no mistake, it will be the Spurs, no matter if they don't get home court in that second round matchup with the Mavs. I don't even fear major injury, I mean I do, but there isn't a team out there that isn't screwed if they lose a key guy for the entire playoff run, but also the nagging type of injury that limits a player's effectiveness. While the Shaq worshipping print media and the TV networks (who apparently believe that there are only three teams that anyone in the country wants to see: the Lakers, the Knicks, and whatever team has Shaq) spent all of last year crying about Shaq's sore- whatever- it- was when the Heat were eliminated, no one outside of die-hard Pistons fans paid any attention to Tay Prince or Rip Hamilton being gimpy. I think Flip has done a better job of keeping the main six guys fresh that Brown did last year, but I still would like to see Delfino and Evans play a little more...I'm not as dead set against them on the court at the same time as Flip seems to be. How about you?

*Pat Riley. I don't care what anyone says or how derisively Jim Rome refers to him as the "Oil Slick", having a great coach will help the Heat during the playoffs, maybe being worth a game in each series. I predict that Cleveland will give the Heat a hell of a fight in the second round and having Riles will be the difference, IMO.

Lions

*In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I didn't like the pick of Joey Harrington in '01 worth a s*** from the beginning, so my thoughts on what has transpired recently are probably biased. I couldn't be happier that he's gone. Listen, when you pick a QB that high in today's NFL, there are really only two possibilites given the amount of $ you have to spend and the vagaries of the cap: he's either going to be everything you say he is or you're going to have to get rid of him within three years (I know Joey stayed four, but it should have only been three) due to the cap. I think that having new blood in there is just what the team needs...no, everything wasn't Joey's fault, but the inability to get the ball downfield to the receivers certainly was. Both Kitna and McNown have better career numbers than the Chosen One (my derisive nickname for Joey) and neither has had anything handed to them in the NFL. Our QB situation just got a hell of a lot better, I don't care what anyone says.

* After having looked at everthing out there (meaning everything I don't have to pay for online, I'm not that far gone ), I think the Lions should look at Mattias Kiwanuka or Vernon Davis with the 9th pick. I think they will both be available and I think you go with the best player on the board when you are in our situation.

Who was the wise one that said, "Sports is Life"? Actually, I don't know if anyone actually said that, or at least will take credit for it, and for those of us who realize that sports does not nearly deserve the amount of attention and love we die-hard fans give it because we love it so much, this blog is meant to be an information and discussion pla ce to talk sports in general and Motown sports in particular: Red Wings, Lions, Tigers, Pistons and, of course, the Wolverines and the Spartans.

I'll do my best to make the blog informative but, hey, I'm not a reporter with constant access to the players. My main goal is to make this blog provactive and fun. So, all comments are more than welcome. Yes, even from those Heat, Packers, Avalanche, Blue Jay, and Buckeye fans!

So c'mon all of you fans of any or all of the Detroit sports teams; whether you are still living inthe best sports town in the world, are a displaced fan (lie me), or have fallen in love with a Detroit team through the beauty of satellite even though you've never set foot in Michigan. I'm interested in setting the agenda and talking about whatever topics are of interest to Detroit sports fans, regardless of what Mike O'Hara or Mitch Albom might want to talk about.

O.k., that's the last entry from me without some hard Detroit sports news or opinion. Hope to hear from you!