Mock Draft Links
I'm a draftnik: I love the NFL Draft. I research, obsess, drive my friends and family crazy. Something about the scouting process and the mock draft process makes for a crazy obsession. With that in mind, here are some mock drafts for you to peruse:
Be sure to check back with this post, and others as The Blog of Champions will soon go into draft mode-multiple mocks, opinions, etc.
Thanks for returning to The Blog of Champions!
Emmitt Smith Leaves ESPN
I'm just so sad. Emmitt Smith is leaving ESPN. Here's a small compalation of his 'greatest' hits:
Sir Charles Returns, Apologizes
Here is Charles Barkley on his first day back at Inside the NBA since his DUI.
I love Chuck. I do. I think he's the second best NBA analyst out there (behind, of course, Bill Walton). I'm glad he's moving forward.
A-Rod Press Conference
Here's the video:
and
I'm not in the business of analyzing press conferences. I don't believe you can learn from it, and I don't believe there is any merit in trying to break down someone's thought process. It's hard for me to criticize someone on an issue of this magnitude, because you really don't know the truth. So I'm not going to get into whether I think he's telling the whole truth and things of that nature. Because I don't know. And I'll probably never know. All we can hope is that he is telling the truth, and move on. And hitting 35 homers and winning a title goes a long way towards that.
What A Goal, Part 2
Another great goal in the NHL. We showed this one last week. This one comes from none other than Alex Ovechkin, who I always thought was better than Sidney Crosby. Here's some video proof:
Insane.
First NFL Mock Draft
This is very preliminary. But I thought I would give a stab at my NFL Mock Draft. Bear in mind the scouting process is just starting, and this will change many, many times. But here goes:
1. Detroit Lions
Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
2. St. Louis Rams
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
4. Seattle Seahawks
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
5. Cleveland Browns
Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
7. Oakland Raiders
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Note: Definitely the year for offensive tackles. Both Smith's, Monore, and Oher have star potential.
9. Green Bay Packers
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
10. San Francisco 49ers
BJ Raji, DT, BC
11. Buffalo Bills
Everette Brown, OLB, Florida State
12. Denver Broncos
Chris 'Beanie' Wells, RB, Ohio State
13. Washington Redskins
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
14. New Orleans Saints
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
15. Houston Texans
Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.
16. San Diego Chargers
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
17. New York Jets
Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
18. Chicago Bears
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
20. Detroit Lions (From Dallas)
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.
22. Minnesota Vikings
Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St.
23. New England Patriots
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
24. Atlanta Falcons
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
25. Miami Dolphins
James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
26. Baltimore Ravens
Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
27. Indianapolis Colts
DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
28. Philadelphia Eagles
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
29. New York Giants
Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
30. Tennessee Titans
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
31. Arizona Cardinals
Knownshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Max Unger, OL, Oregon
There you have it. Feel free to discuss.
How to Build a Good Hockey Team
I was at the Rangers/Flyers game this afternoon. And I was struck by the Rangers. They aren't built right. They have talent, sure, but they aren't a team I would fear. The parts aren't very good. There was no heart, no max effort, no will. As a Ranger fan, it's hard to imagine your team being this lifeless. I left after the second period, because I felt embarrassed. But it got me thinking. How does an organization build a hockey team? And more importantly, how does an organization make a good hockey team? Here are my thoughts:
-Solid, if not spectacular, goalie
The goalie is the heart of a team. They are the last line of defense, and most often, your best player. They have to be clutch, and not allow any soft goals. They cannot be streaky. Dependable. Think: Marty Broduer, Devils
-Excellent puck mover on defense
You need someone not only to play the point on the power play, but someone who can start a break out, and put his forwards in a position to score. This, ideally, would be your shutdown d-man, a guy who could basically lock down one side of the ice when on. Needs to be smart, and have a good shot. He should also join the rush. Think: Jay Bouwmeester, Panthers
-Tough, physical, defenseman
After your lockdown guy, you need tough, gritty and physical defenseman. You need someone who isn't afraid to go into the corners, not afraid to drop the gloves, and will give max effort. Someone who can provide some offensive punch, but is really a stay-at-home guy, who will play solid d. Ideally, this should be all of the d-men. Think: Robyn Regher, Flames
-Gritty 3rd and 4th line players.
These might be the most important parts of a team. They usually kill penalities. They should be able to score a least 20 goals between the two lines. You need fast guys, guys who can go into the corner, work hard, and tire a defense. These are the lines that provide energy . They should be your best defensive forwards as well. They have to score when needed. These should be your hardest working lines. Think: John Madden, Devils
-A strong group of top 6 forwards
These have to be the guys who can score, and score often. They have to be finishers, as well as playmakers. These are the guys you rely on late in the game. Although not the star player, they have to be depended on just as much. Think: Ryan Getzlaf, Ducks
-Star scorer
This is your franchise player. The guy who will score 30 goals, have 100 points.This is the guy defenses will target. Think: Alex Ovechkin, Caps
-Great Power Play
Power Play goals have to be scored, which is the Rangers main problem. A good puck mover with a hard shot at the point is great, with two guys down low who can really score. Think: Detroit Red Wings
-Strong Penalty Kill
This is one of the most important parts. A team that can not only score short handed goals, but does not allow many power play goals. Think: Minnesota Wild
-Physical forward
This, I think, is separate from your third and fourth line guys. You need someone who will fight, drive to the net, and clear the garbage. Think: Riley Cote, Flyers.
-Character
You need guys who will give everything they got, leave everything on the ice. Heart and soul players. These are the guys who make a good team great. Think: Mike Modano, Dallas
There you have it. Obviously, every team can't be built like this. As for the Rangers, they need to shed the big contracts, and get gritty guys who can score 15-20 goals a year. It's not gonna be easy. But it's the right thing to do.
What a goal
By the way, don't be surprised if the Panthers squeak into the playoffs. They've been playing much better of late.
