Top Seeds In Trouble
The Blackhawks and Canadiens have both lost home ice advantage in the Conference Finals during this past week. The Canadiens lost it thanks in large part to their starting goalie, Carey Price, getting injured in Game 1. Ironically, they are back in this series thanks in large part to their backup goalie, Dustin Tokarski. He faced 37 shots this past Thursday in Madison Square Garden and turned back 35 of them. That was just enough for the Habs to clinch the game in overtime, keeping the series within reach for Montreal. Unfortunately, the way that Henrik Lundqvist and the rest of the Rangers are playing, Tokarski will likely have to play that well for the rest of the series. It's possible, but not likely. If the Rangers win Game 4 tonight, I think Montreal might be done.
Over in the West, the Kings keep finding a way to get it done. After falling behind in the series, a recurring theme for them this playoffs, the Kings turned a close 2-1 lead heading into the third period in Game 2 into a 6-2 rout of the Hawks at the United Center. Yesterday, coming back to the West coast, the Kings overcame a two goal effort from Jonathan Toews to take the series lead. While I don't think you can pinpoint one exact moment as the cause for a team winning or losing, I thought the Kings' power play goal a minute after Toews scored first short handed was critical. The Toews goal sucked the life out of the building, but the place was rocking once again after Slava Voynov took a laser slap shot from the top of the circles. The series isn't over by any stretch, but the Hawks, particularly Crawford, better rally and step it up in Game 4.
The Old Guys Beating The Young'uns
Switching from the ice to the hardwood, it seems like both the Heat and Spurs have their series right where they want them. The Spurs take a 2-0 lead into Oklahoma City, but that 2-0 lead doesn't tell the whole story. Based on how badly they beat the Thunder, it should really be 4-0. Game 1 was actually a bit closer than the final score, but the Spurs simply pulled away down the stretch. Game 2 was an absolute pounding. 112-77. The team with 77 having the MVP along with one of, if not the best, point guard in the game. There's talk that Serge Ibaka will play in Game 3, but you have to question how effective he will be and how much, or if, he will play. Either way, the Thunder are in a hole they don't want to be in. If they drop even one of the next two in OKC, that means they will have to beat the Spurs twice in San Antonio to win the series. Good luck.
In the East, while the Pacers seemed to catch the Heat napping in Game 1, the Heat have since found their form. Game 3 looked like it was going well for the Pacers as the Heat struggled in the opening half of the first quarter. The tipping point in this game was the late run the Heat made right before halftime. Although the Pacers still led, their lead had been cut to four after leading by double digits through a lot of the first half. The Heat, and Ray Allen, did their veteran thing and pulled away down the stretch.
For the Pacers and Thunder, this has got to be frustrating. Both of them have a wealth of young talent, and they're both facing teams that start players considerably older than them. Despite this, these two teams continue to be spurned by the veteran groups. Even when the Thunder made it to the Finals, the Heat were able to beat them back. I know people would like to think they have plenty of time to get it done, but they're not getting any younger. I think their window to win a title is closing faster than either team thinks, even if the Spurs and Heat are not there down the line to defeat them.
Will LeBron Come Back?
Next time I buy a lotto ticket, I'm wearing a Cavaliers jersey, shorts, hat, socks, and shoes. Somehow, the Cavs once again got the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft, despite having just a 1.7% chance to get that pick. This, coming off last year's number one pick, as well as in 2011 when they selected Kyrie Irving at number one, and in 2003 when they selected one LeBron James. Now, with the possibility of Kyrie, a seasoned Anthony Bennett, and a possible franchise player this year (Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, and Joel Embiid are the likely candidates to go number one), is it possible that James comes back to Cleveland with this core?
I think it would be a great move. I think the animosity in Cleveland has passed since he left for Miami. Whether or not James wins a title this year, he has to accept the fact that the Heat are getting old. Dwayne Wade has shown flashes of being Flash, but he's certainly not the player he used to be. With just a Bosh-LeBron core, I'm not sure if the Heat can win another title. Cleveland, however, has a solid point guard in Irving, a big man in Bennett if he ever pans out, and a possible wing player or center coming in this year. I think Wiggins and Parker are about as NBA ready as you can be, and I think Embiid could be great his first year pending his health. The point is they would have a great, young core, he would stay in the Eastern Conference where the road is not as rough as it is out West, and he could come back to his hometown. I still argue that one title in Cleveland would be more important than eight titles in Miami for LeBron. If he chooses to opt out of his contract, this is a possibility that is on the table.
Landon Donovan
How is this guy not on the World Cup squad? Not even as a sub? People that agree with his absence will point to his poor season he has had with the LA Galaxy, but I think that should be given a bit of a pass considering his past performance for the US National Team. He had eight goals in 11 appearances in 2013, and has been a crucial member of each US World Cup squad dating back to 2002. Is he getting older? Yes. Should the US try and give some of the young guys a chance? Yes, but that's what friendlies and things like the Gold Cup are for. The World Cup is the playoffs and Super Bowl of national soccer.
I think that the leadership that he would provide would help the young US squad, as well as draw attention to the event itself. I guarantee that by Donovan not being on the squad, there are some people in the US that won't wind up watching the Cup. I'm a Bulls fan, but with Derrick Rose out and Luol Deng traded, my interest in them was minimal at best until the playoffs (crappy time to become interested again). He, more so than Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard, is the most recognizable player on the team. To not have him out there would be like the Yankees without Jeter or the Lakers without Kobe (both of whom signed extensions with their teams, despite being not as skilled as they once were). In a group that includes Germany and Portugal, having a veteran like Donovan, even if he doesn't start, would help out.
Forget Lawsuits, The Culture Needs To Change
This past week, former NFL players filed a suit against the NFL, claiming that they were given harmful drugs and painkillers, which are now negatively effecting their lives. There are also claims that team doctors would allow players to play, despite having obvious injuries, which has now caught up to them later on in life. As harsh as it sounds, I don't agree with the suit at all and think former NFL players need to start taking a bit more responsibility. It's quite sad the damage, mentally and physically, that has been done to many of these players. The thing that gives me pause, however, is that pretty much every athlete in every sport will claim that if they are injured, they will do everything in their power to get back out there and continue playing. Concussion or not, these guys want to get back out there and finish the game with their team. I admire that, but you can't then turn around and blame the NFL and team doctors for the issues you have now.
While I am against the doctors and NFL in the fact that they hid injuries from players and did not tell players what drugs they were taking, I do understand where they are coming from. The doctors are employed by the team. With that in mind, there's not a "no" person along the line to protect the player from himself. The doctors want you to play, the coach wants you to play, the owners want you to play, and the NFL front office wants you to play. They put in a bunch of these tests to try and protect the players, but short of doing extensive tests and scans, it's hard to firmly say a player has an injury, when they are insisting that everything is fine.
The solution to this problem isn't clear. The owners and possibly coaches and current players as well, will likely protest an outside doctor coming in. The fear would be that injuries would swing too far in the other direction and players with a playable injury would be held out since that doctor has no stake in the player getting back out there. This means less skill players on the field, which could lead to less wins, which leads to less money. Nobody is happy. If the system stays as is, however, then players will continue to want to, and be, rushed back onto the playing field. It will be interesting to see how this suit plays out and if it causes any change in injury protocol for the NFL and/or other sports leagues.
Public Service Announcement
After seeing another Not Top 10 on ESPN of a fan getting nailed in the face with a baseball trying to catch it, I must emphasize that it is perfectly fine, no matter ones age, to bring a baseball glove to the game. The odds of catching a baseball are very low, so maybe you don't have to worry, but when the time comes, you'll be glad you have it. The reason is that, contrary to what a lot of people seem to think, catching a baseball when you're not expecting it, staring into the sun, are dodging seats and small children, while balancing your beer, is not easy. Add to the fact that you now don't have a glove, and you're just asking to look like a fool. I'd much rather be that guy that brought a glove to the game, but didn't need it, rather than the dope that just took a Mike Trout baseball to the face and is bleeding profusely from the nose. If you don't want to bring a glove to the game, fine, just please don't try and catch it when it comes near you.
Matty O
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Six Sunday Summaries (5/18/2014)
Miami Heat v. Indiana Pacers
The matchup we all thought we would see at the start of the season finally happened. Barely. While the Heat breezed through the first two rounds (sweep of Charlotte, 4-1 over Brooklyn), the Pacers struggled mightily. The under-.500 and eighth seeded Hawks pushed the Pacers to the limit, amidst concerns about Indiana's team chemistry. Then the Pacers beat back the Wizards in six games, although the series could have gone either way as Indiana certainly did not look like a one seed. Despite all that noise, Indiana finally made it and now lead the Heat 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
What I find most interesting is if Indiana does advance and wins the NBA title. I can't remember, in any sport, a more surprising number one seed to win a title. This team was hanging by a thread against Atlanta. There was zero team chemistry as talks of where Frank Vogel would go once he got fired were already swirling around before that series was over. Unfortunately for the Pacers, the Heat will probably have something to say about that. I still think Miami will win the series, but I think the ease with which they got through the first two rounds hurt them in this game. I know they've been here before and probably wanted to guard against that, but they did look a bit rusty. I doubt they'll shoot 26% from three, and only have 15 free throw attempts in game two.
NHL Game 1s In The Books
The Rangers opened up the NHL Conference Finals with a bang by trouncing Montreal and quieting the usually raucous Bell Centre. Henrik Lundqvist did his part as he stopped 20 of 22 shots he faced as the Rangers grabbed a 1-0 series lead. I was pretty surprised by this result as I thought that the winner of the Boston-Montreal series was not only the favorite to come out of the East, but the favorite to win the Cup. I'll chalk this up as a minor hiccup, though when Lundqvist is on his game, the Rangers can be unbeatable.
In a more tightly contested game, the Hawks were able to keep the Kings at bay with a 3-1 win, although the game was closer than that. Similar to the Heat, the Hawks had some extra rest and came out a bit rusty in the first few minutes. Getting on the board first certainly helped wake some of the guys up. The Kings answered early in the second, but the Hawks responded to take the 2-1, adding on a late Toews goal in the third. With the way these Kings have been playing though, Game 1 means not that much. The Kings bounced back from 3-0 in the first round, and were in deep trouble last round after being down 3-2 after Game 5 against the Ducks. The Hawks can't feel safe until that 4th game is won.
California Chrome and the Triple Crown
California Chrome is now in line to break the long drought of Triple Crown winners after winning both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The last horse to capture the Triple Crown was Affirmed back in 1978. It's great for the sport when the Derby and Preakness are won because more people to tune into the Belmont Stakes just to see if history will happen. I'm not going to pretend to be a horse racing expert, I'm not, but I think California Chrome can pull it off. I watched both races, and you could just see how easy he made it look. Normally I pick winners by whoever has the most awesome sounding name, but for a chance at history, you have to take California Chrome in the Belmont.
World Cup Protests
Brazil, the host country of the World Cup this summer, is in the midst of strikes and riots, some of which revolve around the country's decision to have a World Cup. People are protesting the government's use of money on expensive stadiums over helping workers and the poor. Some businesses and residents were even relocated in order to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The protesters are using the exposure the World Cup will bring as a means of pressuring the government into taking action. If their demands are not resolved, they are threatening protests during the event itself. It will be interesting to see how Brazil handles this situation as they prepare for this Cup, as well as the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio.
Is It Time For Policy Change?
Browns fans excited by the prospect of Johnny Manziel, were soon taken down a notch when they found out their leading receiver from a year ago, Josh Gordon, was facing a year long ban for failing another drug test for marijuana. Personally, I wouldn't argue with the ban because it is a rule and Gordon is a repeat offender, but I would argue with the fact that it's even a rule in the first place. My case for it would be that it doesn't enhance performance (if anything it negatively effects performance), it's being legalized in some states that have NFL teams, and it's still the player's choice whether or not he wants to smoke it. Similar to drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or even just playing football on a weekly basis (all legal activities), these players know the risks and must accept the consequences. As long as it's in a state that has it legalized, I would be fine if players in the league were allowed to smoke. I know I'm not going to see eye to eye with everyone on this, but I think more time and money should be going towards things on the field, particularly player safety, rather than on an issue such as this.
Fantasy Football in May? Sure
For those wondering, ESPN does have mock drafts up and running for the upcoming 2014 season. There are probably a few other sites doing it too, but you can usually find a good number of people on ESPN and they have all the players ranked reasonably (except rookies whom they have failed to rank yet, but they can be drafted). Only a few months away until the start of the season! How do you feel about that Bart Scott?
Matty O
The matchup we all thought we would see at the start of the season finally happened. Barely. While the Heat breezed through the first two rounds (sweep of Charlotte, 4-1 over Brooklyn), the Pacers struggled mightily. The under-.500 and eighth seeded Hawks pushed the Pacers to the limit, amidst concerns about Indiana's team chemistry. Then the Pacers beat back the Wizards in six games, although the series could have gone either way as Indiana certainly did not look like a one seed. Despite all that noise, Indiana finally made it and now lead the Heat 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
What I find most interesting is if Indiana does advance and wins the NBA title. I can't remember, in any sport, a more surprising number one seed to win a title. This team was hanging by a thread against Atlanta. There was zero team chemistry as talks of where Frank Vogel would go once he got fired were already swirling around before that series was over. Unfortunately for the Pacers, the Heat will probably have something to say about that. I still think Miami will win the series, but I think the ease with which they got through the first two rounds hurt them in this game. I know they've been here before and probably wanted to guard against that, but they did look a bit rusty. I doubt they'll shoot 26% from three, and only have 15 free throw attempts in game two.
NHL Game 1s In The Books
The Rangers opened up the NHL Conference Finals with a bang by trouncing Montreal and quieting the usually raucous Bell Centre. Henrik Lundqvist did his part as he stopped 20 of 22 shots he faced as the Rangers grabbed a 1-0 series lead. I was pretty surprised by this result as I thought that the winner of the Boston-Montreal series was not only the favorite to come out of the East, but the favorite to win the Cup. I'll chalk this up as a minor hiccup, though when Lundqvist is on his game, the Rangers can be unbeatable.
In a more tightly contested game, the Hawks were able to keep the Kings at bay with a 3-1 win, although the game was closer than that. Similar to the Heat, the Hawks had some extra rest and came out a bit rusty in the first few minutes. Getting on the board first certainly helped wake some of the guys up. The Kings answered early in the second, but the Hawks responded to take the 2-1, adding on a late Toews goal in the third. With the way these Kings have been playing though, Game 1 means not that much. The Kings bounced back from 3-0 in the first round, and were in deep trouble last round after being down 3-2 after Game 5 against the Ducks. The Hawks can't feel safe until that 4th game is won.
California Chrome and the Triple Crown
California Chrome is now in line to break the long drought of Triple Crown winners after winning both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The last horse to capture the Triple Crown was Affirmed back in 1978. It's great for the sport when the Derby and Preakness are won because more people to tune into the Belmont Stakes just to see if history will happen. I'm not going to pretend to be a horse racing expert, I'm not, but I think California Chrome can pull it off. I watched both races, and you could just see how easy he made it look. Normally I pick winners by whoever has the most awesome sounding name, but for a chance at history, you have to take California Chrome in the Belmont.
World Cup Protests
Brazil, the host country of the World Cup this summer, is in the midst of strikes and riots, some of which revolve around the country's decision to have a World Cup. People are protesting the government's use of money on expensive stadiums over helping workers and the poor. Some businesses and residents were even relocated in order to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The protesters are using the exposure the World Cup will bring as a means of pressuring the government into taking action. If their demands are not resolved, they are threatening protests during the event itself. It will be interesting to see how Brazil handles this situation as they prepare for this Cup, as well as the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio.
Is It Time For Policy Change?
Browns fans excited by the prospect of Johnny Manziel, were soon taken down a notch when they found out their leading receiver from a year ago, Josh Gordon, was facing a year long ban for failing another drug test for marijuana. Personally, I wouldn't argue with the ban because it is a rule and Gordon is a repeat offender, but I would argue with the fact that it's even a rule in the first place. My case for it would be that it doesn't enhance performance (if anything it negatively effects performance), it's being legalized in some states that have NFL teams, and it's still the player's choice whether or not he wants to smoke it. Similar to drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or even just playing football on a weekly basis (all legal activities), these players know the risks and must accept the consequences. As long as it's in a state that has it legalized, I would be fine if players in the league were allowed to smoke. I know I'm not going to see eye to eye with everyone on this, but I think more time and money should be going towards things on the field, particularly player safety, rather than on an issue such as this.
Fantasy Football in May? Sure
For those wondering, ESPN does have mock drafts up and running for the upcoming 2014 season. There are probably a few other sites doing it too, but you can usually find a good number of people on ESPN and they have all the players ranked reasonably (except rookies whom they have failed to rank yet, but they can be drafted). Only a few months away until the start of the season! How do you feel about that Bart Scott?
Matty O
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
2014 NFL Draft Recap
Best Draft
St. Louis Rams
The Rams had the best draft and, personally, I don't think it's even close. The only way they didn't have the best draft is if you believe that Sam Bradford is not the answer. If so, then they would have been wise to draft a quarterback other than Garrett Gilbert in the 6th round out of SMU. I actually like Bradford as a QB quite a bit and think that one of these days, he'll surprise everyone and become a consistently productive QB in the league. Let's not forget that this is a former Heisman Trophy winner, NFL Rookie of the Year, and a QB that went 4-1-1 against the big, bad NFC West two years ago, the last season he played a full 16 games. Injuries and a lack of supporting pieces on offense are the main reasons why he hasn't been successful. Hopefully, these past two drafts has changed that.
They got Tavon Austin and Zac Stacy last year, and kicked this year off by selecting offensive tackle Greg Robinson second overall, the final pick from the Robert Griffin III trade they made with the Redskins two years ago. They also grabbed defensive tackle Aaron Donald with their regular draft pick, to bolster an already stout defense. If Donald turns out to be the player that experts are saying he will, then the Rams will easily have the best defensive line in the league with Robert Quinn and Chirs Long on the edges. Unlike their front seven, however, the back end of their defense hasn't been so spectacular. Enter cornerback Lamarcus Joyner from Florida State who they picked up in the second round. Joyner's height is certainly an issue (5'8"), but his football instincts should make up for that. Not saying he's the second coming of Richard Sherman, but he's a great addition to that defense. Add in running back Tre Mason, who I think was an absolute steal in the third round, and you got quite a draft there already.
Towards the bottom of the draft, the name that obviously stands out is Michael Sam. Sexual orientation aside, getting a SEC Defensive Player of the Year in the seventh round is quite the pick. It is highly doubtful that Sam will compete with Quinn and Long for the starting defensive end position, but as a rotational player, I think he has a shot. Special teams will also be key for him making the roster. If he does, I'm sure Jeff Fisher will give him a few plays a game in obvious passing situations to just go after the QB until the rest of his game becomes more polished.
Worst Draft
Carolina Panthers
I was going to go with the Colts, but that would be a bit unfair considering they didn't have a first round pick and only had five selections overall. The Panthers, meanwhile, used their first round selection on Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. The need at receiver was obvious as Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell both left during the offseason. The problem is that I think both Marquise Lee of USC and Jordan Matthews of Vanderbilt would have been better picks here. Consider that Benjamin has only played for two years and only got third team All-ACC honors last year when the Seminoles won it all. Matthews on the other hand, got first team All-SEC the past two years playing at Vanderbilt where he was the main focus of some of the best defenses in the nation. Lee didn't garner any awards this past season, but that was mainly due to quarterback and coaching inconsistencies. In 2012, he was a unanimous All-American award winner and won the award for best receiver in the nation. Benjamin fills a need, but it wasn't the best option available.
Kony Ealy, who played opposite Sam at Mizzou, adds to an already intimidating defense, but waiting until the third round to draft a guard was a questionable decision. Tackle was the main position they needed on the line, and they drafted a grand total of zero. Obviously things can change in free agency, but with the weapons that Cam Newton will have this upcoming year, he will need all the protection he can get. Steve Smith is one of the best route runners in the league and finding ways to get open. Even if they had selected Lee or Matthews, their weapons still wouldn't be close to what they were last year. Having that extra second or two in the pocket will be crucial to Newton's success this year, although the Panthers must believe the draft was not the way to do it.
Best Value Pick
Jordan Matthews
As stated previously, I'm a fan of this kid. Back to back All-SEC at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt! Not Florida, Alabama or LSU. It's not like Jay Cutler was throwing him the ball either. This is why I, as a Cowboys fan, was absolutely devastated when the Eagles grabbed him in the second round. In that offense, I think he has a good chance to contend for rookie of the year if Nick Foles continues to play like he did last year. Despite six WRs going ahead of him, I still think that based on where all the receivers ended up, that Matthews will have the best rookie year and might even turn out to be the best receiver in this draft when it's all said and done.
Worst Value Pick
Sammy Watkins
It's not that I think Watkins won't be a good player, he will, it's just what the Bills had to give up to get him. Also, the fact that he's going to the Bills. For starters, the Bills had to give up their first round selection this year (9th overall), their first round selection next year, and a fourth rounder next year. That's a high price to pay in a fairly deep WR class this year. Then you look at the fact that he's going to the Bills. They just traded away Stevie Johnson so it's not like Watkins makes this receiving corps that much better. He's really just replacing Johnson. They still need to feed the ball to C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, and they just made a trade to acquire Bryce Brown from the Eagles. With Johnson last year, the Bills finished 28th in the league in passing yards per game, and Watkins will have a sophomore quarterback throwing him the ball. It just doesn't sound like the formula for success. Perhaps he can contribute blocking for the second ranked rushing attack, but his receiving yards and TDs will leave something to be desired considering what they gave up.
When Does Loyalty Become Stupidity?
Loyal as in, being loyal to one's draft board. The Texans needed a quarterback and the Browns needed a wide receiver. Only one team actually drafted what they needed, and that team waited until the fourth round to do so. Let's talk about that team first, the Houston Texans. In defense of the Texans, they pretty much had to take Clowney number one since no trade offer was good enough, and I wouldn't be surprised if they thought Teddy Bridgewater was going to drop to the second round, before Minnesota traded up to get him with the last pick in the first round. Sometimes things don't go your way. I get that. The problem is that QBs were available during their next three picks and they didn't pull the trigger. They let Derek Carr slide to Oakland, Jimmy Garoppolo go to New England, and Logan Thomas go to Arizona before finally taking Tom Savage out of Pitt late in the fourth round. That's a bit too late for my liking when you have no true starter, with the NFL becoming a quarterback driven league. Look at the playoff teams from last year. You don't get anywhere in the NFL anymore without a star QB. Can Savage be that guy? I have my doubts.
Despite the Texans' stubbornness, I think the Browns were even worse. Although the news wasn't released to the public until after the first round of the draft, the Browns organization knew that their best WR, Josh Gordon, was facing a year long suspension due to a failed drug test. This means that, whether they drafted a QB or stuck with Hoyer, their most dangerous weapon from last year was gone. Knowing this, they traded away their pick to the Bills who drafted Watkins. Then, in a loaded class which included Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Jr., Brandin Cooks, and others that I've mentioned already, the Browns decided to just select...none of them. You want to take Justin Gilbert and Johnny Football in the first round? Fine. No problems there. But then to go offensive tackle, linebacker, running back, and another cornerback with their next and last four picks is absurd.
The Browns must think that either a) Gordon somehow won't be suspended, or b) their receivers are good enough as is. Both of those statements would be incorrect. While it's entirely possible Gordon avoids a season long suspension, he is going to be suspended for some amount of time. I'm guessing it won't be a week or two. Let's say it's their first six games. That means no Gordon in Pittsburgh, at home against the Saints and Ravens, in Tennessee, the Steelers at home, and then in Jacksonville. I see a guaranteed 2-4, potentially 0-6 if the Titans and Jags can figure out their QB situation. Season done. And if they think that their receivers are good enough as is, then the entire Browns front office should be fired. Greg Little, Travis Benjamin, Andrew Hawkins, and Nate Burleson are the potential starting WRs without Gordon. Uh-oh.
Potential Tom Brady Award
A.J. McCarron
All he did in college was win three National Titles, one of which he won the Offensive MVP award, was a Heisman runner up last year, and only lost four times in the three years he was a starter. He didn't put up gaudy stats in college and probably won't in the NFL. But if you want a QB that will get you wins, he's the guy. Critics will say he played with a lot of talent at Alabama. Well, yea, they were also going up against pretty darn good defenses too. Also, it's not like he's going to be playing with scrubs in the NFL either. If he were to start for the Bengals today, he would get to play alongside A.J. Green, Giovani Bernard, Tyler Eifert, and Jermaine Gresham. Not bad. Taken in the 5th round, I think the Bengals got a steal. He can either develop behind Dalton and get traded, or take over Dalton's job if the Bengals don't think he's their guy. Either way, a smart pick late in the draft.
Running Back With A Vengeance
For those wondering, running back is indeed still a position in the NFL. I was starting to have my doubts after the first round. This draft set a record for the latest a running back has been taken with the first one not being snagged until pick number 54 when the Titans snagged Bishop Sankey. Then, backs starting going like hotcakes as two out of the next three players selected were running backs. Despite the Peyton Manning passing bonanza that went on last year, it was the ground and pound, throw it when you need to, Seattle Seahawks that wound up dominating in the Super Bowl. RBs aren't a requirement for a successful regular season, but you'll thank the Lord if you have a good one in the playoffs, especially with the NFL showing it's not afraid to take the Super Bowl to colder climates. I think that teams that waited on RBs or discount their importance should reassess how they view RBs. If not, they're going to spend Super Bowl Sunday like the rest of us, watching from their couch, instead of playing in it.
Matty O
St. Louis Rams
The Rams had the best draft and, personally, I don't think it's even close. The only way they didn't have the best draft is if you believe that Sam Bradford is not the answer. If so, then they would have been wise to draft a quarterback other than Garrett Gilbert in the 6th round out of SMU. I actually like Bradford as a QB quite a bit and think that one of these days, he'll surprise everyone and become a consistently productive QB in the league. Let's not forget that this is a former Heisman Trophy winner, NFL Rookie of the Year, and a QB that went 4-1-1 against the big, bad NFC West two years ago, the last season he played a full 16 games. Injuries and a lack of supporting pieces on offense are the main reasons why he hasn't been successful. Hopefully, these past two drafts has changed that.
They got Tavon Austin and Zac Stacy last year, and kicked this year off by selecting offensive tackle Greg Robinson second overall, the final pick from the Robert Griffin III trade they made with the Redskins two years ago. They also grabbed defensive tackle Aaron Donald with their regular draft pick, to bolster an already stout defense. If Donald turns out to be the player that experts are saying he will, then the Rams will easily have the best defensive line in the league with Robert Quinn and Chirs Long on the edges. Unlike their front seven, however, the back end of their defense hasn't been so spectacular. Enter cornerback Lamarcus Joyner from Florida State who they picked up in the second round. Joyner's height is certainly an issue (5'8"), but his football instincts should make up for that. Not saying he's the second coming of Richard Sherman, but he's a great addition to that defense. Add in running back Tre Mason, who I think was an absolute steal in the third round, and you got quite a draft there already.
Towards the bottom of the draft, the name that obviously stands out is Michael Sam. Sexual orientation aside, getting a SEC Defensive Player of the Year in the seventh round is quite the pick. It is highly doubtful that Sam will compete with Quinn and Long for the starting defensive end position, but as a rotational player, I think he has a shot. Special teams will also be key for him making the roster. If he does, I'm sure Jeff Fisher will give him a few plays a game in obvious passing situations to just go after the QB until the rest of his game becomes more polished.
Worst Draft
Carolina Panthers
I was going to go with the Colts, but that would be a bit unfair considering they didn't have a first round pick and only had five selections overall. The Panthers, meanwhile, used their first round selection on Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. The need at receiver was obvious as Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell both left during the offseason. The problem is that I think both Marquise Lee of USC and Jordan Matthews of Vanderbilt would have been better picks here. Consider that Benjamin has only played for two years and only got third team All-ACC honors last year when the Seminoles won it all. Matthews on the other hand, got first team All-SEC the past two years playing at Vanderbilt where he was the main focus of some of the best defenses in the nation. Lee didn't garner any awards this past season, but that was mainly due to quarterback and coaching inconsistencies. In 2012, he was a unanimous All-American award winner and won the award for best receiver in the nation. Benjamin fills a need, but it wasn't the best option available.
Kony Ealy, who played opposite Sam at Mizzou, adds to an already intimidating defense, but waiting until the third round to draft a guard was a questionable decision. Tackle was the main position they needed on the line, and they drafted a grand total of zero. Obviously things can change in free agency, but with the weapons that Cam Newton will have this upcoming year, he will need all the protection he can get. Steve Smith is one of the best route runners in the league and finding ways to get open. Even if they had selected Lee or Matthews, their weapons still wouldn't be close to what they were last year. Having that extra second or two in the pocket will be crucial to Newton's success this year, although the Panthers must believe the draft was not the way to do it.
Best Value Pick
Jordan Matthews
As stated previously, I'm a fan of this kid. Back to back All-SEC at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt! Not Florida, Alabama or LSU. It's not like Jay Cutler was throwing him the ball either. This is why I, as a Cowboys fan, was absolutely devastated when the Eagles grabbed him in the second round. In that offense, I think he has a good chance to contend for rookie of the year if Nick Foles continues to play like he did last year. Despite six WRs going ahead of him, I still think that based on where all the receivers ended up, that Matthews will have the best rookie year and might even turn out to be the best receiver in this draft when it's all said and done.
Worst Value Pick
Sammy Watkins
It's not that I think Watkins won't be a good player, he will, it's just what the Bills had to give up to get him. Also, the fact that he's going to the Bills. For starters, the Bills had to give up their first round selection this year (9th overall), their first round selection next year, and a fourth rounder next year. That's a high price to pay in a fairly deep WR class this year. Then you look at the fact that he's going to the Bills. They just traded away Stevie Johnson so it's not like Watkins makes this receiving corps that much better. He's really just replacing Johnson. They still need to feed the ball to C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, and they just made a trade to acquire Bryce Brown from the Eagles. With Johnson last year, the Bills finished 28th in the league in passing yards per game, and Watkins will have a sophomore quarterback throwing him the ball. It just doesn't sound like the formula for success. Perhaps he can contribute blocking for the second ranked rushing attack, but his receiving yards and TDs will leave something to be desired considering what they gave up.
When Does Loyalty Become Stupidity?
Loyal as in, being loyal to one's draft board. The Texans needed a quarterback and the Browns needed a wide receiver. Only one team actually drafted what they needed, and that team waited until the fourth round to do so. Let's talk about that team first, the Houston Texans. In defense of the Texans, they pretty much had to take Clowney number one since no trade offer was good enough, and I wouldn't be surprised if they thought Teddy Bridgewater was going to drop to the second round, before Minnesota traded up to get him with the last pick in the first round. Sometimes things don't go your way. I get that. The problem is that QBs were available during their next three picks and they didn't pull the trigger. They let Derek Carr slide to Oakland, Jimmy Garoppolo go to New England, and Logan Thomas go to Arizona before finally taking Tom Savage out of Pitt late in the fourth round. That's a bit too late for my liking when you have no true starter, with the NFL becoming a quarterback driven league. Look at the playoff teams from last year. You don't get anywhere in the NFL anymore without a star QB. Can Savage be that guy? I have my doubts.
Despite the Texans' stubbornness, I think the Browns were even worse. Although the news wasn't released to the public until after the first round of the draft, the Browns organization knew that their best WR, Josh Gordon, was facing a year long suspension due to a failed drug test. This means that, whether they drafted a QB or stuck with Hoyer, their most dangerous weapon from last year was gone. Knowing this, they traded away their pick to the Bills who drafted Watkins. Then, in a loaded class which included Mike Evans, Odell Beckham, Jr., Brandin Cooks, and others that I've mentioned already, the Browns decided to just select...none of them. You want to take Justin Gilbert and Johnny Football in the first round? Fine. No problems there. But then to go offensive tackle, linebacker, running back, and another cornerback with their next and last four picks is absurd.
The Browns must think that either a) Gordon somehow won't be suspended, or b) their receivers are good enough as is. Both of those statements would be incorrect. While it's entirely possible Gordon avoids a season long suspension, he is going to be suspended for some amount of time. I'm guessing it won't be a week or two. Let's say it's their first six games. That means no Gordon in Pittsburgh, at home against the Saints and Ravens, in Tennessee, the Steelers at home, and then in Jacksonville. I see a guaranteed 2-4, potentially 0-6 if the Titans and Jags can figure out their QB situation. Season done. And if they think that their receivers are good enough as is, then the entire Browns front office should be fired. Greg Little, Travis Benjamin, Andrew Hawkins, and Nate Burleson are the potential starting WRs without Gordon. Uh-oh.
Potential Tom Brady Award
A.J. McCarron
All he did in college was win three National Titles, one of which he won the Offensive MVP award, was a Heisman runner up last year, and only lost four times in the three years he was a starter. He didn't put up gaudy stats in college and probably won't in the NFL. But if you want a QB that will get you wins, he's the guy. Critics will say he played with a lot of talent at Alabama. Well, yea, they were also going up against pretty darn good defenses too. Also, it's not like he's going to be playing with scrubs in the NFL either. If he were to start for the Bengals today, he would get to play alongside A.J. Green, Giovani Bernard, Tyler Eifert, and Jermaine Gresham. Not bad. Taken in the 5th round, I think the Bengals got a steal. He can either develop behind Dalton and get traded, or take over Dalton's job if the Bengals don't think he's their guy. Either way, a smart pick late in the draft.
Running Back With A Vengeance
For those wondering, running back is indeed still a position in the NFL. I was starting to have my doubts after the first round. This draft set a record for the latest a running back has been taken with the first one not being snagged until pick number 54 when the Titans snagged Bishop Sankey. Then, backs starting going like hotcakes as two out of the next three players selected were running backs. Despite the Peyton Manning passing bonanza that went on last year, it was the ground and pound, throw it when you need to, Seattle Seahawks that wound up dominating in the Super Bowl. RBs aren't a requirement for a successful regular season, but you'll thank the Lord if you have a good one in the playoffs, especially with the NFL showing it's not afraid to take the Super Bowl to colder climates. I think that teams that waited on RBs or discount their importance should reassess how they view RBs. If not, they're going to spend Super Bowl Sunday like the rest of us, watching from their couch, instead of playing in it.
Matty O
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