Monday, May 2, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Now that Christmas is over, time to evaluate the p...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Now that Christmas is over, time to evaluate the p...: "The three day extravaganza that is Christmas...eeerrr...the NFL Draft is finally over and all 254 presents...eeerrr...picks are in (although..."
Now that Christmas is over, time to evaluate the presents.
The three day extravaganza that is Christmas...eeerrr...the NFL Draft is finally over and all 254 presents...eeerrr...picks are in (although, I wonder if we need to start calling it Hanukkah because the NFL draft is now three full days). NFL Teams have gathered all of their presents, big boxes and small gift bags, and are ready to tear into them and see what they have received. Will the big, nicely wrapped box that was their first round pick be the special gift that they have been begging for all year long, dropping hints and leaving behind notes to their GM and owner? Or will it end up being the same wool sweater you receive every year from the same aunt who still thinks that you are 8 years old?
Detroit Lions - A
Analysis: The Lions only had 5 draft picks, but man did they make them count. First, they grab Nick Fairley, who fell to them at number 13. This right here was the steal of the draft and worthy of such a high grade, even if they traded away the rest of their draft picks. But to grab Titus Young and Mikel Leshoure in the second round was also as equally special. Young will help bolster their WR core which is a need position for them. Leshoure provides a nice 1-2, power speed combo, with him and Javhid Best.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - A
Analysis: Tampa Bay is showing signs that they are going back to their core, which is defense, defense, defense. After spending the first two picks of last years draft on DT, they spend their first two picks this year on DE's. Clayborn will contribute immediately, and if Bowers' knee holds up, he could be one of the all-time steals of any draft, top-5 talent falling to them in the second round. Plus, getting Mason Foster to play ILB was a great pick up.
Baltimore Ravens - A-
Analysis: Baltimore year after year continues to draft well. They somehow draft players that are of great value for where they were drafted. Jimmy Smith, while being rated the third CB in the draft, was not that far behind Prince Amukamara and Patrick Peterson in terms of talent. Character issues dropped his stock, but those will go away once he steps foot in the Ravens locker room and meets Ray Lewis for the first time. They made use of their other picks as Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss are fast receiver who will be more weapons in Flacco's arsenal. Jah Reid is a underrated tackle and Tyrod Taylor will be a real asset for them in multiple ways.
Indianapolis Colts - A-
Analysis: If there is ever a franchise that relies so much on their QB, it's the Colts. As long as Peyton is upright, they win their division. So what did the Colts do this draft, beef up their O-line. Anthony Castonzo will be that bookend that need at LT and Ben Ijalana will move inside and play guard for them despite playing tackle in college. Drake Nevis is also a big space eater at DT.
Cincinnati Bengals - B+
Analysis: The Cincinnati Bengals made a state with this draft class. This is the class that will be the new look Bengals, as the drafting of A.J. Green and Andy Dalton spell the end for Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson. A.J. Green was the best receiver in the draft and getting Dalton in the second was a great pick. Some scouts had him rated higher than Locker and Ponder, and they went top 15. They also got great value with Dontay Moch and Ryan Whalen.
Buffalo Bills - B+
Analysis: Buffalo got a lot better with this draft. They really hit home with three very good defensive players that should start immediately. Marcell Dareurs (1st round), Aaron Williams (2nd round), and Kelvin Sheppard (3rd round), should all be started going into training camp, and when you can say that about your draft class, that is a very solid draft. Still wondering who there QB of the future will be after not drafting one this class, but I still like what they did. It would have been really tough to pass on Dareus for Gabbert at number 3. They could have had Andy Dalton in the second round, which I still question, but Aaron Williams is a solid pick that fills an immediate need.
Houston Texans - B+
Analysis: Well, this draft class tells you how much say new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has in the coaching staff. After producing the worst pass defense in the league and in the history of the NFL, defense of a major focus, as they spent their first five picks on a DE, OLB, and three defensive backs. But it's the talent that they got which will immediately improve their defense. The Texans manage to draft three players with first round talent. J.J. Watt will slid in at that 3-4 DE spot, Brooks Reed is a pass rushing OLB, and Brandon Harris will start opposite last years first round pick Kareem Jackson.
New Orleans Saints - B+
Analysis: Two players: Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram. These two players will now make the Saints the team to beat in the NFC. I know that is a bold statement to make this early, but when the Saints add this type of talent to their team, it's hard not too. Martez Wilson will also be a solid contributor to their defense.
St. Louis Rams - B+
Analysis: I like what the Rams did here in the draft. Robert Quinn is a top five talent had he played last season and adding solid receivers in Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, both coming from pass happy offensives in Boise St. and Hawaii respectfully, will only improve their offense.
Chicago Bears - B+
Analysis: Talk about adding beef to a team, you don't get any bigger than Gabe Carimi and Stephen Paea. Carimi will start day one at left tackle for the Bears and Paea will be a contributor on the D-line, eating up space. Chris Conte is a little slow, but makes good reads at safety.
NY Giants - B
Analysis: When you go up against Tony Romo and Mick Vick 4 times a year, you need as many good CB's as possible. While I'm not sure Prince Amukamara starts right away, he will be a contributor on defense and will see plenty of action as a nickel CB. Marvin Austin is also another great value pick in the second round.
Denver Broncos - B
Analysis: Defensive minded head coach, defensive minded draft class. They would have add a higher grade from me if they would have drafted Marcall Dareus instead of Von Miller, but I like what they did in rounds 2-3 that makes the grade. Rahim Moore has a great chance to learn from one of the best to ever play safety in Brian Dawkins, and Orlando Franklin will help protect new starting QB (yes, he will be this year) Tim Tebow.
Green Bay Packers - B
Analysis: The Super Bowl champs managed to add good quality depth to their already stacked team. LT Derek Sherrod in the first was a good value pick and Randall Cobb is yet another weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Good, solid draft by the champs.
Arizona Cardinals - B
Analysis: When you draft the best player in the draft, it's hard to not give a grade lower than a B. Patrick Peterson definitely doesn't fill a need for the Cardinals, but you just can't pass on talent like that when it falls to you. Not sure why they drafted Ryan Willaims, RB from Va Tech, when they already have Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower, but he is a solid RB. I like Sam Acho to play DE for them as well.
New York Jets - B
Analysis: They really helped themselves on the defensive line by drafting Muhammad Wilkerson and Kendrick Ellis. Wilkerson is a raw talent at DE and Ellis is 6'5", 346 lbs. You talk about a space eater?! The jets are going to be beefy up front and Ellis and Wilkerson will help free up their stud linebackers.
Pittsburgh Steelers - B-
Analysis: They get a B- from me just because they are the Steelers and they have a history of drafting well, so I will give them the benefit of the doubt. They drafted Cameron Heyward in the first, but I still think with Brandon Harris and Aaron Williams on the board, they should have went CB. They addressed their need for tackle in getting Marcus Gilbert in the second.
San Francisco 49ers - B-
Analysis: Not a great draft, but good enough to pass with a decent grade. They needed a pass rusher in the worst way and they got Aldon Smith in the first, who they had rated as the second best pass rusher in the draft. I'm one of few who actually believes in Colin Kaepernick and think he will develop into a solid run-pass QB threat. Not thrilled with CB Chris Culliver in the third, but I really like the offensive picks of Kendall Hunter at RB and Ronald Johnson at WR. Hunter will add much needed speed at the RB position and Johnson will add depth at WR.
Cleveland Browns - B-
Analysis: I can't blame them for accepting the kings ransom from the Atlanta Falcons and moving way back in the draft. They are will prepared for the future will all of those picks they received. They bolstered their DL by getting Phil Taylor at DT and Jabaal Sheard at DE. Taylor doesn't wow me, the Sheard is a good pick. They will play early for them. Greg Little will be Colt McCoy's new favorite target at WR. And every team needs a Owen Marecic on their team.
San Diego Chargers - B-
Analysis: I'm not sure why experts like their draft so much. It's a good draft, but people are wow'd by it. Corey Liugent is a nice player, but after him, there picks were just ok. Marcus Gilchrist is an ok CB and fills a need. WR Vincent Brown will help fill the whole possibly being left by another Vincent, Vincent Jackson.
New England Patriots - C+
Analysis: How much longer are we going to have to wait until we see the New England Patriots really take over a draft and actually use their draft picks and not pay it down. They always seem to prove us wrong, but this year I think it may actually catch up to them. Nate Solder in the first and the second tackle taken off the board is a questionable pick, as they could have had Castonzo. Then drafting two RB's with two of their second round picks when they already have Danny Woodhead and BenJarvis Law Firm, is puzzeling. I like the Shane Vereen pick, but not sure about Stevan Ridley. And we will have to wait and see about QB Ryan Mallett.
Kansas City Chiefs - C+
Analysis: I really like what the Chiefs did with their second and third round picks. Getting Rodney Hudson in the second round to play the interior offense line was a great value pick. Third round picks Justin Houston and Allen Bailey are steals. Houston has first round talent but fell because of character issues. He will definitely contribute and be a player at OLB. Allen Bailey fell after having an unproductive year at DE but is talented. They get their low grade because of what they did with their first round pick, selecting Jonathan Baldwin at WR. Yes he fills a need, but picking him in the first round was a super reach and the Chief could have selected a better talented player that doesn't necessary fill a need, but will contribute.
Miami Dolphins - C+
Analysis: So the Dolphins are losing their two starting running backs to free agency and a Heisman Trophy winning RB was their for the taking, and you pass? I question their reasoning behind this move. They ended up taking Mike Pouncey to play in the interior of their offense line, but they had other needs. He will be a good player, but Ingram would have been the better pick here. They did end up getting Daniel Thomas in the second round to play RB, but he is no Mark Ingram. Edmond Gates is a speedster at WR and will be a nice complement to Brandon Marshall.
Dallas Cowboys - C
Analysis: If there was any team that desperately needed to trade down in the first round, it was the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, they were unable to and ended up taking Tyron Smith, OT from USC. He is rated the best tackle in the draft, and fills a hugh need in protecting Romo's blind side. What they ended up doing with their second and third round picks were confusing. They drafted Bruce Carter, OLB out of UNC in the second and DeMarco Murray, RB from Oklahoma in the third. What needs they fill, I'm not sure. Last time I checked, the Cowboys were just fine at OLB and RB. A CB would have serviced them much better.
Philadelphia Eagles - C
Analysis: The Eagles had big needs at OT and CB, and the Eagles were in prime position to grab solid contributors in the first and second rounds. They could have drafted CB Jimmy Smith or OT Gabe Carimi, and either one would have contributed immediately. Instead, they went with Danny Watkins, OG from Baylor. Unless they feel he can slide out and play tackle, I'm not sure where he fits. Drafting Jaiquawn Jarrett in the second will add depth to the safety position, but Brandon Harris was available, and he would have been a nice addition at CB. Not a fan of Philly's draft.
Atlanta Falcons - C
Analysis: This draft grade hinges on one player and one player only; Julio Jones, WR from Alabama. They went up from pick 27 to pick 6, mortgage next years draft, and got a player they fill will take them over the top. The problem, the Falcons aren't one player away from being over the top. They are in need of a pass rusher in the worst way, and they didn't address that until the 7th round. Now, if Julio doesn't pan out and the Falcons take a step back, they can't improve through the draft next year. It's trades like this one were if they don't pan out, a good team becomes a bad one and a GM will lose their job. Julio Jones, you better be a stud. Jacquizz Rodgets was a nice pick in the fifth round.
Oakland Raiders - C
Analysis: Oakland proved yet again that they care about one thing and one thing only; 40-yard dash time. They already went into the draft without a first round pick, and then with their only second round pick, reached for a OG in Stefen Wisniewski out of Penn St. If the name sounds familiar, it's because his uncle is Steve Wisniewski, former Raider OG and current assistant OL coach. The only thing you need to know about the rest of their draft picks is that they hold the fastest 40 times at their position.
Carolina Panthers - C
Analysis: This draft grade is not a complete reflection on Cam Newton. While Cam wasn't the number #1 player on most people's draft boards, I understand why they made the pick. He will definitely have a learning curve but should play right away as his main competition, Jimmy Clausen, is about as good of a QB as he is fantasy baseball player. And I should know because I play in the same fantasy baseball league as Jim Clausen and I smoked him 9-1. I also don't like what the Panthers did with their two third round picks. I don't mind them draft two DT's, as that is a need position for them, but there were better talented players available at that position than the ones they drafted.
Washington Redskins - C
Analysis: So the Redskins had the 10th pick in the draft and the top QB in the draft falls to them. God must have heard Mike Shannahans prays right? Wrong! The Redskins ended up trading out of the 10 spot to the team that ended up taking Gabbert. So the question now is, who is going to play QB for the Redskins next season? McNabb? Rex Grossman? Good luck Redskin fans. They did end up taking Ryan Kerrigan at 16 which is a good pick and will play opposite last years talented rookie Brian Orakpo. Other than Kerrigan, draft class unimpressive.
Minnesota Vikings - C-
Analysis: The Vikings blow the top off of Radio City Music Hall when they took Christian Ponder, QB from FSU, with the 12th pick in the draft. While this mock drafter had Ponder going in the first round (not many experts did, for the record), drafting him at 12 was pretty outrageous. However, he is the most NFL ready QB in the draft and the Vikings are in a win now situation with their team, so I guess it makes sense to draft him, but they could have done so by trading down, getting value draft picks, and picking him later in the first round. If they would have done so, the grade would be a whole letter higher, as their second and third round pick are solid. Kyle Rudolph will be a solid pro at TE and Christian Ballard at DT had second round talent.
Tennessee Titans - D+
Analysis: The first true shocker of the draft was the Titans taking Jake Locker with the 8th pick. Now, I actually like Locker and think he is the perfect project QB, but you don't take a project QB at number 8. Not when you have the needs to fill as the Titans do. Yes QB is a huge need, but the value they got in taking Locker at 8 versus the talent that was available doesn't match up. There were so many different ways they could have gone. I do like what they got though in the second and third rounds with Akeem Ayers, OLB from UCLA and Jurrell Casey, DT from USC.
Jacksonville Jaguars - D+
Analysis: I can't give them a complete failing grade because they did land the best rated QB in the draft in Blaine Gabbert, QB from Missouri. But to trade up and give up picks and take him when it wasn't a need position is suspect. Plus, David Garrard isn't really that bad of a QB. If Gabbert pans out and becomes their QB of the future, than I was wrong and this was a great move. But when your team is .500, you need to use the draft to draft players that will have an immediate impact and get you over the hump, not draft for the future. Jack Del Rio, a head coach who is constantly on the hot seat, can't be happy about this pick. Getting an impact pass rush would have served them better.
Seattle Seahawks - D
Analysis: I really don't know what the Seahawks were doing in this draft. They use their first round pick to reach for an OG that may or may not be able to play tackle, which was their need. Then, they don't draft any QB, leaving everyone asking; who is our starting QB next season? They get John Moffit, OG from Wisconsin, in the third to add more support to their OL. But otherwise, this was clearly the worst draft class this year.
Mr.Armchair Speaking
Detroit Lions - A
Analysis: The Lions only had 5 draft picks, but man did they make them count. First, they grab Nick Fairley, who fell to them at number 13. This right here was the steal of the draft and worthy of such a high grade, even if they traded away the rest of their draft picks. But to grab Titus Young and Mikel Leshoure in the second round was also as equally special. Young will help bolster their WR core which is a need position for them. Leshoure provides a nice 1-2, power speed combo, with him and Javhid Best.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - A
Analysis: Tampa Bay is showing signs that they are going back to their core, which is defense, defense, defense. After spending the first two picks of last years draft on DT, they spend their first two picks this year on DE's. Clayborn will contribute immediately, and if Bowers' knee holds up, he could be one of the all-time steals of any draft, top-5 talent falling to them in the second round. Plus, getting Mason Foster to play ILB was a great pick up.
Baltimore Ravens - A-
Analysis: Baltimore year after year continues to draft well. They somehow draft players that are of great value for where they were drafted. Jimmy Smith, while being rated the third CB in the draft, was not that far behind Prince Amukamara and Patrick Peterson in terms of talent. Character issues dropped his stock, but those will go away once he steps foot in the Ravens locker room and meets Ray Lewis for the first time. They made use of their other picks as Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss are fast receiver who will be more weapons in Flacco's arsenal. Jah Reid is a underrated tackle and Tyrod Taylor will be a real asset for them in multiple ways.
Indianapolis Colts - A-
Analysis: If there is ever a franchise that relies so much on their QB, it's the Colts. As long as Peyton is upright, they win their division. So what did the Colts do this draft, beef up their O-line. Anthony Castonzo will be that bookend that need at LT and Ben Ijalana will move inside and play guard for them despite playing tackle in college. Drake Nevis is also a big space eater at DT.
Cincinnati Bengals - B+
Analysis: The Cincinnati Bengals made a state with this draft class. This is the class that will be the new look Bengals, as the drafting of A.J. Green and Andy Dalton spell the end for Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson. A.J. Green was the best receiver in the draft and getting Dalton in the second was a great pick. Some scouts had him rated higher than Locker and Ponder, and they went top 15. They also got great value with Dontay Moch and Ryan Whalen.
Buffalo Bills - B+
Analysis: Buffalo got a lot better with this draft. They really hit home with three very good defensive players that should start immediately. Marcell Dareurs (1st round), Aaron Williams (2nd round), and Kelvin Sheppard (3rd round), should all be started going into training camp, and when you can say that about your draft class, that is a very solid draft. Still wondering who there QB of the future will be after not drafting one this class, but I still like what they did. It would have been really tough to pass on Dareus for Gabbert at number 3. They could have had Andy Dalton in the second round, which I still question, but Aaron Williams is a solid pick that fills an immediate need.
Houston Texans - B+
Analysis: Well, this draft class tells you how much say new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has in the coaching staff. After producing the worst pass defense in the league and in the history of the NFL, defense of a major focus, as they spent their first five picks on a DE, OLB, and three defensive backs. But it's the talent that they got which will immediately improve their defense. The Texans manage to draft three players with first round talent. J.J. Watt will slid in at that 3-4 DE spot, Brooks Reed is a pass rushing OLB, and Brandon Harris will start opposite last years first round pick Kareem Jackson.
New Orleans Saints - B+
Analysis: Two players: Cameron Jordan and Mark Ingram. These two players will now make the Saints the team to beat in the NFC. I know that is a bold statement to make this early, but when the Saints add this type of talent to their team, it's hard not too. Martez Wilson will also be a solid contributor to their defense.
St. Louis Rams - B+
Analysis: I like what the Rams did here in the draft. Robert Quinn is a top five talent had he played last season and adding solid receivers in Austin Pettis and Greg Salas, both coming from pass happy offensives in Boise St. and Hawaii respectfully, will only improve their offense.
Chicago Bears - B+
Analysis: Talk about adding beef to a team, you don't get any bigger than Gabe Carimi and Stephen Paea. Carimi will start day one at left tackle for the Bears and Paea will be a contributor on the D-line, eating up space. Chris Conte is a little slow, but makes good reads at safety.
NY Giants - B
Analysis: When you go up against Tony Romo and Mick Vick 4 times a year, you need as many good CB's as possible. While I'm not sure Prince Amukamara starts right away, he will be a contributor on defense and will see plenty of action as a nickel CB. Marvin Austin is also another great value pick in the second round.
Denver Broncos - B
Analysis: Defensive minded head coach, defensive minded draft class. They would have add a higher grade from me if they would have drafted Marcall Dareus instead of Von Miller, but I like what they did in rounds 2-3 that makes the grade. Rahim Moore has a great chance to learn from one of the best to ever play safety in Brian Dawkins, and Orlando Franklin will help protect new starting QB (yes, he will be this year) Tim Tebow.
Green Bay Packers - B
Analysis: The Super Bowl champs managed to add good quality depth to their already stacked team. LT Derek Sherrod in the first was a good value pick and Randall Cobb is yet another weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Good, solid draft by the champs.
Arizona Cardinals - B
Analysis: When you draft the best player in the draft, it's hard to not give a grade lower than a B. Patrick Peterson definitely doesn't fill a need for the Cardinals, but you just can't pass on talent like that when it falls to you. Not sure why they drafted Ryan Willaims, RB from Va Tech, when they already have Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower, but he is a solid RB. I like Sam Acho to play DE for them as well.
New York Jets - B
Analysis: They really helped themselves on the defensive line by drafting Muhammad Wilkerson and Kendrick Ellis. Wilkerson is a raw talent at DE and Ellis is 6'5", 346 lbs. You talk about a space eater?! The jets are going to be beefy up front and Ellis and Wilkerson will help free up their stud linebackers.
Pittsburgh Steelers - B-
Analysis: They get a B- from me just because they are the Steelers and they have a history of drafting well, so I will give them the benefit of the doubt. They drafted Cameron Heyward in the first, but I still think with Brandon Harris and Aaron Williams on the board, they should have went CB. They addressed their need for tackle in getting Marcus Gilbert in the second.
San Francisco 49ers - B-
Analysis: Not a great draft, but good enough to pass with a decent grade. They needed a pass rusher in the worst way and they got Aldon Smith in the first, who they had rated as the second best pass rusher in the draft. I'm one of few who actually believes in Colin Kaepernick and think he will develop into a solid run-pass QB threat. Not thrilled with CB Chris Culliver in the third, but I really like the offensive picks of Kendall Hunter at RB and Ronald Johnson at WR. Hunter will add much needed speed at the RB position and Johnson will add depth at WR.
Cleveland Browns - B-
Analysis: I can't blame them for accepting the kings ransom from the Atlanta Falcons and moving way back in the draft. They are will prepared for the future will all of those picks they received. They bolstered their DL by getting Phil Taylor at DT and Jabaal Sheard at DE. Taylor doesn't wow me, the Sheard is a good pick. They will play early for them. Greg Little will be Colt McCoy's new favorite target at WR. And every team needs a Owen Marecic on their team.
San Diego Chargers - B-
Analysis: I'm not sure why experts like their draft so much. It's a good draft, but people are wow'd by it. Corey Liugent is a nice player, but after him, there picks were just ok. Marcus Gilchrist is an ok CB and fills a need. WR Vincent Brown will help fill the whole possibly being left by another Vincent, Vincent Jackson.
New England Patriots - C+
Analysis: How much longer are we going to have to wait until we see the New England Patriots really take over a draft and actually use their draft picks and not pay it down. They always seem to prove us wrong, but this year I think it may actually catch up to them. Nate Solder in the first and the second tackle taken off the board is a questionable pick, as they could have had Castonzo. Then drafting two RB's with two of their second round picks when they already have Danny Woodhead and BenJarvis Law Firm, is puzzeling. I like the Shane Vereen pick, but not sure about Stevan Ridley. And we will have to wait and see about QB Ryan Mallett.
Kansas City Chiefs - C+
Analysis: I really like what the Chiefs did with their second and third round picks. Getting Rodney Hudson in the second round to play the interior offense line was a great value pick. Third round picks Justin Houston and Allen Bailey are steals. Houston has first round talent but fell because of character issues. He will definitely contribute and be a player at OLB. Allen Bailey fell after having an unproductive year at DE but is talented. They get their low grade because of what they did with their first round pick, selecting Jonathan Baldwin at WR. Yes he fills a need, but picking him in the first round was a super reach and the Chief could have selected a better talented player that doesn't necessary fill a need, but will contribute.
Miami Dolphins - C+
Analysis: So the Dolphins are losing their two starting running backs to free agency and a Heisman Trophy winning RB was their for the taking, and you pass? I question their reasoning behind this move. They ended up taking Mike Pouncey to play in the interior of their offense line, but they had other needs. He will be a good player, but Ingram would have been the better pick here. They did end up getting Daniel Thomas in the second round to play RB, but he is no Mark Ingram. Edmond Gates is a speedster at WR and will be a nice complement to Brandon Marshall.
Dallas Cowboys - C
Analysis: If there was any team that desperately needed to trade down in the first round, it was the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, they were unable to and ended up taking Tyron Smith, OT from USC. He is rated the best tackle in the draft, and fills a hugh need in protecting Romo's blind side. What they ended up doing with their second and third round picks were confusing. They drafted Bruce Carter, OLB out of UNC in the second and DeMarco Murray, RB from Oklahoma in the third. What needs they fill, I'm not sure. Last time I checked, the Cowboys were just fine at OLB and RB. A CB would have serviced them much better.
Philadelphia Eagles - C
Analysis: The Eagles had big needs at OT and CB, and the Eagles were in prime position to grab solid contributors in the first and second rounds. They could have drafted CB Jimmy Smith or OT Gabe Carimi, and either one would have contributed immediately. Instead, they went with Danny Watkins, OG from Baylor. Unless they feel he can slide out and play tackle, I'm not sure where he fits. Drafting Jaiquawn Jarrett in the second will add depth to the safety position, but Brandon Harris was available, and he would have been a nice addition at CB. Not a fan of Philly's draft.
Atlanta Falcons - C
Analysis: This draft grade hinges on one player and one player only; Julio Jones, WR from Alabama. They went up from pick 27 to pick 6, mortgage next years draft, and got a player they fill will take them over the top. The problem, the Falcons aren't one player away from being over the top. They are in need of a pass rusher in the worst way, and they didn't address that until the 7th round. Now, if Julio doesn't pan out and the Falcons take a step back, they can't improve through the draft next year. It's trades like this one were if they don't pan out, a good team becomes a bad one and a GM will lose their job. Julio Jones, you better be a stud. Jacquizz Rodgets was a nice pick in the fifth round.
Oakland Raiders - C
Analysis: Oakland proved yet again that they care about one thing and one thing only; 40-yard dash time. They already went into the draft without a first round pick, and then with their only second round pick, reached for a OG in Stefen Wisniewski out of Penn St. If the name sounds familiar, it's because his uncle is Steve Wisniewski, former Raider OG and current assistant OL coach. The only thing you need to know about the rest of their draft picks is that they hold the fastest 40 times at their position.
Carolina Panthers - C
Analysis: This draft grade is not a complete reflection on Cam Newton. While Cam wasn't the number #1 player on most people's draft boards, I understand why they made the pick. He will definitely have a learning curve but should play right away as his main competition, Jimmy Clausen, is about as good of a QB as he is fantasy baseball player. And I should know because I play in the same fantasy baseball league as Jim Clausen and I smoked him 9-1. I also don't like what the Panthers did with their two third round picks. I don't mind them draft two DT's, as that is a need position for them, but there were better talented players available at that position than the ones they drafted.
Washington Redskins - C
Analysis: So the Redskins had the 10th pick in the draft and the top QB in the draft falls to them. God must have heard Mike Shannahans prays right? Wrong! The Redskins ended up trading out of the 10 spot to the team that ended up taking Gabbert. So the question now is, who is going to play QB for the Redskins next season? McNabb? Rex Grossman? Good luck Redskin fans. They did end up taking Ryan Kerrigan at 16 which is a good pick and will play opposite last years talented rookie Brian Orakpo. Other than Kerrigan, draft class unimpressive.
Minnesota Vikings - C-
Analysis: The Vikings blow the top off of Radio City Music Hall when they took Christian Ponder, QB from FSU, with the 12th pick in the draft. While this mock drafter had Ponder going in the first round (not many experts did, for the record), drafting him at 12 was pretty outrageous. However, he is the most NFL ready QB in the draft and the Vikings are in a win now situation with their team, so I guess it makes sense to draft him, but they could have done so by trading down, getting value draft picks, and picking him later in the first round. If they would have done so, the grade would be a whole letter higher, as their second and third round pick are solid. Kyle Rudolph will be a solid pro at TE and Christian Ballard at DT had second round talent.
Tennessee Titans - D+
Analysis: The first true shocker of the draft was the Titans taking Jake Locker with the 8th pick. Now, I actually like Locker and think he is the perfect project QB, but you don't take a project QB at number 8. Not when you have the needs to fill as the Titans do. Yes QB is a huge need, but the value they got in taking Locker at 8 versus the talent that was available doesn't match up. There were so many different ways they could have gone. I do like what they got though in the second and third rounds with Akeem Ayers, OLB from UCLA and Jurrell Casey, DT from USC.
Jacksonville Jaguars - D+
Analysis: I can't give them a complete failing grade because they did land the best rated QB in the draft in Blaine Gabbert, QB from Missouri. But to trade up and give up picks and take him when it wasn't a need position is suspect. Plus, David Garrard isn't really that bad of a QB. If Gabbert pans out and becomes their QB of the future, than I was wrong and this was a great move. But when your team is .500, you need to use the draft to draft players that will have an immediate impact and get you over the hump, not draft for the future. Jack Del Rio, a head coach who is constantly on the hot seat, can't be happy about this pick. Getting an impact pass rush would have served them better.
Seattle Seahawks - D
Analysis: I really don't know what the Seahawks were doing in this draft. They use their first round pick to reach for an OG that may or may not be able to play tackle, which was their need. Then, they don't draft any QB, leaving everyone asking; who is our starting QB next season? They get John Moffit, OG from Wisconsin, in the third to add more support to their OL. But otherwise, this was clearly the worst draft class this year.
Mr.Armchair Speaking
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: My assessment of Christmas and how ESPN ruined it!...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: My assessment of Christmas and how ESPN ruined it!...: "Now that the first round of the NFL draft is over, and all of the shock and aw has passed, I will touch on how I think each team did, especi..."
My assessment of Christmas and how ESPN ruined it!!!!
Now that the first round of the NFL draft is over, and all of the shock and aw has passed, I will touch on how I think each team did, especially my own. But before I give my thoughts and analysis from my armchair on the first round and which teams did a good job, and which teams will be calling me Monday for an interview for their soon-to-be vacant GM position, I want to discuss how ESPN ruined my Christmas.
Part of the excitement and anticipation of watching the NFL Draft is hearing the commissioner announce each pick, and then watch and hear the reaction of the players getting drafted and the fans reacting to their team's pick. But in today's news breaking society, the competition of being the first to report the breaking story has completely ruined Christmas for this draft honk. My coverage of choice is always ESPN and now with the emergence of the NFL Network, it completely changed how the draft is covered. This year, ESPN would have the camera on player expecting to the drafted, show him having a long, tearful conference call with his new employer, and then finally 4 minutes later, the commissioner would walk to the podium and make the announcement of the selection. It completely ruined the moment for us viewers of the draft, looking for that shock and aw moment that we have been waiting for all offseason.
With that being said, there were plenty of surprise picks and movement in the first round of this year's draft, much not predicted by yours truly. I actually had a lot of faith in my mock draft this year, but in the end, it didn't fair too well against the experts. I'll blog more about that next week when the draft is officially over, but I wanted to get out my analysis of the first round, already a day late. Let's dive into the madness.
1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton, QB Auburn
Analysis - We all knew this pick was going to happen and we all agree that this pick was about selling jersey's and putting fans in the seats after finishing with the leagues worst record. I will admit that I believe Cam can be a good QB purely on his athletic ability, but he must want to put in the work, and he has a lot of work to do. If all put together, he can win you games with both his arm and his legs. He will definitely get a chance to play and play earlier, as his competition won't be hard to beat out.
2. Denver Broncos - Von Miller, OLB Texas AM
Analysis - I don't like this pick. Don't get me wrong, I like Von Miller as a player and think he will be very good in the NFL, but I'm not sure how he fits in with the Broncos. Playing in the AFC West, you need to stop the running game, and Marcell Dareus would have been a better player to achieve that goal. Miller would have been better suited as a strong side linebacker for a 3-4 defensive scheme, pass rushing off the edge.
3. Buffalo Bills - Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
Analysis - Once Von Miller was taken, this pick was an easy one to make. They will be able to move Dareus across the line and have him cause havoc, a la Shu for Detroit. I still would have drafted Blaine Gabbert here because I don't believe Ryan Fitzpatrick is the QB of the future for them. They could have drafted Gabbert and have him sit and develop while Fitzpatrick keeps the seat warm.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - A.J. Green, WR Georgia
Analysis - They took a pass on Gabbert and took A.J. Green, best receiver in the draft, highly talented and polished, and will be a dynamic receiver in the league. By passing on Gabbert, they are either signaling that they think Carson will return and just provided him with a new shiny toy, or bank that one of the next tier QB's will be there in round two.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Analysis - The Cardinals just drafted the best player in the draft and sometimes, that is the best move you can make. This wasn't a need for the Cardinals, but you can't pass on talent like Peterson. You take him and find a way to get him on the field. Great cover corner and return specialist. Duel threat.
6. Atlanta Falcons (from Cleveland Browns via trade) - Julio Jones, WR Alabama
Analysis - This was huge. Statement move by the Falcons. The Falcons mortgaged a lot to move up from the late 20's to get Jones. I'm still scratching my head though. Jones will be a good receive if he cleans up the drops. I think they gave up way too much and although I am a believer in the philosophy of going and getting the player you want at any cost, this was redic. Phil Simms said it best and I agree, "if you think that your team is one piece away from being great, chances are you are one pierce away from being worse." When you start thinking like that, that is how GM's lose their jobs.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Aldon Smith, OLB Missouri
Analysis - Not a sexy pick, but I see where they were going with it. This is like getting a B- on a geometry test that you knew would be tough but felt good going into it. You were hoping for an A, but happy you didn't get a D; so you'll take your B- and live with it. The 49ers were hoping for Von Miller or Patrick Peterson to fall, but knew it wouldn't happend and were just happy they didn't have to reach for a player, like J.J. Watt or Robert Quinn. Personally, if I were running the 49ers from my armchair, I would have drafted Nick Fairley, Prince Amukamara, or desperately tried to trade down. Rumor has it the Minnesota Vikings tried. Smith will help with the pass rush but will need to add bulk to be effective against the run.
8. Tennessee Titans - Jake Locker, QB Washington
Analysis - This was the first big shocker of the draft. The highest I saw Locker going was #12 and the lowest was early second. Supposedly though, Locker was a hot commodity. Minnesota tried hard to trade with the 49ers at #7 to get ahead of Tennessee and draft Locker, but when the 49ers wouldn't budge or Minnesota wouldn't up their offer, Tennessee couldn't get that card to the commish fast enough. Locker has all the tools to be a good QB. He will need to work on his accuracy, but I called him the perfect project QB before the draft, and I'm sticking to that assessment despite how high he went.
9. Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith, OT USC
Analysis - Jerry Jones was working the phones hard to try and trade down. I bet it just killed him that he had to take an offensive tackle this high in the draft, let alone actually be drafting this high in the draft. If you were going to draft a tackle though, why not draft the best tackle in the draft. Smith is a power tackle who will slide into the left side of the offensive line and free up Doug Free to move to the right side.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Washington Redskins via trade) - Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
Analysis - This was a bold move by both teams in my opinion. Washington desperately needs a QB, and for them to pass on Gabbert here, really sends up red flags about his skills and ability. From Jacksonville's prospective, I like the pick. I originally had them taking Christian Ponder at 16 or trading down to take him, but once they saw that Gabbert was still available, they went and got him.
11. Houston Texans - J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
Analysis - Well, the philosophy of curing a bad passing secondary is with a great pass rush holds true here. They passed on Prince Amukamara to take J.J. Watt, a strong, high-motor DE. I question is where will he fit? They already have Mario Williams and Antonio Smith at DE. If they were going to add to the pass rush, they should have looked for more of a OLB type pass rusher.
12. Minnesota Vikings - Christian Ponder, QB FSU
Analysis - The second big shocker of the draft comes with another unexpected QB getting drafted much higher than expected. Much, much higher than expected. I know I had predicted Christian Ponder to go to the Jaguars at 16, but I had no real faith in the pick. Some scouts are saying that Ponder is the most NFL ready QB in the draft, and with the Vikings in limbo on whether to rebuild or gear up for a playoff run, Ponders solves both.
13. Detroit Lions - Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
Analysis - I think this is the steal of the draft and best pick in the first round. Matching up Nick Fairley to play along side Ndamukong Shu is pure geniuses. This is going to create all sorts of match-up problems for opposing teams and I already feel bad to the interior linemen who will have to attempt to block them.
14. St. Louis Rams - Robert Quinn, DE UNC
Analysis - I like this pick for the Rams. It gives them another pass rushing end off the edge opposite Chris Long, and Quinn is a top 10 talent assuming he played last season. He has some knee issues which is why he fell, but drafting him here is worth the risk.
15. Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey, C Florida
Analysis - I hope they take a RB in the second or third round because I'm wondering who will be running the ball for the Dolphins and providing pressure relieve for Chad Henne. Pouncey is a solid pick here and will be a steal if he lives up to his brothers billing.
16. Washington Redskins - Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB Purdue
Analysis - This is a good pick for the Redskins. Kerrigan will take pressure off of Orakpo and give the Redskins a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker. He is a high motor effort player who will thrive in their defensive scheme, much like Orakpo did last year.
17. New England Patriots - Nate Solder, OT Colorado
Analysis - I have mixed feels about this pick. I watched Solder play earlier in the year against Cal and he got destroyed by their pass rush. Cal beat Colorado badly that game and Colorado's offense only managed to put up 7 points in garbage time. However, some drafts experts say that Solder could be the best tackle in this draft class when it's all said and done, and I am not one to question the hoody as well.
18. San Diego Chargers - Corey Liugent, DT Illinois
Analysis - This was a need pick for the Chargers are they needed to fill the hole at DT. Liugent was the best available and highest on their board. He will eat up space and free up the linebackers in their new 3-4 defensive scheme they will run next year.
19. New York Giants - Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
Analysis - This is a great pick for the Giants. I know OT was a huge need for them, but Prince should develop into a solid CB for the Giants and when you have to face Tony Romo and Mike Vick 4 times a year, it doesn't help to have as many CB on deck.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
Analysis - It was no secret that the Buccaneers were coming into this draft looking for a pass rushing DE, and they found a good one in Clayborn. Clayborn probably would have been a higher draft pick if he had come out last year, but regardless, he is still talented.
21. Cleveland Browns (from Kansas City Chief via trade) - Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
Analysis - For a team that just hired a new, offensive minded coach, you would think they would look at drafting someone to help that side of the ball. They passed on Julio Jones, not because he wasn't good, but because the Falcons were crazy enough to give the Browns the farm. Taylor will help fill the role that Shaun Rodgers played last year.
22. Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Castonzo, OT BC
Analysis - Peyton Manning is doing cart-wheels after this draft pick. The life expectancy for Peyton just went up 5-6 years. Castonzo will help solidify the offensive line that was average, but you would have never known it because Peyton moves so well in the pocket.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - Danny Watkins, OG Baylor
Analysis - I guess Mick Vick can't run for his life forever. I would have preferred that the Eagles have taken a CB here, but I guess you can never go wrong drafting to a line. Watkins is a big, solid kid, who will open holes up the middle for Vick to run through.
24. New Orleans Saints - Cameron Jordan, DE Cal
Analysis - This is a nice pick for the Saints. Some experts had Jordan getting drafted as high as #9 to the Cowboys, and as low as #17 to the Pats. I'm not sure why Jordan fell this far, but he will have an immediate impact for the Saints defense.
25. Seattle Seahawks - James Carpenter, OT Alabama
Analysis - The Seahawks follow up last years great draft with a reach for their first pick. Carpenter was suppose to go somewhere in the middle of the second round, plus with Carimi and Sherrod still on the board, this makes Carpenter even more of a surprise pick.
26. Kanasas City Chiefs - Jonathan Baldwin, WR Pittsburgh
Analysis - This was a need position for the Chiefs, as they needed another wide receiver opposite Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel is only getting better and with the emergence of Jamaal Charles at RB, they needed to get a receiver to stretch the field and keep the defense honest. I didn't have Baldwin rated this high, but I understand the logic.
27. Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
Analysis - Smith has great talent but had major character issues coming into the draft which caused him to fall this far in the draft. Those character issues will soon be dissolved when he walks into the Ravens lock down and sees #52, Ray Lewis. The Ravens do a great job at self-policing the locker room and Smith's character issues will not be a problem for the Ravens. Solid pick here by a team that always drafts well.
28. New Orleans Saints (from New England Patriots via trade) - Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Analysis - Countering the statement move made by division foe Atlanta Falcons, Saints trade back into the first round and take a Heisman RB. This pick also signals the end of the Reggie Bush era for the Saints. Ingram is a low to the ground runner with good balance and will be that of the Deuce McAllister mold, who was also a RB unexpectedly drafted by the Saints (the Saints already sold the farm to get Ricky Williams).
29. Chicago Bears - Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
Analysis - Carimi was suppose to go mid-first, but fell to the Bears, making both Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari fall over in their beach chair on Malibu beach. Carimi will move in and start ASAP at the left side tackle.
30. New York Jets - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Temple
Analysis - Mel Kiper called this the steal of the draft. He had Wilkerson rated as the 9th player on his big board. I think this is a very good pick for the Jets to get Wilkerson at #30. He can play all three positions on the defensive line, but I worry that coming from a small school, he won't be battle tested against tough competition.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio St.
Analysis - This pick yet again proves the theory that the cure for a bad pass defense is a great pass rush. The Steelers got picked a part by the Packers in the Super Bowl. The Steelers clearly need CB help and had Aaron Williams and Brandon Harris on the board, both first round talents.
32. Green Bay Packers - Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi St.
Analysis - There is not much improving you can do to a team that just won the Super Bowl with a great mix of veterans and young players at each position. The rule of the thumb is when in doubt, draft to a line. Sherrod will add depth to the offensive line and Chad Clifton can't play forever.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Part of the excitement and anticipation of watching the NFL Draft is hearing the commissioner announce each pick, and then watch and hear the reaction of the players getting drafted and the fans reacting to their team's pick. But in today's news breaking society, the competition of being the first to report the breaking story has completely ruined Christmas for this draft honk. My coverage of choice is always ESPN and now with the emergence of the NFL Network, it completely changed how the draft is covered. This year, ESPN would have the camera on player expecting to the drafted, show him having a long, tearful conference call with his new employer, and then finally 4 minutes later, the commissioner would walk to the podium and make the announcement of the selection. It completely ruined the moment for us viewers of the draft, looking for that shock and aw moment that we have been waiting for all offseason.
With that being said, there were plenty of surprise picks and movement in the first round of this year's draft, much not predicted by yours truly. I actually had a lot of faith in my mock draft this year, but in the end, it didn't fair too well against the experts. I'll blog more about that next week when the draft is officially over, but I wanted to get out my analysis of the first round, already a day late. Let's dive into the madness.
1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton, QB Auburn
Analysis - We all knew this pick was going to happen and we all agree that this pick was about selling jersey's and putting fans in the seats after finishing with the leagues worst record. I will admit that I believe Cam can be a good QB purely on his athletic ability, but he must want to put in the work, and he has a lot of work to do. If all put together, he can win you games with both his arm and his legs. He will definitely get a chance to play and play earlier, as his competition won't be hard to beat out.
2. Denver Broncos - Von Miller, OLB Texas AM
Analysis - I don't like this pick. Don't get me wrong, I like Von Miller as a player and think he will be very good in the NFL, but I'm not sure how he fits in with the Broncos. Playing in the AFC West, you need to stop the running game, and Marcell Dareus would have been a better player to achieve that goal. Miller would have been better suited as a strong side linebacker for a 3-4 defensive scheme, pass rushing off the edge.
3. Buffalo Bills - Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
Analysis - Once Von Miller was taken, this pick was an easy one to make. They will be able to move Dareus across the line and have him cause havoc, a la Shu for Detroit. I still would have drafted Blaine Gabbert here because I don't believe Ryan Fitzpatrick is the QB of the future for them. They could have drafted Gabbert and have him sit and develop while Fitzpatrick keeps the seat warm.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - A.J. Green, WR Georgia
Analysis - They took a pass on Gabbert and took A.J. Green, best receiver in the draft, highly talented and polished, and will be a dynamic receiver in the league. By passing on Gabbert, they are either signaling that they think Carson will return and just provided him with a new shiny toy, or bank that one of the next tier QB's will be there in round two.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Analysis - The Cardinals just drafted the best player in the draft and sometimes, that is the best move you can make. This wasn't a need for the Cardinals, but you can't pass on talent like Peterson. You take him and find a way to get him on the field. Great cover corner and return specialist. Duel threat.
6. Atlanta Falcons (from Cleveland Browns via trade) - Julio Jones, WR Alabama
Analysis - This was huge. Statement move by the Falcons. The Falcons mortgaged a lot to move up from the late 20's to get Jones. I'm still scratching my head though. Jones will be a good receive if he cleans up the drops. I think they gave up way too much and although I am a believer in the philosophy of going and getting the player you want at any cost, this was redic. Phil Simms said it best and I agree, "if you think that your team is one piece away from being great, chances are you are one pierce away from being worse." When you start thinking like that, that is how GM's lose their jobs.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Aldon Smith, OLB Missouri
Analysis - Not a sexy pick, but I see where they were going with it. This is like getting a B- on a geometry test that you knew would be tough but felt good going into it. You were hoping for an A, but happy you didn't get a D; so you'll take your B- and live with it. The 49ers were hoping for Von Miller or Patrick Peterson to fall, but knew it wouldn't happend and were just happy they didn't have to reach for a player, like J.J. Watt or Robert Quinn. Personally, if I were running the 49ers from my armchair, I would have drafted Nick Fairley, Prince Amukamara, or desperately tried to trade down. Rumor has it the Minnesota Vikings tried. Smith will help with the pass rush but will need to add bulk to be effective against the run.
8. Tennessee Titans - Jake Locker, QB Washington
Analysis - This was the first big shocker of the draft. The highest I saw Locker going was #12 and the lowest was early second. Supposedly though, Locker was a hot commodity. Minnesota tried hard to trade with the 49ers at #7 to get ahead of Tennessee and draft Locker, but when the 49ers wouldn't budge or Minnesota wouldn't up their offer, Tennessee couldn't get that card to the commish fast enough. Locker has all the tools to be a good QB. He will need to work on his accuracy, but I called him the perfect project QB before the draft, and I'm sticking to that assessment despite how high he went.
9. Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith, OT USC
Analysis - Jerry Jones was working the phones hard to try and trade down. I bet it just killed him that he had to take an offensive tackle this high in the draft, let alone actually be drafting this high in the draft. If you were going to draft a tackle though, why not draft the best tackle in the draft. Smith is a power tackle who will slide into the left side of the offensive line and free up Doug Free to move to the right side.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Washington Redskins via trade) - Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
Analysis - This was a bold move by both teams in my opinion. Washington desperately needs a QB, and for them to pass on Gabbert here, really sends up red flags about his skills and ability. From Jacksonville's prospective, I like the pick. I originally had them taking Christian Ponder at 16 or trading down to take him, but once they saw that Gabbert was still available, they went and got him.
11. Houston Texans - J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
Analysis - Well, the philosophy of curing a bad passing secondary is with a great pass rush holds true here. They passed on Prince Amukamara to take J.J. Watt, a strong, high-motor DE. I question is where will he fit? They already have Mario Williams and Antonio Smith at DE. If they were going to add to the pass rush, they should have looked for more of a OLB type pass rusher.
12. Minnesota Vikings - Christian Ponder, QB FSU
Analysis - The second big shocker of the draft comes with another unexpected QB getting drafted much higher than expected. Much, much higher than expected. I know I had predicted Christian Ponder to go to the Jaguars at 16, but I had no real faith in the pick. Some scouts are saying that Ponder is the most NFL ready QB in the draft, and with the Vikings in limbo on whether to rebuild or gear up for a playoff run, Ponders solves both.
13. Detroit Lions - Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
Analysis - I think this is the steal of the draft and best pick in the first round. Matching up Nick Fairley to play along side Ndamukong Shu is pure geniuses. This is going to create all sorts of match-up problems for opposing teams and I already feel bad to the interior linemen who will have to attempt to block them.
14. St. Louis Rams - Robert Quinn, DE UNC
Analysis - I like this pick for the Rams. It gives them another pass rushing end off the edge opposite Chris Long, and Quinn is a top 10 talent assuming he played last season. He has some knee issues which is why he fell, but drafting him here is worth the risk.
15. Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey, C Florida
Analysis - I hope they take a RB in the second or third round because I'm wondering who will be running the ball for the Dolphins and providing pressure relieve for Chad Henne. Pouncey is a solid pick here and will be a steal if he lives up to his brothers billing.
16. Washington Redskins - Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB Purdue
Analysis - This is a good pick for the Redskins. Kerrigan will take pressure off of Orakpo and give the Redskins a pass rushing 3-4 outside linebacker. He is a high motor effort player who will thrive in their defensive scheme, much like Orakpo did last year.
17. New England Patriots - Nate Solder, OT Colorado
Analysis - I have mixed feels about this pick. I watched Solder play earlier in the year against Cal and he got destroyed by their pass rush. Cal beat Colorado badly that game and Colorado's offense only managed to put up 7 points in garbage time. However, some drafts experts say that Solder could be the best tackle in this draft class when it's all said and done, and I am not one to question the hoody as well.
18. San Diego Chargers - Corey Liugent, DT Illinois
Analysis - This was a need pick for the Chargers are they needed to fill the hole at DT. Liugent was the best available and highest on their board. He will eat up space and free up the linebackers in their new 3-4 defensive scheme they will run next year.
19. New York Giants - Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
Analysis - This is a great pick for the Giants. I know OT was a huge need for them, but Prince should develop into a solid CB for the Giants and when you have to face Tony Romo and Mike Vick 4 times a year, it doesn't help to have as many CB on deck.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
Analysis - It was no secret that the Buccaneers were coming into this draft looking for a pass rushing DE, and they found a good one in Clayborn. Clayborn probably would have been a higher draft pick if he had come out last year, but regardless, he is still talented.
21. Cleveland Browns (from Kansas City Chief via trade) - Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
Analysis - For a team that just hired a new, offensive minded coach, you would think they would look at drafting someone to help that side of the ball. They passed on Julio Jones, not because he wasn't good, but because the Falcons were crazy enough to give the Browns the farm. Taylor will help fill the role that Shaun Rodgers played last year.
22. Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Castonzo, OT BC
Analysis - Peyton Manning is doing cart-wheels after this draft pick. The life expectancy for Peyton just went up 5-6 years. Castonzo will help solidify the offensive line that was average, but you would have never known it because Peyton moves so well in the pocket.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - Danny Watkins, OG Baylor
Analysis - I guess Mick Vick can't run for his life forever. I would have preferred that the Eagles have taken a CB here, but I guess you can never go wrong drafting to a line. Watkins is a big, solid kid, who will open holes up the middle for Vick to run through.
24. New Orleans Saints - Cameron Jordan, DE Cal
Analysis - This is a nice pick for the Saints. Some experts had Jordan getting drafted as high as #9 to the Cowboys, and as low as #17 to the Pats. I'm not sure why Jordan fell this far, but he will have an immediate impact for the Saints defense.
25. Seattle Seahawks - James Carpenter, OT Alabama
Analysis - The Seahawks follow up last years great draft with a reach for their first pick. Carpenter was suppose to go somewhere in the middle of the second round, plus with Carimi and Sherrod still on the board, this makes Carpenter even more of a surprise pick.
26. Kanasas City Chiefs - Jonathan Baldwin, WR Pittsburgh
Analysis - This was a need position for the Chiefs, as they needed another wide receiver opposite Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel is only getting better and with the emergence of Jamaal Charles at RB, they needed to get a receiver to stretch the field and keep the defense honest. I didn't have Baldwin rated this high, but I understand the logic.
27. Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
Analysis - Smith has great talent but had major character issues coming into the draft which caused him to fall this far in the draft. Those character issues will soon be dissolved when he walks into the Ravens lock down and sees #52, Ray Lewis. The Ravens do a great job at self-policing the locker room and Smith's character issues will not be a problem for the Ravens. Solid pick here by a team that always drafts well.
28. New Orleans Saints (from New England Patriots via trade) - Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Analysis - Countering the statement move made by division foe Atlanta Falcons, Saints trade back into the first round and take a Heisman RB. This pick also signals the end of the Reggie Bush era for the Saints. Ingram is a low to the ground runner with good balance and will be that of the Deuce McAllister mold, who was also a RB unexpectedly drafted by the Saints (the Saints already sold the farm to get Ricky Williams).
29. Chicago Bears - Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
Analysis - Carimi was suppose to go mid-first, but fell to the Bears, making both Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari fall over in their beach chair on Malibu beach. Carimi will move in and start ASAP at the left side tackle.
30. New York Jets - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Temple
Analysis - Mel Kiper called this the steal of the draft. He had Wilkerson rated as the 9th player on his big board. I think this is a very good pick for the Jets to get Wilkerson at #30. He can play all three positions on the defensive line, but I worry that coming from a small school, he won't be battle tested against tough competition.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio St.
Analysis - This pick yet again proves the theory that the cure for a bad pass defense is a great pass rush. The Steelers got picked a part by the Packers in the Super Bowl. The Steelers clearly need CB help and had Aaron Williams and Brandon Harris on the board, both first round talents.
32. Green Bay Packers - Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi St.
Analysis - There is not much improving you can do to a team that just won the Super Bowl with a great mix of veterans and young players at each position. The rule of the thumb is when in doubt, draft to a line. Sherrod will add depth to the offensive line and Chad Clifton can't play forever.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Who needs Mel and McShay when you have Mr. Armchai...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Who needs Mel and McShay when you have Mr. Armchai...: "If there is one thing that I love the most about the NFL, maybe all of sports, maybe even my year, it's the NFL Draft. It is over-publici..."
Who needs Mel and McShay when you have Mr. Armchair for mocks
If there is one thing that I love the most about the NFL, maybe all of sports, maybe even my year, it's the NFL Draft. It is over-publicized, over-hyped, much dragged out, and I soak it all up. I read all of the mocks. I read all of the articles and blogs. I watch all of the ESPN specials. I LOVE IT!!! The NFL Draft is one of my many Christmas' of the year. The night before the NFL Draft, I can't sleep a wink. My mind turns with who will be going where or who will try to make a trade to grad their player. I hit the knees the night before the draft and pray that my team (San Francisco 49ers) takes the player that I want them to take. But normally what ends up happening is the player I want them to take they pass on and then that player goes on to get drafted with the next pick and has a great career.
Then draft day comes, and my living room quickly transform into my own personal war room. I lay out all of my mock drafts, spreadsheets, rankings, depth carts, and multiple bags of Lay's potato chips. You might even see me sporting a phone headset, as if I'm working the phones for the 49ers, fielding trade offers and contacting other teams about moving up or down in the draft to assure that we get our guy. I'm right there along with the 49ers brass, straight from my armchair.
Once back in reality, I realize that all I am is a draft honk that gets way too caught up in it. But the one thing I do love to do is create my very own mock draft and then see how I match up with the Kiper's and McShay's of the world. In a world of pundits with insider connections and sources, and who are considered experts in this craft, my goal is to prove that I can swing it just like the rest of them. I do two different mock drafts; one without trade prediction and one with trade predictions. Let's see how I do.
Mr. Armchair's Mock Draft (w/o trades) -
1. Caroline Panthers - Cam Newton, QB Auburn
Analysis: He may not be the best player in this draft, probably not even the best QB, but he is the only franchise changing player. Whether that's a good thing or bad, we'll see. He can be a dynamic player who needs to learn to take a snap from under center in order to succeed. Hopefully, he bucks the trend of unsuccessful spread option QB's.
2. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
Analysis: The Broncos defensive line was terrible last year, generating little pressure on the QB's, and putting much strain on the secondary. Dareus is by far the best defensive line player in the draft.
3. Buffalo Bills - Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
Analysis: This is the perfect time for the Bills to draft a QB, so why not pick the best one in the draft? Fitzpatrick is not the future, but is serviceable for 1-2 years while Gabbert develops.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - Julio Jones, WR Alabama
Analysis: This is scheme pick because A.J. Green is the best WR in the draft, but Jones fits in better with what the Bengals are trying to do offensively.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
Analysis: Their dream comes true in drafting Von Miller. Best pass rusher in the draft will not only help generate pressure on the QB, but will make their talented secondary look that much better. He is a sideline to sideline linebacker as well.
6. Cleveland Browns - A.J. Green, WR Georgia
Analysis: Adding the best WR in the draft to help the development of Colt McCoy is a no brainer.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Analysis: My prayers are answered!!! The best player in the draft falls to the 49ers. A do-everything CB with tremendous upside to be a shut down CB. Shawntae Spencer, welcome to nickel cornerville.
8. Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
Analysis: Showed his potential in the BCS Championship game, but will he have the drive to live up to it? Tennessee better hope so. Keep him as far away from Albert Haynesworth as possible.
9. Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith, OT USC
Analysis: Last year proved that the Cowboys will go nowhere without Romo. Protect your greatest asset.
10. Washington Redskins - Robert Quinn, DE UNC
Analysis: If he had played last year, he may be a top 5 pick. Based on pure talent, he is worthy of getting drafted this high. Redskins can't pass on him.
11. Houston Texans - Aldon Smith, DE/OLB Missouri
Analysis: The Houston Texans were last in the league in pass defense, so why not take the next best CB (Amukamara)? Their philosophy: the best remedy for a bad secondary is a great front 4. They better hope so.
12. Minnesota Vikings - Cameron Jordan, DE Cal
Analysis: A bit of a homecoming for Jordan as his dad (Steve Jordan) played TE for the Vikings. Can play both 3-4 and 4-3 DE.
13. Detroit Lions - Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
Analysis: Thanksgiving Day game showed that adding to the secondary is a must this draft. Scouts say while Peterson may have more potential, Amukamara is more NFL ready. Solid CB.
14. St. Louis Rams - Corey Liugent, DT Illinois
Analysis: Adding Liugent will help take pressure and blocker away from Chris Long.
15. Miami Dolphins - Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Analysis: Miami may be losing both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Why not replace them with another Heisman winning RB.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars - Christian Ponder, QB FSU
Analysis: Jacksonville is known for making shocking picks (Tyson Alualu at #10 last year). After passing on Tebow last year, Jacksonville can't pass on another Florida (FSU though) QB.
17. New England Patriots - Mike Pouncey, OG/C Florida
Analysis: With the uncertain future of Logan Mankins, OG/C becomes a need for the Patriots, and if the younger Pouncey can live up to be as good as his brother, the Pats get a steal here.
18. San Diego Chargers - J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
Analysis: Big, strong DE is perfect for the 3-4 defence new D Coordinator Greg Manusky will implement.
19. New York Giants - Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
Analysis: For the Giants to win, they will need to keep Eli upright, and Carimi will also allow David Diehl to move better.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Da"Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
Analysis: The #1 pick after the college football season ended, can't live down his injured knee. No one knows how truly healthy he is or how long he will hold up. Worth a gamble at #20 however.
21. Kansas City Chiefs - Anthony Castonzo, OT BC
Analysis: With Cassel at QB and Charles at RB emerging into stars, solidifying the O-line is essential.
22. Indianapolis Colts - Nate Solder, OT Colorado
Analysis: The aging Colts OL gets younger with Solder, who will slide in at LT and protect Peyton's blind slide.
23. Philadelphia Eagles - Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
Analysis: Improving the pass defense is a must for the Eagles. Asante Samuel locks down one side of the field, leaving the other CB expose. Smith is just as talented as Peterson and Amukamara, and the Eagles can't pass on a potential lock down CB.
24. New Orleans Saints - Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
Analysis: When in doubt, add to a line. Kerrigan is a high motor lineman and the best available left on the board.
25. Seattle Seahawks - Jake Locker, QB Washington
Analysis: I know this is highly unlikely, but this has all the makings to actually happen. Homegrown kid, stayed home to play college ball, gets drafted by favorite team. Dreams come true. Locker is the perfect project QB.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
Analysis: The Ravens are always in the market for solid defensive players. Clayborn adds depth to a strength position.
27. Atlanta Falcons - Justin Houston, DE/OLB Georgia
Analysis: Staying local is the theme of some teams in this draft. Houston is a speed guy and will add depth to the defense. Falcons are also waving the white flag on Jamaal Anderson.
28. New England Patriots - Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT Temple
Analysis: A combo DL, Wilkerson has raw talent, but is coming from a D-1AA school. He is a Vince Wilfolk, Ty Warren type of player. He can play both DT and DE in a 3-4 scheme.
29. Chicago Bears - Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi St.
Analysis: I don't think there was a QB sacked more times this season than Jay Cutler. The Bears can't afford to have what happened to them in the playoffs last season. This pick makes Bears fan and Kristin Cavallari happy.
30. New York Jets - Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
Analysis: Space eater in the middle will take pressure and blockers off of the linebackers.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Brandon Harris, CB Miami
Analysis: The Steelers secondary got exposed by Green Bay in the Super Bowl. Big need pick here.
32. Green Bay Packers - Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio St.
Analysis: Green Bay doesn't need to improve as a whole, so just add to a line. Heyward adds depth to the DL. Mr. Armchair's Mock Draft (w/trades) -
1. Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton, QB Auburn
2. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
3. Buffalo Bills - Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
4. *San Francisco 49ers (from Cincinnati Bengals) - Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
5. Arizona Cardinals - Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
6. Cleveland Browns - A.J. Green, WR Georgia
7. *Cincinnati Bengals (from San Francisco 49ers) - Julio Jones, WR Alabama
8. Tennessee Titans - Nick Fairley, DT Auburn
9. Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith, OT USC
10. Washington Redskins - Robert Quinn, DE UNC
11. Houston Texans - Aldon Smith, DE/OLB Missouri
12. *Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota Vikings) - Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
13. Detroit Lions - Cameron Jordan, DE Cal
14. St. Louis Rams - Corey Liugent, DT Illinois
15. Miami Dolphins - Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
16. *Chicago Bears (from Jacksonville Jaguars) - Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
17. New England Patriots - Mike Pouncey, OG/C Florida
18. San Diego Chargers - J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
19. New York Giants - Anthony Castonzo, OT BC
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
21. Kansas City Chiefs - Muhammad Wilkerson, DE Temple
22. Indianapolis Colts - Nate Solder, OT Colorado
24. New Orleans Saints - Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
25. Seattle Seahawks - Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi St.
26. Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
27. Atlanta Falcons - Justin Houston, DE/OLB Georgia
28. New England Patriots - Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
29. *Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chicago Bears) - Christian Ponder, QB FSU
30. New York Jets - Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
31. *Tennessee Titans (from Pittsburgh Steelers) - Andy Dalton, QB TCU
32. Green Bay Packers - Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio St.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Talkin' about my generation...and today's generati...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Talkin' about my generation...and today's generati...: "I wanted to continue with the second piece of my three part series on generational players. As a baseball purest, while I have my allegian..."
Talkin' about my generation...and today's generational players. (Part 2)
I wanted to continue with the second piece of my three part series on generational players. As a baseball purest, while I have my allegiances, I can't help but admire when a player comes along and defies all logic of what a baseball player is suppose to be. I go see these players play against my team and get almost excited to see them as I do watching my favorite team. The first piece we focused on past and present generational players and what defines a player as a generational baseball players. I wanted to focus this piece on future generational players.
For a quick review, in the first piece I defined a generational player as a player who is not only a player worthy of hall of fame stature, but is also a player who seemingly is larger than life; someone who captures the hearts of the general baseball fan. These players are not only great on the ball field, but are widely admired off the field. They are your kid’s favorite players not just because they are great ballplayers, but because they also have that certain “it” factor and that makes them as attractive as Brooklyn Decker jogging in a tube-top bikini on the beach. The players I'm about to name may already be playing, but when they retire, we will look back on them and realize how great they truly were. So without further or due, here are your future generational players: Evan Longoria, Troy Tulowitzki, Tim Lincecum, Ichiro Suzuki, Stephen Strasburg, and Bryce Harper.
So now comes my logic. Evan Longoria has the potential to be a great third baseman. He is a great hitter, above-average fielder, and willing to get dirt when he needs too. He always seems to make the great play when a great play is needed to be made. That is the type of player that kids gravitate too. He is a household name that resonates and most of all; the Tampa Bay Rays have him locked up till 2015. He has MVP written all over him.
Troy Tulowitzki or "Tulow" is a quarterback playing short stop. He is 6'3", 215 and probably runs a 4.9 40 yard dash. If this guy wasn't playing short stop for the Rockies, he would be quarterbacking the Buffalo Bills. His 5-year career numbers are .292 average with 99 homers at age 26. Note: Cal Ripken Jr. holds the record for most home runs by a shortstop with 345. That mark can be easily obtainable by Tulow. He is consistently putting up remarkable numbers and fielding his position well. He is on his way to winning the MVP this year, and should win another one in the years to follow.
What more can be said for the little, lovable kid known simple as, “The Freak?!” Tim Lincecum in his short, 4-year career has already won 2 Cy Young Awards and has a World Series Championship under his 30 waist size belt. Coupled with the fact that Tim is five foot nothing, hundred and nothing, and with following locks of hair that would make Brett Michaels lose his bandanna. In and Out even has a meal named after him. He is baseball’s Rudy Ruettiger expect the chip on his shoulder is a double-double animal style.
It was said that when the Seattle Mariners first signed Ichiro to bring him over to the United States from Japan that they wouldn’t have traded him for even Babe Ruth in his prime. He was that good. All he has managed to due in his career is hit for more than 200 hits in the 10 seasons he has played here professionally and has a career average of .331. He is the consummate 5-tool player, even though he has a career 90 homers in 10 seasons. But this blogger still maintains that if Ichiro really wanted to, he could belt out 20-25 homers a season.
The next two players I’m going to talk about I’ll do as a combo. Ask yourself this, have there ever been two prospects so nationally hyped up and primed for hall of fame greatest than Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper? To my memory, probably not since Ken Griffey, Jr. or Barry Bonds, maybe A-Rod, but I’ve never read more scouts and reporters go Lady Gaga over two unproven players. So really, I’m drinking the Kool-Aid and slurping the fact that they may actually be right. I've seen the small sample size Strasburg gave us last season and I've seen the You Tube videos of Harper. If everything falls into place and Strasburg and Harper turn out to be the players they are suppose to be, they will be as popular a duo as Batman and Robin, Paul and John, Kornheiser and Wilbon, Prince William and Kate, or Brett Farve and whoever he decides to text.
So now that I've made my list of past, present, and future generational players, I'm sure the people not reading my blog will want to chime in and argue with me about the lists and the omissions. Yes, I know there are going to be players that I missed and overlooked, and there are players who you may feel should be on the list but didn't make it for one reason or another. This is why for my third and final piece on this topic, we will discuss the players that barely missed the cut, and the glaring omissions that once I realized I left them off, I had already hit the published button. So until then....Mr. Armchair Speaking
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Talkin' about my generation...and today's generati...
Mr. Armchair Speaks: Talkin' about my generation...and today's generati...: "There are only a few baseball players in a course of a lifetime that we can truly define as special. These players are also known as genera..."
Talkin' about my generation...and today's generational players. (Part 1)
There are only a few baseball players in a course of a lifetime that we can truly define as special. These players are also known as generation players, players that come along once in a generation, and are not only great on the field, but are a cut above the rest, and have that extra flair that makes them larger than life. Players that not only shines on the ball field, but also captured the hearts of the fans. I've attempted to create a sample size that would expand from our father's era, to my generation, the "chicks dig the long ball" era, and today and beyond. It may be a lengthy post, so I've broken it up into two post. Here's part one.
For the old timers, an example would be Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax. These players were not only great, hall-of-fame players, but the most non-educated, out of ordinary, science lab nerd (no offense to all you chemist out there who love baseball) know who these players are. They are glossed with catchy nicknames like "The Mick", "The Say Hey Kid", "Joltin' Joe", "Teddy Ballgame". Hollywood made movies and wrote songs about them. These are the first wave of players that we re-live through grainy, black and white film, and hear recounts of stories of their greatness.
The middle aged ball fan like myself, growing up in the late 80's and early 90's, there were a lot of lean years, but players that would fall into our generation would be Cal Ripken Jr., Ken Griffrey Jr., Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, and Roger Clemens. Who could forgot the greatness of the "Iron Man", the no-hitting "Nolan Express", "The Kid" and his backward hat, the chase for 61, BBBAAAARRRRYYYY and 7-56, and "The Rocket". These players are undoubtedly hall of famers, though I say that knowing full well that some of these players may not make the hall, but everyone in their right mind knows that they belong. But it is because of there supposed wrongdoings that makes them a generational player.
When thinking about generational ball players of the early 2000's, the list is short. But I think I have come up with a list of players that will ultimately be stamped with this label. They are, in no particular order, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Puljos, Randy Johnson, and Mariano Riveria. I understand that I may get a lot of negative feedback from those non-readers of this blog, but I do have logic and reasoning behind these players. First off, this was probably the easiest list of generational players that I could have probably put together. When trying to think about generational players of the old-timers and mine generations, I had a lot harder of a time putting together those list than the list for today's youth. When looking at the list of players from today's youth that will be labeled as generational players, the word obvious comes to mind. Derek Jeter will become the 28th player ever to reach the 3,000 hit club, the first since Craig Biggio in 2007, A-Rod and Albert Puljos are both on there way to breaking the all-time home run record, Randy Johnson will be the last pitcher to win 300 games, and Mariano is well within striking distance to take over as the all-time saves leader.
Not only do these players have a well of records to their credit, but they also have the off-the-field credentials that make them generational players. Who will ever get the sounds of "Der-ek Je-ter" ringing through Yankee Stadium, or Mariano running in from the bullpen to Metallica's "Enter Sandman." Randy Johnson with his sweeping slider and the deadly combo of the mullet and mustache.
When looking to the future, it's hard to determine this early in some players careers who will be so fortunate to be called a generational player, but I will attempt to try. In part two, we will take a closer look at those players. I love this topic of generational players when discussing baseball and talkin' about my generation, past, and future.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
For the old timers, an example would be Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax. These players were not only great, hall-of-fame players, but the most non-educated, out of ordinary, science lab nerd (no offense to all you chemist out there who love baseball) know who these players are. They are glossed with catchy nicknames like "The Mick", "The Say Hey Kid", "Joltin' Joe", "Teddy Ballgame". Hollywood made movies and wrote songs about them. These are the first wave of players that we re-live through grainy, black and white film, and hear recounts of stories of their greatness.
The middle aged ball fan like myself, growing up in the late 80's and early 90's, there were a lot of lean years, but players that would fall into our generation would be Cal Ripken Jr., Ken Griffrey Jr., Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, Nolan Ryan, and Roger Clemens. Who could forgot the greatness of the "Iron Man", the no-hitting "Nolan Express", "The Kid" and his backward hat, the chase for 61, BBBAAAARRRRYYYY and 7-56, and "The Rocket". These players are undoubtedly hall of famers, though I say that knowing full well that some of these players may not make the hall, but everyone in their right mind knows that they belong. But it is because of there supposed wrongdoings that makes them a generational player.
When thinking about generational ball players of the early 2000's, the list is short. But I think I have come up with a list of players that will ultimately be stamped with this label. They are, in no particular order, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Puljos, Randy Johnson, and Mariano Riveria. I understand that I may get a lot of negative feedback from those non-readers of this blog, but I do have logic and reasoning behind these players. First off, this was probably the easiest list of generational players that I could have probably put together. When trying to think about generational players of the old-timers and mine generations, I had a lot harder of a time putting together those list than the list for today's youth. When looking at the list of players from today's youth that will be labeled as generational players, the word obvious comes to mind. Derek Jeter will become the 28th player ever to reach the 3,000 hit club, the first since Craig Biggio in 2007, A-Rod and Albert Puljos are both on there way to breaking the all-time home run record, Randy Johnson will be the last pitcher to win 300 games, and Mariano is well within striking distance to take over as the all-time saves leader.
Not only do these players have a well of records to their credit, but they also have the off-the-field credentials that make them generational players. Who will ever get the sounds of "Der-ek Je-ter" ringing through Yankee Stadium, or Mariano running in from the bullpen to Metallica's "Enter Sandman." Randy Johnson with his sweeping slider and the deadly combo of the mullet and mustache.
When looking to the future, it's hard to determine this early in some players careers who will be so fortunate to be called a generational player, but I will attempt to try. In part two, we will take a closer look at those players. I love this topic of generational players when discussing baseball and talkin' about my generation, past, and future.
Mr. Armchair Speaking
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