The Greatest 3 days and the Greatest 2 minutes in Sports –

This is probably my favorite post that I do all year that doesn’t involve the San Francisco Giants winning the World Series; my NFL draft recap and my Kentucky Derby preview.  It’s long, lengthy, but filled with good stuff.  If you are strictly looking for my Derby preview and picks, you can scroll down to the bottom to find it.   

The three-day extravaganza that is the NFL Draft has come to an end with 254 collegiate football athletes having new jobs and employers.  It’s probably one of the greatest days in those young men’s lives; receiving that phone call informing them that they have been drafted to play football in the NFL.     

So how did Mr. Armchair’s Mock Draft hold up against the experts?  This year……not so well.  I got 3 out of 32 correct picks, 9%.  Note: a corrected pick counts as either a player getting drafted by the team you had them getting drafted by, or a player getting drafted in the numbered pick you had them getting drafted.  And for added stat purposes, we are calculating Hits v. Direct Hits.  A “Direct Hit” is having pick + team + player.  A “Hit” is being pick + player – team or player + team – pick.  Here are the stat lines:

Mike Mayock, NFL Network – 12 Hits, 8 Direct

Todd McShay, ESPN and Scouts Inc. – 10 Hits, 7 Direct

Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN and known NFL Draft expert – 9 Hits, 8 Direct

Charley Casserly, NFL Network and ex-NFL GM – 8 Hits, 3 Direct

Don Banks, SI.com – 7 Hits, 4 Direct

Scouts, Inc., ESPN Football Insiders – 4 Hits, 4 Direct

MR. ARMCHAIR, Your favorite NFL Draft expert – 3 Hits, 2 Direct

Peter King, SI.com NFL writer and Insider – 2 Hits, 1 Direct

Mr. Armchair didn’t fair too well this NFL Draft season.  You know it’s not going to be a good day for you when you miss on the 1^st OVERALL PICK!!!  From there, I couldn’t stop the bleeding.  2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, all miss fires.  It wasn’t until the 8^th overall pick when the St. Louis Rams traded with the Buffalo Bills and selected WR Tavon Austin out of West Virginia.  Finally, my first hit!!!  I had the Rams taking Austin with the 16^th pick overall.  Then it starts again, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, 12^th, 13^th………..miss, miss, miss!!!  14^th, 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, 19^th………when is it going to stop!!!  20^th, 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd, 24^th, 25^th, 26^th, 27^th……credibility out the window!!!  Finally, 28^th pick, the Denver Broncos throw me a bone and take DT Sylvester Williams from UNC; 2^nd hit, 1^st direct hit of the draft.  Cloaked in failure, 29^th, 30^th, 31^st, went by as misses.  However, the Baltimore Ravens raise my spirits somewhat for next season, as they picked S Matt Elam of Florida with the 32^nd and last pick of the first round.  3^rd hit, 2^nd direct hit, and it keeps me coming back for more.  I guess I have to look on the bright side; at least I did better than Peter King!          

Analysis Time –

It is always hard to analyze or “grade” a draft class right after the draft happens.  You can’t truly analyze or “grade” a draft for at least 3-4 years afterward.  But it makes for fun reading so I partake. 

San Francisco 49ers – A+

Analysis:  No homer here, the 49ers had the best draft.  They came into this draft with the most picks at 13, and used all of them to maneuver and manipulate the draft.  They drafted up 13 spots in the 1^st round in order to get their guy in S Eric Reid, and they only had to give up a 3^rd round pick to do so.  Tank Carradine in the 2^nd round was an awesome pick, as I had them taking him with their original 1^st round pick at #31.  And WR Quinton Patton and RB Marcus Lattimore are huge gets.  

Minnesota Vikings – A

Analysis:  Anytime you walk away from a draft with three immediate starters, you get an A in my book.  The Vikings got an absolute steal in DT Sharrif Floyd with the first of their two 1^st round draft picks.  Many, myself included, had Floyd going in the top 10.  With their second 1^st round pick, they were able to grab CB Xavier Rhodes, who again many had as a top 15 pick.  Then they traded back into the 1^st round to grab WR Cordarrelle Patterson.  All three will start the minute training camp opens.  

St. Louis Rams – A

Analysis:  The Rams had to nail this draft.  Being in the same division as the 49ers and Seahawks, who both have built through the draft, the Rams needed to prove they belong, and they did.  They walked away with a boat-load of talented players.  They got the guy they coveted in WR Tavon Austin.  He is the type of explosive WR the Rams and QB Sam Bradford have been waiting for.  I also like the drafting of ILB Alec Ogletree, and late-round picks S T.J. McDonald, WR Stedman Bailey, and C Barrett Jones.   

Tennessee Titans – A

Analysis:  RB Chris Johnson and QB Jake Locker should be jumping for joy right now.  The Titans drafted two of the best interior O-Linemen in the draft at their respective positions in OG Chance Warmack in the 1^st round and C Brian Schwenke (Cal guy as well) in the 4^th round.  I also really like the pick of WR Justin Hunter in the 2^nd round.  Hunter was thought to be a late 1^st round pick.  CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson in the 3^rd round was also a good get.  He too was at one time thought of as a 1^st round pick.    

Baltimore Ravens – A-

Analysis:  The franchise lost their two most identifiable players in HOF’ers S Ed Reed and ILB Ray Lewis.  While they will be hard to replace, the Ravens spent their two first picks in the draft addressing those holes with 1^st round pick S Matt Elam and 2^nd round pick OLB/ILB Arthur Brown.  Those two will be immediate starters from the first day of training camp.  Also, I can’t help but like the pick of Cal Bear CB Marc Anthony in the 7^th round.  Dude can play and I think he will stick in the league.     

Cincinnati Bengals – A-

Analysis:  The Bengals had another great draft.  I love the pick of 1^st rounder TE Tyler Eifert.  I had Eifert going to the Jets at pick #13, so for the Bengals to grab him at pick #21 is a steal.  I also like their two 2^nd round picks in RB Giovani Bernard and DE Margus Hunt.  While Bernard wasn’t the highest rated RB, he is the best pass-catching RB in the draft and will complement starting RB BenJarvis Green-Ellis nicely.  Also, Hunt was thought to be late 1^st round pick, so again to get him in the late 2^nd is a steal. 

Arizona Cardinals – B+

Analysis:  The Cardinals quietly had a really good draft.  They didn’t draft any skilled-positioned players, but they plugged some holes with some very good players.  Their OL was terrible last season, and while the desired pick would have been any of the three T’s, landing OG Jonathan Cooper with their 1^st round pick isn’t a bad constellation prize.  I really like the pick of ILB Kevin Minter in the 2^nd round as well.  And of course, we’ll have to wait and see what comes of 3^rd round pick CB Tyrann Mathieu.    

Green Bay Packers – B+

Analysis:  I feel like the Packers lucked out with their draft whether than actually drafting well.  But sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good.  They needed more talent and bodies along the DL and getting DE Datone Jones in the 1^st round fits their 4-3 scheme.  But I thought the more pressing need for the Pack was at RB so I had them taking RB Eddie Lacy with their first pick.  Just so happens they ended up getting him in the 2^nd round.  Again, was it luck or well played?  Not sure, but it worked out. 

New Orleans Saints – B+

Analysis:  For only having five draft picks, the Saints made the most of them.  The way the draft worked out, they were in position to pick either OLB Jarvis Jones or S Kenny Vaccaro, both filling important needs.  They went with Vaccaro, as the Saints were last in passing yards given up.  I also like the pick of T Terron Armstead in the 3^rd round.  He set the record for fastest 40-yard dash time by an O-Lineman.  Given time, he could develop into a nice player.  I also like DT John Jenkins in the 3^rd round. 

Pittsburgh Steelers – B+

Analysis:  The Steelers had four needs going into the draft and they went out and spent their first four picks on those needs.  No reaching, no over-drafting just to fill the need, but good, solid players.  With their 1^st round pick, they get the top OLB in Jarvis Jones.  With their 2^nd round pick, they get RB Le’Veon Bell, who is a good pass-catching RB.  They address the WR position with taking WR Markus Wheaton in the 3^rd round.  Lastly, they grab a good S in Shamarko Thomas in the 4^th round.  

Atlanta Falcons – B

Analysis:  There was one need and one need only on this team that needed to be filled, and that was at CB.  The Falcons traded up in the 1^st round and got their guy in CB Desmond Trufant.  I think this was a good move because if they had stayed at their original pick of #30, they may not have been able to pick either Trufant or CB Xavier Rhodes, who went to the Vikings at pick #25.  They backed up the Trufant pick with getting CB Robert Alford in the 2^nd round.  Mission accomplished, need filled.

Carolina Panthers – B

Analysis:  When you only have five draft picks, it’s very hard to go and be successful at filling all of your needs.  So what the Panthers did was identify their most pressing need, and draft to that one need.  The Panthers were horrible against the run last season due to a lack of a good DT.  Enter 1^st round pick DT Star Lotulelei and 2^nd round pick DT Kawann Short.  Lotulelei was the consensus #1 overall pick heading into last year’s college football season. To get him at pick #14 deserves the grade alone. 

Denver Broncos – B

Analysis:  Not a sexy draft and really didn’t fill any needs, but I like it.  I think there first priority was to get a CB to be the heir apparent to the great Champ Bailey, but once both CB Desmond Trufant and CB Xavier Rhodes were taken, they shift focus and got a run-stopping DT in Sylvester Williams in the 1^st round.  Williams will add much needed depth to a so-so DL.  And while RB wasn’t a big need, getting Montee Ball in the 2^nd round was huge, as the health of Willis MacGhaee is always uncertain.      

Jacksonville Jaguars – B

Analysis:  The Jaguars were sitting pretty.  They just kicked their feet up on the table and waiting to see who the Kansas City Chief were going to take at pick #1 between T’s Eric Fisher or Luke Joeckel; because whoever they didn’t take, that was who they were drafting.  Lucky for them, they got the better of the two in Joeckel.  However, the rest of their draft was so-so.  They used four of their eight picks on CB’s.  Last time I checked, they were last in sacks.  How about spending a pick on a D-Lineman?   

Oakland Raiders – B

Analysis:  I gave the Raiders a B just on the simple fact that they didn’t draft the guy who had the fastest 40-yard dash time at the Scouting Combine.  I liked that they traded out of the #3 pick and were able to get a 2^nd rounder for it.  They took CB D.J. Hayden, whose story is incredible, so I won’t bash the pick.  All I’ll say is that it’s a huge risk and one that if I were a NFL GM, I’m not sure I would take.  But I do like their 2^nd round selection in T Menelik Watson.  He was a 1^st round talent in my draft.   

Philadelphia Eagles – B

Analysis:  The Eagles got one of the top 3 draft choices in the entire draft in T Lane Johnson.  He will be an immediate starter and help keep QB Michael Vick upright.  Now, I know they got a steal in QB Matt Barkley in the 4^th round; however I think they should have taken him a round earlier.  They missed out on players in the 4^th round that could have made an immediate impact, like ILB Nico Johnson, DE Alex Okafor, C Brian Schwenke, S Shamarko Thomas, C Barrett Jones, or DE William Gholston. 

San Diego Chargers – B

Analysis:  From a Cal homer prospective, this draft class rocks.  I mean, getting WR Keenan Allen and CB Steve Williams are huge gets and will be immediate starters, probably the best players in their draft class.  Ok, non-homer view; this is still a solid draft class, but comes with some question marks.  1^st round pick T DJ Fluker was rising up draft boards and may have been a slight reach at pick #11, but you have to protect your QB.  And drafting ILB Manti Te’o and that circus is a huge risk/reward pick.  

Indianapolis Colts – B-

Analysis:  When every position on your team, with the exception of QB, is a need position, you really can’t go wrong with who you draft.  And what’s amazing is that the Colts made the playoffs last season.  I like the fact that they focused on getting guys who play in the trenches, and 1^st round pick DE Bjoern Werner fits that mold.  He is not afraid to put his hand in the dirt and plays with a continuous motor.  4^th round pick C Khaled Holmes is a good grab as well.  They are continuing to build.

Kansas City Chiefs – B-

Analysis:  It’s hard to give the team with the 1^st overall pick anything less than a B, but I just think they could have done better.  I would have rather taken T Luke Joeckel over Eric Fisher at pick #1, they didn’t have a 2^nd round pick because that became QB Alex Smith so you have to factor that in, and I would have made better use of their two 3^rd round picks.  A TE and RB were not need picks for the Chiefs.  There were better prospects available that could have made a more immediate impact.  

New York Jets – B-

Analysis:  Normally when a team has two 1^st round picks, especially picks within the top 15, it’s an automatic A; however, we are talking about the Jets here.   With their two 1^st round picks, they took CB Dee Milliner at #9 and DT Sheldon Richardson at #13.  I don’t get either pick.  I know the Jets traded Darrell Revis so Milliner fills that need, but the pressure that kid will be under isn’t fair.  And the Richardson pick, that’s the third year now that the Jets spent a 1^st rounder on DL.  And Geno!!      

Detroit Lions – C+

Analysis:  I can’t fault them for using their first two picks in the draft to fill their two most pressing needs, which were DE and CB.  They took DE Ziggy Ansah with their 1^st round pick and CB Darius Slay with their 2^nd round pick.  However, these two players are both high risk/high reward guys who have limited experience playing big-time football.  With players being available who were just as talented and having more experience, I would have gone with the safer options, as the Lions need to win now. 

Houston Texans – C+

Analysis:  I just don’t love it.  Unlike my counter, The Professor, I’m not as high on WR DeAndre Hopkins as others.  I don’t mind them taking a WR, as it was definitely a need and I had them taking a WR with their 1^st round pick, but I thought there were better, more talented WR’s to take instead.  I would have much rather had WR Justin Hunter, Cordarrelle Patterson, or even Robert Woods.  And the rest of their draft is just blah.  S D.J. Swearinger could make an impact but the rest is just ok.

New York Giants – C+

Analysis:  The Giants are a team that never drafts for need.  They always draft to best and most talented player on their draft board and to their credit, its work the past couple of years.  Now, whether you agree 1^st round pick OG Justin Pugh was the best available player/talent at that pick is up for debate.  It’s unclear whether or not Pugh will play OT or OG.  And while QB Ryan Nassib is talented, was he really a need in the 4^th round?  Are you really looking an heir apparent to Eli Manning already?   

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – C+

Analysis:  I know you have to factor in their 1^st round pick was used on CB Darrell Revis, but he’s coming off a season-ending knee injury.  And after trading/using your 1^st round pick on Revis, you back that up with taking CB Jonathan Banks in the 2^nd round?  And I know QB Mike Glennon is talented, supposedly, as he was the one who pushed out QB Russell Wilson and made him transfer from NC State to Wisconsin, but what does this pick say about current Bucs QB Josh Freeman? 

Cleveland Browns – C

Analysis:  I think the Browns could have really turned the page and started with a clean slate with this draft, but they didn’t, or at least I don’t think you do that with DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo.  They had already signed DE/OLB Paul Kruger in the offseason from division rival Baltimore Ravens, so with only five draft picks, they could have better used their 1^st round pick at a much more need position.  This isn’t reflection on Mingo, who I really like as a player; I just think the Browns don’t need him.     

Miami Dolphins – C

Analysis:  If the Dolphins would have selected T Lane Johnson at pick #3 instead of OLB Dion James, they would have received a whole letter grade higher.  They gave up a 2^nd round pick in order to move up from pick #12 to pick #3 and take James, who does not fill a need for them and probably wasn’t the best player available either.  The better selection would have been Johnson, who accomplishes both.  I like their 2^nd round pick CB Jamar Taylor, who could be an immediate starter for them.   

Seattle Seahawks – C

Analysis:  Every year I dump on the Seahawks for having a terrible draft, and every year somehow their picks pan out.  They have a method, they have a philosophy, and they stick to it.  You have to factor in that their 1^st round pick was used on WR Percy Harvin, and like CB Darrell Revis, isn’t the healthiest player.  When healthy, he’s a stud.  But I don’t understand them drafting RB Christine Michael in the 2^nd round when you already have Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin.  Seems like a wasted pick.  

Washington Redskins – C

Analysis:  Again, another draft class where you have to factor in a pick for an established player.  You have to remember that their 1^st round pick was used in last year’s RG3 trade.  I like what they did in taking CB David Amerson with their 2^nd round pick.  If Amerson would have come out in last year’s draft, he would have been a 1^st round pick.  And I’m not sure taking TE Jordan Reed in the 3^rd round was necessary and could have been better used.  S Phillip Thomas was a good get for them.    

Chicago Bears – C-

Analysis:  This is another draft class where I felt that for having so few draft picks, they didn’t make good use of them.  I won’t argue that the OL wasn’t a need position for the Bears, but to use their 1^st round pick on OG/OT Kyle Long, who is a 2^nd rounder, maybe fringe 1^st rounder at best, was a reach.  Long doesn’t have much football playing experience, having quit the game at one point to pursue a baseball career.  I feel there were better talented players available to take and fill a need.       

New England Patriots – C-

Analysis:  In looking at this draft class, I think this is once again HC Bill Belichick giving the NFL draft pundits the finger and telling the Football World that I’m smarter than you.  I look up and down this draft class and I can honestly say that I haven’t heard of one player.  I gave them a C- because of the trade they pulled off, trading their 1^st round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for a host of middle-round picks and because of reputation, but otherwise this class has the makings of being a stinker.        

Buffalo Bills – D

Analysis:  I will never give a team an F for a draft grade, but what the Buffalo Bills did this draft almost warrant it.  I liked that they traded down in the 1^st round to acquire an extra 2^nd round pick, but to their 1^st round pick on QB EJ Manuel is horrendous.  I’ve watched plenty of Manuel and his college career was underwhelming.  They could’ve taken a better player at pick #16, I like the pick of WR Robert Woods at pick #41, and probably still have taken Manuel at pick #46.  That’s a B+ draft grade right there.    

Dallas Cowboys – D

Analysis:  This may sound cruel, but I really, really, REALLY hope that the Cowboys never hire a real football GM.  If I had it my way, owner Jerry Jones would run the Cowboys draft forever.  Hell, I might even stop watching the draft if the Cowboys ever hired a real GM.  First off, they traded down 13 spots in the 1^st round and only acquired a 3^rd rounder.  Then they used their 1^st round pick on C Travis Frederick.  Even Travis Frederick said he didn’t think he was a 1^st round pick.  Great comedy!!         

Really Quick Kentucky Derby Preview –

  

The 139^th Kentucky Derby happens this weekend.  21 horses make up the field for the Run for the Roses and the motto holds true, it is the greatest 2 minutes in sports.   

When picking my horses, I take into account two major factors:  the jockey and the trainer.  But I also look at recent race times on comparable track lengths and turf, where they finished in races leading up to the Derby, and then judge according.  But like any other sport, longshots prevail. 

For this year’s derby, I like Revolutionary with jockey Calvin Borel and trainer Todd Pletcher.  Borel is probably the most recognizable jockey of this era, as he has brought home the roses three times in the last six years.  He loves riding along the rails and if Revolutionary can come out clean from the #3 post and be in that first grouping of horses coming around turn 1, he’ll be in great position to win the Roses.  Pletcher and Borel have teamed up before.  In 2010, this combo went on to win the 2010 Kentucky Derby with horse Super Saver.  Revolutionary took home the Louisiana Derby prior to the Derby.    

Another horse I like is Vyjack with jockey Garrett Gomez.  He is a late-breaking horse which always possesses a threat, but coming out from the #20 post will definitely put him in an early disadvantage.  Gomez has a well-accomplished resume featuring Breeder’s Cup wins and winning the Kentucky Oaks, but he will be looking to capture his first Kentucky Derby victory this year.  He’s jockeyed the Derby many times, with his best finishing coming in 2009 when he finished second riding Pioneerofthe Nile.    

My horse guy really likes Goldencents, ridden by ex-Golden Gate Fields jockey Kevin Krigger, and partly owned by Louisville Cardinals head coach and NCAA Tournament winner, Rick Pitino.  Trainer Doug O’Neill will be looking to capture his second Kentucky Derby, as he trained last year’s winner, I’ll Have Another.  Goldencents won the Santa Anita Derby, which is a great prep-race leading up to the Derby. 

For the tri-fecta, I’ll take Revolutionary with Goldencent and Vyjack.  

Mr. Armchair’s 2013 NFL Mock Draft –

Well, it’s that time of year again.  It’s Christmas!!!  The NFL Draft is upon us.  Yes, as Jim Rome would say, I am NFL Draft Guy!!   

Mock drafts are hard for me to come up with, especially this year because there is no consensus #1 pick.  We have a strong indication of who will go #1, but it’s not a lock like in previous years.  Last season, formulating a mock draft was a bit easier than this year because not only was the #1 pick a consensus, but so were picks #2, #3, and #4 for that matter.  This season, any number of players could go in the top 5 of picks, making it really hard for us mockers to come up with a confident mock draft.  But I guess that’s the fun and challenge of doing one in the first place.      

You always feel good and confident going into a draft about your mock.  You have an idea and feel for what you think teams will do or what direction they will go in, but one wayward team or one surprise pick, and it completely throws off your mock.  I come up with my mock based off of articles and news clips I see, as well as from what I’ve seen when watching the NFL Scouting Combine.  Yes, I actually sit down and watch about 5-6 hours of the NFL Scouting Combine.  I watch grown men wearing spandex run 40-yard dashes, do broad jumps and verticals, and see how many times they can bench press 225 pounds; and make notes.  Yes, I make notes. 

Every year, I like to put up my mock draft against the likes of Mel Kiper and Todd McShay and see how well I do against to so-called experts.  My personal goal with my mock is to get 1/3 to 1/4 of my picks correct.  I normally come up 1-2 picks behind Mel and McShay; but of course, I don’t have the same resources and rolodex as them.  But last year, I actually met my goal of getting ¼ of my picks correct, getting 8 out of 32 correct (25%); pretty good I may say.  I count a correct pick as either a player getting drafted in the pick we had them or by the team we had them going to, regardless of the number draft pick.  Below are last year’s results:

Don Banks, SI.com – 10.5/32 (I gave him a .5 for having the Cleveland Browns trading back into the first-round from the second-round and taking QB Brandon Weeden)

MR. ARMCHAIR, Your favorite NFL Draft expert – 8/32

Michael Lombardi, NFL Network – 8/32

Charley Casserly, NFL Network and ex-NFL GM – 8/32

Todd McShay, ESPN and Scouts Inc. – 8/32

Mel Kiper, Jr., ESPN and known NFL Draft expert – 8/32

Charles Davis, NFL Network, FOX NFL Analyst, and Mr. Armchair reader (I have twitter proof) – 7/32

Peter King, SI.com NFL writer and Insider – 6.5/32 (he also had the Cleveland Browns trading up into the first-round from the second-round and taking QB Brandon Weeden)

Mike Mayock, NFL Network – 6/32

So I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.  Here is my 2013 NFL Mock Draft. 

Final Mock Draft –

1.  Kansas City Chiefs – Luke Joeckel, OT Texas AM

He is the best player available and most NFL ready at the tackle position.  He’ll be an instant starter, filling the void at LT for when current LT Branden Albert either moves to OG or leaves via trade or free agency. 

2.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Ezekiel Ansah, DE BYU

The Jaguars were last in the NFL in defensive sacks last season.  Ansah is the highest rated 4/3 DE and has been flying up draft boards, showing raw physical abilities that will hopefully translate into an elite pass rusher. 

3.  Oakland Raiders – Shariff Floyd, DT Florida

The Raiders have so many needs I don’t where to begin.  At this point, they just need breathing bodies let alone trying to hit a home run with their 1^st round draft pick.  Floyd comes close to doing both.     

4.  Philadelphia Eagles – Eric Fisher, OT Central Michigan

Who would have ever thought we would see the Eagles drafting in the top 5?  Fisher is a great choice here to get the Chip Kelly era started.  But, don’t be surprise if QB Geno Smith goes to them here as well.     

5.  Detroit Lions – Dee Milliner, CB Alabama

Milliner is rated by most as the best CB in the draft and when you have to face the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Jay Culter four times a year, it pays to have a shut-down CB in your defensive backfield.  

6.  Cleveland Browns – Geno Smith, QB West Virginia

Since I can’t predict trades, I’ll have the Browns taking Smith at the #6 spot, but I think what will happen is they will trade down a few slots and get Smith then.  Either way, the Brandon Weeden era is over.   

7.  Arizona Cardinals – Lane Johnson, OT Oklahoma

The Cardinals gave up the most sacks on offense last season and have had a revolving door at QB ever since Kurt Warner retired.  Now that they traded for QB Carson Palmer, they have to keep him upright.

8.  Buffalo Bills – Chance Warmack, OG Alabama

Mel Kiper is quoted as saying that Warmack is the best OG he’s ever graded.  Added him an O-line that gets to block for RB CJ Spiller is mighty tempting.  If QB Ryan Nassib is the pick here, it would be a huge bust.

9.  New York Jets – Dion Jordan, DE/OLB Oregon

The Jets are completely over-hauling their defense, having either cut, traded, or not resigned 7 of their 11 starters.  Jordan would be a great addition to their pass rush, which finished tied for 25^th in sacks.

10.  Tennessee Titans – Star Lotulelei, DT Utah

Lotulelei was the consensus #1 pick throughout the college football season until a heart condition threw up red flags at the Combine.  Now that he’s cleared, the Titans can’t pass on an elite pass rusher. 

11.  San Diego Chargers – Jonathan Cooper, OG UNC

The Chargers need major work on the O-line, especially after losing starting OG Louis Vasquez.  Cooper is the last of the elite O-linemen in this draft, so I can’t see them not jumping on Cooper at this pick.

12.  Miami Dolphins – Xavier Rhodes, CB FSU

The Dolphins have a lot of glaring need on their defense, particularly at the CB position, having traded away CB Vonte Davis at the beginning of last season.  They stay home and pick Rhodes to fill that void. 

13.  New York Jets (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Barkevious Mingo, DE LSU

I’m hedging my bet here, as I can see the Jets taking Mingo with the #9 pick.  While Jordan and Mingo play the same position, I’m sure Rexy can find a way to get both players on the field at the same time.

14.  Carolina Panthers – Sheldon Richardson, DT Missouri

The Panthers hit a home run last draft when they drafted Defensive ROY ILB Luke Kuechly.  Richardson would be a good fit to their defense, clogging up blockers in the middle and letting Kuechly roam free.

15.  New Orleans Saints – Jarvis Jones, OLB Georgia

Even without their HC Sean Payton, the offense was still able to finish 2^nd in the NFL in total yards.  On defense, they were last in total yards.  Every draft pick from here on out should be spent on defense. 

16.  St. Louis Rams – Tavon Austin, WR West Virginia

Austin is without a doubt the best and most electrifying WR in the draft, many comparing him to Percy Harvin.  After losing WR Danny Amendola in free agency to the NE Patriots, Austin would fill that void nicely.   

17.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Tyler Eifert, TE Notre Dame

After losing WR Mike Wallace in free agency, the Steelers need another weapon for Big Ben to throw too.  With the offense moving back to being run-focused, more conservative short passes, Eifert is a perfect fit.

18.  Dallas Cowboys – Kenny Vaccaro, S Texas

Who knows what Mr. Jones is going to do in drafts anymore?  The Cowboys need major help at the secondary position to complement their good CB’s.  They stay home and pick up Vaccaro with this pick.       

19.  New York Giants – Menelik Watson, OT FSU

The Giants are getting old and thin on the O-line front and they have to protect their money-maker in QB Eli Manning.  Drafting Watson could allow them to move RT Diehl or LT Beatty to the inside, as they are aging. 

20.  Chicago Bears – Alec Ogletree, ILB Georgia

The Bears are shipping out one ILB in Brian Urlacher and shipping in another in Ogletree.  There is another ILB who went to a predominate collegel nearby (Te’o), but I don’t think the Bears want the headache. 

21.  Cincinnati Bengals – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Tennessee

WR AJ Green led all Bengals WR in receptions with 97.  The next highest WR, Andrew Hawkins, had 51.  The next highest WR’s tied with 18.  The Bengals have got to give QB Andy Dalton and WR AJ Green more help.

22.  St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) – D.J. Fluker, OT Alabama

The Rams continue to revamp and remodel their offense through this draft by taking Fluker with this pick.  Fluker provides immediate help, being able to play either OT or OG, which are both needs for a weak Rams O-line. 

23.  Minnesota Vikings – Manti Te’o, ILB Norte Dame

The elephant in the room can now reveal itself.  The Vikings need a ILB in the worst way and supposedly Vikings GM Rick Speilman is very high on Te’o after seeing him at the ND pro day.  Good Luck!! 

24.  Indianapolis Colts – Desmond Trufant, CB Washington

For a team that made the playoffs last season, the Colts have a need at just about every position on the football field.  They can go a number of different directions with this pick.  Trufant is the best player available.  

25.  Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle Seahawks) – Bjoern Werner, DE FSU

The Vikings continue to build up their defense in an offensive-driven division.  DE Jared Allen isn’t going to play forever so getting Werner, who is the same type of player and motor as Allen, would be a great pickup. 

26.  Green Bay Packers – Eddie Lacy, RB Alabama

Last season’s Green Bay RB chart:  Cedric Benson, Ryan Grant, DuJuan Harris, James Starks, and Alex Green.  This group rushed for a combined 1,251 yards.  To say GB needs a RB is an understatement.   

27.  Houston Texans – D.J. Hayden, CB Houston

For as good as the Texans defense was, their pass defense was middle of the pack.  Hayden has been cleared of a life-threatening medical condition and Mike Mayock of NFL Network has him rated higher than Milliner. 

28.  Denver Broncos – Sylvester Williams, DT UNC

The Broncos have needs at every defensive position.  In a situation like this, you just draft the best player available and plug him in somewhere.  Williams would add bulk and depth to their D-Line.  Good value pick here.

29.  New England Patriots – Justin Hunter, WR Tennessee

The Pats suffered a huge blow when WR Welker split town for rival Denver.  With the uncertain health of both TE Aaron Hernandez and the Gronk, and with cutting WR Brandon Lloyd, the Pats need a WR. 

30.  Atlanta Falcons – Zach Ertz, TE Stanford

The Falcons had to literally beg and plead current TE and HOF Tony Gonzalez to come back for one more year and shot at the Super Bowl.  Eventually, they need to get a successor in place.  Ertz is a clone of Gonzo. 

31.  San Francisco 49ers – Tank Carradine, DE FSU

The 49ers lost two good DL in free agency and when DE Justin Smith went down with an injury late last season, the pass rush virtually disappeared.  Carradine is big and would allow Smith to move inside at times. 

32.  Baltimore Ravens – Matt Elam, S Florida

Coming off their Super Bowl winning season, their defense is now in bad shape.  They lost three starters in free agency, including HOF S Ed Reed, and let’s not to forget HOF ILB Ray Lewis.  Elam is a solid pick.   

Mr. Armchair Speaking!!!   

Baseball Hot Corner Feature -- Tim Lincecum's First Start Of The 2013 MLB Season - Take the Win. Just Take It.

In case you missed it, here is my write-up on San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum's first start of the 2013 MLB season, as featured on Baseball Hot Corner.

Tim Lincecum's First Start Of The 2013 MLB Season - Take the Win. Just Take It.

Baseball Hot Corner Feature -- San Francisco Giants: Opening Weekend For A Champion

In case you missed it, here is my write-up on the San Francisco Giants Opening Weekend, as featured on Baseball Hot Corner.

San Francisco Giants: Opening Weekend For A Champion

Hello, Friends – Masters Prediction

My absolute favorite golf tournament takes place this weekend.  Starting Thursday, from “Here at Augusta (Bill Murray – Caddyshack voice)” the Masters begins.  Congrats again to first-time Masters and major winner, Bubba Watson, on his great run and finish in last year’s Masters.  In my Masters pool last year, I had both him and Louis Oosthuizen carrying me to a third place money finish. 

The prestige and pageantry of Augusta National makes watching the glass grow enjoyable let alone having a golf tournament being played on it.  It’s the first of the four major golf tournaments, so with that, here are my Top 10 golfers who could win the Masters.

Tiger Woods – He is my pick to win the Masters.  Tiger kills Augusta.  He’s won the Masters four-times (his first major win as well) and has finished in the top 10 12-times.  Kills Augusta!!!!

Phil Mickelson – The only other golfer who knows Augusta better than Tiger Woods is Phil Mickelson.  The two-time winner always seems to gear up for the Masters.

Keegan Bradley – He’s bound to win a major sooner or later, and the Masters seems to be every golfs first major win.  Plus, he’s 8^th on the PGA Tour money list.  He’s doing something right.

Jim Furyk – Not the longest of hitters, but he is a seasoned veteran and is pin-point with his irons.  If he hits good, strategic iron shots, he can win the Masters.

Jason Day – He only has two Masters under his belt, finishing in 2^nd place in his first Masters (missed cut in the second).  He’s the “pick-to-click.”

Matt Kuchar – Came on strong late in last year’s Masters to finish in 3^rd.  He’s currently 3^rd on the PGA Tour money list and 3^rd on the FedEx Cup point standings.        

Rickie Fowler – To win the Masters, you need to be long and straight off the team and make birdie putts.  He’s in the top 20 in both driving accuracy and putting average.

Rory McIllroy – I don’t know???  I guess………

Brandt Snedeker – He’s playing well of late, as he is currently 2^nd on the PGA Tour’s money list and 2^nd on the FedEx Cup points list.  He is consistent at Augusta.

Kevin Streelman – Got to pick at least one dark-horse to win it.  He only has one Masters’ appearance under his belt, missing the cut.

Mr. Armchair Speaking!!!    

Baseball Hot Corner Feature -- Giant for Life?? Buster Posey Signs 9-year, $167 Million Contract

In case you missed it, here is my write-up on the Buster Posey contract, as featured on Baseball Hot Corner.


Giant for Life?? Buster Posey signs 9-year, $167 million contract

Baseball Hot Corner Features -- 2013 Major League Baseball season previews - Giants and Entire League

In case you missed them, below are links to my 2013 Major League Baseball season preview and my 2013 San Francisco Giants season preview, as featured on Baseball Hot Corner.  Enjoy!!!

2013 Major League Baseball Season Preview

2013 San Francisco Giants Season Preview

Let the Madness Begin 2013!!!

March is arguably one of the best months on the sport’s calendar.  You have Spring Training and the smell of baseball in the air, NFL free agency is in full effect, the NFL draft prep is starting, if you care about the NBA it’s almost playoff time, and of course, it’s MARCH MADNESS!!! 

One of the finer events in sports, March Madness brings much excitement and enthusiasm to even the casual sports fan.  Hell, even Mrs. Armchair fills out a NCAA Tournament Bracket; all in the hopes of beating and proving me wrong of course.  She hopes to prove me wrong in that she fines it amusing that I spend countless man-hours researching and filling out a bracket when she thinks it isn’t a science and that it’s mostly pure luck.  Just because she picks VCU to make the Final Four one time (golf clap, babe)…. 

I digress.  Every year I do about 5 “draft” brackets and run it through the ESPN Bracket Analyzer before finally settling on my “Sheet of Integrity” (yeah, I know; stolen from Mike and Mike).  Anyway, here is a 2013 NCAA Tournament Bracket, also known in bracket challenges as “Hoosier Bracket Master??!!”  Let the Madness Begin!!!

Midwest Region –

Second Round –

Louisville (1) v. NC A&T (16) – LOUISVILLE.  One seed v. Sixteen seed.  No explanation needed.

Colorado St. (8) v. Missouri (9) – COLORADO ST.  They rebound well and have an experience starting five.

Oklahoma St. (5) v. Oregon (12) – OREGON.  Oregon under seeded coming off winning Pac-12 Tourney.

St. Louis (4) v. New Mex St. (13) – ST. LOUIS.  Beat VCU in A-10 tourney; a much underrated conference.

Memphis (6) v. St. Mary’s (11) – MEMPHIS.  I can’t have all 6^th seeds losing in the first round. 

Mich St. (3) v. Valpo (14) – MSU.  MSU better not take Valpo lightly.  Still going MSU though. 

Creighton (7) v. Cincy (10) – CREIGHTON.  Saw them play live.  Can’t go against Dougie McDermott.

Duke (2) v. Albany (15) – DUKE.  Duke will not lose in the first round two years in a row.

Third Round –

Louisville (1) v. Colorado St. (8) – LOUISVILLE.  Louisville will be too strong defensively for the Rams.

Oregon (12) v. St. Louis (4) – ST. LOUIS.  This will be a good game, but St. Louis is too athletic for Oregon.

Memphis v. Mich St. (3) – MSU.  Not quite ready yet to go against tourney master Coach Izzo.

Creighton (7) v. Duke (2) – DUKE.  No doubt it will be raining three’s, but I think Duke gets them here.

Regional Semifinals –

Louisville (1) v. St. Louis (4) – LOUISVILLE.  Potential upset, but Louisville is peaking at the right time.

Mich St. (3) v. Duke (2) – DUKE.  Can’t get a better coaching matchup.  Gotta roll with Coach K here.

Regional Finals –

Louisville (1) v. Duke (2) – LOUISVILLE.  The analysts talked me into this pick.  Initially, I couldn’t see Louisville emerging from this region.  Of the four #1 seeds, I thought Louisville had the hardest path to the Final Four, which is a shame because supposedly they are the overall #1 seed.  But after looking into it deeper, it just made too much sense.  Mich St. and Duke have been too inconsistent of late.  Louisville seems to be peaking at the right moment and their leader, PG Peyton Siva, is playing outstanding right now.  Everyone knows how important PG play is, so I’m taking Siva over Duke’s PG Quinn Cook.      

West Region –

Second Round –

Gonzaga (1) v. Southern U (16) – ZAGS.  Again, no explanation needed.

Pitt (8) v. Wichita St. (9) – PITT.  Taking the team from the major conference here.

Wisconsin (5) v. Ole Miss (12) – WISCONSIN.  Guards the three well, the only shot Ole Miss ever takes.

Kansas St. (4) v. Boise St. / La Salle (13) – K-STATE.  This has upset special written all over it.  I’m scared. 

Arizona (6) v. Belmont (11) – BELMONT.  Popular upset pick.  Belmont shoots lights out. 

New Mexico (3) v. Harvard (14) – NEW MEX.  New Mexico is legit.  They could go to the Final Four.

Notre Dame (7) v. Iowa St. (10) – IOWA St.  Like Colorado St., I love how experience Iowa St. is.

Ohio St. (2) v. Iona (15) – OHIO ST.  Might be the best 2 v. 15 matchup this year.

Third Round –

Zags (1) v. Pitt (8) – ZAGS.  Gotta give the Zags a little credit here and pick them.

Wisconsin (5) v. K St. (4) – WISCONSIN.  I should have had K St. losing in the first round.    

Belmont (11) v. New Mex (3) – NEW MEX.  Again, too many good players not to move on.

Iowa St. (10) v. Ohio St. (2) – OHIO ST.  PG Aaron Craft will “will” this team to the Sweet 16. 

Regioinal Semifinals –

Zags (1) v. Wisconsin (5) – WISCONSIN.  This is where not playing a tough schedule catches up w/ Zags.

New Mex (3) v. Ohio St. (2) – OSU.  Great game, great athletes!  But I’m going with the Big Ten.

Regional Finals –

Wisconsin (5) v. Ohio St. (2) – OHIO ST.  Talk about two teams that know each other well.  A rematch of the Big Ten Tournament Championship game, I think Ohio St. takes it again.  While this will undoubtedly be another typical, low-scoring Big Ten game, I think Ohio St. has the better tournament team; featuring both an outstanding PG in Aaron Craft and a skilled big man in F DeShaun Thomas.  Craft is the best on-ball defender in the college game, and will reke havoc on the Wisconsin guards.  While Wisconsin’s defense is tough, OSU has too many horses that they can keep running on to the court.    

         

South Region –

Second Round –

Kansas (1) v. Western Kentucky (16) – KANSAS.  Ditto.

UNC (8) v. Villanova (9) – UNC.  UNC has been coming on of late, finally settling on a starting lineup. 

VCU (5) v. Akron (12) – VCU.  Might be a better team this year than the one that went to the Final Four.

Michigan (4) v. S. Dakota St. (13) – MICHIGAN.  Will be a great matchup of PG’s, but Michigan takes it.

UCLA (6) v. Minnesota (11) – MINNESOTA.  UCLA is without Jordan Adams and can’t rebound.  Done. 

Florida (3) v. Northwestern St. (14) – FLORIDA.  Can you even name the State N. Western St. is in?

San Diego St. (7) v. Oklahoma (10) – SD ST.  Gotta go with the local kid, Chase Tapley, and SD St.

Georgetown (2) v. Florida Gulf Coast (15) – G-TOWN.  One name: double O, double T (Otto), Potter.

Third Round –

Kansas (1) v. UNC (8) – KANSAS.  The “Roy Williams” game goes to Kansas yet again.

VCU (5) v. Michigan (4) – VCU.  I really want to pick Michigan here, but just too inconsistent for me.

Minnesota (11) v. Florida (3) – FLORIDA.  Florida has the bigs to matchup with Minny on the glass.

SD St. (7) v. Georgetown (2) – G-TOWN.  Again, double O, double T, POTTER.  Just. Too. Strong. 

Regional Semifinals –

Kansas (1) v. VCU (5) – KU.  I think people are under estimating KU.  Withey & McLemore are studs.

Florida (3) v. G-Town (2) – FLORIDA.  Had them as a preseason final four pick.  Gotta ride with them.

Regional Finals –

Kansas (1) v. Florida (3) – KANSAS.  I’ve went back and forth with this pick, and I finally came to the conclusion that while I may have had Florida as a preseason final four team, I had Kansas as a preseason NCAA Tournament Championship team.  I really like Kansas.  The inside-out game with C Jeff Withey and SG Ben McLemore is awesome when on, and PG Elijah Johnson is starting to finally play like a NCAA Tournament PG.  Also, the way Withey defenses the rim will cause problems for Florida’s big men.  If this game is close in the final minutes, I like Kansas to pull away and win.    

East Region –

Second Round –

Indiana (1) v. LIU Brooklyn (16) / James Madison (16) – INDIANA.  Who cares who Indiana plays?

NC State (8) v. Temple (9) – NC ST.  They had a disappointing season but I still like them to win a game.

UNLV (5) v. CAL (12) – CAL.  Total homer pick here in a virtual home game for Cal playing in San Jose. 

Syracuse (4) v. Montana (13) – CUSE.  While Montana does have a tourney win, can’t pick them here.

Butler (6) v. Bucknell (11) – BUCKNELL.  Butler is way over-seeded.  I think their tourney magic runs out.

Marquette (3) v. Davidson (14) – DAVIDSON.  Other 3 seeds are 10+ point favors.  Quette, 3½.  Upset!   

Illinois (7) v. Colorado (10) – COLORADO.  PG Spencer Dinwiddie will shut down Illinois PG Brandon Paul.

Miami (2) v. Pacific (15) – MIAMI.  Great story w/ UOP coach Bob Thomason retiring, but Miami wins.

Third Round –

IU (1) v. NC St. (8) – INDIANA.  NC St. is not the team to derail IU. 

CAL (12) v. Syracuse (4) – CUSE.  I may be a homer, but I’m not that crazy.  Cuse beat my Bears in SJ.

Bucknell (11) v. Davidson (14) – BUCKNELL.  Upset matchup game.  Bucknell’s big Mike Muscala is legit. 

Colorado (10) v. Miami (2) – MIAMI.  Colorado’s Dinwiddie is good but not lock-up Shane Larkin good.

Regional Semifinals –

Indiana (1) v. Syracuse (4) – IU.  Too much Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo for Syracuse to handle. 

Bucknell (11) v. Miami (2) – MIAMI.  Miami is too hunger and too good to lose this soon.

Regional Finals –

Indiana (1) v. Miami (2) – INDIANA.  If Miami were in any other region not featuring Indiana or Kansas, I would have them going to the Final Four, possibly the National Championship game.  I love Shane Larkin at the PG position and their bigs, Kenny Kadji and Reggie Jackson, are both over 6’ 10”.  But I just can’t bring myself to pick them over Indiana.  Indiana has been strong all season, featuring two of the top 5 player in the nation in C Cody Zeller and G Victor Oladipo.  I think Indiana will get just enough PG play from Jordan Hulls and Kevin Ferrell, and will make it pass Miami and punch their ticket to Atlanta.    

Final Four –

Kansas (1) v. Indiana (1) – INDIANA.  Again, if these two teams were on opposite sides of the bracket, this would be my Championship game, and I wouldn’t have a clue on who to pick.  These were the two teams I favored to win the NCAA Tournament, so the selection committee killed me here.  I think it’s going to be a very close game, featuring a great low-post matchup in Cody Zeller v. Jeff Withey.  At points in the game, they’ll each get the better of each other.  But the x-factor is Victor Oladipo.  He is just too much to handle on the court both offensively and defensively.  Indiana takes it. 

Louisville (1) v. Ohio St. (2) – LOUISVILLE.  This was a difficult pick only in the sense that I don’t like any team coming out of either the Midwest or West region.  I think Kansas, Miami, or even Florida would beat any team coming out of either region.  But since I have to pick a team, I’m sticking with Louisville.  They’ll stay hot and ride their streak through the tourney and onto the National Championship game.  Peyton Siva came back for his senior year for this moment, and he is finally showing us the potential everyone knew he had when they picked Louisville to advance far into the tourney the past three years.

National Champion –

Louisville (1) v. Indiana (1) – INDIANA.  President Obama and I are going against the pundits on this one and picking Indiana to win the NCAA National Championship.  They won arguably the toughest conference in the country in the Big Ten and have been consistently at or near the top of the rankings the entire year.  They were one of my two preseason favorites to win the NCAA Tournament, so I can’t turn my back on them now.  I just love the combination of Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo; both players who will be in the NBA someday.  Louisville at times has difficulties scoring the ball, which they won’t be able to get away with on a team like Indiana.  One shining moment will be played for Indiana.     

Mr. Armchair Speaking –