Thursday, April 30, 2009
I'd like to take you golfing, Bill Murray
4:09 AM | 
Posted by
Nick Mendola
Dear Bill Murray,
I've had this idea in my head for a long time, but needed a day when my boss wouldn't fire me for writing it. In no fiendishly-stalkative way, I'd like to take you golfing.
It occurs to me every time you pop up in a movie or Cubs game: the notion that you just seem like a guy I'd get along with on a golf course. I'm a remarkably mediocre-at-best golfer -- you will be inclined to remark, "Nick, you a mediocre-at-best golfer,".
I don't make a lot of money, Bill, so it'd have to be a cheaper course around here or free wherever you'd like me to come. I don't carry a 3-iron. It felt like the right-time to mention that.
We could even impose a fine system -- I promise not to make ridiculous "Caddyshack" comments, or even really ask you about your career (although we would probably talk about the Cubs. I have the Extra Innings package, and I'm sure my wife would make you a grilled cheese if you'd like). I just genuinely think you would get along with a short, bearded, terrible-golfing 27-year old fellow like myself.
This may read awkward, but I've had a lot of awkward-reading ideas that've turned out great for me:
-- Video cassette recording "The Twilight Zone" marathons while I was in high school.
-- A 10-mile run that include two miles in a graveyard in the middle of the night.
-- Going to an open try-out for the Atlanta Braves where they even let me do two of the three try-out drills (Throw from right field to third base, and run really fast to first base. My friend Brandon Tiedeman got to hit. He's taller than me).
I also like monks, soccer, three-piece suits and Charles Dickens (not that Charles Dickens. I'm talking about the author).
Please respond, acceptance or regrets,
Nicholas J. Mendola
nick@wgr550.com
I've had this idea in my head for a long time, but needed a day when my boss wouldn't fire me for writing it. In no fiendishly-stalkative way, I'd like to take you golfing.
It occurs to me every time you pop up in a movie or Cubs game: the notion that you just seem like a guy I'd get along with on a golf course. I'm a remarkably mediocre-at-best golfer -- you will be inclined to remark, "Nick, you a mediocre-at-best golfer,".
I don't make a lot of money, Bill, so it'd have to be a cheaper course around here or free wherever you'd like me to come. I don't carry a 3-iron. It felt like the right-time to mention that.
We could even impose a fine system -- I promise not to make ridiculous "Caddyshack" comments, or even really ask you about your career (although we would probably talk about the Cubs. I have the Extra Innings package, and I'm sure my wife would make you a grilled cheese if you'd like). I just genuinely think you would get along with a short, bearded, terrible-golfing 27-year old fellow like myself.
This may read awkward, but I've had a lot of awkward-reading ideas that've turned out great for me:
-- Video cassette recording "The Twilight Zone" marathons while I was in high school.
-- A 10-mile run that include two miles in a graveyard in the middle of the night.
-- Going to an open try-out for the Atlanta Braves where they even let me do two of the three try-out drills (Throw from right field to third base, and run really fast to first base. My friend Brandon Tiedeman got to hit. He's taller than me).
I also like monks, soccer, three-piece suits and Charles Dickens (not that Charles Dickens. I'm talking about the author).
Please respond, acceptance or regrets,
Nicholas J. Mendola
nick@wgr550.com
Saturday, April 25, 2009
NFL Draft, pick-by-pick Immediate Reactions
(WGR 550) -- As the NFL Draft goes, so does WGR. I'll be here all afternoon and evening updating and critiquing picks as they happen. If you're online, this is the place to be.
Email me as the day goes with any thoughts, and I'll include them: nick@wgr550.com
9:57 p.m. So that's it for the day. If I had to grade the day on how I feel, the Bills were between a C+ and a B. The B would be for who they added to the team, the C-plus for what they could've done, given the players left on the board at each choice.
Buffalo will choose next Sunday at No. 121 after giving up a third and fourth-rounder for the Levitre pick.
64. Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh) -- Richard Quinn, TE, North Carolina
-- Perhaps getting ready to unload a certain Tony Scheffler? Maybe not, but the Bills still have their "trade bait" of Chris Kelsay, Ko Simpson and Roscoe Parrish.
63. Arizona Cardinals - Cody Brown, DE, Connecticut
62. Tennessee Titans - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
--- After being underwhelmed for much of the second round, I like three picks in a row. Marks isn't huge (6'2", 306) --- well, for an American football player. He's a big human being.
61. Miami Dolphins (from Indy) - Sean Smith, CB, Utah
--- At 6'4", 214, Smith may be better suited for safety, but a report out of Ann Arbor had him going as early as No. 33. I like this pick for Miami. Former receiver still learning the secondary, and said to need work on tackling.
60. New York Giants - William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
--- Nice value at sixty for the Giants. Could be a boom or bust scenario, but a better chance at boom.
59. Carolina Panthers- Sherrod Martin, S, Troy
58. New England Patriots - Sebastian Vollmer, OL, Houston
57. Baltimore Ravens - Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
56. Indianapolis Colts (from Miami) -- Fili Moala, DT, Southern Cal
55. Atlanta Falcons - William Moore, S, Missouri
54. Minnesota Vikings - Phil Loadholt, OL, Oklahoma
53. Philadelphia Eagles - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
52. Cleveland Browns - David Veikune, DE, Hawaii
9:02 p.m. The Bills have made a move for another offensive lineman, and this one may slide Kirk Chambers back into a back-up role.
51. Buffalo Bills - Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State
A very good pick-up for Buffalo, Levitre is the first player in the history of my draft podcasts to end up heading to Orchard Park. He can play guard or tackle, but my hunch is he's No. 1 over Kirk Chambers before too long, and I like Chambers as your No. 3 tackle. Big-time pick-up.
8:55 p.m. Nice pick-up for the Browns:
50. Cleveland Browns - Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia
8:48 p.m. Alright, I've had corn on the cob and a couple fake sausages with horseradish mustard. More importantly, I've had time to think about the Byrd pick. Paul Hamilton is speculating that this may be more of a safety move, and it better be. I'd like to stress, like I did with the Wood pick, that I only have a problem with the position. Byrd is a solid prospect who lead the PAC-10 in interceptions this year.
Let's get you caught up with the second round, which includes another MAC player who was off most everyone's boards:
49. Seattle Seahawks - Max Unger, OL, Oregon
48. Denver Broncos- Darcel McBath, CB, Texas Tech
47. Oakland Raiders- Michael Mitchell, S, Ohio
46. Houston Texans- Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
45. New York Giants- Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
44. Miami Dolphins- Pat White, QB, West Virginia
43. Carolina Panthers- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
i've seen Mitchell play with the Bobcats, but most "experts" haven't. On ESPN, Kiper said he'd expect him as an undrafted free agent signing at the earliest. Wow, Raiders.
8:14 p.m. And here comes Buffalo. Here's hoping for Brown or Barwin, who both spoke with The Howard Simon Show earlier this week, and as I noted in the recap of their interviews, were A-plus game-talkers.
42. Buffalo Bills- Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon
I disapprove. I'm going to go home to blog the rest of the second round.
8:09 p.m. Oakland may run a 12-wide receiver set next year, but instead they'll trade a deal to New England. Now the Pats can totally take two guys Buffalo could use. Huzzah!
41. New England Patriots (from Green Bay) - Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
40. New England Patriots (from Oakland) - Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
First off, Brace. Raji's running mate poses an intriguing question. The Patriots draft pretty well, and doesn't this make you doubt Raji a little bit. Most "experts" do think Brace benefitted more from Raji than vice versa, but let's face facts: you could not run on BC this Fall. I'm unsure about Butler, but that's the sort of territory you get to at pick No. 41.
8:04 p.m. Time for teal.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Two-in-a-row go against the Bills, setting up the Pats to really chafe me. Britton is going to be a very good NFLer. I may be setting myself for a Paul Hamilton/Brian Holzinger comment here, but Britton strikes me as a Pro Bowl talent, but there's a big question here. Why would the Jags sign Tra Thomas and then draft two book-end tackles?
7:56 p.m. The Bengals choose Akili Smith and Ki-Jana Carter.
38. Cincinnati Bengals - Rey Mauluga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Known for "grinding" on Erin Andrews during a USC telecast, Maualuga is much better at football than dancing. I would've loved to see him last to No. 42, but c'est la vie. That's a French cuss word.
7:50 p.m. Seattle deals its pick to Denver. The Seahawks get a 2010 first round pick for their troubles. This pick has to be Maualuga or Brown.... and it isn't.
37. Denver Broncos (from Seattle) - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Look at the Chiefs, Browns, Patriots and Broncos... all the "Belichick Family Tree," and apparently the rule is to avoid the obvious choice. Belichick, Mangini, Scott Pioli and Josh McDaniels. Throw in Crennel and Weis' Notre Dame mess, and you've got a great football league.
I already hate Josh McDaniels, but hey, there are four guys I want the Bills to take at No. 42, and only five picks left. Do we have any of the above offenders in the interim? New England at nine! Yes!
7:48 p.m. Email: "At Least We Got T.O."
"These morons are making it impossible to be a Bills fan. Two picks in the first round, so much excitement, so many great players available and they are making a mess of this draft. I think they should all be fired and just hire Mel Kiper, he knows more then all those idiots together. Where is Trev Alberts when you need him?"
Tom from Lewiston"
Plus, it's raining!
7:45 p.m. It's a run on Buckeyes. Still no Wolverines. Thanks, Rich-Rod!
36. Cleveland Browns - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
He's big, but I'm unsure about Robiskie. Dan Hager has spoken of him as a latter-day Don Meredith, without using the name Don Meredith.
7:42 p.m. Rams choose.
35. St. Louis Rams - James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
The Rams will love this pick for years and years. Brian Koziol, an Ohio State buff, says Laurinaitis is better than A.J. Hawk, who has adjusted very well to the NFL game at Green Bay after being chosen No. 5 overall. Plus, his dad was in the Legion of Doom (the wrestling tandem, not Lindros/Leclair/Renberg).
7:38 p.m. Another email: "2009 Draft"
"Maybin = E. flowers - not enough to go on...10 starts. J. Peters traded for E. Wood, what do you think? I say take another upfield rusher, ie., E. Brown or M. Johnson. Not really liken the day so far."
I hope this Erik Flowers thing doesn't catch on. Flowers didn't even care to play football, he just wanted pro football money. Maybin was advised at the combine to gain 20 pounds. He gained 25, and his 40-time went down. Doesn't really seem like an automatic bust. As for "Peters for Wood," that is hardly the case. Buffalo got rid of a malcontent, and has proven with the re-signings of Lee Evans and Marcus Stroud that they will re-ink guys who ask for better deals and continue to play hard. Brown and Maualuga -- as well as your mention of Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson -- are still available.
I'm also hesitant to grade this draft until at least the second round and at most 2015.
7:35 p.m. Email subject: "I Want to Punch Jeremy White in the Face"
"Seriously? "Maybe they want to move Maybin to OLB as a project?" That's a fantastic idea for the 11th overall pick. (Sarcasm) How is that supposed to make me feel better about the pick? Any way, I don't hate the pick, I just don't agree using the 11th for him. Seems like a reach."
That was from a friend of mine. He seems displeased.
7:33 p.m. Two second round picks
34. New England Patriots - Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Considered a "ball-hawk," but I haven't seen a ton of Chung in action.
33. Detroit Lions - Louis Delmons, S, Western Michigan
Another MAC selection. Take that, other conferences!
7:31 p.m. I said a bunch of different hilarious things and then the computer crashed, so here's a quick recap before I drive home to blog the second round.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri
I like the name Evander almost as much as Ziggy
31. Arizona Cardinals - Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
Great pick if he can stay healthy.
30. Tennesse Titans - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
The latest of our WGR listeners' mock draft to be accurate.
7:11 p.m. Goodbye, Plaxico.
29. New York Giants - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
The Giants get a big wide-out who can play. I don't have much else to say because Giants fans rival Jets fans for being irritating, and I'm trying to regroup for the second round.
7:04 p.m. I don't like the Bills pick on account of the position.
28. Buffalo Bills - Eric Wood, C/G, Louisville
There are plenty of guards and centers available, and despite Wood's versatility, I think the Bills could've used another defensive player, and I've detailed who was around. That said, Wood is considered very much like a Jeff Saturday... an offensive line leader/gym-and-tape rat. He would fit at LG or C, depending what the Bills have in store for free agent signee Geoff Hangartner.
Depending on what the Bills do at No. 42, here's your line for 2009:
LT- Langston Walker
LG- Eric Wood
C- Geoff Hangartner
RG- Brad Butler
RT- Kirk Chambers/Demetrius Bell
7:03 p.m. And it's the Buffalo Bills on the clock. This pick almost has to be Everette Brown. Thirteen sacks for the Seminoles last season, and the junior-eligible is young. Then again, Buffalo passed on Orakpo. If they don't pick Brown, maybe they trade down.
6:58 p.m. Here come the Colts.
28. Indianapolis Colts -- Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Joseph Addai is not amused, and this doesn't make a ton of sense to me, with good linebackers available to replace Freddy Keiaho. Brown ran all over the UB Bulls in the International Bowl, but it's a bit curious that Chris "Beanie" Wells remains available.
6:55 p.m. Green Bay does it right.
27. Green Bay Packers (from New England) -- Clay Matthews, Jr., LB, Southern California
Brilliant move for Green Bay, who pick up an animalistic linebacker in his dad's mold to go with Raji. They may have just snagged the best defensive tackle and linebacker in the entire draft. Matthews will pair with A.J. Hawk to have the most unruly hair-band hair in the world.
6:52 p.m. Somewhere Belichick and Mangini are cracking up, as the Pats deal down again, this time to Green Bay. Mangini is making a fan in me.
6:49 p.m. I'm going to lose my mind if the Bills don't take Everette Brown or Connor Barwin. They are clearly planning on using Maybin as a Joey Porter. This could turn from a "Why didn't they take Orakpo?" into a "How did they foresee Brown being left at 28?" Three picks left. Wow.
Also, they could take a linebacker and keep Maybin at end. Again, the two USC backers are left! This could be great.
ATTN: Bills --- DON'T BLOW IT.
6:45 p.m. If the NFL wants to win me back from college football, actually making picks in speedy fashion is a great start. I'm getting a little misty-eyed. Let's hope the Dolphins make a colossal screw-up:
25. Miami Dolphins - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
How can I learn to hate someone who looks so happy to be rich? Davis a solid corner, and I'm happy for him.
Jonathan Koziol would like me to comment on how dumb it is that ESPN is ruining every pick by showing the player on the phone before the selection.
"They're paying a lot of engineers to put cameras all over the country!"
That's the cutting edge analysis you'll get from the brothers Koziol at 8 p.m., if the draft isn't over (and even if it is)
6:44 p.m. A stunning revelation after the Falcons' pick:
24. Atlanta Falcons - Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Here comes the honest train: Besides Raji, I did not study the DT class very hard, and I watched even less Ole Miss. I didn't even study Raji that hard. I just knew he was good. So... gooooooooooooo Falcons!
6:38 p.m. The Bills can still wind-up with Rey Maualuga, Everette Brown or Clay Matthews, Jr.
If this happens, I may claim victory regardless of how I wake up feeling about Maybin tomorrow. The Bills could also look at James Laurinaitis and Connor Barwin.
6:34 p.m. No Matthews pick for New England, who've swapped No. 23 with Baltimore, as Bill Belichick refuses to be out-Belichicked by Mangini.
23. Baltimore Ravens (from New England) - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Love, love, love this pick for the Ravens. There is an entire book written on what a unique talent Oher is, but that book also details some struggles to fit in after a tough upbringing. Either way, read "Blind Side," by Michael Lewis, and root for this kid.
6:29 p.m. Two picks, different reactions:
22. Minnesota Vikings - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
If you want me to say how I feel about Harvin, who I think is good, picture this as a Bills fan. Remember how you felt about the Bills picking Roscoe Parrish? Imagine that was their first round pick. The Vikings continue to try very hard to find a mate for Bernard Berrian.
21. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) - Alex Mack, C, California
Loved his show on Nickelodeon. Didn't know about the gender change. Actually, "Alex Mack" was played by the later stunning Larisa Oleynik, while this center from Cal is being compared to gritty Vikings veteran Matt Birk. If he's half of that, Cleveland completed a great run of trading by getting what they wanted Lecharles Bentley to be.
And now the Pats will break my heart by choosing Clay Matthews, Jr.
6:18 p.m. This sounds a litle silly to say, but this pick is more important to Lions' fans perception of their draft than taking Stafford first overall.
20. Detroit Lions - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
The Lions have a ton of holes, but with Calvin Johnson and Pettigrew, they may be in alright shape. By alright shape, I mean they might win one or two games more than they did last year.
6:12 p.m. Browns trade again (I'm so smart) this time to Eagles.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
So much for him going early to the Raiders. This move really helps those who wanted Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew to Buffalo, although the Browns can still select him two slots later, at No. 21. Eric Mangini is genuinely looking like, blech, a "Mangenius," and the Jets fans who were upset about Sanchez are wondering what they've gotten themselves into... which is great, since I think Jets fans are generally the most hilarious and annoying in the league.
6:10 p.m. Another email excerpt, this one from Jim:
"I have a feeling that this pick was another bad decision by the bills. Maybin is horrible when it comes to the run. Okay so this guy can pass rush, so can Julius Peppers, and he is proven. Could probably have traded that pick, and a third + kelsay, for peppers. I would have rather seen cushion or someone who is not lacking in an important area. an instant impact at 11 i think not. i hope they actually make a good pick at 28. i'm looking at a guy like pettigrew. i would also think they should try to trade up and nab alex mack with the 32nd position."
The Bills fans are out in full force, spelling included. I'm not trying to be mean, I just thought this was a good barometer of where Buffalo fans are. The Kelsay/Peppers trade would not work, and Peppers would need a lot of money. It would almost be like taking Carolina's Jason Peters.
6:06 p.m. Denver goes defense, and it explains the Moreno pick at No. 12.
18. Denver Broncos - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Here's what happened: The Broncos didn't get Ty Jackson from LSU, whom they coveted at No. 12. With Orakpo, Maybin, Ayers and several more nice-looking defensive ends still on the board, they took Moreno, who was obviously their No. 1 running back. It was a small risk, but they add Ayers, who is super solid against the run, and just learning to be a pass rusher. Consider him the opposite of Ayers.
6:02 p.m. Bucs go QB.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Cleveland through NY Jets) -- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
The Bucs only gave up a sixth-round pick to move up two spots. Freeman's numbers are outstanding, but he was totally under the radar at Kansas State with that QB-jam-packed Big 12. His numbers work out to 8,078 yards, 44 TD and 34 INT in three years as a starter. I'm not going to lie, KSU hasn't been the most relevant program, so I don't have much to say.
6 p.m. As predicted, Mangini has shipped No. 17 away for more picks. Tampa Bay is on the clock.
5:56 p.m. Email subject: "I KNEW THEY WOULD BLOW IT"
Excerpt: "Dont we need to get bigger on defense??? Dont go ahead and pick a guy that benches 500 lbs and squats 700+..Take the guy that has scouts concerned about how small he is.."
This is a solid summary of the emails pouring in to nick@wgr550.com after the Maybin pick. Folks wanted Orakpo and if they didn't, Everette Brown of Florida State seems to be favored son No. 2.
The Maybin pick, on the surface, seems less certain than Orakpo, and the Bills are taking a risk that the Nittany Lion just coming into his game has more upside. Maybin is a large, freak-like end, but he isn't a huge, strong "monster" like Orakpo. However, Maybin has a very versatile upside in that there's a shot he can be the "Joey Porter-esque" hybrid who can start at outside linebacker if the defensive end idea doesn't work.
5:52 p.m. The Chargers make a MAC-sized surprise pick.
16. San Diego Chargers - Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois
As a UB grad, I love to see a Mid American Conference player go this early, and English a terror. He's one of those guys who -- pardon the cliche -- love playing football. He has terrific instincts and speed, and this sends a message to "Ol' Roidhead" Shawne Merriman to stop complaining and get to attacking.
5:47 p.m. Houston gets a Trojan stud, while the Saints take a safe corner.
15. Houston Texans - Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
If you want an indication how much the Texans like Cushing, just think that fellow USC linebacker Clay Matthews, Jr., has an uncle in the Texans front office, long-time NFL offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. Cushing is a steal, but may be bad news for Bills fans, as the Patriots are thought to have designs on Matthews, Jr.
14. New Orleans Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The pace is frenzied, but a short bite on Jenkins would say he's the next in a long line of very good No.1 corners from Columbus.
5:34 p.m. This draft is flying and its beautiful, but the phone lines here at WGR are on fire. I'd say 80 percent of our callers hate the pick of Maybin.
13. Washington Redskins - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
12. Denver Broncos - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Two super easy picks, though the Broncos need a world of help on defense. The Redskins would be wise to make nice with Jason Campbell, who continues to progress. As our draft guy Joe Buscaglia said, perhaps Orakpo helps make up for the Jason Taylor fiasco.
5:25 p.m. The Bills hand their pick in in a hurry. My goodness gracious. ESPN is showing Aaron Maybin, defensive end out of Penn State, on the telephone, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. What does Chris Berman's cabbie have to say?
Choosing Maybin over Brian Orakpo will be disliked in Buffalo based on hype alone. If you watched almost every Penn State or Texas game this year, you are allowed to be disgusted.
11. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
He was my initial pick a few weeks back if the Bills went defensive end, but I need a minute to digest this.
5:21 p.m. ESPN's "Streak for the Cash" is rigged.
10. San Francisco 49ers - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I don't want a tight end at No. 11. Buffalo has its choice of linebackers and defensive ends. I'd love one of the USC backers here, but Brian Orakpo may be too good to pass up, and I know the Bills love Florida State DE Everette Brown.
5:10 p.m. I'm typing this before we find out who Green Bay chooses, so let me just say that I think any Bills fans dreams of a Marcus Stroud/B.J. Raji combo end here.
9. Green Bay Packers - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
The Packers are switching to a 3-4, so Raji makes a lot of sense. San Francisco may ruin my "Streak For the Cash" with Michael Crabtree still on the board. If in fact Crabtree is available at 11, the Bills would face a serious temptation. Who needs a tight end when Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Michael Crabtree, Josh Reed and Stevie Johnson are your top-five. Roscoe Parrish and James Hardy would need to be traded. That said, they won't pick a wide receiver.
Back to the Sanchez deal, Eric Mangini made a really smart move for his Browns. He gains a starter for his secondary in Elam, while Brett Ratliff will help Brady Quinn and/or Derek Anderson understand his system. Coleman adds depth to the end position, and the Browns have picks Nos. 17, 36 and 52 instead of Nos. 5 and 36. Cleveland entered with four picks, and now they have five. I wouldn't be surprised to see them deal 17 for more picks.
For Rex Ryan, the deal isn't a loss either. Elam, Ratliff and Coleman were not his guys, and he gets his franchise quarterback. I'm surprised he couldn't get away with the three players and No. 17.
4:57 p.m. Jacksonville goes big.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
The big tackle was an easy pick, and the Jags grab Tra Thomas and a rookie to man the other side in one offseason. Nice job.
4:51 p.m. Oakland is awful.
7. Oakland Raiders - Derrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
If you're a Raiders fan, you're thinking "James Jett." Heyward-Bey shot up the board almost as fast as his ridiculous 40-time. The pick could end up being smart, but Michael Crabtree was the consensus No. 1 wide-out for a reason.
4:47 p.m. Cincinnati is lucky.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith was the consensus No. 1 overall pick as recently as November. For the Bengals to get someone this athletic at No. 6 is a coup. Even if he doesn't work out, this was a risk absolutely worth taking.
4:45 p.m. What a bizarre 20 minutes. The Jets gave up three players and a pick to move up 12 spots, so Cleveland wins by trading the No. 5 pick to New York.
5. New York Jets (from Cleveland) - Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California
Sanchez is a very good quarterback, but the Browns gain DE Kenyon Coleman, CB Abram Elam, QB Brett Ratliff and the 17th and 52nd picks. More analysis later.
4:33 p.m. For Curry to still be around should make Seattle's pick a lock. I'm not going to lie and tell you I've seen 100 Wake Forest games, but there seems to be no one willing to doubt Curry's lock as a Pro Bowler-in-waiting. Here's comes the pick.
4. Seattle Seahawks - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Jim Mora, Jr., is glowing.
4:23 p.m. Kansas City picks.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
I'm just not sure how in the world things like this happen. Jackson is certainly a talent, but has shot up as many as 21 projected draft spots in the last month alone. This lends Mel Kiper some new credibility, as he was the first to report this earlier this afternoon.
4:17 p.m. The hot rumour is that every single team is trying to get out of the Top Ten, but is every team trying to get out of the Top Eleven? I sincerely hope the Bills don't trade down. I understand a team looking to go from five to 15 or 20 and pick up extra picks, but the Bills need an immediate impact player, and No. 11 certainly provides a better look at that. I think No. 11 is perfect, and do not want them to trade up either. Getting at least three of the top 42 players available works for me.
4:14 p.m. The Rams select.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
They needed to replace Orlando Pace, and St. Louis is hoping to snag another decade of pancake-making at the left tackle spot. I'm not sure he's better than Eugene Monroe, but he's definitely safer than Ole Miss' Michael Oher and Alabama's Andre Smith, the two-most talented tackles in the draft.
4:06 p.m. I'm having a horrible theory that contradicts much of what I spoke of on the radio this morning -- the Bills could justify going offensive tackle at 11 by saying they traded Jason Peters to save money on a left tackle, keep a first-round pick at 28, and snag an extra third round pick. I'm not saying it would make sense, but this is Buffalo.
4:00 p.m. It's officially official -- Matthew "Drew" Stafford is guaranteed to make $41.7 million in his life. That's almost half the Gross Domestic Product of Kiribati, an island nation of 105,000-plus people. So, with a little smart investing -- and lasting the entire six-year, $72 million deal -- Stafford can own a country.
God bless the Lions for announcing their pick so quickly. I take back everything negative I've said. We're on pace to finish the draft by 6:25 p.m. or so.
3:41 p.m. Bill Belichick told the NFL Network there's a "less than zero" chance the Patriots will be trading into the Top Ten. This only serves to reinforce the Michael Crabtree to New England rumours.
It's funny thinking both short- and long-term about the idea of the Jets trading up to No. 2 for Mark Sanchez. On one hand, I think he'll be an average pro at worst, and could become a true thorn in the Bills side for years. On the other, I love the idea of the Jets taking a double step back. Now, not only is Brett Favre not your quarterback, but a rookie learning the pro game is your starter.
I want to expand upon what I wrote about new GM or coach getting carried away running his team. The perfect example is Eric Mangini in Cleveland, who is rumoured to be shopping Braylon Edwards and Brady Quinn, and has already dealt away Kellen Winslow.
What Mangini has sacrificed, tough times in Ohio or not, is a top-flight -- but bone-headed -- tight end. He also could move Edwards and Quinn, who both have the talent to be superstars in the league. Drops aside, you could argue that Edwards already has that in his pocket.
3:22 p.m. I just finished hosting the Draft Explosion with Greg Bauch, and can finally make full comments on the reports that Detroit has inked their No. 1 pick.
1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Many not-so-solid NFL executives have an annoying habit of thinking every player they inherit is garbage, and I think Detroit is taking a big risk by ditching Jon Kitna, which forces them to address quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. Kitna isn't a football god but, back issues aside, the first step to an adequate team is a good defense, and I think Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry was the play here, whether the report of him taking less-than-market money is true or not.
Stafford is a very good-looking prospect with a "live arm," but I'd also be a little more tempted by USC's Mark Sanchez if I were an NFL GM.
Stafford's stat line:
2008- 3,459 yards and 25 TD, 10 INT
Career- 7,731 yards and 51 TD, 33 INT
I'm just glad he's not headed for Buffalo. We've finally escaped the Andrew/Jason Peters fiasco... I'm not prepared for Matthew/Drew Stafford.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Email me as the day goes with any thoughts, and I'll include them: nick@wgr550.com
9:57 p.m. So that's it for the day. If I had to grade the day on how I feel, the Bills were between a C+ and a B. The B would be for who they added to the team, the C-plus for what they could've done, given the players left on the board at each choice.
Buffalo will choose next Sunday at No. 121 after giving up a third and fourth-rounder for the Levitre pick.
64. Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh) -- Richard Quinn, TE, North Carolina
-- Perhaps getting ready to unload a certain Tony Scheffler? Maybe not, but the Bills still have their "trade bait" of Chris Kelsay, Ko Simpson and Roscoe Parrish.
63. Arizona Cardinals - Cody Brown, DE, Connecticut
62. Tennessee Titans - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
--- After being underwhelmed for much of the second round, I like three picks in a row. Marks isn't huge (6'2", 306) --- well, for an American football player. He's a big human being.
61. Miami Dolphins (from Indy) - Sean Smith, CB, Utah
--- At 6'4", 214, Smith may be better suited for safety, but a report out of Ann Arbor had him going as early as No. 33. I like this pick for Miami. Former receiver still learning the secondary, and said to need work on tackling.
60. New York Giants - William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
--- Nice value at sixty for the Giants. Could be a boom or bust scenario, but a better chance at boom.
59. Carolina Panthers- Sherrod Martin, S, Troy
58. New England Patriots - Sebastian Vollmer, OL, Houston
57. Baltimore Ravens - Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
56. Indianapolis Colts (from Miami) -- Fili Moala, DT, Southern Cal
55. Atlanta Falcons - William Moore, S, Missouri
54. Minnesota Vikings - Phil Loadholt, OL, Oklahoma
53. Philadelphia Eagles - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
52. Cleveland Browns - David Veikune, DE, Hawaii
9:02 p.m. The Bills have made a move for another offensive lineman, and this one may slide Kirk Chambers back into a back-up role.
51. Buffalo Bills - Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State
A very good pick-up for Buffalo, Levitre is the first player in the history of my draft podcasts to end up heading to Orchard Park. He can play guard or tackle, but my hunch is he's No. 1 over Kirk Chambers before too long, and I like Chambers as your No. 3 tackle. Big-time pick-up.
8:55 p.m. Nice pick-up for the Browns:
50. Cleveland Browns - Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia
8:48 p.m. Alright, I've had corn on the cob and a couple fake sausages with horseradish mustard. More importantly, I've had time to think about the Byrd pick. Paul Hamilton is speculating that this may be more of a safety move, and it better be. I'd like to stress, like I did with the Wood pick, that I only have a problem with the position. Byrd is a solid prospect who lead the PAC-10 in interceptions this year.
Let's get you caught up with the second round, which includes another MAC player who was off most everyone's boards:
49. Seattle Seahawks - Max Unger, OL, Oregon
48. Denver Broncos- Darcel McBath, CB, Texas Tech
47. Oakland Raiders- Michael Mitchell, S, Ohio
46. Houston Texans- Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
45. New York Giants- Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
44. Miami Dolphins- Pat White, QB, West Virginia
43. Carolina Panthers- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
i've seen Mitchell play with the Bobcats, but most "experts" haven't. On ESPN, Kiper said he'd expect him as an undrafted free agent signing at the earliest. Wow, Raiders.
8:14 p.m. And here comes Buffalo. Here's hoping for Brown or Barwin, who both spoke with The Howard Simon Show earlier this week, and as I noted in the recap of their interviews, were A-plus game-talkers.
42. Buffalo Bills- Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon
I disapprove. I'm going to go home to blog the rest of the second round.
8:09 p.m. Oakland may run a 12-wide receiver set next year, but instead they'll trade a deal to New England. Now the Pats can totally take two guys Buffalo could use. Huzzah!
41. New England Patriots (from Green Bay) - Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
40. New England Patriots (from Oakland) - Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
First off, Brace. Raji's running mate poses an intriguing question. The Patriots draft pretty well, and doesn't this make you doubt Raji a little bit. Most "experts" do think Brace benefitted more from Raji than vice versa, but let's face facts: you could not run on BC this Fall. I'm unsure about Butler, but that's the sort of territory you get to at pick No. 41.
8:04 p.m. Time for teal.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Two-in-a-row go against the Bills, setting up the Pats to really chafe me. Britton is going to be a very good NFLer. I may be setting myself for a Paul Hamilton/Brian Holzinger comment here, but Britton strikes me as a Pro Bowl talent, but there's a big question here. Why would the Jags sign Tra Thomas and then draft two book-end tackles?
7:56 p.m. The Bengals choose Akili Smith and Ki-Jana Carter.
38. Cincinnati Bengals - Rey Mauluga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Known for "grinding" on Erin Andrews during a USC telecast, Maualuga is much better at football than dancing. I would've loved to see him last to No. 42, but c'est la vie. That's a French cuss word.
7:50 p.m. Seattle deals its pick to Denver. The Seahawks get a 2010 first round pick for their troubles. This pick has to be Maualuga or Brown.... and it isn't.
37. Denver Broncos (from Seattle) - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Look at the Chiefs, Browns, Patriots and Broncos... all the "Belichick Family Tree," and apparently the rule is to avoid the obvious choice. Belichick, Mangini, Scott Pioli and Josh McDaniels. Throw in Crennel and Weis' Notre Dame mess, and you've got a great football league.
I already hate Josh McDaniels, but hey, there are four guys I want the Bills to take at No. 42, and only five picks left. Do we have any of the above offenders in the interim? New England at nine! Yes!
7:48 p.m. Email: "At Least We Got T.O."
"These morons are making it impossible to be a Bills fan. Two picks in the first round, so much excitement, so many great players available and they are making a mess of this draft. I think they should all be fired and just hire Mel Kiper, he knows more then all those idiots together. Where is Trev Alberts when you need him?"
Tom from Lewiston"
Plus, it's raining!
7:45 p.m. It's a run on Buckeyes. Still no Wolverines. Thanks, Rich-Rod!
36. Cleveland Browns - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
He's big, but I'm unsure about Robiskie. Dan Hager has spoken of him as a latter-day Don Meredith, without using the name Don Meredith.
7:42 p.m. Rams choose.
35. St. Louis Rams - James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
The Rams will love this pick for years and years. Brian Koziol, an Ohio State buff, says Laurinaitis is better than A.J. Hawk, who has adjusted very well to the NFL game at Green Bay after being chosen No. 5 overall. Plus, his dad was in the Legion of Doom (the wrestling tandem, not Lindros/Leclair/Renberg).
7:38 p.m. Another email: "2009 Draft"
"Maybin = E. flowers - not enough to go on...10 starts. J. Peters traded for E. Wood, what do you think? I say take another upfield rusher, ie., E. Brown or M. Johnson. Not really liken the day so far."
I hope this Erik Flowers thing doesn't catch on. Flowers didn't even care to play football, he just wanted pro football money. Maybin was advised at the combine to gain 20 pounds. He gained 25, and his 40-time went down. Doesn't really seem like an automatic bust. As for "Peters for Wood," that is hardly the case. Buffalo got rid of a malcontent, and has proven with the re-signings of Lee Evans and Marcus Stroud that they will re-ink guys who ask for better deals and continue to play hard. Brown and Maualuga -- as well as your mention of Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson -- are still available.
I'm also hesitant to grade this draft until at least the second round and at most 2015.
7:35 p.m. Email subject: "I Want to Punch Jeremy White in the Face"
"Seriously? "Maybe they want to move Maybin to OLB as a project?" That's a fantastic idea for the 11th overall pick. (Sarcasm) How is that supposed to make me feel better about the pick? Any way, I don't hate the pick, I just don't agree using the 11th for him. Seems like a reach."
That was from a friend of mine. He seems displeased.
7:33 p.m. Two second round picks
34. New England Patriots - Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Considered a "ball-hawk," but I haven't seen a ton of Chung in action.
33. Detroit Lions - Louis Delmons, S, Western Michigan
Another MAC selection. Take that, other conferences!
7:31 p.m. I said a bunch of different hilarious things and then the computer crashed, so here's a quick recap before I drive home to blog the second round.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT, Missouri
I like the name Evander almost as much as Ziggy
31. Arizona Cardinals - Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
Great pick if he can stay healthy.
30. Tennesse Titans - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
The latest of our WGR listeners' mock draft to be accurate.
7:11 p.m. Goodbye, Plaxico.
29. New York Giants - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
The Giants get a big wide-out who can play. I don't have much else to say because Giants fans rival Jets fans for being irritating, and I'm trying to regroup for the second round.
7:04 p.m. I don't like the Bills pick on account of the position.
28. Buffalo Bills - Eric Wood, C/G, Louisville
There are plenty of guards and centers available, and despite Wood's versatility, I think the Bills could've used another defensive player, and I've detailed who was around. That said, Wood is considered very much like a Jeff Saturday... an offensive line leader/gym-and-tape rat. He would fit at LG or C, depending what the Bills have in store for free agent signee Geoff Hangartner.
Depending on what the Bills do at No. 42, here's your line for 2009:
LT- Langston Walker
LG- Eric Wood
C- Geoff Hangartner
RG- Brad Butler
RT- Kirk Chambers/Demetrius Bell
7:03 p.m. And it's the Buffalo Bills on the clock. This pick almost has to be Everette Brown. Thirteen sacks for the Seminoles last season, and the junior-eligible is young. Then again, Buffalo passed on Orakpo. If they don't pick Brown, maybe they trade down.
6:58 p.m. Here come the Colts.
28. Indianapolis Colts -- Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Joseph Addai is not amused, and this doesn't make a ton of sense to me, with good linebackers available to replace Freddy Keiaho. Brown ran all over the UB Bulls in the International Bowl, but it's a bit curious that Chris "Beanie" Wells remains available.
6:55 p.m. Green Bay does it right.
27. Green Bay Packers (from New England) -- Clay Matthews, Jr., LB, Southern California
Brilliant move for Green Bay, who pick up an animalistic linebacker in his dad's mold to go with Raji. They may have just snagged the best defensive tackle and linebacker in the entire draft. Matthews will pair with A.J. Hawk to have the most unruly hair-band hair in the world.
6:52 p.m. Somewhere Belichick and Mangini are cracking up, as the Pats deal down again, this time to Green Bay. Mangini is making a fan in me.
6:49 p.m. I'm going to lose my mind if the Bills don't take Everette Brown or Connor Barwin. They are clearly planning on using Maybin as a Joey Porter. This could turn from a "Why didn't they take Orakpo?" into a "How did they foresee Brown being left at 28?" Three picks left. Wow.
Also, they could take a linebacker and keep Maybin at end. Again, the two USC backers are left! This could be great.
ATTN: Bills --- DON'T BLOW IT.
6:45 p.m. If the NFL wants to win me back from college football, actually making picks in speedy fashion is a great start. I'm getting a little misty-eyed. Let's hope the Dolphins make a colossal screw-up:
25. Miami Dolphins - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
How can I learn to hate someone who looks so happy to be rich? Davis a solid corner, and I'm happy for him.
Jonathan Koziol would like me to comment on how dumb it is that ESPN is ruining every pick by showing the player on the phone before the selection.
"They're paying a lot of engineers to put cameras all over the country!"
That's the cutting edge analysis you'll get from the brothers Koziol at 8 p.m., if the draft isn't over (and even if it is)
6:44 p.m. A stunning revelation after the Falcons' pick:
24. Atlanta Falcons - Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Here comes the honest train: Besides Raji, I did not study the DT class very hard, and I watched even less Ole Miss. I didn't even study Raji that hard. I just knew he was good. So... gooooooooooooo Falcons!
6:38 p.m. The Bills can still wind-up with Rey Maualuga, Everette Brown or Clay Matthews, Jr.
If this happens, I may claim victory regardless of how I wake up feeling about Maybin tomorrow. The Bills could also look at James Laurinaitis and Connor Barwin.
6:34 p.m. No Matthews pick for New England, who've swapped No. 23 with Baltimore, as Bill Belichick refuses to be out-Belichicked by Mangini.
23. Baltimore Ravens (from New England) - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Love, love, love this pick for the Ravens. There is an entire book written on what a unique talent Oher is, but that book also details some struggles to fit in after a tough upbringing. Either way, read "Blind Side," by Michael Lewis, and root for this kid.
6:29 p.m. Two picks, different reactions:
22. Minnesota Vikings - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
If you want me to say how I feel about Harvin, who I think is good, picture this as a Bills fan. Remember how you felt about the Bills picking Roscoe Parrish? Imagine that was their first round pick. The Vikings continue to try very hard to find a mate for Bernard Berrian.
21. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia) - Alex Mack, C, California
Loved his show on Nickelodeon. Didn't know about the gender change. Actually, "Alex Mack" was played by the later stunning Larisa Oleynik, while this center from Cal is being compared to gritty Vikings veteran Matt Birk. If he's half of that, Cleveland completed a great run of trading by getting what they wanted Lecharles Bentley to be.
And now the Pats will break my heart by choosing Clay Matthews, Jr.
6:18 p.m. This sounds a litle silly to say, but this pick is more important to Lions' fans perception of their draft than taking Stafford first overall.
20. Detroit Lions - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
The Lions have a ton of holes, but with Calvin Johnson and Pettigrew, they may be in alright shape. By alright shape, I mean they might win one or two games more than they did last year.
6:12 p.m. Browns trade again (I'm so smart) this time to Eagles.
19. Philadelphia Eagles - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
So much for him going early to the Raiders. This move really helps those who wanted Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew to Buffalo, although the Browns can still select him two slots later, at No. 21. Eric Mangini is genuinely looking like, blech, a "Mangenius," and the Jets fans who were upset about Sanchez are wondering what they've gotten themselves into... which is great, since I think Jets fans are generally the most hilarious and annoying in the league.
6:10 p.m. Another email excerpt, this one from Jim:
"I have a feeling that this pick was another bad decision by the bills. Maybin is horrible when it comes to the run. Okay so this guy can pass rush, so can Julius Peppers, and he is proven. Could probably have traded that pick, and a third + kelsay, for peppers. I would have rather seen cushion or someone who is not lacking in an important area. an instant impact at 11 i think not. i hope they actually make a good pick at 28. i'm looking at a guy like pettigrew. i would also think they should try to trade up and nab alex mack with the 32nd position."
The Bills fans are out in full force, spelling included. I'm not trying to be mean, I just thought this was a good barometer of where Buffalo fans are. The Kelsay/Peppers trade would not work, and Peppers would need a lot of money. It would almost be like taking Carolina's Jason Peters.
6:06 p.m. Denver goes defense, and it explains the Moreno pick at No. 12.
18. Denver Broncos - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Here's what happened: The Broncos didn't get Ty Jackson from LSU, whom they coveted at No. 12. With Orakpo, Maybin, Ayers and several more nice-looking defensive ends still on the board, they took Moreno, who was obviously their No. 1 running back. It was a small risk, but they add Ayers, who is super solid against the run, and just learning to be a pass rusher. Consider him the opposite of Ayers.
6:02 p.m. Bucs go QB.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Cleveland through NY Jets) -- Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
The Bucs only gave up a sixth-round pick to move up two spots. Freeman's numbers are outstanding, but he was totally under the radar at Kansas State with that QB-jam-packed Big 12. His numbers work out to 8,078 yards, 44 TD and 34 INT in three years as a starter. I'm not going to lie, KSU hasn't been the most relevant program, so I don't have much to say.
6 p.m. As predicted, Mangini has shipped No. 17 away for more picks. Tampa Bay is on the clock.
5:56 p.m. Email subject: "I KNEW THEY WOULD BLOW IT"
Excerpt: "Dont we need to get bigger on defense??? Dont go ahead and pick a guy that benches 500 lbs and squats 700+..Take the guy that has scouts concerned about how small he is.."
This is a solid summary of the emails pouring in to nick@wgr550.com after the Maybin pick. Folks wanted Orakpo and if they didn't, Everette Brown of Florida State seems to be favored son No. 2.
The Maybin pick, on the surface, seems less certain than Orakpo, and the Bills are taking a risk that the Nittany Lion just coming into his game has more upside. Maybin is a large, freak-like end, but he isn't a huge, strong "monster" like Orakpo. However, Maybin has a very versatile upside in that there's a shot he can be the "Joey Porter-esque" hybrid who can start at outside linebacker if the defensive end idea doesn't work.
5:52 p.m. The Chargers make a MAC-sized surprise pick.
16. San Diego Chargers - Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois
As a UB grad, I love to see a Mid American Conference player go this early, and English a terror. He's one of those guys who -- pardon the cliche -- love playing football. He has terrific instincts and speed, and this sends a message to "Ol' Roidhead" Shawne Merriman to stop complaining and get to attacking.
5:47 p.m. Houston gets a Trojan stud, while the Saints take a safe corner.
15. Houston Texans - Brian Cushing, LB, Southern California
If you want an indication how much the Texans like Cushing, just think that fellow USC linebacker Clay Matthews, Jr., has an uncle in the Texans front office, long-time NFL offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. Cushing is a steal, but may be bad news for Bills fans, as the Patriots are thought to have designs on Matthews, Jr.
14. New Orleans Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The pace is frenzied, but a short bite on Jenkins would say he's the next in a long line of very good No.1 corners from Columbus.
5:34 p.m. This draft is flying and its beautiful, but the phone lines here at WGR are on fire. I'd say 80 percent of our callers hate the pick of Maybin.
13. Washington Redskins - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
12. Denver Broncos - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Two super easy picks, though the Broncos need a world of help on defense. The Redskins would be wise to make nice with Jason Campbell, who continues to progress. As our draft guy Joe Buscaglia said, perhaps Orakpo helps make up for the Jason Taylor fiasco.
5:25 p.m. The Bills hand their pick in in a hurry. My goodness gracious. ESPN is showing Aaron Maybin, defensive end out of Penn State, on the telephone, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. What does Chris Berman's cabbie have to say?
Choosing Maybin over Brian Orakpo will be disliked in Buffalo based on hype alone. If you watched almost every Penn State or Texas game this year, you are allowed to be disgusted.
11. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
He was my initial pick a few weeks back if the Bills went defensive end, but I need a minute to digest this.
5:21 p.m. ESPN's "Streak for the Cash" is rigged.
10. San Francisco 49ers - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I don't want a tight end at No. 11. Buffalo has its choice of linebackers and defensive ends. I'd love one of the USC backers here, but Brian Orakpo may be too good to pass up, and I know the Bills love Florida State DE Everette Brown.
5:10 p.m. I'm typing this before we find out who Green Bay chooses, so let me just say that I think any Bills fans dreams of a Marcus Stroud/B.J. Raji combo end here.
9. Green Bay Packers - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
The Packers are switching to a 3-4, so Raji makes a lot of sense. San Francisco may ruin my "Streak For the Cash" with Michael Crabtree still on the board. If in fact Crabtree is available at 11, the Bills would face a serious temptation. Who needs a tight end when Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Michael Crabtree, Josh Reed and Stevie Johnson are your top-five. Roscoe Parrish and James Hardy would need to be traded. That said, they won't pick a wide receiver.
Back to the Sanchez deal, Eric Mangini made a really smart move for his Browns. He gains a starter for his secondary in Elam, while Brett Ratliff will help Brady Quinn and/or Derek Anderson understand his system. Coleman adds depth to the end position, and the Browns have picks Nos. 17, 36 and 52 instead of Nos. 5 and 36. Cleveland entered with four picks, and now they have five. I wouldn't be surprised to see them deal 17 for more picks.
For Rex Ryan, the deal isn't a loss either. Elam, Ratliff and Coleman were not his guys, and he gets his franchise quarterback. I'm surprised he couldn't get away with the three players and No. 17.
4:57 p.m. Jacksonville goes big.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
The big tackle was an easy pick, and the Jags grab Tra Thomas and a rookie to man the other side in one offseason. Nice job.
4:51 p.m. Oakland is awful.
7. Oakland Raiders - Derrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
If you're a Raiders fan, you're thinking "James Jett." Heyward-Bey shot up the board almost as fast as his ridiculous 40-time. The pick could end up being smart, but Michael Crabtree was the consensus No. 1 wide-out for a reason.
4:47 p.m. Cincinnati is lucky.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith was the consensus No. 1 overall pick as recently as November. For the Bengals to get someone this athletic at No. 6 is a coup. Even if he doesn't work out, this was a risk absolutely worth taking.
4:45 p.m. What a bizarre 20 minutes. The Jets gave up three players and a pick to move up 12 spots, so Cleveland wins by trading the No. 5 pick to New York.
5. New York Jets (from Cleveland) - Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California
Sanchez is a very good quarterback, but the Browns gain DE Kenyon Coleman, CB Abram Elam, QB Brett Ratliff and the 17th and 52nd picks. More analysis later.
4:33 p.m. For Curry to still be around should make Seattle's pick a lock. I'm not going to lie and tell you I've seen 100 Wake Forest games, but there seems to be no one willing to doubt Curry's lock as a Pro Bowler-in-waiting. Here's comes the pick.
4. Seattle Seahawks - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Jim Mora, Jr., is glowing.
4:23 p.m. Kansas City picks.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
I'm just not sure how in the world things like this happen. Jackson is certainly a talent, but has shot up as many as 21 projected draft spots in the last month alone. This lends Mel Kiper some new credibility, as he was the first to report this earlier this afternoon.
4:17 p.m. The hot rumour is that every single team is trying to get out of the Top Ten, but is every team trying to get out of the Top Eleven? I sincerely hope the Bills don't trade down. I understand a team looking to go from five to 15 or 20 and pick up extra picks, but the Bills need an immediate impact player, and No. 11 certainly provides a better look at that. I think No. 11 is perfect, and do not want them to trade up either. Getting at least three of the top 42 players available works for me.
4:14 p.m. The Rams select.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
They needed to replace Orlando Pace, and St. Louis is hoping to snag another decade of pancake-making at the left tackle spot. I'm not sure he's better than Eugene Monroe, but he's definitely safer than Ole Miss' Michael Oher and Alabama's Andre Smith, the two-most talented tackles in the draft.
4:06 p.m. I'm having a horrible theory that contradicts much of what I spoke of on the radio this morning -- the Bills could justify going offensive tackle at 11 by saying they traded Jason Peters to save money on a left tackle, keep a first-round pick at 28, and snag an extra third round pick. I'm not saying it would make sense, but this is Buffalo.
4:00 p.m. It's officially official -- Matthew "Drew" Stafford is guaranteed to make $41.7 million in his life. That's almost half the Gross Domestic Product of Kiribati, an island nation of 105,000-plus people. So, with a little smart investing -- and lasting the entire six-year, $72 million deal -- Stafford can own a country.
God bless the Lions for announcing their pick so quickly. I take back everything negative I've said. We're on pace to finish the draft by 6:25 p.m. or so.
3:41 p.m. Bill Belichick told the NFL Network there's a "less than zero" chance the Patriots will be trading into the Top Ten. This only serves to reinforce the Michael Crabtree to New England rumours.
It's funny thinking both short- and long-term about the idea of the Jets trading up to No. 2 for Mark Sanchez. On one hand, I think he'll be an average pro at worst, and could become a true thorn in the Bills side for years. On the other, I love the idea of the Jets taking a double step back. Now, not only is Brett Favre not your quarterback, but a rookie learning the pro game is your starter.
I want to expand upon what I wrote about new GM or coach getting carried away running his team. The perfect example is Eric Mangini in Cleveland, who is rumoured to be shopping Braylon Edwards and Brady Quinn, and has already dealt away Kellen Winslow.
What Mangini has sacrificed, tough times in Ohio or not, is a top-flight -- but bone-headed -- tight end. He also could move Edwards and Quinn, who both have the talent to be superstars in the league. Drops aside, you could argue that Edwards already has that in his pocket.
3:22 p.m. I just finished hosting the Draft Explosion with Greg Bauch, and can finally make full comments on the reports that Detroit has inked their No. 1 pick.
1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Many not-so-solid NFL executives have an annoying habit of thinking every player they inherit is garbage, and I think Detroit is taking a big risk by ditching Jon Kitna, which forces them to address quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick. Kitna isn't a football god but, back issues aside, the first step to an adequate team is a good defense, and I think Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry was the play here, whether the report of him taking less-than-market money is true or not.
Stafford is a very good-looking prospect with a "live arm," but I'd also be a little more tempted by USC's Mark Sanchez if I were an NFL GM.
Stafford's stat line:
2008- 3,459 yards and 25 TD, 10 INT
Career- 7,731 yards and 51 TD, 33 INT
I'm just glad he's not headed for Buffalo. We've finally escaped the Andrew/Jason Peters fiasco... I'm not prepared for Matthew/Drew Stafford.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I think you could be missing something here
(EDIT: This column originally ran April 21, after two games of the Bulls/Celtics series, but the majority is in relation to the re-birth of the NBA for Nick Mendola in the last decade. The Howard Simon Show covers the topic this Friday morning).
For the next few minutes, I want you to hit the kill switch on your preconceptions of sport. Take a deep breath, and open your mind. If I promised you that a major American sport is starting to become as good as it ever has in terms of talent, effort and game play, and told you exactly where to find it, would you watch?
I hope you would, because for the last few years, I've remembered what it was like to be 8 years-old, in hand-me-down Larry Bird basketball player card shirts and sweat shorts, watching tall people amaze me, and hoping I could grow an ugly blonde moustache like the legend.
My younger cousins knew how cool I was.
But it wasn't about Larry, Big Chief and McHale... it was about the enemies. Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson and Dominique Wilkins were among the Starting Line-up action figures I had, playing one-on-one on the living room floor, a game in which Bird would undoubtedly win with a three or a dunk from this unlikely shooting position, into a mini-hoop that was a gift to a young ring bearer from his Uncle Larry and new Aunt Kim:
Magic had the same pose, so they almost never got the play each other. A true shame.
Well, for three consecutive days, I have been magnetically drawn to the NBA playoffs, and this is the first round, the one where bogus teams are supposed to be run over by powerhouses. For the most part, they will, but the emerging young stars against an old-guard-that-really-isn't-that-old has led to some stunning basketball... the kind you watched growing up, only with guys who can jump higher and cut faster.
So you miss the pick and roll? The Celtics and Bulls have run it at least 100 times in the first two games.
You miss rebounding and active defense? The kids are playing like suitcases of money are bounding off the rim.
You want future Hall-of-Fame talent in its early twenties? This is way more than Lebron.
You miss travelling being called? Me, too. Can't help you there. It's ridiculous. Heck, in the NCAA Tournament, Syracuse's Jonny Flynn travelled every time he drove to the hoop, like some sort of misplaced Ernie Davis.
Tonight's not necessarily the night to start, unless you want to watch a guy who may deliver on the Jordan promise decimate a bunch of veterans. Lebron James is legitimate. He has the thick body of Magic, the stubbornness of Jordan and now a supporting cast that doesn't include Drew Gooden. If he continues to -- essentially -- demand victory with every strong-armed drive to the hole, he could stay on a recently-found path to Legendtown.
He's good.
How about young point guards that look like Isaiah Thomas on steroids. The "street ball" mentality that failed Stefon Marbury and Stevie Francis, woefully over-hyped by a attention-starved early 2000s NBA, has evolved into a "hey, we can bounce pass, too" mindset. Chicago's Derrick Rose and New Orleans' Chris Paul look, quite simply, brilliant.
Even the worst series you can pick in terms of end-to-end entertainment, the Rockets and Blazers, features Brandon Roy, a player so talented and underhyped -- because he's in Portland -- that he's reminding me of being young, and wondering why no one was talking about Indiana's young gun. His name was Reggie Miller.
If you never liked basketball, today's league isn't going to win you over. But if you're a guy like me, who eschewed the NBA in the late-1990s to focus on college ball, and the fascination of Big Four hoops and Christmas-time tournaments, then it's time to give this game a shot. Heck, the West's two and eight seeds finished just a few games apart.
I wrote about it last year, and previewed the playoffs with Dan Hager this year, but if you find yourself wandering by a game on television, and wish you could ask me which players to watch to feel good about hoops, here's a cheat sheet:
Bulls/Celtics -- Just watch. The first two games have been "yelling-on-your-couch-and-waking-up-your-wife-who-has-a-job-interview" good. Derrick Rose has been unbelievable, Ben Gordon is like a 48-minute Robert Horry when he's on, and Tyrus Thomas can jump out of a gym.... and I'm typing this about guys who are playing against my favorite team, the team that won it all last year.
Hawks/Heat -- Atlanta has a team of college stars that plays team ball... maybe the closest thing to a NCAA-style team you'll find in the playoffs. Dwyane Wade has been stunning for the Heat after being written off after a bad shoulder hampered him for a spell last year.
Cavs/Pistons -- Just watch Lebron. Even when he's off, he's been on.
Nuggets/Hornets -- If you can ignore the uniforms attempting to make your HD puke, you'll find a real solid match-up. Chris Paul and New Orleans are hurt by a lack of depth, but he is so, so good.
Blazers/Rockets -- Watch. Brandon. Roy.... and some other guys. Try and figure out why Greg Oden is already considered a failure. He isn't very good yet, but the national media's hoops writers should be karate-kicked.
Magic/76ers -- Love big men? Watch Dwight Howard. Like Thomas in Chicago, only better, he jumps effortlessly.
Spurs/Mavs -- I'm not going to lie. It's like watching in 2001. The Spurs are the New Jersey Devils of basketball, a systematic team that won't go away. Plus, Mark Cuban is funny.
Lakers/Jazz -- Of course, Kobe Bryant is very good, but in the midst of a slaughter, keep your eyes on Utah's guard Deron Williams.
Either that, or just do what you do when I talk about soccer, and wait for the week's hockey, baseball, football and other columns. It's draft time... and I've reached my basketball quota for the month. I texted Jerry Sullivan after the game and, unprovoked, he said, "It's like the eighties again."
So there's at least two of us.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
P.S. If one of your criticisms regards "too many tattoos," you need to rethink your life stance.
For the next few minutes, I want you to hit the kill switch on your preconceptions of sport. Take a deep breath, and open your mind. If I promised you that a major American sport is starting to become as good as it ever has in terms of talent, effort and game play, and told you exactly where to find it, would you watch?
I hope you would, because for the last few years, I've remembered what it was like to be 8 years-old, in hand-me-down Larry Bird basketball player card shirts and sweat shorts, watching tall people amaze me, and hoping I could grow an ugly blonde moustache like the legend.
My younger cousins knew how cool I was.
But it wasn't about Larry, Big Chief and McHale... it was about the enemies. Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson and Dominique Wilkins were among the Starting Line-up action figures I had, playing one-on-one on the living room floor, a game in which Bird would undoubtedly win with a three or a dunk from this unlikely shooting position, into a mini-hoop that was a gift to a young ring bearer from his Uncle Larry and new Aunt Kim:
Magic had the same pose, so they almost never got the play each other. A true shame.
Well, for three consecutive days, I have been magnetically drawn to the NBA playoffs, and this is the first round, the one where bogus teams are supposed to be run over by powerhouses. For the most part, they will, but the emerging young stars against an old-guard-that-really-isn't-that-old has led to some stunning basketball... the kind you watched growing up, only with guys who can jump higher and cut faster.
So you miss the pick and roll? The Celtics and Bulls have run it at least 100 times in the first two games.
You miss rebounding and active defense? The kids are playing like suitcases of money are bounding off the rim.
You want future Hall-of-Fame talent in its early twenties? This is way more than Lebron.
You miss travelling being called? Me, too. Can't help you there. It's ridiculous. Heck, in the NCAA Tournament, Syracuse's Jonny Flynn travelled every time he drove to the hoop, like some sort of misplaced Ernie Davis.
Tonight's not necessarily the night to start, unless you want to watch a guy who may deliver on the Jordan promise decimate a bunch of veterans. Lebron James is legitimate. He has the thick body of Magic, the stubbornness of Jordan and now a supporting cast that doesn't include Drew Gooden. If he continues to -- essentially -- demand victory with every strong-armed drive to the hole, he could stay on a recently-found path to Legendtown.
He's good.
How about young point guards that look like Isaiah Thomas on steroids. The "street ball" mentality that failed Stefon Marbury and Stevie Francis, woefully over-hyped by a attention-starved early 2000s NBA, has evolved into a "hey, we can bounce pass, too" mindset. Chicago's Derrick Rose and New Orleans' Chris Paul look, quite simply, brilliant.
Even the worst series you can pick in terms of end-to-end entertainment, the Rockets and Blazers, features Brandon Roy, a player so talented and underhyped -- because he's in Portland -- that he's reminding me of being young, and wondering why no one was talking about Indiana's young gun. His name was Reggie Miller.
If you never liked basketball, today's league isn't going to win you over. But if you're a guy like me, who eschewed the NBA in the late-1990s to focus on college ball, and the fascination of Big Four hoops and Christmas-time tournaments, then it's time to give this game a shot. Heck, the West's two and eight seeds finished just a few games apart.
I wrote about it last year, and previewed the playoffs with Dan Hager this year, but if you find yourself wandering by a game on television, and wish you could ask me which players to watch to feel good about hoops, here's a cheat sheet:
Bulls/Celtics -- Just watch. The first two games have been "yelling-on-your-couch-and-waking-up-your-wife-who-has-a-job-interview" good. Derrick Rose has been unbelievable, Ben Gordon is like a 48-minute Robert Horry when he's on, and Tyrus Thomas can jump out of a gym.... and I'm typing this about guys who are playing against my favorite team, the team that won it all last year.
Hawks/Heat -- Atlanta has a team of college stars that plays team ball... maybe the closest thing to a NCAA-style team you'll find in the playoffs. Dwyane Wade has been stunning for the Heat after being written off after a bad shoulder hampered him for a spell last year.
Cavs/Pistons -- Just watch Lebron. Even when he's off, he's been on.
Nuggets/Hornets -- If you can ignore the uniforms attempting to make your HD puke, you'll find a real solid match-up. Chris Paul and New Orleans are hurt by a lack of depth, but he is so, so good.
Blazers/Rockets -- Watch. Brandon. Roy.... and some other guys. Try and figure out why Greg Oden is already considered a failure. He isn't very good yet, but the national media's hoops writers should be karate-kicked.
Magic/76ers -- Love big men? Watch Dwight Howard. Like Thomas in Chicago, only better, he jumps effortlessly.
Spurs/Mavs -- I'm not going to lie. It's like watching in 2001. The Spurs are the New Jersey Devils of basketball, a systematic team that won't go away. Plus, Mark Cuban is funny.
Lakers/Jazz -- Of course, Kobe Bryant is very good, but in the midst of a slaughter, keep your eyes on Utah's guard Deron Williams.
Either that, or just do what you do when I talk about soccer, and wait for the week's hockey, baseball, football and other columns. It's draft time... and I've reached my basketball quota for the month. I texted Jerry Sullivan after the game and, unprovoked, he said, "It's like the eighties again."
So there's at least two of us.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
P.S. If one of your criticisms regards "too many tattoos," you need to rethink your life stance.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Nick & Dan's Quick NBA Playoffs Preview
The National Basketball Association begins its playoffs Saturday with a new champion looking all the more certain given Thursday's report that Kevin Garnett will likely miss the Celtics' playoff run. The Howard Simon Show's Dan Hager and Nick Mendola break down the first round in quick, digestible bites that can catch any onlooker up on a long season.
Eastern Conference:
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Detroit Pistons
Dan- Cleveland is the front-runner for the NBA title, due to their team chemistry and home court advantage. The peoplein Cleveland are ready for another run, and "The Q" will be buzzing. Look out for Cavs guard Mo Williams as the wild card.
Cleveland in five.
Nick- This is a statement I'll cringe while typing, but Lebron James is going to be the closest thing we'll see to Michael Jordan for a long time, and he's playing that way -- with drive, muscle and a certain panache most players don't have. The Pistons haven't missed an Eastern Conference Finals since 2002-03, but they are missing a key component that Dan Hager will speak of in the Western preview.
Cleveland in four.
No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Chicago Bulls
Nick- Let's be up front here... the Celtics are my favorite team, and the Bulls are Dan's preferred unit. I was terrified of this series before the Garnett news, but I've settled into an easy place with the former champs. Paul Pierce certainly isn't happy KG is out, but he's happy to be the No. 1 guy again. If Ray Allen doesn't fall off the table like he did for some of last year's title run, be prepared for a couple rounds out of the Celts, a la Pierce and Antoine "Terrible Socks" Walker in 2001.
Celtics in six
Dan- The Garnett injury is huge, because Chicago is now the bigger team with Brad Miller and Joakim Noah. There are so many players in this series who can take over a game, but the Bulls are young, and you can't count out Pierce.
Celtics in seven.
No. 3 Orlando Magic vs. No. 6 Philadelphia 76ers
Dan- Both teams have been struggling down the stretch, losing key games, but I think Philly will win two games.
Magic in six.
Nick- Maybe it's because they share a division with the Sixers, but I think Philadelphia as a six seed says a lot about the Eastern Conference. The team is better than in years past, but are still closer to garbage bin than scrapbook. Dwight Howard is going to show up something special... for at least this round.
Magic in four.
No. 4 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 5 Miami Heat
Nick- For some reason, the "playoff experience" line doesn't get as much run in the NBA as it does in the NHL or NFL, but this match-up is exciting for just that reason. Dwyane Wade and the Heat won a title, but the Hawks have been spending almost the entire year thinking about how they took the Celtics to seven last year. I'm going with my heart here, and I love Al Horford and Acie Law IV.
Hawks in six.
Dan- This will be the best of the first round series. Atlanta will be fueled by its series with Boston last year, but Wade's been unstoppable this year.
Heat in seven.
Western Conference
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Utah Jazz
Dan- The Lakers are on a mission, and Utah has fallen off recently.
Lakers in four
Nick- I have almost nothing to add. This isn't close to Dallas/Golden State of a few years ago. I will be so shocked if the Jazz take more than a game... maybe as big a shock since Rocco Mediate stuck with Tiger Woods.
Lakers in four
No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets
Nick- This isn't a typical 2v7, as the Nuggets finished just five games ahead of the Hornets. The teams split the season series, 2-2, with each team winning a road game. I love Chris Paul in this spot for New Orleans, and think he'll be the difference maker.
Hornets in six, maybe five.
Dan- Chauncey Billups was such a huge pick-up for the Nuggets, and he means even more in the playoffs. He's beaten the Lakers before, and has the ring to go with six-straight Eastern Conference Finals appearanced with Detroit.
Nuggets in six.
No. 3 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 6 Dallas Mavericks
Dan- This will be the last little run for San Antonio, and they'll just make it past the first round. Dallas has not been a good playoff team since their Finals loss to the Heat.
Spurs in six
Nick- It's always risky to choose against the Spurs in the playoffs, so I won't. Plus, I don't have much love for the Mavs right now, save Mark Cuban's antics, which I think are usually amusing. You don't win 50 games accidentally, but Dirk Nowitzki has a lot to prove before I pick his team to beat anyone, especially the Spurs.
Spurs in five.
No. 4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets
Nick- I appreciate that the Rockets have won as much as they have without Tracy McGrady, but I think the surprise ends here. Portland doesn't have much playoff experience on the roster, but Greg Oden is getting too much flack for his foul-trouble-a-plenty play. Brandon Roy is as big for the Blazers in this series as their one-game better record than Houston... that home court will be big.
Blazers in six
Dan- Portland is young, has fire, and looks ready to win. Houston has been a surprise, but the Blazers will be a Cinderella team as Roy leads the way.
Blazers in five
That's it for the first round. We'll be back for Round Two... maybe with a podcast?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Eastern Conference:
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Detroit Pistons
Dan- Cleveland is the front-runner for the NBA title, due to their team chemistry and home court advantage. The peoplein Cleveland are ready for another run, and "The Q" will be buzzing. Look out for Cavs guard Mo Williams as the wild card.
Cleveland in five.
Nick- This is a statement I'll cringe while typing, but Lebron James is going to be the closest thing we'll see to Michael Jordan for a long time, and he's playing that way -- with drive, muscle and a certain panache most players don't have. The Pistons haven't missed an Eastern Conference Finals since 2002-03, but they are missing a key component that Dan Hager will speak of in the Western preview.
Cleveland in four.
No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Chicago Bulls
Nick- Let's be up front here... the Celtics are my favorite team, and the Bulls are Dan's preferred unit. I was terrified of this series before the Garnett news, but I've settled into an easy place with the former champs. Paul Pierce certainly isn't happy KG is out, but he's happy to be the No. 1 guy again. If Ray Allen doesn't fall off the table like he did for some of last year's title run, be prepared for a couple rounds out of the Celts, a la Pierce and Antoine "Terrible Socks" Walker in 2001.
Celtics in six
Dan- The Garnett injury is huge, because Chicago is now the bigger team with Brad Miller and Joakim Noah. There are so many players in this series who can take over a game, but the Bulls are young, and you can't count out Pierce.
Celtics in seven.
No. 3 Orlando Magic vs. No. 6 Philadelphia 76ers
Dan- Both teams have been struggling down the stretch, losing key games, but I think Philly will win two games.
Magic in six.
Nick- Maybe it's because they share a division with the Sixers, but I think Philadelphia as a six seed says a lot about the Eastern Conference. The team is better than in years past, but are still closer to garbage bin than scrapbook. Dwight Howard is going to show up something special... for at least this round.
Magic in four.
No. 4 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 5 Miami Heat
Nick- For some reason, the "playoff experience" line doesn't get as much run in the NBA as it does in the NHL or NFL, but this match-up is exciting for just that reason. Dwyane Wade and the Heat won a title, but the Hawks have been spending almost the entire year thinking about how they took the Celtics to seven last year. I'm going with my heart here, and I love Al Horford and Acie Law IV.
Hawks in six.
Dan- This will be the best of the first round series. Atlanta will be fueled by its series with Boston last year, but Wade's been unstoppable this year.
Heat in seven.
Western Conference
No. 1 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 8 Utah Jazz
Dan- The Lakers are on a mission, and Utah has fallen off recently.
Lakers in four
Nick- I have almost nothing to add. This isn't close to Dallas/Golden State of a few years ago. I will be so shocked if the Jazz take more than a game... maybe as big a shock since Rocco Mediate stuck with Tiger Woods.
Lakers in four
No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 7 New Orleans Hornets
Nick- This isn't a typical 2v7, as the Nuggets finished just five games ahead of the Hornets. The teams split the season series, 2-2, with each team winning a road game. I love Chris Paul in this spot for New Orleans, and think he'll be the difference maker.
Hornets in six, maybe five.
Dan- Chauncey Billups was such a huge pick-up for the Nuggets, and he means even more in the playoffs. He's beaten the Lakers before, and has the ring to go with six-straight Eastern Conference Finals appearanced with Detroit.
Nuggets in six.
No. 3 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 6 Dallas Mavericks
Dan- This will be the last little run for San Antonio, and they'll just make it past the first round. Dallas has not been a good playoff team since their Finals loss to the Heat.
Spurs in six
Nick- It's always risky to choose against the Spurs in the playoffs, so I won't. Plus, I don't have much love for the Mavs right now, save Mark Cuban's antics, which I think are usually amusing. You don't win 50 games accidentally, but Dirk Nowitzki has a lot to prove before I pick his team to beat anyone, especially the Spurs.
Spurs in five.
No. 4 Portland Trail Blazers vs. No. 5 Houston Rockets
Nick- I appreciate that the Rockets have won as much as they have without Tracy McGrady, but I think the surprise ends here. Portland doesn't have much playoff experience on the roster, but Greg Oden is getting too much flack for his foul-trouble-a-plenty play. Brandon Roy is as big for the Blazers in this series as their one-game better record than Houston... that home court will be big.
Blazers in six
Dan- Portland is young, has fire, and looks ready to win. Houston has been a surprise, but the Blazers will be a Cinderella team as Roy leads the way.
Blazers in five
That's it for the first round. We'll be back for Round Two... maybe with a podcast?
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
NHL First-round Playoff Preview
The year was 2006, and the mighty Detroit Red Wings cake-walked into the West's No. 1 seed, while the Edmonton Oilers bickered and barely broke into the post-season. Pundits, included myself, dismissed the Oilers as one-and-done.
Count me among the wrong there, as the Oilers pulled off a stunning run to the Stanley Cup Finals. In fact, had they not lost No. 1 backstop Dwayne Roloson to an MCL injury in Game One of their series with the Hurricanes, they may have hoisted their first Cup since Jari Kurri and Mark Messier won a Gretzky-less Cup in 1991.
So why the basic history lesson? Because an eight seed is about to make some noise.
ROUND ONE:
Eastern Conference:
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens
I wanted to pick an upset here, but there is too much going in the favor of the Bruins. If the 100th Anniversary was more pressure than motivation during the regular season, I find it hard to believe Carey Price and the boys will rise to the occasion now, though my gut tells me differently, so I'll say it goes one less game than last year, when the seeds were reversed.
Bruins in six.
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers
The Rangers were better in Game One, and "stole home ice" from the Caps, but Washington still has enough to top the Blueshirts. It'll be interesting to see if Chris Drury's unannounced injury hampers more than one game. The only factor that could tilt the scales is Henrik Lundqvist, but it'll be a litle too much Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green in this series. Plus, the NHL wants it that way.
Capitals in six.
No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
It's generally defense over offense in the post-season, and this series is no exception. The Hurricanes may be hot enough to take a home game, maybe two, but the Devils are built to handle the East this year.
Devils in five.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
It appears I'm going with the chalk in the East, but I've been talking up Pittsburgh since they were stationed in tenth. Remember what I wrote when the Penguins scooped up Bill Guerin at the deadline?
Pittsburgh
Gets: Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin, Andy Wozniewski, prospect
Gives Up: Ryan Whitney, Danny Richmond, conditional pick
--- If the Pens made the playoffs with the Kunitz deal, they earned the No. 6 seed with the Guerin pick-up. This team is very dangerous, if only because the NHL would love to fix a round for them. Did I type that? Good.
GRADE: A-
Yeah, twelve points in 17 regular season games, and the exclamation point on Game One with a third period fight with Braydon Coburn. The playoffs are fun. Penguins in five.
Western Conference:
No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
If Emilio Estevez can trick Team Iceland into sneaking the knuckle-puck kid into goalie pads during a TV time-out of a nationally-televised Junior Goodwill Games, then a team full of Cup winners can top of team of reputed chokers. Fair or not, Joe Thornton and the boys have struggled to live up to expectations, and I expect Anaheim's ageless Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer to shine one more time. Two good goaltenders for the Ducks give them some options moving forward, and I expect Anaheim to make a serious run.
Ducks in six.
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Can Steve Mason find enough magic in the Columbus nights to upend the champs? I don't think so, but this one will be very, very tight. Look for Detroit to eek by on their defensive system and moxie, a la New Jersey, but the Wings and Jackets will go the distance. This series could be Rick Nash's official coming-out party.
Red Wings in seven.
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 6 St. Louis Blues
The Canucks won four-straight, including a win over the Flames, to clinch their division and the right to take on St. Louis, the least-threatening of the NHL playoff teams. As Paul Hamilton says, "The playoffs are a process," and the Blues are new here. Roberto Luongo leads the first round's only sweep.
Canucks in four.
No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Calgary Flames
The Flames may be reeling, but that may even out as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews get their first taste of the post-season. I expect Brian Campbell to have a dynamite series, and be the difference maker against Miikka Kiprusoff and a very challenging Calgary line-up. Olli Jokinen has been an offensive spark plug since coming to Calgary from Phoenix, but remains an intense defensive liability. Home-ice makes the difference, especially with Martin Havlat in an 81-game-77-point-knock-on-wood-remarkably-injury-free campaign.
Blackhawks in six
AWARDS:
First-round MVP: Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit
First-round Goat: Jonathan Cheechoo, San Jose
Best beard: (three-way-tie): Selanne, Kiprusoff, Thornton
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Count me among the wrong there, as the Oilers pulled off a stunning run to the Stanley Cup Finals. In fact, had they not lost No. 1 backstop Dwayne Roloson to an MCL injury in Game One of their series with the Hurricanes, they may have hoisted their first Cup since Jari Kurri and Mark Messier won a Gretzky-less Cup in 1991.
So why the basic history lesson? Because an eight seed is about to make some noise.
ROUND ONE:
Eastern Conference:
No. 1 Boston Bruins vs. No. 8 Montreal Canadiens
I wanted to pick an upset here, but there is too much going in the favor of the Bruins. If the 100th Anniversary was more pressure than motivation during the regular season, I find it hard to believe Carey Price and the boys will rise to the occasion now, though my gut tells me differently, so I'll say it goes one less game than last year, when the seeds were reversed.
Bruins in six.
No. 2 Washington Capitals vs. No. 7 New York Rangers
The Rangers were better in Game One, and "stole home ice" from the Caps, but Washington still has enough to top the Blueshirts. It'll be interesting to see if Chris Drury's unannounced injury hampers more than one game. The only factor that could tilt the scales is Henrik Lundqvist, but it'll be a litle too much Alexander Ovechkin and Mike Green in this series. Plus, the NHL wants it that way.
Capitals in six.
No. 3 New Jersey Devils vs. No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes
It's generally defense over offense in the post-season, and this series is no exception. The Hurricanes may be hot enough to take a home game, maybe two, but the Devils are built to handle the East this year.
Devils in five.
No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 5 Philadelphia Flyers
It appears I'm going with the chalk in the East, but I've been talking up Pittsburgh since they were stationed in tenth. Remember what I wrote when the Penguins scooped up Bill Guerin at the deadline?
Pittsburgh
Gets: Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin, Andy Wozniewski, prospect
Gives Up: Ryan Whitney, Danny Richmond, conditional pick
--- If the Pens made the playoffs with the Kunitz deal, they earned the No. 6 seed with the Guerin pick-up. This team is very dangerous, if only because the NHL would love to fix a round for them. Did I type that? Good.
GRADE: A-
Yeah, twelve points in 17 regular season games, and the exclamation point on Game One with a third period fight with Braydon Coburn. The playoffs are fun. Penguins in five.
Western Conference:
No. 1 San Jose Sharks vs. No. 8 Anaheim Ducks
If Emilio Estevez can trick Team Iceland into sneaking the knuckle-puck kid into goalie pads during a TV time-out of a nationally-televised Junior Goodwill Games, then a team full of Cup winners can top of team of reputed chokers. Fair or not, Joe Thornton and the boys have struggled to live up to expectations, and I expect Anaheim's ageless Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer to shine one more time. Two good goaltenders for the Ducks give them some options moving forward, and I expect Anaheim to make a serious run.
Ducks in six.
No. 2 Detroit Red Wings vs. No. 7 Columbus Blue Jackets
Can Steve Mason find enough magic in the Columbus nights to upend the champs? I don't think so, but this one will be very, very tight. Look for Detroit to eek by on their defensive system and moxie, a la New Jersey, but the Wings and Jackets will go the distance. This series could be Rick Nash's official coming-out party.
Red Wings in seven.
No. 3 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 6 St. Louis Blues
The Canucks won four-straight, including a win over the Flames, to clinch their division and the right to take on St. Louis, the least-threatening of the NHL playoff teams. As Paul Hamilton says, "The playoffs are a process," and the Blues are new here. Roberto Luongo leads the first round's only sweep.
Canucks in four.
No. 4 Chicago Blackhawks vs. No. 5 Calgary Flames
The Flames may be reeling, but that may even out as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews get their first taste of the post-season. I expect Brian Campbell to have a dynamite series, and be the difference maker against Miikka Kiprusoff and a very challenging Calgary line-up. Olli Jokinen has been an offensive spark plug since coming to Calgary from Phoenix, but remains an intense defensive liability. Home-ice makes the difference, especially with Martin Havlat in an 81-game-77-point-knock-on-wood-remarkably-injury-free campaign.
Blackhawks in six
AWARDS:
First-round MVP: Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit
First-round Goat: Jonathan Cheechoo, San Jose
Best beard: (three-way-tie): Selanne, Kiprusoff, Thornton
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Dhani Tackles WGR
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and bow-tie enthusiast Dhani Jones has a show on The Travel Channel with one of the coolest concepts you can dream up for a professional athlete. He travels from country to country with 10 days to learn a sport completely foreign to him, and the compete at a relatively high-level. I tracked him down for a one-on-one early Monday morning.
From the show to his family in Buffalo to the Bills and Michigan football... Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here are some typed-out excepts:
NM: Let's start with the show because I think it's been incredible... appointment-television-DVR-type-stuff. It's on the Travel Channel at 9 p.m. Mondays. Tell us how it's been.
DJ: "I learn a tremendous amount about the culture of these different countries, from Switzerland to Singapore to Thailand to North Spain in the bass country. (I'm) learning about different countries, playing different sports, truly immersing myself in the community within the people, trying all kinds of different food... really just enjoying life, and seeing it from my perspective, but also giving the viewers a chance to see a different part of the world."
NM: We've seen you muay thai fight. We've seen you play rugby and have to have a couple beverages after the game. We've seen you knee a guy in the face in training for "schwinging."
DJ: "I didn't mean to hit him in the face, but all the sports I do everything is very live action. There's no stunt double. There's no make-up. There's no cover-up. Everything is as you see it. If I'm getting hit in the face, I got hit in the face. If I'm bruised, I'm bruised. If I'm limping, I'm really limping. If I'm cussing, I cuss. There might be a beep over top of it, but that's a different side of emotion, but that's sports."
NM: Were there a lot of growing pains while feeling these games out, or did you do any research about these games beforehand?
DJ: "No research. Basically, I land in a country and I have 10 days to learn the sport the best I possibly can and compete in whatever that sport is, whether it be an individualized sport or a team sport. When I was in Ireland, it was basically two or three days I had to pick up the basic, small, fine-tuned skills of hurling, and then at the end I actually played in an actual playoff game. It's up to the team sometimes how much I participate, but when it's an individual sport, it's one-on-one combat, it's one-on-one competition."
NM: The NFL is way too crazy, you don't have to agree, about protecting their assets.
DJ: "They protect everything, right?"
NM: Yeah. Did you have to sneak around the Bengals? Was it before you re-signed?
DJ: "There's no sneaking around. Maybe in the beginning, when I did the pilot, I didn't want to tell anybody. And then the cat was out of the bag, and I got a couple phone calls saying, 'What are you doing?' and I said, 'This is how I cross-train. This is how I get better at the game of football that I love to play.'."
"All these different sports translate into a different way to practice... fine-tune your skills as a football player because as an 'athlete,' you should be able to do everything. You should be able to do little bits and pieces of all the sports, as I'm doing, and apply those to the big sport of football."
NM: I gotta ask you about this. I am a huge proponent of the three-piece suit. You've spoken before, on our station actually, of a bow-tie revolution. I think they look pretty fresh. How's the revolution going?
DJ: "The revolution is coming along, I mean it will not be televised... you know that song by Gil Scott-Heron? The bow-ties are coming along. They are still going strong. The more people I talk to, the more people understand my mantra of the bow-tie revolution... the mantra of the re-establishment of the gentleman. People understand why."
"A lot of times that's what's important -- for people to understand why, because sometimes people do mindless things and they don't really know what's behind Five-Star Ties and the bow-tie revolution. It's the re-establishment of the gentleman. The way you carry yourself. The way that you speak. The way that you act. The way that you are as a human being is important, and it's reflected by small items you may wear, carry... ways that you present yourself, so, the bow-ties come with that."
NM: I promise you've got me on board... Couple of football questions. What's the opinion league-wide on the Buffalo Bills franchise?
DJ: "I went up there actually to visit. I think it's a great town. People are fully-invested in Buffalo. I have family up there. It was cool when I played (against the Bills) because my grandmother came up there, my aunts and other family members on different sides of the family, but it's cold, I'll tell you that much."
NM: We know, we know...
DJ: "It is freezing up there. It's a family-run business. It's a great stadium to play, and people are truly passionate about their players."
NM: I gotta ask you about Michigan. I started following them when I was seven... Now my school, Buffalo is my favorite and good with Turner Gill, and I'm not sure about Rich Rodriguez in Ann Arbor. What's going on? Can you keep me on board with Michigan football?
DJ: "I'm not sure exactly what to tell you about Michigan right now. It's an interesting situation. Rich came into a program that's completely different than what I suppose he's used to. I'm not going to give him any credit yet, but I'm not going to give him no credit at the same time. Regardless of what happened last year, it takes time to build a team around you. Maybe it's the recruiting class. Last year was inexcusable, and he needs to step it up and get it together, and this year will be a very telling one to see exactly where Michigan is going to go."
There's more... for the full interview go to our Audio Vault.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
From the show to his family in Buffalo to the Bills and Michigan football... Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here are some typed-out excepts:
NM: Let's start with the show because I think it's been incredible... appointment-television-DVR-type-stuff. It's on the Travel Channel at 9 p.m. Mondays. Tell us how it's been.
DJ: "I learn a tremendous amount about the culture of these different countries, from Switzerland to Singapore to Thailand to North Spain in the bass country. (I'm) learning about different countries, playing different sports, truly immersing myself in the community within the people, trying all kinds of different food... really just enjoying life, and seeing it from my perspective, but also giving the viewers a chance to see a different part of the world."
NM: We've seen you muay thai fight. We've seen you play rugby and have to have a couple beverages after the game. We've seen you knee a guy in the face in training for "schwinging."
DJ: "I didn't mean to hit him in the face, but all the sports I do everything is very live action. There's no stunt double. There's no make-up. There's no cover-up. Everything is as you see it. If I'm getting hit in the face, I got hit in the face. If I'm bruised, I'm bruised. If I'm limping, I'm really limping. If I'm cussing, I cuss. There might be a beep over top of it, but that's a different side of emotion, but that's sports."
NM: Were there a lot of growing pains while feeling these games out, or did you do any research about these games beforehand?
DJ: "No research. Basically, I land in a country and I have 10 days to learn the sport the best I possibly can and compete in whatever that sport is, whether it be an individualized sport or a team sport. When I was in Ireland, it was basically two or three days I had to pick up the basic, small, fine-tuned skills of hurling, and then at the end I actually played in an actual playoff game. It's up to the team sometimes how much I participate, but when it's an individual sport, it's one-on-one combat, it's one-on-one competition."
NM: The NFL is way too crazy, you don't have to agree, about protecting their assets.
DJ: "They protect everything, right?"
NM: Yeah. Did you have to sneak around the Bengals? Was it before you re-signed?
DJ: "There's no sneaking around. Maybe in the beginning, when I did the pilot, I didn't want to tell anybody. And then the cat was out of the bag, and I got a couple phone calls saying, 'What are you doing?' and I said, 'This is how I cross-train. This is how I get better at the game of football that I love to play.'."
"All these different sports translate into a different way to practice... fine-tune your skills as a football player because as an 'athlete,' you should be able to do everything. You should be able to do little bits and pieces of all the sports, as I'm doing, and apply those to the big sport of football."
NM: I gotta ask you about this. I am a huge proponent of the three-piece suit. You've spoken before, on our station actually, of a bow-tie revolution. I think they look pretty fresh. How's the revolution going?
DJ: "The revolution is coming along, I mean it will not be televised... you know that song by Gil Scott-Heron? The bow-ties are coming along. They are still going strong. The more people I talk to, the more people understand my mantra of the bow-tie revolution... the mantra of the re-establishment of the gentleman. People understand why."
"A lot of times that's what's important -- for people to understand why, because sometimes people do mindless things and they don't really know what's behind Five-Star Ties and the bow-tie revolution. It's the re-establishment of the gentleman. The way you carry yourself. The way that you speak. The way that you act. The way that you are as a human being is important, and it's reflected by small items you may wear, carry... ways that you present yourself, so, the bow-ties come with that."
NM: I promise you've got me on board... Couple of football questions. What's the opinion league-wide on the Buffalo Bills franchise?
DJ: "I went up there actually to visit. I think it's a great town. People are fully-invested in Buffalo. I have family up there. It was cool when I played (against the Bills) because my grandmother came up there, my aunts and other family members on different sides of the family, but it's cold, I'll tell you that much."
NM: We know, we know...
DJ: "It is freezing up there. It's a family-run business. It's a great stadium to play, and people are truly passionate about their players."
NM: I gotta ask you about Michigan. I started following them when I was seven... Now my school, Buffalo is my favorite and good with Turner Gill, and I'm not sure about Rich Rodriguez in Ann Arbor. What's going on? Can you keep me on board with Michigan football?
DJ: "I'm not sure exactly what to tell you about Michigan right now. It's an interesting situation. Rich came into a program that's completely different than what I suppose he's used to. I'm not going to give him any credit yet, but I'm not going to give him no credit at the same time. Regardless of what happened last year, it takes time to build a team around you. Maybe it's the recruiting class. Last year was inexcusable, and he needs to step it up and get it together, and this year will be a very telling one to see exactly where Michigan is going to go."
There's more... for the full interview go to our Audio Vault.
Email: nick@wgr550.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
