Articles of Interest

Here are some articles of interest. 

A good sign for a lot of teams this draft, At offensive line, NFL draft could yield rich first-round crop

Meet my four newest favorite players,  Four top prospects in line to attend NFL draft next month

Where does Jake land?  Locker's pro-day throwing solidifies Round 1 status

Isn't this true for more than just the NFL Draft, Looks like down year for Buckeyes in NFL Draft

Then why take Cam? NFL Draft 2011: Buffalo Bills Will Focus Heavily on Defense in Draft

NFL Draft 2011: Latest Draft Predictions for Dallas Cowboys

NFL Draft 2011: Did Buster Skrine Sprint His Way to the Raiders?

NFL DRAFT SLEEPER: Wayne County's J.R. Bryant | Atlanta Falcons

No Big Transition for Justin Trattou | NFL Insider - Insider info

NFL draft rumors - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Articles of interest

Is anyone really surprised with the story about Auburn and other schools giving kids money?  After all when 90% of the kids I've interviewed say the most realistic football move is The Program.  Anyone watch The Program lately?

 

With the boatload of picks the Chargers and Patriots have will anyone be surprised to see one move up into the top 10 of the draft.  Looks like Allen Bailey did well with his visit to San Diego.  Hmm seems like I saw that somewhere before.   

One of my favorite rookies next season will be without question Adrian Clayborn.  A man who is doing what any of us would come draft day.

 

I like the future of Colin Kaepernick but can't figure out this visit unless they really aren't sold on Colt? 

 

A rookie who should get a lot of vet votes for the Pro Bowl is Von Miller....regardless of what he does next season. 

Unless they want to reach or someone slides this seems the best idea for Minnesota.

 

Falcons would show some nice improvement if this happens.

Hope all those lawsuit guys who are trying to intimidate the rookies check out stories like this about ND Ian Williams, a kid just waiting to get drafted.

 

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Patrick S

Articles of Interest

I am glad that someone came to their senses NFL draft 2011: No NFLPA event on first night of draft, sources say .  If they had followed through with this it would be a true sign that the players don't care anymore about the fans than the owners.    We the fans are the ones waiting for draft day, doing our own mocks and studying our team needs and to take this action the players would have looked like fools.

 

With the surplus of picks the Patriots have Early draft picks, QB demand give Belichick free reign you would have to think they will control the first two days of the draft.  Heck maybe they take a QB to groom too.  Andy Dalton anyone?

 

I can't agree with this 2011 NFL Draft: OG Rodney Hudson receiving first round ... .  While Hudson is a hard worker I still think he's risky before round 3 just because of size limitations.

 

The Eagles defense should be the focus, 2011 NFL Draft: Eagles May Have to Address Defensive End Early ..., but I think their defensive coordinator performance will be a big story of 2011.

 

This makes sense 2011 NFL Draft: Colts Draft Profile On Anthony Castonzo, Tackle ... as the Colts need to protect their franchise QB but maybe somewhere in day 2 they might want think to start thinking about grooming a new franchise QB.

 

How soon until Jack adds coaching in LA to his discussions?  Del Rio Discusses Lockout, 2011 Season, and Draft on NFL Network ...

 

I think we are starting to see why Dez slide in round 1 and the Cowboys considered trading him this off-season.  Dez Bryant Sued By Jewelry Company « The Landry Hat | A Dallas ...  Bryant's behavior and Garrett's authority will be tested this off-season.

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Patrick Schuster

www.footballdialogue.blogspot.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/footballdialogueshow
https://twitter.com/ftballdialogue

Makes Sense To Me..How About You?

Since we are all straving for real football news I thought it might be fun to throw out some ideas what might happen if they ever sign that stinkin' CBA again.

Here is my take on what might work for all parties.  Love any other ideas or feedback.

• Carolina sends Jimmy Clausen to the New England Patriots for a 5^th round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012.
• Cincinnati Bengals send Carson Palmer to the San Francisco 49’ers for 4^th round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012.
• Marc Bulger signs with the Arizona Cardinals.
• Cincinnati Bengals trade 2012 #1 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Kevin Kolb
• Donovan McNabb signs with Minnesota Vikings
• Matt Leinart signs with the Seattle Seahawks.
• DeAngelo Williams signs with the Denver Broncos
• Marcus Spears signs with the New Orleans Saints.
• Ronnie Brown signs with the New England Patriots
• Michael Huff signs with the Dallas Cowboys.
• James Jones signs with the Chicago Bears
• David Sims Walker signs with the St. Louis Rams
• Joseph Addai signs with the Washington Redskins
• Cadiallac Williams signs with the Miami Dolphins
• Randy Moss signs with the Atlanta Falcons
• Matt Hasselback signs with  the Tennessee Titans.
• Antonio Cromartie signs with the Philadelphia Eagles
• Nnamdi Asomugha signs with Dallas Cowboys

Vince Young, Ricky Williams, Albert Haynesworth, and Terrell Owens all take their talents to the UFL.  If not how about

• Vince Young to the Ravens,
• Ricky Williams to the Giants,
• Albert Haynesworth to the Broncos
• Terrell Owens to the Washington Redskins.

Any other dots to connect send me an email. 

Late Rounders

Executive Producer Benjamin Suarez Takes Viewers Behind The Scenes of The Most Popular Game in The Land

 The passion-filled film of Executive Producer Benjamin Suarez and Director Evan A. Marshall, Late Rounders, follows a group of college football standouts as they begin their quest to make the 53-man roster of an NFL football team. Coming from a wide array of backgrounds and sharing one common goal, some of the players featured will see their dreams realized on draft day, while others will see their dreams fade away. 

The candid, touching look inside the road to the NFL features 2010 hopefuls Corey Peters Defensive Tackle, University of Kentucky, Aaron Morgan Defensive End, University of Louisiana-Monroe, Alfonso Smith Running Back, University of Kentucky, John Conner Fullback, University of Kentucky, and Ray Fisher Cornerback/Kick Returner, Indiana University. Late Rounders also gives viewers a peek into the lives of two hardworking sports agents Michael Puterbaugh and Greg “Tripp” Linton as they ply their trade, heart, soul and mind, in an effort to get their clients to the big show. Both agents and advisors for HOF Player Representatives, Puterbaugh exudes power in quiet, as Linton wears his passion for their players and the game on his entire being. 

All the hard work, years of commitment, everything…comes down to one day. Their personal stories come together inside a Kentucky sports bar on the biggest day of their lives – draft day – as cameras capture every win, every loss, and every moment in the struggle to become Late Rounders.

 Make sure you check out this must see film.

Mock Draft-----Round One

In what has to be the most bizarre off-season of the past 25 years in the NFL, I have attempted to forecast the first four rounds of the NFL draft and unlike in years past there is no free agency to take into account at this point.   Whenever they do sign a new CBA you can certainly expect people like Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, Randy Moss, Vince Young, Marc Bulger, Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Carson Palmer and countless others to change teams but until then here is a four round mock (pre compensatory picks).  

Let me know what you think.

1. Carolina: Blaine Gabbert  QB  Missouri…..A month ago I thought they’d give Clausen one more year but it appears all his supporters have left the building.  Instead they add their new face of the franchise and hope for a small learn curve.  Blaine is the top talent at QB but not nearly as ready as Bradford was last year.  Look for Clausen to get shopped.
2. Denver: Marcell Dareus  DE  Alabama…As the Broncos reshape their team they add the best defensive line the draft has to offer.  Marcell can line up just about anywhere on the line and will likely contend for a starting job in camp (whenever that is).
3. Buffalo: Cam Newton  QB Auburn….Will need time to sit and learn (hopefully his Dad stays out of the media) but has a ton of talent and is the type of QB that a coach like Chan Gailey can make into dare I say an icon.  Sitting behind Fitzpatrick for at least the first half of the season will do wonders to his development.
4. Cincinnati: Da’Quan Bowers  DE  Clemson….With Carson Palmer status influx they could look to move up to get a young QB but if they stay adding Bowers gives them the force on the line they lost out when David Pollack career was cut short.
5. Arizona: Von Miller  OLB  Texas A&M….Another team in need of a QB but no one grades out this high so instead they get the perfect OLB for Ray Horton’s new defense. 
6. Cleveland: A.J Green  WR  Georgia….Cleveland has many holes to fill on defense but bringing the top WR into the fold will give the offense the playmaker and #1 WR it has been lacking for years.  Green might be Offensive Rookie of the Year.
7. San Francisco: Patrick Peterson  CB  LSU….Another team with a QB whole but just like Arizona and Cincinnati no one grades out this high.  Instead they get the most ready for action player in Peterson.  You could see San Francisco trade to the bottom of round 1 to come and grab a guy like Ponder who would fit Harbaugh scheme.
8. Tennessee: Prince Amukamara  CB  Nebraska…Another team needing a QB but will instead add a shut down corner in Prince and look for a QB in round 2 or free agency (if there is one).
9. Dallas: J.J. Watt   DE  Wisconsin….It’s pretty obvious Dallas will go OT, CB, or DE and while an OT or CB at nine is a reach if the selections go in this order a player like Watt isn’t and has the ability to be a special force in a Rob Ryan scheme.
10. Washington: Julio Jones  WR  Alabama…This team had little to no fire power last year and needs to upgrade at RB, QB (with the McNabb failed experiment) and WR.   The best player on the board at this spot is Julio Jones.
11. Houston: Nick Fairley  DT  Auburn…Could go at #3 should Buffalo decide to steer away from Newton if not goes to the Texans and Wade’s new defense.
12. Minnesota: Robert Quinn  DE  North Carolina….Another team in need of a QB (might be wise to make a call about Carson Palmer) but with no QB a top 12 talent grabbing Quinn to add to the defensive line is a great move as the team moves away from the Favre years and now to a much more team oriented concept.
13. Detroit: Anthony Castanzo  OT  Boston College..With no corner worth the thirteenth selection the Lions switch gears and had the most complete OT on the board which will help the offense on all fronts.
14. St. Louis: Aldon Smith  OLB  Missouri…The Rams need a top weapon for Bradford but with Jones and Green gone instead they add an impact player for their defense and instead can add offensive weapons in rounds two and three.
15. Miami: Mark Ingram  RB  Alabama….The Dolphins will likely turn the page on both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and instead add a former Heisman Trophy winner.
16. Jacksonville: Cameron Jordan  DE  California….Cameron has freakish abilities and would help the Jags pass rush.   Cameron’s dad is a former teammate of Coach Jack Del Rio.
17. New England (from Oakland): Tyron Smith OT  USC…One of the top priorities this off-season is rebuilding their offensive line and Tyron has that nasty streak that the Pats love in their linemen. He should be an instant starter.
18. San Diego: Akeem Ayers  OLB  UCLA…Chargers never fully recovered from the loss of what Shawn Merriman used to bring to the table for the defense.  Ayers has slipped in some eyes but would be a nice addition and immediate impact for the Chargers defense.
19. NY Giants: Gabe Carimi  OT  Wisconsin…Giants have to rebuild their line and Gabe is the perfect Coach Coughlin kind of guy.  Should be the starting RT at the start of the 2011 season (whenever that might be).
20. Tampa Bay: Ryan Kerrigan  DE  Purdue…Kerrigan is the best player on the board for the Bucs at a position they need to upgrade.  Non-stop motor that should do well earlier as he is a very coachable player.
21. Kansas City: Corey Liuget   DT  Illinois…The big run stopper the defense needs.  Corey should excel in the Romeo Crennel scheme.
22. Indianapolis: Stephen Paea  DT  Oregon State…Tremendous strength as shown at the combine and had it not been for an injury would likely have gone a few spots higher.  Great motor, coachable and a leader.  Great addition.
23. Philadelphia: Mike Pouncey  OG  Florida…Philly need OL and corner help but can’t resist grabbing Pouncey here as they try to build up the offensive line so that when Mike Vick wants to run it’s not to save his life but by design.  Pouncey can start at guard or center by the start of the season.
24. New Orleans: Adrian Clayborn  DE  Iowa…Saints defense was exposed in the playoffs and they are now pulling out all the stops to upgrade (see Shaun Rodgers signing).  Clayborn is a team leader who should give the Saints a significant upgrade at end and future leader for their defense.
25. Seattle: Derek Sherrod  OT  Mississippi State..While many have Jake Locker landing here I think Pete Carroll will be more in the market for a veteran QB to compete for the job instead of scrapping the Whitehurst experiment in a year.  With that said Sherrod paired with last year’s #1 pick Russell Okung gives the Seahawks two cornerstone tackles to build an offense behind.
26. Baltimore: Jimmy Smith  CB  Colorado…Big physical corner with a questionable character but at this point the Ravens will be poised to roll the dice as they have the infrastructure in their franchise to keep players like this in check.  
27. Atlanta:   Cameron Heyward  DE  Ohio State…Falcons need another pass rushing threat besides John Abraham and Heyward is the type of guy who you can pencil in as a starter and get 12 to 15 sacks a year without much fanfare.
28. New England: Justin Houston  OLB  Georgia…Priority number two this offseason is getting some more playmakers on defense.  Houston has some impressive combine numbers and at this point in round one is worth the selection as he has potential to be a real dynamic player given a little bit of time.
29. Chicago: Nate Solder  OT  Colorado…Cutler’s safety is number 1 need this off season so adding a mountain of a man like Solder is a wise move.   According to several reports Solder has a bit of an attitude but that never keeps the Bears from taking a chance (see Cutler).   Some see Solder as a Robert Gallery guard but regardless a talent infusion is needed on the Oline and Solder is a step in the right direction.
30. NY Jets: Brooks Reed  OLB/DE  Arizona…A non-stop motor  and a hard worker are two traits Rex Ryan loves.  Brooks has had a great off-season and could be a real special player in the Jets defense as they continue to upgrade the defense.
31. Pittsburgh:  Brandon Harris  CB  Miami (Fla.)…Super Bowl exposed they average corners and Harris has the speed and ability to come in and start for the AFC Champs early in the season.
32. Green Bay: Mikel LeShoure  RB  Illinois…What do you give a team that you think has everything?  How about a franchise back to upgrade a questionable ground attack.  Either teamed with or as a feature back LeShoure will give the Packers a nice shot in the arm in the run game and make them that much harder to prepare for next season (whenever that is). 

Round Two

1. New England (from Carolina): Ryan Williams RB Virginia Tech..New England gets to add the back they need.
2. Buffalo: Jabaal Sheard   DE  Pittsburgh…help the defense with a player new defensive coach Wanny can vouch for.
3. Cincinnati: Jake Locker  QB  Washington..with Palmer’s exit expected Locker would be that young QB for Coach Gruden to work with for next year.
4. Denver: Kyle Rudolph  TE   Notre Dame…need to upgrade position and might as well add the best TE on the board.
5. Cleveland: Muhammad Wilkerson   DT   Temple …Mountain of a man who will start and have an impact immediately for the Browns.
6. Arizona: Ryan Mallett  QB  Arkansas…rocket arm with some questionable character issue. Wiz helped Big Ben make the transition in the pros and Mallett has some Big Ben qualities for the same offense.
7. Tennessee: Christian Ponder  QB  Florida State…smart player who will take to Coach Munchak’s new regime.
8. Dallas: Danny Watkins  OG/OT  Baylor…Perfect selection for the Cowboys as Watkins can take over at RT or slide to a guard for the offensive line that will likely be revamped.
9. Washington: Colin Kaepernick  QB  Nevada..smart, mobile QB that should excel in the Redskins scheme.
10. Houston: Rahim Moore  FS  UCLA…Texans need upgrades at both safety spots and Moore is the best FS on the board.
11. Minnesota: Andy Dalton  QB  TCU…Vikings like will bring in a vet to lead the team but Dalton has the make up to be a starter in the league and right now the Vikings only QB is Joe Webb. 
12. Detroit: Aaron Williams  CB  Texas….Lions need help at corner and Williams should push to start early in 2011.
13. San Francisco: Phil Taylor  DT  Baylor..A beast of a man who will secure his place in the defense early in camp.
14. Denver (from Miami): Martez Wilson  ILB  Illinois…best ILB on the board as the Broncos try to improve talent at just about every position.  
15. St. Louis: Torrey Smith  WR  Maryland…Bradford gets his weapon and the Rams get an immediate starter.
16. Oakland: Marcus Cannon  OT  TCU…Big nimble guy who should start at RG to begin the season but can play guard or tackle.
17. Jacksonville:  Curtis Brown CB  Texas….Jags need to continue to improve defensive talent across the board and adding Brown to the secondary will do that.
18. San Diego: Leonard Hankerson WR  Miami (Fla.)….Chargers missed that HR threat while Jackson sat out.  Hankerson had a very nice senior year and looks to just be scratching the surface of his ability.
19. Tampa Bay: Davon House  CB  New Mexico State..Forty times keeps getting better and with his size could push for starting role by mid-season.
20. NY Giants: Marvin Austin  DT  North Carolina..Clog up the team has been lacking.   Giants benefit from agent gate.
21. Indianapolis: Rodney Hudson  OG/OC  Florida State..smart player who makes up for his lack of size with sound technique and good movement.  Eventual replacement for Jeff Saturday.
22. Philadelphia: Brandon Burton  CB  Utah..Corners are starting to get long in the tooth and Burton is a fundamentally sound player who has a high ceiling.
23. Kansas City: Jon Baldwin  WR  Pittsburgh…Big time talent with some character flaws.  Boom or bust pick but Haley isn’t one to shy away from talent because of personality issues.  Baldwin will have to drop the attitude and learn from pro coaching.
24. New Orleans: Benjamin Ijalana  OG  Villanova….Saints need better protection upfront for the offense to maximize Brees abilities.
25. Seattle: Christian Ballard  DE  Iowa…Seahawks need a big end and Ballard has unlimited potential but will need to show more production to make measureables.
26. Baltimore: Stefen Wisniewski  C  Penn State..Great steal at this point.  Stefen is likely a starter at guard or center by no later than mid-season. 
27. Atlanta:  Jerrel Jernigan WR  Troy ….Help is on the way for Roddy White.
28. New England: Orlando Franklin  OG/OT  Miami (Fla.)….Pats find the replacement for Neal and get a guy who can swing between guard and tackle.
29. San Diego (from NY Jets): Allen Bailey   DE  Miami (Fla.)….Chargers focus to bring the heat makes grabbing the physically talent but underachieving Bailey a need pick.
30. Chicago: Randall Cobb  WR  Kentucky…..Cutler needs more weapons to make the next step.  Cobb is a nice new target.
31. Pittsburgh: Jason Pinkston  OT  Pittsburgh…Both OTs could be replaced and Pinkston is a Steelers kind of guy.
32. Green Bay: Bruce Carter  OLB  North Carolina…Injury history lowers his stock but the Packers could wait a bit before getting him on the field.  Once he is healthy Packers might have steal of the draft.

Round Three

1. Carolina: Pernell McPhee   DE Mississippi State…need to increase pressure on the QB.
2. Cincinnati: DeAndre McDaniel  SS  Clemson..need to replace Roy Williams.
3. Denver: Kendall Hunter  RB  Oklahoma State…need a 2nd back to go with Moreno.
4. Buffalo: James Carpenter  OT  Alabama..need pick with a nice selection at this point.  Carpenter can start this season.
5. Arizona: Clint Boling  OG   Georgia…Big guard to help upgrade the depleted Cards offense.
6. Cleveland: Sam Acho  DE/OLB  Texas…great character, hard worker and a leader.  Nice pick in round 3.
7. Dallas: Quinton Carter  FS  Oklahoma…need to replace both safeties before worrying about corners.
8. New Orleans: Mason Foster  OLB  Washington..one of the most under-rated players in the draft. Eventual starter in the Saints defense.
9. Houston: Luke Stocker  TE Tennessee…Great blocker, good receiver and provides help for the often injured TE position in Houston.
10. New England: Ras-I Dowling  CB  Virginia…when healthy would challenge for top corner status.  Rough couple of years for Ras-I but if he can stay healthy Pats would have an eventual starter.
11. Detroit: Mark Herzlich  OLB  Boston College…Jim Swartz kind of kid.   Eventual starter and leader of the defense.
12. San Francisco:  Kristofer O'Dowd  C  USC…instant starter and line leader.
13. Tennessee: Will Rackley  OG   Lehigh…don’t be nervous Will only two HOF coaches on staff.
14. St. Louis: Drake Nevis  DT  LSU....Underrated player due to size limits but will see the field a lot in 2011.
15. Miami: Tim Barnes  C  Missouri…Dolphins OLine needs help especially at center.
16. Jacksonville: T itus Young  WR  Boise State..Jags needs to replace Sims-Walker with someone who can catch a little more.  Young doesn’t drop much.
17. Oakland: Chimdi Chekwa  CB  Ohio State….Size and speed.  A Raiders requirement.  
18. San Diego: Greg Jones  ILB  Michigan State..Chargers continue to improve the front 7 of the defense.
19. NY Giants: Chris Carter  OLB  Fresno State…Giants need a young infusion at LB. Carter is a nice pick in round three.
20. Tampa Bay: DeMarco Murray  RB  Oklahoma…Big back that should fit well in the rotation.
21. Philadelphia: DontayMoch  OLB  Nevada…Defense needs to continue to add youth.  New defensive coordinator will be changing things up.
22. Kansas City: DeMarcus Love  OT/OG  Arkansas….Love has had a subpar off-season but you can’t coach size.  The staff in KC will coach him up and get him to meet his God given size.
23. Indianapolis: D.J. Williams  TE  Arkansas…Losing Dallas Clark hurt move than any other player.  Williams is a nice heir apparent.
24. New Orleans: Jordan Todman  RB  Connecticut…With Reggie Bush likely elsewhere the Saints will look to develop a more traditional running attack.
25. San Diego: Jaiquawn Jarrett  FS  Temple…With a likely opening at FS Jarrett is a nice size and speed combo pick that is smart enough to run a secondary with newly signed and often injured Bob Sanders.
26. Baltimore: Tyler Sash  SS Iowa…need some youth at safety and Sash is a nice big safety who can be groomed to start soon.
27. Atlanta: Lance Kendricks  TE  Wisconsin…Lot of talent who can replace Tony Gonzalez down the road.
28. New England: Greg Little  WR  North Carolina..a forgotten player due to NC issues but the perfect Pats player.
29. Chicago: Kenrick Ellis   DT  Hampton…massive man who should start early in 2011.
30. NY Jets: Stephen Schilling  OG  Michigan…Nice addition to keep the franchise (Sanchez) up right.
31. Pittsburgh: Jerrell Powe  DT  Mississippi..Need that big body in the middle of the D. 
32. Green Bay: Joseph Barksdale  OT  LSU….Need some youth at tackle if Rodgers is going to remain healthy all season.

Round Four

1. Carolina: Jurrell Casey  DT  USC..Another much needed addition to the defensive line
2. Seattle: Shareece Wright  CB  USC…A player Pete is very familiar with and should reduce the learning curve.
3. Buffalo: Curtis Marsh  CB   Utah State..nice player who will fit their system.
4. Cincinnati: Daniel Thomas  RB  Kansas State..depth pick to eventually replace Cedric
5. Cleveland: Quan Sturdivant   ILB  North Carolina..Can’t get enough defense in Cleveland.
6. Arizona: Marcus Gilbert  OT  Florida…Cards continue to upgrade O-Line.
7. Philadelphia: Joe Lefeged  SS Rutgers..Hard hitting SS they have missed
8. Houston: Johnny Patrick  CB  Louisville..Texans continue to revamp new look defense.
9. Minnesota: Chris Conte  FS  California…Vikes address secondary as they’ll need to contend with pass happy Packers.
10. Detroit: Edmond Gates  WR  Abilene Christian…Lions desperately need a real #3 WR.
11. San Francisco: Ricky Stanzi  QB   Iowa…Fundamentally sound QB who they can develop but likely will need to trade or sign a vet to start this season.
12. Tennessee: Colin McCarthy  ILB  Miami (Fla.)…Hard working LB who fits the Munchak kind of player to a T.
13. Dallas: James Brewer  OT  Indiana…Cowboys continue to revamp offensive line.
14. Miami: John Moffitt  OG  Wisconsin…Miami continues to upgrade offensive line.
15. St. Louis: Shane Vereen  RB  California…Rams need a 2nd back to save Jackson and give them additional weapons.
16. Oakland: Niles Paul  WR  Nebraska…Fast WR…Perfect location.
17. Jacksonville: Robert Sands  FS  West Virginia..Upgrading secondary continues.
18. San Francisco: Jamie Harper  RB  Clemson…Will Frank Gore return?  If so they still need to upgrade the depth behind him.
19. Tampa Bay: Jeremy Beal OLB  Oklahoma…Nice LB for their scheme.
20. NY Giants: Virgil Green  TE  Nevada…Teaming with Boss to give them different options at TE.
21. Kansas City: Ricky Elmore  OLB/DE  Arizona…Brings the heat and fits the Crennel style of defensive guy.
22. Indianapolis:  Lee Ziemba  OT  Auburn..eventual RT but improves depth for 2011.
23. Philadelphia: Stevan Ridley  RB  LSU…McCoy needs help if he’s going to make it through a full season.  Ridley is a nice #2 back. 
24. Jacksonville:  Pat Devlin  QB  Delaware….Lukewarm off-season but is a player they can develop for a few years to be at worse a game manager but at best an eventual front line starter.
25. Buffalo:  Jordan Cameron  TE  USC….Another lukewarm off-season but having played in such a pro system and put up some nice numbers makes him hard to pass up for a team starving for offensive weapons.
26. Baltimore: Terrence Toliver  WR   LSU…A constant need for this team.
27. Atlanta: Zach Hurd  OG  Connecticut…Nice player who provides depth in year one but could start in a pinch in 2011.
28. New England: Pierre Allen  DE  Nebraska…Nice player who will learn and contribute in the Patriots scheme.
29. NY Jets: Tandon Doss  WR  Indiana..With so many free agent WRs the Jets would be wise to use a pick in the first four rounds on one.
30. Chicago: K.J. Wright  OLB    Mississippi State…The linebacking crew can use some youth.
31. Pittsburgh: Austin Pettis  WR  Boise State….Give the Steelers some height at the WR spot and a player who could eventual replace Hines Ward.
32. Green Bay: Cortez Allen  CB   Citadel…Super Bowl showed how fast depth at the corner position can go.  Allen is a smart Citadel player who fits the Packers way perfectly. 

THE 5TH QUARTER

The death of a promising young athlete just days before his 16th birthday inspires his older brother to lead his college football team to new heights in The 5th Quarter, the moving saga of the Abbate family of Marietta, Georgia. Aidan Quinn, Andie MacDowell and Ryan Merriman star in this touching true story from writer and director Rick Bieber.

When 15-year-old Luke Abbate is killed in a tragic car accident, the loss leaves his close-knit family reeling with grief. Fueled by faith and their deep familial bond, the Abbates try to rebuild their lives without Luke, fulfilling his wish to help others by donating his organs to save the lives of five other people. But despite the support of loving friends and family, his death leaves a void in their lives that threatens to tear the family apart.

Struggling with the devastating loss, Luke’s older brother Jon a gifted football player at Wake Forest University, decides to honor his brother’s memory and love for the game by dedicating the 2006 season to him. With the added motivation of “playing for two,” he dons Luke’s beloved No. 5 jersey and inspires his teammates to play the best football of their lives—and become the most improved team in America. Predicted to finish last in their division, the Wake Forest football team surpassed all expectations by winning an unforgettable championship season.

A tribute to the power of hope and love, The 5th Quarter is an inspiring true story about a family coming together to rally a team, a school and a community to achieve more than they could ever have imagined.

OPENS IN THEATERS MARCH 25, 2011

Four Round Mock Draft

Check back later this evening for a four mock draft then after the comp picks are announced a full seven round breakdown.   Even with the strike football still reigns in popularity but let's hope a CBA is signed sooner than later. 

Day One 2011 NFL Mock Draft

First Round (Day One)

1. Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley (DT) Auburn
Ron Rivera gets an inside defensive presence that has become sexy with Suh and McCoy.
2. Denver Broncos- Daquan Bowers (DE) Clemson
Denver is moving to the 4-3, great combo with Dumervil off the edge
3. Buffalo Bills- Marcel Dareus (DE in 3-4) Alabama
Solid disruptive presence lacking in the Bills defense, makes up for Maybin pick.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- A.J Green (WR) Georgia
I see it as Shipley in the slot with Simpson and Green outside in the new look Cincy offense.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Blaine Gabbert (QB) Missouri
The miss on Leinart hurt the Cards after the retirement of Warner, Skelton is a solid backup to the future in Zona
6. Cleveland Browns- Von Miller (OLB) Texas A&M
Steal of the draft, brings instant pressure and explosiveness off the edge.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Peterson (CB) LSU
Solid shutdown corner and returner. Clements could be termed a disappointment in the Bay.
8. Tennessee Titans- Cameron Newton (QB) Auburn
A bigger, stronger and more accurate version of Vince Young.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Cameron Jordan (DE) California
A surprise for the Boys but they need help along the front 3 to make Ware and Spencer better.
10. Washington Redskins- Robert Quinn (OLB) North Carolina
Great player to team with Orakpo, slides because of his suspension and character concerns.
11. Houston Texans- Prince Amukmara (CB) Nebraska
Back to back years of drafting a corner but you need corners to play with the Colts.
12. Minnesota Vikings- Jake Locker (QB) Minnesota
The future at quarterback in Minny. Tavaris Jackson just doesn't cut it.
13. Detroit Lions- Brandon Harris (CB) Miami
The Lions need to build the outside after finding solid players on the inside.
14. St. Louis Rams- Julio Jones (WR) Alabama
Is there a more perfect fit in this draft. Injury concerns slide Jones down to the ideal destination.
15. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram (RB) Alabama
The Dolphins should at least lose one if not both of the Ronny Brown/Ricky Williams combo.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars- J.J Watt (DE) Wisconsin
The jags finally find the man to dominate in the front four with this selection.
17. New England Patriots- Anthony Castanzo (OT) Boston College
The Pats go to o-line U to find the compliment to Sebastian Vollmer as the new bookends.
18. San Diego Chargers- Adrian Clayborn (DE in 3-4) Iowa
The Chargers may be close to rebuilding its defense, Clayborn is a solid 5 technique end in San Diego's system
19. New York Giants- Nate Solder (OT) Colorado
Beatty may not be the heir to Diehl at LT, Solder is the answer.
20. Tampa Bay Bucs- Cameron Heyward (DE) Ohio State
Baby Ironhead and McCoy form a great inside/outside duo. Reminds Bucs of old days with Rice and Sapp.
21. Kansas City Chiefs- Aldon Smith (OLB) Missouri
The Chiefs stay in state to find a solid athlete opposite Tamba Hali and to replace an aging Vrabel.
22. Indianapolis Colts- Tyron Smith (OT) USC
The new blindside protector to Peyton Manning in Indy.
23. Philadelphia Eagles- Derrick Sherrod (OT) Mississippi State
A solid right tackle to pair with Peters as bookends, could move to left when Peters is done.
24. New Orleans Saints- Michael LeShoure (RB) Illinois
Payton tried moving Pierre Thomas last season and Bush could be cut because of salary concerns.
25. Seattle Seahawks- Gabe Carimi (OT) Wisconsin
Back to back seasons of selecting protectors to the qb to be named later.
26. Baltimore Ravens- Jimmy Smith (CB) Colorado
The weakness of this defense was shown by giving up a third and very long in the playoffs.
27. Atlanta Falcons- Ryan Kerrigan (DE) Purdue
Ala the Jags the Falcons keep looking for that guy to get to the quarterback.
28. New England Patriots- Muhammed Wilkerson (3-4 DE) Temple
Exactly what the pats look for in their defensive lineman. Size, can play both sides and ability to play two-gap.
29. Chicago Bears- Torrey Smith (WR) Maryland
The go-to-guy for Cutler as the Bears move forward.
30. New York Jets- Stephen Pea (NT) Oregon State
The all-time combine bench press record holder is a perfect fit as the nose in the Jets system. Jenkins just can't stay healthy.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Aaron Williams (CB) Texas
The corners for the Steelers got exposed by a deep receiving core in the Super Bowl.
32. Green Bay Packers- Justin Houston (OLB in 3-4) Georgia
Could be a force getting one on one blocking with Matthews on the other side.

Q&A: DB Cortez Allen The Citadel

What is your official size and weight?  6' 2" 196.5lbs

What are some of the things you learned from your East-West Shrine Bowl experience?  That we can never take the blessings we have for granted or the simple luxury of being able to walk and things like that because there are so many people out there that are not as fortunate.  Also that I can successfully compete against the best in the country.

What is your view on playing special teams?  Do you have much experience? Great Special Team play is key to having a successful game.  A game can be won or lost in special teams.  I have been a part, in some way, minus field goal, all phases of special teams.

If a scout asked for the game that you were at your best what game film are you giving him? Samford 2009

Where have you been training in preparation for the NFL combine later this month? Any area of your game you are spending extra time focusing on?  I have been training at Athletic Edge with Mike Gough and his staff.  From a physical standpoint I have been focusing on adding more muscle weight and at the same time keeping my speed and quickness.  Also staying low in my backpedal and ball skills.

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Tiki coming back?

Just when I thought I didn't have a player to root against (assuming Favre is staying retired this time) I read: Agent: Ex-New York Giants player Tiki Barber files to play in NFL again - ESPN New York. Seriously? Tiki after all these years. I guess NBC constant demoting of you and missing out on the 12th hour of the NBC Today show got to you. Get ear plugs for your return to New York.

Tressel gets two game ban...maybe more?

Well, I'm was surprised when I saw Jim Tressel gets two-game ban for NCAA violation - ESPN but hope the NCAA treats this like they do all schools and throw on the "good credit" Tressel has with some in the media. If he broke the rules treat him the same as if he were the Head Coach at Miami, Michigan, Florida State or USC.

Tressel could be hot water?

When this story hit the wire Uh-oh: Jim Tressel could be in major NCAA hot water | CollegeFootballTalk I can't say I was all that surprised. Anyone remember Maurice Clarett? Everyone at Ohio State lost their job because of him...well everyone except a certain coach now in hot water. Karma is a wonderful thing...just ask Big Ben, Mike Vick, Lebron and the Yankees being so sure they were going to get Cliff Lee. Sometimes the Sports Gods fix things all by themselves.