NFL Mock Draft 2.0

The second of my mock NFL draft, to reflect some trades and other moves made:

1. St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

- This is pretty elementary -- the Rams need a quarterback (especially with the release of starter Marc Bulger this week) and a face of the franchise, plain and simple. Bradford provides both. If I were the Rams I would entertain any offers for trading down, as they have many gaping holes to fill. But the chances of any team wanting to move up to the top spot are slim ... and probably none. Previous pick: Bradford.

2. Detroit Lions

Ndamakong Suh, DT, Nebraska

- Suh is the guy that was the early favorite to go No.1 overall.  Jim Schwartz gets a mammoth he can plug into his 3-4 defense. When Schwartz was the defensive coordinator of the Titans, he had Albert Haynesworth in that role. That had some success, last time I checked. Suh is a very disruptive force and I see him having an immediate impact. There are starting to be rumors of the Lions taking an offensive tackle. Previous pick: Suh

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

- The Bucs need an anchor for their 4-3 defense so this is my best guess as well as the best guess of the experts I read. McCoy is the clear No. 2 defensive lineman in the draft, behind Suh, and will probably become a premier pass rusher. Also, the Bucs have two second-round picks, so they could be active in the trade game on draft day. Previous pick: McCoy

4. Washington Redskins

Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

- First big change from my first mock, as previous pick was QB Jimmy Clausen. That is no longer the expected scenario as the Skins just brought in Donovan McNabb. They still need a young, developmental QB but they can take one later in the draft now, or trade out of this slot if they so choose. Assuming they keep this pick, Okung makes the most sense. He's the best OT available, a guy the Skins can plug into Chris Samuels' old spot at left tackle.  Previous pick: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa

- Yes, the Chiefs just recently drafted Branden Albert to play left tackle, but they can slide him over to the right side, or put Bulaga there. GM Scott Pioli is too smart to pass this opportunity up. Previous pick: Okung.

6. Seattle Seahawks

Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

- This is hard one to gauge, as the Seahawks need help everywhere and have two first-round picks (6 and 14). So any number of possible trades could happen here. With the departure of LT Walter Jones, the Seahawks can pick up a new left tackle and still address other needs, like running back, with their next first-round pick. This run of left tackles flying off the board is a direct result of the McNabb trade. Previous pick: CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

7. Cleveland Browns

Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

- A dream scenario for myself and Browns fans. Secondary is the weakest spot on the Browns roster and Berry is a safety in the mold of Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. A game-changer ... big hits, good in coverage, fast and smart. If Berry is gone, I could see the Browns trading out of this spot. Previous pick: Berry

8. Oakland Raiders

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

- The pick almost impossible to predict. Let's rewind to 2009 for a second: How many mock drafts had the Raiders selecting WR Darius Heyward-Bey with their first-round pick? I'd say zero. Back to 2010: Raiders need an OT and the guess here is that they'll be in awe of Davis' size (6-5, 323) and his athletic ability. He's also very raw, from what I've read.  Previous pick: Bulaga

9. Buffalo Bills

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

The Bills are another team that needs an offensive tackle, but with the elite guys gone, they can address the glaring hole at quarterback. Again, Clausen's slide is a direct result of McNabb to the Redskins. I'm not sold on Clausen as a franchise QB, but the Bills have little choice here. Previous pick: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

10. Jacksonville Jaguars

Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Lots of ways the Jaguars can go here. They desperately needed a pass rusher but took care of that via free agency (Aaron Kampman). Safety is also a big need.  But the team's receivers have been subpar for years as David Garrard doesn't really have anyone to throw to (and never has). Thomas' stock has risen significantly as we get into April. Previous pick: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

11. Denver Broncos

Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

-- The Broncos have heavily invested in their defensive line via free agency, so it makes sense for them to go with the impact linebacker here, as Andra Davis is aging (D.J. Williams is the other starter at ILB). If they wanted to go offense, look for Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant, which would make even more sense if WR Brandon Marshall is dealt on draft day. Previous pick: McClain

12. Miami Dolphins

Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

- Defense, defense, defense. The Dolphins need youth at outside linebacker and nose tackle. So take your pick. Bill Parcells loves an OLB who can rush the passer (see Demarcus Ware). Previous pick: Kindle

13. San Francisco 49ers

Joe Haden, CB, Florida

- The 49ers also own the 17th pick, so they could be on the trade market. Assuming they're not, I see them going with Haden, the best corner in the draft despite the concern over his speed. I have seen two mock drafts that have the 49ers taking RB C.J., Spiller with this pick...lunacy. Frank Gore mans the position fine and has some tread left on the tires. Too many other immediate, glaring holes to fill to go that direction. Previous pick: Haden

14. Seattle Seahawks

CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

With their second first-round pick, the Seahawks really fortunate as the best RB in the draft falls to them at No. 14. Spiller is a multi-faceted playmaker, as he can return kicks and punts. Previous pick: Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

15. New York Giants

Sean Witherspoon, LB, Missouri

- From what I've read about Witherspoon, he is versatile and can play inside or outside, and the Giants need both in the worst of ways. They'd probably take McClain if he fell to them. Previous pick: Witherspoon.

16. Tennessee Titans

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

This seems like a no-brainer, as the Titans lost DEs Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse. Morgan is the best end in this draft and may go higher. But in this scenario, he falls to Tennessee. Previous pick: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

17. San Francisco 49ers

Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho

- The 49ers get their much-needed offensive lineman here. Iupati was a guard at Idaho but apparently teams see him as more of an NFL tackle. Previous pick: Iupati

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

- I'd say if Iupati would fall to them, he'd be the choice here. But corner is a big need for the Steelers, especially now that the rival Ravens brought in Anquan Boldin. The Steelers have been weak at corner for years, so this makes the most sense. Previous pick: Wilson

19. Atlanta Falcons

Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

- The Falcons have no real pass rush (only 28 sacks last season) and Graham was a monster at Michigan. Seems like a match made in heaven. Previous pick: Graham

20. Houston Texans

Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

- I struggled with this one, as I think the Texans can go in several different directions. Williams could go prior to this, possibly to the Dolphins, but if he's here I can't see Houston passing up a run-stuffer to fill a gaping hole in their defensive line. They also need a cornerback, and don't count out a running back (Ryan Matthews out of Fresno State is the best one left). Previous pick: Williams.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Taylor Mays, S, Southern Cal

- Some draft boards have Texas S Earl Thomas ahead of Mays, so depending on where the Bengals rank them could change my guess. Either way, defense is a need and they can't go wrong either way. Also, even though they just signed Antonio Bryant, WR Dez Bryant may be too enticing to pass up. Previous pick: Mays

22. New England Patriots

Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State

- With the loss of Jarvis Green, the Pats suddenly have a need for a defensive lineman. Odrick can play tackle or end (versatility seems like a running theme in this crop of draft prospects) and Bill Belichick loves guys can fill any role he sees fit. Previous pick: Odrick.

23. Green Bay Packers

Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida

- The Packers had arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL last season. Pouncey is a Day One starter at center and from what I read about him on NFL.com, some coaches and scouts say he can play guard as well. The Packers have a need for younger offensive tackles, but Pouncey is someone they can plug in right away. Previous pick: Pouncey

24. Philadelphia Eagles

Earl Thomas, S, Texas
Another pick tough to handicap. Eagles have needs at offensive line, defensive end and the secondary. Thomas is too good of a talent to slip much further. But like I said, this one is a pure guess. Previous pick: Everson Griffen, DE, Southern Cal

25. Baltimore Ravens

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

- Little out-of-the-box thinking here. Most mock drafts I've seen have the Ravens going with Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham. That makes sense. But how about some youth and depth on the defensive line? Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards left via free agency, so if the season started today the Ravens would have older-than-dirt Trevor Pryce at one end and Halotia Ngata at the other. Ngata is more of a nose tackle. Bringing in Dunlap (who had character issues at Florida) would allow the Ravens to add a future star to their defense, and Ozzie Newsome never hesitates adding to his D. Previous pick: Dunlap

26. Arizona Cardinals

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

- No offense to Anthony Becht, but the Cardinals need a pass-catching tight end who can also block: Gresham fits that bill. The Cards could also go offensive line (Charles Brown, Southern Cal) or defensive line (Brian Price, DT). But I'd take the tight end. Previous pick: Gresham. 

27. Dallas Cowboys

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Jerry Jones loves athletes and playmakers, and although Thomas has had some off-the-field incidents, let's not kid ourselves: Jones doesn't care. The Cowboys need offensive line depth, as they released LT Flozell Adams last week, but there will some quality choices in the second round. Previous pick: Earl Thomas.

28. San Diego Chargers

Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

- This also seems too obvious (which probably means it won't happen). The Chargers lost LT and Darren Sproles is more of a role player than an every down back. Another apparent match made in heaven. Previous pick: Matthews.

29. New York Jets

Brian Price, DT, UCLA

- I know the Jets need more weapons on offense for QB Mark Sanchez, but the way this mock is unfolding, there isn't anyone available at this slot that would make sense, value-wise. So they address their defensive line with Price, who is being compared to Warren Sapp. Previous pick: Demaryius Thomas.

30. Minnesota Vikings
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

- Price would be the ideal fit here, but cornerback is also a position of need in Minnesota. Previous pick: Brian Price.

31. Indianapolis Colts

Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
The Colts cut nickel cornerback Tim Jennings, so they fill that need here with a guy in McCourtey that has seen his stock rise since the Senior Bowl. Previous pick: Anthony Davis.

32. New Orleans Saints

Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU

- The Saints can plug Hughes into a of couple different positions of need. Hughes may not slip this far, but in this scenario he does and the Super Bowl champs get a steal. Previous pick: Hughes

Dissecting the ESPN column on why LeBron MUST head to New York

Just this week, ESPN launched its latest web site strictly marketed to a specific city's sports market: ESPN NewYork.com. The site debuted in the middle of the week, and as one could imagine, two of the more promoted articles on the new site revolved around LeBron James and a potential move to the New York Knicks on July 1, when he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

One of the articles was by The Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst, who wrote a fine piece that discussed the differences between "Cleveland LeBron" and "New York LeBron."  Windhorst's story is a very balanced one, providing logical reasons why it makes sense for LeBron to stay in Cleveland and why it makes sense to go to New York. I highly recommend reading it, as I do all of Brian's Cavaliers' coverage.

Then there's the second LeBron piece on ESPN NewYork.com.
This one, by former New York-area newspaper columnist Ian O'Connor, provides reasons why LeBron's only choice is New York.  I won't completely summarize O'Connor's column (an opinion column, just to be clear), just click on the link and read it. Please.

Here's the basics: O'Connor lists reasons why he thinks LBJ should be NYC-bound, and he quotes several "New York icons" that provide quotes why LeBron should and will come to New York.

Though well-written (O'Connor is a very good writer), the column is littered with several instances of flawed rationale, weird, irrelevant quotes from these New York sports icons, bogus reasoning on O'Connor's part and much pure speculation and fantasy with no factual basis. It's also completely and unabashedly New York-biased, but that's a product of where the column is written for: New York and New York sports fans. So I am OK with that bias.

Before I lay out the problems I have with O'Connor's column, I'd like to clarify my position on this matter (LeBron and free agency and the Knicks) and identify my own biases:

1. I have no idea what LeBron will do on July 1 and offer no predictions, as I believe it is impossible to do so because I truly believe LeBron himself doesn't know right now.
2. I do not get offended when I see "Photoshop-ed" pictures of LeBron in a Knicks uniform (like the one pictured above from ESPN NewYork.com). I do not get offended when people predict LeBron will bolt because Cleveland sucks. I do not get offended when the New York media bashes in Cleveland as a city and sports town. I will not swear off professional sports if LeBron does leave Cleveland. This is a business, folks and it has happened in sports dozens of times.
3. I want LeBron to stay in Cleveland, obviously, and will be ecstatic if he does.

So now you know where I stand on the basic issues of this "situation". Now, on to the almost comical flaws of Ian O'Connor's column. I am going to select some passages from the column and my responses to these passages will be listed below each:

I'll start with the passage that really got to me...One of the most ludicrous, outlandish, false and plain stupid things I have ever read:

* (O'Connor in his conclusion: (LeBron) can live the dream night after night after night. He can own New York the way Jordan owned Chicago and Kobe owns L.A. He can be bigger than his cherished Yankees, bigger than everyone from No. 2 (Jeter) back to No. 3 (Ruth).

1. Yes, LeBron could own New York like Jordan ruled Chicago or Kobe rules L.A....if he wins quickly and wins a lot quickly. Jordan owned Chicago after a couple of championships. Same for Kobe in L.A. 

But what happens if LeBron signs a five-year deal with the Knicks and they lose in the first round of the playoffs every year and then he leaves New York? Or they lose in the East finals, even the NBA Finals, once or twice? How about if they ... gasp... miss the playoffs (gasp)? Will he still rule New York? Or will the fans get restless? After all, isn't a winning team all they want?

These fans have had players who can score tons of points, dish out tons of assists, get rebounds and throw down sick dunks. And these fans are portrayed as miserable, tortured masses. So does that mean all of a sudden, in comes LeBron and they're happy, win or lose? How does that work? Just because he's a showman, a magician with the basketball and fun to watch, he gets a pass if he doesn't deliver a championship? I love LeBron. But he hasn't proven he can win a title in six tries. What makes people think a title is guaranteed in New York? Even winning seasons for that matter? How many games can LeBron win himself each year? 20-25? Who is going to win the other 20 to make the Knicks a .500 team? How about the other 30 to guarantee a playoff spot? And yes, I know LeBron makes the players around him better. 

2. Did O'Connor really say LeBron can be bigger than the Yankees, bigger than Babe Ruth? 

This is where O'Connor's bias goes from doing his job writing for a New York web site to just plain craziness. I'm sorry, but what would LeBron have to do be "bigger" than the Yankees? Or "bigger" than Babe Ruth?  Win 20 titles and score 50 points per game, for 10 years? How can you possibly make a statement like that? I have no idea what O'Connor is trying to do here. 

3. The Yankees have 27 championships and more history and tradition than arguably any professional sports team. And Babe Ruth is an American icon, not just a baseball icon. And the NBA is not Major League Baseball. And the Knicks are not the Yankees. And some people who think Babe Ruth is the "biggest" athlete ever don't care about LeBron James. And vice versa. And none of that is even relevant. You are comparing two totally different sports, two totally different people and two totally different levels of celebrity and impact. Babe Ruth is "big" for probably 100 reasons that LeBron can never be. And LeBron is "big' for probably 100 reasons that Babe Ruth could have never been.

4. I hate to beat dead horse... but... Did Ian O'Connor really say LeBron can be "bigger" than the Yankees? I have a feeling Ian O'Connor read that after this column was posted and felt very ... stupid. 

* Instead of directly pitching New York to LeBron, Ian O'Connor talks to five chosen people "So the pitch to LeBron belongs to more prominent voices."
1. Those five people: Hall of Famer and beloved former Knick Willis Reed, former NHL star and New York Ranger Mark Messier (yes, a hockey player), former Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts, former Yankee great Reggie Jackson and current Yankee general manager Brian Cashman.
OK. What an....odd group of New York personalties. I guess O'Connor couldn't get Cosmo Kramer, The Nanny, Andy Sipowicz, the hot detective from Law and Order SVU, David Wright, Eli Manning, Mark Sanchez, Spike Lee or Donald Trump.

* O'Connor quotes Willis Reed: "I really hope ... LeBron's wearing a New York Knickerbockers uniform. That's my wish. I mean, do you want to win a championship in New York or Sacramento?"
What does Sacramento have to do with any of this and why is it relevant?

* (In the section of the column when O'Connor talks to NHL icon Mark Messier): Messier, who is currently special assistant to Rangers GM Glen Sather, is the Greek god of hockey, just as LeBron James is the Greek god of hoops. The one who ended a 54-year drought wants the other to try to end a drought at 37 years and counting.
1. I am not an NHL fan. Not a hockey fan. But since when did Mark Messier become the "greek god of hockey" exactly? And what does that mean? And who christened LeBron as the "greek god of hoops" exactly? If there was such a mythical creature, wouldn't it be Michael Jordan? The best player ever? That analogy is big swing and miss.
2. I have a major issue with O'Connor's statement that LeBron may want to go to the Knicks to "try to end a drought at 37 years and counting." Say the Knicks get LeBron, but aren't able to add another superstar free agent (Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade). Assume that next season, it's LeBron, the current sorry Knicks roster and maybe another addition or two. I guarantee the Knicks will not compete for a championship next season or the two-to-three seasons following. The current team is beyond awful, a mis-mash of wing scorers, shooters and their coach, Mike D'Antoni doesn't believe in defense or scouting the opposition, literally. It is near impossible to win long-term in the NBA trying to outscore people every night and forgetting defense. So even with LeBron, that 37-year title drought for the Knicks isn't going to end anytime soon.

* (In the section of the column where O'Connor talks to former Madison Square Garden president and former Knicks executive Dave Checketts): The Knicks can't sell a credible product right now, Checketts reasoned, so they have to sell the benefits the city offers to baseball and football stars who have bathed in a ticker-tape rain. "When you win in New York you are immortalized," Checketts said. "LeBron will win in Cleveland if he stays and be revered for a long time, but it still wouldn't equal what winning one or several in New York would mean to him. I've been gone from the Garden almost nine years, and there's a reason I've never moved back home [to Utah]. I still have my office on Park Avenue. If LeBron ever does go to the Knicks, he'll find out there isn't a better place in the free world than New York."
1. As far as selling the tangible "benefits" of New York to LeBron: Basically worthless. Here's a newsflash: LeBron is filthy rich. Filthy rich. And he will get richer and richer. He has his own private jet. He can (and does) go to New York City any time he wants. Clubs, nightspots, restaurants, whatever. He could buy a Park Avenue penthouse. Or 50 Park Avenue penthouses. He could live in New York and fly to Cleveland on game days (just like Zydrunas Ilgauskas does right now).
2. Is that the same as actually living there, being part of the fiber of the city? I guess not. But it's close enough and if you read a lot about LeBron, you know he loves where he lives in Ohio, loves his dream house he just had built and loves to be comfortable in his surroundings. By staying in Cleveland, he can have all of that and go to New York every night and live the city life if he chooses.
3. As far as a title meaning more that is won in New York opposed to Cleveland: Wrong. Again, if you know anything about LeBron, you know that he badly wants to bring a title to Cleveland, his home town. It would mean the world to him. He has said as much several times. He takes pride in where he is from and I really believe he wants to establish a dynasty in Cleveland.

* (In the section where O'Connor talks to Yankee legend Reggie Jackson): .....In 1977, (with the Yankees) Jackson hit three World Series homers on three consecutive Game 6 pitches thrown by three different Dodgers arms. What would've been the impact on Jackson's legacy had he delivered that epic performance in the colors of, say, the Cleveland Indians? "It would be significantly smaller," Mr. October said. So would two or three LeBron titles in New York be bigger than four or five LeBron titles in Cleveland? I'd definitely agree with that," said Jackson. "If Jordan won four in New York rather than six in Chicago, he'd be even bigger than he is now."
1. How can Michael Jordan be possibly bigger than he is now? I think it's safe to say Jordan's six titles in Chicago, which inlcudes a remarkable four-peat, are universally regarded as a huge historical achievement.And ask Michael Jordan if he would prefer six titles or four.
2. "Yankees superior to Indians" equals "Knicks superior to Cavaliers." Wrong. Try again, Mr. O'Connor. The Knicks are not Yankees. Winning a title for the Knicks and adding that title to the Knicks' history is not the same as winning a title for the Yankees and adding that title to the Yankees history. Would Reggie Jackson's legacy been less impactful had he performed his World Series heroics with the Indians rather than the Yankees? Probably, but that depends on your viewpoint. Will LeBron's legacy be greater if he wins championships (one or multiple) in New York and not Cleveland? Possibly. But depends on your viewpoint. In the last 37 years, the Cavs have had almost as much success as the Knicks. In the past 10 years? The Cavs and Knicks are not even in the same league. The point is, the Yankees-Indians, Knicks-Cavliers comparsion doesn't work. Apples and oranges. And trying to put the Yankees and Knicks on the same level, as far as overall historical significance and success goes, is a massive stretch. Maybe the better comparison would have been how playing in Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium is different than playing anywhere else. That works.

* In the section where O'Connor talks to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman: "If you accomplish something in New York," Cashman said, "it's better than anywhere else."
1. I have a problem with blanket statements like this one by Cashman. And again, I am not sure what Cashman is talking about is the case in the NBA. Does that mean the Lakers' championships would have been "better" had then been in New York? Uh, no. How about the Celtics' championship two years ago? The Celtics are one of the most stories and successful franchises in professional sports. Would that championship in 2008 have been "better"  had it been in New York? No. Makes no sense...unless you live in New York or are from there. But the same can be said about any city, any country, anwhere. It's always "better" if it happens to you or your city or your team. Right? Why is that a reason for LeBron to play for the Knicks? Another swing and miss.

* Above is ESPN.com photo illustration

Coming late Saturday/early Sunday

On the new web site, ESPN New York.com, columnist Ian O'Connor wrote this piece about why LeBron James' only choice is to leave Cleveland and go to the New York Knicks this summer. 

Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/columns/story?page=oconnor/lebron-james/100402

I am working on a post that will point out the major flaws in the column, as I think people who read this blog will really find interesting. So check back later. And read that column.

Good column on Yankees-Red Sox rivalry

Sunday night marks Opening Night for the 2010 baseball season, and what better way to kick off the season than a Yankees-Red Sox matchup? Well, that's what we get, Sunday night on ESPN2 (8 p.m.).
Here's a good piece from MLB.com columnist Mike Bauman on the Yankees-Sox rivalry. He discusses what the rivalry means in terms of 2010, why the rivalry is significant and other interesting stuff. Give it a read.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100402&content_id=9053968&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy&partnerId=rss_nyy

Update on Cavs' playoff stuff

Updating a previous post on the potential Eastern Conference playoff matchups......


Here's the NBA conference standings (through Wednesday's games)

* If the season ended today, the Cavaliers would get the No. 1 seed in the East and the top seed overall, meaning they'd get home court advantage in every playoff series, including the Finals, against any team. Continuing with this current scenario, the Cavs would matchup with the No. 8 seed Raptors in the first round. The Raptors are two games in front of the Bulls for that final East playoff spot, and are two games back of the Bobcats for the No. 7 spot.
Odds are the Raptors stay in the 8th spot, as they aren't playing that well (5-5 in last 10)...good news for them is that the team chasing, the Bulls (4-6 last 10), are playing even worse.
As I said in my previous post on this subject, I think the Raptors are the ideal first-round playoff matchup for the Cavs, despite their considerable size. Especially if the other choice is the Bobcats, who are scary athletic and play defense. My reason for this rationale? The Raptors are a horrid defensive team, allowing 105.3 points per game. Want some perspective? Let's compare:

Raptors: 105.3 points allowed per game, last in East
Warriors: 112.5 points allowed per game, last in West and last in NBA
Cavaliers: 94.8 fourth in East, 6th in NBA
Bobcats: 93.6 points per game, 1st in East and 1st in NBA

* The other side of that is the Raptors can score, as they average 105.3 points per game. They are also third in the league in 3-point shooting. With that being said, I still like the Cavs in a seven-game series. The majority of the time, especially in the first round of the playoffs, better defensive teams win. Of course there are exceptions (recall the Golden State Warriors' playoff run in the 2006-07 season; defense was a rumor on that team but they could outscore anyone easily).

* So let's assume the Cavs get past the Raptors, I'd guess in five games. The second-round matchup would be with either No. 4 seed Boston or No. 5 seed Milwaukee.
Both are intriguing matchups for the Cavs, for good and bad reasons.
Let's start with the Bucks.
The Cavs won three of the teams' four meetings, as the Bucks got a win when the Cavs were minus LeBron James. In two of the three Cavs' wins, the Bucks were right there until the end, including Tuesday's game, which the Cavs may have won thanks to an official-reviewed call. Milwaukee is a deep, talented team that boasts playoff veterans (Jerry Stackhouse, Kurt Thomas), exciting young players (Brandon Jennings), good shooters (John Salmons) and the second-best center in the East (Andrew Bogut). I wouldn't be shocked if a Cavs-Bucks series went six, or even seven, games. I'd still give the overall series advantage to the Cavs, as the Bucks also struggle with defense at times and simply don't have the weapons and experience and knowledge the Cavs have. But they are close and are dangerous.

* As far as the Celtics...what more can be said? They are old and slow and are falling in the standings (they won't fall past the No. 4 seed in the East). The Cavs have blown out the Celtics twice in three meetings and play again on Sunday. The Celtics just don't strike fear into me like other teams, say the Magic, do. I don't think the Cavs would sweep the Celtics, but I don't see how Boston could compete with the Cavs in seven games, barring a complete meltdown by the Cavs or some unforseen injury or horrible slump by LeBron.

* The Cavs' magic number to clinch the top seed in the East and the top seed in the NBA is two games...there' been talk about resting the starters down the stretch. Without going into a lengthy analysis or discussion, I will say plain and simple: I am in favor of it, 100 percent. When those top seeds are clinched, rest the starters (LeBron, Jamison, Mo, and Shaq if he returns) in the fourth quarter, even the whole second half if necessary. I am a firm believer in having your top players rested, refreshed and injury-free heading into the playoffs. No question.

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

CC Sabathia is big and fat

On Tuesday afternoon, I saw "husky" Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia — generously listed at 290 pounds on the Yankees’ official roster — on a television commercial for Subway, whose slogan is "Eat Fresh." 
How ... fitting. 
Are you kidding? 
Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for Sabathia to be hawking desserts for the Cheescake Factory, or slanging double cheeseburgers for McDonald’s? 
BTW, I am a huge CC fan and I think he is going to win the Cy Young this season.

Nike and LBJ

For the people who have been claiming for years that LeBron gets more money from Nike if he plays in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago....You were wrong. Here's the link to Brian Windhorst's story from Cleveland.com:
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2010/03/sources_say_lebron_james_new_d.html

Update on some mock draft stuff

Since I completed my mock draft on Sunday, a couple of noteworthy headlines have manifested themselves:
* Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford really turned heads at his pro day, prompting one talent evaluated (longtime Cowboys personnel man Gil Brandt) to say its the best QB workout he'd seen since Troy Aikman.
- What does that mean? The Rams are going to take Bradford first. No question. In fact, I'd suspect they already have a contract worked out prior to draft day in April.
- Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant also had an eye-opening pro day, and from what I have been reading and hearing, he's now the top WR in the draft. In my mock, I had Bryant going to the Jaguars at No. 10. He may not last that long, as I could see the Raiders grabbing him at No. 8 (yes, I know they took a receiver in the first round last season).
- I wouldn't be surprised to see Florida QB Tim Tebow sneak into the first round. Just saying.
- Another guy that could sneak into the first round is Virginia CB Chris Cook, who I didn't have in my mock draft.

NFL Mock Draft 1.0

As I've said in this space before, I am a big NFL Draft guy. I read all I can about the prospects, watch some video of the top guys, read evaluations and study mock drafts (the reputable ones, done by ESPN people, Don Banks at SI.com and Pat Kirwan at NFL.com). The NFL really makes the draft a big event, and this year the first few picks will even be done in primetime. Pretty cool stuff. In the past, myself and coworker Shaun Hoy have done mock drafts for our newspaper, The Roanoke Times. It's a fun exercise, so I thought I'd do one on my blog. I plan to do more than one, probably three: This one, one two weeks from now and maybe one the day of the draft. Not quite sure yet. Anyway, here's my first mock draft. Enjoy:

1. St. Louis Rams
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
- Looks like this is starting to take shape as a real possibility. This is pretty elementary -- the Rams need a quarterback and a face of the franchise, plain and simple. Bradford provides both. If I were the Rams I would entertain any offers for trading down, as they have many gaping holes to fill. But the chances of any team wanting to move up to the top spot are slim ... and probably none.

2. Detroit Lions
Ndamakong Suh, DT, Nebraska
- Suh is the guy that was the early favorite to go No.1 overall. But as the Rams are smitten with Bradford, that leaves Suh to fall into the Lions' lap. And I'm sure they are just fine with it, as Jim Schwartz gets a mammoth he can plug into his 3-4 defense. When Schwartz was the defensive coordinator of the Titans, he had Albert Haynesworth in that role. That had some success, last time I checked. Suh is a very disruptive force and I see him having an immediate impact.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
- The Bucs need an anchor for their 4-3 defense so this is my best guess as well as the best guess of the experts I read. McCoy is the clear No. 2 defensive lineman in the draft, behind Suh, and will probably become a premier pass rusher. Also, the Bucs have two second-round picks, so they could be active in the trade game on draft day. I will offer this counter opinion: Here are the Bucs' starting tackles: Jeremy Trueblood (RT) and Donald Penn (LT). Those names don't blow me away, so how about Russell Okung from Oklahoma State, a 6-6, 305 pound bookend tackle?

4. Washington Redskins
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
- The smart pick is Okung, the offensive tackle. But this is the Redskins, and owner Dan Snyder always wants to make headlines. It makes some sense, as new coach Mike Shanahan probably wants to install a new quarterback and move past the mediocrity that is Jason Cambell. Clausen has played on the big stage and ran an NFL-style offense in college. The tricky part is there will be quarterbacks just as good as Clausen available in the second round, or later (Colt McCoy). But its the Redskins, no offense to their fans.

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
- The Chiefs are another team that has many, many holes to fill, but in this scenario the best offensive lineman in the draft just fell into their lap. Yes, they just recently drafted Branden Albert to play left tackle, but they can slide him over to the right side, or put Okung there. GM Scott Pioli is too smart to pass this opportunity up.

6. Seattle Seahawks
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
- This is hard one to gauge, as the Seahawks need help everywhere and have two first-round picks (6 and 14). So any number of possible trades could happen here. If not, here are two quick reasons why the Spiller makes sense: 1. Seattle needs a running back and a playmaker and Spiller is the best one out there and can do everything (run, catch, return). 2. Pat Kirwin of NFL.com is very close to Carroll and this is his guess as well...very credible source.

7. Cleveland Browns
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
- A dream scenario for myself and Browns fans. Secondary is the weakest spot on the Browns roster and Berry is a safety in the mold of Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. A game-changer ... big hits, good in coverage, fast and smart. If Seattle bites and takes Berry at No. 6, I'd say the Browns take Florida CB Joe Haden or trade down out of this spot.

8. Oakland Raiders
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
- The pick almost impossible to predict. Let's rewind to 2009 for a second: How many mock drafts had the Raiders selecting WR Darius Heyward-Bey with their first-round pick? I'd say zero. Back to 2010: My guess is the Raiders take the best offensive lineman available, and here it's Bulaga (6-6, 312). Other possibilities include Anthony Davis (Rutgers), Bruce Campbell (Maryland) and Trent Williams (Oklahoma).

9. Buffalo Bills
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
- It gets hairy here, as Clausen would be the ideal fit for a team needing a fresh start at QB. But in this mock draft, Clausen is gone so the Bills have to go in another direction. I'd guess offensive line, which leaves Williams as the best available option according to the rankings I've seen.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
- Lots of ways the Jaguars can go here. They desperately needed a pass rusher but took care of that via free agency (Aaron Kampman). The team's receivers have been subpar for years as David Garrard doesn't really have anyone to throw to (and never has). Bryant could change that, as he has excellent speed and size (6-2). He's a bit of a headcase, but it's make or break time for Jack Del Rio and his staff in Jacksonville.

11. Denver Broncos
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
-- The Broncos have heavily invested in their defensive line via free agency, so it makes sense for them to go with the impact linebacker here, as Andra Davis is aging (D.J. Williams is the other starter at ILB). If they wanted to go offense, look for Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas.

12. Miami Dolphins
Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
- Defense, defense, defense. The Dolphins need youth at outside linebacker and nose tackle. So take your pick. Bill Parcells loves an OLB who can rush the passer (see Demarcus Ware).

13. San Francisco 49ers
Joe Haden, CB, Florida
- The 49ers also own the 17th pick, so they could be on the trade market. Assuming they're not, I see them going with Haden, the best corner in the draft despite the concern over his speed. They also need OL, but they can address that with the 17th pick. On a side note, I have seen two mock drafts that have the 49ers taking RB C.J., Spiller with this pick...lunacy. Frank Gore mans the position fine and has some tread left on the tires. Too many other immediate, glaring holes to fill to go that direction.

14. Seattle Seahawks
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
- With their second first-round pick, I'm giving the Seahawks the defensive end to replace the recently-traded Darryl Tapp and let's face it, Patrick Kerney isn't getting any younger, even he even plays this season.

15. New York Giants
Sean Witherspoon, LB, Missouri
- From what I've read about Witherspoon, he is versatile and can play inside or outside, and the Giants need both in the worst of ways. They'd probably take McClain if he fell to them.

16. Tennessee Titans
Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida- This seems like a no-brainer, as the Titans lost DEs Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse. If Pierre-Paul is gone, look for the Titans to grab Everson Griffen. Cornerback is also a position of need, so watch for Boise State's Kyle Wilson here.

17. San Francisco 49ers
Mike Iupati, OL, Idaho
- The 49ers get their much-needed offensive lineman here. Iupati was a guard at Idaho but apparently teams see him as more of an NFL tackle.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers
Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
- I'd say if Iupati would fall to them, he'd be the choice here. But corner is a big need for the Steelers, especially now that the rival Ravens brought in Anquan Bolden. The Steelers have been weak at corner for years, so this makes the most sense.

19. Atlanta Falcons
Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
- The Falcons have no real pass rush (only 28 sacks last season) and Graham was a monster at Michigan. Seems like a match made in heaven.

20. Houston Texans
Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee
- I struggled with this one, as I think the Texans can go in several different directions. Williams could go prior to this, possibly to the Dolphins, but if he's here I can't see Houston passing up a run-stuffer to fill a gaping hole in their defensive line. They also need a cornerback, and don't count out a running back (Ryan Matthews out of Fresno State is the best one left).

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Taylor Mays, S, Southern Cal
- Some draft boards have Texas S Earl Thomas ahead of Mays, so depending on where the Bengals rank them could change my guess. Either way, defense is a need and they can't go wrong either way. Also, even though they just signed Antonio Bryant, WR Demaryius Thomas may be too enticing to pass up.

22. New England Patriots
Jared Odrick, DE/DT, Penn State
- With the loss of Jarvis Green, the Pats suddenly have a need for a defensive lineman. Odrick can play tackle or end (versatility seems like a running theme in this crop of draft prospects) and Bill Belichick loves guys can fill any role he sees fit.

23. Green Bay Packers
Maurice Pouncey, G/C, Florida
- The Packers had arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL last season. Pouncey is a Day One starter at center and from what I read about him on NFL.com, some coaches and scouts say he can play guard as well. The Packers have a need for younger offensive tackles, but Pouncey is someone they can plug in right away.

24. Philadelphia Eagles
Everson Griffen, DE, Southern Cal
- Another pick tough to handicap. Eagles have needs at offensive line, defensive end and even running back (I am not sold on LeSean McCoy). I'll say they go defensive line, but I'll admit that I have no idea.

25. Baltimore Ravens
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
- Little out-of-the-box thinking here. Most mock drafts I've seen have the Ravens going with Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham. That makes sense. But how about some youth and depth on the defensive line? Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards left via free agency, so if the season started today the Ravens would have older-than-dirt Trevor Pryce at one end and Halotia Ngata at the other. Ngata is more of a nose tackle. Bringing in Dunlap (who had character issues at Florida) would allow the Ravens to add a future star to their defense, and Ozzie Newsome never hesitates adding to his D.

26. Arizona Cardinals
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
- No offense to Anthony Becht, but the Cardinals need a pass-catching tight end who can also block: Gresham fits that bill. The Cards could also go offensive line (Charles Brown, Southern Cal) or defensive line (Brian Price, DT). But I'd take the tight end.

27. Dallas Cowboys
Earl Thomas, S, Texas
- This is a big slide for Thomas, who some have going in the top 15. If he does fall here, expect the Cowboys to pounce as safety is a big position of need for Dallas.

28. San Diego Chargers
Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
- This also seems too obvious (which probably means it won't happen). The Chargers lost LT and Darren Sproles is more of a role player than an every down back. Another apparent match made in heaven.

29. New York Jets
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
- Even with Braylon Edwards and Jerico Cotchery, the Jets need more offensive playmakers. Cornerback was a huge need, but they filled that in trading for Antonio Cromartie.

30. Minnesota Vikings
Brian Price, DT, UCLA
- The Williams Wall (Pat and Kevin) get older by the day, so drafting a 4-3 tackle like Price makes a lot of sense. Cornerback is another option, so Patrick Robinson of Florida State would be my other guess.

31. Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Davis, OL, Rutgers
- Ryan Diem and Charlie Johnson are solid tackles, but its hard to argue with any team chosing an offensive lineman. Although I'd say that if Price was available, the Colts will take him as they need help at defensive line.

32. New Orleans Saints
Jerry Hughes, DE/LB, TCU
- The Saints can plug Hughes into a of couple different positions of need. He may not slip this far, but in this scenario he does and the Super Bowl champs get a steal.

Always fun to root against winners, right?

I know some will look down on me for saying this, because I am a Yankee fan through and through, but I have never understood what makes people dislike teams because they win. More specifically, I tam talking about the venom I see spit from people when John Calipari and Kentucky are mentioned.
If John Calipari was the coach of your pathetic or annually-disappointing team, would you be upset when he took you to the Elite 8? Or perhaps the Final Four? Would you be upset if he got you recruits like John Wall? Derrick Rose? Chris Douglass Roberts? My guess: You'd take it. You'd take the wins, the top-notch recruits and the success. And find another "greaseball" or "scumbag" coach to criticize and dislike for being good at what they do.
College sports is a business now, folks. It's for grown-ups. This isn't about who has the best pep band anymore, or who has the best fight song. It's about money, money, money and more money. And power. And success. And celebrity. And headlines. And WINS.
So, sorry fan of (insert name of mediocre college team here). You don't like John Calipari or Billy Donovan or Rick Pitino or Nick Saban because they are superior to your team and your coach. Just admit it. You don't like that someone else wins more than you do. I wish people would just own up to that, rather than hide behind covers of "he runs a dirty program" or "he puts too much gel in his hair." 
Like I said, this is a game for grown-ups. Leave the kids stuff at home. 

Urban Meyer is...crazy

Check out this story (and good accompanying video) about Florida coach Urban Meyer (no relation) verbally assaulting an Orlando Sentinel reporter.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5033522
It's so wrong on so many levels what Meyer said to this reporter, who asked Meyer about a quote a Florida player gave about Tim Tebow.
Stay classy, Urban.

Get ready to laugh

My friend Keith forwarded me this website that is doing a "tournament" of all-time ridiculously-crazy names.
Here is the link to the site: http://nameoftheyear.blogspot.com/
This website does a tournament of names every year during March Madness, starting in 1994. These are names from people all over the world, kids, adults, whatever.
I cannot underestimate how incredibly funny some of these names are, just from 2010. If you have spare time and want a laugh, go back through some of the past years and check out some of the names.
Here are my favorites from their 2010 tournament:
Can Du
Just'In Love Smith
Lolita Respectnothing
Nubian Peak (a Virginia Tech football player that actually is from 30 minutes from where I live in Roanoke)
God's Power Offer
Dr. Speedy Nutz
Dick Smallberries Jr.
Pepi Hamburger
Pamela Bals Organista
Steele Sidebottom
Banana Yana
Nohjay Nimpson
Foxy Foxworth

I'm back...and talking about LeBron and scoring titles

I am back from my vacation, as we had company in our home this past weekend (Chad Shumway) and also work at The Roanoke Times has been pretty busy lately, with the NCAA tournament, Virginia Tech in the NIT and high school spring sports beginning. 
Anyway, I'm planning on blogging regularly again, and I hope I still have readers. Enough about my boring life and on to stuff that matters:

I was reading this post on the Cleveland sports blog WaitingForNextYear.com: http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/?p=26454
It talks about LeBron James' comments Thursday regarding being in a race with Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant for the scoring title. On this topic, LeBron said:

“If I really wanted to win a scoring title, I could do it every year — every single year — but it doesn’t matter.”


When LeBron says "it doesn't matter" he is saying that the team's success matters more to him than individual award, which is a good thing. The premise here is that if he wanted to, LeBron could probably score 40-50 points per game by taking any shot at any time, disregarding his teammates, the game situation and all of those factors. That's not the proper way to play basketball. LeBron excels when he gets teammates involved. When his assists are up and turnover are down, the Cavs almost always win. This is obvious to anyone who has ever watched him play. The Cavs have so many options on offense now, LeBron doesn't have to score 40 points per game for the team to win. But, if he wanted to he could. That's what he's saying here. He cares more about winning. I think this applies to any star in the NBA, whether it's Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant or LeBron. Any of these guys can score 40 per game, but often that isn't the best formula for winning. Sometimes it is, and when that is the case players of this caliber can take over the game and put the team on their backs. LeBron has done this a few times this season, but it seems as though those games are less now than they were in LeBron's second and third years in the league. That is a direct reflection of the talent this current Cavs team has. After all, they did beat the Spurs without LeBron and Antawn Jamison (he missed most of that game).


Speaking of the Spurs, the Cavs play them tonight. Going into the game, LeBron is averaging 29.8 points per game. Durant is at 29.7 points per game. LeBron has one scoring title to his credit, the 2007-08 season when he averaged 30.0 ppg. His career high ppg was 31.4 in the 2005-06 season. 
Fast-forwarding to this season, I wouldn't be surprised to see his scoring average actually dip. Once the Cavs lock up the No. 1 overall seed for the playoffs, LeBron will probably be sitting in the fourth quarters of games, assuming the Cavs continue to play at their current, high level. But, as LBJ said, it doesn't matter. It's all about the wins.

* Photo courtesy of Getty Images

On vacation for a minute

Readers:
I will be taking a blogging vacation this weekend through Monday. I'll be back posting on Tuesday. 
Thanks and please keep reading and checking out the blog.


~Rob

More Ron Washington

Earlier today I wrote about Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who admitted Wednesday to using cocaine "once" during the 2009 season. I took the position that Washington needs to be fired immediately, as no Rangers player, fan or executive should have to deal with a manger who does blow.
The story gets better.
Thursday, Washington admitted using marijuana and amphetamines when he was a player.
Look, I know that some Rangers players came out Thursday and supported Washington, saying they respected that he came clean and didn't hide anything. Well, he did come clean and was up front...after he got caught via drug testing.
In an era where owners of pro sports teams look for reasons to fire managers, this is a case where it needed to happen yesterday. I will ask again, how is this guy still employed as a manger in Major League Baseball??

Cocaine, division titles, and Matt Leinart should retire.

The Cavaliers won their third Central Division title in franchise history Wednesday night with a 99-94 victory over the Pacers (read Brian Windhorst's blog here for more on this story).
I think this is worth mentioning because, as I just said, it's just third division title in franchise history and just the second in 31 years (First: 1975-67 season, second: 2008-09, third: 2009-10). In some sports, there are teams like the Braves, or the Yankees, or the Colts, who win their respective divisions every season and hanging a banner is nothing new. Yes, the Cavs have much higher goals than a Central Division title. But it still means something, if only for the rarity of the occasion and also the manner in which the Cavs accomplished it this season: there are still 13 games left. To be fair, it's also worth mentioning the other teams in the Central: Bucks (36-30), Bulls (31-36), Pistons (23-45) and Pacers (22-46). Some pretty bad teams there, yes.
- Here are the Cavs' next five opponents: at Bulls (Friday), vs. Pistons (Sunday), at Hornets (Wednesday March 24), at Spurs (Friday, March 26) and vs. Kings (Sunday, March 28). The Cavs could easily go 4-1 in that stretch, with the tough spot in San Antonio. The Cavs did just beat the Spurs, without LeBron, last week.
- I saw this on ESPN.com this morning: LeBron had 32 points, nine rebounds and nine assists against the Pacers Wednesday night. He passed Magic Johnson to become just the third player to have 49 or more games with 30-plus points, eight-plus rebounds and eight-plus assists. Just in case you didn't know: LeBron is pretty damn good.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington admitted to using cocaine in 2009 (read the ESPN.com story here). Washington tested positive, entered Major League Baseball's drug treatment program and offered his resignation, which club president Nolan Ryan refused to accept. Ryan said he did a lot of "soul searching" and decided to keep Washington on the job, as he signed through the upcoming season. "Just because somebody makes a mistake doesn't mean you quit loving them. We'll move forward."

OK. How nice, sympathetic and supportive.

Are you kidding me? There are so many things wrong with this. So many things. How about the fact that YOUR MANAGER DOES COCAINE. Mangers get fired for losing baseball games, some even get fired after winning seasons (see Mike Hargrove). This guy does coke! What is this, Scarface?? 

Washington said he used cocaine only once during the 2009 season. When asked if that was the only time he used illegal drugs, Washington said, "The drug we're talking about, yes."  Once again, so many things wrong here. Now he is implying that he uses or has used other illegal drugs. People, if this isn't ground for firing this guy, what is? If you are a Rangers player, fan or executive, is this the guy you want managing your team? Running your club? How utterly ridiculous. What are the odds that Ryan, or whoever the Rangers' owner is decides to do more "soul searching" and can Ron Washington? I'd say pretty good odds. Quick, somebody get Vegas on the line. 

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Former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson signed with the Cardinals on Wednesday.  Arizona gave Anderson a two-year contract worth $7.25 million. With incentives, the deal would max out around $18 million. Former Southern Cal star and Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart is projected as the Cardinals starter, as Kurt Warner retired following this past season. If anything, this move shows just how much confidence the Cardinals have in Leinart, who boasts a career 70.8 passer rating (Anderson's is 69.7). I hope my dripping sarcasm was evident there. If I was Matt Leinart, I'd go ahead and call it quits now. He's probably got some cash banked. He can probably find work on a reality TV show of some kind. If the Cardinals are bringing in the worst quarterback in the NFL and are paying him $7.25 million dollars, that tells me they aren't so sure Leinart is the QB of the future. That also tells me this franchise is in real, serious trouble. Apparently the front office did not see any game film of Derek Anderson. Or they can't read statistics. Or they didn't know Anderson was cut in favor of Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. Sorry, Cardinals fans. I feel your pain.

* Photo courtesy of The Plain Dealer

Just in case Cleveland fans don't know...

The best blogging site for Cleveland sports fans is http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/
Lots of good articles, insights, analyses and more. I already have it linked on this blog you are you looking at right now, along with some of my other favorite Web links.
Good stuff here.

Do you miss Shaq? (Updated)

Shaquille O'Neal has been sidelined since injuring his thumb against the Celtics on February 25. The Cavs won that game, and since have compiled a 8-1 record. The one loss came against the Bucks, without LeBron James and on the second night of a back-to-back.
- In those eight wins, the Cavs have scored 126, 124, 111, 97, 100,104 and 113 points.
- In those nine games, the Cavs were outrebounded three times (-1 against the Bucks, -2 against the Spurs and -8 against the 76ers).
Those numbers aren't too shabby.
- Also, in those eight wins, one was against a Raptors team that boasts the biggest starting lineup in the NBA, one was against Tim Duncan and the Spurs and one was against the Celtics, a playoff team. (The five four came against the Nets, Knicks, Pistons, twice, and 76ers).
See what I'm getting at here? The Cavs conceivably haven't skipped a beat since Shaq went down. And that is OK. Why? Because they acquired Shaq specifically should the situation arise when they face a playoff series against Dwight Howard and the Magic. In three games against the Magic this season (two Cleveland) wins, Shaq played Howard quite well.
Some reports say Shaq will return prior to the start of the playoffs in April. Some reports say he won't be back until the Eastern Conference semifinals, should the Cavs make it that far (good money says they will).
In the meantime, the Cavs should continue to play well with Anderson Varejao and J.J. Hickson manning the middle and will get Zyrdrunas Ilgauskas back later this month.
So, I'll pose my original question again: Do you miss Shaq?
I don't, but I'll be glad when he's back.

* Photo courtesy of The Plain Dealer

Bidding adieu to Brady Quinn..and Kameron Wimbley??

Sunday, March 14, 2010 was Trade Day for the Browns, apparently, trading Brady Quinn to Denver and Kameron Wimbley to Oakland (read the story here).

Out of complete admiration and respect for Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto, I am going to format this blog post like Pluto does with some of his columns, posing some questions to myself and then answering them. Here we go:

Q: Did the Browns get fair compensation for Brady Quinn?
A: Yes and no (sorry to ride the fence, but its the truth).

Q: OK, so why did the Browns get a good deal from Denver?
A: The Browns received Denver's sixth-round pick in 2011, a conditional pick in 2012 and running back/fullback Peyton Hillis. Thanks to a pile of different factors, the Browns got the following out of their supposed "savior quarterback" Brady Quinn: 14 games, 1,902 yards, 10 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, 52.1 completion percentage and 66.8 rating. Oh, and a 3-10 record as a starter. For those terrible stats and not-good production, the Browns did get fair compensation. Hillis is a powerhouse and was beloved in Denver for his toughness and grit. Perfect fit for an Eric Mangini coached team. He'll provide a nice power option to the speed and finesse of Jerome Harrison at the running position. Also, Hillis is a solid goal-line option. And draft picks could be good or bad. We'll have to wait and see there.

Q: So why did the Browns get hosed?
A: Consider that to get Quinn, then-general manager Phil Savage gave up multiple selections in the 2007 draft and the Browns' first-round selection in the 2008 draft to the Cowboys. That is a steep price to pay for a quarterback who was supposed to turn around the franchise and ended up with three total wins. But, despite those ugly statistics he has compiled, he is still a basically an unknown. As I have written about and talked about so many times over the years, Quinn has never played a full season as a starting quarterback. The sample size to judge him is very small. There isn't much game film on him. The offensive weapons he's had to work with have been sub-par (consider Derek Anderson had Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius and a still-running strong Jamal Lewis in his "magical" 2007 season; last season Quinn had Mohammed Massaquoi, Mike Furrey and a long-since-called-it-quits Jamal Lewis). He's had some unfortunate injuries. But he has the pedigree and attitude to succeed in the NFL. ESPN's Ron Jaworski is on record saying he likes Quinn's mechanics. So, could Quinn supplant Kyle Orton as the Broncos starter at QB? Absolutely. Could he be the Broncos new franchise QB? Yes. Could he be nothing but a backup and be out of the league in three years? Yes. The point here is that nobody really knows what Brady Quinn is.

Q: We know he's not accurate, after all doesn't he have a career completion percentage of 52.1?
A: Yes, that is terrible and troubling. He also didn't seem to ever want to throw the ball deep. But in fairness, who was he going to throw deep to? The Browns receiving corps is not very good.

Q: Are you going to continue to defend Quinn and keep writing the same stuff over and over?
A: I guess he's Denver's problem now. I am not a Notre Dame fan. I have no personal crush on Quinn. I was intrigued by him and was excited when the Browns drafted him. I thought at times he didn't get a fair shot from the Phil Savage regime and the Eric Mangini regime. But as hard as this keeps getting, I cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back. My final position on Quinn is that he may be an NFL star. Or he may be another name in the long line of former college stars at quarterback who didn't have the makeup (mental or physical) to make it in the NFL. Only time will tell. I disagree with people who have already written him off. But it's hard to defend him time after time, I will admit.

Q: So that's it? No more on Brady Quinn?
A: From this point on, I am done writing/talking about him. Time to look forward and not backward. Good luck in Denver. Let's all move on.

Q: So where does that leave the Browns at quarterback? 
A: Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. I have written about both of them on this blog, no need to repeat myself too much. In short, I was in favor of acquiring Seneca Wallace for a 2011 seventh-round draft pick. I was not in favor of the Browns paying Jake Delhomme $7 million this season. I think former Jet Bret Ratliff is still on the roster. And all of this means the Browns will probably draft a quarterback in April. Think somewhere between rounds two and five.

Q: Who would they draft?
A: I am still researching the NFL Draft. Read this for some possible names. I will write more about this later, but as of right now, I am intrigued by Colt McCoy of Texas. Google him to read more about him.

Q: How do you feel about going into the 2010 season with Jake Delhomme as the starting QB?
A: Terrible. Terrible. I am hoping that this is a one-year thing. My prediction is that Delhomme may not even make it through the whole season, eventually giving way to Wallace or whichever QB the Browns may draft.

Q: So you are rooting against Delhomme? What about what you just said regarding 'Root for the name on the front and not the back'?
A: No, I am not rooting against Delhomme. I want to see him do well because in order for the Browns to win, he needs to play well. But, I am a realist before anything else. I will not be sucked in by the Browns PR staff or whatever glowing things Mike Holmgren says about Jake Delhomme. I know what I see and read. Delhomme's best and productive years are far behind him and it was a mistake for the Browns to sign him. Period. I hope I am wrong.

Q: So that's it? Is there any good that comes out of this QB sitation?
A: Yes. For one, the "Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn or neither?" dark cloud is finally gone from above Berea. I will admit that it will be refreshing to not have to think about that debate any longer. Both guys are gone in what may have been the frustrating, puzzling and ultimately worthless QB competition ever. The long-term answer for the Browns at the QB position is not on the roster. At least we know that much.

Q: Let's move on. We all knew Brady Quinn would get dealt. What about Kameron Wimbley? 
A:  I had no idea the Browns were even shopping the linebacker, their first-round pick from the 2006 draft. Apprently there were multiple offers out there for Wimbley, and the Browns sent him to the Raiders for a third-round pick in this year's draft. Here's Wimbley's career stats. I don't need to recap his entire career, but here's the basics: After playing defense end at Florida State, the Browns converted Wimbley to outside linebacker to fit their 3-4 scheme, a common practice in the NFL. Wimbley had a fantastic rookie year, posting 11 sacks. But in the following two seasons, he posted just five and four, respectively, and had 6.5 this past season (which led the team). Wimbley is a durable player who was the Browns' best pass rusher, period. That's what you need to know.

Q: Why did the Browns trade Wimbley? And was it a good trade?
A: It's hard to say, and I am not sure. Wimbley is a free agent after this season. Maybe they didn't want to pay him. Or maybe Mike Holmgren wants to purge the Browns roster, much like Eric Mangini did last offseason. Getting a third-round pick is not bad compensation, but the question is how are the Browns going to replace arguably their second most-talented defensive player?

Q: OK. So that's a new question. How will they replace Wimbley? And what are they left with at outside linebacker?
A: The Browns are still relatively deep at outside linebacker with undrafted free agent Marcus Benard (who looked pretty good in spots this past season), Matt Roth, Jason Trusnic and new addition Scott Fujita. Assume they'll draft a linebacker, or multiple linebackers in April.

Q: OK...so they traded their best pass rusher for a third round pick...I still don't get it. Why?
A: Like I said, I am unsure. My best guess is what I said earlier...Mike Holmgren wants to gut the team. That's how it goes in the NFL when someone new takes over. Cleveland fans should be used to it. Butch Davis gutted the team Dwight Clark put together. Phil Savage gutted the team Butch Davis put together. Eric Mangini gutted the team Phil Savage put together. And now Mike Holmgren is gutting the team Eric Mangini put together. I see no other logical explanation unless something happened behind the scenes with Wimbley.

Q: You keep mentioning the draft. So what exactly do the Browns have now in terms of picks?
A: Great question. Here's what the Browns have in April's NFL Draft:
Through several trades and dealings, the Browns currently own 12 picks (there are seven rounds). Those picks are:
- 1 first round
- 1 second round
- 3 third round
- 1 fourth round
- 4 fifth round
- 2 sixth round
- 0 seventh round
Expect that number to change during the weekend of the draft. Surely, some of these picks will be package to facilitate other moves the team will make. And I expect a lot of moves. But to go into the draft with 12 picks is a good thing.

Q: Wow. This is an entirely too long blog post. Is there anything else, assuming there is anyone still reading?
A: Haha. I make myself laugh. In closing, I'll say that Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert and Eric Mangin better hit a home run in the draft. Several home runs, actually. Make that a couple grand slams. Because, if not, fans and the media (national and local) are going to write off this new version of the Browns, very, very quickly. And rightfully so.

The Browns find their answer at QB....(Expanded, reworked version)

The Browns signed Carolina Panthers' castoff Jake Delhomme Saturday, which means there is another new quarterback in Cleveland (read the ESPN.com story here).
Delhomme agreed to a two-year deal with the Browns and will make around $7 million from the club (he will also make $12 million this season from Carolina, which released him last week). That is serious money, folks.
Delhomme (here's his stats page on Football Reference) is 35 years old and is coming off his worst season as a pro, where he threw a whopping 18 interceptions compared to just eight TDs and compiled a 4-7 record as the Panthers' starter. Carolina shut him down after 11 games (officially he broke a finger). He's been in a tailspin of sorts since his six-turnover playoff debacle against the Cardinals in 2008, which was followed up by a five-turnover debacle in the '09 season opener. That's the bad, at least the notable parts.
The good?
Delhomme has 54 career wins, a Pro Bowl appearance, two NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl appearance. And, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer, there is one other skill Delhomme brings with him to Cleveland: he knows Mike Holmgren's West Coast offense.
Cabot's article says: Delhomme spent three seasons learning Holmgren's preferred scheme from Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, who was his offensive coordinator in New Orleans from 2000-02. Like Wallace, Delhomme is well-versed in the West Coast, to which the Browns are making a seismic shift.  My response to that is this: Is running a preferred scheme so important that you're going to go with a quarterback whose best days are far behind him?
- Delhomme's agent said late Saturday that Delhomme wasn't coming to Cleveland to be a backup. Mike Holmgren told The Plain Dealer this past week that if the Browns signed Delhomme, the starting QB job would not be promised to him. Holmgren has also said that he doesn't believe in quarterback competitions. OK. Seems like there is an inconsistency there. As of March 14, 2010, the Browns are going into this season with Jake Delhomme as their starting QB, considering the trade of Brady Quinn to Denver. It's hard not to question this move, and Sports Illustrated's NFL guru Peter King called it "insanity." Couldn't have said it better myself

Since 1999, the Browns have had eight different opening-week quarterbacks. Looks like that carousel will continue.