Santa's Coming in May. Gifts NFL Teams will find in the Draft

There are 9 Reindeer, so for this article I'm going to find a gift for 9 struggling NFL teams. These gifts will all come from the same store, the 2014 NFL Draft.

Bridgewater was Big East Offensive Rookie
of the year in 2011 and Offensive Player
of the year in 2012

1. The Houston Texans: Teddy Bridgewater QB Louisville
Houston needs a quarterback, desperately. The Matt Schaub era is over. So the Texans make the smart decision here and take the best available quarterback in the draft, who is also one of the best overall players available. This is of course assuming Bridgewater declares for the draft this year. There has been speculation that he may return to Louisville for his senior season.

Matthews was a 2 time
First Team All American Tackle

2. St. Louis Rams: Jake Matthews OT Texas A&M
Thanks to their trade with Washington last season that brought Robert Griffin to the Redskins, St. Louis gets the number two pick in this years draft, along with another first round pick. With this pick, they should take Jake Matthews, the 6'5 305 pound tackle out of Texas A&M. He is the best offensive lineman in the draft and the Rams need an upgrade to their line, so this is a no brainer for the Rams. They may look to take another former Aggie in wide receiver Mike Evans later in the first round, in order to give quarterback Sam Bradford another weapon to pair with rookie receiver and return specialist Tavon Austin.


3. Oakland Raiders: Jadeveon Clowney DE South Carolina

Clowney has 24 career sacks
a South Carolina

This pick is a toss up for the Raiders. They need a quarterback, badly. But Clowney is the best available player in the draft and could have easily gone number one overall in last years draft. He's that good. He's an athletic freak at 6'6 270 pounds. His issues at South Carolina this year along with the needs of the Texans and Rams are why he will likely be available at number three. The Raiders can either take a risk and take a quarterback such as Blake Bortles out of Central Florida or Brett Hundley out of UCLA, or they can take a sure thing in Clowney, who will give their defense an instant upgrade, especially considering the fact that they face Peyton Manning and Phillip Rivers twice a year. They need a guy who can get after the quarterback.

Hundley passed for 22 touchdowns
and ran for 9 more in 2013

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brett Hundley QB UCLA
Blaine Gabbert is absolutely awful and Chad Henne is not the long term answer at quarterback for the Jaguars. So with the number four pick, the Jags will take a big, mobile quarterback in Brett Hundley. Whether Hundley comes out for the draft is another question, but we're going to assume he is right now. He can throw and run, and having MJD behind him at running back and last years second overall pick Luke Joekel at tackle coming back, Hundley seems like a good fit for the QB desperate Jaguars.


5. Atlanta Falcons: Anthony Barr OLD UCLA

Barr had 10 sacks for the
Bruins in 2013

Unlike just about every other team in the top 10, the Falcons don't have an issue at quarterback. They have Matt Ryan, and Julio Jones and Roddy White at receiver. So why did they struggle? Defense. The offense didn't do well either, but defense is what the Falcons must address in the draft, and they will do so by drafting arguably the best defensive player in the draft in linebacker Anthony Barr out of UCLA. Yes back to back UCLA picks. Great size at 6'4 248 pounds and quick, Barr is just what the struggling Atlanta defense needs rushing off the edge.


6. Cleveland Browns: Derek Carr QB Fresno St.

Carr's interceptions have gone
down each year he has been a
starter. 

Sorry Brandon Weeden but your time in Cleveland is over. The fans have spoken and they are angry, as usual. The Browns have had bad luck drafting quarterbacks in the past, so why not try again. Carr will get more buz around him as the Senior Bowl comes around, but this kid can throw. He threw for 4,866 yards this season with 48 touchdowns and just 7 picks on 605 passes attempted. He also completed 70% of his passes. Those are ridiculous stats. Fresno St. runs a vertical offense, so imagine Carr throwing down the sidelines to Josh Gordon. If I'm a Cleveland fan, while I'm still skeptical, I'm pretty excited about Carr at the same time. Until next time, stay angry Cleveland!


7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Taylor Lewan OT Michigan

Lewan is a 2 time First Team
All American Tackle

Mike Glennon has done enough to keep his job for now. So the Bucs will look to upgrade their offensive line with the best lineman in the Big Ten in Taylor Lewan out of Michigan. The two time Big Ten offensive lineman of the year, the 6'8 315 pound tackle will be a big boost to a struggling Tampa offensive line and will hopefully help Glennon and second year running back Doug Martin improve.






8. Minnesota Vikings: Johnny Manziel QB Texas A&M

Manziel improved his Passer Rating
by 15 points last season and was
a Heisman finalist for the 2nd year
in a row.

And finally, this is where my boy Johnny Football comes off the board. Hopefully he decides to stay in college for another year, where i think he can improve his draft stock, win another Heisman, and then be a number one overall pick, but lets assume he comes out. The Vikings need to give Adrian Peterson a quarterback. And with Johnny's improved poise as a passer, along with his ability to scramble and run, is the perfect fit. Not only will he help them on the field, but he will make them one of the most talked about teams in the league, which I feel would be good for the Vikings. Johnny wants to get paid and the Vikes look like the team to pay him. #HeilManziel





9. Buffalo Bills: Cyrus Kouandjio OT Alabama

Kouandjio was named a finalist for
the Outland Trophy in 2013

The Bills got their quarterback last year by taking former Florida St. quarterback E.J. Manuel 16th overall. This year they, like the Bucs and Rams, will look to upgrade their offensive line. At this point in the draft, the best available tackle will be Alabama junior Cyrus Kouandjio. A 6'6 310 pound two year starter, Kouandjio comes out of lineman facotry Alabama and should be a big boost to the Bills offensive line and should provide good protection for the possibly injury prone Manuel.







Most of these picks are based on these underclassmen declaring for the 2014 NFL Draft. Some may decide to return to school next year. One major theme of this years draft, like most years, is where and how many quarterbacks will go in the first round.

As always, let me know what you guys think.
NasDaddy

The State of the Sox: Reviewing and Gradingthe Red Sox Offseason

It's great to be back folks! College life has kept me busy but now I'm home on break and have all the time in the world to share my sports knowledge and opinions! i know some of you are glad to hear that, but a lot of you are just waiting to tear me a new one. To that, I say bring it on!

Coming off a World Series Championship, the Boston Red Sox have gone from the hunters to the hunted. Every move they make will be heavily scrutinized, so here we go.

Signing A.J. Pierzynski: C+

Saltalamachia signed a 3 year deal with
the Miami Marlins worth $21 million. 

Pierzynski turned down
other offers to come to
Boston.

After letting Jarrod Saltalamachia go in free agency, the Red Sox had a need for another catcher to pair with veteran David Ross. They decided to go the veteran route, and signed A.J. Pierzynski, a 36 year old catcher coming off a one year deal with the Texas Rangers in which he batted .272 with 70 RBI's in 134 games, to a one year deal worth $8.25 million. He brings with him a veteran presence and an attitude, but with the leadership in the Sox locker room that shouldn't be a problem. I love the fact that he turned down more money to have a chance to win a championship, that gets you points in my book immediately. Personally i don't mind the move, Pierzynski's a good player and should fill the void left by Salty, but i believe the Sox could have stayed in house for this move. Some people may have forgotten about him, but Sox prospect Ryan Lavarnway has the potential to be a solid starting catcher in the major leagues. Lavarnway is widely known as a great defensive catcher who batted .299 in 25 games for the Sox last year, playing only every 5 or so games, a struggle for a catcher who is used to playing everyday. He hit .295 for two straight seasons at Pawtucket. I think the Sox should have given him a chance at the starting job. Playing everyday, I believe Lavarnway could be one of the better offensive catchers in the game. But for now it looks like Pierzynski will be the starter backed up by David Ross, who the Sox would like to get about 50-60 games out of, with Lavarnway likely being the 3rd guy and possibly trade bait later in the year.

Resigning Mike Napoli: A

Napoli will make $16 million
after hitting .259 with 23 HR's and
92 RBI's

Anyone who knows me knows this, I am not a fan of Mike Napoli. He strikes out way to often, and personally I think he has one of the worst swings in baseball. He just looks like a caveman swinging a club. I also believe he is overpaid, but that can be said for most MLB players to be completely honest (how's that $27.5 million to A-Rod going Yankees?). Never the less, Napoli, along with his outstanding beard, was a fan favorite in Boston and was essential to winning the World Series, so resigning him was a must for the Red Sox. Thanks to his clutch postseason performance, Nap earned himself a two year deal worth $32 million ($16 per year), which makes him the highest paid player on the Red Sox roster going into the 2014 season. I think there are players more deserving of that title, Pedrioa, Ortiz, or Lester to name a few, but once again it was a necessity to bring him back, mainly to provide protection for David Ortiz in the lineup. 92 RBI's and 23 home runs are huge for this team, but i would like to see his .259 batting average come up and his 187 strikeouts come down. Nap was also exceptional defensively at first base last season, which is very pleasing considering it was his first full season at the position. He is a hot and cold hitter, and you never know when he'll get hot, but he is an important piece if this team hopes to win back to back rings. So I guess i have to say it, it's great to have you back Mike,try not to piss me off so much this year.

Letting Jacoby Ellsbury go and waiting on Stephen Drew: B

Ellsbury's contract has an option for
an 8th year. 

If Drew were to come back,
he would likely start at
shortstop for the Sox

This is a money situation. The Sox and general manager Ben Cherington made the right decision letting Jacoby Ellsbury go. Obviously right now he is one of the best overall players in the game and is worth $20+ million a year. That's why the Yankees, as only the Yankees do, gave him a seven year deal worth $153 million. That will help them right now, as Jacoby is still in his prime, but Ellsbury is 30 years old. Within four years of this deal he will no longer be the same player he is now, and the Yankees will have a sub par player on their roster making over $20 million. The Sox meanwhile can go out and make a move on veterans who will help them win now without binding themselves financially years down the road. The downside is that you lose a great player right now. As for Stephen Drew, after giving him the qualifying offer of $14.5 million for one year as free agency began, it appears that he and the Red Sox will be going their separate ways. This could be good or bad for the Sox. By not bringing him back, you save at least $15 million that he would likely command, and you open the door for top prospect Xander Bogarts to take over at shortstop next season. If you do bring him back, he would play short and Bogarts would likely play third base, which may be the better option rather than Will Middlebrooks playing third with Xander at short.  Either way the left side of the infield will be a question. But either way in both the Ellsbury and Drew situation, the Red Sox have been smart with their money.



Bullpen Additions: A

Mujica is coming off a year where
he had a 2.78 ERA for the
St. Louis Cardinals

A good bullpen gets better as the Red Sox picked up relievers Edward Mujica and Burke Badenhop. Badenhop was aquired in a trade with the Brewers for a minor leaguer and Mujica signed a two year deal worth $9.5 million. Badenhop is very effective against right handed batters, while Mujica has closing experience, which will come in handy if Koji Uehara ever struggles or deals with injury. Cherington made two solid moves here to solidify an already effective bullpen.

With Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran off the
market, Choo looks to be the next
big name outfielder to cash in. 

So far the defending champs have had a very effective offseason. They have improved areas where they were strong and solidified first base and catcher. I would like to see them go after another outfielder, possibly Shin Soo Choo, to replace Ellsbury in the outfield. I do not believe that prospect Jackie Bradley Jr. is ready to takeover center field yet. I believe Shane Victorino should play center, with Daniel Nave in either left or right, and Johnny Gomes or a free agent addition in the other outfield spot.

Let me know what you guys think.
NasDaddy
@NasDaddy23

Aaron Hernandez: A Life Wasted

You can take the athlete out of the hood but you can't always take the hood out of the athlete.

Photo of Aaron Hernandez in 2009
while at the University of Florida

The story of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is simply pathetic. The 23 year old kid had all the talent in the world, a $40 million contract, fame, a great on field situation, national endorsements, a fiance and an 8 month old daughter, and he threw it all away when he executed his "friend," 27 year old Odin Loyd.

Hernandez being escorted out of his
home by North Attleborough Police

There are a couple of things that really bother me about this whole case. First of all, it baffles me how Hernandez could be so stupid as to murder his friend a mile away from his home, leave shell casings in the  rental car, then return the car with the shell casings in it. This isn't stupidity, this is arrogance. The kid has grown up thinking he's untouchable because he's a Latin king (according to a caller on 9.37 FM) and a thug who likes to carry around guns. He shot Loyd and figured his boys would take the rap for him or the cops won't come after him. Guess what pal, no ones going to jail for you. You're an adult and have to pay the price for your decisions.

Tweet by Adam Schefter

Another thing about this that bothers me is that this may just be the tip of the iceberg. It has been reported that Hernandez may be connected to a double homicide in Boston around July 2012. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Boston PD located a car identified in the homicide last year and it appears it was rented at that point by Aaron Hernandez. The guys already getting a life sentence. If he's convicted of this then he may never see the light of day again. Lets not forget he also is being sued for shooting his buddy in the face a few months ago. The s**t has hit the fan for him.


Finally it just disgusts me how he fooled everyone. He fooled Urban Meyer, Bill Belichick, Robert Craft, everyone. These guys took a chance on him. They drafted him when no one else would. They gave him $40 million. And he didn't care. He just wanted to be a tough gang member.

 He made us all think he was a changed kid. We were cool with the fact that he smoked a little weed in college, but he managed to hide his gun loving thug life from us, which we would never have accepted. He said he the Patriot and Belichick way changed him, well that was a load of crap. Congratulations Aaron, you went from an adored famous athlete to a low life piece of garbage we all wish we never had drafted.

NFL Draft: Winners and Losers, and the Jets

Winners:
St. Louis Rams
Picks:
R1: 8. Tavon Austin WR West Virginia, 30. Alec Ogletree ILB Georgia
R3: 71. T.J. McDonald S Southern California, 92. Stedman Bailey WR West Virginia
R4: 113. Barrett Jones C Alabama
R5: 149. Brandon McGee CB Miami, 160. Zachary Stacy RB Vanderbilt

Austin(1) and Bailey(3) give QB Sam
Bradford the weapons he needs.

Last season the Rams had one of the worst offences in the league, mainly due to the fact that QB Sam Bradford had no legitimate weapons around him other than WR Danny Amendola, who signed with the Patriots this off season. In order to address this issue, they went out and got arguably the most explosive receiver and play maker in the draft in Tavon Austin. The kids fast as hell and should have an immediate impact catching passes and returning kicks and punts. The Rams also added his college teammate Stedman Bailey, who was one of the best receivers in the history of West Virginia football, and was a big reason QB Geno Smith put up such large numbers last year. Bradford now has weapons around him who he can get the ball to. They also added one of the best defensive players in this draft in Alec Ogletree, the linebacker out of Georgia. I was surprised he fell to them at 30th overall, but that may be due to his DUI he got back in February. Him and James Laurinaitis should form a great linebacker duo for Jeff Fishers defense, and T.J. McDonald is a nice pickup from USC who should make an impact at the safety position. Barrett Jones lead Alabama's offensive line to multiple championships, and should be a solid, starting center in the league. The Rams are slowly improving and are about a year or two away from contending for a playoff spot.

Minnesota Vikings
Picks:
R1: 23. Sharrif Floyd DT Florida, 25. Xavier Rhodes CB Florida St, 29. Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee
R4: 120. Gerald Hodges OLD Penn State
R5: 155. Jeff Locke P UCLA
R6: 196. Jeff Baca OG UCLA
R7: 213. Michael Mauti ILB Penn State, 214. Travis Bond OG UNC, 229. Everett Dawkins DT Florida St.

Floyd is a run stopper who is a
steal for the Vikes. 

The Vikings needed a defensive tackle, a defensive back, and a wide receiver. They got one of each in the first round, and all three are solid picks. Patterson gives them the wide out they need after trading Percy Harvin to the Seahawks earlier this offseason. Rhodes can come in and start for a team that was the 9th worst in pass defence last season. Floyd was a steal for them at 23. He was predicted to be the first tackle off the board, as high as Oakland at number 3. He can come in and be a solid replacement for Kevin Williams. The Vikings are winners because they got 3 solid players for 3 different positions.

San Diego Chargers
Picks:
R1. 11. D.J. Flucker OT Alabama
R2: 38. Manti Teo ILB Notre Dame
R3: 76. Keenan Allen WR California
R5: 145. Steve Williams CB California
R6: 179. Tourek Williams DE Florida International
R7: 221. Brad Sorensen QB Southern Utah

Phillip Rivers should be safe in the
pocket for years with Flucker.

The Chargers had three guys with first round talent fall to them in the top three rounds. Flucker gives them a solid tackle who will help protect Phillip Rivers for years to come. Teo's stock dropped because of the Alabama game(and maybe a little due to the catfish scandal) but he's still going to be a solid NFL linebacker, and will be  good replacement for Takeo Spikes, who was cut by the team. Allen was at one point considered one of if not the best receiver in this draft, so he is a good value as a 3rd rounder and gives Rivers another weapon on the outside.

Losers:

New York Jets
Picks:
R1: 9. Dee Milliner CB Alabama, 13. Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri
R2: 39. Geno Smith QB West Virginia
R3: 72. Brian Winters OG Kent State
R5: 141. Oday Aboushi OG Virginia
R6: 178. William Campbell OG Michigan
R7: 215. Tommy Bohanon FB Wake Forest

Milliner could be one of
the best corners in the
league within a few years. 

The Jets didn't have that bad a draft. Picking up Smith in the second round is good for them. He was the best player available and they need to try to move on from the Mark Sanchez era. Taking Milliner with the 9th pick was great for them. He was the best cornerback in the draft and will be a great replacement for Darrelle Revis. It's picking Sheldon Richardson at 13 that i have a problem with. He is a good defensive tackle and I thought he would go around 13, 14 , or 15, but I don't understand why the Jets took him. The Jets have solid tackles already on their roster, so drafting Richardson wasn't essential. And my main problem with this pick is that they lack offensive weapons, and Tyler Eifert, a match up nightmare and probably the best tight end in the draft was available.  Whoever is their quarterback next year, whether Smith or Sanchez(if he's still on the team) will need weapons and they have none. That's my problem with the Jets draft, they really didn't help their offence. Smith may be an upgrade from Sanchez, but its likely that he, and most of the QB's in this draft, will be average at best. Not a horrible draft by the Jets and new GM John Idzik, but it could have been a lot better.

Buffalo Bills
Picks:
R1: 16. E.J. Manuel QB Florida St.
R2: 41. Robert Woods WR Southern California, 46. Kiko Alonso ILB Oregon
R3: 78. Marquise Goodwin WR Texas
R4: 105. Duke Williams S Nevada
R5: 143. Johnathan  Meeks S Clemson
R6: 177. Dustin Hopkins PK Florida St.
R7: 222. Chris Gragg TE Arkansas

Manuel would be better off sitting
on the bench for a season or two,
but may not have that luxury. 

I love almost everything the Bills did this draft. Adding two good receivers in Woods and Goodwin, and safeties in Williams and Meeks. Kiko Alonso is a fast cover linebacker who i loved watching play at Oregon.   And Hopkins will e a great NFL kicker. But picking Manuel in the first round at 16 was a bad decision by the Bills. No quarterback in this draft deserved to in the first round. I have no doubt in my mind that they could have gotten him in either the 2nd or 3rd round on day two. They had a chance to the best player available such as Eifert, linebacker Jarvis Jones, or offensive tackle Justin Pugh to sure up their line. With Kevin Kolb coming to Buffalo this season, Manuel may get a chance to sit and learn, which is what would be best for him, but considering Kolb's last few seasons in Arizona, E.J. may be tossed into the starting job early and is likely to struggle. Maunel has potential to be a very good QB, but the Bills took him to early and missed out on some immediate, game changing players.
   

NFL Mock Draft 2.0

Defensive linemen such as Jordan
(above) and O-Linemen such as Fisher
(below) should dominate most of
day 1. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan DE Oregon
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharriff Flyod DT Florida
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Dee Milliner CB Alabama
5. Detroit Lions: Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan
6. Cleveland Browns: Ziggy Ansah DE BYU
7. Arizona Cardinals: Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma
8. Buffalo Bills: Geno Smith QB West Virginia
9. New York Jets: Jarvis Jones LB Georgia
10. Tennessee Titans: Johnathan Cooper OG North Carolina
11. San Diego Chargers: Chance Warmack OG Alabama
12. Miami Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes CB Florida St.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Star Lotulelei DT Utah
14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri
15. New Orleans Saints: Barkevious Mingo DE LSU
16. St. Louis Rams: Tavon Austin WR West Virginia
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Keenan Allen WR California
18. Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro SS Texas
 19. New York Giants: Alec Ogletree LB Georgia
20. Chicago Bears: D.J. Flucker OT Alabama
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Matt Elam S Florida
22. St. Louis Rams(from Washington Redskins): Eric Reid FS LSU
23. Minnesota Vikings: Sylvester Williams DT North Carolina
24. Indianapolis Colts: Jesse Williams DT Alabama

25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle Seahawks):  Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee
26. Green Bay Packers: Zach Ertz TE Stanford
27. Houston Texans: DeAndre Hopkins WR Clemson
28. Denver Broncos: Bjoern Werner DE Florida St.

After a poor combine workout, Werner
could be a steal toward the bottum of the
first round

29. New England Patriots: Johnathan Banks CB Mississippi St.
30. Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Eifert TE Notre Dame
31. San Francisco 49ers: Kawann Short DT Purdue
32. Baltimore Ravens: Kevin Minter LB LSU

Menelik Watson (71) could sneak
into the first round if teams don't
get some of the top O-Linemen

Other possible first rounders: 

Menelik Watson OT Florida St, Desmond Trufant CB Washington, Damontre Moore DE Texas A&M, Margus Hunt DE SMU, Manti Teo LB Notre Dame, Eddie Lacy RB Alabama, Matt Barkley QB USC, Robert Woods WR USC. 

NBA Playoff Predictions

1st Round East:
Miami vs. Milwaukee
Heat in 4
Easy round for the Heat. Milwaukee will be lucky to keep a game close.

 New York vs. Boston
Knicks in 6
Knicks should win this, but Boston has the veteran leadership to put up a fight and win some home games, but Melo is hot and will carry them to the next round.

Indiana vs. Atlanta
Pacers in 6
Pretty even series, with neither team having a real superstar, but the Pacers have just a little more talent.

Brooklyn vs. Chicago
Nets in 7
A toss up series, neither team is playing great, but Brooklyn has two guys who could take over a game in Deron Williams and Joe Johnson, plus home court advantage.

1st Round West:
Oklahoma City vs. Houston
Thunder in 5
Harden and Lin will snag a win at home, but Westbrook and Durant will steam roll through to the next round.

San Antonio vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Spurs in 5
With or without Kobe, the Lakers aren'g getting past the battle tested Spurs, who should hopefully be well rested for the stretch run. I think Dwight Howard have one great game to get them a win.

Denver vs. Golden State
Nuggets in 7
The Nuggets are still hot even after the loss of Danilo Gallinari, but the Warriors young talent will put up quite a fight.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis
Clippers in 7
Another toss up series, but LA has the home court and the best point guard in the league.

Conference Semi Finals:
East:
Miami vs. Brooklyn
Heat in 5
Heat are hot and should breeze through, Nets possibly get a home win.

New York vs. Indiana
Knicks in 6
It's a superstar league. The Knicks have Melo, the Pacers have no one.

West:
Oklahoma City vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Thunder in 6
Better team wins. Thunder are the class of the west, and the Clippers are still a year or two away from making a serious run.

San Antonio vs. Denver
Denver in 7
Im picking the younger, faster team for the upset, i needed one.

Conference Finals:
East:
Miami vs. New York
Heat in 6
Knick are the only team in the east who can give the Heat a series. Melo has to continue to score 37 a night and they need to play great defense, but Miami is to good and will move onto the finals for the third year in a row.

West:
Oklahoma City vs. Denver
Thunder in 6
The Nuggets run ends against the best one-two punch in the league in Durant and Westbrook. Thunder move on to face the Heat for the second year in a row.

NBA Finals
Miami vs. Oklahoma City
Heat in 6
Nothing has shown me that the Thunder can beat the Heat. They improve from least year and win two games, but in the end LeBron gets title number two.

Final 4 Predictions

My predictions for the last 3 games of the college basketball season.

Louisville vs. Wichita State
Winner: Louisville

Smith and Siva are one of
the best guard duos in America

 All Logic says Louisville will win this game. They have the better coach in Rock Pitino, though Greg Marshall is no slouch, and a more talented roster. Russ Smith is one of the hottest players in the tourney, and Peyton Siva is one of the best guards in the nation. But after the the horrific leg injury suffered by sophomore Kevin Ware against Duke, you have to wonder how it will affect Louisville going forward. Wichita State forward Carl Hall is a man beast, and Cleanthony Early can ball. If the Cardinals come out slow and the Shockers knock down shots, then they have a chance to pull the upset. But I don't think that will happen. Pitino will have his guys ready to go, they'll come out firing and should easily handle Wichita State, ending their Cinderella run.

Syracuse vs. Michigan
Winner: Syracuse

Syarcuse is one of the best
in the nation when Sutherland
is hot from downtown

Jim Boeheim's defense is clicking on all cylinders after holding Marquette to 39 points and Indiana, one of the to teams in the nation, to 50. Michael Carter Williams is playing great basketball, whether scoring (24 vs. Indiana) or not scoring (12 vs. Marquette). Meanwhile, Trey Burke and the Michigan Wolverines are playing out of their minds. After an unbelievable comeback against Kansas and blowing out Florida, John Beilein's team is cooking. Freshmen forward Mitch McGary has been big down low for Michigan and has been one of the best big men in this tournament  I think in this game, James Sutherland shoots well from beyond the arch, and the Syracuse 2-3 zone slows down Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Glen Robinson enough to lead Boeheim back to the final for the first time since 2003,where he and Carmelo Anthony won  his only championship. This is the tougher game to pick of the two match ups.

Carter-Williams can dominate scoring
and distributing the ball

The Final: Syracuse vs. Louisville
Winner: Syracuse

The last time these two teams met, Louisville came back after being down more than 15 to win the final Big East Tournament as we know it. You have to think that still stings for the Orange. The Cardinals have beat the Orange twice this season, including at the Carrier Dome. Jim Boeheim is one of the best coaches of all time, and I don't see him losing to a team 3 times in one season with this talented a team. Their playing the best defense they've played all year, and if they hit their shots, it will carry them to a win. It seems fit that the final is two Big East rivals in the last year of one of the greatest conferences in the history of the game, and on this night, Syracuse will arise the champions.



Let me know what ya think,

NasDaddy

Who should be #1 Seeds

These are the teams I believe should get #1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament. (In no particular order)

1. Duke 27-5
2. Gonzaga 31-2
3. Indiana 27-6
4. Louisville 29-5

Other Possibilities: Miami 26-6, Kansas 29-5

Ryan Kelly

Duke: Ryan Kelly is healthy. When he is healthy, Duke has only lost one game this season, an upset by Maryland in the ACC tournament.Most likely they will end up as a two seed, especially if Miami beats North Carolina today in the ACC Championship, giving them the tournament championship and the regular season championship. But if Miami loses, then Duke has a good resume and is one of the top teams in the nation, and should be considered for a number one seed.

Kelly Olynyk

Gonzaga: This team has done nothing wrong. They won their league and their conference tournament. they are ranked #1 in the land right now and are playing great basketball. Kelly Olynyk is a player of the year candidate. They are guaranteed a top seed.

Cody Zeller

Indiana: Big Ten regular season champions. That's all they need. The Big Ten is the toughest conference in basketball and Indiana won it. Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller will be top picks in this years NBA draft and lead this team.  Losing to Wisconsin in the Conference tournament hurts their chances to be the top overall seed, but they still deserve to be a number one seed.

Peyton Siva

Louisville: After coming back from down 16 to beat Syracuse last night in the Big East Championship Game, Louisville and Rick Pitino look like the best team in basketball. They have two of the best guards in the game in Peyton Siva and Russ Smith, and won the Big East regular season title, one of the best conferences in the nation. This teams has a strong case for the number one overall seed.

Shane Larkin

Miami: The Canes have been a great story all season and won the ACC regular season title. If they beat UNC today, it will be the first time a team based outside of North Carolina has won both titles in one season. They have proven they can compete with the best. Shane Larkin and Durand Scott are one of the best guard duos in the nation and Reggie Johnson is a beast down low. This team deserves a number one seed if they beat the Tarheels today to win their first ACC Tournament.
 

Ben Mclemore

Kansas: One of the all time powerhouse programs in college basketball, Bill Self has this team playing at the top of its game at the right time. They won the Big 12 regular season title, and steam rolled through the Big 12 Tournament. Ben Mclemore istheir leading scorer, and is likely to be the top pick in the NBA draft. Jeff Whithey is an artist when it comes to blocking shots and Elijah Johnson is on top of his game. If Miami loses today, it will be a tough decision between Duke and Kansas for the last number one seed.

Let me know what ya think and leave comments,
NasDaddy

Grading the Pats offseason

My reaction to the moves the Patriots have made so far this off season...

1. Letting Welker go and bringing in Amendola. 
It's the Patriot way. If they don't believe a guy can continue to be as productive as he has been, they wont pay extra for him. It's their price or your gone. Wes Welker is the latest victim of this system. I believe Welker would have made the same contributions over the next two seasons as he has over the last few years and we should have paid him somewhere between 6 or 8 million. But the Pats(Bill and Kraft) decided he wasn't worth more than 5 and let him go. Until we signed Amendola, I thought this move was really going to hurt the pats, but now i feel that it won't have as much of an effect on the team. Amendola should be able to put up similar numbers to Welker thanks to Brady, assuming he can stay on the field. Amendola has missed 20 games in the last two seasons. If he stays healthy, then he is a younger Wes Welker and the Patriots come out of this looking like they made a good football move, but i still believe that they would have been better off going with Welker. He deserved to be paid.

2. Loss of Woodhead.
Danny Woodead signed a two year deal with the San Diego Chargers today. Woodhead was one of the most popular Patriots during his time in New England. The short play maker did it all, running and catching the ball in big spots. I personally would have liked to have brought him back. He's a fan favorite and can make plays on offence, but i also believe that he will not be missed on the field. I believe this is the Pats way of telling Steven Ridley that he is their starting running back going into the season and they believe in him. This in another good football move by the Patriots.

3. Resigning Arrington.
Kyle Arrington isn't the best corner in the NFL. We all know that, but he isn't horrible. The kid is a good special teams player, and a good guy to have on the depth chart at corner. I would like to see the patriots go out and get a better guy to start over him, but i believe that it was a good idea for them to sign him to a four year deal, which is not likely for much.


4. Bringing in Adrian Wilson and Leon Washington.
The Pats lacked many things last year, including a dynamic return man and solid defensive backs. They just solved two of those issues with the additions of former Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson and former Seahawks return man Leon Washington. Washington is one of the best return men in the history of the game and will be a significant improvement over Devin McCourty. With Wilson, the Pats get a twelve year veteran who knows how to hit and is good in coverage. A veteran presence will be good for the rest of the Patriots young secondary. Wilson is a four time all pro pick.

Overall i believe New England have had a great off season so far. They got a young, new target for Brady to throw to, brought in a dynamic returner, and got some veteran leadership for the secondary. I believe they need to continue to improve the defense through the draft, and must find another receiver if they intend to cut ties with Brandon Lloyd.
Off season Grade: B+

Let me know what you think
NasDaddy

Ranking Every Starting NFL QB

I ranked all 32 starting QB's in the NFL right now.
Comment and let me know what you think about it and where you think these guys belong.

1. Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers
2. Tom Brady: New England Patriots
3. Drew Brees: New Orleans Saints
4. Peyton Manning: Denver Broncos
5. Matt Ryan: Atlanta Falcons
6. Eli Manning: New York Giants
7. Joe Flacco: Baltimore Ravens
8. Andrew Luck: Indianapolis Colts
9. Colin Kaepernick: San Francisco 49ers
10. Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers
11. Robert Griffin III: Washington Redskins
12. Tony Romo: Dallas Cowboys
13. Jay Cutler: Chicago Bears
14. Cam Newton: Carolina Panthers
15. Russell Wilson: Seattle Seahawks
16. Matt Schaub: Houston Texans
17. Andy Dalton: Cincinnati  Bengals
18. Phillip Rivers: San Diego Chargers
19. Matthew Stafford: Detroit Lions
20. Michael Vick: Philadelphia Eagles
21. Josh Freeman: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22. Alex Smith: Kansas City Chiefs
23. Sam Bradford: St. Louis Rams
24. Christian Ponder: Minnesota Vikings
25. Ryan Tannehill: Miami Dolphins
26. Ryan Fitzpatrick: Buffalo Bills
27. Jake Locker: Tennessee Titans
28. Carson Palmer: Oakland Raiders
29. Brandon Weeden: Cleveland Browns
30. Mark Sanchez: New York Jets
31. Kevin Kolb: Arizona Cardinals
32. Blaine Gabbert: Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL Mock Draft 1.0

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Geno Smith QB West Virginia

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid may want to take a
chance on a QB in Smith (above) rather than the
safer choice in OT Luke Joeckel (below)

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Star Lotulelei DT Utah
3. Oakland Raiders: Bjoern Werner DE Florida St.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M
5. Detroit Lions: Jarvis Jones LB Georgia
6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Millner CB Alabama
7. Arizona Cardinals: Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan
8. Buffalo Bills: Matt Barkley QB Southern California
9. New York Jets: Damontre Moore DE Texas A&M
10. Tennessee Titans: Kenny Vaccaro S Texas
11. San Diego Chargers: Sharrif Floyd DT Florida
12. Miami Dolphins: Chance Warmack OG Alabama
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dion Jordan DE Oregon
14. Carolina Panthers: Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri
15. New Orleans Saints: Manti Teo MLB Notre Dame
16. St. Louis Rams: Keenan Allen WR California
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Barkevious Mingo DE LSU
18. Dallas Cowboys: Jonathan Cooper OG North Carolina
 19. New York Giants: Kevin Minter MLB LSU
20. Chicago Bears: Zach Ertz TE Stanford
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Alec Ogeltree LB Georgia
22. St. Louis Rams(from Washington Redskins): Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma
23. Minnesota Vikings: Terrence Williams WR Baylor
24. Indianapolis Colts: Johnathan Banks CB Mississippi St.

The Bears need a big target for Jay Cutler
to throw to and Ertz should fit in
nicely. 

25. Seattle Seahawks: DeAndre Hopkins WR Clemson
26. Green Bay Packers: Jesse Williams DT Alabama
27. Houston Texans: Eric Ried S LSU
28. Denver Broncos: Sylvester Williams DT North Carolina
29. New England Patriots: Tavon Austin WR West Virginia
30. Atlanta Falcons: Tyler Eifert TE Notre Dame
31. San Francisco 49ers: Johnathan Hankins DT Ohio St.
32. Baltimore Ravens: Sam Montgomery DE LSU

Barkley could go anywhere from the first
round to the early to mid second round

Matt Barkley could be taken by any number of teams needing a quarterback, including Jacksonville (2), Arizona (7), Buffalo (8), or the Jets (9). QB Mike Glennon out of North Carolina State could also end up being drafted by any of those teams.

Other guys who you could see go in the first round: Matt Elam S Florida, Kawann Short DT Purdue, Johnathan Jenkins DT Georgia, Eddie Lacy RB Alabama, Ezekiel Ansah DE/LB BYU, Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee, D.J. Flucker OT Alabama, Alex Okafor DE Texas

If the Patriots do not sign Wes Welker, then i would expect them to take Tavon Austin in the draft. If they do sign Welker, expect them to take a defensive back such as Matt Elam or Johnathan Banks, or possibly a defensive tackle like Sylvester Williams, Johnathan Hankins, or Johnathan Jenkins.

Leave comments.
NasDaddy