Final NFL Draft Big Board

Happy Draft day. Be safe, Jets' fans.

1. Reggie Bush RB USC
2. D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT Virginia
3. Mario Williams DE NC State
4. A.J Hawk LB Ohio St.
5. Michael Huff DB Texas
6. Vince Young QB Texas
7. Vernon Davis TE Maryland
8. Matt Leinart QB USC
9. Eric Winston OT Miami
10. Jimmy Williams DB Virginia Tech
11. DeAngelo Williams RB Memphis
12. Haloti Ngata DT Oregon
13. Antonio Cromartie CB FSU
14. Santonio Holmes WR Ohio St.
15. Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston College
16. Demeco Ryans LB Alabama
17. Manny Lawson DE NC State
18. Donte Whitner DB Ohio St.
19. Chad Greenway LB Iowa
20. Ernie Sims LB FSU
21. Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt
22. Winston Justice OT USC
23. Gabe Watson DT Michigan
24. Chad Jackson WR Florida
25. Brodrick Bunkley DT FSU
26. LenDale White RB USC
27. Abdul Hodge LB Iowa
28. Tye Hill CB Clemson
29. Max-Jean Gilles OG Georgia
30. Thomas Howard LB UTEP
31. Bobby Carpenter LB Ohio St.
32. Jason Allen DB Tennessee
33. Leonard Pope TE Georgia
34. Jon Scott OT Texas
35. Joseph Addai RB LSU
36. Ko Simpson S South Carolina
37. Nick Mangold C Ohio St.
38. Darnell Bing S USC
39. Kelly Jennings CB Miami
40. Tamba Hali DE Penn St.
41. Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota
42. Marcus McNeill OT Auburn
43. Jonathan Joseph CB South Carolina
44. D'Qwell Jackson LB Maryland
45. Richard Marshall CB Fresno St.
46. Davin Joseph OT/OG Oklahoma
47. Daniel Bullocks S Nebraska
48. Ashton Youbouty CB Ohio St.
49. Claude Wroten DT LSU
50. Daryn Colledge OT Boise St.
51. Martin Nance WR Miami(OH)
52. Darryl Tapp DE Virginia Tech
53. Derek Hagan WR Arizona St.
54. Kamerion Wimbley DE FSU
55. Dominique Byrd TE USC
56. Maurice Drew RB UCLA
57. Joel Klopfenstien TE Colorado
58. Spencer Havner LB UCLA
59. Sinorice Moss WR Miami
60. Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA
61. Danieal Manning CB Abilene Christian
62. John McCargo DT NC State
63. Rodrique Wright DT Texas
64. Gerris Wilkerson LB Georgia Tech
65. Brodie Croyle QB Alabam a
66. Ryan O'Callaghan OT California
67. Charles Spencer OG Pittsburgh
68. Rocky McIntosh LB Miami
69. Ray Edwards DE Purdue
70. Anthony Fasano TE Notre Dame
71. Dee Webb CB Florida
72. Demetrius Williams WR Oregon
73. Charlie Whitehurst QB Clemson
74. Chris Chester C Oklahoma
75. Leon Williams LB Miami
76. Jeremy Trueblood OT Boston College
77. Eric Henderson DE Georgia Tech
78. Cedric Griffin CB Texas
79. Maurice Stovall WR Notre Dame
80. Stanley McClover DE Auburn
81. Andrew Whitsworth OT LSU
82. Greg Eslinger C Minnesota
83. Terna Nande LB Miami(OH)
84. Mike Bell RB Arizona
85. Jonathan Lewis DT Virginia Tech
86. Mike Hass WR Oregon St.
87. Anthony Schlegel LB Ohio St.
88. Jon Alston LB Stanford
89. Mark Stetterstrom OG Minnesota
90. Kyle Williams DT LSU
91. Darrell Hunter CB Miami(OH)
92. Kellen Clemens QB Oregon
93. Mark Anderson DE Alabama
94. A.J Nicholson LB FSU
95. Orien Harris DT Miami
96. Andre Hall RB South Florida
97. Greg Blue S Georgia
98. Jesse Mahelona DT Tennessee
99. Omar Jacobs QB Bowling Green
100. Alan Zemaitis CB Penn St
101. Victor Adenyanju DE Indiana
102. Kevin Boothe OG Cornell
103. Jerome Harrison RB Washington St.
104. David Pittman CB Northwestern St.
105. Andrew Whitsworth OT LSU
106. Garret Mills FB/TE Tulsa
107. DeMario Minter CB Georgia
108. Duece Lutui OG USC
109. Jason Avant WR Michigan
110. Freddy Keiaho LB SDSU
111. Babatunde Oshinowo DT Stanford
112. Brian Calhoun RB Wisconsin
113. Parys Haralson DE Tennessee
114. Jason Spitz OG Louisville
115. Kai Parmah LB Virginia
116. Will Blackmon CB/WR Boston College
117. Marvin Phillip C California
118. Rashad Butler OT Miami
119. Hank Basket WR New Mexico
120. Roman Harper S Alabama
121. Todd Watkins WR BYU
122. Zach Strief OT Northwestern
123. Anwar Phillips CB Penn St.
124. David Thomas TE Texas
125. Paul McQuistan OT Weber St.
126. Greg Jennings WR Western Michigan
127. Steve Fifita DT Utah
128. Joe Toledo OT Washington
129. Leon Washington RB FSU

NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

CB:

1. Jimmy Williams Virginia Tech
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 213
40 Time: 4.42
Best Possible Scenario: Is as good as I say he is, and about 15 teams regret not taking him.
Worst Possible Scenario: I'm an idiot, and his attitude is a problem.
Possible Destination:(1st round) St. Louis, Baltimore, Miami, San Diego, Kansas City, San Francisco, Tampa Bay

2. Antonio Cromartie FSU (Jr)*
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 208
40 Time: 4.47
Best Possible Scenario: Comes back from injury to show his top 5 talent.
Worst Possible Scenario: Slow to start, and doesn't regain his speed.
Possible Destination:(1st round) St. Louis, Baltimore, Miami, Minnesota, San Diego, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, NY Giants

3. Tye Hill Clemson
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 185
40 Time: 4.34
Best Possible Scenario: Fastest guy on the field, and his skills catch up with his speed.
Worst Possible Scenario: Gets lost making transition to pros, and Vet WRs can spot his weaknesses.
Possible Destination:(1st round) St. Louis, Miami, Minnesota, San diego, Kansas City

4. Kelly Jennings Miami
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 178
40 Time: 4.39
Best Possible Scenario: likely never a great CB, but will have a very successful career.
Worst Possible Scenario: Isn't physical enough to get the job done.
Possible Destination: (1st-2nd round)- NY Giants, Indianapolis, Seatle, Baltimore, St. Louis, San Diego, New England, Washington

5. Jonathan Joseph South Carolina
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 193
40 Time: 4.31
Best Possible Scenario: Gets time to adjust to NFL, and work his way onto the field.
Worst Possible Scenario: Forced into a prominent role, and isn't ready.
Possible Destination:(1st round) San Diego, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, NY Giants, Seattle

6. Richard Marshall Fresno St. (Jr)*
7. Ashton Youboty Ohio St. (Jr)*
8. Danieal Manning Abilene Christian (Jr)*
9. Cedric Griffin Texas Dee
10. Webb Florida (Jr)*
11. Darrell Hunter Miami(OH)
12. Alan Zemaitis Penn St
13. David Pittman Northwestern St.
14. DeMario Minter Georgia
15. Will Blackmon Boston College
16. Anwar Phillips Penn St.
17. Charles Gordon Kansas (Jr)*
18. Devin Hester Miami (Jr)
19. Cletis Gordon Jackson St.
20. Marcus Maxey Miami
21. Chijioke Onyenegecha Oklahoma
22. Tim Jennings Georgia
23. Gerrick McPhearson Maryland
24. Justin Wyatt USC
25. Derek Martin Wyoming (Jr)*
26. Josh Lay Pittsburgh
27. Rueben Houston Georgia Tech


S:

1. Michael Huff Texas (can play both CB & S. Not a Sean taylor level prospect, but still very good)
2. Donte Whitner Ohio St. (rising fast. Hard hitter with speed. Another who can play CB as well)
3. Jason Allen Tennessee (degenerative hip????)
4. Ko Simpson South Carolina (3ySo)* (could have been a gauranteed 1st rounder if he stayed in school)
5. Darnell Bing USC (Jr)* (one of 6 safties I would consider drafting in the 1st round if I were a GM)
6. Daniel Bullocks Nebraska
7. Greg Blue Georgia
8. Roman Harper Alabama
9. Bernard Pollard Purdue (Jr)*
10. Marcus Demps SDSU
11. Pat Watkins FSU
12. Anthony Smith Syracuse
13. Darrell Brooks Arizona
14. Jahmile Addae WVU
15. Antoine Bethea Howard
16. Marcus Hudson NC St.
17. Dwayne Slay Texas Tech
18. Jarrad Page UCLA
19. Charlie Peprah Alabama
20. Dawan Landry Geordia Tech
21. Nate Salley Ohio St.

NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

OLB:
1. A.J Hawk Ohio St
Height: 6'1
Weight: 248
40 Time: 4.59
Best Case Scenario: Calls off the wedding, and finds someone else.
Worst Case Scenario: Married to a horse for the next 40 years.
Possible Destination: New Orleans, Green Bay, San Francisco, Oakland, Detroit

2. DeMeco Ryans Alabama
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 236
40 Time: 4.65
Best Case Scenario: Shuts up all who bashed him for poor workouts, and shows what matters is performance on the field.
Worst Case Scenario: Is just average. Not a 1st day value.
Possible Destination:(1st-2nd round) NY Giants, Carolina, New Orleans, Arizona, Philadelphia, St. Louis

3. Chad Greenway Iowa
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 242
40 Time: 4.76
Best Case Scenario: Can add some bulk, and is a great player.
Worst Case Scenario: Doesn't get bigger, and his team regrets not taking someone else in a loaded LB class.
Possible Destination:(1st round) St. Louis, Philadelphia, Miami, Minnesota, Dallas, New England, San Francisco, NY Giants, Jacksonville

4. Ernie Sims FSU (Jr)*
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 231
40 Time: 4.50
Best Case Scenario: Small stature is covered up by his effort and speed.
Worst Case Scenario: Too small to work well in the defense he's drafted into.
Possible Destination:(1st round) Detroit, Arizona, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Miami, Minnesota

5. Thomas Howard UTEP
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 239
40 Time: 4.42
Best Case Scenario: Is a superfreak!
Worst Case Scenario: Doesn't get it, and is just a strong, fast waste of space.
Possible Destination:(1st-2nd round) New England, San Francisco, NY Giants, Carolina, Jacksonville, NY Jets, Indianapolis, Oakland, Baltimore

6. Bobby Carpenter Ohio State
7. Spencer Havner UCLA
8. Rocky McIntosh Miami
9. Terna Nande Miami(OH)
10. Jon Alston Stanford
11. A.J Nicholson FSU
12. Omar Gaither Tennessee
13. Will Derting Washington State
14. Clint Ingram Oklahoma
15. Stephen Tulloch NC State (Jr)*
16. Jamar Williams Arizona St.
17. Travis Williams Auburn
18. Brian Iwuh Colorado
19. Spencer Toone Utah
20. Cameron Vaughn LSU
21. Keith Ellison Oregon St.
22. Pierre Woods Michigan
23. William Kershaw Maryland
24. Brandon Johnson Louisville
25. Moses Osemwegie Vanderbilt

ILB:
1. Abdul Hodge Iowa (a guy I have as a 1st round talent. Likely will go in the 2nd or 3rd though)
2. D'Qwell Jackson Maryland (probably 3rd best college LB in the draft after Ryans and Hawk last year)
3. Gerris Wilkerson Georgia Tech (very versitile. Plays all LB spots well)
4. Leon Williams Miami (Miami LB's are always good)
5. Anthony Schlegel Ohio St. (overshadowed by Hawk & Carpenter. Still very good)
6. Freddy Keiaho SDSU
7. Kai Parmah Virginia (Jr)*
8. Dale Robinson Arizona St.
9. Tim McGarigle Northwestern
10. Freddie Roach Alabama
11. Justin London UCLA
12. Tim Robbins Iowa St.
13. Aaron Harris Texas
14. Oliver Hoyte NC State
15. Trent Bray Oregon St.
16. Kevin Simon Tennessee
17. John Syptak Rice
18. Jimmy Cotrell New Mexico St.
19. Nick Reid Kansas
20. Chad Anderson Kentucky
21. Richardo Hurley South Carolina

NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

DE:

1. Mario Williams NC State (Jr)*
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 295
40 Time: 4.70
Best Possible Scenario: The best DE since Reggie White.
Worst Possible Scenario: Still is a great DE. No way he fails.
Possible Destination:(1st round) New Orleans. New York, Green Bay, San Francisco

2. Mathias Kiwanuka Boston College
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 266
40 Time: 4.70
Best Possible Scenario: Plays more like the '04 Kiwi.
Worst Possible Scenario: Plays more like the Kiwi who got dominated by D'Brick at the senior bowl.
Possible Destination:(1st-2nd round) Cincinnati, Seattle, Denver, Detroit, Baltimore, St. Louis, Kansas City,

3. Manny Lawson NC State
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 241
40 Time: 4.43
Best Possible Scenario: Develops into a premiere 3-4 end.
Worst Possible Scenario: Nothing more than 3rd down pass rusher.
Possible Destination:(1st round) Miami, Dallas, New England, San Francisco NY Jets

4. Tamba Hali Penn St.
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 275
40 Time: 4.75
Best Possible Scenario: The next Michael Strahan.
Worst Possible Scenario: Isn't fast enough to get a good pass rush going.
Possible Destination:(1st-2nd round) Seattle, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Cincinnati

5. Darryl Tapp Virginia Tech
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 252
40 Time: 4.83
Best Possible Scenario: slightly less talented version of Dwight Freeney.
Worst Possible Scenario: All the reasons scouts said Freeney wouldn't succeed apply to him.
Possible Destination:(2nd-4th round) Kansas City, Cincinnati, Houston, Atlanta, Jacksonville
6. Kamerion Wimbley FSU
7. Ray Edwards Purdue (Jr)*
8. Eric Henderson Georgia Tech
9. Stanley McClover Auburn (Jr)*
10. Mark Anderson Alabama
11. Victor Adenyanju Indiana
12. Parys Haralson Tennessee
13. Brandon Guillory UL-Monroe
14. Elvis Dumervil Louisville
15. Frostee Rucker USC
16. Willie Evans Mississippi St.
17. Chris Gocong Cal-Ploy
18. James Wyche Syracuse
19. Charles Bennett Clemson
20. Darrell Adams Villanova
21. Mike Kudla Ohio St
22. Julian Jenkins Stanford
23. Jeremy Mincey Florida
24. Devan Long Oregon
25. Copeland Bryan Arizona
26. John Chick Utah St.
27. Pat Massey Michigan
28. Ryan LaCasse Syracuse
29. Rob Ninkovich Syracuse
30. Montez Murphy Baylor
31. Ben Ishola Indiana

DT:
1. Haloti Ngata Oregon (Jr)*
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 338
40 time: 5.13
Best Possible Scenario: Manhandles everyone put in front of him.
Worst Possible Scenario: Has a heart attack and dies.
Possible Destination:(1st round) Oakland, Buffalo, St. Louis, Cleveland, Baltimore, Philadelphia

2. Gabe Watson Michigan
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 339
40 time: 5.27
Best Possible Scenario: Improves work ethic, and becomes the next Kris Jenkins, only healthier.
Worst Possible Scenario: We all see why he was in Lloyd Carr's doghouse.
Possible Destination:(1st-2nd round) NY Giants, NY Jets, Oakland, Cleveland, St. Louis,

3. Brodrick Bunkley FSU
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 306
40 time: 5.01
Best Possible Scenario: Succeeds where SO MANY other FSU DT's have failed.
Worst Possible Scenario: Just abother workout warrior drafted too high.
Possible Destination: Buffal, St. Louis, Cleveland, Baltimore, Philadelphia

4. Claude Wroten LSU
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 302
40 time: 5.08
Best Possible Scenario: Shows off the 1st round talent he has.
Worst Possible Scenario: Can't get off them drugs.
Possible Destination:(2nd-3rd round) Denver, Buffalo, St. Louis, NY Giants, Indianapolis

5. John McCargo NC State (Jr)*
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 302
40 time: 5.15
Best Possible Scenario: Continues to do a great job taking on blocks, and makes the D-line as a whle better, like he did at NC State.
Worst Possible Scenario: Was a product of the talent around him.
Possible Destination: Denver, Buffalo, St. Louis, NY Giants, Indianapolis


6. Rodrique Wright Texas
7. Jonathan Lewis Virginia Tech
8. Kyle Williams LSU
9. Orien Harris Miami
10. Jesse Mahelona Tennessee
11. Babatunde Oshinowo Stanford
12. Steve Fifita Utah
13. Manase Hopoi Washington
14. Le Kevin Smith Nebraska
15. Dusty Dvoracek Oklahoma
16. Barry Cofield Northwestern
17. Kedric Golston Georgia
18. Titus Adams Nebraska
19. Domata Peko Michigan St.
20. T.J Jackson Auburn
21. Montavious Stanley Louisville
22. Mania Brown BYU
23. McKinley Boykin Ole Miss
24. Sir Henry Anderson Oregon St.

NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

OT:
1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson Virginia
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 312
40 Time: 5.26
Best Case Scenario: Dominant left tackle for 12+ years.
Worst Case Scenario: Is too small, and DE's take a lesson from Darryl Tapp and learn how to beat him.
Possible Destination:(1st round) New Orleans, NY Jets, Buffalo
Video

2. Eric Winston Miami
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 310
40 Time: 4.94
Best Case Scenario: Knee is fine, and he's a better version of Robert Gallery (who went #2 overrall)
Worst Case Scenario: Knee isn't fine... and young lineman with bad knees is doom. Doom I say!
Possible Destination:(1st-2nd round) Dallas, San Diego, Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Houston, Arizona, Buffalo
Video

3. Winston Justice USC (Jr)*
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 319
40 Time: 5.16
Best Case Scenario: Can throw his size around and become a upper-tier OT.
Worst Case Scenario: Shoots someone with a BB gun... again.
Possible Destination:(1st round) Buffalo, Arizona, Baltimore, Philadelphia
Video

4. Jon Scott Texas
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 315
40 Time: 5.32
Best Case Scenario: Someone takes a chance on him early, and it pays off.
Worst Case Scenario: Kiper's right, and he's a 4h round talent.
Possible Destination:(2nd-4th round) San Diego, Arizona, Detroit, Kansas City, NY Giants
Video

5. Marcus McNeill Auburn
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 336
40 Time: 5.07
Best Case Scenario: Destroys everybody, and is the most versitile OT in the league.
Worst Case Scenario: Can't improve pass blocking and becomes a liability.
Possible Destination: (1st-2nd round) Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, Houston, Detroit, San Deigo
Video

6. Daryn Colledge Boise St.
7. Ryan O'Callaghan California
8. Jeremy Trueblood Boston College
9. Andrew Whitworth LSU
10. Rashad Butler Miami
11. Zach Strief Northwestern
12. Paul McQuistan OT Weber St.
13. Joe Toledo Washington
14. Troy Reddick Auburn
15. Adam Stenavich Michigan
16. Isaac Sowells Indiana
17. Derrick Morris NC State (Jr)*
18. Terrance Pennington New Mexico
19. Brad Butler Virginia
20. Willie Hall Middle Tennessee St. (Jr)*
21. Travis Leffew Louisville
22. Dennis Roland Georgia
23. Mark LeVoir Notre Dame
24. Jimmy Martin Virginia Tech
25. Albert Toeaina Tennessee
26. Jabari Levey South Carolina
27. E.J Whitley Texas Tech
28. Michael Toudouze TCU
29. Jami Hightower Texas A&M
30. Quinn Ojinnaka Syracuse
31. Donald Penn Utah St.
32. Stefon Wheeler Michigan St.
OG:
1. Max Jean-Gilles Georgia (Giant Mauler. If he stays in some kind of good shape, he'll be a star)
2. Davin Joseph Oklahoma (can play both OT & OG. Plays both very well too)
3. Charles Spencer Pittsburgh (Another who can play both inside and outside. A step below in talent from Jospeh however)
4. Mark Stetterstrom Minnesota (watched him several times over the year. Just as good, if not better than fellow Gopher Greg Eslinger)
5. Kevin Boothe Cornell (Yoyally came to my school a month or so back. Very impressive from the video I've seen)
6. Taitusi Lutui USC
7. Jason Spitz Louisville
8. Aaron Lips Louisiana Tech
9. Matt Lentz Michigan
10. Nate Livings LSU
11. Fred Matua USC (Jr)*
12. Rob Sims Ohio St.
13. Will Allen Texas
14. Jahri Evans Bloomsburg
15. Aldo De La Garza Texas A&M
16. Will Montgomery Virginia Tech
17. Cody Douglas Tennessee

C:
1. Nick Mangold Ohio St (Best pro prospect at center since Jeff Faine)
2. Chris Chester Oklahoma (Wasn't too sure who this guy was 'till I watched the video a while back. Very athletic, and will go higher than expected)
3. Greg Eslinger Minnesota (No way this guy isn't at least decent at the next level)
4. Marvin Phillip California
5. Grayling Love Arizona St.
6. Ryan Cook New Mexico
7. Mike Degory Florida
8. Donovan Raiola Wisconsin

NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

WR:
1. Santonio Holmes Ohio St. (Jr)*
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 188
40 Time: 4.38
Best Case Scenario: Bucks the trend of Ohio St. WR's struggling at the next level, and becomes one of the games premiere big play receivers.
Worst Case Scenario: Falls in line with David Boston, Ken-Yan Rambo and the rest.
Possible Destiniation:(1st round) Denver, Miami, Dallas, Kansas City, New England, Tampa Bay, NY Giants, Chicago
Video

2. Chad Jackson Florida (Jr)*
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 213
40 Time: 4.32
Best Case Scenario: Much like Holmes, bucks the trend of WR's from his alma mater, and turns into a pro-bowler.
Worst Case Scenario: Falls in line with Reidel Anthony, Jaquez Green, Travis Taylor and the rest.
Possible Destination:(1st round) Denver, Miami, Dallas, Kansas City, New England, Tampa Bay, NY Giants, Chicago
Video

3. Martin Nance Miami(OH)
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 213
40 Time: 4.55
Best Case Scenario: The knee is fine, and he shows off his 1st round talent.
Worst Case Scenario: Can't make the cuts, or use his speed effectively.
Possible Destination: (2nd-4th round) Pittsburgh, New England, Dallas, San Diego, Minnesota, Tampa Bay
Video

4. Derek Hagan Arizona St.
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 208
40 Time: 4.45
Best Case Scenario: Makes everyone pay for passing up on him ala Paul Pierce.
Worst Case Scenario: Scouts were right, he's not that good.
Possible Destination: (3rd-4th round) Denver, Pittsburgh, New England, Dallas, San Diego, Minnesota, Tampa Bay
Video

5. Sinorice Moss Miami
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 185
40 Time: 4.38
Best Case Scenario: Is a carbon copy of another Moss from The U.
Worst Case Scenario: Takes too much of a beating to havea good career.
Possible Destination: (1st-2nd Round) NY Giants, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Denver, Kansas City, Tampa Bay
Video (Moss is only in the beginning, but it's an amazingly clutch play from one of the most underrated games of the last 5 years)

6. Demetrius Williams Oregon
7. Maurice Stovall Notre Dame
8. Mike Hass Oregon St.
9. Jason Avant Michigan
10. Hank Basket New Mexico
11. Todd Watkins BYU
12. Greg Jennings Western Michigan
13. Travis Wilson Oklahoma
14. Greg Lee Pittsburgh (Jr)*
15. Devin Aromashodu Auburn
16. Brandon Williams Wisconsin
17. Drouzon Quillen Louisiana-Monroe (Jr)*
18. Jeff Webb SDSU
19. Jonathan Orr Wisconsin
20. Ben Obomanu Auburn
21. Cory Rodgers TCU (Jr)*
22. Skyler Green LSU
23. David Anderson Colorado St.
24. Marques Colston Hofstra
25. Jovon Bouknight Wyoming
26. Sam Hurd Northern Illinois
27. Domenik Hixon Akron
28. Damarius Bilbo Georgia Tech
29. Nichiren Flowers Nevada
30. Charles Sharon Bowling Green
31. Ed Hinkel Iowa
32. Steve Sanders Bowling Green
33. Jeremy Bloom Colorado
34. Clinton Solomon Iowa
35. Willie Reid FSU
36. Jason Boyd UTEP
37. Andy Fantuz Western Ontario
38. Jermaine Jackson Fresno St.

TE:
1. Vernon Davis Maryland (Jr)* (Highest rated TE by me ever)
2. Leonard Pope Georgia (Like a mountain with hands)
3. Dominique Byrd USC (underrated. Maybe the best hands at the position)
4. Joel Klopfenstein Colorado (Reminds me a lot of Chad Lewis in his prime. that's VERY good.)
5. Marcedes Lewis UCLA (Lack of speed has brought his rating down.)
6. Anthony Fasano Notre Dame (Jr)*
7. David Thomas Texas
8. Tim Day Oregon
9. Jeff King Virginia Tech
10. Tony Sheffler Western Michigan
11. T.J Williams NC State
12. Charles Davis Purdue
13. Tim Massaquoi Michigan
14. Cooper Wallace Auburn
15. Anthony Mix Auburn
16.Troy Bienemann Washington St.

NFL Draft Prospects Rankings

No Quincey Carter references in this post.

RB:
1. Reggie Bush USC (Jr)*
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 201
40 Time: 4.42
Best Case Scenario: Revolutionizes the position.
Worst Case Scenario: Is nothing more than a 3rd down back
Possible Destination:(1st round) Houston, New Orleans, Tennessee, NY Jets
Video

2. DeAngelo Williams Memphis
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 214
40 Time: 4.49
Best Case Scenario: Becomes a slightly less talented version than LaDanian Tomlinson
Worst Case Scenario: Is still a solid RB. Very safe pick.
Possible Destination:(1st round) New England, San Francisco, NY Giants, Carolina, Jacksonville, NY Jets
Video

3. LenDale White USC (Jr)*
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 238
40 Time: 4.49
Best Case Scenario: Is the next Jerome Bettis
Worst Case Scenario: Is the next Bam Morris
Possible Destination: (1st-2nd round) Carolina, Pittsburgh, NY Jets
Video

4. Joseph Addai LSU
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 214
40 Time: 4.40
Best Case Scenario: Is a pro-bowl calibur every-down back.
Worst Case Scenario: Has trouble not sharing carries, and is relegated to 3rd down duties.
Possible Destination: (1st-2nd round) NY Jets, Indianapolis, Denver, Atlanta
Video

5. Laurence Maroney Minnesota (Jr)*
Height: 6'"
Weight: 217
40 Time: 4.55
Best Case Scenario: Goes to a team that loves to pound the ball.
Worst Case Scenario: Is called on to be a multi-purpose back, which he is not.
Possible Destination: (1st-2nd round)NY Jets, Indianapolis, Denver
Video

6. Maurice Drew UCLA (Jr)*
7. Mike Bell Arizona
8. Andre Hall South Florida
9. Jerome Harrison Washington St.
10. Brian Calhoun Wisconsin (Jr)*
11. Leon Washington FSU
12. Jerious Norwood Mississippi St.
13. Taurean Henderson Texas Tech
14. P.J Daniels Georgia Tech
15. Dontrelle Moore New Mexico
16. Wali Lundy Virginia
17. Terrence Whitehead Oregon
18. Gerald Riggs Jr. Tennessee
19. Cedric Humes Virginia Tech
20. Damien Rhodes Syracuse
21. Jerod Void Purdue
22. Chris Barclay Wake Forest
23. Wendell Mathis Fresno St.
24. J.R Lemon Stanford
25. Derrick Ross Tarleton St.
26. Quinton Ganther Utah
27. Demetris Summers South Carolina (3ySO)*
28. Patrick Cobbs North Texas
29. De'Arrius Howard Arkansas
30. B.J Mitchell Nevada
31. Mike Imoh Virginia Tech
32. A.J Harris Northern Illinois


FB:
1. Garrett Mills Tulsa (converted TE. could play either well in the pros)
2. David Kirtman USC (lead the way for 2 1st round RBs)
3. Matt Bernstein Wisconsin (a guard in the backfield)
4. Quadtrine Hill Miami (the next Najeh Davenport... in a good, non-pooping in hampers kind of way)
5. Rashon Powers-Neal Notre Dame (Good runner, and better blocker than he gets credit for)
6. Lawrence Vickers Colorado
7. Shawn Willis Oklahoma St.
8. J.D. Runnels Oklahoma
9. Naufahu Tahi BYU
10. BJ Dean FSU

NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

Will post more throughout the week.


QB:
1. Vince Young Texas (Jr)*
Height: 6'5" 229
Weight: 229
40 Time: 4.48
Best Case Scenario: Is the next Randall Cunningham
Worst Case Scenario: Is the next Quincy Carter
Possible Destination: (1st round) Houston, Tennessee, Oakland, Arizona, St. Louis, Minnesota
Video


2. Matt Leinart USC
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 223
40 Time: 4.90
Best Case Scenario: A team doesn't build around him, but uses him as a big threat in a talented offense.
Worst Case Senario: Someone picks him early thinking he's going to solve their problems immediately, and he faulters.
Possible Destination: (1st round) New Orleans, Tennessee, NYJets, Oakland, Arizona, St. Louis
Video


3. Jay Cutler Vanderbilt
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 226
40 Time: 4.77
Best Case Scenario: Turns out all the hype was real, and he's a pro bowler.
Worst Case Senario: Goes alongside fellow highly drafted SEC QB's Heath Shuler, Tim Couch, and Quincy Carter (not a good sign to be used as a comparison in two worst case scenarios) as busts.
Possible Destination: (1st round) Tennessee, NY Jets, Oakland, Arizona, St. Louis, Minnesota
Video



4. Brodie Croyle Alabama
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205
40 Time: 4.88
Best Case Scenario: Is a rich man's Marc Bulger.
Worst Case Senario: Trend of him having trouble staying healthy continues.
Possible Destination: (2nd-4th round) Miami, Kansas City, NY Jets
Video

5. Charlie Whitehurst Clemson
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 223
40 Time: 4.75
Best Case Scenario: Has a solid career, starting, and not making many mistakes.
Worst Case Senario: Is as unpredicatable game-to-game as he was in college.
Possible Destination: Miami, Minnesota,
Video

6. Kellen Clemens Oregon
7. Omar Jacobs BGSU (Jr)*
8. Bruce Gradkowski Toledo
9. Marcus Vick Virginia Tech (Jr)*
10. Justin Holland Colorado St.
11. Darrell Hackney UAB
12. Brett Basanez Northwestern
13. Paul Pinegar Fresno St.
14. Tavaris Jackson Alabama St.
15. Drew Olson UCLA
16. Barrick Nealy Texas State
17. Erik Meyer Estern Washington
18. D.J Shockley Georgia
19. Reggie McNeal Texas A&M
20. Brad Smith Missouri
21. Michael Robinson Penn St.
22. Ryan Hart Rutgers
23. Brandon Kirsch QB Purdue
24. Joel Klatt Colorado
25. Cody Hodges Texas Tech
26. Ingle Martin Furman
27. Corey Bramlet Wyoming
28. Dustin Almond Southern Miss
29. Bruce Eugene Grambling
30. Josh Betts Miami
31. Kent Smith Central Michigan
32. Brett Elliot Linfield

JBond/Creek joint 1st round mock

JBond had odds, and I had evens.

1. Houston Texans-Reggie Bush RB/USC

I think the Texans will take Bush and not Mario here. Though they seem to like Williams, Bush is an explosive player, they need the cash that he will bring in, and he fits perfectly with Kubiak's system. I think he could be a BEAST in that system and really put the Texans on the map.

2. New Orleans Saints- Mario Williams DE NC State

The closer we get to the draft, the more and more it seems the Saints will trade out of this pick. If they stay here, every indication has been that they will pick Williams. After finishing near last in the league in team sacks, Mario would certainly help add more of a pass rush.

3. Tennessee Titans-Vince Young QB/Texas

Personally, I’d pick Leinart, but if it makes sense for a team to take Vince, it is the Titans. They can keep Volek and McNair, and groom Young for a year or two until McNair retires and Volek’s contract runs out. Then, he will come in, and I think be a near clone of McNair with a little more rushing ability. He has such physical talents and his arm can develop with Norm Chow there helping him along. It is a good fit, and one that makes sense.

Would I take him though over Leinart? Not a chance. That being said, the Titans GM may, and he has the decision.

4. New York Jets- Matt Leinart QB USC

Already JBond is leaving me out to dry with the tough picks. I think that, while most of us have D'Brick rated higher, the Jets won't pass on the Leinart. If it were down to VY or Cutler, I could see them going with Ferguson here. But let's face it, Patrick Ramsey isn't the answer. Unless the question was "who did the Jets bring in to not be their future QB."

5. Green Bay Packers-AJ Hawk LB/Ohio State

I’m not so sure Lavar will be joining a team with such uncertainty. Hawks apparently is very high on the list for Green Bay, and if Mario Williams isn’t there, I am hard-pressed to imagine the Packers going anywhere else with this pick. Obviously, a lot hinges on the Arrington signing and where he ends up, but if it is not Green Bay, grabbing one of their starting Lbs now is key and needed.

And with Hawk’s recent engagement, he is apart of the best looking couple ever. If there was ever a porno I’d buy, it would be Hawk/Quinn's sister/horse.

6. San Francisco 49ers- Vernon Davis TE Maryland

I think this is where Denver would move up to, but if they did this would still be the pick (although with D'Brick still there, someone else could look to move up. Buffalo maybe?). San Fran got rid of Brandon Lloyd and Rashaun Woods (not that he played much anyway though) so they will need someone on the team capable of catching passes. Davis certainly fits the bill.

7. Oakland Raiders-Haloti Ngata DT/Oregon

As creek mentioned, someone would have traded up for D’Brick by now (Buffalo or
Phili is my guess). So, don’t go bitching about him falling. The right teams will get the right players, don’t worry.

Like I’ve said before, I’ve studied up on Al Davis’ drafts. Though I haven’t perfected that art, I know he goes two ways. Either a workout warrior (see Fabian Washington,) or a man in the trenches (see Robert Gallery). If you want more examples, I have them. So, it looks to me like Ngata is the guy.

8. Buffalo Bills- D'Brickashaw Ferguson OT Virginia

D'Brick will be a top 6 pick, there is no doubt in my mind about that. If the Saints, and Jets pass up on him, the Bills will trade up to get him (Philly really doesn't have the pieces to move up). If D'Brick is gone, I think either Bunkley or Huff is the pick, but in this case, the Bills get lucky, and D'Brick falls to them.

9. Detroit Lions-Michael Huff DB/Texas

Matt Millen is a douche, I said it. He takes the BPA. Right now, that would be one of four guys:

1. DeAngelo Williams-Why the hell not? We can have 3 first round Wrs, 2 first round Rbs, bring back Harrington for a first round QB and still have absolute crap on the field. Thank you Matt Millen.
2. Winston Justice-He’s big, he’s strong, he’s from USC. Oh wait, that was Mike Williams
3. Jay Cutler-And the biggest need for this time is: Another QB who plays like Kyle Boller!
4. Michael Huff-He is a position of sort of need, he can play many things, is a hard hitter. Hmmm….maybe Millen makes a good decision?

10. Arizona Cardinals- Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt

With the other 2 QBs off the board (especially Vince Young... especially) the Cards take Cutler. I'm not buying all the "Cutler will fall to #17" speculation, I think he goes #11 at worst. With the Edge signing and Vernon Davis off the board, the Cards best bet is with Cutler.

11. St. Louis Rams-Tye Hill CB/Clemson

It was really down between Bunks and Hill here. I think with them getting Glover for the middle, they will go with Hill. Hill has the speed and aggressiveness to be a real factor and a shut down corner in this league. If Haslett wants to get his defense rolling, Hill is a great way to start. If Linehan wants to *********** the bed, he’ll take Cutler or something.

12. Cleveland Browns- Kamerion Wimbley DE/OLB/Wine Enthusiast FSU

I have narrowed it down to the Browns either picking Ngata or Wimbley. And with Ngata off the board, this certainly narrows it down. We all have heard that the Browns really like Wimbley, and I think they like him enough to take him over Bunkley.

13. Baltimore Ravens-Brodrick Bunkley DT/Florida State

Bunks and Justice at 13? It could happen, there is just so much talent in the top 12 spots of this draft. I really don’t think anyone can spell Brodrick’s name right though, even google f’s it up big time.

The Ravens need trench help. So, they could take either Bunks or Justice here. I think the team sees DT as more of a glaring hole though, and they seem to really like Bunkley. Damn, maybe I actually do wish he’d go to Cleveland. He’d be much less of a factor there…

14. Philadelphia Eagles- Winston Justice OT USC

Apparently this is the guy we want. I could see us trading up for him, but we get him here without. This could allow Andrews to stay inside at guard, and having Herremans at one tackle with Justice at the other. A lot of possibilities. And remember, Andy loves fat guys. Loves them.

15. Denver Broncos (f/ ATL)-Chad Jackson WR/Florida

I really think Denver moves up to 15 to either get Chad or package and move up for someone (well at least creek thinks that. He will cry when they don’t trade up for Vernon Davis. All you Broncos fans criticize him…NOW!)

Jackson is a Florida WR. Shanny isn’t the best judge of Wrs IMO. Can you say SWING and miss?

16. Miami Dolphins- Donte Whitner DB (No college) ; )

Dolphins should look secondary. I feel it was their biggest weakness last year (bigger than o-line), and they were forced to blitz more often to cover up for their secondary. Whitner is a great safety, and could maybe even play some CB if needed.

17. Minnesota Vikings-Ernie Sims LB/Florida State

Ultimately, if no QB is available, this has to be the guy Minny is targeting. He seems like he could be one of those players who does really good, then Chris Berman has a story about him and how his coaches and people said he never could make it as a football player, but he did and now he is solid. Then, by the end, you just want to kill Chris Berman, but you love Ernie Sims. I love Ernie Sims.

18. Dallas Cowboys- Chad Greenway LB Iowa

I got into a lengthy discussion about this pick before witha cowboys "insider", and while he feels (and I kind of do) the pick will be Bobby Carpenter, I've decided to shake things up a bit here with Greenway and see how it goes. They'll have to coach him up a bit, but it should definately bolster their already stellar defense.

19. San Diego Chargers-Jimmy Williams DB/Virginia Tech

Jason Allen or Jimmy Williams? San Diego is obviously looking for someone in the secondary. People always *********** at me because San Diego doesn’t take guys with character concerns. I just ask them if that is because of the pain Ryan Leaf caused them.

Williams just had a bad interview in sorts. He’s had no off the field issues, and he can play corner or S, two positions the Chargers need. It seems perfect in my opinion. He is a premium talent and should be talked about if he falls this far.

20. Kansas City Chiefs- Santonio Holmes WR Clown College

Damn, the guy I wanted for the Chiefs picked before me. Looks like KC will have to settle for the #1 WR in the draft (but certainly not the #1 WR in our hearts). Jason Allen would be an interesting pick here, but with conflicting reports about the results of his physicals, I'll hold off on him for now. KC has needed a big play WR for a while to take the pressure of the run game and Tony Gonzalez.

21. New England Patriots-DeAngelo Williams RB/Memphis

When Billy picked Watson over Troupe and Mankins over everyone else who was actually half decent, we all thought he was crazy. Then they were good and the people they were picked over sucked, and we thought he was a genius. Now, we all think he’ll pick Marshall the same way.

Bill is a genius, just as much as Quentin Tarantino is a genius. So, every three years or so, he will make the value pick and that guy still will be good. This year, he picks DeAngelo. If he does, that offense looks a helluva lot better.

22. Denver Broncos- Jason Allen DB Tennessee

This is a good fit for Allen. He doesn't have to play right away, but Lynch will be ready to hang them up soon, and Allen would be a suitable replacement.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Marcus McNeil OT/Auburn

I had a dream two nights ago. It was about the draft. It was all cracked out with weird people going to weird teams. But, anytime I have this dream, McNeil is a Buc. I see it and it’s him in the uniform, and he’s blocking for Cadillac. God is telling me this, he is.

24. Cincinnati Bengals- Eric Winston OT Miami

It seems either one, or both of Cincy's tackles will be gone after this year. Winston could come in, and anchor the line for the next 10 years. I have Winston as one of the top 10 players in the draft, and this would be an absolute steal.

25. New York Giants-Demeco Ryans LB/Alabama

Once again, I’m pegging them not to get Lavar. I think Ryans is a good fit for New York as their LB, seeing as they had major problems at that position last year. I don’t really think that they can afford that. Demeco is a good talent, and he should be in round one due to work ethic and all around player that he is. He seems to me to be a Coughlin type of guy.

26. Chicago Bears- Leonard Pope TE Georgia

And I REALLY wanted to take a CB here, but the Bears need to improve that pass game. Upgrading at tight end is a great way to start. It gives the QB a security blanket, and can eventually lead to WR's being open down field more often

27. Carolina Panthers-Bobby Carpenter LB/Ohio State

Now, the question becomes, do the Panthers take White with the new info about his torn hamstring. Do they really need another injury prone back? Had that information not gotten out, I would have picked him here. But, since Carpenter can play all three LB positions, he’d be a good choice here IMO. Oh well, we’ll see.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars- Thomas Howard LB UTEP

They need someone to come in and start at outside linebacker, and Thomas Howard is a guy they've been rumored to like. Very athletic guy who will fit in great in Jacksonville's D.

29. New York Jets-Jonathan Joseph CB/South Carolina

With Carpenter gone, and the signing of their new C, I think CB isn’t out of the relm of possibility. I have Joseph penned just above Cromartie because of his production, but it could go either way. No O-line provides value here. They can get Scott in the 2nd or something.

30. Indianapolis Colts- Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota

I think Addai is a better fit, but I remember Indy liking Maroney as far back as Minnesota's bowl game, which some of the Colt's staff attended to scout Maroney. They should take a RB here regardless of whom.

31. Seattle Seahawks-Antonio Cromartie CB/Florida State

I usually give Seattle Kiwi here. But, with Cromartie perking back up, I think they could take him. They literally have no good nickel corner, and I’m not a big fan of Kelly Herndon. If you just want to replace this pick with Kiwi, go ahead, I won’t be the thought police...

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- LenDale White RB USC

i15.photobucket.com/albums/a355/dickcox/pro-eater.jpg

THE PASTIME by wikkidpissah

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Professor's Pastime Prognostications

Baseball season has begun once again. I don’t remember when I first fell in love with America’s Pastime. Maybe it was when I was still in my single digits and Mike Schmidt was hitting long balls and Lefty was winding down his Phillies Career. I specifically remember going to a game when I was a kid and Von Hayes hit two Home Runs in one inning, playing alongside the likes of Juan Samuel and Dickie Thon. I must admit, the teams that I adored were not very successful, but to traipse down to the Vet on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy a ballgame and get the free piece of crap they were giving away was a time that I will always wish to have again.

My favorite memory came during the magical season of 1993. I went to 49 games that year and I wasn’t season ticket holder. There are so many moments to reminisce upon; one in particular will always define that season for me. It was a fireworks spectacular (that happened to be on July 2nd). You know the kind where they let the fans onto the field to watch a fireworks show after the game. My uncle and two brothers left for an afternoon twi-night doubleheader against the Padres at about 3 in the afternoon. Little did I know then, it would be one of the longest nights of my life.

The first game was slated to begin a little after 4:30pm. I didn’t live too far from the Vet, so we arrived with plenty of time to spare. The clouds overhead were looming, but if the forecast was right, that would be all. It started raining during the first game and the fireworks were in jeopardy. Overall, the first game sucked and through many rain delays, the phitins lost 5-2.

By this time it was about 12:30 my brothers were not interested in anything but leaving and going to bed. We knew the fireworks were not going to happen, at least not the fireworks you are thinking of. Veteran’s Stadium was filled with magic that year and this was only a continuation of that aura.

The umps decided to play the second game. It was scheduled TO BEGIN at 1:00am. Fans exited the stadium in droves, but not I. My uncle took the brats home, but vowed to return. I ushered down to the expensive seats that were at this point occupied by drunks and crazies that only Philly faithful would truly begin to understand.

The second game started out like the first, the crime dog driving in some runs for the Padres and the Phillies taking an early deficit. However, much like the rest of the year of 1993, the Phils found a way to persevere.

Around this time it late or early morning, depending on your perspective. We all seemed to be caught in a sort of limbo between reality and fantasy. Those that were not drunk felt that way from sleep depravation. It was nearing 4am and the team looked to be finished. The ninth inning was here and just at about the time that my uncle found his way back to me, the Phillies had begun a rally. They tied it up 5-5 in the ninth on a wild pitch with the bases loaded and the pitcher Tommy (T to) Green marched in with the game tying run to (OH GOD) send it into extra innings.



In between innings, you could see the Phillie Phanatic by looking up to the 700 level near the top of the Vet and see him line dancing just below the Jumbotron with what remaining stadium employees were left. At the beginning of the bottom of the ninth, the maybe thousand fans that were left had all placed our caps in our rally style, be it sideways or inside out or both to encourage our heroes of night.

The Padres brought in lights out Trevor Hoffman in the tenth to continue this game into the day as we were approaching 12 hours. The crowd cheered louder than a full house when The Wild Thing came in as a pinch hitter with a man on base. As the clock struck 4:41am, a mere 12 hours and 5 minutes after the first game had begun; Mitch Williams slammed a double in the gap off of Trevor Hoffman to end one of the greatest baseball marathons that I will ever see. I got home at about 6 am and the sun was coming up when I reached my door. I felt like someone had thrown me against the wall and it felt great.







Baseball 2006

Fast forward to the current season and we are at the time where everybody has promise and are poised to make the run with so many questions and the answers only to come in the next 6 months. Will the Yankees be able to buy a series? Will the Braves continue there annual dominance of the NL East? Does everyone realize that they have not lost the division ever since they joined in 1994? Will the young players mature or fizzle out like cheap snake fireworks on Independence Day? Will Chicago be able to repeat? Will the steroids debacle continue to tarnish the game we love?







My calls for the season ahead are as follows:

The Braves will win another division and be about as boring as can be. I hate them.
The Cardinals will be the Braves of this decade, so much talent and so many wins, but so few championships will be won.
Barry Bonds will move past the Babe and approach Hank, but succumb to injury and will never play again.
I had a prediction in here about J-Roll and his hit streak, but you all know how that turned out, so never mind. No one will know what I predicted. HA
Home Runs will drop down to what we all remember in the ‘80’s where 40 was a lot and 50 was a rarity.
Steroids will continue to take some from the game, but as implied in my statement above will start to fade, at least I hope.
The National League will finally win an All Star game. Ok, no they won’t
The American League will win the World Series again. They just have too many teams that can beat the National League.
The Phillies will make the playoffs as a Wild Card. And then I woke up. (boo-hoo)
There will be many players that come back from injury this year, like Scott Rolen, Jim Thome, Curt Schilling, and Roy Hallady.
Brett Favre will be at a Milwaukee Brewers game pondering his future and wondering why the hell he went to a Brewer’s game.
Bud Selig will contemplate retiring and wish that he had the respect and admiration of his NFL counterpart Paul Tagliabue. (Does anyone else think that Bud looks like Martin Landau from Ed Wood?)
Barry Zito will once again show that he can fool fans into thinking he is a good pitcher only to prove to them that he is awful.
The New York Mets have added more punch to their lineup, but won’t win because they don’t add any leaders.
Barry Bonds might get intentionally walked every single AB until the rest of the team learns how to hit a baseball.
The Texas Rangers will look into installing a mechanical fence to their outfield that can be moved out when the opponent is batting and moved back in when they are batting. 2006 Team Era: 5.50
I have decided that a team with a predominantly hitter’s park will never win a damn thing in this league.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is stupid. It just is.
Clint Barmes will break his coccyx after carrying a bull carcass up a flight of stairs and then getting a swift kick in the ass from his manager.
The World Baseball Classic is a stupid event and should be erased from our memories.
George Stienbrenner will build a giant safe on top of a hill and transfer all of his money into gold coins and then swim around in it.
Mark Teixeira will get close to winning the triple crown.
Derek Lee will come back to earth. Upon his return, he will state, “The Earth is really blue and round from space. I didn’t know that.”
Albert Pujols will sign a lucrative endorsement deal with mighty mint toilet cleaner and coin the slogan, From the Poo-holes to the blue holes with a fresh scent every time.




The Winners…

Atlanta Braves
St. Louis Cardinals
San Diego Padres
WC Houston Astros

New York Yankees
Chicago White Sox
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (again stupid name)
WC Seattle Mariners

World Series
Yankees over Cardinals in 5

NL MVP – Pujols
AL MVP – Teixeira
NL Cy Young – Jake Peavy
AL Cy Young – Roy Halladay

That’s how the Professor sees it and I hope that you all enjoy a new summer of fun. For you fantasy players out there, whether you play in a H2H or Roto style league, remember to always go with your gut and don’t look back.

THE PASTIME by wikkidpissah

PLAY BALL!!!!


April, the cruelest month. The lines have already been drawn for March – it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. The month of showers & mud, however, is more elusive. Some say it comes in like the Easter Bunny and goes out like a barbeque apron. For others, it comes in like a mission accomplished and goes out like a civil war. There are those who think April comes in like a supermodel and goes out like an E-felony. I met a person on the street once who thought it came in like a nail gun and out like a pomegranate. Many believe our fourth month to come in like a messiah and out like a Mini-Cooper, and some say in like a wet spot and out like a resolution. Readers of this column probably think it comes in like a thirty-year-old Saturday Night Live sketch and goes out like a fun new game for the entire family. For the record, my own personal belief is that it comes in like a mantra and out like a wolverine. Nufced.





For the fantasy sports fan, April can be the busiest month. My six fantasy basketball H2H teams are all in the playoffs (and, for the first time, I lead by a mile in a roto league, a format which used to murder me….my ESPN daily cap team is presently 9th in the NATION, out of about 25,000) and, yesterday, I drafted my ninth baseball squad for ’06 (BTW: the only player I drafted on every non-keeper was Joe Mauer). So, getting a feel for one’s new teams in one sport while making injury adjustments & lineup choices for the playoffs (someday I must explain to Creek what that’s like) keep the fantasy mind pointed in more directions than at any other time of the year. Let’s see of what we can make sense…

I haven’t really decided what form this Monday column should take and what readers we have are welcome to help me choose. If you want lineup advice to set your rosters (the Monday column usually comes out Sunday evening so there’s time), make sure to let LOCKERROOM know (or email me at wikkidpissah@yahoo.com). Should you prefer more analysis of the week just past, we want to hear that, too. Or, if your preference is for more general observations about trends I pick up, send word. Hopefully, there will be a little of each every week, but I also would like to shape this space to suit as many tastes as possible. For this week, I’m just going to breeze thru each division and tell you what I’m seeing and thinking so far. Here goes:

AL East – Got a feeling this is the last year of the two behemoths dominating this division. With the age of the Sox and, especially, the Yankees, the new commitment of Toronto to being a true national team, Baltimore’s live young arms now being guided by the greatest specialty coach in sports & Tampa Bay assembling the best group of young talent since the 90’s Marlins and Indians, the East has potential to be an unprecedented powerhouse…With their similarities in stuff & general makeup, I really believe Beckett & Schilling will feed off each other and become to pitching what Papi & ManRam are to hitting…the soft underbelly for the BoSox is that the bottom of their batting order could be the worst it's been in forty years…the top eight in the Yankees lineup average 34 years of age, their two aces are 42 & 37 and their redoubtable closer is 36. Is this the year the rocking chair breaks?…the average fastball speed of the Oriole starters is 96 mph. Can Mazzone harness the stuff of these Nuke LaLooshes?...This season’s five-tool player to put it all together in ’06 (a la GSizemore last season) – Alexis Rios…I really, reeeally hope the Rays’ management stops their practice of frustating potential trading partners with outrageous price tags so they can may the adjustments (pitching?) to make this the exciting young team it should be.

AL Central – Can Ozzie Guillen’s oddball style keep this team of perfectly ordinary players running uphill now that they are champs? One big factor in his favor: when Javier Vasquez is your 5th starter (and my favorite young ace, BMcCarthy in the wings) slumps are going to be hard to come by….I love the Indians lineup (and am hoping Eduardo Perez, the best unknown stick in ball, gets out of the platoon at 1st) , but can a team whose staff is led by two lefties stay pointed in the right direction?…Baseball is healthiest when at least one rust belt team is contending, so I’ve rooted for the Tigers comeback since that awwwful season they had. They’re halfway, so was there a stupider way to spend that put-us-over-the-top money than KRogers? Yes, Todd Jones….Even if JMauer is the stud I think he’ll be, this is one shabby-ass Twin offense - especially for a team pretending to contend. Forget Tony Batista – Rondell White at cleanup? Really?!...Why is going to Royals Stadium a waste of an afternoon? Because, in most fantasy drafts, the first 20 rounds go by without a SINGLE Royal taken (Sweeney/Burgos tie for most fantasy value).

AL West – On the other side of evaluating real teams by fantasy drafts, can the Angels contend with only two members of their batting order (Vlad, Fig) regularly being chosen in the top 15-20 rounds? Their solid five-deep starting staff will be the key to their success, too …No starter-closer combo throws as much absolute filth as Harden-Street do. Will that be enough to carry an outfield of Bradley-Kotsay-Swisher?...VPadilla has a chance to be Comeback Player of the Year (yes, even in that ballpark) but, even if he does, AEaton’s injury leaves the 3-4-5 spots in the staff manned by guys named Loe, Dickey & Koronka…Didn’t like Cleveland being led by two lefty starters, so how would I feel about Moyer, Hernandez, Washburn in Seattle? Now that baseball is so slugger-oriented, exciting young hurlers are more rare & exciting than hitters, so I’m hoping Fe-nom lives up to it. Though I believe you should have to overcome something besides previous sucking to qualify for the CPoY award, ABeltre is a strong candidate.

NL East – Won’t be long before CUtley & RHoward are the biggest one-two punch in the NL. If Abreu & Burrell stay viable until that occurs, big things could happen in Philly…I’ve mentioned others already, but the Smoltz-Hudson will be the best 1-2 starters in the game. Will the rest of the pitchers lose ground without Mazzone, however? And, will that cause them to lose their 1st division title since 1934?...I'm usually excited when a team makes those few ideal-seeming moves to put their team over the top. Then why am I just waiting for the other shoe to drop at Shea?...How can getting one of the most talented players in baseball for virtually nothing turn your team into total shit just like that? Soriano will show the Nats how…Y’all are too young to remember when Commissioner Kuhn (who ever thought I be nostalgic about ol’ Boring Bowie) would step in to stop Charlie Finley’s fire sales of Oakland As. Florida’s 2nd such sale in five years borders on fraudulant business practice and should have been intervened upon for the good of the game, especially when it leaves the games two most exciting young talents stranded in an Everglade of incompetence. Gator alert!

NL Central – If I didn’t like North Siders so much (as the NL equivalent of Fenway fans), this Prior/Wood thing would be hilarious….the double play combo of RWeeks & JJHardy will lead the BrewCrew to a 90-win season (if Sheets gets 30+ starts) and a challenge of the Cards. Hardy is easily the best player nobody is drafting…I don’t care how bad the rest of your division is – if your teams have LF manned by a platoon of Bigbie/Taguchi and 2B by Miles/Spivey, you ain't no cinch. I am starting to think JMarquis just might be the greatest beneficiery of the Age 27 Syndrome, though…It should be illegal to charge money for tickets to see teams with Tony Womack playing 2B. I really hope BArroyo shows the Sox they made a huge mistake trading him for Wily Mo. He has the stuff & temperament to do so, even in that launching pad….No pitching staff has equal chances to be really, really good or really, really bad like the Pirates’. Are Casey-Burnitz-Randa the most exciting offseason moves EVER?!

NL West – The thing obscured by all the controversy is that, during the juice period, Barry Bonds learned how to be the best hitter who ever lived. He’s become sooo unbelievable that, if his knees hold up early and he isn’t suspended so long that he can’t qualify, my money says he’ll play a little joke on baseball by forgetting the fences in order to hit .400. Should he try that, Ty Cobb’s .426 is in jeopardy…Are the Dodgers the most boring team ever assembled? Perfectly suits those fans…the Padres are the Twins West – a seriously shabby lineup for a team with post-season ambitions…does anyone else think that the home-road Jekyll & Hyde act that elevation issues have caused the Rockies to irrevocably become is as bad for the game as Marlin fire sales?...Could he NL West be the first division nobody wins?

The most important thing fantasy sports has done for me is to once again bring this game back to the pastime it was for me before I moved away from living in major league cities. So streaming results aren’t hot dogs & foul balls – let’s still play two. May your spring hopes find the promise of endless summers and bring bountiful fall harvests. Play hard -

BIG TIME!

You know, last friday, I promised to drop some more fantasy baseball rankings, but screw it, IT'S WRESTLEMANIA WEEKEND! I could write up a column about how one of my all time favorites, Lance Storm, is coming out of retirement to compete for Philadelphia based independant promotion Ring of honor, but I'm afraid about only 5% of the population cares about Indy wrestling.

But as for 'Mania, here's the predictions:




JBL vs. Chris Benoit(c) (U.S Title Match)

I feel like this would be a solid opener. JBL's hand is all better, and this should be a stiff, very entertaining encounter. Benoit just won the title, and JBL jobbed to the Boogeyman as recently as 2 months ago, so all signs point to Benoit retaining. However, Lashley is ready for a U.S title run, and JBL would be the perfect guy for him to fued with over it. I tought their previous feud should have lasted longer.

Winner: JBL





Candice Michelle vs. Torrie Wilson (Playboy Pillow fight)

As much as I love wrestling, I hate this crap. Keep my hot chicks, and my wrestling seperate, especially at the biggest event of the year. It's the "showcase of the immortals," not a damn T-n-A (pun not intended) contest. We really need this on the card over MnM defending the titles? Candice has had all the Playboy hype, she'll win, but we're all losers for having seen this.

Winner: Candice


Ric Flair vs. RVD vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Matt Hardy vs. Fit Finlay vs. Bobby Lashley (MITB Ladder Match)

A lot of great elements in this match. The athleticism of RVD, Hardy, and Shelton, the stiffness of Finlay, the brute power of Lashley, and the greatest of all time, Ric Flair. Looking forward to some creative spots in this match, with all the diverse styles. Hardy and Finlay don't have a shot to win, Shelton looks to have a nice IC title run ahead, and Lashley isn't ready to compete for the heavyweight title. That leaves Flair and RVD. A creative way to book this, would be to have RVD win it, then cash in his title shot at ECW One Night Stand. However, giving Flair one last run at the title would be fun as well, from a nostalgia standpoint.

Winner: Ric Flair


Kane/Big Show(c) vs. Carlito/Masters (Raw Tag Team Title Match)

I think this will be a nice little match, even though most are down on it. Carlito has a lot of tricks up his sleeve, and performing at 'Mania is the fastest way to get a push the main event (besides marrying the bosses daughter). I'm not a Chris Masters' fan, but Carlito and he would make nice heel champions. Show and Kane need the titles off them if they want us to keep caring baout the division. Although, I always will, as I am a big mark for tag team wrestling.

Winner: Carlito & Masters


Booker T & Sharmell vs. The Boogeyman (Handicap Match)

The only other match on the card I'm not looking forward to besides the pillow fight. JBL was 11 month champ and jobbed to Boogey, so they're not going to have him lose. I think he'll get the pinfall victory over Sharmell, as having Boogey pin Booker would be just about the stupidest thing they could do. But it is the WWE, so who knows.

Winner: Boogeyman


Edge vs. Mick Foley (Hardcore Match)

Definately the match I'm most looking forward to. Mick has promised us a Wrestlemania moment, and they've already teased thumbtacks, barbed-wire bates, and flaming tables. This is going to be a bloodfest, where both guys will juice heavy. There will be the one big spot that will make this Mick Foley's WM moment, but Edge steals it with help from Lita.

Winner: Edge


The Undertaker vs. Mark Henry (Casket Match)

If the Undertaker's win streak ends at the hands of Mark Henry, I'll eat my hat. 14-0 Nufced.

Winner: Undertaker


Vince McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels (No Holds Barred Match)

Hmmm.... will this match be able to top Shawn's match with Shane? I really think it would have been better to put Shane/Shawn at 'Mania, and let Shane do his crazy ass thang, but this match will still work because McMahon will bleed heavily, and everyone will enjoy seeing Shawn beat te crap out of him. Still have no clue why this fued started, but thankfully/hopefully it will be over after 'Mania. They probably have something planned as far as a debut/return run in is concerned. Much like Roddy Piper as WM 19.

Winner: Shawn Michaels


Trish Stratus(c) vs. Mickie James (Women's Title Match)

The best built program in some time, and the 1st women's match I have looked forward to in 3 years. Mickie James is amazing. absolutely great physcotic character, and the bloody-nosed kiss skit on Raw was great. should be a very good match like the one they had at New Years Revolution. Hope this fued keeps going.

Winner: Mickie James


John Cena(c) vs. Triple H (WWE Title Match)

Yes, we all are sick of Cena with the strap, and after putting over people at the last 2 'Mania's, HHH will take back the gold here. Chicago crowd will obviously be giving Cena plenty of Heat, and a heel turn for Cena would be GREAT, as long as it didn't come at the expense of turning HHH face, which it would have to. Oh, the heel turn is a comin', just not yet.

Winner: HHH


Kurt Angle(c) vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton (Heavyweight Title Match)

This match should go on last. Angle won't win it, as he has a history of losing at 'Mania, and he needs time off for his neck. So it comes down to Rey or Randy. The WWE has been pushing the Eddie angle all winter, and it would only make sense to have it culminate in his friend Rey winning the title. Plus, randy and rey could fued all spring until Batista comes back. Triple threats are tough, but if they do it right (and I think they will), we could have a rare case of having the main event be the best match on the card.

Winner: Rey Mysterio