football – The Cover 4

Don’t Be “That Guy” During your Fantasy Draft

August 21, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

It’s officially August, and that means it’s the time of year that sports fans forget about all other fantasies that don’t involve fantasy football. Although many of us have been doing mock drafts and rating running backs since the Super Bowl ended, draft time is officially right around the corner. With crimes being so rampant in the NFL right now, I’m here to make sure you don’t commit one during your draft. Don’t be the one who ruins their league’s draft and gets his trades vetoed all season long. Everyone hates “that guy.” Nobody wants to be “that guy.” So, don’t be “that guy.” Protect yourself and don’t act as any of the following:

The Delay of Game

Don’t be the guy who shows up late to his draft. Odds are you’ve known about the date and time for weeks. If you’re doing an online draft, all it takes is one or two auto drafts and not only can your team be ruined, but the whole league drastically changes. If you are all drafting in person, you are making the whole league wait on you. We all know that fantasy drafts are a process that will take hours to get done. Also, by being late you drastically increase the risks that the beer will be gone before the kickers start going. If you make the league wait for the draft, you will wait on the league during the draft. Enjoy being the guy to grab everyone’s beers from the fridge.

The Bum

If you’re playing in a money league, don’t show up to the draft without having paid your dues. Asking someone for money is always an awkward situation, so do your best to avoid it and pay on time. Don’t be the douche that keeps trying to get out of paying because he doesn’t like the team he drafted. The earlier that all the money is collected, the better it is for the entire league. Good luck trying to get a guy that is 2-10 to fork over $100 come playoff time. Make it easy for everyone and don’t be the bum that can’t pay.

The Caveman

This is the guy who has been living under a rock, sat in the dark, or suffered a serious head injury the day before the draft. You know, the guy who is going to draft Aaron Hernandez in the fourth round and think he got a steal. You’ll know you are this guy because you will draft a person and immediately hear the entire room laugh out loud at you. Not only will you ruin your draft, but you will be the butt of every joke the entire season.

The Whiner

We’ve all heard them before: “I never get the first pick,” “this is the worst year to pick eighth,” or “if I had your pick my team would be so much better.” There’s always that guy who decides to whine about his draft position. Nobody wants to hear your excuse for why your team sucks. It’s not where you drafted, it’s just you.

The Whistleblower

This is the guy who gets most hated by his fellow fantasy players. It’s bound to happen at some point during the draft, and odds are it will ruin the pick you had lined up. This is the guy who yells “How is (insert player here) still on the board in this round?!” If you scream about a player still sitting on the board, everyone who wanted that player will hate you and rightfully so. Odds are some people saw him, but didn’t want to blow their chance getting him by yelling it out. This is a fantasy no-no and may get you punched in the throat.

The Einstein

Big whoopdy doo, you watched NFL Network and ESPN all week long and are throwing around more facts than Biogenesis throws out steroids. Few things are more annoying than this guy. Just because you watched and read Matthew Berry all week doesn’t mean you should pretend to be him. Nobody likes a know-it-all and everyone hates a person who simply is ACTING like a know-it-all. No matter what you say, I don’t need to know the name of every center, tackle or guard and their lingering ankle, middle toe or nipple injury to draft my running back. Some things are better left unsaid.

The Computer Thief

If you’ve ever had to share your computer with someone during a fantasy draft, you’ll know that this is one of the worst things that can happen. Don’t be the guy who forgets to bring his laptop to the draft. When you make someone else share their computer with you, you take away their time to research, can look at their draft queue, and just all around piss that person off. Make sure to bring your own computer and charge it before the draft. Draft picks are like girlfriends, some things you just don’t share.

The Macaulay Culkin

This is the guy who brags about his fantasy championships throughout the draft even though he hasn’t won in years. The only champ that escapes being a Macaulay Culkin is the league’s champion from last year. If you won your league last year, boast away, you’ve earned it. If you have to talk about the 8-man league you won five years ago, nobody wants to hear it. You may have been a hit in the past and had some glory moments, but you’re washed up now.

The Snail

There’s a time limit on draft picks for a reason, so don’t be that guy who uses the ENTIRE time limit each and every time you pick. Fantasy drafts are already a long process and don’t need to be made longer by you taking forever to decide between kickers. Few things are more annoying than the first or twelfth pick taking the full time for their two picks in a row. It’s like being stuck in line at a drive-thru because the guy in front of you placed a huge order. Don’t be the guy that slows everything down to a snail’s pace.

The Ed Hochuli

This is the guy who is constantly asking about the rules of the league. He’s either complaining about them, asking what they are or suggesting new ones. He’s bound to bust out, “we should really go PPR” or “the flex position shouldn’t allow running backs,” if it would help his team out. All this does is make everyone else wish they hadn’t allowed you in the league. The draft is not the time to bring up issues with league rules.

The Sleeper

This is the guy who read a bunch of fantasy articles about this year’s fantasy football sleepers and proceeds to draft every player named. Not only does he draft every sleeper, he also makes sure everyone knows that the player is indeed a sleeper. If you say “this guy is going to be good, he’s my sleeper pick,” you’re guilty. He’s everyone’s sleeper pick and ESPN has shown him about 10 times in their fantasy sleeper segment. By the end of the draft this guy is bragging about his team’s potential and the entire league is hoping that they’re all busts.

The Roster-bater

So the draft is completely over and you managed to not commit any of the acts that’ll turn you into “that guy.” You’re not out of danger yet, however, and the last thing you want to do is be caught roster-bating. Roster-bating is when you simply stare at your team saying how good your team is and how much you love it. If you’re going to do it, don’t do it out loud or in public, you’ll only embarrass yourself.

Filed Under: Featured, Football, General Tagged With: Aaron Hernandez, ACTING, back, Computer Thief, draft, Ed Hochuli, ENTIRE, ESPN, football, Macaulay Culkin, nfl, PPR, super bowl, talk, time, year

Q & A with Arena League’s Tysson Poots

August 15, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

The Cover 4 was able to catch up with Arena League Wide Receiver Tysson Poots. Poots, originally from Las Vegas, plays for the Arizona Rattlers, who will be playing in the Arena Bowl this weekend for the league championship.
This article is particularly special for our site as I went to High School with Poots and actually lined up against him every day in practice. I like to think I played pretty well against him but my memory is a little foggy nowadays.

Poots has always been a special talent. As a two-time All State Wide Receiver, Poots went onto shatter receiving records for the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds. Poots finished his college career with 3,970 receiving yards. Additionally, Poot’s 282 career receptions and 43 touchdowns allowed him to finish as the ninth-leading receiver in FCS history.

At the end of the 2012 season, Poots was ranked as the 13th best player in the Arena League.

http://www.arenafootball.com/sports/a-footbl/aflrtl/mtt/tysson_poots_830726.html

What is the biggest difference from the College Game to the Arena League? How about Arena to the NFL?

The biggest difference is, of course, the field and gameplay. Everything happens so much faster in the Arena League because of the small size of the field. Also, the Arena players were All-Stars on their college team and a majority of them were with a NFL team at one point; the competition level is so high.
Another thing is that they are both professional league. The main difference is the NFL has a 53 man roster and Arena has a 24 man roster, which makes both very hard to make in there own right.

Can you walk us through a typical week in your life during the season?

A typical week would be a game played on Saturday. Sunday would be a recovery day. Most of us players head into treatment and start healing the bumps and bruises. Monday is the same thing as Sunday as we prepare to get our bodies ready for the following game. Tuesday we get up early, head to the facility to start meetings around 7:30. Offense and defense will both lift weights before or after practice depending on the day. Practice Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30-11:30. Friday is a final preparation day with meetings and then it’s Saturday and game day again. My off time is spending watching tv, getting involved in the community, and playing some video games.

What is the hardest part of being a professional athlete?

The hardest part is definitely staying on top of your health and body. Eating right, staying hydrated and getting the right treatment on whatever you need throughout the week is crucial to have effective practices as you prepare for the upcoming game. Games are tough/hard but those are what you prepare for, to go out and have fun.

What has been your favorite moment as a professional athlete thus far?

The guys I’ve met and teammates I’ve had and have. There are many amazing people in the sport I play and to meet some of best players is just a blessing. You can learn a lot from everyone you meet and go to battle with in the games. Another favorite moment is definitely playing in big playoff games and interacting with the fans.

If you weren’t playing football, what would you be doing?

I would be training people to better their lives and/or athletes improving their abilities. There is nothing better to me then seeing someone get to where they want to be health wise. I would enjoy passing along some of the knowledge I’ve picked up along the way to anyone wanting to listen and get better.

Coming from Las Vegas (an area not known for their HS Football) and a smaller 1-AA school, do you still feel like you have to prove the doubters you are able to play with anyone?

I do, at times, still feel like I need to prove something, but I have nothing wrong with feeling that way. It makes me play with a chip on my shoulder, therefore adding to the intensity I can bring to the field.

You’ve been a touchdown machine in the AFL. Rumor has it you may have the best TD celebrations in the game. Where do you come up with your ideas?

Well in the AFL you can do almost anything you want in the endzone; I like to involve my teammates. I score because of them and I realize that. So sometimes I’ll be watching tv and see a current event or something interesting and I’ll try to incorporate that into my thought process. When my teammates are in, the celebrations just sky rocket and ideas start flowing.

After dominating the league last year, you’ve missed some time battling injuries this year. Is Tysson Poots finally 100% healthy? What are we going to see out of you in this Arena Bowl?

Well once you start your season, you are no longer 100%. Regardless if there is an injury or not, it comes down to who can take care of their body the best. As a result, who can produce and stay on the field. Hopefully in the ArenaBowl I play well and have fun. Not everyone gets the chance to play in championship games, so I’m looking to seize the day and take advantage of the opportunity.

You’re about to play in the biggest game of your professional career so far. What is going through your head?

Right now I’m just relaxing and soaking it all in. RELAX is the key word. Stress and anxiety can tire you mentally and physically. I’m definitely aware of the opportunity ahead but preparing smart and trying to not get to work up to early.

Bold Prediction: Tysson Poots finishes with __ yards and __ touchdowns in the Arena Bowl.

You know I never predict any stats for myself. I plan on playing well and taking advantage of the plays that are sent my way.

Do you still have aspirations of playing in the NFL? If so, have you and your agents been in contact with any teams?

I do but I try not to think about it that much. I can only control what I can control and that’s how I look at it. However, if an opportunity comes my way, I am going to jump all over it.

If the NFL is not an option, will you explore the CFL?

I’ve thought of playing in the CFL, which is a great league and would be an amazing opportunity. We always check out different leagues and CFL is a definite possibility to look at if I need too.

At the end of the day, where does Tysson Poots play football next year?

Can’t really say, that’s the life of a football player, you just never know. But I will say I am happy where I am at in Arizona with the Rattlers. It would be an honor be back with this team and organization.

Watch Poots and his Arizona Rattlers take on the Philadelphia Soul in a rematch of last years Arena Bowl. The Arena Bowl XXVI Championship Game will be played on Saturday, August 17th at 1 pm EST and can be viewed on the CBS Television Network. Best of luck in the Arena Bowl this weekend Tysson. We are all rooting for you.

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James Kaikis
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Filed Under: Football, General Tagged With: arena bowl, arena league, Arizona rattlers, CFL, championship, Coronado high school, football, las vegas, Nevada, nfl, Orlando, Poots, receiving, southern Utah, Touchdown, Tysson Poots, wide receiver

The Sound Off by Long Island Sound

August 15, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

The Cover 4 presents you The Sound Off by Long Island Sound…

Let us know what you think!

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Thank you for reading The Cover 4! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Oh yeah, tell your friends too!

Long Island Sound
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Filed Under: The Sound Off Tagged With: 49ers, colin kaepernick, college football, cover 4, facebook, football, Heisman, james kaikis, Johnny Manziel, kevin schlegel, long island sound, nfl, Quarterback, sports, talk, Texas A&M, the cover 4, the sound off, twitter

Don’t Be “That Guy” During your Fantasy Draft

August 10, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

The Delay of Game

The Bum

The Caveman

The Whiner

The Whistleblower

The Einstein

The Computer Thief

The Macaulay Culkin

The Snail

The Ed Hochuli

The Sleeper

The Roster-bater

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Thank you for reading The Cover 4! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Tye Masters
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Filed Under: Football, General Tagged With: cover 4, draft, fantasy, fantasy football, football, james kaikis, league, National Football League, nfl, NFL draft, preseason, rankings, that guy, trophy, tye masters, Win

Mock Draft: Version B

April 25, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Mock Draft: Version B April 25, 2013

There’s only one day until draft day and it’s time to see whether your team’s pick will leave you smiling, yelling at the TV or simply nodding your head. While I’m sure there will be some trades made throughout the draft, this mock is composed if the order goes as is. Usually people build mock drafts that they think improve their old one, I’m going a different direction. It’s not more likely to happen, but a set of scenarios that could result in a completely different draft. Version B takes a few more chances and goes a little unconventional. Draft day always has a couple shockers though.

To view Version1: https://thecover4.com/2013/04/16/nfl-mock-draft-1-0/

(Please read Version 1)

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Positions of need: Defensive Line and Offensive Line

The Chiefs drafting Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joekel still makes too much sense. Andy Reid needs to protect Alex Smith if he wants to see him do anything productive. Yes, the Chiefs are still looking to trade down to snag some more picks but I don’t see any team trading picks to get the first overall pick. Again, we’re more likely to see Andy Reid in a Weight Watchers commercial before we hear of a trade happening. The Chiefs are going to bring in Joekel, trade Brandon Albert to the Dolphins and hopefully begin a new era in Kansas City. If the Albert trade doesn’t go through, the Chiefs are going to be stuck with more tackles than their run defense had last year.

Previous Pick: Luke Joekel

Pick: Luke Joekel

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Positions of need: Quarterback, Linebacker, Offensive and Defensive Line

As seen from the positions of need for the Jaguars, they need help everywhere. It’s damn near impossible for the team to make a pick and have it not be a good move. They’re that bad. I still like the idea of taking a pass-rusher here. The entire team had less sacks than J.J. Watt last year. They need the help on the defensive line, and Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan provides that. While the Jaguars may be tempted to snag Ziggy Ansah, Jordan is the more polished of the two.

Previous Pick: Dion Jordan

Pick: Dion Jordan

3. Oakland Raiders

Position of Need: Defensive Tackle

Oakland fans, there is only one day left until the draft and your team has managed to keep its draft pick. Let’s hope they can make it through the next 24 hours. The Raiders lost both Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour this off-season leaving them with a huge need at defensive tackle. I’d prefer Utah’s Star Lotulelei but the media has hyped up Florida’s Shariff Floyd as the go-to-guy for defensive tackle. The Raiders haven’t had a first rounder in a while and hopefully it’s something that they won’t mess up. The pick’s staying the same and rolling with Floyd.

Previous Pick: Shariff Floyd

Pick: Shariff Floyd

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Positions of need: Quarterback, Linebacker and Offensive Line

Hey, it’s our first change in the draft! From everything that has been coming out of the Eagles camp in the draft, Chip Kelly’s offense GOES. I’m personally about the “try and draft as many Eagles’ players as I can” in my fantasy draft. With this new offense, the Eagles are about to need some offensive linemen that can hustle and keep up. So, whose name will we see on a personalized post-workout smoothie in Eagles camp after the draft? They’ll get themselves an athletic offensive lineman and we’ll see Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher running up and down the field come September.

~~Previous Pick: Star Lotulelei~~

Pick: Eric Fisher

5. Detroit Lions

Positions of need: Offensive Line and Defensive Line

The Lions lost Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril and Jeff Backus this year. That leaves some major holes at the line of scrimmage. Rumor has it that they really want Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner as well. So do they go for a pass rusher or take the corner to protect from being destroyed by Aaron Rodgers twice a year? I think they’ll roll with Milliner rather than take the risk on Ziggy Ansah. Even though that ESPN article came out about Milliner’s surgeries, I think that’s more news to us than to NFL teams.

~~Previous Pick: Eric Fisher~~

Pick: Dee Milliner

6. Cleveland Browns

Positions of need: Cornerback and Linebacker

If Milliner fell to them I think they would take him, but they might not have the opportunity. It’s too much of a reach to take a linebacker, they don’t need the last top lineman available, and their dream cornerback tandem is gone. So, I think it’s between snagging West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith or improving their pass rush. I think Smith makes sense with this pick over Ansah. It might seem like a bit of a reach but what do the Browns have to lose? Brandon Weeden is not the future, take the best quarterback in the draft and see where it goes.

~~Previous Pick: Dee Milliner~~

Pick: Geno Smith

7. Arizona Cardinals

Positions of need: Offensive Line. They need something that can actually move.

The Cardinals are screaming that Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson made it to them. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if someone was willing to trade with the Browns to move up and snag the last of the elite tackles available. Johnson will never make it past the Cardinals. Old man Carson Palmer will be protected.

Previous Pick: Lane Johnson

Pick: Lane Johnson

8. Buffalo Bills

Positions of need: Quarterback

This is where I go a little crazy and completely buy into rumors. As much as I’d love to see Kevin Kolb Kolbing it up next year, I don’t see it happening. Kolb is the guy that enters the game and everyone you’re watching the game with knows he’s going to mess up, get hurt or both. Doug Marrone and the Bills coaching staff have a good relationship with their former Syracuse quarterback and it seems like they may just take Ryan Nassib with this pick, especially if Geno is gone. Do I think Nassib is a first-round pick? No, but it’s nothing new for me to be surprised on draft day.

~~Previous Pick: Geno Smith~~

Pick: Ryan Nassib

9. New York Jets

Positions of need: Defensive Line, Linebacker and Wide Receiver

I still think that Rex Ryan is taking a pass rusher, the name has just changed. I said in the first version of this mock draft that it was between BYU’s Ziggy Ansah and LSU’s Barkevious Mingo. The media have been talking up a storm about Ansah and may have just talked him past Mingo. It may be the case that Ryan develops Ansah into an absolute beast. The Jets will now be hoping that Ziggy will be able to cause more fumbles than the ass of Mark Sanchez’s lineman.

~~Previous Pick: Barkevious Mingo~~

Pick: Ziggy Ansah

10. Tennessee Titans

Positions of need: Offensive Line and Defensive Line

I still think that its too early to take a guard in this draft and after Lane Johnson there isn’t a lineman worth a top-10 pick. I think they’ll help bolster their pass rush and add LSU’s Barkevious Mingo. Mingo is one of the best pass rushers available in the draft and is a more polished product than Ansah.

~~Previous Pick: Ziggy Ansah~~

Pick: Barkevious Mingo

11. San Diego Chargers

Positions of Need: Offensive Line & Linebacker

I just said that guards are not generally top-10 picks and luckily this is pick number 11. The Chargers have a huge need on the offensive line and to give Philip Rivers some protection. Ideally, the Chargers would trade up to the Browns position or higher and take one of the elite tackles. If they’re not able to do that though, look for them to go to the next best thing and take North Carolina offensive guard Jonathan Cooper.

Previous Pick: Jonathan Cooper

Pick: Jonathan Cooper

12. Miami Dolphins

Positions of need: Offensive Line, Defensive Line and Cornerback

The Dolphins lost their staple on their offensive line when Jake Long decided to head to St. Louis and have had their eye on Brandon Albert. This pick is going to be contingent on whether the Dolphins feel they can get the deal done. I think the Albert deal gets done and the Dolphins will still focus on their offensive line. Ryan Tannehill just got some nice toys and is going to need time to play with them. Take a chance on Alabama offensive guard Chance Warmack and protect the quarterback.

~~Previous Pick: D.J. Fluker~~

Pick: Chance Warmack

13. Jets (From the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Positions of need: Cornerback, Tight End and Defensive Line

The Bucs got the deal done with Darrelle Revis and gave up the 13^th pick in the process. The Jets give themselves two picks in the top 13, but gave up arguably the best position player in football. I think the Bucs got a steal by not having to pay future guaranteed money to Revis, and the Jets will look to make a steal of their own with this pick. While Rex Ryan loves defense, the Jets need a playmaker on the offensive side of the ball. I think they take the best wide receiver in the draft and snag West Virginia’s Tavon Austin. The Jets somehow need to find a way into the end zone.

~~Previous Pick: Xavier Rhodes (Bucs)~~

Pick: Tavon Austin

14. Carolina Panthers

Positions of need: Defensive Line, Cornerback and Wide Receiver

The Panthers need to address their defensive issues. The Panthers are salivating at Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei falling to them in the draft. In my previous version, I had Lotulelei going fourth overall to the Eagles, but its very possible he falls here in the draft (especially considering his medical issues). He could be the steal of the draft if the Panthers can get him here. They’d be fools to not draft him.

~~Previous Pick: Sheldon Richardson~~

Pick: Star Lotulelei

15. New Orleans Saints

Positions of need: Linebacker, Defensive Line, Safety and Offensive Tackle

I still think that the Saints and Rob Ryan get themselves a pass rusher with this pick. D.J. Fluker is sitting there but Ryan will convince them to pass him up. Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones didn’t do himself any favors with his draft or pro-day performance, but I STILL can’t see him falling below here. They keep with Jones.

Previous Pick: Jarvis Jones

Pick: Jarvis Jones

16. St. Louis Rams

Positions of need: Wide Receiver, Safety and Linebacker

The Rams have a need at wide receiver but they won’t be able to get the one they want. If Austin is gone at this point in the draft, they might as well snag the best safety in the draft and address their wide receiver issue later. They’ll roll with Texas’ Kenny Vaccaro and improve their secondary immediately.

~~Previous Pick: Tavon Austin~~

Pick: Kenny Vaccaro

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Positions of need: Linebacker, Defensive Line, Safety and Tight End

While I didn’t think the Steelers would take an offensive player with their first-round pick, it’s entirely possible. With Kenny Vaccaro, the elite outside linebackers and defensive ends gone, the Steelers may look to potentially replace Heath Miller. Miller’s coming off of surgery and Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert is just getting more and more hype. I had him going 30^th last time but this could be the right fit and the right situation. Don’t be surprised if you hear Eifert’s name come pick 17.

~~Previous Pick: Kenny Vaccaro~~

Pick: Tyler Eifert

18. Dallas Cowboys

Positions of need: Offensive Line and Safety

As a Cowboys fan I want Kenny Vaccaro to be available here. If he is available and he is passed up, I will be screaming at the TV and hoping Jerry Jones can hear me. Odds are that it’s not going to happen so I think they look towards one of their lines. It’d be between Alabama offensive tackle D.J. Fluker to boost the offensive line or Sheldon Richardson to help the move to the 4-3 defense. Jerry invested heavy in Tony Romo this offseason and needs to protect that investment. Take Fluker and protect the quarterback.

~~Previous Pick: Chance Warmack~~

Pick: D.J. Fluker

19. New York Giants

Positions of need: Linebacker and Defensive Line

Although the Giants have a need on the defensive line, it wouldn’t surprise me if they addressed some secondary issues. With Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes on the board, I think they would be inclined to take the chance. If you think I’m overvaluing him, opposing receivers against him averaged just 5.7 yards per completion.

~~Previous Pick: Bjoern Werner~~

Pick: Xavier Rhodes

20. Chicago Bears

Positions of need: Linebacker and Defensive tackle

For the same reasons I said in version 1, if the Bears take the best player available, they take Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree.

Previous Pick: Alec Ogletree

Pick: Alec Ogletree

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Positions of need: Cornerback, Linebacker and Running Back

I think its going Ogletree then Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o or Te’o then Ogletree. I think the pair are going in these two picks.

Previous Pick: Manti Te’o

Pick: Manti Te’o

22. St. Louis Rams (from the Washington Redskins)

Positions of need: Safety, Wide Receiver and Linebacker

The Rams do it right here. They get Kenny Vaccaro with their first pick and address their receiver issue with their second. They snag Tennessee’s Cordarelle Patterson and help boost a receiving corps in deep need of a threat. Patterson’s size and speed gives them a legit deep-threat receiver.

~~Previous Pick: John Cyprien~~

Pick: Cordarelle Patterson

23. Minnesota Vikings

Positions of need: Wide Receiver, Linebacker and Defensive Line

The Vikings need a receiver but with Patterson off the board, it’d be a stretch to grab one here. Also, the elite middle linebackers go right before them. The good news is that they can still address their defensive line issues. I think they’d be smart to snag defensive tackle Missouri defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. He may just be too good to pass up.

~~Previous Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson~~

Pick: Sheldon Richardson

24. Indianapolis Colts

Positions of need: Wide Receiver, Cornerback and Safety

Same argument from version 1 and the same pick.

Previous Pick: Desmond Trufant

Pick: Desmond Trufant

25. Minnesota Vikings (from the Seattle Seahawks)

The Vikings have two picks in the first round. They address their defensive line problem in this version with their first pick, meaning they need to take a receiver here. California’s Keenan Allen comes off the board.

~~Previous Pick: Sylvester Williams~~

Pick: Keenan Allen

26. Green Bay Packers

Positions of need: Safety, Defensive Line, Linebacker and Running Back

Again, do the right thing Green Bay.

Previous Pick: Eddie Lacy

Pick: Eddie Lacy

27. Houston Texans

Position of need: Wide Receiver

The Texans still need a wide receiver but Allen is off the board in this version. They snag USC’s Robert Woods who is just as good, if not better.

~~Previous Pick: Keenan Allen~~

Pick: Robert Woods

28. Denver Broncos

Positions of need: Defensive line, Running Back and Linebacker

Same reasoning as last time to bolster the defensive line. The only difference is there are better players available in version 2. They still take a Williams, just a better one.

~~Previous Pick: Jesse Williams~~

Pick: Sylvester Williams

29. New England Patriots

Positions of need: Wide Receiver and Defensive Line

Like I said in version 1, the most dangerous passing game tries to take it to another level. They take the best receiver on the board.

~~Previous Pick: Robert Woods~~

Pick: DeAndre Hopkins

30. Atlanta Falcons

Positions of need: Cornerback, Defensive Line and Tight End

Eifert is gone in this version so the Dirty Birds are going to go defensive. Their offense isn’t the reason they are not making Super Bowls. Take the other Florida State defensive end. When have people ever gone wrong with a guy named Tank?

~~Pick: Tyler Eifert~~

Pick: Tank Carradine

31. San Francisco 49ers

Position of need: Safety

There’s not too much change for the 49ers and not much change in the safeties. I like Florida’s Matt Elam slightly over Jonathan Cyprien and I think they stick with him.

Previous Pick: Matt Elam

Pick: Matt Elam

32. Baltimore Ravens

Positions of need: Linebacker and Safety

The Ravens are looking for a replacement for Ed Reed. Florida International’s Jonathan Cyprien is more than willing to try and step up. The safety from a small school is looking to make a big name for himself in the NFL.

~~Previous Pick: Kevin Minter~~

Pick: Jonathan Cyprien

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: boom, bust, draft, first round, football, james kaikis, mock draft, nfl, prospects, reach, rookie, salaries, steal, the cover 4, top pick, tye masters

Barcelona Exposed in Lob-sided Defeat

April 23, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

It was supposed to be a highly touted semi-final Champions League clash of two world football titans. It was supposed to be Germany versus Spain. It was supposed to be Lionel Messi and the unbreakable passing of Barcelona vs. Bastian Schweinstager and the complete team of Bayern Munich. But what it turned into was a showcase of the pure physical talents of the Germans and it exposed a serious weakness in Barcelona.

The game in Germany started out as to be expected. Barcelona had the lion’s share of the possession, and Bayern did its work on the counter-attack, feeding off a potent attack from Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben. But the one thing that stood out even in the beginning was the physical dominance of Bayern in the air; they have a serious height advantage and looked to feed the ball in the box through the air.

Messi, the soccer golden-child, nursed a hamstring injury and looked a shell of himself against the physical Germans. And it showed in Barcelona’s lack of ability to find the goal, both goals themselves and even shots on target. However, midway through the first half, Bayern made Barcelona pay for their disadvantage.

In a brilliant build-up, Thomas Muller found himself in the box, but heavily guarded. After a quick pass out to Robben, Robben chipped the ball through to Dante, who headed it directly back to an open Muller who headed in for the first goal of many for the Germans. It was that airplay that would ultimately prove to be the demise of the Spaniards, who could not physically compete with the men of Bayern.

Early in the second half, they were once again exposed. Off a corner, Robben found Muller on the far post. Muller, everywhere on the pitch during this game, headed it right back to the center, where beloved German striker Mario Gomez was waiting to smash home the second for Bayern. Barcelona looked lost and physically mismatched. However, they began to build some momentum, driving and pushing forward and finding the ability to get good looks at the goal.

But the Germans were not finished. Robben, who is regularly given flak for his disinterest in passing to his teammates, showed why he is capable of holding onto the ball with a brilliant bit of skill in the 73^rd minute. With a little help from a Muller screen, he switched the ball from his right to his natural left and smashed home from an incredibly difficult angle to put the Germans up by an unthinkable score of 3-0. Muller later scored again to make the score 4-0.

This was a very telling game for both squads. The Germans asserted themselves and claimed their proper reward. A dominant 4-0 win that made a statement to the football world and Barcelona, long thought of a football giants. The smooth passing and game control of Barcelona have long been the staples of their huge success. But Bayern played the counter-attack with brilliance and sent a message to both their opponent, as well as both of their potential future opponents in Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, who face off in their own Champions League semi-final Wednesday at 11:45 PST.

As for Barcelona, the opposite was true. More questions were raised than answered. They were unable to finish in front of goal with Messi hobbled. They were unable to compete on set pieces and crosses. They accumulated four yellow cards on ten fouls, and were majorly outnumbered on corner kicks, 11-4, and shots taken 15-4. They melted down as the game went on and truly looked as though they were in a game out of their league, which is mind-boggling, because this is Barcelona we are talking about. This team is essentially the Spanish national team, the same team that throttled Italy 4-0 in the Euro-Cup finals in the summer of 2012.

Now they head back home to the Bernabeu down 4-0 and they need to win by the same margin without allowing any goals to the visitors to even have a chance at penalty kicks. Not the ideal position for the former Champions.

Player of the Match: Thomas Muller. Muller was DOMINANT in this one, scoring two goals and registering an assist, not to mention making the physical play that allowed Robben’s goal in the 73^rd minute. His strength of pace and willingness to fight into the box was unparalleled on the pitch.

Worst Player of the Match: Gerard Pique. Being married to Shakira has its perks, but the Spaniard was horrendous in this one. His is the staple of the back four for Barcelona, but he looked lost, much like the rest of his team in the lob-sided defeat. He also should have been called for a handball that would have resulted in a penalty kick, but he got away with it. Karma struck though, and his team was throttled 4-0 in an embarrassing fashion

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Filed Under: The Other Sports Tagged With: barcelona, bayern munich, fc, football, james kaikis, loss, match, messi, pitch, Sammy Scherr, soccer, the cover 4, Win

NFL Mock Draft 1.0

April 16, 2013 by James Kaikis 2 Comments

Mock Draft 1.0 April 17, 2013

Who will be this year’s number 1 pick?

It’s that time of year where every NFL fan wonders who their team will take in the upcoming draft. Who will you watch pick up the phone when your team is on the board? By the way, wouldn’t it be great if the players messed with the cameras and every player in Radio City Music Hall picked up their phones every time so we wouldn’t actually know who was drafted until the pick is announced? Anyways, with only two weeks to go we’re putting out our first 2013 mock draft. Smile, frown or be angry at who I have your team taking. Don’t be afraid to comment or suggest changes, you may influence version 2.0.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Positions of need: Defensive Line and Offensive Line

The Chiefs went out and got themselves a quarterback when they traded for Alex Smith. Smith has shown that he has the ability to play in the league given the right system, and new head coach Andy Reid should know how to use him. It would make sense for the Chiefs to trade down and pick a talented lineman later while also adding a defensive tackle. Though we have a better chance of seeing a skinny Andy Reid than a team trading up for the first pick. Therefore, drafting the best overall lineman in the draft makes sense for the Chiefs. They give some added protection to their quarterback and a strong body that can open up lanes for Jamaal Charles. They’ll take the safe route and draft Texas A&M’s Luke Joekel, but I’d rather see them take Star Lotuleilei and improve that 27^th-ranked run defense.

Pick: Luke Joekel, OT, Texas A&M

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Positions of need: Quarterback, Linebacker and Defensive Line

Could you name me the Jaguars defensive ends? I hadn’t even noticed Jason Babin went there halfway through last year. The Jaguars are like a vacuum where players disappear, unless you’re MJD. Blaine Gabbert is not the future of the franchise. I would call him mediocre but the Kevin Kolbs and Nick Foles of the world may get insulted. They’ll take a quarterback this draft, but not in the first round. They can get a talented QB in the second. The Jaguars need to put pressure on the passer, leaving them with one of the top rated pass rushers ─ Oregon’s Dion Jordan. Jordan brings much-needed speed and strength off the edge and will be a player able to make an immediate impact.

Pick: Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

3. Oakland Raiders

Positions of need: Defensive Tackle

The Raiders have a first round pick?! (I Google, Bing and Yahoo to make sure this is true) And they made a good trade for Matt Flynn?! What the hell is going on in Oakland?! The Raiders lost both Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour this off-season, leaving them with a huge need at defensive tackle. This leaves them considering either Florida’s Shariff Floyd or Lotulelei. The scare of a heart condition caused Lotulelei’s stock to drop a bit, but health professionals have since ruled him perfectly healthy. I think the Raiders avoid the risk and play it safe by taking Floyd. Floyd brings about memories of Warren Sapp and can cause havoc at the line of scrimmage. So long as they take one of those tackles, not even the Raiders can mess this pick up. Then again, it’s the Raiders we’re talking about.

Pick: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Positions of need: Quarterback, Linebacker and Offensive Line

The Eagles have quite a few holes to fill and they have a lot of options available with the fourth overall pick. They can take Geno Smith, giving Chip Kelly a young, mobile quarterback to insert into his offensive scheme. They could take Utah’s Star Lotulelei, who would bolster their defensive line and is an absolute beast. Or they could take offensive tackle Eric Fisher, a player who many think is better than possible first-overall pick Luke Joeckel. I think it’s too big of a reach to take Smith here, and although they could use the offensive lineman, there’s no way they can pass up on Lotulelei.

Pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

5. Detroit Lions

Positions of need: Offensive Line and Defensive Line

The Lions lost Kyle Vanden Bosch, Cliff Avril and Jeff Backus this year. That leaves some major holes at the line of scrimmage. Although the Lions need a stout defensive line to handle the quarterbacks and running backs in the NFC North, I don’t think they can pass on Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher. He’s arguably the best offensive tackle in the draft, fills a position of need and protects Matt Stafford (who is no stranger to injury).

Pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

6. Cleveland Browns

Positions of need: Cornerback, Linebacker

The word is that the Browns are looking for a cornerback that can play opposite of Joe Haden. Well, it’s not going to get any better than Alabama’s Dee Milliner. Milliner instantly gives the Browns a great cornerback tandem and will improve a passing defense that ranked 25^th in the NFL last year. They may be tempted to snag Smith here but there will be skilled quarterbacks available in later rounds. Also, they may be tempted to add a pass rusher by drafting Barkevious Mingo or Ezekiel Ansah, but if they pass up on Milliner the few Browns fans remaining may call it quits. Milliner immediately strengthens the Browns secondary and won’t be afraid to line up against the AFC North’s receivers.

Pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

7. Arizona Cardinals

Positions of need : Offensive Line. They need something that can actually move.

Prior to trading for Carson Palmer, it was a no-brainer that they were going to take a quarterback in the draft. The franchise has seemed to put their faith in Palmer as Larry Fitzgerald and Cardinals fans everywhere are trying to convince themselves that he could be good. The Cardinals have a huge need to protect their 33-year-old quarterback and buy him time. Palmer is not going to be out-running many defensive ends or outside linebackers. The Cardinals would shit themselves for Joeckel or Fisher, but they’ll both be gone by the seventh pick. I think that the Cardinals go offensive tackle over guard and snag Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson. Johnson wowed scouts at the combine after the 300-pounder ran a 4.72 40-yard dash. (Why do people wonder how players get concussed?) And hey if Palmer doesn’t pan out, Johnson used to play a little quarterback in junior college. He couldn’t do any worse than Arizona’s quarterbacks last year .

Pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

8. Buffalo Bills

Positions of need: Quarterback

I don’t want to hear any “they picked up Kevin Kolb, they don’t need to draft a quarterback this high.” It’s Kevin Kolb. The guy couldn’t look good throwing to Larry Fitzgerald. Kolb has become the guy that enters the game and everyone you’re watching the game with know he’s going to mess up, get hurt, or both. This is a franchise that has to take the best quarterback in the draft if he falls to them. They can’t afford to take a gamble on a second-round project. Draft West Virginia’s Geno Smith and finally get yourself a quarterback for the future.

Pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

9. New York Jets

Positions of need: Defensive Line, Linebacker and Wide Receiver

Rex Ryan and Gang Green are going to go for a pass-rusher here. They have great options available to them with both LSU’s Barkevious Mingo and Ezekiel Ansah on the board. Ziggy Ansah is a project that may take some time to develop, something that Rex Ryan’s job status may not afford. Mingo is one of the top outside linebackers in the draft and instantly helps the Jets pass rush. An effective pass rush is a necessity in a division with Tom Brady. The Jets are hoping that Mingo will be able to cause more fumbles than the ass of Mark Sanchez’s linemen.

Pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

10. Tennessee Titans

Positions of need: Offensive Line and Defensive Line

The Titans will probably be hoping that Lane Johnson is available here but I think they’ll be disappointed. They could take the best guard in Chance Warmack, but guards rarely go in the top 10. I think they go defensive line with BYU’s Ezekiel Ansah still on the board. Ansah, aka Ziggy, is 6 foot 5, 275 pound with elite speed, strength and agility (just look at his 4.6 40 time). Although he has only played football for a couple years, the Ghana native has near limitless potential. Ansah could be one of the elite pass rushers in the league in just a few years. If he falls out of the top five, he could easily fall here and be the steal of the draft.

Pick: Ziggy Ansah, DE, BYU

11. San Diego Chargers

Positions of need: Offensive Line and Linebacker

I’m hoping we will all get another year of seeing red-faced Phillip Rivers yelling at his o-line in his typical douchebag-like fashion. The Chargers want that to change and will be looking for a tackle to protect Rivers’ blindside. They would love a Joeckel, Fisher or Johnson here, but at this point they’ll be gone. This will leave the Chargers settling for a top guard. The Chargers need protection on the o-line and North Carolina’s Jonathan Cooper will provide it to Rivers. Congrats Cooper, I’ll soon see you on television getting yelled at by Rivers.

Pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

12. Miami Dolphins

Positions of need: Offensive Line, Defensive Line and Cornerback

The Dolphins lost their offensive line staple when Jake Long decided to head to St. Louis. We have hit that draft position where the highest-rated offensive linemen, defensive tackles, pass-rushers and Dee Milliner (the cornerback considered far above the rest) are gone. Jeff Ireland spent a lot of money giving Ryan Tannehill some weapons to throw to but it won’t be any good if the kid is always on the ground. They’ll go for the best offensive tackle left on the board and snag Alabama’s D.J. Fluker. It’s a reach, but the Dolphins can’t afford to risk a tackle not being there in the second round. Even his face says pick me!

Pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Positions of need: Cornerback, Tight End and Defensive Line

Rumors have it that the Bucs are going hard after Darelle Revis. I don’t see anything happening before the draft so it will remain a position the Bucs need to address in the draft. Tight ends don’t go this early in the draft, and they’ll be looking for a corner as it’s the bigger need. The Bucs like Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes. Barring the Bucs making a trade for Revis, they’ll address the cornerback problem and take Rhodes.

Pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

14. Carolina Panthers

Positions of need: Defensive Line, Cornerback and Wide Receiver

The Panthers need to address their defensive issues. At this point in the draft their best defensive option to fill that void would be to take Missouri’s Sheldon Richardson. He’ll be the best defensive tackle available at this point, and he even got an endorsement from veteran wide receiver Steve Smith. Cam Newton can only score so many points in a game and it’s time the Panthers focused on preventing the other team from getting into the end zone.

Pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

15. New Orleans Saints

Positions of need: Linebacker, Defensive Line, Safety and Offensive Tackle

As the third NFC South team in a row, the Saints will be on the receiving end of watching players they’d like go to their rivals. The Saints went out and got themselves Rob Ryan, who was unemployed for far longer than the five minutes he predicted. Ryan will want himself some pass rushers, and he’ll take a risk on a guy who slid a bit. Georgia’s Jarvis Jones didn’t do himself any favors with his draft or pro-day performance, but I can’t see him falling below here. The guy dominated in the SEC and upset me every week knowing that USC had let him go. Football speed is different than 40-speed and the guy can play. The Saints are snagging themselves a stud here that will fit right into their new defensive system.

Pick: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

16. St. Louis Rams

Positions of need: Wide Receiver, Safety and Linebacker

The Rams have a MAJOR need for wide receivers. After losing both Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson in free agency, the Rams starting receivers are Steve Smith, a 5-foot-11 receiver who hasn’t been relevant in a few years, and Brian Quick, last year’s second-round pick. The Rams will take the best receiver on the board with this pick, and it’s between West Virginia’s Tavon Austin and Cordarrelle Patterson. Although Patterson can play on the outside with his big body, Austin just has too much potential. Many compare him to Seattle’s Percy Harvin as he’s one of those guys that make plays as long as you get the ball to him. He’s a playmaker, something the Rams desperately need.

Pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Positions of need: Linebacker, Defensive Line, Safety and Halfback

The Steelers are actually in a pretty good position at this point in the draft. Some mocks have the Steelers taking a wide receiver with this pick. The Steelers matched wide receiver Emanuel Sanders’ offer sheet earlier this week and this is the Steel Curtain we’re talking about. They would love a pass rusher but most of the top-rated pass rushers will already be taken at this point. Alec Ogletree looks good but the Steelers don’t like character issues or failed drug tests and DUIs. (And while their throwback jerseys look like prison stripe outfits, they don’t need someone who people think belongs in one). This will make them roll with Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro and stay true to their defensive roots. Vaccaro will provide some youth to the Steelers’ aging defense and help improve a secondary that was 27^th in total interceptions last year. They took Troy Polamalu with the 16^th pick 10 years ago, it’s time they brought in some help.

Pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

18. Dallas Cowboys

Positions of need: Offensive Line and Safety

This draft pick is between an offensive lineman and a safety. The Cowboys will be cursing the Steelers for taking Vacarro with the previous pick. The Cowboys paid big this off-season by extending Tony Romo’s contract. Besides the infamous ‘unclutchness’ factor, Romo is a solid quarterback. The Cowboys will pass on the safety here with Vaccaro gone and the Cowboys need to protect their investment. They’ll draft Alabama’s Chance Warmack as long as he’s still there. If Warmack is still there it would be a steal for the Cowboys as they get one of the best guards in the draft with the 18^th pick. The Cowboys bought themselves a nice and expensive house, now they need a fence to protect it.

Pick: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama

19. New York Giants

Positions of need: Linebacker and Defensive Line

The Giants need to be able to put pressure on the quarterback and stop the run. Osi Umenyiora is gone this year and Justin Tuck (and his crazy face mask) is a free agent next year. The Giants will happily take Bjoern Werner, a solid defensive end out of Florida State.

Pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

20. Chicago Bears

Positions of need: Linebacker and Defensive tackle

The Bears signed former Bronco D. J. Williams during free agency this year but they could still use another linebacker. Georgia’s Alec Ogletree fits perfectly for the Bears and could potentially be the replacement for Brian Urlacher. Ogletree’s speed and athleticism for his size in simply outstanding, and he’ll immediately impact the Bears defense. The Bears can transition smoothly from the Urlacher era by taking Ogletree with this pick.

Pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

21. Cincinnati Bengals

Positions of need: Cornerback, Linebacker and Halfback

I think that the Bengals take a linebacker here. It’ll be between Ogletree or Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o depending on who is left on the board. The Bengals would be more than happy to take Te’o with the 21^st pick and would consider it a steal. Despite his fall from grace, Te’o can play football. The guy was a Heisman Trophy candidate for those of you that forgot. Although he wishes that his performance against Alabama was imaginary and his girlfriend was real, rather than the other way around, he won’t get past here.

Pick: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

22. St. Louis Rams (from the Washington Redskins)

Positions of need: Safety, Wide receiver and Linebacker

With Coradelle Patterson still on the board here, the Rams would be kicking themselves for not having snagged Kenny Vaccarro with the 16^th pick. The Rams need a safety and Florida International’s John Cyprien has established a name for himself as a top safety in the draft. The Rams won’t be able to get him if they pass on him here and he fills a position of need. It’s the right fit for the right team.

Pick: John Cyprien, S, Florida International

23. Minnnesota Vikings

Positions of need: Wide Receiver, Linebacker and Defensive Line

This pick is a no-brainer with Tennessee’s Cordarrelle Patterson sitting on the board. The Vikings pick up a great wide receiver that will spread the offense a little bit more for Adrian Peterson. We all know that Christian Ponder can use all the help he can get. The Vikings have a good amount of draft picks this year and can address their other needs in the later rounds. Patterson just makes too much sense here.

Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

24. Indianapolis Colts

Positions of need: Wide receiver, Cornerback and Safety

I think that the Colts need to go cornerback here. The have Vontae Davis on one side but could use another standout in their secondary. Washington’s Desmond Trufant is arguably the best corner in the draft and should be available at the 24^th pick. The guy comes from some solid stock as his brothers Marcus and Isiaiah are both playing in the league. With Davis and Trufant playing alongside each other, the Colts should be able to handle opposing teams receivers and not make Luck throw 50 times a game.

Pick: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

25. Minnesota Vikings (from the Seattle Seahawks)

Hey look who’s already up again! The Vikings already snagged a wide receiver, so now they’ll be looking to bolster their defense. They would like a cornerback but the first rounders will already be gone at this point. I think they take North Carolina’s Sylvester Williams and keep in tradition with having huge dudes named Williams anchor their defensive line. There’s no way they can resist, and they snag the defensive tackle to help plug up the middle.

Pick: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

26. Green Bay Packers

Positions of need: Safety, Defensive Line, Linebacker and Halfback

It’s time the Green Bay Packers got Aaron Rodgers a little bit of help. Their current running back rotation of ‘one of these guys might be good’ just isn’t getting it done. The Packers should take the best running back in the draft and snag Alabama’s Eddie Lacy. Lacy presents an actual threat and will let Rodgers destroy opposing defenses even more efficiently than he currently does. Defenses even may actually believe it’s a run on play- action plays! Help Rodgers out Green Bay, do the right thing.

Pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

27. Houston Texans

Positions of need: Wide Receiver

Let’s be honest, after Andre Johnson the Texans wide receivers suck. If opposing defenses snuff out the Texans’ run game, the Texans have trouble moving the ball through the air. By taking a wide receiver with this pick, the Texans improve an already dangerous offense, and allow Johnson to not constantly face double teams. The Texans offense goes from good, to downright scary. It’ll be between wide receivers Robert Woods and Cal’s Keenan Allen. Woods has fallen a bit after a disappointing 2012 campaign and I think they roll with Allen. Allen has good size, speed and excellent body control. The Texans will be right back in the Super Bowl race next year.

Pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

28. Denver Broncos

Positions of need: Defensive Line, Halfback and Linebacker

John Elway and the boys don’t have to do much to be back in the Super Bowl picture next year. I think that the Broncos will be thinking between running back and a body to bolster their defensive line. I think they decide to live with their running backs and take Alabama’s Jesse Williams. Williams will help the Broncos defense and improves a team that can easily be in the Super Bowl next season.

Pick: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

29. New England Patriots

Positions of need: Wide Receiver and Defensive Line

I would have put the secondary as a position of need but the Patriots recently got Adrian Wilson to start alongside Devin McCourty, solving their safety dilemma. It’s hard to predict what Bill Belichick will do this year, but with USC’s Robert Woods available, I think they take a wide receiver. The Patriots lost Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd, and the Steelers matched their offer sheet to Emmanuel Sanders, so they could use some help at receiver. Woods is dangerous out of the slot and Tom Brady can never have too many weapons. While Woods has good, but not great speed, he is an excellent route runner. The Patriots offense demands good route-running skills and if Woods can get chemistry with Brady, watch out. If this happens, make sure to snag him in your fantasy drafts next year.

Pick: Robert Woods, WR, USC

30. Atlanta Falcons

Positions of need: Cornerback, Defensive Line and Tight End

The Falcons can use some defensive help but how do they resist passing up on the best tight end in the draft. Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert could be the future replacement for Tony Gonzalez. We all know that Gonzalez is in his last season in the league, and who better to teach a young tight end. The move could even allow them to run some effective two tight end sets. Although they need the defensive help, I don’t see the Falcons passing up on Eifert.

Pick: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

31. San Francisco 49ers

Position of need: Safety

The 49ers defense doesn’t need much but with Dashon Goldson leaving the Super Bowl runner-ups, they need a safety. Florida’s Matt Elam is one of the top safeties in the draft and fits right into the 49ers’ needs. The 49ers have a bunch of picks in this draft and though they may make some moves, if Elam is on the board, they’re taking him. The best defense in the NFL may have just gotten better.

Pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida

32. Baltimore Ravens

Positions of need: Linebacker and Safety

I wish Manti Te’o was on the board so we could see him and Ray Lewis talking to each other later. It’d be such an awkward pair and Ray Lewis may even be able to inspire him to get a real girlfriend. With Te’o gone though, the Ravens still need to fill their hole in middle linebacker. They’ll take LSU’s Kevin Minter and begin to reload their defense. The Ravens blew up their team to give Joe Flacco his massive, dollar-devaluing contract, and Minter is the first piece in their hopes of remaining a contender.

Pick: Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

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Filed Under: Football Tagged With: boom, bust, draft, first round, football, james kaikis, mock draft, nfl, prospects, reach, rookie, salaries, steal, the cover 4, top pick, tye masters

Pre-Draft Offseason Recap: Dolphins Make a Splash

April 9, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Dolphins Make a Splash

When the NFL free agency period began earlier this month, waves of free agents hit the open market. One of the most surprising teams to navigate the free agent waters and make a big splash by signing big-name players was the Miami Dolphins. In case you forgot, the Miami Heat aren’t the only professional sports team in the city, and it looks like the Dolphins are trying to be better than mediocre this year. In the past four NFL seasons, the Dolphins are 27-37. It took the Dolphins four years to amass the same number of wins that the Heat had in 27 consecutive games. Finally, it looks as though Jeff Ireland is trying to turn the team into a winner and perhaps even steal the AFC East crown from Tom Brady and his perfect hair.

If Ireland can create a team that can compete with the Patriots, then the AFC East is up for grabs. The Jets made more noise last season for Tim Tebow, the butt fumble and Rex Ryan’s tattoo of his wife wearing Mark Sanchez’s jersey than they did for their actual play. The Bills just released their starting quarterback, Harvard graduate Ryan Fitzpatrick, leaving them with Tavaris Jackson, Aaron Corp and Brad Smith. Call me crazy, but none of those guys will lead the Bills to a winning season. The opportunity for Miami to move up and seize the division is as good as it’s ever going to get, and it looks as though it is trying everything within its power.

It would be an understatement to say that Dolphins blew it during free agency last year. The Dolphins had a better chance of winning the Super Bowl in 2012 (110:1 odds) than they did in attracting big-name free agents. They entered the Peyton Manning sweepstakes only to get spurned when he headed to Denver. They pursued Matt Flynn, who denied them even though Dolphins’ head coach Joe Philbin was his former offensive coordinator in Green Bay. Why couldn’t Miami sign anyone in a state with low taxes, beautiful weather and women, as well as prominent nightlife? A player is as likely to say no to that, as Ray Lewis is to say no to PEDs. Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark seemed to have the answer when he tweeted that no one wanted to go to Miami because “[there’s] not a good guy [in charge] making decisions.” It’s well understood that he was talking about Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland. He’s not so bad if we forget about him asking Dez Bryant if his mother was a prostitute in a pre-draft interview. And the time he interviewed Jim Harbaugh for head coach while Tony Sparano was still employed as head coach. It seems though that free agents and NFL players have gotten over their dislike for Ireland as he has been able to secure some big-name signings.

The Dolphins opened up free agency by snagging the best available free-agent wide receiver. Ryan Tannehill quietly put up a good rookie season last year and showed a lot of potential, but was eclipsed by fellow rookies Andrew Luck, RGIII and Russell Wilson. Ireland went out and bought his quarterback one of the top wide receivers by signing Mike Wallace. Wallace will immediately make a huge impact on the field and give Miami the deep-ball threat that has evaded it for years. Brian Hartline and Davone Bess don’t exactly take the top off of a defense. Wallace’s speed and big-play threat will open up the entire field and allow the offense to be much more efficient. By resigning Hartline to a five-year, $30 million dollar contract, the Dolphins secured both wideout positions with the slot open to Bess or the recently-signed Brandon Gibson. Wallace’s presence instantly improves the Dolphins passing offense and gives Tannehill the weapons that are necessary to develop his game.

A signing that isn’t making any big headlines but continues to bolster the Phins’ offense is Dustin Keller. The Dolphins got away with signing Keller to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million. Receiving tight ends are a young quarterback’s best friend and Keller fits right into the hole that Anthony Fasano left. Not only that, but whoever ends up being the Jets quarterback can look forward to throwing every ball to Santonio Holmes as the Dolphins snag a division rival’s starter. Miami risks very little in Keller’s signing and he could prove a very valuable offensive tool provided he can stay healthy.

The Dolphins didn’t just improve on the offensive side of the ball. The Dolphins pulled one of the biggest shockers so far during free agency by signing Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe. EllerBEAST was a monster during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run and seemed a lock to re-sign with Baltimore. Ellerbe chose the big payday with Miami, giving the Dolphins a young, versatile linebacker. As if Ellerbe wasn’t enough, the Dolphins signed Oakland’s Phillip Wheeler to a five-year deal. Pair these two signings with the Dolphins decision to cut Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett, and the Dolphins managed to save money while getting younger. Wheeler said “I’m aggressive like a shark; but it’s ironic, because now I’m a Dolphin,” but the Dolphins are hoping Ellerbe and Wheeler maintain their aggression and provide the foundation of their defense for years to come. Throw this in with recent signing of cornerback Brent Grimes, and the team just keeps looking better and better. The Dolphins got a steal when signing Grimes to a one year $5.5 million dollar deal. The Dolphins needed a huge upgrade in their secondary after losing Sean Smith, and took little to no risk with the one year deal. They got a team need, one of the best cornerbacks on the market, and a player who was $10 million last year for $5 million. Even if he’s coming back off injury, he’s worth the risk and further bolsters an improving Dolphins defense.

While all of these signings make the Dolphins a better team, the price tag cannot be forgotten. With the new CBA and salary cap restrictions, teams need to be careful about how they allocate their money. (See the Ravens disintegrating a Super Bowl team and giving Joe Flacco a contract so big it literally devalues the dollar.) However, in the age of mega-contracts, if you want elite talent, you have to pay top dollar. Wallace has the biggest contract at five years, $60 million, of which $27 million is fully guaranteed. As long as Wallace plays like a top NFL receiver, it can be considered money well spent. Ellerbe signed for a five-year, $34.75 million contract with $14 million guaranteed and Wheeler got a five-year $26 million contract with $13 million guaranteed. The Dolphins still have money to spend, as they are still more than $10 million under the $128 million salary cap so expect a few more signings to occur. While Miami’s contracts for its new players are backloaded, meaning the base salaries are highest in the latter years of the contract, contracts can always be restructured and players often do not play out the entirety of their contract in the NFL. The Dolphins want to win now and winning requires talent, which requires money. They’re rolling out a new logo, new offense, new defense and a new attitude. The season doesn’t start for months, but for the first time in a while, Dolphins fans have something about which to be excited.

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Filed Under: Football Tagged With: AFC East, brett grimes, Dannell Ellerbe, Dustin Keller, football, james kaikis, Jeff Ireland, miami dolphins, mike wallace, nfl, offseason, Phillip Wheeler, ryan.tannehill, salary cap, the cover 4, tye masters

10 Amazing Events That Sports Fans Need

February 24, 2013 by James Kaikis 1 Comment

Undoubtedly there are many concepts that we all wish could be implemented in or a sport or to a team. Whether it’s a pitching staff or a foresome that could be assembled to witness just once. With the ongoing comparison between Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, we wish we could have seem them play against each other during their respective primes.

Those kinds of drastic time-altering dreams will not be presented in this list, but ideas are formed from present athletes and current rules. For example, we all have our aspirations, but this list will present ideas such as the elimination of the NFL’s salary cap. Now that is one thing this guy totally disagrees with, but it is just one variation that could be presented.

Keeping true to form, we will not be falling into the ESPN trap of a MJ comeback at 50. Don’t get me started on that one.

Now the odds of one of these occurring are as real as Manti Te’o’s girlfriend, but here we go….

10. Alex Ovechkin & Sidney Crosby Fight

Just once please.

We know you both hate each other and Ovechkin would probably win the fight, but just drop the gloves once. Hockey needs the publicity anyway.

9. Someone Breaking Cal Ripken Jr.’s Consecutive Game Streak

In the modern era of sitting out for a minor hamstring strain, it would be refreshing for someone to even come close to the length of Cal or Brett Favre’s consecutive games started streak.

Do you love the game?

Play the game with pride and don’t be a pansy.

8. Just One Professional Team in Las Vegas

If Oklahoma City can have Kevin Durant, can Las Vegas at least have a MLS team?

The constant gambling is in question, but if an athlete wanted to gamble there are so many bookies and online resources for him or her to do so. I doubt they would walk into a casino sports book.

UNLV athletics do not suffice anymore in the Sin City! Anthony Bennett can’t even carry that overrated team.

7. NCAA Penalty Standards

As of right now, there is no standard or structure of repercussions for infractions violating the NCAA rules. Punishments have varied drastically from USC to Ohio State, even letting the person in violation (Terrelle Pryor) play in a bowl game. Money talks, huh?

The recent tipping point of this is the University of Miami case, but what really set this off was the Penn State debacle. Key members within the administration and athletic department are a part of a criminal case, but the NCAA penalized the current and future players of the Penn State football program who had no control over their administration. This would not only be amazing, but is essential.

6. Every Athlete Takes Performance Enhancing Drugs

If all athletes “misremembered” and took steroids it would be outstanding. Who didn’t enjoy Mark McGwire’s home run derby show at Fenway Park? Are you more upset at Lance Armstrong for taking PEDs or making us interested in cycling for a decade?

Let Kevin Durant bulk up and dominate even more.

To quote Daniel Tosh, “I want my sports like my video games; athletes hate life after sports anyway”.

5. NBA One-on-One Tournament

We just witnessed the recent decline of the slam dunk contest in the NBA and it is almost getting to a point where we are running out of ideas.

With that, let us step it up a notch and initiate an inaugural one-on-one single elimination tournament. Kobe may have blocked Lebron at the end of the All-Star game, but can he do that up to 11 and win by two? There can be arguments for each way, but let us get this settled.

Have Kyrie Irving back up his USA summer camp talk to Kobe and reveal Carmelo’s true defensive weaknesses to the world.

4. The Top College Football Team Play the Worst NFL Team

Every year there are those clowns and trolls who profess statements such as, “Alabama could beat the Jacksonville Jaguars.” It is time to put these questions to rest. Alabama has at most 15 players on its roster that may eventually play in the NFL, and possibly a third of that 15 will be top quality.

Let us assume a corner (Dee Milliner), two offensive linemen (Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones), a running back (Eddie Lacy), and a linebacker (Nico Johnson) will be impactful in the NFL in the future. Alabama has five true NFL players, while the Jaguars have 22 to field a starting offense and defense. The only thing Alabama has on the Jaguars is A.J. McCarron’s girlfriend.

3. Baseball in the Olympics

Saying the World Baseball Classic is a bust has become an understatement.

It is too close to the regular season and all organizations are too worried to send their stars. If and when baseball is re-entered into the summer Olympics, I implore the United States to bring as much enthusiasm as the World Cup into that.

When R.A. Dickey and Ryan Vogelsong are our aces, instead of a rotation featuring Justin Verlander, Jered Weaver, C.C. Sabathia, Clayton Kershaw and Matt Cain, there is a major problem.
Take a look at our daunting roster this year:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130117&content_id=41000908

The American outfield could be entirely represented from the city of Los Angeles with Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton and Matt Kemp.

The list goes on.

Let’s show the world that the United States is still the most dominating country when it comes to baseball.

2. Lebron James, Usain Bolt, and Calvin Johnson in a Receiving Core

We have Bolt at 6 foot 6, Lebron at 6 foot 8 and Megatron at 6′ foot 5 . Put Lebron at tight end and think not of Antonio Gates, but Lebron James!

Calvin Johnson runs a 4.32 40-yard dash, and James could most likely run in the 4.5 range.

Now Bolt, seriously, who is covering him? Yes, get a bump off the line but if not, he is gone.

We see the ease of the goal-line fade with Brandon Marshall and Andre Johnson, which now goes to Lebron James, who makes that easier than an alley-oop in lob city.

1. All of America’s Athletes Play Soccer

The world is captivated by Ronaldo’s ball skills and Messi’s quickness, but imagine if our finely-tuned athletes such as Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson and Kyrie Irving were trained from infancy to play soccer.

Our nation would be at the top of the world. All other nations emphasize soccer as their game.

England plays soccer and rugby. Argentina and Brazil are top-notch soccer nations.

Unfortunately, there is such a selection of athletics to play in this country that soccer is not nearly a priority due to the lack of popularity, exposure and money. A kid cannot not “be like Mike” if he is playing soccer.

Calvin Johnson in the box for a corner? Sounds good to me.

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Long Island Sound
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Filed Under: The Great Debate Tagged With: amazing, Baseball, Basketball, Bolt, cal ripken, crosby, football, hockey, james, las vegas, NBA, NCAA, nfl, Olympics, ovechkin, ped, soccer

2 Weeks Later: Joe Flacco Still Isn’t Elite

February 20, 2013 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Elite: A group of people considered to be the best in a particular society or category, esp. because of their power, talent, or wealth.

It finally happened. Joe Flacco brought his team to the ultimate goal of any man who has ever dreamed of playing in the National Football League. After five “long” seasons, Mr. Flacco and company are world champions after knocking off the favored San Francisco 49ers and their hotshot gunslinger of the future, Colin Kaepernick.

So I guess that means that Flacco joins the ranks of the “elite” NFL quarterbacks, right? I mean, he already owns the most road playoff wins for a quarterback ALL TIME in only his fifth season. After all, he has won a playoff game in each of his first five seasons. And he threw for an immaculate 11 touchdowns with ZERO turnovers in the playoffs. So, he’s elite now, right?

WRONG.

First and foremost, do not mistake me saying that Flacco is not elite as saying that he is not one of the best young quarterbacks playing the game. Wins speak for themselves and there is no denying that he is about to get paid the big bucks, possibly the biggest contract of all quarterbacks (keep an eye out Aaron Rodgers). However, a look into the numbers is all one needs to see to know that the word elite might be a bit out of the reach of Flacco’s skill-set.

To begin with, this year and this postseason run were both incredible for Flacco. But the numbers can be a bit deceiving. Despite the beauty of his numbers, he still had a total QBR of less than 50, at 46.8 in the postseason. That lends belief that while his mistakes were few, he was helped by big plays and the commitment of offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, not to mention the running game, where Ray Rice continued to be a workhorse and Bernard Pierce appeared to break out.

In fact, let’s talk quarterback numbers. In the 2012 season, Flacco’s QB rating was a pedestrian 87.7, a number surpassed by 11 other quarterbacks, including Philip Rivers and Tony Romo, not to mention ROOKIES Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III. This year was his highest yardage total of his career, but he still did not break the 4,000-yard mark, as he has yet to do in his career. Thirteen other quarterbacks had more yards this year than Flacco. Also, his 59.7 percent completion percentage was the second-worst in his NFL career. Eighteen quarterbacks had a better completion percentage..

Furthermore, Flacco was inspired just as the rest of the Ravens and the city of Baltimore were by Ray Lewis’ postseason push, deer antler spray or not. Things happened to go the Ravens way. Jacoby Jones was able to take advantage of a second-year mistake by Rahim Moore to grasp victory out of the jaws of defeat. Bernard Pollard once again became a Patriot killer, this time, with Stevan Ridley his victim. And while I agree with the call that was made, there is a very strong case to be made by 49er fans that there was some holding on their final offensive play of the Super Bowl.

Everyone catches breaks. It’s not possible to go the distance in this competitive era without catching a few. The Patriots were 18-0 until they faced the New York Giants and were victims of one of the greatest, albeit luckiest, catches in the history of the NFL. Half of the football fans in the world would not have been able to tell me who David Tyree was before that game began and now his lucky break has given him football-god status.

Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens are no different. They are champions, they played like champions and they deserve to be champions. But this postseason run was about the Ravens, this was not about the rise of Flacco to elite status. He is a very good quarterback on a very good team. But to use the word elite is to compare him to modern-day greats Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, as well as historic greats like Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Steve Young and John Elway.

Just compare Flacco’s numbers to the stats of Brady, Brees and Manning. Those three have
career passer ratings of 96.6, 94.3 and 95.7 respectively. Flacco’s career passer rating is a
more average 86.3. Over the past seven seasons Brees has averaged 4,796 passing yards per
season, and Brady and Manning aren’t too shabby either with career season yardage numbers
of 4,066 and 4,250 (based on full seasons played). Flacco’s season average for yards is 3,500
on a team that has made the playoffs in each of his five seasons.

Numbers aside, Flacco also has never made the “esteemed” NFL Pro Bowl. Brees, Manning
and Brady have combined for 27 Pro Bowls in their illustrious careers. Those three have also
combined for 11 All-Pro selections, another accolade that has so far eluded the new champion
Flacco.

Flacco is about to be a very, very, very rich man. There is no denying that. And he deserves to be paid; likewise, the Ravens can ill-afford to be rid of their star quarterback who just led them on one of the most impressive postseason runs in NFL history, knocking off two number 2 seeds and a number 1 seed in the process. But that is all he will be. A good, maybe even great, rich quarterback. Not an elite one. He needs more championships and a steady stat line before he can be elite. After all, if Eli Manning, who has two Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVPs cannot be considered elite, why should Delaware’s treasure be any different?

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Sammy Scherr
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Filed Under: Football Tagged With: Baltimore, Brady, Elite, Elway, football, Joe Flacco, Manning, Marino, MVP, National Football League, nfl, paid, Quaterback, Ravens, Sammy Scherr, super bowl, the cover 4, Young

The Delay of Game

The Bum

The Caveman

The Whiner

The Whistleblower

The Einstein

The Computer Thief

The Macaulay Culkin

The Snail

The Ed Hochuli

The Sleeper

The Roster-bater

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The Delay of Game

The Bum

The Caveman

The Whiner

The Whistleblower

The Einstein

The Computer Thief

The Macaulay Culkin

The Snail

The Ed Hochuli

The Sleeper

The Roster-bater

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10. Alex Ovechkin & Sidney Crosby Fight

9. Someone Breaking Cal Ripken Jr.’s Consecutive Game Streak

8. Just One Professional Team in Las Vegas

7. NCAA Penalty Standards

6. Every Athlete Takes Performance Enhancing Drugs

5. NBA One-on-One Tournament

4. The Top College Football Team Play the Worst NFL Team

3. Baseball in the Olympics

2. Lebron James, Usain Bolt, and Calvin Johnson in a Receiving Core

1. All of America’s Athletes Play Soccer

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