draft

The 2003 Lombardo Mock Draft

In an internet sports world that is crowded with “mock NFL drafts,” I have yet to notice one on eSports for this weekend’s draft.

What a perfect opportunity for the first annual Lombardo Mock Draft.

Even though the first pick is decided, the top ten picks of the draft should be more interesting than Trischelle’s romps in the hay on the “Real World.”

The top ten picks could see three QB’s taken, two WR’s and plenty of filler positions.

(Also, keep in mind that this is only my opinion, which we all know doesn’t matter for much of anything.)

With that said, here’s The 2003 Lombardo Mock Draft.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Carson Palmer, QB, USC

This the only logical choice for the Bengals in this situation. While CB Terrence Newman was another option, the Bengals couldn’t spend No. 1 money on a guy who wasn’t worth the No. 1 pick. Carson is a stud. He has all the physical tools to become a great QB in this league, and having a 6’5″ frame doesn’t hurt matters. Sitting under Jon Kitna will keep the pressure of his young shoulders. The Bengals should however keep him as far away from Akili Smith as possible. You wouldn’t want Akili to rub off any of his crappiness onto Carson.

2. Detroit Lions: Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State

The Lions already have their QB of the future in Joey Harrington, so why not give him a big, fast WR to help him out a little bit. Having the opportunity to watch the Lions last year, I know that they didn’t have a viable threat at the receiver position. You cant win big games when your big time WR is Mark Ricks. (tangent: Why do people have this fixation with Carson Palmer being a one year wonder when Harrington did the same exact thing in College? If you remember, Harrington didn’t even solidify his status as a top pick until he had a monster game in the Fiesta Bowl.)

3. Houston Texans: Andre Johnson, WR, Miami

Andre Johnson = FREAK! You don’t see too many 6’2″ WR’s with monster like strength and a 4.4, 40. Don’t be surprised to see Dave Carr and Johnson hooking up on numerous TD’s this year. Of course, that will only happen if they get some OL help. (That ESPN commercial for the draft was bitter irony for Carr.) If Tony Boselli comes back at full force watch out for the Texans.

4. Chicago Bears: Dewayne Robertson, DT, Kentucky

Some people expect to see the Bears select Byron Leftwich, but I don’t think the Bears will risk it (i.e.Cade McNown). With Robertson, the Bears will solidify a very weak DL and play right into Coach Dick Jauron’s (former Bengal) scheme. Although they will not take a QB in the first round, Kordell definitely cant be your man for years to come. (Tangent: Kordell is just flat out a terrible QBs, enough said.) The Bears will wait until the second round to think QB and will take Chris Simms out of Texas.

5. Dallas Cowboys: Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall

Surprise, surprise. The Cowboys take the risk on Leftwich because I honestly believe that they know Chad Hutchinson isn’t the answer. I would watch out for Leftwich as he ranks very high on the Lombardo Bust Scale. (Almost as high as David Klingler.) The guy has played four years against MAC opponents in a Run and Shoot offense. (A columnist for ESPN was spouting off random facts about him saying that he threw for 400 some yards in the first half of a game against Buffalo. Buffalo? Todd Marinovich could throw for 400 yards against Buffalo.) This guy is high risk, and I don’t care what Mel Kiper says.

6. Arizona Cardinals: Terrell Suggs, DE, Arizona St.

The Cardinals decide to take the hometown boy even after some horrendous workouts. This guy was close to the low fives in his forty time. How could this guy have broke the collegiate sack record and have been that slow? The sumo wrestler from The Replacements could eat five hard-boiled eggs in the time it took for Suggs to run the forty. For the Cardinals sake I hope he does well.

7. Minnesota Vikings: Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn St.

The Vikings need Defensive line help and Kennedy is just the man for that. Kennedy played a stellar game against Ohio St. this season and seems like he has the tools to be dominate in the trenches. It might be hard for the Vikings to pass on Terrence Newman at this spot, but they need DL help and they need it bad.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrence Newman, CB, Kansas St.

The only way Newman will slide to Jacksonville is if the Cowboys decide to pass on him at number five. If he does then the AFC South better prepare themselves because this guy is an absolute freak. He may only be close to six feet tall, but he has a forty some odd inch vertical leap and runs a 4.2 forty! He is an athletic freak of nature. (Tangent: Jaguar fans need to be grateful that Leftwich doesn’t slide down to the eighth spot. As I recall you guys now have Kenny Anderson as your QB’s coach. This guy single handedly ruined the careers of two young QB’s for the Bengals. Just pray to the football god’s he doesn’t get the chance to make it a third.)

9. Carolina Panthers: Jordan Gross, OT, Utah

This will be two straight drafts that an OT is picked in the top ten (Levi Jones being the other). From what I hear Gross is a very talented OT who should give immediate results to this young panther team. The Panthers could also draft Marcus Trufant at the nine, but I think they will get some protection for whoever their QB might be next season. (Is it too early to join the Randy Fasani fan club?)

10. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Boller (Akili Smith incognito), QB, California

Brian Billick will draft Boller in another futile attempt to show that he actually knows something about QB’s. Keep in mind that this is the same BB who once said that Scott Mitchell would be the answer to Baltimore’s QB problem. The only thing Scott Mitchell is good for is throwing interceptions. And believe me, I saw many of them. The same BB who released a Trent Dilfer for Elvis Grbac. (Another stellar move I might add.) Boller does have some raw talent though. He is a huge guy (6’5″) and can throw the ball 70 yards on his knees. The only problem I see with Boller is that he is truly a one year wonder (a.k.a. Akili Smith). Also, Boller didn’t even complete 50% of his passes. This is where the comparisons to him and Akili become creepy. Boller was coached at California by Jeff Tedford. Tedford was Oregon’s Offensive coordinator when Akili was there. Coincidence. I think not! This will only prove my ongoing theory that Brain Billick is an idiot.

This could be a very exciting draft day, because the opportunity for trades in a very chlorinated draft pool are staggering. Look for me in the Bengals draft room! I will be the guy who the police are escorting out of the building.

Tags: 2003, draft, Lombardo, mock

Friday, October 29th, 2010 Grants No Comments

NFL: Morrison’s Mock Draft – Round One

By Brent Morrison

Welcome to Sportsuperstarz.com mock draft. It’s draft day and this will be the final update to the draft. Rumors are flying rapidly and this weekend is setting up to be a very exciting one.

Round 1

1. San Diego Chargers – Michael Vick – QB – Virginia Tech Vick’s private workout for the Chargers pretty much solidified his status as going number one to San Diego. The Chargers loved his big arm and were also very impressed with his intelligence. There were rumors going around that the Chargers were concerned in rather or not Vick would be able to read NFL defenses but those have been put to rest if there was any truth to them to begin with. The Chargers will groom Vick behind Flutie for a year or two and then will hand the offense over to him for the next ten to fifteen years.

Other possibilities: LaDainian Tomlinson if a deal can’t be worked out with Vick. The Chargers and Vick are not close to a deal and the Chargers appear to be serious in that they will pass on Vick and take Tomlinson as there are rumors that suggest some in the Charger organization prefer Tomlinson anyway.

2. Arizona Cardinals – Gerard Warren – DT – Florida This pick will set the tone for the rest of the draft. The Cardinals are still trying to move this pick but have found very little interest. The Packers have some interest but they will not give up a lot to move up. If the Cardinals make this pick look for Warren to be their guy. They, among others around the league feel that he can be a Warren Sapp type of player down the road, which is a pretty big statement. Warren is the best DT available and will give the Cardinals the inside presence that they desperately need.

Other possibilities: Justin Smith is a very strong possibility, as the Cardinals need a DE as well. Keep an eye on Leonard Davis as some in the Cardinal organization feel he is the most worthy pick for them and also the safest.

3. Cleveland Browns – David Terrell – WR – Michigan The Browns have been pretty quiet as to which way they are leaning here. This pick is almost certain to be either a wide receiver or running back, which means that it will be either Terrell or Tomlinson. Terrell is the better pick in my opinion for a couple of reasons. First, he would give Tim Couch the go to guy that he desperately needs and secondly the Browns could have a trio of solid backs in Enis, Prentice and Rhett. None are as good as Tomlinson but they could be productive enough to keep the chains moving. Terrell is still the best player in this draft in my opinion and would instantly make the Browns offense much more explosive.

Other possibilities: The Browns have narrowed it down to Terrell and Tomlinson. They are believed to be settling in on Terrell. Trading down is still a strong possibility.

4. Cincinnati Bengals – Leonard Davis – OT – Texas The Bengals are determined to find an OT to pair with Willie Anderson and they are extremely high on Davis. The Bengals tried to address the OT need in free agency but they were shut out, particularly by Ross Verba, who went to Cleveland and Todd Steussie, who went to Carolina. The Bengals love the athleticism that Davis possesses and feel that he will be a pro bowl caliber OT for the next decade and they are probably right. Some feel that Davis will be better suited at RT at the next level but both he and the Bengals feel that he will be an excellent LT or RT for many years. Dillon should be happy with this pick.

Other possibilities: The Bengals could take Smith here, as a pass rushing DE is a huge need but the with the Bengals determination to land an OT along with their love for Davis, I cant see the Bengals going with anyone else.

5. Atlanta Falcons – Justin Smith – DE – Missouri The Falcons need a pass rushing DE badly and Smith is the best in the draft. Patrick Kerney has not panned out as hoped so the Falcons need to address the area. Smith would step in from day one and give the Falcons a presence on the outside they desperately lacked last year after Chuck Smith bolted for Carolina. Atlanta has several needs but Smith fills the biggest one and will instantly improve the Falcon front four.

Other possibilities: The Falcons will probably take Davis should the Bengals pass on him. Robinson is an option at WR. Kenyatta Walker is also possible at OT.

6. New England Patriots – Richard Seymour – DT – Georgia The Patriots need help on both lines and with Belichick at the helm, odds are that they will address the DL first. Seymour would step in immediately and plug the interior of the Patriot DL that was left vacated by Chad Eaton who left for Seattle. Seymour’s versatility should also be very attractive as he can step out and play end in certain situations if needed. The Patriots are still high on second year OT Adrian Klemm so taking an OT here seems unlikely with a DT of the caliber of Seymour sitting here

Other possibilities: The Pats could go RB here and take Tomlinson or McCallister but that is unlikely. They will take a long look at Kenyatta Walker or Leonard Davis should he slip. They will take Smith or Warren should either be available. Robinson is an option at WR.

7. Seattle Seahawks – Koren Robinson – WR – North Carolina State Seattle struck gold last year with Jackson in the third round but they still need to find at least one receiver and maybe two to put beside him. Despite two horrible workouts, the Seahawks are said to be still enamored with Robinson. Robinson is a playmaker that will add an explosive weapon to the Hawks offense. While at NC State, Robinson did nothing but make plays and he is only twenty years old and will only get better.

Other possibilities: They could go DE here and take Andre Carter to complete the rebuilding of their DL. They also may take Rod Gardner if they decide to go with a different receiver.

8. Chicago Bears – LaDainian Tomlinson – RB – TCU The Bears appear pleased enough with James Allen or at least that is what they are saying. However, with the signing of Ted Washington today, I believe that the Bears will grab a back here and add a third down pass rusher later. They can easily play Robinson and Daniels on the ends and Washington and Traylor inside. Tomlinson is just to good for the Bears to pass on. Tomlinson is drawing comparisons to Emmit Smith by several and they may be right. He has very good speed and possesses excellent hands. The Bears have been without a true featured runner for years and should not be able to pass up on Tomlinson who will give them what they have been missing.

Other possibilities: The Bears could take Carter and stick to what they have been saying in that they want a DE. Keep an eye on Koren Robinson and Rod Gardner as sleeper picks here at WR.

9. San Francisco 49ers – Kenyatta Walker – OT – Florida The Niners love this guy and are believed to be leaning his way. They are not completely sold on McCallister because of the durability questions and with Tomlinson off the board, the Niners will make the safe pick. Walker will step in and solidify the LT position for years in SF. Walker does not address the biggest need for the Niners but he is an excellent OT and probably the smartest pick for SF.

Other possibilities: Dan Morgan is certainly a possibility as the Niners released Norton and Tubbs earlier. Look for the Niners to try and move down to accumulate more picks. They are rumored to be looking to move down somewhere in the 20-26 range and then take Lamont Jordan who they like a lot. Tampa Bay is a possibility, as they love Walker. Andre Carter is also a possibility.

10. Green Bay Packers – Dan Morgan – LB – Miami (FL) This may surprise some but Green Bay has made it known that they would like to add speed and athleticism to their defense and Morgan would give them both. Morgan has been sensational in his workouts and has probably secured a spot in the top 12. Morgan would step in right away and give the Packer defense a huge lift and a major playmaker in their LB core.

Other possibilities: The Pack could go WR and take Johnson, Gardner or Moss but GM Wolfe historically avoids taking receivers in the first round. Seymour is a strong possibility should he fall here. The Pack could still move up to either Arizona or Cleveland’s spot and take either Smith or Warren as they high on both of them.

11. Carolina Panthers – Andre Carter – DE – California The Panthers have done an excellent job in rebuilding their OL by signing Steussie, Mitchell and Donnalley to go along with Terry. The OL was their biggest area of need coming into the offseason and since they have addressed the area through Free Agency, they can now focus on other areas of need and one of those is a pass-rushing end. White has retired and Chuck Smith is coming off of a major injury so there is reason for concern. Carter is drawing comparisons to Jevon Kearse when he came into the league, as he is explosive off the end but a little undersized. However, Carter has the athletic ability and strength to be an every down end at the next level.

Other possibilities: The Panthers love Tomlinson but he won’t be around at this point. There is talk that the Panthers may try and move up but if Tomlinson goes to Cleveland they may actually look to move down and take someone like Jordan late in the first. McCallister is a possibility but word has it that the Panthers are not totally sold on him. Morgan is an option should he be here.

12. Kansas City Chiefs – Deuce McCallister – RB – Mississippi The Chiefs need to add a featured back in the worst way and McCallister would give them that. McCallister has the physical tools that make NFL scouts drool but a history of injury problems is scaring many teams away. McCallister has been compared to Faulk and Vermeil knows what an asset it is to have a versatile back as he coached Faulk in St. Louis. If McCallister stays healthy, he will be ranked in the same class as Faulk and James among the NFL’s elite RB’s.

Other possibilities: The Chiefs are still talking to St. Louis about Green but that deal is losing steam quickly. If the Chiefs are here and do not take a RB, they may look at Marcus Stroud.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars – Steve Hutchinson – G – Michigan The Jags would love to see Walker here but that is unlikely to happen, so they will go with Hutchinson who I see as the third best OL in this draft. Hutchinson has the versatility to move out to RT if needed but the Jaguars are believe to be planning on moving Zack Weigert out to OT and playing Hutchinson at OG should they take him. The rebuilding of the OL begins here.

Other possibilities: Walker, should he fall. Morgan is also possible if he slides down to here.

14. Buffalo Bills – Marcus Stroud – DT – Georgia The Bills need to find help for the OL and DL and with the top three OL gone, they will switch to the DL and snag Stroud. Stroud is a massive but athletic run stuffing DT. He also is very good against the pass, having the capability to collapse the pocket. Stroud would step in right away and replace the departed Ted Washington.

Other possibilities: The Bills could look to replace Wiley with Carter should he be here. They could also go corner and take Clements or Smoot. Jeff Backus is a possibility to replace Marcus Spriggs who just signed with Miami.

15. Washington Redskins – Rod Gardner – WR – Clemson The Redskins need to add WR help badly as they have lost both Connell and Thrash to FA. They will get Westbrook back this year and have added Kevin Lockett, which will help, but they are still very slim at the spot. Gardner has been sensational in his workouts and is on the rise as he may go as high as number seven to Seattle. Gardner is drawing comparisons to Cris Carter as he has sensational hands and playmaking abilities. He would be a great addition to a thin Redskin receiving core. He also is a bigger receiver, which Schottenheimer likes.

Other possibilities: Santana Moss is a strong possibility as Daniel Snyder is making it known that is who he would like in D.C. They could also go with Morgan should he fall. DT is a possibility with Stroud or Lewis.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers – Damione Lewis – DT – Miami (FL) The Steelers just missed on landing Ted Washington in FA which should be an indication as to where they are looking at upgrading. Lewis is a bit undersized but is a tremendous athlete who should step in and control the middle of the Steelers DL. He is exceptional at splitting the gaps and getting heat on the QB, which is something, the Steelers lacked last year.

Other possibilities: Dan Morgan would make a lot of sense now that the Steelers have released Kirkland should he fall. A corner such as Clements, is a slim possibility.

17. Seattle Seahawks – Nate Clements – CB – Ohio State Seattle needs to find a corner they can play opposite of Shawn Springs and the fast rising Clements will fill the hole. Clements was superb in his individual workout as he clocked in at a sub 4.4 on some clocks. Clements has excellent potential and should bolster the Seattle secondary tremendously.

Other possibilities: The Hawks could take Heap here, remember when Holmgren was in GB, Chumura was a huge part of the passing game. Lewis is a possibility at DT. A long shot would be Seattle taking another receiver in either Moss or Johnson to go along side Robinson and Jackson.

18. Detroit Lions – Jeff Backus – OT – Michigan The Lions need help along the OL and Backus would be able to step in right a way. Backus is quickly on the rise and may not last this long. The Lions would be able to move Stocker McDougale inside to OG where he may be better suited anyway and play Backus at OT. Major upgrade to a battered Lions OL.

Other possibilities: The Lions could go away from their bigger needs and take a receiver such as Moss or Johnson. DT is also an outside possibility with Lewis, should he fall. CB is a very strong possibility with either Nate Clements or Willie Middlebrooks. Jamal Reynolds would make sense at DE.

19. New York Jets – Santana Moss – WR – Miami (FL) The Jets have added Mathew Hatchette to their receiving core but I am not sure that is the answer that they are looking for. The Jets need to add someone that can make plays besides Chrebet and Moss excels at making the big play. Moss is a bit undersized which is why he still around at this point but he certainly has top ten talent and could wind up being a steal this low in the first round.

Other possibilities: The Jets love Lewis but it is doubtful that he will be available. The Jets could also go Chad Johnson if they decide to go with a different receiver.

20. St Louis Rams – Jamal Reynolds – DE – Florida State The Rams defense was horrendous last season and the Rams will focus this draft in improving the unit. They are said to be looking at adding starters at DT, DE and OLB. They will get their DE here in Reynolds. Reynolds may be the best pure pass rusher in this draft but many question rather he will be able to hold up against the run at the next level. Reynolds has tremendous speed and that is exactly what the Rams are looking for as they rebuild their defense.

Other possibilities: The Rams are talking to Samari Rolle and may sign him to an offer sheet in which Tennessee probably won’t be able to match. The Rams would be forced to give up a first and third round pick should that happen.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Maurice Williams – OT – Michigan The Bucs signings of Brad Johnson and Simeon Rice may be the pieces of the puzzle that finally lands the Bucs in the Super Bowl. They need help at OT and Williams will provide it. Williams is not as polished as teammates Backus and Hutchinson but he has a huge upside. Williams should be able to step in early and contribute for the Bucs. He could also slide inside if needed.

Other possibilities: The Bucs may try and trade up if Walker is still available around the eleven to thirteen area. They are extremely high on him and may be in a situation that they can afford to give up a number of picks to move up and get him. Todd Heap will also get a lot of consideration here. Backus will be the guy should he be available.

22. Indianapolis Colts – Willie Middlebrooks – CB – Minnesota The Colts would love to see a DT fall here but that is very unlikely so they will address another area of need here in Middlebrooks. He has all the tools to be a great corner at the next level. Middlebrooks suffered an injury last year and missed a considerable amount of time but his performance before the injury should be enough to solidify his position in the first round.

Other possibilities: The Colts could reach and take Kris Jenkins at DT. The Colts could pull a surprise and take Moss should he fall here as they have been looking to add a complement for Harrison for the past couple of years.

23. New Orleans Saints – Todd Heap – TE – Arizona State The Saints have addressed a few of their needs at safety and receiver through FA and will now look very hard at the best TE in the draft. Heap has drawn comparisons to Tony Gonzalez and while that may be an overstatement, he certainly has the ability to have the same kind of impact on the Saints offense. Cleeland has been unable to stay healthy and Glover is gone, so Heap makes a lot of sense here.

Other possibilities: The Saints could go corner here and take Middlebroks, should he fall or go Safety and take either Archuletta or Gibson. Chad Johnson and Freddie Mitchell will get a long look at WR. Tommey Polley or Kendrell Bell are possibilities at LB.

24. Denver Broncos – Chad Johnson – WR – Oregon State Denver has had a very impressive offseason in picking up the likes of Chester McGlockton, Leon Lett, Denard Walker and Eddie Kennsion however with the exception of Walker, they appear to be quick fixes. The Broncos would love to add a young DE but with the top three gone and young promising receiver like Johnson sitting here, the Broncos probably won’t hesitate to take him. Johnson is a bit raw but he has huge potential to develop into a big time player at the next level. Johnson could be a pro bowl receiver a few years down the road.

Other possibilities: Denver could go corner here and take Smoot or Will Allen. They could also reach a little and take DeLawerence Grant at DE. Heap could be a dark horse should he be available.

25. Philadelphia Eagles – Chris Chambers – WR – Wisconsin The Eagles need to add WR help badly and have already started addressing the need by adding Thrash as a FA. They still need a lot of help and Chambers would give it to them. He may be the best athlete in this draft as he has incredible speed and great size. He does have a tendency to drop some balls thrown his way but he has the potential to be dominating at the next level.

Other possibilities: The Eagles would love to see Moss here as he would instantly give McNabb a game breaker. Freddie Mitchell is a possibility as well at WR as is Qunicy Morgan.

26. Miami Dolphins – Drew Brees – QB – Purdue The Dolphins signed Ray Lucas this offseason but he is nothing more than a career backup so the future at QB is still uncertain in Miami. Fiedler did an admirable job last year but I have a hard time seeing him as the future. Brees could groomed to be the guy. Brees will not have to step in right a way which is good. Brees fits in the Miami system perfectly and with a year of learning, should be able to step in for the Dolphins in 2002.

Other possibilities: Freddie Mitchell is a possibility at WR as is Quincy Morgan. Alge Crumpler is a possibility at TE. Polley or Caver would make sense at OLB.

27. Minnesota Vikings – Michael Bennett – RB – Wisconsin The Vikings could go a lot of ways but having Bennett fall in their laps will have the Vikings going away from their glaring defensive needs and take him off the board. Bennett is very raw but has big time potential. He is one of the fastest RB to enter the draft in years. Many are questioning his hands and ability to block but he is great value at this point for the Vikings. Dennis Green is known for not drafting needs and continues that trend here.

Other possibilities: The Vikings could go CB and take Smoot or Allen. DT is a possibility with Jenkins or Rogers. DE is also an option with Grant.

28. Oakland Raiders – Adam Archuletta – S – Arizona State The Raiders need help at Safety and Archuletta has now positioned himself to be the first off the board. Archuletta has been incredible during his workouts and has proven that he will be able to make the transition to S from LB in college. Archuletta is a relentless hitter and fits into the Raider mold perfectly.

Other possibilities: The Raiders could very easily go LB here and take either Polley, Caver or Bell. They will take Heap if he falls. Brees is an outside possibility, should he fall as they could groom him for a couple of years and then move him in when Gannon is finished.

29. St. Louis Rams – Fred Smoot – CB – Mississippi State Smoot is falling on my board after a recent drug charge. He was acquitted but still raises some questions about his character. Smoot may be the best cover corner in the draft but he is a bit undersized and lacks strength. I can see Smoot having problems when matched up against a bigger NFL receiver but he has the tools to become a very solid corner at the next level and should give the Rams their second defensive starter from the draft.

Other possibilities: The Rams could add another LB here in Polley or Bell although with the signing of Mark Fields, they can wait till later for LB help. A DT like Rogers or Jenkins is a possibility. Willie Howard is also an option.

30. New York Giants – Alge Crumpler – TE – North Carolina The Giants may have bigger needs such as CB or OT but they also need help at TE where Howard Cross is on the decline and Pete Mitchell is a free agent. Crumpler is not far behind Heap in value. Crumpler has great hands and speed for a big man and can also hold his own in run blocking. He should step in immediately for the Giants.

Other possibilities: The Giants could go after a few different corners here such as Fred Smoot, Ken Lucas, Will Allen, Jamar Fletcher or Middlebrooks should he fall. They could also go OT and take Williams, should he fall. OLB is an outside possibility with Polley.

31. Baltimore Ravens – Dominic Raiola – C – Nebraska The Ravens are currently planning on moving Mike Flynn into the Center spot to replace the departed Jeff Mitchell and that would work but it leaves a hole at OG. Raiola would enable the Ravens to keep Flynn at Guard and at the same time find their starting center. Raiola is the best center on the board and should have no problem stepping in right away.

Other possibilities: Safety is really the only other big need area so they could grab Gibson. Crumpler is a possibility.

Tags: draft, mock, Morrison's, Round

Friday, July 30th, 2010 Grants No Comments

An NBA draft story — choose-your-own-adventure

Remember in elementary school, sitting down in a quiet corner with your newly purchased book — an exciting, choose-your-own-adventure you just bought at the book fair? Having the ability to choose the right or wrong path could prove fortuitous or perilous for your hero/heroine of each tale. Think you could go back in time and choose the right path once more?

Here is the tale of Eddie Poor. At a young age Eddy was blessed with the God-given ability to hover with the angels, above the rim. He has quick feet, a strong head on his shoulders, and a pistol-quick release that allows him to create his own shot and score in gridlock-like situations in the post.

Growing up as a young boy, Eddie was able to create quite a stir on the local neighborhood courts as he was able to score on the most famed hustlers and ballers from all over town. The older he got, the more and more bodies he filled in the high school gymnasium, watching him dunk, and shoot the three over hapless defenders. Once the collegiate coaches began mulling around the seats, people knew he was going places. Eddy seemed to be at the top of his game and just like Cagney’s Cody Jarrett, Eddy felt that it was “top of the world.”

Without much financial cache, Eddy was fortunate to be able to go to a great university based on his basketball ability. He went to college at the best basketball university in the country and banged bodies with the best of the best in his brutal b-ball conference. Eventually, with more advanced tutelage, Eddy’s low-post performance grew more and more prosperous and during his sophomore year, he was putting up some of the best numbers in the country.

That was when the whispers began about Eddy’s thoughts turning towards NBA glory. He was slowly proving dominant in his competitive conference and whispers of millions began to circulate in his head. He was starting to hit his peak and there was talk of All-Conference and All-American merits coming his way. Back at home, Eddy’s single mom was getting sick and she was taking more and more time off work. Frequent visits to the doctor’s office were all too common and yet she was spending much money on doctor bills she couldn’t pay.

With many options and issues swirling around Eddy’s head, the question was: at the end of the year, should he forgo his last two years of sheltered college life and head towards the valley of the dollars in the NBA?

(To keep Eddie in the college for his junior season read section number one – to send Eddie packing towards the NBA, skip this section and read section number two.)

1: Just when Eddie seemed ready to join up with the flock of wolves, also known as NBA agents, he started second-guessing himself. He was showing tremendous upside and was putting up some of the best numbers in the conference, but it was just too early to take flight. He realized he wasn’t totally mature and needed to improve his ball handling skills. While he was a gritty post player, he knew he had a lanky, undersized frame that would get him into considerable trouble rubbing elbows with the power pack of forwards in the NBA. Besides his further needed development, he was still a kid, having fun partying in school with his teammates and friends. He was dating many girls and was enjoying the social scene that came with being a stud college player. Aside from the skill and social fun, he was still pretty close to home and he could travel back and fourth to see his mother who was having some health issues. The money was tight at home, but Eddie’s mom promised that the insurance would take the heavy brunt of the check. Eddie Poor just needed to stay around for his junior year — it made the most sense.

With a little more prep and study time at school, Eddy matured into a smart young man. As for basketball, he became the top player in the country and won All-American, and All-Conference awards. His mother got better and he kept his promise to stay in school. While the pressure intensified after his junior season, he ignored all the agents and the NBA scouts and kept his face in the books. His senior year, he was far-and-away the top player in the country and won the Wooden Award as the nation’s top player in leading his team to a national championship. He listened to what the scouts said he needed to do to improve as a pro and he molded his body into a pro forward frame. He worked on his quickness and shot selection and spent hours in the gym on his ball handling skills. He was close to 23 now and got that diploma but when it came towards the NBA draft, people said he was going to be another Shane Battier. No one knew where he was going to go as many young freshmen and sophomores were entering the draft and the scouts said that could push Eddy’s position close towards the back end of the lottery. Eventually, he was taken ninth overall, locking himself up with a five-to-six million-dollar deal. People said he lost millions by not coming out early but he was still a millionaire and earned a college degree. Besides, he had matured as an adult and wasn’t a behavioral concern for his NBA organization. He had been responsible enough to understand his weaknesses and meshed his body into a muscular frame. He was happy, mature, and rich. At the end of the year, Eddie won rookie of the year and was going to be a solid player for years to come.

(If you want Eddie to leave school early – read here)

2: Regardless of the further-development needed to be a fruitful NBA player, Eddie couldn’t resist the money and ventured towards the pros. While his mother was too sick to attend draft night with him, Eddie knew the money he would soon be landing would help her get better with top-notch health care. After traveling around and working out for many teams, he was touted for a lottery selection. While he was a little skinny to be a dominant forward, he possessed the “upside” scouts looked for in athletic big men and Eddie was drafted with the third pick in the draft, locking up close to nine-million dollars. He didn’t get that diploma his mother wanted him to get, but there was always time. He could possibly take part-time courses and get his degree. He assured her he would eventually return to school and meanwhile, showered her with millions for a new house, a new car, and the best physicians and health-care to cure her lingering illness. Things looked outstanding for the future of Eddie Poor – that is until he got in trouble in the off-season.

Bestowing millions upon a 19 year-old can be a risky proposition as Eddy’s employers soon discovered. While he was too young to drink, he was arrested for starting to brawl inside a local club. Not only was he drunk but he had been caught in a 21-and-up nightspot and had started a fight with a few guys over a woman. Charges were brought up and scorn and media scrutiny swept over the youngster as the organization demanded a public apology. The talk focused on the kid’s immaturity to stay away from trouble now that he was a public figure. Matters didn’t help much on the court either.

While the media had made Eddy Poor the butt of thousands of jokes, his nighttime shenanigans had brought much pressure on himself to perform and avoid the jeers. While his mother did get much better with the proper healthcare, she was trying to help him right his image although there was only so much she could do while he traveled all around the country with the team. However, during his second month as a pro, he was injured going for a jump ball and his lanky frame buckled underneath him, tearing his ACL. Eddy was lost for the season and the media scorn intensified. People questioned him coming out so soon and he was becoming a poster child for the kids who jump too soon just to get their hands on the riches and fame that comes with being a star. Some anonymous sources said he didn’t prep himself for the appropriate NBA condition and was too weak to bang with the best in the league.

The following year, Eddie came back but he was lost in the shuffle. His body was still too thin and he was never given much of a chance on the court. While talk was surfacing about unloading his contract the following season, he tore his ACL again and was lost again. It was a forgone conclusion that he was going to get axed in the off-season. Eddie became an NBA journeyman and wasn’t given much of a chance elsewhere. He was too brittle and immature to handle the NBA level. Now, he was unemployed and didn’t even own a college degree.

Closing thoughts: Every case is different. Some kids need to leave school to help family and friends avoid the clutches of poverty. Some middle-class kids just leave school early as they think they are ready for the next level. Some are ready and some aren’t. Some will eventually be ready and some won’t ever get off the pine. All cases must be carefully thought out and all options explored before taking a road that could prove all too costly in the future. Every case is different and everyone has their own adventure to explore; here’s just hoping all avenues are thought out before making a costly mistake to ruin the life of an Eddie Poor.

Tags: chooseyourownadventure, draft, Story

Monday, July 5th, 2010 Grants No Comments

Draft — Kid, you’re just not good enough

Please tell me what is wrong with the following statements:

1. “I’m going to test the market and see where I fall in the draft.” 2. “I’m doing this because it is the best thing to do for me and my family.” 3. “I’ve seen Kobe, Kevin and Tracy do it. Why can’t I?”

Answer to question 1: Everyone wants to talk about how much better basketball players are at a younger age. However, no one wants to talk about the fact that there are more players that are not skilled enough to sustain an NBA career, than those that have the complete package. You never heard Moses Malone, Magic Johnson, or Isaiah Thomas say, “Well, if I don’t do well at the pro camps, I’ll just go back to college for another year.”

It’s obvious to me that today’s players are quicker to question their own abilities. You’re either ready to compete at the professional level, or you aren’t — PERIOD.

Answer to question 2: The average salary for an NBA rookie is as follows:

* First Rounder: $1 million-$4 million * Second Round: Negotiable, not guaranteed, but expect six figures.

If your family consists of two parents and two siblings under the age of 18, here’s what you may have to deal with:

* Mom and Dad will probably retire. It’s the right thing to do. $1,600,000.

* All families are not full of athletes, so college is probably the first option for your brothers and sisters. $250,000 for two or more siblings.

* Taxes, enough said. $850,000 (38-42% tax bracket); if you making $1 million plus.

* If you have children, expect a reminder from the mother or the courts of your financial obligations. $2,000-5,000 a month (based on a six-figure income, depending on what state you live in).

* House, not mansion-house — $560,000 (list price $200,000, after a 30 year fixed mortgage at six-percent interest.

* Paying the best professionals to give you sound advice — four to six percent of your contract.

* Here’s my favorite one. Miscellaneous — I know, everyone’s situation is different, so I’ll just name a few variables — friends, extended family, in-laws, crew, partying, women, gambling, lawsuits, non-recourse loans and of course, ICE!

What’s my point? Simple. If you don’t get a guaranteed contract extension, you’re screwed. Who in his or her right mind would give a sizeable contract extension to someone who never plays? To those players who are simply trying to cash in quickly, I hope your family is supportive of your decision. You may find yourself living with them again soon.

Answer to question 3: I truly believe that in professional sports, you’re only as good as your last game. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Tracy McGrady are prime examples. Each player is placed on the same elite level of young NBA franchise players. However, they each had different learning curves.

Kobe had the drive, determination, talent and work ethic, but no discipline whatsoever. Although I think he meant well, he actually lost several games for the Lakers during his first three seasons. I say Kobe lacked discipline, because he had the most dominant (and unselfish, I might add) player in the game right next to him, and didn’t utilize him. It’s like a VIP running a block ahead of his bodyguards, and wondering why he took two bullets in the chest. General managers, owners, and coaches have different levels of patience, and a lack of discipline can sometimes get you shipped out of town.

Kevin Garnett is the most unique of these three, in my opinion. He is the only high school entry given the responsibility of carrying the entire franchise immediately. It reminds me of when the Spurs had the No. 1 pick a few years ago, and coach Gregg Popovich was asked how he intended to bring Tim Duncan along. Popovich responded by saying, “We’re not going to do like a lot of other franchises have done and let him grow. To hell with that, he’s starting as soon as he gets here.”

Kobe has Shaq. Tracy had Vince Carter, and now Grant Hill (at least that was the plan). Garnett had no one with the exception of Stephon Marbury, who now appears to be more of a liability than an asset. Kevin, although a solid player, needs the most help. His club ends up virtually in the same position each post season because he has no teammate who changes the tone of the game. Even the Sacramento Kings’ Bobby Jackson changes the tone of the game, and doesn’t even start.

If I were a high school superstar, I may pattern my game after Tracy McGrady’s, but I wouldn’t want to take the path he took to his elite status. Tracy almost became a league casualty, because of a franchise’s failure to utilize young talent. He had already been in the league for three years and you knew very little about this young man’s potential. It wasn’t until coach Butch Carter decided to make McGrady his sixth man, that we saw the making of a great player.

What was initially happening to McGrady, was beginning to happen to Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal. If a franchise drafts young talent, they have to give these young men the same on-the-job training as any other profession, even if it means losing some games. Fans understand this, and have more power that we think.

In a small market like Memphis, your merchandise may not be selling nationwide. You need a strong and loyal fan base to fill your arena, especially if your luxury boxes haven’t sold out. If a player sits on the bench for four or five years and never plays, we assume they really can’t play.

The assumption is, he’s either hurt, horrible, or lazy and the coach has no real use for him. So in turn, the fan says, why am I paying to see this clown “clowning” at the end of the bench?

One out of three of the best high school draft choices has a championship ring.

Guess what? Winning has become fashionable again. Isn’t it fascinating that teams with one or two of the NBA’s “50 Greatest Players” have one the last 20 championships.

If you are a top draft pick, you are probably going to be picked by the worst team, and chances are, you will not have the luxury of playing with one of the leagues greatest.

Tags: draft, Enough, Good, just, You're

Sunday, May 16th, 2010 Grants No Comments