Tyson Who? You'll See

By: Jake

Although the Bills started the cascade of surprising picks and questionable trades drafting RB CJ Spiller, the Jaguars definitely raised some eyebrows with the next pick selecting DT/DE Tyson Alualu of Cal. The Hawaiian defensive tackle was thought by many to have a low first or high second grade on him by many experts, yet the Jaguars went ahead and chose him with the 10th pick in the 2010 draft. A few other teams like Miami and Tennessee were also rumored to have an interest in him, which likely scared Jaguars GM Gene Smith into picking him instead of pulling a similar trade to that of the 49ers who traded back 3 spots and only netted an extra 4th rounder. The Dolphins picked at 12 and the Jaguars did not feel like they could have come out of that scenario with Alualu and the extra 4th so he was the pick at #10. Another curios thing to think about is what would the situation have been if the Bills and Raiders had not drafted two of the Jaguars most highly thought of prospects in Spiller and Rolando McClain who the Jaguars were supposedly very high on? All of that is a moot point now as many Jaguars fans are getting more and more used to the pick and beginning to accept Alualu and his awesome last name into the Jaguars family. And frankly after they watch the tape on him, its hard to blame them for their optimism. Gene Smith had an extremely good draft last year, taking two immediate starters on the O-Line, a starting CB who led the team in INT, and a WR who recorded the most receptions for a rookie in Jaguars history, surpassing Maurice Jones-Drew’s record set n his rookie year. On top of those players, he also took TE Zach Miller who was really looking like his fellow Zach Miller in Oakland with his speed and YAC ability throughout the season. Smith didn’t stop there with the productive picks, as 7th round pick Rashad Jennings was the spell back for Maurice Jones-Drew out playing RB Chauncey Washington who many were high on coming off the 2008 campaign.

Some Jaguars fans are worried however, abut the lack of an exciting player being chosen with the #10 overall pick as sagging ticket sales is something they’re beginning to grow weary of hearing about. Many believe a sexy pick like QB Jimmy Clausen who was available at that pick would have boosted revenue and brought an excitement to the team that is needed to sell out a stadium. GM Gene Smith ahs other ideas about that way of approaching the draft, ““I’m not trying to win a popularity contest. I’m about winning a Super Bowl,” he said at the press conference after Day 1 of the draft. And while some people are skeptical of the pick, others like Vic Ketchman of Jaguars.com is happy with the pick and the way that Gene Smith is attacking the draft. In his article about the Alualu pick, he stated that Gene knows that you build a team from the inside out and drafting outstanding DTs and OT’s is the way you win the battles in the trenches and ultimately the game. It is widely known that the Jaguars were worst in the league in pass rushing last year as they recorded only 14 sacks the entire year even after drafting Des with their two first round picks two years ago. The selection of Alualu and the addition of Aaron Kampman in the offseason were clearly direct attempts to fix that gaping hole in the defense that prevented the Jaguars from being effective on the defensive side specifically against the pass. Whether or not this pick will end up being the right one will only be answered in time and at this time we can only speculate. This Jaguars fan however, remains optimistic and trusts the man making the decisions.

Lack of New CBA Raises Questions

By: Jake

In the NFL, there is a looming Collective Bargaining Agreement end in sight and it will cause many hectic things to come into place in the NFL world. One specifically is the lack of a salary cap on teams in the league. This salary cap has been an item that has placed all of the teams on a level playing field and kept the league competitive, bringing in more and more fans as such a high majority of the teams were constantly competitive. However, one of the things that may come of this lack of agreement is the implementing of a rookie salary cap.

Year after year, we see many young players becoming some of the highest paid players in the league even though they have proven nothing in the NFL. With the opportunity to fix this problem, the NFL and the NFLPA have the chance to fix a problem that has been bugging the heck out of fans who constantly see their teams shell out monstrous contracts to players who have done just as much in the NFL as they have. Every year the contracts get bigger too, only adding to the pressure to get something done I this golden opportunity. This also comes at the time where commissioner Roger Goodell just got his contract extended and has built a reputation of a strong handed leader who does not tolerate any wrong doings from players. The rookies coming in this year have a valid gripe about an implementation of this sort.

Why should they be the first rookie class to be put up to this rookie pay scale? They did just as much to get where the previous class did and they are losing out on money because of unlucky timing? That does not seem fair and it is something that the NFLPA will argue very animatedly. The incoming rookies will also set the standard of how future rookies will handle the new system if one does come into place. As of now nothing is for sure, but many fans are hopeful for something to restrict these money hungry rookies who sometimes take it to the extreme and hold out into a team’s training camp, therefore causing much confusion and strife amongst the team and the new players.

All in all, there are a ton of things that need to be ironed out with the forming of the new Collective Bargaining agreement in the NFL, but at the forefront is the rookie salary Cap. Although it may not be fair to the incoming class of players, it needed to be done sometime along the line.

Why Tim Tebow Will NOT Be a Jaguar

By: Jake

As I look at more and more mock drafts, I'm getting a little scared seeing that some people still believe that Tim Tebow will be the Jaguars 1st pick in the draft. So as a respectable Jaguars fan, I must explain to the masses (our readers) why he will not be in a Teal uniform next year.

1. Tim Tebow is not worth the 10th/11th overall pick much less a first rounder. He has mechanical issues that need to be addressed majorly, he has huge problems taking snaps from center, and he hasn't played in a pro-style offense before.

2. The Jaguars have other needs. The interior O-Line needs some help protecting Garrard, the D-Line needs someone who can actually get pressure, a stud LB would be welcome, and Safety could use an upgrade for sure.

3. Winning teams attract fans, not gimmicky QBs who run for most of their yards. If the Jaguars want to build a deeper fanbase, they should build a winning team that will attract fans.

4. Selecting Tim Tebow woud cause a schism among fans and a QB controversy is not what the team needs right now. They need one guy they can all get behind and cheer for without him having to look over his shoulder at a guy waiting in the wing.

5. He is not god like everyone says he is.

The Too Early Mock Draft

By: Jake

It's been a while since we've posted on here, mostly due to school and other things, but what better way to come back than with an NFL Mock Draft? I can't think of any....

With the First pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select.....
Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska
While this may be hopeful thinking, a DT as explosive and disruptive as him does not come along very often. The Rams would be making a very big mistake passing on the consensus best player in this draft class. The Rams have spent their last few 1st round picks on D-Line with Adam Carriker and Jake Long, but what better way to build a dominant defense than stacking your D-Line with young players? Plus, James Laurinaitis looks like a stud in the Middle Linebacker position.

2. Detriot Lions: Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State
With Matt Stafford getting constantly abused last year and him getting injured as a result, O-Line has to be a priority even for the Lions. Okung is the best OT in the draft and the Lions should take this opportunity to fix the porous O-Line that almost wrecked their #1 overall pick last year. Nowadays, LT is a vital position and the Lions should take the opportunity to replace Jeff Backus and protect Stafford's backside.

3. Tampa Bay Buccanners: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State
The Bucs reach a little here, but they used last years 1st round pick on a QB, so its in their best interest to give him the best weapons possible. Dez Bryant has been out of football for a year, but he's still a huge talent and by far the best WR in the draft. Antonio Bryant could possibly leave this year and how fitting that another Bryant replaces him, they wont even need to make a new jersey.

4. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma
The Jason Campbell experiment is over and a new regime is in. The Redskins will pull a New York Jets here and draft a new QB for the new coach. Some might have Claussen here, but Bradford will be cleared by his doctors and have a great week at the combine and impress the scouts all over again. Braford was stellar at Oklahoma and has great potential to turn this dismal franchise around especially with emerging target Fred Davis really stepping up. That connection should be good for times to come.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Berry, DB Tennessee
The Chiefs get a steal here and Berry is the obvious pick. They already have a stud CB in Brandon Flowers and Berry will holster the secondary as the Chiefs hope their previous 1st round picks of Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson mature into pressure that will make life much easier for Berry and Flowers. With players like Jon McGraw and Mike Brown currently holding starting jobs as Safeties, Berry makes even more sense than if he was just the best available player.

6. Seattle Seahawks: Jimmy Claussen, QB Notre Dame
This guy is going to look good in lime/blue... uhh whatever color their uniforms are. Hasselbeck has 1 more year in him and it will allow him to learn the system in Seattle. It has worked for many QBs in the league and no doubt Claussen will benefit from riding the pine for one year and having a mentor in Matt Hasselbeck. Once again, a new Head Coach will draft a QB to be his franchise figurehead. The Seahawks have a pick in 8 more slots, so they can wait to fix some of their defensive problems.

7. Cleveland Browns: Rolando McClain, LB Alabama
The Browns are stuck between a rock and a hard place here with no stud players left that fill a need. I highly considered Joe Haden here, but there is more of a drop off in LBs from McClain to the next LB than from Haden to the next CB. McClain and D'Qwell Jackson will make a nice pair of LBs and if Shaun Rogers can stay healthy maybe the Browns Defense can stop the run and give the Offense some more opportunities (God knows they need them)

8. Oakland Raiders: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland
The Raiders may actually make a smart decision for once as maybe they learned their lesson about drafting workout freaks. However, I could easily see Al Davis taking Jason Paul-Pierre after he posts astounding numbers at the combine. For some reason, I'm giving the Raiders the benefit of the doubt here and saying maybe Al Davis forgets to take his meds and sleeps through the draft. Then maybe the GM's could do what they're really paid to do.

9. Buffalo Bills: Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma
The Bills were 30th in the NFL last year in rush defense, giving up more than 155 yards over game on the ground. They have a big man in Stroud, and McCoy would be perfect to pair with him and they would each take some pressure off each other. McCoy is a monster in the middle and could be a difference maker right away if he can beat out Kyle Williams who had a solid year last year and racked up 4 sacks along with 66 tackles. The fact that Stroud is aging and on the decline is another factor that supports this pick.

10. Jaguars (win coin toss)
If this is the situation when the Jaguars come to pick, I can definitely see them trading back to recoup the 2nd round pick they traded away last year to get William and Mary CB Derek Cox. If they do pick, it will be between Derrick Morgan and Joe Haden. So since I'm not making an imaginary trade, the Jaguars select......
Joe Haden, CB Florida
Haden is the Best available player here and at this point he would make Rashean Mathis expendable. Mathis could be worth a 2nd round pick and many Jaguars fans would be much happier if GM Gene Smith had more picks in this draft after his stunning draft class last year.

11. Denver Broncos: Taylor Mays, S Southern California
The broncos Defense started out very well but to say they faded is an understatement. They finished 26th in run defense last year and are starting Renaldo Hill and Brian Dawkins at Safety so its clear that unit could use an injection of youth. Also, Mays would have the best mentor in the business in Brian Dawkins. Mays was dominating in college and in a system like the Broncos, where Dumervil is constantly adding pressure, Mays would be highly successful.

12. Miami Dolphins: Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame
The Dolphins are in dire need of a legitimate threat of a WR. Devone Bess and Ted Ginn are more supporting receivers than a all in one receiver who can do it all. Tate is a receiver who can do it all. He has the speed and the hands as well as the route running ability to get open on the next level. Tate also was dangerous after the catch as he constantly broke through the tackles of DBs and ran for great Yards After Catch. If the Dolphins want Henne to be successful and lead them to a division title or more, he needs the weapons to throw to who can hold onto the ball, not just run fast.

13. San Francisco 49ers: Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers
The 49ers offense was among the worst in the league mostly due to inconsistent QB play. So one way to fix that is to give him more time. The 49ers could help out Alex Smith by taking Davis here and pairing him with the other young tackle Joe Staley. Davis and Staley could be bookend Tackles and give Smith more time as well as opening holes for one of the best RBs in Frank Gore. The 9ers have another pick later in the round, so they have the luxury of taking whoever they want here.

14. Seattle Seahawks: CJ Spiller, RB Clemson
The Seahawks strike gold in the first round grabbing their RB and QB of the future. Spiller is an electric runner with astounding playmaking ability. The Seahawks had some good success with Justin Forsett later in the year after Julius Jones failed to make an impact, but it looks like forsett is best utilized as a 3rd down back. Spiller will come in right away and be a part of this new offense and regime up in Seattle. Spiller can also return kick, something Seahawks fans were missing last year. Forsett averaged only 24 yards per return last year, so look for spiller t take over those duties fairly quickly.

15. New York Giants: Brandon Spikes, LB Florida
The Giants defense was abysmal last year and Antonio Pierce was injured for most of the year. So with injury problems at LB, which left Chase Blackburn starting at one point will force the Giants to address the need of LB with the fierce LB out of Florida. Spikes has a mean streak (as evidenced by his eye gouging incident) and thats something important in a LB (as long as they can control it). Spikes was a tackling machine at UF and theres no reason to think anything will change at the Pro level with the D-Line in front of him and supporting LB cast.

16. Tennessee Titans: Brandon Graham, DE Michigan
The Titans struggled getting pressure on the QB last year as they ranked 18th in sacks recorded. On top of last years struggles, Kyle VandenBosch is a FA and its likely he wont be back. This leaves a wide open hole for someone to step in and even if its not Graham right away, he could develop into a good pass rusher with the experience he will get this year due to the absence of Vanden Bosch.

17. San Fransisco 49ers: Sean Weatherspoon, LB Mizzou
I struggled between Brandon LaFell and Weatherspoon, but went with Weatherspoon even though he could be a bit of a reach. Weatherspoon will have one of if not the best LB in the game to learn from, and Willis is one of the few playmakers on the team and he can't do it all himself, sot he 49ers take Weatherspoon to compliment him and provide the Defense with a legitimate OLB with a nose for the ball. Weatherspoon also can put pressure on the QB, which is an added pressure. He had 5 sacks last year playing in an undermanned defense at Mizzou.

18. Pittsburgh: Brian Bulaga, OT Iowa
The Steelers O-Line was a mess last year and they yielded the 2nd most sacks of any team during the 2009 campaign. While some of that may be due to Big Ben's penchant for holding on to the ball for in ordinate amounts of time, 50 sacks is wayyy too many for a QB to take in one year. Ben has already been through enough in his life, his protection is an absolute necessity at this point. A solid OT, Bulaga can play either side his rookie year and the Steelers can bench either Willie Colon or Max Starks. Bulaga should start right away and make a big difference in Big Ben's protection.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Derrick Morgan, DE Georgia Tech
The Falcons don't have much in the way of pressure on the QB outside of John Abraham, so they snag up Derrick Morgan who is a great value here at 19. Morgan would start right away and benefit form the double teams placed on Abraham. Morgan is probably the best pure DE in this draft as he can get to the QB, but has some problems with the run sometimes.

20. Houston Texns: Earl Thomas, S Texas
The Texans were severely lacking on Safety position and it showed. There was just no prescense at Safety that scared anyone or made them pay for going deep. They were constantly out of position and in the wrong places. Earl Thomas will finally give them someone respectable back there with a starting job lined up for him. It should be easy for the Texans fans to get behind this pick because they seriously need some playoff football and came so close last year.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Iupati, G Idaho
Iupati is by far the best Guard prospect in the draft and he's been very impressive against the best competition that Idaho faced. The Bengals could use some more beef on their O-Line and Iupati is the guy at 21 for the Bengals. A road plow of a guard, Iupati can pass protect and pave the way for the surprising Cedric Benson. Anyone remember when Rudi Johnson was a top 10 RB? Whatever happened to him?

22. New England Patriots: Jason Paul-Pierre, DE South Florida
Paul Pierre will have a monster combine and his stock will rise from a 2nd round pick to late first round and Belicheck will pounce on the idea of being able to use him anywhere he wants. Also, DE fills a need that the Pats have. Their line is very old and Paul Pierre is a key to the longevity of the Patriots defense along with Jerod Mayo who had a down year last year. Expect him to bounce back and Pierre get elevated sack numbers because of it.

23. Green Bay Packers: Sergio Kindle, OLB Texas
The Packers are going to lose Aaron Kampman in the offseason and their Defense was lit up on National TV against the Cardinals due to little pressure on Warner. Kindle could come in and help Raji shore up the D-Line and finally get some consistent pressure on opposing QBs. Everyone knows the Offense is set up but the once feared D is not doing its job anymore.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: Jerry Hughes, OLB Texas Christian
The Eagles suffered many injuries at the LB position this year and it really highlighted their need for depth at all linebacking positions. Hughes played extremely well at TCU and constantly made plays behind the line. In the NFL today you can never have too many players who get pressure on the QB so Hughes is a great selection for the Eagles here. Now they just need to decide what they're going to do about McNabb and Westbrook.

25. Baltimore Ravens: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois
The Ravens Offense has surprised people with its explosiveness, but thats mainly due to ray rice and his abilities. The WRs on that roster don't scare anybody and Flacco is coming up on the prime of his carreer where he needs a go to receiver who can be a playmaker. Benn fits the bill here at 25 and his speed should be something to take the pressure off of Rice and Flacco.

26. Arizona Cardinals: Brian Price, DT UCLA
The Cardinals have 3 great RBs in their division (Gore, S. Jackson, and now Spiller), so stopping the run will be an important factor in if they repeat as division champs again next year. Price has the size to plug the holes and speed to get to the passer. He will be a steal if they get him this late in the first round.

27. Dallas Cowboys: Damian Williams, WR, Southern California
With Roy Williams constant disappearing and no real other threat except Miles Austin, the Cowboys will take the best available WR here to keep Romo happy and fans in the seats. Wide receivers from USC haven't fared well in the NFL, but that won't stop someone from taking him in the first round if the need is there and its the right value.

28. San Diego Chargers: Patrick Robinson, CB Forida State
The Chargers could use some youth at CB as Jammer isn't getting any younger and Cromartie has been up and down in his career. Robinson is the 2nd best CB in the draft and the Chargers have the luxury to take what they need at pick 28.

Defenders Fall in Week 6

By: Matt

In the NFL no phrase is more recited than “Defense Wins Championships.” For three teams, those defenses took a huge hit in week 6. The Cincinnati Bengals were the surprise story of the first third of the NFL season; they lost only one game on a last second miracle catch by Brandon Stokely (whose Broncos are also shockingly undefeated). The Bengals bet division rivals who visited the playoffs last year and a defense which Marvin Lewis had failed to inspire at any point in his tenure, was playing great football. The key to the Bengals newfound defensive success was defensive end Antwan Odom, who recorded 8 sacks in 4 games and kept pressure on quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers. In week 6 the Bengals suffered their second loss of the season to the Houston Texans, but also lost their premiere defender. Odom was seen as a key to the Bengals success and in their first game without him they suffered their worst loss of the year. Those sympathetic to the Bengals plight hope that the team will be able to overcome the loss of their defensive playmaker, but it seems that this loss will plunge the Bengals back into obscurity and out of the playoff race.

The Seattle Seahawks were once the most dominant team in a perennially uncompetitive division. The Seahawks won half a decades worth of NFC West championships and returned to the playoff after losing the Super Bowl in 2005 – a rare feat in the modern NFL. Over the last two years those once dominant Seahawks teams fell apart. Former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander experienced the fastest decline in recent memory and is now out of football and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck missed much of last year with an injury. Offensively the Seahawks are only a shell of the team they once were, but their defensive team is highly talented and had one of the leagues best mike linebackers in Lofa Tatupu. The Samoan linebacker is fantastic both in coverage and run stopping and his defensive presence is a key to Seattle’s success. Tatupu was lost for the season in week 6 and a Seahawks team that routed Jacksonville in week 5 fell to the Arizona Cardinals, one of their now competitive division rivals.

Through the first 4 weeks of the season no team was more impressive than the New York Jets. Rex Ryan’s defense was scary and shut down offensive powerhouses in the New England Patriots and Houston Texans. The Jets 3-4 defense was brought with Ryan from the Ravens and his Jets team seemed just as dominant as the perennial top 5 defense of Baltimore. The Jets linebackers shut down the middle and defensive backs Darelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes were eliminating the leagues best Receivers. While these aspects of the defense were impressive, Jimmy Johnson once explained that there is no more important part of a defense than a big, agile defensive tackle that can close the middle of the line of scrimmage. The Jets had Kris Jenkins, one of the best in the league. Jenkins, much like the Redskins Albert Haynesworth, is a big man who features surprising athletic ability. The presence of Jenkins allowed the Jets to stop the run efficiently and he was a key piece that allowed the rest of the defense to work effectively. The Jets, much like the Seahawks and Bengals, suffered a major loss when Jenkins was knocked out for the rest of the season in week 6. The Jets may be able to recover from the loss of Jenkins, but people also said the same thing about the Tennessee Titans and Albert Haynesworth. It’s hard to imagine the Jets falling as far as Tennessee, but a player of Jenkins caliber will be impossible to replace.

Injuries are a key part of the NFL and teams often prepare to deal with them. Losing a key player this early in the season hurts, but the Jets, Bengals, and Seahawks all have time to adjust and move on. The only thing that works against them is that the injuries had to happen this week, just days after the trade deadline passed.

Apples From the Poisonous Crabtree

By: Jake

Michael Crabtree's recent ended hold out is a frightening sign to me of what is in store for the NFL in the future if they don't come up with a system for paying rookies under some sort of cap. Crabtree's situation brings a new light to the fact that teams will eventually fold and meet in the middle with big time players who demand big time money even right out of college. Crabtree is not the first one to do this either. It has only been one year since the last holdout close to thris type has happened. Last year's #8 pick Derrick Harvey held out all of training camp and missed a total of 33 days of team activites including preseason games. This alarming pattern is just one more thing that adds to the argument that a Rookie cap has to be put in place by the NFL and agreed upon by the NFLPA.

Harvey and Crabtree aren't even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to rookie hold outs and their inflated egos. Emmitt Smith is another player who heeld out, but we seem to forget all about that since he performed well in his career to say the least. Jamarcus Russell is another famos hold out, ut for quite differnt reasons than Smith. The first overall pick held out 47 days and i'm guessing doesn't regret it as he's gonna need every cent he can get once he either gets cut or not re-signed. This all boils down to young men who have always been the stars of the school (their world) and when they see that other playres re getting more than them, they feel insulted and think they deserve more. This kind of attitude is ruining careers and the fact that its sometimes working only makes the problem worse.

Goodell, please get somethign done, its getting ridiculous that the top 10 picks are making more than some of the people on the pro bowl roster when they've done nothing to prove themselves.

UFL Preview

By: Matt

Florida Tuskers

The UFL franchise in Orlando features, on paper, the best defense in the upstart league. Head Coach Jim Haslett has experience both as an NFL head coach and defensive coordinator. In New Orleans Haslett was able to win football games with a less-than-ideal offensive situation, Aaron Brooks was his starting QB. Haslett’s Tuskers defense features two former teammates, linebackers Odell Thurman and Anthony Schlegel, and a former Super Bowl MVP in Dexter Jackson. Thurman was once seen as a rising star in the NFL but was sidetracked by off-the-field issues and criminal problems. The UFL is seen as an opportunity for players, young and old, to prepare for a return to the NFL and Odell Thurman has the talent that, if he can prove his ability to keep clean and play hard, an opportunity could come quickly. The Tuskers defense has depth behind the linebackers as well, both cornerbacks, Jackson and Fakhir Brown, are longtime NFL veterans who understand the basics of cornerback play and DeJuan Tribble is a young player who contributes a level of athleticism to the Tuskers’ secondary. The Tuskers’ offense features a 1-2 running tandem of Tatum Bell and Michael Pittman that should be able to provide enough of an offensive threat for the Tuskers defense to win games. Bell was once an NFL starter and his quickness should allow him to be successful against the lesser talent of the UFL. Pittman is a very young runner whose power should help balance the speed of Bell and help the Tuskers in goal line and short yardage situations. Quarterback Brooks Bollinger has NFL experience and could serve as a caretaker quarterback for a team with a theoretically strong defensive and running game. The Tuskers also have former Pro-Bowl punter Todd Sauerbrun is the best special team player in the UFL and if he demonstrates the ability to punt as he did in his NFL career he could help an already talented defense by extending the field.

California Redwoods

Head Coach Dennis Green has control of the UFL’s Los Angeles franchise. In the NFL Green has lead some of the most potent offenses of all time, his Vikings team in the late 90’s set the league scoring record and he assembled the pieces for last years Cardinals Super Bowl team. Despite his offensive background, Green’s UFL team lacks any name-power. Quarterbacks Mike McMahon and Shane Boyd both have little success or recognition as NFL players. Wide Receiver BJ Sams has great speed and was a successful professional return specialist. Green has a stellar track record as a receivers coach and under his tutelage Sams could emerge as one of the UFL’s most dangerous receiving threats, however, with such little talent at quarterback one must wonder if anyone will be able to get the ball to Sams downfield. Linebacker Dontarrious Thomas and defensive back Marviel Underwood are the most recognizable defenders on the Redwoods, however, Dennis Green has never had any level of success as a defensive coach and, if history is any measure, this team will need to score touchdowns to win games. Punter Derrick Frost had limited success with the Redskins and if he is able to pin back returners he could help the Redwoods defense by extending the field.

New York Sentinels

The New York franchise of the UFL is lead by Head Coach Ted Cottrell, a longtime NFL defensive coordinator with no professional head coaching experience. The Sentinels defense features Simeon Rice, easily the best and most recognizable player in the UFL. Rice, 33, is a former Super Bowl champion and a 3 time Pro-Bowler who started beside Warren Sapp on the Buccaneers defense that dominated during the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Despite the presence of Rice, the Sentinels defense lacks any other playmakers or NFL veterans. On offense the Sentinels best player is Wide Receiver Koren Robinson, a two-time NFL veteran who has great ability as a playmaker but, much like Odell Thurman, has suffered from off-the-field problems. Fullback Cecil Sapp is an NFL veteran and will provide a triple threat as a runner, blocker, and receiver out of the backfield. The Sentinels lack any talent at Quarterback, Ingle Martin and Quinn Gray are best known for their strange first names and NCAA accomplishments. Neither quarterback is particularly young or old, but if the Sentinels hope to win one of these veterans will have to step up and find Koren Robinson multiple times per game.

Las Vegas Locomotives

One of the first professional sports teams to grace Las Vegas, the Locomotives feature one of the UFL’s most talented rosters and the Head Coach with the most successful past. At the beginning of the decade Jim Fassel was the Head Coach of the NFC Champion New York Giants. Fassel has had great success both on offense and defense, and has a reputation as a great teacher of football. Quarterback JP Losman is the best-known offensive player in the UFL. The 27-year-old signal caller was a starter in the NFL just two years ago and could easily earn another starting job in his future. Losman is mobile and can make plays with his arm. IF JP can stay healthy he could easily become the most feared weapon in the UFL and is arguably the league’s marquis player. Losman has a number of talented receiving targets. Veteran receiver Az Hakim made a game winning catch in the NFL Championship in 1999 and is a smart veteran who will be able to exploit the younger, less experienced cornerbacks of the UFL. Tab Perry is a speedy ex-Bengal whose athletic ability will shine against UFL secondaries and fellow speedster David Kircus had limited success as a return man and is easily the best #3 receiver in the league. In addition to the three wide receivers, pass-catching tight end John Madsen is a large target – 6’5” 240lbs – and has experience as the Oakland Raiders tight end. Madsen may be the only player paired with a better quarterback now than in his last NFL job and his size alone makes him a scary end zone weapon. On defense the Loco’s have veteran linebackers in Ezra Butler and Tedy Lehman, and cornerback Isaiah Trufant is the younger brother of successful Seahawks’ DB Marcus Trufant. Ultimately, the Locomotives appear capable of scoring a lot of points and if this offense plays up to its apparent ability, this team seems likely to be playing in the Thanksgiving championship game.