Darrius Heyward-Bust?

By: Jake

With the 7th pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Oakland raiders select….. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide receiver, University of Maryland. These are the words that shocked the NFL nation on Saturday evening as the Raiders elected the speedy, not so sure handed wide receiver from Maryland instead of the proven, sure handed Michael Crabtree.

With this pick, the few people who doubted that Al Davis was a senile old man were now convinced. Heyward-Bey was projected by many to be a mid to late 1st round pick because of his hands and injury concerns because of his small 6’ 2” 206 lb frame was a shock to everyone, as many expected Davis to pick either Crabtree or Maclin. However, when you really think about it, it makes sense. Al Davis believes that the NFL is basically a track meet for WRs, so many should have been expecting this. However, most people were expecting that Davis’ advisors could convince him that Bey would be an awful pick, especially at the 7th pick.

As for the WR’s prospects in the NFL, things don’t look too promising as the Raiders failed to select any offensive linemen to protect Jamarcus Russell and give him time to get the ball to Bey downfield. On top of that, they basically already have a Heyward Bey clone in another wide receiver with three names, Johnnie Lee Higgins, who lead the team in receptions as a WR with 22 and 366 yards. Zach Miller is the raiders only bright spot as he did catch 56 passes last year for just over 750 yards.

In conclusion, Darrius Heyward-Bey as the 7th overall pick….. Get outta here.

Jaguars Post Draft Analysis

By: Jake

The NFL draft has concluded and as the dust settles, fans begin to evaluate how their favorite team fared during the busy weekend. For the Jaguars, this is how I see it:

The first round started with some questionable picks and trades (Raiders and Jets) and the craziness left Stud OT Monroe right in the laps of the Jaguars after Al Davis did what he does best and drafted a speedy player waayy too early. With the decision between Crabtree, Raji, and Monroe, the Jaguars had no choice but to pick the OT from Virginia. The 6’ 5” 310lbs Tackle was just what the doctor ordered for the Jaguars who were decimated by injuries on the O-Line last year and had their starting LT Khalif Barnes leave to Oakland after a sub-par season in Jacksonville. The signing of Tra Thomas from Philadelphia weeks before the draft had some questioning this pick, but it really makes perfect sense. RT Tony Pashos has not lived up to expectations since joining the Jaguars two seasons ago and Monroe will likely challenge and over take Pashos for his job at RT. Pashos will provide very good depth at Tackle and Monroe can wait in the wings until Thomas either decides to hang it up or his contract expires. At that time, we transition perfectly to the Jaguars 2nd round pick, Eben Britton. Britton was another lineman that fell into the Jaguars lap. Many experts had him as a 1st round pick as high as 21 to the Eagles. When the time comes that Monroe moves over to LT we will probably see Britton getting his first playing time, barring injuries. With two young, talented tackles, the Jaguars line should be set for years to come.

The later rounds were where it got interesting for the Jaguars as they took 2 WRs, a RB, a CB, and a RB. DT Terrance Knighton was the first of two 3rd round picks that the Jaguars used this year. Knighton played DT at Temple University and was a standout in the Atlantic 10. Though somewhat of a reach, Knighton addressed a need that the Jaguars have had since trading Marcus Stroud before the draft last year. The second of the two 3rd round picks was CB Derek Cox from William & Mary. Cox was shooting up the draft board since his stunning combine, and scouts were trying to keep him on the down low so that he might fall to their pick. Cox, who ran a 4.40 on his pro day wowed scouts even more with his broad jump, as it ranked as one of the best recorded.

Later picks where the Jaguars finally addressed their need for WR included Jarett Dillard from Rice and Mike Thomas from University of Arizona. These two receivers were steals for the Jaguars late in the draft and have unlimited potential. Mike Thomas is the All-time Pac-10 reception leader and Dillard is the all-time NCAA TD record holder with 59 in his career.
All in all, a very good draft that should keep the Jaguars competitive for years to come.

The New Jacksonville Jaguars

By: Jake

With a new era dawning in Jacksonville, the firing of Shack Harris as GM and the hiring of Gene Smith as his replacement is only the beginning of something good in Jacksonville, literally.
Shack Harris is known by Jaguars fans for his famously bad first round draft picks and questionable free agent signings, and this came to fruition this year as both first Round WRS that he drafted were cut and the two big time Free Agents from 2008 were cut also. Both WRs were repeatedly connected to drug arrests (Reggie Williams-Marijuana, Matt Jones-Cocaine) and were cut even after performances that included a 10 TD season in 2007 for Williams and a 65 catch season for Jones in 2008, which was cut short to a drug suspension. The cutting of “bad-character” guys and overpaid, underperforming players like Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence sends a signal that the times are changing in Jacksonville. Already the Jaguars have signed solid veterans like Tra Thomas and Torry Holt who have no history of character issues or anything of the sort.

Another true test of Gene in his first year is how he handles the #8 pick in the NFL draft. There are rumors of a trade if Mark Sanchez is left, and what kind of deal is worked out for that pick will go a long way to the impression that he makes in his first year as GM. Gene is in a good position to impress the fans as there are rumored to be many teams like Washington, Denver, and New York who are coveting Sanchez and willing to trade up to get him. However, if Crabtree is still left, and it looks more and more like he will, Gene will have a big dilemma on his hands.

Along with a new sense of direction and GM, the Jaguars recently revealed their new jerseys to the public during a fashion show type ordeal that featured players like Maurice Jones-Drew, Reggie Nelson, David Garrard, and Rashean Mathis. The new jerseys(pictured above) are supposed to be the “new identity” of the Jaguars. They have been generally accepted and supported by the Jacksonville fans, who appreciate the simplicity and color combination on both jerseys. Not only are the fans liking the jersey changes, but they are almost unanimous in the support of the new helmet which now has a color changing technology that will give it a teal look in the sun.(also pictured above)

Celtics demand respect after crushing the Bulls

By: Chris

After being surprised by Chicago in Games 1 and 2, the Celtics crushed the Bulls last night, which to me was a huge statement. After all the drama surrounding Kevin Garnett's knee injury keeping him out of the playoffs, the previously unconquerable Celtics now actually seemed beat-able, especially after rookie phenom Derrick Rose's ridiculous playoff debut in which he had his way in the paint tallying 36 points on 12-19 shooting to go along with 11 assists. The story did not change much in Game 2, where the Bulls were able to score 115 points on the tough and gritty Celtics D, but in the end, as usual, the Celtics found some one to lean on. In this case it was Ray Allen, who drained a beautiful three with seconds left leaving the Bulls stunned headed back to Chicago.

Yesterday, however, was a completely different story. Rose and Gordon were virtually shut-down, combining for only 24 points on 9 of 27 shooting. The suffocating defense forced the Bulls to turnover the ball 22 times including 6 steals by Glen "Big Baby" Davis and 5 by Rajon Rondo. Both teams' true colors were exposed last night. The Bulls: inexperienced, lack of inside presence on the offensive end, horrible free throw shooting. The Celtics: great defense, on-target 3 point shooting, 

Although unfortunately for the Bulls this playoff high might be long over, or was there ever a chance? Still, they are not out of it, and Bulls fans should continue watching their team in the playoffs for the first time in years. Meanwhile, the Celtics look to shut the door and continue their dominance on their quest straight to the Eastern Conference where they are expected to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

My take: Go Bulls!

Jake's Top Ten Mock Draft

1. Detriot Lions: QB Matt Stafford, Georgia - The Lions will look to follow in the footsteps of the Falcons and Ravens and draft a game-changing QB in the first round. Stafford has all the tools and experience to be a great QB in this league. The talent surrounding him in Georgia was great with Moreno at RB and players like Mohammed Massoquai at WR sure helped him look good, but Detriot has a great up and coming RB in Kevin Smith and obviously one of the best WRs in the game in Calvin Johnson. If the Lions can grab a premiere lineman with their second 1st round pick, this could be the start of a great turnaround for them.

2. St. Louis Rams: OT Jason Smith, Baylor - Again I’m gonna go with the popular pick and choose Jason Smith for St. Louis. The rams line has been in shambles for a while now and the “Greatest Show on Turf” has been everything but that because of that. Smith will instantly shore up the Rams line and help protect Marc Bulger who has been sacked 124 times in the past three seasons. The loss of Torry Holt and Issac Bruce in successive seasons hurts the WR corp, but Smith is just too good of a prospect to pass up here. The ceiling in him is endless.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia - Some may wonder how the Chiefs can pass up a player like Aaron Curry, who many say is the best player in the draft, but to me LB is not so much of a need for the Chiefs after the Cassel trade brought Vrabel to KC. The chiefs see this as the perfect time to draft the other premiere OT in the draft and protect their new QB. With Cassell having time to throw to receivers like the underrated Dwayne Bowe, KC could surprise in the weak AFC West. Also, Monroe will be able to pave the way for All-Pro RB Larry Johnson, who could change his mind about his feeling about Kansas City if he sees an improvement in his supporting cast.

4. Seattle Seahwaks: QB Mark Sanchez, USC - The Seahwaks will make the first surprise pick when they select Sanchez at #4 in the draft. Despite the official backing up of Hasslebeck by the organization, the seriousness of a back injury is too risky for the Seahawks to gamble on. Sanchez can sit on the bench for a year or two with no pressure and learn from the still-wise QB and be the starter with two seasons under his belt. Other drafts have players like Crabtree or players like Andre Smith, but Sanchez makes the most sense for the Seahawks who are clearly in a rebuilding mode.

5. Cleveland Browns: LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest - The Browns are elated to see that the safest pick in the draft is still there when their name is called and they will pick him in a heartbeat. Curry will quickly add a punch to a previously weak defense that was 26th in the NFL and gave up over 350 yds per game in 2008. Curry and D’Qwell Jackson will now make the Browns LB core one to be feared. Not to mention Shaun Rogers in the middle causing trouble. Now if only they could stop the pass.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: DE Brian Orakpo, Texas - The Bengals were 30th in the NFL last year with only 17 sacks for the whole year. The Giants started a trend of having star pass rushers to make even the best QBs ineffective, and the Bengals simply can’t succeed getting only one sack per game. Orakpo is a little bit of a risk, but a DE of his caliber is worth it especially in a draft with so few quality DEs. Add all of this to the fact that the current starters of Antwan Odom and Robert Geathers are getting up there in age to say the least, you have the perfect situation to make this pick.

7. Oakland Raiders: DT B.J. Raji, Boston College - The Raiders make the surprising smart move and select the #1 rated DT in the draft in Raji. Raji stuffed holes like no other in college and the Raiders are not known for stopping the run. Al Davis also knows that he can get a speedster receiver like Harvin or Bey later in the draft to satisfy his need to get some weapons for Jamarcus Russell. The loss of Gibril Wilson due to monetary problems is another reason for this pick. He was a major run stopper at the Safety position, and this pick lessens the blow of losing a quality player like him.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech - In a dream situation, Crabtree falls right into the laps of the Jaguars. With the addition of Holt, the Jaguars WR corps suddenly becomes respectable with Holt, Crabtree, Northcutt, and Mike Walker. Crabtree is the all-around WR that the Jaguars have been looking for since they started out searching for Jimmy Smith’s replacement in 2004 when they drafted the now Free Agent WR Reggie Williams. Since then it has been bust after bust with the first round WRs like Matt Jones. Crabtree fits in perfectly with the new Jaguars direction and will be a staple of their offense for years to come. (Rookie of the Year) ;)

9. Green Bay Packers: DE Tyson Jackson, LSU - The packers have a tough decision to make here between Tyson Jackson and Everette Brown. However, Jackson is the better fit for the Packers change to the 3-4 because of his speed more so than Brown. Jackson will be under the tutelage of Pro Bowler Aaron Kampman and will have the luxury of not facing the double teams that usually comes with being a top ten pick in the NFL draft. The 27 sacks that the Pacers accumulated last year is only middle of the road, and Jackson could only add to that total and improve the already fierce Packers Defense. The Packers have to look at Maclin here as a BAP, but they have no need at WR with the mergence of Jordy Nelson and the solid play of Jennings and Driver.

10. San Francisco 49ers: WR Jeremy Maclin, Mizzou - The 49ers need for a receiver is no more as Maclin falls down the boards to their spot. The Niners can pair Bruce with Maclin and give whoever wins the QB job some legitimate targets along with Vernon Davis who is due for a breakout season. Frank Gore should put some pressure off Maclin as he always requires someone else in the box to stop him. With the supporting cast of Davis Gore and Bruce, the only question is who will get them the ball?

Chris' Top 10 NFL Mock Draft

1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford (Georgia) - At this point, this projection is pretty safe as reports from both ESPN and Yahoo! have indicated that the Lions' talks are intensifying and that they are working on a contract to get Stafford locked up before the draft. Over the years, quarterback has been a position of need for the Lions, and after adding Cullpepper to attempt to fill in for various injuries, Lions' Front Office have seemingly realized that they need to fill this void once and for all with a stud quarterback who is projected to be NFL-ready material. He has great accuracy, pocket-presence, and arm strength, the only negative being his height (6'2.5"), although the average NFL height of a quarterback is 6'4" so I do not figure that to be too much of an issue. 

2. St. Louis Rams: LT Eugene Monroe (Virginia) - After having released Orlando Pace, its pretty clear that the Rams will be looking to replace him with a left tackle. An interesting thing to note is that in last year's draft, the Rams selected Chris Long, also from the University of Virginia, who started all 16 games. This could mean that the Rams trust their system for producing NFL-ready talent and in turn will look to grab Monroe over Jason Smith, who many believe to be "raw" at this point. Although he stands at 6'6", 315 lbs, he is known for his nimble feet and agility which, in my opinion, fits well with the Rams offense which probably will be pretty run-heavy going into the season.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: LT Jason Smith (Baylor) - Like Monroe, Smith is very agile as he previously was a TE in high school, however it is another one of the reasons why he is considered "raw", having spent all of his freshman season playing TE. Smith and Monroe are virtually a tossup  to me, so basically whoever is not picked above will be picked right after, in this case Jason Smith. The potential is huge, however he has to have the right coaching and system to develop into what he has the potential to be: a Pro Bowl left tackle in the NFL.

4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) - The Seahawks offense was crippled last year by the loss of QB Matt Hassleback and an injury to almost every healthy receiver on the roster.  Last years struggles revealed the weakness of the Seahawks receiving core: Deion Branch has failed to live up to expectations and fellow starter Bobby Engram has simply become too old to be considered a part of the future. While the Seahawks have a large quantity of young recievers, it appears that they have a serious lack of quality.  Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree was widely regarded as the most talented player in all of college football last year and his size, speed, and athleticism could provide a very needed boost to the ‘Hawks passing game. 

5. Cleveland Browns – LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) - While Curry may not be considered the ideal 3-4 linebacker, he is also arguably the most physically talented player in this years draft.  The Browns have tried to create a powerful linebacking corp in recent years (since 2006 3 of their first 4 draft picks have been LB’s).  Despite having added depth, the Browns have failed to find a true star Linebacker.  This year the Browns will be without veteran Willie McGinnest, whose retirement left the Browns with a big hole in their already porous defense.  Curry has true All-Pro potential and could be a long term solution in Cleveland.  New Head Coach Eric Mangini also took a physically talented LB last year and may be willing to take Curry, who, to say the least, is considered a more “sure” pick than Vernon Gholston.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Andre Smith (Alabama) - The Bengals offensive line had been a big asset in the past, but in the last two years veteran tackles Willie Anderson and Stacy Andrews have both left.  The Bengals don’t lack weapons, but their offense will never click unless they can protect Carson Palmer.  Because of the recent departure of Andrews, the Bengals will take talented tackle Andre Smith.  Because of his “antics” at the combine and during college questions about Smith’s work ethic and character have become a large negative, however, the Bengals have repeatedly shown that such questions are unimportant in Cincinnati.  Smith is the definition of a “high risk, high reward” pick, and the Bengals, as they have done so many times in the past (Cedric Benson being the most recent example), are willing to take the risk.

7. Oakland Raiders – WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) - The Raiders have used the last two drafts to add talent to an offense that has been stagnant in the years since Rich Gannon’s departure.   This year the Raiders will add another physically gifted skill player to a group that already includes JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden.  Maclin possesses tremendous speed, a historic plus with owner Al Davis, and is also the best receiver left on the board at #7.  The need for Maclin is also increased by the failure of high-profile free-agent Javon Walker and the Raiders lack of any respectable pass catcher.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Mark Sanchez (USC) - While this pick does not address an immediate need, Sanchez is a young player who possesses Franchise Quarterback potential.  Sanchez would be able to sit on the bench during his first few seasons, eliminating any of the questions regarding his NFL readiness.  Current starter David Garrard struggled in 2008 after having success in 2007, however, even if Garrard is able to recapture some of his 2007 success, the Quarterback’s age makes him an unviable long-term solution.  The free agent signing of Tra Thomas and the makeup of the draft board at this point also partially force the Jaguars into this pick, if either Jeremy Maclin or Michael Crabtree were to fall to this pick the Jaguars would likely take a much needed Wide Receiver.

9. Green Bay Packers - DE Tyson Jackson (LSU) - As the Packers have just made the radical move to a 3-4 defense this offseason, it is expected for them to grab a DE or LB. I picked Jackson because of their need for an end exceeds that of a linebacker due to various injuries (Cullen Jenkins is coming off of a torn muscle) and lack of solid play at that position over the past two seasons. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 300 lbs, he figures to be perfect size-wise for a 3-4 and combined with his terrific bull-rushing skill will look to make his presence felt against opposing offenses. Overall, don't look for him to be a sack machine (most DE in a 3-4 aren't anyway). Many teams hope for Jackson to be "their Ryan Seymour", but only time can tell.

10. San Francisco 49ers - DE/OLB Brian Orakpo - The 49ers defense wasn't exactly great last season, and the addition of a passrushing-potential OLB beast such as Orakpo would be huge for them. He is an athletic freak who will be a force coming on the outside whether playing at end or at linebacker. However, many are concerned (after watching tape) that he won't be an every down type player, and might lose many battles against big time offensive lineman. For this reason, I have him dropping to ten to the 49ers, where he will hopefully make a nice addition to their lack-luster defense and provide a beastly tandem with Patrick Willis.

Ace in the Making? How about... Ace NOW.

By: Chris

Over his past few starts, dating back to September of 2008, Zack Greinke has dazzled fans with his dominant command featuring stellar pitches such as his low 90s heater, slider, curveball, and change up, all leaving hitters powerless and unable to put up any runs against him. 34, to be exact, is the impressive number of scoreless innings that Greinke looks to extend this Friday, April 24th, when he is slated to face the Detroit Tigers.  Yet, he remains humble, adding, “I just heard about it. It kind of blew me away. I think it’s almost impossible to do 34 scoreless innings in these days. I would have taken the 20 as a career high.” 

Some might guess he has not faced any power-potent offenses, however having faced both the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers, definitely quiets those critics. Yes, he faced the power-loaded Texas Rangers in Arlington… again in Arlington one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the league! Greinke is really proving to be worth the 6^th overall pick in 2002, and many consider him a sure choice to be among those in the running for American League Cy Young come the end of the season. Coming off of a solid season in 2008 with over 200 innings, Greinke has proved that he can be a team’s workhorse, the only doubt being whether he can repeat such a performance again this year. For now, this not only looks possible, but a very plausible idea.

The manager of the Royals, Trey Hillman, has been very praising of his pitcher’s ability to get out of jams, and why would he not be? Greinke has lead the team to three wins out of their seven, and they sit atop the AL Central. Speaking of times when Greinke deals with having runners on base, Hillman comments, “That’s when he was at his best. That’s what guys with his kind of stuff and his ability can do on occasion. Thankfully, he was able to do it in several innings.” It is evident that Hillman trusts his ace to lead his team, and is glad to have him leading the staff along with fellow righty Gil Meche who also has started the season on a good note.

Overall, the future is bright for Greinke. Many people believe his talents have no limits and if he continues his play-hard mentality, he will be a force to reckon with in his career. You have been called a future ace for a few years now, but now is your time Zack. You already are an ace of Major League Baseball.

Welcome! Who are we?

Chris:

- 16 years old / Senior in High School

- Favorite Sports Teams

• MLB: Love: Red Sox / Hate: Yankees
• NBA: Love: Sixers, Lakers / Hate: Spurs, Suns
• NFL: Love: Giants / Hate: Eagles, Cowboys
• NHL: Who cares

- Favorite Athletes

• Kobe Bryant
• Roger Federer
• Eli Manning

"Overall, even though I have specific teams I love mentioned above, I am a general fan of all three sports and am pretty knowledgeable about each. I love following the MLB in spring, the NBA throughout fall into spring, and of course football in the fall. Having sports arguments with friends is always fun for me so I will definitely enjoy posting some stuff on here"

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Jake:

- 17 years old / Senior in High School

- Favorite Sports Teams

• MLB: Love: Cardinals / Hate: Cubs
• NBA: Love: Raptors / Hate: Thunder
• NFL: Love: Jaguars / Hate: Colts, Titans
• NHL: Love: Wild / Hate: Flames, Canucks

- Favorite Athletes

• Albert Pujols
• Maurice Jones-Drew
• Niklas Backstrom

"My number one team is definitely the Jaguars, and I eat, sleep, and breathe Jaguars football. However, I do have a great knowledge of the rest of the NFL as well. Although my basketball knowledge may not be my best, I know enough to hold a good conversation about the NBA. I am a big Cards fan as well."

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Matt:

- 17 years old / Senior in High School

- Favorite Sports Teams

• MLB: Love: Phillies / Hate: Mets
• NBA: Love: Sixers / Hate: Celtics
• NFL: Love: Eagles / Hate: Giants, Cowboys, Redskins
• NHL: Who Cares

- Favorite Athletes

• Brian Dawkins
  
• DeSean Jackson
• Ryan Howard

"I grew up in the greater Philadelphia area and inherited a love for the home-town teams in my three favorite sports: Football, Basketball, and Baseball. I grew up a die-hard Sixers fan but in recent years realized that I also bleed Eagles green. While I strongly favor my favorite teams I generally love sports, particularly NFL football. Like most good Philadelphians, I remain loyal to fan-favorites exiled in ugly manners (Allen Iverson and Brian Dawkins in particular). I greatly enjoy any sports conversation, especially good ol’ fashioned NFC East verbal battles with Chris."