It Might Be Time To Sell, Sell, Sell

Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images North America

Again without posting in almost a month, I regress that I haven't given much attention to this blog. However in my defense it's summer, it's hot, I've been busy and nobody reads this nonsense anyways. 


With the MLB trade deadline looming in about six days, the Twins find themselves in a peculiar situation. They sit 7 games back behind Detroit after losing 3 of 4 games at home to the Tigers this weekend. As rumors have it, the Tigers are aggressively pursuing players and are likely to be buyers before the deadline, the Twins may be wise to visit the other option and sell some of our highly sought after players to build for the future. 


As of today, John Paul Morosi of Fox Sports Tweeted that the San Francisco Giants are still very interested in Micheal Cuddyer to play second base and outfield in their quest for another championship this fall. Also, Amanda Comak of the Washington Times reported today that the Nationals are very interested in bringing in Twins' outfielder Denard Span. Although the Nats are unlikely to deal either Tyler Clippard or Drew Storen, shortstop Ian Desmond remained a name to center a deal around. As dependable and rather inexpensive as Span is, and with the production from Cuddyer this season the asking price for the two players really could be significant. 


The Twins already arguably have a pretty slim farm system could really cash in and get both prospects for the future and solid major league ready players with upside for today by dealing one if not both Span and Cuddyer. Kubel and Delmon Young are both healthy again, each having little trade value and Ben Revere has been electric in the outfield and the base paths in filling in for the injured Span since his June concussion. A team trailing in the division like the Twins would be wise to look to the future for the direction of the team.


I have been a known the past few seasons to not be a fan of Micheal Cuddyer. However I see what value he brings to this team and I have curbed my disdain for Cuddyer. He can play infield, outfield, hell he even pitched a scoreless inning tonight in a rout at the hands of the Ranger. I get why people care for him and would want him around. What I don't quite get is the reason we aren't selling him to the highest bidder. The Twins have had Cuddyer for several good seasons but still have come up empty in the playoffs with him and I don't see any bright future in the post season with him here. Cuddyer isn't a franchise type of player to build around and if a playoff bound team like the aforementioned Giants want to send a few players our way to bring in Cuddyer while he is playing far ahead of his career averages, who's to say that is wrong? 


I can see the reasons to hold on to Denard Span. He is rather inexpensive, being owed a mere 15 mil through 2015 with a club option in 2016, he's more than dependable in the field while being a solid table setter at the top of the lineup hitting around .290 for his career. Albeit Revere has been good, it is a small sample size to look upon in the sense to be replacing a player like Span. While comparing the two players however, they both have a similar style to the game. Both play with speed and play above average defense, but Span does have a much better arm than Revere and will be able to put the ball out of the park on occasion offensively.


The way I see things, is the Twins not only have a crowded outfield situation, they lack talent in the high minor leagues and need to address the situation in their bullpen being one of the worst in baseball. The Minnesota Twins more than likely aren't going to make the postseason or make a deep run in the off chance they do, with the roster they currently have. With their two most intriguing assets being in their most crowded position, I don't see a reasonable excuse not to pull the trigger and move one if not both Span and Cuddyer. At least the way the rumors look from the media, both could net 3 plus players in return, setting the Twins up with some talent in the top of their minor system and possibly their big league club as well. And for what it's worth, maybe we could get Washington to give us Wilson Ramos back. 


Just saying.  

We've Seen This Before

Let me start by apologizing to my loyal fans, all six of them for not posting since the NFL Draft. I know that all of you were pining for a new post for several weeks now. Gotta let the big dogs eat, here you go. 


Our beloved Minnesota Twins have been on quite a roll this month. The team rattled off 15 wins while losing only 3 to start the month but have found themselves in a 6-game losing skid. For a while, it seemed all too familiar. The Twins stayed dormant for the first two months of the season and when June hit, they started to play some ball. All the while in the midst of a Minnesota hot streak it seemed that Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago were doing all they could to keep Minnesota in the hunt. Winning the division was definitely a possibility. 


But interleague play has not been so kind. After sweeping San Diego in 3 dramatic games and winning the first in San Francisco, the team has lost the last 6, including a sweep in Milwaukee and getting flat-out embarrassed at home in the first of the series against the Dodgers. This is all after Joe Mauer's much anticipated return from the disabled list. 


This leaves the Twins in a little bit of a predicament. With 33 days until the MLB trade deadline, the Twins have some decisions to make with some of their premier players. Michael Cuddyer and pitcher Francisco Liriano are both in the final year on their contract with the Twins and both could draw interest from several different contenders.


Now the Twins sit 10 games back out of first place in the Central with the most home games in the majors coming up. 20 of 24 games are at the comfy confines of Target field with their only road trip is going to the south side of Chicago to play a very beatable White Sox team. If the Twins can change things around in the next few weeks and rattle off another win streak or two the Twins could become buyers at the deadline, looking to add another piece to make a long run. If they can't take advantage of the lengthy homestand, the Twins must look to add pieces for the future. 


Currently, Joe Mauer is taking reps at first base (about time! Ive been saying this since Morneau went down, but that is neither here nor there). Perhaps the Twins could look to add a young backstop like Jesus Montero from New York at the deadline. Regardless of what they would look for at the deadline, if they decide they aren't buyers, they have to look to add talent to a arguably weak minor league system. Besides a few good pieces, most pro scouts don't grade the Twins minor leaguers as more than role players and middle of the rotation guys. 


I'm not petitioning for the team to blow it up and start fresh, but I'm saying it can't be out of the question. I can't help but remember the remarkable run in 2006, storming back to win the division on the last game of the season, but as exciting as it was it was even more unlikely. 


The division is still up for grabs. The Twins can climb back, but they have to do so sooner than later. 

NFL Draft Watch 2.0: Draft Day

It's finally here boys and girls. After a long, uncertain layoff the NFL Draft is upon us. The NFL's lockout has been lifted via court injunction and although the season is still up in the air, football activities are going to resume. Today is a big day for the NFL's die-hards. For some it is adding another piece to the championship puzzle while others hope to hit on a great prospect to help the team out of Loserville, USA. A lot has changed in the past few weeks with the status of the incumbent rookies and I feel that I need to account for some of these recent changes. Stock has risen for some players while others have seen theirs drop, in some cases, pretty drastically. 


After about a month since my first mock and the draft only a few hours away, let's re-examine the first round:

1. Carolina Panthers 

Needs: QB, DE, OLB

Pick: Cam Newton, QB Auburn (3)

Newton might not be the most NFL-ready of the 2011 class, but the sky is the limit with this kid. He's got all the intangables: size, speed, elusiveness, and he's a threat outside the pocket. He needs some work, but you can't fault the Panthers here. Biggest risk-rewards with this QB class. 

2. Denver Broncos

Needs: DL, ILB, CB

Pick: Von Miller, DE/OLB Texas A&M (3)

Still uncertain whether Von will be a 4-3 end or OLB, he's got the speed, power and quickness to get at the quarterback. Denver could go with Dareus here to shore up a bad run defense, but they were arguably worse at getting to the QB. In a deep draft defensively, Miller is the shining star as far as pass rushers. 

3. Buffalo Bills

Needs: DE, DT, QB

Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama (8)

Probably going to be the nose in Buffalo's 3-4, but is fast enough to play the end as well. Dareus has a good initial burst and power to not only push the line but make plays behind the line as well.

4: Cincinnati Bengals

Needs: RB, DE, OT

Pick: AJ Green, WR Georgia

Still with Carson Palmer's looming retirement, the Bengals must not be so high on Blaine Gabbert. Liking Green's skills on the deep ball (best % of plays over 20 yards in 2009), he will fit nicely with the departure of T.O. and possibly Ochocinco. 

5. Arizona Cardinals

Needs: QB, OT, OLB

Pick: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB Missouri (16) 

Here's were I think our first trade might happen. Arizona is another team that could take Gabbert, but maybe not here. They have options in the fifth spot. I could see a team like Houston jumping up here for Patrick Peterson, but as it sits, Aldon would be the guy for an edge rusher for AZ's 3-4 scheme

6. Cleveland Browns

Needs: DE, DT, WR

Pick: Julio Jones, WR Alabama (10)

Similar to Dez Bryant last year, scouts say Jones is ready for the NFL in week 1. The Browns offense was one of the worst last season and 2nd year QB Colt McCoy could use a weapon like Julio Jones who is great after the catch and has the speed to turn it upfield. 

7. San Fransisco 49ers

Needs: QB, DT, CB

Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB (1)

I think that SF could go with Peterson here, but taking Gabbert is the next best thing. The niners have a new west-coast style offense coming in and Blaine is a kid that can take advantage of that. With Gore in the backfield and Michael Crabtree coming into his own, Gabbert has a good start here. 

8. Tennessee Titans

Needs: DT, ILB, QB

Pick: Nick Fairley, DT Auburn (2)

Fairley was initially my 2nd pick in the draft, but recent buzz has him swapped with Dareus. I believe the Titans still go the route of the nose (pun intended) and draft a DT here at 8.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Needs: DE, OT, ILB

Pick: Tyson Smith, OT USC 

Dallas is another team with options to move back here. The word is they are looking at addressing the offensive tackle or defensive end positions in the first round. With many available they could look to move back to accumulate more picks. If they stand pat they get the best OT in the draft. 

10. Washington Redskins

Needs: QB, WR, OLB

Pick: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB North Carolina (14)

Quinn didn't play in 2010 due to NCAA punishments to North Carolina. Had he played we could be talking potential first overall here. Quinn is a great pass rusher and is almost impossible to block one-on-one. Definitely fits in a defense that took Brian Orakpo last season. 

11: Houston Texans

Needs: CB, DE, OLB

Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU (7)

I already said earlier, that I think Peterson goes to Houston via them trading up but lets assume this dream come true comes to fruition for the Texans and they get their guy at 11. Peterson is #1 on the big boards for a reason and Houston's pass coverage needs an upgrade.

12. Minnesota Vikings

Needs: DE, S, QB

Pick: Jake Locker, QB Washington 

Let me just start buy saying this is a tough one. I feel like Locker stays in purple in gold in the NFL, but I don't think it will be from the 12th spot in the draft. I think the Vikings could look at Castonzo at the 12th spot, or a DE, but word in Minny is we like Locker here. 

13. Detroit Lions

Needs: CB, OT, CB

Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College  (28)

Back when I was making my first mock I had Detroit taking a OT (no lie!), but that's when the Prince's stock was high. Now Prince's stock is declining and the Lions don't hesitate to protect their prized investment of Matthew Stafford. With already a shoulder made of butter, it is in their best interest to get protection up front. 

14. St. Louis Rams

Needs: WR, DT, OLB

Pick: Corey Liuget, DT Illinois (19)

St. Louis might jump at the opportunity to grab one of the top receivers here, but end up filling a big hole on the defensive line with Liuget. Great combo of size and strength and is a great value pick at 14. If the Rams really want to try to fill their top need and draft a WR, it would'nt be shocking if they trade back for someone like Hankerson

15. Miami Dolphins

Needs: RB, OG, QB

Pick: Mike Pouncey, C/G Florida (25)

Another team that is hard to tell what they're thinking. I originally thought Ingram here, but perhaps the line could be more to blame than the aging running backs. Pouncey is a good anchor in the middle at either center or guard and fits nicely between the young tackles already on the line. 

16. Jacksonville Jaguars

Needs: WR, DE, S

Pick: JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin (11)

With no WR or S valuable enough to necessitate a 16th overall selection, the Jags fill their need on the defensive line with a great athlete in Watt. At 290 lbs., Watt opened eyes at the combine showing off his speed and athleticism. 

17. New England Patriots (from Oakland)

Needs: OLB, DE, WR

Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE UCLA

I'm staying with my gut here and keeping Jordan and New England together. Jordan is already familiar to the 3-4 scheme-a rarity in college football. Belichek can put Cameron Jordan on the line in week one and see results.

18. San Diego Chargers

Needs: DL, WR, OLB

Pick: Muhammed Wilkerson, DT/DE Temple

Sticking with my pick again here. Wilkerson has the size and power to gobble up blockers and San Diego needs beef up front defensively. Great fit for a good value.

19. New York Giants

Needs: OG, DT, LB

Pick; Gabe Carimi, OT (21)

The Giants get a chance to shape up an aging and injury-riddled offensive line. Carimi can play the gaurd position but more than likely could end up playing tackle and moving David Diehl inside. 

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Needs: OLB, DE, CB

Pick: Prince Amukamara (13)

Tampa has one of the worst pass rushes when only sending 4 but Prince is hard to overlook when CB is an area of need. Prince's stock has fallen as of late but he still possesses a ton of speed and quickness to help out a secondary in need. 

21. Kansas City Chiefs 
Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick: Nate Solder, OT Colorado (22)
It's pretty much no secret that KC is going to take the best tackle available. Just so happens that Solder is the best one left on my board. They fill a position of need and it should help improve the already nasty run game they have going on in Kansas City. 


22. Indianapolis Colts
Needs: OT, OG, CB
Pick: Derrick Sherrod, OT Mississippi State (28)
Indy misses out on the big 4 offensive tackles but still get a solid tackle in a position of need. The Colts need an upgrade on the line while Peyton is still around and Sherrod will provide good blocking on the edge and can help the lackluster Indy run game.


23. Philadelphia Eagles
Needs: CB, OLB, T
Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
In my own opinion I like Smith more than Amukamara and Philly does too. They get exactly who they want with this pick and instantly Smith fills a position of need, possibly starting week one for Andy Reid. 


24. New Orleans Saints
Needs: DE, OLB, S
Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson (6)
First thought as a top-5 pick, questions of his health seriously damage his draft stock this year. However at 24, New Orleans can afford to take a chance on when healthy, a rare talent in Bowers. 


25. Seattle Seahawks
Needs: QB, DT, OLB
Pick: Andy Dalton, QB TCU (unranked)
There is a possibility of the Seahawks jumping back from 25 but there has been a lot of steam behind quarterback Andy Dalton. As a 4 year starter at TCU, a lot of scouts seem to think Dalton has the smarts, the skills and might just be the most game ready of the class. 


26. Baltimore Ravens
Needs: CB, WR, DE
Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB Purdue (20)
Kerrigan is a hard-nosed guy with a standout work ethic and would fit right in Ray Lewis' front 7. As a great pass rusher Kerrigan is no liability in the run game. He led the nation last season with 26 TFL and has good vision to pick up the ball carrier. 


27. Atlanta Falcons
Needs: OL, DE, OLB
Pick: Adrian Clayborne, DE Iowa
I'm again sticking with my pick here. Clayborne has a reputation for being relentless in pursuit and the Falcons need some help on their pass rushing rep. 


28. New England Patriots
Needs: OLB, DE, OT
Pick: Mark Ingram, RB Ohio State
Ingram is a punishing runner with great speed and with no bona-fide starter on the Pats it may not be much of a shock that Belichek brings in a top RB prospect to shake things up offensively, perhaps take some pressure off Mr. Brady.


29. Chicago Bears
Needs: OL, DT, OLB
Pick: Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
The Bears wanted one of the OTs here but will take Taylor who will fit in nicely as Tommi Harris' replacement. He's big and strong like Harris, with the advantage of adding youth to aging defense. 


30. New York Jets
Needs: DE, DT, WR
Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA
Ayers stock dropped after a bad combine but is still looked at as a day one talent. Going to be benifited by playing in an already relentless Rex Ryan defense, Ayers is going to be given multiple chances to get to the quarterback. 


31. Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: OL, CB, WR
Pick: Aaron Williams, CB Texas
Im keeping with CB but swapping to Williams who may be a little more fluid, he like Brandon Harris is a risk taker, some see Williams as a possible transition to safety.


31. Green Bay Packers
Needs: OLB, OT, DE
Pick: Brooks Reed, OLB Arizona
Pack use this pick to grab a playmaker opposite the Claymaker in round one. I could see them going offensive line to add depth to an improved but aging line there. Reed will slip right in to Capers' 3-4 scheme without too many growing pains. 








It's like its Christmas morning up in here...

The Sky Is Falling! The Sky Is Falling!

Much like the Twins' batting averages...ha see what I did there?


Somebody has got to hit the ball. The Minnesota Twins are in last place or near last place in the AL in almost every major statistical hitting category including hits, runs, homers, batting average, OBP, slugging percentage and OPS. It's been a rather pedestrian start to the season offensively to say the least. Denard Span leads the starters in batting average and on base percentage with his .286/.342 but our meat has not been able to move him around. The M & M boys have a combined 15 hits in 61 ABs (.246), 5 rbi and no home runs. 


Shit, I'm out of chap stick. How fitting. The Twins can't score runs and I have chapped lips.


Sadly, our pitchers aren't helping the cause either. Our starting five rank in the bottom half of most pitching categories as well. Besides Nick Blackburn, no other starter has an ERA under 5. Its a double-edged sword if your offense isn't scoring and your pitching isn't helping the cause either.


Hold on a moment. Cleveland is 8-2 and Kansas City is 6-3? Maybe the sky isn't falling after all. Although Cleveland's bullpen has been nothing short of spectacular, I have serious doubt's that the starting pitching is capable of carrying this team through the long haul. Carmona is supposedly the anchor of the staff, yet is posting an ERA of 9.00, while making 2 starts during the Tribe's current 8 game win streak. The offense couldn't be more on fire either. Aging Orlando Cabrera leads the team in hits and avg, and his fellow Cabrera, Asdrubal has already hit four home runs-one more than all of last season. I'm calling it right now. This is merely a mirage.


The Royals come to town this week for a short two game series at Target Field. The Twins need to take full advantage of this series to get back to doing what they usually do, in hit up Kansas City pitching. This is a good opportunity to let the bats heat up before they go to Tampa for four games, in which they'll face Cy Young candidate David Price this weekend. Now is the time to let Stella get her groove back. Confidence is the key. Gardenhire should get his guys ready to roll now, so momentum builds later. Like I said before, the leaders of this division don't look like they're ready to lead all season. 


There's 153 games left to go, but the Twins can't afford to waste time. The Chi Sox are mashing the ball, but their bullpen is failing. Only a matter of time before Ozzie gets his bullpen in order. The Tigers have the talent to get it together as well. The Twins might have sliced one into the woods out of the gate, but they should be looking at a chip and a put to get back to par. Start with the hitting, then lets get to the pitching. You can't win ball games if you can't score. 


The last thing they want to do now is go Rory McIlroy on the bit and let it spin way out of control. 

Mn Twins: This Year Is Going To Be Different?

Today marks an exciting day for baseball fans across the country. Today is opening day. For some teams sights are set at the World Series, while some look to improve upon last year and for some, just to brave another storm (I'm looking at you Pittsburgh Pirates). The Minnesota Twins are coming off their second straight Central Division Championship and head into the season as some of the expert's pick to win the division yet again. 


Another banner will fly at Target Field, we will all cheer and look proudly at our regular season accomplishment. But, for the second year in a row, fifth year in the last eight, the Twins have failed to get past the first round of the playoffs, including two consecutive sweeps by the hands of the Yankees. As a Twins fan myself, I get caught up in the run of it. It's hard not to. My favorite team always has that "chip, chair and a chance." Well we have not seen the American League Championship Series since 2002 (that's the second round for you noobs). Our chip can't buy us anything, our chair gets pulled out from underneath us and our chances are equivalent to Lloyd Christmas's chance with Mary Swanson. The Yankees have gotten to lick their chops with us in our last three trips to the playoffs, beating us nine straight times. We did however get game one on them in 2004, coincidentally the Twins' last playoff win.


Really, there is a reason Minnesota has been dubbed "Loservillle, USA" by radio host Paul Allen. The Vikings, Timberwolves and Wild have a combined 0 championships, The Gophers hoops and football haven't done anything in decades. The Twins are the brightest spot on the list but they haven't been to the World Series since '91, almost 20 years ago. 


Is this year the year? Last year the Twins won 94 games, the second-highest total under Ron Gardenhire, yet the outcome was the same. Some blame the injury on Justin Morneau's season as the reason the Twins weren't able to get over the hump. Granted, Morneau was sidelined in the midst of an MVP season, but the Twins didn't have a major problem winning games without Morneau's stick in the lineup. Starting pitching was a regular problem for the Twins last season, yet they did nothing to address the problem this year. It has been very characteristic of the Twins to give their own guys the chances and at times over-value the talent they have in their system. Not trading Brian Duensing for Cliff Lee was deemed "the best trade never made" by the Twins' broadcast crew. Basically they said Cliff Lee is no Brian Duensing. It's uncanny. They did however make a major move sending Wilson Ramos for a certified closer in Matt Capps. It was a great move to bolster the bullpen, but this season they let Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier, Brian Fuentes and Jesse Crain walk, while not attempting to sign any viable replacements. It could be a mess back there this year. 


The Twins lack attitude. From the top down, the Twins project a baseball team that should play their home games on the ABC Family channel. Even the manager resembles Santa Claus. Gardy loves his clubhouse boys, regardless of skill and talent. Nick Punto hustled to first base, Cuddyer does magic tricks and has a good smile, and they are on the manager's nice list but guys like Delmon Young-arguably the MVP last season, are regularly left out of the lineup (until in Young's case, absolutely had to be in the lineup). Attitude is unacceptable here in Minnesota. We like our good guys. We'd rather lose with good guys than win with assholes. 


This year there still is hope for us though. I use the term hope in its most defined sense. Danny Valencia is young and maybe picks up from where he left off last year and is our third bagger for years to come. Maybe Alexi Casilla grows up and remembers how many outs there are. Hopefully the rotation figures itself out and can keep the burden off the bullpen. We have to hope and pray that our MVP first baseman has his concussion symptoms behind him and he's able to rake like we know he can. And lastly, I can't leave out our new second baseman Tsuyoshi Nishioka, our hot splash last offseason. Nishioka comes in to replace the O-Dog, Orlando Hudson a great veteran leader with a nice glove. Nishioka comes over with a few Japanese League batting titles on his shelf, so here's to hoping that he can get used to American pitching rather quickly to strengthen the top of our order. The least I can say, it doesn't seem on paper, that the Twins didn't get any worse, they just failed to get better. 


There's a lot of that hope I'm talking about swirling around Minnesota baseball this year, again. Hell, we could win the division again this year, even though the Chi Sox and Tigers look like they made some major improvements this year. It's going to be a tough race. Maybe battling with them 36 times this season will toughen the lovable Twins up enough to maybe even beat a team from the east. Maybe. Either way, the Twins need to prove that they aren't afraid of the big boys this year. If there isn't any improvement, the organization needs to take a long look in the mirror. 


Here's to hoping. Play ball.






currently jamming on: Atmosphere

It's That Time of Year; 2011 NFL Draft Watch

With the NFL collective bargaining agreement being a total question mark, one thing is certain: The NFL Draft is happening, even if the season doesn't. The scouting combine brought in players from all over the country to show off their skills to NFL scouts from all 32 teams. Some coaches call it "shorts skills" as players are without pads and free to showcase their talents through drills like the popular 40 yard dash, broad jump and bench press. Although importance of some drills is arguable, a player's stock can be increased and decreased with a great or sub par performance in Indy at the combine. 


Here's how I see the first round going down.


1. Carolina Panthers 
Needs: QB, DE, OLB 

Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri 
Although Jimmy Clausen is young and could still pan out as an NFL quarterback, nobody would fault Ron Rivera for wanting to bring in his own quarterback to start his tenure as an NFL head coach. Gabbert is a very accurate passer with a strong arm with the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. Carolina could have a great quarterback in Gabbert or strong leverage for teams  pining for him. 

2. Denver Broncos
Needs: DE, ILB, CB
Pick: Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
The Broncos defense was seriously hurt with the loss of Elvis Dumerville last season and had trouble stopping the run and getting any pass rush. With the addition of the Fairly here in the draft, his size (297 lbs.) matched with his speed, and athleticism, the Broncos defensive line can get a major boost in both areas.


3. Buffalo Bills
Needs: QB, DE, LB

Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn 
Although Cam had a disappointing showing in Indy, his Auburn pro day went rather seamlessly. Buffalo has multiple holes to fill this year and it goes beyond the first round. Some say Cam Newton isn't quite NFL ready, but the Bills didn't win a game until week 10 last season and sported an NFL worst -142 net points. Couldn't get much worse.

4. Cincinatti Bengals
Needs: RB, DE, OT
Pick: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
Taking a page from Matt Millen's book, using a top-10 pick on a wide receiver doesn't always work. However Green's crisp route running, speed and toughness would look very nice across the field from Ochocinco. Not to mention, with the Carson Palmer drama unfolding, it might bode well for Cinci to grab another tool for Palmer. 


5. Arizona Cardinals
Needs: QB, OLB, OT
Pick: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
Arizona needs a franchise quarterback but with the top 2 already off the board they'll bring in Miller here as a perfect fit for their 3-4 scheme. Miller is fast and although typically a pass rusher in college, is athletic enough to transition to a 3 down player in the Cardinals' defense. 


6. Cleveland Browns
Needs: DE, DT, WR

Pick: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson 
New defensive coordinator Dick Jauron is transitioning the Browns defense into a 4-3 scheme and is in dire need of a premier pass rushing end. Da'Quan Bowers, once thought could be the first pick in the draft may fall into the lap of the Browns due to lingering concerns on his knee. With the speed and power Bowers has, he could be a potential star. 


7. San Francisco 49ers
Needs: QB, DT, CB
Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

 

Another team hoping for one of the quarterbacks to fit their new west coast scheme, but Peterson is an athlete that is hard to pass up. Drawing parallels to Prime Time, Peterson ran the second fastest 40 time at this years combine while being one of the largest corners in the draft at 6 feet and 219 lbs. His speed, athleticism and ball skills will benefit the 49ers defense and special teams for years to come. 


8. Tennessee Titans
Needs: QB, DT, ILB
Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
With Dareus's size at 319 lbs and his ability to collapse the pocket by himself Tennessee is going to get a perfect replacement for their nose tackle void left by fat Albert. Dareus could go much earlier instead of Nick Fairly, but I believe Dareus is a true nose tackle versus the more versitile Fairly and is perfectly suited for a 3-4 scheme like the Titans. 


9. Dallas Cowboys
Needs: DE, OT, ILB
Pick: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
Smith is the best tackle in a weaker draft this year. He is surging up most people's draft boards due to his recently bulked up frame accompanied with his speed and ability to push. Smith has all the tools with a great amount of upside, could be blocking Tony Romo's blindside for many years to come. 


10. Washington Redskins
Needs: QB, WR, OT/G

Pick: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama 

Obviously a glaring need for a quarterback, but without any playmakers it really doesn't matter who's tossing the rock. Jones at 220 lbs has great blocking ability and the speed (4.39-40) to beat defenders downfield and the size at 6-3 to jump over them. After calming concerns about a fractured foot at the combine, the Skins should be all over him at 10.





11. Houston Texans
Needs: 3-4 DE, CB, OLB
Pick: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin 
Prototype of a Wade Phillips guy. He showed great skills and athleticism at the combine despite being 290 pounds. Watt has a great motor on him good football smarts and will help the new-look defensive line. 


12. Minnesota Vikings
Needs: QB, DE, S

Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Could've been the first overall pick last season, but after a poor senior season, Locker's stock dropped a bit. But after a good showing at the combine, the scouts remember why they were all over him last year. Frazier can have his franchise quarterback in his first full year of head coach. 






13. Detroit Lions
Needs: CB, OT, LB
Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
The Lions could go offensive line here, but they get a great opportunity to fill their biggest need here with Prince. He's not as big and athletic as Patrick Peterson but Amukamara has the instincts and the speed to be a shut-down corner in the NFL. 


14. St. Louis Rams
Needs: DT, WR, OLB
Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
Quinn falls through the cracks and has too much potential for the Rams to pass up. He can play opposite Chris Long and they'll form a very scary pass rush duo on that defensive line. Quinn has a great skill set and a relentless motor. Absolute steal here at 14.


15. Miami Dolphins
Needs: RB, OG, QB

Pick: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama 
Ingram silenced all questions about his knee as he got stronger as the season progressed. Scouts say he's the most NFL ready back in the draft and the Dolphins definitely need to upgrade their backfield with an aging Ronnie Brown and a questionable return of Ricky Williams.


16. Jacksonville Jaguars
Needs: WR, DE, S
Pick: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
At 6'4'' 265, Smith has the frame to be an edge rusher in both schemes. Smith might have benefited by sticking around Missouri for another season, but he has the skills and the upside to be a very good pass rusher. 


17. New England Patriots (from Oakland)
Needs: OLB, DE, OL

Pick: Cameron Jordan, DE, Califonia 
Cameron is a good fit for Belichek's defense as he has enough size and strength to play the end in the 3-4. He's 6'4'' and 290 and has some of the best speed and athleticism at his position. 


18. San Diego Chargers
Needs: DE, LB, WR
Pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT/DE, Temple
Wilkerson can immediately beef up the Chargers' 3-man front. He's got the size to eat up blocks and is strong and athletic enough to get off those blocks and make plays on the ball carrier.


19. New York Giants
Needs: C/G, DT, LB
Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
The Giants don't really have any gaping holes to fill here, but with all the injuries they suffered last year they could look to add depth with Liuget with this pick. Liuget isn't a great pass rusher but is big and disruptive up front. Could be beneficial for Tuck and Usi. 


20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: DE, OLB, CB
Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Kerrigan could benefit with some more bulk, but has a relentless motor and has most scouts thinking Aaron Kampman. At Purdue he led the nation with 26 TFL and at times was unblockable. The Bucs need a better pass rush as they were 30th in the league with 26 sacks.








21. Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: OT, DT, WR
Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
The Chiefs get a good anchor on the line here opposite LT Branden Albert. Carimi is very big with good footwork and is a force in the run game. Carimi will provide consistent protection and has the ability to push multiple defenders to open up holes.


22. Indianapolis Colts
Needs: OT, OG, CB
Pick: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Indy's offensive line is aging and it showed last year with their inability to run the ball effectively. Solder is a perfect fit for the Colts and has a lot of upside. He needs to be a little more consistent but with his long frame, could turn into a dominating tackle. 


23. Philadelphia Eagles
Needs: CB, OLB, OT

Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado 
Smith is the 3rd best CB in the draft, but the Eagles are getting a tall, fast and athletic corner that has the instincts to read and react to the ball in the air. He was the best player and was able to be a shut down corner on a bad Colorado defense. 


24. New Orleans Saints
Needs: DE, OLB, S
Pick: Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia 
Houston has the versatility to be the edge rusher in a 3-4 or play the end in the 4-3. Houston is strong and fast around the edge and relentless in the pursuit of the quarterback. He'll have to work on his role in the run game, but is a very good fit for the Saints here. 


25. Seattle Seahawks
Needs: OL, OLB, QB
Pick: Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida
A guy who is very quick off the ball, he usually gets the first punch in pass blocking. Pouncey is very big and physical in the run game and tries to put the defender's back on the ground every play. Great NFL bloodline as older brother Maurkice centers the AFC Champion Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line.


26. Baltimore Ravens
Needs: CB, WR, DE

Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St. 
The Ravens could trade up for Jimmy Smith or take him if he falls here, but Cameron Heyward fits the Ravens defensive scheme very well. Heyward's stock has fallen since his Tommy John surgery but he curbed some of the doubts with his performance in the Sugar Bowl.


27. Atlanta Falcons
Needs: DE, OLB, OL
Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Great pass rusher and plays with active hands shedding blocks to get around the edge. Has great speed to close in on the quarterback and is agile enough to break down and pursue ball carriers. 


28. New England Patriots
Needs: OLB, DE, OL
Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

New England gets a chance to fill two areas of need here in the first round with picking Castonzo with the second of their two picks. Castonzo has very quick feet given his size (6'7''-307) and has great balance at the point of attack. 








29. Chicago Bears
Needs: OT, DT, OLB
Pick: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
Jay Cutler took far too many hits last year and the Bears need to think about upgrading their offensive line. Sherrod is a little reach here but is the best OT left on the board. I can see the Bears trying to move up in the draft to get Carimi or Solder but Sherrod is big and versatile to play guard if needed. 


30. New York Jets
Needs: DT, DE, WR
Pick: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Paea was a beast at the combine, shattering the combine bench press record. He has the size and strength to be a true nose tackle for the Jets. He plays with good leverage and is strong enough to push the blockers straight back.


31. Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: OL, CB, WR
Pick: Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL)
Good read and react defender and is quick to help support against the run. Better man-to-man defender than zone but is very quick and can make plays on the ball.


32. Green Bay Packers
Needs: OT, OLB, DE

Pick: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA 
Ayers' stock dramatically dropped after he ran a 4.8-40 at the combine. With that time, doubts are swirling about his ability to be a pass rushing OLB. However, Ayers is still crazy agile and shows a great skill at getting to the ball carrier. Not to mention, he has 6 career INTs with 2 going for TDs.


Currently jamming on: The Black Keys