The Lockout Continues: Long live the lockout

Roger Goodell and owners/courtesy: file

Lost among all the draft news, Bin Laden news and everything else over the past few days is the stupid labor arguments in the NFL. (No, we aren't doing our daily updates anymore)

On Friday, as most of you know, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NFL a stay on Judge Susan Nelson decision barring them from locking out the players. And we now have reached "Ludicrous Speed".

We took great joy in hearing the Jolly Roger get booed at the draft, he had it coming.



Folks, this is just plain getting ridiculous. From the op-ed Goodell wrote last week to the Wall Street Journal saying the draft will cease to exist, the rich teams will be successful and it will be utter chaos..dogs and cats living together...chaos.



To the appeal of the appeal, this is just getting stupid. The owners had some sentiment going in...not any more. They want there money...and are going to do whatever it takes to get it.

So, instead, we get facilities open for 2 days (1st day of the draft), players getting a day of rehab and some getting playbooks...and we're back in court.

What is going to happen in court? Honestly, we don't know. The NFL tried to strategically appeal in a "Ultra-conservative" court with the hope they'd be anti-labor and agree with them. All the 8th Circuit has agreed to at this point is to issue a temporary stay until they can digest Judge Nelson's 89 page explanation.

An explanation most legal types seem to think is totally backed by previous cases and the law of the land. But as we all know, when it comes to big business, the law of the land...doesn't always apply.

Ist Round Draft Review: Craziness and...(yawn!)

Well, we can't say this years version of the NFL Draft (according to the Jolly Roger--possibly the last draft ever), was too dull. It was more a problem with the broadcast I was forced to watch due to having Time Warner Cable (no NFL Network).

There were certainly some surprises (Atlanta Falcons) and some head scratchers (Minnesota Vikings) and despite their being an alleged moratorium on transactions, quite a few trades.

With that in mind let's look and see how things went and offer our opinion (for what its worth--we don't claim to be experts):

First--The Broadcast: As we mentioned earlier, due to our cable company, we were forced to watch our friends at the 4-letter (ESPN). It wasn't good. From the blowhard inaneness of Chris Berman to the happy gushings of Jon Gruden and Mel Kiper's hair, it wasn't fun. Sure, technically it was great, there productions always are.

But we have a hard time digesting Berman at pretty much anything. His act and hipness went away in the early '90's, yet he gets carted out for all the high profile events. Time to change. There are plenty of guys (see: Tirico, Mike) who are much better suited to carry/shepherd this type of coverage.

As for Gruden, we love him on games and enjoy the pre-draft stuff with the QB's, but was there a player he didn't gush and rave about last night? Did anyone make a bad pick in his eyes? Well, at least when he remembered which team was picking anyway. We won't get into Kiper, we've never understood the fascination with him and probably never will.

THE DRAFT:


1. Carolina: Cam Newton QB. We get this and don't dispute it. It's a total "All-in" scenario. Newton could be a star with the right people around him, we just wonder if the Panthers are that team. He's going to have to learn awfully fast. Grade: A-

2. Denver: Von Miller LB. A no-brainer. At least he should be. If he plays half as well as he tested in workouts, he'll be a beast. And right now there is no "D" in Denver. Grade: A

3. Buffalo: Marcel Darius DT. The supposed best D-line guy out there. At times dominated while at Alabama. Again, a need pick by the Bills who many thought might draft a QB. Can you say "Smokescreen?". Grade: B+

4. Cincinnati: A.J Green WR. We are pretty sure this is another no-brainer. We covered Green, we've spoken to him. We know him. He should be a star...if the Bengals can find someone to get the ball to him. All the hype about him being a freak...is true. Grade: A

5. Arizona: Patrick Peterson CB. Another freak. Some questioned this pick based on need, but if Peterson is as good as he was at LSU, he'll make a great pro. Grade: B

6. Atlanta: Via Trade w/Cleveland. Julio Jones WR. Possibly the best athlete in the draft. Not so sure about football player though.  The Falcons gave up a lot to get him as a compliment to Roddy White. He better be good...and healthy. Grade: B-

7. San Francisco: Aldon Smith DE. There were a lot of better players out there for a team with a lot of holes. Smith underachieved in College, though the 'Niners do need defensive help. Grade: C

8. Tennessee: Jake Locker QB. Good, not great QB. Offensive Coordinator Chris Palmer apparently swore by Locker which is why he went here. Not convinced he's a franchise QB, but I don't think any of this years QB's with the possible exception of Newton are. Grade: C-


9. Dallas: Tyron Smith OT. We guess they felt they needed line help. They project Smith as a LT, even though he wasn't an LT at USC. Lots of needs for Cowboys, particularly on D. Not a horrible pick, but a question mark. Grade: C


10. Jacksonville: Blaine Gabbert QB. Another question mark. We don't think Gabbert will be nearly as good as most everyone else does. He wasn't at Missouri. David Garrard isn't great, but Gabbert isn't an upgrade. The Jags need "D" help...badly and Gabbert doesn't play "D". Grade: D


11. Houston: J.J Watt DE. There were better defensive guys out there, but we guess the Texans liked the work ethic. Yeah, they need defensive help, badly. This is a "Jury still out" pick. Grade: C+


12. Minnesota: Christian Ponder QB. Huh? We say that, but we also think he's a better prospect than Gabbert, if he stays healthy. We know the Vikes need a QB after selling their soul for Brett Favre the past 2 years. Maybe they know something nobody else does. Grade: C


13. Detroit: Nick Fairley DT. Yikes! How'd he fall this far? Fairley and Ndamukong Suh on the same front. Scary. Really scary. We like this pick. A lot. Grade: A


14. St.Louis: Robert Quinn DE. Not a bad choice here. The Rams D was pretty good, they should be better with Quinn, a guy who had to sit out last year because of contact with an agent. Grade: B


15. Miami: Michael Pouncey G/C. Not sure about this one either. Was less impressed by the "Other" Pouncey twin. He really struggled replacing his brother at Center last year at UF. Though we do realize the 'Fins need "O" line help. Grade: B-


16. Washington: Ryan Kerrigan DE. They traded down to get this pick. And yes, they need help just about everywhere so a DE makes some sense. Kerrigan was really productive in college. And they got an extra pick by trading down too. Not bad. Grade: B+


17. New England: Nate Solder OT. A need pick in some respects because we think Belichick wants to rebuild the "O" line despite them being really good last year. They needed some defense help though, which makes this a bit of a question. Grade: C+


18. San Diego: Cory Liuget DE. Hmmmm. The Chargers had a pretty good "D" line last year. There were some better players available. We don't get this, but we don't have to. Grade: C-


19. NY Giants: Prince Amukamara CB. Wonder how shocked they were to see the Prince sitting here at this pick? You can never have enough "D" and the Giants didn't have a huge, glaring need. Grade: B


20. Tampa Bay: Adrian Clayborn DE. They are going to be really good, really soon. They needed a stout "D" lineman and got one with Clayborn. Grade: A-


21. Cleveland: Phil Taylor DT. They traded down with Atlanta and got this and 4 other picks for it. Taylor will help on D, but that isn't where the Browns need help. We'll see what else they have in store, jury is out on this one. Grade: B-


22. Indianapolis: Anthony Castonzo OT. A need pick. The aging "O" line showed some cracks last season and for the Colts its all about protecting Peyton. They need "D" as well, but you can't argue with this pick. Grade: B


23. Philadelphia: Danny Watkins OL. Interesting. Not so sure about this one. The Eagles had some other needs they could have addressed here. Grade: C+


24. New Orleans: Cameron Jordan DE. A need because they had pass rush issues last year. In light of what they did 4 picks later, not a bad move. Grade: B


25. Seattle: James Carpenter T: Hmmm. Don't get this one. Seahawks do need help on this side of the ball, but there were better picks here for a team with holes. Grade: C


26. Kansas City: Jonathan Baldwin WR. Good pick. They need a playmaker to compliment Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles. This is another up and coming team. Grade: B


27. Baltimore: Jimmy Smith CB. OK. We don't know how he climbed the draft boards, but he did. This is a need area for the Ravens. There were some other needs they could have filled here though. Grade: B-


28. New Orleans: Mark Ingram RB. Lucky bastards. Thought he would've been gone by this pick. Emmitt Smith clone who should solve the Saints RB issue for years to come. Grade: A+


29. Chicago: Gabe Carimi OT. A good need pick...maybe. Wisconsin players don't seem to excel in the pros. But the Bears need help at this position. Grade: B+


30. New York Jets: Muhammed Wilkierson DT. Good pick for this team. The Jets are going to be real, real physical and this guy will help that. Grade: B

31. Pittsburgh: Cameron Heyward DE. Again a good pick for this system. Great athlete who should fit in really well in Dick LeBeau's defense. Yikes. Grade: A-

32. Green Bay: Derrick Sherrod OT. A need pick because the Pack struggled running the ball. Not much to say, but the Pack did what they needed to in this slot. Grade: B+

Update: NFL opening the doors Friday

Charlie Batch and Ryan Clark at Steelers Facilities/Courtesy: Jared Wickersham-Getty

It appears your football jones will be on high the next couple of days. The NFL draft is only minutes away as we write this story and the league has told teams they can open their doors and resume business, to an extent, beginning on Friday morning.

By now we've heard about the draft. Heck, the talking heads on TV have been talking about it since the beginning of January. And yes, players are starting to trickle into their respective team facilities.

For a pretty detailed description of where we are in terms of the lockout we recommend the primer written by ESPN's Lester Munson, who is always on top of all issues legal.

You can read his story RIGHT HERE

Essentially, per the NFL, players can use team facilities to work out, get examined and medical treatment along with some meetings and setting of schedules. But...there won't be any transactions...yet.

Read more about what is allowed from the Miami Herald RIGHT HERE

So, sit back, relax...take another swig of your beer and enjoy the draft. Lord knows there has been enough advance hype for a class that is generally considered overrated. And rest easy knowing that despite the desperate appeals of the owners, you'll get your football in roughly 2-3 months.

Who To Draft Is A Big Question These Days...

((HT: Profootballweekly/Nawrocki))

Everything is set for conjecture these days...
As is a lot of opinion when it comes to who you want to draft, why you should, and how they'll turn out...

Nawrocki laid out some opinions from NFL people as to some of the bigger names for the NFL Draft when it comes to pass... and a lot of it isn't flattering...

Some examples:

Marvin Austin, apparently, likes to throw his school under the bus and not take any responsibility for what happened at UNC...

Nick Fairley, while his talent isn't questioned, may have a motor that doesn't run when it should.

Ryan Mallett and Cam Newton may have a lot of talent, but Mallett's character is in question. Newton may not be a long-term solution for whatever team picks him.

People really like Miami DE Allen Bailey ((as does the HQ))- we've known him since high school. Andy Dalton is also on the list of good guys... his intangibles are a big plus.

But as we all know the draft always has surprises...
((HT: NFL/ESPN/youtube))

Your NFL Strike Update--Sabotage? (Rich vs. Rich--Day 28)

Owners Counsel David Boies//Courtesy: File

We were going to steer clear of an NFL Strike story today...until we came across this. According to CBSSports.com columnist Mike Freeman, the NFL is trying to "Sabotage" the NFLPA, who is having a series of events in conjunction with the April 28th NFL Draft.

Per Mr. Freeman, the league, or at least personnel from the teams are alleged to be telling potential draftees to stay away from the NFLPA (Not a union) event.

This of course would be after the NFLPA was telling draftees to stay away, before deciding to back off. Apparently the NFL hasn't.

Read Mr. Freeman's story from CBSSports.com RIGHT HERE

Hmmm. Okay. Let me get this straight. It's not OK for the NLFPA (not a union) to tell draftees to boycott the draft, but its ok for the NFL to tell draftees to boycott the NFLPA event.

Something tells us this story is a bit of a plant, but we could be wrong. Both sides in this incredibly STUPID lockout have acted...and continue to act quite childish in their quest to sway opinion. What they fail to realize is it just makes us aware of how petty, shallow and desperate they both are.

We just want to know why neither side can keep their collective mouths shut? They really don't get how detached the common fan is from this...do they? We can't relate to you people! You are arguing about incredibly stupid stuff! We are struggling with $4.00 a gallon gas, something that neither the NFL Owners or players have to even worry about.

AAAAHHHH!

Here's your damn Sabotage....YOU GREEDY BASTARDS!!!!

Your NFL Strike Update: Isn't the NFLPA kind? (Rich vs. Rich--Day 16)

DeMaurice Smith/Courtesy: File

They are so sweet. They just want to do what is best for you, the NFL Draft fan. You can just see it in the flutter of their collective eyes.

Today's update in the legal action none of us can relate to, the NFLPA (not a union--a trade group!), out of the kindness in their hearts, have decided to not hold an event simultaneously with the NFL draft. They've decided to hold their usual spate of draft weekend events in New York City, but have scheduled them so they don't conflict with the draft itself.

You can read about their greatness from their own website RIGHT HERE

Oh, and for what it is worth, they've filed their final legal brief in preparation for the April 6th lawsuit hearing with a Minneapolis judge. In it, they harp on the fact that in a previous settlement, the league and its owners agreed the NFLPA could decertify when they needed to. They argue that the owners are not complying with that agreement, saying the NFLPA's actions are a "Sham" and that is the reason for the "Lockout" (Technically its not a strike)

You can read that legal discourse from the NFLockout website RIGHT HERE

Fred Taylor, a long time NFL Running Back had his own take on what is going to happen. Taylor in fact thinks the "Lockout" will be over in about a month. He offered his own take on negotiations in an interview with the Florida Times-Union and writer Tania Ganguli including the notion that the owners deal, was the worst in labor history according to NFLPA president DeMaurice Smith

You can read excerpts from Jacksonville.com RIGHT HERE

Meanwhile, back at stately Wayne manor, the Owners fired back on their own website. In a post by the author "Staff", the league is arguing why they consider the NFLPA's action illegal. And though we ourselves are not legal experts by any means, we kind of wonder about this ourselves. Especially since the only thing that seems to have changed with the NFLPA is that they don't call themselves a union anymore.

It's mostly legalese, but the league gives a lengthy but compelling reason as to why the NFLPA's actions were very premeditated and not entirely legal.

You can read it HERE

Okay, again with the rhetoric. What does all of this verbiage mean?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Really, it means next to nothing. It means nothing will happen at least before April 6th. It means that the Draft will happen regardless of where the two sides stand. It means that we'll hear a lot more posturing and a ton of pandering in the next couple of weeks.

It also means this is far from over. We are guessing that neither side will be totally victorious in the April 6th litigation. We suspect they will be coerced back to the bargaining table, but nothing of consequence will happen right now.

Essentially right now, it means that both groups are playing chicken. They are waiting to see who blinks first. The owners are betting on the players breaking ranks, individually at first, in larger groups as we get closer to a season. As for the players, the path they've chosen is essentially go for broke. That's the main reason they don't want to continue negotiating, despite saying they'll talk. If they really wanted to talk and work something out, they would have. The two sides aren't that far apart.

So? What are you saying? Well, I'm saying you are going to continue to get updates Monday thru Friday for awhile because we don't expect much, other than more rhetoric to happen for the next week or so. So enjoy!

In preparation for the possibility of replacements, we give you the movie, the Replacements. More specifically, deep thoughts by Shane Falcon (as played by Keanu Reeves)--dig the subtitles:

NFL Strike Update: (Rich vs. Rich) Day 5...All about the posturing

Really there isn't much to report today, day 5 of "Football Held Hostage". It's now become mostly pontification by the various parties.

We told you yesterday about the NFLPA and player agents suggesting college players boycott the upcoming NFL Draft (late April). Well, they are still talking about it, but, well, it didn't exactly endear the players or the NFLPA to the general public.

Aside from that, the Jolly Roger and NFL general counsel Jeff Pash made the interview rounds yesterday, espousing the leagues line that they want to get a deal done.

And maybe they do. But for some reason, we don't believe the owners constituency does. Maybe we are wrong. But we don't think so.

We did find this letter that the (since we can't name them), the team that allegedly plays football in Washington D.C sent to the beloved Washington Post, basically throwing the players under the bus.

You can read excerpts from ProFootballTalk.com RIGHT HERE

You can see PFT Editor Mike Florio doing an interview with the dreaded Drew Rosenhaus about the players boycotting the draft here:

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

We still say to the owners and players. Deal with this bitches. Just remember this and the name. Falco. Shane Falco!

Newton Announces Draft Intentions, Fairley Speaks Today

((HT: al.com/Goldberg))

Surprising no one, we have the first high-profile one-and-done in Division I college football...

Cam Newton is declaring his intention to be eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft. Friday is the deadline for anyone who wishes to declare for 2011...

Mel Kiper has Newton as the second quarterback being selected as the 14th overall pick. Nick Fairley may be the next Auburn player to declare in his home town of Mobile Friday.

The HQ wonders if Brother J-Dub is listening for the Redskins selection...

From Goldberg:

"This decision was difficult for me and my family," Newton said. "After talking to Coach Chizik and Coach Malzahn, I think it is best that I make that next step in my career and forgo my senior season and enter the NFL Draft. It was a very hard decision for me, especially after coming off the great season we had at Auburn. I'm blessed to have been around an excellent environment and have great teammates, coaches and support from the Auburn family.

"It's been a blessing for me to be a part of something so great," Newton said. "Any time you win games it's a big deal, but for this school to win a BCS National Championship, what a way to make people happy. Auburn is a special place that I can call home."

The Barrett Trotter Era now begins...
All he has to do is try and come close to this...
((HT: SEC on CBS/Youtube))


Gus Malzahn will think of something...

AJ Green Declares For NFL Draft

Surprising no one...

From the university their ownselves...

"While it was a difficult decision, it came down to the opportunity of pursuing a dream I've had since early childhood," said Green. "But Georgia is a great place and I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to be a Georgia Bulldog. I want to thank the coaches, my teammates and the fans who have supported me and helped me grow not only as a player but as a man."

Green also indicated he has only two semesters of school left to graduate and intends to work on that as well.

"A.J. has made an immeasurable impact on our team over the past three seasons and we wish him nothing but the best," said UGA head coach Mark Richt. "I've enjoyed the blessing of working with him and getting to know his family and we wish him all the success in professional football.

"Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog."

Here's a reminder of what he was to the UGA program... regardless of the QB...
((HT: FSN/youtube))

BRREAKING NEWS: Raiders Release Russell

So it looks like it will be Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski now for the starting job in Oakland...

In an interview with Josh Dubow, Oakland Senior executive John Herrera said JaMarcus Russell's three season are over and that "we wish him well."

The decision comes less than two weeks after Oakland acquired Jason Campbell from Washington.

Russell is definitely now in rare air: being considered the biggest draft bust in NFL history along with guys like Tony Mandarich and Ryan Leaf. He will have been paid more than $39 million by the Raiders in exchange for only seven wins- almost $6-million per victory... if our math is right...

He lost his starting job midway through last season to several other quarterbacks.

So, his Raiders history of being a rookie holdout, having poor work habits, being
overweight and not having a cast good enough to win will be with his pro football reputation.

He's got that going for him...
Here's the video of him sacking himself, just because we can show it again...
((HT: KTLA/NFL))


More when we know more...

Tennessee Titans Get It Right...

You look at the draft list that the Tennessee Titans had for the 2010 Draft and you might nod your head a little bit. You'd think in "American Bandstand" terminology, that it was a "65 that you couldn't dance to..."

Average at best, six of the nine selections were on the defensive side of the ball... blah, blah, blah...

Look closer...

Derrick Morgan fell into their lap at 16- A kid from Georgia Tech who can get after the quarterback. But then you look at the linebacker they picked up in Rennie Curran from Georgia in Round Three.

He's "too small" you say...???

But that's what they said about Sam Mills, too. Curran hits harder than Mills ever did and is a state weightlifting champ as a high school athlete. His family escaped Liberia before Rennie was even born, but the family's home became a safe house for countrymen looking to escape what Charles Taylor had done as a warlord...

The HQ is well aware of the looks on your face at this point... just look it up and consider it your Civics lesson for today...
((HT: AlJazeeraEnglish))


In the sixth round, they picked up Rusty Smith from Florida Atlantic as a QB.
Yeah, but he "played in the Sun Belt Conference."

Remember who his coach was in college...?

Howard Schnellenberger...

And remember what he's going through as a father...???
How's that for a role model...???
((Rusty is pictured with Stephen Schnellenberger, thanks Sunsentinel.com))

Refresh your memory here with Ted Hutton's story from the SunSentinel...

Then there's the guy whose football desire was questioned that they selected after that. As part of the HQ was watching the draft, TBH was livid that a stand-up example of a person was still undrafted while other athletes with issues a mile-and-a-half long were snatched up without a second thought.

Here's a kid who took a year off from football to be a Rhodes Scholar, and coaches are questioning his "deserting his teammates?" A coach from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers actually said that in a combine interview to Rolle.

She was ready to gut-punch everyone at the combine that claimed to be an authority figure that was "concerned" about his desire to play football and not be the future president of the Bahamas- or some damn lofty goal like that... and could, actually, accomplish the goal...

TBH also brought up the interesting point of wondering just how many kids who left school early to declare for the NFL Draft were asked the same question about "deserting their teammates."

The answer: Probably none...

Apparently, an NFC executive texted Yahoo!Sports and said Rolle is a "better story than he is a ballplayer."

"What an ass!" TBH yelled back at the computer screen...
That's why an AFC team scooped him up, right...???

Here's the story the four-letter did on Rolle the Rhodes Scholar...
((HT: RiceSportsManagement/ESPN))


Then there's Stafon Johnson... undrafted free agent...
His story is better told in his own voice, and no that wasn't meant as a poor pun...

Here's the profile the four-letter's "College Football Live" put together on Johnson.
((HT: OmniChristianVids2/ESPN))


Among the kid who's too small, the kid who's too smart, and the kid who's too hurt, the Tennessee Titans have gotten this one right in a league where getting it wrong seems to be more the norm...

Chant For Steelers In First-Round Spoils Make-A-Wish Moment

The Radio City Music Hall hosted the NFL Draft again this year, and leave it to the locals to screw with a moment...

A 15-year-old kid from Kentucky, Zach Hatfield, was recently diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Then, in December, he and his family lost both their house and their possessions in a fire, forcing them to relocate to the Cincinnati area while Zach undergoes treatment.

As part of a Make-A-Wish Foundation effort, he got to announce the Steelers first-round selection in New York City. His family also got to stay in New York for the whole weekend, tour the Statue of Liberty, and go to the NFL's Play 60 Festival in Central Park.

But leave it to the jag-off New Yorkers to blow his moment...
((HT: TMZ/NFL/ESPN))


Karma is hell, boys... karma is hell...

Draft Day 2: Busy Day In Cleveland

Texas QB Colt McCoy finally was drafted, 85th overall, by the Cleveland Browns. That was one slot after his favorite target with the Longhorns, Jordan Shipley, went to the Cincinnati Bengals.

On hand to make the announcement about his four-year starter and the winningest QB in NCAA history: Texas coach Mack Brown.

How's that for a special guest star appearance...???
TBH wanted to know if she was dreaming when she thought she heard Mack Brown's voice- so, no, she wasn't dreaming...

"It has been a long day," McCoy said after speaking to Browns president Mike Holmgren. "I told him, 'You won't regret it and we'll win a lot of games.' "

Tony Rizzo anchors coverage from in front of a shiny monitor...
((HT: Fox8Cleveland))
 

The rest of the Browns' early draft can be looked at here: Florida's Joe Haden, Tennessee's Montario Hardesty, and Oregon's TJ Ward...

Draft Day One: Detroit Cleans Up

And, no, that's not a misprint...

The Lions got the best player on the board for defenses in Ndamukong Suh and traded up to get back into the first round to get Jahvid Best from Cal...

Suh and Kyle VandenBosch should make interesting combinations for NFC Central opponents...

Here's how our friends at MyFoxDetroit covered Day One...
((HT: WJBK-TV))


And here's the John Brenkus-Sports Science feature on just how much of a freak this man named Suh is- if he stays healthy...
((HT: bmills20))


Told you he was a freak...

Draft Day One: More Tebow; Is Jags Alualu A No-No...

((HT: Fox30/CBS47 Jacksonville))

Here's the local coverage of the Tebow draft by Denver and what is, probably, the gaffe of the opening round when the Jacksonville Jaguars- who really need butts in seats- went after a reach...

ActionnewsJax's Brent Martineau examines the local Tebow angle and understands folks aren't all that excited about a Pac-10 unknown...

Draft Day One: Tebow To Denver

((HT: KDVR-TV Denver))

So, Denver trades down and trades down and trades down to get Tim Tebow...
One of the surprises of Day One to be sure...

Fox 31's Zubin Mehenti was at Dove Valley for the beginning of the onslaught that is "Jesus in Colorado..."
 

The HQ is sure that Kyle Orton is on a very short leash, and that Brady Quinn's isn't that much longer...

Brothery Love To A Whole New Level

I'm watching the NFL draft last night and Florida center Maurkice Pouncey gets picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next comes the usual reaction shot from the family home and then things get really weird. It's a whole new meaning to brotherly love. (Thanks ESPN/YouTube.com)





That is Maurkice's twin brother Mike engaging in a lip lock. It's probably the most uncomfortable moment I've ever experienced watching the NFL Draft.

Just wait till mini-camp Maurkice, your going to be abused.

We MOCK the Draft...

Please excuse my ignorance, but when exactly did the NFL Draft become a 4-month process that leads to a holiday? Yes, I am a fan and yes I want to see my team (Dolphins) do well and stock up for the future.

But why? Why the draft? It is like recruiting High School kids to play in College. Do you really know how well they are going to do? Is there that big of a difference between a 4.41 and a 4.49 40-yard dash? Really, I don't get it.

Along with the incessant breakdown of body fat, weight and fluidity (whatever that means), we are treated to an endless stream of "Mock Drafts". Mind you, no writer does just one. All of the "So-ordained" experts have at least 5 different versions that pop up every couple of weeks.

So with that in mind, we decided that we would MOCK the draft and decide who we (ok, really me) think that the geniuses who run NFL franchises should listen to because we know oh so much more than they do: (Trust us...all teams will be better if they follow our draft guide!)

Now on the clock:

1) The Los Angeles (oops!), St.Louis Rams- Since the experts say they will draft a quarterback, we say draft this guy: From the University of Oregon, The Rams take....Norm Van Brocklin!- Can't lose with the Flyin' Dutchman!

2) Detroit Lions: The experts say that they need a defensive tackle. "With the 2nd pick in the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions take, tackle from Iowa...Alex Karras!"-Maybe he'll bring along Webster to play RB"

3) Tampa Bay Bucs: They need defensive players. "With the 3rd pick in the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take, defensive end from Oklahoma, Leroy Selmon!"- If for no other reason than his restaurant is good.

4) Washington Redskins: They need everything. "With the 4th pick in the draft, the Washington Redskins....take...from any Fortune 500 company....a new owner to replace Dan Snyder!"

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Yes, another team that needs just about everything. "With the 5th pick in the NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs take....the Florida Gators" No, really...all of them.

6) Seattle Seahawks: Sensing a theme, they also need everything. "With the 6th pick in the NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks pick, Steven Speilberg so he can do his movie on Pete Carroll".

7) Cleveland Browns: For the 7th time, a team that needs everything. "With the 7th pick in the NFL draft, the Cleveland Browns pick...Chrissy Hynde and the Pretenders"...Oh...this isn't about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

8) Oakland Raiders: Hehehehehehehe. What else can we say that hasn't been already? "With the 8th pick in the NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders pick....Jillian Michaels (from the Biggest Loser)...to coach JaMarcus Russell"

9) Buffalo Bills: Okay, what does the Buddy Nix, Chan Gailey brain trust come up with? "With the 9th pick in the NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills take..............................................snort....................."

10) Jacksonville Jaguars: Team needs...defense, quarterback and fans in seats. "With the 10th pick in the NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars take....Urban Meyer!" Little know secret...this is why Meyer has been coy about staying at Florida! (Spread that rumor around boys!)

11) Denver Broncos: Team Needs...WR, Linebacker. "With the 11th pick in the NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos...........pass!".

12) Miami Dolphins: Team needs...D-Line, defense. "With the 12th pick in the NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select.....Jerry Jones" Hehehe...a Bill Parcells joke!

13) San Francisco 49ers: Team needs O-Line, linebacker, Quarterback. "With the 13th pick in the NFL Draft, the 49ers select....from the University of Notre Dame....Nick Montana!"-Isn't that Joe's kid's name?

14) Seattle Seahawks: Needs...see earlier. "Uh...pass. We're still paying off Jim Mora, Jr. and can't afford to pay 2 number 1 picks".

15) New York Giants: Defense, running back. "With the 15th pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Giants pick......from the state penitentiary....Plaxico Burress"- Sorry, couldn't resist.

16) Tennessee Titans: Needs....all defense, wide receiver. "With the 16th pick in the NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans pick....Kenny Chesney!"- They feel the need to entertain.

17) San Francisco 49ers: Needs-discussed earlier. "With the 17th pick in the NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers pick.......Mike Singeltary! Oh wait, he's the coach"

18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Needs Defense, RB, O-Line. "With the 18th pick in the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers pick...Dr. Ruth! To lecture their QB!"

19) Atlanta Falcons: Needs...Defensive front, O-Line. "With the 19th pick in the NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons pick.....A NEW CAR!!!!...oh wait...that's the Price is Right...uh....how 'bout...a laser that will automatically zap anyone who walks into the dome with a #7 jersey! Yeah...that's it"

20) Houston Texans: Needs...defense. "With the 20th pick of the NFL Draft, the Texans take...a better nickname!" (cue crickets chirping)

21) Cincinnati Bengals: Needs....TE, defense, o-line. "With the 21st pick in the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals pick....Cheryl Burke!"- Think about it!

22) New England Patriots: Needs....Defense, O-line. "With the 22nd pick in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots pick......the guy from the "Men's Wearhouse" commercials!"- for the hoodie!

23) Green Bay Packers: Needs....RB, Defense. "With the 23rd pick in the NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers pick....from Southern Mississippi, Quarterback....Brett Favre!"

24) Philadelphia Eagles: Needs....Defense. "With the 24th pick in the NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles draft....wide receiver from Tennessee-Chattanooga, Terrell Owens!" - Cue the irony!

25) Baltimore Ravens: Needs.....Defense. "With the 25th pick in the NFL Draft, the Ravens pick....Duff Goldman!" Hey, everyone needs a good cake don't they?

26) Arizona Cardinals: Needs...QB, both sides of the Line. "With the 26th pick in the NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinal pick.......Wayne Gretzky!" Surprise!

27) Dallas Cowboys: Needs....both sides of the Line. "With the 27th pick in the NFL Draft, theDallas Cowboys pick....aw...it doesn't matter, they still won't get past the 1st round of the playoffs!"

28) San Diego Chargers: Needs....RB. "With the 28th pick in the NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers pick....Los Angeles!"

29) New York Jets: Needs....defense. "With the 29th pick in the NFL Draft, the New York Jets pick....Terrell Owens (setting off brawl between Rex Ryan and Andy Reid)!"

30) Minnesota Vikings: Needs....defense. Line. "With the 30th pick in the NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings take....Ziggy Marley (to complement Zigy Wolf then owner)!"....Sorry no Favre jokes today.

31) Indianapolis Colts: Needs......O-Line. "With the 31st pick in the NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts pick.....Wait...a trade to....the winner of the Ryan-Reid fight for the rights to any of Peyton Manning's future offspring"

32) New Orleans Saints: Needs.....Defense. "With the final pick in the 1st round, the New Orleans Saints pick....Morten Andersen!" -Yes, the NFL's funniest...and oldest kicker returns!"

Big Names Flunk NFL Combine Drug Tests

((HT: FoxSports))

The NFL combine lets every athlete that walks in the door relieve themselves in a cup... or something... so they can have samples on file and see whether or not they're all nice, law-abiding kids.

Apparently, two tested positive in the eyes of The Shield... Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer and Southern California tight end Anthony McCoy.

Dwyer tested positive in February for amphetamines, but this shouldn't screw things up for him- listed as a late first-round/early second-round selection. A source said the positive test was triggered by a prescription medication that Dwyer has NFL clearance to use for a pre-existing condition.

McCoy tested positive for marijuana, and his divulging this now gives his representatives the impression that it won't hurt his standing as a second-rounder.

Here's a reminder of what Dwyer can do in an offense...
((HT: JacketBuzz))


Dwyer's agent, Adisa Bakari, told Doug Roberson of the AJC that the positive test is a "non-issue."

It's Still Tebow's World

The most dramatic day in Florida Football history occurred today when the University of Florida had its pro day. The reason it was so dramatic...at least for them: the debut of the "New and Improved" Tim Tebow and as we all know, everything in North Florida revolves around him.

Early reports indicate that he has done the required work and there was a difference in his mechanics and throwing motion.

We give you one of those reports...from the Gainesville Sun RIGHT HERE

((The Tebow does throwing drills//Courtesy: Rob C. Witzel/Gainesville Sun))

The school opened the session up to the public and apparently several thousand showed up. Not only was the Tebow a featured performer, Joe Haden, Maurkice Pouncey and other soon to be drafted Gators were there as well. We might add that multiple NFL Coaches, GM's and scouts came to take a look too.

At this point the issue of Tebow and how he throws the ball is borderline lead story status in North Florida. We might also mention here that the NFL has invited him to come to New York on Draft day...though we aren't sure why. Will he be drafted? For sure. Will he be a 1st rounder? It would be a shock...a huge shock...OK maybe it wouldn't be if say the Oakland Raiders drafted him in the 1st round, but it would be a shock if anyone else did. But hey...who knows...we could all be wrong.

Let's look at the early video of the new motion...Thanks You Tube: