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AFC SOUTH Draft Grade: Tennessee Titans
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 4-12
Points For: 299
Points Against: 421
Rushing Yards PG: 95.3
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 118.4
Passing Yards PG: 224.8
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 201.0
Drafted:
1.3 (3) - Vince Young, QB, Texas
2.13 (45) - LenDale White, TB, USC (from Philadelphia)
4.5 (102) - Calvin Lowry, S, Penn St.
4.19 (116) - Stephen Tulloch, LB, N.C. State (from Dallas through Philadelphia)
5.4 (137) - Terna Nande, LB, Miami (OH)
5.37 (169) - Jesse Mahelona, DT, Tennessee (Compensatory Selection)
6.3 (172) - Jonathan Orr, WR, Wisconsin
7.7 (215) - Cortland Finnegan, DB, Samford
7.37 (245) - Spencer Toone, LB, Utah (Compensatory Selection)
7.38 (246) - Quinton Ganther, RB, Utah (Compensatory Selection)
Comments:
There was a lot of speculation with the first pick for the Titans (number three overall) as it basically came down to Young or Matt Leinart who had ties with offensive coordinator, Norm Chow from their USC days. It basically came down to who had the most upside of the two and ownership deemed that Leinart had basically peaked already, while Young was still trending upwards and could be the next Steve McNair, a former MVP for the Titans and current disgruntled employee. White was a first round talent who was arguably just as good as Reggie Bush concerning numbers, but because of character issues and an injury problem, White took a landslide down to the second round and I have to say the Titans lucked out in getting this power back. Lowry is the proverbial “solid” player. He has very solid tackling skills. Tulloch has good speed and a motor. Nande is a very fast and explosive player. He could excel in special teams play. Mahelona loves to play, but that doesn’t always translate in the statline. Orr is a tall wide receiver with very good speed. Finnegan is superfast and is a more than viable option in the return game. Toone will probably play special teams and come in only to give one of the linebackers a rest. Ganther is short, but strong. He doesn’t have great speed, however.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C+
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AFC SOUTH Draft Grade: Jacksonville Jaguars
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 12-4
Points For: 361
Points Against: 269
Rushing Yards PG: 122.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 106.8
Passing Yards PG: 199.4
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 184.1
Drafted:
1.28 (28) - Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
2.28 (60) - Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
3.16 (80) - Clint Ingram, LB, Oklahoma (from Dallas)
5.28 (160) - Brent Hawkins, DE, Illinois St.
7.5 (213) - James Wyche, DE, Syracuse (from San Francisco)
7.28 (236) - Demetrice Webb, CB, Florida (from Jacksonville through San Francisco)
Comments:
The Jaguars didn’t have many picks, but they pretty much fulfilled needs. Lewis is a tall tight end that doesn’t have the speed or flash, but at 6’6” with long arms and a big body, he’ll be a great end zone target. Drew is extremely fast and quick, but at only 5’7” what will his durability be like? I’m not sure if he’s an every down back, but he’ll get his shot. If anything, he can become a dangerous return man. Ingram is an every down linebacker that can cover. Hawkins is a big-time pass rusher that will probably be converted to the linebacker spot because of his lack of size (6’2”; 240 pounds) to really compete as a defensive lineman in the NFL. Wyche is a solid player, but will probably be broken in slowly. Webb left too early as he could have used more seasoning.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C
AFC SOUTH Draft Grade: Indianapolis Colts
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 14-2
Points For: 439
Points Against: 247
Rushing Yards PG: 106.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 110.1
Passing Yards PG: 256.0
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 196.9
Drafted:
1.30 (30) - Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
2.30 (62) - Tim Jennings, CB, Georgia
3.30 (94) - Freddie Keiaho, LB, San Diego St.
5.30 (162) - Michael Toudouze, OT, TCU
6.30 (199) - Charlie Johnson, OT, Oklahoma State
6.38 (207) - Antoine Bethea, CB, Howard (Compensatory Selection)
7.30 (238) - T.J. Rushing, CB, Stanford (from Indianapolis through Tennessee)
Comments:
Goodbye, Edgerrin James… Hello, Joseph Addai. Addai is a great pickup at the tail end of the first round. He should give Dominic Rhodes and anyone else a run for the starting spot. Jennings has very good coverage skills, vertical leap, and the all-important speed. Keiaho lacks size, but is very intense about the game. Toudouze is big, athletic, and raw. Considering he made his All-Mountain West team, he has some upside. Johnson will be a project. Bethea is very fast, but isn’t the greatest cover guy. He should get better if given a real shot. Rushing is short, but fast and has excellent return ability on special teams.
ENDSCORE GRADE: C+
AFC SOUTH Draft Grade: Houston Texans
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 2-14
Points For: 260
Points Against: 431
Rushing Yards PG: 113.5
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 143.9
Passing Yards PG: 139.8
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 220.1
Drafted:
1.1 (1) - Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
2.1 (33) - DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
3.1 (65) - Charles Spencer, OT, Pittsburgh
3.2 (66) - Eric Winston, OT, Miami (FL) (from New Orleans)
4.1 (98) - Owen Daniels, TE, Wisconsin
6.1 (170) - Wali Lundy, RB, Virginia
7.43 (251) - David Anderson, WR, Colorado St. (Supplemental Compensatory Selection)
Comments:
Yes, yes, yes, there has been a lot of ink spilled on how the Texans should have taken once in a lifetime player, Reggie Bush. But, if you’re a regular reader, you know how I feel. And besides, how come every few seasons we here about that “once in a lifetime” player? I doubt people are dying every few years and regenerating.
In any case, the Texans did not need Reggie Bush because they have Domanick Davis. The Texans did not need Vince Young, the hometown favorite, because they already have David Carr who hasn’t had a real chance to shine because the offensive line has been absolutely horrid. The Texans couldn’t draft D’Brickashaw Ferguson with the first pick overall because that just wouldn’t have jived with just about everyone, besides Ferguson and his agent.
So, the Texans went with Mario Williams, a defensive end compared to Julius Peppers with the upside for Reggie White. For a team that finished as badly as they did on defense, the Texans did the right thing for the team. And people hate it now, but I think they’ll like it later.
Ryans was an excellent choice and will instantly upgrade the defense even more. He is a smart player with very good leadership ability. Ryans comes to play and brings it every down. He should start on the weak or strong side. Spencer and Winston in the third round were excellent choices to upgrade their offensive line. Both have a very good shot at starting. Daniels is big, fast, and athletic. He won’t be pigeonholed as either a blocker or receiver because he has the tools to do both. Lundy could be a good back up or a good practice squad player. Anderson will likely be a special teams player.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
San Antonio Spurs Take Game 1 Over the Dallas Mavericks
Posted by Jeff Chan Categories: Athletes, NBA, Playoffs, Scoreboard,
The two teams that had 60+ wins in the regular season did not disappoint in Game One of their first Western Conference Semi-final match-up. The Spurs held serve on their home court 87-85 earlier today. Dallas had a chance to tie or win with a three in the closing seconds, but Jerry Stackhouse shot an air ball as he was clamped down by Manu Ginobili. Not only was this game entertaining on a basketball level, but what also made this game great to watch was the mini-verbal war in the broadcast booth. Long-time sports announcers Steve “Snapper” Jones and Bill Walton were going at each other. Walton couldn’t believe Ginobili was not going to the free-throw line after a missed lay-up attempt, Jones quipped back by saying, you have to get fouled to go to the line. Finally, another announcer was calling Walton out on his sometimes-asinine comments.
It’s Now Official: Steve Nash is the NBA MVP… What?
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Editorial, NBA,
Understand the things I’m about to reveal about myself. I’m short. I used to play the point for every organized league I’ve ever participated in. And I haven’t loved a Canadian since Alanis Morissette was talking about doing some such in a theater. But Steve Nash as this season’s NBA MVP? Really?
I will DEFINITELY say that last season’s MVP Award was well-earned and well-deserved by Nash. He basically took a team, however talented, and just ran with it - literally and figuratively. In the 2003-2004, the Phoenix Suns finished 29-53. They added Steve Nash during that offseason and in the 2004-2005 season, Nash was a main factor in turning the team around to have the best record (62-20) in the NBA. And he also led the league in assists. Indubitable MVP credentials.
But, this season? I’m sorry, but I have to go with LeBron James on this one.
Click to continue reading It’s Now Official: Steve Nash is the NBA MVP… What?
Baseball Mogul PC Game Has Me Hooked
Posted by Jeff Chan Categories: Editorial, Fantasy, MLB, Video Games,
So, are you a Kansas City Royals fan, or Tampa Bay Devil Rays fan with no hope to win your division? Baseball Mogul is the game for you. You don’t play as the players swinging at pitches or throwing pitches to the mound - instead, you take on the role of the manager and general manager. You control the line-ups, trades, finances (including TV revenue, building new stadiums, concessions and ticket revenue) and your minor league franchises. You keep track of the progress of your minor league prospects and you decide when to call him up to the big leagues. This game even has historical rookies who you can draft. All in all a fun game, especially for fans to re-create history - your team winning the pennant and build a dynasty.
Read More 
| Baseball Mogul 2007
AFC NORTH Draft Grade: Pittsburgh Steelers
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 11-5
Points For: 389
Points Against: 258
Rushing Yards PG: 138.9
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 86.0
Passing Yards PG: 182.9
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 198.0
Drafted:
1.25 (25) - Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio St. (from N.Y. Giants)
3.19 (83) - Anthony Smith, S, Syracuse (from Minnesota)
3.31 (95) - Willie Reid, WR, Florida St. (from Seattle through Minnesota)
4.34 (131) - Willie Colon, OG, Hofstra (Compensatory Selection)
4.36 (133) - Orien Harris, DT, Miami (FL) (Compensatory Selection)
5.32 (164) - Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green
5.35 (167) - Charles Davis, TE, Purdue (Compensatory Selection)
6.32 (201) - Marvin Philip, C, California
7.32 (240) - Cedric Humes, TB, Virginia Tech
Comments:
Antwaan Randle El who? The Steelers traded up six spots in order to grab Holmes and why not? He should be as electric as Randle El was in the return game, but should be a lot better in the receiving game. Holmes has the speed to stretch the field, runs routes well, and definitely one of the best wide receivers, if not the best, wide receiver in a weak class. But that shouldn’t take away from Holmes, who is a legit playmaker.
Smith has great tools. He’s athletic, heady, has good ball skills, and doesn’t let many tackles slip him up. Smith has a ton of talent. He should start for the Super Bowl champs, which almost sounds impossible for rookie to do, but Smith just might. Reid was an excellent pick there at that position. He is another candidate to pick up the return duties left behind when Randle El joined the Washington Redskins.
Colon will be groomed to take over a guard or tackle spot on the offensive line, possibly in 2007. Harris is a solid player, but that’s about it. Jacobs was a very good QB last season at Bowling Green – throwing for 41 touchdowns versus four steals – but will be the backup’s backup in Steel City. Davis will try to become the next Antonio Gates – a college basketball player with athletic ability and soft hands. Phillip is kind of short, but does snap the ball quickly. Humes has some upside, but I wouldn’t count on him.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
AFC NORTH Draft Grade: Cleveland Browns
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 6-10
Points For: 232
Points Against: 301
Rushing Yards PG: 93.9
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 137.6
Passing Yards PG: 190.4
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 179.2
Drafted:
1.13 (13) - Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida St. (from Baltimore)
2.2 (34) - D’Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland (from New Orleans)
3.14 (78) - Travis Wilson, WR, Oklahoma
4.13 (110) - Leon Williams, LB, Miami (FL)
4.15 (112) - Isaac Sowells, OL, Indiana (from Atlanta)
5.12 (145) - Jerome Harrison, RB, Washington St.
5.20 (152) - DeMario Minter, CB, Georgia (from New England)
6.11 (180) - Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado
6.12 (181) - Babatunde Oshinowo, NT, Stanford (from Baltimore)
7.14 (222) - Justin Hamilton, DB, Virginia Tech
Comments:
Wimbley was a good pick as he can penetrate through the line and get into the backfield to either tackle for a loss or sack the quarterback. He’ll be learning his position from Willie McGinest, one of the better defenders of all time., so he a lot of things in place to succeed, but I doubt he has the endurance to be on the field for every snap, which isn’t always a bad thing as he’ll get some blow before getting back on the field and be a little bit more rested.
The only real drawback on Jackson is that he’s a little short, but so was Mike Singeltary and we all know how good of a career he had. Jackson can get after the ball and covers a lot space. Some ranked him as the best middle linebacker in the draft, and I can’t say I disagree. His toughness and feel for the game stand out.
Wilson is tall and has the ability to score TDs, even though it didn’t show last season. He’ll find the open spots. Despite being big and athletic Williams can’t shed blockers enough to consistently be effective. Sowells is one of those athletic versatile types that should have a long career in the NFL.
Will the Senior Bowl be more indicative of how Harrison will do or his two inconsistent seasons in Washington State? Hopefully for the Browns and Harrison it’s the former. But, considering his height (5’9”), it’ll be tough to get any consistent touches anywhere. Minter has some talent and did put up solid numbers at Georgia, but is he quick enough to succeed at this level?
Vickers is a good blocker and can catch out of the backfield. He won’t get many plays, but when he does, he should make them count. Oshinowo is nothing more than backup material, in my opinion. Same can be said for Hamilton, but that’s why they’re late round picks.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
AFC NORTH Draft Grade: Cincinnati Bengals
Posted by Dennis Velasco Categories: Athletes, Drafts, Editorial, Front Office, NFL,
2005 Record: 11-5
Points For: 421
Points Against: 350
Rushing Yards PG: 119.4
Rushing Yards Allowed PG: 115.6
Passing Yards PG: 238.8
Passing Yards Allowed PG: 223.1
Drafted:
1.24 (24) - Johnathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina
2.23 (55) - Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU
3.27 (91) - Frostee Rucker, DE, USC
4.26 (123) - Domata Peko, DT, Michigan St.
5.25 (157) - A.J. Nicholson, LB, Florida St.
6.24 (193) - Reggie McNeal, QB, Texas A&M
7.1 (209) - Ethan Kilmer, DB, Penn State (from Houston)
7.23 (231) - Bennie Brazell, WR, LSU
Comments:
Joseph has the size, speed, and athleticism to succeed in the NFL. However, he may be relying too much on his talent and physical skills. Joseph will need to improve his technique to really do well in the league, but that will inevitably come with experience. He could push for a starting spot in the defensive backfield and not just as a nickelback.
Whitworth has the desirable long arms for an offensive lineman and is very athletic for his position. He’s an excellent run blocker and the thing that has me thinking he’ll be pretty good is that he’ll be learning form Levi Jones and Willie Anderson, the incumbents at the line right now. Whitworth has a good head on his shoulders, so I’m sure any lesson will not be left unlearned.
The Rucker pick could be a very good one for the Bengals. He’s a high motor guy that can close space in a hurry. Rucker is effective against the run and can use his speed to his advantage in rushing the passer. Peko is just a big guy that can collapse and push the pocket to free those behind him to make plays. Because of his ability to affect the pocket, Peko is a good run defender.
Nicholson might be the best value pick for the Bengals as he has the ability to knock someone out with his hard tackles. However, Nicholson had some off-the-field issues and his stock inevitably dropped. He’ll probably be looked on to contribute to special teams at this point until he can get straight. McNeal probably won’t be a quarterback in the NFL and I would expect he’ll be converted to the wide receiver position. Kilmer and Brazell will both contribute to special teams if they stick with the team, particularly Kilmer.
ENDSCORE GRADE: B
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