Can the impossible be done?

Can the 8th seeded Montreal Canadians defeat the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, and advance to the Eastern Conference finals?

Not only can it be done, but the impossible will happen.

Since NHL switched to the current playoff format in 1994, seeding teams 1-8 in a conference format, the No. 8 seed has upset the No. 1 seed nine times, including the Canadians upsetting the President’s Trophy winner Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2010 NHL playoffs. 

Of the nine teams who were able to pull the upset, only the 2006 Edmonton Oilers made it out of the next round, before falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in game seven of the Stanley Cup finals.  The Canadians can now add themselves to that list, as they will defeat the Penguins in seven games. 

If you don’t believe me, I understand but let me explain.

When the Canadians were trailing the Washington Capitals, no expected the Canadians to become the first team in NHL history to defeat a No. 1 seed when trailing 3-1 in a best-of-seven series.  No one expected Halak and the stymie Habs defense to block 182 shots in the seven games, and no expected Canadian goaltender Jaroslav Halak to put him team on his shoulder by saving 131 shots over the final three games of the series.

But the Canadians proved everyone wrong, and they will continue to accomplish the impossible. 

Heading into the playoffs, the Canadians entered the postseason with the most experienced blueline corps of all of the 16 playoff participants, in terms of combined regular season experience.  The experience proved to be vastly important in round one, and as the Canadians get deeper into the playoffs, the playoff experience the Canadians have will pay dividends for the franchise that has won 24 Stanley Cups in their illustrious history.

Forwards Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta both have a Stanley Cup championship on their resume, and along with twenty year veteran defenseman Roman Hamrlik, these three players will provide the veteran leadership this young Canadian team will require as they advance into the later rounds.  While head coach Jacques Martin, who won the Jack Adams award in 1999 for coach of the year, will try and live up to his reputation and continue to play a tight defensive game.

That might be difficult to believe that Martin is a defensive mastermind because of the massive amount of shots opponents have been getting off his defense, but if you have a goalie who’s been standing on his head like Halak, Montreal and their “religious” hockey fans will ride the Halak wave until Mid-June when the Stanley Cup is awarded to the eventual NHL champion.

Halak is 10-0 in games this season in which he’s made more than 40 saves, and 13-1 when he’s made 35 or more saves.  So if the Habs defense continues to break down, they’re going to rely heavily on Halak to cover for them, and that is certainly not a terrible idea.

But as the Canadians head into game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series versus the Penguins tied at a game apiece, Penguins stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who had sub- par performances in Game 2, will unlikely have repeat performances. 

It’s no secret that  Crosby has the reputation and capability of breaking out at anytime. In the first round against the Ottawa Senators, Crosby had 14 points in six games, and even though the Stanley Cup champion and an Olympic Gold Medalist struggled last game, Crosby knows how to perform in the clutch.

Makin, who won the Conn Smythe trophy last spring, only had 2 shots in Game 2 and wasn’t all that noticeable. Malkin has only nine points in these playoffs, but the Canadians should expect Penguins coach Dan Bylsma to put Malkin and Crosby on the same offensive line, in hoping to create some much needed offense for his team. 

It’s been 17 years since Montreal won a Stanley Cup.

Game 2 hero, Mike Cammalleri who has scored eight goals in nine playoff games, was ten years old, and the 271st overall pick by the Canadians in the 2003 NHL entry draft, Halak was only seven. 

Halak, who’s becoming more popular than the 2010 Olympic Winter Games hockey hero (we all know who that is, right?), could all ready be awarded this year’s Conn Smythe trophy , and that shouldn’t come as a surprise, because he’s been that dominate and impressive through the first 9 games of the playoffs.  And if he’s dominant for six more victories, their 17 year drought will be soon be over.

They don’t have a captain, but they don’t need one.

No one expected the Canadians to beat the Capitals, but they did.

No one’s expecting them to beat the Penguins either.

But when the Canadians are advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, earning the right to play for the Stanley Cup, everyone will realize that anything is possible – even knocking off the defending Stanley Cup champions during the second round of the 2010 NHL playoffs.      

Welcome fans to NFL minicamp.

The start to the 2010-2011 season is roughly five months away, but the National Football League (NFL) minicamps are underway. Newly drafted rookies get the opportunity to demonstrate their NFL skills, and to learn their new team’s playbook. While some veteran players begin the preparation for another long and strenuous season.

Everyone has questions surrounding their favorite NFL team, so here are 10 intriguing questions as we head into NFL minicamps that many of you might be wondering about.

The throne of the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) still belongs to the King.

LeBron James won his second straight MVP award after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA’s best record, 61-21, while averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.6 assists in 76 games played this season.

James becomes the 10th player in NBA history to earn MVP honors two years in a row. The others are Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Moses Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (twice), Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

Not bad company for the 25-year old superstar who’s looking to capture his first NBA championship this season.  James winning the MVP award this year doesn’t surprise me, and shouldn’t surprise you either.  But it’s certainly disappointing because this time, the voters got this one wrong. 

Big time.

James is the most dominant player the league has ever seen, and his ability to get to the basket at ease is almost divine like. He’s persistently criticized for involving his teammates, and for passing on the final shot, but has the capability of scoring every time he desires.  

All of that sounds great, but that doesn’t mean the NBA should’ve awarded the MVP  to James.  If there was a year the NBA could’ve gotten the voting correct by awarding the trophy to the player who deserved it the most instead of the player who’s the leagues best, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder should have been named the 2009-2010 league’s MVP. 

I would’ve voted for Durant, and the voters should’ve too.  But the NBA felt they needed to please the “‘King”, and the face of the league. Durant isn’t the most endorsable athlete, the most marketable athlete, and future NBA hopefuls aren’t dreaming of being the next KD (Kevin Durant if you couldn’t figure it out).

But for once, it would’ve been satisfying to see the league award the trophy to the player most deserving, and not to the player who’s a walking triple-double every night, and can win the award every year.  If the NBA is going to ignore the player’s who are most deserving of the award, but instead, hand James the MVP honors every year, that is unfair.

Because while we’ll always watch in amazement and appreciate what James has done since coming into the NBA seven years ago, what Durant accomplished this season was more impressive than what James did in Cleveland.     

Durant became the NBA’s youngest scoring champion in NBA history by averaging 30.1 points per game, on his way to beating James for the scoring title. Durant set the modern record for most games in a row (29) with at least 25 points, passing Allen Iverson ’s 2000-01 streak of 27 straight 25-point-plus performances, but fell short of Michael Jordan ’s all-time record of 40 consecutive such games, a mark set in 1986-87record. He had two separate streaks of consecutive games (7) scoring 30 or more points, and also scored 30-plus points, forty-eight times this season, while James only scored 30-plus points thirty-eight times.     

But most important, Durant took the Thunder, who weren’t expected to compete for a playoff berth, and led by Durant, finished the regular season with 50 wins and earned the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The 27-game improvement from the previous year was the sixth biggest turnaround in NBA history.

Durant took a team that won 23 regular season games last year, and turned them into a playoff contender, and it’s a shame he wasn’t rewarded for his accomplishments. 

Of course James is the better player than Durant. Of course James is the more exciting to watch than Durant, and even though I’d still rather Kobe Bryant taking the final shot, James is best player in the league.  But just because he’s the best, doesn’t mean he’s the player most valuable to his team, and this year, he certainly wasn’t. 

Durant re-energized the Thunder franchise, taking them from the cellar as one of the NBA’s worse teams, to a permanent fixture in the Western Conference playoff race, on his way to becoming the most prolific scorer in the NBA this season.

James can win the MVP award every season, because his numbers will always be better than every other player in the league, because of the dominant player he is.  His stat line is always going to be more impressive, and his highlight reel will always be worthy of an Oscar nomination. 

The MVP award shouldn’t be limited to points, rebounds, assists, or what the stat sheet indicates at the end of every game. The MVP award shouldn’t be limited to the players that are only on championship contending teams. But wouldn’t it be great, if the MVP was actually given to the player who’s most valuable to his team, and to the player who allowed his team reach a new level en route to having a successful season.

Kevin Durant should’ve won the MVP award, but he didn’t and he may never. 

Because it sure seems the NBA will be awarding James with the MVP honors every year, and that just isn’t right.  Especially, after the type of season Durant just had.     

With the 31st overall pick  1995  draft, the Chiefs selected Trezzelle Jenkins to help an offensive line block for hall-of-famer Marcus Allen.  Good thing Allen didn’t rely on Jenkins to have hisname enshrined into Canton, Ohio, as Jenkins played in only 9 games in 3 seasons before being waived after the 1997 season. Jenkins subsequently signed with the New Orleans Saints, and the Minnesota Vikings, but never played a game for either team. If Jenkins’ career wasn’t over already, he was drafted by an XFL team, but failed to make the roster.  If you never heard of Trezzelle Jenkins, don’t feel bad.  I’m sure you’re not the only one.

(Notable players drafted after Jenkins: Kordell Stewart, Curtis Martin) *other rounds included because he was the 31st pick*

Since moving from Shea Stadium to the other side of the Hudson River to play their home games at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the previous quarter of a century, playing in the shadows of the New York Giants have been their little brother, the New York Jets.

Beginning in 1983 when the Jets drafted Ken O’Brien instead of selecting hall-of-famer Dan Marino, thru the 2008 season when the Jets began the season 8-3 and failed to make the playoffs, Jet fans have always found themselves waiting to have their hearts ripped out, as each season was ending in heartbreak and disappointment.

The Jets consistently found ways to collapse down the stretch, but during last season, the younger brother who’s been unable to gain his own identity, as the Jets organization remained the “New York” Jets mirroring the decision made by the Giants to keep  “New York” as part of their name, despite playing in a different state and playing in Giants Stadium, finally matured with an appearance in the 2009 AFC championship game. Although their season ended with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Jets sent a message to the league indicating they are no longer the Giants’ little brother, but are becoming a threat to win the Super Bowl every year. 

The label of same old Jets was now removed, as a new era in Jets football was born. 

Since the fiery Rex Ryan took over as head coach, whether it’s Ryan’s controversial comments or adding more talent to their roster, the Jets have been making headlines both on and off the field.  While the Giants, since Super Bowl hero Plaxico Buress was sentenced to two years behind bars for violating New York’s gun laws and for their dissapointing playoff appearances, have failed to make a splash in the news.  For years, the Giants prided themselves on flying under the radar, because this organization went about their business in a very discrete, but successful manner.  Not caring if they were on the front page of the newspapers or the top story of the sports news, the Giants never cared about being on the front page.  But over the past two seasons, the Giants  are making headlines because of their inabiity to acquire a major acquisition during the off-season or have successful drafts Giant fans can commemorate. 

Many of you may feel, general manager Jerry Reese’s time with the Giants should be celebrated, since all eight rookies who were drafted during the 2007 draft, played a role in the Giants’ stunning run to the Super Bowl championship. But please, don’t enlighten me by saying he was responsible for the greatest Super Bowl upset of all-time, when the Giants beat the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, because I don’t want to hear it.  Former general manager Ernie Accorsi was responsible for putting together that championship team.  He believed Eli Manning was a star talent, and he was correct. He was responsible for drafting stars such as Osi Umenyiora, Chris Snee, Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwanuka, and Brandon Jacobs.  And for signing through free agency Antonio Pierce, Kareem McKenzie, and Burress. Then, in 2003 after the dismissal of Jim Fassel, Accorsi hired current head coach Tom Coughlin, who is on the hot seat heading into this season.    

Since 2007, Reese and owners John Mara and Steve Tisch must share the blame for their failure to sign players that are difference makers, and to draft  players based on positional needs instead of a player’s value (See 2010 NFL draft).  And Reese, who I blame for the hiring of defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan, has brought a losing philosophy to Big Blue. 

Their new philosophies are driving the Giants organization into the ground and the blame is squarely on their shoulders.  While Jets’ owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum have so much confidence in Ryan’s people skills, they allow Ryan to run the shows, and let’s face it.  Although there is tremendous amount of pressure on Ryan to coach and simultaneously, manage the locker room with the 101 different personalities, he has done one heck of a job running the Jets, and should be congratulated for it.

And since Reese’s inaugural draft four years ago, Reese has become more famous for his disappointing free agent signings. A  list that doesn’t include any future hall-of-famers, but instead Rocky Bernard, C.C Brown, Aaron Rouse, and Chris Canty, while the Jets have acquired Antonio Cromartie, LaDainain Tomlinson, Jason Taylor, and Santonio Holmes.  Although Tomlinson and Taylor are now role players instead of superstars, the Jets are tying to improve their team, and certainly are succeeding.

The Jets have improved on both sides of the ball, and  improved via the draft by adding depth to a position that is already the strength of their defense, when they drafted CB Kyle Wilson. And as much as it hurts, there is no denying  the Jets have become the better football, and are en route to becoming  the next New York “football” team to win the Lombardi Trohpy as Super Bowl champions.   

Ryan has brought a new philosophy to the Jets which everyone is buying into.  How could you not?  With a rookie quarterback, and as a rookie head coach, he led the Jets to the AFC Championship game.  That was just the start of a dynasty, as we prepare to watch Ryan’s team  become one of the NFL’s elite, while Reese’s team will be selecting  in the top-15 during the 2011 draft. 

While most NFL teams consider a trip to the AFC title game a success, Ryan’s goal is to end each season with a championship.  When Ryan came on board, a new era in Jets football was beginning, while the Giants franchise is heading in the opposite direction as they finished the 2009 season, with a record of 8-8.

Reese has yet to make any significant improvements to the Giants roster, leaving the Giants fan base shaking their heads, as they head into this upcoming season.  As the Jets continue to improve, a Super Bowl appearance will soon be a reality, instead of a bizarre dream.

We are all witnessing a changing of the guard, as the Jets are becoming the new team of New York, and it’s happening right before our very eyes.  Then again, I’d be hesitant to say that it hasn’t happened already.

Because it sure seems like the changing of the guard has already taken place.   

Martin Brodeur might be human after all. 

Once an elite goaltender Brodeurs’ recent post-season struggles have spelled doom for the New Jersey Devils. 

This year was no different.

After a third consecutive first round loss, buried in the swamps of New Jersey went the Devils 2009-2010 season.  It’s no coincidence that in net for all three of these playoff series loses was the aging four-time Vezina Trophy winner, 3-time Stanley Cup champion, Calder Memorial Trophy winner for NHL Rookie of the Year, and one of only two NHL goaltenders to have scored goals in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Brodeur, the only goalie in NHL history with eight 40-win seasons, is showing that at the age of 38 he’s no longer the great goaltender Devil fans are used to seeing.  He has not made it out the first round since the 2006-07 season, and since the Devils 2003 Stanley Cup championship, his playoff record is 16 wins and 26 losses. 

This is certainly not the win-loss record that’s expected from the greatest goaltender of all time, but when Brodeur’s consistently giving up goals that he’s expected to stop, this record should not be of any surprise.

(See Game 5 of the 2009-2010 Playoffs)

He has 602 career victories, and is the most successful athlete to ever wear a Devils uniform.  Some may argue that is not saying much, but besides for the Detroit Red Wings, no other team in the league have won more Stanley Cups between 1995-2003, than the team from the Garden State. 

But after another early playoff exit, the most accomplished goalie of all-time is on the decline, as Brodeur is no longer the best goalie in the game.  Over the past three postseasons, Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward, and this year, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Brian Boucher, who in game 1 made his first postseason start in eight years, have all outplayed the hall-of-fame bound Brodeur in their respective series.   

Although Brodeur’s a finalist for the Vezina Trophy (the award given to the league’s top goaltender) for the 9^th time during his illustrious career  after leading the league in wins (45), and shutouts (9), it’s what Brodeur has been able to accomplish in the postseason that has defined his legacy, and will continue to define the rest of his career. 

A legacy that was built on winning Stanley Cups, coming back from 3-1 playoff series deficits, breaking Terry Sawchuck’s career shutout record of 103, having the most shutouts in a playoff year and for his career, and by becoming the NHL’s all-time career leaders in wins (552), has taken a hit.  As the inability in recent years to advance past the first round will be the blemish that will stand out the most, at least for now.  And until Brodeur proves that he can once again win the big game, the Devils are in trouble.

This year was supposed to be different, as this first round series was supposed to be against an inferior Flyers team, but Jacques Lemaire was out-coached. Offensive snipers Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise were shut down by the Flyers defense. And Brodeur was simply terrible as the blame for losing in the playoffs will forever fall on the shoulders of the goaltender – always has and always will.

As the Devils enter this off-season earlier than anticipated, many questions surround the future of the team.  Will the Devils be able to resign unrestricted free agent, Kovalchuk, who’ll be seeking a major contract? With news breaking that Lemaire unexpectedly resigned as coach, whom will GM Lou Lamoriello put in charge for next season? Will free-agent defenseman Paul martin return? But the most important question should be, is Brodeur able to lead this team to hockey glory ever again?

Considering he’s slowing down and he is no longer an elite goaltender; the Devils should begin their search for Brodeur’s successor. 

After Brodeur won his 552^nd career game against the Chicago Blackhawks, he enthusiastically stated,  “If this continues being fun, I’ll stick around for a long time.”

Brodeur should consider hanging up the skates, because it hasn’t been so much fun watching him, as the past three seasons have ended in anguish and agony.

But Brodeur’s career has been anything, but a disappointment. And watching him for all these years should have been a treat for all NHL fans, because it certainly was for the kid from New Jersey, who grew up  idolizing Brodeur.   

Round 1 of the 2010 NFL draft is in the books.  While some of you are pleased with your teams first round selections, others are disgusted. But hey, its only round one, so don’t allow yourself to get to down in the dumps about it because the next great pass rusher, or offensive lineman can still be waiting for his name to be called come Saturday morning, as he can be heading to your team.

While some analysts will wait until the draft is completed to hand out grades  determining the winners and losers of the draft, I have decided to go ahead and grade all 32 first round selections.  I wasn’t an education major in school, and I did not want to become a teacher, but NFLDRAFT 101, is now in session. 

The grades are in, and now its time to hand them out….

1) St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford, QB/Oklahoma Grade: B- 

The Rams got their franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford, but coming off major shoulder surgery, he has not played in a meaningful game since October of 2009.  All signs say Bradford is one hundred percent healthy, but after one sack from the blindside,  he’ll be returning to the sidelines in agony.  The Rams needed a quarterback, so it was the right decision to draft Bradford, but if they’re banking on him to turn the Rams into a Super Bowl contender, it’s wishful thinking.  Bradford played with some of the most talented players in the country while at Oklahoma, and the Rams certainly do not have the same talent as the Sooners. 

2) Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh, DT/Nebraska Grade: A

Ndamukong Suh, on many draft boards, was rated the top player in this year’s draft.  And the Lions could not pass on the talented defensive tackle to fill one of the major holes on the defensive side of the ball.  The AP 2009 defensive player of the year comes to a football team that is just 33-111 since 2001, and are only two years removed from the NFL’s first 0-16 season.  Suh is a game-changer and the Lions need a player of Suh’s caliber.  The Lions simply needed to draft a talented player and they certainly accomplished that by drafting Suh.

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy, DT/Oklahoma Grade: A

Not since 2003, have the Bucs had a dominant pass rusher resembling the seven-time Pro Bowler, Warren Sapp.  But that is all about to change, as Gerald McCoy comes to a team who ranked last in the league against the run and 28^th in sacks.  The Bucs tried to fill the void left by Sapp by drafting Anthony McFarland in the 1999 draft, but McFarland never lived up to his potential of being a first round pick.  McCoy turned pro, after his junior year when he recorded 34 tackles, six sacks, and 15.5 tackles for a loss.  Bucs coach Raheem Morris is entering his second year at the helm, and he can definitely be ecstatic about the start of the 2010 season for one reason only.  He now has McCoy to help him on defense.

4) Washington Redskins – Trent Williams, OT/Oklahoma Grade: B+

According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, the 6-5 314 pound Trent Williams, is arguably the most athletic offensive tackle to come out of college in recent memory. Now Williams enters the NFL, and is rewarded with having to protect the blindside of newly acquired Redskins quarterback, Donovan McNabb. Williams also becomes a cornerstone of an offensive line that ranked 27th in the league last year, averaging just 3.9 yards per game, and only scoring 8 touchdowns all season.  With the addition of recently acquired Redskins running backs, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker, they now have a talented offensive tackle to run behind, and I’m sure Williams won’t mind leading the way.

 5) Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry, S/Tennessee Grade: A+

When a team selects the best player in the draft, they can’t go wrong, and that’s what happened when the Chiefs selected Eric Berry.  The Chiefs certainly could’ve used an upgrade at wide receiver, as Chris Chambers led the team with 730 receiving yards and five touchdowns. But Berry is too talented of a player to pass up.  He may not have the hair of Troy Polamalu or the beard of Ed Reed, but he certainly has the ability of both of them. The three-year starter for the Volunteers, Berry fills the biggest single need the Chiefs had. As he’ll be expected to step right in and start for a team that was 4-12 last season with a defense that ranked 31st overall in the league.  Berry also has the ability to cover in man-to-man situations, so if needed, he can play the corner position.  Not many questions surround Berry, as he’s ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL.  He’s definitely all, but guaranteed to win the rookie Defensive Player of the Year award. But don’t be surprised if he joins Lawrence Taylor, who won the award in 1981, as the only other rookie to win the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in his rookie season – because Berry is simply that good.

6) Seattle Seahawks – Russell Okung, OT/Oklahoma State Grade: C

Not since the 1997 NFL draft where the Seahawks drafted nine-time Pro Bowler Walter Jones, have they selected an offensive tackle with 6^th overall pick.  As a new regime is set to begin in Seattle with new head coach Pete Carroll, his first draft choice was used on a tackle hoping Russell Okung will be part of the foundation for this franchise. Okung was drafted to keep quarterback Matt Hasselbeck on his feet, which the Seahawks were unable to achieve back in 2008, as Hasselbeck’s injuries forced him to miss most of the 2008 season.  But general manager John Schneider needed to draft Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen in this spot.  Hasselbeck is going to be 35 years old in September, and his time in this league is coming to an end.  Seattle had the opportunity for Clausen to learn under Hasselbeck for the next couple of years (although he’s already an NFL ready QB) and when Hasselbeck retired, Clausen would be ready. And if and when Hasselbeck goes down, the Seahawks organization is going to be wishing they had Clausen to replace him.

7) Cleveland Browns – Joe Haden, CB/Florida Grade: C-

It is very difficult to give the Browns a failing grade with their first round pick as Joe Haden was ranked as the top cornerback in the draft.  But after weeks of hearing about how Cleveland president Mike Homlgren fell in love with Jimmy Clausen, how the Browns decided to pass on him does not make sense.  Then again, if the Browns are comfortable with Jake Delhomme being their starting quarterback, passing on Clausen is understandable.  As the Browns begin the 2010 season with Delhomme as the starter, it is very possible the Browns already have the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.  By selecting Haden, the Browns do improve their defense, as Haden possesses an elite burst of speed when asked to close in on a receiver, and he knows how to find the football. He’s showing more upside than any corner in this year’s draft, and we’re first starting to see his potential.  It’s great the Browns have a promising young cornerback, but they still need someone to put points on the board, and Haden can not do that all by himself.

8 ) Oakland Raiders – Rolando McClain, ILB/Alabama Grade: B++

I’d give the Raiders an A, as for the first time in over a decade owner Al Davis selected with his brain, instead of using his speedometer.  But I can’t because Rolando McClain was supposed to be a member of Big Blue, but instead, he’s a part of Raider nation. Projected as a mid-first rounder, McClain is considered the best middle linebacker in the draft. With more pressing needs at offensive tackle, defensive tackle and quarterback (we all know who plays QB for them), some may say the Raiders have opened themselves up to harsh criticism by selecting McClain. But those critics should keep to themselves as Al Davis actually did something right.  The Raiders’ run defense has been a weakness for the past few seasons, but with the addition of an athletic, hard-hitting player like McClain, the Raiders defense will be extremely difficult to run against. The Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2000 without a star quarterback, but with a future hall-of-famer playing the middle linebacker position.  The Raiders are never going to win with JaMarcus Russell as their quarterback, but they certainly found their staple in their defense for years to come.  And who knows, maybe they even found the next Ray Lewis.

9) Buffalo Bills – C.J. Spiller, RB/Clemson Grade: D

It’s tough to bash the Bills for selecting the 2009 ACC player of the year, and for taking the best running back in the draft.  But the Bills needed to fill every other hole, but the running back position, and they failed to do so.  Running backs Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch are one of the best running back tandems in the league, and with the addition of  C.J.Spiller, they just became a triple headed monster.  However, it’s not realistic for the Bills to run the ball seventy-fives times a game, and therefore, drafting Spiller was not the smart move.  After Spiller ran a 4.37 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, Spiller is being compared to Tennessee Titans star running back Chris Johnson, and New Orleans back Reggie Bush. But the people of Buffalo would like to see Spiller become the next Thurman Thomas, and if he ends his career with similar numbers to Thomas, the kid would have done pretty okay for himself.

10) Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyson Alualu, DT/California Grade: Incomplete

There is no question that when the Jaguars selected Tyson Alualu, this became the most surprising move of the first round, especially because they needed a defensive tackle to bolster their pathetic pass rush, and Tennessee’s Dan Williams was still on the board. This move certainly won’t help the Jaguars sell a single season ticket, as the Jaguars franchise desperately needed someone to boost ticket sales.  They had a chance to select a player that some call “Jesus”, while others would have labeled him the savior of the franchise.

11) San Francisco 49ers – Anthony Davis, OT/Rutgers Grade: B+

After trading up two spots to get Anthony Davis, the highest rated NFL draft pick in Rutgers’ history, Davis joins an offensive line that is in desperate need of some help, as they ranked last year 25^th in the league in rushing yards per game, and 22^nd in the league in sacks allowed.  The Niners offensive weapons, at least on paper, is staggering, as Michael Crabtree, Vernon Davis, and Frank Gore will actual begin the 2010 season lining up on offense together.  Head coach Mike Singletary is ecstatic about adding Davis, as Singletary added some toughness to his offensive line.  The Niners and Gore must be looking forward to this season because if Gore was a Pro-Bowl running back before Davis was part of the O-line, its going to be quite impressive to see Gore’s numbers at the end of this year.

12) San Diego Chargers – Ryan Mathews, RB/Fresno State Grade: A

It took a major splash by San Diego to draft him, but after the Chargers traded with Miami, their first-round pick (No. 28), a second-round pick (No. 40) and LB Tim Dobbins the Chargers filled their running back needs by drafting Ryan Mathews.  While lacking the breakout speed Mathews has the build to be an every down back.  It is said about Mathews, that he has great balance and strength, has the ability to break several tackles before being pulled to the ground, and he runs with a purpose at all times. Although he has the strength to be an effective blocker, durability is also a concern, due to his strong running style.  The Chargers might have overpaid to get Mathews, but Fresno State’s all-time single season rusher will certainly make the price well worth it.  And if Norv Turner can ever win a big football game, Mathews will get to prove his worth during the playoffs.

13) Philadelphia Eagles – Brandon Graham, OLB/Michigan Grade: B-

When the news was announced the Eagles traded two third-round picks and their No. 24 overall pick to the Denver Broncos, it appeared the Eagles had finally found their replacement for Brian Dawkins.  But instead, in a stunning move, the Eagles selected Brandon Graham, who ranked second in school history in both sacks and tackles for loss. The Eagles had the opportunity to select Earl Thomas, but drafted the pass rusher instead.  Having only Asante Samuel in the secondary, the Eagles could’ve used Thomas to patrol ‘centerfield’.  Graham is not ready to start immediately, as this draft choice could turn out to be a pick the Eagles are going to regret making.  Not because Graham is lacking in skill, but because they could have used the help in the secondary, a little more.

14) Seattle Seahawks – Earl Thomas, S/Texas Grade: B

The Eagles passed on him, but the Seahawks capitalized on drafting one of the best safeties in this draft.  Although Earl Thomas is listed as a safety, he’s unique in that he has the ability to play corner, and has played man-to-man during his time as a Longhorn. A lot of intrigue surrounded this pick when the Seahawks were on the clock.  When Thomas, a 5-10, 208-pounder was selected, it was a bit of a surprising move.  After cutting Deon Grant last month Seattle needed a starting safety, and this spot was a perfect fit for Taylor Mays, who played for Carroll the past four seasons at USC. Mays understands Carroll, and it might have been easier for Mays to learn the defense under his former head coach, but the Seahawks went with Thomas, who had 10 interceptions over the past two seasons at Texas.  Thomas was a defensive stud in college, and there is no doubt, he’s on his way to stardom in the NFL.

15) New York Giants – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE/South Florida Grade: B-

Leading up to the draft, general manager Jerry Reese stated that if McClain was not available, the Giants were going to select the best player available.  Well, when the Giants were on the clock, according to Reese, Jason Pierre-Paul was that player.  He is a superb athlete, a beast on the defensive line, an insurance policy if the Giants trade Osi Umenyiora, but is a work in progress, as the Giants needed to fill other holes besides adding a defensive lineman.  They could’ve added a younger offensive lineman to an already aging offensive group or drafted a linebacker, as  linebacker Michael Boley is the only viable starter the Giants have.  But instead, the Giants selected Paul, who has only one season of major college football under his belt. So unless Reese makes a splash on day two of the draft, he is extremely lucky he inherited a Super Bowl winning team, as his recent ‘draft’ track record has been nothing, but a disappointment.

16) Tennessee Titans – Derrick Morgan, DE/Georgia Tech Grade: B+

Not since Jevon Kearse, have the Titans had a dominant pass rusher who is a freak of an athlete.  Well the 6-foot-3, 266-pound Morgan, who led the ACC with 12.5 sacks last season is the player they were looking for, as Derrick Morgan is ready to make an immediate impact. The Titans were in dire need of a pass rusher, as the defense was able to put little pressure on the quarterback last season. The Titans only complied 32 sacks this past season, as Tennessee ended the season ranking 31st in passing defense and 28th in total defense.  After the departure of defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and Kearse becoming a free agent, Morgan is ready to fill the shoes that are going to be left by Vanden Bosch and Kearse.  Those are big shoes to fill, but Morgan is ready for the challenge.

17) San Francisco 49ers – Mike Iupati, OG/Idaho Grade: B+

With the combination of Davis and Mike Iupati, the Niners had an outstanding first round of the draft.  Coming off a season where Iupati was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman, and was recently selected to the Western Athletic Conference all-decade team, Iupati has drawn comparisons to All-Pro left guard Steve Hutchinson.  Iupati is being compared to a seven time Pro-Bowler and a six time First Team All-Pro, even before he’s taken an NFL snap.  Hutchinson is one of the greatest guards of all-time, and if Iupati has a career similar to Hutchinson’s, he will also one day be enshrined into the hall-of-fame.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers – Maurkice Pouncey, OC/Florida Grade: B-

Coming off a week where the Steelers organization got the news their franchise quarterback is going to be suspended, and amidst all the trade rumors that were swirling over the previous two days, the Steelers quarterback is still Roethlisberger and their new right guard is Maurkice Pouncey. The 6-4½, 304 pounds, entered the draft after spending the past two seasons playing center at Florida and snapping the ball to Tim Tebow. Justin Hartwig, who is in his 9^th year, is currently the Steelers center. Therefore, they plan to start Pouncey at right guard, as he joins a Pittsburgh frontline that allowed Roethlisberger to be sacked 50 times last season.  Pouncey is not going to have Roethlisberger behind center for the first six (maybe 4) weeks of the season due to his suspension.  Pouncey was used to playing with Tebow, who was always able to escape out of trouble, but Pouncey will need to learn his new position fast, as ‘Superman” will not be there to save him anymore.  Pouncey might be a great offensive lineman down the road, but not trading Roethlisberger will prove to be a costly mistake.

19) Atlanta Falcons – Sean Weatherspoon, OLB/Missouri Grade: B

Sean Weatherspoon, who helped the Tigers win two Big 12 North titles during his four-year career at Missouri, became the 14th first-round selection in program history. Weatherspoon led the Tigers in tackles in each of the last three seasons, as he raked in 14 1/2 tackles for losses, and 4 1/2 sacks.  He ended his career with 413 career tackles, second in Missouri history, and was chosen twice as a second-team All-American.  Weatherspoon was not projected as a mid-first rounder, but after an excellent senior bowl and combine, his draft stock rose.  He will be called upon to be an every down back.  Only a year ago, Michael Boley left the Falcons, and they needed a replacement for him.  It sure looks like they found his replacement in Weatherspoon.

20) Houston Texans – Kareem Jackson, CB/Alabama Grade: B+

When the San Diego Chargers traded up to select Ryan Mathews, the Texans must’ve been disheartened, as Mathews was projected to start his playing career in Houston.  But the Texans can breathe a sigh of relief after they found their cornerback who they need to start immediately. With the off-season departure of Dunta Robinson to the Falcons, Kareem Jackson was drafted to be Robinson’s replacement.  He’s the first cornerback taken in the first round by Houston since Robinson was chosen as the 10th overall pick in the 2004 draft.  The Texans are pleased that Jackson, who might be the best cover corner in the draft, comes from a winning college program, as he prepares to join a young defense led by middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who also starred at Alabama.  The Texans were on the verge of a playoff appearance last year, so don’t be surprised if they’re playing meaningful football games in January.

21) Cincinnati Bengals – Jermaine Gresham, TE/Oklahoma Grade: C

Coming off a knee injury that cost him the entire 2009 season, reports are that Jermaine Gresham has bounced back well as he turned in a very strong pro day. Prior to his injury, he was one of the best tight ends in the country. When current Bengals TE Chase Coffman was injured during mini-camp last season causing him to miss all of his rookie year with an ankle injury, Daniel Coats was called upon to replace Coffman.  But Coats caught only 16 receptions on the season.  It is hard to say how Coffman will play when he returns to action. The Bengals need an explosive tight end to go along with Chad Ochocinco.  They need someone who has the ability to run downfield, and act as another wide receiver. Gresham is the best tight end in this draft, but considering he’s coming off  knee injury, drafting him could turn out to be the wrong choice. It’s no secret the Bengals were opting for a tight end with their first pick.  They just should’ve drafted a player who isn’t ‘recovering’ from a major knee injury.

22) Denver Broncos – DeMaryius Thomas, WR/Georgia Tech Grade: B

After trading with the New England Patriots to move up to this spot, the Broncos needed a wide-out who was going to replace Brandon Marshall, and his three consecutive 100 catch seasons.  Head coach Josh McDaniels believed they found Marshall’s replacement in DeMaryius Thomas.  Thomas, who was the first wide receiver taken in this draft, stands at 6-3 229 pounds, and has great speed for his size. In addition to his playmaking ability, according to coach McDaniels, Thomas has a great work ethic, and he is advertised as a high character player.  The Broncos are asking a lot from the rookie, who will certainly try to replace Marshall’s numbers throughout his rookie season. Thomas will not make headlines off the field for his behavior, but he will certainly bring exciting playmaking skills to the gridiron, just like Marshall did.

23) Green Bay Packers – Bryan Bulaga, OT/Iowa Grade: C

Labeled as a limited athlete, Bulaga was drafted to bring toughness to an offensive line that allowed 57 sacks last season. Bulaga immediately becomes the likely successor to veteran left tackle Chad Clifton, who’s in his 30s, as Buluha now adds depth to the offensive line.  Due to his slow feet the scouting report on Buluga is that he’s unable to block against the league’s best pass rushers.  And even though Bulaga will probably begin his NFL career behind Clifton, he will eventually need to protect Rodgers against two of the league’s elite pass rushers, Jared Allen and Julius Peppers.  The Green Bay offensive line was atrocious last year.  It actually might get even worse when it’s time for Bulaga to play.

24) Dallas Cowboys – Dez Bryant, WR/Oklahoma State Grade: A

Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones made one of the worse trades in NFL history when he acquired WR Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions.  But after trading up to select Bryant, this move might make up for it.  Even though heading into the draft questions surrounded Bryant’s character, Jones should be praised for this selection. Bryant is a top-10 talent, arguably the best wide receiver in the draft, and has rare blend of size, speed, strength and quickness.  Bryant was brought into Dallas to become a playmaker – no other reason.  On paper, Miles Austin might be Tony Romo’s number one guy, but Bryant will take over that role a few weeks into the season.

25) Denver Broncos – Tim Tebow, QB/Florida Grade: A

Having Brady Quinn and Kyle Orton as his quarterbacks on the Broncos roster, ensures head coach Josh McDaniels, he’ll be needing a quarterback when the season starts.  So mark it down, because  Tim Tebow will be named the starter of the Broncos. Many analysts feel that Tebow is ways away from becoming an NFL quarterback. Many analysts feel he doesn’t have the NFL quarterback delivery, and many analysts feel his mechanics and footwork are off.  But Tebow does have something that you can’t prepare for, you can’t replace, and you can’t measure. Tebow has a passion for football and the heart of a champion. For that reason and because he’s the most underrated quarterback in this draft, Tebow will one day be the starter in the Mile High City. So when Tebow makes his first NFL start, just remember, I said it all along that he’s an NFL starting quarterback, who just needed an the opportunity to play.

26) Arizona Cardinals – Dan Williams, DT/Tennessee Grade: B+

Projected as a early first round pick, Dan Williams fell in Arizona’s lap, and the Cardinals took full advantage by selecting an athlete who has the ability to disrupt any action in the offensive backfield. After losing Karlos Dansby and Antrel Rolle in free agency, the Cardinals desperately needed a defensive force.  Williams, who is a dominant run-stopper and a force in the middle, was projected as high as number 9 in some mock drafts.  He led the SEC in tackles, and at 6-2 and 327 pounds, the former Tennessee standout will have every opportunity to make a difference for Arizona this upcoming season.

27) New England Patriots – Devin McCourty, CB/Rutgers Grade: D

Let’s be realistic.  Besides for Anthony Davis, RB Ray Rice and LB Gary Brackett, how many football players become successful by playing college football at Rutgers.  Not many, and McCourty will not be the next great player out of Rutgers. Drafted as a cornerback, McCourty is a great special teams contributor, who doesn’t possess great ball skills for a corner.  The Pats needed a pass rusher, but they went with McCourty instead.  Not even the great Bill Belichick will be able to turn McCourty into an NFL star.

28) Miami Dolphins – Jared Odrick, DT/Penn State Grade: C+

With the departing of Jason Taylor, the Dolphins drafted Odrick hoping he will be one of the next great pass rushers in the NFL, but he’s a long way away.  His pass rushing skills need some work, but he does provide depth to the Dolphins’ front line.  Odrick is not yet ready to be a pass rushing defensive end, but he is extremely tough to block.  The Dolphins made a mistake when he drafted Ted Ginn with the 9^th overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft.  My gut tells me, he’s made the same mistake with the 28^th overall pick of this year’s draft

29) New York Jets – Kyle Wilson, CB/Boise State Grade: B

After Kyle Wilson was selected, the analysts raved about how the Jets are loaded up with cornerbacks, and head coach Rex Ryan is going to devise all these different blitzing schemes for his cornerbacks.  However, after the Jets acquired Antonio Cromartie, and already having the best corner in the league in Darrelle Revis, the Jets did not need to add another corner to their roster.  With the acquisition of Wilson, the Jets might have the best cornerback trio, but the Jets passed on the opportunity to obtain a young pass rusher.  I don’t want to hear how the Jets found their pass rusher in Jason Taylor because if you’re expecting any type of production this year out of Taylor, think again.  The Jets had a chance to select defensive end Everson Griffen out of Southern Cal, or Texas’ Sergio Kindle. Both great talents and both players are going to be forces in the NFL.  Wilson might be the next Revis, or he might be a bust. But when you already have two shut down corners, the smart decision would’ve been to go out and get a prominent pass rusher.  That is what the Jets brass should’ve done.

30) Detroit Lions – Jahvid Best, RB/California Grade: A

Let me be the first to congratulate the Lions, as in my book they have already won even though they haven’t played a game this season (and maybe it’s better that way). The Lions traded up to select Jahvid Best, who’s arguably as talented as C.J. Spiller.  Best is being called upon to replace Kevin Smith, who’s coming off major knee surgery, and only averaged 3.4 yards per carry last season. Best has the ability to be “home-run” style-type running back. He can run the 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds, and has the durability to be an every-down back.  Although many people question Best about his history of concussions, Best appears ready for the big stage.  After this pick, there is no doubt, this was the steal of the first round.

31) Indianapolis Colts – Jerry Hughes, OLB/TCU Grade: Peyton Manning

As long as Peyton Manning is quarterbacking the Colts, does it really matter who they select in the draft? Jerry Hughes, who lead the nation is sacks, is not  the tallest guy at 6-foot-1, or the strongest at 255 pounds, but is being compared to having the same built as Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Since Raheem Brock was released, Hughes’ chance to shine in the NFL will begin this season.  And I said before, as long as Manning is behind center, the Colts will be just fine.

32) New Orleans Saints – Patrick Robinson, CB/Florida State Grade: Who Dat?

En route to becoming Super Bowl champions, the Saints scored over 500 points while averaging 32 points per game.  So does adding a cornerback to a team that already has four experienced cornerbacks in Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Randall Gay and Malcolm Jenkins, matter? No, because if the Saints repeat their offensive performance during the 2010 season, no one will beat them.  As the Saints will become the first team since the 2003-2004 New England Patriots to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

There it is folks, the first round of the 2010 NFL draft in its entirety. So sit back, relax, and get ready for rounds 2 and 3, as the second round kicks off in a few hours from now.

If your not happy with your team’s first round pick, maybe and hopefully, you will feel better after the next two rounds are completed.  But if you’re still dejected heading into Saturday, it’s going to be an awfully long football season for you and your team.

Sorry.

The weekend is now upon us, and that can mean one thing – school’s officially out, but if you care to argue with the teacher, he’s all ears.

Class dismissed. 

For the avid football fan, the casual football fan, or even the novice football fan, the NFL draft is the most exciting NFL event of the year, and for some it’s considered a national holiday. 

The 10 minutes while your favorite team is ‘on the clock’, deciding on the player they’ve been coveting since he declared for the draft, you have the ability to act like a general manager, and select the player in which you’ve been dreaming of, hoping that players lands in your hometown.   

So since this magical day is now upon us as the NFL draft begins in a few hours from now, rather than presenting to you the 75,9876,987 mock draft that I’m sure you’ve already seen, here are five bold predictions for this year’s NFL draft. 

Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will not be selected as the first overall pick

No one has seen a mock draft where Bradford was not selected as the first overall pick by the St. Louis Rams, and why would you.  The Rams are in dire need of a quarterback, and after finishing the 2009 season with the NFL’s worst record of 1-15, earning them the first overall pick, current stater Keith Null is not the solution. However, General Manager Billy Devaney, and coach Steve Spagnuolo do not feel Bradford is a franchise quarterback, thus the Rams trade the #1 pick to the Cleveland Browns as president Mike Holmgren selects the 2008 Heisman trophy winner, as the Rams will go ahead and draft Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who by the way is the most NFL ready quarterback in this draft. The uncertainty of the Rams inability to sign Bradford before tonight’s draft scares the Rams away from being the first team ‘on the clock’, as the Rams organizations feels the future of this team does not lay in the hands of Bradford, but rather someone else. 

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow will be selected in the first round

Tim Tebow’s pro-day, where he unveiled his new throwing motion, was his most important day in preparing for his NFL future, as it appeared he was ready for the next level. While the 2010 NFL draft will be the deciding factor on exactly where Tebow’s future will be.  Heading into the draft, Tebow is not a top rated NFL quarterback prospect, unlike Bradford, Clausen, and Texas’s Colt McCoy, but he should be. Tebow is a proven winner, and he should be given the opportunity to prove that in the NFL. He might not be the next Tom Brady, or Joe Montana, but during his time in Gainesville, he certainly did not disappoint. Even though he does not look like the typical NFL quarterback, don’t bet against him. And if you do, you’re bound to lose.  But as we head in to tonight’s draft, its important to look at what team will take a chance on the two-time BCS national champion and former Heisman Trophy winner.  Whether it’s the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, please let it be his hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tebow is one of the most underrated prospects in the draft, and  NFL teams, who normally draft players on talent ala Charles Rogers or Maurice Clarett, should take a gamble on a player with high morals, who displays leadership qualities, and has proven his intelligence is second to none, instead of a punk who can run a 4.3, and then wind up in jail six months after he signed a mega-million dollar contract.  So when the Jaguars are on the clock, with the 10^th overall pick, maybe Tebow will receive a welcome to the NFL gift, as he’ll be heading home to begin his NFL career. 

Pittsburgh Steelers will trade Ben Roethlisberger for a top ten draft pick 

After six years, two super bowl championships, a sexual assault case to go along with each super bowl ring, one motorcycle accident and a six game suspension, the Steelers will finally be parting ways with their franchise quarterback. He has let down an entire city and franchise, and now the Steelers will be moving on. Who can blame them? I certainly cannot. But to which team will ‘Big Ben’ be moving onto, as only a few teams in the top ten are in desperate need of a quarterback. With one of those teams being the Oakland Raiders, the Steelers have reportedly approached the Raiders, as they target Oakland’s No. 8 pick along with CB Nnamdi Asomugha, as the Raiders have come to the realization that the former #1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft and his six-year contract worth up to $68 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed, experiment has failed and is finally over. If the Steelers cannot agree on a trade with the Silver and Black, the other possible destination for Roethlisberger would be Upstate, New York, even though the GM of the Buffalo Bills, Buddy Nix, has stated the Steelers haven’t reached out to the Bills.  The Bills haven’t been to the playoffs in a decade and they continue to search for the heir apparent to Jim Kelly.  Even if they can’t draft him, they might as well trade for him, as they might have found him in Roethlisberger.  

C.J spiller will not the first running back selected in the draft 

Spiller, the 2009 ACC Player of the Year, is projected to be the first running back taken in the draft, but in the famous words of ESPN’s own Lee Corso, “not so fast my friends”. Heading into the draft, the other running back that everyone is drooling over is Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews, who at 6-feet, 218 pounds has the build to be an every-down back. While Spiller, who has the explosiveness and potential to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Mathews is the more durable back. Many analysts have Mathews landing in Houston as a Texan with the 20th overall pick. Mathews, the Fresno State record holder with 1,808 rushing yards in a season, could also see himself having a lightning bolt on the side of his helmet when he takes the field in September. With the departure of LaDainian Tomlinson, and Darren Sproles’ inability to be an every-down back, the Chargers are desperately seeking and hoping Mathews is still on the board when they select at #28. But if Mathews’ skill and ability translates from his playing days as a Bulldog to the pros, no matter where he lands, he will be a boost to that teams running game and make an immediate impact, as one of the best backs in the league. Don’t be surprised if the Detroit Lions with their No. 2 pick, who appeared to have given up on Kevin Smith who has basically been injured since his time in the NFL, select Mathews. Or the Seahawks, who draft at #6, are looking to replace current starter Julius Jones with a younger, athletic and more versatile running back. And whichever team selects Mathews, they will do exactly that, as they will be adding a premier running back to their starting backfield. 

The New York Giants will not get LB Rolando McClain or DE Jason Pierre-Paul in the draft 

General Manager Jerry Reese’s worse nightmare will be coming true, as all of the players that were on the giant’s draft board have been selected. It’s no secret that the Giants biggest need is to fill the void at the MLB position left by Antonio Pierce, when he was released during this off-season, as the Giants are looking to get their players healthy. Ideally, having a dominant inside linebacker like McClain would be a good step towards regaining the form they had in their Super Bowl year, as all eyes are on the 2009 Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker. McClain might not have the imposing size of a Ray Lewis or the explosiveness similar to a Patrick Willis. Instead, McClain is touted as having a mental grasp for the game, as he’s going to be faced with the task of quickly needing to understand new schemes. But it will not be for the Giants, as the 6-foot-4, 258 pound McLain is selected before the Giants are ‘on the clock’.  Since McClain will no longer be available, Jason Pierre-Paul out of University of South Florida was the Giants other option. Pierre-Paul, at 6-6 and 260 pounds is a great pass rusher and a monster of a defensive lineman. He has the size and the strength to battle with just about anybody at any level, as he has the potential to be one of the best d-lineman in the NFL. And if you’re going to draft on potential, you will be hitting the jackpot with the former Bull, as Pierre-Paul is a beast and a superb athlete. NFL teams will take that over experience any day, but unfortunately for Big Blue, he will be suiting up in another uniform when the season begins in September. 

Tonight, while your sitting on your couch watching the draft you will find yourself transforming into the Roger Ebert of Sports by critiquing every selection that is made. You will either give a big sigh of relief, as your favorite team made the right choice, or you’re heading over to get a box of Kleenex’s, as the selection that was just made, now ranks amongst the worst in team history.

What’s great about the draft is for a few hours, everyone is a general manager, but only time will tell if the right draft choice was made.  So before you blink because you’ve been glued to the television set for the past three hours, all 32 teams have selected the player they desired the most. 

And just like that, after spending weeks preparing for this night the draft is over, and you’re probably exhausted.  Whether your ecstatic or depressed about the future of your team, it’s time to go to sleep.  Because there is no doubt, you certainly need a good night’s rest after what your favorite team has just put you through. 

When Ron Artest signed with the Lakers in July of 2009 to a five-year deal worth about $33 million dollars, defensive specialist and the 2004 defensive player of the year was brought to Los Angeles to bring another NBA championship to Hollywood.   

Well someone should notify Governor Schwarzenegger because the city of Los Angeles can start preparing for a championship parade, the Staples Center could start raising the 16^th championship banner in franchise history to the rafters, as the Lakers will soon be awarded the NBA championship trophy. 

Kobe Bryant will win championship No. 5.  Phil Jackson, who has more championship rings than any other coach in NBA history, will earn his 11^th championship title as a head coach, and LeBron James will be waiting at least one more year for his first championship ring.

As the NBA finals begin in roughly six weeks from now, unlike last year where only Bryant lived up to his end of the bargain, this year the Cavs will not fall short of the finals as James enters the playoffs with a post player like Shaquille O’Neal, who gives the Cavs a unique weapon and a player with vital playoff experience. And that means we’re all going to be treated to a Kobe vs. LeBron match-up for the NBA championship.

Sounds to me like Chanukah in June, huh?

But unfortunately for the city of Cleveland and their fans, which haven’t seen a major sports championship in 46 years since the Browns won the NFL title in 1964, and not since Van Halen was inducted into the Rock N Roll hall-of-fame in 2007, the city of Cleveland is waiting (and will still be waiting after this season) for something special to happen.  Because not even the home crowd of the Quicken Loans Arena, who have 44 consecutive home sellouts this season, can will their team to an NBA championship when the face off against the Lakers in the finals.  

But before the Finals begin, let’s all watch in awe as James’ performance through the first two games of the playoffs has been nothing short of extraordinary.  After sitting the final four games of the regular season, James has been unstoppable during the opening round series against the Chicago Bulls, as he’s averaging 32 points per game, 7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists.  But most important, the Cavs have a 2-0 series as they head to the Windy City for game 3 on Thursday night. The loaded Cavaliers continue their chase for their first NBA championship. You can expect their road to the finals to be rather effortless, as LeBron wouldn’t have it any other way.

Since 2003, when LeBron ascended from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and was selected as the savior of the city, the LeBron’s have had their sights set on winning an NBA championship.  But as all the attention is on James, and if he can bring that elusive championship to Cleveland, don’t sleep on the defending champions who did not look all that sharp in game 1 against the NBA’s youngest-ever scoring champion Kevin Durant, who averaged 30.1 per game during the regular season, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As the Lakers began their title defense with a 87-79 victory in game 1 Bryant, who missed four of the final five regular season games due to resting his swollen right knee and broken right index finger, and Andrew Bynum, who missed the final 13 regular season games due to a strained right Achilles, returned to action, but both players struggled. 

Although Bryant scored 21 points in the game, Bryant was missing shots that he would normally make, and Bynum appeared to be out-of shape after returning from his injury. 

If the Lakers are going to repeat as champions, and there is no doubt that they will, the 2008 league MVP, and 2009 Finals MVP must regain his old form, and no better way to gear up for another championship run, than against the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. 

In the off-season, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak signed Artest to supply the dominant playoff defense against the elite scorers of the league. In his first game as a Laker that really mattered, he passed the test by shutting down Durant, and expect much of the same from now until playoff win No. 16, when the Lakers hoist the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy as NBA champions.

Even before LeBron stepped onto an NBA court he was labeled ‘King James’.

But until he wins his first NBA championship, and after he’s a ‘witness’ to Bryant winning his second consecutive NBA title, LeBron should know that Bryant still wears the crown of the league.

As Kobe is not yet ready to give up the reign of king just yet.

He signed an eight-year, $102 million dollar contract.  He’s a two-time Super Bowl champion, but ever since his Super Bowl XLIII heroics where he found Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes on a six-yard TD pass with 0:35 remaining giving his team the Super Bowl victory, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has become more famous for his actions off the field, then for his play on the field.

For the second time over the past year Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual misconduct.  And although Roethlisberger has learned that he will not be charged in the alleged sexual assault of a Georgia college student, Roethlisberger will now wait as the NFL is considering disciplinary actions against him. This is where the NFL must take action, and should not take Roethlisberger’s star status into consideration. Since commissioner Roger Goodell has taken over as the reigns of commissioner he has acted appropriately in all matters where punishment was needed, and this case should be no different.

It’s no secret that the former 11^th overall pick of the 2004 NFL draft has acted pretty irresponsible off the field over the past year, and has angered the Steelers franchise as their franchise quarterback has acted like everything, but that. Goodell has yet to take any disciplinary action against Big Ben, but the time has come for that to change.   Over the past couple of years, Roethlisberger has been an embarrassment to the NFL and an embarrassment to the Steelers organization. And now, Roethlisberger must be punished for his actions because he must understand that he cannot get away with this nonsense any longer.

There are times where a woman will be looking to obtain money from a professional athlete by lying about being “raped”, and the intercourse that occurs is consensual, as proven during the Kobe Bryant rape case, since the Eagle County District Judge Terry Ruckriegle dismissed the charges against Bryant, as the hotel employer informed the prosecution that she was unwilling to testify.

And maybe the same thing can be said for the women in Lake Tahoe, who claimed Roethlisberger raped her, although Roethlisberger was not criminally charged in this case and has claimed counter-damages in the lawsuit.   But this time, Roethlisberger is not innocent, even though the DA decided not to press charges. 

If Roethilsbergers’ actions as described by witnesses are true, Roethlisberger should never be allowed to step on a football field again.   If the college student “was dragged by a bodyguard to the back room”, and if she “still said no, this is not OK” and then Roethlisberger continued to have sex with her, he must be punished.  If he took advantage of an intoxicated 20-year old college student, and even though Roethlisberger will not face jail time, the punishment from the NFL must be severe. 

Goodell must realize that he deserves more than a two game suspension, or even a four game suspension.  An NFL player who violates the league’s substance abuse policy, gets four games and Roethlisberger just didn’t cause harm to himself, but caused harm too an innocent drunk young women.

Why does Roethlisberger never learn from his mistakes and why does trouble always surround him wherever he goes?  Whether it was the motorcycle accident he was involved in which he was not wearing his helmet or did not have a valid Pennsylvania motorcycle license.  The two sexual assault cases against him, or his dismal Super Bowl XL performance where Roethlisberger’s passer rating of 22.6 was the lowest in Super Bowl history by a winning quarterback, he’s been an embarrassment to the NFL since he’s been in the league. 

And now Roethlisberger’s actions have reached a boiling point, and the Steelers organization should consider going in a new direction, as the days of Roethlisberger leading this organization should be coming to an end. 

If you want to believe Roethlisberger who read in a 74-second statement Monday at a podium in the Steelers locker room that he’s innocent, as he’s glad to put this case behind him, and move forward, no one will hold it against you. 

If you believe the story that Roethlisberger didn’t listen to the victim, had sex with her in a bathroom as body guards prevented her friends from rescuing her, as the victim and her friends claimed, no one will hold this opinion against you either.

But if you’re a Steelers fan, and Roethlisberger leads the Steelers on a last second Super Bowl winning drive, there is no doubt you will be cheering for him.  Because no matter all the wrong an athlete does in the world, if he brings a championship to your favorite team, he’s then considered a hero, and that just doesn’t seem right.

Unfortunately it is right because America loves a winner, and that’s how this sick world that we live in, works.