NCAA Tournament Running Commentary: Friday Night Edition

Note: I will be in and out tonight with some observations from the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Feel free to comment and be aware that the MOST RECENT updates will be found at the top of the post, although nothing will be deleted from earlier action.

8:40 PM

Author's Note: Of course Gus Johnson (who is so over the top it's CORNY) is in Buffalo, calling Syracuse vs. Vermont. How early into the game does he scream after a Catamount 3 about 2005? I say before tip-off, during warm-ups.

Matt Bouldin and the Zags have total control over the Seminoles inside and outside of the paint early on.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Midwest Region
-Oklahoma State is shooting lights out inside the 3-point line, not so much from the outside. They lead Georgia Tech by a narrow 2-point margin early in the 2nd half. James Anderson may have to carry the Cowboys to victory late this evening.
-New Mexico State is struggling to keep its composure, hit perimeter shots, and rebound anything against Sparty. Michigan State seems in total control and exuding the one principle coach Tom Izzo preaches most: poise.

South Region
-Duke is pounding Arkansas Pine-Bluff 39-20 at the half. Need I elaborate more?

West Region
-Gonzaga sprinted out early 24-9 and leads Florida State by double-digits early in the second half. Florida State isn't working the soft rims and the Zags have forced several early turnovers from the Seminole backcourt. Can FSU string together enough stops to wake up the transition game? 46-35 with 13+ to go...

A quick rundown of the day's earlier action...

East Region
-West Virginia fell down early 10-0. No worries. The Mountaineers cruised from then on, ending up with a 77-50 victory over 15th seeded Morgan State. I still wonder about the point guard position for this team, who should advance deep into the tournament.
-Cornell, via a balanced attack, was simply too much for the A10's finest, Temple 78-65. A popular 12/5 upset selection, the Big Red broke a drought of NCAA Tournament victories for the Ivy League dating back to 1998. Limiting fouls and controlling the boards, Cornell looks like a team with clear-cut second weekend potential.
-Missouri took control of a back-and-forth game against Clemson in the second half, walking away 86-78 victors. Never doubt the ability of Mizzou head coach Mike Anderson in the tournament. Anderson has 7 wins in 3 trips (and counting).
-Wofford, in their first ever tournament appearance, nearly snakebit 4th-seeded Wisconsin. However, a clutch shot with 17 seconds left by Badger Lon Leuer anchored the (predictably) gritty victory 53-49. Even more critical might have been his steal on the next possession, sealing the victory for Bo Ryan and company.

South Region
-More than a few experts told you take Siena over Purdue. WRONG! The Boilermakers overcame a 3-point halftime deficit to win 72-64. JaJaun Johnson's 23 and 15 led a balance Boilermakers' attack. Shooting 33% from the field didn't help the Metro Atlantic Champion Saints either.
-Texas A&M made it at least one victory in 5 straight tournaments (only Pitt can also say that) after defeating Utah State - another set of Aggies - 69-53. One game away from a regional semi-final in Houston, A&M was one of the most impressive teams on a somewhat lackluster Friday docket.

West Region
-Xavier took control over Minnesota mid-way through the second half, hitting enough shots down the stretch to walk away victorious, 65-54. Minnesota is the first, and only thus far, Big 10 team to drop a game in this tournament. The A10 is 1-2, with Richmond and Temple bowing out early to underdogs (St. Mary's & Cornell, respectively).
-Pittsburgh overcame a sluggish start to trounce the Summit champion Oakland Grizzlies 89-66. A tough elbow from Gary McGhee took away any momentum from the Grizzlies after starter Derick Nelson, who was forced to leave the game for the remainder of the 1st half with a huge gash over his right eye. Pitt and Xavier could easily be a game in the 50s or the 80s.

I have to admit that Friday's action has been quite tame.
Might sneak out for a dice game before the Cuse tip-off around 9:45 pm.
Credit: CelticsBlog.com

Fantasy Football Week: Challenge #2 – Which 1st rounders were ‘steals’ and which were debacles?

Post II of III

As I mentioned in my previous post (focusing on which of THESE four teams you wanted most), this past Saturday, Armin/Sum/Pay/myself (Clement) met up at the world’s greatest unofficial draft headquarters for our yearly fantasy football draft (#1 of 2 actually) for a league we playfully have been a part of named the ‘Frank Stallone League’.

For this II post of III (I dig roman numerals) I’m going to post the 12 first-round picks (in fairness, one was auto-drafted from Yahoo’s top 500 list…can YOU guess which one it was???) from our draft.

I’ll format the rest of this post by offering up one statement that is positive, one that is negative, and the owner-factor.

Don’t fret; you’ll understand it all very shortly.
I hope.

The basics were described in my last post; however, I want to add just a few ‘reminders’ for the lazier readers who either missed the last (brilliant) posting or have short-term memory issues.

A) 12-teams.
B) 16-round ladder draft.
C) Starters include 2 QBs, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 K, & 1 DEF. 6 reserve sports.
D) Each team has two keeper allocations; 1 for rounds 4-9 and 1 for rounds 10-16. Keeper allocations CAN be traded. They DO NOT carry over to next season.
E) If you drop a player during the season, you cannot keep him next year (unless due to season-ending injury or a QB-related forced drop.)

Enough of that…let’s roll!!!

Whoops, wrong 1st-round draft.
Credit: EMQB

1^st Pick – LaDanian Tomlinson

Positive: LT is as safe a fantasy pick as there is out there. Not to mention he is resting all pre-season long and returning on a Super Bowl-contending team. He might even toss a TD or two this season for good measure.
Negative: He is closing in on 30, couldn’t play in an AFC Title game because of an injury, and doesn’t have Michael Turner behind him anymore.
Owner: Wisely, LT was the smart-money pick for this owner. Fortunately, it became easier when she realized A-Pete was already off the board (keeper allocation).

2^nd Pick – Tom Brady

Positive: Touchdown Tom was the fantasy MVP last year and remains HIGHLY valuable in a 2-starting QB league. His receiving corps remains loaded (even sans Stallworth) and there’s zero reason to doubt the reigning NFL MVP fantasy-wise.
Negative: He may or may not have foot issues, Moss has been off in recent “odd” years, and it still might’ve been too early to dismiss Manning’s fantasy-dominance over him in any other year than last.
Owner: With Laurence Maroney already in tow (keeper) for a cheap 5^th-rounder, the RB position could wait. Especially in a two-starting QB league in which owning one of the three dominant QBs is a luxury one can ill afford to pass up.

3^rd Pick – Peyton Manning

Positive: He’s the fantasy QB god of the past 5+ seasons. In fact, he’s one of the few guys who it seems almost impossible to knock drafting in any spot…fantasy-wise at least.
Negative: Romo outdid him last year, Harrison’s injury status is TBD, Peyton’s own knee isn’t 100%, and he did have several 1-TD or less games last year.
Owner: Briefly flaunting the idea of taking Romo, we all knew Peyton was a synch for the third pick. He and Wayne are as dominant as Manning and Harrison once were. In the end, there’s hardly a safer pick than the NFL’s most savvy TV personality.

You can't have one with the other...
Credit: Hogwild

4^th Pick – Tony Romo

Positive: It’s been said too many times already, but he OUTSCORED Peyton last season (I’ll say it again too!). Not to mention…he’s young, on an All-Star team, and has two targets (TO & Witten) other QBs would die for.
Negative: He’s still new at the 16-game thing, JESSICA SIMPSON, and his wideout (that’s my quarterback!) isn’t exactly the most dependable of primadonnas.
Owner: In what some claimed was a surprising move, it made complete sense given the importance of landing one of the 3 elite fantasy QBs of last year. Romo outscored Peyton last season (haha!) and has the highest of expectations in Big D to perform each and every week. Jessica Simpson is pretty hot too.

5^th Pick – Stephen Jackson

Positive: New contracts sometimes put players at ease, right?
Negative: New contracts sometimes put players at too much ease, right?
Owner: Can’t say I wasn’t just a little surprised when a noted Iggles fan traded up for the pick (right in front of me!) and then took the former holdout (okay, I wanted Westbrook). Coming off of a highly disappointing ’07 campaign, Action Jackson’s got a fatter contract and an offense that’s only get older. Nevertheless, it might be insane value at #5.

6^th Pick – Brian Westbrook

Positive: He finally became a double-digit TD guy, led the NFL in all-purpose yardage, and is the #1-weapon on an offense that can light it up (although not weekly).
Negative: His QB is never healthy, he’s a year older, he has a fatter contract too (see above), and this team needs to potentially save him for a playoff stretch drive.
Owner: It’s the consensus top-5 guy a lot of mags are calling an insane sleeper outside of the top 5 overall. In a 1-QB league (amateurs), he’s been a fixture at 2 and 3 on most boards and mocks. Given it’s pick 6, you gotta love a guy who essentially starts as an RB and WR most weeks on fantasy squads.

What I did on my summer vacation...by Marshawn Lynch.
Credit: Automobile Insurance 101

7^th Pick – Marshawn Lynch

Positive: Second-year back who the team loves to love, especially in the redzone.
Negative: Off-season stuff should be fine, yet it isn’t enthralling to read about. Traveling to Toronto for home games just seems weird to me. Not to mention that perhaps the Jets acquiring Kris Jenkins means opposing RBs will be limited to 100+ yards and 1 TD instead of the typical 150+ and 2 TDs.
Owner: Selected right before a Bill fan could’ve taken him. I love it!

8^th Pick – Frank Gore

Positive: In a word or two: Mike Martz.
Negative: In a word or two: Mike Martz.
Owner: I love the value; however, health and a certain aforementioned offensive coordinator give me the willies. Of course, the thought of a new Marshall Faulk does that too. Of course, JT O’Sullivan or Shaun Hill might have a lot to do with that (happening or not).

9^th Pick – Larry Fitzgerald

Positive: Unlike Anquan, somebody has a fat contract!
Negative: Anquan’s ordeal could be bothersome. Not to mention, the QB position is unstable at best in ‘Zona (even with solid production from Warner/Fitz last season). Health isn’t flawless for Fitz either.
Owner: It might seem a headscratcher, but value at QB had dissipated with the Big 3 gone, he has Addai in tow for a measily 3^rd rounder (keeper), and Dwayne Bowe is another insane keeper for a 10^th rounder. Nevertheless, I kinda question Fitz going in the 1^st round with guys like TO, Brees, Wayne, and even Andre Johnson around. Interesting indeed.

10^th Pick – Larry Johnson

Positive: Two seasons ago he was the most used back in the NFL and a fantasy god. That does seem sooooo long ago though.
Negative: He burned me in a league last season, never seems to catch passes, and is on a terrible team. What can I go with 60 yards a game and no TDs most weeks? What have I done???
Owner: I have stopped researching and making any sense. I knew I wanted an RB over my next top-rated QB (Brees), I’d tab TO or Wayne next round (taking TO over Reggie), and I began to wonder if I could really take Clinton Portis at #10 overall. In the end, I saw some stacked teams (already) above me and went for the highest risk/reward possible. If only Gore had slipped...

Does A-Pete lose any value with potential injury issues with Bryant "Love Boat" McKinnie?

Credit: ABC

11^th Pick – Adrian Peterson [keeper]

Positive: You could make a very sturdy argument for him being #1 overall. Slide him to #11 and you’re the happiest guy at the draft.
Negative: INJURY HISTORY. In fact, with his track record, it’d be a surprise if he played in 16 games (not counting the real playoffs, folks).
Owner: That’s why he was the ultimate 4^th round steal last season and why he’ll likely be a major steal as the 11^th overall pick this season. Damn.

12^th Pick – Clinton Portis

Positive: New offense, carefree attitude, and enhanced performance last season.
Negative: Isn’t every year in DC (5 and counting now) supposed to the major breakout statistical season?
Owner: With the next pick up-coming, it’s strong value, especially when a guy named Brees is just sitting there waiting to be gobbled up, to take a talented RB in the latest of stages in round 1.

So which two names are missing???

While I think a few might stand out – especially in a 12-team league – it has to be noted that because of the aforementioned keeper allocation rules RANDY MOSS & JOSEPH ADDAI were taken in later rounds. Another interesting caveat to consider in such an amazingly competitive league.

I’ll see you sometime this weekend with part III, focusing mainly on keeper decisions made during the draft (whether the owners knew it or not!).

Until next post…

PHSports 2008 NBA Mock Draft – 1st Round

Greetings one and all to our first of many collaborative NBA Mock Drafts here at PHSports. While sooner than later we’ll dive into the foray of a two-round mock, today’s installation is focusing only on Round 1.

Syracuse fans aren't too devastated from Green's early departure. He might be after he sees his draft stock continue to slip.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

We’re taking a leap of faith as several potential prospects won’t make their official decision to declare their intention to enter the draft until the deadline (April 27th). Even more may not sign an agent and end up returning to their college team before June’s draft.

To avoid too much controversy over staying/going, we’ve decided to take an all-or-nothing approach. We’re assuming quite a bit with who may be leaving or staying…but at least we’ll be consistent.

We (Pay & Clement) have decided to be duel it out as a consensus of head coach, player personnel direction, scout, owner/president, and general manager. We LOVE that type of power. Then again, who wouldn’t?

Without further banter, let’s roll!

Rating the Lopez-twins, both all but assured to go before the end of Round 1, is a bit tricky.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

1) Miami Heat
Selection: Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State
Comments: You can’t overvalue PG in this draft or in the NBA, despite how talented Rose is.

2) Seattle Supersonics
Selection: Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Comments: The foundation is starting to build.

3) Minnesota Timberwolves
Selection: Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
Comments: Randy Foye may not be an elite PG, but Minnesota needs a big next to Jefferson.

4) Memphis Grizzlies
Selection: OJ Mayo, SG, USC
Comments: We would trade. Are they set at the 1,2, or 3 (assuming they keep Miller)? Gun to the head …

5) New York Knicks
Selection: Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona
Comments: Somewhat unenviable position here. Shocker with the Knicks involved. Could they potential trade and dump a contract or two?

6) Los Angeles Clippers
Selection: Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana
Comments: He can find his own shot and oddly reminds us of Sam Cassell. Even if Gordon isn’t the prototypical PG.

7) Milwaukee Bucks
Selection: DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M
Comments: The new Los Angeles Clippers. Year by year, they compile lottery picks. In the NFL, they’d be screwed. This pick was downright brutal. In the end, he’s 7-feet tall and won’t take up too many shots. Don’t put any stock into this DeAndre, Milwaukee needs a center…and you’re just about it right now.

8) Charlotte Bobcats
Selection: Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas
Comments: Remember: it’s Jordan. Will Okafor leave? Either way, they need bigs. Gallinari is yet again a victim of not being a proper fit to the needs and system of a team. Shocked by the pick? He can hit the mid-range jumper, plays great defense, RUNS and played on a winning team (which MJ loves).

9) Indiana Pacers
Selection: DJ Augustin, PG, Texas
Comments: Look at the roster, they need a point guard. One that won’t get shot at either (Pay made the joke, Clement demanded it be posted). Augustin has to overcome that Memphis performance in workouts. Get in the gym and get stronger, young man.

10) Chicago Bulls
Selection: Danilo Gallinari, SF, Armani Milan (Italy)
Comments: It’s finally time to take the best player available. Fortunately for Chicago, he has a boatload of talent.

Now that one European has gone. When will another (i.e. Batum) follow?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

11) New Jersey Nets
Selection: Kevin Love, PF, UCLA
Comments: They like their 1, 2, and 3. Even if we HATE their 2 (stop chucking!). They have plenty of bodies up front (Boone, Diop, Swift, Krstic and Williams to name a few). Although, several are in a contract year. To be honest, we’re not gaga over Love at #11. No chance.

12) Sacramento Kings
Selection: JaVale McGee, C, Nevada
Comments: Blake Griffin has ruined this draft by staying in school. He has made far too many “second-choices” for teams. We basically flipped a coin between Lopez and McGee.

13) Portland Trailblazers
Selection: Anthony Randolph, SF, LSU
Comments: They need to take the best player available and honestly can take a risk, on talent and NOT character. Fantastic value on this squad.

14) Golden State Warriors
Selection: Nicolas Batum, SG/SF, Le Mans (France)
Comments: B Diddy with a player option is key: but he’s gonna stay (we think). Free agent Monta Ellis is such a major factor. We’re struggling between potential and fit. Clement still loves this guy.

15) Phoenix Suns [from Atlanta]
Selection: Brandon Rush, SF, Kansas
Comments: Likely with Shaq’s contract ($40 million over 2 years), they’re trading this pick. Are they going to build for the future (PG) OR try and stockpile a talented reserve?

16) Philadelphia 76ers
Selection: Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
Comments: Pay and Clement debate if Andre Iguodala is worth a potential $70-million contract. Either way, they’re going to be forced to pay him. Nice work, Billy King. Clement is weary, but Pay’s confidence easily wins out.

17) Washington Wizards
Selection: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA
Comments: Agent Zero: what are you going to do? The same can’t be forgotten about Mr. Consistency Antawn Jamison. Is there a big worth jumping over a PG? Probably not at this point.

18) Toronto Raptors
Selection: Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG, Memphis
Comments: Swingman, that’s all we decided. Is Clement forcing Russell Westbrook to plummet?

Is the "hate" towards Westbrook as illegitimate as his point guard capabilities?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

19) Cleveland Cavaliers
Selection: Russell Westbrook, PG/SG, UCLA
Comments: Fortunately, the HATE has ended. Honestly, I don’t mind Westbrook at all. But is he a true PG? We’ll see.

20) Denver Nuggets
Selection: Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas
Comments: Defense and he can get off his own shot (evident in the title game, right?). Suddenly, for the first time, the name Lawson is mentioned.

21) Orlando Magic
Selection: Earl Clark, SF/PF, Louisville
Comments: A lot of cap flexibility and a lot of potential as the playoffs arrive.
Can the Magic be as illogical as I am: not taking Hansbrough due to Redick being an overachieving ACC player. Clark needs to grow, from the waist.

22) New Jersey Nets [from Dallas]
Selection: Donte Greene, SF, Syracuse
Comments: Rock solid value at this spot, especially since they can wait on Greene for a season or two. The kid still has a high amount of potential. He was second in the Big East in scoring.

23) Utah Jazz
Selection: Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown
Comments: In a word…keep your depth and trade. Wait, that was several words. Another word: project. Especially since Brewer has had a solid year. We’re taking Hibbert over Thabeet, who is an enigma wrapped in a mystery right now.

24) San Antonio Spurs
Selection: Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut
Comments: Pay wants Dorsey. I want Thabeet out of the Big East. Seattle is devastated. Another project center.

25) Seattle Supersonics [from Phoenix]
Selection: Jason Thompson, PF, Rider
Comments: They have their PG of the future. Shocker: they need a BIG. Don’t take Psycho T, that’s an MJ-pick. Hendrix has a lot of upside, but he might suck too. Ryan Anderson is too much of a 3. Can Jeff Green play the 4 and allow Alexander to play the 3? Gotta love when Rider guys go 1st-round.

26) Houston Rockets
Selection: Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona
Comments: There isn’t a 5 here worth taking. Sorry. So they can use depth at the 3, offensively, at least.

27) Memphis Grizzlies [from LA Lakers]
Selection: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina
Comments: You MUST go big. YOU MUST! He is a character guy who can attract fans and haters. Hometown-esque pick of Dorsey? Not so much.

28) New Orleans Hornets
Selection: Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
Comments: They need a playmaker off of the bench, not a role player. We’re very interested in Julian Wright and his potential progression. This is a luxury pick. You can have a lot of fun with this. We’re wondering: Alexander or Damion James? We like Weaver a lot too. What a fun pick.

29) Detroit Pistons
Selection: Joey Dorsey, PF/C, Memphis
Comments: What’s the deal with McDyess? So much is set, although they’re getting older. The question is: 4/5? Don’t Amir Johnson & Jason Maxiell need help: Dorsey can rebound, play defense, and go away on offense. CHECK!

30) Boston Celtics
Selection: Damion James, SF, Texas
Comments: Will he come out? Who cares, he’s a potential steal and a stud reserve on this talented roster. If he doesn’t come out, then there’s a boatload of talent here anyways. Notably, Tyler Smith.

Dont' cry Joey. A spot on the Piston roster is perfect for you.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

You know we want YOUR comments...NOW!!!!

Until next mock...

1^st-Round Grades: Clement-Style

I’m nowhere near qualified to go any deeper than Day One for any type of substantial analysis. While I’ll have a complete round-up of grades, reactions, and brief predictions by Tuesday night…tonight is all about brief reactions and awkwardly-hypothesized grades for the 1^st Round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Note: I won’t assume any trades should’ve happened when I talk about who should’ve been taken.

The Top 16 will be posted on Sunday night. The bottom 16 on Monday evening.

1. Oakland Raiders select JaMarcus Russell [LSU, QB]
Analysis – Russell appeared head-and-shoulders the better franchise-QB selection than Notre Dame’s QB. Despite plenty of talent at sexier positions, it’s clear the Raiders needed a new QB to lead them into the future.
Should’ve Taken – JaMarcus Russell [QB, LSU]
Grade: A. [They finally have a legit, young QB to build around.]

2. Detroit Lions select Calvin Johnson [WR, Georgia Tech]
Analysis – Shortly before shipping problem-child Mike Williams to Oakland, the Lions took their fourth wide receiver in five years in Johnson. The highest rated player in the draft, the Lions felt they could address QB needs in the second round.
Should’ve Taken –Joe Thomas [T, Wisconsin]
Grade: C+ [Talent is great, but this team won’t improve substantially because of this pick.]

3. Cleveland Browns select Joe Thomas [T, Wisconsin]
Analysis – Surprising a few, they selected the mammoth Badger-tackle with the 3^rd selection in the 1^st round. Simply not in love with Quinn or Peterson at the 3-spot, the franchise tackle was the easiest selection available.
Should’ve Taken – Adrian Peterson [RB, Oklahoma]
Grade: B+ [Even before they got Quinn at #22, Thomas rated too highly too dismiss.]

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Gaines Adams [DE, Clemson]
Analysis – With their hearts broken not landing CJ and Thomas, somewhat surprisingly, going a pick too early…the easy money was on Gruden and co. selecting the talented bookend.
Should’ve Taken – Gaines Adams [DE, Clemson]
Grade: B [Won’t help them win-now, but he will be there to dominate later.]

5. Arizona Cardinals select Levi Brown [T, Penn State]
Analysis – As much fun as it would’ve been to add Peterson to Edge in the backfield, the Cards clearly had Brown rated high enough to be worthy of this pick. Franchise tackles for young QBs are an absolute must in the NFL today.
Should’ve Taken – Levi Brown [T, Penn State]
Grade: B+ [Lineman have a tradition of not working out well for the Cards, but he may become the exception to this rule.]

6. Washington Redskins select LaRon Landry [S, LSU]
Analysis – It was smart not to mortgage future drafts to move up unnecessarily. However, he isn’t the best combo next to Taylor and honestly, this team needs a ton more help on the defensive line. Dominant safeties can’t fix a complete lack of a pass rush.
Should’ve Taken – Jamaal Anderson [DE, Arkansas]
Grade: C [It’s most likely going to be a suffocating secondary, which may be overworked for a rookie to truly excel right away.]

7. Minnesota Vikings select Adrian Peterson [RB, Oklahoma]
Analysis – With their proven offensive line and an emerging defense, Peterson will team nicely with Chester Taylor as a 1-2 combo for the Vikes. While Quinn was lingering, it’s obvious this team has put all of its marbles with one Tavaris Jackson.
Should’ve Taken – Brady Quinn [QB, Notre Dame]
Grade: B [It’s hard to knock tabbing Peterson at seven; yet a franchise-QB is a hard thing to pass up.]

8. Atlanta Falcons select Jamaal Anderson [DE, Arkansas]
Analysis – With Landry & dreams for CJ both long gone, the Falcons had to replace Patrick Kearney immediately. This was plenty of upside at that position.
Should’ve Taken – Jamal Anderson [DE, Arkansas]
Grade: A [They didn’t have any other choice than to grab the talented bookend.]

9. Miami Dolphins select Ted Ginn [WR, Ohio State]
Analysis – As a Jets fan, I love the pick. He isn’t the right blend for the team nor is he even 100% healthy. They could’ve used Quinn (a franchise QB), Willis (a young stud-ILB), or even secondary help before this rather disturbing selection.
Should’ve Taken – Brady Quinn [QB, Notre Dame]
Grade: D [Nobody feel sorry for Ginn, he made a ton of bank being picked so early. As for the Phins, blast away at them. Please.]

10. Houston Texans select Amobi Okoye [DT, Louisville]
Analysis – While a new cornerback or a partner for Ryans (Willis) was attractive, this was the type of upside-pick even Texan fans should appreciate. This 19-year old could be a force in 2-3 years much alike Kevin Williams of the Vikings is currently.
Should’ve Taken – Amobi Okoye [DT, Louisville]
Grade: B [With a few people not slipping to them, this remained a solid selection at #10.]

11. San Francisco 49ers select Patrick Willis [LB, Ole Miss]
Analysis – Click clack. The 49ers are becoming an incredibly legit up-and-coming squad. Knowing that DJ was coming from Seattle sooner than later, the 49ers bolstered their defense by adding one of the few real 1^st-round talents at ILB.
Should’ve Taken – Patrick Willis [LB, Ole Miss]
Grade: A [This is the type of guy, like a Vilma, you build your defense around.]

12. Buffalo Bills select Marshawn Lynch [RB, California]
Analysis – I still think Losman isn’t the guy for Buffalo. Yet, with Willis gone, this team had to take whomever was graded highest on their board between Lynch, Reeves, & Hall. Obviously the Cal RB won out.
Should’ve Taken –
Grade: B [If he hits, it’s a golden pick. Yet, this guy worries me at times with his discipline on and off the field.]

13. St. Louis Rams select Adam Carriker [DE, Nebraska]
Analysis – Obviously trying to bolster their rush defense and attacking the QB, the Rams nabbed one of the several hybrid DEs/OLBs available in the 1^st round of the draft.
Should’ve Taken – Darrelle Revis [CB, Pittsburgh]
Grade: C [While it’s obvious this team needed interior line presence, I feel that a more pressing need was to solidify the secondary with higher rated CBs like Reeves and Hall.]

14. Carolina Panthers traded their pick to the New York Jets who selected Darrelle Revis [CB, Pittsburgh]
Analysis – Making the first of soon-to-be several first-round trades, the Jets snuck up ahead of the Steelers (and potentially the Pats) to tab their top rated CB in the draft. Corner was New York’s biggest need and an added boost to an already strong return game helps as well.
Should’ve Taken – Darrelle Revis [CB, Pittsburgh]
Grade: B+ [It might’ve been a 50/50 toss-up with Hall for most, but the Jets clearly realized that at #25 they wouldn’t get close to one of the two shutdown potential CBs in the draft. Remember, Thomas Jones was basically acquired for a 2^nd round pick. Quality over quantity is what I wanted from this Jet-draft.]

15. Pittsburgh Steelers select Lawrence Timmons [LB, Florida State]
Analysis – Needing a lot of help at this position, the Steelers tabbed the only 1^st-round selection from FSU. However, I wonder if a Leon Hall or perhaps a Jarvis Moss-type selection wasn’t needed more?
Should’ve Taken – Leon Hall [CB, Michigan]
Grade: C+ [You can lose a lot betting against Seminole LBs. Yet, this really wasn’t the best spot to take him in my opinion.]

16. Green Bay Packers select Justin Harrell [DT, Tennessee]
Analysis – First off, taking Brady Quinn would’ve been a nightmarish decision. Next, the wideouts here were the better option (even if you trade down potentially). While Harrell fills an obvious need, you have to wonder if in fact the Packers shouldn’t have looked at Greg Olsen or one of the available wideouts a little harder here.
Should’ve Taken – Robert Meachum [WR, Tennessee]
Grade: C+ [I won’t sell this pick down the river yet; DTs are hard to stockpile. While another young wideout isn’t Brett’s favorite option, it’s probably his best.]

So there we have it. The first sixteen picks of the 1^st round. Some seemed to get people up and pretty excited whereas others were brought down to their knees in digust.

Until next time...