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Johnny Gomes must have some serious dirt on Dusty Baker. That's the only thing that can explain why he's still being marched out to Left Field to start for the Reds on most days. The Reds start a 3 game series against a red hot Cleveland Indians tonight. Gomes is starting and batting second. I can not believe this is true.
The logic behind this decision is that Gomes will see more fastballs with Joey Votto batting right behind him. That's fine, but Gomes can't hit a fast ball, he can't hit anything right now. Now only now, but there's nothing to show in Gomes' numbers that suggest he is going to get it going. It'd be one thing if he had career numbers that showed that he would hit better than that. He doesn't though, aside from a 6 week stretch at the beginning of last season he hasn't done anything.
It's brutal to watch him at the plate. When he swings he looks like he's going to fall he gets so off balance. Now he's hitting directly in front of the top RBI hitters on this team. That doesn't do any good for them if he never gets on base. He can't even make contact with the ball, much less get a hit. This is rediculous! Chris Heisey is a much better play all around. There's no question he's better in the field and he's hitting the ball better than Gomes is also.
I'm sick of Dusty Baker playing favorites. This is the major leagues and the best player should play period. Baker is seriously holding this team back by marching Gomes out to LF to start almost every day. Gomes shouldn't be playing period, not splitting time, not even spelling a player when they need a day off. Fred Lewis is a better option to come off the bench than Gomes is also. Gomes should be the last option to go out and play. This team would be much better with Heisey in the lineup and not Gomes.
Honestly Gomes is taking up a valuable roster spot. That home run that he hit is the worst thing that could've happened and I said it at the time. That just gave Baker an excuse to keep putting him out there despite how terrible he has been. Gomes is not producing and there are much more deserving players down in Louisville to get a spot on the 25 man roster. I know Gomes is a good guy to have in the clubhouse, and the guys all like him, but the bottom line in MLB is the best players get to be on the big league club and he isn't one of those players.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Baker to Platoon Left Field
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Dusty Baker stated that he will split time among Chris Heisey, Fred Lewis, and Johnny Gomes in Left Field going forward. All I can say is it's about time. I like Johnny Gomes, but he looks lost at the plate right now. Honestly I don't think he should be on this team anymore. He hasn't been good at the plate since that hot start he had at the beginning of last season and there's nothing he's done in his career that says he is going to be good again.
Gomes is taking up a valuable roster spot and he can not produce. Dusty has been known to play veterans and stick with them way too long and he's done the same with Gomes. Bottom line is wins in the Major Leagues and the best players should play regardless of how long they've been in the league. Gomes is clearly not the best option out there. Heisey is head and shoulders above Gomes on defense and is a better hitter. The same with Lewis so far as he's played fairly well when given the opportunity.
Heisey is the future it looks in LF and with the youth movement going on with this team I think it's time to get him regular at bats and let him develop. Why not just let him play about two thirds of the games or at least every time it's a lefty on the mound and some games against righties. Let Heisey develop with Stubbs and Bruce out there. We have a young outfield that is talented and let them grow together. They have the talent to be one of the best outfields for years to come both in the field and at the plate. All three are excellent defensive players and not a lot of balls are going to drop with those three out there.
If they allow Heisey to develop out there, by the time Votto gets to the third year of his contract, they will have an excellent lineup top to bottom. It will look something like this:
1. Stubbs, CF
2. Phillips, 2B
3. Votto, 1B
4. Bruce, RF
5. Heisey, LF
6. Mesaraco/Hannigan/Hernandez/Grandal, C (2 of those 4)
7. Francisco, 3B
8. Janish/Cozart, SS
That's a dominant lineup top to bottom and you could possibly do a number of different things if Billy Hamilton is ready and can play SS. He would then move to lead off and Stubbs would bat 2nd and Phillips 4th where he has really excelled this year. That would move everyone after that down a spot and your 8th hitter would be Juan Francisco who has a ton of potential or whoever else they bring in to play 3rd base.
The future is bright for this team and it's time to start getting these younger players regular playing time. We don't know what Votto will do after his 3 year contract is up so we have to look at this thing as having a goal of winning a championship within the next 3 years and the best way to do that is get all these young hitters their lumps now so in 3 years they're ready to win it all. Don't get me wrong I don't think they would go downhill if Votto left because they have another big bat in the wings with Yander Alonso. With they way the Reds have their farm system set up and all the talented players they have they should be consistent winners for a long, long time. They are so loaded in the farm system that soon they aren't going to be able to keep all the talented players on the 40 man roster. That gives them the flexibility to make trades for a missing peice during the season and make a run at a World Series Championship. Possibly this year even going after Reyes or Felix Hernandez or both even. Could you imagine upgrading SS with Reyes with this team and adding an ace like Hernandez. The rotation would be Hernandez, Arroyo, Cueto, Bailey, and Wood. That's a sick rotation and a sick lineup with Reyes now playing SS. Here's what the lineup would be now with them in the mix:
1. Reyes, SS
2. Stubbs, CF
3. Votto, 1B
4. Phillips, 2B
5. Rolen, 3B
6. Bruce, RF
7. Hernandez/Hannigan, C
8. Heisey/Lewis, LF
9. Hernandez, P
If Chris Heisey is your 8th hitter then pitchers throughout baseball would fear playing the Reds. You wouldn't get a break anywhere in that lineup. All of those hitters can hit for good average and can take you deep at any given time, especially at GABP. I know I'm dreaming, but if they pulled off those trades, and they have the ammo to do it, they would be the favorites to win it all. That includes favored against the Phillies and that rotation and the Red Sox and their expensive lineup. This team would be comparable to the Big Red Machine.
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Dusty Baker stated that he will split time among Chris Heisey, Fred Lewis, and Johnny Gomes in Left Field going forward. All I can say is it's about time. I like Johnny Gomes, but he looks lost at the plate right now. Honestly I don't think he should be on this team anymore. He hasn't been good at the plate since that hot start he had at the beginning of last season and there's nothing he's done in his career that says he is going to be good again.
Gomes is taking up a valuable roster spot and he can not produce. Dusty has been known to play veterans and stick with them way too long and he's done the same with Gomes. Bottom line is wins in the Major Leagues and the best players should play regardless of how long they've been in the league. Gomes is clearly not the best option out there. Heisey is head and shoulders above Gomes on defense and is a better hitter. The same with Lewis so far as he's played fairly well when given the opportunity.
Heisey is the future it looks in LF and with the youth movement going on with this team I think it's time to get him regular at bats and let him develop. Why not just let him play about two thirds of the games or at least every time it's a lefty on the mound and some games against righties. Let Heisey develop with Stubbs and Bruce out there. We have a young outfield that is talented and let them grow together. They have the talent to be one of the best outfields for years to come both in the field and at the plate. All three are excellent defensive players and not a lot of balls are going to drop with those three out there.
If they allow Heisey to develop out there, by the time Votto gets to the third year of his contract, they will have an excellent lineup top to bottom. It will look something like this:
1. Stubbs, CF
2. Phillips, 2B
3. Votto, 1B
4. Bruce, RF
5. Heisey, LF
6. Mesaraco/Hannigan/Hernandez/Grandal, C (2 of those 4)
7. Francisco, 3B
8. Janish/Cozart, SS
That's a dominant lineup top to bottom and you could possibly do a number of different things if Billy Hamilton is ready and can play SS. He would then move to lead off and Stubbs would bat 2nd and Phillips 4th where he has really excelled this year. That would move everyone after that down a spot and your 8th hitter would be Juan Francisco who has a ton of potential or whoever else they bring in to play 3rd base.
The future is bright for this team and it's time to start getting these younger players regular playing time. We don't know what Votto will do after his 3 year contract is up so we have to look at this thing as having a goal of winning a championship within the next 3 years and the best way to do that is get all these young hitters their lumps now so in 3 years they're ready to win it all. Don't get me wrong I don't think they would go downhill if Votto left because they have another big bat in the wings with Yander Alonso. With they way the Reds have their farm system set up and all the talented players they have they should be consistent winners for a long, long time. They are so loaded in the farm system that soon they aren't going to be able to keep all the talented players on the 40 man roster. That gives them the flexibility to make trades for a missing peice during the season and make a run at a World Series Championship. Possibly this year even going after Reyes or Felix Hernandez or both even. Could you imagine upgrading SS with Reyes with this team and adding an ace like Hernandez. The rotation would be Hernandez, Arroyo, Cueto, Bailey, and Wood. That's a sick rotation and a sick lineup with Reyes now playing SS. Here's what the lineup would be now with them in the mix:
1. Reyes, SS
2. Stubbs, CF
3. Votto, 1B
4. Phillips, 2B
5. Rolen, 3B
6. Bruce, RF
7. Hernandez/Hannigan, C
8. Heisey/Lewis, LF
9. Hernandez, P
If Chris Heisey is your 8th hitter then pitchers throughout baseball would fear playing the Reds. You wouldn't get a break anywhere in that lineup. All of those hitters can hit for good average and can take you deep at any given time, especially at GABP. I know I'm dreaming, but if they pulled off those trades, and they have the ammo to do it, they would be the favorites to win it all. That includes favored against the Phillies and that rotation and the Red Sox and their expensive lineup. This team would be comparable to the Big Red Machine.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Reds Sweep!
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The sweep over the Cards this weekend is a huge confidence booster for our Cincinnati Reds. The Cards have had their number for years and even though the Reds were the better team last year they couldn't beat them. It was likely a confidence thing. The Reds likely were pressing when they were at the plate and trying to overthrow on the mound. When a team has your number for years like the Cards had the Reds number it's hard to get over that hump.
Now that they finally have it should be easier from here on out and maybe you start to see the Cards pressing a little. The Reds atleast now know they have it in them and can beat this team every time they play them.
They still have a brutal stretch coming up though after the 2 game sets with the Cubs and Pirates this week. They have to go to Cleveland, to Philly, and to Atlanta. They also have a series with the Brewers in there somewhere. That's 20 games in 20 days including the three they just played against St. Louis. Heading into this stretch I said 12-8 would be an excellent record at the end of these 20 games. After the sweep this record should definitely be within reason, if not better.
This Reds team is good enough to play with anyone. Honestly I think the Brewers are going to be the closest competitor in the division as they will be better than what they've shown. In the end though I think the Reds run away with this division and that's where the play with anyone is going to come into play. Are the Reds ready to contend for a World Series Championship right now? Can they beat a team like Philly in a best of seven series with that starting rotation? The answer will be if the Reds pitching can come even close to matching the Phillies starting pitching, then yes.
For now though this is the Reds division to lose and that feels good. The Cardinals are on the decline and with all the young, good talent, they should own this division for a long time. The ownership and Walt Jocketty have done a great job of building the farm system and having them develop home grown talent. It's an exciting time to be a Reds fan as it looks like they'll be on top for a long, long time.
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The sweep over the Cards this weekend is a huge confidence booster for our Cincinnati Reds. The Cards have had their number for years and even though the Reds were the better team last year they couldn't beat them. It was likely a confidence thing. The Reds likely were pressing when they were at the plate and trying to overthrow on the mound. When a team has your number for years like the Cards had the Reds number it's hard to get over that hump.
Now that they finally have it should be easier from here on out and maybe you start to see the Cards pressing a little. The Reds atleast now know they have it in them and can beat this team every time they play them.
They still have a brutal stretch coming up though after the 2 game sets with the Cubs and Pirates this week. They have to go to Cleveland, to Philly, and to Atlanta. They also have a series with the Brewers in there somewhere. That's 20 games in 20 days including the three they just played against St. Louis. Heading into this stretch I said 12-8 would be an excellent record at the end of these 20 games. After the sweep this record should definitely be within reason, if not better.
This Reds team is good enough to play with anyone. Honestly I think the Brewers are going to be the closest competitor in the division as they will be better than what they've shown. In the end though I think the Reds run away with this division and that's where the play with anyone is going to come into play. Are the Reds ready to contend for a World Series Championship right now? Can they beat a team like Philly in a best of seven series with that starting rotation? The answer will be if the Reds pitching can come even close to matching the Phillies starting pitching, then yes.
For now though this is the Reds division to lose and that feels good. The Cardinals are on the decline and with all the young, good talent, they should own this division for a long time. The ownership and Walt Jocketty have done a great job of building the farm system and having them develop home grown talent. It's an exciting time to be a Reds fan as it looks like they'll be on top for a long, long time.
Reds the Better Team
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The title says it all. What a weekend to be a Reds fan. Today they finished off the sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. The game ended up being a little closer than I had hoped due to the Chapman fiasco, but it doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. This was the sweetest sweep the Reds have had since the 1990 World Series.
I think there's really no question that the Reds are the better overall team, but for some reason they haven't been able to win a series against this team much less sweep them. This sweep is huge because now the Reds know that they can beat the Cardinals and I think you'll see more of the same against them the rest of this season. Comparing the two teams, the only aspect of the game the Cardinals might have the edge is hitting. Even that is very close though. The Reds are better defensively, better starting pitching, and have a better bullpen. Every year in baseball things seem to average or even out. McClellan is not a dominant starting pitcher, he's an average pitcher that got out to a hot start and now you'll start to see him trend back towards that plus 4 ERA that he's had for his career. Holliday and Berkman aren't career .350 plus hitters. They started out hot and now they'll trend back down. The only thing is Pujols will start to trend back up.
On the Reds side, the starting pitching got off to an atrocious start, but now they're trending back to where they should be. Most of them are too young to really have a career average you can look at and say this is where they'll end up. Jay Bruce is better than how he started and now you're seeing him trend upward. The point being is the Reds got off to a start that isn't as good as they really are and the Cardinals got off to a start that's better than what they really are. With that happening the Reds still stayed right there with St. Louis and now they have passed them and really I don't expect them to look back again.
I think the Cardinals are on the decline and the Reds are on their way up. The players of the teams and the fans of the respective teams are realizing this as well. On the MLB message boards Cards fans are bitter and are starting to realize that their run of owning the NL Central is over and the Reds are young, up and coming, and will be running things in this division for a while now.
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The title says it all. What a weekend to be a Reds fan. Today they finished off the sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. The game ended up being a little closer than I had hoped due to the Chapman fiasco, but it doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. This was the sweetest sweep the Reds have had since the 1990 World Series.
I think there's really no question that the Reds are the better overall team, but for some reason they haven't been able to win a series against this team much less sweep them. This sweep is huge because now the Reds know that they can beat the Cardinals and I think you'll see more of the same against them the rest of this season. Comparing the two teams, the only aspect of the game the Cardinals might have the edge is hitting. Even that is very close though. The Reds are better defensively, better starting pitching, and have a better bullpen. Every year in baseball things seem to average or even out. McClellan is not a dominant starting pitcher, he's an average pitcher that got out to a hot start and now you'll start to see him trend back towards that plus 4 ERA that he's had for his career. Holliday and Berkman aren't career .350 plus hitters. They started out hot and now they'll trend back down. The only thing is Pujols will start to trend back up.
On the Reds side, the starting pitching got off to an atrocious start, but now they're trending back to where they should be. Most of them are too young to really have a career average you can look at and say this is where they'll end up. Jay Bruce is better than how he started and now you're seeing him trend upward. The point being is the Reds got off to a start that isn't as good as they really are and the Cardinals got off to a start that's better than what they really are. With that happening the Reds still stayed right there with St. Louis and now they have passed them and really I don't expect them to look back again.
I think the Cardinals are on the decline and the Reds are on their way up. The players of the teams and the fans of the respective teams are realizing this as well. On the MLB message boards Cards fans are bitter and are starting to realize that their run of owning the NL Central is over and the Reds are young, up and coming, and will be running things in this division for a while now.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
2012 NFL Mock Draft
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Here's a mock draft for 2012. The order is based on my post draft power rankings and it includes a trade of Carson Palmer to the Seattle Seahawks for their first round pick and Chad Ochocinco to the Washington Redskins for their second round pick. That second trade may be a long shot but they are in desperate need of a playmaker at WR and were going to give a 1st and 3rd a couple years ago.
1. Washington Redskins- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The Redskins win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes by going 2-14 next season. They have no QB and no playmakers at WR and play in a division where everyone else is good.
2011 1st Round Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
2. Carolina Panthers- Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
The Panthers got their franchise QB now they have to get him some playmakers at WR for him to have any chance at all to be good.
2011 1st Round Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
3. Denver Broncos- Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
The Broncos were terrible on defense at stopping the run last season. So what do they do in the draft? Opt for the undersized pass rusher instead of the versatile DT. That will have them picking in the top 5 again.
2011 1st Round Pick: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
4. Arizona Cardinals- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Cardinals have faith in Levi Brown and he's one of the worst LT's in the NFL. I think after their QB gets beat up this year they'll realize they need to upgrade. Kalil has the talent to be a number one overall pick in next year's draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
5. Tennessee Titans- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
People have been mocking the Titans a 1st round CB for years and they still haven't taken one. With the pass happy Colts and Texans in their division they need some good cover guys.
2011 1st Round Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
6. Buffalo Bills- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Ryan Fitzpatrick is a servicable QB, but if you're going to compete with the Patriots and Jets in that division you need to have more than servicable out of your QB.
2011 1st Round Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
7. Cincinnati Bengals- Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford (from Seattle for Palmer)
The Bengals had a good 2011 draft. Now they need to build up front on both sides of the ball. With two first round picks and two second round picks they should be able to do that. Martin can come in and immediately be the starting tackle on either side. If Andre Smith doesn't play well this year his time at OT is over and it's time to move him to Guard where he'd be better suited not playing in as much space. This would give the Bengals an excellent line that looks something like this: Whitworth, Boling, Cook, Smith, Martin. Or Martin on the left and Whit on the right.
2011 1st Round Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
8. Minnesota Vikings- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Vikings have good players, but the QB issues will have them picking this high. Coples is the best player available and would give them an elite pass rushing duo with Coples and Jared Allen. With Aaron Rodgers in that division that would be a good idea.
2011 1st Round Pick: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
9. Cleveland Browns- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Browns stockpiled picks by trading basically Julio Jones. We'll see how it works out for them. They'll have to suffer through another season with no big playmakers at WR, but will put some peices in place and likely land a good WR in the 1st next year.
2011 1st Round Pick: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
10. Miami Dolphins- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
The Dolphins will finally realize that Chad Henne isn't any good. He wasn't very good at Michigan and hasn't improved in the NFL.
2011 1st Round Pick: Mike Pouncey, OC, Florida
11. San Francisco 49ers- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Niners weren't able to land Patrick Peterson and didn't think highly enough of Prince Amukamara. That leaves them still needing CB help. They also may still need a QB and I wouldn't be suprised if they pull off a blockbuster trade to get Luck.
2011 1st Round Pick: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
12. Jacksonville Jaguars- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Jaguars secondary is a mess and they have to face Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub twice a year. NUFF Said!
2011 1st Round Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
13. Oakland Raiders- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The fans in Oakland may kill Al Davis if he takes another Tackle from Iowa. But Reiff is the best OT available here at a position of huge need.
No 1st Round Pick
14. Cincinnati Bengals- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
I think the Bengals franchise tag Cedric Benson and he's here one more season. Then RB becomes a need. Richardson has a rare blend of power, size, and speed like Adrian Peterson. With the revamped line by taking Jonathon Martin he should come in and succeed immediately. This would give the Bengals their own vision of the Big 3 Richardson, Dalton, and Green. Like the Cowboys trio of Emmitt, Aikman, and Irvin. Okay maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.
2011 1st Round Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
15. New York Giants- Vontaze Burflict, LB, Arizona State
The Giants have been known for good defense, usually starting with the line. Well the line is still there but the LB core has had some players retire and leave and needs to be restocked.
2011 1st Round Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
16. St. Louis Rams- Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
The Rams didn't get their future number one WR to go with young star QB Sam Bradford. This year there should be at least 4 first round WR's so they should be able to land one.
2011 1st Round Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
I love what the Bucs have done totally rebuilding that defensive line over that past two drafts. Now they have some CB trouble though with Talib getting arrested again.
2011 1st Round Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
18. Dallas Cowboys- Donte Paige-Moss, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The Cowboys had a good draft in 2011, but they didn't address their pass rush. Here they get the best tweener pass rusher in this draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
19. Chicago Bears- Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
The Bears first two picks were excellent for how late they were and addressed big needs. However I thought they needed to do more on the offensive line, it was so inconsistent in 2010.
2011 1st Round Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
20. San Diego Chargers- Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Chargers didn't address that horrible pass rush at all in the draft. Every since they made Shawn Merriman quit taking steroids they've needed a pass rusher and Larry English didn't work out.
2011 1st Round Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
21. Detroit Lions- Nate Potter, OT, Boise State
If Matthew Stafford gets hurt again this year due to poor line play the Detroit coaches are going to catch some heat for not taking an offensive lineman early in the 2011 draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
22. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida State
The Ravens are pretty much loaded on defense, but they could use an upgrade at OLB across from Terrell Suggs.
2011 1st Round Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
23. Houston Texans- Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
The Texans had a good defensive draft this year. Now it's time to get a WR to take some of the pressure off of Andre Johnson and give Schaub another weapon to throw to.
2011 1st Round Pick: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
24. Cleveland Browns- Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
The Browns are switching to a 4-3 defense and don't really have any good pass rushers that put their hand on the ground. They did draft Sheard in the 2nd round at DE, but need more than that.
2011 1st Round Pick: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
25. Philadelphia Eagles- Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
Andy Reid loves to draft people in the trenches early which is why the Eagles are consistently in the playoffs. Winning football starts up front.
2011 1st Round Pick: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
26. Indianapolis Colts- Monti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
The Colts have never really had that dominant LB that can lead a defense. With their troubles stopping the run this would be a good pick that would give them a leader on defense for the next ten years.
2011 1st Round Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
The Chiefs have done a nice job drafting and have a team full of young good talent. They could use some help at CB across from Flowers.
2011 1st Round Pick: Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
28. New York Jets- Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Jets have a lot of free agents at the WR position. I doubt Holmes and Edwards are both back in NY this year.
2011 1st Round Pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
29. Pittsburgh Steelers- Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
Who knows what will happen with Mendenhall with the bin Laden comments. Even if he stays they need another back.
2011 1st Round Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
30. New England Patriots- Micheal Brewster, OC, Ohio State (from the Saints)
The Pats current starter at Center has stated this will be his last year. So they go out and get the best OC in the draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Nate Solder
31. New England Patriots- Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
Will the Pats use both of their first round picks? Probably not. But they do need an upgrade at DE every since they traded Richard Seymour.
32. Green Bay Packers- Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State
Charles Woodsen is getting up their in years. They could also use an upgrade at the Nickel CB position for now. Any rookie is going to have a tough time being a starter in GB.
2011 1st Round Pick: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
2nd Round
33. Cincinnati Bengals- Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
This would be perfect for the Bengals. A big, run stuffing DT with a first round grade with the first pick in the 2nd round, for Chad Ochocinco. It's a long shot, but Washington would like to overpay for Chad and I think they will to make sure they get him to get a weapon for Andrew Luck that's a veteran, not a new rookie WR. They'll take one in the 1st next year.
This would give the Bengals a D line of Dunlap, Peko, Forston, and Micheal Johnson or Odom. Forston is 310 lbs and between he and Peko the Bengals would be tough to run up the middle against. This would basically give the Bengals 3 first round picks and if they get Martin, Richardson, and now Forston the future may bring Vince Lombardi Trophies. This is the way you build a team, by building up front. The skill players are in place.
34. Carolina Panthers- Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
The Panthers have holes all over their roster so why not take one of the top players available at a position they definitely need help.
35. Denver Broncos- Kenny Tate, SS, Maryland
The Broncos secondary was a mess as well as the rest of their defense. They got Rahim Moore for FS now they need a SS.
36. Arizona Cardinals- Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
The Cardinals still need pass rushers. Remember when they brought in Joey Porter to try to fill that position last year. HaHa
37. Tennessee Titans- Micheal Egnew, TE, Missouri
The Titans have a young QB now in Jake Locker, a young QB's best friend is a good TE that can catch the ball.
38. Buffalo Bills- Mohamed Samu, WR, Rutgers
If the Bills take Barkley they'll need to get him some weapons at WR besides Steve Johnson. Lee Evans isn't playing well anymore.
39. Seattle Seahawks- Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU
If Seattle trades for Carson Palmer they better take care of the rest of that offensive line because he can't move at all and he's afraid in the pocket. you better have the best line in the NFL if you want him to succeed.
40. Minnesota Vikings- LaMicheal James, RB, Oregon
One of the big things the Vikings were missing was Chester Taylor, that reliable 3rd down back. James can play that same role in Minnesota.
41. Cleveland Browns- Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
The Browns have done a decent job building that defense so far, but they need different types of players to play a 4-3.
42. Miami Dolphins- Tydreke Powell, DT/DE, North Carolina
Another defensive player from the Tar Heels. The Dolphins haven't addressed that defensive line in a few years.
43. San Francisco 49ers- Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
If the Niners don't trade up for Luck I'd look for them to get multiple QB's in there to compete for the starting job. I think Foles would be the best on their roster.
44. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
The Jags pass rush is less than stellar. I think next year's draft they go CB and DE in the first two rounds.
45. Oakland Raiders- Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
The Raiders are going to lose or already have lost Nmandi Asomaogh. They'll need to find a replacement for him or an upgrade at the 2nd CB spot.
46. Cincinnati Bengals- Ray Ray Armstrong, FS, Miami
The Bengals finally draft a Safety that has coverage skills. I wish they would've taken Quinton Carter in the 3rd in the 2011 draft. He can cover and would've been able to contribute quicker than Dontay Moch. Don't get me wrong I love Moch's upside with that speed he has and possiblities with him pass rushing.
If Reggie Nelson pans out then the Bengals could go with another defensive lineman here or Devier Posey as a possible number two WR if Simpson doesn't play well this year.
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Here's a mock draft for 2012. The order is based on my post draft power rankings and it includes a trade of Carson Palmer to the Seattle Seahawks for their first round pick and Chad Ochocinco to the Washington Redskins for their second round pick. That second trade may be a long shot but they are in desperate need of a playmaker at WR and were going to give a 1st and 3rd a couple years ago.
1. Washington Redskins- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The Redskins win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes by going 2-14 next season. They have no QB and no playmakers at WR and play in a division where everyone else is good.
2011 1st Round Pick: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
2. Carolina Panthers- Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
The Panthers got their franchise QB now they have to get him some playmakers at WR for him to have any chance at all to be good.
2011 1st Round Pick: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
3. Denver Broncos- Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
The Broncos were terrible on defense at stopping the run last season. So what do they do in the draft? Opt for the undersized pass rusher instead of the versatile DT. That will have them picking in the top 5 again.
2011 1st Round Pick: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
4. Arizona Cardinals- Matt Kalil, OT, USC
The Cardinals have faith in Levi Brown and he's one of the worst LT's in the NFL. I think after their QB gets beat up this year they'll realize they need to upgrade. Kalil has the talent to be a number one overall pick in next year's draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
5. Tennessee Titans- Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama
People have been mocking the Titans a 1st round CB for years and they still haven't taken one. With the pass happy Colts and Texans in their division they need some good cover guys.
2011 1st Round Pick: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
6. Buffalo Bills- Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Ryan Fitzpatrick is a servicable QB, but if you're going to compete with the Patriots and Jets in that division you need to have more than servicable out of your QB.
2011 1st Round Pick: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
7. Cincinnati Bengals- Jonathon Martin, OT, Stanford (from Seattle for Palmer)
The Bengals had a good 2011 draft. Now they need to build up front on both sides of the ball. With two first round picks and two second round picks they should be able to do that. Martin can come in and immediately be the starting tackle on either side. If Andre Smith doesn't play well this year his time at OT is over and it's time to move him to Guard where he'd be better suited not playing in as much space. This would give the Bengals an excellent line that looks something like this: Whitworth, Boling, Cook, Smith, Martin. Or Martin on the left and Whit on the right.
2011 1st Round Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
8. Minnesota Vikings- Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
The Vikings have good players, but the QB issues will have them picking this high. Coples is the best player available and would give them an elite pass rushing duo with Coples and Jared Allen. With Aaron Rodgers in that division that would be a good idea.
2011 1st Round Pick: Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
9. Cleveland Browns- Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
The Browns stockpiled picks by trading basically Julio Jones. We'll see how it works out for them. They'll have to suffer through another season with no big playmakers at WR, but will put some peices in place and likely land a good WR in the 1st next year.
2011 1st Round Pick: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
10. Miami Dolphins- Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
The Dolphins will finally realize that Chad Henne isn't any good. He wasn't very good at Michigan and hasn't improved in the NFL.
2011 1st Round Pick: Mike Pouncey, OC, Florida
11. San Francisco 49ers- Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
The Niners weren't able to land Patrick Peterson and didn't think highly enough of Prince Amukamara. That leaves them still needing CB help. They also may still need a QB and I wouldn't be suprised if they pull off a blockbuster trade to get Luck.
2011 1st Round Pick: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
12. Jacksonville Jaguars- Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
The Jaguars secondary is a mess and they have to face Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub twice a year. NUFF Said!
2011 1st Round Pick: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
13. Oakland Raiders- Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
The fans in Oakland may kill Al Davis if he takes another Tackle from Iowa. But Reiff is the best OT available here at a position of huge need.
No 1st Round Pick
14. Cincinnati Bengals- Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
I think the Bengals franchise tag Cedric Benson and he's here one more season. Then RB becomes a need. Richardson has a rare blend of power, size, and speed like Adrian Peterson. With the revamped line by taking Jonathon Martin he should come in and succeed immediately. This would give the Bengals their own vision of the Big 3 Richardson, Dalton, and Green. Like the Cowboys trio of Emmitt, Aikman, and Irvin. Okay maybe I'm getting a bit ahead of myself.
2011 1st Round Pick: AJ Green, WR, Georgia
15. New York Giants- Vontaze Burflict, LB, Arizona State
The Giants have been known for good defense, usually starting with the line. Well the line is still there but the LB core has had some players retire and leave and needs to be restocked.
2011 1st Round Pick: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
16. St. Louis Rams- Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
The Rams didn't get their future number one WR to go with young star QB Sam Bradford. This year there should be at least 4 first round WR's so they should be able to land one.
2011 1st Round Pick: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Cliff Harris, CB, Oregon
I love what the Bucs have done totally rebuilding that defensive line over that past two drafts. Now they have some CB trouble though with Talib getting arrested again.
2011 1st Round Pick: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
18. Dallas Cowboys- Donte Paige-Moss, DE/OLB, North Carolina
The Cowboys had a good draft in 2011, but they didn't address their pass rush. Here they get the best tweener pass rusher in this draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
19. Chicago Bears- Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
The Bears first two picks were excellent for how late they were and addressed big needs. However I thought they needed to do more on the offensive line, it was so inconsistent in 2010.
2011 1st Round Pick: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
20. San Diego Chargers- Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Chargers didn't address that horrible pass rush at all in the draft. Every since they made Shawn Merriman quit taking steroids they've needed a pass rusher and Larry English didn't work out.
2011 1st Round Pick: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
21. Detroit Lions- Nate Potter, OT, Boise State
If Matthew Stafford gets hurt again this year due to poor line play the Detroit coaches are going to catch some heat for not taking an offensive lineman early in the 2011 draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
22. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida State
The Ravens are pretty much loaded on defense, but they could use an upgrade at OLB across from Terrell Suggs.
2011 1st Round Pick: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
23. Houston Texans- Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
The Texans had a good defensive draft this year. Now it's time to get a WR to take some of the pressure off of Andre Johnson and give Schaub another weapon to throw to.
2011 1st Round Pick: JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
24. Cleveland Browns- Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina
The Browns are switching to a 4-3 defense and don't really have any good pass rushers that put their hand on the ground. They did draft Sheard in the 2nd round at DE, but need more than that.
2011 1st Round Pick: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
25. Philadelphia Eagles- Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
Andy Reid loves to draft people in the trenches early which is why the Eagles are consistently in the playoffs. Winning football starts up front.
2011 1st Round Pick: Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor
26. Indianapolis Colts- Monti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame
The Colts have never really had that dominant LB that can lead a defense. With their troubles stopping the run this would be a good pick that would give them a leader on defense for the next ten years.
2011 1st Round Pick: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
27. Kansas City Chiefs- Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
The Chiefs have done a nice job drafting and have a team full of young good talent. They could use some help at CB across from Flowers.
2011 1st Round Pick: Jonathon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
28. New York Jets- Micheal Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
The Jets have a lot of free agents at the WR position. I doubt Holmes and Edwards are both back in NY this year.
2011 1st Round Pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, DE, Temple
29. Pittsburgh Steelers- Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas
Who knows what will happen with Mendenhall with the bin Laden comments. Even if he stays they need another back.
2011 1st Round Pick: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
30. New England Patriots- Micheal Brewster, OC, Ohio State (from the Saints)
The Pats current starter at Center has stated this will be his last year. So they go out and get the best OC in the draft.
2011 1st Round Pick: Nate Solder
31. New England Patriots- Andre Branch, DE, Clemson
Will the Pats use both of their first round picks? Probably not. But they do need an upgrade at DE every since they traded Richard Seymour.
32. Green Bay Packers- Omar Bolden, CB, Arizona State
Charles Woodsen is getting up their in years. They could also use an upgrade at the Nickel CB position for now. Any rookie is going to have a tough time being a starter in GB.
2011 1st Round Pick: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
2nd Round
33. Cincinnati Bengals- Marcus Forston, DT, Miami
This would be perfect for the Bengals. A big, run stuffing DT with a first round grade with the first pick in the 2nd round, for Chad Ochocinco. It's a long shot, but Washington would like to overpay for Chad and I think they will to make sure they get him to get a weapon for Andrew Luck that's a veteran, not a new rookie WR. They'll take one in the 1st next year.
This would give the Bengals a D line of Dunlap, Peko, Forston, and Micheal Johnson or Odom. Forston is 310 lbs and between he and Peko the Bengals would be tough to run up the middle against. This would basically give the Bengals 3 first round picks and if they get Martin, Richardson, and now Forston the future may bring Vince Lombardi Trophies. This is the way you build a team, by building up front. The skill players are in place.
34. Carolina Panthers- Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
The Panthers have holes all over their roster so why not take one of the top players available at a position they definitely need help.
35. Denver Broncos- Kenny Tate, SS, Maryland
The Broncos secondary was a mess as well as the rest of their defense. They got Rahim Moore for FS now they need a SS.
36. Arizona Cardinals- Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall
The Cardinals still need pass rushers. Remember when they brought in Joey Porter to try to fill that position last year. HaHa
37. Tennessee Titans- Micheal Egnew, TE, Missouri
The Titans have a young QB now in Jake Locker, a young QB's best friend is a good TE that can catch the ball.
38. Buffalo Bills- Mohamed Samu, WR, Rutgers
If the Bills take Barkley they'll need to get him some weapons at WR besides Steve Johnson. Lee Evans isn't playing well anymore.
39. Seattle Seahawks- Matt Reynolds, OT, BYU
If Seattle trades for Carson Palmer they better take care of the rest of that offensive line because he can't move at all and he's afraid in the pocket. you better have the best line in the NFL if you want him to succeed.
40. Minnesota Vikings- LaMicheal James, RB, Oregon
One of the big things the Vikings were missing was Chester Taylor, that reliable 3rd down back. James can play that same role in Minnesota.
41. Cleveland Browns- Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
The Browns have done a decent job building that defense so far, but they need different types of players to play a 4-3.
42. Miami Dolphins- Tydreke Powell, DT/DE, North Carolina
Another defensive player from the Tar Heels. The Dolphins haven't addressed that defensive line in a few years.
43. San Francisco 49ers- Nick Foles, QB, Arizona
If the Niners don't trade up for Luck I'd look for them to get multiple QB's in there to compete for the starting job. I think Foles would be the best on their roster.
44. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
The Jags pass rush is less than stellar. I think next year's draft they go CB and DE in the first two rounds.
45. Oakland Raiders- Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
The Raiders are going to lose or already have lost Nmandi Asomaogh. They'll need to find a replacement for him or an upgrade at the 2nd CB spot.
46. Cincinnati Bengals- Ray Ray Armstrong, FS, Miami
The Bengals finally draft a Safety that has coverage skills. I wish they would've taken Quinton Carter in the 3rd in the 2011 draft. He can cover and would've been able to contribute quicker than Dontay Moch. Don't get me wrong I love Moch's upside with that speed he has and possiblities with him pass rushing.
If Reggie Nelson pans out then the Bengals could go with another defensive lineman here or Devier Posey as a possible number two WR if Simpson doesn't play well this year.
Friday, May 6, 2011
3 In A Row For The Reds
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The Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs today to win their 3rd straight game. The final score was 5-4. They jumped out to an early lead due to Jay Bruce's 3 run home run in the fourth inning. Don't look now but Jay Bruce's bat is starting to come to life. If Jay Bruce is hitting the ball well the Reds lineup becomes awfully tough to get through. When he isn't hitting it doesn't seem very tough. That's the difference one player can make, especially if that player is supposed to be one of the corner stones of your team.
That puts the Reds two games over .500. I like the comments Dusty Baker made yesterday. That was even if you aren't playing your best ball, if you hang around the .500 mark when you finally do start to make your push you distance yourself from that mark. If you allow the less than stellar play to get you down and you drop below that mark then when you finally do make that push you are doing it just to get back to the .500 mark. I think 92 wins or close to it will be enough to win the division this year, or at least get a wild card spot. There aren't really any dominant teams in the National League other than maybe the Phillies. So I don't think there's going to be any division in which the 2nd place team wins 97/98 games.
True the Reds aren't playing that good right now, but they are hanging around and this is a resilant team that if you let them stay in the race for the playoffs, I think they'll get the job done in the end and get in. Their play is going to get better. The starting pitching is going to get it's era back to where it was last year, these things always tend to even out so likely we'll see a period where they are lights out on the mound that is as long as their mediocre to bad start has been.
It doesn't even seem like the offense has been playing very well either and they are 2nd in the NL in runs scored. I think once this offense gets going like they are capable of you will see them as the top hitting team in the league.
Anyway the Reds have one 3 in a row and it all started with a 9th inning rally 2 days ago against Houston. They only had recorded one hit the entire game against someone making their major league debut. The last time the Reds had that kind of rally was opening day against the Brewers and that lead to a five game winning streak to start the season. Hopefully the Reds are in the midst of an even longer winning streak right now. The key is once a winning streak comes to a close to consistently play winning baseball. The goal should be to take the season by series and to go out and win two of three in every series.
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The Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs today to win their 3rd straight game. The final score was 5-4. They jumped out to an early lead due to Jay Bruce's 3 run home run in the fourth inning. Don't look now but Jay Bruce's bat is starting to come to life. If Jay Bruce is hitting the ball well the Reds lineup becomes awfully tough to get through. When he isn't hitting it doesn't seem very tough. That's the difference one player can make, especially if that player is supposed to be one of the corner stones of your team.
That puts the Reds two games over .500. I like the comments Dusty Baker made yesterday. That was even if you aren't playing your best ball, if you hang around the .500 mark when you finally do start to make your push you distance yourself from that mark. If you allow the less than stellar play to get you down and you drop below that mark then when you finally do make that push you are doing it just to get back to the .500 mark. I think 92 wins or close to it will be enough to win the division this year, or at least get a wild card spot. There aren't really any dominant teams in the National League other than maybe the Phillies. So I don't think there's going to be any division in which the 2nd place team wins 97/98 games.
True the Reds aren't playing that good right now, but they are hanging around and this is a resilant team that if you let them stay in the race for the playoffs, I think they'll get the job done in the end and get in. Their play is going to get better. The starting pitching is going to get it's era back to where it was last year, these things always tend to even out so likely we'll see a period where they are lights out on the mound that is as long as their mediocre to bad start has been.
It doesn't even seem like the offense has been playing very well either and they are 2nd in the NL in runs scored. I think once this offense gets going like they are capable of you will see them as the top hitting team in the league.
Anyway the Reds have one 3 in a row and it all started with a 9th inning rally 2 days ago against Houston. They only had recorded one hit the entire game against someone making their major league debut. The last time the Reds had that kind of rally was opening day against the Brewers and that lead to a five game winning streak to start the season. Hopefully the Reds are in the midst of an even longer winning streak right now. The key is once a winning streak comes to a close to consistently play winning baseball. The goal should be to take the season by series and to go out and win two of three in every series.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Fantasy 2012 Mock
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Here's a 2012 mock with the Bengals trading Carson and Chad and getting an extra 1st and 3rd round pick. I have them trading Carson to Arizona and Arizona getting the 4th overall pick next year.
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC: This guy is so good he had Tyron Smith the ninth overall pick in this year's draft playing RT and he projects to be a LT in the NFL. Kalil would be my LT from day one I'd move Whit to RT and the line would look like this: Kalil, Boling, Cook, Smith, Whitworth. That's possibly the best offensive line in the NFL and Dalton would have all day to throw and the RB would have big holes to run through.
14. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: I've said this guy could be Adrian Peterson special. He has a rare blend of power, size, and speed. This would give the Bengals their own version of the big 3 with Dalton, Richardson, and Green. Add to that Shipley, Gresham, Simpson, and Caldwell and you have the best young group on offense in the NFL. Plus if they draft Kalil and have that line above in place you could be talking about the best offense in the NFL period.
2nd Round. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson: This would add an excellent one gap penetrator to stuff the run next to Domata Peko. Put Dunlap and Micheal Johnson on the ends of that line and you have a very good front four. With the LB's and the duo at CB in place the defense could be back into the top five again. Add that to the explosive offense listed above and you have one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. No team in the NFL would have a better offense and defensive balance.
2 3rd round picks: I'm not going to name individual players at this point in the draft because you don't know who'll be rated here or earlier for that matter but it's easier to project the top players right now. The positions I would go after here would be CB and Safety. Sure up that secondary. Really though if you land the players above at this point you are able to take the best player available. That means if there's a solid number two WR still available or someone as talented as Micheal Johnson is who was available in the 3rd you pull the trigger on them. Or a multi purpose player like a Randall Cobb or someone.
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Here's a 2012 mock with the Bengals trading Carson and Chad and getting an extra 1st and 3rd round pick. I have them trading Carson to Arizona and Arizona getting the 4th overall pick next year.
4. Matt Kalil, OT, USC: This guy is so good he had Tyron Smith the ninth overall pick in this year's draft playing RT and he projects to be a LT in the NFL. Kalil would be my LT from day one I'd move Whit to RT and the line would look like this: Kalil, Boling, Cook, Smith, Whitworth. That's possibly the best offensive line in the NFL and Dalton would have all day to throw and the RB would have big holes to run through.
14. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: I've said this guy could be Adrian Peterson special. He has a rare blend of power, size, and speed. This would give the Bengals their own version of the big 3 with Dalton, Richardson, and Green. Add to that Shipley, Gresham, Simpson, and Caldwell and you have the best young group on offense in the NFL. Plus if they draft Kalil and have that line above in place you could be talking about the best offense in the NFL period.
2nd Round. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson: This would add an excellent one gap penetrator to stuff the run next to Domata Peko. Put Dunlap and Micheal Johnson on the ends of that line and you have a very good front four. With the LB's and the duo at CB in place the defense could be back into the top five again. Add that to the explosive offense listed above and you have one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. No team in the NFL would have a better offense and defensive balance.
2 3rd round picks: I'm not going to name individual players at this point in the draft because you don't know who'll be rated here or earlier for that matter but it's easier to project the top players right now. The positions I would go after here would be CB and Safety. Sure up that secondary. Really though if you land the players above at this point you are able to take the best player available. That means if there's a solid number two WR still available or someone as talented as Micheal Johnson is who was available in the 3rd you pull the trigger on them. Or a multi purpose player like a Randall Cobb or someone.
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