Two's Mock Draft

The draft is a month and some change away so I thought I try my luck and guess at who is getting drafted where. This is based of the needs of each team and how free agent has effected the organization so far. I tried to make sure there was no bias opinion in it (because personally, I don't want SamB to play for the Rams).

1. Rams (QB, DL) - Sam Bradford | Ndamukong Suh
2. Lions (OL, DL) - Ndamukong Suh | Russell Okung
3. Bucs (DL, DB,) - Gerald McCoy | Eric Berry
4. Redskins (OL, RB) - Russell Okung | Jimmy Clausen
5. Chiefs (OL, LB) - Anthony Davis | Russell Okung
6. Seahawks (OL, QB) - Jimmy Clausen | Sam Bradford
7. Browns (DB, QB) - Eric Berry | Joe Haden
8. Raiders (OL, QB) - Bruce Campbell | Anthony Davis
9. Bills (OL, QB) - Bryan Bulaga | Jimmy Clausen
10. Jaguars (DL, LB) - Derrick Morgan | Ronaldo McClain
11. Broncos (WR, LB) - Dez Bryant | Rolando McClain
12. Dolphins (DL, WR) - Dan Williams | Dez Bryant
13. 49ers (OL, DB) - Trent Williams | Joe Haden
14. Seahawks (DL, RB) - CJ Spiller | Derrick Morgan
15. Giants (LB, DB) - Brandon Spikes | Earl Thomas
16. Titans (DL, WR) - Jason Pierre-Paul | Carlos Dunlap
17. 49ers (OL, DL) - Mike Iupati | Bryan Buluga
18. Steelers (OL, DB) - Earl Thomas | Mike Iupati
19. Falcons (DL, LB) - Everson Griffen | Sean Weatherspoon
20. Texans (DB, WR) - Golden Tate | Kyle Wilson
21. Bengals (DB, TE) - Jermaine Gresham | Taylor Mays
22. Patriots (DL, WR) - Brandon Graham | Jared Odrick
23. Packers (OL, DB) - Charles Brown | Donavan Warren
24. Eagles (DL, DB) - Carlos Dunlap | Taylor Mays
25. Ravens (TE, DB) - Devin McCourty | Jermaine Gresham
26. Cardinals (LB, DB) - Jerry Hughes | Sergio Kindle
27. Cowboys (OL, WR) - Maurkice Pouncey | Arrelious Benn
28. Chargers (RB, DL) - Jonathan Dwyer | Jahvid Best
29. Jets (LB, WR) - Sean Weatherspoon | Golden Tate
30. Vikings (DL, LB) - Terrence Cody | Brandon Spikes
31. Colts (DB, OL) - Patrick Robinson | Charles Brown
32. Saints (LB, DB) - Sergio Kindle | Kareem Jackson

Free Agents Moves (so far)

Personally, I have been trying to enjoy my spring break but that does not mean the sporting world has stopped. The NFL free agent market has changed a few teams drastically (ie. Bears, Lions, & Cards). This is what has happened up to this hour. This does not take into count the release. This is just the list of people who have changed teams whether it be via trade or free agency.

Eagles sign CB/FS Marlin Jackson: 2 years
Chiefs sign RB Thomas Jones: 2 years, $5 million

• Their bigger back to go along with Jamaal Charles

Broncos sign NT Jamal Williams: 3 years, $16 million; $7 million guaranteed
Titans sign LB Will Witherspoon: 3 years, $11 million; $5 million guaranteed
Bears sign RB Chester Taylor: 4 years, $12.5 million; $7 million guaranteed

• Taylor will provide Jay Cutler with the running game Chicago lacked last season

Dolphins sign ILB Karlos Dansby: 5 years, $43 million; $22 million guaranteed

• Fills a huge need for Miami's defense

Bengals sign WR Antonio Bryant: 4 years, $28 million

• Bryant put forth effort the past two seasons, lets see if it was because of contract, Carson HUGE upcoming season

Jaguars sign DE Aaron Kampman: 4 years, $26 million; $11 million guaranteed
Bears sign DE Julius Peppers: 6 years, $91.5 million; $42 million guaranteed

• Peppers will now suddenly try hard because he's in a better situation

Falcons sign CB Dunta Robinson: 6 years, $57 million; $25.5 million guaranteed

• Dunta Robinson is now the second-richest corner in the NFL

Giants sign FS Antrel Rolle: 5 years, $37 million; $15 million guaranteed

• Safety was a huge need for New York

Lions sign WR Nate Burleson: 5 years, $25 million; $11 million guaranteed
Lions sign DE Kyle Vanden Bosch: 4 years, $26 million; $10 million guaranteed

• Not the player he was two seasons ago

Lions acquire CB Chris Houston from Falcons for 2010 6th-rounder and exchange of 2010 5th-rounders
Buccaneers acquire WR Reggie Brown from Eagles for 2011 6th-rounder
Browns acquire QB Seneca Wallace from Seahawks for conditional 2011 pick

• Seneca Wallace knows Mike Holmgren's West Coast offense

Cardinals acquire FS Kerry Rhodes from Jets for 2010 4th-rounder and 2011 7th-rounder

Ravens acquire WR Anquan Boldin and 2010 5th-rounder from Cardinals for 2010 3rd-, 4th-rounders

• Ravens just landed one of the top wideouts, Flacco has to be happy about additions

Lions acquire DT Corey Williams and 2010 7th-rounder from Browns for 2010 5th-rounder
Jets acquire CB Antonio Cromartie from Chargers for conditional 2011 third-round

Giants sign QB Jim Sorgi

• Leaves one Manning to go to the other

Steelers sign WR Antwaan Randle El

TigerText

The application which just launched for Iphones (don’t worry Team Blackberry it will be available for you at the end of March) erases all read text messages. It was created by a company called X Sigma and here is what its founder Jeffrey Evans had to say about how it works:

“I understand part of the reason people want to talk about it today is because of the name but this is not about people trying to cheat,” Evans said of the TigerText launch. “If you send a private text message it should stay private.”

Tigertext.com for the iPhone is a text message trail-covering application and versions are to be available by the end of March for BlackBerry smartphones as well as those running on Android software. “Tigers are notoriously difficult animals to track”. People receiving the messages are prompted to download the TigerText application for free in order to read the text, which is not actually sent to the recipient’s iPhone. Instead, the message is hosted on the company’s servers where it can be erased whenever the sender wishes. Sent messages can be deleted on demand or be set to automatically vanish after a specified period. A “delete on read” feature starts a 60 second countdown when a text message is opened and then erases it at zero. TigerText messages cannot be saved, copied or forwarded by recipients. “Ninety-nine percent of what people want to keep private has nothing to do with cheating on a spouse or doing anything illegal,” Evans said.

Only if Tiger could have had this app I am sure he would not have gotten caught. Then again there would be no need for it. So I just want to say thanks Tiger because when I get my iPhone I won't end up like you.

Dunk Off

So after breaking down the UK vs UGA, which dunk was better?

The John Wall over Leslie

or

Leslie From the SEC Logo over Cousins

To me the answer has to be Leslie over Cousins, but that is just my opinion. John Wall's whole sequence of stealing the ball and finishing (all with his left hand like Sir Charles Barkley pointed out) is what makes his dunk better than what the finish product is.

Apology

I want to apologize for the hiatus on this blog. I have been a busy guy with school, football, and actually having a life. I will try to get back to this as regularly as possible bare with me though.

Trade Bait

Get ready for the onslaught on rumors, speculation and sourced stories involving the Rams dealing their No. 1 overall pick to Tampa Bay. It's no secret the Rams need a quarterback and they are believed to have an interest in trading for one of the Philadelphia Eagles three signal callers -- Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb or Michael Vick. St. Louis also will consider drafting Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, who will hold a private workout March 25. But the latest trade scenario includes a Bucs quarterback. Foxsports.com is reporting the Bucs and Rams have discussed a deal that would send Tampa Bay's No. 3 overall pick, a third rounder and quarterback Josh Johnson to St. Louis in exchange for the No. 1 overall selection. It doesn't necessarily mean the Rams view Johnson as their potential starter in 2010. But it may indicate that Johnson, who went 0-4 as a starter last season, has some trade value.

Rebirth

"The T-Mac Show" at the Garden. It was a thriller and one of the more memorable Garden nights. McGrady put on a smooth-as-silk superstar performance in his debut, scoring 26 points in 32 minutes with five assists, but didn't have anything left and D'Antoni benched him in the overtime. McGrady was treated as the savior, playing his first game since Dec. 23. It was worth noting, Kevin Durant thought Tracy McGrady resembled the player he was pre-surgery and pre-Knicks. Durant, upsetted T-Mac's debut with a superb 36-point performance in a 121-118 overtime Thunder victory, said he was not surprised by McGrady's outburst. Durant believed that McGrady simply needed to be on the court. And Tracy beleives that Durant is a younger him. Which is almost a fair comparison I would say. McGrady wore No. 3 but not as a tribute to Stephon Marbury but to publicize a documentary he's filmed in Africa, called "3 points." He's worn No. 1 but that is taken by Chris Duhon. For the NYK fans who loved McGrady's show, there might be more next season. McGrady said Friday he'd stay for less if the Knicks can add a couple of max stars. Maybe he's the star. I know Walsh is glad Tracy has said that.

Big Move

The Chicago Bulls are trading Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats for Flip Murray, Acie Law and a protected first-round draft choice, pending league approval, according to a league source. Inconsistency has plagued Thomas, who has been an impact player at times with his athleticism and shot-blocking ability. The Bobcats beat out both Denver and San Antonio, who had both had significant interest in Thomas. Charlotte is trying to make a playoff push in the east and trying to make the postseason for the first time in franchise history. This deal all the more sensible for the Bulls who are getting serious about the 2010 free agency. The Bobcats on the other hand get a good portion of the season to take a look at Thomas and decide whether to commit to him long terms. Thomas is set to be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. Tyrus could show up as an incredibly focussed player utterly capable of wrecking any opposing team's night. They needed a big man because of the injuries to the ones they have so I say it was a win win situation for both teams. Although the Bulls must not be serious about the playoffs this season.

Bulls Add to the Tradewinds

The Knicks contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about Luke Ridnour, but the talks stalled when the Knicks wanted to expand the deal to include Jared Jeffries, according to a source close to the negotiations. the conversation demonstrates that Knicks president Donnie Walsh is working on a backup plan if a deal for Tracy McGrady, which would include Jeffries, falls apart. The NYK did send Darko Milicic to Minnesota for Brian Cardinal, who is expected to be released.

On the other end, the Bucks have agreed in principle to a trade that would send forwards Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander to the Chicago Bulls for guard John Salmons. The contracts of Warrick and Alexander both expire at the end of the season, potentially freeing up space for the Bulls to bid for marquee free agents in the offseason.

Now a King Knick

Well I guess we all have been fooled by the Rockets or have we? Reports have it that the deal has the Rockets sending Tracy McGrady, Carl Landry, and Joey Dorsey to the Kings for Martin, Sergio Rodriguez, Hilton Armstrong, and Kenny Thomas. The question will be whether or not this will be T-Mac's final stop. ESPN.com reported that the New York Knicks will work with the Kings and Rockets on Thursday morning to acquire McGrady in a three-team swap. Two league sources tell Y! Sports the Kings are unsure whether they will keep McGrady or expand the trade. I know Tracy is really hoping that he gets to stay with the Kings. Supposedly, if T-Mac stays with the Kings and ends up with a buyout, he hopes to join a playoff contender. A source close to him says he would like to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers or Cleveland Cavaliers. It isn't clear if either one of those teams want him but I mean why would you turn a former All-Star down? Kevin Martin was upset himself but the good news was brought to him at halftime. Imagine that? But hey, like I always say the game is still a business. Martin will be reunited with former Sacramento coach Rick Adelman.

Update:

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Knicks have successful unloaded Jared Jeffries and brought in, for a couple months anyway, Tracy McGrady. The particulars: McGrady, Sergio Rodriguez, and Houston's 2011 first round pick to the Knicks; Kevin Martin, Jordan Hill, Jared Jeffries, Hilton Armstrong and the Knicks' first-round picks in 2011 and 2012 (with top-1 protection in 2011 and top-5 protection in 2012) to the Rockets; Larry Hughes, Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey to the Kings. The Knicks better hope get LeBron or Dwade or this will be for nothing.

James Arrested (Not Lebron)

Oregon Ducks running back LaMichael James was arrested Tuesday on domestic violence charges. James’ girlfriend, according to the police report, said the running back grabbed her around the neck and pushed her to the ground. She complained of pain to her neck and of abrasions from being pushed down in a parking lot. Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti said Wednesday that he is “concerned" about the off-field issues but insists his coaches are doing all they can to “make sure their athletes do the right things and understand right from wrong." Springfield police said they were not ready to discuss details of the incident. According to the Oregon Ducks website, "few players have ever made the impact in their initial campaign at Oregon as the Pac-10's Offensive Freshman of the Year" as he has, by becoming the first freshmen ever to earn the team's "Most Outstanding Player" award. It's always something with these Oregon running backs.

Cavs Headed to Finals??

The Cleveland Cavaliers improved their chances of getting to the NBA Finals by getting Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison in a three-team deal. The traded center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a first-round pick to Washington. The Wizards sent newly acquired forward Drew Gooden to Los Angeles Clippers while also getting back Al Thorton and Brian Skinner. The Clippers also are sending Sebastian Telfair to the Cavaliers. It appears the Cavaliers move is a gesture showing soon-to-be free agent LeBron James a commitment to winning. Now they can counter Rashard Lewis. The Cavs had no answer for Lewis last postseason in losing the East title to the Magic. Among other things, Jamison lightens LeBron James’ workload and provides offense that Anderson Varejao doesn’t. This does not give them an automatic pass through the East and on to the Finals to face Kobe and the Lakers. Although the Magic don’t seem to quite have the mojo they did at this time last season, they certainly aren’t intimidated by the Cavs of LeBron and Shaq. The Cavaliers wound up with a great deal, losing only Zydrunas Ilgauskas and the lowest of first-round picks. So how was Cleveland was able to keep J.J. Hickson? All along, the potential deal had been Stoudemire for Ilgauskas, Hickson, Danny Green and that likely No. 30 pick. But Cleveland took Hickson out of the negotiation today and Phoenix folded on it and does not expect to make a deal. The other most likely candidate for a Stoudemire trade was Miami because of the Heat's interest in him but the Heat have not put together any offer that comes close to enticing the Suns. A third team would likely need to be involved. He again did not say that he would prefer to stay with the team but emphasized how hard he would continue to play for his teammates if he is not traded.

Peppers to Pats a Possibility

The well-respected Vic Carucci of NFL.com is reporting that the Patriots remain interested in the Carolina star. Carucci reported last offseason that New England was taking a look at trading for Peppers, and has this today on the Web site:

We reported in this space a year ago that it was likely the Panthers would trade Peppers to the New England Patriots after he signed his one-year, franchise-tag contract. The deal never happened, but sources say the Pats, whose inability to consistently pressure the quarterback was their biggest drawback last season, remain very interested in acquiring Peppers. They're encouraged that they could gain some leverage if the field for bidders is reduced by possible restrictions on the final eight playoff teams to sign free agents.

However, New England faces a challenge in putting together a strong enough contract to land Peppers while also being able to re-sign nose tackle Vince Wilfork and signing quarterback Tom Brady to a long-term contract in the near future. The Patriots could place a franchise tag on Wilfork for $7 million, although he would clearly be unhappy by such a move.

Fit is important for Peppers. That's not to say he's going somewhere at a cut-rate price because it feels right (he's gonna get his money), but it is to say that identifying "the best place" for Peppers isn't necessarily going to be a purely financial thing.

Press Conference

Tiger Woods will end nearly three months of silence Friday when he speaks publicly for the first time since his middle-of-the-night car accident sparked stunning revelations of infidelity. However, his agent said Woods will not take any questions from a small group of media. “This is not a press conference,” Mark Steinberg said Wednesday. Glad to hear that he is finally having a press conference though. I cannot wait to hear what he will be speaking about. Woods is to speak at 11 a.m. Friday from the clubhouse at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., home of the PGA Tour. I hope it is to say that he is coming back to the game sooner than people are expecting him to be. Steinberg said in a telephone interview that Woods had taken some recovery steps and quoted the agent as saying, “Tiger feels as though it’s time to make amends and to publicly do that.” Woods to “discuss his past and his future”.

Playing Up to Potential

Interesting rumors a day before the trade deadline is that the San Antonio Spurs are shopping forward Richard Jefferson. Remember how Jefferson was supposed to lift the Spurs into a position to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference? It hasn't happened as Jefferson has struggled to fit into the Spurs' disciplined defensive system and San Antonio has struggled with injuries and an aging roster. Jefferson had a much better season with the Bucks. Not to mention he is having his lowest production since he was a rookie averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Jefferson was touted as the missing piece for the Spurs to bring them back to the NBA Finals. There are only a few teams that could take on Jefferson’s contract, and even fewer that would willingly add more than $15 million to their payroll before the Summer of 2010. But the first teams that come to mind are middle-of-the-pack playoff squads such as Toronto or Charlotte.

2nd Chance

The Baltimore Ravens say they have signed wide receiver Donte' Stallworth to a one-year contract. Stallworth was recently released by the Cleveland Browns after being reinstated by the NFL following a one-year suspension. He was suspended for violating the league's personal-conduct policy for a DUI vehicular manslaughter charge. Stallworth served 30 days in a Miami jail for striking and killing a Miami construction worker with his car while driving under the influence of alcohol. It's puzzling that the Ravens, who have expressed durability concerns about Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton, would sign someone as injury prone as Stallworth. he’s prone to the type of minor injuries that drive coaches crazy. That baggage, and his yearlong absence, explains Baltimore’s low-risk investment. The Ravens are hoping Stallworth is a new man who still has playmaking abilities.

Nate the Great Shipped

A deal that would send Nate Robinson to Boston is close to be finalized and could be announced Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple league sources. The Daily News first reported on its Web site Tuesday night that the Knicks were on the verge of sending the back up guard to the Celtics. Eddie House, who played for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix and has an expiring contract, is expected to be sent to the Knicks. Robinson vetoed a trade to Memphis last December but was willing to accept a deal to the playoff-bound Celtics. Robinson will earn $5 million this year, bonus included, and will get a chance to play for a championship contender. He will become the first guard off Boston's bench. Sounds like a win-win situation for Nate Robinson & the NYK. The Knicks, who yet again, clear up cap space for this summer's huge free agent market. They will have enough money to get the whole East All-Star team at the rate they going.

Oh Brother

Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy says his younger brother made the "perfect decision" to follow in his footsteps with the Longhorns. Case McCoy is one of two standout quarterbacks Texas signed this month in a highly rated recruiting class. Case McCoy could face a lot of pressure following a big brother who set an NCAA record with 45 wins as a starting quarterback. Colt McCoy said the youngest of three McCoy boys is talented and should be comfortable forging his own career. Texas coach Mack Brown said recently that the Longhorns would have signed Case McCoy even if he wasn't the younger brother of Colt. Brown said some believe that Case is further along in his development at this age than his brother. It will be interesting to see though how further along he is. Especially with that QB spot being open up for someone. I am sure he will be good but he will be forever compared almost like Eli and Peyton but at least Eli went to a different school.

Missing Piece?

It appears the Cleveland Cavaliers will do something before Thursday's trade deadline. That move could possibly involve Amare Stoudemire or Antawn Jamison, two major moves that could give the Cavs all they need for a championship run. Could any of those moves force the Cavs' rival, the Boston Celtics, to make a counter move by adding another player? It's possible the Celtics will try to add Kirk Hinrich or D.J. Augustin. Or the Celtics may not do anything at all. The C's probably won't do anything though. The Heat are primarily competing against the Cleveland Cavaliers to broker a deal with the Suns' NBA All-Star. The Heat have first-round draft picks and forward Michael Beasley, both of which might attract the Sun towards making a deal with Miami. It will be very interesting to see how things go down the next two days. As of right now though the NBA Champs are looking at The Cavaliers reportedly want to make an upgrade at power forward, either by acquiring Amar’e Stoudemire from Phoenix, Antawn Jamison from Washington or Troy Murphy from Indiana. If they get that player there is no reason why they should not win and win easy.

West Becomes Tougher

The Blazers agreed in principle Tuesday to acquire Camby from the Clippers in exchange for forward Travis Outlaw, guard Steve Blake and $3 million. A source close to Camby says that while he recognizes the benefits of playing for a better team, he is upset because his family is comfortably settled in Los Angeles. He had hoped to re-sign with the Clippers this summer. Camby also was similarly upset when the Denver Nuggets traded him to the Clippers before the start of last season. The Nuggets made an unsuccessful last-ditch attempt to bring back Camby before the Clippers’ deal with the Blazers was finalized. The Blazers had to do something to cover the hole left at center by Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla’s injuries. Camby would help preserve possessions and protect the rim on D. Sucks for Camby but hey man that is the pros man. He is not the only player hurting from this. The person Brandon Roy sat next to on team plane rides, the player he regularly dined out with on the road, the player he made sure to walk out of the locker room with after every game, was gone. Roy said Outlaw’s departure is another obstacle during a tough stretch in which he has battled a nagging right hamstring injury. Once he gets back on the court, Roy says, he is hopeful the emotions of losing a friend will eventually fade. At least Roy recognized that the game is still a business and he understood why general manager Kevin Pritchard made the move