2013 NFL Mock Draft

Here is my 2013 NFL Mock Draft. I am doing only the first round.

1. Chiefs: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
2. Jaguars: Dion Jordan, DE, Orgegon
3. Raiders: Shariff Flyod, DT, Florida
4. Eagles: Ezikiel Ansah, DE, BYU
5. Lions: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
6. Browns: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
7. Cardinals: Lance Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
8. Bills: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
9. Jets: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
10. Titans: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
11. Chargers: Chance Womack, OG, Alabama
12. Dolphins: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
13. Jets (Acquired from Buccaneers in Darrelle Revis Trade): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
14. Panthers: Star Loutulelei, DT, Utah
15. Saints: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
16. Rams: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
17. Steelers: Keenan Allen, WR, California
18. Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
19. Giants: D.J. Flueker, OT, Alabama
20. Bears: Alec Ogeltree, ILB, Georgia
21. Bengals: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
22. Rams: Eric Ried, FS, LSU
23. Vikings: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
24. Colts: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
25. Vikings: Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi
26. Packers: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
27. Texans: Arthur Brown, ILB, Kansas State
28. Broncos: Bjoern Warner, DE, Florida State
29. Patriots: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
30. Falcons: Tyler Eifert, TE, Norte Dame
31. 49ers: John Cyprien, FS, Florida International
32. Ravens: Manti Te'o, ILB, Norte Dame

Bucs Acquire Revis To Bolster Secondary

For about the last month, the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were constantley trying to finalize the Darrelle Revis trade. That would end today as both teams finally agreed on the trade Sunday. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have acquired Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis from the New York Jets for the 13th overall pick in Thursday's draft,and a fourth rounder in 2014 according to sources. Revis then signed a 6 year, $96 million contract which makes him the highest paid defensive back and second highest paid defensive player in the NFL. Since this extension doesn't guaranteed money, the Bucs can release Revis before any season, if there is no change to the salary cap. Revis was out for the entire 2012 season, after blowing out his ACL. Still, the addition of Revis has upgraded the Bucs secondary greatly. Last season, the Buccaneers allowed an NFL worst, 17 pass plays of 30 yards or more and torched horribly against opposing recievers. The Buccaneers ranked dead last in the league against the pass as the gave up a league worst, 297 yards per game. Quarterbacks made it look easy against the Bucs as they averaged a 65.4 completion % and a 93.5 raiting. Buccaneers CB Eric Wright, E.J. Biggers, and Leonard Johnson got picked a part easily last season because of lackluster coverage skills. Since Tampa Bay could never generate a pass rush last season, teams had plenty of time to hit recievers. The addition of Revis in the secondary will definitley decrease the level of quarterbacks play, against Tampa Bay in 2013. According to Pro Football Focus, Revis has allowed a mere 44.6 percent of passes to be caught and a passer raiting in the 40's the past 3 seasons. Last year the Bucs spent quite a bit of money on cornerback Eric Wright. Wright allowed 62.5 percent of passes to be caught last season, according to Pro Football Focus. If the Bucs had never traded Aquib Talib (Has a big salary), the Bucs secondary would of been a little better. Revis' ability to shut down and cover recievers, while being isolated cuts the field in half for quarterbacks. The Bucs already added saftey Dashon Goldson this off-season to help improve their secondary. Adding Revis and Goldson helps this secondary matchup against division rivals such as Drew Brees and Matt Ryan. 

Chiefs Look To Make Run In 2013

Last season, the Kansas City Chiefs kept getting humiliated game after game, en route to the worst record in football (2-14). The Chiefs have showed signs they are tired of being pushed around by adding pieces to the puzzle this off-season. The Chiefs fired GM Scott Pioli and head coach Romeo Crennel. Then they hired former Philadelphia Eagle Andy Ried as their new head coach. The Chiefs started their productive off-season by trading for QB Alex Smith for draft picks. Then they signed cornerbacks Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith, so they could be able to mtachup against great offenses, such as divison rival Denver Brocnos. They upgraded their DL by signing Mike Devito and beefed up their offensive line by signing offensive tackle Geoffry Schwartz. They also signed wide reciever Donnie Avery and tight end Anthony Fasano to improve their passing game. They cut ties with quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn, who both failed to get things going on offense last season.

The Kansas City Chiefs were a huge dissapointment last season as their whole team kept falling a part. The Chiefs offense was absolutley pitiful last season as they ranked last in the NFL in scoring last season. The lack of having a consistent quarterback was the main reason to their offensive struggles. Quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn combined for 2,713 pass yards, 8 TD, 20 INT, and a 63.8 QB raiting last season. Cassel also had trouble holding on to the ball by coughing it up 8 times last season. Opponents demolished them last season as they could never get anything going on offense. The lack of protection made Cassel and Quinn throw too many illidvised throws. Other than Wide Reciever Dwyane Bowe (His production dropped heavily last season, but still ended up being the best reciever on the team), the Chiefs barley got any production from their recievers and tight ends.  This was why Cassel and Quinn could never find a consisent passing game last season. Defensivley the Chiefs didn't do any better than what their offense did. They were 25th in scoring defense, produced only 27 sacks (Tamba Hali and Justin Houston had 19 of them), and were 31st in the NFL in tackaways. Even though the Chiefs didn't allow a lot of yards through the air, quarterbacks made it look easy out their as they allowed a league worst, 99.9 quarterback raiting. They only had 7 picks on the year and they gave up 29 touchdown passes. The Chiefs played only 6 good quarterbacks and still had trouble taking advantage of the oppurtunity. The Chiefs were even worse in the running game as opponents ran all over them. They allowed 11 teams run at least 100 yards against them. The Chiefs pass rush was a failure against last season as Pro Bowler Tamba Hali and Justin Houston produced about 3/4 of the team's 27 sacks. Teams made it look easy through the air and on the ground against the Chiefs. The Chiefs speical teams was dissapointing as speedy Dexter McCluster barley touched the ball on special teams (He played a bigger role on offense last season). The Chiefs made it sound like their schedule was impossible, but they only played  7 teams that were above .500 ( They went 0-7 in those games).

The Chiefs are a lot better than what the stat sheet and their record showed. They produced 5 Pro Bowlers last season! The Chiefs have lots of talent on their team, but bad luck and the inability to play their strengths killed them. Running Back Jamaal Charles showed lots of explosiveness and speed last season as he ran for 1,509 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry. If not only for those 6 fumbles (5 fumbles lost), Charles could of done even better. The secondary was a force for this defense as Pro Bowlers Brandon Flowers and Eric Berry both preformed at a high level last season. Outside Linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston applied lots of pressure and havoic against opposing quarterbacks. Inside Linebacker Derrick Johnson anchored and set the tone for the Chiefs defense. His great insticts and crushing hits on ball carriers help slow down the opposition. This defense could of been ranked in the top 10 if they forced more turnovers and increased their sack total. At 5'9, Flowers does a fantastic job covering taller and bigger recievers in the NFL. Wide Reciever Dwayne Bowe size, strength, and hands makes him a huge weapon in the passing game. They added Wide Reciever Donnie Avery to improve a passing game that looked confused last season. Alex Smith could have a better feel for this offense, especially if he has Andy Ried help coach him. Adding Robinson and Smith to the secondary will help matchups against good passing teams. This special teams unit is dangerous. Kicker Ryan Succop and Punter Dustin Colquitt both did a great job playing consistent throughout the season and if the Chiefs gave Dexter McCluster more oppurtunites last season, the Chiefs could have of had better field position and have a home threat on special teams.

The Chiefs a bright future ahead of them. They did a great job addressing their needs in the off-season, but they need to have good team chemistry if they want to a make a run to the playoffs this season. Hiring Andy Ried brings lots of expierence and success as a head coach, to Kansas City. The Chiefs do have a pretty easy schedule this upcoming season and are poised to comeback after a dreadful 2012 season.

Bengals Sign James Harrison

The Cincinnati Bengals were trying to fill a void at one of their outside linebacker positions, but who would they sign? After further negotiations, the Bengals decided to give former Steeler James Harrison a chance. The Bengals have signed free agent linebacker James Harrison to a 2 year deal. Harrison will not only be playing for another team in the Steelers division, but he also will have to adjust to a new defensive system. Will James Harrison's presence be successful in the Bengals 4-3 defense? Like DeMarcus Ware, Harrison might have to change his style of play as a 4-3 outside linebacker. Plus, Mike Zimmer usually doesn't send his linebackers go after the quarterback. However, the signing of Harrison gives Mike Zimmer depth and flexibility in different blitzing packages this season. He could also help 2 year pro Vontaze Burficit get even better because of his expierence and knowledge about the game. Harrison's presence in blitzing packages will give opposing quarterback nightmares because not only do they have to worry about defensive linemen Michael Johnson, Geno Atkins, and Carlod Dunlap, they also have to worry about Harrison. Harrison is a 4 time All-Pro and has shown in his career that he can cause haovic in the passing game too. The addition of Harrison should be interesting for the Bengals defense this upcoming season.

Braves Hot Streak Continues

After sweeping the Washington Nationals 9-0 today, the Atlanta Braves hold the best record in baseball, at 11-1.  Even though the Braves have only played one elite team (Washington Nationals), they have made a big splash in the early going. Here's why the Atlanta Braves have impressed me through their first twelve games:

• The Braves are the only team, in the MLB, to have at least one player, in the top 5 in RBI, HR, E.R.A., Wins, Saves, and Batting Average.
• They have played 2 easy teams, the Chicago Cubs (4-8), and Miami Marlins (2-10), and an okay team the Philadelphia Phillies (6-6).
• They rank 1st in Team E.R.A. (1.98), Earned Runs allowed (22), Runs allowed (23), and batting average allowed (.206)
• 3rd in Team HR (18)
• 4 out of their 5 starters have a 2.70 E.R.A. or below

The Atlanta Braves pitching has carried their team to an 11-1 start. However, they have only played one team over .500 so far, the Washington Nationals. The Braves hitting will need to improve as only 3B Chris Johnson, LF Justin Upton, and C Evan Gattis have been producing so far. RF Jason Heyward (.103 Average) will need to step up his game. The Braves also have already 8 errors this season, which is 20th in the MLB. The Atlanta Braves have been the storyline of the first 12 games of the MLB season so far, but will they continue to play this great? There is still plenty of games to be played and an early season surge does not mean automatic playoff contention.

Panthers Poised To Make Run In 2013

Last season, the Carolina Panthers finished a dreadful 7-9 last season. One reason the Panthers finished under .500 was because they started their 2012 season 1-6. Carolina couldn't overcome their horrendous start because of terrible run defense, Cam Newton trying to make too many plays, and injuires to the offensive line coast them the season.  The Panthers also had no wide reciever depth behind Steve Smith and their inability to make field goals, in late game situations, cost them wins. Saftey was also a huge issue in Carolina last season, as teams kept picking a part their deplieted secondary last season. Special Teams was also a huge dissapointment in Carolina last season, as Aramanti Edwards and Captian Munnerlyn stumbled early. Offensivley, the Panthers had trouble protecting Cam Newton, which lead to costly turnovers. Right Tackle Jeff Otah hasn't been able to stay healthy over the years, which has put his career in jeopardy. The Panthers lost Pro Bowl Center Ryan Kalil last season, which was a major blow to their running game. Overall the Panthers blocking wasn't very good last season, especially their pass protection. Holding onto the ball was another concern last season for the Panthers, as they fumbled it away 12 times.

However, their were still some few bright spots on this Panthers team, such as their pass rush. Led by defensive ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson (combined for 23.5 sacks), the Panthers pass rush crushed their opposition. The Panthers finally found 2 consisent, playmaking defensive ends for the first time, since Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers. Middle Linebacker was fully upgraded when they drafted Luke Kuechly last year. Kuehley led the NFL in tackles with 164. Kuehley kind of reminds me of Dan Morgan because of his ability of chasing down ball carriers and controlling the defense. The running game in Carolina has brought a new up-tempo system for this offense. Running Backs DeAngalo Williams and Jonathan Stewart didn't preform as well last season, but once they start getting into a grove, they're dynamic. Quarterback Cam Newton is also a huge threat in the running game as he lead the team in TD (8), and yards per carry (5.8).

The Panthers have had a very quite off-season as their only big addition was signing free agent corner D.J. Moore. However, if Carolina can draft an offensive tackle or defensive tackle in the first round, they will find a hole that has been needed for the past 2-3 seasons. They also need to add an offensive lineman from free agency soon, because they have very little depth and talent at that position. Cornerback Captian Munnerlyn has shown signs of improvement every season and I expect a lot out of him this season. Despite his 5'9, 5'10 size, he is a physical, skilled cornerback that brings some hidden talent to this secondary. If DeAngalo Williams and Jonathan Steawrt can recover from last seasons preformances, and Linebacker Jon Beason stays healthy the entire season, Carolina could make a run at making the playoffs next season. This defense and running game can carry the Panthers back to the playoffs as a wild card for the first time since 2008.

Louisville Outlasts Wichita State, Advances to NCAA Title Game

With Wichita State beginning to open the game up wide open, the top seeded Cardinals needed to get a lift. Their starters were struggling, fouls were piling up, the Cardinals were in trouble and needed to find a way to win. Louisville's Russ Smith said " I was actually waiting for our run", and that so would become true. Led by Luke Hancock off the bench, the Cardinals kept on gradually cutting the deficit in the middle and late in the second half.

(Stats from ESPN)
Some key stats for Wichita State's collapse was:

• 1-8 from 3-pointers in the final 10 minutes
• had 7 turnovers in the final 7 minutes

 Russ Smith also added 21 points as the Cardinals took full advantage of Wichita State's turnovers by converting them into points. Their defensive presence late in the game was one reason they won. The collapse of Wichita State was dissapointing as they managed to make 1-8  3-pointers in the second half. With the win Louisville has advanced to their third ever NCAA Title Game.

Asoughma Back In The Bay Area

Free Agent Cornerback Nnamdi Asoughma is back in the Bay Area. The former All-Pro Cornerback signed a 1 year, $3 million contract with the San Fransisco 49ers. Asoughma was a free agent bust with the Eagles, after signing as the top player on the market, in 2011. According to Pro Football Focus, Asoughma has allowed a 120.6 passer raiting during his tenure with the Eagles. When Nnamdi Asoughma was in the Bay Area with the Oakland Raiders, he was arguably the best cornerback in the league. His pass coverage skills seemed to decrease after he left their. Maybe, he's more used to the atmosphere in the Bay Area, than in Philadelphia. Asoughma will play a key roll with the 49ers this season, and hopefully will recover from last season's disaster with the Eagles.

Gallinari Season Is Over

After landing awkardley in the first half, against the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari apparently tore his ACL. This is a huge loss for the Denver Nuggetts. Gallinari was having a carrer year prior to the injury, as he averaged 16.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. While the Nuggets ended up beating the Mavs that night, the loss of Gallinari will put a big hole at small forward.