The next edition of AmStat Audio is finally here. Find out my opinion on every pick in the first round, and which impact players are still left on the board. Tune in, and let me know what you think. Hopefully I'll be back for another segment tomorrow. Once again, this is AmStat Audio.
AmStat Audio by AmStatCSB
Friday, April 29, 2011
NFL Draft Round One
This is how the first round of the NFL Draft shaped up. The second and third round is later tonight at 6pm on ESPN. The coverage shifts to ESPN2 at 7pm. Be sure to check back a little later to listen to AmStat Audio for a complete recap of the first round and a preview of tonight's rounds.
| 1. Carolina Panthers - Cameron Newton, QB (Auburn) |
| 2. Denver Broncos - Von Miller, OLB (Texas A&M) |
| 3. Buffalo Bills - Marcell Dareus, DT (Alabama) |
| 4. Cincinnati Bengals - AJ Green, WR (Georgia) |
| 5. Arizona Cardinals - Patrick Patterson, CB (LSU) |
| 6. Atlanta Falcons - Julio Jones, WR (Alabama) |
| 7. San Francisco 49ers - Aldon Smith, DE (Missouri) |
| 8. Tennessee Titans - Jake Locker, QB (Washington) |
| 9. Dallas Cowboys - Tyron Smith, OT (USC) |
| 10. Jacksonville Jaguars [via WAS] - Blaine Gabbert (Missouri) |
| 11. Houston Texans - JJ Watt, DE (Wisconsin) |
| 12. Minnesota Vikings - Christian Ponder, QB (Florida State) |
| 13. Detroit Lions - Nick Fairley, DT (Auburn) |
| 14. St. Louis Rams - Robert Quinn, DE (North Carolina) |
| 15. Miami Dolphins - Mike Pouncey, OG (Florida) |
| 16. Washington Redskins [via JAX] - Ryan Kerrigan, DE (Purdue) |
| 17. New England Patriots [via OAK] - Nate Solder, OT (Colorado) |
| 18. San Diego Chargers - Corey Liuget, DT (Illinois) |
| 19. New York Giants - Prince Amukamara, CB (Nebraska) |
| 20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Adrian Clayborn, DE (Iowa) |
| 21. Cleveland Browns [via KC] - Phil Taylor, DT (Baylor) |
| 22. Indianapolis Colts - Anthony Castonzo, OT (Boston College) |
| 23. Philadelphia Eagles - Danny Watkins, OG (Baylor) |
| 24. New Orleans Saints - Jordan Cameron, DE (California) |
| 25. Seattle Seahawks - James Carpenter, OT (Alabama) |
| 26. Kansas City Chiefs [via ATL from CLE] - Jonathan Baldwin, WR (Pittsburgh) |
| 27. Baltimore Ravens - Jimmy Smith, CB (Colorado) |
| 28. New Orleans Saints [via NE] - Mark Ingram, RB (Alabama) |
| 29. Chicago Bears - Gabe Carimi, OT (Wisconsin) |
| 30. New York Jets - Muhammad Wilkerson, DT (Temple) |
| 31. Pittsburgh Steelers - Cam Heyward, DE (Ohio State) |
| 32. Green Bay Packers - Derek Sherrod, OT (Mississippi State) |
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Official List of 2011 NBA Draft Early Entry Candidates
The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NBA Draft was Sunday. There is now a complete list of those who have applied for early entry. Many of the players on this list are entering the draft without representation by an agent. This means that many names will disappear from this list between now and June 13th. As it stands now, these are the players that will test the tides of the NBA Draft process, hoping to hear their name called on June 23rd at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.
Olu Ashaolu - Louisiana Tech
(Junior)Keion Bell - Pepperdine (Junior)
Jacob Blankenship - Southeastern FL (Junior)
Laurence Bowers - Missouri (Junior)
Alec Burks - Colorado (Sophomore)
DeAngelo Casto - Washington State (Junior)
Roscoe Davis - Midland Junior College TX (Freshman)
Mamadou Diarra - Chaminade HI (Junior)
TyShwan Edmondson - Austin Peay (Junior)
Kim English - Missouri (Junior)
Ashton Gibbs - Pittsburgh (Junior)
Troy Gillenwater - New Mexico State (Junior) [pictured]
Jeremy Green - Stanford (Junior)
Jordan Hamilton - Texas (Sophomore)
Tobias Harris - Tennessee (Freshman)
Desmond Holloway - Coastal Carolina (Junior)
Terrell Holloway - Xavier (Junior)
Tyler Honeycutt - UCLA (Sophomore)
Scotty Hopson - Tennessee (Junior)
Kyrie Irving - Duke (Freshman)
Reggie Jackson - Boston College (Junior)
Terrence Jennings - Louisville (Junior)
Orlando Johnson - UC-Santa Barbara (Junior)
Reggie Johnson - Miami FL (Sophomore)
Tiondre Johnson - Coastal Bend Junior College TX (Sophomore)
Kevin Jones - West Virginia (Junior)
Terrence Jones - Kentucky (Freshman)
Cory Joseph - Texas (Freshman)
Enes Kanter - Kentucky (Freshman)
Ryan Kelley - Colorado (Sophomore)
Dan Kelm - Viterbo WI (Sophomore)
Brandon Knight - Kentucky (Freshman)
Malcolm Lee - UCLA (Junior)
Kawhi Leonard - San Diego State (Sophomore)
Travis Leslie - Georgia (Junior)
DeAndre Liggins - Kentucky (Junior)
David Loubeau - Texas A&M (Junior)
Shelvin Mack - Butler (Junior)
Greg Mangano - Yale (Junior)
Keishawn Mayes - Campbell (Junior)
Cameron Moore - UAB (Junior)
Darius Morris - Michigan (Sophomore)
Marcus Morris - Kansas (Junior)
Markieff Morris - Kansas (Junior)
Darrion Pellum - Hampton (Junior)
J.P. Primm - UNC-Asheville (Junior) [pictured]
Willie
Reed - St. Louis (Sophomore)Jereme Richmond - Illinois (Freshman)
Ralph Sampson III Minnesota (Junior)
Carleton Scott - Notre Dame (Junior)
Josh Selby - Kansas (Freshman)
Iman Shumpert - Georgia Tech (Junior)
John Shurna - Northwestern (Junior)
Chris Singleton - Florida State (Junior)
Greg Smith - Fresno State (Sophomore)
Tony Taylor - George Washington (Junior)
Isaiah Thomas - Washington (Junior)
Trey Thompkins - Georgia (Junior)
Hollis Thompson - Georgetown (Sophomore)
Klay Thompson - Washington State (Junior) [pictured]
Tristan Thompson - Texas (Freshman)
Thomas Tibbs Jr. - College of Staten Island (Junior)
Nikola Vucevic - Southern California (Junior)
Kemba Walker - Connecticut (Junior)
Antoine Watson - Florida International (Junior)
Charlie Westbrook - South Dakota (Junior)
Derrick Williams - Arizona (Sophomore)
Jordan Williams - Maryland (Sophomore)
Brandon Wood - Valparaiso (Junior)
List and name links courtesy of www.DraftExchange.com
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Ready For A Close-Up
Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara
UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers
Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
Kentucky WR Randall Cobb
Alabama DT Marcell Dareus
Auburn DT Nick Fairley
Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert
Georgia WR A.J. Green
Boston College MLB Mark Herzlich [pictured]
Alabama RB Mark Ingram
California DE Cameron Jordan
Alabama WR Julio Jones
Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
Illinois DT Corey Liuget
Texas A&M OLB Von Miller
UCLA S Rahim Moore
Auburn QB Cam Newton
LSU CB Patrick Peterson
Florida G Mike Pouncey
Missouri DE Aldon Smith
USC OT Tyron Smith
Baylor DT Phil Taylor
Baylor G Danny Watkins
Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt
Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams
Monday, April 25, 2011
NCAA Accuses Jim Tressel of Potential Major Violations"
Jim Tressel is regarded as one of the best head coaches in college football, but "The Vest" may be in over his head in light of recent developments regarding his football program. (According to ESPN) The NCAA has sent a 13-page indictment of Tressel's behavior to the Ohio State University. Tressel is accused of lying to the NCAA and concealing information. The situation is starting to resemble the saga that led to Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl losing his job last month. Tressel and Ohio State will have 90 days to respond to these allegations. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit shared his thoughts on the latest development in the melodrama at Columbus.
Friday, April 22, 2011
AmStat's 2011 NFL Mock Draft
Less than a week from today, the NFL will convene at Radio City Music Hall for its annual entry draft. With the lockout dominating the football off-season, the draft has never been more important. Unlike most years, the draft is taking place before Free Agency due to the work stoppage. Therefore, teams have more positional needs than usual, and more rookies will be drafted with the expectation of contributing immediately. Teams won't be picking players for depth this year, the rookies who hear their names called next weekend will be expected to compete from day one in the NFL. Today, AmStat will take a mock look at the first round of the NFL Draft. We'll tell you who goes where and when, and most importantly why. Just settle in and get comfortable. This is the NFL Draft according to Amateur Status College Sports.
#1 The Carolina Panthers select Cameron Newton (QB) - Auburn
Cameron Newton may not be the best player in the draft. He may not even be the best Quarterback in the draft (that's probably Blaine Gabbert or Ryan Mallett). However, NO SINGLE PLAYER IN THIS DRAFT HAS THE POTENTIAL THAT CAM NEWTON POSESSES. If you have a chance to draft a player that can potentially change the way the position is played, you have to take him. The Falcons had to take Michael Vick for the same reason (even though Drew Brees was the better actual QB). The Panthers will take Newton, and look to trade Jimmy Clausen while he still has value as a potential starting Quarterback. Mel Kiper Jr. still believes that Clausen is a franchise quarterback. Once the Panthers get their hands on Cam, they need to find a team that shares Kiper's feelings about Clausen.
#2 The Denver Broncos select Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama
The Broncos had a comically bad defense last year, and will without a doubt be looking to overhaul their defense during this draft. Dareus is considered by some to be the best player in this draft, and the Broncos need a presence on the defensive line more than anything else. The idea of pairing up Champ Bailey with stud corner Patrick Peterson will be tempting, but the Broncos other corners are not bad enough to warrant passing on Dareus. Peter King from Sports Illustrated also suggests that the Houston Texans could trade into this spot to take Peterson at two, but if the Broncos make this pick...their taking Dareus.
#3 The Buffalo Bills select Von Miller (OLB/DE) - Texas A&M
The Bills struck out when they selected Aaron Maybin of Penn State in the first round of the 2009 Draft, but Miller looks like a can't miss prospect. Many prognosticators are even calling for a double-digit sack total from him as a rookie. Miller is a hybrid prospect that can help the Bills inside, outside, or on the end. His size and speed will make an immediate impact in Buffalo. Some people say that the Bills could be looking at a quarterback here, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the problem in Buffalo, and I believe management realizes that.
#4 The Cincinnati Bengals select AJ Green (WR) - Georgia
The Bengals were expected to have a dynamite receiving corps last year. I even said it would be the best in the league, but their best receiver might have been Jordan Shipley. Terrell Owens had stretches of brilliance that didn't translate into team success, and Chad OchoCinco failed to live up to expectations for the first time in his storied career. With neither Owens nor Ocho expected to return, AJ Green is expected to join Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, and tight end Jermaine Gresham to form the best young receiving corps in the league. Shipley has proven to be a good NFL receiver, but he would be better suited to play the slot. Green has the size, speed, and talent to play inside and out. If the Bengals pass on Green, Owens and/or OchoCinco could be returning. If Cameron Newton somehow slips to this spot, all bets are off because the Bengals will take him. Otherwise, the Bengals look to be in the running for a QB in the second round.
#5 The Arizona Cardinals select Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Missouri
The Cards have already experienced a season with no quarterback, and with the amount of talent that they have on their team, they can't afford to take a risk on an aging veteran like Marc Bulger or Donovan McNabb. Gabbert gives the team some long term direction at the position, and he is the most NFL ready signal-caller outside of the embattled Ryan Mallett. If Gabbert can duplicate the rookie success of Sam Bradford, the Cardinals immediately become the favorite in the NFC West. If he struggles, his raw ability will still put the Cards in a better position than they were in last year with Max Hall and John Skelton. The one scenario that would prevent Gabbert from going to the Cardinals is if Von Miller is still on the board, but I wouldn't bank on that happening.
#6 The Cleveland Browns select Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama
The Browns have an opportunity to fill a need with a better overall prospect if they take Robert Quinn, but Cleveland has absolutely nothing at the wide out position, and Julio Jones is an elite prospect at the position. Quinn is just as good at defensive end, but the position depth at D-end is amazing in this draft. There will be an impact pass rusher available in the second round, but there won't be a receiver close to Julio's level in round two. Colt McCoy will have his first legitimate weapon on offense, and that will allow the Browns to determine whether or not he's the long term answer under center.
#7 The San Francisco 49ers select Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU
On my personal draft board, Peterson is the second-best player in this draft. For the niners to get Peterson here is a steal. He immediately becomes a shutdown corner, and will possibly make an even bigger impact on special teams by shifting field position with his skills as a return man. Peterson's numbers as a returner at LSU surpass Devin Hester's at Miami. The 49ers are anemic on offense, and will rely on Peterson to return kicks and punts from day one as a big part of their offense gameplan.
#8 The Tennessee Titans select Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn
Albert Haynesworth may have proven to not be worth the money, but that doesn't change the fact that the Titans have not been the same on defense since he left. Nick Fairley comes to the NFL draft with a few character questions of his own, but nothing that should stop the Titans from drafting him. The Titans would gladly take Blaine Gabbert if he is on the board, and will consider trading down to take Jake Locker. Quarterback is definitely their number one need, but their draft choice falls in a bad place within the draft order. Most likely, the Titans will take Fairley here and hope to draft Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton in the second round.
#9 The Dallas Cowboys select Tyron Smith (OT) - USC
Tyron Smith to the Cowboys is one of the worst kept secrets coming into the draft. The Boys need a replacement for aging tackle Marc Columbo, and Smith is reportedly the man that has Jerry Jones' attention. Smith is a better fit than a more polished tackle like Anthony Castonzo because his athletic ability fits the Cowboys' blocking scheme. Romo likes to use his mobility and Smith is the best blocker in the draft on the move.
#10 The Washington Redskins select Robert Quinn (DE/OLB) - North Carolina
The Redskins have holes all over their depth chart, and with Santana Moss possibly on the way out, the Skins probably want Julio Jones to fall to this spot. I don't see that happening, which means that Washington will simply take the best player still on the board. If Quinn is still available, he can't fall any further than this. His abilities on the edge will open things up for the suddenly re-emergent Adam Carriker on the inside.
#11 The Houston Texans select Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska
The Texans spent their first round pick on a corner last year (Kareem Jackson), but their pass defense was still comically bad last season. The team has the total package on offense, but they must continue to build the defense. Amukamara is only a notch below Patrick Peterson, and there is no shame in that. Prospects like Peterson come around at the cornerback position once every few years, but Amukamara is still an elite level talent in his own right. His size and speed make him an immediate impact player that will start from day one. If Amukamara becomes a lock-down corner from day one, the Texans will be an AFC contender.
#12 The Minnesota Vikings select Jake Locker (QB) - Washington
I would have never believed that the Vikings had the backbone to make this selection, but it's the pick that many people believe the Vikings will make. Last year, Locker graded out ahead of Sam Bradford, and many expected him to be a top five pick. However, Locker went back to school and struggled to standout with a mediocre team around him at Washington. Now he's slowly creeping up draft boards once again, especially after Jon Gruden tabbed him as one of the toughest players in the draft regardless of position. Locker has all the physical talents to be a top quarterback in the NFL, and has never played with players that enhance his talents, which means the sky is still the limit for him. I like Locker a lot, and think he can be a franchise quarterback. His ceiling is higher than any other rookie quarterback besides Cam Newton.
#13 The Detroit Lions select Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Boston College
The Lions will have their fingers crossed until they make their pick. If Prince Amukamara is on the board here, the Lions will take him in a matter of seconds. The Lions have glaring needs at cornerback and linebacker, but they can't address either of those needs at this point in the first round. The Lions will settle for Castonzo, likely the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in the draft. Castonzo will be a starter for day one and will be another cornerstone for the Lions' blossoming rebuilding project.
#14 The St. Louis Rams select Aldon Smith (DE/OLB) - Missouri
The St. Louis Rams will be looking to trade up and get Julio Jones, but trading into the top ten will be difficult because of the lockout. Teams will only be allowed to trade draft picks, but not players. Under these circumstances, it would possibly take trading picks from the 2012 and maybe even the 2013 draft to get a blockbuster deal done. The Rams will likely settle for Smith, an intimidating rush end who can play multiple positions on the outside. Smith isn't a very polished prospect but is big, fast, and athletic. He will definitely have a chance to be an impact player in St. Louis.
#15 The Miami Dolphins select Mike Pouncey (G/C) - Florida
The Dolphins will only take Pouncey if they can't trade down or maybe even out of the first round. The Dolphins want either Ryan Mallett or Andy Dalton, but they can't draft either of them here. Miami doesn't have a second round pick, so they have to parlay this first round pick into multiple picks. If they take Pouncey as a last resort, they will have to focus on trading into the second round with a package built around their third round pick. If they can acquire that second round pick, it will be used on a QB such as Christian Ponder or Colin Kaepernick. The Dolphins will be ecstatic if Ryan Mallett's character issues cause him to drop out of the second round and into their laps. Mallett is the type of talent that can start in week one.
#16 The Jacksonville Jaguars select Da'Quan Bowers (DE/OLB) - Clemson
The Jaguars are very much prepared to take Ryan Kerrigan with this pick, but if Bowers falls to this slot, he would be hard to pass on. The Jags like Kerrigan, but they can't justify taking him with Bowers still on the board. Bowers has some injury concerns, but most of them have been dismissed at this point. Bowers was a top five prospect before questions about his knee caused his stock to slip, but after missing on Derrick Harvey in the 2008 Draft, the Jags need to take a home run swing. Kerrigan looks to be a lock to be a good NFL player, but Bowers could possibly be a perennial All-Pro.
#17 The New England Patriots select Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB) - Purdue
Defensive lineman continue to fly off the board as the Patriots add to their defense with the selection of Kerrigan. Kerrigan is the type of high energy motor guy that the Pats love. Kerrigan is far from the most talented player in this loaded class of defensive ends, but he may be the hardest worker. If the Jaguars choose to take Bowers based on his potential, the Patriots will gladly take Kerrigan.
#18 The San Diego Chargers select JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin
The Chargers do not expect Watt to be available, but if the draft plays out the way I've laid it out so far, he will be nice and available at this part of the draft. This draft is filled to the brim with top notch defensive prospects. Watt will be able to fill a position that has been unstable since the departure of Richard Seymour.
#19 The New York Giants select Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin
The Giants have had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL for quite sometime, that consistency is starting to be tested by age and health concerns. Drafting Carimi at this spot gives the G-men a young stud to help rebuild this unit on the fly. The Giants were probably one healthy lineman away from being a playoff team last year, Carimi will be the cornerstone of the Giants O-line over the next decade.
#20 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Cameron Jordan (DE) - California
The Buccaneers are looking hard for a defensive end and they will be more than satisfied with Jordan. There are so many top notch ends in this draft that it looks like everyone will be content with what falls to them. Jordan possesses the same triple crown of size, strength, and athleticism that so many others have in this class. That doesn't change the fact that Jordan is a top prospect that could be a top 12 pick in other years. Jordan will be a mainstay on the end to compliment Gerald McCoy inside as the Bucs continue to build another menacing defense through the draft.
#21 The Kansas City Chiefs select Nate Solder (OT) - Colorado
The Chiefs really want Phil Taylor's foot to magically heal, making him a viable selection for them at this spot. In reality, the team looks to be sold on selecting Solder as a replacement for Barry Richardson, who is better suited as a rotational lineman and not a starter. There are many opinions circulating about Solder. Some say that he is the best tackle in the draft, while others think he is more of an early second round type of prospect. Solder's size and strength can't be questioned, but his technique has been said to need improvement. Regardless, he should be an improvement over any of the guys that KC used last year. Solder's career path will be drastically shaped by the coaching he recieves once he enters the league.
#22 The Indianapolis Colts select Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi State
Colts GM Bill Polian has already acknowledged that he made a mistake by not taking an offensive lineman in last year's draft. He won't make that mistake again. Unfortunately, both of the tackles that Indy covets are already off the board in this mock draft. Still, the Colts will not be deterred this time around. Sherrod may be a reach in the first round, but Indy likes him and he does have talent. The Colts don't have many needs, so they can afford to reach on a second round prospect with this pick.
#23 The Philadelphia Eagles select Jimmy Smith (CB) - Colorado
The Eagles are picking late enough in the first round that they can afford to take a risk on this type of boom or bust prospect. Smith has the measurables of a top 15 pick, but his play at Colorado was inconsistent, and his character has been called into question. However, the Eagles have two pressing needs, cornerback and the offensive line. Philly will be forced to take Smith because of the run on lineman that occurs just before their pick. If the Eagles fall in love with a tackle prospect, they could trade up in the draft to get him. They have a reputation of being aggressive with trades on draft day. If Smith lives up to his potential, he could receive a lot of playing time as a situational corner or even a starter with the departure of Ellis Hobbs due to a neck injury.
#24 The New Orleans Saints select Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple
The Saints have one very menacing side on their defensive line. Newly acquired Shuan Rogers and Will Smith are beyond intimidating, but the other side of that line is in need of an overhaul. Wilkerson is a great place to start. The big man from Temple has crept into the top ten on Mel Kiper's board and has been very impressive throughout the pre-draft process. Wilkerson and Rogers could be one of the league's best duos on the inside. The Saints are hoping that Da'Quan Bowers slips to them, but that doesn't seem likely. If he does, the Saints will abandon the Wilkerson plan and go with Bowers. If the Saints decide to build from the outside in, Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Heyward are two more options from the deepest class of defensive ends ever.
#25 The Seattle Seahawks select Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois
The Seahawks want Jake Locker. He has been the golden boy of the Pacific Northwest for four years and the Seahawks would love to turn their favorite Husky into a franchise quarterback, but the Vikings have seemingly fell in love with Locker and won't let him slip out of their grasps. If the fascination with Locker in Minnesota is real, the Seahawks will have to try to fill one of their other needs. Corey Liuget is somewhat of an unknown to many, but he is a top 15 prospect according to Scouts Inc. and is highly regarded among most GMs. Liuget isn't the athlete that Muhammad Wilkerson is, but he was productive in the Big Ten against more than a few future NFL lineman.
#26 The Baltimore Ravens select Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger has insisted that the Ravens will take Cameron Heyward if he is on the board, but I don't know if that still applies if Adrian Clayborn is still on the board. Still, I'll trust that Baldinger knows what he's talking about. Either way, the Ravens will be getting a solid defensive end from out of the Big Ten. Heyward is a nice kid who plays with a mean streak that the Ravens will appreciate. I prefer Clayborn to Heyward, but I think the Ravens are more impressed by the speed and physicality that Heyward brings to the table.
#27 The Atlanta Falcons select Adrian Clayborn (DE) - Iowa
The Ravens may like Heyward, but the Falcons prefer the mammoth Clayborn on the edge. Clayborn will be the heir apparent to John Abraham who will be 33 this season. He has decent speed to go with obscene size and strength, and was dominant at times in college. Before the college football season, Clayborn was considered to be the top defensive end in this class. However, an up and down year at Iowa and the emergence of over a dozen highly touted edge rushers has left Clayborn in the laps of Atlanta late in the first round. Clayborn is still an impressive physical prospect that would be going in the top 15 in a different year with less options for teams looking for help with their pass rush.
#28 The New England Patriots select Justin Houston (OLB/DE) - Georgia
There is a 99.9% chance that the Pats will trade this pick. If they do make a selection, they will pair up Houston with their young stud linebacker Jerod Mayo. This pick will actually be spent on a quarterback. Depending on the team that deals into this spot, either Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder will hear their name called here. Ryan Mallett would have been a candidate to be selected here as well, but his recent issues involving a skipped meeting with the Carolina Panthers have made him a solid second round pick. Teams looking to draft Mallett won't be looking to trade into this spot.
#29 The Chicago Bears select Marvin Austin (DT) - North Carolina
The Bears are desperate to draft an offensive tackle. They dont seem to be interested in a guard like Dan Watkins and Mike Pouncey will be long gone by this time. All of the offensive tackles that received first round grades are off the board. There is a possibility that the Bears could reach for a second round prospect like TCU's Marcus Cannon, but I think they will turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball where the talent pool is still deep even in this late stage of the first round. Austin was considered to be a top ten prospect before the season, but having to sit out the entire season at UNC due to NCAA violations has caused him to drop to this position. Austin is still every bit of the dominant player that we all remember, but we haven't seen it in awhile.
#30 The New York Jets select Phil Taylor (NT) - Baylor
The Chiefs really like Phil Taylor, but murmurs of him having foot issues will be enough to scare them away from drafting him in the first round. The Jets are showing no such concerns. The Jets will try to trade down into the second round to accumulate picks, but if the Jets do make a selection, they will likely take Taylor as a replacement for the often injured Kris Jenkins. If the Jets dump the pick, this would be an ideal spot to see another quarterback snatched by an aggressive team looking to make a move.
#31 The Pittsburgh Steelers select Aaron Williams (CB) - Texas
The Steelers need major help at the cornerback position, so much so that this may not be the only corner that the Steelers take in this draft. It's a no-brainer to pick either Williams or Miami's Brandon Harris with this pick. Most experts agree that Williams is the preferred choice among the two. Especially since he has the ability to possibly slide over to the safety position if necessary.
#32 The Green Bay Packers select Brooks Reid (DE/OLB) - Arizona
Reid has a lot of attributes in common with the player that Clay Mathews was when the Packers drafted him in the first round. Their comparative high energy styles of play are probably why the Pack prefer him instead of Akeem Ayers, another top prospect at the position. This pick is also a candidate to be included in a trade if a team thirsty for a quarterback gets anxious.
#1 The Carolina Panthers select Cameron Newton (QB) - Auburn
Cameron Newton may not be the best player in the draft. He may not even be the best Quarterback in the draft (that's probably Blaine Gabbert or Ryan Mallett). However, NO SINGLE PLAYER IN THIS DRAFT HAS THE POTENTIAL THAT CAM NEWTON POSESSES. If you have a chance to draft a player that can potentially change the way the position is played, you have to take him. The Falcons had to take Michael Vick for the same reason (even though Drew Brees was the better actual QB). The Panthers will take Newton, and look to trade Jimmy Clausen while he still has value as a potential starting Quarterback. Mel Kiper Jr. still believes that Clausen is a franchise quarterback. Once the Panthers get their hands on Cam, they need to find a team that shares Kiper's feelings about Clausen.
#2 The Denver Broncos select Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama
The Broncos had a comically bad defense last year, and will without a doubt be looking to overhaul their defense during this draft. Dareus is considered by some to be the best player in this draft, and the Broncos need a presence on the defensive line more than anything else. The idea of pairing up Champ Bailey with stud corner Patrick Peterson will be tempting, but the Broncos other corners are not bad enough to warrant passing on Dareus. Peter King from Sports Illustrated also suggests that the Houston Texans could trade into this spot to take Peterson at two, but if the Broncos make this pick...their taking Dareus.
#3 The Buffalo Bills select Von Miller (OLB/DE) - Texas A&M
The Bills struck out when they selected Aaron Maybin of Penn State in the first round of the 2009 Draft, but Miller looks like a can't miss prospect. Many prognosticators are even calling for a double-digit sack total from him as a rookie. Miller is a hybrid prospect that can help the Bills inside, outside, or on the end. His size and speed will make an immediate impact in Buffalo. Some people say that the Bills could be looking at a quarterback here, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the problem in Buffalo, and I believe management realizes that.
#4 The Cincinnati Bengals select AJ Green (WR) - Georgia
The Bengals were expected to have a dynamite receiving corps last year. I even said it would be the best in the league, but their best receiver might have been Jordan Shipley. Terrell Owens had stretches of brilliance that didn't translate into team success, and Chad OchoCinco failed to live up to expectations for the first time in his storied career. With neither Owens nor Ocho expected to return, AJ Green is expected to join Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Jerome Simpson, and tight end Jermaine Gresham to form the best young receiving corps in the league. Shipley has proven to be a good NFL receiver, but he would be better suited to play the slot. Green has the size, speed, and talent to play inside and out. If the Bengals pass on Green, Owens and/or OchoCinco could be returning. If Cameron Newton somehow slips to this spot, all bets are off because the Bengals will take him. Otherwise, the Bengals look to be in the running for a QB in the second round.
#5 The Arizona Cardinals select Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Missouri
The Cards have already experienced a season with no quarterback, and with the amount of talent that they have on their team, they can't afford to take a risk on an aging veteran like Marc Bulger or Donovan McNabb. Gabbert gives the team some long term direction at the position, and he is the most NFL ready signal-caller outside of the embattled Ryan Mallett. If Gabbert can duplicate the rookie success of Sam Bradford, the Cardinals immediately become the favorite in the NFC West. If he struggles, his raw ability will still put the Cards in a better position than they were in last year with Max Hall and John Skelton. The one scenario that would prevent Gabbert from going to the Cardinals is if Von Miller is still on the board, but I wouldn't bank on that happening.
#6 The Cleveland Browns select Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama
The Browns have an opportunity to fill a need with a better overall prospect if they take Robert Quinn, but Cleveland has absolutely nothing at the wide out position, and Julio Jones is an elite prospect at the position. Quinn is just as good at defensive end, but the position depth at D-end is amazing in this draft. There will be an impact pass rusher available in the second round, but there won't be a receiver close to Julio's level in round two. Colt McCoy will have his first legitimate weapon on offense, and that will allow the Browns to determine whether or not he's the long term answer under center.
#7 The San Francisco 49ers select Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU
On my personal draft board, Peterson is the second-best player in this draft. For the niners to get Peterson here is a steal. He immediately becomes a shutdown corner, and will possibly make an even bigger impact on special teams by shifting field position with his skills as a return man. Peterson's numbers as a returner at LSU surpass Devin Hester's at Miami. The 49ers are anemic on offense, and will rely on Peterson to return kicks and punts from day one as a big part of their offense gameplan.
#8 The Tennessee Titans select Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn
Albert Haynesworth may have proven to not be worth the money, but that doesn't change the fact that the Titans have not been the same on defense since he left. Nick Fairley comes to the NFL draft with a few character questions of his own, but nothing that should stop the Titans from drafting him. The Titans would gladly take Blaine Gabbert if he is on the board, and will consider trading down to take Jake Locker. Quarterback is definitely their number one need, but their draft choice falls in a bad place within the draft order. Most likely, the Titans will take Fairley here and hope to draft Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton in the second round.
#9 The Dallas Cowboys select Tyron Smith (OT) - USC
Tyron Smith to the Cowboys is one of the worst kept secrets coming into the draft. The Boys need a replacement for aging tackle Marc Columbo, and Smith is reportedly the man that has Jerry Jones' attention. Smith is a better fit than a more polished tackle like Anthony Castonzo because his athletic ability fits the Cowboys' blocking scheme. Romo likes to use his mobility and Smith is the best blocker in the draft on the move.
#10 The Washington Redskins select Robert Quinn (DE/OLB) - North Carolina
The Redskins have holes all over their depth chart, and with Santana Moss possibly on the way out, the Skins probably want Julio Jones to fall to this spot. I don't see that happening, which means that Washington will simply take the best player still on the board. If Quinn is still available, he can't fall any further than this. His abilities on the edge will open things up for the suddenly re-emergent Adam Carriker on the inside.
#11 The Houston Texans select Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska
The Texans spent their first round pick on a corner last year (Kareem Jackson), but their pass defense was still comically bad last season. The team has the total package on offense, but they must continue to build the defense. Amukamara is only a notch below Patrick Peterson, and there is no shame in that. Prospects like Peterson come around at the cornerback position once every few years, but Amukamara is still an elite level talent in his own right. His size and speed make him an immediate impact player that will start from day one. If Amukamara becomes a lock-down corner from day one, the Texans will be an AFC contender.
#12 The Minnesota Vikings select Jake Locker (QB) - Washington
I would have never believed that the Vikings had the backbone to make this selection, but it's the pick that many people believe the Vikings will make. Last year, Locker graded out ahead of Sam Bradford, and many expected him to be a top five pick. However, Locker went back to school and struggled to standout with a mediocre team around him at Washington. Now he's slowly creeping up draft boards once again, especially after Jon Gruden tabbed him as one of the toughest players in the draft regardless of position. Locker has all the physical talents to be a top quarterback in the NFL, and has never played with players that enhance his talents, which means the sky is still the limit for him. I like Locker a lot, and think he can be a franchise quarterback. His ceiling is higher than any other rookie quarterback besides Cam Newton.
#13 The Detroit Lions select Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Boston College
The Lions will have their fingers crossed until they make their pick. If Prince Amukamara is on the board here, the Lions will take him in a matter of seconds. The Lions have glaring needs at cornerback and linebacker, but they can't address either of those needs at this point in the first round. The Lions will settle for Castonzo, likely the most NFL-ready offensive lineman in the draft. Castonzo will be a starter for day one and will be another cornerstone for the Lions' blossoming rebuilding project.
#14 The St. Louis Rams select Aldon Smith (DE/OLB) - Missouri
The St. Louis Rams will be looking to trade up and get Julio Jones, but trading into the top ten will be difficult because of the lockout. Teams will only be allowed to trade draft picks, but not players. Under these circumstances, it would possibly take trading picks from the 2012 and maybe even the 2013 draft to get a blockbuster deal done. The Rams will likely settle for Smith, an intimidating rush end who can play multiple positions on the outside. Smith isn't a very polished prospect but is big, fast, and athletic. He will definitely have a chance to be an impact player in St. Louis.
#15 The Miami Dolphins select Mike Pouncey (G/C) - Florida
The Dolphins will only take Pouncey if they can't trade down or maybe even out of the first round. The Dolphins want either Ryan Mallett or Andy Dalton, but they can't draft either of them here. Miami doesn't have a second round pick, so they have to parlay this first round pick into multiple picks. If they take Pouncey as a last resort, they will have to focus on trading into the second round with a package built around their third round pick. If they can acquire that second round pick, it will be used on a QB such as Christian Ponder or Colin Kaepernick. The Dolphins will be ecstatic if Ryan Mallett's character issues cause him to drop out of the second round and into their laps. Mallett is the type of talent that can start in week one.
#16 The Jacksonville Jaguars select Da'Quan Bowers (DE/OLB) - Clemson
The Jaguars are very much prepared to take Ryan Kerrigan with this pick, but if Bowers falls to this slot, he would be hard to pass on. The Jags like Kerrigan, but they can't justify taking him with Bowers still on the board. Bowers has some injury concerns, but most of them have been dismissed at this point. Bowers was a top five prospect before questions about his knee caused his stock to slip, but after missing on Derrick Harvey in the 2008 Draft, the Jags need to take a home run swing. Kerrigan looks to be a lock to be a good NFL player, but Bowers could possibly be a perennial All-Pro.
#17 The New England Patriots select Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB) - Purdue
Defensive lineman continue to fly off the board as the Patriots add to their defense with the selection of Kerrigan. Kerrigan is the type of high energy motor guy that the Pats love. Kerrigan is far from the most talented player in this loaded class of defensive ends, but he may be the hardest worker. If the Jaguars choose to take Bowers based on his potential, the Patriots will gladly take Kerrigan.
#18 The San Diego Chargers select JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin
The Chargers do not expect Watt to be available, but if the draft plays out the way I've laid it out so far, he will be nice and available at this part of the draft. This draft is filled to the brim with top notch defensive prospects. Watt will be able to fill a position that has been unstable since the departure of Richard Seymour.
#19 The New York Giants select Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin
The Giants have had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL for quite sometime, that consistency is starting to be tested by age and health concerns. Drafting Carimi at this spot gives the G-men a young stud to help rebuild this unit on the fly. The Giants were probably one healthy lineman away from being a playoff team last year, Carimi will be the cornerstone of the Giants O-line over the next decade.
#20 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Cameron Jordan (DE) - California
The Buccaneers are looking hard for a defensive end and they will be more than satisfied with Jordan. There are so many top notch ends in this draft that it looks like everyone will be content with what falls to them. Jordan possesses the same triple crown of size, strength, and athleticism that so many others have in this class. That doesn't change the fact that Jordan is a top prospect that could be a top 12 pick in other years. Jordan will be a mainstay on the end to compliment Gerald McCoy inside as the Bucs continue to build another menacing defense through the draft.
#21 The Kansas City Chiefs select Nate Solder (OT) - Colorado
The Chiefs really want Phil Taylor's foot to magically heal, making him a viable selection for them at this spot. In reality, the team looks to be sold on selecting Solder as a replacement for Barry Richardson, who is better suited as a rotational lineman and not a starter. There are many opinions circulating about Solder. Some say that he is the best tackle in the draft, while others think he is more of an early second round type of prospect. Solder's size and strength can't be questioned, but his technique has been said to need improvement. Regardless, he should be an improvement over any of the guys that KC used last year. Solder's career path will be drastically shaped by the coaching he recieves once he enters the league.
#22 The Indianapolis Colts select Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi State
Colts GM Bill Polian has already acknowledged that he made a mistake by not taking an offensive lineman in last year's draft. He won't make that mistake again. Unfortunately, both of the tackles that Indy covets are already off the board in this mock draft. Still, the Colts will not be deterred this time around. Sherrod may be a reach in the first round, but Indy likes him and he does have talent. The Colts don't have many needs, so they can afford to reach on a second round prospect with this pick.
#23 The Philadelphia Eagles select Jimmy Smith (CB) - Colorado
The Eagles are picking late enough in the first round that they can afford to take a risk on this type of boom or bust prospect. Smith has the measurables of a top 15 pick, but his play at Colorado was inconsistent, and his character has been called into question. However, the Eagles have two pressing needs, cornerback and the offensive line. Philly will be forced to take Smith because of the run on lineman that occurs just before their pick. If the Eagles fall in love with a tackle prospect, they could trade up in the draft to get him. They have a reputation of being aggressive with trades on draft day. If Smith lives up to his potential, he could receive a lot of playing time as a situational corner or even a starter with the departure of Ellis Hobbs due to a neck injury.
#24 The New Orleans Saints select Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple
The Saints have one very menacing side on their defensive line. Newly acquired Shuan Rogers and Will Smith are beyond intimidating, but the other side of that line is in need of an overhaul. Wilkerson is a great place to start. The big man from Temple has crept into the top ten on Mel Kiper's board and has been very impressive throughout the pre-draft process. Wilkerson and Rogers could be one of the league's best duos on the inside. The Saints are hoping that Da'Quan Bowers slips to them, but that doesn't seem likely. If he does, the Saints will abandon the Wilkerson plan and go with Bowers. If the Saints decide to build from the outside in, Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Heyward are two more options from the deepest class of defensive ends ever.
#25 The Seattle Seahawks select Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois
The Seahawks want Jake Locker. He has been the golden boy of the Pacific Northwest for four years and the Seahawks would love to turn their favorite Husky into a franchise quarterback, but the Vikings have seemingly fell in love with Locker and won't let him slip out of their grasps. If the fascination with Locker in Minnesota is real, the Seahawks will have to try to fill one of their other needs. Corey Liuget is somewhat of an unknown to many, but he is a top 15 prospect according to Scouts Inc. and is highly regarded among most GMs. Liuget isn't the athlete that Muhammad Wilkerson is, but he was productive in the Big Ten against more than a few future NFL lineman.
#26 The Baltimore Ravens select Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger has insisted that the Ravens will take Cameron Heyward if he is on the board, but I don't know if that still applies if Adrian Clayborn is still on the board. Still, I'll trust that Baldinger knows what he's talking about. Either way, the Ravens will be getting a solid defensive end from out of the Big Ten. Heyward is a nice kid who plays with a mean streak that the Ravens will appreciate. I prefer Clayborn to Heyward, but I think the Ravens are more impressed by the speed and physicality that Heyward brings to the table.
#27 The Atlanta Falcons select Adrian Clayborn (DE) - Iowa
The Ravens may like Heyward, but the Falcons prefer the mammoth Clayborn on the edge. Clayborn will be the heir apparent to John Abraham who will be 33 this season. He has decent speed to go with obscene size and strength, and was dominant at times in college. Before the college football season, Clayborn was considered to be the top defensive end in this class. However, an up and down year at Iowa and the emergence of over a dozen highly touted edge rushers has left Clayborn in the laps of Atlanta late in the first round. Clayborn is still an impressive physical prospect that would be going in the top 15 in a different year with less options for teams looking for help with their pass rush.
#28 The New England Patriots select Justin Houston (OLB/DE) - Georgia
There is a 99.9% chance that the Pats will trade this pick. If they do make a selection, they will pair up Houston with their young stud linebacker Jerod Mayo. This pick will actually be spent on a quarterback. Depending on the team that deals into this spot, either Andy Dalton or Christian Ponder will hear their name called here. Ryan Mallett would have been a candidate to be selected here as well, but his recent issues involving a skipped meeting with the Carolina Panthers have made him a solid second round pick. Teams looking to draft Mallett won't be looking to trade into this spot.
#29 The Chicago Bears select Marvin Austin (DT) - North Carolina
The Bears are desperate to draft an offensive tackle. They dont seem to be interested in a guard like Dan Watkins and Mike Pouncey will be long gone by this time. All of the offensive tackles that received first round grades are off the board. There is a possibility that the Bears could reach for a second round prospect like TCU's Marcus Cannon, but I think they will turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball where the talent pool is still deep even in this late stage of the first round. Austin was considered to be a top ten prospect before the season, but having to sit out the entire season at UNC due to NCAA violations has caused him to drop to this position. Austin is still every bit of the dominant player that we all remember, but we haven't seen it in awhile.
#30 The New York Jets select Phil Taylor (NT) - Baylor
The Chiefs really like Phil Taylor, but murmurs of him having foot issues will be enough to scare them away from drafting him in the first round. The Jets are showing no such concerns. The Jets will try to trade down into the second round to accumulate picks, but if the Jets do make a selection, they will likely take Taylor as a replacement for the often injured Kris Jenkins. If the Jets dump the pick, this would be an ideal spot to see another quarterback snatched by an aggressive team looking to make a move.
#31 The Pittsburgh Steelers select Aaron Williams (CB) - Texas
The Steelers need major help at the cornerback position, so much so that this may not be the only corner that the Steelers take in this draft. It's a no-brainer to pick either Williams or Miami's Brandon Harris with this pick. Most experts agree that Williams is the preferred choice among the two. Especially since he has the ability to possibly slide over to the safety position if necessary.
#32 The Green Bay Packers select Brooks Reid (DE/OLB) - Arizona
Reid has a lot of attributes in common with the player that Clay Mathews was when the Packers drafted him in the first round. Their comparative high energy styles of play are probably why the Pack prefer him instead of Akeem Ayers, another top prospect at the position. This pick is also a candidate to be included in a trade if a team thirsty for a quarterback gets anxious.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Introducing "AmStat Audio"
Amateur Status is back with a new weekly feature called AmStat Audio. This isn't exactly the radio you're listening to, it's just a casual conversation with me (Chris Godfrey) about whatever is piquing the interest of college sports fans from coast to coast. I plan to have some special guests on the show soon, and hopefully I receive plenty of feedback from the readers about topics to address in the future. Take a listen, and let me know what you think. This is AmStat Audio.
Point Shaving Scandal Rocks San Diego
This is a story that isn't getting enough attention. An assistant coach and a star player were arrested in connection to a point shaving scandal at the University of San Diego. I will never understand why a story of this magnitude isn't leading Sportscenter every night. I'm very interested to see how all of this unfolds. Most notably, what will be the fate of USD's highly regarded head coach Bill Grier? Grier was once Mark Few's heir apparent at Gonzaga, now he must try to guide a last place team through a mess that will certainly have stinging repercussions. Fortunately, as of this moment, it seems that Grier was totally in the dark about the potential illegal activity. If Grier's name is ever linked to this scandal, it could abruptly end a very talented coach's career.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
College Basketball's Most Eligible Bachelor
Trevor Lacey (6’3) Guard - Huntsville, Alabama
Trevor Lacey is one of the most important names in college basketball
right now. Lacey wasn’t a McDonald’s All-American and he is only ranked
as the #40 player in the country, but the world currently revolves
around this talented combo guard for one reason. Lacey is the best
available unsigned basketball recruit in the country. One school will
have the opportunity to add one more building block to their team during
a period when most coaches are praying that they don’t lose talented
players to the lure of the NBA Draft.
Lacey has narrowed his college decision to these schools: Alabama, Auburn, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Kansas
Lacey has narrowed his college decision to these schools: Alabama, Auburn, Connecticut, Kentucky, and Kansas
Friday, April 15, 2011
NFL Draft Coverage: Defensive Position Rankings (DEs, DTs, LBs, DBs)
1. Robert Quinn - North Carolina
2. DaQuan Bowers - Clemson
3. JJ Watt - Wisconsin
4. Ryan Kerrigan - Purdue
5. Adrian Clayborn - Iowa
6. Cameron Heyward - Ohio State
7. Aldon Smith - Missouri [pictured]8. Cameron Jordan - California
9. Allen Bailey - Miami FL
10. Greg Romeus - Pittsburgh
11. Christian Ballard - Iowa
12. Jeremy Beal - Oklahoma
13. Sam Acho - Texas
14. Jabaal Sheard - Pittsburgh
15. Cliff Matthews - South Carolina
16. Brandon Bair - Oregon
17. Ugo Chinasa - Oklahoma State
18. Pierre Allen - Nebraska
19. Pernell Mcphee - Mississippi State
20. Ryan Winterswyk - Boise State
21. Rick Elmore - Arizona [pictured]
22. Eddie Jones - Texas
23. Karl Klug - Iowa24. Markus White - Florida State
25. Lazarius Levingston - LSU
Defensive Tackles
1. Marcell Dareus - Alabama
2. Nick Fairley - Auburn
3. Marvin Austin - North Carolina [pictured]
4. Muhammad Wilkerson - Temple
5. Stephen Paea - Oregon State
6. Corey Liuget - Illinois
7. Drake Nevis - LSU
8. Jarvis Jenkins - Clemson
9. Phil Taylor - Baylor
10. Jurrell Casey - USC
11. Jerrell Powe - Ole Miss
12. Ian Williams - Notre Dame
13. Terrell McClain - USF
14. Kenrick Ellis - Hampton15. Lawrence Guy - Arizona State
16. Sione Fua - Stanford
17. Chris Neild - West Virginia
18. David Carter - UCLA
19. Sealver Siliga - Utah
20. Ladi Ajiboye - South Carolina
21. Cedric Thornton - Southern Arkansas
22. Martin Parker - Richmond
23. Zach Clayton - Auburn
24. Mike Blanc - Auburn
25. Ollie Ogbu - Penn State
Outside Linebackers
1. Von Miller - Texas A&M2. Akeem Ayers - UCLA
3. Bruce Carter - North Carolina
4. Dontay Moch - Nevada [pictured]
5. Justin Houston - Georgia
6. Brooks Reed - Arizona
7. Mark Herzlich - Boston College
8. Lawrence Wilson - Connecticut
9. Ross Homan - Ohio State
10. Doug Hogue - Syracuse
11. Brian Rolle - Ohio State
12. Eric Gordon - Michigan State
13. Jonas Mouton - Michigan
14. Mason Foster - Washington
15. Michael Morgan - USC
16. Adrian Moten - Maryland [pictured]
17. Brian Smith - Notre Dame18. Malcolm Smith - USC
19. KJ Wright - Mississippi State
20. Chris Carter - Fresno State
Inside Linebackers
1. Martez Wilson - Illinois
2. Quan Sturdivant - North Carolina
3. Greg Jones - Michigan State
4. Casey Mathews - Oregon
5. Nate Irving - North Carolina State
6. Kelvin Sheppard - LSU
7. Colin McCarthy - Miami FL8. Mike Mohamed - California
9. Nick Bellore - Central Michigan
10. Mario Harvey - Marshall [pictured]
11. Bruce Miller - UCF
12. Akeem Dent - Georgia
13. Scott Lutrus - Connecticut
14. Obi Ezeh - Michigan
15. Brian Duncan - Texas Tech
16. Josh Bynes - Auburn
17. Chris White - Mississippi State
18. Alex Wujciak - Maryland
19. Orie Lemon - Oklahoma State
20. Greg Lloyd - Connecticut
Cornerbacks
1. Patrick Peterson - LSU2. Prince Amukamara - Nebraska
3. Brandon Harris - Miami FL
4. Jimmy Smith - Colorado [pictured]
5. Aaron Williams - Texas
6. Ras-I Dowling - Virginia
7. Curtis Brown - Texas
8. Brandon Burton - Utah
9. Chimdi Chekwa - Ohio State
10. Shareece Wright - USC
11. Kendric Burney - North Carolina
12. Davon House - New Mexico State
13. Brandon Hogan - West Virginia
14. Johnny Patrick - Louisville
15. Marcus Gilchrist - Clemson
16. Curtis Marsh - Utah State
17. Jalil Brown - Colorado
18. Rashad Carmichael - Virginia Tech19. Chris L Rucker - Michigan State
20. DeMarcus Van Dyke - Miami FL
21. Chykie Brown - Texas
22. Buster Skrine - Chattanooga
23. Devon Torrence - Ohio State
24. Richard Sherman - Stanford
25. Cortez Allen - The Citadel [pictured]
Safeties
1. Rahim Moore - UCLA
2. Quinton Carter - Oklahoma
3. Tyler Sash - Iowa
4. Deunta Williams - North Carolina
5. DeAndre McDaniel - Clemson
6. Ahmad Black - Florida
7. Joe Lefeged - Rutgers
8. Da'Norris Searcy - North Carolina
9. Shiloh Keo - Idaho [pictured]
10. Jeron Johnson - Boise State
11. Robert Sands - West Virginia
12. Jerrard Tarrant - Georgia Tech
13. Jermale Hines - Ohio State
14. Chris Culliver - South Carolina
15. Chris Conte - California
16. Will Hill - Florida
17. Mark Legree - Appalachian State
18. Jaiquawn Jarrett - Temple
19. Tejay Johnson - TCU
20. Jay Valai - Wisconsin
21. Zac Etheridge - Auburn
22. Brian Lainhart - Kent State
23. Jai Eugene - LSU
24. Eric Hagg - Nebraska
25. Keanemana Silva - Hawaii
26. Colin Jones - TCU
27. Chris Prosinsky - Wyoming
28. Dejon Gomes - Nebraska
29. David Sims - Iowa State
30. Troy Woolfork - Michigan
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
2011 Jordan Brand Classic
For the 10th year, Nike's prestigious (Michael) Jordan Brand will host its annual Jordan Brand Classic. The JBC has arguably ascended to the status of being the nation's second best high school all-star game (behind the McDonald's All-American game of course) This year the event will be held at the home of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, Time Warner Cable Arena. One of the unique aspects of the JBC is the regional all-star game that is also included in the festivities. The best players from the state of North Carolina (and two players from Virginia's Hargrave Military Academy) will play in the first game of the doubleheader before the All-Americans take the floor. The second game will be shown live on ESPN2 this Saturday at 8pm. Here are the rosters for the televised game.
East Team
| Name | Pos | Hgt | Wgt | High School (School Location) | College |
| Khem Birch | C | 6-9 | 210 | Notre Dame Prep (Fitchburg, MA) | Pittsburgh |
| Michael Carter-Williams | SG | 6-5 | 175 | St. Andrew’s School (Providence, RI) | Syracuse |
| Rakeem Christmas | C | 6-9 | 222 | Academy of New Church (Bryn Athyn, PA) | Syracuse |
| Mike Gbinije | SF | 6-6 | 194 | Benedictine High School (Richmond, VA) | Duke |
| Michael Gilchrist | SF | 6-7 | 210 | St. Patrick High School (Elizabeth, NJ) | Kentucky |
| P.J. Hairston | SG | 6-6 | 220 | Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, VA) | North Carolina |
| James McAdoo | PF | 6-8 | 216 | Norfolk Christian School (Norfolk, VA) | North Carolina |
| Quincy Miller | PF | 6-9 | 210 | Westchester Country Day (High Point, NC) | Baylor |
| Austin Rivers | SG | 6-4 | 189 | Winter Park High School (Winter Park, FL) | Duke |
| Shannon Scott | PG | 6-2 | 170 | Milton High School (Alpharetta, GA) | Ohio State |
| Marquis Teague | PG | 6-2 | 175 | Pike High School (Indianapolis, IN) | Kentucky |
West Team
| Name | Pos | Hgt | Wgt | High School (School Location) | College |
| Bradley Beal | SG | 6-4 | 177 | Chaminade College Prep (St. Louis, MO) | Florida |
| Jabari Brown | SG | 6-3 | 200 | Oakland High School (Oakland, CA) | Oregon |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | SG | 6-4 | 190 | Greenville High School (Greenville, GA) | Georgia |
| Anthony Davis | PF | 6-10 | 200 | Perspectives Charter School (Chicago, IL) | Kentucky |
| Myck Kabongo | PG | 6-2 | 170 | Findlay College Prep (Henderson, NV) | Texas |
| Johnny O’Bryant | PF | 6-10 | 245 | East Side High School (Cleveland, MS) | LSU |
| Sir’Dominic Pointer | SF | 6-6 | 195 | Quality Education Acad. (Winston-Salem, NC) | St. John’s |
| Otto Porter, Jr. | SF | 6-9 | 200 | Scott County Central (Sikeston, MO) | Undecided |
| Adonis Thomas | SF | 6-6 | 210 | Melrose High School (Memphis, TN) | Memphis |
| Kyle Wiltjer | PF | 6-9 | 221 | Jesuit High School (Portland, OR) | Kentucky |
| Tony Wroten, Jr. | SG | 6-4 | 206 | Garfield High School (Seattle, WA) | Washington |
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
2011 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
The Portsmouth Invitational Tournament started today in Portsmouth, Virginia. The "PIT" is one of the most important evaluation tournaments in the months leading up to the NBA Draft. Some of the country's best players are attending this year, including a few players that received All-America mentions from the Associated Press. These are the rosters for this year's tournament. A few of the teams look to be pretty stacked, but this tournament has a tendency to produce some unlikely stars. Landry Fields was the breakthrough star in Virginia last year, and he has continued his success in the NBA this season. One of these players may be able to put themselves on track for similar success with an impressive performance this week. This year's participants...
Coaches: Dennis Koutoufas & Ben Moore
| # | Last Name | College | Pos | Ht | Wt | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Brown, Gilbert | Pittsburgh | F | 6' 6" | 215 | 10.9 | 4.4 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 44.7 | 39.4 | 78.8 |
| 11 | Johnson, Ravern | Mississippi State | F | 6' 7" | 175 | 17.6 | 3.6 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 43 | 40.3 | 78 |
| 22 | Lauderdale, Dallas | Ohio State | F | 6' 8" | 255 | 4.2 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 73.3 | 0 | 30.8 |
| 42 | Sikma, Luke | Portland | F | 6' 8" | 235 | 12.9 | 10.5 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 52.6 | 33.3 | 78.9 |
| 23 | Thomas, Malcolm | San Diego State | F | 6' 9" | 215 | 11.1 | 8.1 | 2.3 | 0.5 | 2 | 53.3 | 0 | 64.3 |
| 13 | Hardy, Dwight | Saint John | G | 6' 2" | 196 | 18.3 | 2.9 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 44.8 | 35.4 | 84.5 |
| 45 | Payne, Mark | Cal-Davis | G | 6' 8" | 215 | 15.5 | 4.9 | 3.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 52.2 | 32.7 | 81.4 |
| 5 | Stokes, Corey | Villanova | G | 6' 5" | 220 | 14.9 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 43.3 | 43.2 | 89.4 |
Coaches: Leo Anthony & Mac Carroll
| # | Last Name | College | Pos | Ht | Wt | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3PT% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | Tisdale, Mike | Illinois | C | 7' 1" | 250 | 10 | 6.5 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 50.6 | 40.4 | 80 |
| 5 | Bose, Anatoly | Nicholls State | F | 6' 6" | 200 | 22.1 | 5.9 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 34.9 | 32.5 | 79.3 |
| 15 | Bryan-Amaning, Matthew | Washington | F | 6' 9" | 240 | 15.3 | 8 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 44.5 | 34.9 | 71.9 |
| 20 | Kelly, Curtis | Kansas State | F | 6' 8" | 239 | 10.5 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 53.2 | 100 | 53.5 |
| 1 | Anderson, Kevin | Richmond | G | 6' 0" | 175 | 15.7 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 44.5 | 45.4 | 68.3 |
| 2 | Long, Cam | George Mason | G | 6' 4" | 187 | 15.1 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 47.9 | 43.2 | 75.2 |
| 3 | Stitt, Demontez | Clemson | G | 6' 2" | 180 | 14.5 | 4.3 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 43.3 | 34.6 | 73.2 |
| 12 | Wanamaker, Brad | Pittsburgh | G | 6' 4" | 210 | 11.8 | 5.2 | 5.1 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 45.5 | 33.3 | 75.3 |
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