Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Jake Peavy has been ice-cold for the White Sox.
Peavy problems
After four starts this season, White Sox righthander Jake Peavy is winless with a 7.66 ERA and as many walks (15) as strikeouts. He recently said that mechanics, and not injuries, were to blame. Tonight at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Peavy will face a pitcher battling similar problems. Righthander Rich Harden is 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA and an 18/20 K/BB. Harden has pitched past the fifth inning only once this season.
Pirates on the plank
Pittsburgh already has seen enough of Milwaukee this season. Last week at PNC Park, the Brewers outscored the Pirates 36-1 in a three-game sweep. In the final game of that series, Milwaukee put a 20-0 beating on Pittsburgh, which fell below .500 with that loss and still hasn’t recovered. In the first game of the teams’ three-game series at Miller Park on Monday, the Brewers again pounded the Pirates, 17-3. Pittsburgh will give the ball to lefthander Paul Maholm in the series finale this afternoon and hope the lefthander can find a way to shut down Ryan Braun and Co. In five games against Pittsburgh this season, Braun has two homers and eight RBIs.
Surprise, surprise
While would-be contenders such as the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mariners, Braves, White Sox and Rangers continue to wallow below the .500 mark, the Marlins and Padres enter their series finale this afternoon with winning records. As expected, Adrian Gonzalez’s big bat has paced San Diego, but Dan Uggla’s early-season success for Florida is surprising. In the first four seasons of his major league career, Uggla hit only .236 in April. However, he leads the team’s regulars in batting average this season and is among the team leaders in homers, RBIs and on-base percentage. Today, Uggla will face Padres righthander Kevin Correia, whose 8.6 K/9 this season is the best of his career.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sponsored link: Pirate tickets available
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to expect in the major leagues today:
Jake Peavy has been ice-cold for the White Sox.
Peavy problems
After four starts this season, White Sox righthander Jake Peavy is winless with a 7.66 ERA and as many walks (15) as strikeouts. He recently said that mechanics, and not injuries, were to blame. Tonight at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Peavy will face a pitcher battling similar problems. Righthander Rich Harden is 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA and an 18/20 K/BB. Harden has pitched past the fifth inning only once this season.
Pirates on the plank
Pittsburgh already has seen enough of Milwaukee this season. Last week at PNC Park, the Brewers outscored the Pirates 36-1 in a three-game sweep. In the final game of that series, Milwaukee put a 20-0 beating on Pittsburgh, which fell below .500 with that loss and still hasn’t recovered. In the first game of the teams’ three-game series at Miller Park on Monday, the Brewers again pounded the Pirates, 17-3. Pittsburgh will give the ball to lefthander Paul Maholm in the series finale this afternoon and hope the lefthander can find a way to shut down Ryan Braun and Co. In five games against Pittsburgh this season, Braun has two homers and eight RBIs.
Surprise, surprise
While would-be contenders such as the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mariners, Braves, White Sox and Rangers continue to wallow below the .500 mark, the Marlins and Padres enter their series finale this afternoon with winning records. As expected, Adrian Gonzalez’s big bat has paced San Diego, but Dan Uggla’s early-season success for Florida is surprising. In the first four seasons of his major league career, Uggla hit only .236 in April. However, he leads the team’s regulars in batting average this season and is among the team leaders in homers, RBIs and on-base percentage. Today, Uggla will face Padres righthander Kevin Correia, whose 8.6 K/9 this season is the best of his career.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sponsored link: Pirate tickets available
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick joined The Big Show on WEEI in Boston to talk about releasing Adalius Thomas, his relationship with college coaches, and different aspects of evaluating players in the draft. To listen to the interview go to Sports Radio Interviews.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick says his relationship with Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer doesn’t much affect his assessment of college players.
What was the thinking behind releasing Adalius Thomas?
Belichick: I think he was a good football player. He came in and had a heck of a year for us in ’07. At this point in time, we felt that that was the direction we were going to go in.
Every year after the draft, teams get certain players and then release players that we were with them in previous years – some with bigger salaries, some not – experienced players that have been productive in their careers. I’m sure we’ll see some more of that in the next week or so. Then it will probably die off. Then we’ll see some more of it when we get into training camp and towards the end of training camp.
You can kind of mark those days down on the calendar as things that are going to happen. Who and how many and all that is a team by team decision. People get new players and want to give them opportunities to see their teams develop in a certain way. You move on from older players and bring in younger ones. It’s the nature of professional football.
Did Belichick’s relationship with Urban Meyer give him inside information about Florida Gators players?
Belichick: I don’t think so. At the pro day down there in Florida, there were almost 140-150 people there from the NFL at the pro day. I don’t think those players are any big secret. We’ve scouted the Florida players since last spring, all fall, all through the all-star games just like everybody else has.
There have been plenty of drafts when we haven’t taken Florida players. We haven’t taken players from Coach Saban’s program, Coach Ferentz’s program, Coach Hill’s program, Coach Schiano’s program, or anybody else’s. We are not partial to any particular school, but I do think that players from some of those programs, because of the way they play, what they look for, what they look for in players age 18, 17, 19, whatever it is coming out of high school, that often there is that same correlation fit the profile and the program that we are looking for. I don’t think that hurts those kids, but it’s certainly not a situation where we are drafting from those six schools…
Do I think we have any inside information? Not really. I think everybody has seen the same games and watched as many practices and film and done as many interviews at the Combine as everybody else does.
Was Devin McCourty the player he had targeted going into the draft?
Belichick: No. We didn’t go into the draft looking at one player. There are a lot players in that draft that are good players. There are a lot of players in the first round that are good players. There are players after we picked that are good players. We felt like the value and the pick at that time, the best player was Devin, obviously.
Each time you have a draft pick, you look at the board and the board looks different. That is very much different than, "We have three players targeted in the draft." What happens when we they are gone? What happens if other players that you didn’t expect to be there are there?
I would have never thought that [Rob] Gronkowski would have been there when we took him. I would have never thought that [Brandon] Spikes or [Aaron] Hernandez would have been there when we took them. And quite frankly, I was surprised that [Jermaine] Cunningham was still on the board in the second round. And I definitely didn’t think that [Thomas] Welch or [Ted] Larsen would be there at the end of the sixth or seventh round.
We have taken players that didn’t nearly have the grades that they had in the fourth round because of the board being so depleted – like in the ’07 draft for example. You just never know.
What are Belichick’s thoughts on measuring how important football is to a player?
Belichick: It’s very subjective. There’s no real chart that you have. It’s just kind of an intuition and a little bit of feel.
I think you can tell by the way the player prepares and what he puts into the game, his conditioning, his training, his film study, his knowledge of the game, the amount of time he spends thinking about both what he is doing and what his opponents are doing, and how well he prepares for it from a physical standpoint – you can certainly get an idea of the commitment, both physically and mentally, that he puts into the game. That’s a good indicator of how he will improve.
How does Belichick evaluate wide receivers?
Belichick: A lot of production of college receivers is related to three things: One, the system. Two, the quarterback. And three, the skill level of the player. When one and two aren’t really there, no matter what three is, it’s hard for that person to be productive when the offense doesn’t throw the ball and the quarterback is not a high producer.
More from SRI
Leon Washington talks about going to the Seattle Seahawks
Raheem Morris talks about the Tampa Bay Bucs’ draft
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick joined The Big Show on WEEI in Boston to talk about releasing Adalius Thomas, his relationship with college coaches, and different aspects of evaluating players in the draft. To listen to the interview go to Sports Radio Interviews.
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick says his relationship with Florida Gators coach Urban Meyer doesn’t much affect his assessment of college players.
What was the thinking behind releasing Adalius Thomas?
Belichick: I think he was a good football player. He came in and had a heck of a year for us in ’07. At this point in time, we felt that that was the direction we were going to go in.
Every year after the draft, teams get certain players and then release players that we were with them in previous years – some with bigger salaries, some not – experienced players that have been productive in their careers. I’m sure we’ll see some more of that in the next week or so. Then it will probably die off. Then we’ll see some more of it when we get into training camp and towards the end of training camp.
You can kind of mark those days down on the calendar as things that are going to happen. Who and how many and all that is a team by team decision. People get new players and want to give them opportunities to see their teams develop in a certain way. You move on from older players and bring in younger ones. It’s the nature of professional football.
Did Belichick’s relationship with Urban Meyer give him inside information about Florida Gators players?
Belichick: I don’t think so. At the pro day down there in Florida, there were almost 140-150 people there from the NFL at the pro day. I don’t think those players are any big secret. We’ve scouted the Florida players since last spring, all fall, all through the all-star games just like everybody else has.
There have been plenty of drafts when we haven’t taken Florida players. We haven’t taken players from Coach Saban’s program, Coach Ferentz’s program, Coach Hill’s program, Coach Schiano’s program, or anybody else’s. We are not partial to any particular school, but I do think that players from some of those programs, because of the way they play, what they look for, what they look for in players age 18, 17, 19, whatever it is coming out of high school, that often there is that same correlation fit the profile and the program that we are looking for. I don’t think that hurts those kids, but it’s certainly not a situation where we are drafting from those six schools…
Do I think we have any inside information? Not really. I think everybody has seen the same games and watched as many practices and film and done as many interviews at the Combine as everybody else does.
Was Devin McCourty the player he had targeted going into the draft?
Belichick: No. We didn’t go into the draft looking at one player. There are a lot players in that draft that are good players. There are a lot of players in the first round that are good players. There are players after we picked that are good players. We felt like the value and the pick at that time, the best player was Devin, obviously.
Each time you have a draft pick, you look at the board and the board looks different. That is very much different than, "We have three players targeted in the draft." What happens when we they are gone? What happens if other players that you didn’t expect to be there are there?
I would have never thought that [Rob] Gronkowski would have been there when we took him. I would have never thought that [Brandon] Spikes or [Aaron] Hernandez would have been there when we took them. And quite frankly, I was surprised that [Jermaine] Cunningham was still on the board in the second round. And I definitely didn’t think that [Thomas] Welch or [Ted] Larsen would be there at the end of the sixth or seventh round.
We have taken players that didn’t nearly have the grades that they had in the fourth round because of the board being so depleted – like in the ’07 draft for example. You just never know.
What are Belichick’s thoughts on measuring how important football is to a player?
Belichick: It’s very subjective. There’s no real chart that you have. It’s just kind of an intuition and a little bit of feel.
I think you can tell by the way the player prepares and what he puts into the game, his conditioning, his training, his film study, his knowledge of the game, the amount of time he spends thinking about both what he is doing and what his opponents are doing, and how well he prepares for it from a physical standpoint – you can certainly get an idea of the commitment, both physically and mentally, that he puts into the game. That’s a good indicator of how he will improve.
How does Belichick evaluate wide receivers?
Belichick: A lot of production of college receivers is related to three things: One, the system. Two, the quarterback. And three, the skill level of the player. When one and two aren’t really there, no matter what three is, it’s hard for that person to be productive when the offense doesn’t throw the ball and the quarterback is not a high producer.
More from SRI
Leon Washington talks about going to the Seattle Seahawks
Raheem Morris talks about the Tampa Bay Bucs’ draft
They say it takes three years to truly analyze an NFL draft, so the class of 2007 is now fair game. Looking back at the first round that year, the hits were big and the misses were bigger. While five players could be on their way to getting busts in Canton — Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Darrelle Revis and Jon Beason — others are already busts.
RB Pierre Thomas has been the unsung hero of the Saints.
Steals
Pierre Thomas, RB, Illinois
Saints: Undrafted
For all the attention Reggie Bush receives, it was Thomas who starred in the role of reliable all-purpose back the past two seasons and helped elevate the offense to new heights, including a Super Bowl victory. He delivered against the Colts in the big game, turning 15 touches into 85 total yards and a touchdown.
LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
Steelers: Round 2, Pick 46
Rarely do such disruptive pass rushers slide this far. Credit the Steelers for realizing Woodley (6-2, 265), a college defensive end, could be a premier sack artist playing outside linebacker in their 3-4. After putting up 25 sacks over the past two seasons, he has the look of a future league defensive MVP.
Brent Celek, TE, Cincinnati
Eagles: Round 5, Pick 162
He emerged as one of the league’s premier receiving tight ends last season, racking up 76 catches for 971 yards and 8 touchdowns. With the Eagles turning quarterback over to Kevin Kolb, Celek should be even more active as a reliable safety valve for a young first-year starter.
Le’Ron McClain, FB, Alabama
Ravens: Round 4, Pick 137
Whether it’s as a punishing between-the-tackle runner or a strong lead blocker, McClain is a force in the Ravens’ rushing attack, earning himself consecutive Pro Bowl berths as the AFC’s top fullback. At a fading position, Baltimore has found the ultimate versatile hammer.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Central Florida
Jaguars: Round 3, Pick 79
Jacksonville finally found its go-to receiver after previous big whiffs in first-rounders Reggie Williams and Matt Jones. Sims-Walker was the 15th wideout taken in ’07 and is the fourth best behind Calvin Johnson, Sidney Rice and the Giants’ Steve Smith. Sims-Walker will remain David Garrard’s top target in ’10.
Stinkers
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Raiders: Round 1, Pick 1
Russell has redefined "big" quarterback bust and is about to be displaced for good by Jason Campbell in Oakland. He could never get his mechanics or his weight down, with both issues related to work ethic. It was a bad class for QBs overall, with Brady Quinn, John Beck, Drew Stanton and Trent Edwards to follow. It’s now on Kolb to save face for the group.
The Raiders aren’t too pleased with former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell’s performance.
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Falcons: Round 1, Pick 8
In the 6-6, 283-pound Anderson, Atlanta was hoping it had its version of Julius Peppers. But with 21Ž2 sacks in 44 career starts, Anderson hasn’t been close to the pass rusher the team thought he would be.
Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
Dolphins: Round 1, Pick 9
The proof that this didn’t work out came fewer than two weeks ago, when Miami was happy to trade him to San Francisco for a fifth-round pick. Although Ginn proved himself as a kickoff returner, he never up lived to his promise as a fast playmaking No. 1 receiver.
Adam Carriker, DT, Nebraska
Rams: Round 1, Pick 13
Carriker has also moved on to his second NFL team, getting shipped to the Redskins more than a week ago in an exchange of late-round picks. He stood out as a rookie, then had an ineffective 2008 before injuries derailed his ’09 season. St. Louis now hopes Chris Long, the second overall pick in 2008, can avoid going down the same path.
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
Packers: Round 1, Pick 16
This is another reason defensive tackle is such a hard position to evaluate. Harrell hasn’t done much for Green Bay, and now he isn¹t a good fit in its 3-4 scheme under Dom Capers, who has Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji as his best options to play the nose.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
First round
1. Oakland—JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit—Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech
3. Cleveland—Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
4. Tampa Bay—Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
5. Arizona—Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
6. Washington—LaRon Landry, S, LSU
7. Minnesota—Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
8. Atlanta—Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
9. Miami—Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
10. Houston—Amobi Okoye, Louisville
11. San Francisco—Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi
12. Buffalo—Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
13. St. Louis—Adam Carriker, DT, Nebraska
14. N.Y. Jets—Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
15. Pittsburgh—Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State
16. Green Bay—Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
17. Denver—Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
18. Cincinnati—Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
19. Tennessee—Michael Griffin, S, Texas
20. N.Y. Giants—Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
21. Jacksonville—Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
22. Cleveland—Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
23. Kansas City—Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
24. New England—Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (Fla.)
25. Carolina—Jon Beason, LB, Miami (Fla.)
26. Dallas—Anthony Spencer, LB, Purdue
27. New Orleans—Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
28. San Francisco—Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
29. Baltimore—Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn
30. San Diego—Craig Davis, WR, LSU
31. Chicago—Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Fla.)
32. Indianapolis—Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State
Second round
33. Arizona—Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
34. Buffalo—Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
35. Tampa Bay—Arron Sears, G, Tennessee
36. Philadelphia—Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston
37. San Diego—Eric Weddle, S, Utah
38. Oakland—Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State
39. Atlanta—Justin Blalock, G, Texas
40. Miami—John Beck, QB, BYU
41. Atlanta—Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
42. Indianapolis—Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
43. Detroit—Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
44. Minnesota—Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
45. Carolina—Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
46. Pittsburgh—LaMarr Woodley, LB, Michigan
47. N.Y. Jets—David Harris, LB, Michigan
48. Jacksonville—Justin Durant, LB, Hampton
49. Cincinnati—Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
50. Tennessee—Chris Henry, RB, Arizona
51. N.Y. Giants—Steve Smith, WR, USC
52. St. Louis—Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers
53. Cleveland—Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
54. Kansas City—Turk McBride, DE, Tennessee
55. Seattle—Josh Wilson, CB, Maryland
56. Denver—Tim Crowder, DE, Texas
57. Philadelphia—Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
58. Detroit—Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE, Hawaii
59. Carolina—Ryan Kalil, C, USC
60. Miami—Samson Satele, C, Hawaii
61. Detroit—Gerald Alexander, S, Boise State
62. Chicago—Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan
63. Green Bay—Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska
64. Tampa Bay—Sabby Piscitelli, S, Oregon State
They say it takes three years to truly analyze an NFL draft, so the class of 2007 is now fair game. Looking back at the first round that year, the hits were big and the misses were bigger. While five players could be on their way to getting busts in Canton — Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Darrelle Revis and Jon Beason — others are already busts.
RB Pierre Thomas has been the unsung hero of the Saints.
Steals
Pierre Thomas, RB, Illinois
Saints: Undrafted
For all the attention Reggie Bush receives, it was Thomas who starred in the role of reliable all-purpose back the past two seasons and helped elevate the offense to new heights, including a Super Bowl victory. He delivered against the Colts in the big game, turning 15 touches into 85 total yards and a touchdown.
LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
Steelers: Round 2, Pick 46
Rarely do such disruptive pass rushers slide this far. Credit the Steelers for realizing Woodley (6-2, 265), a college defensive end, could be a premier sack artist playing outside linebacker in their 3-4. After putting up 25 sacks over the past two seasons, he has the look of a future league defensive MVP.
Brent Celek, TE, Cincinnati
Eagles: Round 5, Pick 162
He emerged as one of the league’s premier receiving tight ends last season, racking up 76 catches for 971 yards and 8 touchdowns. With the Eagles turning quarterback over to Kevin Kolb, Celek should be even more active as a reliable safety valve for a young first-year starter.
Le’Ron McClain, FB, Alabama
Ravens: Round 4, Pick 137
Whether it’s as a punishing between-the-tackle runner or a strong lead blocker, McClain is a force in the Ravens’ rushing attack, earning himself consecutive Pro Bowl berths as the AFC’s top fullback. At a fading position, Baltimore has found the ultimate versatile hammer.
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Central Florida
Jaguars: Round 3, Pick 79
Jacksonville finally found its go-to receiver after previous big whiffs in first-rounders Reggie Williams and Matt Jones. Sims-Walker was the 15th wideout taken in ’07 and is the fourth best behind Calvin Johnson, Sidney Rice and the Giants’ Steve Smith. Sims-Walker will remain David Garrard’s top target in ’10.
Stinkers
JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Raiders: Round 1, Pick 1
Russell has redefined "big" quarterback bust and is about to be displaced for good by Jason Campbell in Oakland. He could never get his mechanics or his weight down, with both issues related to work ethic. It was a bad class for QBs overall, with Brady Quinn, John Beck, Drew Stanton and Trent Edwards to follow. It’s now on Kolb to save face for the group.
The Raiders aren’t too pleased with former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell’s performance.
Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
Falcons: Round 1, Pick 8
In the 6-6, 283-pound Anderson, Atlanta was hoping it had its version of Julius Peppers. But with 21Ž2 sacks in 44 career starts, Anderson hasn’t been close to the pass rusher the team thought he would be.
Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
Dolphins: Round 1, Pick 9
The proof that this didn’t work out came fewer than two weeks ago, when Miami was happy to trade him to San Francisco for a fifth-round pick. Although Ginn proved himself as a kickoff returner, he never up lived to his promise as a fast playmaking No. 1 receiver.
Adam Carriker, DT, Nebraska
Rams: Round 1, Pick 13
Carriker has also moved on to his second NFL team, getting shipped to the Redskins more than a week ago in an exchange of late-round picks. He stood out as a rookie, then had an ineffective 2008 before injuries derailed his ’09 season. St. Louis now hopes Chris Long, the second overall pick in 2008, can avoid going down the same path.
Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
Packers: Round 1, Pick 16
This is another reason defensive tackle is such a hard position to evaluate. Harrell hasn’t done much for Green Bay, and now he isn¹t a good fit in its 3-4 scheme under Dom Capers, who has Ryan Pickett and B.J. Raji as his best options to play the nose.
Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com.
First round
1. Oakland—JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
2. Detroit—Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech
3. Cleveland—Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
4. Tampa Bay—Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
5. Arizona—Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
6. Washington—LaRon Landry, S, LSU
7. Minnesota—Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
8. Atlanta—Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
9. Miami—Ted Ginn, WR, Ohio State
10. Houston—Amobi Okoye, Louisville
11. San Francisco—Patrick Willis, LB, Mississippi
12. Buffalo—Marshawn Lynch, RB, California
13. St. Louis—Adam Carriker, DT, Nebraska
14. N.Y. Jets—Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
15. Pittsburgh—Lawrence Timmons, LB, Florida State
16. Green Bay—Justin Harrell, DT, Tennessee
17. Denver—Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
18. Cincinnati—Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
19. Tennessee—Michael Griffin, S, Texas
20. N.Y. Giants—Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
21. Jacksonville—Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
22. Cleveland—Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
23. Kansas City—Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
24. New England—Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (Fla.)
25. Carolina—Jon Beason, LB, Miami (Fla.)
26. Dallas—Anthony Spencer, LB, Purdue
27. New Orleans—Robert Meachem, WR, Tennessee
28. San Francisco—Joe Staley, OT, Central Michigan
29. Baltimore—Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn
30. San Diego—Craig Davis, WR, LSU
31. Chicago—Greg Olsen, TE, Miami (Fla.)
32. Indianapolis—Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio State
Second round
33. Arizona—Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
34. Buffalo—Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
35. Tampa Bay—Arron Sears, G, Tennessee
36. Philadelphia—Kevin Kolb, QB, Houston
37. San Diego—Eric Weddle, S, Utah
38. Oakland—Zach Miller, TE, Arizona State
39. Atlanta—Justin Blalock, G, Texas
40. Miami—John Beck, QB, BYU
41. Atlanta—Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
42. Indianapolis—Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
43. Detroit—Drew Stanton, QB, Michigan State
44. Minnesota—Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
45. Carolina—Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
46. Pittsburgh—LaMarr Woodley, LB, Michigan
47. N.Y. Jets—David Harris, LB, Michigan
48. Jacksonville—Justin Durant, LB, Hampton
49. Cincinnati—Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
50. Tennessee—Chris Henry, RB, Arizona
51. N.Y. Giants—Steve Smith, WR, USC
52. St. Louis—Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers
53. Cleveland—Eric Wright, CB, UNLV
54. Kansas City—Turk McBride, DE, Tennessee
55. Seattle—Josh Wilson, CB, Maryland
56. Denver—Tim Crowder, DE, Texas
57. Philadelphia—Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
58. Detroit—Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE, Hawaii
59. Carolina—Ryan Kalil, C, USC
60. Miami—Samson Satele, C, Hawaii
61. Detroit—Gerald Alexander, S, Boise State
62. Chicago—Dan Bazuin, DE, Central Michigan
63. Green Bay—Brandon Jackson, RB, Nebraska
64. Tampa Bay—Sabby Piscitelli, S, Oregon State
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to watch for in the major leagues today:
First of 19?
The Twins and Tigers are scheduled to meet 18 times this season, but that also was the case last season — when a 19th game was needed to decide the AL Central title. Minnesota’s 6-5, 12-inning win in that one-game playoff was the sixth matchup between the teams decided by one run and the fourth that went into extra innings.
Justin Morneau hopes to pick up where he left off against the Tigers.
Among the reasons the Twins were able to erase what was a 6 1/2-game division lead for the Tigers on Sept. 8: a 5-3 record vs. Detroit after Sept. 17. Making Minnesota’s late run even more impressive was that it did it without first baseman Justin Morneau, who didn’t play after Sept. 12 because of a back injury. In 11 games against Detroit last season, Morneau hit .340 with three homers and 10 RBIs.
Morneau and the Twins will open a three-game series at Comerica Park tonight.
Double-digit drive
Cardinals co-ace Chris Carpenter is coming off back-to-back outings with 10 strikeouts — the first time in his career he has accomplished that feat. He will try to make it a trifecta tonight when St. Louis continues a four-game series against Atlanta at Busch Stadium. Interestingly, Carpenter’s worst start last season came at home against the Braves, when he allowed seven earned runs in six innings.
AL East mismatch
The last-place Orioles set an all-time attendance low at Camden Yards earlier this season, but there should be plenty of fans in the seats tonight for the first of three against the world champion Yankees. Just don’t surprised if most of the additional fans are wearing pinstripes. And if 2009 is any indication, many of those fans will be cheering often for Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. In 18 games against Baltimore last season, Cano hit .478 with six homers and 17 RBIs.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Chris Bahr, Sporting News
What to watch for in the major leagues today:
First of 19?
The Twins and Tigers are scheduled to meet 18 times this season, but that also was the case last season — when a 19th game was needed to decide the AL Central title. Minnesota’s 6-5, 12-inning win in that one-game playoff was the sixth matchup between the teams decided by one run and the fourth that went into extra innings.
Justin Morneau hopes to pick up where he left off against the Tigers.
Among the reasons the Twins were able to erase what was a 6 1/2-game division lead for the Tigers on Sept. 8: a 5-3 record vs. Detroit after Sept. 17. Making Minnesota’s late run even more impressive was that it did it without first baseman Justin Morneau, who didn’t play after Sept. 12 because of a back injury. In 11 games against Detroit last season, Morneau hit .340 with three homers and 10 RBIs.
Morneau and the Twins will open a three-game series at Comerica Park tonight.
Double-digit drive
Cardinals co-ace Chris Carpenter is coming off back-to-back outings with 10 strikeouts — the first time in his career he has accomplished that feat. He will try to make it a trifecta tonight when St. Louis continues a four-game series against Atlanta at Busch Stadium. Interestingly, Carpenter’s worst start last season came at home against the Braves, when he allowed seven earned runs in six innings.
AL East mismatch
The last-place Orioles set an all-time attendance low at Camden Yards earlier this season, but there should be plenty of fans in the seats tonight for the first of three against the world champion Yankees. Just don’t surprised if most of the additional fans are wearing pinstripes. And if 2009 is any indication, many of those fans will be cheering often for Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano. In 18 games against Baltimore last season, Cano hit .478 with six homers and 17 RBIs.
Chris Bahr is Sporting News’ baseball editor. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
According to one oddsmaker, the NFL has no clear-cut Super Bowl favorite in 2010.
Online wagering site Bodog.com has set its early lines for teams winning Super Bowl 45, and it installs the Colts, last season’s runner-up, as the top choice, at 8-1. The champion Saints are next at 9-1.
On the other end, fans of the biggest long shots — the Rams, Bucs and Bills — can back their teams at 100-1.
The full list, in alphabetical order:
Arizona Cardinals, 40/1
Atlanta Falcons, 25/1
Baltimore Ravens, 18/1
Buffalo Bills, 100/1
Carolina Panthers, 30/1
Chicago Bears, 35/1
Cincinnati Bengals, 30/1
Cleveland Browns, 80/1
Dallas Cowboys, 11/1
Denver Broncos, 50/1
Detroit Lions, 80/1
Green Bay Packers, 14/1
Houston Texans, 25/1
Indianapolis Colts, 8/1
Jacksonville Jaguars, 70/1
Kansas City Chiefs, 90/1
Miami Dolphins, 30/1
Minnesota Vikings, 14/1
New England Patriots, 10/1
New Orleans Saints, 9/1
New York Giants, 25/1
New York Jets, 12/1
Oakland Raiders, 80/1
Philadelphia Eagles, 18/1
Pittsburgh Steelers, 18/1
San Diego Chargers, 10/1
San Francisco 49ers, 30/1
Seattle Seahawks, 40/1
St.Louis Rams, 100/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 100/1
Tennessee Titans, 28/1
Washington Redskins, 25/1
Sporting News staff reports
According to one oddsmaker, the NFL has no clear-cut Super Bowl favorite in 2010.
Online wagering site Bodog.com has set its early lines for teams winning Super Bowl 45, and it installs the Colts, last season’s runner-up, as the top choice, at 8-1. The champion Saints are next at 9-1.
On the other end, fans of the biggest long shots — the Rams, Bucs and Bills — can back their teams at 100-1.
The full list, in alphabetical order:
Arizona Cardinals, 40/1
Atlanta Falcons, 25/1
Baltimore Ravens, 18/1
Buffalo Bills, 100/1
Carolina Panthers, 30/1
Chicago Bears, 35/1
Cincinnati Bengals, 30/1
Cleveland Browns, 80/1
Dallas Cowboys, 11/1
Denver Broncos, 50/1
Detroit Lions, 80/1
Green Bay Packers, 14/1
Houston Texans, 25/1
Indianapolis Colts, 8/1
Jacksonville Jaguars, 70/1
Kansas City Chiefs, 90/1
Miami Dolphins, 30/1
Minnesota Vikings, 14/1
New England Patriots, 10/1
New Orleans Saints, 9/1
New York Giants, 25/1
New York Jets, 12/1
Oakland Raiders, 80/1
Philadelphia Eagles, 18/1
Pittsburgh Steelers, 18/1
San Diego Chargers, 10/1
San Francisco 49ers, 30/1
Seattle Seahawks, 40/1
St.Louis Rams, 100/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 100/1
Tennessee Titans, 28/1
Washington Redskins, 25/1
Adrian Gonzalez‘s days in San Diego are numbered.
We all know that, right? He’s a free agent after the 2011 season, and his trade value will never be higher than it is right now. The Padres, as a franchise, could really use the influx of talent that trading Gonzalez would certainly bring into the fold. Fans in places such as Boston are licking their chops at the thought of adding the sweet-swinging lefthanded slugger to their lineup.
Adrian Gonzalez and the Padres have been on a tear.
But here’s a question to consider: What if the Padres are actually in contention when the All-Star break rolls around this July? Would they trade Gonzalez to another contender? It’s not like he has a bank-breaking salary ($4.75 million this year, no-brainer option for 2011 for $5.5 million, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts). Sure, they probably wouldn’t get as much for him in July 2011 as they would in July 2010, but wouldn’t a potential playoff push this August/September be worth that cost for a franchise that could use some good pub?
Maybe this won’t be a question in a few weeks. Maybe San Diego will slide back into afterthought status. But at the moment, the Padres are the top team in the NL West, and the conversation is at least worth having. Maybe, just maybe, the number for Gonzalez is higher than we thought.
Anyway, on to the poll.
1. Rays (last week 2). Last year, the Rays finished 17 games under .500 on the road. This year, they finished their first road trip of the season with a 9-1 mark that includes a four-game sweep in Fenway Park. Tampa Bay has outscored its opponents by 50 runs through 19 games so far this year.
2. Twins (4). The Twins are the only team in baseball that hasn’t lost a series yet this season. Lefty starter Francisco Liriano hasn’t allowed a run in his past two starts, covering 15 innings.
3. Yankees (1). Maybe this isn’t a fair question, but I’m not the first to ask it: How long will the Yankees keep Javier Vasquez in the rotation? He’s been awful—a 9.00 ERA and 1.800 WHIP through four starts—and his previous stint with the Yankees didn’t exactly buy him an extended grace period.
4. Padres (17). Up from 17 to 4 and the Padres aren’t even the highest risers of the week. San Diego pitching was mighty impressive during that eight-game winning streak, which successive home sweeps of the Diamondbacks and Giants, and two wins in Cincinnati.
5. Cardinals (7). The Cardinals’ hitters enter the week second in the NL in home runs (24) but only 12th in runs scored per game (4.33). Their pitchers are first in team ERA (2.72) and have allowed the fewest home runs in the league (9).
6. Phillies (3). The most intriguing matchup this week is Wednesday’s showdown between the Phillies’ vaunted lineup and two-time Cy Young champion Tim Lincecum.
7. Athletics (5). The A’s own the lowest team ERA in the AL (2.93); Justin Duchscherer leads the starters with a 1.82 ERA and Andrew Bailey has yet to allow a run in six appearances.
8. Giants (6). After a solid start offensively to the season, the Giants’ hitters have managed just 11 runs in the past seven games. Of course, their pitchers have given up just 14 in that same stretch.
9. Rockies (13). Miguel Olivo gets the early nod for free-agent signing of the year. Despite splitting time behind the plate with Chris Ianetta, Olivo leads the Rockies with his five home runs. He’s also hitting .317 with a 1.056 OPS.
Rookie first baseman Ike Davis helped the Mets have a big week.
10. Mets (27). Meet the Mets, eh? The New Yorkers took three of four from the Cubs, then swept the Braves to complete a much-needed successful homestand. Rookie first baseman Ike Davis has contributed a .318 average in this seven games, his first in a major-league uniform.
11. Tigers (10). The Tigers are tied for 27th in the majors in home runs (11) but 12th in the bigs in runs scored (88). Finding a way to get it done.
12. Nationals (16). The 1-0 win against the Dodgers on Sunday was the first by that score for the Nationals since September 16, 2008.
13. Marlins (8). Closer Leo Nunez has give up just one hit in 8 1/3 innings this season. Most impressive.
14. Blue Jays (11). Despite a .223 team batting average an league-worst .297 team on-base percentage, the Blue Jays enter the week a game over .500.
15. Angels (19). The first couple weeks were up and down for the Angels; handing the Yankees their first series loss of the season is a good first step toward stability.
16. Dodgers (15). With 26 homers, 101 RBIs and an .842 OPS last year, Matt Kemp already is a star, but he’s on the verge of becoming a superstar. He leads the league (or is tied for the lead) in homers, RBIs, runs and total bases entering the week.
17. Mariners (18). The two Mariners most known for their gloves—center fielder Franklin Gutierrez and first basemen Casey Kotchman—are leading the team in RBIs and OPS.
18. Cubs (23). Carlos Silva has given up 10 hits in 19 innings for the Cubs this season. In his two years with the Mariners, he gave up 254 hits in 183 2/3 innings.
19. White Sox (28). In a less-surprising case of a new Chicago ace, John Danks has been dominating for the Southsiders. The lefty is 3-0 with a 1.55 ERA and 0.862 ERA through four starts for the White Sox.
20. Red Sox (26). The Red Sox are 4-2 when Darnell McDonald plays and 4-9 when he doesn’t. McDonald, a 31-year-old journeyman who has played in the bigs with the Orioles, Twins and Reds, is hitting .417 with a pair of home runs.
21. Astros (30). Houston roared out of last place in this poll by winning seven of eight, against the Cubs, Marlins and Pirates. Lance Berkman’s return to the lineup has helped.
22. Brewers (22). They scored 36 runs in a three-game road sweep in Pittsburgh, then managed just four runs while being swept at home in a three-game series against the Cubs.
23. Braves (9). Through 18 games, Braves leadoff hitters have just seven hits and seven walks—that’s an .091 batting average and .165 on-base percentage.
Chris Davis has been struggling for the Rangers.
24. Rangers (21). First baseman Chris Davis is, as they say, struggling. Through 15 games, he has a .188 average and one RBI.
25. Diamondbacks (24). All things considered, going 3-3 in a homestand against the Cardinals and Phillies—the frontrunners in the Central and East—isn’t too shabby.
26. Indians (14). As quickly as they jumped up in last week’s poll, the Indians fell this time around. That’s what happens when you’re shut out three times in a five-day span.
27. Royals (20). In five of their six series this season, the Royals have lost two of three.
28. Reds (25). Backup catcher Ryan Hanigan is batting .458 with seven RBIs in the seven games he’s started.
29. Pirates (12). Yep, that’s a dramatic drop. But they went 0-6 last week, and were outscored 36-1 at home by the Brewers. At least they were only outscored 19-8 while being swept in Houston to end the week.
30. Orioles (29). Are the Orioles the least-talented team in baseball? No. But every other team in baseball has at least seven wins; the Orioles have three. So here they sit, at No. 30 on this list.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
Sponsored link: Padre tickets available
Adrian Gonzalez‘s days in San Diego are numbered.
We all know that, right? He’s a free agent after the 2011 season, and his trade value will never be higher than it is right now. The Padres, as a franchise, could really use the influx of talent that trading Gonzalez would certainly bring into the fold. Fans in places such as Boston are licking their chops at the thought of adding the sweet-swinging lefthanded slugger to their lineup.
Adrian Gonzalez and the Padres have been on a tear.
But here’s a question to consider: What if the Padres are actually in contention when the All-Star break rolls around this July? Would they trade Gonzalez to another contender? It’s not like he has a bank-breaking salary ($4.75 million this year, no-brainer option for 2011 for $5.5 million, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts). Sure, they probably wouldn’t get as much for him in July 2011 as they would in July 2010, but wouldn’t a potential playoff push this August/September be worth that cost for a franchise that could use some good pub?
Maybe this won’t be a question in a few weeks. Maybe San Diego will slide back into afterthought status. But at the moment, the Padres are the top team in the NL West, and the conversation is at least worth having. Maybe, just maybe, the number for Gonzalez is higher than we thought.
Anyway, on to the poll.
1. Rays (last week 2). Last year, the Rays finished 17 games under .500 on the road. This year, they finished their first road trip of the season with a 9-1 mark that includes a four-game sweep in Fenway Park. Tampa Bay has outscored its opponents by 50 runs through 19 games so far this year.
2. Twins (4). The Twins are the only team in baseball that hasn’t lost a series yet this season. Lefty starter Francisco Liriano hasn’t allowed a run in his past two starts, covering 15 innings.
3. Yankees (1). Maybe this isn’t a fair question, but I’m not the first to ask it: How long will the Yankees keep Javier Vasquez in the rotation? He’s been awful—a 9.00 ERA and 1.800 WHIP through four starts—and his previous stint with the Yankees didn’t exactly buy him an extended grace period.
4. Padres (17). Up from 17 to 4 and the Padres aren’t even the highest risers of the week. San Diego pitching was mighty impressive during that eight-game winning streak, which successive home sweeps of the Diamondbacks and Giants, and two wins in Cincinnati.
5. Cardinals (7). The Cardinals’ hitters enter the week second in the NL in home runs (24) but only 12th in runs scored per game (4.33). Their pitchers are first in team ERA (2.72) and have allowed the fewest home runs in the league (9).
6. Phillies (3). The most intriguing matchup this week is Wednesday’s showdown between the Phillies’ vaunted lineup and two-time Cy Young champion Tim Lincecum.
7. Athletics (5). The A’s own the lowest team ERA in the AL (2.93); Justin Duchscherer leads the starters with a 1.82 ERA and Andrew Bailey has yet to allow a run in six appearances.
8. Giants (6). After a solid start offensively to the season, the Giants’ hitters have managed just 11 runs in the past seven games. Of course, their pitchers have given up just 14 in that same stretch.
9. Rockies (13). Miguel Olivo gets the early nod for free-agent signing of the year. Despite splitting time behind the plate with Chris Ianetta, Olivo leads the Rockies with his five home runs. He’s also hitting .317 with a 1.056 OPS.
Rookie first baseman Ike Davis helped the Mets have a big week.
10. Mets (27). Meet the Mets, eh? The New Yorkers took three of four from the Cubs, then swept the Braves to complete a much-needed successful homestand. Rookie first baseman Ike Davis has contributed a .318 average in this seven games, his first in a major-league uniform.
11. Tigers (10). The Tigers are tied for 27th in the majors in home runs (11) but 12th in the bigs in runs scored (88). Finding a way to get it done.
12. Nationals (16). The 1-0 win against the Dodgers on Sunday was the first by that score for the Nationals since September 16, 2008.
13. Marlins (8). Closer Leo Nunez has give up just one hit in 8 1/3 innings this season. Most impressive.
14. Blue Jays (11). Despite a .223 team batting average an league-worst .297 team on-base percentage, the Blue Jays enter the week a game over .500.
15. Angels (19). The first couple weeks were up and down for the Angels; handing the Yankees their first series loss of the season is a good first step toward stability.
16. Dodgers (15). With 26 homers, 101 RBIs and an .842 OPS last year, Matt Kemp already is a star, but he’s on the verge of becoming a superstar. He leads the league (or is tied for the lead) in homers, RBIs, runs and total bases entering the week.
17. Mariners (18). The two Mariners most known for their gloves—center fielder Franklin Gutierrez and first basemen Casey Kotchman—are leading the team in RBIs and OPS.
18. Cubs (23). Carlos Silva has given up 10 hits in 19 innings for the Cubs this season. In his two years with the Mariners, he gave up 254 hits in 183 2/3 innings.
19. White Sox (28). In a less-surprising case of a new Chicago ace, John Danks has been dominating for the Southsiders. The lefty is 3-0 with a 1.55 ERA and 0.862 ERA through four starts for the White Sox.
20. Red Sox (26). The Red Sox are 4-2 when Darnell McDonald plays and 4-9 when he doesn’t. McDonald, a 31-year-old journeyman who has played in the bigs with the Orioles, Twins and Reds, is hitting .417 with a pair of home runs.
21. Astros (30). Houston roared out of last place in this poll by winning seven of eight, against the Cubs, Marlins and Pirates. Lance Berkman’s return to the lineup has helped.
22. Brewers (22). They scored 36 runs in a three-game road sweep in Pittsburgh, then managed just four runs while being swept at home in a three-game series against the Cubs.
23. Braves (9). Through 18 games, Braves leadoff hitters have just seven hits and seven walks—that’s an .091 batting average and .165 on-base percentage.
Chris Davis has been struggling for the Rangers.
24. Rangers (21). First baseman Chris Davis is, as they say, struggling. Through 15 games, he has a .188 average and one RBI.
25. Diamondbacks (24). All things considered, going 3-3 in a homestand against the Cardinals and Phillies—the frontrunners in the Central and East—isn’t too shabby.
26. Indians (14). As quickly as they jumped up in last week’s poll, the Indians fell this time around. That’s what happens when you’re shut out three times in a five-day span.
27. Royals (20). In five of their six series this season, the Royals have lost two of three.
28. Reds (25). Backup catcher Ryan Hanigan is batting .458 with seven RBIs in the seven games he’s started.
29. Pirates (12). Yep, that’s a dramatic drop. But they went 0-6 last week, and were outscored 36-1 at home by the Brewers. At least they were only outscored 19-8 while being swept in Houston to end the week.
30. Orioles (29). Are the Orioles the least-talented team in baseball? No. But every other team in baseball has at least seven wins; the Orioles have three. So here they sit, at No. 30 on this list.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.
Sponsored link: Padre tickets available
With the 2010 NFL draft behind us, it’s time to look at 2011—but from a different perspective. Here’s what the top 25 prospects need to improve on this fall to increase their draft stock (asterisk denotes a rising junior).
A better completion percentage could cause Ryan Mallet’s stock to rise even more.
Quarterback
Ryan Mallett, Arkansas*: I really believe much of Mallett’s accuracy problems—he completed just 55.8 percent of his passes last year—are maturity based. The more games he plays, the more defenses he sees, the more decisions he makes, the sharper he becomes. Imagine that from a guy who had a TD-to-INT ratio of 30-7 last year.
Jake Locker, Washington: Every scout is in love with Locker, but if he puts up another sub-60 percent completion season, he will be dissected almost as much as Tim Tebow was. Don’t know that I’ve ever seen a quarterback this unfinished with so little criticism from scouts.
Running back
Mark Ingram, Alabama*: Doesn’t have top-end speed, but then again, neither did Emmitt Smith. The more carries TB Trent Richardson gets this fall, the more obvious it will become that Richardson is the Tide’s best back.
Daniel Thomas, Kansas State: Great size and 4.5 40 speed—and better than average hands. But he has to show he can be more of a force in games that matter. His only 100-yard games in Big 12 play came against Colorado and Kansas—two of the league’s worst defenses in 2010.
Wide receiver
A.J. Green, Georgia*: Development was hurt last year by poor play from the quarterback position, and there will be more uncertainty at that position this fall. Clearly has the best skill set of any receiver in the game—in 2009 and 2010.
Michael Floyd, Notre Dame*: Not a speed guy like Green, but has plenty of juice, and the NFL will love his frame, ability to shield defenders and adjustments with the ball in the air. Has to show he can catch tough balls over the middle.
Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma*: Does everything well but needs to show he can take over a game. Can he be a guy defenses have to game-plan against, have to double-team?
Offensive line
Anthony Castonzo, Boston College: The best lineman in the game—and the most complete left tackle. Needs to add bulk this offseason but has more than enough upper-body strength.
Rodney Hudson, Florida State: His technique is terrific, but he needs to be more of a mauler.
Jason Pinkston, Pitt: Good size/frame for an NFL tackle, but lacks concentration at times. Athletic skill set a plus.
Mike Pouncey, Florida: Twin brother Maurkice paved the way in this draft, and Mike also will be a first-round pick if he has a seamless transition to the center spot.
Marvin Austin has excellent athletic ability, but he must show more desire.
Defensive tackle
Marcell Dareus, Alabama*: He’s playing end this fall, but at 300 pounds, he’s a true tackle. His stock will soar—top five—if he shows consistent pass-rush skills.
Jared Crick, Nebraska*: Can be as dominant as Ndamukong Suh at times but needs to show he can be a consistent interior run stuffer without Suh by his side.
Cameron Heyward, Ohio State: Can play end or tackle, but for the sake of draft argument, we’ll put him on the interior. A disruptive pass rusher, he needs to strengthen his run-stuffing resume.
Marvin Austin, North Carolina: On athletic talent alone, should be the No. 1 interior lineman in the draft. Has to play with more consistency and nasty desire. The reality: DE Robert Quinn is the best lineman at UNC—not Austin.
Defensive end
Adrian Clayborn, Iowa: Probably would’ve been a top-15 pick had he left after last season. Rare that you see an end who is as dominant against the run as the pass. The only issue: doing it every game.
Allen Bailey, Miami: Injury and position change have stunted his growth—and so has the muscle weight he continues to add. The big question: inside or outside? He might be better suited to inside at the next level.
Robert Quinn, North Carolina*: Look at these huge (and key) numbers: 11 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles. That’s domination. Needs to show he can anchor at end and stop the run.
Linebacker
Bruce Carter, North Carolina: Speed, speed and more speed. But can he use it wisely? Overruns plays at times and needs to prove he can take on lead blockers and still make plays.
Greg Jones, Michigan State: He’s not the fastest linebacker, but he’s fast enough and a true football guy—much like Brandon Spikes of Florida. Needs to improve pass drops and coverage.
Von Miller, Texas A&M: Strictly a rush end, and the best in the game last season. He’ll play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in the NFL and must show he can drop and cover. That, or gain 35 pounds to become a true rush end.
Cornerback
Patrick Peterson, LSU*: Might be the best player in the game this fall. Sleek skill set and an NFL frame to match. Must prove he can stay healthy for an entire season.
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska: He and Miami’s Brandon Harris should go back and forth all season for the No. 2 corner behind Peterson. Physical in man but needs to show better off-man cover skills.
Safety
Deunta Williams, North Carolina: The back end of UNC’s physical, athletic defense. Terrific ball skills (6 INT, 8 passes defended), but has to show he can stick his nose in a pile and tackle. No way a safety should have only 47 tackles
Will Hill, Florida*: Shared time the last two seasons with Major Wright and Ahmad Black but is clearly Florida’s best safety. Big hitter must show better reaction in coverage. Gaining that skill, though, could be as simple as getting more repetitions.
Sponsored link: Notre Dame football tickets available
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
With the 2010 NFL draft behind us, it’s time to look at 2011—but from a different perspective. Here’s what the top 25 prospects need to improve on this fall to increase their draft stock (asterisk denotes a rising junior).
A better completion percentage could cause Ryan Mallet’s stock to rise even more.
Quarterback
Ryan Mallett, Arkansas*: I really believe much of Mallett’s accuracy problems—he completed just 55.8 percent of his passes last year—are maturity based. The more games he plays, the more defenses he sees, the more decisions he makes, the sharper he becomes. Imagine that from a guy who had a TD-to-INT ratio of 30-7 last year.
Jake Locker, Washington: Every scout is in love with Locker, but if he puts up another sub-60 percent completion season, he will be dissected almost as much as Tim Tebow was. Don’t know that I’ve ever seen a quarterback this unfinished with so little criticism from scouts.
Running back
Mark Ingram, Alabama*: Doesn’t have top-end speed, but then again, neither did Emmitt Smith. The more carries TB Trent Richardson gets this fall, the more obvious it will become that Richardson is the Tide’s best back.
Daniel Thomas, Kansas State: Great size and 4.5 40 speed—and better than average hands. But he has to show he can be more of a force in games that matter. His only 100-yard games in Big 12 play came against Colorado and Kansas—two of the league’s worst defenses in 2010.
Wide receiver
A.J. Green, Georgia*: Development was hurt last year by poor play from the quarterback position, and there will be more uncertainty at that position this fall. Clearly has the best skill set of any receiver in the game—in 2009 and 2010.
Michael Floyd, Notre Dame*: Not a speed guy like Green, but has plenty of juice, and the NFL will love his frame, ability to shield defenders and adjustments with the ball in the air. Has to show he can catch tough balls over the middle.
Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma*: Does everything well but needs to show he can take over a game. Can he be a guy defenses have to game-plan against, have to double-team?
Offensive line
Anthony Castonzo, Boston College: The best lineman in the game—and the most complete left tackle. Needs to add bulk this offseason but has more than enough upper-body strength.
Rodney Hudson, Florida State: His technique is terrific, but he needs to be more of a mauler.
Jason Pinkston, Pitt: Good size/frame for an NFL tackle, but lacks concentration at times. Athletic skill set a plus.
Mike Pouncey, Florida: Twin brother Maurkice paved the way in this draft, and Mike also will be a first-round pick if he has a seamless transition to the center spot.
Marvin Austin has excellent athletic ability, but he must show more desire.
Defensive tackle
Marcell Dareus, Alabama*: He’s playing end this fall, but at 300 pounds, he’s a true tackle. His stock will soar—top five—if he shows consistent pass-rush skills.
Jared Crick, Nebraska*: Can be as dominant as Ndamukong Suh at times but needs to show he can be a consistent interior run stuffer without Suh by his side.
Cameron Heyward, Ohio State: Can play end or tackle, but for the sake of draft argument, we’ll put him on the interior. A disruptive pass rusher, he needs to strengthen his run-stuffing resume.
Marvin Austin, North Carolina: On athletic talent alone, should be the No. 1 interior lineman in the draft. Has to play with more consistency and nasty desire. The reality: DE Robert Quinn is the best lineman at UNC—not Austin.
Defensive end
Adrian Clayborn, Iowa: Probably would’ve been a top-15 pick had he left after last season. Rare that you see an end who is as dominant against the run as the pass. The only issue: doing it every game.
Allen Bailey, Miami: Injury and position change have stunted his growth—and so has the muscle weight he continues to add. The big question: inside or outside? He might be better suited to inside at the next level.
Robert Quinn, North Carolina*: Look at these huge (and key) numbers: 11 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles. That’s domination. Needs to show he can anchor at end and stop the run.
Linebacker
Bruce Carter, North Carolina: Speed, speed and more speed. But can he use it wisely? Overruns plays at times and needs to prove he can take on lead blockers and still make plays.
Greg Jones, Michigan State: He’s not the fastest linebacker, but he’s fast enough and a true football guy—much like Brandon Spikes of Florida. Needs to improve pass drops and coverage.
Von Miller, Texas A&M: Strictly a rush end, and the best in the game last season. He’ll play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in the NFL and must show he can drop and cover. That, or gain 35 pounds to become a true rush end.
Cornerback
Patrick Peterson, LSU*: Might be the best player in the game this fall. Sleek skill set and an NFL frame to match. Must prove he can stay healthy for an entire season.
Prince Amukamara, Nebraska: He and Miami’s Brandon Harris should go back and forth all season for the No. 2 corner behind Peterson. Physical in man but needs to show better off-man cover skills.
Safety
Deunta Williams, North Carolina: The back end of UNC’s physical, athletic defense. Terrific ball skills (6 INT, 8 passes defended), but has to show he can stick his nose in a pile and tackle. No way a safety should have only 47 tackles
Will Hill, Florida*: Shared time the last two seasons with Major Wright and Ahmad Black but is clearly Florida’s best safety. Big hitter must show better reaction in coverage. Gaining that skill, though, could be as simple as getting more repetitions.
Sponsored link: Notre Dame football tickets available
Matt Hayes covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst for the NFL Network. Tune in to Total Access weeknights. E-mail him at mhayes@sportingnews.com.
Jake Peavy has been ice-cold for the White Sox.
