I have solid word from sources that the finals matchup will be: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The long national nightmare that is the NBA playoffs is under way
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards tipped off the fun with Game 1 on Saturday. Game 2 is scheduled for next Thursday.
I have solid word from sources that the finals matchup will be: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
I have solid word from sources that the finals matchup will be: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Thursday, April 10, 2008
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 19
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
The pick is in, the envelope has been opened and the commissioner has the pick ...
Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996, Syracuse)
Two current Hall of Famers were selected in the No. 20 spot in the draft (tight end John Mackey and defensive back Roger Wehrli), but "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" is going with a sure-fire future Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison.
Harrison is quietly one of the greatest receivers of all time. Without ever spiking the ball, making a scene with the media or showing anybody up on national television, Harrison's low-key on-field demeanor is a rarity among elite wide receivers currently in the NFL.
En route to becoming the only receiver with four consecutive seasons with 100 or more receptions, Harrison set a single-season record for receptions with 143 in 2002, breaking the previous record (set by Herman Moore in 1995) by 20 catches. Harrison is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, an eight-time All-Pro and finally earned that elusive Super Bowl ring after the 2006 season.
Other notable players selected at No. 19 include ...
Randall McDaniel, G, Minnesota Vikings (1988), who was a semifinalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
Darryl Stingley, WR, New England Patriots (1973), whose career was cut short by a vicious hit in a preseason game by ...
Jack Tatum, DB, Oakland Raiders (1971), who once said, "I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault."
Roger Wehrli, DB, St. Louis Cardinals (1969, Missouri), who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and is also a member of the NFL's 1970s all-decade team.
John Mackey, TE, Baltimore Colts (1963, Syracuse), the Hall-of-Fame tight end's most famous reception came in Super Bowl V, when he caught a deflected pass from Johnny Unitas for a 75-yard touchdown, a Super Bowl record at the time.
Current NFL players selected at No. 19: Michael Griffin, S, Tennessee Titans (2007, Texas); Antonio Cromartie, CB, San Diego Chargers (2006, Florida State); Alex Barron, OT, St. Louis Rams (2005, Florida State); Vernon Carey, OT, Miami Dolphins (2004, Miami, Fla.); Kyle Boller, QB, Baltimore Ravens (2003, California); Ashley Lelie, WR, Denver Broncos (2002, Hawaii); Casey Hampton, NT, Pittsburgh Steelers (2001, Texas); Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle Seahawks (2000, Alabama); Luke Petitgout, G, New York Giants (1999, Notre Dame); Vonnie Holliday, DE, Green Bay Packers (1998, North Carolina); Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996, Syracuse); Todd Steussie, OT, Minnesota Vikings (1994, California).
The pick is in, the envelope has been opened and the commissioner has the pick ...
Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996, Syracuse)
Two current Hall of Famers were selected in the No. 20 spot in the draft (tight end John Mackey and defensive back Roger Wehrli), but "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" is going with a sure-fire future Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison.
Harrison is quietly one of the greatest receivers of all time. Without ever spiking the ball, making a scene with the media or showing anybody up on national television, Harrison's low-key on-field demeanor is a rarity among elite wide receivers currently in the NFL.
En route to becoming the only receiver with four consecutive seasons with 100 or more receptions, Harrison set a single-season record for receptions with 143 in 2002, breaking the previous record (set by Herman Moore in 1995) by 20 catches. Harrison is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, an eight-time All-Pro and finally earned that elusive Super Bowl ring after the 2006 season.
Other notable players selected at No. 19 include ...
Randall McDaniel, G, Minnesota Vikings (1988), who was a semifinalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
Darryl Stingley, WR, New England Patriots (1973), whose career was cut short by a vicious hit in a preseason game by ...
Jack Tatum, DB, Oakland Raiders (1971), who once said, "I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault."
Roger Wehrli, DB, St. Louis Cardinals (1969, Missouri), who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and is also a member of the NFL's 1970s all-decade team.
John Mackey, TE, Baltimore Colts (1963, Syracuse), the Hall-of-Fame tight end's most famous reception came in Super Bowl V, when he caught a deflected pass from Johnny Unitas for a 75-yard touchdown, a Super Bowl record at the time.
Current NFL players selected at No. 19: Michael Griffin, S, Tennessee Titans (2007, Texas); Antonio Cromartie, CB, San Diego Chargers (2006, Florida State); Alex Barron, OT, St. Louis Rams (2005, Florida State); Vernon Carey, OT, Miami Dolphins (2004, Miami, Fla.); Kyle Boller, QB, Baltimore Ravens (2003, California); Ashley Lelie, WR, Denver Broncos (2002, Hawaii); Casey Hampton, NT, Pittsburgh Steelers (2001, Texas); Shaun Alexander, RB, Seattle Seahawks (2000, Alabama); Luke Petitgout, G, New York Giants (1999, Notre Dame); Vonnie Holliday, DE, Green Bay Packers (1998, North Carolina); Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1996, Syracuse); Todd Steussie, OT, Minnesota Vikings (1994, California).
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 20
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
Hindsight is always 20/20, which is why it's going to be fun to present the greatest player ever selected in the No. 20 spot ...
Forrest Gregg, OT, Green Bay Packers (1956, SMU)
Hindsight is always 20/20, which is why it's going to be fun to present the greatest player ever selected in the No. 20 spot ...
Forrest Gregg, OT, Green Bay Packers (1956, SMU)
Now that we're creeping up the first round, the picks get tougher to make. This one at No. 20 featured two very talented Hall of Fame players in Forrest Gregg and Jack Youngblood.
Ultimately, given Gregg's resumé, he became the choice here. Gregg was a nine-time Pro Bowler, a nine-time All-Pro, and once played in a then-league record 188 consecutive games from 1956 until 1971. The greatest coach of all time, Vince Lombardi, claimed "Forrest Gregg is the finest player I ever coached!" in his book Run to Daylight. In addition, Gregg helped pave the way for the Packers to win five NFL championships, including two Super Bowls.
Youngblood, who we regrettably passed over on this selection, is famous for helping lead the Los Angeles Rams through the 1979 playoffs while playing on a broken leg.
Other notable players selected at No. 20 include ...
Steve Atwater, S, Denver Broncos (1989), who earned a reputation as one of the NFL's hardest-hitting safeties. His hit on the "Nigerian Nightmare," Christian Okoye, is the stuff of legend.
Will Wolford, OT, Buffalo Bills (1986), who was a three-time Pro Bowler and a member of three of the Bills' four consecutive AFC championship teams.
Jack Youngblood, DE, Los Angeles Rams (1971), whose career started as a backup to Deacon Jones. Youngblood's play eventually forced the Rams to trade Jones. Youngblood was a 2001 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Current NFL players selected at No. 20: Aaron Ross, CB, New York Giants (2007, Texas); Tamba Hali, DE, Kansas City Chiefs (2006, Penn State); Marcus Spears, DE, Dallas Cowboys (2005, LSU); Kenechi Udeze, DE, Minnesota Vikings (2004, USC); George Foster, OT, Denver Broncos (2003, Georgia); Javon Walker, WR, Green Bay Packers (2002, Florida State); Adam Archuleta, S, St. Louis Rams (2001, Arizona State).
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 21
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
This one was a tough call, but we're going to go with ...
Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall)
Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann was also a No. 21 overall pick, but our choice is Moss. While often spectacular when making a catch, Swann never had a 1,00-yard receiving season; Moss has had eight in 10 seasons. Moss' presence in his 1998 rookie season single-handedly lifted the Vikings' offense to a record for points in a season, and his record 23 touchdown receptions in 2007 helped the Patriots finish the regular season undefeated.
The Washington Redskins hold the No. 21 pick in this year's draft, which means that spark the Redskins' offense desperately needs can finally be added.
Other notable players selected at No. 21 include ...
Gabe Rivera, NT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1983), who was the Steelers' pick when the hometown team passed on local quarterback Dan Marino.
Lynn Swann, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974), who was part of a draft class that helped establish the Steelers as the dynasty of the 1970s.
Current NFL players selected at No. 21: Reggie Nelson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars (2007, Florida); Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots (2006, Minnesota); Matt Jones, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (2005, Arkansas); Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots (2004, Miami, Fla.); Jeff Faine, C, Cleveland Browns (2003, Notre Dame); Daniel Graham, TE, New England Patriots (2002, Colorado); Nate Clements, CB, Buffalo Bills (2001, Ohio State); L.J. Shelton, OT, Arizona Cardinals (1999, Eastern Michigan); Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall); Renaldo Wynn, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars (1997, Notre Dame); Pete Kendall, G, Seattle Seahawks (1996, Boston College).
This one was a tough call, but we're going to go with ...
Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall)
Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann was also a No. 21 overall pick, but our choice is Moss. While often spectacular when making a catch, Swann never had a 1,00-yard receiving season; Moss has had eight in 10 seasons. Moss' presence in his 1998 rookie season single-handedly lifted the Vikings' offense to a record for points in a season, and his record 23 touchdown receptions in 2007 helped the Patriots finish the regular season undefeated.
The Washington Redskins hold the No. 21 pick in this year's draft, which means that spark the Redskins' offense desperately needs can finally be added.
Other notable players selected at No. 21 include ...
Gabe Rivera, NT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1983), who was the Steelers' pick when the hometown team passed on local quarterback Dan Marino.
Lynn Swann, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974), who was part of a draft class that helped establish the Steelers as the dynasty of the 1970s.
Current NFL players selected at No. 21: Reggie Nelson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars (2007, Florida); Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots (2006, Minnesota); Matt Jones, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (2005, Arkansas); Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots (2004, Miami, Fla.); Jeff Faine, C, Cleveland Browns (2003, Notre Dame); Daniel Graham, TE, New England Patriots (2002, Colorado); Nate Clements, CB, Buffalo Bills (2001, Ohio State); L.J. Shelton, OT, Arizona Cardinals (1999, Eastern Michigan); Randy Moss, WR, Minnesota Vikings (1998, Marshall); Renaldo Wynn, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars (1997, Notre Dame); Pete Kendall, G, Seattle Seahawks (1996, Boston College).
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
All-time ultimate mock draft, pick No. 22
Every day or so leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-27, "Greatest Pro Bowls of all time, and other stuff" will go from pick No. 32 to pick No. 1, recalling the greatest players ever selected in those spots.
I can't believe we've gone 10 picks without having a player named "Ernie" selected. Today, we're in luck ...
Ernie Stautner, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1950, Boston College)
Considered by teammates and opponents as one of the toughest competitors the great game of football has ever produced, Stautner was a 1969 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Toiling with a consistently mediocre Steelers teams long before the franchise became a dynasty in the 1970s, Stautner was a fixture along Pittsburgh's defensive line for 14 seasons, earning first- or second-team All-NFL honors in nine of those seasons.
Born in Prinzing-by-Cham, Bavaria, Stautner went on to become head coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe, who he would lead to two consecutive World Bowls in 1995 and 1996, winning in 1995.
The Dallas Cowboys hold the No. 22 pick in this year's draft, which is sort of a coincidence in that Stautner coached the defense for the Cowboys -- starting in 1966 -- when "Doomsday" started to take shape as one of the NFL's dominant defenses.
Other notable players selected at No. 22 include ...
Andre "Bad Moon" Rison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1989), who was one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers while playing in the Atlanta Falcons' run-and-shoot offense in the early 90s. Rison went on to anger Browns fans, and then help the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI.
William Perry, DT, Chicago Bears (1985), who was a central character in the Chicago Bears' run to victory in Super Bowl XX. Then, "The Fridge" went on to become immortalized with a G.I. Joe action figure, star in numerous commercials, appear in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest as a "celebrity contestant," attempt to comeback in pro football with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football and lose in a celebrity boxing match to Manute Bol.
Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, LB, Los Angeles Rams (1970), who played in three Super Bowls, one with the Rams (Super Bowl XIV), and then win two with the 49ers (Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX).
Current NFL players selected at No. 22: Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland Browns (2007, Notre Dame); Manny Lawson, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2006, N.C. State); Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens (2005, Oklahoma); J.P. Losman, QB, Buffalo Bills (2004, Tulane); Rex Grossman, QB, Chicago Bears (2003, Florida); Bryan Thomas, DE, New York Jets (2002, Alabama-Birmingham); Will Allen, CB, New York Giants (2001, Syracuse).
I can't believe we've gone 10 picks without having a player named "Ernie" selected. Today, we're in luck ...
Ernie Stautner, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers (1950, Boston College)
Considered by teammates and opponents as one of the toughest competitors the great game of football has ever produced, Stautner was a 1969 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Toiling with a consistently mediocre Steelers teams long before the franchise became a dynasty in the 1970s, Stautner was a fixture along Pittsburgh's defensive line for 14 seasons, earning first- or second-team All-NFL honors in nine of those seasons.
Born in Prinzing-by-Cham, Bavaria, Stautner went on to become head coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe, who he would lead to two consecutive World Bowls in 1995 and 1996, winning in 1995.
The Dallas Cowboys hold the No. 22 pick in this year's draft, which is sort of a coincidence in that Stautner coached the defense for the Cowboys -- starting in 1966 -- when "Doomsday" started to take shape as one of the NFL's dominant defenses.
Other notable players selected at No. 22 include ...
Andre "Bad Moon" Rison, WR, Indianapolis Colts (1989), who was one of the NFL's most dangerous receivers while playing in the Atlanta Falcons' run-and-shoot offense in the early 90s. Rison went on to anger Browns fans, and then help the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI.
William Perry, DT, Chicago Bears (1985), who was a central character in the Chicago Bears' run to victory in Super Bowl XX. Then, "The Fridge" went on to become immortalized with a G.I. Joe action figure, star in numerous commercials, appear in Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest as a "celebrity contestant," attempt to comeback in pro football with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football and lose in a celebrity boxing match to Manute Bol.
Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, LB, Los Angeles Rams (1970), who played in three Super Bowls, one with the Rams (Super Bowl XIV), and then win two with the 49ers (Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XIX).
Current NFL players selected at No. 22: Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland Browns (2007, Notre Dame); Manny Lawson, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2006, N.C. State); Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore Ravens (2005, Oklahoma); J.P. Losman, QB, Buffalo Bills (2004, Tulane); Rex Grossman, QB, Chicago Bears (2003, Florida); Bryan Thomas, DE, New York Jets (2002, Alabama-Birmingham); Will Allen, CB, New York Giants (2001, Syracuse).
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