As March draws to a close with only a few hours to go what an appropriate time to reflect on what is the premier month of college basketball. For those of you who follow me on twitter (@michael_hume6) will have noticed how engrossed I get with what is referred to as March Madness. It is unlike any other sporting competition we have other here in the UK due to its unique structure. The closest event we have to it which receives mainstream media attention is Wimbledon but this is obviously very different as its a global event with only a couple of players playing per country.
During March 64 colleges compete for the national championship in a single eliminated tournament. This includes the 31 Division I conference winners who are automatically entered into the tournament and then 37 additional teams selected by the NCAA committee heavily determined by season record. The teams are then selected into regions and seeded putting teams into brackets within the region. During each stage the winner of the match progresses on to the next round. The first round is 4 games between the lowest ranked teams to leave the 64 teams heading into the second round. Teams are split into 4 regions the winner of each region will progress to the national semi finals or more commonly known as the final four before the winners competing for the national championship.
This format creates so much tension and drama as fans follow their team through the tournament. It also creates so many upsets such as this year Wichita State the 9th seed in the West region have knocked out power houses such as 1 seed Gonzaga and 2 seed Ohio State. In that regards it is similar to the FA cup where we get lower league clubs beating Premier league teams.
This year I have followed the whole tournament but paying particular attention to the college I have followed for several years now in football and basketball. Those of you following me on twitter will no-doubt know I'm referring to Michigan Wolverines. Who have played some sensational offensive basketball lead by All-American Trey Burke. The guard has been undefendable at times with his driving runs into the paint and taking on more of a leadership role and bringing other players into the game through his assists have made him the best player in the tournament so far. This is without discussing that unbelievable and close to the best shot I have ever seen, 3 pointer against Kansas to take it to over time.
You can see how excited I get from the tournament helped by my be-loved Wolverines going into the final four but can you imagine if we had something similar in this country. Maybe the twenty twenty cup in cricket where county's are seeded after their group stage and put into a much larger bracket format. I mean Sky would go for it because you could in essence create 4 finals days by splitting teams into regions of 4 teams the winner of the regional finals day goes on to the the national final. It would create loads of drama and provide unrivaled entertainment.
I love March and I'm gutted its ending in just hours time all because of college basketball. Good Luck Blue in the final four and great coverage from CBS.
Sunday 31 March 2013
Friday 29 March 2013
A blog in the life.... Part IV
It's been a while followers and I apologies for my almost 2 weeks without a blog. The internet at home has been killing me but all is sorted now and BT may even be installing the fiber optic in a week or two. So much has happened in the world of sport over the last couple of weeks from the disappointing cricket in New Zealand to march madness in college basketball.
I will start this come back with a traditional blog and my favorite one, that of course is the blog in the life of Desmond Trufant. For those of you who do not know what this concept is. It's a unique blog I do every couple of weeks that looks at Desmond Trufant following his pathway from college into the NFL. In the first three parts I looked at Desmond's background, college career and then followed him through the senior bowl and NFL combine. Once Desmond is drafted in a months time I'm going to follow his NFL career closely regardless of what franchise he ends up at.
The last two weeks have again been another busy couple of weeks for Desmond. The draft is exactly one month away and so a couple of weeks ago at the University of Washington he held his pro day. This is very similar to the combine but the participants now have home field advantage They can script their workouts to suit them and be more picky in what exercises they participate in. Trufant decided to stand by his 40 time he clocked at the combine and did not run a 40, he did participate in lots of field drills and once again showed of his fluid movement and athletic ability. It was reported ten teams where in attendance at the pro day including the Seahawks, Colts and Jaguars.
The final phase of the process to getting drafted is private workouts with teams. Teams like to try and keep these unknown in some chases so other clubs do not know who they are interested in. Other times they make it more public as it can increase the trade offers for a certain pick. The workouts can also take place either at the college of the participant or even at the clubs facility again making it hard to gather information on who has been meeting and workout with who. It has been confirmed that Desmond has already had private workouts with the Falcons and Jaguars, both teams are in need of help at the cornerback position. Desmond is more than likely going to participate in more of these work outs right up to draft day.
The NFL buzz surrounding Trufant is also gather he has recently appeared on the NFL network in which he came across really well and gained extra attention. All the draft expects from a variety of sources are locking him up as not only a first round draft pick but also one of the top three cornerbacks in the draft.
I will do one more blog on Desmond leading up to the big day in a couple of weeks time.
#goblue for tonights big sweet 16 game.
Saturday 16 March 2013
Helping the Legacy
Over the past few months I have been critical towards the government and national governing bodies towards how loyal they have been to the Olympic legacy. See my blog on UK Basketball for further evidence. However some good news has been announced from the Prime Minister this morning that £150 million pounds will be invested into primary school sport. A further £150 million will be invested by Sport England to aid primary schools link up with local sports clubs through the county partnership projects.
The money for this scheme will come from three departments, firstly the department of health will provide £60 million while the department of Education £80 million and £10 million by the department of sport and culture. However this investment does not begin to match the investment that was in place through the school sports partnership scheme which was dismantled by Mr Gove just two years ago. It is some what of a U-turn for me while not putting back in all of the money that was taken away from primary school sport.
The money that primary schools receive will be ring fenched therefore it will have to be spent on sports and not other areas. However the investment does give head teachers some flexibility as to how they spend it either in getting coaches into schools through NGB, teachers training or equipment. All in all they should have a positive impact upon the primary school pupils and their sporting experience.
This investment while only short term ( check the small print this is only a two year investment) will go a long way. It will help get pupils playing more sport not only in school but outside through the club links. Hopefully inspiring our next great Olympic athletes like Jess Ennis. Getting more children physically active through the introduction of new and old activities will help solve the burden childhood obesity is putting on the health system. These positives from the investement have been described as measurable hence why the government is so supportive of it but how can you measure the enjoyment of positive feeling a young child gets through playing sport. For me that's un-measurable and what makes investments like this one great.
I'm not for one minute going to criticise the investment any investment into school sport is welcomed by me. However I did read something really interesting which I think summed this investment up best. It ticks the box for supporting the Olympic legacy and most defiantly at its lowest level, it has NGB involvement it has ring fenching of sporting money and goes towards correcting the huge mistake made by the government of removing the school sport partnership. I just hope this investment is not a tick boxing exercise by the government but more an attempt to get children doing more exercise.
Sorry for the lack of blogs this week, still having major Internet issues here in the Hume household!!
The money for this scheme will come from three departments, firstly the department of health will provide £60 million while the department of Education £80 million and £10 million by the department of sport and culture. However this investment does not begin to match the investment that was in place through the school sports partnership scheme which was dismantled by Mr Gove just two years ago. It is some what of a U-turn for me while not putting back in all of the money that was taken away from primary school sport.
The money that primary schools receive will be ring fenched therefore it will have to be spent on sports and not other areas. However the investment does give head teachers some flexibility as to how they spend it either in getting coaches into schools through NGB, teachers training or equipment. All in all they should have a positive impact upon the primary school pupils and their sporting experience.
This investment while only short term ( check the small print this is only a two year investment) will go a long way. It will help get pupils playing more sport not only in school but outside through the club links. Hopefully inspiring our next great Olympic athletes like Jess Ennis. Getting more children physically active through the introduction of new and old activities will help solve the burden childhood obesity is putting on the health system. These positives from the investement have been described as measurable hence why the government is so supportive of it but how can you measure the enjoyment of positive feeling a young child gets through playing sport. For me that's un-measurable and what makes investments like this one great.
I'm not for one minute going to criticise the investment any investment into school sport is welcomed by me. However I did read something really interesting which I think summed this investment up best. It ticks the box for supporting the Olympic legacy and most defiantly at its lowest level, it has NGB involvement it has ring fenching of sporting money and goes towards correcting the huge mistake made by the government of removing the school sport partnership. I just hope this investment is not a tick boxing exercise by the government but more an attempt to get children doing more exercise.
Sorry for the lack of blogs this week, still having major Internet issues here in the Hume household!!
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Good business
Free agency is less than an hour away and many pundits will be flying round the cliche, good business. I think the best bit of business has already been done, yesterday the Seahawks traded for Harvin from the Vikings.
The reason why its such a good bit of business is the Seahawks came so close this season from the championship game. They are not a million miles away from making a serious run at the Super Bowl. The offence has been dynamic this season with Wilson at the head of it yet it does not possess too many home run weapons. Harvin is most defiantly that he can go to the house in a variety of ways receiving, running or returning. Giving Wilson extra weapons as he enters his second year is absolutely vital as teams are going to be watching him all through the off season preparing how to stop him to make his second year much more difficult. By giving the offence this new extra dimension it gives defensive coordinators a nightmare trying to plan for the Seahawks offence.
As for the Vikings they received a few low order draft picks and the Seahawks first round pick this season. The Vikings did not have much of an option than to trade Harvin a player who wanted out and was actively seeking a trade. The Vikings need to find value with their two first round draft picks they needed offensive weapons before Harvin left now they need multiple weapons. The Seahawks have done some good business already this off season now the Vikings need to show they have too.
The reason why its such a good bit of business is the Seahawks came so close this season from the championship game. They are not a million miles away from making a serious run at the Super Bowl. The offence has been dynamic this season with Wilson at the head of it yet it does not possess too many home run weapons. Harvin is most defiantly that he can go to the house in a variety of ways receiving, running or returning. Giving Wilson extra weapons as he enters his second year is absolutely vital as teams are going to be watching him all through the off season preparing how to stop him to make his second year much more difficult. By giving the offence this new extra dimension it gives defensive coordinators a nightmare trying to plan for the Seahawks offence.
As for the Vikings they received a few low order draft picks and the Seahawks first round pick this season. The Vikings did not have much of an option than to trade Harvin a player who wanted out and was actively seeking a trade. The Vikings need to find value with their two first round draft picks they needed offensive weapons before Harvin left now they need multiple weapons. The Seahawks have done some good business already this off season now the Vikings need to show they have too.
Sunday 10 March 2013
First test review
Sorry for lack of blogs over the weekend the usual busy weekends preventing me from blogging. Starting with a quick review of the first test between England and New Zealand today.
It was not the way the England team thought they would kick of this fantastic year of test cricket especially against a much weaker opposition. However it was typical England they have been slow starters in all of their first test matches in recent tours. The last three India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have all been awful first days and now you can add New Zealand to that list.
I thought they got the team wrong personally as I mentioned last week I would have taken five bowlers and even more so when Swann was ruled out just before the test match. England's bowling is currently not strong enough to knock over an opposition twice and so therefore needs that quality fifth bowler and for me it would be Onions.
Having said that I would have played him in replace of Nick Compton who scored a vital century in the second innings to prevent defeat. This innings was a really important knock on a pitch that did not allow him to be his fluent best. It does mean he will bat out the series as the opener and probably the first test against the same opposition at home. Captain Cook stepped up in the second innings with a century of his own after a very poor shot in the first innings. I thought Trott and Bell actually looked in very good touch and on a pitch where they can express themselves a bit more I will expect a lot of runs from them. They both look good for at least a century in the series. KP is KP and you get these type of tests from him. Root was the worry for me he did not look as confident and as assure of himself as he did in India but it is just one game and he will get another chance.
The bowling attack only got one opportunity and was usual James Anderson was the pick of the bowlers. The pitch did not suit the England bowling attacking not offering a lot of assistance or pace. However I still have fears about Finn he bowls too many boundary balls for me, that is not saying he is not dangerous but I want to see him have more consistence in applying pressure. Broad looks a long way from his best but it was always going to be slow journey back and Monty did a job. He is defiantly going to get a lot of overs if England persist with this 4 man attack.
The next test is just days away and England need to make massive improvements. I predict no changes but a change in performance and result. England win the second test.
It was not the way the England team thought they would kick of this fantastic year of test cricket especially against a much weaker opposition. However it was typical England they have been slow starters in all of their first test matches in recent tours. The last three India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have all been awful first days and now you can add New Zealand to that list.
I thought they got the team wrong personally as I mentioned last week I would have taken five bowlers and even more so when Swann was ruled out just before the test match. England's bowling is currently not strong enough to knock over an opposition twice and so therefore needs that quality fifth bowler and for me it would be Onions.
Having said that I would have played him in replace of Nick Compton who scored a vital century in the second innings to prevent defeat. This innings was a really important knock on a pitch that did not allow him to be his fluent best. It does mean he will bat out the series as the opener and probably the first test against the same opposition at home. Captain Cook stepped up in the second innings with a century of his own after a very poor shot in the first innings. I thought Trott and Bell actually looked in very good touch and on a pitch where they can express themselves a bit more I will expect a lot of runs from them. They both look good for at least a century in the series. KP is KP and you get these type of tests from him. Root was the worry for me he did not look as confident and as assure of himself as he did in India but it is just one game and he will get another chance.
The bowling attack only got one opportunity and was usual James Anderson was the pick of the bowlers. The pitch did not suit the England bowling attacking not offering a lot of assistance or pace. However I still have fears about Finn he bowls too many boundary balls for me, that is not saying he is not dangerous but I want to see him have more consistence in applying pressure. Broad looks a long way from his best but it was always going to be slow journey back and Monty did a job. He is defiantly going to get a lot of overs if England persist with this 4 man attack.
The next test is just days away and England need to make massive improvements. I predict no changes but a change in performance and result. England win the second test.
Wednesday 6 March 2013
Major talking point
Only one topic of conversation has been on all sports fans lips today specially Sir Alex Ferguson's. That of course is the sending off of Manchester United winger Nani in last nights knock out champions league game against Real Madrid. Today I'm going to give my opinion on the incident and some of the events that followed then feel free to discuss them further through the means of twitter.
First of all the red card it's self in no doubt changed the whole dimensions of the game. However when making a decision the referee can not think about if giving him a red card will change the course of game, he needs to judge the incident independently. In my eyes the incident is dangerous the foot is far to high and makes solid contact with an opponent. Dangerous play is considered a red card and so I do happen to agree with the referee. Yes I understand he did not look at the opponent and was always watching the ball and had no intentions but that is irrelevant, it was dangerous.
Following this Real Madrid still had to score two goals to progress. The task united faced was not impossible less that a year ago Chelsea shut shop on Barcelona in Spain. Manchester United could have done a similar job and to blame their exit out of the champions league on the red card is something I do not agree with. They still had their own destiny in their hands.
There are two more incidents I wish discuss the first is Rio Ferdinad's reaction to the referee at the final whistle, continuously clapping in his face. This for me was a terrible display of sportsmanship and an awful role model to young footballers and this comes at a time when he is being linked back to the England team. Shocking reaction by a player that has more red flags against his name than a golf course. I mean for a player that has been through so much and had so much experience you would have thought he would have known better. The final point happens to be a negative one against Sir Alex Ferguson, I understand he was disappointed to be knocked out the champions league however he should be able to fulfil his press obligations. Think how many people were watching post game last night to see Fergies reaction but we never got to. It's a game dominated by media now and Ferguson needed to have recognised that last night.
Please discuss.
First of all the red card it's self in no doubt changed the whole dimensions of the game. However when making a decision the referee can not think about if giving him a red card will change the course of game, he needs to judge the incident independently. In my eyes the incident is dangerous the foot is far to high and makes solid contact with an opponent. Dangerous play is considered a red card and so I do happen to agree with the referee. Yes I understand he did not look at the opponent and was always watching the ball and had no intentions but that is irrelevant, it was dangerous.
Following this Real Madrid still had to score two goals to progress. The task united faced was not impossible less that a year ago Chelsea shut shop on Barcelona in Spain. Manchester United could have done a similar job and to blame their exit out of the champions league on the red card is something I do not agree with. They still had their own destiny in their hands.
There are two more incidents I wish discuss the first is Rio Ferdinad's reaction to the referee at the final whistle, continuously clapping in his face. This for me was a terrible display of sportsmanship and an awful role model to young footballers and this comes at a time when he is being linked back to the England team. Shocking reaction by a player that has more red flags against his name than a golf course. I mean for a player that has been through so much and had so much experience you would have thought he would have known better. The final point happens to be a negative one against Sir Alex Ferguson, I understand he was disappointed to be knocked out the champions league however he should be able to fulfil his press obligations. Think how many people were watching post game last night to see Fergies reaction but we never got to. It's a game dominated by media now and Ferguson needed to have recognised that last night.
Please discuss.
Tuesday 5 March 2013
Lions priority in free agency
Less than a week away from free agency and Detroit will have began examining the field of players who are just about to become free agents. While the cap space is not massive and does prevent the Lions from making a big splash I fully expect the Stafford deal to get done to allow them to be a bit more creative. However today I'm going to look at the main spots that should be targeted in free agency. Some of these positions may get addressed in the draft but currently Lions have a lack of picks.
1. The main priority for me is defensive end. The lions do need to look to add talent in this position and they may do in the draft as there are many defensive ends near the top of the draft board. Avril is gone and we will not be able to resign him, KVB has been cut so we have lost both our starters. This years free agents at defensive end is not particularly strong and we are looking for quality starters. I have already mentioned we may look to the draft but we could even get creative and make a trade here.
2. Safety could be the position we target in free agency as there is some talent available. I would first bring back Delmas on an incentive lead contract giving him the opportunity to play and show he is fit at a cheap price. I would then target Quin from the Texans, a young talented safety you is an immediate starter.
3. Houston is going to hit the market as well come next Tuesday and he was with out doubt our best corner back by a long way. We have three young corner backs in Bentley, Whitehead and Green who need to be given the opportunity to play and develop. However at the same time they need some veteran help to learn from and to take some of the burden away from these young players. Lions need to add experience at this position one should be targeted in free agency.
4. Another position Lions are going to loose two starters is outside linebacker. I'm a big fan of both Levy and Durant and in my opinion both should be re-signed and we should keep a consistency at this position.
5. Change of pace running back one is able to catch, block and run on the outside. There are many media outlets linking us with Reggie Bush and I have no complaints with this but it must come at the right price. There are also other options out there in this position and someone should be brought in.
Never the less unlike last year Detroit next week will be very busy.
1. The main priority for me is defensive end. The lions do need to look to add talent in this position and they may do in the draft as there are many defensive ends near the top of the draft board. Avril is gone and we will not be able to resign him, KVB has been cut so we have lost both our starters. This years free agents at defensive end is not particularly strong and we are looking for quality starters. I have already mentioned we may look to the draft but we could even get creative and make a trade here.
2. Safety could be the position we target in free agency as there is some talent available. I would first bring back Delmas on an incentive lead contract giving him the opportunity to play and show he is fit at a cheap price. I would then target Quin from the Texans, a young talented safety you is an immediate starter.
3. Houston is going to hit the market as well come next Tuesday and he was with out doubt our best corner back by a long way. We have three young corner backs in Bentley, Whitehead and Green who need to be given the opportunity to play and develop. However at the same time they need some veteran help to learn from and to take some of the burden away from these young players. Lions need to add experience at this position one should be targeted in free agency.
4. Another position Lions are going to loose two starters is outside linebacker. I'm a big fan of both Levy and Durant and in my opinion both should be re-signed and we should keep a consistency at this position.
5. Change of pace running back one is able to catch, block and run on the outside. There are many media outlets linking us with Reggie Bush and I have no complaints with this but it must come at the right price. There are also other options out there in this position and someone should be brought in.
Never the less unlike last year Detroit next week will be very busy.
Monday 4 March 2013
Busiest test year ever
Tomorrow late in our evening England kick off what is going to be the country's busiest year in test cricket. England face New Zealand in the first of 6 test matches home and away before under taking the massive job of back to back ashes. England need to kick the year of on the right foot and that means getting the balance of the team correct so that it is settled for the whole year.
I would say the majority of fans know nine players of the team it is the final 2 positions will cause a little debate. Lets start with what we know. Cook will defiantly open the batting but who with we are unsure about. The middle order is pretty settled Trott at three, KP at four and Bell at five is one of the most consistent middle orders in world cricket. Conditions in New Zealand and then back home suit their batting as well and should have prolific years. Prior will keep wicket where he bat depends on the rest of the line up. Swann will be the spin bowler and England will only need to play one in 2013, the opening bowlers are Anderson and Finn. For those of you counting that is 8 out of the 11 just the final three spots to decide.
I'm a big fan of only playing four bowlers in the way the great Australian team did however England do not have the quality of bowling to do this yet. The first person I would defiantly include in the team is Broad to be the first change bowler and bat behind Prior. A fit and in form Broad is the best bowler in England and maybe the world, he is on his way back from fitness and needs to be given every opportunity to bowl and get ready for the Australians. If Broad was at his best England could get away with playing 4 bowlers but at the moment they need the fifth. This is an aggressive move as you need to bowl the opposition out twice to win the test, it also shows a recognition of how the team can best achieve a win. For this fifth spot I would pick Onions, he currently looks like he is back to full fitness and has proven in the past he is of test quality.
That means pushing Prior up to six in the batting order and leaving two men to fight it out for the other opening spot with Cook. Now I'm going to go against everything I believe in with this decision. I thought Compton was good in India was solid at the top showed a good temperament and has done nothing wrong to lose his spot. However you can not account for a young man that has come on to the international scene and taken it by storm. Root has shown he can bat in a variety of conditions, under pressure and in different situations. He passes the eye test and looks like he is set for a long international career. He is aggressive at the top but not in a wreck less way, England need to give him innings before going up against the Aussies. Therefore Compton just misses out and Root gets the nod.
I would say the majority of fans know nine players of the team it is the final 2 positions will cause a little debate. Lets start with what we know. Cook will defiantly open the batting but who with we are unsure about. The middle order is pretty settled Trott at three, KP at four and Bell at five is one of the most consistent middle orders in world cricket. Conditions in New Zealand and then back home suit their batting as well and should have prolific years. Prior will keep wicket where he bat depends on the rest of the line up. Swann will be the spin bowler and England will only need to play one in 2013, the opening bowlers are Anderson and Finn. For those of you counting that is 8 out of the 11 just the final three spots to decide.
I'm a big fan of only playing four bowlers in the way the great Australian team did however England do not have the quality of bowling to do this yet. The first person I would defiantly include in the team is Broad to be the first change bowler and bat behind Prior. A fit and in form Broad is the best bowler in England and maybe the world, he is on his way back from fitness and needs to be given every opportunity to bowl and get ready for the Australians. If Broad was at his best England could get away with playing 4 bowlers but at the moment they need the fifth. This is an aggressive move as you need to bowl the opposition out twice to win the test, it also shows a recognition of how the team can best achieve a win. For this fifth spot I would pick Onions, he currently looks like he is back to full fitness and has proven in the past he is of test quality.
That means pushing Prior up to six in the batting order and leaving two men to fight it out for the other opening spot with Cook. Now I'm going to go against everything I believe in with this decision. I thought Compton was good in India was solid at the top showed a good temperament and has done nothing wrong to lose his spot. However you can not account for a young man that has come on to the international scene and taken it by storm. Root has shown he can bat in a variety of conditions, under pressure and in different situations. He passes the eye test and looks like he is set for a long international career. He is aggressive at the top but not in a wreck less way, England need to give him innings before going up against the Aussies. Therefore Compton just misses out and Root gets the nod.
Sunday 3 March 2013
A blog in the life.... Part III
It has been a very busy couple of weeks for Desmond Trufant as he attended the annual NFL combine in Indianapolis last weekend. The buzz coming out of last weekends combine for Desmond is very promising after what was a very good performance. The combine needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as it will not determine where a players is drafted but it can help answer some questions.
In a few weeks time I'm going to publish my own personal scouting report on Desmond Trufant but one of the things many scouts have questioned is his vertical speed. He was able to answer this question in what is the highlight event of the combine the 40 yard dash with a 4.38 run, the third best time by any defensive back. He was also extremely quick in the 20 yard shuttle and again one of the top performers. In the skills based exercise he looked smooth and one of the most natural at his position entering this years draft.
Following the senior bowl a buzz was beginning to form surrounding Trufant and this was only enhanced after the combine. His performance answered some of the question marks scouts had against him which is helping him secure being a day 1 pick in Aprils draft. Many of the experts are now placing Trufant firmly in their first round of mock drafts and in some as high as number 25. Mike Mayock of NFL.com has him ranked as his third corner back over taking Johnathan Banks.
At the combine players also have meetings with teams in the evenings some of his meetings were confirmed. He did meet with the Rams, Buccaneers, Eagles and Vikings. Trufant is now preparing himself for his pro day at Washington on March 13th and then following that any team visits.
In the next update I will give my scouting view on Turfant as well as reporting on his performance at his pro day. Good luck Desmond.
In a few weeks time I'm going to publish my own personal scouting report on Desmond Trufant but one of the things many scouts have questioned is his vertical speed. He was able to answer this question in what is the highlight event of the combine the 40 yard dash with a 4.38 run, the third best time by any defensive back. He was also extremely quick in the 20 yard shuttle and again one of the top performers. In the skills based exercise he looked smooth and one of the most natural at his position entering this years draft.
Following the senior bowl a buzz was beginning to form surrounding Trufant and this was only enhanced after the combine. His performance answered some of the question marks scouts had against him which is helping him secure being a day 1 pick in Aprils draft. Many of the experts are now placing Trufant firmly in their first round of mock drafts and in some as high as number 25. Mike Mayock of NFL.com has him ranked as his third corner back over taking Johnathan Banks.
At the combine players also have meetings with teams in the evenings some of his meetings were confirmed. He did meet with the Rams, Buccaneers, Eagles and Vikings. Trufant is now preparing himself for his pro day at Washington on March 13th and then following that any team visits.
In the next update I will give my scouting view on Turfant as well as reporting on his performance at his pro day. Good luck Desmond.
Friday 1 March 2013
Stafford deal crucial
Free agency is looming and just days away, lions have a really important matter to deal with before then which will shape their free agency. This big pressing matter is Matthew Stafford and getting him resigned to a new contract. Staffords cap hit for this forth coming season is over $20 millions which is approximately one sixth of the cap. This is a massive problem when Detroit have holes all over the roster and need to be players in the free agency.
By resigning Stafford to a new long term deal it will make his contract much more friendly to this years cap. It could potentially save Lions about 5-8 million in this years cap. This would allow them to resign some their own free agents who need to be kept around like Avril and Cherilus. It would also give the club the opportunity to be more active in free agency and pursue veterans who can come in and be leaders, who do not come cheap.
It also has some positive affects on Stafford to get the deal done sooner rather than later. Firstly and most obviously it secures him to the club for longer, players like to have lengthy contracts as generally they are loaded with guaranteed money. It will also have a similar affect as to what Brady has done in New England given his team more money to strengthen the roster and ultimately more chance of winning. Finally I think it will help with him gaining leadership of this young team. Currently I do not view Stafford as a great leader few players look up to him but this could help him change this persona and players may feel accountable to him.
My final thought on this is it is not going to be easy. Stafford holds all the leverage as he is due over $20 this season and is in titled to that money, after all that is the contract he signed. Stafford will want to be paid correctly and will demand top dollar. Stafford holds more leverage because for him their is no major rush he has 2 more years under contract and financially would happily take the money from this contract. Stafford needs to show his commitment to the team here and how serious he is to helping build a winning team.
Sign a new deal Staff and become a leader.
By resigning Stafford to a new long term deal it will make his contract much more friendly to this years cap. It could potentially save Lions about 5-8 million in this years cap. This would allow them to resign some their own free agents who need to be kept around like Avril and Cherilus. It would also give the club the opportunity to be more active in free agency and pursue veterans who can come in and be leaders, who do not come cheap.
It also has some positive affects on Stafford to get the deal done sooner rather than later. Firstly and most obviously it secures him to the club for longer, players like to have lengthy contracts as generally they are loaded with guaranteed money. It will also have a similar affect as to what Brady has done in New England given his team more money to strengthen the roster and ultimately more chance of winning. Finally I think it will help with him gaining leadership of this young team. Currently I do not view Stafford as a great leader few players look up to him but this could help him change this persona and players may feel accountable to him.
My final thought on this is it is not going to be easy. Stafford holds all the leverage as he is due over $20 this season and is in titled to that money, after all that is the contract he signed. Stafford will want to be paid correctly and will demand top dollar. Stafford holds more leverage because for him their is no major rush he has 2 more years under contract and financially would happily take the money from this contract. Stafford needs to show his commitment to the team here and how serious he is to helping build a winning team.
Sign a new deal Staff and become a leader.
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