Special edition blog today as I have been requested for this topic and I will be unable to do a blog until Sunday. The NBA playoff's begin this weekend and so its only right to make a few predictions, the majority are the expected.
West: Number 1 seed Oklahoma Thunder play the out of form Houston Rockets, at the start of the year I would have thought this would be a belter of a match up. Two high scoring offences going at each other however Houston are really out of form especially on the offensive end. Thunder will wipe this series 4-0.
San Antonio Spurs the 2 seed are another team bang out of form only winning 3 of the last 10 while their opponents LA Lakers Kobe less have won 5 in a row. This will be a close series and probably go the distance. Spurs are rested up though while Lakers are carrying too many injuries and so they scrap by.
Denver have one of the deeper squads in all of the NBA and probably the coach of the year. They are also in good form coming into the playoffs making this a very hard match up for the Golden State Warriors. Denver is a tough place to play as well so home court advantage is a big deal for Denver who make it past in 5 or 6 games.
The last matchup has all the makings of a classic Memphis against the Clippers. The toughest of match ups to call both teams in good form, both have good squads and depth in their squads. Clippers have home court advantage but I'm going with the Grizzles. It's really starting to click for this team and defensively they are solid lead behind Marc Gasol, it will go seven games.
East: The Miami Heat have been unquestionably the best team in the league this year and are tipped to go all the way. They face the best defensive team in the league the Milwaukee Bucks yet the Heat put points on them at will the other weekend and made real light work of them. This will be easy and done in four games.
The next game is a real chess match of a game the number two seed New York Knicks against Boston Celtics. The Knicks have been brilliant this year and they are getting healthier at the right time apart from anyone with the name LeBron Melo is the best player in the league. However Celtics have playoff experience and a vast amount of it. They are going to prove a real test for the Knicks and if the Knicks get past them it will prove all the doubters wrong that the Knicks are the real deal. I'm a believe in the Knicks, they win a tough 6-7 game series to progress.
The Indiana Pacers hosting the Hawks is my least favourite match up. Two out of form teams who are not playing well at all. Granger is out for the year and I do not think the Pacers have enough offensive weapons to trouble anyone without him. Hawks to win this but they not going far either.
The final game is Brooklyn against Chicago with rumours Derrick Rose may even feature for the Bulls. This will defiantly provide a lift the Bulls desperately need who are down to the bare bones of their roster. Defensively the Bulls look weak at the moment Deng is having to defend two players as Boozer is only playing one end of the court. This is a shame but the Nets go through but Bulls will be back next year much stronger.
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
Olympic stadium to Lambeau field
Earlier this year I wrote about two young men entering next weeks NFL draft. These two young men where different to all the other future professional American football players because they were from the United Kingdom. Other the course of the last month a third candidate has un expectedly entered the running to be drafted next week. This is former Great Britain Olympian Lawerence Okoye who competed in the discuss at London 2012. Today I'm not going to discuss the importance of UK representatives in the NFL like I have previously but rather Lawerence's rather peculiar journey.
In just other a weeks time Lawerence Okoye could be drafted by one of the 32 NFL franchises but how has he gone from London's Olympic Stadium to Lambeau field or Foxborough in less than a year. Okoye has decided to take a break from athletics in order to pursue a career in American football. For many of the prospects selected in next weeks draft the journey to the NFL began years and years ago from playing high school football to college football to sports performance centres. Players have taken hundreds of game snaps and probably thousands of practise snaps. Lawerence's journey began literally months ago as he prepared for a regional trial in Atlanta and still yet to take any snap.
Although he is yet to play a game of American football or even be placed on a teams roster he has sent shock waves through the NFL community. He impressed so much at that trial in Atlanta that he was invited to the regional combine in Dallas. Traditionally about a quarter of the people who attend the regional combine end up either being drafted or acquired as a free agent by NFL teams. Straight away he had all 32 teams who were in attendance turning their heads. He measured in at 6-6 and over 300lbs, he then went on to run a blistering 40 yard dash time. To those who know Lawerence this did not come as a surprise they already know his explosiveness and athleticism. He further displayed this athleticism in practise drills where he participated in the defensive line drills.
Following the workouts he had NFL scouts queuing up to speak to him. Since the combine he has been rumoured to have already had formal workouts and meetings with teams including San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. This is just the first steps in Lawerence's quest to be an American football player he understands that he may not see the field of play for a long time and could initially end up on a teams practise squad. Okoye is going to need time to develop and understand the game and his position, developing the experience his peers have acquired other years of playing football. The strides he has made so far have been at a remarkable pace and these strides will probably be at the same pace. He is an intelligent young man turning down an Oxford University degree so learning an NFL play book should be no problem.
I personally am so excited for next weeks NFL draft we have 3 UK prospects hoping to be drafted or picked up by an NFL franchise via free agency. While Lawerence may be the biggest risk of all three prospects and perhaps all the prospects entering the draft as he has never played a game of football he could have the most potential. His athletic ability and measurables are already there for everyone to see, he has the passion and cognitive ability to succeed. I predict he will be drafted in one of the later rounds as teams are already intrigued with him. I hope which ever team he ends up on they are patient with him allowing him to learn and develop.
Good luck Lawerence from all football fans in the UK, it will be amazing to have one of our own playing at Wembley.
In just other a weeks time Lawerence Okoye could be drafted by one of the 32 NFL franchises but how has he gone from London's Olympic Stadium to Lambeau field or Foxborough in less than a year. Okoye has decided to take a break from athletics in order to pursue a career in American football. For many of the prospects selected in next weeks draft the journey to the NFL began years and years ago from playing high school football to college football to sports performance centres. Players have taken hundreds of game snaps and probably thousands of practise snaps. Lawerence's journey began literally months ago as he prepared for a regional trial in Atlanta and still yet to take any snap.
Although he is yet to play a game of American football or even be placed on a teams roster he has sent shock waves through the NFL community. He impressed so much at that trial in Atlanta that he was invited to the regional combine in Dallas. Traditionally about a quarter of the people who attend the regional combine end up either being drafted or acquired as a free agent by NFL teams. Straight away he had all 32 teams who were in attendance turning their heads. He measured in at 6-6 and over 300lbs, he then went on to run a blistering 40 yard dash time. To those who know Lawerence this did not come as a surprise they already know his explosiveness and athleticism. He further displayed this athleticism in practise drills where he participated in the defensive line drills.
Following the workouts he had NFL scouts queuing up to speak to him. Since the combine he has been rumoured to have already had formal workouts and meetings with teams including San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints. This is just the first steps in Lawerence's quest to be an American football player he understands that he may not see the field of play for a long time and could initially end up on a teams practise squad. Okoye is going to need time to develop and understand the game and his position, developing the experience his peers have acquired other years of playing football. The strides he has made so far have been at a remarkable pace and these strides will probably be at the same pace. He is an intelligent young man turning down an Oxford University degree so learning an NFL play book should be no problem.
I personally am so excited for next weeks NFL draft we have 3 UK prospects hoping to be drafted or picked up by an NFL franchise via free agency. While Lawerence may be the biggest risk of all three prospects and perhaps all the prospects entering the draft as he has never played a game of football he could have the most potential. His athletic ability and measurables are already there for everyone to see, he has the passion and cognitive ability to succeed. I predict he will be drafted in one of the later rounds as teams are already intrigued with him. I hope which ever team he ends up on they are patient with him allowing him to learn and develop.
Good luck Lawerence from all football fans in the UK, it will be amazing to have one of our own playing at Wembley.
Monday, 15 April 2013
Sports big weekend took a big punch
In a weekend that included a dramatic conclusion to the US Masters, one of the most open FA cup semi finals ever witnessed and some exciting IPL cricket I end up talking about football hooliganism today. The scenes witnessed at Wembley and St James Park over the course of the weekend were un-expectable and ones that take us back to the 1980's. Britain has done such a good job in dealing with football hooliganism over recent years that it has not been an issue.
However a group of Millwall fans and I have to say a very small group who I'm lead to believe from reports are not even football fans and have attended the FA Cup semi final just to cause trouble have clouded this weekend. Along with another small group of Newcastle fans causing trouble outside the stadium following the Tyne side derby on Sunday. On Saturday there where 14 arrests made and 29 Sunday along with images of people beaten up and showing total disrespect for authority. Yet the most shocking image to me was the sight of a small girl crying and scared. Football is meant to be place where families can go, a place that inspires younger people to participate or be part of the sport. I wonder if I was to ask that young girl now if she found football an attractive prospect or even inspirational.
For me a regular spectator at Oxford United I see a couple of problems. The first is the total allowance for anti-social behaviour driven by alcohol. The vast majority of people can handle their alcohol and enjoy the football. However for some they can not and therefore it should be banned. Police watch supporters drink in pubs and then even escort them to grounds. This maybe an over the top reaction but I would totally ban alcohol within grounds and then anyone who you believe has been drinking is not allowed in to the stadium. The reason for such a harsh reaction is because of the scenes we saw this weekend, the negative headlines in papers and we can not put of young people from any sporting activity.
The other change I would make is the training and professionalism of the Stewards. Many Stewards can be seen just watching the events play out on Saturday and not do anything about it. I know not all Stewards are trained in how to deal with situations like this and have no experience of how to manage crowds of people. I think clubs should have all Stewards within their grounds trained in how to deal with situations like this and all Stewards in grounds be at this level. This would hopefully prevent situations escalating to the scenes we witnessed this weekend.
Clubs and local authorities do a fantastic job at identifying these individuals and then placing football ground bans on them. I hope this continues and they can identify the individuals involved this weekend but I would also ask they face a harsh enforcement of the law. This will help us stamp out scenes we do not want to see again.
However a group of Millwall fans and I have to say a very small group who I'm lead to believe from reports are not even football fans and have attended the FA Cup semi final just to cause trouble have clouded this weekend. Along with another small group of Newcastle fans causing trouble outside the stadium following the Tyne side derby on Sunday. On Saturday there where 14 arrests made and 29 Sunday along with images of people beaten up and showing total disrespect for authority. Yet the most shocking image to me was the sight of a small girl crying and scared. Football is meant to be place where families can go, a place that inspires younger people to participate or be part of the sport. I wonder if I was to ask that young girl now if she found football an attractive prospect or even inspirational.
For me a regular spectator at Oxford United I see a couple of problems. The first is the total allowance for anti-social behaviour driven by alcohol. The vast majority of people can handle their alcohol and enjoy the football. However for some they can not and therefore it should be banned. Police watch supporters drink in pubs and then even escort them to grounds. This maybe an over the top reaction but I would totally ban alcohol within grounds and then anyone who you believe has been drinking is not allowed in to the stadium. The reason for such a harsh reaction is because of the scenes we saw this weekend, the negative headlines in papers and we can not put of young people from any sporting activity.
The other change I would make is the training and professionalism of the Stewards. Many Stewards can be seen just watching the events play out on Saturday and not do anything about it. I know not all Stewards are trained in how to deal with situations like this and have no experience of how to manage crowds of people. I think clubs should have all Stewards within their grounds trained in how to deal with situations like this and all Stewards in grounds be at this level. This would hopefully prevent situations escalating to the scenes we witnessed this weekend.
Clubs and local authorities do a fantastic job at identifying these individuals and then placing football ground bans on them. I hope this continues and they can identify the individuals involved this weekend but I would also ask they face a harsh enforcement of the law. This will help us stamp out scenes we do not want to see again.
Saturday, 13 April 2013
No I in team
First of all a massive thank you to all of you who read my last post I received a record number of views and I was overwhelmed, Thank You all very much.
The cliche "there is no I in team" is one we have all heard often surrounding sports teams. I know I even used it as a demonstration with my football team last term at school and have been thinking along those lines when I have watched certain teams this year like Los Angeles Lakers, England Cricket team and Miami Heat. In fact it was this last example Miami Heat that made me think about this cliche and how they have been able to successfully put it together as a team but allowed room for individuals and today I'm going to argue that there is not just one I in team but many.
What the cliche simply means is that one individual can not make up a team and can not be expected to beat a team. Rather to win in a team sport you must play as a team displaying good team cohesion and utilizing everyone's strengths. One rugby player can not be expected to run through a whole team and score a try and in reverse stop them from scoring. It can leave you scratching your head when so many of the best individual players come together to play in the same team but do not succeed, use the LA Lakers as an example this year or in previous years not so much recently the England Football team. Both are justification that the whole is greater than any of its parts.
One of the first examples I think of when thinking about this statement is Kevin Pietersen. There have been so many times when he has come out to bat for England played an aggressive shot from ball one and quickly got out. On occasions when England have needed him to steady the ship, for example the first innings of the first test against New Zealand 2 months ago. When this has happened I have thought why can you not just bat for the team and not yourself i.e "there is no I in team". However if KP did not bat like this then he would not be the KP that has played nearly 100 tests for England and scored over 7000 runs as well as producing a brand of cricket that has helped England to dominate in recent time. By KP being the individual and batting the way he does he sets a tempo that opposition have to respond to or he will just take the game away from them. By him using his method of batting it has drawn opposition to focus on him and actually allowed other members of the middle order like Bell and Prior to flourish as all the attention is on KP. He relieves pressure from other players because of the volume of runs he scores and pace he scores them at. If KP was not allowed to be the individual in the team and maybe play more for the team in given situations this England team and the batsmen would not have had the success they have experienced.
Another example I can use to echo that there is a place for individuals within teams is the recent national final runners up, Michigan Wolverine men's basketball team. On this team they have the best player in the nation Trey Burke, who cleaned up at the national awards winning the player of the year award and being voted a first team All-American. There have been times this year when I have been screaming for Burke to pass the ball to an open team mate or not to take on a double team or not taking that jump shot with a man in his face. It would appear to the uneducated eye that he was trying to beat oppositions on his own instead of use his team mates who appeared to be in better positions. Yet its these exact plays that often resulted in him making a ridiculous three point shot like the Kansas game or driving past 2 defenders to take it to the basket. Its this exact individual play that resulted in him being voted as the best player in the nation and taking his team to the national championship game.
Those of you die hard Wolverine fans will say Michigan played their best basketball down the stretch when Trey got his team mates into the game and he was less of an individual I would agree his assists did go up and the team were very successful. However Burke still used his individual skill to be successful he just became better at deciding when to use his team mates and when he needed to stand up as an individual.
I therefore believe there is a comprise needed players within any team need the opportunity to express themselves as individuals, the chance to show their natural talent hence why they are playing in that team. Yet we all know the best teams are the teams were individuals play for the greater good, the greater good being the team. Next time someone says there is no I in team respond with your correct but there is 11.
The cliche "there is no I in team" is one we have all heard often surrounding sports teams. I know I even used it as a demonstration with my football team last term at school and have been thinking along those lines when I have watched certain teams this year like Los Angeles Lakers, England Cricket team and Miami Heat. In fact it was this last example Miami Heat that made me think about this cliche and how they have been able to successfully put it together as a team but allowed room for individuals and today I'm going to argue that there is not just one I in team but many.
What the cliche simply means is that one individual can not make up a team and can not be expected to beat a team. Rather to win in a team sport you must play as a team displaying good team cohesion and utilizing everyone's strengths. One rugby player can not be expected to run through a whole team and score a try and in reverse stop them from scoring. It can leave you scratching your head when so many of the best individual players come together to play in the same team but do not succeed, use the LA Lakers as an example this year or in previous years not so much recently the England Football team. Both are justification that the whole is greater than any of its parts.
One of the first examples I think of when thinking about this statement is Kevin Pietersen. There have been so many times when he has come out to bat for England played an aggressive shot from ball one and quickly got out. On occasions when England have needed him to steady the ship, for example the first innings of the first test against New Zealand 2 months ago. When this has happened I have thought why can you not just bat for the team and not yourself i.e "there is no I in team". However if KP did not bat like this then he would not be the KP that has played nearly 100 tests for England and scored over 7000 runs as well as producing a brand of cricket that has helped England to dominate in recent time. By KP being the individual and batting the way he does he sets a tempo that opposition have to respond to or he will just take the game away from them. By him using his method of batting it has drawn opposition to focus on him and actually allowed other members of the middle order like Bell and Prior to flourish as all the attention is on KP. He relieves pressure from other players because of the volume of runs he scores and pace he scores them at. If KP was not allowed to be the individual in the team and maybe play more for the team in given situations this England team and the batsmen would not have had the success they have experienced.
Another example I can use to echo that there is a place for individuals within teams is the recent national final runners up, Michigan Wolverine men's basketball team. On this team they have the best player in the nation Trey Burke, who cleaned up at the national awards winning the player of the year award and being voted a first team All-American. There have been times this year when I have been screaming for Burke to pass the ball to an open team mate or not to take on a double team or not taking that jump shot with a man in his face. It would appear to the uneducated eye that he was trying to beat oppositions on his own instead of use his team mates who appeared to be in better positions. Yet its these exact plays that often resulted in him making a ridiculous three point shot like the Kansas game or driving past 2 defenders to take it to the basket. Its this exact individual play that resulted in him being voted as the best player in the nation and taking his team to the national championship game.
Those of you die hard Wolverine fans will say Michigan played their best basketball down the stretch when Trey got his team mates into the game and he was less of an individual I would agree his assists did go up and the team were very successful. However Burke still used his individual skill to be successful he just became better at deciding when to use his team mates and when he needed to stand up as an individual.
I therefore believe there is a comprise needed players within any team need the opportunity to express themselves as individuals, the chance to show their natural talent hence why they are playing in that team. Yet we all know the best teams are the teams were individuals play for the greater good, the greater good being the team. Next time someone says there is no I in team respond with your correct but there is 11.
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Mock draft
Two weeks today Kansas City Chiefs will be on the clock to start the 2013 NFL. The draft process is nearly complete we have watched lots of college tape, the prospects have participated in the combine, pro days and even individual work outs. All that's left to do is find out who is going to be employed and by who. For today's blog I attempt my very own mock draft. This is where I try and predict which prospect goes where and give reasoning, then look back in 14 days time and see how completely wrong I got it.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel an immediate starter at left tackle. We solidify that position for many years to come and make multiple trips to the pro bowl I like him more than Matt Kalil last years first offensive tackle.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith a reaction pick from all the success recent first round quarterbacks have had. When you are not happy with the quarterback position you are always on the look for one, Smith is an upgrade at that position.
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd again the defensive tackle fills a hole for the raiders and starts straight away. He is a two gap filler in the middle who will make players around him better.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Cooper the first real shock pick. Kelly likes linemen who can pull and get out in the open to block. Cooper is the most athletic linemen in the draft and fits what Kelly is installing.
5. Detroit Lions: Eric Fisher the second offensive tackle to come of the board and my highest rated player in the draft. He starts immediately at left tackle replacing Jeff Backus and plays just as long as he did at the position.
6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Millner the cornerback out of Alabama comes over to play n Cleveland opposite one of the best corner backs in the league Haden. Together they form a great partnership.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Dion Jordan the linebacker come defensive end has seen his draft stock rising recently. He provides Arizona with an option to rush the passer from day one in a division with two very mobile quarterbacks.
8.Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin helps provide that x-factor for the Bills. A team that needs some help on the outside can not resist taking the most explosive offensive player of the board.
9. New York Jets: Chance Warmack helps fill one of many holes the jets have. They would take Austin here if he fell however Warmack helps solidify a very shaky offensive line allowing who ever is running or throwing the ball an opportunity to succeed.
10. Tennessee Titans: Ezekial Ansah helps the Titans out a lot at defensive end. It's a good fit schematically and I think his upside is tremendous. Titans have a few pieces at the position already which will take the pressure of him to begin with allowing him to learn.
11. San Diego Chargers: Star Lotueleli clears all medical checks and bit end up being a steal for the chargers. Helps the chargers out in the middle can plug and play straight away and is another good scheme fit better NT than 3 technique.
12. Miami Dolphins: Lane Johnson the offensive tackle comes in and plays opposite Martin. The offensive line got ripped to pieces las year in Miami and Johnson should help out.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant corner back from Washington. This may change if the Revis deal goes through but I believe Trufant is the second best corner in the draft.
14. Carolina Panthers: Sylvester Williams stays in state and goes to the Panthers who need upgrading in the middle of their defence who is very athletic.
15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson position yet to be decided as they move over to a 3-4 defence. They need a plugger in the middle but not sure he is the man and may end up at the defensive end position.
16. St Louis Rams: Cordarelle Patterson comes to Rams to give Bradford a true threat. The weapons at the offensive disposal in St Louis is poor and Patterson is defiantly a weapon and with Fisher there he will develop into a good receiver.
17. Pittsburgh Stealers: Jarvis Jones the outside linebacker from Georgia has come under some criticism recently but he just looks and feels like a Stealers linebacker. Who may not be able to keep them all in the future with unbelievable cap problems.
18. Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro another player who gets to stay in state. Dallas needs upgrading at the secondary position in particular safety who can also drop in and cover from the nickel. Something Vaccaro was asked to do a lot as a longhorn.
19. New York Giants: Bjoern Werner once considered the best defensive linemen in the draft as slipped right into the Giants lap. They need more production at the position and Werner could actually complement other ends the Giants already have.
20. Chicago Bears: Manti Te'o straight away becomes Urlachers replacement. Te'o will be a really good pick for the Bears he plays much better than he measures and you replace one leader with another.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Alec Ogletree fits the Bengals really well and is probably the best linebacker in the the draft. Manaluga was never amazing at the position and Ogletree may not be an immediate upgrade but will develop into a better player.
22. St. Louis Rams: Johnathan Hankins is bit of a surprise pick here. Rams fans will be screaming for a running back to replace Jackson but you can get running back help later on. Rams also need more bodies and good bodies at the tackle position to rotate and keep people fresh.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen is Harvin's replacement. Even before Harvin left you would hardly say the Vikings had many outside weapons now this just becomes a necessary pick.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Barkevious Mingo who will play outside linebacker in the Colts 3-4. The Colts know that passing the football wins games, last year they got their passer and weapons this year they get their weapon to disrupt the pass.
25. Minnesota Vikings: DeAndre Hopkins a second receiver is added just two picks later. They can not afford to miss at this position so why not double your chances.
26. Green Bay Packers: Dante Jones the defensive end from UCLA will help secure that front defensive line that has looked a bit weak on the edges.
27. Houston Texans: John Jenkins nose tackle from Georgia. A mountain of a man who plays a position you can not have enough of. Texans see the upside of the pick allows rotation and developmental time.
28. Denver Boncos: Xavier Rhodes falls into the laps of the Broncos. They need to start thinking of Bailey replacement Rhodes just might be that man, nice size who likes to be physical.
29. New England Patriots: Tyler Eifert with Gronks injury a little unknown Eifert provides a little bit of an insurance and yet another weapon for Brady.
30. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Ertz who might be the most complete tight end of the group. Gonzalez has said he will come back for another year but Atlanta would like a double threat and Gonzalez future replacement.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Damontre Moore once considered a top 10 pick does have true talent to be unlocked. 49ers can take the risk and you can never have enough pass rushers.
32. Baltimore Ravens: Robert Woods the receiver from USC is Boldin replacement. He already runs good routes and has reliable hands I can for see him being Flacco's best friend.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Joeckel an immediate starter at left tackle. We solidify that position for many years to come and make multiple trips to the pro bowl I like him more than Matt Kalil last years first offensive tackle.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Geno Smith a reaction pick from all the success recent first round quarterbacks have had. When you are not happy with the quarterback position you are always on the look for one, Smith is an upgrade at that position.
3. Oakland Raiders: Sharrif Floyd again the defensive tackle fills a hole for the raiders and starts straight away. He is a two gap filler in the middle who will make players around him better.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Jonathan Cooper the first real shock pick. Kelly likes linemen who can pull and get out in the open to block. Cooper is the most athletic linemen in the draft and fits what Kelly is installing.
5. Detroit Lions: Eric Fisher the second offensive tackle to come of the board and my highest rated player in the draft. He starts immediately at left tackle replacing Jeff Backus and plays just as long as he did at the position.
6. Cleveland Browns: Dee Millner the cornerback out of Alabama comes over to play n Cleveland opposite one of the best corner backs in the league Haden. Together they form a great partnership.
7. Arizona Cardinals: Dion Jordan the linebacker come defensive end has seen his draft stock rising recently. He provides Arizona with an option to rush the passer from day one in a division with two very mobile quarterbacks.
8.Buffalo Bills: Tavon Austin helps provide that x-factor for the Bills. A team that needs some help on the outside can not resist taking the most explosive offensive player of the board.
9. New York Jets: Chance Warmack helps fill one of many holes the jets have. They would take Austin here if he fell however Warmack helps solidify a very shaky offensive line allowing who ever is running or throwing the ball an opportunity to succeed.
10. Tennessee Titans: Ezekial Ansah helps the Titans out a lot at defensive end. It's a good fit schematically and I think his upside is tremendous. Titans have a few pieces at the position already which will take the pressure of him to begin with allowing him to learn.
11. San Diego Chargers: Star Lotueleli clears all medical checks and bit end up being a steal for the chargers. Helps the chargers out in the middle can plug and play straight away and is another good scheme fit better NT than 3 technique.
12. Miami Dolphins: Lane Johnson the offensive tackle comes in and plays opposite Martin. The offensive line got ripped to pieces las year in Miami and Johnson should help out.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Desmond Trufant corner back from Washington. This may change if the Revis deal goes through but I believe Trufant is the second best corner in the draft.
14. Carolina Panthers: Sylvester Williams stays in state and goes to the Panthers who need upgrading in the middle of their defence who is very athletic.
15. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Richardson position yet to be decided as they move over to a 3-4 defence. They need a plugger in the middle but not sure he is the man and may end up at the defensive end position.
16. St Louis Rams: Cordarelle Patterson comes to Rams to give Bradford a true threat. The weapons at the offensive disposal in St Louis is poor and Patterson is defiantly a weapon and with Fisher there he will develop into a good receiver.
17. Pittsburgh Stealers: Jarvis Jones the outside linebacker from Georgia has come under some criticism recently but he just looks and feels like a Stealers linebacker. Who may not be able to keep them all in the future with unbelievable cap problems.
18. Dallas Cowboys: Kenny Vaccaro another player who gets to stay in state. Dallas needs upgrading at the secondary position in particular safety who can also drop in and cover from the nickel. Something Vaccaro was asked to do a lot as a longhorn.
19. New York Giants: Bjoern Werner once considered the best defensive linemen in the draft as slipped right into the Giants lap. They need more production at the position and Werner could actually complement other ends the Giants already have.
20. Chicago Bears: Manti Te'o straight away becomes Urlachers replacement. Te'o will be a really good pick for the Bears he plays much better than he measures and you replace one leader with another.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Alec Ogletree fits the Bengals really well and is probably the best linebacker in the the draft. Manaluga was never amazing at the position and Ogletree may not be an immediate upgrade but will develop into a better player.
22. St. Louis Rams: Johnathan Hankins is bit of a surprise pick here. Rams fans will be screaming for a running back to replace Jackson but you can get running back help later on. Rams also need more bodies and good bodies at the tackle position to rotate and keep people fresh.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Keenan Allen is Harvin's replacement. Even before Harvin left you would hardly say the Vikings had many outside weapons now this just becomes a necessary pick.
24. Indianapolis Colts: Barkevious Mingo who will play outside linebacker in the Colts 3-4. The Colts know that passing the football wins games, last year they got their passer and weapons this year they get their weapon to disrupt the pass.
25. Minnesota Vikings: DeAndre Hopkins a second receiver is added just two picks later. They can not afford to miss at this position so why not double your chances.
26. Green Bay Packers: Dante Jones the defensive end from UCLA will help secure that front defensive line that has looked a bit weak on the edges.
27. Houston Texans: John Jenkins nose tackle from Georgia. A mountain of a man who plays a position you can not have enough of. Texans see the upside of the pick allows rotation and developmental time.
28. Denver Boncos: Xavier Rhodes falls into the laps of the Broncos. They need to start thinking of Bailey replacement Rhodes just might be that man, nice size who likes to be physical.
29. New England Patriots: Tyler Eifert with Gronks injury a little unknown Eifert provides a little bit of an insurance and yet another weapon for Brady.
30. Atlanta Falcons: Zach Ertz who might be the most complete tight end of the group. Gonzalez has said he will come back for another year but Atlanta would like a double threat and Gonzalez future replacement.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Damontre Moore once considered a top 10 pick does have true talent to be unlocked. 49ers can take the risk and you can never have enough pass rushers.
32. Baltimore Ravens: Robert Woods the receiver from USC is Boldin replacement. He already runs good routes and has reliable hands I can for see him being Flacco's best friend.
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Tigers return
Just days away from the first of four major's, the golfing world descends upon Augusta as it usual does this time of year for the masters. The famous green jacket is up for grabs again in what can only be described as one of sports truest levelling tournaments. Being tagged an under dog or book makers favourite really has little affect at Augusta as previous years winners will show being world number one going into the tournament has very little impact.
Of course the current world number 1 is Tiger Woods, its been a long time since he was world number 1 but he is back to the top of the game and what he needs most is a major to crown his return. If I would have asked you 5 years ago what would all the talk be going into the 2013 masters surrounding Tiger Woods. You might have said something like is he going to break Jack Nicholson record of most majors won. Instead and perhaps unfortunately it is can Tiger win his first major since 2007 and his first since returning to the sport.
Prior to 2009 when his martial infidelities came to light I thought of him as one of the greatest sportsman to have ever lived regardless of era or sport. I thought of him as a role model both on and off the course and one of the most positive influences on any sport. He changed the culture of golf breaking down racial barriers which had restricted black African American golfers particularly in the USA. I thought it was just a matter of time until he became the most successful golfer of all time.
He still could become the most successful after all he is currently ranked the best golfer in the world and is only 4 major titles away from Jack Nicholson's record. However remarkable Tiger plays and what ever tournaments he wins his legacy will always be tarnished. He could have been the greatest sportsmen of all time linked with names like Mohammed Ali and Michael Jordan. I think Tiger can be put alongside names like mentioned for the excellences he has displayed on a golf course. At times when watching Tiger he is able to making shots that no one else can or likely will, can consistently play at a level no one can keep up with and just make the difficult look easy.
Before 2009 and when we learnt more about his private life I had him alongside or even above those names for the things he did away from the sport. Like the cultural barriers I have mentioned he broke down, giving new life to a sport that was becoming unpopular and dated and most importantly being a true positive role model. These accomplishments do not just vanish, he will always be known for these things he did away from the course but he is scared by the negative things as well.
While Tiger can never take back what has happened and as I mentioned his legacy will always be scared, I'm a romantic and like most have a soft spot for seeing sport played at its best. No one in the world has ever been able to or will this week match Tiger if he is playing at his best. That's why I will be supporting Tiger this week and I hope he can return to the excellence he has portrayed on the golf course in the past. After all this will help even the harsh critic forget all the negatives.
Of course the current world number 1 is Tiger Woods, its been a long time since he was world number 1 but he is back to the top of the game and what he needs most is a major to crown his return. If I would have asked you 5 years ago what would all the talk be going into the 2013 masters surrounding Tiger Woods. You might have said something like is he going to break Jack Nicholson record of most majors won. Instead and perhaps unfortunately it is can Tiger win his first major since 2007 and his first since returning to the sport.
Prior to 2009 when his martial infidelities came to light I thought of him as one of the greatest sportsman to have ever lived regardless of era or sport. I thought of him as a role model both on and off the course and one of the most positive influences on any sport. He changed the culture of golf breaking down racial barriers which had restricted black African American golfers particularly in the USA. I thought it was just a matter of time until he became the most successful golfer of all time.
He still could become the most successful after all he is currently ranked the best golfer in the world and is only 4 major titles away from Jack Nicholson's record. However remarkable Tiger plays and what ever tournaments he wins his legacy will always be tarnished. He could have been the greatest sportsmen of all time linked with names like Mohammed Ali and Michael Jordan. I think Tiger can be put alongside names like mentioned for the excellences he has displayed on a golf course. At times when watching Tiger he is able to making shots that no one else can or likely will, can consistently play at a level no one can keep up with and just make the difficult look easy.
Before 2009 and when we learnt more about his private life I had him alongside or even above those names for the things he did away from the sport. Like the cultural barriers I have mentioned he broke down, giving new life to a sport that was becoming unpopular and dated and most importantly being a true positive role model. These accomplishments do not just vanish, he will always be known for these things he did away from the course but he is scared by the negative things as well.
While Tiger can never take back what has happened and as I mentioned his legacy will always be scared, I'm a romantic and like most have a soft spot for seeing sport played at its best. No one in the world has ever been able to or will this week match Tiger if he is playing at his best. That's why I will be supporting Tiger this week and I hope he can return to the excellence he has portrayed on the golf course in the past. After all this will help even the harsh critic forget all the negatives.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Melo for MVP
Considering the year LeBron James has had for Miami Heat, leading them to top of the Eastern conference on a record breaking 27 game winning running, a shooting percentage that can only be dreamed of and more than likely a back to back NBA championship. In today's blog I'm going to make the argument that there is another player that deserves the most valuable player title and his name is not even Durant. This blog may have never been written if LeBron was not currently injured and still putting up his own ridiculous numbers, but I can be brave as he is out injured for the near future.
The man I'm considering for my MVP this season I have made discussions for him to claim this title twice already this season. Once when I had the opportunity to watch him play in January at the O2 arena and right back in November when he was leading the Knicks to a great start in the East. I have for a nearly a year said he is the most natural shooter of a basketball I have ever seen since seeing him at the Olympics last summer. I put him alongside Kobe, LeBron and Jordan as having the most fluent and technically correct jump shot in the game. The balance and poise he has when he shots the ball is above all of the names I have previously mentioned and what has helped him put up worldy numbers in his last three games.
In his last three games he has gone over the 40 point back in each of them and in one of them he topped the half century mark. When watching him which I have a lot this season and will be tomorrow when he goes up against Oklahoma Thunder the cream of the West, its obvious how he has put up these numbers. He has the ability of shooting from any where on the court which helps the Knicks do multiple things to get him open. When he is open or even when manned up he uses his technically correct jump shot with such great affect. This has left teams trying to contain him in the back court but recently he has done damage under the hoop or in the paint leaving teams puzzled as to where he can be contained.
Yet it is not his offensive skills that makes me consider him for MVP, it maybe the first time he has put both his front and back court together at the same time but its his role within the team and defensive skills that have really impressed. He has improved his defensive skills remarkably coming out of Syracuse he was known for his offensive power but was often thought of as a liability defensively. Watching this year he has regularly manned up against the opponents top player whether it be a Durant, LeBron or Bryant and he has contained them all really well. At the same time he has finally taken on the role that his team require him to be. One that is a leader, an offensive play maker who makes the right play at the right time and someone the team can turn to hit the big play.
Even when I write this I find it hard to really nail him on as the MVP because of the year Mr James has had. I can finish with this sentence I do believe Anthony is the best player in the NBA at the moment who is available to play. Lets hope his Syracuse alumni do not play as well tonight in the final four against Michigan.
The man I'm considering for my MVP this season I have made discussions for him to claim this title twice already this season. Once when I had the opportunity to watch him play in January at the O2 arena and right back in November when he was leading the Knicks to a great start in the East. I have for a nearly a year said he is the most natural shooter of a basketball I have ever seen since seeing him at the Olympics last summer. I put him alongside Kobe, LeBron and Jordan as having the most fluent and technically correct jump shot in the game. The balance and poise he has when he shots the ball is above all of the names I have previously mentioned and what has helped him put up worldy numbers in his last three games.
In his last three games he has gone over the 40 point back in each of them and in one of them he topped the half century mark. When watching him which I have a lot this season and will be tomorrow when he goes up against Oklahoma Thunder the cream of the West, its obvious how he has put up these numbers. He has the ability of shooting from any where on the court which helps the Knicks do multiple things to get him open. When he is open or even when manned up he uses his technically correct jump shot with such great affect. This has left teams trying to contain him in the back court but recently he has done damage under the hoop or in the paint leaving teams puzzled as to where he can be contained.
Yet it is not his offensive skills that makes me consider him for MVP, it maybe the first time he has put both his front and back court together at the same time but its his role within the team and defensive skills that have really impressed. He has improved his defensive skills remarkably coming out of Syracuse he was known for his offensive power but was often thought of as a liability defensively. Watching this year he has regularly manned up against the opponents top player whether it be a Durant, LeBron or Bryant and he has contained them all really well. At the same time he has finally taken on the role that his team require him to be. One that is a leader, an offensive play maker who makes the right play at the right time and someone the team can turn to hit the big play.
Even when I write this I find it hard to really nail him on as the MVP because of the year Mr James has had. I can finish with this sentence I do believe Anthony is the best player in the NBA at the moment who is available to play. Lets hope his Syracuse alumni do not play as well tonight in the final four against Michigan.
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