Peyton Manning For 2011 MVP

One would think that the Colts organization, by all accounts a rather astute group of football minds, would have realized that getting a legitimate backup for Peyton Manning should be on their list of priorities. Yes, before this year, Manning was more durable than the scalpel used by Joan Rivers’ surgeon; however, teams need to plan for emergencies. Seriously, Jeff Garcia wouldn’t have taken that job in a heartbeat?

But no, the Colts proceeded to go through the likes of Jim Sorgi and Curtis Painter as their primary backups to Manning. Apparently, players like Spergon Wynn were beyond the talent level needed at that position. The questions asked by Colts management must have been whether or not they can carry a clipboard while wearing shoulder pads and if they like hats. If you answered yes to both of those questions, then you could have been a Colts backup quarterback as well.

All of this ignored that Manning was literally everything to that organization. Their head coach’s coaching style is reminiscent of a blaxploitation version of the corpse from Weekend At Bernie’s. In fact, are we even sure that Jim Caldwell is alive? Has anyone seen the man blink? And what is he doing with that headset on, monitoring the drive-thru worker at the local McDonald’s as he takes orders? Useless.

And yet, Caldwell is not the only problem. They have not had a useful running back since the reign of James I (Edgerrin) ended in 2005. Their attempts to draft a running back have met with the same success that Vanilla Ice had with his album ‘Mind Blowin’. This even includes the coming of James II, Edgerrin’s cousin Javarris. In fact, despite spending two first round draft choices on the position since 2006. In fact, they have blown their last five first round picks. Winning franchises do not do that – they find actual playmakers. Teams like the Bengals, Bills, and Lions blow all of their first round picks, not teams that are supposed to be in the upper echelon of franchises like the Colts.

Then there is the train wreck that is loosely referred to as the Colts defense. They would not be able to an opposing offense that was comprised of eleven Helen Kellers. Dwight Freeney is still considered an impact player, but he is almost as old as Jeanne Calment was when she died. Pat Angerer has a great name for a linebacker, and is a tackling machine, but he is not a playmaker at all. The cupboard is completely barren on this side of the ball.

The only reason why the Colts were contenders year after year was Peyton Manning. Even though the season is only two weeks in, this has been proven beyond any doubt, given the absolute inability by the Colts to display even gross incompetence on the field. Yes, the Indianapolis Colts are playing football worse than France fares when it comes to a war since the times of Napoleon. Was their plan to find a backup to Manning to go 0-16, draft Andrew Luck, and hope he will be ready when the time comes? Because it sure seems like that was the plan.

Sadly, this also seems to be the plan being taken by the Kansas City Chiefs, who are playing more like the Chefs presently. At least they can point to numerous injuries as to why they have problems. In fact, avoid football entirely during Week 5 of the NFL season, in case you accidentally see any part of the Chiefs-Colts battle for the first overall pick. People that see this game may experience symptoms such as vomiting, breaking out in cold sweats, and having flashbacks of watching Jack Trudeau attempting to play quarterback. The only way to get rid of these symptoms would be to swallow a shotgun. Sorry, but terrible football is a fatal disease. Wonder if this suckfest will end in a 0-0 tie……

By not playing, Peyton Manning has proven to be more valuable than any one person currently playing for their teams. It’s time for the voters for the annual NFL awards to step outside the box, and vote Peyton Manning for 2011 MVP.

The Ricky Rubio Hype Machine

In the continual quest to find the 'next big thing' in sports, front office personnel will scour the globe, trying to find someone that might become an integral part of their organization. Occasionally, one of these players becomes hyped to the point where they are considered an absolute lock, despite any limitations that casual fan would notice. The latest member of the hype machine - Ricky Rubio.

Rubio was the fifth pick overall two years ago by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This selection was part of the absolutely confusing draft conducted by David Kahn, where his first three selections were point guards (Rubio, Johnny Flynn, and Ty Lawson). Lawson was traded to Denver, and Flynn ended up being a 2009-10 All-Rookie Second Team player, who then missed all of last season with an injury. Rubio, however, was lauded as being able to process the game faster than anyone else, and was a truly elite talent.

Instead of proving this in over the past couple of years in the Spanish League, he essentially became a bench player. Over the past two years, he averaged 5.9 points and 4.4 assists. Yup, that's the production that you want out of the number 5 overall pick. While the Spanish league has produced a few legit NBA players, the brothers Gasol specifically, there were flashes that they would turn into something. Also, they were not languishing on the bench during the regular season and the postseason, as Rubio did.

The idea is that Rubio's game is tailored more for the American brand of basketball. This does not make any sense. In theory, the NBA is the upper echelon of basketball talent, where the best of the best in the entire world play. So, how is it possible that some 20 year old that was a bench player in Spain would be able to step in and dominate, as Rubio is expected to do? Pure madness.

Then there was Rubio's arrival in the United States, where 200 people - mainly Timberwolves employees - waited around to greet him. Why? Was this just a smokescreen to make Rubio think that the Minnesota area was excited to see him come? Does Rubio have an ego that requires this sort of messaging already? What was the point?

In all likelihood, this will not end well for the Minnesota Timberwolves or for Ricky Rubio. He would have been better served working on his game overseas, and having the Timberwolves trade his rights for a useful piece, like maybe a center. Rubio would be more valuable as an unknown entity than he will be on the court.

Jimmer Fredette Sucks

Every year prior to the NBA Draft, there is a prospect that gets an inordinate amount of buzz despite the fact that they truly are not that good. Typically, this is because they do one thing really well - usually shooting the basketball. This year's overhyped player - none other than Jimmer Fredette.

First, let's look at the obvious reason as to why he will not be worth an early pick. Fredette is 6'2". He would be extremely undersized as a shooting guard, which would encompass his one skill. As such, he would need to be considered a point guard at the NBA level, which would fit about as well as Keanu Reeves would in the role of Hamlet. Fredette has minimal ball handling skills, cannot pass, and is nothing more than a spot up shooter. As a point guard, he would need to make plays and be able to distribute the basketball. That is not what he does. He simply does not fit in the NBA.

Second, all he can do is shoot a basketball. In fact, he shot a basketball so much that in his 1323 minutes played at BYU last year, he attempted 765 field goals - one every 1.7 minutes. This is a point guard? He cannot defend. He cannot pass. He cannot rebound. He is, quite simply, J.J. Redick. And we all can see that Redick is still nothing more than a five minute per game player, who might be able to hit a few threes if the team is down big.

Third, NCAA basketball scoring champions do not typically fair well in the NBA. For example, look at Adam Morrison. Morrison coming out of college had a lot of buzz like Fredette does - a guy who could shoot the ball, but had no other skills. Morrison, right now, is the twelfth man off the bench, waving the towel and being a glorified cheerleader. Yeah, he was worth that lottery pick.

Yet, despite the fact that Fredette should be nothing more than a second round draft choice based on his lack of an ability to do anything other than shoot a ball, he is being considered as a possible lottery pick. Specifically, the New York Knicks are rumored to be interested in moving up in the draft in order to select him. And people wonder why it is that the Knicks suck almost every year. Could it be personnel decisions such as this?

So, feel free to waste your pick on someone that is a draft mistake waiting to happen. At least if the Knicks get him in a game, that pick will still be better than drafting Frederic Weis.

David Kahn Is Right

There are times when everyone has said something in the heat of frustation and anger. Typically, when given the opportunity to cool down and realize what was said, people try to pass off such statements as a joke, or to say that they didn't mean what was said. However, at these points in time, there is usually more truth spoken than anyone involved with the comments would want to realize. It's simply human nature. At such times, the walls are down, and the filter is off. After all, where wlse would the phrase 'the truth hurts' come from?

So, it is with this in mind that we look at the comments made by David Kahn in the aftermath of the NBA Draft Lottery. Kahn, after watching his league worst team miss out on getting the top pick to a Cleveland Cavaliers team that had just lost LeBron James, and was represented by owner Dan Gilbert's 14 year old son who suffers from Neurofibromatosis, said that the NBA 'has a habit, and I'm just going to say habit, of producing some pretty incredible story lines'.

Even before Kahn's statement, there have been rumors that the lottery is rigged. Just look to the very first NBA Draft Lottery, where the infamous 'Frozen Envelope' theory came about when the Knicks drafted Patrick Ewing in 1985. Last year, in another episode referenced by Kahn, the Washington Wizards sent Abe Polian's widow to represent them at the draft. Naturally, the Wizards got the first pick.

The NBA has a serious image problem that David Stern refuses to acknowledge. There is statistical evidence that shows that certain referees favor specific teams. There is evidence, albeit circumstantial, that shows that specific teams will advance in the playoffs or win games, as long as those teams just do not implode on themselves. There has already been one referee arrested and banned for fixing games. Despite claims that this was the work of one 'rogue official', who can say? How many others are there?

What kahn said in the moment has more truth to it than even he would care to recognize. If the general manager of one of the league's franchises is even suggesting that a fix may be in, how much does that damage the integrety of the NBA? At this point, the league cannot be considered anything more than the WWE with a ball.

Examining Day Three of the Draft

The players selected in the last four rounds may not be the biggest names in the draft, but they can be the ones that lead a team to greatness. For an example, just look at Tom Brady going at pick 199. Good teams, such as the Patriots, typically find productive players in these spots year in and year out. Here is a list of some of the players that may very well succeed going forward:

Jacquizz Rodgers to Atlanta in round five. Rodgers, right now, is going to be the change of pace back for the Falcons, spelling Michael Turner and probably getting around ten touches a game. He also will be the heir to Turner when the Falcons move on from him. Turner is 29, and has a history of getting injured. Rodgers may make an impact sooner than people would expect.

Brandon Hogan to Carolina in the fourth round. Hogan is a solid cover corner, which fits the Panthers defense perfectly. The Panthers blitz a lot, leaving their corners in a lot of one on one situations. Also, the Panthers will probably lose at least one of their starting cornerbacks. Hogan might end up as a starter from day one.

Jordan Cameron to the Browns in round four. Cameron is a former basketball player who will provide Colt McCoy a huge target in the red zone. Look for most of Cameron's production to come on third downs, and for him to see a lot of passes in the end zone. He is also a problem to match up against defensively, and may be moved around the formation quite a bit.

Ricky Stanzi to the Chiefs in round five. Stanzi is the quarterback of the future in Kansas City, and may see time this year if Matt Cassel does not progress further this season. Stanzi, if given the chance, will make plays with that team. A lot of teams are going to regret passing on him.

Brandon Fusco to Minnesota in the sixth round. Fusco has great strength, and is an aggressive blocker. He is raw, but will develop quickly and will help open lanes for Adrian Peterson. Fusco has the potential to become a productive starter as a center, and may end up in the upper echelon in a few years.

Marcus Cannon to the Patriots in round five. Cannon is an interesting story. Just prior to the draft, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgins Lymphoma, from which a full recovery is expected. Before this discovery, he was expected to go int eh second round. Cannon can play either tackle or guard, and helps to solidify an offensive line that had issues last year. He may turn out to be the biggest steal of the draft.

Taiwan Jones to the Raiders in the fourth round. Jones may have been one of the most complete running backs in the draft. While the Raiders do have Darren McFadden, they use a backfield by committee approach, which will give Jones plenty of opportunities to show what he is capable of. He has great speed and solid hands, which will make him the perfect third down back for Oakland.

Keep an eye on these players going forward. There is the potential for all of them to turn out to be steals for their respective teams.

Thoughts From Day Two

Rounds two and three of the NFL draft occurred last night, amid the announcement that the lockout is back on. While looking into how much Roger Goodell does not care about the fans or the players is a topic for another day, today we shall look at the best and worst moves of Day Two, broken down by rounds.

Good moves of the second round:
-Andy Dalton going to the Bengals. This gives them leverage in the Carson Palmer fiasco. They can either tell him to take a walk, or move him and have something other than Jordan Palmer to lead the team.
-Ryan Williams going to Arizona. Maybe this is the year the Cardinals can run the ball. They've certainly invested a lot of picks in that position over the last few years. Williams is a complete back, and should take the job with ease.
-Titus Young going to the Lions. This gives them a legitimate possession receiver opposite of Calvin Johnson, and will force the defense to pay attention to someone else downfield. Now if only Stafford can stay healthy...
-Ben Ijalana to the Colts. Pure power, lane opening, run blocking lineman. They may keep him at tackle, but he would be better suited as a guard. Either way, this selection will help a running game that had nowhere to go last year.
-Da'Quan Bowers to the Bucs. Let's see, the Bucs stayed put, and took the number 6 ranked player in the draft at pick 51. Insane value. Coupled with Clayborn, they have improved the pass rush significantly. Biggest concern is the knee, but at this point of the draft, it's worth the gamble.

Bad moves of the second round:
-Ras-I Dowling to the Patriots. Why? They already have three cornerbacks that can play. Also, there were better cornerbacks available at 33 if they truly felt they needed to make another selection there. The top pick of the second round is WAY too high to be spending on a player that will only be on the field in the dime.
-Continuing with the Patriots, their selection of Shane Vereen. He's a third down back. While Kevin Faulk is getting old, they already had his replacement with Danny Woodhead. While Woodhead is undersized, he also fits that role perfectly. What is Vereen's role going to be?
-Colin Kaepernick going to San Fran. He's a development quarterback, who is going to be tutored by Harbaugh. The hjope is that he'll be ready in a couple of years, but this also means that the 49ers are almost definately bringing back Alex Smith. Kaepernick is too raw to see the field this year, but probably will if Smith returns.
-Greg Little to the Cleveland Browns. Stop us if you've heard this before - the browns drafted a raw receiver in the second round. Don't they already have three of these players on the roster? How has that worked for them? This is particularly perplexing when they had the opportunity to draft Julio Jones, who could be the game changer they desperately need. Colt McCoy should be pissed.

On to the third round. Here are the best moves:
-Ryan Mallett to the Patriots. They got the best quarterback in the draft at pick 74. He is the heir to Tom Brady, and Patriots fans will love this pick in a few years. The biggest concern is keeping his head straight, but with that locker room and coaching staff, that will not be a problem.
-Austin Pettis to the Rams. This gives Bradford the possession receiver he needs in that offense. He was overshadowed by Titus Young, but is a legitimate receiving prospect in his own right. he will help open the field for the smaller, quicker receivers that the Rams have.
-Jerrel Jernigan to the Giants. Yes, the Giants are deep at receiver already, but Jernigan can play anywhere. He has lined up as a Wildcat quarterback, and also is a good red zone target. He can make an immediate impact in New York.
-Mason Foster to the Bucs. Let's see here, a playmaking linebacker that fits what the Bucs do on defense perfectly being available at pick 81? The biggest knock against him is that he was considered a bit slow, but the speed a player performs at is more important than any drills. Foster makes plays. Meet the next stud linebacker for Tampa Bay.

And now, moves that did not make as much sense:
-Rob Housler to Arizona. Yes, the Cardinals needed help at tight end. But the tight end is not a big part of their offense, and Housler is not much of a blocker. If they plan on using the tight end more, better pass catchers (D.J. Williams) were available. Quite a stretch taking him with that pick.
-DeMarco Murray to the Cowboys. I really like Murray as a player. He's a good back that will perform when given the opportunity. But he goes to Dallas, where they already have three good backs. Is he going to see the field? While Marion Barber III is probably gone from the Cowboys, he still has Felix Jones and Tashard Choice ahead of him on the depth chart. It's a waste to only be giving Murray five carries a game, which is the likely outcome.
-Steven Ridley to the Patriots. Umm....didn't you draft a running back the round before? So why take another running back here? Oh, and that pick 28 that you traded to the Saints? Yeah, that was Mark Ingram. If you really needed a running back that badly, why make the trade Bill? Maybe you just can't help yourself anymore. Thanks for becoming a parody of yourself.
-Alex Green to Green Bay. Yes, the Packers went through practically anyone that ever played running back last year on their Super Bowl run, so they needed a running back. However, there were better backs available. Green is a third down back, who is essentially Brandon Jackson. So, if they don't like Jackson, why draft the exact same player?

More thoughts about Day Three will be posted tomorrow.

Thoughts From Round One

Before getting into the three best and worst moves from the draft, some observations:

-Before the Carolina Panthers pick, the section that shows the clock on the ESPN coverage said 'error'. Fitting beginning to the Cam Newton era, in my opinion.
-During the Denver Broncos pick, did Roger Goodell forget what year it was?
-Speaking of Goodell, I give him credit for acknowledging the cascade of boos he received. He still may not care about the fans, but at least he won't ignore the reception he gets.
-Julio Jones, good choice with the bowtie.
-Blaine Gabbert doesn't feel like an NFL quarterback after watching his interviews.
-I get the explanation given by Baltimore as to how they let the clock run out, but seriously, was Mike Tice running their draft? They couldn't have had someone on a piece of paper just in case?
-Is Jonathon Baldwin the final Baldwin brother?
-New England made their inevitable trade. I was starting to get worried that it wouldn't happen.

Now to the moves. Three best:
1. Cleveland trading with Atlanta: Yes, they could have used Julio Jones, but the Browns have a ton of holes. One pick was not going to cure that. Instead, they literally got an offer they couldn't refuse for that pick. Even when they traded up, they are still up three picks from that move.
2. Baltimore drafting Jimmy Smith: They very well could have gotten screwed by not turning in a name before time ran out, but Kansas City took a receiver. Smith will give them a shutdown corner, and will allow Baltimore to do the one thing that they couldn't last year - blitz. Even with the questions surrounding his off the field issues, he's going into a locker room where Ray Lewis and company will not tolerate that. Perfect fit.
3. New England trading pick 28: They had pick 33, so whatever they draft there is not going to have that big of a dropoff. With the pieces that the Patriots need (offensive line, pass rushing defense) in abundance in this year's draft, they will still get what they need. The Saints may not be as good as people think they will be next year, as they have a tough schedule. That pick they got from New Orleans could well be in the 15 to 20 range, which is better than the Patriots are expected to draft.

Now, the three worst moves of the first round:
1. Cam Newton first overall: If you are Carolina, what is the value of this pick? Newton is a developmental quarterback who needs a couple of years to learn the NFL game. Also, the Panthers now admit they wasted a second round draft choice last year when they took Jimmy Clausen. Marcell Dareus or A.J. Green would have been better fits for the Panthers. Now, this is nothing against Newton, and I would like him if he went in the second round to a team like Philadelphia, where he could learn from Mike Vick and Andy Reid. Instead, he will get pushed out onto the field too early, and go down as a bust.
2. Falcons trading five picks to the Browns to draft Julio Jones: I get the rationale here, as Jones should finally give Roddy White someone to draw defenders away. However, there are a lot of questions about Jones on the field. He tends to drop the easy passes, as it looks as though he is trying to turn everything into a large gain. Also, the Browns needed him as well. Why would Holmgren trade out of this spot, knowing that Atlanta was looking to take Jones? I think Holmgren saw something he really didn't like, and I'll trust his judgment here.
3. Seattle drafting James Carpenter: Yes, the Seahawks need offensive line help. Yes, Carpenter will be an immediate starter at guard for them. However, there were better players available on the offensive line. Gabe Carimi, who went 29th, would have given the Seahawks a pair of bookends for their line. Better guards would actually be available in round two, and if they liked Carpenter that much, he probably would have been available as well. This pick was an absolute reach.

Thoughts from Day 2 will be up tomorrow morning.

Potential NFL Draft Sleepers

Yesterday, we listed our top ten potential draft busts. Today, we list our top eight potential draft sleepers.

1. Pat Devlin - QB: Devlin has travelled a strange road to the NFL Draft. He started at Penn State, then transfered to Delaware after losing out on the starting job. At Delaware, he followed in the footsteps of Joe Flacco, and turned himself into an NFL prospect. Devlin has good size for an NFL QB (6'4, 220) and decent athleticism. He has a strong arm, and is a very accurate passer. The biggest questions regarding Devlin involve his footwork and his arm slot, but those are easily fixed at the pro level. A team that is looking for a quarterback of the future to sit behind their starter for a couple years would be well served to take Devlin.

2. Ben Ijalana, T/G: Ijalana played tackle for his college career, but is a bit undersized for that position by NFL standards. As such, a lot of teams are looking at him as a guard at the professional level, where he should be a beast. In fact, this position change is causing Ijalana to move up the draft board, to the point where he may not be much of a sleeper at this point. Ijalana has great feet, showing an ability to move laterally and mirror opponents well. Notonly does he have a solid initial burst off of the line, but he can also recover well, and get back into the play if beaten. His greatest strength is as a run blocker, where he is a bulldozer off the line. At this point, Ijalana may have moved up to the second round, and would be an absolute steal or a team there.

3. Titus Young, WR: Versitility is the name of the game with Young. In his college career, he has lined up as both a wide receiver and a running back, and also returned kicks. He was very productive in college, with 204 receptions for 3063 yards and 25 touchdowns. Young is also fast, running a 4.43 in the 40. The best comparision to Titus Young may be Troy Brown, a solid pro that will have a long career and outperform majority of the receivers taken before him.

4. Ricky Stanzi, QB: Stanzi is another probable mid round draft choice that will, like Devlin, be a great pick for a team looking to draft a quarterback of the future. He is a smart, accurate passer with good size (6'4, 223). He also played in a pro style offense in college, which will limit his learning curve in the NFL. The biggest knock on him is his inconsistant footwork, but that is easily corrected. Stanzi is also not very mobile, but his good pocket awareness will make up for that.

5. Taiwan Jones, RB: There is a video clip of Jones jumping out of a pool - backwards. This video shows exactly how stron ghis legs are, which helps him to break low tackles. He is a great athlete with excellent quickness. Jones also has experience as a receiver out of the backfield, where he showed good hands and an ability to run routes with precision. He is an explosive runner, and a potential home run threat every time he touches the ball. Jones projects as a three down back in the NFL, and will be an excellent value where he gets drafted.

6. Shiloh Keo, S: Keo is essentially a guided missile as a safety. He was extremely productive in college, with 354 tackles and 11 interceptions. Keo plays with intesity, and loves to hit receivers and running backs. He is also not afraid to blitz and take on blockers. While he is not great in coverage, he has all the makings of a safety that can drop down into the box and play great against the run, and be a solid zone safety.

7. Richard Sherman, CB: Sherman stands out not just because of his size (6'2, 195), but because he played as a receiver for his first three years at Stanford. As such, he has above average ball skills as a defensive back. Sherman plays physically, and has tremendous leaping ability and solid speed. While he is a bit of a project, Sherman looks like someone that will develop into a solid cornerback in th future.

8. Clay Nurse, DE: Nurse is a solid pass rushing defensive lineman with a great burst off the line. He is very much a high energy player, giving his best effort at all times. He has a good initial burst, and closes on running backs or quarterbacks well. He doesn't have a lot of different moves, and lacks size (259 lbs), but he has solid instincts and will not give up on a play. Nurse also has good character and displayed solid leadership skills in college. As someone that is projected to be a late round draft choice, Nurse could make an impact in the near future.

Potential NFL Draft Busts

With the upcoming NFL draft, attention has tuned to potential sleepers and busts for this year's draft. This list will focus on the top ten potential busts in the upcoming draft.

1. Cam Newton, QB: Newton is a very athletic player who has a lot of potential. However, potential gets more coaches fired and dooms more franchises than anything else. He started for one year in college, and has all the makings of a one year wonder, in the mode of Akili Smith. Newton is very much a project in the NFL, and should be drafted much later than he will be. Any team that drafts him expecting him to be ready for the NFL is in for a major disappointment, and a future coaching change. Just run away from this selection.

2. Brandon Harris, CB: Harris is projected to be the third cornerback taken in the draft, after Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara. While he has excellent straight line speed, it doesn't seem to translate well in coverage. Harris had a total of four career interceptions in college, which shows a lack of playmaking capabilities. His coverage issues manifest in his difficulties covering smaller, quicker receivers, in part because he provides a large cushion off the line. He also has problems in zone defense, as he does not react well. In short, Harris looks a lot like a dime back in the NFL.

3. Kyle Rudolph, TE: There is no question that Rudolph is a tremendous talent, and possibly the best pass catching tight end in the draft. However, there are serious questions about his desire to play football. He has a terrible work ethic, as he doesn't practice hard, takes plays off, and does not give 100% even when passes are heading his way. Rudolph also has an injury history, with injuries to his shoulder and hamstring. With other solid tight end options being available later in the draft, Rudolph is not worth the pick he will be selected at.

4. Nick Fairley, DT: When a player is compared to Albert Haynesworth - Redskins version, there are problems. Fairley has a questionable attitude, and is thought of as a possible locker room cancer already. Coupled with his reputation as a dirty player with how he hits quarterbacks low, attacks opposing players after the whistle, and will attempt to injure players, there are more red flags here than on the Chinese capitol building. Add to this that he only had one productive season in college, and this is another player to avoid entirely.

5. Robert Quinn, DE: Quinn was suspended for the entire 2010 season for receiving improper benefits from an agent, which is a major warning sign. There are also questions about his ability to learn a defense in the NFL. On the surface, Quinn was productive in college with 13 sacks, but a close examination shows that eleven of those came against Duke, Virginia, and 1-AA teams, which is not exactly the top competition. In fact, he only had one sack against a ranked opponent for his career. Quinn is rated highly more on reputation than on merit.

6. Mark Ingram, RB: Ingram had a heavy work load in college, and that has the potential to curtail his NFL career. As it is, the shelf life for runningbacks appears to decrease each year. He only ran a 4.62 40 yard dash at the combine, and is not a tremendous athlete. Add to this a degenerative condition on his left knee that has already caused two teams to remove him from their draft boards entirely, and Ingram has all the makings of a bust.

7. Anthony Castonzo, T: Castonzo is not an elite prospect. In fact, he is solidly in the second tier of offensive tackles in this year's draft. However, since he happens to be a tackle, and a lot of teams need offensive tackles, he will get drafted much higher than he deserves. Castonzo is not overly strong, and has problems with run blocking. He is quick and agile, but has problems with strong rushing defensive ends, and gets fooled on stunts. In short, he would be a solid pick in the second round, but will likely go in the mid to late first.

8. Blaine Gabbert, QB: Gabbert became a top quarterback prospect in this draft by default, with Andrew Luck returning to school and questions about other quarterbacks in the draft. There are serious accuracy problems with Gabbert, and he only completed 30% of his passes that traveled beyond 15 yards. Furthering issues with his arm strength, he has trouble with passes thrown outside the numbers. Gabbert NEEDS to play for a team with a West Coast offense, and has no capability to play for anything else. This is not someone that might be the second quarterback off the board.

9. Jake Locker, QB: If Locker had come out last year, he would have been a top five pick. However, he stayed in school, and his draft stock plummeted. Like Cam Newton, Locker has a strong arm and solid athleticism. However, like Cam Newton, Locker is a project at the NFL level. He has serious accuracy concerns (combined in two games against Nebraska last year, he was 9-36) and problems reading defenses. He needs a couple of years to develop, and may not be given that opportunity.

10. Nate Solder, T: Solder has great size, and all of the measurables teams look for when evaluating offensive linemen. However, he does not play up to his abilities. He has long arms, but lets defensive linemen get inside his reach and push him around. Solder plays straight up and down, which limits his mobility and balance. This also affects his ability to adjust to the rusher, allowing Solder to get beaten far more often than he should. There are questions about his ability to protect the edge, and may turn out to be a Robert Gallery type of player, who needs to play guard in order to be successful in the NFL.

Cam Newton - Future Bust

A lot of hype is coming out of the NFL Scouting Combine about Cam Newton. Interestingly, Newton has managed to bring this buzz to levels that are polar opposites of one another, with analysts saying that the Panthers or the Bills would be insane to pass him up with their first picks (picks one and three, respectively). Meanwhile, other analysts who watched the same workouts and heard the same answers given to questions ask if Newton isn't Akili Smith version 2011. Potential franchise QB to Akili Smith? Why the difference in opinion?

Looking at his time at the combine, we need to begin with a quote he said in an interview with Peter King of Sports Illustrated. When asked himself about how he sees himself, Newton responded with "I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon." Interesting choice of words there. Especially since Newton is already going to be highly scrutinized given the off field incidents with his father setting up a 'pay for play' with him during the recruiting process. Yes, Cam was cleared of any knowledge or improper behavior through the situation, but this still deserves to be watched. Patterns can develop from issues such as these.

Then Newton took the field to throw at the combine. One word can describe his performance - disaster. Granted, he was throwing to unfamiliar targets, but everyone else that threw had the same disadvantages. In the end, he finished by completing only 11 of his 21 throws. He was frequently overthrowing his receivers, with the ball sailing on the ten yard out patterns, the fifteen yard in patterns, and the fly patterns specifically. He did hit the turnarounds, but this still raises enough questions about his accuracy and ability to hit a receiver. This dramatically paled in comparison to his performance previously in San Diego when he had a scheduled media workout on his terms. He did show a great arm and a nice spiral in getting the ball through ten to fifteen mile per hour winds, but he made four passes the entire time. One can't really put a lot of stock in four passes, regardless of the conditions.

In the end, Cam Newton seems to be more about concepts such as 'talent', 'potential', and 'size' (6'6", 250 lbs) than he is about his abilities and skills. At this point, Newton seems to be a project, nothing more. Yet, some team will fall in love with his arm, and draft him much higher than he should go, sending him down the Ryan Leaf, Akili Smith, and Art Schlichter. Throw in the possibility of off the field problems, and this quarterback prospect has more red flags than the Chinese government.

In the end, stay away from Cam Newton. Nothing good can come of this.