Rod Blogojevich

Ok, it’s been a while, but it’s time to get back at it! Here is my opinion on the first round of the NFL draft this season. X-factors include A) The Mathews factor, which is a team trading their entire draft to get one player. B) the Al Davis Factor, a team making a completely stupid choice, or C) the Bill Belichick factor, which is making more trades than picks, and not being able to predict where they pick at all. So let’s get started!

1. Carolina Panthers: Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama

This is dependent on whether the Panthers decide to try and get their franchise QB now with Blaine Gabbert, or stick it out another year with Matt Moore/Jimmy Clausen/Armanti Edwards? I personally believe they should wait one more year in order to get Andrew Luck next year, who is far better than any of the QB’s this year. Therefore, they take Dareus, a big powerful tackle who fills a hole and disrupts the pocket for years. A lot of people are saying Da’Quan Bowers here, but I’m not sure the Panthers will be a 4-3 team next year. Ron Rivera has always run his defense in a 3-4, and Bowers is a pure 4-3 end.

2. Denver Broncos: Da’Quan Bowers, DE Clemson

With Dareus off the board to the Panthers, the Broncos improve their defensive line on the outside with Bowers,who has an excellent combination of power, speed and athleticism. Though Bowers has had injury concerns, he is still an enormous talent that has too much upside to pass on. Yes, his medical says that he MAY have “long-term injury problems,” but if there’s a player at defensive end without long-term injury concerns, every team would be lining up to take him. He’s either going to go top 10, or in the second round. In my opinion, you don’t let a talent like that slide. If Dareus is still available, the Broncos will look at him. They may also decide to create the best shutdown corner duo in the league with Champ Bailey on one side, and Patrick Peterson on the other.

3. Buffalo Bills: Von Miller, DE/OLB hybrid Texas A&M

Buffalo needs to improve at many spots, and OLB in their 3-4 is one of them. Miller is by far the best prospect for the 3-4 OLB position in this draft, and Buffalo should jump all over him. Miller is an incredible pass rusher who can easily find his way to the QB, he is excellent at setting the edge against the run, he has a lot of power when he tackles, and he has shown that he can cover very well as well. If Buffalo decides not to take Miller, they would probably want to either beef up their defensive line with Nick Fairley or improve their QB situation with either Blaine Gabbert or even Cam Newton. Chan Gailey has shown a liking for spread QB’s in the past, and the Heisman winning Newton could excel in his system.

4. Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR Georgia

The Batman and Robin crew of Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco are on their way out of Cincy, and the Bengals have some rebuilding to do. A.J. Green is a prospect that will make an immediate impact in the NFL, no matter what team he plays for. Green can be a dominant vertical threat, and he also runs routes very well. New OC Jay Gruden has always liked his big physical receivers, and Green is exactly that. He has the potential to be the next Calvin Johnson. With Carson Palmer’s vow to never set foot in Paul Brown Stadium again, the Bengals may look to add a new franchise QB.

5. Arizona Cardinals: Blaine Gabbert, QB Mizzou

We all saw the Cardinals in the Super Bowl a few years ago, barely losing to the Steelers. Then the next year, they once again looked like a dominant offensive force, just missing out on the NFC Championship game. Then Kurt Warner retired. That effectively ended everything, and we saw how much Kurt Warner really meant to the Cardinal’s success. Arizona  needs to bounce back and take the best QB in this years draft. Gabbert had an excellent Pro Day, answering all questions about his accuracy, and then had a good score on the Wonderlic testing, for what that’s worth. Gabbert would also have one of the best targets in the league to throw to with Larry Fitzgerald, which would make it a little easier for him in the NFL. Arizona would also like an upgrade at OLB, perhaps taking a look at Robert Quinn.

6. Cleveland Browns: Julio Jones, WR Alabama

Last season, I actually didn’t think Colt McCoy had the tools to be an effective NFL QB. This past season, he proved me wrong, and I think they should now surround him with talent. The entire left side of the OL is solid with Joe Thomas, Eric Steinback and Alex Mack, so McCoy has protection. All he needs now is a big and fast target, which Jones can easily supply. The fastest WR the combine ran his 4.39 40 yard dash on a stress fracture in his foot, showing that his physical assets are off the charts. After his amazing combine, Jones will definitely be a high pick, and he is a good fit with the Browns. However, Cleveland may add Patrick Peterson just for his pure talent and potential.

7. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU

I personally believe that Peterson is the best talent in the NFL draft this year. He has incredible size at 6’2″, 225lbs, he had an incredible combine, running a 4.34 40…and then there’s his tape. Peterson will step into the NFL and instantly become a shutdown corner in the mold of Champ Bailey and even Deion Sanders. San Fran would be thanking their lucky stars if they can steal Peterson at 7, as CB is one of their biggest teams needs. If Peterson is gone at this point, the 49ers  would perhaps take Nick Fairley to improve the middle of their defensive line.

8. Tennessee Titans: Cam Newton, QB Auburn

Vince Young will NOT be back in Tennessee, and Kerry Collins is too old to be a staring quarterback. The Titans badly need a quarterback, and they will be willing to take a chance on Newton, who is the biggest question mark in this years draft. At 6’6″ and 250lbs, with a cannon arm, good accuracy, and an incredible ability to scramble and extend the play, the Heisman winner has all the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, but there are many doubters about his ability to lead a pro offensive playbook. The biggest worry for the Titans is that Newton will be a Vince Young 2.0. However, the Titans have to be desperate enough to give him a chance. If not, they will be going defensive line with maybe Nick Fairley.

9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT USC

Cowboys fans will be screaming for Prince Amukamara here to replace Mike Jenkins, but Jenkins is still very young, and he already has a Pro Bowl under his belt. He’s had only one iffy year, which is not enough to give up on a player of his caliber. The Cowboys will instead draft the replacement for Flozell Adams with Smith, who like Flozell, is a little undersized, but has very good footwork. If the Cowboys decide not to go with Smith, they may draft Amukamara after all.

10. Washington: Prince Amukumara, CB Nebraska

The Redskins have a few major holes, including QB, WR and CB…but neither QB or WR have enough value left for the 10th overall pick. However, Prince Amukamara is still available and he is definitely a pick that would improve the Redskins secondary. If the Redskins decide that WR or QB is their true first round need, then they will probably trade to the end of the first round and try to pick up Jack Locker or Torrey Smith, with maybe a third round pick or a 2012 second rounder packaged along with it. However, Amukamara will very likely be taken no matter what at 10.

12. Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB  North Carolina

What the Texans really need is more help in their secondary, but the value of secondary players severely drops off after Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara. The Texans are also looking for another pass rushing option on the other side of Mario Williams, and Robert Quinn is definitely what they are looking for. Wade Phillips will be converting the Texans to a 3-4 defense, and his defenses have always revolves around great linebackers. With a starting linebacking corps of Quinn, Williams, Demeco Ryans, and Brian Cushing, this defense could actually intimidate offenses, which would be a 180 turnaround from last year. This would also open the door for their offense to be more balanced. They could also pick up a guy like Cameron Jordan, Nick Fairley or J.J. Watt to beef up their defensive line.

12. Minnesota Vikings: Nick Fairley, DT Auburn

The Minnesota Vikings are a team that would be completely built for now, if only they had a quarterback that could get them there. However, at 12, all the true franchise players will be gone, and unless they reached for Jake Locker, they would be better suited to go after Donovan McNabb or Kevin Kolb. On the other side of the ball, their defensive backfield could use a little more youth, but they could address that in the second round. However, Pat Williams, though still a very effective plug in the defensive line, is almost 40 years old. Nick Fairley is a very disruptive tackle that is explosive off the snap, and is very good at shedding blocks. They could also opt for a defensive end like Cameron Jordan or Aldon Smith in case Ray Edwards is not re-signed.

13. Detroit Lions: Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College

Matthew Stafford is SO obviously the answer in Detroit. If he ever plays 16 games, he could carry the Lions to at least 8 wins. However, history has shown that that is a huge if. So the Lions need to protect him, with a tackle that some consider to be the best in this years class. The fate of the franchise literally depends on Matt Stafford staying vertically upright. If they don’t want Castonzo, then they could go for Gabe Carimi, who is also very good, with a massive mean streak.

14. St. Louis Rams: J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin

J.J Watt is a special player that can play almost every single position on the d-line, with the exception of the one technique, which he would not play in St. Louis. Watt could be a big bulky seven on the end of the line, and he has the size and skillset to play inside at the three as well. J.J. Watt would be a great fit for the Rams, who need help at all places on the line, except for Chris Long’s DE spot. The Rams may opt for a pure DT with Phil Taylor or Corey Liuget, or maybe a pure DE like Cameron Jordan or Aldon Smith.

15. Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama

Ronnie Brown is a UFA (when there is free agency), and Ricky Williams has directly stated that he does NOT want to be a Miami Dolphin next season. That leaves the Dolphins without a bellcow running back, and Tony Sparano has always run his offense around a powerful running back. The Heisman winner Mark Ingram is a great fit for the Dolphins, as a big, powerful back with solid speed. The only question about Ingram is the high mileage he has. Ingram got more than 570 touches in his NCAA career with 3,261 rushing yards. His career might be shortened by the heavy workload. If not running back, the Dolphins might look to pick up an interior lineman, like Mike Pouncey or Danny Watkins.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue

The Jaguars have struggled with their pass rush lately, with only 40 sacks in the past  two years. They signed Aaron Kampman to help them out last season, but his consistent injury issues came back, and he missed a good portion of the season last year. Ryan Kerrigan is a proven pass-rushing talent, that has actually compared to Aaron Kampman in his style, only without the health issues. Kerrigan would be a great fit for the Jags 4-3 defense, and would be a solid contributor. The Jags may also go for Aldon Smith as a pass-rusher, or go for a safety with Rahim Moore.

17. New England Patriots (from Oakland): Aldon Smith, DE/OLB Mizzou

I would like to thank the Raiders for giving up their first round pick, because that means they won’t be making the stupidest first round pick ever that I have to try and predict. That being said, it’ll still be a pretty tough call for New England at this point, because they may or may not be picking at 17. However, if Aldon Smith is available here, New England should jump all over him. Smith is a natural and explosive pass-rusher who still has plenty of upside, which is exactly what the toothless New England defense needs right now. Smith missed a lot of his junior season with a broken leg, but that shouldn’t hurt his stock, as he fully participated at both the combine and his pro day.

18. San Diego Chargers: Cameron Jordan, DE California

The San Diego d-line needs an upgrade right now, with Jacques Cesaire aging and needing to be replaced. Jordan is a prototypical 3-4 defensive end who has been compared to Richard Seymour. He can plug a hole and contain on passing downs, as well as being able to bull through the line and blow up the pocket on passing downs. San Diego would instantly be upgraded with the addition of Jordan. If Jordan is gone, they would maybe opt for Muhammad Wilkerson, Phil Taylor, Corey Liuget or Cameron Heyward.

19. New York Giants: Nate Solder, OT Colorado

My friend who is a Giants fan challenged me this year to “Name three f**king players on the Giants offensive line! Oh right, you can’t!” Offensive line must be addressed in the first round for the G-Men, and Solder is a solid left tackle who will be able to contribute immediately, and then be a very effective tackle down the road. It really depends on where they want to go with their offensive line. They could also go with the nasty Gabe Carimi, or pick up an inside guy like Danny Watkins or Mike Pouncey. If they feel that linebacker is more of a concern, they could choose Akeem Ayers from UCLA.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa

Tampa had a huge improvement this last season, going from an abysmal 2-14 to 10-6, but they still missed out on the playoffs in a tough division. Their defensive ends desperately need to upgrade, because in a division that has Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and possibly Blaine Gabbert/Cam Newton/Andrew Luck in the future, Tampa needs to be able to disturb those passers. Adrian Clayborn is a strong and powerful defensive end who can get after the passer, as well as being a strong run defender. There are concerns about his shoulder, but if he is left at right end, he can still cause havoc. If not Clayborn, maybe Justin Houston or Brooks Reed.

21. Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor NT, Baylor

The Chiefs continue to overhaul their defensive line, with their big nose tackle. Their last two d-line picks of Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey have worked, but Jackson is definitely a DE, and ehile Dorsey was initially drafted as a tackle, he is better suited as a five technique in the Chiefs 3-4 scheme. Scott Pioli should take Taylor, a strong tackle who is excellent at stuffing the run, who has the size to (335 lbs) to be a professional nose tackle. If they decide to go elsewhere, they could go o-line with Gabe Carimi.

22. Indianapolis Colts; Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin

Peyton Manning doesn’t have many years left, and he needs to stay upright, so the Colts need to take the left tackle who is the most pro ready tackle prospect in the draft (just ask him). Carimi has good size, strength and footwork, and is a nasty SOB who will destroy you in a phonebooth. This is a must draft for the Colts, but if they don’t take Carimi, they could look at Nate Solder or Derek Sherrod, or maybe Mike Pouncey.

23. Philadelphia Eagles: Aaron Williams, DB Texas

Aaron Williams is one of the fast risers in these weeks before the draft, and he fits a need for the Eagles right now. The Eagles struggled a bit in their pass defense last year, and they need a defensive back. Aaron Williams is a hybrid DB who can play both corner and safety. Williams is both talented in one on one coverage, and he has the size and ball awareness skills to play deep in the Eagles defensive scheme. This pick would make sense for the Eagles. The Eagles may also just choose to improve their offensive line with Derek Sherrod or Nate SOlder, or they might try to improve their outside linebacker situation with Akeem Ayers.

24. New Orleans Saints: Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA

While not many people see the Saints taking a linebacker, it is a big need for New Orleans. The loss of Scott Fujita last year was a bigger loss than it seemed, as the Saints lost a reliable tackler of running backs who was good in coverage as well. Ayers is very versatile, with good tackling ability, is solid in coverage, and he can also get in the backfield to take down running backs and get after the quaterback. Ayers would fit well with Gregg Williams aggressive defensive play-calling. The Saints may decide to add a good defensive lineman like Corey Liuget or Muhammad Wilkerson.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Jake Locker, QB Washington

This pick makes so much sense its almost scary. The Seahawks need a quarterback, and Locker played at Washington, which is basically RIGHT IN Seattle. Yes, the Seahawks already have Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst, but Hasselbeck’s career is very close to ending, and Whitehurst didn’t really impress enough to earn a starting job. Locker may not start as a rookie, but give him the reins in two, maybe three years, and he could be the best of all the quarterbacks from this year. If not Locker, the Seahawks may go for a tackle like Solder or Sherrod.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado

Some argue that safety is a bigger need for the Ravens, but at least the Ravens have a good safety out of the two that they would start (and by good, what I really mean is AMAZING). Baltimore has 0 quality starting corners, and Jimmy Smith would help that. Smith is good in one on one cover skills, but has the size if he ever needed to convert to safety. Also, that insane front seven would make him thrive in that system. Smith does have a bad rep for having character issues, but he actually hasn’t had any run-ins with the law or any former coaches. It’s not him personally that has issue, it’s just his family that has a history. Nevertheless, strong leadership from John Harbaugh, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed would keep him in check in case anything happened. If they decided to take a pure safety, Rahim Moore would be an option.

27. Atlanta Falcons: Mike Pouncey, OL Florida

Atlanta doesn’t necessarily have a huge need in the middle of their line, but hey, Mike Pouncey’s available. Pouncey could potentially go top 15, so if he slips this far, there is no way Atlanta would let him go any further. It’s just a best player available right now. If not, they could go WR with Torrey Smith, safety with Rahim Moore, or DE with Brooks Reed or Justin Houston.

28. New England Patriots: Danny Watkins OL, Baylor

Bill Belicheck may use this moment to make his 7th trade of the day, but if he stays put, he should go for Watkins. Watkins is a great fit for a Patriots team that is A) looking for a guard with Stephen Neal retiring, and the possibility of  Logan Mankins leaving via free agency, and B) built for now. Watkins isn’t a 15 year player, as at the age of 27,  he has maybe 7 or 8 years max before he retires. That being said, Tom Brady only has about 4 or 5 seasons left, and when Tom goes, so does the Patriots dominance. They may decide to go with defensive line depth with Muhammad Wilkerson or Allen Bailey.

29. Chicago Bears: Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State

How many times did Jay Cutler get sacked last year? And if he wasn’t sacked, he was getting massive pressure in his face, which forced some nasty interceptions. DeAngelo Hall should have Cutler to the Pro Bowl with him. So the Bears need to address that immediately if they want to get back to the Super Bowl again. Derek Sherrod is a reliable tackle who would eventually turn into the starting left tackle. If not OL, they could take a safety like Rahim Moore.

30. New York Jets: Cameron Heyward, DL Ohio State

Rex Ryan really likes disruptive defensive lineman, and Heyward is exactly that. Anybody who watched the Sugar Bowl where he destroyed the Arkansas offensive line knows how disruptive he can be. Ryan Mallett certainly knows. He’s very similar to what a young Shaun Ellis would be like, and Ellis is a free agent from the Jets tight now. Heyward would be a great five technique in Ryans system, and he also has an NFL pedigree. The Jets could also look to pick up Rahim Moore to help out their safety situation, or they could add Torrey Smith to make up for the possible loss of Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards (or both).

31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Benjamin Ijalana, OL Villanova

The Steelers just made the Super Bowl, so obviously, they have a pretty good team right now as it is. So the best player available right now is Benjamin Ijalana, a versatile lineman who can play anywhere on the line. However, he is a project player that would have to be developed. The Steelers love those guys though. If not Ijalana, then perhaps Moore to play opposite Troy Polamalu, or Torrey Smith to join this receiving corps.

32. Green Bay Packers: Muhammad Wilkerson, DL Temple

It’s not easy looking for problems when you’re holding a Lombardi Trophy, but at this point in the draft, they are going to take a player that can sub in often, and provide high quality depth. Wilkerson is a solid player that would help the Packers d-line, which is solid enough, but was hit hard by injuries last year. If the same happened this year, Wilkerson would be able to step and start without the line missing a beat. If not WIlkerson, then they may target Torrey Smith to help their spread offense.

So that’s it! Feel free to leave me a comment if you disagree with anything! Follow me on Twitter at @realDReynolds for more of pretty much anything, or add me on Facebook at facebook.com/dreynolds92

OK, I know it’s been a while since high school ended…in fact I’m three weeks from the end of my first year of college, but I need to say this. Many un-informed people refer to music which has screaming in it as “Screamo.” This is sometimes true, but it’s like saying that all sports that involve skating are hockey. Yes, Screamo has screaming in it, but music with screaming in it is not necessarily Screamo.

There are many sub-genres of Rock music.

One of the sub-genres of Rock is Emo, which is music that communicates EMOtions and feelings. Examples of Emo bands include Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory, Panic! At The Disco, and Boys like Girls.

Metal is a massive sub-genre of Rock, which is reserved for the heavier and faster music. Metal is so big, it has many of it’s own sub-genres. Bay Area Thrash (examples, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax), Florida Death Metal (Death, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse), Swedish Death Metal (Opeth), Metalcore (As I Lay Dying, Bullet for my Valentine), Deathcore (Whitechapel, All Shall Perish), Mathcore (Dillinger Escape Plan), New York Hardcore (more like punk, but bands like Agnostic Front, the Bad Brains), Norwegian Black Metal (Gorgoroth, Burzum, Mayhem), L.A. Glam (Poison, Motley Crue), New Wave of British Heavy Metal (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Diamond Head), Industrial Metal (Nine Inch Nails, Ministry), Gothic Metal (Marilyn Manson, Type O-Negative, Lacuna Coil), and even Nu-Metal (Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach) are all sub-genres of Metal. Many sub-genres of Metal have screamed vocals instead of clean singing, and their songs usually involve darker subject matter.

However, while Screamo does have screamed lyrics, and subject matter is dark and emotional, it doesn’t mean that all metal is Screamo.

Some Screamo bands include Atreyu and Thrice, who are certainly metal bands…but saying that all metal is like Atreyu and Thrice is ridiculous.

Here’s a good article which agrees with me (that’s why it’s good for me haha). yellowisthenewpink.com/articles_detail.php?idno=21

So it’s that time of year when the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest lineup is announced! These are the days that I would want to go, and the reasons I would go that day.

Day 1: Dream Theater and Iron Maiden!

Day 4: Metric and Flaming Lips

Day 5: RUSH!!!

Day 6: Maybe Alexisonfire/Arcade Fire

Day 8: Steve Winwood/Santana

Day 10: Drake…and Great Big Sea…I guess

Day 12: Foghat and Weezer

Ok, I am going to try my hand at this mock draft thing…so let’s get started with the 1st round, and I’ll maybe expand into the second if I have time before Draft day. For anyone who had not visited this site before, this is a school blog, so almost none of the previous entries are about football, except for a couple regarding my favourite teams and my fantasy team. I am not an expert in any way.

1. St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford

With an impressive Pro Day workout this week, there can no longer be any doubt that the Rams need to take Bradford with the 1st pick. The NFL is a quarterback driven league, and Bradford has the size and arm to make it as an NFL QB. Suh will be considered here.

2. Detroit Lions: OT Russell Okung

Last year, the Lions drafted Matthew Stafford 1st overall, and made him their franchise QB. However, he was constantly being hit and hurried, and that ended with him getting injured for the year with a collarbone injury. The Lions need an offensive tackle badly, and they can get it here with the clear-cut best tackle in the draft. Suh will be considered here.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Ndamukong Suh

Suh is the best player in this years draft, and defensive tackle is an obvious need for the Bucs. Tampa will be lucky here, as team needs will outweigh talent in the two previous picks, and Suh will fall right into the lap of Tampa Bay. Gerald McCoy will be considered here as well.

4. Washington Redskins: OT Bryan Bulaga

With the retirement of Chris Samuels this off-season, left tackle is a glaring hole in this offense which must be addressed immediately. The Redskins will heavily consider taking Jimmy Clausen here, but needs will make them take Bulaga, a physical animal who completely locks up his blocks.

5. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Trent Williams

The Chiefs have their franchise QB in Matt Cassel, and they will now look to protect his blind-side with Williams, a relentless blocker who can keep up with speed rushers with his above average footwork. Any other tackle will be considered at this point, as well as Gerald McCoy.

6. Seattle Seahawks: OT Anthony Davis

There are many questions concerning the Seahawks, but the biggest one is if Walter Jones will be back. With a possible career ending injury last year, one of the best pass blockers in history could be gone, and that would be a monstrous void. With that in mind, Seattle will take a beast of a tackle in 6’6″, 325lbs Anthony Davis. Davis has the size to be an elite tackle, but his desire is questioned. Clausen and Gerald McCoy will also be considered.

7. Cleveland Browns: S Eric Berry

The Browns secondary is weak right now, and Berry is the answer. A ball-hawker compared to Ed Reed (wow!), Berry will have instant impact in the NFL. The Browns will also consider Joe Haden or Kyle Wilson.

8. Oakland Raiders: DT Gerald McCoy

It’s impossible to ever know who the Raiders will take in the draft (cough-Darrius Heyward-Bey last year), but they will take McCoy here, simply for the reason that he is still available. McCoy is too strong of a prospect to pass up on (but then again, so was Michael Crabtree last year…DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY???), and the Raiders do need another defensive tackle beside Richard Seymour. The fastest wide receiver available will also be considered.

9. Buffalo Bills: QB Jimmy Clausen

If the Bills happen to land Jimmy Clausen, their prayers will be answered. With the Trent Edwards experiment failing, and falling far behind in maybe the best division in football, the Bills need a new franchise QB to help them in the future. There is no way that they will be able to catch the Jets or the Patriots this year, and it’s unlikely that they will catch the Dolphins, but they can start rebuilding now for the future. Dez Bryant and any other offensive tackle available will be considered.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: LB Rolando McClain

With Mike Peterson leaving last year, teams ran over Jacksonville at will. McClain is the best inside linebacker in this draft, with a high-motor and great strength. Jacksonville will also think about Dez Bryant here.

11. Denver Broncos (from Bears): WR Dez Bryant

The Denver Broncos draft revolves around one question: Will Brandon Marshall be traded? If Marshall is coming back, then the Broncos will look at an inside linebacker like Brandon Spikes or Sean Weatherspoon. However, if Marshall is gone, then Denver will take Bryant. There are questions about his off-field issues, but he is an incredible play-maker.

12. Miami Dolphins: WR Demaryius Thomas

Chad Henne needs an option when he is throwing the ball. With that, the Dolphins will take one of the best wide-outs in the draft. Thomas has all the physical tools to step in right away as an NFL wide receiver. Also,  if Jason Taylor does not return, as Joey Porter is already gone, then Miami will need a pass-rushing OLB such as Sergio Kindle or Brandon Graham.

13. San Fransisco 49ers: S Earl Thomas

The 49ers badly need a safety, and Earl Thomas is the solution, Thomas has great ball-hawking instincts, and many consider him to be one of the top defensive backs available this year. The 49ers are in a position of power with two 1st round picks, so they can be flexible with their choices.

14. Seattle Seahawks: DE Derrick Morgan

With their second 1st round pick, the Seahawks will address their void at defensive end. Morgan is an outstanding pass-rusher who may not have the prototypical atleticism or build, but his high motor and desire make him produce. C.J. Spiller will also be a heavily considered choice.

15. New York Giants: LB Brandon Spikes

With Antonio Pierce being released, the Giants need an inside linebacker. Spikes is a very tough player who tackles well and will fit well with the Giants. However, Weatherspoon can’t be ignored if he is available.

16. Tennessee Titans: DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul

Kyle Vanden Bosch left Tennessee for the Lions, and Jevon Kearse isn’t “The Freak” anymore, so defensive end is a position of need for the Titans. Pierre-Paul is an athletic freak, who is the prototypical athlete for the DE position. A linebacker will also be considered here to replace Keith Bulluck, such as Weatherspoon.

17. San Francisco 49ers: OT Bruce Campbell

With the safety issue already addressed, the 49ers will opt for Campbell, who had the best performance of all tackles at the combine. A pass rusher like Kindle will also be looked at as well.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Joe Haden

The Steelers need a starting cornerback, and if Joe Haden is here, the Steelers will snap him up. Haden is quick with good ball skills. Kyle Wilson will also be a strong option at this point.

19. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Sean Weatherspoon

Snaring Dunta Robinson from the Texans addresses the CB issue, but there is still a hole at linebacker. Mike Peterson is 34 years old, and while he is still making plays, the Falcons need a long term answer. Weatherspoon has exceptional size, speed and skill, and is a tackling machine that will help an awful run defense. They will also consider a pass-rusher like Brandon Graham.

20. Houston Texans: CB Kyle Wilson

After losing Dunta Robinson to the Falcons, there is no replacement on the immediate Texans roster. With that, Houston will take Wilson, a play-making CB who is blessed with exceptional speed. Wilson is considered to be a top ten prospect, but team needs will force him down. A solid running back like C.J. Spiller to help Steve Slaton will also be looked at.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: S Taylor Mays

Mays has been slipping in many drafts, but there is no denying that he is a physical freak who is perfectly suited to play SS. The Bengals are in need of a safety, and would not pass on a specimen like Mays. If not Mays, then a TE like Jermaine Gresham would also be a solid choice.

22. New England Patriots: OLB/DE Sergio Kindle

Much like the Raiders, it is impossible to know what the Patriots will do at this draft, not because of poor choices, but because they rarely pick when they are on the clock. They prefer to trade down for more value. If they actually pick at 22, their woeful pass-rush badly needs to be addressed. Kindle is an animal coming off the edge, and he has the perfect physical tools to be a star in the NFL. The Patriots also like a lot of depth on their interior defensive line, so they may consider someone like Jared Odrick.

23. Green Bay Packers: OT Charles Brown

The Packers re-signed both of their veteran tackles this off-season (Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher), but they are aging. Green Bay needs to address this position so they don’t have another situation like last year, where they both were injured. Another reason to take Brown is the emergence of Aaron Rodgers as a top 5 NFL QB. Rodgers needs protection to produce. An OLB who can pass-rush like Brandon Graham will also be looked at.

24. Philadelphia Eagles: RB C.J. Spiller

With the release of Brian Westbrook, the Eagles only have LeSean McCoy on their depth chart. Spiller is a back in the Westbrook mold, an every down back who can also catch well out of the backfield. Spiller is a top end talent who slips because of team needs elsewhere in the draft. An interior lineman like Maurkice Pouncey will also be considered.

25. Baltimore Ravens: CB Devin McCourty

Baltimore does not have a solid corner starting, and good defensive backs are necessary in the vertical game that the NFL has become. McCourty is an athletic and physical player who has good ball awareness. A defensive tackle like Jared Odrick will also be looked at.

26. Arizona Cardinals: ILB Sean Lee

Losing Karlos Dansby in free agency was a big hit to the Arizona linebacking corps, and it is a position that needs to be addressed in this first round. Sean Lee is a good tackler with excellent awareness, and he is coming from Penn State, the linebacker factory. Lee is also good in coverage. Arizona will also look at a pass-rusher to help on the outside, like Brandon Graham.

27. Dallas Cowboys: OT Selvish Capers

The release of Flozell Adams leaves Americas team in need of a left tackle. While Capers is a little undersized at 298 lbs, he has the quickness to keep up with speed rushers, which he needs in a division with Osi Umenyiora, Trent Cole and Brian Orakpo. Dallas will also look at a safety or linebacker at this choice.

28. San Diego Chargers: RB Ryan Mathews

There is only one running back on the Chargers roster, Darren Sproles, and he is clearly not an every-down back. Mathews is big and physical, and he will be the answer to LaDainian Tomlinsons departure. A running back will almost definitely be picked here.

29. New York Jets: DE/OLB Brandon Graham

With Shaun Ellis aging, blitz-happy Rex Ryan opts for Brandon Graham, an edge-rusher who can play both OLB and DE. The Jets may also look for a wide receiver like Arrelious Benn or Damian Williams.

30. Minnesota Vikings: DT Dan Williams

Pat Williams is getting up in age, and Minnesota should address the long term here, as he will be gone in a few years. They will opt for Dan Williams to replace him, who has the size to step right in at a pro level. Look for him to see the field in year one. Jared Odrick may also be considered.

31. Indianapolis Colts: DT Jared Odrick

The Indianapolis Colts have the best DE duo in football with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. However, there are questions about their run defense. Getting Odrick, a high intensity player who is relentless against blockers will help in that department. A corner like Patrick Wilson will also be looked at.

32. New Orleans Saints: DE Everson Griffen

The defending Super Bowl champions released their starting LE, Charles Grant this off-season, and the Saints are short on that side of the line. While Bobby McCray contributed last year in the playoffs, he can’t be their starter. Griffen is a solid pass-rusher who will be able to contribute on a line that already has a clear-cut edge presence with Will Smith. The presence of Smith will allow Griffen to have less double teams and contribute more. A RB like Jahvid Best may also be considered.

Ok, that’s Round 1!!! I am open to comments if you disagree with anything, I would much appreciate them.

It’s a good thing that I  have been updating my blog every week, because otherwise, I would be really behind! Sabby and I are making progress on our Yeats lesson, we have delegated tasks to each other. I am also beginning to read the Revenger’s Tragedy.

As for a cool website, I want to use Hobnox: (would have a link here, but it is a Webfilter Violation). It  lets the user operate a digital music soundboard, and create…well…music. It is possible to lay down a fat beat, and use the synthesizer to create some thick bass to add melody. There are also a variety of effects that one could use to change it up. It’s pretty cool. The Storks have used it for at least two songs, and it is expected that more is on the way.

 I have discovered that I have an affinity for cool and unique things in art. This does not mean that I necessarily like “abstract” art, but I like my art to be different.

For example, a band I am really enjoying is a band called Tool. They are very quirky and quite weird. The lead singer, Maynard James Keenan, has about 20 different voices that he employs at various times, and he wears fake body parts when he is on stage. The shows are always dimly lit, and no one really knows what all the band members really look like. On one occasion, Keenan and the guitarist, Adam Jones, were walking to their cars after a show, they said goodbye to each other and walked in separate  directions. A rabid Tool fan approached Keenan saying “Oh my God! Were you just talking to Adam Jones of Tool?” Keenan responded with “Yeah, he’s pretty cool…he might buy you dinner.” Most bands with multiple Platinum albums, have members who are instantly recognized when a delirious fan of  the band approaches them…but not Tool. Also, all their songs are very distinct, and almost never in 4/4 time. Many songs are in 7/8 or 5/4, and occasionally in 9/8. Once they had a riff in 11/8. Their songs are also very different lyrically, with names such as “Jambi,” “Schism,” and “Parabola.” Some of their songs are also just several minutes of random noises, or a very long intro to the next song. For example, “Lost Keys (Blame Hofmann)” is a 3 and a half minute conversation, with a small riff in the background. At the end of the song, there is some high feedback. The next song “Rosetta Stoned,” openes up with the feedback on delay, and the main riff of the song is the background riff of the previous song.

That kind of sums up Tool…they’re a new millenium, multi-Platinum band that no one has ever heard of.

I also like my theatre and movies to be a bit unique. I went to see a play at th end of semester one, titled “Bash’d”, which is a “Gay Rap Opera.” It features two gay rappers; T-Bag, and Feminem, who tell the story of two gay men throughout their lives, but entirely in verse. It was really funny, and VERY obscene…fantastic.

I kind of went overboard on Tool there, but I like them. That’s all I have for this week (and I’m doing W.B. Yeats in poetry, we haven’t done anything yet).

As Grade 12 English came to a close, I knew that a new semester was beginning, and that means that Literature Studies was commencing. I’m looking forward to the duration of this course, because I want to look deeper into the things that we started in English. Should be fun…out for now.

I’ve been checking up on this site TED every week, and I have to say, it is pretty badass. It’s not a cool thing like games, or music sharing, or even topless girls . What it is, is an organization of the smartest people in the world, gathering ideas in a forum about all subjects.

There was one video that I saw, that absolutely blew my mind…like, it went right down on my mind and gave it the time of it’s life. The video featured a device, called the Sixth Sense, which enabled people to do whatever they wanted, through motion sensor technology. The device was worn around the neck, with a projector and a lens attached, as well as fingertip tensors worn on the, well, fingers. With the device, it was possible to tell the time by drawing a clock on your wrist, call someone by projecting on to ones hand, and dialing the numbers, take photos by making a square with your hands, and re-arrange the photos by projectig on to a wall. Those are just some of the applications with hands. There is another which allow one to move the lens on to someones chest, and information from their Facebook profile will pop up on their chest.

Anyway, that was a very cool thing. Another amazing video was where a musician sang three notes realative to where he was standing (sang note a in position x, note b in position z, and note c in position y), and he jumped around the three positions while the crowd sang the correct note back to him. He then went beyond the borders of those positions, and the audience was able to sing the correct notes, even though he had not sang them. It was an example of human’s natural artistic knowledge of the pentatonic scale.

Those are only a few of the interesting topics on that site. I would advise all to check it out.

First things first, I won my Fantasy Football League. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing, because as Jim Rome says: “If you play Fantasy Football, you’re a cool guy. If you win your league, you’re a loser.” So I don’t know what to think.

In other news, my New England Patriots have made the playoffs, and they are playing the Baltimore Ravens in the first round. Unfortunately, the best slot receiver in history, (current Patriots player) Wes Welker tore his ACL and MCL, and he is out for the year. I have confidence that they will beat the Ravens, but I’m worried about San Diego.

The Ottawa Senators have been weird. They look like they are the best team in hockey history, then they lose to teams that are awful. Not only that, they can NOT beat the Boston Bruins, no matter what the situation is. It doesn’t help that Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza are out for a long time. However, they are winning more games than they are losing games this year, and they are definitely in the hunt for the playoffs.

The Toronto Raptors are the exact same as the Senators. They will beat the Cavaliers and the Mavericks, but they can’t beat the Hawks. Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu have been playing well, but they need more consistent support from their teammates.

In World Junior hockey…I was basically crying, as they had a chance to win their 6th straight gold medal, and they were beaten in overtime, by the U.S.A. of all countries…Jordan Eberle=god…that’s all I’m going to say about that tournament.

http://www.calgarysun.com/comment/columnists/ian_robinson/2009/10/25/11518221-sun.html

Above is the  link to the original story from the Calgary Sun. I’m praying Lital reads this one, she would have plenty of fantastic criticism for it. Being a left winger myself, I laughed at this article. It is ENTIRELY the logical fallacy of hasty generalization.

Original Form (In summary): Right wing women are better than left wing women, because they will stay at home all day and greet their husbands with “Hi, honey, your dinner’s ready! Here’s a drink!” Also, left wing women have hairy legs that are usually on “unfortunate display,” as opposed to right wing women who dress to appeal to men, and don’t whine about womens rights. Left wing women like to recycle clothes, while right wing women prefer to shop. Furthermore, left wing women are ALL vegetarians, whereas a good right wing lady wouldn’t dare make a meal with a speck of tofu. Finally, some examples of left wing women are Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg, while Elisabeth Hasselbeck is a good right winger, therefore the right wing has dominant women. Therefore, right wing women are better than left wing women.

Standardized:

1: All left wing women are vegetarians, which is bad?

2. All right wing women want nothing more than to please their husband.

3. No left wing women are good-looking.

4. All women do not love to shop, only right wing women.

5. Right wing women do not care about womens rights.

6. People like Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg are left wing, whereas Elisabeth Hasselbeck is right wing, which means that left wing sucks. (In my own personal opinion, I would like to add that we lefties have Angelina Jolie, therefore we rule that category, because right wingers have Margaret Thatcher and Ann Coulter)

7.Due to all that, left wingers are bad.

Please, someone drive a truck through this.