Monday, March 22, 2010

Mock Draft 2.0

HERE IS THE 2ND MOCK DRAFT.

The first few draft choices have remained the same, but there is quite a shake up in the first round.

You can see my 1st by clicking this link:
http://themarcmanalo.tumblr.com/post/451078382/my-mock-draft-1-0?ref=nf

1. St. Louis Rams: SAM BRADFORD, QB, OKLAHOMA. There really shouldn't be any indecision and/or hesitation from The Rams. They need Bradford to man the offense. (Previous: Bradford)
2. Detroit Lions: NDAMAKONG SUH, DT, NEBRASKA. Either they strengthen their O-Line now and pass on a future star. The decision shouldn't be too hard. (Previous: Suh)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: GERALD MCCOY, DT, OKLAHOMA. McCoy at #3 is a no-brainer. Redeveloping your defense without the right fit at front line can be costly. Ask The Denver Broncos. (Previous: McCoy)
4. Washington Redskins: RUSSELL OKUNG, OT, OKLAHOMA STATE. Knowing Mike Shanahan, the choice here hasn't changed. (Previous: Okung)
5. Kansas City Chiefs: ERIC BERRY, S, TENNESSEE. They have issues in many positions, but I don't think they would let Berry go at this spot. (Previous: Anthony Davis)
6. Seattle Seahawks: BRYAN BULAGA, OT, IOWA. Whitehurst is signed and competing for a starting job. The Seahawks will look to protect whoever wins it. (Previous: Jimmy Clausen)
7. Cleveland Browns: JOE HADEN, CB, FLORIDA. The Browns need help in the secondary. With Berry gone, and Haden showing an improvement at his pro-day, The Browns would most likely take Haden here. (Previous: Eric Berry)
8. Oakland Raiders: TAYLOR MAYS, S, USC. Al Davis + Stop Watch = Unwise Choice. Although i do acknowledge Mays' abilities, the only problem is I'm not really sure if The Raiders should use this pick to bulk up the secondary. BUT WAIT!!! ITS AL DAVIS!!! (Previous: Jason Pierre-Paul)
9. Buffalo Bills: JIMMY CLAUSEN, QB, NOTRE DAME. If Clausen were to actually fall to this spot, The Bills would definitely take him. Commissioner Goodell would be out on the podium announcing this pick within a minute. (Previous: Bryan Bulaga)
10. Jacksonville Jaguars: EARL THOMAS, S, TEXAS. With much need help on defense, they should either grab a corner (Wilson would be too high here) or DT/DE (Morgan can be a strong possibility as well as Pierre-Paul or Dan Williams but Thomas is too valuable to pass up). (Previous: Trent Williams)
11. Denver Broncos: ROLANDO MCCLAIN, ILB, ALABAMA. Redefining the D-Line, and with a few more decent future rookies later in the draft; and at this point, I don't think McDaniels would go after Dez Bryant even if Marshall signs elsewhere, McClain hasn't moved in my mock draft. (Previous: McClain)
12. Miami Dolphins: DERRICK MORGAN, DE, GEORGIA TECH. At this point, it's either Morgan or Sergio Kindle. (Previous: Brandon Graham)
13. San Francisco 49ers: TRENT WILLIAMS, OT, OKLAHOMA. Bulking up the O-Line would be a Singletary move. (Previous: Derrick Morgan)
14. Seattle Seahawks: DEZ BRYANT, WR, OKLAHOMA STATE. No matter who the QB will be, Bryant would be a great target. C.J. Spiller might make a big jump here also. (Previous: Joe Haden)
15. New York Giants: JASON PIERRE-PAUL, DE, SOUTH FLORIDA. Adding Pierre-Paul would definitely help out the front seven. Maybe they'll go back to having four DE at the line. I do predict them taking a MLB soon also, just not in this round. (Previous: Dez Bryant)
16. Tennessee Titans: DAN WILLIAMS, DT, TENNESSEE. Price was here previously, but Dan Williams is a better DT. (Previous: Brian Price)
17. San Francisco: SERGIO KINDLE, OLB, TEXAS. If Kindle were to be available, the 49ers would be tempted to add him. (Previous: Mike Iupati)
18. Pittsburgh Steelers: KYLE WILSON, CB, BOISE STATE. Either they go for Spiller, or prepare for Boldin, Ochocinco and Antonio Bryant. (Previous: C.J. Spiller)
19. Atlanta Falcons: BRANDON GRAHAM, OLB, MICHIGAN. Not really a change here. I figured they would need more help out on D. (Previous: Carlos Dunlap)
20. Houston Texans: C.J. SPILLER, RB, CLEMSON. I'd love to see a 1-2 punch from Slaton and Spiller. (Previous: Earl Thomas)
21. Cincinnati Bengals: EVERSON GRIFFEN, DE, USC. I initially had an interior D-Line here, but Griffen would be a steal, even though some would think it would be too early. (Previous: Dan Williams)
22. New England Patriots: CARLOS DUNLAP, DE, FLORIDA. With Jarvis Green being signed by The Broncos, The next available DE should be the 1st addition for The Pats. (Previous: Sergio Kindle)
23. Green Bay Packers: MIKE IUPATI, OG, IDAHO. Extra help for Aaron Rodgers should turn him into the stud he should have been years ago. (Previous: Kyle Wilson)
24. Philadelphia Eagles: MAURKICE POUNCEY, C, FLORIDA. No matter who the QB will be at the beginning of the season, Pouncey would the logical and best draft choice. (Previous: Everson Griffen)
25. Baltimore Ravens: BRIAN PRICE, DT, UCLA. I initially had a C here, but I think The Ravens would be tempted as to taking Price here. (Previous: Maurkice Pouncey)
26. Arizona Cardinals: ANTHONY DAVIS, OT, RUTGERS. Anderson or Leinhart. Either way, both will need protection. (Previous: Bruce Campbell)
27. Dallas Cowboys: PATRICK ROBINSON, CB, FLORIDA STATE. Secondary is the main topic in Dallas, or it should be. (Previous: Taylor Mays)
28. San Diego Chargers: RYAN MATTHEWS, RB, FRESNO STATE. No need for an explanation. Unless they move up for either Spiller or Kindle, and take a second-round RB. (Previous: Matthews)
29. New York Jets: JERMAINE GRESHAM, TE, OKLAHOMA. Initially a WR was my pick for here but Gresham would be a better target/blocker. (Previous: Arrelious Benn)
30. Minnesota Vikings: DEVIN MCCOURTY, CB, RUTGERS. If Favre doesn't come back, don't expect The Vikes to draft a QB this early. The next essential that's missing is a DB and McCourty is the next best on the list. (Previous: Jared Odrick)
31. Indianapolis Colts: KAREEM JACKSON, CB, ALABAMA. Besides the QB situation, The Colts have the same problem The Vikings have. Jackson would be the pick ahead of the rest, not just at the DB position. (Previous: Jackson)
32. New Orleans Saints: JARED ODRICK, DT, PENN STATE. Although there are multiple holes in the defense for The Saints, Odrick is the next best player. (Previous: Brandon Spikes)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

NBA Picks 3/17

1. TEAM: OKC @ CHA
LINE: OKC -1.5
MY PICK: OKC

2. TEAM: IND @ CLE
LINE: CLE -13
MY PICK: CLE

3. TEAM: NJ @ PHI
LINE:
MY PICK:

4. TEAM: ATL @ POR
LINE:
MY PICK:

5. TEAM: NYK @ BOS
LINE: BOS -9.5
MY PICK: NYK

6. TEAM: SAS @ ORL
LINE: ORL -7.5
MY PICK: SAS

7. TEAM: CHI @ DAL
LINE:
MY PICK:

8. TEAM: MEM @ HOU
LINE:
MY PICK:

9. TEAM: MIN @ UTA
LINE: UTA -15
MY PICK: UTA

10. TEAM: NOH @ GSW
LINE: GSW -3
MY PICK: GSW

11. TEAM: MIL @ LAC
LINE: MIL -4
MY PICK: MIL

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

3/16 NBA Results

Let's add a point system for this, to see how I can pick these, not just for today, but for the rest of the season and any other sports I try to predict.

CHA @ IND:
MY CHOICE: Bobcats win by double digits.
RESULT: IND wins: 99-94
POINTS: 0
ODDS: CHA -3 (L)

CLE @ DET:
MY CHOICE: Cavs by 11+
RESULT: Cavs win: 113-101
POINTS: 1
ODDS: CAVS -10.5 (W)

SAS @ MIA:
MY CHOICE: Spurs will take this, but it'll be close.
RESULT: Spurs win: 88-76
POINTS: .5
ODDS: MIA -2 (W)

ATL @ NJN:
MY CHOICE: Hawks will smash on the Nets, and will get cheered for their efforts.
RESULT: Hawks win: 108-84, no cheers for bonus points :(
POINTS: 1
ODDS: ATL -7 (W)

CHI @ MEM:
MY CHOICE: Memphis wins with a margin of 8+.
RESULT: MEM win: 104-97
POINTS: .5
ODDS: MEM -11 (L)

WAS @ DEN:
MY CHOICE: Denver wins without playing half of it's starters halfway through the 4th Quarter.
RESULT: DEN wins: 97-87
POINTS: .5
ODDS: -14.5 (L)

MIN @ PHX:
MY CHOICE: Phoenix beats the T'Wolves.
RESULT: PHX wins: 152-114
POINTS: 1
ODDS: PHX -12.5 (W)

LAL @ SAC:
MY CHOICE: Lakers win but only by 3 or less. This game will go down to the wire. Who knows, maybe Kobe hits another game winner.
RESULT: LAL wins: 106-99
POINTS: .5
ODDS: LAL -6 (W)

TODAY'S TOTAL: 4.5/8
OVERALL TOTAL: 4.5/8
ODDS TOTAL: 5/8
LOL, maybe next time, I won't predict specific outcomes. and maybe next time I'll check the lines. HAHAHA

Is This The Year?

Could this be the year we would get the opportunity to see The Lakers and The Cavaliers in the Finals? Seemingly of late, The Magic are looking like the same type of Magic last year, if not stronger. Vince is looking like his old self. The Magic might be another stagger for the Cavs to get to The Finals, again. Matching the teams up, this would be an interesting feature. Mo/D-West/Boobie/Anthony Parker against Jameer and the Magic back court. The series would be broken down to the front court. Lebron vs. Barnes. Rashard vs. Jamison. Superman vs. Superman.Is this the preview of the battle we'll see? To those that think this video shows nothing at all, you are wrong! It'll be a battle for position all day long between the two. This will be fun to watch.
Let's not forget about The Celtics. Yes, they are the Patriots of the NBA, most of their players are old. But there is no doubt in my mind they are not going to go down easy.
How about the Charlotte Bobcats? This team beat The Lakers and The Cavaliers, but lack the post-season experience to get far.
Moving on to the Heat. D-Wade's team. Besides Dwayne, I don't think any other player would excel and assist Wade to get far in the playoffs.
Besides The Orlando Magic, The Hawks would be the team to look out for. A young run-and-gun team that can play defense. There's no way this team would get knocked out early.
Onto the West. The Lakers will make it to the Conference Finals. So will the Denver Nuggets. I love that fact. Both teams are top contenders. Even though the Mavs line up is stacked, and alongside the Suns and Spurs, are great contenders, they won't make it to the conference finals.
Now either way, both teams, along with the Cavs, will make for a great NBA Finals. Of course, the ultimate team match-up would be Lakers/Cavs; but I think the ultimate player match-up would be Lebron/Melo.
But in the end, it should end up being a Lebron vs. Kobe Finals. This is what the fans want. This is what both players need. Let's not forget, this is what Shaq needs. The only thing is to wait for about two more months. This would bring the NBA back.

NFL Widget

Interesting Draft Dilemmas


The St. Louis Rams: Should they pass up on Sam Bradford and the rebuilding/remolding of their offense in order to solidify their front line on defense? This would be an extremely difficult decision because if Bradford's durability issues were to carry out and he wouldn't be able to perform at the professional level, it would've been another draft choice wasted. BUT... if Suh couldn't fit in with the Rams' D-Line... it would also be a waste. Suh, wouldn't be a waste of a choice though. He'd be the safe way to go, and since a great DT is a rare commodity in the football world now, Suh should be the right way to go. If that's true, then why is Sam Bradford in the picture as the #1 overall draft pick? Well if the DT is an anchor for the defense, the QB is the whole vessel for the team. Since the Rams haven't made any moves towards signing a QB during free agency, all indicators point to Sam Bradford being the pick here; and I'd have to agree with the Rams.

Detroit Lions: Here's an interesting scenario:
Scenario 1: What if Suh were taken as #1? Would they go for Gerald McCoy or Russell Okung?
Scenario 2: What if Suh was available? Would they pounce on Suh or take Russell Okung?
The only reason Okung is included in talks is because it would add a much needed O-Line upgrade in order to protect their franchise quarterback: Matthew Stafford. Even though a DT wouldn't be a great choice for the Lions at this position, it would be too much to pass up on. The Lions will definitely grab Suh if he's available, Okung if he's not.

Washington Redskins: QB or OT? The Redskins have a huge hole at the LT position and Mike Shanahan is notoriously known for his zone-blocking scheme. With that in mind, Jimmy Clausen would be the QB for Shanahan also but let's face it, all he needs is a running back the zone-block. This one is simple: if Russell Okung is taken, Jimmy Clausen is the pick; IF Okung is taken.

Denver Broncos: Three choices will circulate around here: Dan Williams at NT, Rolando McClain at ILB, or Dez Bryant at WR. Jamaal Williams is an aging, injury-prone player. At 34, he has is durability issues. With the releasing of Andra Davis, Rolando McClain will be ahead of the pack in this pool. If Brandon Marshall does sign elsewhere, Dez Bryant will jump ahead here. Knowing McDaniels, and if Marshall stays true to his word, McClain will be the pick here.

NBA Picks 3/16

CHA @ IND: Charlotte seemingly has the ability to be in the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff picture if they wanted to, but its just hit or miss for them.
RESULT: The Bobcats win by double digits.

CLE @ DET: The Cavaliers will no doubt take this game. The question is by how much. Detroit has the tendency to slug it out with another team for no apparent reason, if they wanted to.
RESULT: Cavs by 11+.

SAS @ MIA: One question: Who will guard Tim Duncan? And How? Ok, that was two questions, but hey, it's something like a string bet.
RESULT: Spurs will take this, but it'll be close.

ATL @ NJN: LMFAO!!!!
RESULT: Hawks will smash on the Nets, and will get cheered for their efforts.

CHI @ MEM: The Bulls are in a slump. I don't think this will be the game they get out of it.
RESULT: Memphis wins with a margin of 8+.

WAS @ DEN: The high octane Nuggets, with a hopeful Washington team. Hopeful, that is, to land a superstar during the offseason.
RESULT: Denver wins without playing half of it's starters halfway through the 4th Quarter.

MIN @ PHX: I can't really see the T'Wolves taking one on the road against the Suns.
RESULT: Phoenix beats the T'Wolves.

LAL @ SAC: I personally think this would be the game of the night. Not necessarily because it's the Lakers, but because of their history when they play in Sacramento.
RESULT: Lakers win but only by 3 or less. This game will go down to the wire. Who knows, maybe Kobe hits another game winner.

Mr. Tomlinson

LT,

I'm glad you are gone. I mean, let's face it, you weren't a threat anymore. I'm actually glad you are with the Jets because this might rejuvenate your career because you will be in a rotation of good running backs. There's no doubt you haven't been the same since the departures of Michael Turner and Lorenzo Neal. Yes, The Broncos could not contain you, but at least next season, you won't be our problem twice a year anymore, even though, as I stated, you alone are not a huge threat anymore. Good luck in the cold, and just remember you're not in SD anymore.

Orton vs. Quinn 1.0


Both QBs want the starting job. As of right now, Kyle Orton has my vote, but Brady Quinn is right there behind him. I know Quinn hasn't done much to prove himself so far, but let's run down the two through comparison.
Kyle Orton:
I was looking forward to seeing him play once the trade for Jay Cutler was finalized. There was no doubt that Mike Shanahan developed this offense for a strong-armed QB like Cutler, so when Orton were to step in, I was extremely curious as to see how it would work. We all knew Orton doesn't have Cutler-like throwing power, so any big plays were going to be rare. Orton is a good game manager, but he lacks the leadership and drive to win. Sure, the Broncos went 6-2, but they finished the season with a 2-6 record. He's a smart QB that would rarely make mistakes due to the fact that he doesn't take too many risks, I'd even say minimal. Orton had his moments, but that's what they were. Just Moments. I'd like to say he carried the team last season, but I can't. They went 8-8 as a team. What's wrong with that? There was no offensive leader. No one to direct emotions when needed. No one to calm the players down when anxiety would kick in. We would've been better off with Keanu Reeves when he was Shane Falco in The Replacements the last 8 games. But I can't take anything away from Orton. He did his best; and we saw how far the Broncos made it. On a positive note, at least they didn't finish under .500.

Brady Quinn:
His career so far has been horrendous. I think I can only recall one game where he actually excelled and showed us, well at least for only one game, what he's supposed to be. Quinn's a celebrated QB at the collegiate level. He was supposed to the be future and yet, he was not only replaced by Derek Anderson last year. This offseason, the Browns released Anderson, signed Seneca Wallace and then Jake Delhomme. It was obvious Quinn was done in Cleveland. What's worse then having 2 free agents jump ahead of you on the depth chart? Being traded for a back, a 2011 draft pick, and a 2012 conditional draft pick. Well the good news is he's out of Cleveland, and with the Broncos. Specifically, he is now under Josh McDaniels. The same coach not too long ago was the QB coach for the New England Patriots, then promoted to offensive coordinator. Yes, he coached Tom Brady and Matt Cassell. The same coach that is a product of the Bill Belichick system. Quinn should be familiar with the coaching style and system since his head coach at Notre Dame, Charlie Weiss, is also a product of the Belichick System. To be quite frank, this also goes for Orton, how hard could it be if you had the weapons that the Broncos have? Let's assume Brandon Marshall stays. Let's assume the Broncos would draft another wideout. Let's say the likes of Damian Williams of USC or a Jordan Shipley of Texas. Marshall is a HUGE target. He not only catches it anywhere near him, but he'll produce YACs. Eddie Royal is the speedy receiver you can get down field. Stokely is a great slot receiver, dependable on 3rd downs. If Scheffler stays, he too has reliable hands and is a 6-5' target. Knowshon Moreno can catch out of the backfield as Correll Buckhalter can also. Seriously fellas? At this point, it'll be a fun offseason battle. It would be extremely funny if somehow, someway, Tom Brandstater would beat the two out, like how Matt Barkley beat out Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corpe for the starting postion at USC.

Stephen Curry


I must admit, Tyreke Evans does look like he might win the Rookie of the Year award, but I wouldn't be surprised if Stephen Curry takes it also.
Overall, we saw a small preview of what Curry can do in the future. Earlier, in the loss against The Lakers, Stephen Curry produced when needed. OK... there was only one moment, but let's give the kid a break. Oh, by the way, the "moment" was when Curry was wide open, behind the 3-point line, Fisher made a huge mistake, and the young rookie missed to take the game into overtime.
Although he missed, he had fun. He had a great time out there. He was smiling, shaking the other team's hands. That's what it was all about. Sooner or later, he won't be smiling as much, the money'll get to him. The frustration will get to him. The pressure will get to him. But what's important is right now, how he is playing. The kid came to have fun.

Let's move on... moving on the Stephen Curry's stats:

*Note: Stephen Curry was in foul trouble, and he still produced these numbers*
34 Minutes
29 Points (11-19 FG, 5-9 3pt, 2-2 FT)
5 Rebounds
9 Assists
1 Steal

Sports Blog: Pacquiao vs. Clottey

Sports Blog: Pacquiao vs. Clottey

Monday, March 15, 2010

Pacquiao vs. Clottey


Yup, pretty much explains what happened. Funny. Being an avid boxing fan (meaning I do understand style and strategies and not just waiting for the big hits), I do agree with most of the viewers. This was boring. A complete domination by Manny Pacquiao.
First of all, Manny fought with competitiveness, but after every round both fighters touched gloves. They were friends. They like each other. Get a room!!! We came to see a fight!!!
Before the fight, I was actually worried. Joshua Clottey is not only a natural at the welterweight division, but he should have won against Miguel Cotto. Why didn't he? He backed off in the later rounds thinking he had the fight in his pocket already. What was that? The fight ended in a decision? Well did you see Cotto's face? Let's not forget Manny won with a unanimous decision also.
With a short analysis, Clottey was built for defense and counter-punching. What happened to the counter punches you might ask? Pacquiao bombarded Clottey with punches, not in quick bursts but nonstop throughout the whole fight. 1230+ punches in 12 rounds. YES!!! You read that right!!! Fighting in the welterweights, Manny is still throwing like he was a featherweight.
There's not much to write about. Manny came to unleash his frustration for Mayweather for 12 rounds; Clottey came to counter-punch. Maybe next time, other boxers won't underestimate a Filipino who sang on Jimmy Kimmel Live! TWICE!
Next up? Well let's actually hope Pacuiao loses in the political race coming up. WE WANT MAYWEATHER!!!

New Page

This new blogspot will be about NCAAM, NBA, NCAAF, NFL, AND BOXING. From time to time, other posts will be about different sports.