2014 NFL Draft - Live!

For the first time ever, I'm going to try my hand at live-blogging. The NFL Draft begins tonight and I'll try my best to update this post after each pick, with my thoughts on what's going on and how I think the rest will play out.

The Draft begins at 8pm. The selection order is as shown below. I hope you enjoy this experiment in blogging...

2014 NFL Draft

Pick #1 - Houston Texans
Selection: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Discussion: The Texans now boast a defense with JJ Watt on one side and Clowney on the other. The offensive coordinators in the AFC South may start asking for hazard pay.

Clowney the Texan...Are you not entertained?

Pick #2 - St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins)
Selection: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
Discussion: This gives Sam Bradford some better protection against some of the toughest defenses in the league. When six of your games every year are against Seattle, San Fran, and Arizona, you need to protect your QB.

Pick #3 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Blake Bortles, QB Central Florida
Discussion: This is Jacksonville grabbing a potential franchise QB. Manziel would've brought more circus; Bortles brings you a Florida audience already in place, and he's pretty good to boot.

Pick #4 - Buffalo Bills, traded from Cleveland Browns
Selection: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
Discussion: This gives EJ Manuel a big time weapon for the foreseeable future. Seems like a decent price for probably the best WR in this draft.
Trade: Bills swap first rounders, Bills give up 2015 1st round and 4th round picks

Pick #5 - Oakland Raiders
Selection: Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
Discussion: You can't argue this pick. Mack is a solid threat on the pass rush. He'll be able to get after Manning, Rivers, and Smith.

Pick #6 - Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Jake Matthews, OT, TAMU
Discussion: Matt Ryan was pressured and sacked far too much last year. A guy like Matthews will give Ryan more time upright and will give Steven Jackson more chances to run.

Jake Matthews is now an Atlanta Falcon

Pick #7 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Mike Evans, WR, TAMU
Discussion: The second straight Aggie off the board, Tampa traded their top WR during the offseason, and they now have replaced him.

Pick #8 - Cleveland Browns, traded from Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Discussion: That's interesting...I figured Cleveland was after a QB, but Gilbert is an interesting pick. They probably could've gotten him without trading up.
Trade: Cleveland swaps first rounders, gives up the 145th pick (5th round)

Pick #9 - Minnesota Vikings, traded from Cleveland Browns, traded from Buffalo Bills
Selection: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
Discussion: Another interesting pick. Barr started highly and saw his stock begin to fall. He's raw and can be shaped. He needs to up his intensity, but this is a good project for the Vikings.

Pick #10 - Detroit Lions (as picked by Barry Sanders)
Selection: Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina
Discussion: Best TE in this draft and it gives Matthew Stafford even more weapons in the Black and Blue division.

Pick #11 - Tennessee Titans
Selection: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Discussion: This guy is nasty. He's big, he's got a mean streak. Just a brutal football player. To me, he's got a few too many off-field issues. Tennessee must be okay with that.

Pick #12 - New York Giants
Selection: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU
Discussion: Oddly enough, the Giants faithful in Radio City Music Hall aren't booing mercilessly. Beckham is a good pick here, giving Eli another weapon and expanding the Giants offense.

Pick #13 - St. Louis Rams
Selection: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Discussion: St. Louis has shored up both lines in this draft. Donald gives them more defensive options against a tough NFC West.

Pick #14 - Chicago Bears
Selection: Kyle Fuller, DB/CB, Virginia Tech
Discussion: Fuller has great range and will fit well in Chicago. He can play as a dime-back or a nickel-back. He's got enough speed if Chicago ever throws in a corner blitz.

Pick #15 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
Discussion: This might be called a bit of a reach, but the Steelers need a young LB and this is a great fit. He can drop into coverage, he can blitz, and he can stop the run. Good pick.

Pick #16 - Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame
Discussion: Good pick. Dallas makes their offensive line even stronger. The Cowboys need some defensive help, but Martin is almost too good to pass up right here. They will have to focus on the defense as the draft goes on, though.

Pick #17 - Baltimore Ravens
Selection: CJ Mosely, LB, Alabama
Discussion: Mosley is an absolute beast of an inside linebacker. Typical Baltimore pick of defense first.

Pick #18 - New York Jets
Selection: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
Discussion: The Jets needed WR help, but Pryor is a good pick here. He'll definitely help to shore up the JETS defense.

Pick #19 - Miami Dolphins
Selection: Ju'Wuan James, OT, Tennessee
Discussion: This is a pure position pick. Miami needs an OT and James can play either side of the line. That said, there are some skill players that might've made more sense here.

Pick #20 - New Orleans Saints, traded from Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Discussion: The Saints pick up a speedy WR for Drew Brees. The offensive firepower of the NFC South gets stronger with this pick.
Trade: Saints swap first rounders, 91st pick (3rd round)

Pick #21 - Green Bay Packers
Selection: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
Discussion: This is a solid pick for Green Bay at this point. The black and blue division just got tougher.

Pick #22 - Cleveland Browns, traded from Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Johnny Manziel, QB, TAMU
Discussion: Cleveland jumps up to ensure they get Manziel. Given time, Manziel might very well be a good QB. He has to learn not to run away at the drop of a hat and get stronger in the pocket. That said, this is the biggest draft pick for Cleveland in years. Johnny Football just became the face of their franchise.
Trade: Cleveland swaps #26 for #22, and 83rd pick (3rd round)

Pick #23 - Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn
Discussion: I figured Ford would be available in the second round. I guess KC thought he was worth an early-20s pick. Ford is fast. He's fast enough to be a Raider. Now he gets to play the Raiders twice a season.

Pick #24 - Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Discussion: This is a great pick for the Bengals. Dennard made a name for himself last year, especially against Ohio State and Stanford. Dennard should slot right in to the Bengals secondary.

Pick #25 - San Diego Chargers
Selection: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Discussion: San Diego really needed a CB and Verrett fits that need. He's got speed and range and always seems to be where the ball is.

Pick #26 - Philadelphia Eagles, traded from Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts)
Selection: Marcus Smith, LB, Louisville
Discussion: Philly has some needs and I'm not sure I would've put LB at the very top. They need to replace a WR at some point, but they obviously saw something in Smith to warrant this high a pick.

Pick #27 - Arizona Cardinals, traded from New Orleans Saints
Selection: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State
Discussion: Arizona is making their defense stronger with this pick. They have to play Kaepernick, Wilson, and Bradford six times every year, so getting stronger on defense is not a bad idea.

Pick #28 - Carolina Panthers
Selection: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Discussion: Carolina needed a WR and Benjamin is a big time WR. He needs some work, and can get better, but this is a solid pick up by Carolina. 

Pick #29 - New England Patriots
Selection: Dominique Easley, DE, Florida
Discussion: For the first time since 2012, the Pats pick in the first round. Easley is a great pick. He's hurt right now, but getting to healthy. When healthy, he can be a beast.

Pick #30 - San Francisco 49ers
Selection:Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Discussion: A stout defense gets even stronger. Man, do those NFC West teams know how to play defense.

Pick #31 - Denver Broncos
Selection: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Discussion: Denver gets a solid CB at a decent price. Denver was exposed in the Super Bowl and anything they can do to upgrade their defense will make them better.

Pick #32 - Minnesota Vikings, traded from Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Discussion: Can you believe I mocked this one correctly?
Trade: Minnesota gives up the 40th pick (2nd round) and 108th pick (4th round)

NFL Win-Loss Predictions 2014

The NFL Draft takes place in a little less than two weeks. The league unveiled the 2014 regular season schedule earlier this week. The last couple years I’ve toyed with the schedule and trying to predict records. I’m usually way off. This year, I’m sharing those predictions with you, the readers at home.

What follows is a series of win-loss total predictions for each team, broken down by Conference and Division. Note, please, that these predictions are Pre-Draft, meaning that some things could potentially change. Note, also, that I’m lazy and probably won’t go back and change these predictions even after the Draft.

I could take the easy way and just predict the favorites to win massively, but if you’ve ever read my college predictions, you know that’s not my style. I’ll go out on a limb if there’s a limb to go out upon.

American Conference (in predicted order of finish)

AFC East

Tom Brady and his arch-nemesis, Peyton Manning

New England Patriots
Predicted Record: 12-4 (#3 Seed in the AFC)
I’m predicting the Patriots to open with a road loss to Miami, but to then go 12-3 the rest of the way. The Pats will strike a solid balance, going 6-2 on the road and 6-2 at home.
Losses: @Miami, @Kansas City, New York Jets, Buffalo

Miami Dolphins
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Dolphins biggest bright spot will be that Week One victory over New England. After that, the team plays sub-.500 football the rest of the way.
Losses: @ Buffalo, Kansas City, @Oakland, Green Bay, @ Denver, Baltimore, @ New England, Minnesota

Buffalo Bills
Predicted Record: 7-9
I’m thinking this will be a tale of two seasons for the Bills, as they go 2-6 in the first 8 games, then 5-3 over the last 8. Their key victory will be in Week 17, as they knock off a New England team that is resting many of their starters.
Losses: @Chicago, @Houston, @Detroit, New England, Minnesota, @New York Jets, @ Miami, @Denver, Green Bay

New York Jets
Predicted Record: 6-10
The Jets, under my prediction, will be 5-5 headed into their Bye Week, and then the wheels come off as they go 1-5 over their final six games.
Losses: @Green Bay, Chicago, @San Diego, Denver, @Kansas City, @Buffalo, Miami, @Minnesota, New England, @Miami

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#4 Seed in the AFC)
The Ravens once again rule the AFC North. They’ll split the nastiest rivalry in football with the Steelers, but then suffer one of the more shocking losses of the year in Week 16 against Houston. Still, the Ravens will be nearly perfect at home.
Losses: @Indianapolis, @Cincinnati, @Pittsburgh, @ New Orleans, @Houston

Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#6 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
That’s right, 8-8 is good enough for the last Wild Card slot in the AFC. Pittsburgh will be looking to return to prominence, and a good draft will help them on that path.
Losses: @Baltimore, @Carolina, @Cleveland, Indianapolis, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Kansas City

Cincinnati Bengals:
Predicted Record: 7-9
The Bengals falter and miss the playoffs, which will hang even more pressure on Andy Dalton and the offense. Cincinnati will carry a 7-5 record into Week 14, at which point they’ll reel off 4 consecutive losses to end the season.
Losses: @Baltimore, @New England, Carolina, @Indianapolis, @New Orleans, Pittsburgh, @Cleveland, Denver, @Pittsburgh

Cleveland BrownsPredicted Record: 4-12
Poor Cleveland. You are truly a factory of sadness.
Losses: @Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Baltimore, @Tennessee, @Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, @Cincinnati, @Atlanta, @Buffalo, Indianapolis, @Carolina, @Baltimore

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the AFC)
If things come together the way I think they can in Indianapolis, the Colts are in for a big year. QB Andrew Luck is the driving force of an offense that should be more than adequate. Week One in Denver will tell a big portion of the story.
Losses: Philadelphia, New England, Washington

Houston Texans
Predicted Record: 5-11
This season qualifies as a bounce-back year for Houston after a humiliating 2013 campaign. A new head coach, likely a new Quarterback…things are looking up in Houston. The heart of the season won’t be that great, but leaving on a two-game win streak helps.
Losses: Washington, @New York Giants, @Dallas, Indianapolis, @Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Philadelphia, @ Cleveland, Cincinnati, @Jacksonville, @Indianapolis

Tennessee Titans
Predicted Record: 5-11
Another rough year in Tennessee, as the Titans keep trying to gain traction in the division.
Losses: @Kansas City, Dallas, @Cincinnati, @Indianapolis, @Baltimore, Pittsburgh, @Houston, New York Giants, New York Jets, @Jacksonville, Indianapolis

Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted Record: 3-13
We’re not exactly dealing with an improving situation in Jacksonville…now, should the Jags decide to take a QB, we may see some differences made. Until then, this team is a long way from playoff ready.
Losses: @Philadelphia, @Washington, Indianapolis, @San Diego, Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Miami, @Cincinnati, Dallas, @Indianapolis, New York Giants, @Baltimore, @Houston

AFC West

Denver Broncos
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#2 Seed in the AFC)
Denver matches Indianapolis in record, but that week one showdown makes the difference in seeding.
Losses: Indianapolis, @New England, @San Diego

Kansas City Chiefs
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#5 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
Not the easiest of seasons for the Chiefs, and they basically back into a playoff spot, going 3-5 over their last eight.
Losses: @Denver, @San Diego, St. Louis, @Buffalo, Seattle, @Oakland, Denver, @Arizona

San Diego Chargers
Predicted Record: 7-9
Ten years since being drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers, Phillip Rivers has yet to get the Bolts over the top. This season is no different. I’ve got the Bolts going 1-7 on the road and 6-2 at home. In all fairness, their home schedule is a lot easier than their road schedule.
Losses: Seattle, @Buffalo, @Oakland, @Denver, @Miami, @Baltimore, New England, @San Francisco, @Kansas City

Oakland Raiders
Predicted Record: 3-13 (#1 Pick in the Draft)
While we don’t yet know who will be the top pick in next year’s draft, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Oakland making the call at #1. This franchise just cannot seem to put it together.
Losses: @New York Jets, Houston, @New England, Arizona, @Cleveland, @Seattle, Denver, @San Diego, @St. Louis, San Francisco, @Kansas City, Buffalo, @Denver

National Conference (in predicted order of finish)

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#4 Seed in the NFC)
Once again the NFC East looks to be an unholy scrum of teams vying for the top spot. Philadelphia will stagger away with the prize this year, all while barely going over .500.
Losses: Washington, @San Francisco, @Arizona, @Green Bay, Tennessee, Seattle, @New York Giants

New York Giants
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Giants reach the .500 mark, but go no further. Being 8-8 in the NFC is not good enough for a playoff spot. Eli will need some help if the Giants want to win the division.
Losses: Arizona, Atlanta, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis, @Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, @St. Louis

Washington Redskins
Predicted Record: 8-8
This looks like the year in which no one cares what Washington’s record is, as it appears the tide has turned on the team’s nickname. Redskins, while the moniker of the team for many, many years, has fallen under intense scrutiny.
Losses: New York Giants, @Arizona, Tennessee, @Minnesota, @San Francisco, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Dallas, their team nickname

Dallas Cowboys
Predicted Record: 6-10
Yet another failing year for “America’s Team.” Tony Romo and company just are not getting the job done. Frankly, though, the biggest problem with this team is the fact that the owner has final say in all football personnel decisions, a burden he doesn’t need to carry. In fact, that’s why God created General Managers.
Losses: San Francisco, New Orleans, @Seattle, New York Giants, Washington, Arizona, @New York Giants, Philadelphia, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis

NFC North

Green Bay PackersPredicted Record: 12-4 (#2 Seed in the NFC)
Aaron Rodgers will have the Packers ready for a deep run into the playoffs. Don’t fret over the 1-2 start, Pack fans. Your team goes 11-2 after the first three.
Losses: @Seattle, @Detroit, @Minnesota, New England

Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Record: 7-9
The old black and blue division is sure to beat each other up pretty badly during the season, leading to some not so pretty records. It’s enough for Minnesota to leap back up to second place in the division. The Vikes open the season 0-6 before going 7-3 the rest of the way. A new QB will take a few weeks to really adjust.
Losses: @St. Louis, New England, @New Orleans, Atlanta, @Green Bay, Detroit, @Chicago, Carolina, @Detroit

Chicago BearsPredicted Record: 7-9
Daaaaaaaaa’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears. Hey, somebody’s gotta eat all those brats, right?
Losses: @San Francisco, Green Bay, Miami, @New England, @Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Detroit, @Minnesota

Detroit LionsPredicted Record: 5-11
The Lions take another step backward, but depending on what they do in this upcoming draft, they could be primed for a big step forward next season.
Losses: New York Giants, @Carolina, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Miami, @Arizona, @ New England, Chicago, Tampa Bay, @Green Bay

NFC South

New Orleans SaintsPredicted Record: 12-4 (#3 Seed in the NFC)
The Saints have learned how to be a good franchise and how to build a good team. Issues of cheating and bounties aside, these guys know how to play football.
Losses: Green Bay, @Carolina, @Chicago, Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#6 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Falcons have several holes for a team that came 10 yards shy of the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. This Draft could help, or it could land one of the more dominating defensive players to come into the league in a long while. Until then, the Dirty Birds sneak into the playoffs at just over .500.
Losses: New Orleans, @Cincinnati, Chicago, @Baltimore, @Tampa Bay, @Carolina, @Green Bay

Carolina PanthersPredicted Record: 8-8
The Panthers step back a bit, having lost some of their offensive firepower. Their defense is good enough to keep them in games, but they’ll need to score more if they want to reach the playoffs. A 3-0 start will give Panthers fans false hope.
Losses: @Baltimore, Chicago, @Green Bay, Seattle, @Philadelphia, @New Orleans, Tampa Bay, @Atlanta

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted Record: 6-10
Like Carolina, Tampa lost some offense that they’ll look to replace in the draft. They need a franchise QB, as well. Drafting a QB doesn’t usually mean instant success. This team faces a murderers row in weeks one through six. If they can come out of that stretch at 3-3 then great…I think 1-5 sounds more reasonable.
Losses: Carolina, @Atlanta, @Pittsburgh, @New Orleans, Baltimore, Minnesota, @Washington, Cincinnati, Green Bay, New Orleans

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the NFC)
Seattle begins their Super Bowl title defense by going 2-2 to start the year. I think Denver sneaks out a win in Seattle in week three, then the ‘Hawks lose a tricky east coast trip to Washington in week five. They’ll go 11-1 after that, though.
Losses: Denver, @Washington, @San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#5 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Niners will want revenge on Seattle, but will have to settle for a season split and a wild card berth into the playoffs.
Losses: Kansas City, @Denver, @New Orleans, @Seattle, Arizona

Arizona CardinalsPredicted Record: 9-7
Arizona is one of those teams that can sneak up on anyone. With the proper QB, the Cardinals can stretch the field and open up the run game. If their defense can hold them up in certain games, they could be a playoff team.
Losses: San Diego, San Francisco, @Denver, St. Louis, @Seattle, @Atlanta, Seattle

St. Louis RamsPredicted Record: 6-10
The Rams have to determine soon if Sam Bradford just needs more weapons around him, or if he’s just not their QB going forward. Bradford may be about to get the best WR in the draft, barring the Rams trading down from #2. Still, not enough to scratch the outer edges of the playoffs.
Losses: @Tampa Bay, Dallas, @Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, @San Francisco, Denver, @San Diego, Arizona, @Seattle

Playoff Picture

AFC

#1 Seed – Indianapolis Colts

#2 Seed – Denver Broncos

#3 Seed – New England Patriots

#4 Seed – Baltimore Ravens

#5 Seed (WC) – Kansas City Chiefs

#6 Seed (WC) – Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC

#1 Seed – Seattle Seahawks

#2 Seed – Green Bay Packers

#3 Seed – New Orleans Saints

#4 Seed – Philadelphia Eagles

#5 Seed (WC) – San Francisco 49ers

#6 Seed (WC) – Atlanta Falcons

4 Day Draft? Why Not More, Roger?

Accord to reports at NFL.com, Commissioner Roger Goodell is considering changing the NFL Draft process once again.

At one time in the not so distant past, the Draft was held on a Saturday and Sunday, with the first three rounds being Saturday, and rounds 4-7 being Sunday.

Then the league tried putting the first round on prime time on a Thursday, then rounds two and three on Friday, then 4-7 on Saturday. It’s worked great. It’s brought more eyes to the process of building teams.

And now Goodell wants to mess with it once again. During an interview with NFL Media, Goodell said the league was considering changing the draft to cover a four day period, instead of three, although the draft would remain at seven rounds. The league has yet to decide if the draft will remain in May or if it will move back to its more traditional April time slot. I can only assume the new model would put Round One on Thursday, Round 2/3 on Friday, Round(s) 3/4/5 on Saturday, and Round(s)5/6/7 on Sunday.

I don’t understand why Goodell is so intent on this continual tinkering with things that already work great. No one is complaining. No one thinks the Draft needs to be longer except Goodell, who maybe stands to make a few more dollars by usurping even more TV time for his product.

But if that’s the case, then why not petition the governments of the world to extend the month of May to 32 days and hold the first round of the draft over the entire month? I mean, the NFL is basically as stronger or stronger than several third-world nations.

Hold the Draft over the entire month of 32-day-May and hold one pick per day, with that pick receiving a dedicated prime time TV slot thanks to the behemoth that is ESPN. The NFL could then hold the following six rounds over the next eight weeks, making approximately four picks per day (accounting for a few compensatory picks). ESPN could block out one hour per night for the NFL Draft, and each team would have 15 minutes to select a player or make a trade. Save the final pick in the draft for the day of the Hall of Fame Game. Allow the team picking “Mr. Irrelevant” to make their pick at half-time of the Hall of Fame Game and immediately induct that player into the Hall.

Come on, Roger…stop trying to fix something that was never broken to begin with.

F1 & Basketball & Baseball & Football & Soccer

Formula 1

And to think, just last year I was doing nothing but complaining about one team dominating the sport, as Sebastian Vettel simply ran away with the title, winning the constructor’s championship by himself. What a difference an offseason makes, though. After sweeping regulations and technical changes, Red Bull Renault is doing all it can just to stay in arm’s reach of the Mercedes AMG Petronas factory team. Nico Rosberg won the first grand prix of the season, and Lewis Hamilton has won the three grand prix since. Rosberg has finished second in each race. So while Hamilton is capturing the accolades and adoration of the media, Rosberg quietly leads the Driver’s Championship race (4 points ahead of Hamilton) and is having a fairly dominant season himself.

Hamilton and Rosberg driving the Mercedes W04 (2013)

Rosberg has 79 points on the year, while Hamilton has 75. Third place, distantly, is Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, with 41, five points ahead of Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg. Sebastian Vettel currently sits fifth in the points, 46 points adrift of Rosberg’s pace. The Constructor’s Championship is no closer. Mercedes AMG Petronas has so far gathered 154 points. In second place, nearly a full 100 points back, is Red Bull Renault (57).

And we’re not even to the European portion of the calendar, yet. Unless Red Bull and Ferrari make some giant leaps in the coming weeks, Mercedes is probably going to walk away with this season, leaving it to a Driver’s Championship battle between their own drivers. The Constructor’s Championship battle, behind Mercedes, could get very interesting. Currently, only 14 points separate Red Bull, Force India, Ferrari, and McLaren. Just behind them, not even a full race victory out of second place in the points, is Williams. Of the top six constructors, first place, third place, fifth place, and sixth place are all Mercedes powered.

Basketball

The Atlanta Hawks secured the 8th Seed in the Eastern Conference, even though they were well under .500 at season’s end. Their reward for backing into a playoff spot was a series with the #1 Seed Indiana Pacers. Game one of this series was on April 19. If the series goes all seven games, the last game will be played on May 3. That is 15 days to play a seven game series. Baseball also plays a seven game series in the playoff, but they can typically wrap that up in 9 days. I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m not really a basketball fan, but it seems like overkill with the NBA. The Hawks-Pacers series began on a Saturday, and game two wasn’t be played until Tuesday. Baseball would’ve played three games of a series in that amount of time.

I just think the NBA needs to revisit its playoff structure. The NHL could take a lesson here, too. Teams under .500 don’t really deserve to be in the postseason, do they? The last few years the 9th and 10th place teams in the West would’ve easily been playoff teams in the East. Some talking heads have mentioned eliminating conferences when it comes to playoff. I would just limit the number of slots available to six. In the first round, the #1 and #2 seeds would get a bye, while #3 played #6 and #4 played #5 in Best-of-3 series. The second round would be a Best-of-5 series and the conference championships would be Best-of-7. Obviously the league finals would be Best-of-7.

This system places emphasis on winning to get a top seed, and it places emphasis on winning in the postseason, as teams have less chance to rebound from a loss. The only drawback, and the primary reason why no sports league would ever institute this system, is a loss of TV revenue from having fewer games.

Baseball

The Atlanta Braves are currently 14-7. The pitching staff, particularly the starting rotation, was feared to be the weak spot on the team, as injury after injury piled up in spring training. But through their first 21 games, the Braves starters have posted a combined ERA of 1.50. The next closest starting staff ERA belongs to St. Louis, a 2.20. The Braves have the most complete games pitched among all teams and no team in the league has more quality starts. The Braves have given up only 44 earned runs as a team. The Oakland A’s are the second best staff at earned runs allowed, and the A's have given up 56 earned runs. Only two teams in the majors have better opponents batting averages than Atlanta (opponents are hitting a paltry .215 against the Braves). So for Atlanta, it’s not the pitching…it’s the offense. When the Braves hitters are awake, they can be devastating. Almost every hitter that steps to the plate can be a threat to produce. But when they slump, they slump hard. And in those times the pitching has to pick them up.

The surprise of the year has to be Aaron Harang. Picked up on a flyer after the Cleveland Indians cut him prior to the start of the season, Harang has twice (in four starts) carried a no-hitter past the sixth inning. He is 3-1 on the year with an ERA of 0.85 in just over 31 innings pitched. If Harang can get his pitch count under control then he’d probably be in the running for staff ace at this point. For a guy who was just supposed to be a placeholder to get through the injuries, I’d say Harang has been one of the best moves the Braves have made in a long while.

The other pitching move the braves made was signing Ervin Santana to a one-year deal. This was seen by some as a knee-jerk reaction to the injuries of spring training, and while that might have been the case, Santana is truly playing himself into a big time deal after this season. He currently has an ERA of 0.86 and has pitched some absolute gems so far. The staff has been so solid this year that the other day Alex Wood pitched a gem, lost (because the Braves refuse to score when he pitches) and his ERA went DOWN.

Football

We’re still counting down the days to the Draft. Jadeveon Clowney has basically taken himself off the market, which likely means the Texans have told him that he will be their selection at #1. That will be just the first of several major dominoes to fall at the Draft. This is a deep class, with loads of talent throughout.

For the hometown Falcons, I would love to see one of these monster defensive ends come to town, but I also know that Matt Ryan needs protection on the O-Line. It’s a tough situation to be in. Hypothetically, what if the sixth pick rolls around and there on the board are Buffalo DE Khalil Mack and Auburn OT Greg Robinson. Who do you take? Mack brings the instant pass rush threat that Atlanta needs. Robinson brings the ability to protect a stud QB and open up passing lanes. Two spots of sore need for Atlanta, and only one pick. It’s a head-scratcher for Thomas Dimitroff, I’m sure. The word on the street is the Falcons have been talking about trading up to ensure they land Mack or Robinson. Staying at #6 would probably net them Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews or, if they felt inclined to reach a bit, Michigan OT Taylor Lewan.

As for the Dawgs going in this draft, all eyes have been on QB Aaron Murray. During his trip to Jon Gruden’s QB Camp, Murray was mightily impressive. Gruden came out of the experience touting Murray as the “diamond in the rough” of this QB class and the “steal of this draft for somebody.” Almost every mock I’ve seen has the Bengals taking Murray in Round 3. Cincinnati has never been afraid to draft Georgia players. Also coming into the league from Georgia is TE Arthur Lynch. The Falcons need a TE, but may not be too concerned about it this year.

Soccer

The City of Atlanta is getting an MLS team. Of course, this has stirred up some debate among Georgians as to the validity of soccer in the American marketplace, especially in the southeastern US, where high school and collegiate football are the second and third largest religions behind Christianity. I cannot stand soccer. But I have reasons for not liking it which I believe are quite valid.

For instance: offside. In American football, “offside” or “offsides” is an easy call. There is an established line of scrimmage and if a defensive player is on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage at the time of the snap, the play is offsides. The following image is an example of an NFL play that is "onsides."

The following image is an example of an NFL play that is "offsides."

In hockey, offside is again an easy call. A player cannot cross the blue line marking the boundary of the attacking zone before the puck does, otherwise he is offsides (see below).

In soccer, though, a player is defined as offsides if there are fewer than two opposing players between the designated player and the goal. There is no hard line, nothing denoting where offsides actually occurs, other than the referees prerogative and the placement of the last defenders.

Imagine in the NFL is Calvin Johnson beat Richard Sherman on a route, but was called offside simply because he beat the corner on the route. That’s a bit like offsides in soccer. (For the record, yes, I know I’m butchering the rules. I have a hard time getting excited about a game with a rule that silly, especially when it is the same game that considers 3-2 to be a high-scoring affair.

Mocking the 2014 NFL Draft

The 79th version of the NFL Draft comes to us May 8-10, from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Since 2010, the First Round of the Draft has been held on Thursday night, with rounds 2 and 3 on Friday and rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday. The prime time move for the first round really amplified the importance of the Draft.

If you’ve been a reader of my blog for any extended period of time, you’ll already know that I absolutely love the NFL Draft. It’s like a springtime version of Christmas to me. I’ll watch every minute of coverage that I can. I’ll read as many mock drafts as I can find. I know they don’t mean anything, but they’re often closer to the truth than we give them credit for.

And I like to make my own predictions for how I think things will go down once the Draft begins. As such, here’s my prediction for the top ten picks. I’m not mocking any trades in this round of predictions. If I were, I can name at least two teams I think are willing to move up after coveted players.

1. Houston Texans (2-14):

The Texans really need a quarterback. Matt Schaub is gone and there’s not really anyone else on the roster than can serve as a franchise guy. This draft is deep with QBs, but no single quarterback has distanced himself from the pack. Unlike a couple of years ago, when Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were, far and away, the top QBs in the Draft, this year’s class has several QBs that are now almost interchangeable on any team’s depth chart. The Texans have also, apparently, fallen in love with South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney. There really is such an embarrassment of riches in this class that it would be hard for Houston to make a bad pick.

With the first overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select…Jadeveon Clowney, defensive end, South Carolina.

Alternate Pick: Houston could trade out of this spot and gain more picks later. The obvious choice to trade up is probably Atlanta. Rumor is the Falcons could move up by swapping firsts this year, a 2014 3rd Round pick, a 2015 1st Round pick, and maybe a lower pick this year or next. If the Texans decide to pick a QB first overall, the likely target is Central Florida QB Blake Bortles.

Jadeveon Clowney Delivers a Monster Hit

2. St. Louis Rams (7-9) (*pick from Washington, 3-13)

St. Louis has a lot of power in the Draft this year, seeing as they control a lot of picks. They could move around the Draft almost anywhere they wanted to go. However, they have several areas of need themselves, as evidenced by a 7-9 record. Sam Bradford needs more weapons if he is to ever be an effective quarterback. The defense could always use more strength on the edge. Depending on what Houston does, the Rams could trade out of the second slot. If Houston takes a QB, Atlanta and others may start quickly calling Rams GM Les Snead in an effort to trade up.

With the second overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the St. Louis Rams select…Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson.

Alternate Pick: Barring the Rams trading out of this spot, one of the big Des is the likely pick. Clowney would be great for St. Louis, but the other option in mind here is Khalil Mack, DE, Buffalo. Some mocks have Mack as the actual pick, but I think St. Louis would rather upgrade Sam Bradford’s complement of WRs. 

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)

The options available to Jacksonville at this point are vast. Like Houston or St. Louis, trading down is a big possibility, as the QB Jacksonville reportedly likes will likely be a second rounder anyway. You can always take the best available player in this slot (which is what I’m mocking). Jacksonville needs so much help in so many places…they’re basically Cleveland South. Take the best player on the board and pray your QB is there in round 2, Jags.

With the third overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select…Khalil Mack, DE, Buffalo.

Alternate Pick: A QB has to come off the board at some point. Jacksonville needs to sell tickets. Why not kill two birds with one stone and draft Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel?

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

Oh, Cleveland…whatever did you do to deserve such horrid sports history? Here you are picking in the top ten again, as you have every years since 2008. I don’t think the Jets or Falcons will bail you out on a trade this year, unfortunately. The best thing you can do is try to draft a true franchise Quarterback. Of course, you’ve done that very thing twice in the last six years and it’s not really paid off yet. Still, give it another try, Browns. At some point you have to stop being a factory of sadness.

With the fourth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select…Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida.

Alternate Pick: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State. Apparently Cleveland is not sold on Manziel or Bridgewater.

5. Oakland Raiders (4-12)

If Al Davis were still with us I would say that Kent State RB Dri Archer would go here, as he ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine and Al Davis loved him some speed. He’s fast. But that’s not happening. No offense to Mr. Archer. Oakland landed former Houston QB Matt Schaub, but that doesn’t mean the Raiders aren’t eyeing a QB at this spot. There are some big name QBs left on the board. The Raiders may just make the move that others are reluctant to make…

With the fifth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select…Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M.

Alternate Pick: Keeping with the QB theme, Oakland may turn to Louisville signal-caller Teddy Bridgewater.

Johnny Football

6. Atlanta Falcons (4-12)

If ever there was a team with aspirations of moving up in the draft, this is it. Atlanta really loves Jadeveon Clowney, and they’re pretty enamored with Khalil Mack. Both are good choices, but neither looks to be available at #6. That does not mean the world is ending for the Falcons. In fact, it very well may be the best thing that could happen to the birds. Atlanta’s offensive line was terrible at times in 2013. If they can make that line better in one draft pick, why not do it. Word on the street is that they guy they’re getting might be the best all-around athlete in this draft, considering his position and size.

With the sixth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select…Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn. (NOTE: Mel Kiper now has the Falcons taking Michigan OT Taylor Lewan. I happen to think Lewan has too many off-field issues for Atlanta to take.)

Alternate Pick: Seeing as the big DEs are gone, the alternate pick here becomes Texas A&M OT Jake Matthews.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

The Bucs traded away one of their better receivers in the offseason. So it’s easy to slot a WR into this pick. The best receiver in the draft, Sammy Watkins, is already off the board in this mock, so Tampa Bay takes the next best thing.

With the seventh overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select…Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M.

Alternate Pick: I wouldn’t be shocked if Tamps took a QB at this point, but there are good QBs to be had in almost every round of this draft. Considering what is still on the board in this mock, the QB most likely taken here is probably Teddy Bridgewater, out of Louisville. As the draft wears on, don’t be surprised is someone in the first round stretches for Easter Illinois QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

8. Minnesota Vikings (5-10-1)

If the draft does in fact shake out the way I’m predicting, then from the moment the commissioner calls out Mike Evans’s name on Tampa Bay’s pick, Minnesota should already be heading to the podium. The Vikes, more than almost anyone else, are dying for a franchise QB. In my mock, they can stand pat and not have to trade up and still land the guy who, just a few months ago, was being projected as the first overall pick.

With the eighth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select…Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville.

Alternate Pick: If this draft goes as I’m predicting, there isn’t another alternate here. Basically, for Minnesota, the first round pick has to be a QB.

9. Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Buffalo would love for one of the big DEs to fall to them, but that doesn’t look likely. Barring that, they’d love one of the big OTs to fall to them. Also unlikely. So they are stuck looking for the best player available to fit their needs. They could go after the next best OT or they could settle for the draft’s best TE. They needs weapons for QB EJ Manuel, so the TE option looks most likely.

With the ninth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select…Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina.

Alternate Pick: Should Buffalo decide to take the next best OT, then the name called will be Michigan’s Taylor Lewan.

10. Detroit Lions (7-9)

What in the world is Detroit going to do? Some mocks have them trading up to #2 to land Sammy Watkins (imagine Watkins opposite Calvin Johnson with Matthew Stafford slinging it to them…scary, right?). Now, I’ve seen just about every possible combination of mocks out there, but there is one move I’ve not seen anyone mocking. So I’ll go out on a limb and do it. Detroit needs some help in the defensive secondary. They could take a cornerback here and be happy, as Bradley Roby (Ohio State) and Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State) fit the bill. But what about the Safety position?

With the tenth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select…Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Safety, Alabama. (NOTE: I honestly have not seen anyone mocking this until the time of this writing, and I've now learned that ESPN's Mel Kiper is making this pick in his latest mock draft.)

Alternate Pick: Detroit supposedly is okay at cornerback. A monster like Clinton-Dix on that defense means good things. If they did go CB, I could only see them taking Okie State’s Justin Gilbert.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Adds Insult to Injury Against Notre Dame