Here is the National TV schedule for the 2015 WNBA season.
June 14th- Sky vs Fever; 1:00, ESPN2: Pam Ward, Carolyn Peck, LaChina Robinson
June 14th- Lynx vs Mercury; 3:00, ESPN2: Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo, Holly Rowe
June 23rd- Sparks vs Mystics; 8:00, ESPN2: Pam Ward & Carolyn Peck
June 30th- Liberty vs Sky; 8:00, ESPN2: Pam Ward & Carolyn Peck
July 7th- Shock vs Dream; 8:00, ESPN2: Pam Ward & Carolyn Peck
July 21st- Mercury vs Sparks; 11:00, ESPN2: Ryan Ruocco & Rebecca Lobo
July 28th- Sky vs Mercury; 10:00, ESPN2: Ryan Ruocco & Rebecca Lobo
August 4th- Lynx vs Sparks; 10:00, ESPN2: Ryan Ruocco & Rebecca Lobo
August 9th- Mercury vs Sky; 1:00, ESPN: Ryan Ruocco & Rebecca Lobo
August 16th- Fever vs Mercury; 7:00, ESPN2: Pam Ward & Carolyn Peck
August 30th- Mercury vs Lynx; 7:00, ESPN2: Ryan Ruocco & Rebecca Lobo
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Candidates to replace Tom Thibodeau as Bulls head coach
It was inevitable that Tom Thibodeau and the Chicago Bulls would get divorced. It was a matter of when, not if. Now that Thibodeau has been fired, here are some potential replacements for Thibodeau as head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
1. Scott Brooks, Former Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach
2. Adrian Griffin, Assistant Coach, Chicago Bulls
3. Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Iowa State
4. Alvin Gentry, Assistant Coach, Golden State Warriors
5. Nate McMillan, Assistant Coach, Indiana Pacers
6. Tyronn Lue, Assistant Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Jeff Van Gundy, Current ESPN Analyst/Former New York Knicks Head Coach
8. Ime Udoka, Assistant Coach, San Antonio Spurs
9. Mike D'Antoni, Former Phoenix Suns/New York Knicks/Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach
1. Scott Brooks, Former Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach
2. Adrian Griffin, Assistant Coach, Chicago Bulls
3. Fred Hoiberg, Head Coach, Iowa State
4. Alvin Gentry, Assistant Coach, Golden State Warriors
5. Nate McMillan, Assistant Coach, Indiana Pacers
6. Tyronn Lue, Assistant Coach, Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Jeff Van Gundy, Current ESPN Analyst/Former New York Knicks Head Coach
8. Ime Udoka, Assistant Coach, San Antonio Spurs
9. Mike D'Antoni, Former Phoenix Suns/New York Knicks/Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
2015 NBA Mock Draft: 1st Edition
Now that the draft lottery is over, here is my first edition of my 2015 NBA Mock Draft.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves- Karl-Anthony Towns, Forward/Center, Kentucky: Minnesota is desperate for frontcourt versatility, and Towns is their clear-cut best fit. He’ll help fill the squad’s need for interior defense while expanding its offensive options. This could make Nikola Pekovic available for a trade.
2. Los Angeles Lakers- Jahlil Okafor, Center, Duke: What a win this is for a franchise that is pretty much stuck in limbo and needed a bounce in the right direction. In Okafor, the Lakers get an NBA-ready center who can score in the post and should be a strong complement to returning power forward Julius Randle.
3. Philadelphia 76ers- D'Angelo Russell, Guard, Ohio State: Philadelphia has a clear need at both guard positions. With a promising frontcourt already in place, Philadelphia would be wise to add a sweet-shooting combo guard in Russell.
4. New York Knicks- Emmanuel Muiday, Guard, China: The Knicks, like the Lakers, were desperate a top three pick, except they fell back two spots and what a disaster this is for a franchise that needed a top three pick more than everybody else. They're hurting for a long-term facilitator just as much as they are for a big man. Mudiay is a dynamic playmaker whose ranginess and athleticism can change the complexion of their offense.
5. Orlando Magic- Kristaps Porzingis, Forward/Center, Latvia: Often compared to Kevin Garnett, Porzingis isn’t as skilled of a post player, but he is a legitimate stretch four, athletic with a fluid shooting stroke. Porzingis will need a year to bulk up but he has enormous potential.
6. Sacramento Kings- Willie Cauley-Stein, Center, Kentucky: DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins and the Sacramento Kings would love to land a springy big man like Cauley-Stein to give the squad some defensive flexibility. In addition to his defensive gifts and awareness, Cauley-Stein will make opponents work on the other end.
7. Denver Nuggets- Justice Winslow, Forward, Duke: Denver could use a wing who is interchangeable between the 2 and 3 spots, and Winslow is a dynamic answer at No. 7. No matter how long it takes to refine his skills, you can bet he'll immediately supply sideline-to-sideline defense, superb offensive instincts and energy.
8. Detroit Pistons- Stanley Johnson, Forward, Arizona: Detroit has a sizeable hole at small forward and Johnson, a defensive-minded swingman who has evoked comparisons—at least physically—to Metta World Peace, looks like a nice fit.
9. Charlotte Hornets- Mario Hezonja, Guard/Forward, Croatia: Charlotte has a clear need on the wing and Hezonja would be a nice fit. He could be a potent secondary option for the Hornets once he gains more polish and experience on the wing. Hezonja has the explosiveness, shooting skills and handles to fill up the hoop from anywhere.
10. Miami Heat- Trey Lyles, Forward, Kentucky: Miami has a need at the forward position. Lyles isn’t as advanced offensively as his UK teammate, Towns, but he is a solid face-up power forward who has shown flashes of a decent perimeter game.
11. Indiana Pacers- Frank Kaminsky, Forward/Center, Wisconsin: Indiana is clearly looking for a new identity and Kaminsky would fit that what Larry Bird, Donnie Walsh, and Frank Vogel are trying to build. He won't be a star right away, and he might never be one. But he's going to execute crisply, whether it's pick-and-pops on the perimeter or low-post touches. Don't be surprised if Roy Hibbert ends up on the trading block because it certainly appears that way.
12. Utah Jazz- Myles Turner, Forward/Center, Texas: Derrick Favors pounds the paint on offense, and Rudy Gobert stifles foes on the other end. The only major piece the Utah Jazz are missing in the frontcourt rotation is someone to stretch the floor. That's where Turner comes in handy. He offers two highly coveted assets: a soft shooting touch and towering rim protection.
13. Phoenix Suns- Devin Booker, Guard, Kentucky: One of the bigger surprises of the combine was Booker; not because of how he played (he didn’t) but executives' opinion of him. Several execs identified Booker as the best shooting prospect in the draft.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder- Sam Dekker, Forward, Wisconsin: Dekker is poised to shore up Oklahoma City's long-term wing depth while also contributing to the Thunder's short-term playoff runs. Wisconsin's all-purpose forward projects to be a key two-way role player. He has the size, agility and instincts to dramatically enhance OKC's forward corps and streamline the club's operation.
15. Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn Nets)- Kelly Oubre, Forward, Kansas: While he undoubtedly fills a team need in Atlanta, Oubre Jr. just might be the top prospect remaining on the board. With DeMarre Carroll likely to generate plenty of interest in free agency, the Hawks could take Oubre as his long-term replacement.
16. Boston Celtics- Bobby Portis, Forward, Arkansas: Portis’s greatest strength: He competes like crazy. Executives love his relentless motor, which complements a diverse skill set. Portis is terrific in transition and is a strong floor-spacing big man prospect. Boston needs help in the front court as well and Portis would help.
17. Milwaukee Bucks- RJ Hunter, Guard, Georgia State: A postseason appearance accelerated Milwaukee’s youth movement, but there are still holes. The Bucks need a pivot, though drafting a five here would be a stretch. Expect Milwaukee to grab a swingman like Hunter, one of the draft’s best shooters, a nice fit to develop behind Khris Middleton, assuming he doesn't leave in free agency.
18. Houston Rockets (via New Orleans Pelicans)- Tyus Jones, Guard, Duke: The Rockets desperately need to add a point guard, with Patrick Beverley and Jason Terry both entering free agency. Tyus Jones looks like the top option left on the board, and though he doesn't quite project as a high-end starter, there is no question he has the ball skills and basketball IQ to add something to a backcourt.
19. Washington Wizards- Kevon Looney, Forward, UCLA: Nene is 32 years old and entering the final year of his contract. Looney isn’t ready to play yet—the word “project” was attached to him by several executives at the combine—but he has tremendous physical tools and is a rugged rebounding prospect. Looney could be a nice long-term investment in D.C.
20. Toronto Raptors- Cameron Payne, Guard, Murray State: There was a measurable buzz around Payne at the draft combine in Chicago, with executives seeing a natural playmaker who blends scoring and distributing well. Payne is a little undersized, but he would be a nice fit to develop behind Kyle Lowry on the Raps.
21. Dallas Mavericks- Montrezl Harrell, Forward, Louisville: The Mavs need a point guard, and Utah’s Delon Wright is a candidate here. But Harrell—a high motor scorer/rebounder with an NBA body—could be tough to pass up for a team that will eventually need to start thinking of life after Dirk Nowtizki.
22. Chicago Bulls- Cedi Osman, Guard/Forward, Macedonia: Given Chicago’s depth up front and lack of strong backcourt options available, this is a spot on the board for the Bulls to draft and stash. Cedi Osman has ultimately received invaluable experience and plenty of minutes playing in Euroleague, a good place for him to develop over the next two seasons.
23. Portland Trail Blazers- Rashad Vaughn, Guard, UNLV: With Wesley Matthews' future uncertain and Aaron Afflalo headed for free agency, Vaughn, a solid scorer for the Rebels last season with a diverse offensive skill set, is a solid choice.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Forward, Arizona: Hollis-Jefferson would seem like an obvious prospect for the Cleveland Cavaliers to target as a replacement for Shawn Marion. However, Hollis-Jefferson's defensive outlook could be too enticing to pass on this late, especially for a team that can surround him with quality offensive options. He'll be a steal in the 20's if he can ever learn how to shoot.
25. Memphis Grizzlies- Justin Anderson, Guard/Forward, Virginia: Memphis could have a need on the wing if Jeff Green leaves in free agency. Anderson—an NBA-ready defender with a powerful physique—could develop into a steal if his offensive game comes along.
26. San Antonio Spurs- Jerian Grant, Guard, Notre Dame: It’s tough to get a read on Grant’s stock. He’s polished and isn’t short on confidence. But he’s older (22) and teams don’t know if he’s a true point guard. He could go anywhere between 15-25. If he’s on the low end, San Antonio will happily scoop him up and plug Grant into its backcourt rotation, especially if Cory Joseph leaves in free agency.
27. Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston Rockets)- Delon Wright, Guard, Utah: If the Lakers draft Okafor, the next biggest hole is at point guard. Enter Wright, a big, savvy playmaker who plays unselfishly and could provide L.A. with minutes next season. He’s an excellent defender, which the Lakers could badly use in the backcourt.
28. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers)- Aleksandar Vezenkov, Forawrd, Bulgaria: Keep an eye on Vezenkov. International scouts like him, often citing his jumper and skills in transition as strengths. This is a luxury pick for Boston; the Celtics could stash a quality European prospect with a nice upside for a year or two. Syracuse's Chris McCullough is a strong candidate here, too.
29. Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta Hawks)- Chris McCullough, Forawrd, Syracuse: An ACL injury in January crippled McCullough’s stock. Pre-injury, McCullough was an athletic, shot-blocking forward with a sound shooting stroke. If he lives up to his potential, he could be a steal here.
30. Golden State Warriors- Jordan Mickey, Forward, LSU: Mickey looked great at the NBA combine, particularly on Day 1, when he went for 17 points, eight rebounds and eight blocks. Though a bit undersized, Mickey makes up for an inch in height with a strong 238-pound frame and unteachable instincts around the basket. This selection would give Golden State depth, considering they have major decisions coming regarding Draymond Green and David Lee.
1. Minnesota Timberwolves- Karl-Anthony Towns, Forward/Center, Kentucky: Minnesota is desperate for frontcourt versatility, and Towns is their clear-cut best fit. He’ll help fill the squad’s need for interior defense while expanding its offensive options. This could make Nikola Pekovic available for a trade.
2. Los Angeles Lakers- Jahlil Okafor, Center, Duke: What a win this is for a franchise that is pretty much stuck in limbo and needed a bounce in the right direction. In Okafor, the Lakers get an NBA-ready center who can score in the post and should be a strong complement to returning power forward Julius Randle.
3. Philadelphia 76ers- D'Angelo Russell, Guard, Ohio State: Philadelphia has a clear need at both guard positions. With a promising frontcourt already in place, Philadelphia would be wise to add a sweet-shooting combo guard in Russell.
4. New York Knicks- Emmanuel Muiday, Guard, China: The Knicks, like the Lakers, were desperate a top three pick, except they fell back two spots and what a disaster this is for a franchise that needed a top three pick more than everybody else. They're hurting for a long-term facilitator just as much as they are for a big man. Mudiay is a dynamic playmaker whose ranginess and athleticism can change the complexion of their offense.
5. Orlando Magic- Kristaps Porzingis, Forward/Center, Latvia: Often compared to Kevin Garnett, Porzingis isn’t as skilled of a post player, but he is a legitimate stretch four, athletic with a fluid shooting stroke. Porzingis will need a year to bulk up but he has enormous potential.
6. Sacramento Kings- Willie Cauley-Stein, Center, Kentucky: DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins and the Sacramento Kings would love to land a springy big man like Cauley-Stein to give the squad some defensive flexibility. In addition to his defensive gifts and awareness, Cauley-Stein will make opponents work on the other end.
7. Denver Nuggets- Justice Winslow, Forward, Duke: Denver could use a wing who is interchangeable between the 2 and 3 spots, and Winslow is a dynamic answer at No. 7. No matter how long it takes to refine his skills, you can bet he'll immediately supply sideline-to-sideline defense, superb offensive instincts and energy.
8. Detroit Pistons- Stanley Johnson, Forward, Arizona: Detroit has a sizeable hole at small forward and Johnson, a defensive-minded swingman who has evoked comparisons—at least physically—to Metta World Peace, looks like a nice fit.
9. Charlotte Hornets- Mario Hezonja, Guard/Forward, Croatia: Charlotte has a clear need on the wing and Hezonja would be a nice fit. He could be a potent secondary option for the Hornets once he gains more polish and experience on the wing. Hezonja has the explosiveness, shooting skills and handles to fill up the hoop from anywhere.
10. Miami Heat- Trey Lyles, Forward, Kentucky: Miami has a need at the forward position. Lyles isn’t as advanced offensively as his UK teammate, Towns, but he is a solid face-up power forward who has shown flashes of a decent perimeter game.
11. Indiana Pacers- Frank Kaminsky, Forward/Center, Wisconsin: Indiana is clearly looking for a new identity and Kaminsky would fit that what Larry Bird, Donnie Walsh, and Frank Vogel are trying to build. He won't be a star right away, and he might never be one. But he's going to execute crisply, whether it's pick-and-pops on the perimeter or low-post touches. Don't be surprised if Roy Hibbert ends up on the trading block because it certainly appears that way.
12. Utah Jazz- Myles Turner, Forward/Center, Texas: Derrick Favors pounds the paint on offense, and Rudy Gobert stifles foes on the other end. The only major piece the Utah Jazz are missing in the frontcourt rotation is someone to stretch the floor. That's where Turner comes in handy. He offers two highly coveted assets: a soft shooting touch and towering rim protection.
13. Phoenix Suns- Devin Booker, Guard, Kentucky: One of the bigger surprises of the combine was Booker; not because of how he played (he didn’t) but executives' opinion of him. Several execs identified Booker as the best shooting prospect in the draft.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder- Sam Dekker, Forward, Wisconsin: Dekker is poised to shore up Oklahoma City's long-term wing depth while also contributing to the Thunder's short-term playoff runs. Wisconsin's all-purpose forward projects to be a key two-way role player. He has the size, agility and instincts to dramatically enhance OKC's forward corps and streamline the club's operation.
15. Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn Nets)- Kelly Oubre, Forward, Kansas: While he undoubtedly fills a team need in Atlanta, Oubre Jr. just might be the top prospect remaining on the board. With DeMarre Carroll likely to generate plenty of interest in free agency, the Hawks could take Oubre as his long-term replacement.
16. Boston Celtics- Bobby Portis, Forward, Arkansas: Portis’s greatest strength: He competes like crazy. Executives love his relentless motor, which complements a diverse skill set. Portis is terrific in transition and is a strong floor-spacing big man prospect. Boston needs help in the front court as well and Portis would help.
17. Milwaukee Bucks- RJ Hunter, Guard, Georgia State: A postseason appearance accelerated Milwaukee’s youth movement, but there are still holes. The Bucks need a pivot, though drafting a five here would be a stretch. Expect Milwaukee to grab a swingman like Hunter, one of the draft’s best shooters, a nice fit to develop behind Khris Middleton, assuming he doesn't leave in free agency.
18. Houston Rockets (via New Orleans Pelicans)- Tyus Jones, Guard, Duke: The Rockets desperately need to add a point guard, with Patrick Beverley and Jason Terry both entering free agency. Tyus Jones looks like the top option left on the board, and though he doesn't quite project as a high-end starter, there is no question he has the ball skills and basketball IQ to add something to a backcourt.
19. Washington Wizards- Kevon Looney, Forward, UCLA: Nene is 32 years old and entering the final year of his contract. Looney isn’t ready to play yet—the word “project” was attached to him by several executives at the combine—but he has tremendous physical tools and is a rugged rebounding prospect. Looney could be a nice long-term investment in D.C.
20. Toronto Raptors- Cameron Payne, Guard, Murray State: There was a measurable buzz around Payne at the draft combine in Chicago, with executives seeing a natural playmaker who blends scoring and distributing well. Payne is a little undersized, but he would be a nice fit to develop behind Kyle Lowry on the Raps.
21. Dallas Mavericks- Montrezl Harrell, Forward, Louisville: The Mavs need a point guard, and Utah’s Delon Wright is a candidate here. But Harrell—a high motor scorer/rebounder with an NBA body—could be tough to pass up for a team that will eventually need to start thinking of life after Dirk Nowtizki.
22. Chicago Bulls- Cedi Osman, Guard/Forward, Macedonia: Given Chicago’s depth up front and lack of strong backcourt options available, this is a spot on the board for the Bulls to draft and stash. Cedi Osman has ultimately received invaluable experience and plenty of minutes playing in Euroleague, a good place for him to develop over the next two seasons.
23. Portland Trail Blazers- Rashad Vaughn, Guard, UNLV: With Wesley Matthews' future uncertain and Aaron Afflalo headed for free agency, Vaughn, a solid scorer for the Rebels last season with a diverse offensive skill set, is a solid choice.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers- Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Forward, Arizona: Hollis-Jefferson would seem like an obvious prospect for the Cleveland Cavaliers to target as a replacement for Shawn Marion. However, Hollis-Jefferson's defensive outlook could be too enticing to pass on this late, especially for a team that can surround him with quality offensive options. He'll be a steal in the 20's if he can ever learn how to shoot.
25. Memphis Grizzlies- Justin Anderson, Guard/Forward, Virginia: Memphis could have a need on the wing if Jeff Green leaves in free agency. Anderson—an NBA-ready defender with a powerful physique—could develop into a steal if his offensive game comes along.
26. San Antonio Spurs- Jerian Grant, Guard, Notre Dame: It’s tough to get a read on Grant’s stock. He’s polished and isn’t short on confidence. But he’s older (22) and teams don’t know if he’s a true point guard. He could go anywhere between 15-25. If he’s on the low end, San Antonio will happily scoop him up and plug Grant into its backcourt rotation, especially if Cory Joseph leaves in free agency.
27. Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston Rockets)- Delon Wright, Guard, Utah: If the Lakers draft Okafor, the next biggest hole is at point guard. Enter Wright, a big, savvy playmaker who plays unselfishly and could provide L.A. with minutes next season. He’s an excellent defender, which the Lakers could badly use in the backcourt.
28. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers)- Aleksandar Vezenkov, Forawrd, Bulgaria: Keep an eye on Vezenkov. International scouts like him, often citing his jumper and skills in transition as strengths. This is a luxury pick for Boston; the Celtics could stash a quality European prospect with a nice upside for a year or two. Syracuse's Chris McCullough is a strong candidate here, too.
29. Brooklyn Nets (via Atlanta Hawks)- Chris McCullough, Forawrd, Syracuse: An ACL injury in January crippled McCullough’s stock. Pre-injury, McCullough was an athletic, shot-blocking forward with a sound shooting stroke. If he lives up to his potential, he could be a steal here.
30. Golden State Warriors- Jordan Mickey, Forward, LSU: Mickey looked great at the NBA combine, particularly on Day 1, when he went for 17 points, eight rebounds and eight blocks. Though a bit undersized, Mickey makes up for an inch in height with a strong 238-pound frame and unteachable instincts around the basket. This selection would give Golden State depth, considering they have major decisions coming regarding Draymond Green and David Lee.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
2015 NBA Conference Finals Predictions
Here are my predictions for the Conference Finals in the 2015 NBA Playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Atlanta Hawks vs (E2) Cleveland Cavaliers: Atlanta is coming off a series win against Washington after overcoming a 2-1 series hole. Cleveland is coming off a series win against Chicago after overcoming not only a 2-1 series hole but injuries to Kevin Love and now Kyrie Irving and his knee injury. I am curious to see which player Mike Budenholzer has guard LeBron James throughout this series. Atlanta has a few decent two way players such as DeMarre Carroll, who has been terrific in the playoffs and is playing his way into a big contract this summer since he is a free agent. The Hawks miss Thabo Sefolosha, who is out for the rest of the playoffs with a broken leg because he fits their identity and his two-way play, although they have overcome the loss so far. Irving's health is obviously critical to Cleveland's chances of advancing, but I expect Cleveland to win this series and advance to the finals for the first time since 2007 because they have the best players in the series who are James and Irving.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W2) Houston Rockets: Golden State is coming off a six game series win over Memphis, in which they trailed 2 games to 1 at one point. Houston is coming off an unbelievable seven game series win over the Clippers, in which they rallied out of a 3-1 series hole. The well documented game 6 comeback Houston had was remarkable and James Harden was on the bench for it. Harden and Stephen Curry dominate the story lines of this series because they finished first and second respectively in the MVP voting. Expect a lot of scoring and barely any defense in this series because both teams use 3-point shooting quite often since it is a huge part of both teams success. Overall, Golden State just a more talented team than Houston and expect them to advance to the finals for the first time since 1975 which sets up a star-studded match up with Curry, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, and Kyrie Irving.
Prediction: Warriors in five games.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Atlanta Hawks vs (E2) Cleveland Cavaliers: Atlanta is coming off a series win against Washington after overcoming a 2-1 series hole. Cleveland is coming off a series win against Chicago after overcoming not only a 2-1 series hole but injuries to Kevin Love and now Kyrie Irving and his knee injury. I am curious to see which player Mike Budenholzer has guard LeBron James throughout this series. Atlanta has a few decent two way players such as DeMarre Carroll, who has been terrific in the playoffs and is playing his way into a big contract this summer since he is a free agent. The Hawks miss Thabo Sefolosha, who is out for the rest of the playoffs with a broken leg because he fits their identity and his two-way play, although they have overcome the loss so far. Irving's health is obviously critical to Cleveland's chances of advancing, but I expect Cleveland to win this series and advance to the finals for the first time since 2007 because they have the best players in the series who are James and Irving.
Prediction: Cavaliers in six games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W2) Houston Rockets: Golden State is coming off a six game series win over Memphis, in which they trailed 2 games to 1 at one point. Houston is coming off an unbelievable seven game series win over the Clippers, in which they rallied out of a 3-1 series hole. The well documented game 6 comeback Houston had was remarkable and James Harden was on the bench for it. Harden and Stephen Curry dominate the story lines of this series because they finished first and second respectively in the MVP voting. Expect a lot of scoring and barely any defense in this series because both teams use 3-point shooting quite often since it is a huge part of both teams success. Overall, Golden State just a more talented team than Houston and expect them to advance to the finals for the first time since 1975 which sets up a star-studded match up with Curry, Klay Thompson, LeBron James, and Kyrie Irving.
Prediction: Warriors in five games.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals Predictions
Here are my predictions for the Conference Finals for the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Eastern Conference Final
(M1) New York Rangers vs (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning: This is a very fascinating matchup with great story lines. Martin St. Louis is facing his former team as well as Ryan Callahan (if he plays), Anton Stralman, and Brian Boyle. Callahan had to get his appendix taken out prior to game six against Montreal, and if he doesn't play, it's a big loss for Tampa. The Bolts "triplets" line of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, and Nikita Kucherov was terrific last round and it should be interesting to see what they can do here against the Rangers, who for the second straight year came back to win a series after being down 3 games to 1 to win the series. For the majority of the series against Washington, the Rangers kept Alex Ovechkin off the score board. It would be interesting to see if they keep Steven Stamkos off the board and if Alain Vigneault has Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh defend Stamkos. Ben Bishop has been solid so far in the postseason as well as Henrik Lundqvist, who has made big save after big save in the Rangers comeback against Washington. You can make a case for either team to win this series, but the Rangers are a more complete team than Tampa Bay and expect them to return to the Stanley Cup finals for the second year in a row.
Prediction: Rangers in seven games.
Western Conference Final
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs (C3) Chicago Blackhawks: This should be another great series in the west where two power house teams will take the ice. Bruce Boudreau is in the conference finals for the first time in his coaching career while Joel Quenneville is in the conference finals for the fifth time in seven years with the Hawks. There is superstardom all around with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane among them. Both of these teams played great hockey throughout the second round. Frederik Anderson has been pretty solid in net for Anaheim, while Chicago's Corey Crawford rebounded from being benched in the first round against Nashville. Chicago has a slight edge in defense with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook leading the way, while Anaheim has a solid defense as well. Overall, Chicago is a deeper team than Anaheim and expect them to appear in the Stanley Cup Finals for the third time in six years and it also sets up a dream matchup of two original six teams with finals or bust expectations.
Prediction: Blackhawks in six games.
Eastern Conference Final
(M1) New York Rangers vs (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning: This is a very fascinating matchup with great story lines. Martin St. Louis is facing his former team as well as Ryan Callahan (if he plays), Anton Stralman, and Brian Boyle. Callahan had to get his appendix taken out prior to game six against Montreal, and if he doesn't play, it's a big loss for Tampa. The Bolts "triplets" line of Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, and Nikita Kucherov was terrific last round and it should be interesting to see what they can do here against the Rangers, who for the second straight year came back to win a series after being down 3 games to 1 to win the series. For the majority of the series against Washington, the Rangers kept Alex Ovechkin off the score board. It would be interesting to see if they keep Steven Stamkos off the board and if Alain Vigneault has Dan Girardi and Ryan McDonagh defend Stamkos. Ben Bishop has been solid so far in the postseason as well as Henrik Lundqvist, who has made big save after big save in the Rangers comeback against Washington. You can make a case for either team to win this series, but the Rangers are a more complete team than Tampa Bay and expect them to return to the Stanley Cup finals for the second year in a row.
Prediction: Rangers in seven games.
Western Conference Final
(P1) Anaheim Ducks vs (C3) Chicago Blackhawks: This should be another great series in the west where two power house teams will take the ice. Bruce Boudreau is in the conference finals for the first time in his coaching career while Joel Quenneville is in the conference finals for the fifth time in seven years with the Hawks. There is superstardom all around with Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Kane among them. Both of these teams played great hockey throughout the second round. Frederik Anderson has been pretty solid in net for Anaheim, while Chicago's Corey Crawford rebounded from being benched in the first round against Nashville. Chicago has a slight edge in defense with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook leading the way, while Anaheim has a solid defense as well. Overall, Chicago is a deeper team than Anaheim and expect them to appear in the Stanley Cup Finals for the third time in six years and it also sets up a dream matchup of two original six teams with finals or bust expectations.
Prediction: Blackhawks in six games.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Candidates to replace Monty Williams as Pelicans head coach
Today the New Orleans Pelicans had announced that the team fired head coach Monty Williams after being swept by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. Here are some candidates to replace Williams as Pelicans head coach.
1. Tom Thibodeau, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls
2. Scott Brooks, Former Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach
3. Alvin Gentry, Assistant Coach, Golden State Warriors
4. Mike Malone, Former Sacramento Kings Head Coach
5. Mike D'Antoni, Former Phoenix Suns/New York Knicks/Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach
6. Mark Jackson, Former Golden State Warriors Head Coach/Current ESPN Analyst
7. John Calipari, Head Coach, Kentucky
8. Patrick Ewing, Assistant Coach, Charlotte Hornets
9. Adrian Griffin, Assistant Coach, Chicago Bulls
10. Nate McMillan, Assistant Coach, Indiana Pacers
11. Jeff Van Gundy, Former New York Knicks Coach/Current ESPN Analyst
12. Vinny Del Negro, Former Los Angeles Clippers/Chicago Bulls Head Coach
1. Tom Thibodeau, Head Coach, Chicago Bulls
2. Scott Brooks, Former Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach
3. Alvin Gentry, Assistant Coach, Golden State Warriors
4. Mike Malone, Former Sacramento Kings Head Coach
5. Mike D'Antoni, Former Phoenix Suns/New York Knicks/Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach
6. Mark Jackson, Former Golden State Warriors Head Coach/Current ESPN Analyst
7. John Calipari, Head Coach, Kentucky
8. Patrick Ewing, Assistant Coach, Charlotte Hornets
9. Adrian Griffin, Assistant Coach, Chicago Bulls
10. Nate McMillan, Assistant Coach, Indiana Pacers
11. Jeff Van Gundy, Former New York Knicks Coach/Current ESPN Analyst
12. Vinny Del Negro, Former Los Angeles Clippers/Chicago Bulls Head Coach
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Grading every teams 2015 NFL Draft
Here are my grades and analysis on every teams draft this year.
Arizona Cardinals- Arizona upgraded an already strong offensive line by picking DJ Humphries in the first round. They also added much needed depth on the defensive line by selecting Markus Golden, Rodney Gunter, and Shaq Riddick in the later rounds. The Cards also needed a running back and they selected David Johnson in the third round to pair with Andre Eillington. Something they could've done but they didn't was add depth to the linebacker positions as well as another cornerback. Instead, they added receiver depth, which isn't the worst thing to do.
Grade: B
Atlanta Falcons- Atlanta arguably filled its biggest need with an pass rusher in their first round pick, Vic Beasley. They also gave Matt Ryan more weapons in picking Tevin Coleman and Justin Hardy. Hardy gives the Falcons receiving depth behind Julio Jones and Roddy White, which Atlanta truly lacked for a while. Atlanta shore up the defensive line depth with Grady Jarrett and the secondary with Jalen Collins and Akeem King. I really think Atlanta should have drafted a tight end somewhere between the second and fourth rounds and they could have added another defensive lineman between those rounds as well and saved the secondary depth for later on. Other than that, I like what Atlanta did here.
Grade: B+
Baltimore Ravens- Baltimore had a very nice draft here. Arguably their most glaring need was at wide receiver and they selected Breshad Perriman in the first round to replace Torrey Smith. With Dennis Pitta aging and injury prone, they selected Maxx Williams in the second round to give them tight end depth. The Ravens also added much needed running back depth with Javorius Allen. Also, they shore up their defensive line depth by adding Carl Davis and Za'Darius Smith. Their secondary was shore up as well as they picked Tray Walker. One position that Baltimore could have added depth at was linebacker. Other than that, Baltimore had a successful draft.
Grade: A-
Buffalo Bills- Buffalo didn't have that great of a draft by all accounts. They did upgrade the secondary by picking Ronald Darby in the second round. The offensive line needed some help and they used a pick on John Miller to sure up that. They added running back depth by selecting Karlos Williams and linebacker depth by selecting Tony Steward. The Bills should have selected a quarterback somewhere between the second and fourth rounds since they really don't have a long-term answer there. Although I like the Darby pick, they should have upgraded the safety position as well.
Grade: C
Carolina Panthers- Carolina still has a ton of holes on their roster. They added depth to an area which they already had strength in which was at linebacker by bringing in Shaq Thompson and David Mayo. They upgraded the offensive line by bringing in Daryl Williams, although they should have addressed the offensive line earlier in the draft. The Panthers did bring in more weapons for Cam Newton by drafting Devin Funchess and Cameron Artis-Payne. Carolina made a mistake in trading away some picks because they should've used them to upgrade the secondary. Overall, not a good draft for Carolina.
Grade: D
Chicago Bears- I didn't mind Chicago's draft. They found their replacement for Brandon Marshall in Kevin White, who has the potential to be great. They shored their defensive line up by picking Eddie Goldman in the second round, who has first round talent. They also addressed their offensive line by bringing in Hroniss Grasu and Tayo Fabuluje. Jeremy Langford in all likelihood will replace Matt Forte and will be the Bears running back of the future. They did shore up the secondary by bringing in Adrian Amos, although I preferred them drafting a corner. One area I thought they should've shored up was the linebacking core. Other than that, Chicago had a great draft.
Grade: B+
Cincinnati Bengals- Cincinnati had an excellent draft. They addressed the offensive line in the first and second rounds by picking Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher. They gave Andy Dalton more weapons by drafting Tyler Kroft, CJ Uzomah, and Mario Alford. The defensive line was shore up by bringing in Marcus Hardison and they also brought in Paul Dawson to shore up the linebacking core. I really liked what Cincinnati did here.
Grade: A-
Cleveland Browns- A lot of people loved Cleveland's draft, but I didn't love it although I didn't mind it. Cleveland addressed the defensive line by drafting Danny Shelton, Nate Orchard, and Xavier Cooper. They shore up the receiving by drafting Vince Mayle, Malcolm Johnson, and Randall Telfer. The offensive line was also addressed by bringing in Cameron Irving. The linebacking core was shored up by bringing in Hayes Pullard. Cleveland should have brought in a quarterback to upgrade over Johnny Manziel, who's in all likelihood a bust. Overall, I don't mind it, except one of those earlier picks should have been a quarterback and that's why I gave the Browns the grade I gave them.
Grade: B
Dallas Cowboys- Dallas's draft has had many controversial opinions about it. I think they did ok. They addressed the secondary by drafting Byron Jones in the first round. The controversial pick actually filled an important need the Cowboys had on the defensive line which was Randy Gregory. Dallas also shored up the linebacking core by bringing in Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha. An area which they didn't address which will cost them a letter grade from me was running back, which they needed someone to replace DeMarco Murray. Another piece to the secondary would have been nice as well.
Grade: C+
Denver Broncos- Denver traded up in the first round to draft the troubled but talented Shane Ray, which fills a need on the defensive line. They also added Darius Kilgo to the defensive line. They also shore up the offensive line by drafting Ty Sambrailo and Max Garcia. The secondary depth was also shore up with Lorenzo Doss, Taurean Nixon, and Josh Furman. Overall, a pretty good draft for the Broncos.
Grade: B+
Detroit Lions- Detroit had a decent draft to say the least. The offensive line was shored up with Laken Tomlinson and Corey Robinson. The defensive line was shored up as well with Gabe Wright. The secondary was also shored up with Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs. The Lions addressed the depth of the running back position as well by drafting Ameer Abdullah. My only issue is that they should have addressed the defensive line in the earlier rounds.
Grade: B
Green Bay Packers- Green Bay had an outstanding draft. They added secondary depth by drafting Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. The defensive line was shored up by bringing in Christian Ringo. They also added linebacking depth by bringing in Jake Ryan. Aaron Rodgers was given new weapons because of the fact they drafted Ty Montgomery, Aaron Ripkowski, and Kennard Backman. The Packers also drafted their possible future quarterback in Brett Hundley. Overall, a great draft for the Pack.
Grade: A
Houston Texans- Houston had a great draft. They upgraded their secondary by drafting Kevin Johnson. They shored up the receiving core by drafting Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphrey. The Texans also shored up their linebacking core by bringing in Benardrick McKinney and Reshard Cliett. One thing Houston should have done was address the long-term answer at quarterback, but other than that, a great draft overall.
Grade: B+
Indianapolis Colts- I liked something's Indianapolis did and there were things I didn't like here. They added offensive line depth with Denzelle Good. They addressed the secondary by drafting D'Joun Smith and Clayton Geathers. They added running back depth by drafting John Robinson. The defensive line was shored up by bringing in Henry Anderson and David Parry. They should have went and got offensive line help in the earlier rounds instead of drafting Phillip Dorsett, a receiver that Andrew Luck doesn't necessarily need.
Grade: B
Jacksonville Jaguars- Jacksonville had a solid draft. With the third overall pick, they selected Dante Fowler Jr, who is a edge rusher in which Jacksonville needed. They addressed the running back position by drafting TJ Yeldon. The secondary was also addressed by drafting James Sample. The Jaguars have given Blake Bortles new weapons in Rashad Greene, Neal Sterling, and Ben Koyack. One thing I think Jacksonville should have done was add another linebacker.
Grade: B
Kansas City Chiefs- Kansas City had a great draft. They addressed the offensive line by drafting Mitch Morse. They shore up the receiving core by bringing in Chris Conley, James O'Shaugnessy, and Da'Ron Brown. The Chiefs also shored up their linebacking core by adding Ramik Wilson and DJ Alexander. The secondary was also shored up by adding Marcus Peters and Steven Nelson. Overall, you got to like what the Chiefs did here.
Grade: A
Miami Dolphins- Miami had a nice draft. They needed a wide receiver and they got one in DeVante Parker, who was a steal from where they selected. They addressed the offensive line by drafting Jamil Douglas. The Dolphins also needed a running back and they got one in Jay Ajayi. The secondary was also shored up by drafting Bobby McCain, Cedric Thompson, and Tony Lippett. The only area that I feel had to be shored up but wasn't was the linebacking core. Overall, a fine draft for Miami.
Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings- Minnesota did a great job in this draft. They addressed the cornerback position by drafting Trae Waynes. The offensive line was shored up by bringing in TJ Clemmings and Tyrus Thompson. The linebacking core was shored up as well by bringing in Eric Kendricks and Austin Sheppard. The Vikings gave Teddy Bridgewater another weapon in Stefon Diggs. I loved what Minnesota did, but something they should have done was drafted a receiver in one of the early rounds.
Grade: A-
New England Patriots- There are some things I really liked about New England's draft and there were some things I didn't like. They needed someone to replace Vince Wilfork on the defensive line and they one in Malcolm Brown. The offensive line was addressed my bringing in Tre' Jackson and Shaq Mason. The secondary was shored up by bringing in Jordan Richards and Darryl Roberts. TheCheaters Patriots should have drafted a running back and a receiver to shore up depth at those positions and they should have drafted a cornerback early on in the draft.
Overall: C+
New Orleans Saints- New Orleans filled some needs and they also failed to fill other needs. They got offensive line help with their first round pick in Andrus Peat. The secondary was shored up by bringing in PJ Williams and Damian Swann. The defensive line got shored up too by bringing in Tyeler Davison. The linebacking core got addressed by bringing in Stephone Anthony, Hau'oli Kikawa, and Davis Tull. The Saints did not add depth to the wide receiver and tight end positions, which had gotten weaker before the draft.
Overall: C
New York Giants- There has been many different opinions on the Giants draft throughout the media. I didn't mind it. They addressed the offensive line by taking Ereck Flowers in the first round, although I believe they wanted Brandon Scherff. They traded up into the second round to fill a big hole at safety with Landon Collins. The defensive line was shored up by drafting Owamagbe Odighizuwa. They also picked Mykkele Thompson to shore up the secondary. Overall, a pretty solid draft for Big Blue.
Grade: B
New York Jets- The Jets had a great draft. They got a steal with their first round pick in Leonard Williams since five other teams passed on him. The linebacking core was shored up by drafting Lorenzo Mauldin. The shored up their receiving depth by drafting Devin Smith. The Jets may have also drafted their future franchise quarterback in Bryce Petty. Depth was added to the offensive line by picking up Jarvis Harrison. The Jets did not draft a running back, but they traded for one during the draft in Zac Stacy. Like I said, there's a lot to like here.
Grade: A
Oakland Raiders- Oakland did a good job addressing certain needs they had. They drafted the best receiver in the draft in Amari Cooper and they did need a big-time receiver and they got one here in Cooper. They addressed the defensive line by drafting Mario Edwards Jr and Max Valles. The offensive line was shored up as well by picking up Jonathan Feliciano and Anthony Morris. They also shored up the secondary by drafting Dexter McDonald. I do think they should have drafted secondary help in the earlier rounds but other than that, nice draft by the silver and black.
Grade: B+
Philadelphia Eagles- No team was in more trade rumors for the top two picks than Philadelphia. Well, they didn't trade up for Marcus Mariota and they settled with their own first round pick by picking a position of need player in Nelson Agholor. They addressed their cornerback situation by drafting Eric Rowe, JaCorey Shepherd, and Randall Evans. The linebacking core was shored up by picking Jordan Hicks. The Eagles should have drafted a safety here too. I really think it's somewhat of a failure that they didn't land Mariota. That's why the grade is a lowly one.
Grade: D+
Pittsburgh Steelers- I really liked what Pittsburgh did. They drafted Bud Dupree to shore up the linebacking core and he may have been a steal at where he was drafted. They addressed the secondary by picking up Senquez Golson, Doran Grant, and Gerod Holliman. They got more receiving and tight end depth with Sammie Coates and Jesse James. Overall, they had a great draft.
Grade: A-
San Diego Chargers- San Diego had a nice draft. They were aggressive and traded up in the first round to get Melvin Gordon and the Chargers did have a need at running back. The defensive line was shored up by picking up Kyle Emanuel and Darius Philon. They also addressed a need at linebacker with Denzel Perryman and at cornerback with Craig Mager. One thing the Chargers did not address was the offensive line. Other than that, not a bad draft.
Grade: B-
San Francisco 49ers- San Francisco did not fill all the needs they had to fill. One of the needs they did fill though was on the defensive line by drafting Arik Armstead and Eli Harrold. Jaquiski Tartt was a nice addition to the secondary but they needed corners not necessarily safeties. And one key position that they needed and addressed was at wide receiver with DeAndre Smelter. They did address the offensive line as well with Ian Silberman and Trenton Brown. I felt that they needed help at the linebacker position since some guys they have there are aging at the position and they did not address that either.
Grade: D
Seattle Seahawks- Seattle didn't have many needs, but they filled most of them. They shored up their offensive line by drafting Terry Poole and Mark Glowinski. Russell Wilson needed some weapons and he got a one in Tyler Lockett. They added defensive line depth by drafting Frank Clark, Obum Gwacham, and Kristjan Sokoli. They also added secondary depth by picking Tye Smith and Ryan Murphy. The lone area that I felt had to be addressed but wasn't was the linebacker position. Other than that, a solid draft for Seattle.
Grade: B
St. Louis Rams- St. Louis had yet another great draft. They drafted the talented running back Todd Gurley in the first round, which led to them trading Zac Stacy. They addressed the offensive line by adding Rob Havenstein, Jamon Brown, Andrew Donnal, and Cody Wichmann. They got more receiver depth in drafting Bud Sasser. Nick Foles probably isn't the long term answer at quarterback so they decided to draft Sean Mannion, who will likely compete for a backup role. Overall, what's not to like here?
Grade: A
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tampa Bay addressed their more important needs, but not all needs. Jameis Winston is a red flag because of his off-field issues, but he is very talented and is capable of becoming a franchise quarterback. The offensive line was shored up by bringing in Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. The linebacking was shored up as well by drafting Kwon Alexander. An area that should have been addressed was the defensive line, but it wasn't. Since Doug Martin will be a free agent at the end of the year, they should have drafted a running back as well.
Grade: C+
Tennessee Titans- After all that trade talk, Tennessee decided to keep the pick and draft Marcus Mariota. They got offensive line help with Jeremiah Poutasi coming into the mix. The running back position was given more depth with David Cobb. Mariota got some weapons as well in Dorial Green-Beckham and Tre McBride. The defensive line was shored up as well by drafting Angelo Blackson. The secondary should have been shored up too, but it wasn't.
Grade: B-
Washington Redskins- Washington did a good job filling their needs. They got offensive line help in drafting Brandon Scherff in the first round, although some may argue that they should have drafted Leonard Williams instead. They got secondary help by drafting Kyshoen Jarrett and Tevin Mitchel. They shored up the linebacking by drafting Martell Spaight and the defensive line by bringing in Preston Smith. Overall, a solid draft.
Grade: B+
Arizona Cardinals- Arizona upgraded an already strong offensive line by picking DJ Humphries in the first round. They also added much needed depth on the defensive line by selecting Markus Golden, Rodney Gunter, and Shaq Riddick in the later rounds. The Cards also needed a running back and they selected David Johnson in the third round to pair with Andre Eillington. Something they could've done but they didn't was add depth to the linebacker positions as well as another cornerback. Instead, they added receiver depth, which isn't the worst thing to do.
Grade: B
Atlanta Falcons- Atlanta arguably filled its biggest need with an pass rusher in their first round pick, Vic Beasley. They also gave Matt Ryan more weapons in picking Tevin Coleman and Justin Hardy. Hardy gives the Falcons receiving depth behind Julio Jones and Roddy White, which Atlanta truly lacked for a while. Atlanta shore up the defensive line depth with Grady Jarrett and the secondary with Jalen Collins and Akeem King. I really think Atlanta should have drafted a tight end somewhere between the second and fourth rounds and they could have added another defensive lineman between those rounds as well and saved the secondary depth for later on. Other than that, I like what Atlanta did here.
Grade: B+
Baltimore Ravens- Baltimore had a very nice draft here. Arguably their most glaring need was at wide receiver and they selected Breshad Perriman in the first round to replace Torrey Smith. With Dennis Pitta aging and injury prone, they selected Maxx Williams in the second round to give them tight end depth. The Ravens also added much needed running back depth with Javorius Allen. Also, they shore up their defensive line depth by adding Carl Davis and Za'Darius Smith. Their secondary was shore up as well as they picked Tray Walker. One position that Baltimore could have added depth at was linebacker. Other than that, Baltimore had a successful draft.
Grade: A-
Buffalo Bills- Buffalo didn't have that great of a draft by all accounts. They did upgrade the secondary by picking Ronald Darby in the second round. The offensive line needed some help and they used a pick on John Miller to sure up that. They added running back depth by selecting Karlos Williams and linebacker depth by selecting Tony Steward. The Bills should have selected a quarterback somewhere between the second and fourth rounds since they really don't have a long-term answer there. Although I like the Darby pick, they should have upgraded the safety position as well.
Grade: C
Carolina Panthers- Carolina still has a ton of holes on their roster. They added depth to an area which they already had strength in which was at linebacker by bringing in Shaq Thompson and David Mayo. They upgraded the offensive line by bringing in Daryl Williams, although they should have addressed the offensive line earlier in the draft. The Panthers did bring in more weapons for Cam Newton by drafting Devin Funchess and Cameron Artis-Payne. Carolina made a mistake in trading away some picks because they should've used them to upgrade the secondary. Overall, not a good draft for Carolina.
Grade: D
Chicago Bears- I didn't mind Chicago's draft. They found their replacement for Brandon Marshall in Kevin White, who has the potential to be great. They shored their defensive line up by picking Eddie Goldman in the second round, who has first round talent. They also addressed their offensive line by bringing in Hroniss Grasu and Tayo Fabuluje. Jeremy Langford in all likelihood will replace Matt Forte and will be the Bears running back of the future. They did shore up the secondary by bringing in Adrian Amos, although I preferred them drafting a corner. One area I thought they should've shored up was the linebacking core. Other than that, Chicago had a great draft.
Grade: B+
Cincinnati Bengals- Cincinnati had an excellent draft. They addressed the offensive line in the first and second rounds by picking Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher. They gave Andy Dalton more weapons by drafting Tyler Kroft, CJ Uzomah, and Mario Alford. The defensive line was shore up by bringing in Marcus Hardison and they also brought in Paul Dawson to shore up the linebacking core. I really liked what Cincinnati did here.
Grade: A-
Cleveland Browns- A lot of people loved Cleveland's draft, but I didn't love it although I didn't mind it. Cleveland addressed the defensive line by drafting Danny Shelton, Nate Orchard, and Xavier Cooper. They shore up the receiving by drafting Vince Mayle, Malcolm Johnson, and Randall Telfer. The offensive line was also addressed by bringing in Cameron Irving. The linebacking core was shored up by bringing in Hayes Pullard. Cleveland should have brought in a quarterback to upgrade over Johnny Manziel, who's in all likelihood a bust. Overall, I don't mind it, except one of those earlier picks should have been a quarterback and that's why I gave the Browns the grade I gave them.
Grade: B
Dallas Cowboys- Dallas's draft has had many controversial opinions about it. I think they did ok. They addressed the secondary by drafting Byron Jones in the first round. The controversial pick actually filled an important need the Cowboys had on the defensive line which was Randy Gregory. Dallas also shored up the linebacking core by bringing in Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha. An area which they didn't address which will cost them a letter grade from me was running back, which they needed someone to replace DeMarco Murray. Another piece to the secondary would have been nice as well.
Grade: C+
Denver Broncos- Denver traded up in the first round to draft the troubled but talented Shane Ray, which fills a need on the defensive line. They also added Darius Kilgo to the defensive line. They also shore up the offensive line by drafting Ty Sambrailo and Max Garcia. The secondary depth was also shore up with Lorenzo Doss, Taurean Nixon, and Josh Furman. Overall, a pretty good draft for the Broncos.
Grade: B+
Detroit Lions- Detroit had a decent draft to say the least. The offensive line was shored up with Laken Tomlinson and Corey Robinson. The defensive line was shored up as well with Gabe Wright. The secondary was also shored up with Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs. The Lions addressed the depth of the running back position as well by drafting Ameer Abdullah. My only issue is that they should have addressed the defensive line in the earlier rounds.
Grade: B
Green Bay Packers- Green Bay had an outstanding draft. They added secondary depth by drafting Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. The defensive line was shored up by bringing in Christian Ringo. They also added linebacking depth by bringing in Jake Ryan. Aaron Rodgers was given new weapons because of the fact they drafted Ty Montgomery, Aaron Ripkowski, and Kennard Backman. The Packers also drafted their possible future quarterback in Brett Hundley. Overall, a great draft for the Pack.
Grade: A
Houston Texans- Houston had a great draft. They upgraded their secondary by drafting Kevin Johnson. They shored up the receiving core by drafting Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphrey. The Texans also shored up their linebacking core by bringing in Benardrick McKinney and Reshard Cliett. One thing Houston should have done was address the long-term answer at quarterback, but other than that, a great draft overall.
Grade: B+
Indianapolis Colts- I liked something's Indianapolis did and there were things I didn't like here. They added offensive line depth with Denzelle Good. They addressed the secondary by drafting D'Joun Smith and Clayton Geathers. They added running back depth by drafting John Robinson. The defensive line was shored up by bringing in Henry Anderson and David Parry. They should have went and got offensive line help in the earlier rounds instead of drafting Phillip Dorsett, a receiver that Andrew Luck doesn't necessarily need.
Grade: B
Jacksonville Jaguars- Jacksonville had a solid draft. With the third overall pick, they selected Dante Fowler Jr, who is a edge rusher in which Jacksonville needed. They addressed the running back position by drafting TJ Yeldon. The secondary was also addressed by drafting James Sample. The Jaguars have given Blake Bortles new weapons in Rashad Greene, Neal Sterling, and Ben Koyack. One thing I think Jacksonville should have done was add another linebacker.
Grade: B
Kansas City Chiefs- Kansas City had a great draft. They addressed the offensive line by drafting Mitch Morse. They shore up the receiving core by bringing in Chris Conley, James O'Shaugnessy, and Da'Ron Brown. The Chiefs also shored up their linebacking core by adding Ramik Wilson and DJ Alexander. The secondary was also shored up by adding Marcus Peters and Steven Nelson. Overall, you got to like what the Chiefs did here.
Grade: A
Miami Dolphins- Miami had a nice draft. They needed a wide receiver and they got one in DeVante Parker, who was a steal from where they selected. They addressed the offensive line by drafting Jamil Douglas. The Dolphins also needed a running back and they got one in Jay Ajayi. The secondary was also shored up by drafting Bobby McCain, Cedric Thompson, and Tony Lippett. The only area that I feel had to be shored up but wasn't was the linebacking core. Overall, a fine draft for Miami.
Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings- Minnesota did a great job in this draft. They addressed the cornerback position by drafting Trae Waynes. The offensive line was shored up by bringing in TJ Clemmings and Tyrus Thompson. The linebacking core was shored up as well by bringing in Eric Kendricks and Austin Sheppard. The Vikings gave Teddy Bridgewater another weapon in Stefon Diggs. I loved what Minnesota did, but something they should have done was drafted a receiver in one of the early rounds.
Grade: A-
New England Patriots- There are some things I really liked about New England's draft and there were some things I didn't like. They needed someone to replace Vince Wilfork on the defensive line and they one in Malcolm Brown. The offensive line was addressed my bringing in Tre' Jackson and Shaq Mason. The secondary was shored up by bringing in Jordan Richards and Darryl Roberts. The
Overall: C+
New Orleans Saints- New Orleans filled some needs and they also failed to fill other needs. They got offensive line help with their first round pick in Andrus Peat. The secondary was shored up by bringing in PJ Williams and Damian Swann. The defensive line got shored up too by bringing in Tyeler Davison. The linebacking core got addressed by bringing in Stephone Anthony, Hau'oli Kikawa, and Davis Tull. The Saints did not add depth to the wide receiver and tight end positions, which had gotten weaker before the draft.
Overall: C
New York Giants- There has been many different opinions on the Giants draft throughout the media. I didn't mind it. They addressed the offensive line by taking Ereck Flowers in the first round, although I believe they wanted Brandon Scherff. They traded up into the second round to fill a big hole at safety with Landon Collins. The defensive line was shored up by drafting Owamagbe Odighizuwa. They also picked Mykkele Thompson to shore up the secondary. Overall, a pretty solid draft for Big Blue.
Grade: B
New York Jets- The Jets had a great draft. They got a steal with their first round pick in Leonard Williams since five other teams passed on him. The linebacking core was shored up by drafting Lorenzo Mauldin. The shored up their receiving depth by drafting Devin Smith. The Jets may have also drafted their future franchise quarterback in Bryce Petty. Depth was added to the offensive line by picking up Jarvis Harrison. The Jets did not draft a running back, but they traded for one during the draft in Zac Stacy. Like I said, there's a lot to like here.
Grade: A
Oakland Raiders- Oakland did a good job addressing certain needs they had. They drafted the best receiver in the draft in Amari Cooper and they did need a big-time receiver and they got one here in Cooper. They addressed the defensive line by drafting Mario Edwards Jr and Max Valles. The offensive line was shored up as well by picking up Jonathan Feliciano and Anthony Morris. They also shored up the secondary by drafting Dexter McDonald. I do think they should have drafted secondary help in the earlier rounds but other than that, nice draft by the silver and black.
Grade: B+
Philadelphia Eagles- No team was in more trade rumors for the top two picks than Philadelphia. Well, they didn't trade up for Marcus Mariota and they settled with their own first round pick by picking a position of need player in Nelson Agholor. They addressed their cornerback situation by drafting Eric Rowe, JaCorey Shepherd, and Randall Evans. The linebacking core was shored up by picking Jordan Hicks. The Eagles should have drafted a safety here too. I really think it's somewhat of a failure that they didn't land Mariota. That's why the grade is a lowly one.
Grade: D+
Pittsburgh Steelers- I really liked what Pittsburgh did. They drafted Bud Dupree to shore up the linebacking core and he may have been a steal at where he was drafted. They addressed the secondary by picking up Senquez Golson, Doran Grant, and Gerod Holliman. They got more receiving and tight end depth with Sammie Coates and Jesse James. Overall, they had a great draft.
Grade: A-
San Diego Chargers- San Diego had a nice draft. They were aggressive and traded up in the first round to get Melvin Gordon and the Chargers did have a need at running back. The defensive line was shored up by picking up Kyle Emanuel and Darius Philon. They also addressed a need at linebacker with Denzel Perryman and at cornerback with Craig Mager. One thing the Chargers did not address was the offensive line. Other than that, not a bad draft.
Grade: B-
San Francisco 49ers- San Francisco did not fill all the needs they had to fill. One of the needs they did fill though was on the defensive line by drafting Arik Armstead and Eli Harrold. Jaquiski Tartt was a nice addition to the secondary but they needed corners not necessarily safeties. And one key position that they needed and addressed was at wide receiver with DeAndre Smelter. They did address the offensive line as well with Ian Silberman and Trenton Brown. I felt that they needed help at the linebacker position since some guys they have there are aging at the position and they did not address that either.
Grade: D
Seattle Seahawks- Seattle didn't have many needs, but they filled most of them. They shored up their offensive line by drafting Terry Poole and Mark Glowinski. Russell Wilson needed some weapons and he got a one in Tyler Lockett. They added defensive line depth by drafting Frank Clark, Obum Gwacham, and Kristjan Sokoli. They also added secondary depth by picking Tye Smith and Ryan Murphy. The lone area that I felt had to be addressed but wasn't was the linebacker position. Other than that, a solid draft for Seattle.
Grade: B
St. Louis Rams- St. Louis had yet another great draft. They drafted the talented running back Todd Gurley in the first round, which led to them trading Zac Stacy. They addressed the offensive line by adding Rob Havenstein, Jamon Brown, Andrew Donnal, and Cody Wichmann. They got more receiver depth in drafting Bud Sasser. Nick Foles probably isn't the long term answer at quarterback so they decided to draft Sean Mannion, who will likely compete for a backup role. Overall, what's not to like here?
Grade: A
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tampa Bay addressed their more important needs, but not all needs. Jameis Winston is a red flag because of his off-field issues, but he is very talented and is capable of becoming a franchise quarterback. The offensive line was shored up by bringing in Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. The linebacking was shored up as well by drafting Kwon Alexander. An area that should have been addressed was the defensive line, but it wasn't. Since Doug Martin will be a free agent at the end of the year, they should have drafted a running back as well.
Grade: C+
Tennessee Titans- After all that trade talk, Tennessee decided to keep the pick and draft Marcus Mariota. They got offensive line help with Jeremiah Poutasi coming into the mix. The running back position was given more depth with David Cobb. Mariota got some weapons as well in Dorial Green-Beckham and Tre McBride. The defensive line was shored up as well by drafting Angelo Blackson. The secondary should have been shored up too, but it wasn't.
Grade: B-
Washington Redskins- Washington did a good job filling their needs. They got offensive line help in drafting Brandon Scherff in the first round, although some may argue that they should have drafted Leonard Williams instead. They got secondary help by drafting Kyshoen Jarrett and Tevin Mitchel. They shored up the linebacking by drafting Martell Spaight and the defensive line by bringing in Preston Smith. Overall, a solid draft.
Grade: B+
Sunday, May 3, 2015
2015 NBA Playoffs Semifinals Predictions
Here are my predictions for the Semifinals round of the 2015 NBA playoffs.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Atlanta Hawks vs (E5) Washington Wizards: This is actually a pretty good series. Atlanta knocked out Brooklyn in six and Washington surprisingly swept Toronto. Atlanta played outstanding in the second half of their series clinching win at the Barclays Center. Washington throughout their entire first round series played up to the level their capable to. The point guard matchup between Jeff Teague and John Wall will be fun to watch as well as the front court matchup between Atlanta's Paul Milsap and Al Horford and Washington's Nene and Marcin Gortat. Atlanta has the clear-cut coaching edge with Mike Budenholzer over Washington's Randy Wittman, who may get a pink slip if his team loses this series. Like I said, this is a good series that will be better than people think and I believe it goes to distance with Atlanta taking it.
Prediction: Hawks in seven games.
(E2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E3) Chicago Bulls: This is most anticipated matchup in the second round with many intriguing story lines. Cleveland is coming off a sweep of Boston, even though they lost Kevin Love for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder and JR Smith is suspended the first two games for hitting Boston's Jae Crowder in game 4. Chicago is coming off a six game series win over Milwaukee, in which they dominated in game 6 of that series on both ends. The point guard matchup between Kyrie Irving and Derrick Rose is going to be fun to watch. I am very curious to see what JR Smith shows up: the one that made big shots for Cleveland ever since he got there or the one that pretty much cost the Knicks big time after elbowing Jason Terry in 2013. LeBron James and Irving are facing immense pressure here with Love's injury and Smith's suspension. This is going to be a fascinating series and I'm calling the upset here because it has all the makings of it considering Cleveland's issues and that Chicago is healthy and they also have a coaching advantage with Tom Thibodeau over David Blatt.
Prediction: Bulls in six games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W5) Memphis Grizzlies: This is going to be fun series to watch with Golden State's up and down, fast pace play and Memphis's identity of "Grit N Grind". Golden State is coming off a sweep of New Orleans, although it was a competitive series. Memphis is coming off a five game series win over a banged up Portland team. Speaking of banged up, Mike Conley got hit in the face in game 3 against Portland and has missed the last 2 games because of it. Memphis needs him back or else they have about no chance at an upset here. Either way, this should be a great and competitive series. It won't be easy, but expect Golden State to advance to the Conference Finals.
Prediction: Warriors in six games.
(W2) Houston Rockets vs (W3) Los Angeles Clippers: This should be a very fun series here. Houston is coming off a five game series win over Dallas. The Clippers are coming off a thrilling seven game series win over the defending champion Spurs. Chris Paul hurt his hamstring in game seven and he continued to play through it to help the Clippers advance here. Paul needs to be close to 100% if the Clippers want to advance. I'm interested if Doc Rivers has Paul defend James Harden and if he does, boy that would be something to watch. Expect many high scoring and overtime affairs in this series. Also expect a lot of "Hack-A-DeAndre's" and "Hack-A-Dwight's" throughout this series since both DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard are poor free throw shooters. I feel that the Clippers are the better team here and they should advance to the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.
Eastern Conference
(E1) Atlanta Hawks vs (E5) Washington Wizards: This is actually a pretty good series. Atlanta knocked out Brooklyn in six and Washington surprisingly swept Toronto. Atlanta played outstanding in the second half of their series clinching win at the Barclays Center. Washington throughout their entire first round series played up to the level their capable to. The point guard matchup between Jeff Teague and John Wall will be fun to watch as well as the front court matchup between Atlanta's Paul Milsap and Al Horford and Washington's Nene and Marcin Gortat. Atlanta has the clear-cut coaching edge with Mike Budenholzer over Washington's Randy Wittman, who may get a pink slip if his team loses this series. Like I said, this is a good series that will be better than people think and I believe it goes to distance with Atlanta taking it.
Prediction: Hawks in seven games.
(E2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (E3) Chicago Bulls: This is most anticipated matchup in the second round with many intriguing story lines. Cleveland is coming off a sweep of Boston, even though they lost Kevin Love for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder and JR Smith is suspended the first two games for hitting Boston's Jae Crowder in game 4. Chicago is coming off a six game series win over Milwaukee, in which they dominated in game 6 of that series on both ends. The point guard matchup between Kyrie Irving and Derrick Rose is going to be fun to watch. I am very curious to see what JR Smith shows up: the one that made big shots for Cleveland ever since he got there or the one that pretty much cost the Knicks big time after elbowing Jason Terry in 2013. LeBron James and Irving are facing immense pressure here with Love's injury and Smith's suspension. This is going to be a fascinating series and I'm calling the upset here because it has all the makings of it considering Cleveland's issues and that Chicago is healthy and they also have a coaching advantage with Tom Thibodeau over David Blatt.
Prediction: Bulls in six games.
Western Conference
(W1) Golden State Warriors vs (W5) Memphis Grizzlies: This is going to be fun series to watch with Golden State's up and down, fast pace play and Memphis's identity of "Grit N Grind". Golden State is coming off a sweep of New Orleans, although it was a competitive series. Memphis is coming off a five game series win over a banged up Portland team. Speaking of banged up, Mike Conley got hit in the face in game 3 against Portland and has missed the last 2 games because of it. Memphis needs him back or else they have about no chance at an upset here. Either way, this should be a great and competitive series. It won't be easy, but expect Golden State to advance to the Conference Finals.
Prediction: Warriors in six games.
(W2) Houston Rockets vs (W3) Los Angeles Clippers: This should be a very fun series here. Houston is coming off a five game series win over Dallas. The Clippers are coming off a thrilling seven game series win over the defending champion Spurs. Chris Paul hurt his hamstring in game seven and he continued to play through it to help the Clippers advance here. Paul needs to be close to 100% if the Clippers want to advance. I'm interested if Doc Rivers has Paul defend James Harden and if he does, boy that would be something to watch. Expect many high scoring and overtime affairs in this series. Also expect a lot of "Hack-A-DeAndre's" and "Hack-A-Dwight's" throughout this series since both DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard are poor free throw shooters. I feel that the Clippers are the better team here and they should advance to the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.
Prediction: Clippers in six games.
Friday, May 1, 2015
2015 NFL 2nd Round Mock Draft
Here is my mock draft for the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
33. Tennessee Titans- Jalen Collins, Cornerback, LSU: Tennessee needs cornerback help in a big way and Collins has first-round upside.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jake Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Oregon: Tampa Bay must find tackle help to protect its investment in Jameis Winston.
35. Oakland Raiders- Eric Rowe, Cornerback, Utah: Rowe owns a tremendous combination of size (6'1", 205 lbs) and athleticism. With new defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. bringing the Seattle Seahawks system to Oakland, Rowe can be the big cornerback who wins for him consistently on the outside to make the scheme work properly.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars- Landon Collins, Safety, Alabama: Collins was generally considered the No. 1 safety prospect, but he fell due to his overall skill set as a traditional box safety. Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley certainly knows how to get the most out of talented defensive backs.
37. New York Jets- Eric Kendricks, Inside Linebacker, UCLA: The most productive collegiate inside linebacker over the last three years goes to Todd Bowles.
38. Washington Redskins- Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, UCLA: Washington needs an edge-setter with athleticism and "Owa" has been rising up draft boards.
39. Chicago Bears- Randy Gregory, Defensive End, Nebraska: Gregory falls down to a team that can desperately use his services on the defensive line in Chicago.
40. New York Giants- Eddie Goldman, Defensive Tackle, Florida State: Goldman is a talented defensive lineman that the Giants shouldn't pass on.
41. St. Louis Rams- TJ Clemmings, Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh: Clemmings is an aggressive run-blocker with tremendous natural athleticism, but he'll need to refine his technique to realize his full potential.
42. Atlanta Falcons- Maxx Williams, Tight End, Minnesota: Williams answers a glaring need at the position, considering they never had great production from the position since they had Tony Gonzalez.
43. Cleveland Browns- Jaelen Strong, Wide Receiver, Arizona State: Cleveland failed to address the position yesterday and Strong falls into their laps.
44. New Orleans Saints- Devin Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: New Orleans lost Kenny Stills, but Smith might be an upgrade.
45. Minnesota Vikings- Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver, Missouri: Teddy Bridgewater gets a boom-or-bust deep threat with the ability to come in and help right away.
46. San Francisco 49ers- Ronald Darby, Cornerback, Florida State: Darby didn't get the headlines that P.J. Williams received while at Florida State, but he's the more talented of the two.
47. Miami Dolphins- PJ Williams, Cornerback, Florida State: Williams gives the Dolphins length and press-man coverage talent.
48. San Diego Chargers- Jordan Phillips, Nose Tackle, Oklahoma: Big-bodied interior player with rare quickness for a man his size. Has dominant potential, but must unlock it.
49. Kansas City Chiefs- Denzel Perryman, Middle Linebacker, Miami: Kansas City doesn't necessarily have a need at this position, but Perryman fits this defense.
50. Buffalo Bills- Bryce Petty, Quarterback, Baylor: The Bills need a long term answer at the position and Petty can fill that void for Rex Ryan.
51. Houston Texans- Eli Harold, Outside Linebacker, Virginia: Houston can use help at the position and Harold would fit right in.
52. Philadelphia Eagles- Quinten Rollins, Safety, Miami (OH): The Eagles could try Rollins at cornerback or safety, but what he flashed in only one year of college football was undeniable.
53. Cincinnati Bengals- Carl Davis, Defensive Tackle, Iowa: While the Bengals don't need Davis to immediately start, he automatically becomes the heir apparent to Domata Peko, who is on the downside of his career. Davis will eventually take over as the starting 1-technique.
54. Detroit Lions- Michael Bennett, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State: Bennett is one of the most disruptive defensive linemen available. His ability to consistently work upfield and create a new line of scrimmage makes him a valuable commodity at this juncture.
55. Arizona Cardinals- Nate Orchard, Outside Linebacker, Utah: Everyone knows the Cardinals need outside linebacker help. It's just a matter of what their draft grades look like at this spot.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jaquiski Tartt, Safety, Samford: Pittsburgh has a need at safety after the retirement of Troy Polamalu.
57. Carolina Panthers- AJ Cann, Guard, South Carolina: Carolina needs offensive line help and Cann gives them that.
58. Baltimore Ravens- D'Joun Smith, Cornerback, Florida Atlantic: Wiry frame with great man-cover talent. Smith's quick-twitch athleticism is a welcome sight in Baltimore
59. Denver Broncos- Mitch Morse, Guard, Missouri: Morse has been flying up draft boards lately. The former tackle transitions to guard or center and fits Gary Kubiak's offense perfectly.
60. Dallas Cowboys- Trevor Coleman, Running Back, Indiana: Dallas still needs to fine a young back to replace DeMarco Murray and Coleman can fit right into this prolific Cowboys offense.
61. Indianapolis Colts- Paul Dawson, Inside Linebacker, TCU: Dawson didn't win the combine, but there were no other inside 'backers in college football who made more plays than him.
62. Green Bay Packers- Bernardrick McKinney, Inside Linebacker, Mississippi State: McKinney can be a little bit plodding and limited at times, but he's steady and a great tackler, which is a need inside for Green Bay.
63. Seattle Seahawks- Tre' Jackson, Guard, Florida State: Seattle can use help to protect Russell Wilson on the offensive line.
64. New England Patriots- Duke Johnson, Running Back, Miami: Johnson is an electric running back with the best zone-scheme skills of any rusher in this draft.
33. Tennessee Titans- Jalen Collins, Cornerback, LSU: Tennessee needs cornerback help in a big way and Collins has first-round upside.
34. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jake Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Oregon: Tampa Bay must find tackle help to protect its investment in Jameis Winston.
35. Oakland Raiders- Eric Rowe, Cornerback, Utah: Rowe owns a tremendous combination of size (6'1", 205 lbs) and athleticism. With new defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. bringing the Seattle Seahawks system to Oakland, Rowe can be the big cornerback who wins for him consistently on the outside to make the scheme work properly.
36. Jacksonville Jaguars- Landon Collins, Safety, Alabama: Collins was generally considered the No. 1 safety prospect, but he fell due to his overall skill set as a traditional box safety. Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley certainly knows how to get the most out of talented defensive backs.
37. New York Jets- Eric Kendricks, Inside Linebacker, UCLA: The most productive collegiate inside linebacker over the last three years goes to Todd Bowles.
38. Washington Redskins- Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, UCLA: Washington needs an edge-setter with athleticism and "Owa" has been rising up draft boards.
39. Chicago Bears- Randy Gregory, Defensive End, Nebraska: Gregory falls down to a team that can desperately use his services on the defensive line in Chicago.
40. New York Giants- Eddie Goldman, Defensive Tackle, Florida State: Goldman is a talented defensive lineman that the Giants shouldn't pass on.
41. St. Louis Rams- TJ Clemmings, Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh: Clemmings is an aggressive run-blocker with tremendous natural athleticism, but he'll need to refine his technique to realize his full potential.
42. Atlanta Falcons- Maxx Williams, Tight End, Minnesota: Williams answers a glaring need at the position, considering they never had great production from the position since they had Tony Gonzalez.
43. Cleveland Browns- Jaelen Strong, Wide Receiver, Arizona State: Cleveland failed to address the position yesterday and Strong falls into their laps.
44. New Orleans Saints- Devin Smith, Wide Receiver, Ohio State: New Orleans lost Kenny Stills, but Smith might be an upgrade.
45. Minnesota Vikings- Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver, Missouri: Teddy Bridgewater gets a boom-or-bust deep threat with the ability to come in and help right away.
46. San Francisco 49ers- Ronald Darby, Cornerback, Florida State: Darby didn't get the headlines that P.J. Williams received while at Florida State, but he's the more talented of the two.
47. Miami Dolphins- PJ Williams, Cornerback, Florida State: Williams gives the Dolphins length and press-man coverage talent.
48. San Diego Chargers- Jordan Phillips, Nose Tackle, Oklahoma: Big-bodied interior player with rare quickness for a man his size. Has dominant potential, but must unlock it.
49. Kansas City Chiefs- Denzel Perryman, Middle Linebacker, Miami: Kansas City doesn't necessarily have a need at this position, but Perryman fits this defense.
50. Buffalo Bills- Bryce Petty, Quarterback, Baylor: The Bills need a long term answer at the position and Petty can fill that void for Rex Ryan.
51. Houston Texans- Eli Harold, Outside Linebacker, Virginia: Houston can use help at the position and Harold would fit right in.
52. Philadelphia Eagles- Quinten Rollins, Safety, Miami (OH): The Eagles could try Rollins at cornerback or safety, but what he flashed in only one year of college football was undeniable.
53. Cincinnati Bengals- Carl Davis, Defensive Tackle, Iowa: While the Bengals don't need Davis to immediately start, he automatically becomes the heir apparent to Domata Peko, who is on the downside of his career. Davis will eventually take over as the starting 1-technique.
54. Detroit Lions- Michael Bennett, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State: Bennett is one of the most disruptive defensive linemen available. His ability to consistently work upfield and create a new line of scrimmage makes him a valuable commodity at this juncture.
55. Arizona Cardinals- Nate Orchard, Outside Linebacker, Utah: Everyone knows the Cardinals need outside linebacker help. It's just a matter of what their draft grades look like at this spot.
56. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jaquiski Tartt, Safety, Samford: Pittsburgh has a need at safety after the retirement of Troy Polamalu.
57. Carolina Panthers- AJ Cann, Guard, South Carolina: Carolina needs offensive line help and Cann gives them that.
58. Baltimore Ravens- D'Joun Smith, Cornerback, Florida Atlantic: Wiry frame with great man-cover talent. Smith's quick-twitch athleticism is a welcome sight in Baltimore
59. Denver Broncos- Mitch Morse, Guard, Missouri: Morse has been flying up draft boards lately. The former tackle transitions to guard or center and fits Gary Kubiak's offense perfectly.
60. Dallas Cowboys- Trevor Coleman, Running Back, Indiana: Dallas still needs to fine a young back to replace DeMarco Murray and Coleman can fit right into this prolific Cowboys offense.
61. Indianapolis Colts- Paul Dawson, Inside Linebacker, TCU: Dawson didn't win the combine, but there were no other inside 'backers in college football who made more plays than him.
62. Green Bay Packers- Bernardrick McKinney, Inside Linebacker, Mississippi State: McKinney can be a little bit plodding and limited at times, but he's steady and a great tackler, which is a need inside for Green Bay.
63. Seattle Seahawks- Tre' Jackson, Guard, Florida State: Seattle can use help to protect Russell Wilson on the offensive line.
64. New England Patriots- Duke Johnson, Running Back, Miami: Johnson is an electric running back with the best zone-scheme skills of any rusher in this draft.
2015 NFL Draft: 1st Round Grades
Here are my grades and explanations for the first round of the NFL Draft.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston, Quarterback, Florida State: Tampa Bay selects a potential future franchise quarterback here in Winston, although it is a risk because of off the field issues. Either way, the Bucs needed a quarterback and they got one. The fact that Winston is a red flag us why this is not an 'A' grade.
Grade: B
2. Tennessee Titans- Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Oregon: When it was all said and done, Tennessee kept the pick and selected Mariota. There are some pundits that believe that Mariota is a product to the system he played in at Oregon. It will be a couple years to tell what Mariota will be, but Tennessee upgraded at quarterback with somebody that can be a franchise quarterback.
Grade: A-
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dante Fowler Jr, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Florida: Jacksonville could of gone a lot of ways here, but they decided to go with Fowler, who'll make an immediate impact on the Jags defense. Either way, it was a great selection.
Grade: B+
4. Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Oakland had a clear need at wide receiver and they took the best receiver in this draft in Cooper. This gives Derek Carr a nice weapon to target in the future.
Grade: A
5. Washington Redskins- Brandon Scherff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: Washington decided to go with an offensive lineman instead of Leonard Williams here. This was a head scratching pick, although Scherff is a safe pick and projects to be a good offensive lineman.
Grade: B+
6. New York Jets- Leonard Williams, Defensive End, USC: The Jets went with the best player available here, and they deserve credit for picking such a talented player that fell into their laps. This just makes their dominant defensive front even better.
Grade: A+
7. Chicago Bears- Kevin White, Wide Receiver, West Virginia: Chicago took the best player available here, which happened to be a need for them after they traded away Brandon Marshall. This pick made a ton of sense here.
Grade: B+
8. Atalanta Falcons- Vic Beasley, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Clemson: Atlanta made a great selection here by filling an important need here by selecting Beasley. This is a player that new head coach Dan Quinn would love.
Grade: A-
9. New York Giants- Ereck Flowers, Offensive Tackle, Miami: This pick fills the most glaring need on the Giants. I do believe they wanted Scherff, but Washington picked him at five. Flowers gives Eli Manning protection that the Giants lacked for a few years.
Grade: B
10. St. Louis Rams- Todd Gurley, Running Back, Georgia: Give St. Louis credit for this pick. Gurley is a top ten talented back that tore his ACL last season at Georgia. This is an upgrade over what they had in Zac Stacy, who requested a trade now that they picked Gurley.
Grade: B+
11. Minnesota Vikings- Trae Waynes, Cornerback, Michigan State: Minnesota had a need in the secondary and this was a solid pick here. Head coach Mike Zimmer will enjoy a type of talent like Waynes.
Grade: B
12. Cleveland Browns- Danny Shelton, Nose Tackle, Washington: Cleveland has holes all around their roster and they filled an important one here on the defense. Shelton will make an immediate impact on this Browns defense.
Grade: B+
13. New Orleans Saints- Andrus Peat, Offensive Tackle, Stanford: New Orleans has a lot of needs and I like this pick for the Saints, who give Drew Brees protection with this selection. They could have gone receiver here, but I don't blame them for shoring up the offensive line.
Grade: C+
14. Miami Dolphins- DeVante Parker, Wide Receiver, Louisville: Miami made a great selection here with Parker. They had a need at wide receiver and it gives Ryan Tannehill another weapon to work with.
Grade: B+
15. San Diego Chargers (via San Francisco 49ers)- Melvin Gordon, Running Back, Wisconsin: San Diego made a nice move to trade up for Gordon. He'll make an immediate impact on this Chargers team.
Grade: A-
16. Houston Texans- Kevin Johnson, Cornerback, Wake Forest: Houston had a need in the secondary and they got a fine player in Johnson. He'll make a nice impact in this secondary.
Grade: B-
17. San Francisco 49ers (via San Diego Chargers)- Arik Armstead, Defensive End, Oregon: San Francisco needs help at a majority of positions. This choice of Armstead was a smart one and he'll eventually replace Justin Smith.
Grade: B
18. Kansas City Chiefs- Marcus Peters, Cornerback, Washington: This was a good selection by Kansas City. They had a need in the secondary and they chose one of the better corners in Peters.
Grade: B+
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills)- Cameron Irving, Center, Florida State: This pick helps boost Cleveland's offensive line. Irving will make a nice impact on this offensive line.
Grade: C+
20. Philadelphia Eagles- Nelson Agholor, Wide Receiver, USC: Chip Kelly will be forever linked to Marcus Mariota. This was a good pick considering Philadelphia had a need at wide receiver after losing Jeremy Maclin in free agency.
Grade: B
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Cedric Ogbuehi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: Ogbuehi is one of the more underrated players in this draft. Cincinnati had a need at offensive tackle and Ogbuehi will make an immediate impact.
Grade: B+
22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Bud Dupree, Outside Linebacker, Kentucky: What a great selection for Pittsburgh. I really like this pick of Dupree considering James Harrison isn't getting younger and they can put Dupree right alongside Ryan Shazier.
Grade: A
23. Denver Broncos (via Detroit Lions)- Shane Ray, Defensive End, Missouri: Give Denver credit for trading up for a player with a lot of risk. Ray is talented and will make an immediate impact on new head coach Gary Kubiak's defense.
Grade: B+
24. Arizona Cardinals- DJ Humphries, Offensive Tackle, Florida: I like this pick for Arizona. This bolsters their already improved offensive line even more and it gives (hopefully a healthy) Carson Palmer protection.
Grade: A-
25. Carolina Panthers- Shaq Thompson, Outside Linebacker, Washington: I'm surprised Carolina went in this direction with their pick considering they had bigger needs on the offensive line and at receiver. I don't feel this was the right selection for the Panthers and I don't like the fit.
Grade: D
26. Baltimore Ravens- Breshad Perriman, Wide Receiver, UCF: Baltimore had a clear need at wide receiver after Torrey Smith left in free agency. This gives Joe Flacco a nice weapon to work with in Perriman and he's a nice fit on this Ravens team.
Grade: A-
27. Dallas Cowboys- Byron Jones, Cornerback, Connecticut: Dallas had a need in the secondary, considering Morris Claiborne has been a disappointment throughout his career. Jones will make an impact in this Cowboys secondary.
Grade: B
28. Detroit Lions (via Denver Broncos)- Laken Tomlinson, Guard, Duke: Detroit surprised many, including myself by picking Tomlinson here. Tomlinson improves Detroit's offensive line and gives Matthew Stafford protection.
Grade: B-
29. Indianapolis Colts- Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver, Miami: This pick was an absolute head scratcher. Indianapolis could've picked an offensive lineman or an impactful defensive player here, but they give Andrew Luck another weapon, in which he didn't need one.
Grade: D-
30. Green Bay Packers- Damarious Randall, Safety, Arizona State: Green Bay had a need in the secondary, so they went with Randall. I think Landon Collins is the better safety, but Randall would fit nicely with Ha-Ha Clinton Dix in the Packers secondary.
Grade: B-
31. New Orleans Saints (via Seattle Seahawks)- Stephone Anthony, Inside Linebacker, Clemson: New Orleans surprised most people with this selection. It fills a need that the Saints needed, badly, although I think they could've gone with someone else.
Grade: C
32. New England Patriots- Malcolm Brown, Defensive Tackle, Texas: What a great pick made by Bill Belichick and the Patriots. They had a need on the defensive end with Vince Wilfork moving on to Houston.
Grade: A
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jameis Winston, Quarterback, Florida State: Tampa Bay selects a potential future franchise quarterback here in Winston, although it is a risk because of off the field issues. Either way, the Bucs needed a quarterback and they got one. The fact that Winston is a red flag us why this is not an 'A' grade.
Grade: B
2. Tennessee Titans- Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Oregon: When it was all said and done, Tennessee kept the pick and selected Mariota. There are some pundits that believe that Mariota is a product to the system he played in at Oregon. It will be a couple years to tell what Mariota will be, but Tennessee upgraded at quarterback with somebody that can be a franchise quarterback.
Grade: A-
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Dante Fowler Jr, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Florida: Jacksonville could of gone a lot of ways here, but they decided to go with Fowler, who'll make an immediate impact on the Jags defense. Either way, it was a great selection.
Grade: B+
4. Oakland Raiders- Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, Alabama: Oakland had a clear need at wide receiver and they took the best receiver in this draft in Cooper. This gives Derek Carr a nice weapon to target in the future.
Grade: A
5. Washington Redskins- Brandon Scherff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa: Washington decided to go with an offensive lineman instead of Leonard Williams here. This was a head scratching pick, although Scherff is a safe pick and projects to be a good offensive lineman.
Grade: B+
6. New York Jets- Leonard Williams, Defensive End, USC: The Jets went with the best player available here, and they deserve credit for picking such a talented player that fell into their laps. This just makes their dominant defensive front even better.
Grade: A+
7. Chicago Bears- Kevin White, Wide Receiver, West Virginia: Chicago took the best player available here, which happened to be a need for them after they traded away Brandon Marshall. This pick made a ton of sense here.
Grade: B+
8. Atalanta Falcons- Vic Beasley, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Clemson: Atlanta made a great selection here by filling an important need here by selecting Beasley. This is a player that new head coach Dan Quinn would love.
Grade: A-
9. New York Giants- Ereck Flowers, Offensive Tackle, Miami: This pick fills the most glaring need on the Giants. I do believe they wanted Scherff, but Washington picked him at five. Flowers gives Eli Manning protection that the Giants lacked for a few years.
Grade: B
10. St. Louis Rams- Todd Gurley, Running Back, Georgia: Give St. Louis credit for this pick. Gurley is a top ten talented back that tore his ACL last season at Georgia. This is an upgrade over what they had in Zac Stacy, who requested a trade now that they picked Gurley.
Grade: B+
11. Minnesota Vikings- Trae Waynes, Cornerback, Michigan State: Minnesota had a need in the secondary and this was a solid pick here. Head coach Mike Zimmer will enjoy a type of talent like Waynes.
Grade: B
12. Cleveland Browns- Danny Shelton, Nose Tackle, Washington: Cleveland has holes all around their roster and they filled an important one here on the defense. Shelton will make an immediate impact on this Browns defense.
Grade: B+
13. New Orleans Saints- Andrus Peat, Offensive Tackle, Stanford: New Orleans has a lot of needs and I like this pick for the Saints, who give Drew Brees protection with this selection. They could have gone receiver here, but I don't blame them for shoring up the offensive line.
Grade: C+
14. Miami Dolphins- DeVante Parker, Wide Receiver, Louisville: Miami made a great selection here with Parker. They had a need at wide receiver and it gives Ryan Tannehill another weapon to work with.
Grade: B+
15. San Diego Chargers (via San Francisco 49ers)- Melvin Gordon, Running Back, Wisconsin: San Diego made a nice move to trade up for Gordon. He'll make an immediate impact on this Chargers team.
Grade: A-
16. Houston Texans- Kevin Johnson, Cornerback, Wake Forest: Houston had a need in the secondary and they got a fine player in Johnson. He'll make a nice impact in this secondary.
Grade: B-
17. San Francisco 49ers (via San Diego Chargers)- Arik Armstead, Defensive End, Oregon: San Francisco needs help at a majority of positions. This choice of Armstead was a smart one and he'll eventually replace Justin Smith.
Grade: B
18. Kansas City Chiefs- Marcus Peters, Cornerback, Washington: This was a good selection by Kansas City. They had a need in the secondary and they chose one of the better corners in Peters.
Grade: B+
19. Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo Bills)- Cameron Irving, Center, Florida State: This pick helps boost Cleveland's offensive line. Irving will make a nice impact on this offensive line.
Grade: C+
20. Philadelphia Eagles- Nelson Agholor, Wide Receiver, USC: Chip Kelly will be forever linked to Marcus Mariota. This was a good pick considering Philadelphia had a need at wide receiver after losing Jeremy Maclin in free agency.
Grade: B
21. Cincinnati Bengals- Cedric Ogbuehi, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M: Ogbuehi is one of the more underrated players in this draft. Cincinnati had a need at offensive tackle and Ogbuehi will make an immediate impact.
Grade: B+
22. Pittsburgh Steelers- Bud Dupree, Outside Linebacker, Kentucky: What a great selection for Pittsburgh. I really like this pick of Dupree considering James Harrison isn't getting younger and they can put Dupree right alongside Ryan Shazier.
Grade: A
23. Denver Broncos (via Detroit Lions)- Shane Ray, Defensive End, Missouri: Give Denver credit for trading up for a player with a lot of risk. Ray is talented and will make an immediate impact on new head coach Gary Kubiak's defense.
Grade: B+
24. Arizona Cardinals- DJ Humphries, Offensive Tackle, Florida: I like this pick for Arizona. This bolsters their already improved offensive line even more and it gives (hopefully a healthy) Carson Palmer protection.
Grade: A-
25. Carolina Panthers- Shaq Thompson, Outside Linebacker, Washington: I'm surprised Carolina went in this direction with their pick considering they had bigger needs on the offensive line and at receiver. I don't feel this was the right selection for the Panthers and I don't like the fit.
Grade: D
26. Baltimore Ravens- Breshad Perriman, Wide Receiver, UCF: Baltimore had a clear need at wide receiver after Torrey Smith left in free agency. This gives Joe Flacco a nice weapon to work with in Perriman and he's a nice fit on this Ravens team.
Grade: A-
27. Dallas Cowboys- Byron Jones, Cornerback, Connecticut: Dallas had a need in the secondary, considering Morris Claiborne has been a disappointment throughout his career. Jones will make an impact in this Cowboys secondary.
Grade: B
28. Detroit Lions (via Denver Broncos)- Laken Tomlinson, Guard, Duke: Detroit surprised many, including myself by picking Tomlinson here. Tomlinson improves Detroit's offensive line and gives Matthew Stafford protection.
Grade: B-
29. Indianapolis Colts- Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver, Miami: This pick was an absolute head scratcher. Indianapolis could've picked an offensive lineman or an impactful defensive player here, but they give Andrew Luck another weapon, in which he didn't need one.
Grade: D-
30. Green Bay Packers- Damarious Randall, Safety, Arizona State: Green Bay had a need in the secondary, so they went with Randall. I think Landon Collins is the better safety, but Randall would fit nicely with Ha-Ha Clinton Dix in the Packers secondary.
Grade: B-
31. New Orleans Saints (via Seattle Seahawks)- Stephone Anthony, Inside Linebacker, Clemson: New Orleans surprised most people with this selection. It fills a need that the Saints needed, badly, although I think they could've gone with someone else.
Grade: C
32. New England Patriots- Malcolm Brown, Defensive Tackle, Texas: What a great pick made by Bill Belichick and the Patriots. They had a need on the defensive end with Vince Wilfork moving on to Houston.
Grade: A
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